If you've ever had a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, you're not alone. C. diff is a common infection that can strike after you’ve taken antibiotics. C. diff can cause serious digestive problems and it can throw your gut microbiome out of balance.
Your gut microbiome is made up of bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. When it’s out of whack, it can take time and work to get it back in balance. Here's more about how C. diff impacts your microbiome and what you can do to support healing.
What is C. diff, and how does it affect your gut?
C. diff is a type of bacteria that can live in your intestine without harming you. But after you take antibiotics, the healthy bacteria in your gut may be wiped out. That gives C. diff a chance to grow out of control.
“C. diff releases toxins that damage the lining of the colon,” said Israa Hegazy, a nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology with Banner - University Medicine.
When this happens, it can lead to:
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain or cramping
- Fever or nausea
- More serious inflammation of the colon
C. diff infections are common in hospitals and long-term care settings. “C. diff is the leading cause of infectious diarrhea in health care settings,” Hegazy said.
But these infections can happen to anyone who takes antibiotics. “Taking broad-spectrum antibiotics is the strongest risk factor for C. diff infection,” Hegazy said. Your risk is higher if you’re older or you have a chronic illness. And even after the infection clears, your gut microbiome may still need time to recover.
Why antibiotics and C. diff throw off gut balance
Antibiotics help fight infection but they don't just target harmful bacteria. They also destroy the good bacteria your body needs to keep your digestive system working smoothly.
This disruption means you have:
- Fewer types of bacteria in your gut
- Lower amounts of “good” bacteria to fight off C. diff
- More room for C. diff to grow and cause symptoms
When your microbiome is out of balance, it can affect your digestion, energy and even your immune system. That can lead to more infections and make it even harder for your microbiome to get back to a healthy state.
Signs your gut is still recovering
“As you’re recovering, you should notice that your stools return to their normal frequency and consistency, your abdominal pain goes away and you no longer have symptoms like fever,” Hegazy said.
But even after treatment for C. diff, you may notice your body doesn’t feel quite right.
Signs your gut is still healing include:
- Bloating, gas or cramping
- Loose stools or constipation
- Fatigue or trouble concentrating
- Food sensitivities or trouble digesting fiber
- Getting infected with C. diff again
“C. difficile spores can live in the gut and the environment for months,” Hegazy said. If you don’t fully rebuild your microbiome, you’re more likely to get infected again.
How to support your gut after C. diff
Rebuilding your gut after a C. diff infection takes time. These simple daily choices can help you recover.
Eat fiber-rich foods
Fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which helps them grow back. Choose:
- Fruits like apples and berries
- Vegetables such as broccoli and spinach
- Whole grains like oats and brown rice
- Beans and lentils, if they don’t cause too much gas for you
Try fermented foods
Fermented foods contain natural probiotics that can help restore balance in your microbiome. Try:
- Yogurt with live cultures
- Kefir (a drinkable yogurt)
- Sauerkraut, kimchi or miso
Consider probiotics or prebiotics
Talk to your doctor about supplements that support gut health. Some probiotics may help support gut healing or prevent C. diff from coming back.
Stay hydrated
Water helps flush out toxins and supports digestion. Aim for at least six to eight cups a day.
Manage stress and get rest
Your gut and brain are connected. Getting enough sleep and reducing stress can help your gut work better.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to talk to your provider if:
- You have signs of severe infection, like high fever, severe pain or bright red blood when you have a bowel movement
- Your digestive symptoms aren’t getting better
- You have new symptoms, or symptoms are getting worse
- You’ve had more than one C. diff infection
- You have an immune system condition or other chronic conditions
- You want help choosing the right diet or probiotic
Your doctor may recommend additional treatment or refer you to a specialist in digestive health. “The field is rapidly evolving, with new microbiome-based therapeutics now available,” Hegazy said.
Treatment options may include:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT): Placing stool from a healthy donor, which contains healthy bacteria, into your digestive system
- Live biotherapeutic products: FDA-approved options that add live microbes to your digestive system
How Banner Health can help
Recovering from C. diff isn’t just about clearing the infection. It’s about restoring your health. At Banner Health, we offer:
- Infectious disease specialists who care for C. diff and other digestive infections
- Gastroenterologists who understand microbiome health
- Support from registered dietitians and wellness teams
- Personalized recovery plans to help you feel like yourself again
Need support after a C. diff infection?
Schedule an appointment online with a Banner Health digestive care specialist and take the first step toward healing your gut.
