MAC big 3 meds dietary restrictions

Posted by beverlylynn @beverlylynn, Jun 2 3:35pm

I am just starting the azithromycin, ethambutal and riframycin for MAC. I am reading things like no caffeine, no alcohol, dairy 3 hours after meds, no white bread, stay away from sweets, no grapefruit , etc. I am wondering how those on the meds are managing their diets. Thank you

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helpme33 | @helpme33 | Jun 3 8:59pm

In reply to @pacathy "Thank you. Your "20 years later" comment is encouraging to all of us." + (show)

Keep up the good fight.
Esther

debbie620 | @debbie620 | Jun 4 4:12pm

In reply to @sheila7a "Could you share a typical day of meals. I'm so tired at night I don't want..." + (show)

Be be sure to discuss the fatigue with your doctor. I had debilitating fatigue as well. My doctor switched me to meds every other day and extended my treatment to 18 months. That gave me quality of life during treatment and I've been MAC free for 8 years.
Regarding nutrition, I was also dairy free, which I adapted to within a few weeks. Also, no sugar and nothing that can converts to sugar. No bread, rice potatoes, alcohol. The exception to sweets being berries.
Best of luck

sheila7a | @sheila7a | Jun 4 4:56pm

Eight years! That's wonderful!
Yes, the fatigue is terrible.
You are dairy free?
No yogurt for the tummy?

beverlylynn | @beverlylynn | Jun 4 6:10pm

Thank you for this. Glad to know you are 2 years out
Today is my first day on the big 3 regime. I am M-W-F from the get go for 18 months. What was your restriction regarding bread?

blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Jun 5 8:51am

In reply to @debbie620 "Be be sure to discuss the fatigue with your doctor. I had debilitating fatigue as well...." + (show)

Were you dairy free so not to take it too close to taking your medications due to calcium and the timing of taking the antibiotics? My understanding is.... having to be careful about calcium intake timing related to the timing of the antibiotics??????
Were you sugar free and high carbo free due to avoiding anything that would possibly cause a yeast infection with having to take antibiotics that can cause such a problem? My understanding is having to be careful about sugar due to yeast survives/grows with sugar????
Are these your understandings and reasons for avoiding those foods????
Barbara

debbie620 | @debbie620 | Jun 5 10:17am

In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "Were you dairy free so not to take it too close to taking your medications due..." + (show)

I was daily free 100% of the time on meds.
Yes the avoid all sugars was to avoid yeast which infections feed on.
We have to remember it's temporary. I was a huge dairy eater before and lost my taste for it good. Just recently added back plain yogurt

beverlylynn | @beverlylynn | Jun 5 10:57am

In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "Were you dairy free so not to take it too close to taking your medications due..." + (show)

What about honey?

blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Jun 5 12:17pm

In reply to @beverlylynn "What about honey?" + (show)

References is often made that true honey has antibacterial properties. There is further information on the internet that you might like to see. I think it is also a matter of moderation.
Barbara

beverlylynn | @beverlylynn | Jun 5 5:03pm

I agree about the benefits of honey. Moderation as well. It's hot water with honey in the morning. A little on natural yogurt is good too.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 5 5:23pm

Could someone share their documentation about dietary restrictions? I would be especially interested in a dietary plan provided by a nutritionist associated with a specialty clinic like NJH.
I was not only treated by a Pulmonologist and an ID Doc who did not give me restrictions, but my treatment plan was reviewed with a Clinical Pharmacist.
Other than no alcohol to spare the liver, timing issues like no antacids within x hours of this med, and per Pharm D no iron during an active infection unless prescribed for anemia, I truly don't remember specific dietary restrictions.
Obviously, a healthy diet is always beneficial, but with the weight-loss and appetite-loss issues many of us suffer with a MAC infection and the side effects of the meds, unnecessarily restricting ones diet can make this even harder. So I want to be sure what we are sharing is soundly based in science/research, not just from comments other have made on Connect or other MAC and Bronchiectasis sites.
Thanks for helping share the best possible information in our group!
Sue