Digestive Wellness March 2010 how to reevaluate and regain control of your digestive health

At the University of Chicago Medical Center, we ask questions like this every day. Questions that have the potential to forever CAN BACTERIA change the way gastrointestinal disorders are treated.

BE GOOD FOR YOU? DISCOVER FOR YOURSELF. discover.uchospitals.edu | 888-UCH-0200 digestive wellness

Eating Right: Optimizing Your Digestive Health

By: JESSIE M. PAVlInAC, MS, RD, CSR, lD, PRESIDEnT, AMERICAn DIETETIC ASSoCIATIon At every stage of life, from infancy through our senior years, nutrition is essential to keeping our bodies running at their best. As we age, our nutrient needs change with our bodies. But for those with digestive issues, proper food choices not only CONTENTS help them lead a healthier life, but often a more comfortable life. 2 Eating Right 3 Treating Gastrointestinal Cancers 4 Digestive Enzymes igestive issues are more 96 percent of primary care physicians in nutrition science, others may have 5 Going Organic common than most people believe the nation’s healthcare sys- little if any actual nutrition training or 5 Probiotics And Dthink —approximately one tem should place more emphasis on just mail-order credentials. Even if a Preventive Nutrition in 25 people suffers from a food al - nutrition to treat and manage chronic person holds degrees from accredited 6 Starting Early lergy and many more suffer from food disease. However, only 12 percent be- institutions, nutrition may not be his 6 Should I Go Gluten-Free intolerances. Celiac disease affects an lieve physicians currently pay enough or her specialty. 7 Digestive Wellness And estimated one percent of Americans. attention to nutrition when treating Who is the qualified nutrition Natural Alternatives And one in five experience symptoms these diseases. expert? When you need trusted, accu- 7 Know The Facts of irritable bowel syndrome, which Whether you are trying to treat dis- rate, timely and practical advice, seek Jessie M. Pavlinac 8 Panel Of Experts affects twice as many women as ease, lose weight or just make health- the advice of a registered dietitian. men. If you have a chronic digestive ier choices, it may be hard to figure With our education and experience, condition, a carefully planned diet out whom to listen to for advice. Hear- RDs have the skills and knowledge that looks like it might help you lose can make a difference. With certain ing someone is a “nutritionist” often to translate nutrition science into those last 10 pounds, take a closer diseases, what you eat may reduce makes the person sound like they’re practical meal planning. A registered look to make sure the information is symptoms. In other cases, diet can be educated and trained in nutrition dietitian can help you navigate food coming from the qualified expert in the primary treatment leading to im- science and health issues. But in many allergies; work with your healthcare food and nutrition science: a regis- DIGESTIvE WEllNESS proved health. states, titles like “nutritionist” and “diet team by helping you change your eat- tered dietitian. A special supplement produced by For those who are in need of help, counselor” are not regulated, so terms ing plan pre- or post-surgery; and help Visit the American Dietetic Asso- Mediaplanet and distributed by the who is the best expert? A recent sur- like these can be used by people who you find ways to work with health ciation at www.eatright.org to locate Chicago Tribune. vey by the American Dietetic Associa- are not qualified to give accurate nu- problems such as IBS . a registered dietitian near you. Publisher: Brandon Hale tion and the University of Tennessee trition advice. While some nutritionists The next time you hear nutrition The American Dietetic Association [email protected] Graduate School of Medicine showed may have an educational background advice on television or see a diet book is the world’s largest organization of Contributor: Jill Coody Smits food and nutrition professionals. ADA Designer: Carrie Reagh is committed to improving the na- [email protected] tion’s health and advancing the pro- fession of dietetics through research, Photos: ©iStockphoto.com the next time you hear nutrition advice on television education and advocacy. Printer: Chicago Tribune The content in this special advertis- Mediaplanet is the leading publisher or see a diet book that looks like it might help you lose ing section was not developed by the in providing high quality and in-depth American Dietetic Association. The analysis on topical industry and market those last 10 pounds, take a closer look to make sure issues, in print, online and broadcast. American Dietetic Association does For more information about not endorse any of the advertisers ap- supplements in the daily press, please the information is coming from the qualified expert in pearing within this special advertising contact Jason Howell, 1 312 337 4012 section or the companies mentioned in [email protected] food and nutrition science: a registered dietitian. the advertorial sections. www.mediaplanet.com

