Antibiotics fight bacteria and infection by either interfering with the bacteria's function or keeping the bacteria from multiplying. While taking antibiotics to fight an illness, dietary requirements change in order to ease potential side effects.
Antibiotic Side Effects
Common antibiotic side effects include:
- nausea
- fatigue
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
Tip:
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables along with an apple a day. Apples contain pectin, which cuts down on the nausea. Fresh vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, peppers and carrots will reduce fatigue. Avoid canned foods as these contain added salts and sugars that will increase tiredness.
Antibiotic Fact
While antibiotics work to kill the infectious bacteria in your body, they also kill the bacteria you need for proper and healthy digestion. Killing these good bacteria can lead to stomach yeast and cause yeast infections in women.
Tip:
- A good way to combat this is by eating yogurt. Yogurt is full of live bacteria that is good for your body, writes The Indian Express website.
Antibiotic Considerations
Concerning fertility, some antibiotics can reduce sperm production, making men temporarily or permanently infertile, suggests the website Shared Journey. However, women taking antibiotics and birth control are at risk for the opposite effect. Antibiotics, especially rifampin, can cause oral contraceptives to lose their effectiveness, explains the Mayo Clinic. Necessary studies to prove this have not been conducted with all antibiotics, but if you are on a low-dose birth control pill, it is wise to use back up contraception for the duration of your antibiotic use.
Antibiotics in the News
The Washington Post reports that the FDA is asking farmers to stop giving antibiotics to their animals, such as cows and chickens, for the purpose of increasing their growth. The FDA is concerned that people who eat meat with traces of antibiotics in it are at risk of not responding to these drugs when they have a disease or illness. The FDA states that antibiotics should only be used to cure animals that are sick, not to help them grow.
Antibiotic Warning
Some people have reported very serious allergic reactions, called anaphylactic reactions, to antibiotics, states Medical News Today. These reactions include shortness of breath, swelling of the face and tongue, and skin rash. These reactions are mainly caused by penicillin; however, you should discuss any suspicions with your doctor immediately. Some allergic reactions to antibiotics can become quite serious and even fatal.
Antibiotics are an important part of the healing process. However, it is important not to over-use antibiotics. Only get a prescription when it is absolutely necessary because immunity to these medicines can and will occur.
Clark Sarullo - Clark Sarullo is a native of Atlanta, GA and an experienced, professional writer with impeccable work ethic. Her expertise include natural ...
