Probiotic Therapy For Clostridium Difficile

Clostridium difficile, a microorganism present in the environment and even in the intestines in small numbers, usually does not cause problems in healthy people. But sometimes, after a course of antibiotics, C. difficile can cause an infection, especially in people with compromised immune systems. Healthy individuals sometimes can contract this infection. A disruption in the normal balance of bacteria and fungi present in the intestines allows C. difficile to multiply and produce its toxins, which in turn cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotics can be beneficial in bringing things back into balance.

Infection and Probiotics

If you are prescribed any antibiotic by your doctor, ask him about taking probiotics to prevent C. difficile overgrowth. Clindamycin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones or penicillins are the most common antibiotics that predispose people to C. difficile infections.

Probiotics help in alleviating several signs and symptoms related to toxins released by C. difficile. Probiotics also reduce diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, gas and the duration of the infection.

According to the Mayo Clinic, probiotics can help reduce recurrence of C. difficile infection. Take probiotics containing Saccharomyces boulardii alongside antibiotic medication to help keep these infections from coming back.

Maintenance with Probiotics

Probiotics in the form of food or supplements can help to retain the healthful benefits. The bacteria and other microorganisms present in probiotics do not live for too long in the intestines, and must be replenished regularly. Make probiotics a part of your daily healthy diet to keep C. difficile growth at bay. Probiotics also give a general boost to the immune system, which makes you less susceptible to infections in general.

Probiotics That Help

Probiotics containing Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG have been used in preventing these infections by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and fungi in the intestines and preventing overgrowth of C. difficile. Other strains of probiotic organisms might be helpful too.

According to Cleveland Clinic, eating yogurt can help to prevent diarrhea from antibiotic intake; yogurt ,is a common probiotic food. Several other foods like kefir, good quality dark chocolate, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and tempeh contain large quantities of probiotics. Probiotics are also available as supplements in liquid, tablet or powder forms.

Precautions

Probiotics are foods, not drugs. Do not stop any medical treatment you are already receiving for the infection or symptoms. If you are experiencing diarrhea, drink enough fluids to replace lost electrolytes and eat a balanced diet to maintain good nutrition. Seek medical attention if you have any severe symptoms. Clostridium difficile infection can be very serious or even life-threatening. You may need antibiotics to kill the C. difficile in addition to probiotics. Do not take any anti-diarrheal medications without asking your doctor. Follow the advice of your doctor on how to prevent and treat this infection.