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Eating Right: Optimizing Your Digestive Health Treating Gastrointestinal Cancers Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers vary widely depending on which part of the digestive tools that allow disease to be found system is affected. From the esophagus to the anus, each disease site has its earlier, as well as improved treatments. “Though we have made only incre- own unique traits and each cancer its own risk factors, treatment options and mental progress in treating some dis- particular challenges. eases, the impressive strides in others help us understand the multiple ways cancer evades treatment, and may one nd though there is no com- cell of origin and the degree of spread. because cancer treatments are most day help us treat all cancers more ef- mon thread running through Treatments may include surgery, radia- successful in the earliest stages of fectively.” Aall GI cancers, there is a stan- tion, chemotherapy, or novel targeted disease. As a result, researchers and of course, the great hope of all dard approach to diagnosis that is therapies. For most GI cancers surgery oncologists are continually looking cancer patients is a cure. But Kindler critical to prescribing the best course is considered the only curative treat- for ways to diagnose earlier and says that though we may not be of treatment. ment, so it is critical for patients to more accurately. able to cure every cancer, there is “First, we must determine where select a treatment facility with the right “If we can better image tumors reason to be hopeful. At present, while the cancer comes from—what is the expertise. and use molecular markers to detect some patients can be cured, other cell of origin,” says Hedy Kindler, MD, “It is very clear that both short- and cancers earlier, we have a better patients can live with their cancer medical director of gastrointestinal long-term surgical outcomes are chance of helping patients,” says for many years, in the same way oncology at the University of Chicago better in institutions where surgeries Posner. “We have already made great that patients live with other chronic Medical Center. “That information are done more often by highly- strides in the area of colon cancer, diseases such as diabetes and high determines how the cancer behaves experienced surgeons,” says Mitchell and though we know there is a blood pressure. and helps us understand how it might Posner, MD, chief of surgical oncology sequence of events that occurs in “oncologists are eternal optimists,” respond to treatment. Then we ascer- at the University of Chicago Medical pancreatic cancer it is still much harder Kindler continues. “We never know tain whether the cancer is localized Center and president of the Society of to detect.” where the next great discovery will and removable with surgery, or if it has Surgical oncology. “not only is there In fact, survival rates for colorectal come from, and we cannot predict a metastasized and traveled to another less patient mortality, but cancer recur- cancer have increased significantly in timeline. However, as we continue to site.” rence is less likely.” the past 10 years alone, and 90 percent learn more about the underlying biol- There are some commonalities Though finding a high quality treat- of those diagnosed with stage one ogy of each cancer, and as we go from Mitchell Posner, MD and Irving Waxman, among treatment regimens for GI can- ment team is important to surviving disease can now expect to live five the laboratory to clinical trials of novel MD discuss a patient’s course of treat- ment. Collaboration among physicians cers, but different cancers will require and living with GI cancer, finding years or longer. That success is partially treatments, there is definitely hope for provides patients with comprehensive different treatments depending on the the cancer early is equally critical attributable to improved diagnostic the future.” treatment plans.

IT DID FOR MARY CARLENE SHEDD. Imagine being told you have cancer. It’s scary. Terrifying even. Now imagine CAN A SIMPLE your doctor taking the time to teach you all about your disease and treatment, going so far as to sketch a diagram of your surgery. That is DRAWING MAKE ALL exactly what Mary found at the University of Chicago Medical Center after her diagnosis of colon cancer. And not only did she receive the latest THE DIFFERENCE IN treatments combined with the skill of a team of expert surgeons, but she CANCER SURGERY? found the confi dence and comfort only knowledge can provide. At the University of Chicago Medical Center, we think educating patients is an essential part of treating them.

