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C.Diff Remedies
"Clostridium difficile (pronounced also known as CDF/cdf, or C. diff) is a species of bacteria of the genus Clostridium which are Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming rods (bacillus). C. difficile is the most significant cause of pseudomembranous colitis, a severe infection of the colon, often after normal gut flora is eradicated by the use of antibiotics. Treatment is by stopping any antibiotics and commencing specific anticlostridial antibiotics, e.g. metronidazole."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridium_difficile
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
ACIDOPHILUS
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[WARNING!] 04/02/2011: Tome from Hendersonville, Nc writes: "I filled a prescription for Clindamycin two months ago at Wal... And was not warned about this aggressive bacteria and came down with it. Very nasty, could eat only Kefir for a month. I filled another prescription for Clindamycin two days ago and finally another pharmacy warned about this bacteria and cautioned not to use pain medicine or anti-diarrheal medicine to treat it as both will make it worse. Unfortunately, this Patient Information Leaflet did not advise patients that to prevent the c. Diff. You need to take acidophilus along with your antibiotic. I tried successfully the acidophilus from the health food store. My dentist told me about acidophilus that is coated and will last a long time outside the frig. Big price difference. Health food store refrigerated acidophilus capsules cost $22 while the coated acidophilus pills only cost $4.79 for 100 captabs. The caplets contain much less acidophilus than the refrigerated capsules, but I think the capsules are overloaded because the acidophilus does not last well and a lot of the acidophilus is lost once the bottle is opened. I am just guessing on this. This is a very bad bacteria that actually can (and in my case did) come back a couple of times. I just went back on the acidophilus regimen and it cleared up promptly. The Patient Information Leaflet should have advised us how to prevent this nasty bacteria but it did NOT."
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BE CAREFUL WITH ANTIBIOTICS
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 07/31/2008: ANNA from STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK writes: "I WAS STRUCK BY C.DIFFICILE WHILE TAKING CLINDAMYSIN. I ONLY TOOK 3 DOSAGES AND WENT THROUGH GREAT PAIN AND FEVER,COLITIS. AFTER A 10 DAY TREATMENT OF FLAGEL, C.DIFFICILE RETURNED., MY GASTROENTEROLIGEST THEN GAVE A HEAVIER TREATMENT OF FLAGEL FOR 10 DAYS. THIS TIME IT HELPED ,IT WAS UNDER CONTROL.MY DOCTOR EXPLAINED IT THIS WAY.,'IT WAS A NUCLEAR BOMB GOING OFF IN MY COLON AND INTESTINES AND THE CLINDAMYSIN KILLED OFF ALL THE BACTERIA'.
I WAS WARNED STRONGLY NOT TO EAT DAIRY. I WAS WEAK AND BUILT MY STRENGTH BACK UP. I CANNOT HAVE YOGURT. I ORDER A PROBIOTIC TO KEEP THE FLORA BUILT UP IN THE COLON. I FIND BANANA'S AND WHITE RICE HELPS, KEEP A BALANCE ON FIBER, BE CAREFUL WITH ANTI-BIOTICS WHEN YOUR PRESCIBED FOR AN ILLNESS. HAVE YOUR GASTROENTEROLOGIST PHONE# HANDY JUST IN CASE OF A RELAPSE WITH C.DIFFICE. I HAVE A GREAT GASTROENTEROLIGIST WHO IS THERE FOR ME A.M. OR P.M. WITH GREAT UNDERSTANDING."
Replies[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/27/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa replies: "Anyway,I am 43 and December 21st 2009 I had some dental surgery done and was put on clyndamyacin for ten days. About the third day in I developed diarrhea but my husband said all meds have side effects and I probably shouldn't worry about it. The next day I only took three doses instead of four and I was perfectly fine again.On 1-4-2010 a Monday I went back to the dentist for a follow up and told him what happened and told him I took all the meds just longer because I felt I didn't tolerate the four doses. He said that was fine and asked if I was okay now. I told him yes, no problems. Two days later my diarrhea started again for a few days ,then I was fine again for a few days and then it started getting worse. By the following Wednesday I started getting really concerned and went to the doctor. I told him what I was on two weeks earlier and my concerns about what I read about the side effects. He said to try yoghurt and rice and bananas for a few days and see if that helps, if not it could be something else you develop from antibiotics. To cure it I would have to go on another antibiotic, but it can go away on it's own. He probably said c-diff but that was a foreign word at that time. He said if I wanted to I could drop off a stool sample the next morning. I took it lightly at that point because I figured oh no big deal ,it will probably go away. Well that weekend was agonizing.I thought I was dying and have never felt the kind of pain I felt for those next couple of days. I read all of my natural remedies books and lived on slippery elm and pau'd arco tea ,but no relieve on the sools. I immediately dropped off the stool sample on the following Monday and didn't hear from the doctors, I didn't realize the test would take that long. By Thursday I didn't know what to do anymore because I had called every day and the test wasn't back yet,so the doc put me on metronidazole (flagyl) and by the next day my severe cramping was gone , I've been on this for 6 days now and I still have at least 10 or more stools,well ,diarrhea. I am so against antibiotics in the first place but thought I had to take them because of the surgery and of course I come down with the side effects.I have been online for hours,reading up on it and getting really scared that this may be a lifelong ailment to live with.I always considered myself a very healthy person,taking lots of supplements and vitamins, eating overall healthy,well for the most part and still I was not strong enough to fight this bacteria. So tonight I finally typed in alternative medicine for c diff and I can't tell you enough how encouraged I feel right now to beat this bug. Now a few questions maybe someone knows about already.Can I take all my regular vitamins and supplements while going through this? I usually take fish oil,vitamin e,c ,grape seed extract,cherry bark extract,potassium for my restless leg syndrome and a calcium, magnesium mix,which I won't take for now because that usually helps me go the bathroom.
Another thing,I have oil of oregano which I take during colds,could there be some benefit to help fight this bacteria? And can natural antibiotics like Myrrh,boswelia ,ecchinacea and garlic be used along with the antibiotics?
I am very encouraged about the cabbage juice and will go out tomorrow and get some cabbage.Even if it takes a few days ,if it helps I will try it.Can this bacteria be fought for good?"
01/28/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa replies: "I forgot to mention that I was also eating probiotic yoghurt when I was able to, but I guess I did it all wrong when I was eating with the flagyl... I bought some probiotic pills yesterday and the lady said to wait at least two hours or the acidophillus has no effect at all..... darn it, I wasted my time on that and money....making the cabbage juice today to try that too."
03/27/2010: Joe from Los Angeles, Ca. replies: "I have had this since 12/29/09. I thought it was a side effect of the z-pak antibiotic I was taking after have my deviated septum surgery.when I talked to my Dr. he said that the zpak should not have this side effect and to take pepto also prescribed some anti dirrareal med.and Flagyl. after a month there was no improvement and I went back to the DR. where they did a stool sample. about a week later I was told I have c diff and they then called in a PX. forthey other antibiotic for this condition since the flagyl did not work it seemed to be getting better but after a week of stopping the new med. The condition now is back to a very watery stool. Will it ever go away? What happens if it does not I heard this is a very dangerous infection. How does one live with this. I hate to go to work just incase I need to use a public restroom. Yes I have a phobia about public restrooms. How will I go on I am awaiting another visit to my DR. he is on vacation until 4/5. This is an awful situation."
03/27/2010: Jewelc from Lexington, Ky replies: "I had C-Difficile infection for 8 months in 2008 and lost 60 lbs. Below is finally what helped me conquer this beast and I have never gotten it back.
I pulse dosed the Flagyl or Vanco (whichever antibiotic they have you on) while I slowly increased the probiotics.
For example
Week 1 Vanco 2x daily , probiotic 2 x daily ( at
least 2 or more hours after antibiotic)
Week 2 Vanco 1 x daily , probiotics 3x daily
Week 3 Vanco every other day, probiotcs 3 x daily
Week 4 Vanco twice weekly, probiotics 3 x daily
Week 5 Vanco 1 x week , probitocs 3 x daily
It is very important to stay off of sugar during this time , because sugar feeds bad bacteria and causes it to grow, also just as important is the quality of probiotics, What worked for me was a well known brand found at any drug store that says LGG on the back of the box and another that had saccromyces boulardi which is a beneficial yeast. I took both of these together everyday."
03/28/2010: Sue from Va, Usa replies: "C-Diff - reply to Joe from Los AngelesI sympathize. I had this condition a few years ago. My dr prescribed saccaromycides (sp?) probiotic, various supplements to strengthen me generally, tested my iodine which was extremely low so put me on iodoral, and also prescribed cholesteramine (sp?), which is really a cholesterol drug that works by binding to fats in the intestines. It is also being used for c-diff to bind the pathogens, and it, along with the rest of the regimen, worked. There is hope. Just make sure your dr knows about all this. If not, find an MD who is also a certified nutrition specialist; I imagine the LA area has many. Good luck!"
04/07/2010: Denise from Manhattan, Ks replies: "I am suffering from my 3rd time with cdiff, First time was in May, 2009, and just recently March,2010. Was hospitalized both times for 2-3 days. I am on Flagyl and 2 other probiotics. I took Flagyl for 3 weeks and 1 week later I started having recurrent sx. So I am no on Flagyl again and planning to do the pulse dosing. It is so frustrating because the doctors etc. do not know much about this and I have spent hours on the web trying to discover the best probiotic and the best way to get rid of this. I have lost over 10 pounds and just want my life back. If anyone knows the best diet plan to follow please respond or any other advise."
04/13/2010: Tom from Missoula, Mt replies: "I am on my third bout of C. diff since the middle of February 2010. I contracted C diff after being treated with Avalox for pneumonia. I have been prescribed the standard protocol of Flagyl for the first episode, Vancomycin for the second and am doing a tapered pulse dosing of Vancomycin now. Sacharrmyces Boulardii has made a huge difference in my ability to live with C diff. I was taking as many as 20 450 mg capsules a day at the beginning of my third outbreak and only had about 2 bad days, compared with being bed ridden for 5 or 6 days with the first two episodes. I have now dropped down to about 6 or 8 capsules per day and can mostly lead a normal life. I don't think Sacharrmyces boulardii stops the bacteria, but literature indicates that it may destroy the toxins that cause the problems with the intestines. It also is very helpful for diarhea. Sacharrmyces boulardii is relatively inexpensive, about $12 for 50 capsules if bought over the internet."
