Mmm … great on pancakes and French toast, but did you know that maple syrup could help in the fight against antibiotic resistant superbugs?! Yes, according to a study by McGill University in Canada, this unusual (and very tasty!) resource in its concentrated form; weakens harmful bacteria, reducing their resistance to antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance is a hot topic at the moment and while in some instances it reads like science fiction, it is a contemporary reality!

Since Fleming’s serendipitous discovery of penicillin in 1928, death from infectious diseases has plummeted. This wonder drug has allowed humans to combat the bacterial infections that claimed so many lives before. Unfortunately, we are at risk of losing this incredible resource due to antibiotic resistance. Bacteria evolve and become better adapted at surviving these drugs on which we have relied on for so long.

The most well-known “superbug” is known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). About 15% of patients who contract this bad boy will end up dying from the infection. It is now clear that we are facing the perfect storm to take us back to the pre-antibiotic age, when some of the most important advances in modern medicine – intensive care, organ transplants, care for premature babies, surgeries and even treatment for many common infections – will no longer be possible. Before long, scientists warned, resistance might become so common that physicians will run out of treatment options!

According to Thomas Frieden, Director of the US Centres for Disease Control, South Africa has already entered the post-antibiotic era. We made global headlines in 2006 when scientists reported that 53 patients in Tugela Ferry in Kwazulu-Natal had succumbed to extremely drug resistant XDR-TB; only one patient survived. XDR-TB is resistant to almost all known antibiotics, and growing numbers of cases have since been detected in all nine provinces. Yes, this global health crisis is hitting home.

What causes antibiotic resistance?

The answer is repeated and improper use of antibiotics. As many as half of prescribed antibiotics are unnecessary and every time we take an antibiotic, we are giving bacteria another chance to outsmart it.

Taking antibiotics to treat colds and flu, which are caused by viruses, only contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Viruses don’t respond to this form of medication. Instead they destroy some of the good bacteria in our bodies, including the ones that help us fight infection. This opens the door for bacteria that can survive the antibiotic, to grow and to multiply.

Did you know that the largest consumers of antibiotics are livestock? A staggering 80% of all antibiotics administered are given to factory-farmed animals to promote growth and to improve the overall health of the animals! The antibiotics used in livestock are then ingested by humans when they consume food.

Antibacterial products sold for hygienic or cleaning purposes may also contribute to this problem, since they limit the development of immunities to environmental antigens in both children and adults.

How can you help?

• Enquire about vaccines recommended for you and your family to prevent infections that may require an antibiotic.
• Wash your hand frequently, avoid sharing towels and razors.
• Talk to your doctor about relief from symptoms without using antibiotics.
• Never take antibiotics for a viral infection such as a cold, flu, most sore throats (except strep throat), most coughs, sinus or ear infections.
• Never pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics.
• If an antibiotic is prescribed, ask for a narrow spectrum antibiotic as broad spectrum antibiotics fight many types of bacteria, including the good kind.
• Never skip doses or stop taking an antibiotic early, even if you feel better.
• Never save antibiotics for the next time you get sick, or take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
• Make sure that meat is well cooked.

The development of new antibiotics by pharmaceutical companies had stalled due to economic and regulatory obstacles. As a result, in 2016, many decades after the first patients were treated with antibiotics; bacterial infections have once again become a threat.

So, take significant action to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics during this winter by looking at possible alternatives. With flu season around the corner, you too could play a vital role in limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Source:  www.theguardian.com, harvardmagazine.com, www.smasa.cc, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.bdlive.co.za, pharmadynamics.co.za, www.bbc.com, www.health24.com, mercola.com, www.gov.za, www.motherjones.com, aplus.com, www.samj.org.za, www.newyorkdailynews.com, www.theweathernetwork.com