The Digestion Blog

Researchers[1] have found strong evidence of a link between specific brain behavior & the microbial life forms in the gut. Before we go further into the two experiments that were used, let’s get some terminology out of the way. Continue reading “Swiss Mice, Bacteria & Brain Behavior” »

A recent study suggests kids & teens may not be properly taking medication prescribed to them for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Continue reading “Kids With IBD: Medication, CCFA Webcast & Alternatives” »

Nexvax2 may become a breakthrough for preventing or treating Celiac disease.

The company ImmusanT has released information that their Celiac Disease vaccine “Nexvax2” passed their three week Phase I clinical trial. Phase I trials only test safety, tolerability & bioactivity in humans & are not meant to test how effective the drug or vaccine is. Some patients receiving the vaccine experienced symptoms similar to what they would experience from gluten exposure, which was expected. Continue reading “Celiac Vaccine Showing Promise” »

Recent studies from Digestive Disease Week 2011 link the bowel, brain & meditation.

Lots of interesting studies being reported fresh off the heals of Digestive Disease Week 2011. The study we’re discussing today looks at the usefulness of meditation & support groups for the treatment of symptoms in those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Continue reading “Irritable Bowel Syndrome, The Brain & Meditation” »

A recent study examined the effects the growth hormone agonist, ghrelin, had on Guinea Pig antral and pyloric smooth muscle tissue. Ghrelin is partially responsible for stimulating hunger along with increasing motility & digestive juices. Continue reading “Guinea Pigs, Rats & Ghrelin Helping With Gastroparesis” »

A recent study published in Gastroenterology(Vol. 140, Issue 5) has found that Dronabinol may help with treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Dronabinol is a purified form of THC which is the active ingredient of cannabis(Marijuana).

Patients were split into two groups, one group was given 2.5mg of Dronabinol while the other group was given 5mg. Tests were done to measure colon motility & compliance 1 hour after taking the oral treatment & 1 hour after eating a 1,000 calorie meal. Continue reading “Study Supports Marijuana’s THC Helpful For IBS” »

A recent small scale study shows that people who have long term Functional Dyspepsia are more likely to have sleep disturbances or anxiety.

Functional Dyspepsia is essentially chronic indigestion. It usually involves bloating, belching, nausea & heartburn. Often Functional Dyspepsia is not an often diagnosis. Many doctors seem to prefer to link these symptoms to acid reflux. Functional Dyspepsia may have links to stomach motility issues & may actually be a milder form of Gastroparesis. This hasn’t been confirmed because often motility tests are not done on patients complaining of these symptoms. The reason is is called “Functional Dyspepsia” is because it is usually a diagnosis given to people after normal diagnostics show nothing wrong. Continue reading “Funky Sleep Linked to Functional Dyspepsia” »

“Lazy Stomach” article written by a doctor, makes them sound out of touch regarding gastroparesis & patient’s needs.

I am not sure why I didn’t see this earlier, but there was an article posted on DrOz.com about Gastroparesis by Robynne K. Chutkan, MD titled “Lazy Stomach”. The article belittles & seems to make light of Gastroparesis.

The technical term for Deborah’s condition is “gastroparesis” which means paralysis of the stomach – affectionately referred to as a “lazy stomach”.

Who in their right mind actually refers to Gastroparesis affectionately and uses the term “lazy stomach”? Oh “my stomach is just lazy!”, wrong! How about we just leave it at “my stomach is partially paralyzed and/or malfunctioning” which doesn’t sound quite as cute… Continue reading “DrOz.com “Lazy Stomach” Article Angers Many” »

Learn about five diet & nutrition mistakes made by many

1. “Low Fat” or “Fat Free” foods are probably not good for you.

There are a ton of products on the market that advertise as being “low fat” or “fat free”. There are some products out there that naturally fall into these categories, such as rice cakes or fruit. Those foods are fine, what you want to look out for are things that would normally have fat, but have been engineered to have reduced fat or no fat. Things like cookies, breakfast bars, brownies, etc. These items have probably had a ton of processed & artificial ingredients added to them so as to replace the texture of the missing fat.

Also it’s very important to realize that “Low Fat” or “Fat Free” foods can still make you fat. Fat is more easily stored in the body and will probably hit your thighs quicker than other sources of calories, but protein & carbohydrates contain calories which will convert to fat as well. So if you’re eating something that is “fat free”, but has 300 calories per serving, you’re really not doing yourself many favors. Continue reading “5 Diet & Nutrition Mistakes” »