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| MAC Bacterial Infection - Bacterial and Fungal Issue |
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Last Updated
23rd of May, 2009
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We are truckers from Canada and my husband was recently diagnosed with MAC by a lung specialist. He has to take medications 3 days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), have regular bloodwork every month because the medications for tuberculosis cause liver damage and he has to see an aphthalmologist every month because one of the medications causes damage to eyes. He is taking these medications: Ethambutol 400mg (3 pills per day with food), Biaxin XL 500mg (2 pills per day with food) and Rifampin or Rifadin 300mg (2 pills per day on an empty stomach, so he takes these at bedtime). He is suffering from heaches, upset stomach/nausea, thick/orange urine, extreme fatigue (which makes work difficult), extreme sugar cravings and low libido. He was told to take B-vitamins twice per day, Vitamin C, NAC and Udo's Oil.
So now for the questions:
What do you know about MAC and what are the repercussions to his body from taking such powerful medications for such a long time?
Do you think Oil of Oregano would be helpful and is it strong enough to kill this type of bacteria? Is it ok to take with his medications?
Is it possible to have Candida taking these medications and would it be helpful to take a probiotic?
Is there a chance that he will become diabetic taking these prescription drugs?
Are these medications hard on the kidneys?
What can he do about his low sex-drive?
Anything else you can recommend would be appreciated.
Thank you...The Smiths
MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex) is a grouping of bacteria, typically inhaled or swallowed, that causes a respiratory infection similar to tuberculosis and it is treated like tuberculosis using various antibiotics, anti - bacterials and often antifungals for 18-24 months.
Symptoms include fever, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss/loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, coughing/wheezing, tiredness, cramping and vomiting.
MAC is contracted through water, dust, soil and bird droppings, entering the body through food, water and possibly the lungs.
The thing is, this is one of many bacterial infections that call for antibiotics and other types of medications, just like any other bacterial infection, the treatment of which often leads to fungal overgrowth, all exacerbated by a weakened immune system. So we think the key is to make the immune system work the way it is supposed to by cleansing and rebuilding naturally.
First, we think changing the diet is essential. Proteins from clean meats, poultry, wild fish, seeds, tree-grown nuts and taking your carbohydrates from non-starchy vegetables and low-glycemic fruits. You can get more ideas from our Anti-fungal Diet (see Diets and Cleanses). Glucose Support is very helpful in helping to cut those carb cravings and in metabolizing the carbohydrates you do consume.
The prescriptions listed can cause liver and kidney damage, as can most prescriptions (check MedlinePlus for full descriptions and side-effects). There may be long-term damage from these medications; however, we believe there are precautions that can be taken, using supplements to offset these harmful effects.
Anytime you take antibiotics you risk Candida (fungal) overgrowth, as well as other types of bacterial infections (after all, the medications your husband is taking target very specific bacteria and not all others), so we believe a number of supplements would be helpful, particularly since these medications will be taken for a prolonged period of time.
Progressive disease, due to the fungal overgrowth from antibiotics, resulting sugar/carbohydrate cravings, etc., can result, which includes diabetes, cancer and other disorders and diseases. More doctors each day are understanding the role of fungus in progressive disease, particularly in cancer (and cancer cell sugar receptors), which we find extremely gratifying, since most doctors leaned toward believing that diet had nothing to do with progressive disease. It is inspiring to know that they are becoming more knowledgeable about this.
High carbohydrate diets also contribute to severe fatigue and sluggishness as well as lack of sex-drive; although, in your husband's case, his bacterial infection is likely the primary cause of low libido. If he was taking other prescriptions before this infection, such as for high blood pressure, that could explain low libido. Otherwise, Tribest may be helpful.
We believe that probiotics are never a waste of money, since they help to prevent the overgrowth of fungus and other bacteria that would be created by the medications your husband is taking.
While oil of oregano is an excellent antifungal/antibacterial/antiparasitic and even antiviral, no one antimicrobial should be used beyond one month because it will cease to be as effective.
Many medications cause stomach upset and burning. Ginger tea, made from bringing a pan of water to a boil (once it comes to a brisk boil, turn it off and remove from heat), adding freshly grated ginger, covering and allowing to sit for 15 - 20 minutes, will cool and soothe the stomach and esophagus. Strain ginger (or leave it if you like and chew on it!) and sip the tea throughout the day. Also use it to take your medications and supplements.
Macrophages are cells that scoop-up and destroy bacteria, fungus, parasites, viruses and other harmful micro-organisms. Because these micro-organisms often harmfully effect the macrophage cells in the blood, using a high-potency/highest-quality, fully tested and clinically studied beta glucan product, such as Vital ImmuSol or NSC-100, is highly recommended (cheap imitations simply do not work and are a waste of money and valuable time) because they strengthen the macrophages, NK, T and B and other cells necessary for proper immune system function to fight off disease.
We believe it is also essential to use a high-quality/high-potency probiotic when taking these types of medications, particularly because of the harm they cause to the gastrointestinal-urinary tract. Vital Flora, Ultimate FloraCritical Care or FloraMax 50 (these are 50 billion flora per capsule), or BioK Plus liquid (must be refrigerated and be sure the "best by" date is at least 30 days out) are best, especially since antibiotics do significant damage to the gastrointestinal tract. If taking the antibiotics together once per day, take 2 capsules two hours after the antibiotic dosage. If taking the antibiotics twice per day, take 1 capsule 2 hours after each antibiotic dosage, then 3 capsules at bedtime (at least 2 hours after your last antibiotic dosage each day). Once antibiotics are discontinued, be sure to ramp-up the dosages each day (a minimum of 100 billion flora upon rising and 100 billion at bedtime), or more, for at least 3 months.
Anti-bacterial/anti-fungal remedies, such as Oil of Oregano or Oregamax, Olive Leaf, CDX and caprylic acid can be rotated each month for extra help and protection (see the anti-fungal rotation regimen and the anti-bacterial rotation regimen).
CoQ10 is an excellent addition for oxygenating cells throughout the body and providing a source of additional energy. Vital CoQSol is a highly absorbable/high potency form of coenzymeQ10 that should be a great addition to this regimen. Proteolytic systemic oral enzymes (PSOE's), such as Vital Proteozymes or Wobenzym, are highly effective for breaking open cells to make the anti-fungals, beta glucan and CoQ10 work better. They also bind to toxins and cleanse the body; however, they should never be used in conjunction with any prescription blood thinner/lubricator or medications that can result in bruising or bleeding.
All of the items highlighted in purple can be found at www.vitaganza.com by typing or copying/pasting the the name of the item into the Quick Search box. Whatever you decide to do, you should consult with your medical doctor to determine whether or not the addition of this regimen would be right for your specific needs.
All statements made are the opinion of VitaGanza personnel and are not inteded to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We never dignose and never recommend that you self-diagnose in lieu of proper medical care and advice. No change in regimen should be conducted without the guidance of your healthcare professional, as only he/she is familiar with your specific needs. Statements made and products sold by VitaGanza may not have been evaluated by the Food and Drugs Administration. If you are exhibiting symptoms or have a health concern, VitaGanza encourages you to contact your physician immediately.
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