Clostridium difficile, also known as C-difficile or C-diff, are bacteria that are naturally present in the gut of about two-thirds of children and 3 percent of adults, according to the UK National Health Service. In healthy people these bacteria cause no problems. However, when prescribed antibiotics interfere with the balance of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract, C-diff bacteria may multiply and produce toxins, causing diarrhea and fever. This is then considered a C-diff infection.
Symptoms of C-Diff
The severity and number of symptoms of C-diff vary depending on the seriousness of the infection. As well as diarrhea and fever, symptoms include blood in the stools, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nausea. C-diff may cause pseudomembranous colitis, which is inflammation and bleeding in the large bowel. It can also lead to perforation of the bowel, as well as blood poisoning and inflammation of the abdomen. C-diff can prove fatal, although, due to a tightening of hygiene standards in hospitals, numbers of cases have recently fallen.
Treatment of C-Diff
Since most outbreaks of C-diff infection are caused by antibiotics, the first step in treatment is to stop taking the offending medication. In many cases this is enough to halt the infection, although a drip may be necessary to replace fluids lost through diarrhea. In more persistent cases, a different antibiotic may be prescribed to treat the C-diff infection. Twenty to 30 percent of people experience a recurrence of C-diff because its spores are resistant to treatment.
How C-Diff Spreads
C-diff infection can be passed on by physical contact with carriers or by contact with contaminated sites. It is more likely to affect the elderly and those with low immunity, and may be prevalent in nursing homes or hospitals where people are ill or recovering from surgery. For this reason, if a stay in hospital is imminent, it may be beneficial to eat foods that boost your immune system. Foods high in antioxidants, including fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, red wine, dark chocolate, and spices, are good immunity boosters.
Treating C-Diff Through Diet
Foods high in soluble fiber such as oats and oat bran, beans, barley, strawberries, apple pulp and citrus fruits may help to prevent and treat C-diff, according to research published in "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology." Whole grains such as oats, wheat, bran and rice are thought to be helpful in relieving diarrhea symptoms, according to Mayoclinic.com. C-diff sufferers should also drink plenty of water and juices to remain hydrated, helping to flush out toxins and replacing lost fluids.
The Use of Probiotics
Probiotics may also be helpful in destroying the harmful bacteria in the gut and re-establishing a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. According to experts at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is some evidence that probiotics may shorten the duration of intestinal infections caused by C-diff. They are available as dietary supplements and are found naturally in fermented foods such as live yogurt, tempeh, sauerkraut, miso, and some juices and soy beverages.
References
- NHS Choices; Clostridium Difficile; March 2010
- Bupa; Clostridium Difficile; April 2010
- Antioxidant Chart: How to Choose Snacks High in Antioxidants
- MedlinePlus; Antioxidants; April 2011
- "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology"; Dynamics of Clostridium Difficile Infection. Control Using Diet"; P.B. Ward and G.P. Young; 1997
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; August 2008
