Everyday Painkillers Cause High Blood Pressure and Stomach Damage

Americans consume an estimated $2 billion per year in over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol, Advil and Motrin. The most common reason for taking them is for arthritis.

However, these drugs are not without side-effects. It also doesn’t take as much as you might think to cause damage. And the variety of side effects includes high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and other problems.

A study of more than 80,000 women found that women who used acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, for 22 days or more a month had the greatest risk of high blood pressure, estimated at twice that of non-users. And even those who used the drug as little as one to four days a month had a 22% greater risk of having high blood pressure than non-users.

Arthritis: Inflammation with a Cause

What Does "Arthritis" Mean? 


The word “arthritis” simply means “joint inflammation.”

There are basically two types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 


Osteoarthritis is inflammation caused by degeneration of the joint and is due to chronic wear and tear. Osteoarthritis is most commonly found in the knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a more generic term for inflammation, pain, and swelling of joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly seen in the hands, although it can affect just about any joint in the body. In children this is called juvenile arthritis.



Giardia & IBS: A Prospective Study

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia ) infection in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia and to establish which is the most accurate test to diagnose the infection in this setting.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-seven patients who consecutively attended the Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic for the first time between January 2002 and December 2003 due to symptoms of IBS and/or dyspepsia were recruited.

Lactose Intolerance - Part 2

How Is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?


A simple self-test for lactose intolerance is to drink at least two 8-ounce glasses of milk on an empty stomach and note any intestinal symptoms that develop in the next four hours. The test should then be repeated using several ounces of cheese (which does not contain much lactose). 


If you get symptoms from milk but not cheese, then you probably have lactose intolerance. If symptoms occur with both milk and cheese, you may be allergic to dairy products. 
 However, this self-test is not conclusive because you may unknowingly be consuming lactose. Lactose is "hidden" in hundreds of food products and medications. 



Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffin Recipe with Almond Flour

From GlutenFreeGoddess.com:

Blueberry Muffin Recipe with Almond Flour (Gluten-Free)

I used Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour in this new muffin recipe. Finely ground almonds create a delicate, soft gluten-free flour that is light and subtly sweet.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners.

Lactose Intolerance - Part I

Lactose intolerance is the impaired ability to digest lactose (milk sugar).

Lactose is a sugar naturally found in milk and is sometimes referred to as "milk sugar". 
 It is digested by an enzyme called "lactase", which is found in the small intestines of most people.

However, many people don't produce enough lactase to adequately digest milk sugar. These individuals are " intolerant" to milk sugar.

How Common Is Lactose Intolerance? 


More than 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant.

Nearly two-thirds of the world's adult population has some degree of difficulty with digestion of milk sugar because of a lactase deficiency:

Food Allergies, Sinusitis & Runny Nose

Chronic congestion of the sinuses, ears and/or the nose can be an extremely frustrating sinusitis problem that does not ever truly seem to go away. 


All too often I hear patients state that they have not found relief even after many rounds of antibiotics or multiple surgeries. This is because antibiotics and surgery often don’t address the cause of the congestion.

What Causes Sinusitis and Runny Nose? 


Sinus infection (sinusitis) and runny nose are inflammatory conditions that result in mucous production and congestion. This leads to the resulting problems of sinus pressure headaches, a runny nose, or stuffy ears. 



Baking Substitutes for Egg & Dairy

Thanks to GlutenFreeMama.com:

Egg Free Substitutes:

Ener-G Egg Replacer (follow box directions)

Chia Seeds - 1 tsp seeds + 3 tbsp water

Pumpkin, applesauce, mashed banana or other high pectin fruit puree (binding, cookies, cakes, pancakes) - 1/4 cup = 1 egg, add 1/2 tsp bk. powder to recipe

Knox gelatin (binding, breads) - 1 packet + 2 tbsp hot water, don't mix until ready to use

Flaxseed (leavening, breads, cookies, muffins, cakes) - 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 4 tbsp warm water, simmer in saucepan for 5 minutes or until thick egg-like consistency, cool completely = 1 egg [make a larger batch and store in fridge for up to 2 weeks]

The Role of the Intestinal Microbiota in IBS

Intestinal Microbiota:

Humans maintain a diverse, dynamic, and complex intestinal microbiota that performs a multitude of vital functions, such as growth and development of the epithelial barrier, stimulation of intestinal angiogenesis, regulation of nutrition, metabolic functions, and education of naïve neonatal innate immunity.

