C-Diff Remedies

Just a story. No question.
Hope that is alright.

My husband went to hospital and it was found that he had diabetes. While there, they gave him antibiotics. His is immune suppressed because of a liver transplant in 2006. Within 3 days after he came home, I had to call emergency again. He spent nearly the next 1.5 yrs on and off being treated in hospital for c-diff. When he came home, he had strong antibiotics to take for the rest of his life because the 3 fecal transplants did not move the infection. In fact all of this led also to a diagnosis of dementia. After a while the causes and effects get intermingled to the point where one gets confused about the order of things. We treated him at home with only castor oil (cold pressed) poultices for a minimum of 2-3 hours per day. He had what we thought was a stroke one day, and he needed to go back to hospital again. His diagnosis this time was epilepsy. When he came back home the last time, he no longer was being prescribed the strong antibiotics. I asked the doctor about that and he said that they did not find any c-diff in his system. I do not know where the dementia plays in all of this, however, he shows signs of dementia on the occasional days, and while he is much slower mentally and physically than he was before he was diagnosed with diabetes, his mental state continues to improve. I asked the doctor about this at his last checkup and she said that if he is getting better (it's been about 3 months now) then it wasn't dementia. I'm not sure what to make of that, but I'm not asking many more questions. We are just pleased that we can spend our later years together.

A.R.E. (Edgar Cayce) site is where I learned of the castor oil packs. I'm sure that is what kept him alive long enough to receive the organ transplant in 2006.

I got C Diff two months ago from my hospitalized Dad who had it several times - then I went on antibiotics for another minor, unrelated issue, which made me vulnerable to it after I had been exposed, and sure enough I got it too.

I was put on a course of Flagyl for five days; it worked but then five days later C Diff came back. Another longer, stronger course of Flagyl was prescribed; 500 mg for 10 days 2X a day; it worked but five days later C Diff it came back. I've since found that Flagyl isn't very effective in general. C Diff has become a superbug - and Flagyl has been used so much it is losing effectiveness.

The third time it came back, I was put on TAPERED or PULSED Vancomycin, which doctor said was normal protocol when Flaygl fails twice. This is not a normal ten day or even twenty day course of Vancomycin, which is better than Flagyl but not as effective as tapering or pulsing it. With Vancomycin "tapered" or "pulsed, " you take it 4X a day for ten days, then 2X a day for 7 days, then 1X a day for a week, then every other day for four weeks. Total of seven weeks. There are variations - sometimes 8 weeks, sometimes weeks of every 3 days included.

The strategy is this: C Diff has found a way of surviving, protecting itself, by planting little spores (its babies) in protective colonies covered in biofilm. The antibiotic can kill the adult C Diffs floating around freely - so you get better. But it can't penetrate and kill the biofilm colonies of babies. So when you go off the antibiotic, you're OK until the biofilm colonies break open, grow up and became adults and guess what? You get full-on C Diff again. The babies are all grown up now, and planting their own babies even.

What tapered Vancomycin does is kill off the adults - then when you slow down your dosages, and the babies start to hatch and grow - but you hit them with dose of antibiotic. So the idea is to get rid of the baby colonies this way (I assume before they plant their own babies?).

I'm only at the end of the once a day week - no diahrrea but I can feel the C Diff pains in my tummy, feel it starting to come back, before I take my morning pill. Soon I will go to every other day - a bit worried.

But the other strategy of tapered/pulsed Vanco is that you have time to replenish your gut with the good bacteria. That is ESSENTIAL - some docs don't recommend that enough. You need a two pronged approach - kill the bad, replenish the good - to really fix the imbalance in your gut allowing C Diff to flourish.

This means dosing yourself with huge amounts of probiotics. I mean a lot. I was taking some - but just a regular amount. I've realized with this tapering that to stop the tummy pains (indicating C Diff returning) I needed to take way more than was recommended, and have found certain dietary changes (through this website and other research and just my own experimenting) that help.

Probiotics - (forgive spelling) S Boolardi is most important, but also Rhamnosus, L. casei, and L. Acidilophous. I have the Jarrow brand Boolardi 5 billion, and the Flora Udo's Choice Hi Potency 8 - 43 billion. These are the refrigerated kinds you get at the health food stores. My mistake was only taking it once or twice a day. NO. You have to super dose it. I am now taking two tablets of the Jarrow Boolardi and two of the Flora Udo's three to four times a day. That's huge but I am trying to replenish my good bacteria.

Kefir - I take Lifeway shots with 20 billion probiotics. Also have the big bottles with 12 billion.

Yogurt - the kind that has probiotics in it. Organic is good. When C Diff is full-on, Kefir and yogurt are the only thing I can drink.

Kumbacha Gingerade - another drink you can get at the health food store - it's great!

Barley water - never heard of that before I read this website. It works. Recipe I found was 1 cup barley (groats or pearled barley) to 6 cups water. Bring to boil, then let simmer for half hour or so. Drain the water off.

Activated Charcoal capsules - also highly recommended here at this website.

Tumeric and Ginger Root capsules - I was putting tumeric in tea but not enough.

Slippery Elm - someone recommended this and I am trying it.

Saurkraut, Kimchi, Miso - these are fermented foods with probiotics. I got these but haven't been very diligent about eating them. Honestly I think the above protocol is sufficient.

Beer - I'm a drinker and like my wine. Before I knew I had C Diff, I noticed that I was way worse after having some wine. C Diff loves sugar, and wine has lots of sugars. But beer is fermented (and if you make it yourself, it probably has probiotics in it) and what does it have in it? Barley! Barley has Chitin in it which breaks open the biofilm colonies. So don't have a wheat beer or rice beer (some of the cheaper beers are made from other grains). Make sure you have a beer made from barley. Malted beers are barley. Craft beers tend to have more barley in them. Check it out.

Avoid sugar, meat (has C Diff - I can eat seafood and sometimes chicken but that's it), raw veggies, nuts, wine, liquor.

But what few people are mentioning on this thread is DIFICID. I am surprised that more doctors aren't aware of or prescribing this. That is supposed to be the next step after failed Flagyl and failed Vanco. Dificid is almost always effective and stops C Diff for good. It is the only thing that cured my dad's C Diff. (He also had Flagyl (failed) and regular (not tapered) Vancomycin.) If, for me, the tapered Vancomycin and diet above does not work, I will go on Dificid. However it's expensive - $4000 for ten day course of it. I don't have insurance but plan on getting some soon. Even with RX coupons, it's still around $3500. But there's a manufacturer's coupon if you have insurance (not Medicare) that will make it affordable. Besides, with C Diff - as we all know - it's worth it. Anything is worth it to recover.

The final almost always effective treatment, besides Dificid, is a fecal matter transplant. This has 93-97% effectiveness rate.

So if you've not gotten rid of your C Diff on Flagyl or Vanco, try tapered Vano with the diet above, and the Dificid, and finally, a fecal matter transplant. The FMT is kinda gross, but again, worth it if you get rid of C Diff.

Good luck my friends!

Hello Manish Shah. If you have difficulty obtaining barley water consider making you own, it's very simple with lots of info on Internet. It's basically just boiling barley and draining the liquid off. Wish you luck.

You can get barley powder from Swanson Vitamins. I bought some because I thought I would need it, but so far lots of probiotics have worked.

Where can I buy Barely from? Do you know if Whole foods store carry it? I tried searching on Amazon and they have Oragnic hulled Barley.

