Ok. Hopefully we have gotten past the feeling that we have to have DMD's that don't work for PWMS/CCSVI. What else do we need to do to wean ourselves from some of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly?

The  over-use of  antibiotics  has caused a new, nasty problem : antibiotic resistant "super bugs". Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most critical public health concerns. Bacteria changes  in such a way that it survives the medications developed to kill them. They grow and multiply, making your pencillin tablets ineffective or totally useless.  

Over the last decade, almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections are remarkably resilient and can survive drugs designed to kill them. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to others, threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to treat. Approximately 75% of bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one of the drugs most commonly used to treat infections. Gonorrhea, malaria, tuberculosis and childhood ear infections are just a few of the diseases that are becoming more difficult to treat with antibiotic drugs. 

Our bodies don't become resistant to antibiotics, microbes become resistant to the drugs. Most people with chronic illnesses ( like us) have had more than our share of medication. It's helpful to know that there are alernatives that are natural and less likely to cause harm.

The digestive system is the lion's share of our immune system.  Intestinal flora protects the immune system by reinforcing the protective barrier of the intestinal mucosa helping to prevent the entry of harmful microorganisms. We ingest a nightmare of "foods" that upset the bacteria balance necessary for a healthy "gut". Probiotics are the opposite of antibiotics and are defined as live microorganisms. Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.

"Probiotics are the opposite of antibiotics and are   living microorganisms. Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms."

 Highly processed foods like white flour, sugar, antacids, chlorine, antibiotics and other medications, environmental toxins, stress, etc. can cause an imbalance of the bacteria that should be floating around in the stomach. Leaky gut syndrome, and Candidiasis is usually the result. Most people with MS have experienced yeast infections, constipation and other bowel issues. We know it, we just don't like to advertise it. 

Probiotics as nutritional supplements in some foods like  yogurt are not all created equally. You have to read the labels They need to contain live bacteria. Some of the fancy, fruit filled brands do not.

Without going into a long explanation of the list below, these are some probiotics that may help. If you want more information and links, I'll be happy to put them on my blog, or Facebook notes.Herbs can actually kill only the bad bacteria while not harming the good; the drug does not have the wisdom to differentiate. Furthermore, most bacteria are not fooled by all isolated compound; the drug becomes ineffective or the cells mutate eventually to become resistant to the drug. The organic herb is nature's match for the bacteria.

• Vitamin C


• Shark Liver Oil


• Garlic


• Licorice


• St.John's Wort


• Grapefruit Seed


• oregon grape


• Oregano Oil


• Tumeric


• Tea tree oil


• Goldenseal


• Bee Propolis


• Aloe Vera

(As a side note: Calendula tea is good for eczema, allergies, chronic respiratory infection, colds, flu, fevers, or coughs. Calendula tea alone or with myrrh can be used as a gargle for gum, mouth, and throat infections. Myrrh is especially beneficial for mucus membranes and stimulates white blood cell production. Use calendula in combination with the immune stimulant Echinacea for tonsillitis.)

There are things you can do to lower the possibility of developing antibiotic resistance.

In some instances, antibiotics may be necessary. If you have a history of antibiotic use, the following advice will strengthen your immune system:

• Probiotics are important in re-colonizing the intestine after antibiotic use. Probiotic supplements replenish the beneficial bacteria, preventing up to 50% of infections occurring after antibiotic use.


• Avoid sugar - sucrose, dextrose, glucose, maltose, corn sweeteners, turbinado sugar, maple syrup, molasses, and any other products made with sugar.


• Avoid white flour products and all refined carbohydrates including white rice, bread, pizza, crackers, soft drinks, cookies, ice cream, white flour pasta, sweetened juices, non-diluted fruit juices, jams, alcoholic beverages, and caffeinated drinks.


• Strictly avoid: yeast, beer, wine, supplements containing yeast, bread made with yeast, mushrooms, vinegar, peanuts, pistachios, leftovers (contain mold), cheese, and melons.


• Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the flu.


• Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick. Flush any leftover medication once you have completed your prescribed course of treatment.


• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.


• If your healthcare provider determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, ask about alternative ways to help relieve your symptoms. Do not pressure your provider to prescribe an antibiotic. You aren't being cheated out of your co-pay if you leave the doctor's office without a prescription.

Oil of Oregano

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5415446/4_best_natural_antibiotic_alternatives.html

Probiotics

http://www.naturallysavvy.com/nutritional-supplements/antibiotic-alternatives

References 
1. www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/anti_resist.html.
2. www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community.
3. Haas, Elson, Staying Healthy with Nutrition (2006), Celestial Arts, Berkeley