Pro-biotics and an alkaline diet?!
Question: I'm pregnant with a yeast, bladder and kidney infection. So my urine analysis has come back from the lab showing that my system is too acidic, to which my midwife attributes all my infections. So she has put me on an alkaline diet to balance my body's ph. For my yeast infection she has me on pro-biotics (acidophilus) which I just read about how they make an acidic environment in your digestive system. So aren't I defeating the pro-biotics with trying to eat only alkaline foods if it needs to make an acidic environment? It doesn't make sense. Is there anyone out there that knows more about this than me? I'm starving because I can't eat my favorite breads and meats. I can't seem to eat enough veggies and fruit to get full.
I am on Bio-K (heavy duty acidophilus), cranberry pills, digestive enzymes, some homeopathic stuff for bladder infections and grapefruit seed extract and of course my regular prenatal vities and extra V-C.
Can anyone help?
Please don't say, "Just ask your doctor"
Answers: I'm pregnant with a yeast, bladder and kidney infection. So my urine analysis has come back from the lab showing that my system is too acidic, to which my midwife attributes all my infections. So she has put me on an alkaline diet to balance my body's ph. For my yeast infection she has me on pro-biotics (acidophilus) which I just read about how they make an acidic environment in your digestive system. So aren't I defeating the pro-biotics with trying to eat only alkaline foods if it needs to make an acidic environment? It doesn't make sense. Is there anyone out there that knows more about this than me? I'm starving because I can't eat my favorite breads and meats. I can't seem to eat enough veggies and fruit to get full.
I am on Bio-K (heavy duty acidophilus), cranberry pills, digestive enzymes, some homeopathic stuff for bladder infections and grapefruit seed extract and of course my regular prenatal vities and extra V-C.
Can anyone help?
Please don't say, "Just ask your doctor"
I don't know about the probiotics and needing an acidic environment - but I would assume unless you've been on an alkaline diet for many many years you won't have much in the way of "good bacteria" and the probiotics will be very beneficial to preventing future infections. I know, because I am VERY prone to exactly what you are going through, especially when I am pregnant - it's miserable!! Here are some good recipies for alkalinity. Do you have a good blender, or can obtain one (such as a Vita Mix)? That will help all those dark leafy greens and other veggies and fruits go down a LOT easier, and you will feel fuller... the worst is when you're pregnant and trying to eat healthy, because I don't know about you but having anything in my mouth too long was nauseating - I just wanted something I could swallow down quick and be done with it, and make me full!
Try blending (and I know it sounds nasty, but it's not):
3-7 leaves of kale - very alkalizing and high in calcium.
25 strawberries (best deal is the frozen bag at Wal-Mart - $5.97).
2 bananas
1-2c water.
Optional - avocado! This is creamy and makes it taste like yogurt!!
"Mixed Berry" (12-16 oz. bag - again at Wal-Mart)
1 banana
1/2c water
Can add greens to that too, but it's soooo delish plain
Honeydew Melon - delicious and alkalizing - blend it and it makes a creamy delicious drink.
Salad:
Quinoa (an alkalizing grain)
Cut up one tomato
Cut up half a cucumber
Can add vinegar and oil ... not sure if that defeats the alkaline purpose, but it's also good without the dressing.
Check out www.living-foods.com in the Bulletin Boards under the recipies and juicing/blending forums for TONS of great recipies and ideas. The website is devoted to the vegan raw food diet, and those foods are alkaline. People there also offer great emotional support.
Good luck sweetie!!
http://www.naturalhealthschool.com/acid-...
No it is good because you have to replenish good bacteria.
http://www.phioninc.com/probiotics.htm
1) The "alkaline diet" stuff is nonsense. You can't change your pH no matter what you eat.
2) Probiotics may have a slight beneficial effect, but they won't cure any established infection. You need antibiotics for that.
3) Sorry, but you really need to see a REAL doctor. Your midwife is NOT QUALIFIED nor trained to do ANYTHING other than help with an uncomplicated delivery. The nonsense "diagnosis" of too acidic is evidence of that.
I'm truly not sure how these two interact...my homeopathic experience is limited and newly discovered. I know you asked not to hear this but you should ask your midwife to explain to you HOW these things work and if they are counter productive so she can give you her reasoning for using both when they sound counter productive. There are many people that don't believe that alternative medicine works...but I have seen it work so don't give up.