From PubMed.gov:

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic abdominal symptom complex that is heterogeneous in terms of its clinical presentation and underlying pathophysiology and pathogenesis.

It is now established that enteric infection can trigger the syndrome in at least a subset of patients.

In addition, there is growing evidence of low grade inflammation and immune activation in the distal bowel of some IBS patients. These observations now prompt the question as to what maintains gut dysfunction in these patients.

The intestinal microbiota influences a broad array of host organs that include the gut and the brain, and is an important determinant of normal function in these systems.

Physorg.com: Shift Workers at More Risk for IBS

From Physorg.com:

Nurses participating in shift work, especially those working rotating shifts, face a significantly increased risk of developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and abdominal pain compared to those working a standard day-time schedule, according to research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

"We know that people participating in shift work often complain of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea," says Sandra Hoogerwerf, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. "These are the same symptoms of IBS."

Today's Question for YOU

Today's Question...

What foods do you react to?

And if you would like, what habits/behaviors have you adjusted as a result? Was it as "simple" as eliminating the food from your diet? Or did it require a few extra steps?

Thanks for reading and participating!

Innate Health Foundation: Understanding Allergies

What are Food Allergies?

Food allergies may be one of the most prevalent health problems in our country. But if you're like most people, you're probably pretty sure you don't have one.

The most common understanding of food allergies is that they cause obvious skin reactions like hives, a rash, or dangerous anaphylaxis. In fact, food allergies can be the cause of many chronic health problems.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is what results when your immune system is inappropriately activated.

Your immune system is designed to attack bacteria, viruses and parasites. It is not intended to attack the food you eat. But this is exactly what happens with some people. This is called a "food allergy" .

When your immune system is activated, antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) are produced. Antibodies in turn trigger an inflammatory response. Inflammation causes pain and tissue damage, leading to further symptoms. Increased mucous production is another aspect of an immune response.

Digestive Problems Can Run in the Family

Many patients describe having digestive problems similar to other members of their family.

A patient recently expressed that her sister, mom, and even grandma all had digestive problems. So she assumed that her problem was genetic.

Fortunately, she didn’t assume that there was no hope for helping her. That is why she came to our clinic. But many people do not understand that just because a problem runs in the family, does not necessarily mean they have to suffer from it.

The Connection Between Celiac Disease and Associated Autoimmune Diseases

The following comes from the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG):


People who have celiac disease (CD) or dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) are at greater 
risk than the general population for developing one or more of the associated 
autoimmune diseases listed below.

These disorders share common genetic and immunological linkages with CD and DH.

Although these conditions are not directly a result of having CD or DH, the tendency to develop associated immune diseases is higher in persons with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.

The tendency to develop autoimmune diseases is believed to be genetically influenced.


In an autoimmune disorder, the cells of the immune system produce antibodies and
other cellular products that begin to react against normal, healthy tissue, causing
inflammation and damage.


This is not a complete listing of autoimmune diseases associated with CD and DH.
 Anyone who has unexplained, persistent or recurring symptoms should consult a
qualified physician for an evaluation.


Friday's Gluten-Free Recipe - Fried Green Tomatoes!

Thanks to Jules Gluten Free for another wonderful recipe!

Ingredients:

• High heat cooking oil
• 1 cup Jules Gluten Free™ All Purpose Flour
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2-3 medium-large firm green tomatoes

Directions:

Heat enough oil in a large skillet to cover the entire skillet bottom.

While that is coming to high heat (400ºF), prepare a bowl for dredging with the flour, salt, and pepper whisked together well.

If necessary, double the dry ingredients for dredging the tomatoes to be sure to have enough to coat all the slices.

Slice the tomatoes approximately ¼ inch thick, removing as much peel as possible from the two end pieces, as the flour mixture will not stick well to the skins.

Dredge each slice through the flour mixture, coating each side well, then lay gently in the heated oil.

Cook on both sides until light brown and crispy (usually no more than 2 minutes per side if the oil is at the proper temperature).

Remove to a paper towel or parchment-lined baking sheet and put into a 200ºF oven to keep warm until serving.

Serves: 4

Do You Really Need a Biopsy to Diagnose Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is traditionally diagnosed with a positive biopsy of the small intestine.

