Was just wondering the importance of supplements while treating with aggressive oral antibiotics . Have been treating for several months and the cost of monthly supplements is around 700$ ! Ins covers my meds but not supplements - it's starting to take a financial toll on me..... I know probiotics are a must but can I do without the rest for a while? Will also start on a heavy metel chelation protocol for 6 months which is also around 400$ a month - I'm feeling better but the financial stress is a whole new burdon Thnx for any input Lenny
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- If you can do only one, Milk Thistle would be it (or a similar one) as the liver - absolutely - positively - without a doubt - MUST be protected. Both lyme / TBD & many Rx can damage the liver / kidneys.
Liver protection may also help protect ears from both lyme (that can damage ears / balance) and many of the Rx that are often ototoxic. Detail:
LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Probiotics, of course, need to be included. However, it's possible to get those in our foods - and a wide variety of sources really matters, too. Some of the supplements are not all that good so be sure whatever you do take is of top quality.
Miso soup is good for protiotic support (be sure it's gluten-free, though. Some are made from barley and that contains gluten).
Brewers Yeast (technically, "nutritional" yeast, that yellow flakey stuff) has good probiotics, B-vitamins and a nice addition to diet. Just not too late in the day.
Fermented cabbage, etc.
It's best to avoid both gluten and dairy. They cause phlegm and that can harbor germs / biofilm. If you happen to be one of the few who don't get phlegm from dairy and yogurt works for you, avoid all non-fat (it's thickened with stuff that is not good for us, even powdered milk has some troubling byproduct added to it).
Get only the whole organic yogurt - from grass-fed, free range "happy" cows. Goats milk yogurt or cheese may work better.
Still, if you have any phlegm from certain foods, remember that can encourage candida growth. -
[ 08-12-2014, 03:36 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Probiotics may not be enough, though, to ward off systemic fungal infections (such as candida overgrowth) that can come from antibiotic use. I would go so far as to say that OLE is also a "required" supplement.
Of all the anti-candida Rx and supplements, this one is the only one in the top category, in my book and Seagate is the only brand I would recommend. OLE was a winner for me. the last time I was on abx for 2 months, I started OLE first. Never had any problem with candida.
Wish I had know about it from the first antibiotic I ever took. It would have saved so much pain and torture. It would have also saved my liver the stress from Diflucan or the waste of time from other less effective antifungal Rx.
If possible, I suggest anyone new to an antibiotic, to take OLE for a couple days before starting the antibiotic. And to be sure to have diet free of any simple sugars, of course. That would save so much agony from candida. Preventing its overgrowth to begin with.
your doctor can write a script for VSL#3 DS and some insurance companies cover some of it. Mine covers a little bit.
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
I vote for B vitamins and magnesium for sure. These aren't all that expensive.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Personally, I never spent that much on supplements. You probably need magnesium and a few vitamins and PROBIOTICS. That would be the main thing.
The rest is fluff .. usually.
Posted by hopeful4 (Member # 8486) on :
Perhaps you could have your doctor prioritize the supplements for you. $700/month is not realistic.
Some people go for AK testing to help discover which supplements are most helpful at a given time of treatment.
Also, have you tried online purchasing at a discount? There are many good websites.
I'm not familiar with the heavy metal chelation protocol you're talking about, but I believe there must be less expensive alternatives out there.
Best wishes.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
So much depends on your symptoms.
Hubby spent around 400 monthly on supplements.
We did certain things all the time and rotated other things every 3 or 4 months depending on funds and symptoms.
For him - top priority - probiotics including s. boularrdi, tinctures of various sleep herbs, sublingual B12, lumbrokinase, milk thistle, pycnogenol.
Babesia herbs were another big expense.
CoQ10 for many years but not while treating babesia.
Bea Seibert
Posted by big lenny (Member # 3048) on :
Thank you all for the great advice ! If these supplements made me feel 100% then I would not mind spending the big cash -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Exactly, lenny. I use what I feel helps me. I haven't calculated lately, but I would say I spend about $200+ per month.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
The one organ that may not give you any warning of failing is the liver.
While treating with aggressive oral antibiotics you should protect it from harm.
As Kebbler said, Milk Thistle or similar should be on the top of your list.