Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 treatment

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157

Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 is a strain of bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness. While most strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial to our gut health, E. coli O157:H7 is notorious for its capability to produce a powerful toxin that leads to serious illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 265,000 E. coli infections occur in the United States each year, with O157:H7 being among the most common.

Causes

E. coli O157:H7 is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. The culprits often include undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk and cheese products, and unwashed, contaminated fruits and vegetables. Water can also be contaminated through fecal matter, leading to outbreaks in communities. Person-to-person transmission is possible in households and especially in institutions like daycare centers and nursing homes, where personal hygiene practices may not be adequate.

Signs and symptoms

- Severe stomach cramps - Diarrhea, often bloody - Vomiting - Fever, although not always present - Fatigue Symptoms typically begin 3-4 days after exposure to the bacteria, but you could become ill as soon as one day or up to 10 days later.

Diagnosing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157

Diagnosis is confirmed via a stool sample, which is tested for the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Healthcare providers may also conduct additional tests to check for complications and assess the severity of an infection. It's crucial to diagnose and understand the extent of the infection because it can lead to serious conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), especially in children under 5 years and the elderly.

Prevention and natural treatment

Prevention of E. coli O157:H7 infection is primarily about hygiene and food safety. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after any contact with farm animals. Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature: 160°F (70°C) for ground beef. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and juices. Treatment for E. coli O157:H7 infections is mainly supportive and includes hydration and rest. Antibiotics are not recommended for treating this particular strain as they might increase the risk of HUS. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage dehydration and other complications. In terms of natural treatments, maintaining hydration is key. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and herbal teas, can help. Probiotics, while not a direct treatment for E. coli O157:H7, may assist in restoring gut health following an infection. It's also important to note that some natural remedies may not be suitable for everyone, especially in the case of severe infection, and consulting with a healthcare professional is always advised before starting any new treatment regimen. However, the focus remains on prevention, through careful attention to dietary and personal hygiene practices, to avoid the risk of infection.

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