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Making antibiotics more effective
I just started on the big 3 for MAC (MAI) and am not getting any straight answers from my pulmonologist about what foods and drugs to avoid. I’m assuming we want to make the antibiotics as effective as possible. But I’m finding online a whole list of foods and vitamin supplements to avoid. Does this mean avoiding them only on days I take the meds, or for the whole course of 2 years? Some sites say to avoid vitamin C or Calcium and others say to take extra. I’m to avoid dairy, but take yogurt. I know to avoid my antacid on med days, but it’s ok to take it on off days? I need some straight answers!
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Are you also seeing an ID doctor? Does the facility where you are being seen have a dietician that you could see? If not, and you can't get good answers from your Pulmonologist, then do you feel comfortable with having this same doc provide a serious treatment for you? If not, find another! and make certain they have the knowledge and training to treat MAC.
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1 ReactionNo, they are a very small pulmonary office. I’ll be seeing my GP today with a request to get a second opinion from MUSC in Charleston. My frustration comes from not having access to a dietician who can answer my questions. At this point, I have very little faith in my pulmonologist.
I consulted with a homeopathic nutritionist for a bit while taking the Big 3 and IV Amikacin. She emphasized taking care of my gut by taking yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut (homemade or refrigerated, not canned) and kombucha daily. Also, she recommended eating a basically healthy diet including legumes, protein at every meal, fruits, veggies, healthy grains like brown rice, steel cut oats, healthy oils like olive oil and fresh avocados, nuts, seeds, etc. Best of luck to you.
The best guidance I got was from a clinical pharmacist, whose advice was very clear. If you've gota Medicare supplement, anannual med review may be covered.
What I learned was to avoid the antacids, dairy, etc within2-4 hours of the antibiotics. It was all given to me on writing. Why are you avoiding the dairy?
I have not started the antibiotics and I did also go on line to research.
I believe, if I can believe what I read in my internet research....it often mentioned not to take calcium, magnesium and antacid at the time you take the antibiotics.
I will avoid taking anything but healthy food at the time I take the antibiotics.
I will take supplement probiotics and healthy yogurt, kefir etc., dairy, three to four hours after the antibiotics. That's what I will be comfortable with.
Some professionals continue to educate themselves and others not so much...I woud imagine it all depends upon human nature, ego, the time element in their lives...plus personality.
As I have learned, for me, listen to others for input, do research, listen to your doctor, and then listen to what your 'gut' is telling you and do what you think is best for who you know so well, yourself.... and hope it is the right decision you made for yourself. For me I'd rather make the mistake than have someone else make the mistake, that goes for me in many things in life. That's me, and I hope I make the right choices.
Barbara
As you will see Sue.....I agree.
Barbara