C. Difficile Infection- Ayurvedic Treatment, Diet, Exercises, Research Papers, Yoga & Pranayama

Introduction

This is an infectious disease caused by a microbe invasion in the gastro intestinal tract. The bacteria causing this condition, Clostridioides difficile was earlier called Clostridium difficile and often called C. difficile or C. diff. in short.  It causes C. difficile infection or C. difficile colitis. This condition develops as the normal healthy gut flora containing good bacteria get disrupted. In many cases, a history of frequent and inappropriate usage of antibiotics are observed. The infection can develop from unhygienic measures, as the bacteria can be transmitted from person to person in the form of spores. The disease may present with mild to moderated digestive problems but can end up fatal with serious complications if neglected. Common clinical signs and symptoms of C. difficile infection include watery diarrhoea which may sometimes present as bloody, cramps in the abdomen, pain in abdomen, tastelessness/bad taste in the mouth, fatigue and fever.

Causes of C.difficile infection

Most cases of C.difficile infection are caused by overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics that disturbs the normal intestinal flora.

Treatment of C. difficile infection

The condition is accidentally diagnosed in many people, during a routine check-up or an examination done for other diseases. No medicine or treatment is advised by doctors if there are no symptoms. In moderate cases antibiotics are used considering the affected strain. Medications like vancomycin are administered in severe cases. Rare cases need complicated treatments like faecal microbiota transplantation.

Complications of C. difficile infection, and its management

If not treated on time, C. difficile infection may cause severe and fatal complications. They include fulminant colitis, perforation of colon, or toxic megacolon.

Preventive measures of C. difficile infection

As an external infection, preventive measures work well in C. difficile infection. Personal hygiene measures taken especially during toileting and washing hands with soap before food intake help a lot. Avoiding public defaecation and using proper toilets also are part of prevention. A person can reduce the chance of C. difficile infection also by reducing the usage of antibiotics and eating a balanced and healthy diet.

Ayurvedic Concept of C.difficile infection

              Ayurveda considers the infestations by external organisms and the condition of diarrhoea is called as Atisara. So, C. difficile infection is considered to be Atisara dominant with Kapha-Pitta dosha imbalance and krimi infestation. People with Pitta prakriti have a sensitive digestive system (mridu koshtha) and tend to develop diarrhoea even with intake of milk. Some people also show hypersensitivity of stomach to minor changes in food or climate, and of course exposure to microbes. The condition can be correlated with Krimija atisaara or Atisaara developed due to Krimi in Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Nidana of C.difficile infection

Ayurveda enumerates a lot of causes for Krimi and Atisaara from the body constituition to environmental factors. Some of them are listed below.

water intake in excess quantity

Intake of dry meat or meat of emaciated animal

Intake of new or unfamiliar food

Intake of food which is not suitable to the body

Intake of grinded/dry sesame seeds from which the oil is extracted

Sprouts and similar items especially taken in high quantity

Some types of alcohol

Eating dry food items

Excessive food intake

Haemorrhoids/Piles

Faulty routine and behaviour during ghee intake (as a treatment)

Intestinal or other types of parasites & microbes

Suppression of natural urges

Ayurvedic treatment for C.difficile infection

              Ayurvedic treatment for C.difficile infection may be slightly different in each patient, considering the age, body type, severity of the symptoms etc. As it is an infection, primarily the management includes sodhana or clearing the intestines with herbal medicines. After that, Deepana-paachana therapies and medicines are administered to enhance the digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients.

Herbal Preparations for C.difficile infection

              Vilwadi guika

              Kutajarishtam

              Shadangam kashayam

              Dadimashtakachoornam

              Vidangasavam

Diet for C.difficile infection

              The main aspect in the diet plan of C.difficile infection is to do fasting in a proper way, giving the body’s defence mechanism enough time to get over the infection. But it is also important to take care enough hydration without causing further Ajeerna(indigestion). Food intake also should be restricted as healthy but light to digest. Mostly Tikta Katu and Kashaya rasas along with a small quantity of madhura rasa is advised.

Exercises, Yoga & Pranayama for C.difficile infection

In an acute condition, no exercise or other physical activities are not advisable. But gradual onset and regular following of certain Yoga postures, praanayaama and exercises can help improve the digestion and thereby reduce the aftereffects of C. difficile infection. Yoga postures beneficial for this condition include:

 Vajrasana

Bhujangasana

Veeraasana

Januseershasana

Naadisuddhi with Anulom Vilom pranayama can be beneficial in improving the Agni, helping the body to digest and assimilate whatever is left inside the bowel.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, United States. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your GP before the intake.

Ayurveda Expert, India
Dr. Rajesh Nair, Consultant, Ayurvedaforall

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Writer:

Dr. Rajesh Nair, the co-founder and chief consultant of Ayurvedaforall.Com, is a graduate of prestigious Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College (affiliated with the University of Calicut), Kerala, India. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University.

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