I had a very bad case of C.Diff in 2014 due to 6 months of antibiotics. I have tested negative since rhythm until this post weekend.

I started out sick around the 9th June, doctor sect me to ER, they have me a strong antibiotic for possible UTI, I told them that I have had Diff in the past, said I'd be fine. Got diarrhea two days later and stored the meds they sent me home on. Was okay after that until father's day started loose stools again went to doctor Monday hurting bad said I had a bug, back to the ER on the 24th everything checked out. Went seen a Gastrology a last week( now July) got an email tested positive for C.diff..

Called me in meds for it. But I'm home and me and my boyfriend and his two girls live together. I'm not sure what to do.

I've bleached everything, he's making meals and taking care of the girls needs.

Should he not be sleeping with me, should I be kept in my room. I'm lost at what's the best precaution to take. I've got not fever, no diarrhea, although my stomach seems some and scared to eat anything.

I'm on 100 billion probiotic, cod liver oil, Nancy live yogurt, kefir and the need they put me on yesterday metronidazole.

Thank you.

Barley water stops diarrhea super fast. Thank you. Isn't that a good thing when anti-diarrheal meds are supposed to be avoided? I know, it's food, so way healthier.

So happy to come across re. barley water. My husband has colitis c, diff. On Flagyll 500 mg 3x daily x 10 days, on his 7th day. Also started him on Shaklee products for C. Diff program. Takes 4 kinds, 2tabs, 3x daily. Been drinking green tea, rice water. Need help bad, thank you and God bless.

Dennis,

Have you heard or tried SCD? I'm trying to find a GI doctor that would be open to the idea of healing through a diet plan like SCD if medication can be avoided. I have IBS and most likely IBD. Thank you

I may be using the fecal transplant technique if the above natural methods and meds from drs don't work. Here's a link to Johns Hopkins that currently performs this procedure. Hope this helps someone...

Hi Richard,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father.

I have seen a few things developed for C diff recently. Fecal transplants have a high success rate but difficulty delivering the material to the intestine. A new pill has been developed to bypass this, and to avoid possible problems with a live donor, research is looking at developing the correct bacteria (and other factors) in the lab. Both look promising for those suffering from C diff and other bowel problems, like Crohn's. I can't get the link to post, but if you Google "Pill for C diff" several articles from JAMA, science magazines and newspapers will show up. Successful trials with small groups of people have been done, with success rates in the 94% range.

Hopefully, others will receive more effective care in the future, regardless of their age.

Same situation happened to my father in the hospital, they only used flagyl and vanco and refused to do anything else. Doc said he is too old and no cure for this at his age and he died Feb, 2016. This post was from 2009 and still no cure?

Hi Debi,

For H-pylori, try deglycerized licorice root (DGL) or chios mastic gum. Most effective treatment I know of. Licorice root can raise blood pressure over time, but not the deglycerized form.

My Urinary Bladder Infections stopped after I stopped eating sugar in any form, including fruits. I tried cranberry juice and tablets many times but they have never worked.

Thank you, I was wondering did anyone have any other health problems like h.pylori or anything since having c diff? It's really hard to figure out what to get and that to combat c diff, when I have to watch out for other infections. Does anyone have any suggestions that can work for both even though they are treating for c diff first? Praying that the h.plori goes away. Plus I have a bladder infection. Ugh..help please.

Bless you for suggesting barley water. I'm on Flagyl after suffering for 10 days. While I felt improvement after two days on Flagyl, the true miracle is barley water. I feel almost normal again, my stools are firm and color is good and I feel like this helping me battle this. I'm also taking charcoal after meals two pills 3 X a day.

Hi Debbie, I alternate "Culturelle" and "accuflora". The "Culturelle" is in a capsule that I have to open and empty the contents on unsweetened applesauce. Sometimes I make a "paste" of about 1 TBSP PB and 1/2 C applesauce with 1/4 tsp. magnesium powder before adding the "Culturelle". If unsweetened is not available, I add about 1/8 tsp. (a little more) of ground cloves. I mix a variety of concoctions so it just depends on what I've eaten or if I feel bloated.

The "accuflora" seems to work better when taken on an empty stomach with about 8 oz. of water...I chug 6 to 10 gulps after taking two before bed.

I got c diff in sept. of this year from taking chymayicin (sorry spelled wrong) from getting a staph infection. (only took 2 doses of it) anyway, I think its back. My stools go from snake like to runs. I'm taking florgen 3 and now florgen, but I'm wondering what you guys eat, I can only eat toast. But I don't have alot of adominal pain unless its related to gas (which I get kinda alot) but I was reading about eating formented foods and using toxic binders like bentonite clay and all kinds of stuff. I lost 20lbs in 6 weeks. I was told not to worry about it today by my gastro. Dr.

Does anyone happened to know what probiotics work better?? I am trying to keep my spirits high and stay postive and less stress but its hard considering, cant eat, you share your house with others and worried about effecting people. If anyone can share the names of products they use that will really help or even foods to try.. oh can I pulse or taper if this is my second time with c diff?? Does anyone had any reactions to any antibiotics given???..

I need help please.

I'm a little confused. I have been told unless you are pooping on yourself and you don't wash hands, it is the only way you can spread to other surfaces. How would c diff get on curtains if it isn't airborne from what I am told? It's only the spores that live, and they only come from fecal matter? No one can continue to wash and bleach like curtains. The first time I had we bleached everything down. The second time we just were cautious and bleached counter tops etc. wash hands real good. Wipe down phones and lap tops. Thanks

I totally agree, Doctors might not perscibe so readily, if they had a warning label.

i was wondering how bad you had c diff, I was put on flagyl for 14 days felt better but the side effects of the flagly was not fun. I got constipated on it. Anyway, finally had bm after 5 days after antibotics. My bm are off and on kinda normal then diarea. oh. I have gas and off and on adominal pain. I am taking florgen 3 probotics.2 xday now. I'm just lost, can't see the gi Dr. til tuesday and the id. dr til thursday. My drs. put me on vacomicin. but haven't took it yet. They also told me to hold off til I see id Dr. I just dont understand why they dont take this seriously. im getting stressed out. Worried my son will get it since we have to share a bathroom and everything. Anyway, what is the name brand of the oregeno oil you bought??/help please

How do I take the oil of oregano for c-diff ?

I had a terrible bout of c. diff over ten years ago and was hospitalized for over 2 weeks. I had one serious relapse since, a few weeks later (this one didn't land me back in the hospital). After that I determined that I would not be sick again. At the time, there wasn't a lot of information about dietary changes, but there was some info about probiotics. I took culturelle and s. boulardii and another probiotic on an empty stomach (morning and night). Since then, I have learnt a lot about diet and the body's ability to heal itself. I avoid gluten entirely. I have learnt that it is also advisable to avoid dairy and alcohol and consume very little sugar. It may sound extreme but I have found a low sugar paleo diet to be very beneficial, with some leeway once you have "detoxed" for a while. I also avoid antibiotics at all costs, as you can imagine, although I believe I have had to take antibiotics a couple of times since and did not suffer a reoccurrence. Oh- if I ever feel something coming on I don't eat until I feel well again, but that hasn't really happened since I changed my diet (knock on wood! ). Apparently your body has an opportunity to detoxify when it is not busy digesting food. I still take probiotics - the s. boulardii, culturelle, and ultimate flora critical care, all on an empty stomach.

I encourage you to do your own search for information about healing c.diff or healing your gut and nutrition. I know that individuals with other intestinal problems try the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), which I don't know too much about.

