C diff stands for Clostridium difficile or C. difficile, a bacteria that is a major cause of antibiotic-associated colitis and diarrhea. Because of the frequent use of antibiotics, more and more hospitals are finding themselves on the front line in the battle against this pathogen. Although there is no specific diet that will eradicate this problem in your body, certain foods and supplements have demonstrated effectiveness in helping you overcome the ill effects associated with this bacteria.
Significance of C. Difficile Infection
According to experts published in "Gastroenterology Clinics of North America," the C. difficile bacteria produce two different toxins that cause injury and inflammation to the walls of your colon. Many patients who have C. difficile do not have symptoms. People who do not produce the correct antitoxin immune response seem to be the ones that become ill from the bacteria after they take antibiotics. The symptoms in patients who get sick range from mild diarrhea to full blown colitis. Treatment for C. difficile is the antibiotic Flagyl for mild to moderate illness and Vancomycin for more serious cases, states the Mayo Clinic.
Features of a C. Difficile Infection
Your intestines contain millions of bacteria, many of which keep you healthy. When you take antibiotics, some of them have a tendency to kill both the good and the problem bacteria in your gut, making you vulnerable to infection. C. difficile can quickly grow out of control if there are not enough healthy bacteria to balance the bad ones in your body. Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend that if you are taking antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, clindamycin and penicillins, you may be vulnerable to an overgrowth of C. difficile.
Types of Foods for C. Difficile
According to research published in "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology," diets with soluble fiber may be helpful in preventing and treating C. difficile disease. Foods high in soluble fiber include oat bran, oatmeal and oats, beans, barley, strawberries, apple pulp and citrus fruits. Banana flakes and Benefiber can be helpful in managing diarrhea. People with C. difficile should also take care to stay hydrated with clear liquid beverages, broths, juices and sports drinks.
Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics are tiny, live organisms that can be beneficial for your health. They help to displace the unhealthy bacteria that are living in your intestinal tract and maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic report that the natural yeast Saccharomyces boulardii may help prevent recurrent C diff infections when taking antibiotics. A study published in the "Journal of Pediatrics" determined that a healthy bacteria called Lactobacillus GG, found in a product called Culturelle, was found to limit the incidence of diarrhea in children taking antibiotics by 72 percent. According to experts at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics are available in fermented foods such as yogurt with live and active cultures, tempeh, sauerkraut, miso and some juices and soy beverages.
Potential for Malnutrition
People with a C. difficile infection are at risk for malnutrition due to poor appetite and diarrhea. Consider a multivitamin with minerals including zinc when you are fighting a C. difficile infection. The Mayo Clinic suggests eating foods such as rice, wheat, noodles and oatmeal if you have diarrhea. Other good choices are saltine crackers, applesauce, bananas, tea and soup. Some people will have trouble with milk products after a C. difficile infection, but that should improve if they haven't had trouble with milk products before.
References
- "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology: Dynamics of Clostridium Difficile Infection. Control Using Diet"; P. B. Ward; 1997
- "Gastroenterology Clinics of North America: Clostridium Difficile"; L. Kyne; 2001
- Mayo Clinic: C.Difficile
- "Journal of Pediatrics: Lactobacillus GG in the Prevention of Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Children"; 1999
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