07/21/2010: Dorothy from Charlotte, North Carolina replies: "I was diagnosed with C Diff back in May and I am already on my fourth course of antibiotics. I have had both Flagly & Vancomyacin. I am very interested in the Pulsed & Tapered Dose strategies for the antibiotics. Can anyone share the dosage and frequency used for either?. My MD will only perscribe the standard 4 times a day for 10-14 days. I have read several case studies on line that show both Tapered & Pulsed dosage with favorable results for patients with multiple relapses. They do not however provide any details and while it seems that most doctors are just guessing when they treat C Diff, I would like to hear what dosage & frequencies were effective for real patients! Any and all input would be appreciated. I am researching all the "alternative" therapies as well. I just started on the probiotics. So I will share the results soon."
10/21/2010: Miri from Kew Gardens Hills, New York replies: "I was diagnosed with c. Diff. On October 14, 2010, after being symptomatic for four weeks. I had been given Omnicef for pneumonia but had started to have the beautiful yellow, smelly, and loose stools even before taking Omnicef. A few weeks previously, I had taken Clindamycin for an infection in a tooth that needed a root canal. The fact that this spore is so tenacious has me discouraged and fearful of relapse. I am on a 3 1/2 week regimen of metronidazole and pray it knocks it out of me. I've not been able to attend my college classes and find myself falling behind. It is devastating to me, because I'm a straight A student and loath anything below an A. I also have endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, so I'm suffering four-fold. The good news is I am in good spirits and keep on going, because there is no other alternative. I'm frequently washing my hands and using Clorox wipes and bleach to clean. I have yet to do laundry, because I don't feel well enough. I also know I cannot ask any friends to do it for me due to how fastidious the spores are. The last thing I want is to put a friend at risk. I know I'm supposed to stay away from milk, but I just can't. I am taking Culturelle as a probiotic, and I thank whomever said to take it at least two hours after taking metronidazole."
10/22/2010: Tommy from North York, On, Canada replies: "Hi Miri,
I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering with this nasty bacteria. Usually people will get C. Difficile after using macrolids or any antibiotics of a large spectrum. The problem is that C. Difficile is a part of our normal flora but once we wiped out our flora, this bacteria takes advantage of the situation and grows wildly. If you are taking Flagyl, you can add S. Boulardii. Because this yeast has shown very interesting anti-C. Difficile activity. The other thing you can use is oregano oil. The problem is the oregano oil cannot reach the low intestines and get absorbed very quickly from the stomach, duodenum and it will never reach the sites where C. Difficile is. I don't know if a slow release formulation of oregano oil exists. But that will be the best choice against this nasty bacteria. You can take oregano oil slow release( if it exists) and S. Boulardii. Also L. Reuteri is a lactobacillus bacteria that inhibits the growth of C. Difficile. You can add that to. You need also L-glutamine to restore the damage colon mucosa. If the above treatment won't help, then look for a hospital or a clinic that can grows your own probiotics from your stools to billions per capsule and that can help you to eradicate C. Difficile. Also Ask your doctor for a antibiogram to know for sure if Flagyl is working. Because if flagyl is not working, there is no need to keep taking it. Hope for you the best help."
10/22/2010: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Miri,Recently, I have been posting here on my use of homemade kefir w/ living grains. Perhaps, you've seen the posts. Well, reading about your C. Diff I thought I should bring your attention to kefir and C. Diff. Kefir has almost 20 strains of lactobacilli, almost 30 strains of yeasts and almost 10 strains of streptococci/lactococci of which keep the intestine ecosystem healthy and our immune system strong.
Also, if you google kefir and C. Diff you will find some very interesting information of how kefir is being used to help rid C. Diff. I hope this information is of use to you.
There was an interesting article that would probably interest you in regard to this subject which I will include a portion of:
Clinical and Health Affairs
Resolution of Recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea Using Staggered Antibiotic Withdrawal and Kefir
By Johan S. Bakken, M. D. , Ph. D. Abstract"Eight patients, each of whom experienced recurrent episodes of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, were treated with staggered and tapered oral metronidazole or vancomycin combined with daily intake of kefir, an over-the-counter liquid probiotic dairy product. All eight successfully resolved their infection and did not experience any further diarrhea after completion of treatment. Further studies will be needed to determine whether gradual antibiotic withdrawal combined with kefir is a valuable treatment for recurrent C. Difficile-associated diarrhea."
If you decide to use kefir I would recommend making it yourself as it is so easy and far superior to commercial kefir. It is an amazing food that can help heal the body. Wishing you the best, Lisa"
10/23/2010: Jewelc from Lexington, Ky. replies: "I overcame c-diff in 2008 after having it for 8 months. I think the thing that helped me the most was taking many more probiotics than was recommended to me by my MD. I took Culturelle and Florastar at least 2 each 3 times per day. Also, healthy diet is important and no sugar while trying to get rid of this beast. Jewelc"
11/02/2010: Catherine from Portland, Oregon replies: "My C-diff was the cause of overdose on Cleocin. I was given this antibiotic for an insect bite during our vacation in July. The side effects from this drug were really evil and eventually the doctor ordered me to quit taking them. Two weeks later I had such bad abdominal pains I couldn't function. I dropped off a stool sample to the lab and two days later was prescribed Flagyl. Three weeks on the Flagyl and no change at all. I dropped off another stool sample to the lab & was prescribe vancomycin for 20 days @ 4times a day. Guess what? 2 days after I finished that dose, I dropped off another stool sample to the lab and it came back negative. I was starting to get bad again by the end of the week so the doctor had me return the following week to drop off yet another sample which came back positive. I had been told by the pharmacist that this is the last resort antibiotic and there is nothing else that can fix this problem.I have been taking probiotics that I get from a supplement store and have a new treatment plan. I do two days on, one day off for 2 weeks now. My problem is that the days I don't take anything, I am very sick by the end of the day still. I'm sure this pulsing treatment thing will work because I've heard from many people how successful it is. I also drink 32 oz of gatorade daily which keeps my potassium up. I am extremely allergic to milk, bananas & mint so I am limited on how I get these nutrients that my body needs. I have noticed that I crave coleslaw. After reading the information earlier about the cabbage, it makes sense. I was really concerned about messing up my digestive system with a vegetable that is so thick, but I haven't had any issues at all with it. I guess I've been very lucky because I haven't been hospitalized with this disease. I had also read that people with acid reflux issues have an environment that's more comfortable for these spores to live in. The information that I have found on sites such as this one is very informative. I am just tired of being sick all of the time and really concerned for my husband who is probably at a greater risk to get this disease, too."
11/03/2010: Coregon from Medford, Or replies: "To Catherine from Portland with C-Diff: Have you tried colloidal silver for your c-diff? I think probiotics is the correct direction for this to clear up, however the 32 oz of GatorAde you are drinking each day could be slowing your recovery from this. It is very high in sugar (works against probiotic benefits), and dangerous levels of salt to be drinking long term daily, and also has sucrose and fructose in it (Splenda and corn syrup.. Weight gain and other health problems), and artificial dyes and flavorings. If you want to make your own sports drink (safer, more effective and cheaper) I found this recipe:
Ingredients for Homemade Organic Sports Drinks:
* Pure Organic Fruit Juice (No High Fructose Corn Syrup! )
* Water or Green Tea
* Organic Sea Salt
Directions: Fill your sports bottle with half juice and half water (or tea). Add a pinch of organic sea salt, shake, and enjoy! "
11/03/2010: Tommy from North York, On, Canada replies: "Hi Catherine, You should take oregano oil slow release with S. Boulardii. This yeast antagonists against C. Difficile and also reduces the toxin loads. You add to that Flaxseed oil and some probiotics."
02/13/2011: Danny from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Dear Lisa in Thousand Oaks,
I'm also in So Cal. Am very interested in how you make your homemade kefir. I resolved a case of c. Diff with store bought kefir once about 2 years ago, now treating for borderline suspected sibo (xifaximin) and want to start kefir immediately when finished to prevent another bout of c. Diff. Can you point me to a prior posting of yours that explains how you make your kefir? Wold be endebted.
Many Thanks,
Danny"
02/14/2011: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Danny, If you go to the kefir section here on EC you will see my posts regarding kefir and its benefits. I also post sites that you can learn more about it. Since you are here in CA, may I suggest you also consider using raw milk to make your kefir from. We are okay here in CA regarding raw milk. At least for now... If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer them! Hope this helps."
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BENTONITE CLAY
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[YEA] 12/01/2009: Kimberly from Lincoln, Ne writes: "c. diff - the only thing that worked for me was betonite clay. I tried probiotics, yogurt, kefir( yogurt drink). The clay helped tremendously"
Replies12/22/2009: Wendy from Ada, Mi replies: "I was wondering when taking the bentonite clay were you on any antibiotics for the c.diff. For instance, I am taking vancomysin currently for the c.diff but was wondering if I can and should take the bentonite clay while still on the antibiotics or if I should wait? I have been on flaygl for like 6 days (that didn't work) and now I have been on vancomysin for 10 days and the doctor is extending it for another 7 days. I went to the health store and purchased it and also some super dophlis but I didn't know if I should try the bentonite clay right now? Any suggestions? I need this nastiness to go away. I should also mention this is my second time getting this in 5 years....all because of antibiotics."
12/22/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Wendy,
I don't have the answer to your question on the bentonite clay, but I suspect that the answer is that the worst thing that would happen would be the clay might bind with the antibiotic, which might turn out to be a good thing because most people develop c diff after a round or two of antibiotics, which probably results of an overgrowth of bad organisms after the good guys in our guts are killed off by the antibiotics.
If this is true, then the bentonite clay and taking Probiotics should be more beneficial than another antibiotic. If the expense of probiotics is a problem you can pull up cultured cabbage recipes on-line and make your own much cheaper. Hope you get rid of that unwanted side effect quickly."