The biopsy will demonstrate damage to the intestine known as villous atrophy. Villi are small finger-like extensions of the lining of the intestine that are visible only under the microscope.

People with celiac disease and other conditions will show a marked reduction in their villi, almost as if the villi have been worn off.

Damage to the villi causes a dramatic reduction in the surface area of the small intestine, resulting in both the poor digestion and absorption of many nutrients.

Biopsies are done in a hospital on an outpatient basis, but require strong medication due to the invasiveness of the procedure. An endoscopy is performed, which involves a tube being placed into the mouth, down the esophagus, and past the stomach. A tissue sample can then be taken from the small intestine.

Although the small intestine is extremely important to our health, in most cases the value of the biopsy in diagnosing celiac disease is highly questionable.

About 98% of people with a gluten allergy or celiac disease can be diagnosed as being allergic to gluten with a blood tests alone. There is no added benefit from performing the biopsy. The results of the biopsy do not change the form of treatment nor the outcome for the patient.

Only if the blood tests are negative can a biopsy potentially provide useful additional information.

--------

This content originally posted at CenterForFoodAllergies.com. More information on Celiac disease, by clicking HERE

Image thanks to Brownsuarsvh on Photobucket

Back to Basics: Understanding the Causes of IBS

The cause of IBS varies from person to person, which is what makes irritable bowel syndrome and the symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and chronic abdominal pain so difficult for most doctors to treat.

However, through proper testing you will be able to identify the exact cause or causes of your symptoms and live a life free of digestive problems.

There are several hundred potential causes of IBS, but most cases result from issues in the following two major categories:

What is Hypoglycemia?

People suffering from one or more of these problems have what is commonly referred to as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Technically, hypoglycemia is not diagnosed until it is very severe, so you are unlikely to have your doctor diagnose you as having hypoglycemia.

But in the general public this problem is commonly referred to as hypoglycemia.

Unfortunately, many doctors will not explain the difference to you or acknowledge that you may have a form of hypoglycemia.

NY Times Article Reminds of Serious Side Effects Associated with Antiacid Drugs

This article in the NY Times reminds us that the anti-acid production drugs have significant side effects.

They are commonly prescribed for GERD or acid reflux, but often the real problem is a food allergy or, interestingly not enough acid production.

From NYTimes.com:

They’re among the most widely prescribed medications in the world. They’re reasonably safe for most people to take. That’s why drugs that reduce stomach acid — used to combat heartburn, acid reflux and ulcers — don’t get much scrutiny from doctors, or from patients.

“When patients were admitted to our geriatric wards, a lot of them didn’t have clear indications for taking these drugs,” said Dr. Ian Logan, a Scottish physician and co-author of a recent editorial on acid suppressants in the journal Age and Ageing. “And they’d remained on them for a lot longer than they should have.” One of his patients had been taking an acid reducer for 15 years.

'Crunchmaster' Seeking Gluten Free Customer Feedback with Possible Charity Donation Reward

Gluten Free food company Crunchmaster is seeking input from consumers on new products to develop that will provide nutritious and delicious choices for people on gluten free diets.

The ideas and feedback received from consumers and health care professionals is very important. It gives them direction in developing gluten free foods and programs to better fit your needs.

What You Need to Know About Dermatitis Herpetiformis

From the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America:

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic disease of the skin marked by groups of watery, itchy blisters.

The ingestion of gluten (a protein contained in wheat, rye and barley) triggers an immune system response that deposits lgA antibodies under the top layer of skin. IgA antibodies are present in affected as well as unaffected skin.

DH is a hereditary autoimmune disease linked with gluten intolerance. If you have DH and do not follow a gluten-free diet, you may develop the intestinal damage of celiac disease.

A Question for YOU...

We want to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to comment...

Today's Question:

If you have celiac or non-celiac gluten intolerance how long after you started seeking treatment did you get your diagnosis?

Thanks for reading!

Arthritis: Inflammation with a Cause

Arthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions in our culture.

It is actually the number one cause of lost work days at Boeing.

Unfortunately, treatment is limited and almost solely focused on anti-inflammatory medications, not on eliminating the original trigger of that inflammation.

What Does "Arthritis" Mean? 


The word “arthritis” simply means “joint inflammation.”
There are basically two types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 


Osteoarthritis is inflammation caused by degeneration of the joint and is due to chronic wear and tear. Osteoarthritis is most commonly found in the knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a more generic term for inflammation, pain, and swelling of joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly seen in the hands, although it can affect just about any joint in the body. In children this is called juvenile arthritis.



