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Probiotics might be effective against C. diff |
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 25 April 2008 |
Cases of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) increased twofold from 2000 to 2005, claiming the lives of more than 28,000 people in 2005 alone, according to a late April MSNBC report.
About 301,200 people contracted the disease in 2005, where from 1993 to 2005, more than 2 million got CDAD, MSNBC reports.
The intestinal infection, which can cause mild to sever diarrhea, disturbs the normal flora content of the colon. Its occurrence is associated with the use of antibiotics, which can disrupt a normally healthy gut balance. It is most likely to affect older patients.
MSNBC says Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, produces spores that can last on surfaces for weeks, and they must be killed with bleach.
Several reports have indicated that probiotics – often described as friendly bacteria – might help protect against C. diff infection. In fact, a mid-April story posted at enzymeswork.com reports probiotics might fight off C. diff and other infections.
The story, dubbed “Health benefits boost popularity of probiotics,” also mentions that along with keeping people regular, friendly bacteria could prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea.
An Internet search reveals myriad research on probiotics and their potential to fight C. diff. It seems studies are ongoing as researchers seek to reveal probiotic strains that might work best against the infection.
In the WellZymes™ line, Colon Health is a probiotic supplement that provides a blend of more than 3 billion viable organisms to restore the colon’s flora balance. The organisms also raise the pH of the colon to help prevent potentially harmful tissue changes.
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