01/01/2010: Jennifer from San Francisco, California, United States replies: "Hi Everyone -
I am new to this forum and thankful for what I have read so far. I have been dealing with C Diff since August 2008 after taking Augmentin prescribed by my sinus doctor, been on Flagyl 4 times and I have lost 15 pounds. So Frustrating!! I am getting so tired of it all, I am looking heavily into Probiotics and taking the time to really read, learn and take action.
Right now, I am eating Activa yogurt which is helping a little and Yakult another type of yogurt. I am researching Probiotic foods, to make some major changes to my diet. Has anyone heard of Buttermilk as a good Probiotic? What specific foods and supplements do you suggest and what has worked the best for you?
This is the first time I have heard of Bentonite clay and am intrigued. I will look into this as a possible next step. My doctor says that since I have had 3 reoccurreces of C Diff since my original bout, the chance of another reoccurence is quite high.I am doing all I can to ensure that this dose not happen and I am healthy once again."
02/16/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa replies: "I have left several posts about my c-diff but no responses at all.This thing is very frustrating and I am trying to find help and answers.Went today to get more probiotics and the person there told me it is very important to take the probiotic that has Saccharomyces Boulardii in it.I asked her about taking bentonite clay and diatomaceous earth to absorb the bacteria which I read on EC. She was concerned that if it attracts the bad bacteria it may also attract the good which then becomes a vicious cycle. Does anyone have any information regarding these issues. I am trying to feed my body as much good bacteria as I can and also is it possible to over-do it on the good?
There are so many questions and worries that I have at this point and I'm stuck on finding out more. One says how great the bentonite clay is for your body,a nother one says it messed up their body and so on. I am starting to get very confused about what to do , but need to find a solution to get rid of this bacteria. The medical sites don't know anything other than to keep you on more antibiotics."
03/14/2010: Kaleid from Dayton, Oh replies: "Bentonite clay is very beneficial but do not use diatomaceous earth! Diatomaceous earth may be powdery to us when you first look at it but microscopically it is made up of tiny shards like glass. It is mostly used to kill pest with soft body parts like slugs. Do not take this internally. Don't even touch it with your fingers. Bentonite clay is completely different than diatomaceous earth. Bentonite clay is a highly absorptive material that cleans your intestine and absorbs toxins. I hope you read this before it's too late."
03/20/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa replies: "Hi Kaleid, thanks for the info,but I have googled the Diatomaceous Earth and read other articles about the food grade kind and I see no danger. I've been taking it for over a month now and I feel great now. Is there maybe a difference like always with food grade and industrial grade?"
08/10/2011: Janet from South Bend, In replies: "I am going through c-diff for the 3rd time. First hospital put me on clear liquids and I was really ill, 2nd time Dr just gave me anti bacterial prescription and no diet and I was really ill, the 3rd time the Dr at the hospital put me on baked skinless potatoes, mashed potatoes, white pasta, white rice, white bread and clear boullion with no salt. No butter, oil or seasoning. This along with anti bacterial drug and I never got the diarrhea."
08/30/2011: Julie from Spring Valley, Ny replies: "Hello, I wanted to add this to the list of suggestions for treatment of C-Diff... In 2002 I had C-Diff for 1 month with no relief... Then, someone very knowledgeable(whom I STILL call my guardian angel! ) at my local healthfood store recommended that I take in combination 2 things: 1)Bio-K plus liquid.. This is a very potent strain of acidophilus (CL-1285)which has been studied and proven effective specifically against C-Diff(scientific articles here on website Scientific Studies and Research | Bio-K )...You need to start with 1/4 bottle(each bottle is 2-3oz), and work you way up to entire bottle, dosing2-3x /day...2)Mag O7 capsules, by aerobic Life!!! . The Mag o7 is an oxygen supplement bound to Magnesium... C-Diff is anaerobic and cannot survive in presence of 02... I believe I took the caps first and then 1/2-1hr later the BioK so the caps wouldn't kill the BioK.
I had instant relief but needed to stay on for 2-3 weeks to feel completely better... Hope this helps someone, because C-Diff is misery!
Julie
p.s. I am on this website because more recently I have been suffering from a different type of abdominal pain(weird gas pockets), especially when I lay down, and also seem to have developed milk intolerance (but not lactose, oddly enough as their is an actual test for this) and was wondering if this was maybe a possible result of my prior C-diff infection... Well maybe I will just try my old remedy and see if it works, but also will try the bentonite, because that sounds like it will absorb toxins.. just what I need! ..."
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05/23/2009: Jacqui from Scottsville, Kentucky USA writes: "Hi, Two weeks ago I was given antibiotics for complications of the flu bug, they call the Antibiotic the Zpack, a 5day course, I also had an Antibiotic shot.
The day after starting the pack I felt really well, but as the days went on, my throat felt not quite right, and the day of taking my last antibiotic pill,as the day progressed I could feel the original symptoms start back, hence early hours I awoke with terrible lower back pain, which ended up with me being admitted to Hospital, after tetss done etc a day later I was diagnosed with C.diff. I am now on 1500MG of Flagyl antibiotic which is not nice to take, I feel very lethargic, weepy, in other words just extremely miserably ill.
I read on this site of other people having had this awful C.diff and using the Bentonite Clay,where would I purchase this from please, I know one can purchase this clay at Farm Shops, but would be afraid to use that incase it has other additives??
As well as the 1500mg Flagyl daily, I am taking Aloe Vera Gel,and Acidophilus tablets trying to get my Colon flora back to normal. I would take the Bentonite Clay if I knew where to get it and maybe anyone who knew could email me. I would be very grateful for any advise.
What I want to know is...WHY do Drs give Antibiotics to patients knowing there is a chance they will strip the patients' good flora from their Colon and end up like myself with C.diff, it is appalling,and reading through there are many people around in the same situation as myself, these Flagyl are causing heartburn, fuzzy head, sickly feeling, is probably the liver trying to deal with it all.
I hope someone can help me please as to what I can do, and to advise me where I can get Bentonite Clay from.
Thank you. Regards Jacqui"
05/23/2009: Sandra from Portland, OR replies: "Hello there. Thanks to all who make this wonderful resource available to us! I usually buy bentonite clay online from Mountain Rose Herbs but I have also found it in bulk at Whole Foods around the vitamins section. I hope this helps."
05/24/2009: Silvia from Princeton, NJ replies: "i bought it from earth's living clay. Carol who runs the business responds to questions if you have any about the use, so it's better than a random chain that carries it. I am taking it to prevent and control c.diff. relapse (i've had it for the past 3 months) one 2 oz mixture in the morning before you've eaten and one in the evening - at least an hour after you've eaten. you mix 1/4 cup of the clay with 2 cups of water and shake the mixture before you pour the doze. Also, make sure you use all plastic or glass materials for the spoon and bottle and cup from which you drink, since metal will interact with the clay and strip it of its positive function. keep us updated on how you beat this horrible disease!"
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BENTONITE CLAY, OIL OF OREGANO
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[YEA] 10/09/2011: Adam from Dallas, Texas writes: "Just thought I'd give my quick. 02 cents. I have UC Ulcerative Colitis... Had it since 1999 and I've been able to keep it in remission overall... I've been lucky. I take probiotics, multivitamin, cod liver regularly... No meds. I'm pretty healthy overall.
I got C-diff a few years ago... It stirred it all up and put me in the hospital for two weeks... Pretty serious. Once the c-diff and the damage it caused was cured... I've since kept it in check with diet and the supplements I mentioned... Pretty basic... No real meds.
Just recently I've had some funk down below... And I recognized the smell from when I was really sick before. I finally realized that I might have c-diff again... Everything added up once I started reading/thinking/paying attention to the symptoms.
So...I did some recent research... Came across this thread and others. I decided to try the Bentonite Clay... And oil of oregeno. I saw results overnight really.
I started using a lot of things at once because I am/was a little scared... But a combination of Bentonite Clay and Oil Of Oregano seems to have detox'd my gut and gotten rid of the c-diff... At least the really noticeable signs... Watery stool, little signs of blood, bad smell... None of which are normal for me. I noticed real results in days... And it was gone in about a week. I took both Oregano and Bentonite on an empty stomach... Faded out the oregano once I saw real results (5-6 days). Once it seemed like I was really about done... I started having some cramps/ pain...so I backed off most everything... And took aloe gel and creeped back in with clay and all the others... Except oregano. I'm having normal healthy bowel movements now. I still have some healing to do... My gut just feels taxed.... But I'm pretty sure I'm good to go in as few as days... probably a couple of weeks at most.
The clay is easy and mostly flavorless... Seems to be pretty safe overall and effective for countless things. I'll probably be taking a maintenence dosage from here on out. It helps with ph... Which seems to be pretty key in keeping things working but I've never payed attetion to it... Just when I'm scared. I chose a brand of clay that is just a liquid in a brown bottle I saw it at two different popular health food stores. I took it twice a day... Then a few times a day for a couple of days once I didn't have issues and noticed real change. My aunt works at a popular health food store... And she was helpful... Turns out she takes bentonite clay everyday... So that helped me take it with confidence... I wasn't too sure about it until I talked with her.
I also took/take:
Coconut Oil
Tumeric
L-Glutamine - empty stomach
Good Probiotics - Boulardi type
Aloe Vera Gel - empty stomach
Multivitamin
Cod Liver Oil
I don't necessarily recommened all this at the same time so much... But it is all good stuff for the gut... I mix it up... And used each during the main detox week.
I ate/eat a lot less sugar, dairy... And drank tons of water. Laid off beer/coffee completely. That said... My appetite is healthy and I've always found that my systems rallies quicker when I eat a lot... And regularly... Just not a bunch of bad food... But not necessarily health food either... Just mindful of certain things and when I eat them. I eat alot of turkey sandwiches.
Hope this helps someone. Both the Clay and Oregano were new to me as I've always looked for Colitis info... Not so much c-diff. Both seem to be pretty effective for a multitude of things. I'd recommend them. Good Luck!"
