Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've decided to take a 14-day course of the antibiotic Flagyl for my possibly-benign, possibly-pathogenic parasite, blastocystis hominis. Based on my research, I doubt that Flagyl will eradicate it, but my gastroenterologist wants me to give it a try first before pursuing other options (namely, the more effective 3-part drug protocol from Australia).

I've been instructed to take 750 mg Flagyl 3 times a day with meals to minimize stomach upset. I've read that I should either not take my probiotic at all, or take it as far away from the antibiotic possible. Since I eat at roughly 8 am, 1 pm and 7 pm, should I take the probiotic at 4 pm, or before bedtime? Or just stop it altogether?

Any other tips on maximizing the effect and minimizing the side effects of this #$%& drug would also be appreciated.

flag	asked Feb 12 2012 at 23:15 Renee 11.1k●1●4●42

	I feel for you, having to take the RX. If you don't mind me asking, what symptoms/testing led to diagnosing the parasite? – PaleoMouth Feb 12 2012 at 23:46
	I have had IBS for over a decade. Stool tests in 2006, 2008 and just recently in November 2011 showed the presence of this parasite. Two naturopaths have treated it with herbs, and I did a parasite cleanse from ReNew Life, but evidently these didn't work. Doctors normally don't treat b.hominis, classify it as benign, but given that I still have such bad IBS my new GI agreed to treat it. – Renee Feb 13 2012 at 0:25
	I was on and off this for an entire summer last year. It messed with my gut lining and stomach acid to the point that I needed some therapy and a VLC diet to deal with it. It sucks, but if you really do need it, it's a good drug. Bonus: You might lose some weight. I lost about 5lbs on it for no reason. – Ashley Feb 13 2012 at 7:41
	Thanks, Ashley. Although I hope I don't lose, I'm underweight as it is. – Renee Feb 13 2012 at 11:53

Denise · Answer 1 · 2012-02-13 00:06:11Z UTC

Interesting, I have recently diagnosed with the same dreaded extremely difficult to eradicate parasite and have decided to go straight to the triple drug protocol from Aussie. I spoke with Chris Kresser and based on that conversation I will start with the 10 protocol at the end of Feb which is evidently more than 82% effective. Then continue to work with Chris to replenish and replace the gut flora.

From what I can tell I think you should wait until you have finished with the Flagyl course is completed and then start with the probiotics.

I would also be interested in what others think about this issue.

Moonablaze · Answer 2 · 2012-02-13 06:50:48Z UTC

I'd take the probiotic at bedtime and then start taking a (temporarily) increased dose starting the day you finish the antibiotics. If you're female a total lack of probiotics in the presence of antibiotics can lead to a nasty yeast infection. And I can't imagine the same wouldn't happen in the gut.

taking Flagyl (metronizadole) and looking for tips

2 Answers