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ADVERToRIAl Digestive Enzymes Diets Don’t Work Most people learn in fifth grade science class that “In most cases I advocate for taking Chewing Fat with a Weight Loss Surgeon a conventional route first—examine enzymes are involved in digestion, but many people behaviors, consider stress level and Q&A with Dr. Michael A Snyder, Bariatric Surgeon, creator of don’t understand the critical role they play. look at the diet to see if you can get Fullbar, Fullbites and founder of the Be Full Eat Less Movement what you need from the food you eat,” says Jennifer Ventrelle, MS, RD, lDn, You wrote a short booked called What other tips do you often give? nzymes play a crucial role up to 50 million Americans, symptoms CPT, a nutrition consultant with Rush Why Diets Don’t Work. In a sentence Drink plenty of water, try to minimize in proper digestion by of this condition include , nutrition and Wellness Center at Rush or two, why do you think that? the white stuff (processed sugars, Most diets fail long term because starch), make protein 50 percent to breaking down proteins, “E and . It can University Medical Center. they require too much effort and 75 percent of each meal (to leave you fats and carbohydrates into their be combated by gradually introduc- Dr. Barker recommends a combina- often consist of changes in behav- feeling full longer and give your body simplest component,” says Jason ing dairy into the diet, or by taking a tion approach. ior that are unrealistic and in many what it actually wants), eat five to six Barker, nD, a naturopathic physician lactase supplement. “By eating (raw) foods with en - ways, unhealthy. They simply “ask small meals per day (to help avoid and spokesperson for Enzymedica. And while the patient and their phy- zymes intact and supplementing too much of us!” People don’t want to binge eating at night), and watch out give up their favorite foods forever or for sugary drinks, fancy coffees, and “once this process is complete, sician should determine the course of with enzymes when eating cooked or live with guilt and shame when they saturated fats. the body is prepared to absorb treatment, some experts advocate for processed foods, we can increase our have a home cooked meal. Most diets and utilize the nutrients that have a conservative initial approach. body’s enzyme efficiency.” are a recipe for burning out. So it is possible to lose weight and been eaten.“ eat what you want? But what happens when the body What are some tips you recom- yes, absolutely. Moderation is the mend to people who don’t need key. The biggest problems are over- fails to produce enzymes in sufficient surgery but need to lose weight? eating and mindless grazing. Eating quantities? Many people don’t learn Everyone is unique so the key is be- food that makes you feel good and that lesson until they experience it for two of the biggest reasons for ing honest with yourself, mindful of taking time to enjoy each bite can go themselves. your relationship with food, and find- a long way. “Two of the biggest reasons for poor digestion are our body’s ing good practical tools to help you gain more control over your eating poor digestion are our body’s inability habits. one powerful tip I give is to to produce enough enzymes and the inability to produce enough eat before you eat. It sounds strange lack of digestive enzymes in the foods but a good dose of fiber, some pro- we eat,” says Jason Barker. “lactose enzymes and the lack of digestive tein and a glass of water 30 minutes intolerance is one easily-recognized before your biggest meals can work wonders for stretching the parts of example of an enzyme deficiency.” enzymes in the foods we eat. your stomach that lead to satiety. lactose intolerance occurs when When dinner time comes, tools like the body fails to produce enough that help you be full and eat less (a lactase, the enzyme that breaks down mantra of ours). the lactose in dairy products. Affecting

