Category Archives: Gastrointestinal (GI) Health

Hepatitis C is a viral infection affecting the liver that can become chronic. For individuals with a chronic infection, treatment is needed to prevent cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. The conventional treatment regimen for Hepatitis C is a combination … Continue reading →

A new study from China proves that drinking tea can decrease the production of gallstones. The results of the study were published in the International Journal of Cancer this June.

Gallstones are crystallized deposits in the gallbladder that can cause inflammation. Cholecystectomy is a commonly performed surgery that removes the gallbladder due to gallstone disease. Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI) measurements are used as indicators of … Continue reading →

Crohn’s disease is a disorder of the intestine, causing chronic inflammation and weakness of the gastrointestinal tract. The prevailing theory is that Crohn’s disease is caused by an overactive immune response which activates the inflammation. Now research reports that Crohn’s … Continue reading →

This year (2006), the results of a population based case review found an association between antidepressant use and the risk of colorectal cancer.
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In GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation (esophagitis). This often leads to a burning pain or discomfort (heartburn) in the upper abdomen and chest. If left untreated, GERD can cause scarring … Continue reading →

Nighttime heartburn can significantly affect sleep, work performance, and quality of life. Nighttime heartburn can cause more damage to the esophagus than daytime heartburn and increase the risk of developing other serious conditions, including cancer of the esophagus. During the … Continue reading →

Chronic heartburn is one of the defining symptoms for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), the third most common gastrointestinal disorder in the US. GERD is a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation (esophagitis). … Continue reading →

A study was published in December that documented various gastrointestinal complaints that occur with a positive immunological reaction. Cows milk, as well as other common allergens was examined.
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In a new clinical study, 40 female patients with hemorrhoids were administered an oral treatment of either 50 milligrams of GAGs (heparan sulfate) or a control drug (oxerutin) three times daily for 3 days.
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Colorectal adenomas (polyps) can be a precursor to colorectal cancer (CRC). Now research reports that selenium supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and polyps among individuals with low selenium levels, or smokers.
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The latest in vitro studies have shown the Vitamin C may improve the clinical response of esophageal cancer cell lines to commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs.
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According to recent research, more than eighty percent of GERD patients experience heartburn at night. Nighttime heartburn can cause more damage to the esophagus than daytime heartburn and increase the risk of developing other serious conditions, including cancer of the esophagus.
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The journal Phytomedicine recently published a review on the use of peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome and recurrent abdominal pain in children. The goal of the review was to assess adequacy and efficacy of the research on peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome as well as to determine its place in line as a therapeutic choice.
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VSL #3 probiotic combination may prove effective at reducing flatulence in patients with IBS and associated bloating.
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Previous studies suggest that phytonutrients found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.  Now research reports that PEITC (Phenethylisothiocyanate) compounds derived from cruciferous vegetables may prevent and treat ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel … Continue reading →

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and abnormal contractions of gastrointestinal (GI) muscles. IBS affects about 10 to 20% of the population. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal flora. Now research … Continue reading →

Gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, is an extreme sensitivity to the protein gluten, found in cereal grains like wheat, rye and barley. The body’s immune system mistakenly identifies gluten as harmful, leading to inflammation and damage in the … Continue reading →

Approximately half of all people over the age of 50 suffer from the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the soft tissues around the anus or inside the lower rectum. Now research reports that … Continue reading →

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, causes chronic inflammation and weakness of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Now research reports that blueberries eaten with or without probiotics can reduce GI inflammation and treat IBD. Blueberries are … Continue reading →

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These diseases cause chronic inflammation and weakness of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBD is associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in … Continue reading →

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) is most commonly caused by obesity.  Fat that accumulates in liver cells can cause inflammation and oxidative stress (free radical cell damage). There is no approved treatment for NASH. Now research reports that vitamin … Continue reading →

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus are beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal flora. Probiotics are known to support GI (gastrointestinal) health and immunity. Now research reports that various probiotic strains are associated with reducing diarrhea. The most common causes of diarrhea … Continue reading →

The human appendix is a slimy sac that hangs from the cecum of the large intestine. The function of the appendix has long been debated. Charles Darwiin first theorized that the appendix was a useless, vestigial organ. The appendix is … Continue reading →

Previous studies suggest that increased fiber intake is linked with lower levels of CRP (C-reactive protein). CRP is an amino acid that, when elevated in the blood, is a biomarker for inflammation. Inflammation is associated with many chronic conditions including … Continue reading →

A study published in the March issue of Gastroenterology investigated the effects of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on patients with IBS.
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A recent study, published in the International Journal of Cancer (2004, vol 112, issue 2), found that high intakes of carotenoids and vitamin A by nonsmokers and nondrinkers on a sensible diet, significantly reduced the risk of adenomatous polyp recurrence.
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The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2004, vol 96, issue 22), found that a high level of selenium in the blood is linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
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A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition this year looked at supplementing zinc in children with shigellosis, a form of gastroenteritis caused by the organism Shigella flexneri.
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A recent study completed in Japan was aimed at determining the effects of AGE on colorectal adenomas (polyps).
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A study carried out at the University of Dundee investigated the effect of altering the microflora using a synbiotic of Bifidobacterium and Synergy 1 on active Ulcerative Colitis.
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