The Benefits of Probiotics

January 23rd, 2010

Probiotic

The human body is made up of an estimated 100 trillion bacterial cells from at least 500 species, not including viruses and fungi. These bacterias (probiotics) are referred to as “friendly” bacteria and are responsible for several important biological functions. Some of these functions include assisting with digestion, keeping other harmful bacteria at bay and stimulating the immune system.

Researchers found that probiotics hold the answer to the growing number of cases of antibiotic resistance and abuse. This has caused consumers to search for other natural alternatives to treating various health conditions.

Certain studies have proven the many health benefits of probiotics such as the prevention or control of:

Food and skin allergies in children
Bacterial vagniosis
Premature labor in pregnant women
Inflammatory bowel disease
Recurrent ear and bladder infections
Chronic diarrhea

Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Probiotic bacteria, which are living microorganisms that have beneficial effects on human health, have mostly been studied as treatments for different gastrointestinal diseases and allergies. However, not much is known about what kind of effects they have on the immune system in healthy adults.

A new study shows that probiotics can modulate immune responses via your gut‘s mucosal immune system.

It was found that probiotics have an anti-inflammatory potential. They caused a decrease in serum CRP levels, and a reduction in the bacteria-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines.

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Arthritis may be a warning symptom of IBD

January 7th, 2010

Often, arthritis can appear before the symptoms of IBD, especially in children with Crohn’s disease. If your child develops arthritis, Crohn’s should be considered, even if your child isn’t yet experiencing any intestinal symptoms and occult stool tests are negative.

Another form of arthritis called “spinal arthritis” – or spondylitis – can occur years before the onset of more common IBD symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Spondylitis produces pain and stiffness in the lower spine and sacroiliac joints. A more sinister and rare form of spinal arthritis called “ankylosing spondylitis” can lead to inflammation of the eyes, lungs and heart valves. Both forms of spondylitis are serious illnesses that can severely limit your quality of life and lead to serious complications. It’s important to seek timely treatment or better yet, try to prevent the onset of arthritis if you’re at risk because you suffer from IBD.

Prevention is key for IBD sufferers.

If you suffer from IBD – be it either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease - it’s important to talk to a doctor about preventative measures you can take to avoid arthritis. As the saying goes – and it’s particularly true in this case – the best offense is defense.

Clearly, people suffering from colitis and arthritis need to address both diseases. Otherwise, you’ll be simply relieving symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause. For example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen) along with steroid injections are often used to treat arthritis and lessen pain associated with it. But if you’re an IBD sufferer – beware! NSAIDs can irritate your intestinal lining and lead to more inflammation. It’s important that your treatment plan considers all aspects of both conditions.

If you’re overweight, try to lose weight. Your diet should be modified according to your body neeeds, avoiding specific triggers that lead to your symptoms. Although you need to follow a special diet (i.e. gluten-free in celiac disease or meat-free in gout and other arthitic pain), it is important to keep all the essential nutrients, especially protein, in balance with proper quantity and quality of minerals and vitamins. Controlling your nutrition will be the most important tool on your road to wellness.

For more information about arthritis treatment

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Acid Reflux

January 6th, 2010

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining (cause, cause esophagitis) of the esophagus although visible signs of inflammation occur in a minority of patients. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. (Pepsin is an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach.) The refluxed liquid also may contain bile that has backed-up into the stomach from the duodenum. (The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that attaches to the stomach.) Acid is believed to be the most injurious component of the refluxed liquid. Pepsin and bile also may injure the esophagus, but their role in the production of esophageal inflammation and damage is not as clear as the role of acid.

GERD is a chronic condition. Once it begins, it usually is life-long. If there is injury to the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), this also is a chronic condition. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed with treatment and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. Once treatment for GERD is begun, therefore, it usually will need to be continued indefinitely although it is argued that in some patients with intermittent symptoms and no esophagitis, treatment can be intermittent and done only during symptomatic periods.

In fact, the reflux of the stomach’s liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. One study found that reflux occurs as frequently in normal individuals as in patients with GERD. In patients with GERD, however, the refluxed liquid contains acid more often, and the acid remains in the esophagus longer. It has also been found that liquid refluxes to a higher level in the esophagus in patients with GERD than normal individuals.

As is often the case, the body has ways (mechanisms) to protect itself from the harmful effects of reflux and acid. For example, most reflux occurs during the day when individuals are upright. In the upright position, the refluxed liquid is more likely to flow back down into the stomach due to the effect of gravity. In addition, while individuals are awake, they repeatedly swallow, whether or not there is reflux. Each swallow carries any refluxed liquid back into the stomach. Finally, the salivary glands in the mouth produce saliva, which contains bicarbonate. With each swallow, bicarbonate-containing saliva travels down the esophagus. The bicarbonate neutralizes the small amount of acid that remains in the esophagus after gravity and swallowing have removed most of the liquid.

