Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for causing serious infections in the body. Originally discovered in 1961, this strain of Staphylococcus has developed resistance to methicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, oxacillin and other types of antibiotics. Although no foods can specifically treat or prevent MRSA, some foods do have properties that can enhance your immune system's ability to fight it. MRSA infection is a serious medical condition, and you should consult a medical professional before treating this infection with diet.
What Causes MRSA?
According to the book, "MRSA," you have a 25 to 30 percent of carrying staph bacteria in your nose at anytime. Staph can also occur throughout your body. However, staph typically does not present problems to healthy people. On the other hand, should your health become compromised, staph can cause infection. Doctors can treat most strains of staph with antibiotics. The MRSA strain of staph, however, has become immune to most types of antibiotics and can, therefore, cause very serious and long-lasting infections.
Foods That Help
There is not a single food that specifically treats or prevents MRSA. However, by eating the right types of foods, you can fortify your body's immune system to combat infections including MRSA. Foods that support your immune system have antimicrobial, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Some of these foods include berries, broccoli, red grapes, spinach, tea, pomegranate juice and carrots. Just as some foods support your immune system, other types of foods can directly compromise your immune system. You should avoid consuming high fat foods and processed or refined sugars. Do not drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes as these substances can directly compromise your immune system.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices can also help fight MRSA. According to the book "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" by Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, some herbs and spices have strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. These herbs and spices include echinacea, garlic, ginger, tea tree oil, rosemary, sage, capsaicin, allspice, caraway and thyme. By combining the right types of foods, herbs and spices you can help strengthen your body's immune system, not only against MRSA, but other types of infections as well.
How Do You Get MRSA?
MRSA is an infection that spreads by contact. If you come into contact with an infected person, it is possible for the infected person to transmit the infection to you. Touching objects that have the bacteria on it can also lead to infection. According to the book "MRSA," 1 percent of the population carries or has colonies of MRSA in their body. However, you can carry the MRSA infection without actually being infected. The highest risk groups for developing an MRSA infection include people with weakened immune systems in hospitals, healthcare centers and nursing homes. Healthcare workers also have a higher risk of developing a MRSA infection, especially those working in surgical and intensive care units.
References
- "Superbug: The Fatal Menace of MRSA"; Maryn McKenna; 2011
- "Surviving MRSA"; Dr. Joseph Parazoo; 2009
- "MRSA"; John A. Weigelt; 2006
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper, et al; 2004
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
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