MAC patients: Did you take probiotics during your treatment?

Posted by yaduhyaduhsquawk @yaduhyaduhsquawk, Nov 5 10:26pm

Hello, all! To the patients who have taken “the big 3” antibiotics. Did you take probiotics during your treatment in hopes of avoiding gastro-intestinal issues? Thanks in advance!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@suzyqueue

I tried a variety of different time frames.
I've also had doctors including Gastroenterologist say to take Pro-biotics AFTER antibiotic treatment is over and not during.

Jump to this post

If one can't during the antibiotics do the probiotics than for sure after treatment. If after treatment one is having problems, still, I would think we go back to the response of "everyone is different." Also, it might, might, mean that there is some sort a gut problem from before the antibiotics????
We need to build the good bacteria in our gut, as you know, while taking the antibiotics. I just started taking 2 - 3 oz. of raw kombucha, the gingerade, once a day....and do other probiotics in preparation of starting the anti biotics.
Barbara

REPLY

I do have some problems with heartburn but when I started on the big 3 I had to start 40 mg Omeprazole. That helped some but a lot better after I started Align.

REPLY
@suzyqueue

I tried a variety of different time frames.
I've also had doctors including Gastroenterologist say to take Pro-biotics AFTER antibiotic treatment is over and not during.

Jump to this post

My Gastroenterologist also told me not to take them until I was off of the antibiotics and at that point start them. I chose to start them anyway.

REPLY
@suzek

My Gastroenterologist also told me not to take them until I was off of the antibiotics and at that point start them. I chose to start them anyway.

Jump to this post

I wonder what the rationale is on that thinking.

REPLY
@blm1007blm1007

I wonder if it is the timing of taking the probiotics during the day and or the dosage or other stomach problems that may exist at the time of taking the probiotics.
As with so many things we might do better taking low dosages and gradually building up to a higher dosage. Just wondering?? If what I have read, I don't believe it is suggested or best to take the probiotics at the very same time you take the antibiotics. Has anyone been told that?
Barbara

Jump to this post

I take mine in the evening after supper. Not usually on an empty stomach.

REPLY

I drink Kefir throughout the day along with some Greek Yogurt a few times a week. 6 months in on the antibiotics and so far, I am tolerating.

REPLY
@debregecz

I drink Kefir throughout the day along with some Greek Yogurt a few times a week. 6 months in on the antibiotics and so far, I am tolerating.

Jump to this post

Yes, Kefir. I like the Lifeway that Aldi has, as well as the health food stores. I found a new Greek Yogurt at Aldi, the Friendly Farms labeled Protein Yogurt......blended 0%FAT, 0% added sugars.
Glad to hear how well you are tolerating the antibiotics.
Is this your first go round of anti biotics?
Barbara

REPLY
@blm1007blm1007

I wonder if it is the timing of taking the probiotics during the day and or the dosage or other stomach problems that may exist at the time of taking the probiotics.
As with so many things we might do better taking low dosages and gradually building up to a higher dosage. Just wondering?? If what I have read, I don't believe it is suggested or best to take the probiotics at the very same time you take the antibiotics. Has anyone been told that?
Barbara

Jump to this post

Hello, I checked with my pulm doc. He suggested, I not take the probiotics within 2 hours in case it may interfere with absorption of the antibiotic. The pharmacist I asked said, don’t take them within 30 mins. 😣 Because the doc mentioned absorption, I am waiting 2 hours… 🫤

REPLY
@yaduhyaduhsquawk

Hello, I checked with my pulm doc. He suggested, I not take the probiotics within 2 hours in case it may interfere with absorption of the antibiotic. The pharmacist I asked said, don’t take them within 30 mins. 😣 Because the doc mentioned absorption, I am waiting 2 hours… 🫤

Jump to this post

Yes, no dairy/calcium for a minimum of two hours, my understanding also. Don't want calcium interfering with the antibiotics ability to be fully absorped into our systems. Also don't want high fiber or acidic foods at the same time you take the antibiotics from what I understand. My understanding is that all suggestions have to do with absorption or trying to keep from irritating the stomach while taking the antibiotics.
Barbara

REPLY
@blm1007blm1007

Yes, Kefir. I like the Lifeway that Aldi has, as well as the health food stores. I found a new Greek Yogurt at Aldi, the Friendly Farms labeled Protein Yogurt......blended 0%FAT, 0% added sugars.
Glad to hear how well you are tolerating the antibiotics.
Is this your first go round of anti biotics?
Barbara

Jump to this post

Yes. I am in a Clinical trial with NJH. I am now taking azithromycin and ethambutol, and Nebulizing Amikacin or Placebo. I will be taking for 12 months with an additional 2-months of trial appointments. I am also a Cystic Fibrosis Gene carrier. I have known about my NTM since I was 66 and am now 72. Nodules grew last year and treatment was suggested. I also go to Aldi's :).

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.