Grapefruit seed extract?!
Question: I have heard (on this board) that grapefruit seed extract has good antibiotic properties and can prevent UTI's. (I know about cranberry... use it a lot.) Have others used it for UTI?
What I don't know is how long one can take it and what systems it affects. I like to know what risks are associated with a drug (even, or especially, an herbal one, because if I have a negative reaction the western docs won't know the mechanism of action that is affecting me). So, you take it internally, and then what happens? Does it stay in the digestive tract? Or does it go into the bloodstream? And how quickly does it work - as quickly as medical-grade antibiotics, or slower? And does it destroy beneficial yeast?
Thanks!
Answers: I have heard (on this board) that grapefruit seed extract has good antibiotic properties and can prevent UTI's. (I know about cranberry... use it a lot.) Have others used it for UTI?
What I don't know is how long one can take it and what systems it affects. I like to know what risks are associated with a drug (even, or especially, an herbal one, because if I have a negative reaction the western docs won't know the mechanism of action that is affecting me). So, you take it internally, and then what happens? Does it stay in the digestive tract? Or does it go into the bloodstream? And how quickly does it work - as quickly as medical-grade antibiotics, or slower? And does it destroy beneficial yeast?
Thanks!
The simple answer is that the experts don't really know how exactly GSE works, any more than they know how aspirin works. Some studies indicate it has some effect upon membranes.
The most common use is that travelers use grapefruit seed extract to get rid of stomach problems such as food poisoning or parasites from something bad they ate. It it believed to be able to get rid of harmful bacteria from food or water that was ingested. One time I got really bad stomach trouble while traveling and GSE saved me from a ruined vacation.
It also fights yeast infections such as candida and giardia yeast. Some say it does lower beneficial yeast but not as much as non-beneficial. More studies are needed to learn more. After taking GSE for a time it would be smart to eat some yogurt with probiotics.
Yeasts and molds are single-cell fungi, and antibiotics don't target fungi they target bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/199...
GSE seems to target fungi in some cases. Remember that eating refined sugar can create more yeast.
Be careful using GSE if you are on a prescription, because it can interact with medicines and change their effectiveness. So don't take it if you are taking any prescriptions.
GSE is a product that I have used for colds, flu, sore throat and it worked immediately. I tried it for a bacterial infection I had that spread ot my lymph glands and it worked temporatily but the infection kept coming back. I had no choice but to go with antibiotics and suffer with the side effects which were grueling. For your problem, I would go on the internet and search for other answers although it would not hurt to use it. You won't have any side effects and if does start to work keep using it for at least 10 days.
10 drops in a glass of water and drink.