The Magic of Food

I got the results from the doctor on my stomach issues – Clostridium Difficile.  I find the wikipedia article fascinating (yes, really):

Because of my esophageal varices, I was put on a stomach acid reducer which gives me an increased potential for this bacterial flora to flourish.  Subsequently (or coincidentally), that potential became reality.  The doctors have now prescribed an antibiotic, Metronidazole, which according to a medical trial (Randomised clinical trial: vancomycin or metronidazole in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis – a pilot study) may be an effective treatment for early stages of PSC!  Oh, what a tangled web the medicine world weaves.

And, like Logan and I are proving almost every time I have an issue with gut flora – diet seems to make a difference.  For example, the worst day/night was Friday, but the doctors didn’t call until Monday morning with the rest results and a prescription to start the antibiotics.  Between those days, I was on a self-induced reduced diet and was feeling much better.  I believe it was the reduction in sugar (which inhibits bacterial growth), and the low residue, low fiber food. When I spoke to the nurse on Monday, I sensed a little surprise on the other end of the phone that I was feeling better without antibiotics. Voilà!  The magic of food!  And that’s why we’re passionate about cooking, looking at ingredients, and really understanding what we eat. But don’t be fooled – I still enjoy my sugary treats and Logan likes her Midwestern roots: corn dogs and fried food; of course, everything in moderation.

Note: I will still be taking the antibiotics prescribed. Seems foolish not to.