You have specialized white blood cells that serve as soldiers for your immune system. When harmful bacteria attack, your white blood cells attempt to destroy the invaders. Sometimes, your immune system is unable to fend off the bacteria, and your doctor sends in reinforcements--medications called antibiotics--that either destroy the bacteria or prevent them from reproducing. You can assist the war efforts by choosing foods that enhance the healing process.
Antibiotics
Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics do not work against other invaders such as fungi or the viruses that cause colds and influenza. Some antibiotics treat only specific bacteria, while other antibiotics are broad-spectrum and can treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. While antibiotics attack only bacteria, they can nonetheless cause collateral damage. Side effects of antibiotics can include nausea, diarrhea, cramps, inflamed bowels, drowsiness, fatigue and fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract and vagina.
Food and Antibiotics
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about how to take your antibiotics and about foods you may need to avoid. Some antibiotics should not be consumed when you have food in your stomach, which means you need to take them an hour before or two hours after meals. Other antibiotics should not be taken with certain foods. For example, do not consume dairy products if you are taking tetracyclines because dairy can affect how the medication is absorbed.
Feed Your Immune System
Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and aid the immune system, according to author Phylis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Foods with omega-3 fatty acids include olive oil, flaxseed, flaxseed oil and cold water fish such as tuna, mackerel, halibut, cod, sardines and salmon. Fresh, but not canned, pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that boosts your body's anti-inflammatory response, according to Balch.
Eat a balanced diet that contains vegetables, fruits and protein. Avoid simple carbohydrates such as cake, candy, fruit juice, soda, baked goods made with white flour and table sugar. These foods break down quickly into glucose, which reduces activity of the special forces units of your immune system, natural killer cells.
Assist Good Bacteria
Hundreds of types of bacteria live in your digestive system. Many of these bacteria, such as acidophilus and bifidobacterium, are friendly allies. They aid digestion, help convert calories into fat and create conditions that are inhospitable to harmful bacteria. Antibiotics destroy all bacteria in your system--good and bad--so beef up your good bacteria by consuming probiotics such as yogurt with active culture. Consuming yogurt while taking antibiotics can prevent dehydration and nausea, according to a March 15, 2009, article on Indian Express.
Reduce Side Effects
Corn flakes, carrots, oranges, grapefruits, peaches, peas, apples and beans contain pectin. This soluble fiber can minimize the gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotics such as cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, according to the Indian Express article.
Support Your Liver
When you are engaged in battle with an infection, your liver is tasked with breaking down the medications you take. New York based naturopathic doctor Arlene Donar suggests bolstering your liver by eating dark-green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale and collard greens, as well as beets, broccoli and artichokes to mobilize your bile.
Hydrate
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water--at least eight 8 oz glasses per day. Avoid alcohol as it heightens glucose and stresses your liver. Avoid coffee and other products with caffeine such as hot chocolate and chocolate, as caffeine can interfere with some antibiotics.
References
- CBS MoneyWatch.com: How Can I Support my Body While I'm Taking Antibiotics
- Indian Express: The Antibiotic Diet
- Medical News Today: What are Antibiotics? How Do Antibiotics Work?
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2008
