The recent E. coli outbreak in Europe has spread rapidly and has once again highlighted the need for proper care in the growing and preparation of food. At first, the deadly bacteria was believed to have come from contaminated cucumbers from Spain, but has now been tracked down to suspect bean sprouts from an organic farm in Germany.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
- The first step is to wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them, and to peel or cook all imported vegetables.
- Make sure that the temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) during cooking to kill off any E. coli bugs that may be on the food.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after preparing foods to prevent person-to-person spread of E. coli, especially after handling raw meat.
- Try to eat locally grown foods as much as possible and avoid undercooked meat.
Antibiotic Resistant Strain
This particular strain of E. coli has proven to be resistant to eight or more antibiotics, including Tetracycline, and is particularly virulent. Some studies have shown that antibiotic use can, in fact, increase the chances of developing hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), affecting the blood and kidneys. The antibiotic is thought to damage the E. coli bacteria, causing them to release even more toxins into the body. The use of drugs to control diarrhea is not recommended either and may trigger complications.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of E. coli poisoning are:
- Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
- May or may not be accompanied by a low-grade fever.
A more serious development is HUS and the symptoms most associated with it are:
- Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal cramps.
- Pale skin, fatigue and irritability.
- Low-grade fever.
- Bruising of the skin and bleeding from the nose and mouth.
- Swelling of the face, hands, feet, or entire body.
- Confusion and sometimes neurological symptoms like numbness.
- Jaundice.
- Seizures and kidney failure.
Homeopathic Solutions
Considering that this particular E. coli superbug is resistant to conventional medicines, consider a homeopathic approach. Besides the IV fluids to maintain hydration and possible blood transfusion for excessive hemorrhaging, the symptoms are treated systematically based on homeopathic principals. Constant vigilance is required to administer the correct remedy, at the correct time and in the correct dosage.
Homeopathic Remedies
Some of the more common homeopathic remedies and their indications that could be prescribed would include:
Arsenicum Album
- Vomiting and diarrhea at the same time.
- Anxiety, restlessness, prostration, feelings of chilliness.
- Thirst for small frequent sips of cold water, which is often vomited up.
- Burning pain in the abdomen with diarrhea, that causes pain in the anus and rectum.
- Excretions are acrid and body secretions are malodorous.
- Bloody discharge.
- Violent and rapid inflammation.
- Swelling and fluid retention, particularly of the feet.
Argentum Nitricum
- Diarrhea, flatulence and vomiting.
- Anxiety and fear of death.
Phosphorus
- Vomiting with great thirst for ice-cold drinks, which are vomited up as soon as they warm up in the stomach.
- Burning pain in the pit of the stomach with retching and vomiting.
- Great weakness and prostration with nervous debility and trembling.
- Weakness from loss of vital fluids.
- Anxiety and fear.
- Profuse diarrhea and heavy bleeding.
Lachesis
- Irritability and confusion as if drunk.
- Feelings of coldness in the extremities that cannot be warmed.
- Bleeding from nose and mouth.
- Bleeding from bowels.
- Over-sensative skin.
- Violent cramps and vomiting up everything that enters the stomach
Crotalus horridus
- Used when the illness is grave, particularly where jaundice and severe bleeding are involved.
- Breaking down of the blood and mottled appearance as if bruising.
- Bleeding from all orifices.
- Rapid onset of jaundice, sepsis or collapse.
- Swelling in the whole body.
- Paralytic weakness, delirium, and mumbles and stumbles over words as if drunk.
- Severe sick headache with dizziness.
- Vomiting of bile in great quantities.
- Scanty bloody urine.
- Violent diarrhea.
Cantharis
- Violent inflammation of the bowels with distended abdomen, burning or stabbing pain and scalding diarrhea.
- Suppressed urine.
- Bloody, watery diarrhea.
- Violent lancing pains through kidneys and back.
- Great thirst, but no desire to drink.
Mercurius solubis
- Bloody diarrhea with much straining and feeling of still more to come.
- Colic and cramps in the stomach.
- Profuse, strong-smelling, burning bodily discharges and general sensitivity to heat and cold.
Mercurius Chloride
- Bloody diarrhea with great straining.
- Great anxiety.
- Urge to urinate and pass a stool are constant.
- Inflammation of kidneys with a drawing pain.
- Fluid retention in the tissues.
Consult a Homeopath
As with all medications, a trained professional, in this case a homeopath, should be consulted in the treatment of grave illnesses. These remedies are only mentioned as a guideline as to what symptoms they will alleviate and under no circumstances must these remedies be used without the proper supervision of a homeopath for the treatment of an E. coli infection.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
Sample, Ian. "E. coli outbreak: German organic farm officially identified" published in The Guardian, Friday June 10, 2011.
D,Souzar, Leela & V. Schumaker, Alan. " Examining the Current E. Coli Outbreak ", published in Hpathy Ezine, June, 2011.
The Complete Guide to Homeopathy by Dr. Andrew Lockie & Dr. Nicola Geddes - Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1995, 1996, 1997.
Kerry Biddle-Chadwick - Associate Editor for Destination Magazine and freelance writer for All At Sea, Helium and Orato.
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