10/10/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Adam, have you considered including iodine in your daily regimen.Here is an interesting article called "The End of Antibiotics and the Rise of Iodine" and it has some interesting comments on C - Diff.
02/03/2012: Adam from Virginia Beach, Va replies: "Adam, this is Adam from Virginia Beach! So yeah, I did a course of Flagyl for 10 Days and alternated Probiotics in between, and things were back to, if not better than normal after 10 days.. Of course I thought things were good, so I stopped the probiotics right at the same time the Flagyl was done... A week later it's back... I'm sure the Flagyl worked to a certain degree, but obviously it didn't eradicate it fully and I should have stayed on the probs. So rather than go right to the Flagyl again, I was reading up on the methods and the clay and oregano oil sounds fascinating...Question though. I bought bentonite clay in powder form, how much would you take and how often daily? and I have 150 mg tabs of oregano oil... However, if the clay is a natural drawing out agent, wouldn't it draw the oregano oil or sacc. boulardii? Definitely would be interested on an update with your status as well."
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C- DIFF WARNINGS
04/22/2011: Betty from Baton Rouge, Louisiana writes: "I had a screening colonoscopy, which I should never have had. I was not having any trouble at all with my stomach and could eat anything that I wanted. I was Just talked into it by my doctor. I am 77 years old. After the procedure, the doctor told me that everything looked fine. He removed one polyp and said that I had a little diverticulosis, which anyone my age would have.
About three or four days after the procedure, I began to have stomach pains in my upper abdomen that progressed to really being painful. I called the doctor and told him and he ordered me to come in for a CAT scan. I did the prep the next day and went in. After the scan he called and said that I had diverticulitis, which I had never had before. I really think there was something done to my colon that should not have been done. He gave me levaquin and flagyl to take for 14 days. After this I continued to have diarrhea and cramping. I called him again and he ordered a stool culture, which I did the next two days.
After this, he called and said that I had C. Diff. I was devastated, all this for having a colonoscopy that I did not want. I am now on Flagyl. I refused to take the vancomycin, because it was so expensive. Even with my insurance it was going to cost me $500. He agreed to me taking the Flagyl if I took two probiotics with it. He told me to get Florastor and take four times a day and Flora Q to take two times a day. The pharmacist had to order it for me. I have been on this for two days now and have not seen any relief yet. The antibiotic is causing more diarrhea than the C. Diff. I would advise anyone that is not having any trouble to never have a screening colonoscopy. At my age, I should have known better. My family and the doctor was greatly encouraging me. My gut was telling me I did not need it. I will listen to my gut next time."
Replies10/11/2011: Timh from Louisville, Usa replies: "Betty, for my chronic colon problems, I use milled flax seeds daily, aloe vera softgel every other day. I also use magnet therapy for the reduction of inflammation and promotion of healing. I sleep on a M pad at night, and wear a M belt during the day. This is a good baseline regimin, imho. Good luck."
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C-DIFF ARTICLES
09/17/2008: Earth Clinic writes: "We recommend the interesting article in today's Wall Street Journal called: Rising Foe Defies Hospitals' War on 'Superbugs'
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122160848756745487.html"
Replies09/28/2010: Lbb from Austin , Tx, Usa replies: "My chocolate lab has had recurring C. Difficile infections for the past 4 years beginning when she was a puppy. We tried the vet route of metronidazole and it would just recur every month like clockwork. I even tried treating her for 3 weeks instead of the 7-10 days the vet would prescribe (ordered the metronidazole from a fish supply site) but it would still recur. I tried the probiotic sacromycees boulardi for a year with no avail. I then saw a post on curezone.com that someone had cured their c. Difficile infection by using oregano oil for 6 months. I started my dog on just the oregano oil in February 2010 right after another bout and continued daily (4 drops in capsule dropped in her food bowl at dinner) and continued through the end of August. It is now September 28, 2010 and she has not had any bouts of diarrhea since February before I started the oregano oil. Her bms continue to be formed and normal in consistency. I used Nature's Answer oregano oil and gave her 4 drops daily for 6 months."
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C-DIFF WARNINGS
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[WARNING!] 09/18/2009: Dkh from High Point, Nc writes: "Please warn your readers that C-diff is now more dangerous then it used to be. My Dr. one time laughingly told me that he knew he had caused a couple of his patients to get C-diff. Just because of course he had prescribed a anti-bioitc that his patients needed to recover from something else. C-diff was a common or fairly common after effect for some folks after anti-biotic treatment, as the anti-biotic causes diahrea which disturbs the bodies natural flora or bacteria in the intestinal tract.
However, about ten years ago or around that time, the bacteria became more resistant to being cured by flaygl or vankomycin. My mother got this disease and it was not from anti-biotics another thing to note, she got it from a colonoscopic exam.
After weeks of treatment with vankomycin, flaygl, dehydration, not being able to eat and yet gaining forty pounds of fluid she died.
This was unique at the time, but not as much any longer. One of the main reasons for her death, which is why I write at this time of year, is that she caught this illness at the typical cold and flu season, in the height of it. This year we are experiencing a pandemic flu that is predicted to overwhelm our health care system. Therefore what happened to my mother may happen again, Dr.s offices telling patients with c-diff it is just flu and to use a otc product to stop the diahrea, which is the worst possible thing to do.
This bacterium is like a cork screw it literally eats into your colon, with the many feet of colon we have, it is easy for the bacteria to be in a fold and after treatment is stopped it crops up again in a couple weeks. You are not healed of this until you have at least 3 negative tests, two weeks apart. Then anytime you get a return of symptoms it may have come back and you need to get into the Dr. asap.
People can become dehydrated and their entire system weakened especially if it gets to the point where they can no longer eat anything by mouth.
If her life saves one, then God has used it for a purpose, because friends this is a stupid way to die. It should not happen. In order for it to not happen it has to be taken as serious as it can be, not that it will be, but if you do not know, err on the side of safety and do not, let anyone tell you it is just the flu, or it is a easy thing to get over."
09/29/2011: Sherri from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Dear DKH,I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your story and tell you that I am so very deeply sorry for the passing of your mother. It makes me so angry and sad to read what the doctors did TO her. My heart and prayers are with you and your family."
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CHARCOAL, FERMENTED FOODS
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 12/21/2010: Dale from Rushville, Ny, Usa writes: "First, I am no one special, just someone who has experienced c-diff, now for my second time. The first was 15-20yrs ago the second (presently). My first (as anyone who has had the dubious pleasure will attest to) was a visit to hell. It truly feels like you will never get better. I don't really worry about the flu, surgery, or many other medical issues... C-diff gets my full attention. Anyway, I have to say, I had hoped that, since my first experience, the "people trained to fix us" would have "perfected" their treatment of this insidious ailment. I was wrong!!!
This year, for me, has been the "year from hell". It began with a couple of months of a very sick gall bladder, and removal, then another bout of diverticulitis, and now another visit from the beasts of c-diff. (I'm 57 and "they" lied about the golden years). All that to get to this... After starting on flagyl for the treatment of c-diff, and after 1wk with no relief, my doc prescribed the "next in line" Vancocin. This is apparently such an old med that most pharms don't carry it in stock and I had to wait a day to get it. Well, as a result of my previous experience, I really didn't want to wait, so visited this site and some others, and read about others battling c-diff.
Long story shortened a bit... I bought some activated charcoal (absorbs c-diff toxins) , and went to an oriental store for some "kimchee"(fermented cabbage)(also spelled Kimchi I think). That was 2 weeks ago. I did not start the vancocin because within my "waiting time" to pick up the meds, I thought I started feeling a little better and my stools seemed to be smelling a little less obnoxious. I still have not begun the vancocin and am eating the Kimchee. The pain is gone, am regaining some strength, and starting to feel somewhat human again. Of course, as we c-diff veterans have come to know, time will tell!
As with any info you may glean from whatever source, do your own research! This post may be worth nothing to you, or maybe a gift from God. I pray it is the latter. I find, for myself, that I am more and more willing to try what others, who have "been there", have tried and have found success. I wish you well!"
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COLLOIDAL SILVER
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10/14/2009: Joanie from Seattle, Wa writes: "I take colloidal silver when c-diff symptoms return and it works very well. I get the silver from ___ and an 8 ounce bottle lasts for 6 months or more. It's good for killing over 1,000 types of bacteria and it can be used in place of antibiotics which will prevent one from getting c-diff in the first place."
Replies01/05/2010: Sarah from Detroit, Mi replies: "Have you tested negative for C.diff after taking the colloidal silver? I was told that silver helps but I want this disease gone."
[NAY] 04/17/2010: Ken from Lindon, Ut replies: "I was told by my doctor (who is also very open to alternative treatment) that colloidal silver is not very effective treatment with C-diff. I have tried it myself with little or no positive results.
So now I am trying some of the other suggestions (such as pulsing and taking clay). I will post my results as something positive happens."
08/14/2010: Virginia from Port., Ore. replies: "Try oil of oregano it seems to really work as well as colloidal silver."
08/23/2010: Tabvan from Mechanicsburg, Pa replies: "Silver Sol is better than colloidal because it is smaller particles and can enter the red blood cell and be carried to all parts of the body. It is not ionic but a new solution by a Dr Pedersen and has a patent. My c-diff started the end of Feb 2010 and I am on my 4th round of pulse with Vancomycin. I was hospitalized 2 times for a week each. And 2 times in the ER overnight and then left go home because the vomiting stopped. I started with two doses of Flagyl and got deathly ill during my 2nd dose which was my first week in the hospital. I had IV Flagyl and Vancomycin was started. I am now pulsing 3 weeks at time since the week long treatment didn't help. Just started on 2 times a day and so far all stools are formed. This has been a LONG year."
08/23/2010: Tabvan from Mechanicsburg, Pa replies: "Wanted to ask the question about stools floating when we have
C-diff. It is formed but sinks does that mean we are not healing?"
