From the Research
Patients with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection should focus on adequate hydration and a bland, low-fiber diet to manage symptoms and support recovery, as there are no specific dietary restrictions required for this condition. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, found that the addition of probiotics did not reduce the incidence of hospital-onset C. diff infection among inpatients receiving intravenous antibiotics, suggesting that probiotics may not be as effective in preventing C. diff infection as previously thought. However, other studies, such as 2, suggest that probiotics may still have a role in restoring healthy gut flora, particularly when administered after antibiotic therapy.
Key dietary approaches for managing C. diff infection include:
- Drinking plenty of clear fluids to replace fluids lost through diarrhea and prevent dehydration
- Eating a bland, low-fiber diet, including foods like bananas, rice, toast, applesauce, and well-cooked vegetables, to reduce bowel irritation
- Avoiding alcohol and spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods that may exacerbate diarrhea during the acute phase
- Gradually reintroducing fiber as symptoms improve to help normalize bowel function
- Eating small, frequent meals to manage decreased appetite and weight loss
It is essential to note that these dietary approaches complement, but do not replace, appropriate antibiotic therapy, such as oral vancomycin, fidaxomicin, or metronidazole, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Additionally, patients should discuss the use of probiotics with their healthcare provider, as timing is crucial relative to antibiotic administration, as suggested by 2.