Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria commonly found in the back of your nose. Streptococcus pneumoniae may spread to your lungs and cause serious health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the leading causes of community-acquired pneumonia. Before using nutritional treatments to help treat your pneumonia, review proper procedures, alternatives and risks with your primary care provider.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Pneumonia may be caused by numerous pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, pneumonia caused by bacteria is usually the most serious type of pneumonia. The Center notes that bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia in adults, and that Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pneumonia-inducing pathogen. Cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, confusion, headache, excessive sweating, reduced appetite and chest pains are common symptoms associated with pneumonia.
Dietary Approach
There are several dietary approaches that may be helpful in treating your pneumonia. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch reports that consuming a diet of raw fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of fresh juices may be beneficial. Balch also recommends avoiding consumption of dairy products, sugar and white flour products. Eating foods that contain significant amounts of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium -- sesame seeds, almonds, spinach -- may be particularly important in treating this health problem.
Appropriate Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements have long been used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of streptococcal pneumonia. According to naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," several nutritional supplements, including both herbal and non-herbal supplements, may be helpful in treating this condition, including bovine spleen extracts, bromelain and goldenseal. Further scientific research studies may be necessary to validate these supplements' purported health effects.
Considerations
Pneumonia may lead to serious health complications in some individuals, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, emphysema, lung abscesses, respiratory failure and sepsis, or unchecked inflammation in your body that may cause organ failure. If you develop pneumonia, meet with your doctor to discuss all relevant treatment measures, including dietary changes and nutritional supplementation. Avoid self-treating your pneumonia with nutritional supplements until you have discussed possible side effects and drug interactions with your primary care provider.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Streptococcus Pneumoniae
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Pneumonia
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