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DIETARY CHANGES, MULTIPLE REMEDIES
12/13/2011: Jmo from Seattle, Wa writes: "I have been recently diagnosed with C. Diff. I got it from taking Cepro for a week for a kidney infection. I am 31, healthy and have hardly been on antibiotics my entire life. My sister got C. Diff a few years ago from taking antibiotics for a UTI. I knew the dangers of antibiotics, and wished I had taken more probiotics after. I wanted to write in for others who suffer from this horrible bacteria and what my sister and I have found to be helpful. When I was diagnosed, the doctor did not tell me about this illness, they made it seem like I had a little bacterial infection and all I needed to do was take antibiotics. There was no discussion on diet how CRUCIAL probiotics are and how it is contagious. If I hadn't known better I would have thought it was no big deal, just as they make it sound. It is a sad shame that I have to research this on my own. I suppose there isn't enough information for this disease and perhaps they don't want to scare people about this rapidly growing epidemic.
I have found that diet is very important. Before I was diagnosed I found certain foods I could have a fairly normal bowel movement. I did not explore too much and found the following to be very helpful: Eggs, squash, gluten free products (to avoid more yeast build up) AVOID SUGAR-that means fruit too(bacteria love sugar), Ezekiel bread, garden burger, proteins such as salmon, turkey. Low fiber vegetables-I did not find too many that agreed with me. Certain cheeses seemed to be alright, like the lighter cheeses. Multigrain cereal, like Barbara's brand. 1TBS of Flax meal a day.
My sister maintained a gluten-free, sugar-free diet for two months after going off antibiotics. This helped tremendously. She took the following and continues to do so on some. Acidophilus bifidus-400 billion Bentonite Clay, taken after antibiotics & probably a few weeks after probiotics. Garden of Life-Primal Defense. Nutribiotic GSE Grapefruit extract. Colloidal Silver-drink a small glass. Colostrum powder. Sacro B. Flore-Restore. I found Turmeric is powerful.
I think it is important that anyone going through this to always watch your diet for the rest of your life. Try to keep your body alkaline. Avoid excess sugar, greasy fatty foods, and alcohol. Read up on books that deal with natures antibiotics. Hopefully someday we find a cure and nobody has to go through this life altering illness."
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GENERAL FEEDBACK
01/08/2012: Lilrev from Pickering, Ontario Canada writes: "I'm so sorry to hear of those still suffering from c-diff and very happy to hear of those who have been cured! I've had c-diff for nearly three months; just finishing my third round of antibiotics... Second time for vancomycin but now it's double the dose. I don't know if anyone else has had abdominal swelling and pain and does that fit with c-diff? If anyone is continuing at their job, I'd really appreciate knowing how they are managing with lack of food and energy or the alternate of trying to eat but running to the bathroom all day? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Take care everyone and get better soon!"
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MULTIPLE REMEDIES
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[YEA] 01/23/2012: J from Greeneville, Tn. writes: "C diff -- My sister got a bacterial lung infection after aspirating a piece of pizza around Christmas time. Long story short, she became very short of breath and went to the ER. She was admitted to hospital and treated with steroids and vanco. Her levels got to high and she went home on oral antiobiotics. after one day at home became very short of breath again. We began to nebulize fghp which helped immediately and cleared up her lungs however the next day came down with c diff. she had all the symptoms and was very miserable. We began with digestive enzymes. Colliodal silver. Alkalinzing pill, oil of oregano and peppermint. 100% better the next morning and so far diarrhea has not returned. Hope this helps others."
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[YEA] 11/15/2011: Pamela from New Braunfels, Tx writes: "I contracted C-Diff after a dental implant and long use of strong antibiotics. Many think that just by taking probiotics you can get rid of C-diff. Nope. You must use something strong and doctors often use probiotics with some form of antibiotic.
Anyways this is what I am using. Turmeric Standardized 2 tablets twice a day, 2 Nutribiotic Maximum Strength Defense Plus (grapefruit Seed Extract) Lugols iodine 5 drops 2 times a day up to 4x a day. Or use iodine Plus-2 once a day. Twin Labs Betaine HCI with pepsin, 1 tab 1 or 2 times a day. Nature's Plus Mini Reds 2 a day, 1 coq10 200 mg, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Vitamin D 2000 mg, Nature's way B- Stress Formula 1 a day. zinc, 1 selenium 200 mg. Garden of Life OmegaZyme Ultra 1 a day. Barleans Cod liver fish oil, Barleans Omega Twin, Florastor/and or Jarrow Formulas Saccharomyces Boulardii plus MOS 1 or 2 a day. And Garden of Life Ultra Primal Defense as needed.
My thought is that the Turmeric can kill the C-Diff and there is a lot of research on it. Oh yes and I eat yogurt daily. Good Luck. Use for at least a month to two months depending on the severity of the problem. Oh if you start getting to sleepy cut back on the Probiotics just a little, as they are yeast products and if getting to much can make you tired."
Replies11/17/2011: Pamela from New Braunfels, Tx replies: "I wanted to make an update to this article. I'm just using the Standarized tumeric from nature's way now and not the grapefruit seed extract as I know the tumeric alone will kill C-Diff it as far as a herb antiobiotic and has been tested to be equal to Vancomycin in test studies (google turmeric and c difficile). And since we are trying to bring back flora overkill is not necessary with the grapefruit seed extract. Instead of using the HCI and pepsin, I'm using Future Biotics daily enzyme only if I have indigestion or heartburn it has Pancreatin 4X and betaine HCI and Lactobacillus 66 million in 2 tabs. Or if my tummy is hurting I reach for the Primal defense and/ or the Florastor.When I use the co-q10 I'm using a product brand from vitacost called CoQ10 Alpha Lipoic Acid Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl -- 700 mg. It is their brand name, and an easy way to get these very powerful antioxidants and immune builder's in one pill at a cheap cost. I'm also using Nature's Plus Bioperine when I take the Standardized Turmeric as it helps enhance it use.
When I first started I could barely eat anything with out throwing it up or it coming out of the other end so I used the Garden of Life's primal defense and the Florastor and Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus EPS a lot in the beginning. Cod Liver Fish Oil is also a big part of this and I don't always use the Barleans Omega Twin just sometiems. Iodine is an important part of this because most of us are low in iodine and iodine will kill C-diff spores. I use Iodine plus 2 or the Iodoral 12. 5 mg. But I am in my 50 fifties and some may only need the lugol 5 drops 2 to 4 times a day. Vitamin D is very important to as it really helps rebuilding the immune system. As is zinc, and I do use the Nature's plus Source of Life multivitamin Mini Reds only 2 a day and most everything else I listed up there I use.
Once the stomach can recover than you can lower the probiotic so you don't end up with a yeast infection. But take as needed to rebuild the flora. I usually use 1 primal defense every other day and florastor everyday for now. But dosing down the more balance you get into is the best so far as I know.
I found that it is as equally important to rebuild the immune system as it is to taper off the powerful herb antibiotic turmeric, over time to the flora health, and your immune is healthly. Another good flora builder is a product called mannafest it has 22 different flora and is a nice drink as well. And when you get better the more you will be able to eat normal cultured food to rebuild the flora. You know foods that have to age a bit to be flavorful. Wishing you all the best."
11/30/2011: Pamela from New Braunfels, Texas replies: "I wanted to update I ended up using the 2 standardized turmeric 2 twice a day from and 2 of the Maxium strength Grapefruit seed extract twice a day (as the not using it wasn't getting the job done), and 2 of the Daily Enzyme Tablets 2 twice a day. I also used the Primal Defense a bit in the beginning and the Florastor. Then I tapered off the twice a day on the turmeric, grapefruit seed extract and the futurbiotic daily enzymes tabs to once a day (by the way it has betaine HCI and other goodies that are great a killing c diff. I did eat yogurt as well and continued the Primal Defense every couple of days as well as the florastor every couple of days. All taper done now. I didn't need all the other stuff so much to get rid of this but at the beginning I did need to boost up my immune system with some vitamin d and zinc, C. This has seem to do the trick with these ingredients I have been on this therapy about a month. It is pretty much gone, but I'm going to use it a few more weeks to make sure it is gone. Now simply slowly taper off of both just to be sure it is gone. I didn't need the iodine as much as I thought.P.S. Use the above with my cat just a small full syringe type tube (minus the needle) and only used one a day and she no longer has C Diff either. Crushed up 1 standardized turmeric, 1 grapefruit seed extract and 1 daily enzyme and mixed with yogurt and filled syringe. Also gave her florastor and a primal defense occasionally (every few days as well). She's doing fine too now. And a little fish oil for the both of us. I'm so glad this worked for my cat as well because little people like cats cannot afford to lose too many pounds. This is a success story for us."
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05/16/2011: Shivani from Bristol, Uk writes: "Hi!
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PLAIN FOOD, AMINO ACIDS, PROBIOTICS
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[YEA] 05/09/2009: Silvia from Princeton, NJ writes: "I was diagnosed with c.diff. in March after having taken antibiotics and had bloody diarreah for several days. The flagyl was working while I was taking it but a week after the 10 day therapy the symptoms were back. I went to the emergency room to avoid waiting for an appointment, but the doctors gave me levaquin, which is an antibiotic that makes the condition worse. Somehow it made it somewhat better, but when I went to see my primary doctor 5 days later he put me back on the flagyl, which didn't make much of a difference any more. I was then given vancocin, but decided to take 3 days off all medicines since I was going to see a specialist then. I had diarreah about 5 times a day. I started taking probiotics and 4 days later my symptoms were significantly reduced. I tried the vancocin once but was allergic to it -- it is a very strong antibiotic and actually its side effect -- just like the flagyl -- is mild diarreah, which is what I already had. I started taking cholestyramine, which binds the c.diff. toxin and causes constipation; also I started eating only white rice and white bread and some baked potatoes - very plain food, with aminoacid supplements (rice powder) and vitamins, esp. vitamin C. Also, I got about 5 different probiotic brands with several strains - you want those that give you billions of cultures - like 50 or 100 per serving. I have been free of symptoms for almost two weeks now and my last test was negative, although tests are not 100% reliable. You have to keep checking it every couple of weeks. All in all my advice is to stay off the antibiotics as much as possible and take lots of probiotics and keep a starchy simple diet. Certain herbal teas have also helped me -- calendula (or marigold) and plantago lanceolitis - 1 tablespoon per 400ml of boiling water is left for about 30 min. Strain and drink before eating 3 times a day."
