Are Probiotics really helpful in treating constipation?
Karen Colins
says that many people are helped by probiotics, especially when
constipation is part of the condition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
She
says that evidence is growing that probiotics - which are live active
cultures of health-promoting bacteria - offer a variety of health
benefits. The most consistent benefits suggest that probiotics help
control diarrhea following antibiotic treatment. Some studies show
probiotics help in dealing with inflammatory bowel diseases, like
ulcerative colitis and Crohn's, and play a role in reducing risk of
colon cancer.
She
says that there are many variables as to how much probiotics will
influence a person's condition. Different types of probiotic bacteria
clearly have different effects. Individuals will almost surely respond
differently to the same probiotic bacteria, depending in part on the
kinds of bacteria already living in their digestive tract and in their
overall diet.
For
example, Collins says, probiotic bacteria might multiply and produce
beneficial results more quickly if there is enough dietary fiber on
which the bacteria can "feed."
Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids and getting regular
physical activity are all factors that help probiotics be more
effective in overcoming constipation.
Crohn's Disease Kids are Becoming Corticosteroid Dependent
Research Title: Immediate and Long-Term Response to Corticosteroid Therapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease Patients. Abstract M1160
According to new study results presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2009,
a high proportion of children with moderate to severe Crohn's disease
treated with corticosteroids become corticosteroid dependent,
particularly girls and children diagnosed at an earlier age.
Alfreda Krupoves, MD, MSc, Saint Justine University Hospital Centre (CHU Sainte-Justine),
Montreal, Quebec, and colleagues reported on the results of a study
conducted to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of the first
course of corticosteroid therapy in children with Crohn's disease to
examine potential factors that may predict corticosteroid
responsiveness.
Based
on the findings, the authors concluded that alternatives to
corticosteroids are needed, particularly in girls and children
diagnosed with Crohn's disease at a younger age.
The
study included 195 children diagnosed with Crohn's disease who received
corticosteroids within 1 year of diagnosis. Diagnosis was based on
standard criteria used at a pediatric gastroenterology clinic in
Montreal, and clinical phenotypes were classified using the Montreal
Classification...read more...
More Caffeine Increases Risk of Low Birth Weight
Moms are being advised to cut caffeine levels while pregnant to reduce the risk of delivering a low-birth-weight baby.
A
British study found that the more caffeine a woman drinks daily during
pregnancy, the more likely she is to have a dangerously small baby.
Consuming between 100 and 199 milligrams of caffeine daily increased
the risk by 20% compared to women who drank less than 100 milligrams
daily.
Those
who consumed between 200 and 299 milligrams had a 50% increased risk of
a low-birth-weight child, while the risk was 40% for those with
caffeine intakes above 300 milligrams daily. Drinking more than 100
milligrams of caffeine in the first trimester cut baby's weight an
average of 34 to 59 grams, with a reduction of up to 89 grams in birth
weight by the third trimester (i.e. just less than two-tenths of a
pound).
Low
birth weight can lead to health problems. In fact, in response to the
study, the British Food Standards Agency has dropped the recommended
allowable caffeine amount for pregnant women from 300 milligrams a day
to 200 milligrams - which is about 2 cups of coffee.
Did You Know???
Vitamin C may fight wrinkles. Recent finding: People that consume the most vitamin C had 11% fewer wrinkles than those who consume least vitamin C.
Theory:
The antioxidants in vitamin C are important component in the production
of Collagen, a protein that help to keep skin smooth and firm.
Good source of vitamin C: Orange, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli.
Fight cancer with fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) says Mark A. Stengler, ND.
He found that patients with colorectal cancer were less likely to
develop new tumors when they took FWGR as an adjunct to conventional
therapy.
FWGE slowed the progression of oral cancer and reduced the death rate among patients being treated for advanced melanoma.
FWGE is sold as a power in health-food stores and on-line, it should not be confused with ordinary wheat germ.
Brand names include Avemar and Ave.
Remember to talk to your physician bebofe taking FWGE for cancer.
