There is a group of infections that result from the invasion of a particular bacteria collectively referred to as “staph infections.” Here, we provide an overview of staph, and then sort through three supplements which could play a part in combatting this infection that can sometimes be very serious!
What Is Staph?
The word “staph” is short for Staphylococcus bacteria. The most common bacteria in staph infections is Staphylococcus aureus, which is the type referred elsewhere here. S. aureus is a pathogen that causes disease. The symptoms, affected organs, and severity of a staph infection vary, depending on where the bacteria are within the body and other factors. A staph infection is typically treated using prescribed antibiotic medication. Without proper treatment, some staph infections can cause severe complications and even be fatal. There are a few main types of staph infection:
- Skin infection is when bacteria are present on the skin. This can occur anywhere on the body, but usually at the site of an insulin injection or bug bite.
- Food poisoning due to staph results from consuming food containing the bacteria.
- Bacteremia refers to a staph infection that has entered the bloodstream, and this is the most serious type of staph infection. Without effective medical treatment, bacteremia leads to sepsis, causing the immune system to attack certain organs; it can be fatal.
- Osteomyelitis occurs when Staphylococcus bacteria have entered the bones, causing inflammation and pain.
- Other types of staph infection also exist, usually characterized by where they exist in the body.
The causes of a staph infection also vary. It usually results from person-to-person or person-to-object contact. Specific risk factors for staph include conditions such as diabetes and HIV, treatments such as chemotherapy and dialysis, and the use of invasive medical devices, such as a catheter. Furthermore, individuals staying in a hospital are at risk of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
Supplements to Handle Staph
A staph infection is a serious infection which necessitates medical attention, and the use of treatments such as antibiotics. Research on vitamins and other healthful substances has shown that a few powerful substances contained in dietary supplements can help combat a staph infection. This is especially important considering that medical experts are more cautious and conservative than ever about using antibiotics, which have lost some effectiveness due to the adaptation of “super bugs” becoming more resistant to the prescribed medicines. The following three supplements could be helpful in combating staph:
Vitamin D3: One detailed study investigated the relationship between vitamin D3 and staphylococcus infection, and it found a meaningful correlation. It was established that patients (children, specifically) who were deficient in vitamin D were at an increased risk of MRSA bacteria carriage in their nasal passages. Other studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation can reduce skin conditions such as eczema, and S. aureus infections that can coincide with it. Based on these findings, it is concluded that regular vitamin D supplementation could reduce recurrent S. aureus infections.
Garlic is known for its antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, and it can help clear out various pathogens and toxins from the body. The properties of garlic, such as that which can be found in oral supplement form, can contribute to effectively getting rid of S. aureus bacteria.
Turmeric is one of the most powerful natural supplement remedies available, possessing strong antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties from its active ingredient, curcumin. Research shows that curcumin has antimicrobial properties that work against MRSA. Consuming turmeric in water, combined with at least one other healthful substance, multiple times daily can help the eradication of a staphylococcus bacteria.
If you have experienced a staph infection prior to today, or want to be prepared in case you or someone in your family contracts a staph infection, then consider these three supplemental remedies strongly. All three are proven to have some benefit against staph. You should always talk to your healthcare professional before taking any supplement to address a staph infection.