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The Why And How Diets Don’t Work Going Organic: Probiotics Chewing Fat with a Weight Loss Surgeon Making the right food choices has a proven affect nutrient-dense and 2) they do not on digestion, but does choosing organic food make contain the long list of food additives, preservatives, colors and flavor en- And Preventive a difference? hancers contained in non-organic food. So —should you go organic? There hile researchers are still research in support of organic food are many factors consumers consider Nutrition investigating exactly how strongly suggests that decreased ex- when making that decision, including Wmuch safer and nutritious posure to pesticides in food and water nutrition, environmental concerns and With health care in a state of flux, it is no surprise that organic food is, advocates say there is beneficial to all people, and infants cost. If you do choose to go organic, preventive nutrition is one of the fastest growing are numerous health benefits of eat- and children in particular. Benbrook says there are a number of food trends in America today. ing organically, including improved “The evidence is very clear that ways to move incrementally into your digestion. pesticides in beverages and foods new lifestyle. “one of the real advantages of contribute to a suite of developmental “When local fruits and vegetables fter all, if you can reduce your A growing body of evidence sup- eating organic foods is they do not problems in kids including allergies, are in season, visit your local farmer’s risk for allergies and heart ports those health claims, and it ap- contain preservative chemicals and do ADHD, autism, asthma, and predis- market, area farms or co-op and try Adisease by consuming bee pears that probiotics can be beneficial contain a richer diversity of microor- poses them to metabolic syndrome to eat more local organic food that is pollen and fish oil, maybe health in- in both treating and preventing diges- ganisms that help the digestive system later in life.” picked when it is really ripe and con- surance will be less critical down tive issues. extract nutrients in food,” says Dr. In addition to being largely tains by far the most nutrients. In the the road. “Probiotics can be particularly ben- Charles Benbrook, chief scientist with chemical-free, Benbrook says the winter, look for high-quality frozen or Many people are certainly inter- eficial for people with conditions such The organic Center. benefits of organic food are twofold: 1) canned fruits and vegetables that have ested in maintaining their digestive as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn’s In addition, Benbrook says current on average, they are 25 percent more been preserved.” health, and probiotics are fast be - Disease that may disrupt their gut coming the preventive “it” product microbial flora by enhancing their im- of the day. These healthy bacteria mune systems and supporting other that enter the body through supple- digestive system functions,” says ments or probiotic-rich foods are not Ventrelle. “In addition, these bacteria new, but there is a steadily growing can help individuals who don’t have consumer interest. gastrointestinal disorders maintain “I have noticed a growing aware- the balance of beneficial and harmful ness of and interest in probiotics,“ bacteria in the intestine.” says Jennifer Ventrelle, MS, RD, lDn, As it is with most nutritional supple- CPT, a nutrition consultant with ments, however, Ventrelle says it is Rush nutrition and Wellness Center important to use moderation when at Rush University Medical Center. bringing probiotics into your diet. “That may be attributed to the fact “If added to the diet too quickly, that we are learning more about probiotics can cause diarrhea. How- probiotics and their health benefits, ever, when added slowly, most people and also because people are seeing can eat many products and foods products as Kefir and yogurt being containing probiotics as part of an advertised with health claims about overall well-balanced diet without containing probiotics.” adverse consequences.” $1.00 OFF Anti-oxidants. Pro-nutrients. ANY GENESIS TODAY™ 64 OZ. JUICE CONSUMER: Limit one coupon per purchase of item(s) indicated. COUPON VOID IF COPIED, ALTERED, SOLD, PURCHASED, EXCHANGED OR WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Consumer pays any sales tax. Valid only in the USA. RETAILER: DO NOT DOUBLE. Genesis Today will reimburse the face value of this coupon plus Genesis Today juices are packed with so many .08¢, if submitted in compliance with its Manufacturer’s Coupon Redemption Policy, available on request. Invoices proving purchase of sufficient stock of Genesis Today 64 oz. Juice must be shown upon request. nutrients, minerals and antioxidants that just one Cash value 1/100¢. Mail coupons to: Genesis Today, CMS Dept. #12711, One Fawcett Drive, Del Rio, TX 78840. serving a day is all it takes to feel healthy. And it