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PROBIOTICS
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 04/22/2011: Tomerodrique from Hendersonville, Nc writes: "I was on very strong antibiotics for three weeks for an abscessed tooth and about a week after discontinuing the antibiotics, I developed all the symptoms for c. Diff. The diarrhea I managed almost instantly with tumeric, but the cramping was so severe that it literally was almost unbearable. My daughter brought home Kefir. That was all I could eat/drink for six weeks. I did not have the cramping while on kefir but that was ALL I could eat. I mean all. I tried one bite of banana after six weeks on Kefir and the cramping returned full force. Finally I went to health food store and bought the capsules with billions of the good bacteria in them (have to be refrigerated). I started on them and within days could eat as normal. After stopping the capsules, about two weeks afterward, the c. Diff cramping returned with a vengeance. The moral of this story is to take the probiotics at the same time (separated by hours) as you are taking the antibiotic. It has come back, not the cramping, but the discharge from bowels that alerts one to the fact that the bad bacteria, c. Diff, is still there ready to act up. Now I notice the pharmacy is alerting people about c. Diff BUT it is still not telling people what to do to prevent it. You do not want to get this bacteria. It is bad, but I now know how to control it. Also, there is now a coated pill (so it lasts in a bottle) of acidophilus cultures but it is only in the millions of good bacteria, not the billions of the refrigerated capsules. They are cheap. Got online for $2.48 per bottle of 50 or 100. I stocked up on them.
I thank those who provide this life-saving site for us. Bless you and bless you, again!"
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REMEDIES NEEDED
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01/17/2012: Diane from Spokane, Washington, United States writes: "Question: My Papa has been diagnosed with this condition since July 2011 and is on his 3rd bout. He is 73 with several other medical conditions however this is currently the most prevalent. Does anyone know where I can find a site that will provide in lay terms the most accurate description, treatment, and possible specialists in this area? Many thanks and best to those in your life suffering as well.
Regards, Diane"
Replies01/22/2012: Helen from Bern, Switzerland replies: "Dear Diane, Sorry to hear about your Papa. My friend was infected (twice) with c-diff, first in a hospital, then in a nursing home.allnurses website had good info on c-diff, especially posts written by
Carol S./Concerned lady
I read it a few years back. I hope those links still work. Or you may google Dr. Johannes Aas or Dr. Rubin in a clinic in Duluth Minnesota. Their therapy is shocking, unless you're open-minded, but it is about 95% successful. "
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09/26/2009: Keith from Simsbury, Ct writes: "I'm 48 and came down with a C.Diff infection after surgery to repair my ulnar nerve. The site became infected and I was given Keflex. 3 days after my last dose I became very ill, but I've had IBS and GERD most of my life so I ignored it. That is until the pain got so bad that I couldn't move. I finally had enough and had my wife drive me to the emergancy room. They placed me on Moraphind(SP) and Vanco and by about a week later I was doing pretty good. Then the Vanco ran out and I ended up back in the emergancy room. I'm a weight lifter, by hobby, and was at 230 pounds. Now 4 months later I'm at 185 and still can't eat much of anything. Nor can I lift anymore. And once again the Vanco course has ended and now 3 days later I'm starting to get the symptoms back. I can't go through this again, I almost lost my wife and my job because I couldn't stay awake. I have always been athletic but now I'm lucky if I can get through the day without falling asleep. The Dr even put me on Amphetamines (sp) to help me get through the day. Anyway, now I just sound like I'm feeling sorry for myself but I'm at a point where I don't know what to do. I really hate sounding like a whinny little baby but the pain is so bad that the thought of eating makes me naushous(sp) And the constant trips to the bathroom is getting old. On a good note, I've caught up on a lot of my reading while in there. KDK"
Replies10/12/2009: Deeree from Southeast Massachusetts replies: "To Keith from CT: I am 52, and had relapsing C-Diff last year from Thanksgiving til April 2009. It started with a respiratory infection, followed by antibiotics, and a trip to the emergency room, where I picked up the nasty bug. I was in the hospital three times for relapses. The final time, I was put on a pulse dose of Vancomycin for 6 weeks. But I also took matters into my own hands. I purchased Probiotics on-line. I read as much as I could about how it travels and incubates, and I started disinfecting my home. The only thing that kills this bacteria is BLEACH!! The dilution rate used is 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. I wiped down every surface in my house, especially door handles, knobs, toilet and toilet handles, phones, computer and mouse, and more. I read the spores can live up to 6 months to 2 years. Don't know which is true, but even the lower 6 months is long time. I also carried a small spray bottle of the diluted bleach solution when I had to go back to the hospital. If I could pick it up in the ER, I wasn't taking any chances. If you do purchase probiotics, make sure they are stable. I paid $40.00 a bottle, but the good ones all run that much. Some, like LGG can run up to 200.00 for a month supply. But they DO WORK. I try to take 1 a day now. Good Luck, I hope you get better."
11/15/2011: Denver, Co from Denver, Colorado, United States replies: "Similar to many of you I was prescribed an antibiotic for an unrelated infection in August, 2011 and by mid-September, 2011 I had to go to the emergency room because of the c. Diff symptoms. They diagnosed me with C. Diff and gave me a 10 day prescription of Metronidazol (Flagyl) and told me I should be okay after that. At the hospital they didn't treat it as a serious condition and just told me to take the meds for the time period suggested and stay away from spicy and acidic foods. I followed the instructions as given to me by the hospital but little did I know that after the 10 days on the medication the c. Diff came back and I had three reoccurrences from the end of September to the end of October 2011.During the last reoccurrence I came accross this website and I believe the remedies provided here were more advantageous than the medicine I was taking. What I did was take the 10 day Flagyl (500 mg) three times a day and also purchased probiotics at a local store-the ones I bought are Culturelle-with Lactobacillus GG and I started taking three of these a day as well. I started pulsing down the amount I was taking, until on the last couple days I just took one flagyl and two probiotics. I also stayed away from any sugar, dairy, wheat, and acidic products during those last 10 days and drank only water (and lots of it). I have been 2 weeks clear of the c. Diff and feel great. I am now eating as I was before and hope this time it doesn't come back (in the past after 1-2 days of being off of the flagyl I would feel the symptoms again... So this is a great sign! ). I continue to take a probiotic a day and probably will continues to do so for a few more weeks."
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07/09/2009: HollyI from Marine City, Michigan writes: "I am 27 years old and as a result of taking care of my grandfather, I got MRSA. I didn't know it until it formed a lump in my breast. When the cyst was removed, my doctor noticed it had been infected and that's how I learned I had MRSA. Instead of going through another surgery to have a drain put in(my breast kept refilling with infection) my doctor put me on Clindamyosin. After finishing the medication, I felt good and the infection had cleared up, but a few days later I had major stomach problems. I always have a sensitive stomach and GERD so to me this was normal. It lasted ten days before I went to the ER. Which was last night. The pain was like nothing I have ever felt in my life. I just wanted to die. The ER doctor took a stool sample and told me to go home. No pain medication or anything. Today the lab called me and told me I have C Diff. now i am taking flagyl and sucking on pretzels. I can not eat and once I get into a position, I don't want to move because I will feel the pain again. I CAN'T believe I cried like a baby and I just want to lay in the fetal position. This is the worst thing to have and I would not wish this on anyone. I lost 4 pounds already. Anyone else feel like this????"
Replies12/22/2011: Lee from Tyler, Texas replies: "I know it's an older thread but to answer your question, "has anyone ever felt like this?", I can tell you I have. I was literally worried about dying. I hope you have gotten rid of the c diff. I have read this entire web page and noticed no one has mentioned anything about a new drug called Difficid. It is made to treat c diff and nothing else. I just finished it a couple of days ago and so far the symptoms haven't totally bombarded me although for me it normally takes a few days to tell what is going to happen. The first time I had C diff and ended up in the er it was cleared up with flagyl (it took either two or three rounds). The second time which is now (it's been going on for several months now) I took the flagyl, then two rounds of vancomycin, and like I said I just finished this new drug called Difficid. In a couple of days I'm going to do another stool sample and I'll post my results to let everyone know if it worked."
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[QUESTION] 05/17/2009: Hurtinginny from Putnam, NY writes: "I have only had cdiff for about 1 month and have not enjoyed it at all. I have diverticulitis and issues from a parasitic condition from 1992 and this has certainly complicated my life. I am on Flagyl and over 500 million of probiotic per day. The diarrhea has stopped and the pain is still there most of the time. I have lost 22 lbs and all this happened from antibiotics and a colonoscopy as I had no c diff in my stool just prior to the scope. CAN I SUE THE HOSPITAL as this is really bad?"
Replies05/17/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello hurting ginny with the C diff,Having recently been in the position of pooping & peeing down both legs getting to the bathroom, I feel for you. Two things I recommend that you do quickly is get some active Yogurt, drink buttermilk to replace the good guys while making what is supposed to be the granddaddy of all in replacing the good guys in your gut. The recipe for cultured cabbage can be pulled from the internet but it takes 3 days to fix your first batch. Making it yourself is much cheaper than buying probiotics. Succeeding cultured cabbage is hastened and only takes 2 days by using some of the first cultured cabbage as a starter. Keep taking this until your problem is ended and your poop floats. The other thing to start immediately is find you a compounding pharmacy and call to ask if they can prepare an 8 ounce supply of SSKI for you. Start taking 6 drops per day in unchlorinanted water (distilled is fine). Put potassium iodide in your search window and go: when given references look for the Tahoma Clinic one, pull it up and print it out on what it does for you, a wonderful solution that does many things, kills off many pathogens, parasites, molds, liquefies secretions in the body so they can be ejected in one way or another. When you feel that your C diff is under control, reduce your SSKI to 2 drops per day in unchlorinated water.
Lots of luck, Ginny and keep us posted on how you are doing, we care. If need be, we'll put our heads together and see what else we can come up with.