Gravity, swallowing, and saliva are important protective mechanisms for the esophagus, but they are effective only when individuals are in the upright position. At night during sleep, gravity is not in effect, swallowing stops, and the secretion of saliva is reduced. Therefore, reflux that occurs at night is more likely to result in acid remaining in the esophagus longer and causing greater damage to the esophagus.

Certain conditions make a person susceptible to GERD. For example, GERD can be a serious problem during pregnancy. The elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (see below). At the same time, the growing fetus increases the pressure in the abdomen. Both of these effects would be expected to increase reflux. Also, patients with diseases that weaken the esophageal muscles, such as sclerodema or mixed connective tissue diseases, are more prone to develop GERD.

Learn more about Acid reflux diet

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What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?

December 30th, 2009

Intestinal blockage can occur in people with Crohn’s disease. Blockage occurs because the intestinal wall thickens or swells from inflammation and scar tissue. Ulcers can also cause tunnels to form through the inflamed areas of the intestine or even the healthy parts. These tunnels are called fistulas. Sometimes pockets of infection, called abscesses, can form in and around the fistulas. Fistulas can be treated with medicine, but sometimes surgery is needed.

People with Crohn’s disease often don’t get the nutrients they need. If you have Crohn’s disease, you may not get enough protein, vitamins, or calories in your diet. If you aren’t getting nutrients, it may be because you

-have an upset stomach that keeps you from eating enough
-may be losing protein in the intestine
-may not be able to absorb nutrients from your food

 
Other problems that some people with Crohn’s disease suffer from are arthritis, skin problems, swelling in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, and gallstones.

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Diverticulosis

December 19th, 2009

Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pockets – or diverticula – occur within the colon and become infected. In most cases a slight or micro-perforation occurs.

Diverticulosis, the presence of the pocket without infection, is very common as we grow older. Nearly half of Americans over 50 will have diverticulosis, and many will have no symptoms at all. They often will be diagnosed at the time of their screening colonoscopy.

The longer a person has the pouches, the greater the chance of getting them infected and hence, being diagnosed with diverticulitis. Some cases are attributed to low-fiber diet and/or constipation. Diets rich in fiber and prompt medical evaluations are recommended mainstays for prevention and treatment, respectively.

The mere presence of diverticulosis usually will not cause significant symptoms. However, when an infection does occur severe abdominal pain is common, usually in the left lower abdomen. Fever, tenderness and altered bowel habits are common with diverticulitis.

During the acute infection, a low-fiber diet is best to limit the amount of food intake that might remain in the intestinal tract undigested.

Complications of diverticulitis can greatly increase the mortality of the disease. When perforation is not contained, peritonitis will occur and emergency surgery is necessary. The mortality rate soars above 35 percent in this scenario. Abscesses, septic shock, multisystem failure and bowel obstruction can also complicate the condition. Fistulous tracts can arise between intestines or other organs including the bladder, vagina and skin. Bleeding from diverticulosis can cause massive blood losses.

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Treat ulcerative colitis with probiotics

December 12th, 2009

 A new study has found a possible ulcerative colitis treatment. Researchers say mice that were given the probiotic. Bacillus polyfermenticus during the non-inflammatory stage of the disease showed reduced rectal bleeding, less inflamed tissue and gained more weight than the mice that did not receive it.

The study also found that the colon tissue of the treated mice had greater angiogenesis, a process that is necessary for wounds to heal.

Colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in which the inner tissue of the colon becomes inflamed and damaged and can result in painful sores. It’s estimated that as many as 3.3 million Americans suffer from the disease.

Healthcare practitioners have recommended probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, as an alternative treatment for the disease. Researchers involved with this study say further studies are necessary before it is known whether these results can be applied to humans.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other alternative therapies believed to help treat colitis include probiotics, acupuncture and nutritional supplements containing fish oil and aloe vera. Reducing stress and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms from the diet is also believed to be beneficial.

For more information on alternative supplements containing aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides and probiotics, please visit us at www.serovera.com

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Pros and cons of Alli Diet pills revealed

December 4th, 2009

Obesity has now become a global problem. Disturbed diet habit, work pressure and high calorie content in the daily intake lead to obesity and overweight. To counter these problems a wide range of diet pills are available in the market. This article deals with the pros and cons of Alli Diet pills.
Alli Diet pills act as a lipase inhibitor which obstructs the absorption and digestion of excessive dietary fat present in daily food intake. It helps in storing fat to activate for production of the required amount of bodily energy. 60mg Alli diet taken with a glassful of water can work miracles for your weight reduction efforts. These diet pills can help in reducing up to 30% of fat absorption, and in the course of the action facilitates weight loss. However this supplementary diet pill is not advisable to persons below age group of 18 years, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. You need to consult your physician before starting taking these pills.