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Starting Early: Probiotics And Kids If vegetables are a tough sell for some children, bad bacteria with good, creating a imagine their response to the directive, “Eat your more balanced intestinal environment. And while probiotics appear to benefit probiotics!” most people, Blatner says there may be added benefits for the young. enhance or many, it would be skeptical “Because a child’s immune system is at best. And while an explana- still in development, probiotics may be Ftion that they are consuming even more helpful in childhood than “friendly bacteria” probably won’t in adulthood to help kids better fight help, early research does show that, off sickness.” like bushy broccoli and crunchy car- So—how do you entice the picky rots, probiotics can provide important eater into consuming a daily dose of health benefits to children. bacteria? There is a growing number Your “Probiotics may help children have of products on the grocery shelf, in- fewer colds, need fewer antibiotics and cluding yogurt, probiotic-rich cheeses breaKfast miss fewer days of school,” says (packaging may state “live culture”), Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, lDn, and nondairy foods such as sauer- and Your immunit Y! American Dietetic Asso- kraut and tempeh. one of the most ciation spokesperson probiotic-rich foods, however, is kefir. A Lifeway Kefir is a delicious smoothie that tastes like yogurt, but has and author of cultured and fermented milk product three times the powerful probiotic cultures! These friendly little The Flexitarian similar to yogurt, kefir contains 10 bacteria balance your body’s ecosystem to boost immunity, ease Diet. “In addi- healthy bacteria compared with one or digestive troubles and even promote oral health. Plus, Lifeway Kefir tion, they may two in yogurt. is lowfat, low calorie and an excellent source of calcium, protein and also help reduce Blatner says, “Kefir can be a good diarrhea and an- source of probiotics for children be- fiber. So it’s a great way to kick-start your weight loss program, too. tibiotic-induced cause it tastes good—meaning kids Enhance your breakfast with Lifeway Kefir! Just pour it over fruit or diarrhea.” will actually drink it! In addition to the cereal, add it to a smoothie, or drink it straight out of the bottle. For children probiotics, it contains protein, fiber and and adults vitamins and minerals children need Lifeway Kefir. Your life...enhanced! alike, probiotic such as calcium and Vitamin D.” supplements Who knows, maybe one day soon essentially work children will start requesting probiotics by replacing for dessert. Should I Go Gluten-Free: Celiac Disease Have you noticed a spate of gluten-free products in to thrive. kefir.com your local grocery store? Dr. Guandalini says people should speak with their doctors if there is family history of the disease, or if they here’s a good reason for it—it’s the disease has long been under experience any symptoms. Patients called Celiac Disease and at diagnosed. should adhere to their normal diet Tleast three million Americans “Until recently, physicians in this prior to testing but, upon diagnosis, he are affected by it. country thought Celiac Disease was says there is really only one treatment: A genetic autoimmune disorder very rare. In fact, at least one percent of lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. triggered by the consumption of the population has Celiac, but because “A strict gluten-free diet is manda- gluten proteins, Celiac Disease causes it presents with many different symp- tory for those with Celiac Disease the immune system to attack the toms it is often overlooked.” because as little as a crumb of bread small intestine, inhibiting absorption Though many people with Celiac can activate the disease.” of nutrients and potentially causing Disease report no symptoms, there are And while other conditions such as osteoporosis, infertility and neurologi- literally hundreds of signs that may ap- gluten intolerance and wheat allergy cal conditions. pear during childhood or adulthood, might benefit from a gluten-free diet, Visit www.kefir.com to redeem a $1.00 off According to Dr. Stefano Guandalini, including: recurring abdominal bloat- there is no evidence that it is healthier Lifeway Kefir coupon. use coupon code trib310. founder and director of The University ing, chronic diarrhea or , for the unaffected person. For more in- of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, fatigue, delayed puberty and failure formation, visit www.celiacdisease.net. digestive wellness Digestive Wellness And Natural Alternatives According to a 2007 United nations report, more than 81 percent of Americans live in urban areas. And while city life offers numerous health benefits including availability of high-quality foods and access to high-quality medical care, there are also a number of potential disadvantages including lowered physical activity, poor water quality and air pollution.

