Supporting Strep

As a child, I remember the dreadful week of doom when a sore throat turned into a fever and a positive strep throat culture test. Rest, hydration, meds, ice pops, and movie marathons flood my childhood memories at the very word “strep,” and do not forget the dreadful “strep-stench” that lingered within a 6-foot radius.

In becoming a parent in the 21st century, more information and research has become available regarding the Strep A bacteria, as well as easily accessible information for prevention and “catch it early” remedies. Having the medical plan with antibiotics on hand when Strep Throat enters a home is important, even when using natural remedies as a primary resource. Guidance with non-conventional approach to ridding Strep comes in handy as well. Home tests for strep can be found on Amazon to ensure the bacteria completely eliminates from the body.

The mainstream route of antibiotics have proven to work multiple times over the years, however newer science is showing the incredible strength and resilience of the Strep A virus. In May 2020, “new research by an international team of scientists found strains of group A Streptococcus that are less susceptible to penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics, a finding they say is both surprising and worrisome.” (Source Here)

Because pharyngitis, or “strep throat” can develop into rheumatic fever, sepsis, Scarlet Fever, or Fascitis, more and more individuals and parents are searching for different ways to treat and prevent of Strep A.

Below is an extensive list of the remedies I researched and used together according to my child’s age / size, and the severity of her symptoms. Although I felt confident with the nutrition and aromatherapy supportive knowledge I had acquired, the homeopathic and herbal recommendations were given by a local friend and trustworthy colleague (iridologist, homeopathic and herbalist) who assisted with the missing part of the natural-remedy-puzzle I pieced together.

Thanks to integrative and functional medicine, alternative treatments not only exist, but they WORK (in generally healthy children, with persistence and consistent care from caregivers). I am so grateful to have used it, tracked it, and now sharing! Strep throat has never shown it’s face again in my home after it’s first appearance 5-6 years ago, and this was the remedy to wellness I used. If you or your child is struggling with antibiotic resistance to strep throat, or a first case strep throat illness, please contact MC Wellness for custom guidance for your child’s age and needs!

Nutritional Support

Non-Supportive Foods

Fruits (eaten, blended, juiced): Citrus, Melons, Grapes, Blueberries, Bananas, Apples
Vegetables: Winter Squash, Dark Leafy Greens, Spinach, Kale
Culinary Herbs: Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, Parsley, Cayenne, Ginger, Garlic
Proteins / Fats: Lentils, Chickpeas, Nuts and Seeds
Recipe Ideas:
Non-Supportive Foods: Below is a list of foods that are not conducive to the elimination of access mucous. When fighting strep or any virus, avoiding these foods will greatly aid the body’s immune function::
- White sugar; cane sugar; corn syrup
- Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurts, butter….) Avoiding dairy as a lifestyle change twill greatly reduce the propensity for strep and other mucus-related illnesses.
- Eggs (highly mucus forming, and they hold and grow bacteria)
- Yeast (found in most breads)
- Processed Foods (foods not originally found in their whole or natural form… including plant-based “vegan” processed foods!)
- Gluten and most grains
- White Rice and Pasta
- Cooked and Raw Animal Flesh (Both land and sea animals)
- High fructose corn syrup
- Trans Fats (Hydrogenated oils). Commonly found in processed foods, dressings and condiments

Vitamins

The list below contains a list of foods that are not conducive to aiding the reduction and elimination of mucous buildup associated with strep (and other common viruses). The majority of vitamin intake (micro nutrition) should come from whole food sources, but the mineral and nutrient depletion in most produce lends a need for additional supplementation.

Juice Plus+ Garden, Orchard, Vineyard Blend (Also provides digestive enzymes)
Vitamin D (from the Sunshine, or a naturally derived supplement).
Omega-3 (Most omega 3 supplements naturally contain Vitamin D as well). I recommend Zinzino’s Vegan Omega 3 oil.

Herbs:

Garlic Capsules (Or consume garlic)
Oil of Oregano (NOT oregano essential oil!)
Olive Leaf Extract (Gaia Herbs makes a great Olive Leaf Extract)
Colloidial Silver (Top quality colloidal silver HERE)
Elderberry, Echinacea & Goldenseal (Immune System Strength)
Marshmallow Root or Slippery Elm (Throat Soothing)
Peppermint, Catnip, Feverfew (Cooling herbs that support fever control)

Homeopathics:

Streptococcuous 300c – 2x daily (for strep bacteria)
Bella Dona 6C – as needed (for fever and irritated throat / lungs)
Hepar Sulph 200C and Merc Cynth 200C (for copious saliva)

Important Notes

It is important to follow these recommendations in their entirety, for 10-14 days, even if symptoms subside before that timeframe.
It is wise to keep prescription antibiotics, Ibuprofen and Tylenol on hand, and carefully monitor body temperature. In our family’s case, if the fever had reduced itself to low grade (99 – 100) and symptoms had improved, I continued the protocol for it’s 10-day duration. If the fever continued to remain high, I planned to switch to the antibiotics, in order to avoid any further strep development. Thankfully, the symptoms subsided within 2-3 days. My daughter started feeling better within 5 days. I continued the protocol for the full 10 days to ensure effectiveness.
Strep throat can turn into Scarlet Fever and eventually take the life of a child if the infection is not managed adequately.
If symptoms do not start subsiding within 48-72 hours, and prescription antibiotics are used, it is important to discontinue the use of colloidal silver and Hepar Sulph and Streptococuous Homeopathy. All other natural remedies to boost immunity listed here are encouraged, and do not interfere with prescription medications.

**Disclaimer: The information provided is for information only. These statements are not intended to cure, treat or prevent any disease. It is important to contact your local health provider when symptoms occur.**

Need help? Contact MC Wellness