Most bacterial infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics. They either kill bacteria or stop them multiplying. This helps the body's immune system to fight the bacteria. Your doctor's choice of antibiotic will depend on the bacteria that is causing the infection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that bacteria are rapidly killed at temperatures above 149°F (65°C). This temperature is below that of boiling water or even a simmer.
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics.
Neutrophils and macrophages are both phagocytic cells known for ingesting bacteria and producing antimicrobial peptides, reactive oxygen species and other enzymes to fight infection.
Citrus fruit
We know people with vitamin C deficiency are more likely to develop infections, and we also know that vitamin C can reduce infection severity. Other great sources of vitamin C besides citrus fruits include red peppers, strawberries, kiwifruit, papayas, tomatoes, broccoli, and kale.
Pineapples – Our favorite tropical fruit contains the enzyme bromelain, which has a healing antibiotic effect when ingested. Move over cranberries, pineapples also help fight infections. They are used to relieve inflammation, ulcerative colitis, and to improve the health of your urinary tract.
Cranberries are highly sought after for their tangy taste and the antioxidants they contain. The study, published in the journal Advanced Science, provides evidence that they could also help in the fight against bacteria.
Lysozyme, through its dual activities as a lytic enzyme and a small cationic protein, damages or kills bacteria by lysing their cell wall peptidoglycan, by disrupting bacterial membranes, and by activating autolytic enzymes in the bacterial cell wall.
Gastric acid secretion is stimulated primarily by histamine released from enterochromaffin-like cells in response to gastrin (17). Gastric juice consists of HCl and pepsin and can kill bacteria within 15 min when the pH is less than 3.0 (8).
Vitamin C:
Not in dispute: Vitamin C is vital for the function of leukocytes – white blood cells that help fight infections – and you need a lot more when you're sick.
Germicide: Agent that destroys microorganisms, especially pathogenic organisms.
Prebiotic foods (whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans, and artichokes) act as food for healthy gut bacteria. Probiotic foods like yogurt are full of good bacteria already.
Antibodies bind to viruses, marking them as invaders so that white blood cells can engulf and destroy them. Until recently, antibodies were thought to protect on the outside of cells.
Symptoms in case of acute Bacterial Infections may get resolved spontaneously in a duration of approx. two weeks, without undergoing treatment. However, in chronic cases when the symptoms persist for a longer duration, such as for 10 or more days, there is a need for the consultation with a doctor.
“Some bacterial infections get better on their own, but that's rare,” Dr. Price said. Most of the time, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. If that's the case, it's essential to take the entire course—even if you feel better, you need to take all of your medication to make sure you clear the infection.
Bananas are also a good source of prebiotics that activate friendly probiotic bacteria found in yogurt and kefir. Probiotics are important because they support your immune system, keep your digestive system healthy and promote urinal and genital health.
Cranberry juice is effective in preventing bacterial infections, claim scientists. Scientists have now found a nutritious and tasty way to keep bacterial infections at bay. According to them, cranberry juice has properties that can tackle bacteria effectively.