I hope this information is helpful and hope that you all find/regain good health!

Hi Julie, just wondering how many of the O2 capsules you took daily anddid you have to take an antiiotics or just that and the Bio K? Thanks so much - TANYA

Hi Sue, do you mind me asking, was barley water all that you took to treat C.dificile or where you on the flagyl too? and if so, how much of everything did you take?

I'm still having symptoms but they're milder and the test isn't detecting it because of all the probiotics and S.bouradi I took brought it down, but I can't get rid of it. Any info would be so greatly appreciated. I don't think I'll be able to get treatment through my doctors...

I am very eager to help anyone who will listen... I have had two surgeries on my bowels. Second was for small bowel obstruction in which they removed my bowels and cut them apart and put them back. Now they are extremely scared which has made me a human experiment with food. I am severely allergic to gluten which I believe I was for years... IBS, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia in the 80's thyroid in the 90's and then the dreaded diverticular disease... the rest is history.

KEEP A FOOD DIARY! Gluten is in everything from make-up to hard candy all processed foods unless GF labeled. It is in the eggs we eat unless free range and the meat unless grass fed. Vegetables can cause their own set of issues if it is not locally grown fresh or organic. Your body will tell you what it wants LISTEN!

Research anti-inflammatory foods and eat them. Get help I went to therapy for 8 months to change my brain. I would cry when I talked about food to anyone. Now I am empowered and I decide what I want to eat not the industry. If I didn't I would not be here today. Change your brain change your body! :)

Please, can anyone tell me how many glasses of Barley water to drink, per day, to help C.Diff ? Also, how many capsules(?) of Oil of Oregano a day should be combined with the barley water? In desperate Need!

Where do you get barley water? Or do you cook barley & save the water? I am 4 weeks with diarrhea & on flagyl. I'm miserable. Please advise. Thank you!!

I had C-Diff from Zithromax several years ago. My nutritionist/MD prescribed 3 supplements: Saccharomyces Boulardii capsules, IgG 2000 powder (I used Xymogen brand), L-Glutamine powder, and also cholesterymine, a prescription drug for cholesterol that also binds and removes the C-Diff; I had no side effects from it. All these things together cured it, grateful to say. I hope you have success, it is a horrible ailment.

I was looking for natural remedies to help cure and treat these symptoms of my reoccurrence of cdiff. I was put on another course of flagyl 500 after it came back 2 weeks after I ended my first treatment. I was having such horrible stomach pain they were close to labor pain! This is coming from a mother of 5 children :). I instantly made this barley water and it is a God send. I do not have any cramping when I drink this. As far as it helping my stools, I haven't noticed a change yet but I'm 2 days into the flagyl. I'm hoping it clears up and never comes back!

hi Barb from Indiana, I think I'm following your route...would like to know if you have finally conquered the beast?

What brand name of digestive enzymes did you take, as well as type of probiotics (brand name)?

To Arlene, I would be very very carefull if I were you because of your gluten allergy. Read this and consult somebody who has the knowledge to help you with your condition. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/05/other-nonwheat-grains-can-also-hurt-your-health.aspx

Barley water is the only thing that seems to be working for me. I took it at the end of a real bad day last friday with CDiff back a few days after taking the flagyl. I was so ill, after a few cups, was finally able to go to sleep having calmed my stomach etc... The next day took practically only Barley water to give my intestines a break. Took also two probiotics bioK C diff caps in morning. Drank Barley water all day and wrested. I ate very little, a bit of mashed potatoes, very well cooked carrots, a banana at noon. Today my stools are practically normal... I also took 12 caps of this intestinal drawing formula made with slippery Elm bark, sprouted flax seed and chia, activated charcoal and bentonite clay, etc...

What's important in the beginning is to stop eating or drinking whatever is irritating stomach and intestines.

The molecule acting in Barley is Chitin. Here is a very good article explaining it's benefits etc. http://www.stimulife-ind-dist.com/ARTICLE-chitin.htm

Other foods contain it and maybe one can buy capsules of it... Krill must contain a lot of it I would think and krill capsules are available.

Do you have to take them for the rest of your life? Does c-diff come back if you don't take them?

Does it matter what type or brand of Barley it is?

I have recurrent C.diff. and often on Vancomycin..which seems less effective each time I use it. Am gluten intolerant...isn't barley full of gluten?

Sorry, I'm a bit late with this information; however, I just now have come across this chat forum. I've had (have?) C. Diff. You can obtain organic, non-GMO complete barley powder from a very reputable provider from the internet. Since it's a powder, you can just mix with water, juice, tea, etc. Hope this post is not too late to help someone.

I tried the barley water a few days ago (have had C-diff for a month). I drank about 3 cups over a 12 hour period. Because I didn't notice any benefit, I didn't take it the next day, but still have some in my fridge. Does anyone know if it is still good after 3 days? Also, how many doses and how often are you drinking the water? Are there some people who might not notice a benefit until after a few days? Thanks, Pam

As per the lung thing, yrs ago my health began deteriorating from what appeared to be some kind of lung issue and I had the standard radiology and nothing further for diagnostics; until yrs later and much research, Mycoplasma infection was the only identifiable cause. I personally witnessed a Cow nearly die from this condition (which is somewhat common in livestock after drinking contaminated water source like ponds where parasites & pathogens can occupy). Several months of vet administered high dose antibiotic got her well enough to calf once again but the calf was also infected and compromised and soon died.

Colloidal Silver (oral and/or nebulized), Borax, and the herb Uvi Ursi (read label for recommended dosage as there are limits w/ this herb) is a good treatment start for any mycoplasma infection. Mycoplasmas have chronic debilitating affect on immune function and leave one very susceptible to any little bug that comes along, and like in your case, can be nearly fatal.

I have had digestive prob for many years, but because of family death and responsibilities, I became so consipated and bloated that I was incapacitated. Tried enemas, pressure, exercise, potassium, almost everything..then went to doctor...(prob bad decision) he gave me w different antibiotics and I took them.. after all this, and not having eaten much of anything, I ate almost 1/2 gal of BLUE BELL ice cream to soothe myself..That night I started vomiting, had diarrhea, high fever (I'm 71)and after about a week went to doctor again. I was sooooo sick...she sent me to gastro doc..he sent me directly to emerg room...they then hospitalized me. I was severly dehydrated and had not had anything but water stools for probably 1 1/2 weeks or so...they put me on iv and began giving me potassium for two day and saline, etc...antibiotics, you name it...then my kidneys started to fail...I was on 2 meds to stop the diarrhea, but it didn't stop..after 6 days they finally sent me home where I still took the two anti-dirrhea med without the symptoms subsiding. I don't remember exactly, but I finally stopped having so much diarrhea and got a little better, but never regained my strength, etc.

Recently (may 2015), I was at drugstore and asked the clerks (3 of them) behind the counter when the blue bell was coming back...they all chimed I "that was poisoned) ..all of a sudden, it made sense. I WAS POISONED BY BLUE BELL ICE CREAM) I cld my doc who advised me to go to my gut doctor and he took and stool sample and with the lastest technology, they tested my stool. Well it came back with C diff...of all things...i thought it would be listeria, as that was the "poison" in blue bell.. soooo...he has prescribed Metronidazole (Flagyl) today and I have taken the first of 42 pills and am terrified that the horrible diarrhea will come back and don't know what to do...should I take probiotics, while taking the Flagyl, what should I eat, should I get mangosten, kefir, WHAT TO DO???? In addition, I have undiagnosed lung problems..have had 3 xrays done, no diagnosis yet, could be TB, pneumonia, cancer of lung...I'm a mess...will address this next week with lung doc (I hope) anyone have any thoughts?

