In Part I we discussed the potential "catastrophic threat" of antibiotic resistant bacteria. We also discussed the misuse of antibiotics that is contributing to the problem. In Part II, we reviewed various disorders commonly treated by antibiotics that shouldn't be, and the cost of this misuse. In Part III, we covered what antibiotics can potentially do to your body. Now, in Part IV, we'll address the things you can do to avoid contributing to this potential worldwide fiasco.

While antibiotic resistance and misuse in prescribing is setting us up for a "catastrophic threat," fortunately, there are more things you can do to offset it, than can't. Wash your hands - sanitation is the best way to keep yourself and others from getting ill by preventing passing the contagious species around. Ask your health care professional about other treatments that may help reduce symptoms or speed recovery that are more suited to your condition. Don't forget to also include preventive therapies. When sick, keep hydrated with water or chicken soup (no sugary drinks!), get plenty of rest, and take care of yourself. Consume foods high in natural probiotics to replace the beneficial microflora. These include unsweetened yogurt (sweetened yogurt is counter-productive), homemade sauerkraut, kefir (water or milk), and other cultured or fermented foods.

Foods in general are critical. Remember, that your gut is also referred to as your second brain. The health of your gut for the most part determines the health of your brain. This can have a profound effect on your moods, mental clarity and overall emotional health. As you kill the pathogenic microbes in your gut with effective therapies, be sure to keep your bowels moving - don't let the dead microbes just sit in your intestines because you are constipated. Also, keeping your blood and lymph moving with rigorous exercise is beneficial to keep systemic microbes moving out.

Take a look at why you are ill in the first place: Are you stressed? Are you getting sufficient rest? Are you including good spiritual practices in your life? Are you eating a diet that supports health, or one that supports illness? Are you exercising? Are you playing? Are you living in a toxic environment? Are you consuming quality, food-based supplements to make up for any nutritional deficiencies? Are you smoking or using tobacco, using drugs or drinking alcohol? Do you sleep well? Are you happy?

The best defense against pathogenic disease is a good offense. We have a tendency to under-estimate the body's ability to heal itself. Give it what it needs and it can do an amazing job!

According to Consumer Reports, "More than 95 percent of the 500 physicians surveyed in a new Consumer Reports National Research Center poll are concerned about the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections. We can be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem. We can be smarter that the germs who are out-smarting our antibiotic therapies. While, according to the CDC, "infections can happen to anyone, anywhere," we have the ability and the intelligence to bolster our systems up so we can better resist infections. We can, by consuming other remedies best suited for non-bacterial infections, kill these opportunistic "bugs" before they kill us!

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 35 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.