Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes are crispy and flavorful with a sweet brown sugar lactose-free butter sauce! The perfect side dish to any meal.

Sponsored by and developed in part with support from Ferring Microbiome.

It's almost Thanksgiving and I have an easy and delicious side dish to share that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving side dish, for the holidays or really, for any time of year. Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes are super flavorful and are a crowd-pleaser. You can cut the sweet potatoes into little cubes or in thin slices for this recipe. I tossed the sweet potatoes in a brown sugar butter blend. So good!

Bowl of Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

What is C. diff?

The holidays are a wonderful time for many but for those living with an illness, it can be a tough time. Today, I want to share my knowledge about an infection that was common when I was working as a dietitian in a nursing home for 8 years. I worked with a lot of patients with C. diff or Clostridioides difficile, which is a common and contagious infection that anyone can get. While C. diff can affect anyone, people who are at higher risk for getting it include those who have taken antibiotics, those who have been hospitalized or in a long-term care facility, have a weakened immune system, or are 65+. Ferring Microbiome has tons of information available to learn more about C. diff.

At least once a week, I would have a patient with C. diff often after they got out of the hospital. As a dietitian, I would work with the patients to help them understand what foods they can eat to help their C. diff and which ones to avoid.

When germs from C. diff take hold and multiply in your intestines, it causes symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and stomach pain. If it is not treated right away, it can lead to other medical problems. If you had C. diff, you are at risk of having a recurrence of the infection 2-8 weeks after having it. It is a very contagious infection and if you have it, frequent hand washing and cleaning surfaces with bleach.

Those living with C. diff around the holidays can have a hard time since the holidays are loaded with delicious foods and if you have C. diff, there are certain foods you should avoid. The brown sugar roasted sweet potatoes is a recipe that those with C. diff can enjoy without worrying about it causing more symptoms.

The Importance of the Gut Microbiome

To feel better, it is important to have a balanced gut microbiome. The gut microbiome consists of microbes that play a role in how our bodies work. It is located in the lower intestines, and there are good and bad bacteria that affect our health. A balanced microbiome is important because it can help with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and works with the immune system to protect you from infection. New research shows that it helps with blood sugar control, brain function, heart health, and overall gut health. When the microbiome is imbalanced, C. diff can take hold and grow leading to infection.

What to Eat (and not eat) if You Have C. diff

-People with C. diff often lose their appetite or get worried that eating will trigger their symptoms. Good nutrition is very important for recovery. Proper nutrition can help you regain strength and rebuild gut health.

-Stay hydrated- drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration

-While you are not feeling well, have basic foods like bananas, rice, potatoes, oatmeal, soup, etc.

-Avoid milk and milk products (sour cream, ice cream, etc.) except for yogurt

-Eat a diet high in fiber after feeling better from C. diff. Focus especially on foods with soluble fiber such as oatmeal, avocado, peeled pears, and cooked carrots.

-Avoid raw vegetables while you are not feeling well. You can safely enjoy cooked veggies such as in soups.

-Avoid caffeine as it can cause digestive issues. You can drink herbal tea if that does not bother you.

-Skip the greasy and spicy foods while recovering.

-Eat foods rich in probiotics or take a probiotic supplement- yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha

-Ask your doctor or registered dietitian what you can eat when you have C. diff.

Learn more about C. diff from Ferring Microbiome.

Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Yield: serves 6 Author: Amanda Hernandez