Gastrointestinal Health Archives - Today's Practitioner

British Medical Journal: Proton Pump Inhibitors Associated with Increased Risk of Premature Death

Extended use of popular drugs to treat heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux has been associated with an increased risk of premature death. However, little has been known about the specific causes of death attributed to the drugs. Now, a study published in the journal The BMJ, by researchers at WashingtonRead …

New Study by Valter Longo, PhD: Fasting Mimicking Repairs Gut and Reduces Inflammation

The science surrounding fasting is reaching new levels of understanding. In this new study, well-known researcher Valter Longo, PhD, study author and the director of the USC Longevity Institute at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and professor of biological sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts

Large-Scale Genome Test Links Genes to Diverticular Disease

While diet is often to blame for diverticular disease, this new study shows the cause may be all in one’s genes. More than half of adults in the Western Hemisphere over the age of 40 have diverticula, small bulging pouches inside their intestine. They are caused by weakening of theRead …

Interview with Alessio Fasano, MD on the Future of Finding a Cure for Celiac Disease

Alessio Fasano, MD is the world’s leading researcher and voice of science on the interplay between celiac disease, gluten and autoimmunity. He is dedicated to helping celiac patients improve their quality of life, as well as researching a cure for the autoimmune disease. In this interview with Craig Gustafson, fromRead …

Review Study: FODMAP Diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

FODMAP, Digestive Enzymes, Gut Health, Todays Practitioner

This study review examines the benefits and drawbacks of a FODMAP diet for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), mainly represented by ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The increase in the incidence tends to follow the rapid industrialization and lifestyle of modern societies. FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) consist ofRead …

Elimination Diets Turn Off GERD Symptoms

A simple blood test for food intolerances could go a long way in relieving patients of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. This study presents a unique and non-invasive testing method to identify food intolerances, which could reduce symptoms by as much as 50%, without the use ofRead …

MAP Bacteria in Milk and Beef May Be Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Should your patients drink cow’s milk? Should they eat red meat? It’s a question that cannot always be answered with a categorical yes or no. This new study from the University of Central Florida, shows that a strain of bacteria commonly found in milk and beef may be an associativeRead …

Unique Probiotic Strain May Reduce Depression in IBS Patients

The role of probiotics for gastrointestinal conditions is well known, however a new study shows a specific strain of probiotics may also relieve symptoms of depression, according to research from McMaster University and published in the journal Gastroenterology (May 2, 2017). Researchers say this study offers further evidence of howRead …

Combination Therapy Including Digestive Enzymes Improves Clinical Outcomes for IBS

Proton Pump Inhibitors Associated with Increased Risk of Premature Death

This Italian study, published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, evaluated the efficacy of a mixture of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes in improving gastrointestinal symptoms in patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Digestive Enzyme Study Patients and Methods The study was conductedRead …

Video with Tieraona Low Dog M.D., Herbal Bitters versus Digestive Enzymes

In this Q&A and video, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog outlines the uses and clinical protocols for herbal bitters versus digestive enzymes. Q: “When would you use an herbal bitters versus digestive enzymes?” TLD: “It’s a good question, and one that requires some thoughtful consideration.” “Herbal bitters are herbs that primeRead …