Antibiotic Resistance, Candida, and Lowered Immune System

The United States Department of Agriculture confirmed that antibiotic use in the livestock industry makes people who consume the meat antibiotic resistant. John Clifford, the chief veterinarian at the USDA, testified that the use of antibiotics in animals “does lead to some cases of antimicrobial resistance among humans and in animals themselves.” It is through the overuse of antibiotics that “super bugs” have appeared. Both the Food and Drug Administration and the USDA are working toward reducing, and possibility eliminating, the use of antibiotics in animals. I am not convinced that such large organizations are motivated to elicit the change that we so badly need. I believe that it is up to us, as consumers, to make choices with our spending dollars to impact change.

Why Antibiotics are Overused in the Livestock Industry

Livestock businesses use antibiotics to make the animals grow faster and to treat sick animals.

According to professionals, giving antibiotics to animals will fatten them quickly. Livestock business owners administer antibiotics to their animals to increase profits without any regard for the health of the animals or the humans who eat them.

The second reason that animals are given antibiotics is because they get sick. Animals are raised in feedlots in which the conditions are confined and unsanitary. These conditions are not natural; the animals’ immune systems become compromised and they get sick. Rather than treating the animals with antibiotics only when they get sick, antibiotics are administered as a “preventive” measure.

It is all about the money. Corporate agriculture subjects the animals to antibiotics because it is profitable to turn out drug-filled meats that they are able to grow quickly.

Animals raised in areas with a lot of open space are much healthier than those raised in cramped quarters. Animals raised in pastures get fresh air and sunshine, are allowed to grow at a natural rate, have better immune systems, and get sick less often.

Garlic Granules Instead of Antibiotics

Holistic Nutritionist Lise Colley, who practiced in Waterloo Ontario, counseled local Mennonite farmers to add garlic granules to animal feed. What happened? When the farmers added garlic granules to the animal feed the animals remained healthy.

How to Maintain Your Health

Every time you eat antibiotic laden meats you get a dose of antibiotics. This does not keep you healthy and it can result in antibiotic resistance as well as an overgrowth of candida in your system. When you ingest antibiotics they alter the micro flora in your gut, killing the good bacteria and allowing candida to flourish. What is the solution?

• · eat drug-free, organic, free-range meats
• · Get tested for food intolerances and avoid those foods in order to improve digestion and boost your immune system
• · Drink pure water, because chlorinated water kills the good bacteria in your gut
• · Take some immune system boosting supplements

Wishing you vibrant health,

Monica