Knowledge Base

I have listened on XM HWWShow you talking about Wobenzym. I have a history of C-difficile and my question is, "would it be advisable and safe in view of the C-diff history to take this product"? I am a 69 year old female and am otherwise healthy. The C-diff was antibiotic related the first time -- another time it was transmitted from others (at a nursing home visit). Thank you. Bev/Montana

Clostridium Difficile is a bacteria most commonly connected to hospital stays, outpatient surgicenters, nursing homes, etc. It leads to colitis and diarrhea, most commonly after antibiotic use. It causes severe inflammation in the mucosal tissue and destruction of cells of the colon.

Clinical studies in Canadian hospitals indicate that taking a probiotic 1-2 hours after each dose of antibiotics aids in fending off this virulent bacteria. This process should continue for an additional 3 months after symptoms subside.

Although any antibiotic can cause C.difficile to thrive, the most common include Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Cephalosporins and Clindamycin. C.difficile can also lead to additional intestinal bacterial infections such as Shigella and Campylobacter.

Once diagnosed with C.difficile, doctors commonly prescribe Metronidazole or Vancomycin for 10-14 days. 15-20% of patients will re-experience diarrhea and other symptoms at a point after ceasing therapy with Metronidazole or Vancomycin, resulting in an additional round of therapy with these antibiotics.

Again, we stress the importance of using probiotics during any course of antibiotics to prevent chronic gastrointestinal distress. We also highly recommend enhancing the immune system using Vital ImmuSol (1 upon rising and 2 at bedtime until issue is resolved). We also recommend staying away from sugar, chemical sugar substitutes, alcohol, processed foods, grains (including corn, soy, wheat, white rice, etc.) for a minimum of 3 months.