What Does It Mean?
Acute bacterial infections occur when pathogenic bacteria invade the body and trigger an immune response. These infections can affect multiple systems, leading to inflammation, increased white blood cell activity, and systemic stress. Functional medicine focuses on identifying the source of infection, supporting the immune response, and reducing inflammation to aid recovery.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
• Weakened Immune Function – Nutrient deficiencies, stress, and poor gut health reduce the body's ability to fight infections.
• Dysbiosis & Gut Barrier Dysfunction – Increased gut permeability can allow pathogenic bacteria to enter circulation.
• Toxin & Heavy Metal Exposure – Environmental toxins weaken immune defenses and increase infection susceptibility.
• Chronic Inflammation & Oxidative Stress – Increased free radicals and inflammatory markers weaken the body's resilience.
• Overuse of Antibiotics & Medications – Long-term antibiotic use can alter the microbiome, reducing natural defenses.
Signs & Symptoms:
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and body aches
• Sore throat or localized pain
• Increased mucus production and congestion
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Digestive symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, bloating)
• Skin redness, warmth, or swelling (if localized infection)
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Antistreptolysin O (ASO) Antibody | Increased | 0.00-200.00IU/mL |
| Band Neutrophil | Increased | 0.00-3.00% |
| C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) | Increased | 0.00-0.55 mg/L |
| IgA, Serum | Altered | 81.00-310.00 mg/dL |
| IgE, Serum | Increased | 90.00-220.00 IU/mL |
| IgG, Serum | Altered | 800.00-1500.00 mg/dL |
| Immature Granulocyte % | Increased | 0.0-0.50% |
| Immature Granulocyte Abs | Increased | 0.00-0.03 x10^3/µL |
| Lymphocyte % | Decreased | 30.00-40.00% |
| Monocyte % | Increased | 4.00-7.00% |
| Neutrophil : Lymphocyte Ratio | Increased | 1.00-1.70 |
| Neutrophil % | Increased | 40-75% |
| Nucleated Red Blood Cell (NRBC) Abs | Increased | 0-0.1 (10^3/µL) |
| WBC | Increased | 5.5-7.5 (10^3/µL) |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
The goal is to support the immune system, reduce bacterial load, and manage inflammation.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Glutathione | Enhances antioxidant activity and reduces oxidative stress | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine | Supports detoxification, lung health, and replenishes glutathione levels | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Comprehensive immune support with antioxidants | 2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
| Vita-D | Supports bone strength, immune function, and overall health | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Zinc | Essential for immune function, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy production | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Aids energy metabolism and immune cell function | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| SBI Powder | Supports gut immune function and intestinal barrier integrity | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids without food, twice daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Provides high-dose vitamin C to support immune response | ½ scoop of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Delivers probiotics to optimize gut and immune health | 3 capsules without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
• Increase Hydration – Helps thin mucus and flush toxins from the body.
• Nutrient-Dense Diet – Consume antioxidant-rich foods to support immune function.
• Sleep Optimization – Prioritize rest to promote immune recovery.
• Reduce Sugar Intake – Sugar suppresses immune response and feeds pathogenic bacteria.
• Detoxification Support – Sauna therapy, hydration, and liver-supporting foods enhance bacterial toxin clearance.