ORH--they do more than take it in a capsule. They mix it up into a slurry with oatmeal and other stuff and shoot it on up in there, hold and hope the good part "takes". My ibsd is so bad that I would if it got any worse. Lots of folks I know have done it, with good results.

HI U GOOD PEOPLE DOIN, , , , , , , , , don't have a dog in this hunt , but a few days ago fecal transplants was a heated topic on E.C.. Well, the Alopathics are now into the fray so there must be gold in them thar hills.

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20150330/fecal-transplant-treats-serious-recurrent-intestinal-infection

As usual, I just stir the pot and get the heck out of Dodge..... so have at it.

Of course we must have a 20 year double blinded test that involves millions in university research grants.

I figure if the natural folks think it works, then they will take some poop from a healthy kin , stick it in a capsule and go about their merry way. Naturally, they will pass on their adventure to EC and we will be light years ahead of our modern medicine ......as usual. On the other hand, poop may be patentable.

======ORH=====

Lucy --- try to find pot barley and failing that, pearl barley. I find it is harder now to find pot barley. So one has to put up with refined pearl barley.

Namaste, Om

I cannot seem to find barley groats, is it same as Organic Barley Seeds - - Unhulled Barleygrass Seed?

How often should the barley water be used?

What is the ratio of water to barley?

I had C:diff, was on Vanco for 3 weeks and then tested negative. Now I have 10 to 20 (mostly 20) BM's a day a but all are formed never watery. What the devil is that?

I was recently diagnosed with C-Diff and went to the emergency room and they gave me Vancomycin to take every 6 hours for 10 days. I had taken Clindamycin a couple weeks back and I had a little stomach gurgling after I finished but I had no idea it could cause me to have this problem! I started taken probiotics (refrigerated 60 billion active probiotics) several times a day and it seems to have helped with the stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea. Thank God! I go to the gastro doctor tomorrow so I'm declaring by the grace of God that I'm healed from this terrible thing. I believe there should be a mandate by the government that a label warning people of possible C-Diff if you take certain antibiotics.

Just wanted to write and let you know that I also had C Diff. I don't have it anymore. And I had a very serious case of it.

It (C Diff) was not responding to lower doses of apple cider vinegar (w/the mother inside) and peppermint essential oil so I had to increase the dose and then it became effective. Sometimes you do have to use a stronger does to kill some things. This is what I used and it worked.

Now for the Protocol.

3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (with mother, unpasteurized and unfiltered, I used Braggs brand) and 12 to 15 drops of peppermint oil in 16 oz of water (once a day - Twice a day for the first two days. And then only once a day after that. And follow this protocol for 3 to 5 months. Listen to your own body here. But wouldn't go less then 2 months on the protocol for sure.

IMPORTANT!! NOW WHEN YOU FIRST START THIS PROTOCOL START WITH USING ONLY 5 DROPS OF PEPPERMINT OIL AND 2 TABLESPOON OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (WITH MOTHER) with 16 oz of water. TO TEST YOUR TOLERANCE of this protocol FOR THE FIRST DAY OR TWO. Lay down after taking the dose for safe measure in the beginning. (I didn't have any problem, but better to be safe) Actually the peppermint was kinda nice it soothed my upset stomach.

But after the first two days, proceed to the 15 drops of peppermint oil, with the apple cider vinegar. Please understand sometimes it does take a stronger dose to kill some pathogens. I unfortunately did not get good results on lower drops of peppermint oil and needed to use 12 to 15 drops, 20 drops sometimes, however, "do not" not under any circumstance exceed 20 drops of peppermint oil per dose, diluted in 16 oz of water. These are pretty darn tough pathogens and this higher does is needed to kill them. If you simply can't handle 15 drop lower it to 10. I don't think less then 10 drops will help you though, but better to do this for sure than nothing. These are very virulent pathogens and can lead to death if untreated.

Doses should be taken at a minimum 3 hours apart. No more than 2 doses a day.

ALSO VERY IMPORTANT. Please do get all of the items listed in this protocol before starting it as you will need all of them to get well. This includes the food items like kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar Unpasteurized and unfiltered with the mother, peppermint oil, specific probiotics and enzymes listed, baking soda, Turmeric, and other supplements listed in this document.

After you're well (3 to 5 months), twice a week for maintenance. (2 tablespoon of apple Cider vinegar (w/mother) and 5-10 drops of peppermint oil with 16 oz of water. Not that it should come back. It's just an effective pathogen killer for so many organisms. So it is better to stay ahead and keep yourself cleaned up. Stay with the turmeric daily, it has so many health benefits. Remember death starts in the colon. This is just a great program to keep your stomach, organs and intestines in good shape. By the way I have 35 years experience in studying alternative medicine just for the record.

Also you need to add Turmeric (curcumin 95%) at 1000 mg twice a day. Or 2,500 mg. twice a day, with the peppermint oil and apple cider vinegar protocol. Take at separate times of the day not at the same time. And always use baking soda apart from vinegar and oil protocol (a few hours)

Other items essential to this program are: (Through the week) Kefir (the best most strains of probiotic), yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles. cottage cheese, fresh fruit, raw flaxseed and fresh veggies too (eat as you wish just try to include them daily and weekly. Course you can have cooked meals with meat if you like too. These probiotic and enzymes food are important for your recovery.

MUST HAVE: Garden of Life RAW probiotics women 50 & Older (Because it has 33 probiotic strains and is a broad spectrum probiotic, and potent). Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra ( It has 13 strains but it also has soil based probiotic which is very important), Any brand name of Saccharomyces boulardii, Nature's Plus Acti-zyme (1 daily). Futurbiotic Daily Enzymes complex 2-3 times a week.

For the first three days of your protocol simply use the food type probiotics, like yogurt and kefir, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Be careful adding Primal Defense Ultra and the other brand probiotics listed here. Better to only take one and see how you respond to it, and maybe only once a day. Or every couple of days. The key here is listen to your body. They are needed very much to help you, but sometimes people in really weakened states need to go slow. The food probiotics like kefir and yogurt in the beginning may be the easiest to tolerate. The 3 probiotic supplements are necessary, as well as the enzymes and can not succeed with out them.

To help with keeping ph levels in balance I use 1 tsp. of baking soda twice a day every 3 days. But you can use it everyday if you like. Make sure it doesn't contain aluminum or any other items.

After your feeling a little better a good daily multivitamin supplement is a good idea. My favorite is Nature's Plus Source of Life RED mini (of course find one you like as this is not essential to this program), And try to eat mostly low sugar (glycemic) whole foods as often as possible. Best of luck to you.

The names of these products are only listed because they contain the essential items needed for this program. If you can find them in other products be my guest, but I couldn't.

This program is also used and very successful for IBS, IBD, H pylori. Ulceration Colitis, Ulcers, Constipation, Diarrhea, and a pretty darn good parasite cleanser. It is a good program for general health as well and can be used for general upkeep and well being.

I recently had FMT that only worked about 3 weeks before I relapsed. Prior to FMT, I was on three rounds of Flagyl, followed by a month of Vancomycin. I even experimented taking Flagyl and Vaco at the same time. Relapsed each and every time. My advice to anyone suffering from cDiff is to self-administer FMT via enema. There are a few good sources on how to do that online. At least go to like Quest diagnostics to have your donor screened (blood and stool). May need doctor's prescription for that.

