[mimsyborogoves]

So I was freaking out the other day about a really miniscule gain (3lbs isn't much, but I'm trying to win a Biggest Loser competition that ends on the 13th; I'm apparently in the running for cash prizes, so every pound counts at this point if I want some extra $$!), and I thought about something -- I just finished taking an antibiotic for a little bacterial infection... could that be why my body is having a mini freakout?

[berryblondeboys]

I gained 8 pounds in as many days when I was on an antibiotic last fall despite being completely on plan. And yes, antibiotics can make you retain water. Tooke me like a week to lose that water weight too.

[mandalinn82]

It's more likely to be the infection than the antibiotic (infection = immune response = swelling and water retention). Some antibiotics might mess with the bacteria in your intestines, which could affect fluid balance as well.

Either way, it's likely water weight.

[berryblondeboys]

No, it was the antibiotic that made me gain or the effects of it. I went up exactly a pound each day I was on it and hadn't gained any with the urinary tract infection I had which I didn't even know I had but was found in a routine test. Did some research on this antibiotic and a common side effect is weight gain. Temporary and water yes, but weight nonetheless.

[ValRock]

Yeup.

This is one of the many reasons I don't take antibiotics unless it's absolutely necessary. In Laymen's terms - Antibiotics destroy ALL your gut flora. Not just the critters we don't want running around. ALL of the critters. Some of those bugs do a good job of cleaning up your insides and killing things like yeast that can cause inflamation and water retention. You need your gut flora for a billion reasons.

You need to recolinize yourself ASAP. I make Kefir at home, but if you can't stomach that you can buy it commercially or eat yogurt with live cultures.