Natural Antibiotics and Diabetes

The pharmaceutical industry doesn't talk about it much, but there are some potent natural antibiotics out there. At a time when antibiotic resistance is quite common, taking antibiotics that come from a natural source can effectively provide relief to various health problems.

Due to their natural source, some natural wellness professionals argue that they are healthier than traditional antibiotics. Moreover, natural substances such as essential oils have a significant advantage compared to prescribed antibiotics: they tend to come with numerous health benefits.

For people with diabetes, scientific studies show that natural antibiotics can offer relevant benefits, such as aiding in weight loss, improving blood sugar management, and circulation, protecting against heart disease, lower cholesterol, and overall improvement in immune system functioning.

Some natural antibiotics have also been proven more effective against bacterial resistance than prescription antibiotics.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best natural antibiotics available. We’ll also cover the health benefits associated with them according to peer-reviewed studies. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Oregano Oil
• Thyme oil
• Honey
• Garlic
• Echinacea

Best Natural Antibiotic – Oregano Oil

Oregano is a herb typically used to flavor foods. When converted into oregano oil or oregano essential oil, it becomes a potent antibiotic that can fight bacterial infections and provide numerous immune-boosting benefits.

Antibacterial Effects

Oregano oil contains high levels of carvacrol, which has been proven to stop several kinds of bacteria from growing. 

This includes the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, one of the most common infection-inducing bacteria. 

It also includes Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and E. Coli, two kinds of bacteria often responsible for urinary and respiratory infections. 

Helps Treat Yeast Infections

Yeast infections result from an overgrowth of Yeast fungi such as Candida. 

A study showed that oregano essential oil has anti-fungal properties that can effectively treat five kinds of Candida, including those that cause mouth infections and vaginal infections. The study also found that oregano essential oil was the most effective oil among all that were tested. 

Improved Gut Health

Since high levels of Candida are associated with gut conditions such as Chron’s disease, oregano oil can also help in treating these conditions. 

Moreover, evidence shows that oregano oil may effectively reduce gut parasites and digestive problems, such as pain and bloating.

Oregano may also be an effective treatment for Leaky Gut, a common gut condition, by protecting the gut wall and preventing the gut from becoming “leaky.” 

May Reduce Inflammation

According to animal studies, carvacrol is effective in reducing inflammation. One study showed that carvacrol significantly reduced swelling (a symptom of inflammation) in mice. Additionally, it can help heal wounds.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

A study showed that mixing this oil with fenugreek, cinnamon, and cumin oils improved insulin sensitivity in animals with diabetes. 

May Help You Lose Weight

According to a study on rats, oregano oil may be effective in preventing weight gain. 

The study consisted of three groups of rats. The first group was fed a normal diet, the second group a high-fat diet, and the third group a high-fat diet with carvacrol. 

The results showed that the third group gained less fat compared to the first two groups. Evidence suggests that this is due to carvacrol, which seems to prevent the formation of fat cells. 

Fights Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable atoms that negatively affect cells, contribute to oxidative stress, and make the body more susceptible to developing various health conditions.

In fact, oxidative stress has been associated with the development of diabetes-related complications.

This particular oil can help fight oxidative stress due to the presence of antioxidants, including carvacrol, thymol, limonene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. 

When compared with other often-used herbs, oregano was shown to contain 30 times more antioxidants. 

Thyme Oil

Another excellent natural antibiotic – thyme – is a herb commonly used as a spice. When turned into thyme oil or thyme essential oil, it becomes a powerful natural antibiotic.

Antibacterial Properties

Thyme oil is a well-known natural antibiotic that effectively fights harmful bacteria. In a study that tested the effectiveness of thyme essential oil against drug-resistant bacteria – including Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Pseudomonas genera strains – thyme oil demonstrated good efficiency. 

Increases Circulation

Thyme essential oil has stimulating components that aid circulation, promoting healing and blood flow to extremities that need it. This is relevant for people with diabetes, who tend to experience circulation problems and are at high risk of conditions that affect the circulatory system. 

Protects Against Heart Disease

According to a study, carvacrol in thyme oil displays anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease than those without diabetes, so thyme oil may be a good addition to a diabetic diet to prevent heart complications. 

Helps Relieve Anxiety

Living with diabetes may entail mental health problems. Thyme oil has been shown to have anti-anxiolytic properties, so it’s a good addition to a diet focused on improving mental health. 

Honey

Honey is delicious food that can be easily incorporated into your diet while offering several natural antimicrobial agents and healing properties.