Tricia,

Where are you at with your infection now? I am on my fourth round of antibiotics for C. Diff. Doctor suggested FMT this morning, but I'm not sold quite yet. I would feel better if other possible factors such as ulcerative colitis and Chron's were ruled out before undergoing a procedure that isn't FDA approved, nor covered by my insurance. Has anyone else had any luck with probiotic therapy?

Any advice would be so appreciated!!! Shayna

Om from Hope Bc,

Thank you for listing the recipes. However, in your posts, you have listed barley groats (hulled), unhulled barley, and pot barley. Which variety is supposed to be used? Thank you.

Georgianna (NH, US)

To make barley water use pot barley and put on gentle boil till almost done. Switch off and let stand for half an hour or so. Use a lot of water for this as you want to drink the liquid. Add lemon/ lime and honey if you like.

For your needs the herb SLIPPERY ELM is of great help as it repairs the gut and is easily digested especially when there is pain. For bad stomach pains it is a blessing. It is a powder and available at health stores.

Namaste, Om

Hi there! I was wondering how you make the barley water to help with the c diff? What do need and how do you prepare it? Please help, I have recurrent c diff not responding to anything :(

Alicia - Australia --- try pot barley which is not stripped of its goodness. All the best.

Namaste, Om

Can you use pearl organic barley? I think I am having a relapse of c diff after 2 years as I have just taken antibiotics again I am so scared to go through this again!

I first got C. diff after a round of antibiotics for diverticulitis. September of 2012. I have been in the hospital with it 3 different times. I was in the hospital Dec 2013 and went home on extended treatment of antibiotics. I ended them mid February"14 and by the end of the month I could tell it was coming back. At the same time I was introduced to a book "And they said it wasn't Possible" by Karen Hurd. I decided if I was ever going to get over the c. diff I needed to have a healthy bowel. The book said to eat 1/2 cup of beans 6 times a day. She explains it much better! Beans are a soft fiber. If you do not have soft fiber, the toxins, bile etc. is reabsorbed from your bowel, goes back to the liver, and is again expelled into the intestine. The soft fiber binds with the toxins and they are removed from the body. I did this for a week and then decreased and I still do 1/2 cup a day and often supplement with benefiber. I use canned navy beans or pinto beans. I wash off the liquid. They really have no taste and make a great snack. So the first part of March I still had some liquid vancomycin that I took for 2 weeks along with the bean diet. That was the last time I had diarrhea, bloody stools, stomach pain etc. I also ate chicken. Stay away from sugar as C. diff loves it. I have done Florastor and any other probiotics with high numbers.

In Sept '14 I could tell it was coming back, problem was, since I did not have the diarrhea etc. the doc in ER thought I was nuts (especially when I told him about the bean diet), and the hospital lab refused to test the stool sample. My GI doctor did not know why I was having problems as he said the cat scans he compared showed my intestine looked a little "irritated" this time, but nothing that should be causing me problems. I think the "bad guys" just outnumbered the "good guys(bacteria)". Two days later I was admitted with 103 degree temp, still no diarrhea. They finally tested the stool sample and I was positive for C. diff. I had been on a number of different antibiotics and this time they put me on Difficile.-it is $100 a pill after my insurance which is pretty good insurance.

I am going to try some of the other remedies that are in this article. I know I have fought it off a number of times with big doses of the probiotics and right now I have the fullness way down low which I know means its trying to come back.

C. difficile (antibiotic-induced very severe diarrhea) often can be controlled by taking Saccharomyces boulardii a probiotic that displaces the C. difficile bug and reflorates intestines with its beneficial yeast which will survive better than beneficial bacteria probiotics in a gut overwhelmed by C. difficile.

Hello, Wm (San Francisco, Ca) -----

For barley water you buy organic barley groats from the health food store . Wash the groats. I use the crock pot on slow almost all day with two cups of groats and water to the top. Until they have almost completely opened up. Switch off and let cool. Use a sieve to separate the groats from the liquid. You can flavour the liquid with organic lemon juice if you like. Use the barley instead of rice or other.

I have this from the UK where it is an ancient remedy and strengthener for what ails you.

All the best. Namaste, Om

I'm trying to find out what kind of barley, is it the plant, the barley grass sprouting seed, I would really appreciate it if you can give some information about this because my wife has been suffering from c-diff for over a year.

Thank you so much for the useful info! This morning I drank the barley water and bentonite clay and already feel a lot better. No stomach ache or nausea!!

Did anyone else have nausea/upset stomach with c.diff? This has been my major complaint. Not sure if infection is back. Finished with that antibiotic on July 19th and am now having more bad days than good. Anyone else have the same complaint?

Thank you everyone! This is exactly what I've been looking for. Tried and true natural stuff to fight this thing. I was put on antibiotics to combat the c-diff I contracted from a patient in long-term care while in training. They didn't know he had it right away but while changing him, decided to run a sample on him. I wish they would have had the gowns and masks ready just in case, but... the test came back positive for him and THEN put everything outside his room. So I was breathing in the spores for two days. I might point out that 2 weeks prior to that, I had finished a 5-day stint of Clyndamycin @ 125mg, that my dentist gave me cause another prescription showed I had reaction to it. An ER Dr. said this wouldn't have been long enough to have caused the C-diff. I figure I must've been a sitting duck! Anyway, I was put on the Flagyl first, then Dr. increased the doseage and after a couple of days I got really ill from that dose. Five days later I got put on Vancomycin for 10 plus days and I was getting every side effect listed! So I'm feeling worse from the side effects but the loosey-goosey stuff is not the problem. I didn't want to take anything anymore cause it's just scarey! I'm gonna try all this stuff, 1 at a time (ha). This barely stuff sounds great and that probiotic. So there IS HOPE! I will let you know. By the way, I gave all the background so it might help someone else to watch out in environments, etc.

I tried barley water after a desperately long night and on/off research on this website about C-Diff. It truly worked immediately, stopping the pain and loose/bleeding stools. I was close to going to the hospital but realized that there are far more natural cures on this website I needed to try first after having the success of barley water. Thank you for sharing and being a guardian angel for all of us who suffer with this horrible condition.

The barley water worked instantly! Thank you. 2 weeks now, and no sign of c-diff. I was on flagyl, prebiotics and probiotics, with no signs of diarrhea stopping, and was scared. I'm continuing juicing to build my strength, and Sacromyces boulardii to help good flora to flourish. God bless you for sharing this breakthrough!!!!

I tried this and it immediately worked! I was having explosive diarrhea about 2 weeks after finishing Flagyl and after drinking this barley water, I'm back to solid stools. I'm not sure if the c diff is killed, though, or only the diarrhea is cured. The intestinal cramps are decreasing as well, though.

Hi Julie -- buy organic unhulled barley. If you have a slow cooker, great. Use four times or more water and cook slowly . When the grain has opened up much, switch off and let stand for a while. You should have 10 fl.oz. water or more which you dilute with lemon juice. In the UK this is called the "Royal Barley Water". The barley groats can be used for meals. Very strengthening and full of vitamins, even for pets.

Namaste, Om

Only a small percentage of adults carry c-diff, about 2% to 5%. The vast majority of the time people contract this bug in a healthcare setting like a hospital or care home and around the same time are given antibiotics for an existing condition and as a result get the clostridium difficile infection (CDI).

Interesting. So just plain store bought barley? I have had c-diff 3 times this year.

