Health and Healing

Bacterial toxins 

It might be good to know that many bacteria carry toxins as part of the cell wall, and these toxins leach into the digestive system. I believe these toxins are called endotoxins and enterotoxins. When antibiotics are given for these certain toxin-carrying bacteria (such as staphylococcus aureus, clostridium perfringens, and Bacillus cereus, E. Coli, and Salmonella enteritidis), and when the bacteria dies due to the action of the antibiotic, ALL of the toxin from these now-inactive bacteria are released into the system. that is why a patient may seem to be getting better the first few days; then show a backslide after that.

 It isn't always because the antibiotic isn't working; it is because the toxins are causing toxicosis. I would guess that natural elements which act as antibiotics (Vitamin E for E.coli - and though not a bacteria, Asper.; as well as Cinnamon, garlic, etc. for various bacteria), would cause the same reaction - the toxin being released from the now-inactive bacteria, into the system. 

Though some recommend waiting until the antibiotic therapy is complete before detoxing, we start during therapy. Though we haven't had to give antibiotics more than a couple times over the last several years, we do start the detoxifying regimen during antibiotic therapy. We detox with Aloe Detox, Vit B complex, and milk thistle after antibiotic therapy, but my vet likes lactulose better. If we ever have to give antibiotics again, I think we will also add the Naturade Immune System Stimulant  to the regimen. 

When reading about endotoxins and enterotoxins (exotoxins),   I noted that some cause expansion of the proventriculous and CNS problems (paralysis), I'm reminded of a dreaded bird disease, PDD. Here is a little info about this: http://gsbs.utmb.edu/microbook/ch015.htm ." As secondary invaders, Bacillus species may make preexisting infections worse by producing either tissue-damaging toxins or metabolites such as penicillinase that interfere with treatment. 

Bacillus cereus is well known as an agent of food poisoning, and a number of other Bacillus species, particularly B subtilis and B licheniformis, are also incriminated periodically in this capacity." I have had good luck with feather pluckers and shredders who came here after being on antibiotics, by doing the detox, knowing they may have a problem with these toxins. It might also be good to know that zinc and iron feed bacteria (good and bad), and wonder if some individuals with high zinc levels have secondary bacterial infections because of this. 
Constance

Microbiology

Bacterial toxins affect the body whether using herbs or antibiotics, so detoxification of bacterial waste products should be done regardless.

One nice thing about using herbs over antibiotics, however, is that bacteria are less resistant to herbs. Consequently, it is not necessary to have culture and sensitivity done when herbs are used. A gram stain might be useful to determine if the problem is bacterial colonies, general bacteria populations, or yeast. This is helpful when selecting an herb because some herbs are stronger against yeast, some against bacteria, and some against viruses.

Most important is that herbs target certain body systems. This means that if you have a sinus 'infection' you would use some herbs and if  you had a respiratory 'infection' you would use others. It wouldn't matter if the 'infection' were caused by bacteria, yeast, or virus. The herb's job is to help strengthen that particular body system. Therefore, there is less reliance on microbiology when using natural products in their natural form.

Homeopathics also eliminate the need for microbiology. Treatment with homeopathics is based strictly on selection of remedy after careful evaluation of symptoms. The causative agent is not a factor at all.
gloria

Linda asked:
Is garlic and echineacea effective against e coli?

From the book "Herbal Antibiotics" by Stephen Buhner: The herbs
effective against E.Coli are garlic, sage, ginger, and grapefruit seed
extract.

However, herbs are non-specific in their fight against invading
bacteria. Some herbs work better for respiratory conditions, some for
digestive tract problems, and others should be used only topically. Some
herbs can have more than one application.

For digestive tract problems, I like to combine the following:
probiotics, echinacea, garlic, and digestive enzymes. Together, these
four components form a healthy alliance to bring the digestive tract
back into balance. In some situations I also add slippery elm and/or
marshmallow. Cinnamon and ginger are also good additions.

gloria

Cinnamon is effective against E. coli. The Chinese herb Qing Hao, which is also known as Chinese wormwood. It's botanical name is Artemisia annua. is specific
against klebsiella, e. coli, staph, strep and a few other nasties. It's a
fairly safe herb, so used in conjunction with immune enhancing herbs such as
astragalus and/or echinacea (to improve your guy's resistance) it could be
helpful in keeping the nasties at bay until his immune system is strong
enough to do its job. Vitamin C and probiotics would also be helpful I
think.

Carole Bryant