Friday's Recipe - Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Thanks to Jules Gluten Free for this week's recipe!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup butter or non-dairy alternative (e.g. Earth Balance® Buttery Sticks)
• 1⁄2 cup granulated cane sugar (Wholesome Sweeteners®)
• 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar (Wholesome Sweeteners®)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract (Nielsen-Massey® Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)
• 1 1⁄4 cup Jules Gluten Free™ All Purpose Flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (Hain Pure Foods® Featherweight)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 1⁄2 cups certified gluten-free oats (Château Cream Hill Estates)
• 1⁄2 cup baking raisins*

Causes of IBS - The Role of Stress

So you think that you carry your stress in your abdomen.

It's a common belief.

If you have been diagnosed with IBS, it is likely that you have been advised to reduce your stress level.

You may have been told to get regular exercise and adequate sleep, and to practice stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, deep breathing, journal writing, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, or psychotherapy.

Gluten-Free Wedding Cake

We received so many comments regarding Chelsea Clinton's cake that we just had to post a bit of this article when we came across it...

While this image of Ms. Clinton's cake can be neither confirmed nor denied as the actual cake in question, it's still one beautiful gluten-free cake!

From SuburbanJournals.com:

Chelsea Clinton's recent wedding was a big affair, but neither the number of attendants she chose nor her new husband's gift to the bride caught the attention of those who suffer painful effects of eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oat products.

It was the wedding cake.

Supposedly chocolate and gluten-free, it grabbed headlines for these people. It complied with Chelsea's intolerance of the ingredient, which usually attacks the digestive process.

-------------

Full article by clicking HERE to go to SuburbanJournals.com
Image thanks to SuburbanJournals.com

Consumer Reports: Dangerous Ingredients in Some Dietary Supplements

While it seems like common sense, people should be careful what they ingest.

Just because it is natural doesn't mean it won't hurt you. Hemlock and Arsenic are entirely natural.

It is a good idea to talk to a physician who is well versed in natural products, herbs, etc. before you start taking supplements.

One thing this article does not mention is that many of the manufacturers of these products do not incorporate good quality control practices and so dosages may vary significantly from pill to pill and bottle to bottle.

In addition, the fillers and substances added to aid in the manufacture and handling of these products are very rarely controlled.

From RTTNews.com and ConsumerReports.com:

Consumer Reports has singled out 12 common ingredients in dietary supplements that could be more dangerous than previously thought.

According to researcher Nancy Metcalf, these "dirty dozen" ingredients have been linked to range of side effects including cancer, coma and heart problems. Some have even been connected with deaths.

The Life of Eating Gluten-Free

From CapeCodTimes.com:

For people with celiac disease, eating gluten-free is a way of life.

"Even my dog eats gluten-free," says Susan Sheehan of Marstons Mills, joking that she spends more on her dog's gluten-free food from San Francisco than her own gluten-free food.

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease in which gluten interferes with the absorption of nutrients in the stomach. The only way to alleviate the symptoms, which include gastrointestinal issues, depression and fatigue, is a diet that is completely without gluten.

Gluten is found in anything made with wheat, barley or rye. Gluten-free food uses potato flour, soy flour, rice flour, cornmeal or tapioca flour instead of wheat-based products.

The gluten-free industry is growing fast, with analysts estimating sales will reach $2.6 billion by 2012. Eliminating gluten is considered one of the biggest food trends of 2010.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, an estimated 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, although only 5 percent are diagnosed. Diagnosis occurs in the form of a blood test and, sometimes, a small-intestine biopsy for confirmation. Many sufferers are misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome or lactose intolerance.

Taking Supplements

This may sound like a simple issue, but for many people it is a significant challenge.

Assuming that you are taking things that you need, and that you are taking high quality supplements that are worth taking, there are two primary challenges to getting supplements to do you some good.

The first challenge is simply remembering to take those pills on a regular basis. Sometimes it’s easier if you are really motivated by a particular problem that you are trying to solve, but even then it can be challenging.

Understanding the Healthcare Business

Understanding the healthcare business can help one to better understand why medical care choices are made, and how to get the best care possible.

Fundamentally, healthcare is provided in a context of the society in which the healthcare is delivered.