I have an aunt who has c diff. Usually caused by too many antibiotics or acquired in the hospital. I take monolaurin to prevent catching it. It is from coconuts. Also have on hand Oregano essential oil if anything else is needed, but not taking it yet. Also use " the Ultimate Antibacterial Foaming Soap". Start with these I think they will help. Look up these products on the web. I not a doctor, but I believe these are helping me.

If you take antibiotics for c diff it would be wise to take a probiotic. I take custom probiotics, pure and human strain only.

Fecal transplants are sadly not 100% effective in curing c diff. After two years and five rounds of antibiotics that did not work for me I spent $1800 to have two rounds of FMT. 36 pills each time. I am still testing positive for C Diff and now also for E Coli and may have SIBO from the transplant. I have no insurance and have maxed out my credit cards on doctors and treatments. Finding a natural approach is now my only hope.

My sister was literally dying with C-diff. My Grandmother was told this by a pharmacist in Mexico. It worked Immediately, saving my sister's life. C-diff can readily be cured with chitan. The plant form is found in Barley. Here is what we did for sis per the pharmacist. Boil the barley yet don't cook it all the way, remove from heat and let it steep. Have patient drink the barley water after it steeps about 20 minutes. It is like a miracle for c-diff. Also stops any diarrhea quickly. Other Chitan is found in crab or shrimp shells. Health stores sell in capsules. We did not try those as the barley water so phenomenal!!

Probiotics can reduce the symptom. S. Boulardi is therapeutically used to flush C. Difficile. You can try S. Boulardi capsules.

Water kefir is rich in S. Boulardi. (S. Boulardi is good yeast)

To Kill you can Take 6 drops of Lugol's Iodine Solution 2 times a day after meal for one week.

Or Take 1 tbsp of Colloidal Silver for one week. If you are allergic to iodine, don't take Lugol's solution.

The herbal method. Take Black wallnut Tincture 30 drops 2 times a day for one month. Or as indicated in the Bottle.

Also, alkalize the intestine with Ted's Alkalizing formula before or after meal. Good Health

Barb: One of the best local natural antibiotics is Oil of Oregano. Take 2 or 3 soft-gels before retiring. In the morning take a broad-spectrum high organism Probiotic (4-60 billion units).

Do this for one week then add 50mg Zinc w/ 5-10, 000 iu of Vit-A away from meals. Home made Kefir will also help populate the gut w/ good bacteria.

I have had c diff now for about a year. I have been through 6 different doses of vanco and the new meds called difficel and now I went thur a fecal transplant and it did not work. 4 weeks later I will have to go through another fecal transplant. I heard someone say that pain meds make the spores worse. I am having a terrible time with this; if anyone has any other ideas, please pass them along for me. I go next week for another transplant, please say prayers.

The same thing happened to me and I use the same probiotics that you mentioned and it worked. That antibiotic should never be prescribed. It does more harm than good.

I had a dental extraction and the site was infected so the MD gave me clindamycin for 6 weeks at that moment I should of thrown the prescription away and ran straight to my Naturopathics office, but I decided to take the antibiotics I made to 5 weeks when I noticed my heart beating faster I stopped the toxic antibiotic immediately and researched the side effects then I was really scared out my wits! This what the doctor told me to take Saccharomyces Boulardii three times a day this is does not allow C diff. to take over as well as take Therelac (not three lac) and I also took turmeric pills and ate tons raw garlic and took Allicin garlic and ate organic sauerkraut. You have to do this for at least six months after taking this antibiotic to make sure that good flora is laid down. I also ate yogurt and bought highest quality 50 billion probiotics and drank lactose free kefir. I was also instructed by the doctor to empty the capsules of the 50 billion probiotics and put it in cool water and just drink it down to replensh the throat and stomach and coat it with the good probotics I did that too. This was all done to offset the possible negative aftermath of clindamycin

There is a mega dose probiotic that is prescription only ask your doctor for it. It helps

To all fighting C Diff... My mother in law is in a care facility where C-diff runs wild. After 4-5 rounds of it and all the antibiotics, I took matters in my own hands. After a lot of rerearching and talks with health pros, I tried out the Probiotics and added also some D-Mannose powder. As explained to me the D-Mannose is a type of sugar and it lines the bladder walls so the "bad guys" bacteria can't hold on. So with a regimine of Probiotics and D-mannose, along with lots of water, she has been C-diff free for over 5 years now. It's worth the effort. Good luck to all.

I like iherb.com, really good prices and fast delivery. But you should be able to get Oil of oregano right off the shelf at any health food store or Whole Foods. In Portland, we have it at the grocery store in the health department.

I agree with the person that suggested homemade Kefir. My neighbor was having a terrible time with IBS. I suggested she try doing homemade kefir and I got her started. From the first drink, she was better and won't go a day without it now. It's worth a try.

Hi, here's what helped me, prescribed by my dr: in addition to an excellent probiotic which I was taking daily; added saccharomyces boulardii (Floristor, or other companies make it as well (some with added MOS which is fine), less expensive, follow the dosage on package/bottle); also, twice a day, L-glutamine powder which is available most places, a half-teaspoon dissolved in a cup of water, and in the same water, dissolve a tablespoon of IgG 2000DF, which is an immunogobulin concentrate that rebuilds intestines. I use a brand that starts with XYM_ _ _ _, but maybe there are other brands. Stir the 2 powders in and drink. Not unpleasant. No food for a half-hour before and after. The IgG 2000DF is not cheap but it helped immediately. So worth it to me. Good luck!

Hi Trudyg from Al:

There are plenty of reasons for IBS-D:
intestinal inflammation
sibo
amoeba
allergens
toxins
Lactose Intolerance
blastocystis hominis

First don't take immodium, in the long run the intestines will lose its continence. To find the exact cause of diahrrea, involves process of elimination this will take time as it can be anyting.

First you need relief, then you need treatment. Even in case of treatment, you have to try many remedies that suits your body.

So Let us assume you have parasitic infection (whether bacteria, virus, amoeba and or worms). This assumption is apt for most of the cases.

As a first step, Take 1 cup of Home Made Kefir 2 times a day that fermented for atlease 24 hours.

The reason for 24 hours fermentation is, It increases the good yeast growth (along with good bacteria) and abundance of Lactic Acid. This lactic acid is the remedy for diahrrea. And the Trillions of bacteria and Yeast fights against the parasitic infection. Also, the kefir contains the enzymes that is necessary for the digestion of food. If the food is digested well there will not be constipation or diahrrea. Ofcourse we not killing any pathogens, we assisting in the process of digestion and elimination so you get immediate relief.

Take 1 gm of vitamin c 2 times a day. North american diet is deficient of Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the immunity.

Take home made carrot juice 300 ml a day. Vitamin A in carrot juice will heal the intestines, removes fat from liver, increases iron in the blood, and rich in other minerals such as magnesium, phosporous etc.

Follow up your progress here. Many will help. More people are cured by getting help from patrons of EC.

Good Health

I wonder if the mangosteen would help the IBS-D that I've had all my life? I've been checked for every possible cause and tried every remedy I've heard of, but not this yet. When I ask, people say charcoal, etc, but they don't have a clue how chronic this is--I have diarrhea every single day, no matter what I eat. I get up at 4 a.m. so I can eat and let my bowels do their thing and be able to leave the house at 7, then often I am still stopping on the way to work. The only thing that gives me consistent relief is immodium and Lotronex.

