The majority of all antibiotics sold in the U.S. are given to animals—not people—in their feed or water. Plus, farmers commonly give their livestock antibiotics when they don’t even have an active infection, in order to prevent disease, encourage growth, and compensate for horrendous living conditions.
This routine overtreatment is unnecessary and contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that infect humans.
New research shows farmers can prevent livestock infections by adding essential plant oils and spices to their animal’s feed…instead of harmful antibiotics. This alternative is much safer and doesn’t fuel antibiotic resistance. (It also ties into new research on three Civil War-era plant remedies and their ability to combat modern, antibiotic-resistant superbugs.)
I’ll tell you more about this exciting, new research in a moment. But first, let’s back up…
Single, active-ingredient mindset created superbugs
Antibiotic resistance has created dangerous, sometimes fatal “superbugs” like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that antibiotic resistance causes more than two million illnesses and a whopping 23,000 deaths each year.
And this issue really depends on how we treat our livestock…
As I mentioned above, livestock are routinely over-treated with antibiotics, even when they don’t have an infection. And about 70 percent of the antibiotics given to animals also affect humans. Which means if you eat meat or dairy from an animal that was fed antibiotics, it’s very likely that you’ll absorb some of those drugs, too. So, even if you’re cutting out your own antibiotic use, you’re still getting them secondhand from the foods you eat!
Plus, over time, bacteria become resistant to these single, “active” ingredient antibiotics developed to treat an infection. In fact, these single, “active” agents are the problem. Bacteria can mutate to become resistant to these single agents.
Meanwhile, studies show that natural plant remedies can effectively wipe out bacteria. Plus, they contain many different active ingredients, so bacteria can’t develop a resistance to them.
Just consider this…
Studies show impressive numbers for essential oil use
Back in 2014, a study published in Poultry Science showed that adding oregano oil to chicken feed lowered infection-related death in chickens by a whopping 59 percent. And other research shows that cinnamon, chili pepper, and oregano plant extracts influenced the regulation of gene expression in chickens, protecting them from infections.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) even took note of this impressive science and is conducting studies on the effectiveness of essential oils in livestock. Which is great news! Because if we can get the government on board, maybe they’ll actually start doing something to prevent antibiotic overuse in animals.
Of course, this natural approach is really nothing new. It’s how farmers have always kept their animals healthy…
Farmers of yesteryear knew best
Traditional farmers have known for centuries that feeding livestock these natural, bacterial-busters makes them healthier—and taste better, too! Plus, it’s ecologically sound, providing natural “waste management.”
Indeed, my grandparents (on both sides of the Atlantic) always fed their chickens scraps, peels, or over-ripe fruits, vegetables, and herbs. And my uncle still does this on my grandfather’s old farm in western Pennsylvania.
I know some of today’s farmers are also embracing this traditional practice. In fact, a local farm where my daughter worked one autumn gives herbs, fruits, and vegetable scraps to their chickens. And the resulting eggs come in beautiful shades of yellow, green, and pink, with the best taste you can find.
In the end, my advice remains the same…
1.) Only eat dairy, meat, and poultry that comes from free-range, grass-fed, organic animals. (Organically raised animals are prohibited from receiving antibiotics. See the upcoming September 2019 issue of my Insiders’ Cures newsletter for all the details on labeling organic foods. If you’re not yet a newsletter subscriber, now is the perfect time to get started.)
2.) Strive to avoid all antibiotics yourself, unless they’re absolutely necessary to clear a serious infection.
3.) Never take an antibiotic for a cold or the flu. Instead, focus on prevention and building a strong immune system.
P.S. Join me as I make one of the biggest announcements of my career this Sunday, August 18th at 3 p.m. (Eastern time). I’ll reveal the largest master plan for beating disease and reversing diagnoses—like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis—live and uncensored! Your invitation to this event will expire and spots are limited. So click here to reserve your spot today!