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A Simple Solution to the Superbug Scourge

  • October 04, 2016

It turns out that superbugs such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can only survive for five minutes on salt, Global News Canada reports. The discovery comes courtesy of an enterprising man who was curious about salt’s ability to ward of bacteria in salt-cured meats.

This is exciting news in the race to stay ahead of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Antibiotics are a foundational component of modern medicine, without which many of our current treatment modalities and medical procedures become exceedingly dangerous. But due to overuse, and the downright reckless misuse of antibiotics for growth promotion purposes among livestock, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to these drugs. As a result, even “simple” infections like urinary tract infections can become lethal.

Fortunately, Mother Nature gives us a cornucopia of botanicals with inherent antibiotic activity that do not promote resistance like antibiotic drugs do. Natural compounds with antimicrobial activity include Manuka honey, probiotics, fermented foods and spices such as garlic, cinnamon and oregano.

Manuka honey, for example, can wipe out MRSA. Even the FDA has gotten onboard with this, by authorizing a honey-based medical product. Since it’s become evident that we need to find other ways of dealing with infection, this is good news.

You can help yourself and your community by purchasing only antibiotic-free meats and other foods and using antibiotics only when absolutely necessary. Incorporating naturally fermented foods into your diet, working up to four to 6 ounces per day, can also help, as can optimizing vitamin D levels, preferably through regular sun exposure.