PS: In the future, if you are having symptoms indicating the need for a colonoscopy or other invasive procedure, have it but don't let anyone do an invasive procedure because of your age alone. My philosophy is that if it works, don't let anyone fix it, cut on it or cut it out, because you are likely to get worse problems than you already have. My next younger brother headed for emergency surgery when they perforated his colon during a colonoscopy."
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[QUESTION] 03/06/2009: RAY from SAGINAW, MI writes: "MY WIFE HAS HAD C/DIFF FOR 5 YEARS, HOSPITALIZED 10 TIMES LAST YEAR. FLAGYL DIDNT HELP. HAS BEEN ON VANCOCIN FOR OVER A YEAR. I AM AFRAID I WILL BE LOSING HER SOON AS HER IMMUNE SYSTEM IS SHOT. AND DESPITE BLUE CROSS PAYING ALL THESE USELESS DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS OVER $250,000.00 LAST YEAR. SHE CONTINUES TO HAVE DIARHEEA. HAS ANYONE BEAT THIS DISEASE?"
Replies03/07/2009: C.S.M from Vero, FL replies: "Have you heard about probiotic therapy and fecal transfusion? Here is a thread with some good links.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/gastro/messages/37490.html
Best Wishes to you and your wife. Hope she recovers quickly!"
03/07/2009: C.S.M from Vero Beach, FL replies: "Coincidentally, just tonight I listened to an online talk from this MD (see his bio below) who specializes in treatment of recurrent C diff. Maybe he can be of some help. As you are acutely aware, Cdiff is a complicated diagnosis. I have done an online search and have not been able to find any other alternative therapy. Is your wife actually having active diarrhea? The spores do stay in the colon and if not causing diarrhea should not be actively treated. Again, best wishes to you.
Stuart Johnson, MD, DTM&H, is Associate Professor of Medicine at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Chair of the Infection Control Committee at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ilinois, and a Staff Physician at the Hines VA Hospital. He is a council member of the Anaerobe Society of the Americas and the current President of the Chicago Area Infectious Diseases Society. His main research interest and focus has involved the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Clostridium difficile infections. He is actively studying variant strains of this enteric pathogen that do not produce one of the two large clostridial toxins. In addition, he is studying the role of these toxins in the pathogenesis of C. difficile disease. He has also been involved in clinical research on the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which is responsible for most cases of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. He is the author of more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, reviews, and book chapters.P.S. By the way, I am not associated with this doctor or facility at all. I only took his name from the medical conference that I watched on line at Medscape. CSM"
03/07/2009: Gean from Salina, KS replies: "Please read Meryl's story at http://www.lactobacillusgg.com. Click on "testimonials", then on "Meryl's story" at the bottom of the page. It's about a lady with C. Diff who was healed with Culturelle probiotic, which in their words did in four days what four months of antibiotics could not do. It surely can not hurt. Culturelle can be purchased at Walmart for under $20."
03/08/2009: C.S.M from Vero Beach, FL replies: "Another thing--
C diff colonizes in the bowel and should not be treated unless she is having symptoms (abdominal symptoms, fever or diarrhea).
C. diff is a bacteria--it couldn't hurt to use turmeric per the advice here on Earth Clinic.
According to The Peoples Pharmacy --
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/coconut_saves_patients_life.php"Shredded Coconut and coconut macaroons can be lifesaving for relief of diarrhea from several conditions. The response can be immediate or can take several weeks"
From the same source--consider adding pineapple for inflammatory properties.
In my experience, C diff can cause lactose intolerance at least for a while after the infection. Try a lactose free diet.
Earth Clinic-- Would you please add my response to any diarrhea treatment forums you have? C diff should be suspected in any case of diarrhea now (because of the use of antibiotics in man and animals) and, according to MSNBC, a superstrain of C diff may be in 40% of grocery store meats.
Thank you. And thanks for offering this wonderful resource for people! CSM"
EC: Yes, will cross-post to the diarrhea page. Thanks for your research, C.S.M.!
03/09/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Ray, Sorry your wife has been ill for so long with C diff. Since C diff usually follows use of antibiotics, it would seem logical that it occurs because the antibiotics killed off the good guys in the intestines. It also seems logical to think that those bad guys called candida albicans have taken over and are causing the trouble.
If I were you, I would look up Ted's remedies on other things, and would probably begin with his methylene blue drops to kill off the candida, also taking probiotics to replace the good guys to keep the candida in check. You can also research other sites regarding
systemic candida infections and natural cures for it."
03/09/2009: Anonymous replies: "Would colostrum help? Wishing your wife well!Just google colostrum for c-dif and you should find helpful info!"
03/10/2009: Anita from Georgetown, IL replies: "My husband had c-diff for several weeks and we beat it with Bentonite Clay. One tablespoon each day cleared up his diarrhea within about 3 - 4 days time. The bad bacteria in the gut is attracted to the clay and absorbed by it. Works wonderfully!"
03/12/2009: C.S.M from VERO BEACH, FL replies: "Could you please describe how you take the bentonite clay? Do you mix it in something? Did you take the whole tablespoon all at once or split throughout the day?
Thank you.
CSM"
04/09/2009: MMAK from Vero Beach, FL replies: "To CSM in Vero Beach...I live in Vero Beach and contracted C-Diff after abdominal surgery. The pharmacist told me he fills 20 prescriptions per week for Vincocin.. the antibiotic used to treat it. I have been on meds since February and it has not gone away. I will try some of these suggestions. Just wondering what your experiences are and if there is something to be said that we are in the same town....and perhaps got it at the same place.
Also, not sure what docs you use.
Thanks."
12/02/2009: Kimberly from Lincoln, Ne replies: "Before you give up hope, Please try Pau d'arco tea or a decoction of the bark. This is the only thing that has truly worked in my case. It is a very strong antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial. I have tried yogurt and probiotics. Try drinking one cup of it 2-3 times a day. You can find it in health food stores or online. You will also want to try Wild Oil of Oregano capsules. Make sure they are the real thing and not a diluted copy cat.
Look both of these things up on the web. Wild oregano is a very potent antiseptic, antibacterial as well. Please have your wife and anyone else you know who has C. Diff try these."
02/11/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa replies: "Anita from Geargetown , I know this has been almost a year, but did the c-diff ever return in your husband?I had the c-diff or may still have it. I was done with the metronidazole (flagyl) last week and felt great. Right before I was done I got my Bentonite clay and diatomaceuos earth in the mail. Since I no longer had diarrhea I only started taking the diatomaceous earth instead of the clay. Also still taking some probitics and drink the cabbage juice every couple of days, but last night I started with the first symptoms of c-diff again....I guess I am not taking enough of something, since it's not cleared up.
I took one TBS of clay last night, again one this morning and I'm hoping to beat this as soon as possible. I wish more people would comment on posts, I am very curious about all of this and would like to know if people have actually beat this bacteria?"
08/23/2010: Tabvan from Mechanicsburg, Pa replies: "Sky this was a long time ago. How is your c-diff now at the end of Aug. ? My c-diff started in Feb and I am on my 4th dose of pulsing Vancomycin. This time 3 weeks for each dose which will take me up to Nov. I have formed stool but not floaters yet."
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YOGURT
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[QUESTION] 09/18/2009: Patti1089 from Mountain View, Nj writes: "I wonder if Ted could weigh in on this. People are saying that yogurt is a good way to go when I've heard from nutritionists that yogurt is usually loaded with sugar which is never good, it is a milk product and for C Dif you are always advised NOT to use any dairy products for a while. Also I doubt that yogurt has the levels or variety of pro-biotics needed to actually help with C Dif. Also, I notice that just today someone wrote a frightening warning about C-Dif here with NO suggestions on how to help. Personally, I'm not happy that I just left my mothers hospital room who is frightenly ill with C-Dif, I come to this site for answers and I get more fear. I will contact a nutritionist on Monday about this and if he enlightens me anymore, I will add some HELPful tips about C Dif according to what he has to say. On my own I have read about Colustrum supplements, and (believe it or not) Fecal transplants. I am sure each case is different so I'll mention that my mother was on anti biotics for a urinary tract infection she got a week after having a hystorectomy. I will add more information on Monday night if our nutritionist can enlighten me."
Replies09/19/2009: Tricia from Ireland replies: "Nutrition is such a complex subject. I too am confused adout the sugar content in a lot of supposedly "healthy foodstuff". My daughter, now 4, was diagnosed with a small rectum and lazy bowel within 8 weeks of birth. We were told that the only way forward for her was an operation and meantime laxatives. After consultations with nutritionists and other medical reps we chose to give her a prune juice and water mix instead of an unnatural laxative knowing that this could affect her front baby teeth. When introducing solids we were also very careful not to give her anything that could constipate her. This included plenty of fruit and natural plain yoghurt products which for flavour I added the fruit. She has had so little in the form of shop bought sweets that she thinks wet raw carrot and turnips are desserts. And the good part is......so far no operation needed.When I brought her to the dentist recently he told me that she needs 4 filling on each of her back teeth so I explained about the prune juice. He told me that this would only affect her front teeth not the back ones and that she was getting too many sweets. When I explained that there was no way that this could be the problem and told him about her treats of yoghurt, carrots and fruits. He told me that these are all high sugar even though it is natural sugar and it is these healthy treats that are probobly causing her the problem. I am in a bit too much of a temper at the moment to fully research this but from what little I have gathered most of our foods turn to sugars apart from meats and she is a bit young for an atkins diet.
Conflicting advice is coming at us from all sides. My husband has been diagnosed with a hereditary heart defect and the specialist gave him a special diet. When we rang the nutritionist at the hospital about another issue I mentioned this diet and she said no way would it be beneficial and gave us totally conflicting advice.
I do my own research on the subject whenever I can but there is such a large amount of information on the web that there are too many sites to trawl through.
O.k. now I'll get off the proverbial pedastal.........."
09/19/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "For Patti from NJ:
Hi Patti,
Since we know that C dif often starts after antibiotics, it would seem to be a result of the good guys getting killed off in the intestines,letting the bad guys take over and create havoc. If this is truly the cause then the cure should be in killing off the bad guys and replenishing the good guys.
