Whether you decide to take the antibiotic route, the natural route, or both is entirely up to you and your supervising health care provider. Factors that challenge our immune system are smoking, alcohol, simple sugars, coffee, stress, overwork, worry, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and eating food irritants. Conversely, factors that enhance our immune system are good sleep, adequate exercise, clean water, relaxation and stress management, making healthy food choices, body awareness, positive mental attitude, and adequate nutrient intake. Foods that enhance the immune system are fresh, organic vegetables and fruits, fish and soy protein, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. Of course, we want the scales of health to weigh heaviest in the immune supportive lifestyle areas.
Herbs are also great ways to enhance immune system activity.
Echinacea, hydrastis, oregon grape, ginger, garlic, myrrh, elderberry, astragalus are only the tip of the iceberg. It is not too difficult to find some or all of these herbs in a combination capsule at most health food stores. You can start a couple days before any dental work and continue for about 2 weeks. You can take up to 4-6 grams per day in divided doses. Lastly, there is a homeopathic remedy made from the streptococcus bacterium, called streptococcinum.