Question: I was taking antibiotics for a sinus infection when I developed a yeast infection. I tried to get rid of it for about a month, only to have it return. I’ve heard of a yeast overgrowth in the body, but am not sure how to get rid of it. I have been eating yogurt twice a day in the hopes this will cleanse my system. Do you have any suggestions?
Dr. Brownstein's Answer:
Yeast overgrowth is a common adverse effect of antibiotic use. Antibiotics are indiscriminate killers: They kill both “good” and “bad” bacteria in the body. If you have a sinus infection and are prescribed an antibiotic, it will destroy the bacteria that are causing the sinus infection. However, the antibiotic can also kill the normal flora that populates our gut. That leaves a void where an opportunistic organism like yeast can overgrow.
This overgrowth of yeast can cause many problems, including diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and a general decline in health. Furthermore, I have seen long-term yeast overgrowth lead to chronic health problems such as autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
To prevent yeast overgrowth after antibiotic use, I suggest taking a good probiotic during and after antibiotic use. A good probiotic should be dairy and gluten-free. I suggest taking half a teaspoon twice per day while on an antibiotic and half a teaspoon a day for maintenance dosing.
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