In the United States, the delivery of healthcare is primarily through non-profit and profit-based businesses. The federal government provides some care, especially to the military, and through 'free clinics' designed to serve the poor.

The government pays for much of the healthcare delivered in the US through the aforementioned providers, through medicare, and medicaid. Some state and local goverments also pay for care. A few even operate insurance organizations, which blend subscriber payments and tax-generated money.

A significant proportion of the rest of healthcare costs are paid through insurance companies and the rest is paid directly by consumers.

Hypothyroidism

As we discussed yesterday, the Fatigue Panel includes lab tests for ruling out the most common causes of fatigue: hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), iron deficiency, anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

These problems along with food allergies are the most common causes of fatigue and the easiest to diagnose with blood tests.

Hypothyroidism is a frequently missed diagnosis, even if you’ve been told that your thyroid was tested and is normal.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce adequate thyroid hormones, which are T4 and T3.

Thyroid hormones are critical to health, contributing to metabolic rate, energy, and cognitive function. There are several different types of hypothyroidism, but in most cases, people who have a hypothyroid condition will feel tired, lack focus, and may experience dry skin, cold extremities, constipation, or weight gain.

The Fatigue Panel & Understanding Iron, Anemia and Ferritin

The Fatigue Panel

The Fatigue Panel includes lab tests for ruling out the most common causes of fatigue: hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), iron deficiency, anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

These problems along with food allergies are the most common causes of fatigue and the easiest to diagnose with blood tests.

They are also readily treatable. This panel is highly recommended if you suffer from fatigue.

Hypothyroidism is a frequently missed diagnosis, even if you’ve been told that your thyroid was tested and is normal.

Understanding Gastroparesis & Digestive "Delays"

Gastroparesis is a symptom that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive problems are sometimes given as a diagnosis. Like irritable bowel syndrome, it generally sounds more important and impressive than it really is.

The word gastroparesis often gives people the impression that their stomach is paralyzed and that there is nothing that they can do to solve their problem. Fortunately, this is often not the case, certainly not in the same way that someone with a serious spinal cord injury may suffer from paralysis.

Flour Tortillas for Gluten Free Friday!

As always, a special thank you to Jules Gluten Free for another great recipe!

From JulesGlutenFree.com:

I'm happy to share with all my readers my easy, inexpensive, guaranteed to please, 4-ingredient recipe!

Flour tortillas can be used in place of bread as a sandwich wrap (think lunch-boxes, people!), or of course as a traditional tortilla in Mexican dishes.

I wistfully remember my pre-gluten free days of eating out at Mexican restaurants and requesting extra flour tortillas just to pull apart and eat on their own. Corn tortillas are a great thing to have on hand for that emergency quesadilla craving, but they are no substitute for a soft, pliable flour tortilla.

NY Times: Breast Milk Sugars Give Infants a Protective Coat

This article just goes further in showing that we have a lot to learn about the way we have evolved to live with bacteria in our guts.

From the NYTimes.com:

A large part of human milk cannot be digested by babies and seems to have a purpose quite different from infant nutrition — that of influencing the composition of the bacteria in the infant’s gut.

The details of this three-way relationship between mother, child and gut microbes are being worked out by three researchers at the University of California, Davis — Bruce German, Carlito Lebrilla and David Mills. They and colleagues have found that a particular strain of bacterium, a subspecies of Bifidobacterium longum, possesses a special suite of genes that enable it to thrive on the indigestible component of milk.

This subspecies is commonly found in the feces of breast-fed infants. It coats the lining of the infant’s intestine, protecting it from noxious bacteria.

Infants presumably acquire the special strain of bifido from their mothers, but strangely, it has not yet been detected in adults. “We’re all wondering where it hides out,” Dr. Mills said.

Thursday's Q&A - Part 2

From a Reader:

I had the scratch/skin testing as a kid multiple times, and it showed allergies to molds and pollens.

Now a new doctor (an osteopath) is suspecting a dairy allergy so I am in the process of eliminating all milk products (but not eggs) for two weeks.

When I was younger I had allergy shots for a couple of years and also took a lot of OTC meds to help get me through.


My initial questions are:


Question 1.

How long should it take to see dairy-allergy symptoms improve once I've begun 
eliminating dairy?

Thursday's Gluten Q&A

Question:

Is it really necessary to have a separate gluten-free set of pots/pans? What about flatware, dishes, cups?

