It may not be visible to the naked eye, but bacteria are everywhere, and their contribution to the biosphere cannot be understated. In the natural world, bacteria help animals digest food, help trees grow, and play a critical role in the way that our environment recycles nutrients.
But, for all the help it lends us, some bacteria can be downright awful. Clostridium difficile, or C. diff for short, is most definitely on the wrong team. These pesky bacteria, when introduced into the human body, can wreak havoc on a person’s digestive system, diet, and quality of life. So let’s take a deeper look at C. diff including what it is, how it’s treated, and dietary modifications you can make.
What Is C. Diff?
C. diff is a type of bacteria. Roughly half a million people are diagnosed with C. diff every year in the United States alone, and that trend has been rising steadily over the last few years. Those most vulnerable to infection are usually patients of long-term medical care facilities that require antibiotics for an extended period.
Recently though, C. diff infections are popping up in young and otherwise healthy individuals with no recent antibiotic exposure. Thankfully, C. diff infections can be treated relatively simply. Having said that, it can be fatal if left untreated, especially in patients over the age of 65.