Introduction

There are a number of options worth considering when searching for natural remedies effective in fighting Campylobacter infections. The main focus of the article is looking at the effectiveness and safety considerations of those natural remedies.

Campylobacter: a small summary

Campylobacter is among the top causes of foodborne illnesses worldwide.¹ There are quite a few species of Campylobacter responsible for diarrhoea but, by far, the most common is called Campylobacter jejuni (or C. jejuni for short).²

Causes

Usual sources of human infection with Campylobacter include but are not limited to:^1,2

• Contaminated or undercooked poultry
• Unpasteurised (raw) milk
• Contaminated/untreated water sources

Symptoms

Symptoms typically last from a few days up to a week. They include:²

• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea (can contain blood)
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps

Why use natural remedies?

Recently, people have started to become increasingly interested in using natural remedies. Some reasons may include:^3,4

• Concerns about antibiotic resistance
• Side effects from conventional treatments
• Long-standing traditions and cultural influences
• Greater affordability
• Greater public access to information via the internet

How natural remedies can treat campylobacter

Natural remedies can combat Campylobacter infections through a range of mechanisms:^5,6,7,8

• Antimicrobial compounds, which may disrupt bacterial cell membranes or inhibit growth etc.
• Anti-inflammatory properties can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms
• Certain compounds interfere with bacterial adherence to host cells
• Restoring gut microbial balance and, hence, inhibiting pathogen colonisation
• Enhancing immune responses

General safety considerations

Despite their popularity, natural remedies come with risks. Therefore, the use of natural remedies must be kept in line with evidence-based safety and the advice of healthcare professionals. The following safety guidance should always be taken into account before using natural remedies: 

Quality and source

• Make sure that the natural remedies you obtain are from reputable sources. 
• This will help you avoid any risk of contamination

Interactions with medications

• There is a chance that the natural remedy you take interacts with any medication you may already be on
• Not only could this potentially reduce the efficacy of your medication, but the combination could also lead you to experience dangerous symptoms

Dosage and administration

• Always read and follow the recommended guidelines with care
• Overconsumption and/or incorrect administration of natural remedies may lead to unforeseen and possibly dangerous outcomes

Monitoring for allergic reactions

• Just like any substance, you may find that you are allergic to a certain natural remedy. 
• Monitor yourself for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rashes, itching, or swelling. 
• Be sure to speak to a doctor as soon as possible in the event of an allergic reaction

Consulting with healthcare professionals

• Discuss your intention to use natural remedies with a healthcare professional, especially if you:
  • Have underlying health conditions 
  • Are pregnant 
  • Breastfeeding
  • Are considering natural remedies for children 
• Furthermore, you may find that you can integrate natural remedies with conventional treatments in order to treat Campylobacter infections

Exploring natural remedies

Probiotics

Effectiveness

• Studies have demonstrated that various strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can effectively combat Campylobacter infections⁹
• Probiotics can often be found in capsules in health stores. 
• Alternatively, you will find that there are many foods that provide you with probiotics such as:
  • Kefir
  • Yoghurts
  • Tempeh
  • Sauerkraut

Furthermore, to increase, both, probiotic survival and colonisation in the gut, you can consume probiotics with prebiotic foods.¹⁰ Some prebiotic foods are:

• Lentils
• Chickpeas 
• Onions
• Artichokes

Safety considerations  

• While generally safe, excessive intake of probiotics may lead to bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort
• Furthermore, probiotics may cause adverse effects in immunosuppressed individuals.¹¹
  • These individuals, in particular, should exercise more caution before consuming probiotics and consult a doctor

Garlic

Effectiveness

• There is some evidence to suggest that garlic can be antibacterial
• In vitro experiments (performed on bacteria in a petri dish) have attributed antibacterial qualities to allicin (a compound found in high levels in garlic)^12,13 
• More in vivo experiments (done within/on human tissue) are yet to be conducted that establish whether the antibacterial qualities of allicin are effective within the context of campylobacter infections

Safety considerations

• Excessive consumption of garlic may cause:¹⁴
  • Gastrointestinal irritation
  • Flatulence
  • Allergic reactions in some individuals 
• Garlic may interact with anticoagulant medications (i.e. blood thinners such as warfarin) and medications for HIV/AIDS
  • Individuals on these medications should first consult medical professionals before making any significant dietary changes

Turmeric

Effectiveness

• Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, offers both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can be particularly beneficial in managing Campylobacter infections^15,16
• Research suggests that combining turmeric with black pepper increases curcumin absorption and might boost its therapeutic effects¹⁷

Safety considerations

• High doses of curcumin may cause:¹⁸
  • Gastrointestinal upset 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea

Ginger

Effectiveness

• Ginger is relatively well established as an antiemetic, meaning that it is effective against nausea and vomiting¹⁹ 
• It is for this reason that ginger is very likely to help ease the symptoms caused by a campylobacter infection
• Studies also show that ginger is antibacterial, therefore, it is possible that ginger may directly be able to fight campylobacter infections²⁰

Safety considerations

• While generally safe, excessive ginger consumption may cause:
  • Heartburn 
  • Gastrointestinal upset 
  • Allergic reactions 
• Patients should consult healthcare providers before using ginger supplements, especially in high doses or for prolonged periods of time.

Honey 

Effectiveness

• Honey possesses natural antibacterial properties due to its enzymatic activity.²¹ 
• Currently, studies on honey's effectiveness against Campylobacter are limited but its general antimicrobial properties suggest it could potentially help in managing bacterial infections in the digestive tract.

Safety considerations 

1. While generally safe for adults, infants should not consume honey due to the risk of botulism spores
2. Excessive consumption of honey may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
3. Additionally, regular consumption of honey without consultation with a healthcare professional is likely to be problematic for diabetics
4. Patients should use honey in moderation and seek medical advice if they have concerns

Oregano oil

Effectiveness

• The research supporting the antibacterial properties of oregano oil is quite promising
• There have been studies experimenting with the effects of oregano oil on campylobacter itself
• One study found that a substance, which exists in oregano oil, called carvacrol, is responsible for reducing the motility of Campylobacter jejuni cells²² 
• This mechanism, naturally, would be a key factor in branding oregano oil as an effective weapon when trying to battle Campylobacter

Safety considerations

• Pregnant women should avoid oregano oil²³ 
• Otherwise, like most natural remedies, oregano oil is mostly safe
• Since it is an oil, however, it is particularly easy to unknowingly administer too high of a dose. 
• This may result in:
  • Gastrointestinal irritation 
  • Headaches 
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Summary

• Natural remedies offer promising options for managing Campylobacter infections. 
• They can provide both symptom relief, and support gut health alongside conventional treatments. 
• While further research is needed to fully establish their efficacy and optimal use, integrating these remedies under a healthcare provider’s supervision can offer a holistic approach to treatment. 
• Patients should consult healthcare providers before starting any new treatments to ensure safety and compatibility with existing therapies.

FAQs

Are natural remedies as effective as antibiotics for campylobacter infections?

 Natural remedies can help manage symptoms and support recovery but, in severe cases, the administration of antibiotics is necessary.

Can natural remedies be used alongside antibiotics?

Not necessarily: always consult healthcare professionals or doctors before using natural remedies alongside other medications in order to avoid potential interactions.

How should natural remedies be integrated into treatment plans?

Follow the recommendations and advice of a healthcare professional or your doctor. 

How can campylobacter infections be prevented?

Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat, poultry or fish. Make sure to keep cutlery and knives used for cutting and handling raw meat, poultry and fish separate from other cutlery. Similarly, always double-check the expiry dates of your food products before consumption. Also, don’t forget to wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.