Since it is sweet, it is also easy to combine with other supplements such as coconut oil for enhanced immune-boosting effects.

If you choose to use honey as an antibiotic, try to consume Manuka Honey, as this kind is known to offer the most health benefits.

Antibacterial Properties

The medicinal use of honey dates back to ancient times when Egyptians used it to treat different kinds of bacterial infections.

Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which seems to account for its antibacterial properties. Moreover, honey’s low PH level can pull moisture from bacteria, which dehydrates them and leads them to die off. 

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When used to treat internal infections, you can simply ingest a tablespoon of honey. For external health issues, honey can be applied directly to the area of concern. 

Antioxidant Properties

Research shows that honey contains polyphenols, which contain anti-inflammatory effects that can be beneficial in treating conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as diabetes-related health conditions. 

May Improve Blood Sugar Regulation

Honey is high in sugar, but research shows that it is better to consume honey than regular sugar because of its unique benefits. 

One study suggested that honey can improve blood sugar regulation due to the presence of a hormone called adiponectin, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Improves Cardiovascular Health and Blood Pressure

According to a review of studies and clinical trials, honey has several heart-healthy properties – it can lower blood pressure, boost the survival of healthy cells, regulate heartbeat, and improve fat levels in the blood. 

An observational study showed that honey seems to be associated with a decreased risk of high blood pressure in women.

To top it off, a study has also shown that honey seems to have properties that fight against heart-related oxidative stress. 

Garlic

Garlic is commonly associated with cooking settings, but it has a long history of medicinal use, having been documented by major civilizations such as Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. 

To reap the benefits of garlic, you can purchase garlic concentrate at a local health store. You can also make garlic concentrate yourself by mixing olive oil with garlic cloves.

Antibacterial Properties 

Numerous studies have confirmed that garlic has strong antibiotic properties applicable to many bacteria, fungi, and viruses. 

The antibacterial effect of garlic may be attributed to the presence of Allicin. As for the antiviral properties, garlic seems to block viruses from entering the cells and directly strengthen the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight invaders and improve immunity, aiding in disease control.

Moreover, garlic seems to be effective in treating infections that involve multi-drug resistance, such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Several studies show that garlic is effective in reducing blood pressure. 

Interestingly, evidence shows that garlic can be as effective as medication. In a study, participants were given aged garlic extract over a period of 24 weeks. Results showed that garlic was equally effective as the drug Atenolol. 

Researchers believe that this is because garlic has sulfur, which is turned into hydrogen sulfide gas by red blood cells. This expands blood vessels, making it easier for the body to regulate blood pressure.

Improves Cholesterol Levels 

According to a meta-analysis, garlic is effective in reducing overall cholesterol levels. 

This, in turn, can be helpful in preventing heart disease as high cholesterol levels are associated with cardiovascular conditions.

May Help You Exercise

The evidence is not conclusive, but a small study showed that garlic improved the exercise performance of participants. So, it may be a helpful addition to a weight loss program.

Provides Antioxidants

Garlic includes a wide range of antioxidants, which protect against oxidative damage and improve immunity.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a plant that can be taken as a supplement to improve immunity. This all-natural antibiotic comes with additional benefits such as lower blood sugar levels and decreased anxiety.

Antibacterial Properties

Echinacea has been proven to be effective in fighting against numerous kinds of bacteria. It has also been proven to fight infections, including respiratory viral infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

May Lower Blood Sugar Levels 

According to a test-tube study, Echinacea extract suppressed enzymes responsible for digesting carbohydrates. This reduces the amount of sugar that enters the blood. 

Another study showed that Echinacea activates the PPAR-y reception, which happens to be a common target of drugs for diabetes. This receptor allows the cells to use insulin more efficiently because it removes excess blood fat, which is associated with insulin resistance.

Reduces Anxiety

Echinacea has been proven to reduce anxiety in both animals and humans.

Importance of Professional Medical Advice

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before using natural antibiotics, particularly if you plan to do so in order to fight a serious illness rather than taking them as a supplement.

The natural antibiotics we’ve discussed do have the potential to treat infections while also having antimicrobial properties and antibacterial properties. However, only a healthcare provider can determine whether you can use them instead of conventional antibiotics.

Closing Off

Taking natural antibiotics is a great way to improve your health. If you’re interested in improving it even further, check out the Klinio app – it allows people with diabetes to manage various aspects of their condition, including blood sugar levels and nutrition.