Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “Are there any supplements that someone who has developed MRSA can take to help get rid of it?” — Judy Z., Greenfield, WI

A. Dear Judy, A MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection is caused by a strain of staph bacteria that has become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat ordinary staph infections. The symptoms of MRSA depend on where you’re infected. Most often, it causes mild infections on the skin, like sores or boils. But it can also cause more serious skin infections or infect surgical wounds, the bloodstream, the lungs, or the urinary tract.

Though most MRSA infections aren’t serious, some can be life-threatening. Therefore, I would advise that anyone with MRSA consult with their physician to see what they think about the following recommendations.

I would first recommend a combination of concentrated plant oils from Ravensara, Myrtle, Thyme, and Bay Leaf to boost the immune system. I suggest initially taking 1-2 softgels of this blend twice daily. You can later reduce this to 1 softgel daily for maintenance.

When it comes to plant oils, just be sure to choose a formula which features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.

I would also recommend adding garlic to your daily regimen. While better known for its cardiovascular benefits, garlic also has strong anti-viral and anti-fungal properties to keep the immune system strong. In fact, during the First and Second World Wars, garlic was used medicinally and later came to be known as “Russian penicillin.” Choose a formula that features a food-grade enteric coating. This will ensure that the active ingredients (alliin and allinase) don’t combine with each other until they reach the small intestines, where they will be better absorbed. Also, look for a supplement that provides the equivalent key compounds found in 4 grams of garlic daily – the amount recommended by the German Commission E.

I also like a combination of black currant and elderberry, plus zinc, selenium, lactoferrin, and the probiotic lactobacillus sporogenes to boost overall health and immune system function. All of these ingredients have antiviral, antibacterial, or immune-supportive properties. I recommend taking 2 capsules of this combination three times daily. Later, you can then reduce to 1 daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally