
From the Mailbag: Fecal Transplants and Full-Fat Dairy
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You’ve got questions…
We’ve got answers!
Last week, we discussed natural solutions for treating psoriasis and got an overwhelming number of reader responses. Thanks so much for writing in. We will be vetting those responses and will share reader tips on how to alleviate this uncomfortable skin condition in an upcoming mailbag edition of Living Well Daily. Stay tuned!
If you have a psoriasis tip you’d like to share, send it to nmoore@lfb.org.
This week, we will be discussing fecal transplants and how they may be leading the way in treating a common bowel infection. We’ll also talk about how eating full-fat dairy may reduce your diabetes risk.
Let’s dive in…
Poop Transplants Save Lives?
Hey, Natalie,
My brother-in-law suffers from recurrent intestinal infections. His doctor said it’s due to a bacteria called C. diff, and it’s really hard to treat. He’s been hospitalized several times because of the infection and has suffered through many courses of antibiotics but has experienced no relief. Last week, his doctor suggested he get a fecal transplant. Do you know how they do this? Moreover, do they actually work for treating C.diff?
Thanks,
Tim W.
Interesting questions, Tim.
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can cause serious gastric symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramping and even life-threatening inflammation of the colon. C. difficile infections are usually contracted after antibiotic use and most commonly affect older people in hospitals or care facilities. However, these infections are now showing up in folks without a history of being in health care facilities or antibiotic use.
Just as in your brother-in-law’s case, C. diff sufferers are typically given antibiotics that target the specific bacteria that cause the infection. However, these additional antibiotics don’t always kill the infection — even with multiple courses.
That’s where the poop comes in…
In recent years, scientist and doctors have performed an unconventional operation called a fecal transplant. During this procedure, “healthy” stool from a donor is implanted in the colon of the C. difficile sufferer. This is done via colonoscopy or nasogastric tube, and it uses the donor’s stool to replenish healthy gut bacteria.
Research shows that fecal transplants have a success rate higher than 90 percent for treating dangerous C. difficile infections. Plus, they don’t subject the body to more antibiotics, which can kill off the beneficial bacteria in your stomach.
So if your brother-in-law goes forward with the procedure, there’s a great chance that he will recover from this debilitating and painful condition and hopefully be able to say goodbye to good-gut-bacteria-destroying antibiotics.
Full-Fat Freedom
Dear Natalie,
A friend in my card circle told me that eating and drinking full-fat dairy products can decrease your risk for diabetes. Is this true?
Thanks,
Libby B.
Thanks for your question, Libby.
Yes, this is true. According to a recent study, full-fat dairy products have been linked to a lower risk of diabetes.
The study, which is published in the journal Circulation, involved 3,333 participants who were monitored for both biomarkers for dairy fat in their blood and the development of diabetes. At the end of the study, the data showed that folks who eat the most dairy fat had about a 50 percent lower risk of developing diabetes.
The researchers weren’t able to establish that eating dairy fat was the exact reason why these folks experienced the decreased risk, but the results certainly show that dairy fat may have protective effects against diabetes.
So if you’re going to eat dairy, be sure to enjoy the full-fat type.
Thanks for your questions! Keep them coming. Send all questions to nmoore@lfb.org
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
[1] Fecal Transplantation (Bacteriotherapy)

Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
30-Second Vision Hack Restores Calm
Ever notice how looking out at the ocean or mountains makes you instantly feel calmer? It’s not your imagination. And it isn’t just the beautiful scenery, either. There’s a biological reason that gazing out at the horizon triggers relaxation… Our eyes were designed to look far away, and our visual cortex evolved to process nearby...
Men, If You’re Feeling Tired—Don’t Ignore THIS Warning
You know that feeling when you wake up tired… and stay tired all day? You chalk it up to age—but lately, it’s worse. You’re dragging… You need more coffee… Your energy just isn’t what it used to be! But what if it’s not just age? A new study shows that fatigue in older men could...
Mailbag: Science-Backed Strategies Target Belly Fat
“What is an effective strategy for gradually eliminating (white) belly fat?” —Slimming Down Hi Slimming, White fat is the most common fat in the body, and its primary purpose is to store energy. But belly fat isn’t just about appearances. Having too much of it is associated with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and...
Just 35 Minutes Could SAVE Your Brain
For years, I’ve told you exercise is non-negotiable for healthy aging. As you age you must move more to protect your body and brain. Now, groundbreaking new research confirms what I’ve been saying all along. Exercise can slash your dementia risk—but with a surprising twist that eliminates your last excuse for not moving more. Dementia...
The One Supplement I'll Never Stop Taking
Omega-3s are one of the few supplements I’ve continued to take ever since I graduated from medical school. And now, exciting new research confirms what I’ve suspected all along… This remarkable fatty acid doesn’t only support heart and brain health—it could, quite literally, slow down the aging process itself. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats your body...
Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox
You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...
Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...
Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again
I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...