Rethinking Streptococcus

When lab results show that we are infected with Streptococcus, our doctors usually write us a prescription for antibiotics. But what exactly is streptococcus and are antibiotics always the best solution? It’s time to rethink how we view Strep infections.

For most people, streptococcus first appears in early childhood as a sore throat or chronic ear infection. Most recurring infections are streptococcus related, and often the Epstein-Barr virus becomes a cofactor, creating even more symptoms.

The symptoms of strep are varied and numerous. They can manifest as a sinus pain and/or congestion, allergy, asthma, a sore throat, ear infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), intestinal disorders, small intestine bacteria overgrowth (SIBO), stye, cystic acne, and more. Sometimes a step infection will manifest as symptoms that seem unrelated to a strep infection, such as headaches, fatigue, confusion, and a low-grade fever. These symptoms can come and go, based on the state of the immune system and the amount of stress present in our lives.

There are hundreds of strains of streptococcus, some of which are more aggressive than others. Due to the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and the medical profession, we often find ourselves coping with an antibiotic resistant strain of strep. In view of all this, it is often prudent to first try resolving a strep infection with dietary changes and herbs. Antibiotics do save lives, and should be used when everyting else fails. Strep is tricky to eliminate, but with perseverance and determination, it is possible.

Some of the Symptoms of Strep

• Acne is often caused by strep that resides within the lymphatic system. Those who suffer from acne often have received multiple rounds of antibiotics, which usually make the strep even more resilient.
• Cystitis is scar tissue on the bladder lining that stems from a chronic strep infection, sometimes accompanied by urinary tract infections. Once scar tissue forms on the bladder lining, inflammation and swelling might occur, increasing the sensitivity to this area. Aloe vera water is very helpful in healing these sensitive
  tissues.
• SIBO stems from an overgrowth of strep in the gut, which often is the result of repeated rounds of antibiotics.
• Irritable bowel syndrome is caused by streptococcus that has invaded the colon, while colitis is actually caused by a variety of the shingles virus, but can significantly become worse when high levels of strep cause inflammation.
• Many styes are strep related, while some are the result of a viral infection.
• Most cases of pelvic inflammation are the result of a strep infection, including bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and endometriosis.

Strep infections tend to flare up during times of stress and hormonal changes in the body, such as puberty, menopause, or during a menstrual period. These hormonal changes create an added strain on the body, leaving us more susceptible to disease. It is important to realize that conditions such as acne and endometriosis are bacterial infections and not the result of a hormonal imbalance as often believed.

Streptococcus in Children

It is critical to build up children’s immune systems with healing foods and appropriate supplements such as zinc sulfate, vitamin B12 with adenosylcobalamin, vitamin C and elderberry syrup. A little bit of goldenseal can also be helpful at times (though it is not to be used with children under the age of 2). It is always important to be on top of things to try and avoid complications, but when dealing with children’s health this is particularly true.

Foods to Avoid

Eggs and dairy feed strep and should be avoided while you heal. Additional foods to stay clear of include corn, wheat, barley, rye and canola oil. When wheatgrass and barley grass are juiced, these foods change their chemical structure and become foods that ward off strep, making them a great addition to any diet.

Healing Foods, herbs and supplements to lower the bacterial load

When fighting strep a plant-based diet can be very beneficial. This doesn’t mean you need to go vegan, but rather cut down animal products to a minimum until the strep clears up. The 28-day
re-start diet is a great way to restart the immune system and strengthen the body.

Foods that should be incorporated daily or as often as possible:

• Bananas collect strep and pull it out of the system. Bananas are especially important for those with SIBO.
• All berries are rich in antioxidants and are great for all strains of strep.
• Spinach is especially good for acne sufferers.
• Onion helps fight strep in the bladder, reproductive system, intestinal tract, colon and styes.
• Celery juice is a powerful drink that instantly starts eradicating strep. When turmeric is added to celery or cucumber juice, this adds extra healing powers.
• Cayenne pepper can be great, but be careful not to overdo it if you’re sensitive.
• Raw honey contains phytochemicals that destroy the different strains of strep bacteria
• Arugula, ginger, garlic, winter squash, sweet potatoes, kale and coconut are all supportive foods.
• Fresh oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage are extremely healing herbs. For UTI corn silk and garlic can be very helpful additions to an herbal tea.
• Vitamin C is a powerful weapon against strep. Be sure to use a good quality supplement.
• Zinc sulfate is critical in all recurrent infections and illness. We are often deficient in zinc due to the increased levels of pollution found in our environment.
• Oregano oil is great for all strains of strep, especially SIBO and acne.
• Cat’s claw, lemon balm, olive leaf, golden seal, and monolaurin (from coconut) are all antiviral and antibacterial making them extremely important and helpful when dealing with a combination of strep and viral infection.
• Omega 3 is also important when seeking to support the immune system. It is imperative that you use only a plant based supplement.

In conclusion

Recurring infections can break a person’s spirit and cause them to lose hope of ever healing. Often we accept sinus infections, acne, chronic stomach pain, UTI’s, yeast infections, asthma and endometriosis as something we need to learn to live with, regardless of the pain and suffering these conditions cause. It is important to understand, our body has not failed us. Our poor eating habits and a compromised immune system have left us susceptible to disease. We need not accept disease as a way of life, but rather embrace the understanding that well being is our birthright.

When we release beliefs that bad genetics or our own body is the source of our disease, and connect with the true causes behind our illness, our body receives a powerful message, and can begin the process of healing. We need to awaken our immune system to the fact that we are dealing with bacteria, so that it can take the necessary measures to heal.

It is equally important to address the energetic cause of our disease. The particular manifestation of any disease reflects what’s going on in our sub consciousness. Our bodies are programmed to help guide us and mentor us as we move forward upon our path of development and evolution. Each ailment we experience brings us an important message from our sub consciousness. When we stop and listen, identify and decipher the reason behind the discomfort or pain, we can then connect with our inner will and implement the changes we seek to create.

By learning to honor and cherish our body, providing the foods and nutrients our bodies need, while also attending to the soul – we can proceed to create a full and complete recovery. With the help of healing foods, herbs, supplements and inner work, we can overcome even the most powerful strains of strep.

Let the healing begin,

Beth

Information in this blog is based on Anthony William’s books and website, merged with the consciousness brought to us by The Cosmic University