Time to Enjoy Everything

Sponsored by and developed in part with support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, the holiday season is now upon us and there are so many things that we want to enjoy from food with family and friends to traveling to some either local or exotic locations. There are a few things in life that can bring things that bring us joy to a halt. One of them is C. difficile infection, or C. diff. If you have this you will not be able to enjoy many things in life without feeling like you are on a roller coaster. The holiday season can be difficult for C. diff sufferers as it revolves so heavily around food and food traditions, something C. diff patients may not be able to fully participate in.

Don’t be put in a corner for the holidays by C. diff!

C. diff is caused by bacteria that take hold deep inside the gut microbiome, which is a collection of microscopic life forms, both good and bad, that are in the stomach and intestines and are crucial to maintaining health.

People experiencing C. diff lose their appetite, or fear that food will trigger their symptoms. Travel is also a challenge for affected C. diff patients. Many C. diff patients will have a difficult time gathering with their loved ones for events centered around populated by meals given their dietary restrictions. Let’s learn more together, so we can help ourselves and loved ones handle C. diff.

I have discovered Ferring Microbiome has great resources for my wellness journey about C. diff. The threat of recurrent C. diff infection is a huge part of maintaining your health help.

Enjoy Food Again!

Facts About C. diff

C. diff is short for the name of the germ that causes the infection: Clostridioides difficile.

C. diff can affect anyone, but the risk of getting it is higher for people who:

Are taking, or have recently taken antibiotics
Have spent some time in a hospital or a long-term care facility
Have a weakened immune system
Are 65 years of age or older

When C. diff germs take hold and multiply in your gut (intestines), they can wreak havoc. The most common symptoms–watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, or cramps–can last for days. If not treated right away, C. diff infection can lead to serious medical problems for the person who has it. A severe C. diff infection can even be fatal.

Most people may not realize that getting a relapse of the infection is highly possible–anywhere between two and eight weeks after the first infection. This is called recurrent C. diff. The effects of recurrent C. diff sometimes go beyond physical pain. It can trigger depression and other mental health concerns, too.

One of the MOST IMPORTANT FACTS IS THAT C. diff is very contagious and can become a serious health threat to others in the home and the community. It’s important to raise awareness in your family that frequent hand washing and disinfecting surfaces with bleach can help keep the spread under control.

What to Eat?

Here are a few of my favorites that are gut-friendly – you may love them too!

Bananas

(Who doesn’t love them? Even my grandpuppy adores them too!)

Sauerkraut

(There are so many varieties – try a few to find out your favorites!)

Potatoes

(They come in all shapes and sizes!)

Eggs and toast/bread

(Very simple and easy to add to your meals!)

Get All the Info from Ferring

Things to REMEMBER about C. diff

○ Make sure you ask your doctor about what you can eat during and after C. diff.

○ C. diff sufferers have to drastically change their diet to help manage their symptoms, making the upcoming holiday season-a time filled with many food-focused gatherings-a stressful and difficult situation.

○ C. diff is caused by bacteria that take hold deep inside the gut microbiome—a collection of microscopic life forms, both good and bad, that are in the stomach and intestines and are crucial to maintaining health.

○ People experiencing C. diff lose their appetite, or fear that food will trigger their symptoms. However, good nutrition is vital to recovery. The body needs to regain strength and rebuild gut health. It’s important to raise awareness about this infection to help people recognize the symptoms of C. diff and know when to go to the doctor for help.

○ C. diff is a very contagious infection that can become a serious health threat to others in the home and the community. Most importantly, many people may not realize that getting a relapse of the infection is highly possible–anywhere between two and eight weeks after the first infection. This is called recurrent C. diff.