Answer:

If you wash your dishes well then it is not required that you have separate dishes or pots and pans. But some people really like the idea and it makes them feel better about the potential for cross contamination. There’s nothing wrong with that kind of peace of mind.

Is There a Food Allergy Solution to Sinusitis?

Chronic congestion of the sinuses, ears and/or the nose can be an extremely frustrating sinusitis problem that does not ever truly seem to go away. 


All too often I hear patients state that they have not found relief even after many rounds of antibiotics or multiple surgeries.

This is because antibiotics and surgery often don’t address the cause of the congestion.

What Causes Sinusitis and Runny Nose? 


Sinus infection (sinusitis) and runny nose are inflammatory conditions that result in mucous production and congestion. This leads to the resulting problems of sinus pressure headaches, a runny nose, or stuffy ears. 



US BioTek Laboratories Ranks First in Swedish Analysis

We wanted to use the article as a means of highlighting two specific issues with regard to food allergy testing.

First, as we've previously discussed, it is not possible for you to get an accurate reading of your food allergies by simply going and getting traditional allergy tests (IgE) done. Since many food allergies are not IgE reactions, but are rather IgG reactions, you must have IgG food antibody testing done or you will not be getting all of the information that you need.

That said, all lab tests are only as reliable and consistent as the laboratory itself. The accuracy of your diagnosis depends very much on the accuracy and consistency of the lab that your doctor's office uses.

Recently, the Swedish Analysis firm Kostkoll created a study that analyzed the "reproducibility of the various IgG testing methods available on the Swedish market."

That is to say, who is producing consistent, accurate results in regards to IgG allergies. The top ranking laboratory from the Kostkoll study was US BioTek Laboratories. US BioTek is the very lab that the IBS Treatment Center (and writer of this blog) use for all food allergy testing.

Celiac Disease Q&A

What Is Celiac Disease?


Celiac disease is a hereditary allergy to gluten that results in damage to the small intestine. Common symptoms include loose stools, fatigue, weight loss and generally poor health. However, symptoms can vary widely and include constipation, weight gain, and a skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis.

What Is Gluten?


Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is responsible for the springiness and stretchiness of bread. Without it, bread turns out heavy and dense. 



Scientists Targeting Bowel Disease in Recent Research

This is some very interesting research on the connection between the amino acid glutamine and the health of the digestive tract.

It has been known for many years that glutamine is an important nutrient for the health of the small intestine.

However, it was not known that the cells themselves actually produced glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid, and amino acids are found in food proteins.

It is also nice to see that the researchers rightly point out that although a deficiency of glutamine is seen, the full cause of this remains unknown. And gene researchers understand that genes are significantly affected by the environment, including foods.

Understanding Heartburn, GERD & Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux and Heartburn: The Underlying Causes


Heartburn or acid reflux or GERD -- whatever the name, if you are like millions of others, you are experiencing this gastrointestinal malady. 
You may take your acid reflux problem for granted and buy your antacids at Costco, but you should be aware of the negative effects this has on your entire body. You also should know that heartburn is a sign of other problems, and can almost always be treated without acid blockers. 



The Prevalence of Acid Reflux Disease


Acid rising from the stomach and irritating the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, results in the feeling of what is commonly called heartburn. 
Some 35 to 45 percent of the population experiences heartburn, often called GERD or "gastroesophageal reflux disease". That’s a whopping 116 million people! It’s also the most profitably treated symptom in America. Last year Prilosec was the top selling prescription drug in the world, earning Astra Zeneca, the drug's maker, 6 billion dollars. 
This sad state of affairs means that it is almost considered normal to have GERD and to take drugs for it. However, heartburn is far less than normal, and those experiencing it are definitely nowhere near optimal health.

Milk Allergies - Continuing the Discussion

In continuing with last week's discussion on Milk allergies (click HERE to read the post), let's take a look at some specific case studies regarding the issue.

Milk Allergies - Case Studies

Case #1:

48 year old female with severe abdominal pain. Occasional gas and bloating. Five months prior to her office visit she started experiencing pain so severe that she was prescribed Vicodin. Pain interfered with her sleep. When younger she was diagnosed with colitis. Blood food allergy testing demonstrated allergies to dairy, beef, and brewer’s yeast. Elimination of allergenic foods, especially dairy, resulted in the complete resolution of her symptoms and she was able to discontinue her pain medication.