Nature comprises living (aerobes) and non-living (anaerobes) micro-organisms called bacteria that interfere with human beings. Some micro-organisms live a symbiotic relationship with our body system while others attack the body system.To overcome challenges posed by these micro-organisms, only anti-biotics are effective and human nature has got used to these types of medications. However, today, doctors and patients have started to think twice about whether antibiotics are always the best prescription for everyday infections. For long, public demand and increasing infection rate has encouraged doctors to prescribe antibiotics too often for problems that could have been treated less aggressively. As a result, a new breed of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has emerged to threaten human lives, and many people are plagued with recurring infections because antibiotics have weakened their resistance to some diseases. Children, in particular, are at risk of poor health with regular or over use of anti-biotics. For example, there are common minor complaints in children such as ear infections that are usually treated with antibiotics yet can be treated with pain relief drugs.The worst is that a single course of antibiotic may increase a child’s risk of future ear infections.However, it is important to notice that there are natural ways to strengthen the immunity to overcome certain types of infections. Many complementary therapies can reduce the need for antibiotics by improving immunity and allowing the body to overcome infections without use of anti-biotics. To get the most out of complementary therapies it is best to consult a qualified practitioner, but one can help himself get better health by making simple dietary and lifestyle changes that help strengthen the natural body defence mechanism against diseases.People need to find ways to feed on fresh or whole food diet that includes at least five portions of washed fruit and vegetables regularly. Well-balanced meals with proper food nutrients normally contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which protect the body against diseases. Choose organic products to enrich the body with good mineral and vitamin contents. This also helps avoid pesticide residue in food staffs as most of pesticides comprise of toxic chemical compounds that may cause diseases such as cancer or heart related.  Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and sugary, fried or fatty foods that depress the immune system activity. Such health hazards are also said to diminish levels of vital vitamins and minerals in the body. A regular cup of green tea, for example, contributes a lot to life support. Green tea is rich in the antioxidants and catechins that can prevent bacterial and viral infection.Add herbs and spices to foods to build immunity. Garlic is a natural antibiotic, cinnamon helps dispel colds and flu, ginger prevents stomach upsets, basil is antibacterial and anti-parasitic, and oregano is antibacterial and antifungal.Exercise for at least 30 minutes, two to three times a week. Moderate exercise has been shown to increase the levels of the body’s natural defender cells. Take good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement every day, especially if you are prone to recurrent infections. The average diet is unlikely to provide the quantity and variety of nutrients needed for immune function.Make sure that you sleep well. Having too little sleep inhibits the body’s restorative and repair mechanism and reduces immunity.Lose of weight. Being overweight reduces the production of antibodies and white blood cells, which fight off bacterial infection.   Dr Joseph Kamugisha is a resident oncologist in Jerusalem, Israel