Please read recent posting in EC on maple syrup/baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) cure for cancer (can also click on link to article in IMVA (International Medical Veritas Assn. by Dr. Sircus) where this information came from in which he states that he preferred black strap molasses instead of maple syrup because you don't have to boil it). The explanation of how it cures cancer is to saturate the sugar that the mold thrives on with the baking soda which kills it, so the unsuspecting mold (probable candida) gobbles up the sugar, not suspecting that it is poisoned and is killed off, and the cancer goes away on its own. Probably the slaughter of the bad guys gives the body time to replenish the good guys, bringing the system back into balance and good health.
The rapid way to replenish the good guys is probiotics, which can be expensive, but if you have the stamina to make your own cultured cabbage, it is supposed to replenish the good guys quickly. Recipes for this and for Asian Kimchi (another cultured dish) can be obtained on line. Just type in "cultured cabbage recipe" or "Kimchi recipe" in the search window. My son recently made his first batch of Kimchi using the recipe calling for Napa or chinese cabbage, green onions or scallions, ginger root which he loves and I found it better than the commercial brands that he shuns because of pork or shrimp, etc. in them.
I am now on my first batch of cultured cabbage. Sure glad that it calls for 4 ounces of it mixed with 4 ounces of water, because when you open the jar it smells somewhere between sauer kraut and flatus (anyone doesn't know what flatus is, the four letter equivalent begins with fa..). This definitely doesn't whet my taste buds, and one is instructed to drink it 2 or 3 times each day until ones feces no longer stinks and until it floats. By the time my cultured cabbage juice is used up, my son might have a partner in making Kimchi and using it as a side side with each meal instead of drinking the cultured cabbage (Kimchi is also a cultured dish).
Fortunately I have never had C dif, but this is the route I would probably take. In fact, I pulled up the cultured cabbage because I suspected that I might have a lesser problem secondary to many antibiotics during my hospitalization this past spring, despite the fact that my good and wise doctor gave me probiotics throughout the hospitalizition to prevent problems with killing out the good guys."
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YOGURT, RIPE BANANAS
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[YEA] 04/02/2008: Joyce from Joelton, TN writes: "To Beth from Bristoll 4/01/08:
Hello Beth, Welcome to the world of unwanted side effects (c diff in your case) from antibiotics. In most cases this is from killing off the good bacteria along with the bad. If so, the best treatment is to replace the good bacteria by eating lots of live YOGURT. Ripe bananas (the peels get brown speckles on them) should also help.
I also remember reading where someone wrote in to Earth Clinic, that they solved the diarrhea problem with 5-6 drops of iodine in a glass of water. I would try one or both instead of taking another antibiotic. Looking at the humorous side of the sitation, you can now respond to Kyra Jones, from Los Angeles 4/2/08, question: "What on earth are they doing for their $150,000 education"?"
Replies04/01/2008: Beth from Bristol, VA replies: "I was diagnosed with C-Diff on Feb.14,2008. I had initially gone to the Dr. with bad stomach pain & sore throat & was prescribed Omnicef. On day 10 I had bad diarrhea with blood. I went to the ER. A week later I got a call saying that I had C-Diff. I took 10 days of Flagyl which was one of the worst experiences ever. I still have upper abdominal pain from time to time. I want some relief."
08/04/2010: Marsha from Lima, Oh replies: "I contacted c diff after being prescribed clindamycin for infection. I had 2 rounds of vancomycin, 2 rounds of flagil, took florastor, and culturett faithfully. I also started drinking Kefir. This started January 1, 2009 and I could not shake it. I wound up in the hospital in February. In April, my gastroendologist decided to do "bacterial" therapy. Another name is fecal transplant. My husband was the donor. Since I was 53, I needed a colonoscopy anyway, so my doctor did both at the same time. I have not had c diff since. Automatic cure after all these months. Now I am getting ready to face breast surgery and am loading up on florastor, kefir, and culturette. I hope it does not come back but if it does another bacteria therapy is in my future."
12/20/2010: Diane from Rives, Tn replies: "I have had another recurrence of C Diff, but am unable to find a doctor willing to do a fecal transplant. Does anyone have the name of a physician that will perfom one?"
03/09/2011: Jujuinvegas from Las Vegas, Nv replies: "To Dianne in Rives: A fecal transplant is also called a fecal enema, and normally a family member is the donor. You instantly have the benefit of healthy bacteria, flora, without introducing cultures to your system orally. I think you could find out how to do this yourself online... Everything is online.. That's how I found this thread! Fighting C-dif in my 88 yr old Dad, second bout in three weeks of Flagyl... If this doesn't cease, 6 to 10 diapers a day.. We won't mention sheets)here comes the enema!!"
03/10/2011: Justpassingthrough from Cookeville, Tn, Usa replies: "Regarding fighting clostridium difficile in your 88 year-old father - My mother had c. Diff. At 88 also (caught it in the hospital). The doctors were at a loss. A child's dose of bovine colostrum had her bowel movements back to normal within 24 hours. In 2 weeks she was back at home, and lived another year. Get bovine colostrum capsules at your local health food store."
06/25/2011: Chandkid from Chandler, Arizona replies: "My 84 year old mother has had diarrhea for 3 months now. First month her gastroenterologist refused to think it could be C Diff despite fact she had been on 2 yrs of antibiotics for recurrent UTI's and most recently CIPRO and Levaquin (which I have since learned are notorious for causing C Diff. ) Ended up in hospital dehydrated and had colonscopy and sent home. 2 nights later fell while cleaning diarrhea and fractured her spine w/bone fragment wedged against spinal column and couldn't walk. Back in hospital, colonoscopy results came back with collageanous colitis in meantime. Had 7 hr neurosurgery for spine, a few days later diarrhea even worse and diagnosed C Diff. I think she had it all along although they said it didn't show up in colonscopy (is this possible?) Started her on Flagyl 4 days, then switch to Vancomyacin. Then her heart rate became irregular, fluid built up etc. Sent her to rehab and 4 days later she was VERY ill and back to hospital with infection in blood stream (doc said from all the diarrhea), heart attack, congestive heart failure, atrial fib, SVT, pneumonia... We almost lost her. Infectious disease doc was great (wish he'd been called in earlier)and he chose an antibiotic for the blood stream that wouldn't aggravate C Diff and wouldn't let them put her on any other antibiotics. Started her on Floraster and lactobacillius in hospital (at least they do that now). She got better, blood stream infection and C Diff both got better. Her heart functioning was 25%, and only 2 2wks earlier it was strong and fine. They did angiogram and found 95% blockage in LED artery and put in 2 stents. Doc told me that stress of being so sick and diarrhea so long can cause veins to restrict and plaque to be knocked off, blocking the arteries.She is now out of hospital back in SNF for rehab, and diarrhea started getting worse again pretty quickly even tho on Vanco for 4 wks. Doc extended it 10 days more. Meanwhile - I expressed concern that she may have a UTI (with diarrhea in diapers and CNAs not making effort to get her to bathroom no wonder! ), and put her on Macrobid without telling me. Now I know and am torn - the UTI could make her very sick again, but so can the C Diff. He says Macrobid isn't one that causes C Diff like Levaquin does. So I compramised and said ok to 5 days of it. Making myself sick too worrying about this, managing it, advocating and researching. Are there any good antibiotics she could be on that won't make C Diff worse?"
06/27/2011: Bev from Long Beach, Ca replies: "I agree with Joyce that yogurt is the best for curing C-diff. My mother has the same thing from antibiotics killing the good bacteria. I get her Kefer yogurt drink that she has every morning. Suppose to be the best probiotic."
[YEA] 07/31/2011: Oldladyj from Mansfield, Oh, Usa replies: "I had C-Diff early this year (January, 2011), after taking the antibiotic, Clyndamycin, for some supposed necessary dental surgery I was to have at Aspen Dental (which turned out to be totally unnecessary, per a true dental surgeon). Horrid, nasty disease, it was! I got so badly dehydrated that I had to have the emergency squad come get me. That's how I discovered that I had C-Diff. I was given Flagyl, which had no effect on it.I have found several medical research team articles that document the use of what is called kefir for C-Diff (and other bugs like this). It works very well for getting rid of this superbug. The treatment they used is a type of yogurt, but the yogurt is not made with pasteurized milk. Kefir has been around for centuries. It originated in the Caucasean Mountains (research kefir for full history).
What I've read is that all of the test individuals recovered from C-Diff with no recurrence, using the kefir treatment. They stated that antibiotic treatments had little to no affect on the disease. Kefir is staggered througout the day with the antibiotic, as they gradually decrease the dosages of the antibiotic, finally replacing it totally with the kefir, which is taken every day for awhile.
Any good store that carries a wide variety of yogurts carries this probiotic liquid (I get mine at Kroger and Meijer). In Kroger, go to either the yogurt or the healthfood sections. Meijer - yogurt section. Look for a container shaped like a small milk bottle. It comes flavored or plain. I use a brand, raspberry flavor, which both stores carry where I live. (Google online for coupons, and for what this container looks like.)
I personally stopped the antibiotic (Flagyl) right away. Instead, I drank a 1/2 cup of kefir four times the first day, then went down to 1/4 cup four times a day for about a week. I mixed it with a little bit of filtered cold water from the fridge, which watered it down a bit and made it a little easier for me to drink (I'm a woos, even though the stuff tastes good right out of the bottle. ). I have since replaced the water with about six ounces of Meijer brand, "not from concentrate" orange juice. The drink tastes like an orange cream popsicle. Quite good, actually.
Within 24 hours, after taking 1/2 cup two times the first day, the severe diarrhea began to decrease. Within two days, it was gone. It's been seven months, and I have not had even a hint of a recurrence.
I still drink one or two servings of the 1/4 kefir to 3/4 orange juice or water, once or twice a month, just in case, because I have a history of intestinal problems since childhood. I have also started adding a 1/2 cup of cold water with 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice (buy at healthfood store), to keep my stomach and intestinal lining healthy (I extensively researched this). It knocks out any trace of heartburn, for some reason. I only use the aloe once in awhile when the heartburn rears its ugly head (after I slip and eat something with sugar in it)."
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