ome experts say these prob- lenged to ensure we are nourished, ern and Eastern philosophies to treat a lems, combined with readily protect the body and play a critical role number of ailments including irritable Savailable processed foods, can in supporting the immune system.” bowel syndrome and GERD. negatively affect the digestive system In an effort to combat the ill effects “one category of alternative treat- and, ultimately, our overall well being. of environmental issues outside of ments functions to support normal di- “Many of the foods we consume their control, some Americans are inte- gestive processes. This type of support healthy bacteria in the gut.” are impure, contaminated with heavy grating natural alternatives into their can provide ‘digestive heat’ that trans- Dr. Eliaz says the key to using natural metals and other environmental toxins diets. Dr. Eliaz says if there is one bodily lates into normal, well-synchronized alternatives is to introduce different which our bodies are not designed to system where natural alternatives are peristaltic movement that restore and herbs, compounds and minerals that process,“ says Dr. Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, the leading treatment choice, it is the support the digestive system in a way support the digestive system and lAc and founder of Econugenics. “The digestive system. In fact, he says people that helps normalize the secretion of promote total well being without over- digestive system is constantly chal are turning to a combination of West- digestive enzymes and balances the stimulating the body. Know The Facts: Infant Acid Reflux Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is on the rise. Possibly sible in order to keep food from coming related to food or environmental allergies, the most back up. During sleep, raise the head of the crib to let gravity help keep the common symptom of EoE is difficulty swallowing food. infant’s food down.” As long as they are doctor-recom- mended, Jackson-Gagne says some here’s a reason burp cloths are suffers from acid reflux, they should infants may find relief with medications a popular baby shower gift— monitor the child’s spit up behavior, such as antacids or proton pump inhibi- An Effective Infant new parents spend a lot of time especially after meals or snacks and tors, which reduce stomach acid. Sleep Positioner T cleaning when babies spit-up! But some during bedtime hours.” But what can parents do to prevent The positioner allows you newborns spit up more frequently than Symptoms for infant acid reflux infant acid reflux in the first place? to elevate the head of the crib others, experiencing unusual discom- include irritable behavior, difficulty Jackson-Gagne says while there are no to 30 degrees while keeping your fort that may be symptomatic of acid falling or staying asleep, , surefire remedies, good feeding and baby safe and comfortable. reflux disease. blood in stool, wet burp sounds and bedtime routines can go a long way. More than half of all newborns suffer refusing feedings. And while only a “An ounce of prevention is worth “Put reflux to rest.” from infant acid reflux, and Beth trained professional can make a diag- a pound of cure. But once a child is Jackson-Gagne, MS, oTR/l, founder of nosis, Jackson-Gagne says if reflux is diagnosed, parents must act quickly in 1-877-SLEEP61 Baby Stay Asleep, says it’s important for confirmed, there are numerous ways to order to avoid potential complications www.babystayasleep.com parents to observe closely to determine treat the symptoms. such as failure to thrive and long-term whether their child may be affected. “Positioning is key. During and after food aversions that may lead to refusal Safety-tested and certified by CPSC “If new parents suspect their baby feeding, keep babies as upright as pos- to eat.” digestive wellness Panel Of Experts

DAVID T. RUBIn, MD lInDSEy DUnCAn, nD, Cn lESlIE GolDMAn, MPH ASHlEy KoFF, RD Co-Director, University of Chicago Genesis Today Health and medical writer Ashely Koff Approved Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center spokesperson for lifeway Kefir Associate Professor of Medicine University of Chicago Medical Center

Q: What advances in treatment have become Q: What are probiotics and why are they Q: I’m lactose intolerant. Are there any dairy prod- Q: What is an overlooked natural remedy for a available for inflammatory bowel disease? important? ucts I can still enjoy? common digestive complaint—constipation? A: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic A: The term probiotic literally translates to “for A: Absolutely —just because you’ve been diag- A: What makes us constipated? lack of fiber?y es, intestinal condition that includes two primary life,” and that couldn’t be more true. your diges- nosed with lactose intolerance does not mean sometimes. But there’s a complementary reason types, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Al- tive tract is filled with trillions of bacteria, some you need to abstain from the entire dairy food that we often miss. Magnesium, also known as though the causes of these conditions remain un- promote health (probiotics), and some can harm group, nor should you, as it provides the bulk of Mother nature’s muscle relaxant, helps encour- known, scientists here and elsewhere have made your health. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that your bone-building calcium needs. age our body’s natural muscle movement (in- significant discoveries of the genetic associations keep the harmful bacteria in check and help you Between 30 and 50 million Americans suffer cluding the digestive tract)—motility—to pro- and have new information that will someday create and maintain a healthy internal balance. from lactose intolerance, meaning they don’t mote regular bowel movements. Magnesium is lead to individualized therapies. In the meantime, Probiotics promote efficient digestion and produce enough of an enzyme called lactase, a mineral, it is not a laxative. however, there have been tremendous advances absorption of nutrients and promote an overall normally manufactured by cells that line the small Getting your period, have a headache, prone in available treatments. our new treatment strat- healthy digestive tract. numerous studies sup- intestine, which breaks down lactose into a more to muscle aches, flying or traveling by car or sit- egies now include successful ways to maintain port the idea that regular consumption of pro- easily absorbable unit. The result: Discomfort ting at a desk all day? Any of these situations can remission long-term, improve a patient’s quality biotics can help with many intestinal conditions ranging from mild-to-intense to cramps, exacerbate constipation by slowing or stopping of life, avoid hospitalizations, and prevent surgery. and can even help lower the risk of colon cancer. bloating, gas, and diarrhea. An array of lactose- motility. Thus, increasing magnesium intake can In 2010, there are multiple versions of the What’s more, the positive effects of probiotics free products can be found at many mainstream address the problem at the core (as can add - aminosalicylate therapies to treat ulcerative might not be limited to just the digestive tract. grocery stores, as well as calcium-fortified orange ing daily activity such as chair twists or other colitis, offering different delivery systems and For instance, research suggests that probiotics juice. There’s also kefir, a tangy, yogurt-like drink stretches.) Also, magnesium works in opposition the convenience of fewer pills taken fewer times help maintain healthier blood cholesterol and that’s been a staple in Russia for centuries and is to calcium (which helps our muscles contract). per day. In Crohn’s disease, we have a steroid de- blood pressure levels, support our immune gaining traction as a hot superfood in the US. A So if you’re taking a calcium supplement—make signed to provide significantly fewer side effects system and potentially aid with weight control. recent Journal of the American Dietetic Associa- sure it contains absorbable magnesium too. than traditional steroids. When it is needed, sur- you can add probiotics to your diet with tion study found that kefir can actually improve Foods rich in magnesium include whole grains gery remains an important treatment, and new supplements, or an effective (and enjoyable) lactose digestion; the live and active bacteria (the actual grain, not the flour as much), beans, laparoscopic approaches have resulted in shorter way to get them is from yogurt or from foods cultures help break down milk’s sugars. Kefir also and chocolate (portion control and good qual- recoveries and better outcomes. The greatest ad- and drinks made with yogurt. Plus you get many helps colonize the intestines, further protecting ity). For supplementation, I recommend magne- vance in treating IBD has been the development added benefits: yogurt is naturally rich in es- them from disease-causing bacteria. In addition, sium citrate. For more information on recipes, of biologic therapies, antibodies engineered to sential vitamins and nutrients including protein, one cup of kefir supplies 30 percent of your daily foods, and supplement recommendations, visit target specific proteins related to inflammation. calcium, riboflavin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. calcium needs, is low in fat and contains a healthy www.ashleykoffapproved.com or get Recipes for We have learned that they work much better There’s a reason they’re called PRobiotics and dose of fiber, too. IBS by Ashley Koff, RD where books are sold. when they are used earlier in the disease course they need to be part of your diet. It’s a small and are much safer than ineffective therapy and change you can make that can have big effects the ravages of active disease. on your health. A lifetime of disability or steroid treatments is no longer acceptable in IBD. Patients suffering from IBD in the current era should ask for and expect expert advice, access to leading-edge therapies, and a team approach to management that helps them to achieve control over the dis- ease until a cure is found.