C. Difficile Cure Using Probiotics

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is an organism normally present in the bowel that becomes infective when healthy bacteria are killed, usually by antibiotics. C. difficile attaches to the gut wall and causes severe diarrhea symptoms. A serious problem in hospitals and institutions, it spreads easily and is resistant to treatment. C. difficile infection recurs in more than 60 percent of those treated, according to the World Health Organization. Probiotics have been shown to recolonize the bowel and restore balance.

Use Probiotic Combinations

• Probiotics are live organisms that benefit the bowel when taken in large enough amounts. A single strain may not be adequate to cure C. difficile. Lactobacillis and two types of bifidobacterium--bifidum and longum--work together to compete for intestinal space and nutrients that reduces the presence of C. difficile. Other probiotics may confer additional benefits.

High Doses are Necessary

• Use a high-quality probiotic supplement, prescribed or purchased at health food stores. Do not rely only on dietary sources of probiotics.The amount of acidopholus in ordinary yogurt is not enough to control C. difficile proliferation. Ten to 20 billion organisms daily for two weeks are necessary to replace those killed by antibiotics (see link in References). A maintenance dose of 1 to 2 billion organisms daily after that will ensure a healthy level of probiotics in the bowel.

Take Probiotics Often

• Frequency is as important as amount, so doses should be divided throughout the day. Take probiotics between meals on an empty stomach so that less of the culture is killed by stomach acids before reaching the bowel.