A new study reveals that caffeine (found in coffee, tea and energy drinks) may help bacteria like E. coli resist antibiotics by altering their genetic defenses, reducing the effectiveness of drugs like ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin. Caffeine triggers changes in bacterial genes, decreasing production of the OmpF protein — a key entry point for antibiotics — making it … Continue reading Caffeine and antibiotics: A surprising link that demands caution
CDC: Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese kills 1, infects 16
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that a deadly outbreak of Listeria bacteria has killed one person and infected 16 others. The lone fatality of Listeria infection came from Maryland, while the 16 infected came from different states – seven in New York, three in Maryland, two each in Massachusetts and Illinois and one each in California and New … Continue reading CDC: Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese kills 1, infects 16
Medicinal plants: What you need to know about herbal antibiotics
Bacteria tend to develop resistance to industrial antibiotics sooner or later, but this isn’t the case with herbal antibiotics. Herbal antibiotics work in a way where bacteria resistance becomes unlikely, even futile. Medicinal plants, including herbal antibiotics, have been used in the management of infectious diseases since ancient times. In modern times, the effectiveness of many of … Continue reading Medicinal plants: What you need to know about herbal antibiotics
Mask mouth causes gum disease, which increases coronavirus death risk by 900%
New research has determined that a person with gum disease who tests “positive” for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) is nine times more likely to die than a “positive” case without gum disease. Published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, the study determined that patients with gum disease showed blood markers of inflammation throughout the body, which could … Continue reading Mask mouth causes gum disease, which increases coronavirus death risk by 900%
Hygiene 101: Hand sanitizers work, but handwashing gets rid of more germs, explain scientists
While hand sanitizers work, handwashing is still the gold standard for hygiene as it kills more germs. According to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center physician Dr. Roland Newman II, while there’s truth in the claims saying that hand sanitizers can kill 99 percent of germs, some pathogens can still sneak through. Handwashing is still the best According … Continue reading Hygiene 101: Hand sanitizers work, but handwashing gets rid of more germs, explain scientists
Bacteriophages: A Novel Concept in Probiotics!
Source: Bacteriophages: A Novel Concept in Probiotics! by Dr. Edward Group By now, most people know that probiotic supplements give your gut a boost of good bacteria and provide many health benefits. But experts have identified an exciting new ingredient that can take gut health to the next level — bacteriophages. Pioneering companies like Global Healing are using … Continue reading Bacteriophages: A Novel Concept in Probiotics!
Just 10 minutes of swimming in the ocean is all it takes for infection-causing bacteria to alter skin microbiome – is pollution to blame?
A quick dip in the ocean is hard to beat on a hot day, but a new study shows that ocean bacteria can colonize your skin surprisingly fast – and some types of it can be quite dangerous. Researchers say that just 10 minutes of swimming in the ocean is enough to see your skin … Continue reading Just 10 minutes of swimming in the ocean is all it takes for infection-causing bacteria to alter skin microbiome – is pollution to blame?
Nano Medicine – Treatments for Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Antibiotic resistance is now a bigger crisis than the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, a landmark report recently warned. The spread of deadly superbugs that evade even the most powerful antibiotics is happening across the world, United Nations officials have confirmed. The effects will be devastating – meaning a simple scratch or urinary tract infection could … Continue reading Nano Medicine – Treatments for Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
3 Essential oils with powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties
Essential oils are loaded with potent bioactive compounds that combat inflammation and infection, according to a recent review published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. Researchers Tanu Bansal and Kaur Harpeet from the Lovely Professional University in India examined the medicinal uses of essential oils for the prevention and treatment of various ailments including chronic pain, diabetes, epilepsy … Continue reading 3 Essential oils with powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties
Steroid use linked to increased risk of bacterial and viral infections
The use of steroids in the treatment of rheumatic conditions may be causing an increase in both viral and bacterial infections, according to researchers. In a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), researchers from the University of Leeds in the U.K. found a strong association between glucocorticoids – man-made versions of steroids that occur naturally in the body – … Continue reading Steroid use linked to increased risk of bacterial and viral infections
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 