I didn't see the original post regarding this question, but I don't exactly agree with the response posted. Regardless, I'll pass on some information.

The beneficial yeast in mangosteen and lychee fruits can cure C. Difficille. I researched it for several days. The research goes back to 1927-I think was the first year it was discovered. This information isn't new, because a pharma company created a "probiotic" to treat C. Diff-only thing is the beneficial ingredient isn't exactly a probiotic, it is a YEAST, and the drug also often makes ppl sick. I opted to look for the fruit and not buy the drug.

The fruits usu aren't avail here in the states, they are considered an exotic tropical fruit. At the health food store, the produce mgr recommended a brand of 100% mangosteen juice (himilayan, if I remember correctly) from the supplements section. It was expensive. Best thing I did was buy it.

I was on some terribly strong antibiotics. I needed them for a bad jaw infection that was destroying the bone, it was the worst experience. The infection had been there for years and was strong; I'm thankful the infection was located with a 3-deminsional x-ray and that the antibiotics were available. But I've never been so sick from antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics for a week, I could barely stand up from so much abdominal pain, I bought the mangosteen juice. Within about 30 minutes of taking my first dose of the mangosteen juice, I felt abdominal relief. I began taking it 3x a day, then went and bought mangosteen capsules to take during the day while at work. It made all the difference.

The research stated the mangosteen can't prevent C. Diff., but once you have it, it can get rid of it.

I really don't know how the mangosteen benefited me, because all the research said the beneficial yeast can't prevent c. Diff. , so I must not have developed it. But, my gut was in a lot of trouble from the antibiotics, and the antibiotic was directly linked to C. Diff. , which is why I did all the research. Whatever was going on with me because of the antibiotics, the mangosteen saved me.

I was so grateful for the mangosteen information I found. I always tell people, you've got to take responsibility for your health. We have the internet, so research, research, and then more research. Hope this helps.

C. Diff and other bacteria might live in a person's intestines. If C. Diff lives in you AND you are prescribed certain antibiotics that are effective against other bacteria present in your intestines THEN you MIGHT experience an overgrowth of the C. Diff which can result in symptoms.

If you put several types of bacteria in a dish where you can see them on something they feed on you will likely see colonies of these several and to some extent they limit the growth of competing colonies.

It is like this that C. Diff can be present in the human digestive tract without symptoms.

Once an antibiotic is introduced that kills bacteria other than C. Diff this opens the door for C. Diff to flourish and become symptomatic.

Antibiotics do not give you C. Diff. It is either inside you or not. If not then you have to be exposed to it somewhere.

It is highly unlikely that while you are taking antibiotics you also come into the type of contact necessary to become infected with C.Diff.

It is very likely and probably 100% or very nearly 100% of C. Diff overgrowths are due to a person already hosting that bacteria and then taking a course of antibiotics which kills the competition.

FYI, fecal transplants are 100% effective in curing C Diff. Might be worth looking into in your situation. Best wishes!

Ck from San Diego... What you're referring to and what was explained to you by your physician is called "pulse dosing" and it's exactly what it sounds like. You take the antibiotic for a few days (or weeks depending on the severity of your infection) and then you stop for a few days (pulsing). This makes the bacteria think that the "threat" of the antibiotic is gone from your colon; once they "think" the threat is gone, they begin to transform from their survival mode or "spore" state to their normal vegetative or "active" state as living bacteria. When you restart the antibiotic again after a few days (pulsing), those bacteria that were protected as spores will then be killed by the antibiotic. Physicians use this technique for treatment when normal antibiotic therapy has failed to eradicate the entire infection and the bacterium has returned after a reoccurence.

According to the latest research, a reoccurence of a C. Diff infection occurs in 25% of patients who have had at least one bought with the nasty pathogen. This means that 25% of patients will experience another infection regardless of antibiotics taken; this infection is not caused by new organisms that have entered the body through exposure (such as in a hospital setting) but by bacteria that have survived the original treatment with antibiotics by becoming resistant spores. These spores are so hardy and "kill-proof" that even boiling them in water for hours on end does nothing! The only thing that really kills the spore on a hard surface is bleach. I wouldn't recommend drinking bleach!!! It is a disinfectant (used on non-living tissues such as counter-tops, door handles etc. ) as opposed to an antibiotic or an antiseptic (used on living tissues such as within the body or on the skin) like alcohol sanitizers.

I have been struggling with C. Diff for over 2 years now (I am 23 years old) and have had 4 reoccurences. Lucky me. I'm in that 25% category. I will be discussing other treatment options such as "pulse dosing" with my physician very soon because I am sick and tired of this. It's frustrating and for all of you suffering from C. Diff, trust me, I feel your pain. Keep fighting though! Don't give up, otherwise you have lost the fight to a primitive bacteria! And that ought to make you feel lousy.

C. Difficile-Associated Diarrhea Cured With Apple Cider Vinegar.

OK, I was a skeptic... A desperate skeptic but a skeptic just the same. When I came to earth clinic looking for a cure, I probably would have tried anything I read at that point as I have been battling C Diff for over 6 weeks, lost almost 25lbs, lost all my strength and was very close to losing my sanity. I had literally tried every drug cure they. Prescribe, every over the counter and was still racked by round the clock diarhhea along with pain, spasms, dehydration and weakness. I AM NOT EXAGERATING... I took 2 tbs of Apple Cider Vinegar in 6oz of water & in 20 minutes felt relief.

When you have chronic diarhea, there is always a "tense" or "sick" feeling in the pit of your stomach; like you are just waiting to get sick again. ACV took that away on my first dose. By my second dose I was able to go 2 hours without visiting the bathroom- it was a real miracle. I actually slept for the first time in weeks by my 3rd dose (2 Tbs, every 2 hours- organic, with the mother- in 6-8oz of electrolyte water. )

ACV is a miracle! I would have never believed it, but I am a believer now. I will never be without a bottle. I know this sounds dramatic but I honestly believe ACV might have saved me a major health battle. I was going downhill fast. My Dr. had given up and I was supposed to check in the hospital the day I tried ACV. I never had to go to the hospital, I am still in shock that such a simple cure worked but I am a true believer now!

This is probably really old. You may or may not get this. I'm trying to help a friend with UC. He's 18 and had had UC for two years. The past 3 months he has had C. Diff several times, been in and out of the hospital with severe cases. We are thinking he has it again. Do you suggest the Bentonite Clay and Oil of Oregano started immediately? Flagyl has definitely not helped in the past.

After reading your post I was just thinking about when I had that for 6 months and lost all my weight, it would be wise to also add a potent supplement of vitamins and minerals and omegas if you could keep them in your system long enough to absorb them.

None of the meds they gave me helped and only seemed to make me feel worse. I did use a lot of over the counter pain meds for the stomaches, taken with a saltine cracker.

You also might benefit from coconut oil or meat to heal the digestive tract.

My story is similar to the ones that I have read in here. All starting with a prescription from a dentist or doctor for an antibiotic. My GP told me that Dentists are big culprits of prescribing Amoxicilan and Clyndamycin, both are "Broad Spectrum" which means they kill every bacteria... Good and bad. I was first given 7 days of Flagyl, and of course the c-diff returned 4 days after completion. My second case of c-diff was so severe that after I had emptied my body of anything resembling a stool, my bowel then went into spasm and continued to try and force anything out of me it could. I had nothing left but blood and mucous and the pain was so severe I ended lying on the bathroom floor sobbing which is where my husband found me and rushed me to the hospital. The pains and cramps made childbirth seem like a walk in the park. The hospital gave me IV Vancomycin and a morphine shot (which they say is necessary to stop the bowel spasms) and I was very grateful for it I have to admit. I spent two days in hosptial under quarantine and then sent home to continue my Vancomycin in pill form for 10 more days. I had been warned that c-diff can return over and over and decided to be pro-active about recovery this time so I phoned a Naturopath and this is what he told me.

