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Health & Fitness

THE TRUTH ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS

Dr. Joseph J. Murphy's profile picture
Dr. Joseph J. Murphy, Neighbor

When it comes to viral infections, antibiotics work because of the belief behind them and can actually do more harm than good.

 AS YOU READ THIS, MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF PEOPLE are needlessly taking antibiotics for viral illnesses.

Mind you, I am definitely an antibiotic supporter. They have been lifesavers in many situations. Ever since I saw a movie in grade school on antiseptic surgery founder Joesph Lister's life and work, I was enthralled by the prospect that there was a time when the world knew nothing of "germs." We know a lot more now, so why do medical doctors still allow adult patients to take so many antibiotics in situations when they know such treatment is useless?

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The American Academy of Pediatrics wised up many years ago when it realized parents refused to leave pediatrician's offices without a prescription for an antibiotic. They wanted a pill to stop their child's runny nose, whether the doctor thought it was needed or not. (Isn't that what parents were investing their time and hard earned money in to be there? "Where's my kid's drugs?!") The academy decided it was time to put a stop to this nonsense, and released a policy paper instructing pediatricians not to give any more antibiotic prescriptions for non-bacterial illnesses — period! This was especially in reference to Otitis Media, or middle-ear infection, one of the biggest over-prescribed for culprits.

Now, to the adults: If I see one more patient in my office telling me, "Well, I went to my M.D. and he finally gave me an antibiotic. As soon as I started to take it, I felt better!" I think I am going to go crazy!

As far back as the 1950s, Dr. Joseph Murphy — quite coincidental, but we are in no way related — wrote "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind." This book has been re-released several times, and it remains the original cornerstone of the mind-body movement. Since the 1960s, more and more authors and experts in the field of mind-body medicine, eastern philosophy and self healing have expanded on Murphy's original ideas. Consider this:
  1. All colds, bronchitis, coughs, even the flu, are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics are useless!
  2. Studies in Europe have shown taking antibiotics may actually reduce your immune system's ability to fight viruses. That's right! You are making the problem worse!
  3. Overuse of antibiotics by misinformed adults is producing strains of super bugs, or bacteria we cannot control. Consider the killer Staph infections lately, toxic shock and the return of Tuberculosis. These are caused by people overusing antibiotics.

What should you do when you feel a cold coming on? I have always believed it's a depressed immune system, not the presence of the virus alone, that causes viral infections to take hold. Build your immune system by eating right, exercising, thinking positive thoughts, resting and practicing holistic healthcare.

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Feel the sniffles? Rest, eat well, stay regular with your chiropractic adjustments and get some more rest. Think positive and have your thoughts trained on a fit, healthy, well state of existence. You'll be surprised at how quickly your body will do the work — and heal itself.

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