Thinking of trying some natural/herbal antibiotics...

[pamptracy]

I can't seem to get rid of this small bowel bacteria overgrowth. My GI doctor just changed my antibiotic but I thought maybe I'd try some other stuff as well. Does anyone know if these things are IC safe though? There's also a diet for that as well but I'm already so restricted as it is. Also, between being allergic to milk and following the IC diet I don't eat a lot of things that encourage bacterial growth anyway. Thanks!


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Ginger
Garlic
Olive Leaf Extract
Peppermint
Berberine
Echinacea

[ICNDonna]

If you're taking any medications at all, you really should talk with your doctor before trying any herbal remedies.

Donna

[Momelf]

I can't seem to get rid of this small bowel bacteria overgrowth. My GI doctor just changed my antibiotic but I thought maybe I'd try some other stuff as well. Does anyone know if these things are IC safe though? There's also a diet for that as well but I'm already so restricted as it is. Also, between being allergic to milk and following the IC diet I don't eat a lot of things that encourage bacterial growth anyway. Thanks!


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Ginger
Garlic
Olive Leaf Extract
Peppermint
Berberine
Echinacea


I agree with Donna, as your herbal supplement may react negatively with your antibiotic. You might want to start your supplements after you've finished your meds.

From an IC point of new, I've been able to take a tablet that has olive leaf extract in it....for candida.

Good luck!

[pamptracy]

Maybe I'll wait until after the 10 days of antibiotics. He did tell me to try a different probiotic after I've done the course of antibiotics. Any suggestions? I've been on Flora Q. He also said I could take Pepto Bismol or Immodium AD if symptoms return. Will that hurt my IC? I may at least try to avoid things in my diet that would feed the bacteria. Today I brought potato chips for lunch instead of pretzels. Pretty bad huh! I just don't know what to eat anymore. We're going on vacation in a month and I'm hoping this will be cleared up by then. It sure makes going to the tee ball field interesting!

[Momelf]

Is this a candida "bacterial" overgrowth you have?

[pamptracy]

I thinks its a small inetstinal bacterial overgrowth. The doctor just said a bacterial overgrowth based on results of the hydrogen breath test and my symptoms. He didn't say which bacteria.

[Momelf]

I did a little research. Looks like an overgrowth of bacteria that feeds on sugar, as the test is used most often for lactose and carbohydrate intolerance (meaning they are not being digested properly). Candida feeds on sugar. I'd definitely do a candida cleanse. I personally use Enymatica products. I get them from the health food store.

The probiotic I use is Mega Flora. I get it from my naturopath, but I believe it is available elsewhere. It has a very high probiotic count.

Good luck!

[Bethrlk]

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to share a tidbit with you....years ago, before my IC diagnosis, I was plied with different antibiotics for years. The result was a yeast overgrowth in my esophagus and intestinal tract - YICK!!! I was prescribed oral Diflucan for 60 days.

My diet had to change dramatically after the 60 days on medication. If you have yeast overgrowth, you need to cut out sugars from your diet, as well as cheeses and mushrooms, vinegars, mayonaise, etc. The diet actually helped me avoid foods that would send me into a flare.

Hope everyone is having a pain free day!

Hugs,
Beth

[Momelf]

Thanks, Beth! Well said.

[pamptracy]

If it was candida wouldn't the antibiotics have made it worse not better? On the new antibiotics I'm already noticing an improvement. I will definitely look for Mega Flor. I did a search on it an noticed it has vitamin c in it. Will that cause an IC flare? Thanks for all the help!!!

[Momelf]

Yes, I think you are right. Glad you are getting better.

I checked my bottle and my Mega Flora does not have vitamin c in it. I'd suggest you keep reading labels and get a probiotic that has a high count (of whatever those little thingies are! LOL).

Glad to help.

[Sharyn]

Looked through the IC cookbook and can't find out if regular jello with cool whip is ok. Looking for some desserts that aren't too fatening.

[Katrina]

I have always been able to tollerate pepto bismo and immodium
http://icandme.9.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=220&view=findpost&p=846 choosing a probiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract
Ginger
Garlic
Olive Leaf Extract
Peppermint
Berberine
Echinacea
On your herbs...my IBS can't tollerate Garlic without the peppermint but you included that lol Echinacea, I tollerate just fine. Olive leaf I hear others speak about. That is all I can really say. I do think you should talk to your doctor about this too but other patients opinions help too!

yes vit C can causes IC to flare with many people! Ester C is usually easier tollerated so is it buffered?

[Momelf]

Looked through the IC cookbook and can't find out if regular jello with cool whip is ok. Looking for some desserts that aren't too fatening.


I've read that jello was ok for folks. Cool Whip might be ok, as long as preservatives don't set you off.