Estimates for total pathogenic food bacteria are 9,000 deaths and 33 million illnesses each year from food products infected with additional pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, listeria, and campylobacter. To help avoid the possibility of food poisoning, you should educate your patients about the safe handling of food, including frequent hand-washing. Research shows most infectious bacteria are transmitted on the hands. You should also advise patients to eat organic foods as much as possible. As every chiropractor knows, the immune system is the body's first line of defense.
Some people manage to remain healthy despite exposure to virulent pathogens.
Antioxidant supplementation has been shown to strengthen the immune system. If a patient catches colds easily or frequently, if he or she suffers from chronic infections, gets cold sores or herpes attacks with regularity, or if the lymph glands are frequently sore or swollen, it is a clear sign of a weak or debilitated immune system. Following a prescribed course of natural antibiotics, the patient should be placed on an ongoing regime of antioxidant supplementation. Do not confuse antioxidants with natural antibiotics. Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and herbals that tone, restore or enhance a weak immune system.