The Antibiotic diet

The right dietary choices can help cut down the effects of antibiotics

The right dietary choices can help cut down the effects of antibiotics
Whether its a bacterial infection affecting the skin,throat or any other part of the body,the only way to get rid of the germs is by going on a course of antibiotics. But that might end up making you feel worse because of the drowsiness,nausea and fatigue that the drugs bring on. What can help fight those symptoms is,again,what you choose to eat. Here is a list of foods that you need to add to your diet when on antibiotics:

Yoghurt
Antibiotics are chemicals that kill the harmful bacteria in your body. That,however,is not the only thing it kills. The antibiotics are so strong that when you take them,you end up killing the good bacteria too, says nutritionist Shikha Sharma. As a result,our bodies become more vulnerable to stomach yeast infections. Yoghurt contains the good bacteria that our bodies need and helps replace what the antibiotics kills. Eating yoghurt while on antibiotics also prevents nausea and dehydration.

Apples
Apples contain pectin,a substance that neutralises antibiotic side-effects such as diarrhoea,vomiting,cramps and nausea. It also helps in digestion. Eat at least an apple a day when on antibiotics.

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Raw vegetables
Beans,broccoli,cabbage,cauliflower,celery,cucumber,green pepper,lettuce,onion,radish,parsley,peas,spinach and tomato are the foods to hog on. Avoid dry fruit and canned foods as they will only make you feel physically drained and lethargic. If you have to eat meat,go for organic products only.

No sugar/junk
Avoid junk foods such as chips and pizza. Limit your intake of sugar,caffeinated drinks like coffee and other aerated drinks. Drink lots of water to keep your system clear of impurities.

No alcohol
Most antibiotics are broken down by the liver and so is alcohol. If both are taken at the same time,it is a heavy load for the liver to metabolise. This excess can result in liver damage. Also,drinking alcohol could result in diarrhoea and vomiting,lowering the level of antibiotic in the body and affecting its ability to fight infection. Even something as light as a glass of wine should be avoided.