CRAP: Medicine’s Most Perfect and Important Acronym
By James Maskell
Of all the areas of research in medicine and wellness at the moment, the most fascinating is on the germs that live on us and inside us all. We have all heard of ‘good bacteria‘ and ‘bad bacteria’ but the new research is going beyond these shallow titles.
Our human ‘microbiome’ is being studied not only by large governmental agencies like the National Institute for Heath but also by so-called ‘citizen science’ projects, which are crowdfunding our deeper understanding of our unique ongoing interaction with our environment.
But what do these microbes do, and how does that help our health?
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These new studies are showing consistently that microbes have significant roles to play in our health and ongoing wellness, and we may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg. These germs are crucial to our digestion and metabolism, but what may prove their most vital action for humans is best described by a somewhat ironic acronym, C.R.A.P.
Colonization Resistance Against Pathogens (C.R.A.P) refers to the functional immunity that each of us gains from having a rich and diverse group of germs in our bodies, especially in our digestive tracts. Having a strong ‘colony’ allows us to fight off the bad guys. They need us (as hosts) and we need them, and the sooner we start acting like best friends the better.
Allergy Issues
The new research shows this is important especially in childhood when we are acquiring germs from our environment. If we are either underexposed, through overly aggressive sanitation or separation (from each other or our environment) or our stocks are destroyed (by antibiotics), our immune system seems less able to determine which substances we should react to and which not. This is fueling the pediatric allergy epidemic that is reaching all outposts of the developed world.
Superbugs
This principle holds very true during our adult lives too and couldn’t be more sharply in focus right now. Recently, many scientists, doctors and commentators have described the alarming rise of ‘superbugs’, germs that are resistant to antibiotics. Very few new antibiotics are in the pipelines of the major 12 pharmaceutical companies, and this is a big worry for patients and doctors alike. If the drugs don’t work, what’s the plan?
Well, there are a couple of natural therapies that hold a lot of promise against superbugs, like MRSA and C-diff. Firstly, a protein found in breast milk has been shown to help destroy MRSA, especially interesting as breast milk also contains over 700 strains of ‘good’ bacteria. Secondly, while we are on the subject of C.R.A.P., fecal transplants (yes, transplanting feces into your gut!) are gaining significant backing after many successful clinical trials. In fact, the next generation of medical tourists are making their way to Oregon Naturopathic Doctors to receive this exciting treatment.
If you are still unsure about the awesomeness of C.R.A.P., as well as helping us fight off pathogens (that very small % of germs that are not mutually beneficial, <1%), good colonization also helps to down-regulate inflammation, which is being fingered as a major contributor (if not cause) of most our modern chronic and autoimmune disease (which 50% of Americans have).
So, what should we all do to maintain health and encourage good colonization?
1. Stop the Massacre – Only use antibiotics when 100% necessary (definitely not sinus or viral issues)
2. Change your Mindset – Appreciate your microbes, even though they are invisible
3. Get into Nature – It’s Summer in America right now, go and get dirty, take a walk, adopt a pet or even just open a window!
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
James Maskell is CEO of Revive Primary Care, a new project dedicated to restoring the health of America. By combining proven, dedicated, holistic doctors and practitioners with a unique digital education platform, our intention is to inspire a revolution of empowered health advocates, like you!
To stay up to date with this exciting project, join our mailing list at Revive Primary Care, or connect with us on social media.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo and Natural Blaze or its staff.