Alli Diet pills are FDA approved. They block a percentage of the fat in foods you eat. If you belong to those people who seems to gain weight just by looking at the wrong foods, or cannot feel satisfied with the amount of fat in food Alli Diet pills can work wonders for you. These pills have the capacity to block approximately 25% of the fat you consume. Along with this diet pill you should take a multivitamin daily at bedtime. Alli Diet pills reduce the absorption of certain vitamins. For better results you should follow a reduced-calorie, well-balanced, low-fat diet. Regular exercise is also a must.
However there are some side effects of the Alli Diet Pills too. They are excessive gas, oily spotting and incontinence. Hence, take these pills under the supervision of a doctor. Alli Diet pills are made available in drug stores over the counter without a prescription, but consult your doctor before consuming. You can buy these diet pills and fat burner online too.

Source  http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20090915_pros_and_cons_alli_diet_pill.htm The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News Sep. 15

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Acid Reflux Diet

December 3rd, 2009

Acid Reflux Diet

1. Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.

2. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.

3. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.

4. Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.

5. Eat small, frequent portions of food and snack if needed.

6. Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.

7. Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.

8. The following foods aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:

  • fatty or fried foods
  • peppermint and spearmint
  • whole milk
  • oils
  • chocolate
  • creamed foods or soups
  • most fast foods

9. The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or avoided:

  • citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
  • coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
  • caffeinated soft drinks
  • tea
  • other caffeinated beverages

10. Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some individuals.

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Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Might Increase Cancer Risk

December 2nd, 2009

Long-term use of thiopurines bears further study, researchers say

The use of thiopurine drugs to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of cancers related to viral infection, according to a new study.

IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Thiopurine drugs are used to suppress the immune system in order to maintain remission in IBD patients.

For this study, French researchers analyzed data on 19,486 IBD patients (60 percent with Crohn’s and 40 percent with ulcerative colitis or unclassified IBD) who were followed for a median of 35 months.

At the start of the study, 30 percent of patients were taking thiopurines, 14 percent had discontinued them, and 56 percent had never received thiopurines. During the study, 23 patients developed malignant lymphoproliferative disorders (LD) — cancers that are associated with viral infection, particularly those linked to Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection.

Of the 23 patients with LD, 22 had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and one had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Incidence rates of LD were 0.90 per 1,000 patient-years in those receiving thiopurines, 0.20 per 1,000 patient-years in those who’d discontinued the drugs, and 0.26 per 1,000 patient-years in those who’d never taken thiopurines.

The researchers calculated that IBD patients taking thiopurines had a more-than-five-fold increased risk compared to those who’d never received the drugs. Older patients, men, and those who’d had IBD for longer were also at increased risk of LD.

“Extrapolating our results, the absolute cumulative risk of (LD) in young patients receiving a 10-year course of thiopurines remains low (less than 1 percent) and does not undermine the positive risk-benefit ratio of these drugs. For elderly patients and unlimited treatment periods, the question should be addressed in dedicated studies,” wrote Laurent Beaugerie, a professor at Hospital Saint-Antoine, Paris, and colleagues.

The study appeared online Monday and in an upcoming print issue of The Lancet.

“Although we recognize the slightly increased risk of lymphoma, these agents will probably remain one of the cornerstones of treatment. Nonetheless, physicians should be cautious when prolonged combined and deep immunosuppression is needed to achieve disease control,” Dr. Geert D’Haens, of the Imelda GI Clinical Research Centre and University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Belgium, and Dr. Paul Rutgeerts, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, wrote in an accompanying editorial.

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Wall Street Journal Gives BIG Thumbs Up to Good Bacteria

November 24th, 2009

Consuming healthy bacteria, or probiotics, can improve your body’s overall balance of good versus bad micro-organisms, boosting your general health. But be careful — not all of the probiotic-containing products found on store shelves provide the health benefits they claim.

Some regular foods contain healthy bacteria naturally, such as yogurt and naturally fermented pickles. But pasteurization has eliminated many of the probiotics that should be found in modern foods. The recent boom in probiotic products reflects an effort to re-introduce bacteria that promote good health.

When choosing a probiotic, look for products that list a specific strain of bacteria on their label, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG — the final two letters identify the strain. A product that simply uses the first two names may include a similar, but not identical, bacterium that doesn’t have the same scientific testing behind it. It’s best when the actual product — not just the bacterium — has been tested in humans. Don’t be afraid to do a bit of research, especially when a simple Web search can yield a lot of information.

Some additional tips: Look for the word “live” on the package, since organisms killed by processing won’t be helpful. The expiration date may be particularly important, because even if a product still tastes good the bacteria may no longer be alive. For maximum benefit, try to consume a variety of different bacteria, as each may contribute something slightly different.

Sources: Wall Street Journal January 13, 2009

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