The Root Cause Of Ear Infections

Leaky Gut: A condition where damage to the intestinal lining allows undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to pass from the intestinal lumen, through the gut membrane, into the bloodstream to be filtered by the liver. This damage can result from processed diets, toxins, hormones, stress (cortisol), GMOs, and glyphosate. The liver responds to the foreign invaders by sending out cytokines, inflammatory mediators, to kill the “invaders”, thus triggering systemic inflammation and immune system reactions. This response is a good thing, initially, as it protects against foreign invasion. The problem is, this system was never designed to stay active 24/7, constantly under attack by toxins in the diet and environment.

Contributing Factors:

• Moisture: Hot, humid environments (like Florida) can contribute to ear infections. Bathing or swimming can leave ear canals damp, creating a bacteria-friendly environment.

• Wax Build-Up: Excessive wax can trap debris, allowing bacteria to thrive.

• Excess Hair in the ear canal: Like wax, hair can trap moisture and debris.

• Yeast Overgrowth: Seen as varying degrees of black, pasty earwax. To properly diagnose this condition, veterinarians should perform an “ear cytology”, where they take some of the material, smear it on a microscope slide and look under high microscope magnification. Often occurs when pets are fed processed diets or there is an underlying gut imbalance.

• Bacterial infections: The ear canal may develop a discharge. The diagnosis is made based on an ear cytology (and if warranted, a bacterial culture).

• Polyps: These benign growths, often found in the ear canal or middle ear, can cause persistent ear infections, discharge, head shaking, and discomfort. Polyps may obstruct airflow, trap moisture, and create an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.

• Cancer: Malignant tumors in the ear can present symptoms similar to infections, including swelling, pain, persistent discharge, and resistance to standard treatments. Ear cancers can be associated with chronic inflammation, environmental toxins and nutritional deficiencies.

Traditional Veterinary Approach To Ear Infections - Symptom Suppression!

1. Antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Pros: Can effectively target and eliminate bacterial infections when the correct antibiotic is used, reducing the severity of symptoms.

Cons: Often based on empirical evidence rather than culture, leading to potential antibiotic resistance and negative impacts on the gut microbiome if the wrong antibiotic is chosen.

2. Steroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.

Pros: Quickly alleviates discomfort and swelling, providing rapid relief.

Cons: Suppresses the immune system, increases susceptibility to infections, and leads to side effects such as leaky gut, weight gain, increased thirst, and adrenal suppression.

3. Antifungal medications are used for yeast overgrowth.

Pros: Effectively targets and eliminates fungal infections, helping restore ear health.

Cons: May cause digestive upset, disrupt gut microbiota, and contribute to yeast resistance if overused.

4. Anti-parasitic treatments are often used to address ear mite infections.

Pros: Kills mites effectively and relieves itching and discomfort.

Cons: Some treatments contain harsh chemicals that may cause skin irritation or neurological side effects in sensitive pets.