C. diff (Clostridium difficile) is a very serious and life-threatening intestinal/colon infection. It causes frequent and sometimes uncontrollable bouts of cramping and diarrhea, and can lead to life-threatening damage and inflammation of the colon. Overcoming the infection and preventing future recurrence can be difficult.
C. Diff and Antibiotics
The C. diff bacteria are determined to survive and thrive in the human body. Aggressive antibiotics are used to attempt to kill the C. diff bacteria. This in itself, although meant to cure the condition, actually causes other problems. Antibiotics don’t just kill the bad bacteria in the body; they kill all the bacteria. This means the good bacteria colonies in the intestines are wiped out along with the bad bacteria. This leaves a giant void in the intestines and colon – a huge empty space for bacteria to flourish. And the bad bacteria multiply faster than the good bacteria.
Ironically, C. diff infections often occur after antibiotic use for some other condition. When antibiotics wipe out nearly all the bacteria in the intestines, C. diff can move right in and multiply rapidly. And, C. diff knows when antibiotics are in the neighborhood. Antibiotics may kill the live C. diff bacteria, but they do not kill the spores that were left behind. These spores remain dormant while the antibiotics are around and they do not blossom until the antibiotics have run their course. So now, with a vacant intestine and colon, the spores have a huge empty space that they are happy to occupy, and the C. diff bacteria multiply out of control.
C. Diff Treatments
Treatment of C. diff infections include: antibiotics to prevent C. diff from multiplying (ironically and not all that successfully), surgery, and probiotics.
Probiotics and C. Diff Treatment
Probiotics are good bacteria. They benefit not only the intestines and colon, but the immune system is also greatly enhanced by the use of probiotics. So how do probiotics help conquer C. diff? There is only so much room in your intestines and colon. Bacteria cannot flourish where there is no room to move and reproduce. If you “feed” your intestines good bacteria that grow and flourish, there is no room for the blossoming C. diff spores to live.
The most beneficial probiotic strain to help conquer and prevent recurring C. diff infections is Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii). It is rare that S. boulardii can be found on its own in capsule form, or in yogurt or kefir, but it is often found in a broad-spectrum probiotic capsule. That simply means that S. boulardii is one of several strains of good bacteria in the capsule.
It is recommended that the probiotic capsules are ingested while taking the antibiotics -- take the probiotic capsules in between the antibiotic doses. This puts the good bacteria into your system, they begin to flourish, and they are ready to multiply like crazy once you’ve finished taking the antibiotics, giving any remaining C. diff spores little room to multiply. Given the numerous benefits probiotics provide for the immune system, taking a probiotic daily throughout your life is a wise thing to do.
Florastor is a broad-range probiotic that contains the strain Saccharomyces boulardii; studies demonstrate that S. boulardii is a good way to fight recurrent C. diff infection. Florastor is a well-known product and it should be considered when patients are troubled by a return of the infection.
Probiotics, C. Diff and Patience
Although there are very few studies confirming the effectiveness of probiotics in conquering C. diff infections and preventing their recurrence, I have worked with elderly friends who have contracted serious cases of C. diff, and the addition of probiotics has greatly contributed to their recovery. Along with medically supervised antibiotic treatments, removal from the hospital or care facility where the C. diff bacteria is prevalent (if possible), and taking immediate preventive measures, when probiotics are taken in medicinal amounts the C. diff infection disappears. It doesn’t happen over night, but with diligence and patience it should eventually happen.
Preventing C. Diff Infections
Ways to prevent C. diff infection include washing your hands with soap and warm water. Hand sanitizers do not necessarily kill the C. diff spores. When living with or treating someone with C. diff, wear disposable gloves and gowns. All surfaces should be carefully disinfected with a products containing chlorine bleach. C. diff spores can survive routine cleaning products that don't contain bleach. And lastly, avoided unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Sources:
- Gary B. Huffnagle, Ph.D., The Probiotics Revolution, (New York: Bantam Dell, 2007).
- “ C. difficile – Definition, “ Mayo Clinic, accessed January 17, 2011, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736.
- “C. difficile – Symptoms,” Mayo Clinic, accessed January 17, 2011, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736/DSECTION=symptoms.
- “C. difficile – Treatment and Drugs,” May Clinic, accessed January 17, 2011, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs.
- “Try probiotic treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection,” Health and Age, accessed January 17, 2011, http://www.healthandage.com/Try-probiotic-treatment-for-recurrent-Clostridium-difficile-infection.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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