First he said that Probiotics are 100% necessary for this. So are Vit B's and a whole host of other nutrients to restore the good "Gut Flora" after this infection. He gave me Immune Boosters, heavy dute suppliments L. Glutamine and put me on an IV of nutrients 2 X week for 4 weeks. He said that c-diff needs to have a very agressive approach or I could have it stay dormant for years and it could take me up to 2 years to just get back to normal.

I have taken Acidophilous anytime I take an antibiotic and the average number per pill is around 100 million in drug store brands. Everything I read on-line said I needed a much higher dose for c-diff recovery. So I bought one from the pharmacist that was 10 Billion per pill. However the Naturopath told me that I needed ones that were 100 Billion per pill to treat this particular problem. Hi comment to me about eating yogurt and taking health store pro-biotics and/or off the shelf brands was, "It's like trying to put a forest fire out with a garden hose". All are fine for maintence of a healthy routine but once you get something that has killed off ALL your good bacteria they aren't effective enough to do any good. Once healthy again then by all means go back to low dosage pro-biotics and eating yogurt if you choose but don't be fooled that they will help you once you are dealing with something as severe as C-Diff.

Hope this helps some of you. Naturopaths aren't cheap and usually not covered by medical but I think it is worth the money. Even my doctor told me that most doctors aren't trained in nutrition and this type of medicine and a Naturopath was a good otpion. I have paid literally thousands of dollars for my dogs at the vet.... Why would I not spend money on myself for this. The total cost was about $1200 for the IV nutriants and about $400 for the heavy duty probiotics and supplements. Oh and the next time someone offers me a prescription for an antibiotic I am going to be asking a lot of questions and thinking long and hard about whether I really need them or not, believe me.

On April 2, 2013 I took a taxi to the nearest ER to find out why I was having non-stop bouts of diarrhea with a scorching fever. Later the next day, I received a call from the attending ER Doctor informing me that I had c-diff! I had never heard of this infection; but with intesnse research I found out that the on-set of this attack is usually brought on by heavy doses of antibiotics--2 weeks prior I had a dental procedure that required 8 consecutive days of an intense antibiotic dosage.

I went through 2 weeks of sheer hell--which included lots of blood and pus in my stool.

I went on a full attack on April 4th--using a standard probiotic (10 Billion cultures) and rapidly increased it to 50 billion and subsequent other products that I learned of from people on this forum (and my dogged research) I am happpy to report that on Saturday, April 20th, the bleeding, loose stools, painful gut and incessant bathroom visits STOPPED.

I feel absolutely great and I want to share some of my protocol so that someone else might not have to suffer months, even years on ened.

I started with Digestive enzymes before every meal and heavy doses of probiotics and then added [probiotics] before breakfast. I also took on e saccromycess bilourdii capsule midday--sometimes on an empty stomach and sometimes with food. I wanted to try different approches in order to monitor my body's reaction.

I think what brought about the quickest relief is that I ingested Oil of Oregano and drank Kefir several times a day. More importantly, I refused to go along with my Doctor's suggestion to start a Rx of Flagl to purge the infection--this makes no sense, and unfortunately Western medicine is pretty much lost inmy opinion. It was completely counter-intuitive to put more antibiotics in my body... They do more harm than good!

I am continuing with taking 4 drops of oil of oregano on an empty stomach--once in the morning and an hour before dinner. I drink 2-3 glasses of Kefir; yogurt (try to avoid the sugary kind); before dinner.

Sherri my Mom nearly died from C-Diff she had it multiple times would get better with antibiotics then relapse she was finally cured with compounded Vancomycin which was taken orally by the spoonful but this is the last resort they say.

Hello my dear. Don't give up. Try Mexican oregano oil. It is a God sent oil. Also take a S. Boulardii probiotic.

Wow! Cdiffhelp, I do not know how to even begin to thank you for taking the time to write your post. In the last few days I have grown so hopeless. But your post has reminded me I am not alone and I WILL get better eventually as long as I keep fighting and make sure I am getting adequate care from my drs.

I first had c diff three years ago really bad. It took the drs months to find it, as my first stool test came back negative. After I continued to lose weight that I couldn't even afford to lose, eventually a repeat stool culture came back positive. Flagyl did the trick and I don't remember having any recurrence except maybe a mild one that I took some leftover Flagyl for and recovered.

Fast forward to three weeks ago, I had just tried an ACV and water enema as part of a detox regimen. Within 30 minutes of that I started feeling off and then 30 mins after that, I started having the terrible diarrhea. The next two weeks I saw drs, had several (negative) stool tests, went to the ER a couple of times due to dehydration, and finally was admitted last Friday.

I was then given every test under the sun, including a CT scan and a colonoscopy/endoscopy. None of the results explained my symptoms. Two nights ago the hospital was ready to discharge me with no treatment at all, since I def didn't have c diff because of the negative cultures. I have never been so frightened in my life. I explained to every dr I saw all my symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, foul smelling stool, and severe weight loss). And they still wanted to give me nothing.

Just as I was about to leave, my primary dr came in the room. I had low expectations for that conversation, since he really had not much to say a few days earlier when he visited me in the hospital. But he turned out to be an angel sent from heaven. He ordered 10 days of Vancomycin. I felt a tiny bit better yesterday and a tiny bit better today.

My next step is a consult on Mon with a dr who does the fecal transplant. I am long past being grossed out by it. I want my life back and have been ill for far too long. Thank you so much again for your inspiring post! Hope your health is still great!

Yes to the Saccharomyces boulardii! I had c-diff about 6 years ago, a side-effect from antibiotics for Lyme, and my dr prescribed the Saccharomyces boulardii as you have described, and also Cholestyramin, a prescription-only drug normally used for cholesterol, which binds excess bile and inhibits absorption in the intestines (I'm not a dr but Wikipedia explains it pretty well). I think it also binds the c-diff. It's a powder that dissolves in juice or water, and I had no side effects. Between these 2 things, and also adding Iodoral (I tested very low in iodine), I was gratefully cured of that horrible disease.

This is what is working for me. I did not go to a doctor as I knew they would do endless tests and put me on anti-biotics in the end so I took charcoal caps first and that helped temporarily. Then I started taking digestive enzymes after meals. Added 1 Saccharomyces boulardii lyo capsule each morning with 2 Colostrum caps on empty stomach. Also, 1-2 turmeric caps after breakfast. 2 more Colustrum later in the day. I've been doing this for 3 weeks and think the c diff is under control or possibly cured. I really believe it's the colustrum and turmeric working the magic. I was planning to try the oregano oil, but this seems to have worked. I also added kefir to my diet and cut out milk temporarily. Hope this helps someone!

I've had c diff.... Yuk.... 6 months of agony from dental prescription of clyndamiacin..sp?... Lost 15 pounds and was miserable. I'm a small person. Couldn't eat without a bathroom nearby.

Take everything today to re establish flora on a mega scale and coconut products heal the intesines ... and I thought constipation was a problem... this is worse. There is a post from this week of using fecal transplant that was successful ... I don't know the proceedure but if you can get rid of c diff today, anything is worth trying.