E. coli, otherwise known as E. coli o157 is a gram-positive, facultative, aerobic, cell-surface anaerobic, multicellular organism of the class Lactobacillus that is most often found in the large intestine of mammals. E. coli normally resides in the small intestine, where it is responsible for the digestion of food. When the intestine becomes irritated by something, e. coli is drawn into the intestine and multiplies there in numbers sufficient to cause disease. The most common pathogen is anaerobes, which are formed when the environment is right for the growth of aerobic bacteria.
E. coli is part of our body, but it can cause illness when it grows out of control, especially if you have a compromised immune system, such as HIV or AIDS patients. It is not a problem for infants or those who are newly born since newborns are not yet capable of producing their own antibodies. If an individual has an unhealthy colon, such as a person with Crohn's Disease, or other inflammatory conditions, it can make the condition worse, even if it is not directly causing it.
If the colon is not functioning correctly, it becomes difficult to digest food properly and to rid the body of toxins. It may appear to be the body's attempt to kill off the microorganisms by making mucus. However, this does not kill the microorganisms but instead causes them to multiply uncontrollably. An unhealthy colon is a breeding ground for these bacteria. This increases your chances of getting sick.
Some people are more prone than others to an E. coli infection
If you have a weak immune system and an unhealthy colon, these two factors combined can make you vulnerable to an E. coli infection. People who are at risk include: pregnant women, people with HIV/AIDS, chronic renal failure (CRN), and those with diabetes, and also smokers.
There are several ways to detect the presence of e. coli O157 in your colon. A simple blood test can detect the presence of the bacteria, but this will only indicate the presence of the microorganism. in your blood stream. Another way to detect the bacteria is through a colonoscopy, an examination of the gastrointestinal tract to see if there are any abnormalities that could be indicating the presence of an infection.
If you have been diagnosed with e. coli O157, there are several ways to treat it. The first method is to treat the infection by taking antibiotics, which can kill off the E. coli and possibly the bacteria that cause it, but will not prevent the disease from coming back, because the bacteria will still be present.
You can cure your illness with a change in diet, if you are taking antibiotics, so that the E. coli is killed off completely. If this is not an option, you can take a probiotic supplement that contains acidophilus or other beneficial bacteria. A natural supplement containing live cultures is another way to kill off the E. coli. If you have a weakened immune system, surgery may also be used.
There are also colon cleansers available for those with weakened immune systems that will help keep the colon clean and clear.
These supplements are also a good way to fight off the bacteria and prevent an infection from occurring
In some people, an E. coli O157 infection is not that serious and does not require treatment. However, if it does become severe, or if the patient has kidney or liver disease, a kidney transplant may be required. You may also need surgery if the disease has spread to another part of the digestive system. If it has spread to the bloodstream, surgery may be necessary.
Colon cleansing is also a good idea for those who are pregnant, because the infection can spread to the fetus and the baby. Colon cleansing helps to remove the E. coli and bacteria from the intestines and duodenum, and help to prevent re-occurrence. if the bacteria had been there before.
E. coli O157 infections are a threat to your health and well being, and can often be prevented by a change in diet. and using an E. coli cleanse.