Clostridium difficile, also known as C diff, is a type of bacteria that causes over 500,000 infections in the United States each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, C diff is one of the leading drug-resistant threats of our time. C diff causes colitis, an inflammation and infection of the colon. The number one risk factor for C diff infection is antibiotics use. Other C diff causes include living in a nursing home, having gastrointestinal tract surgery, a weakened immune system and colon heath issues. C diff symptoms can be severe. Implementing c diff home remedies can help cure C diff without antibiotics. (1)
C Diff Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
- Fever
- Abdominal pain, tenderness or cramping
- Rapid heart rate
- Dehydration
- Increased white blood cell count
- Weight loss
- Kidney failure
C Diff Home Remedies
1. Stop Antibiotics
The number one C diff cause is the use of antibiotics. C diff can develop when antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in your body. If you are experiencing C diff symptoms, stop the use of any antibiotics immediately. (2)
2. Consume Good Bacteria
In order to fight off a C diff infection, it’s important to consume good bacteria. Can C diff be cured with probiotics? Taking a high-quality probiotic supplement can help fill your gut with good bacteria to fight off infection. You can also consume probiotic foods as a C diff home remedy, such as raw apple cider vinegar, kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir. (3)
3. Avoid Certain Foods
C diff symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods. (4) To a prevent and heal C diff infections, avoid inflammatory foods including:
- Dairy
- Processed foods
- Spicy foods
- Processed, fat-free foods
- Large quantities of caffeine
- Greasy foods
4. Consume Natural Antibiotics
Natural antibiotics can help fight off harmful C diff bacteria. Try:
- Manuka honey: Manuka honey is a powerful antibacterial agent that has the ability to reduce inflammation in the colon and prevent C diff causes. (5)
- Raw garlic: Garlic works as a C diff home remedy thanks to its antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. Add fresh garlic to your daily diet to help prevent an infection.
5. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils for C diff can be used to help kill bacteria and stop painful symptoms. Try:
- Oregano: Essential oils for C diff include oregano. Oregano oil works as a natural treatment against harmful, drug-resistant bacteria. (6)
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil has powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can help fight infections.
- Thyme: Thyme has been shown fight many strains of bacteria. It’s a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial that can help heal infections while reducing antibiotic exposure. (7)
6. Wash Your Hands
To help stop a C diff infection from spreading, make sure you wash your hands on a regular basis. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly wash your hands for 30-40 seconds. After you’re done washing your hands, dry them with a clean, dry towel. Proper hand washing has been shown to be a more effective form of cleaning than alcohol-based hand cleansers. (8)
