Sources What Does Your Gut Say? By Kris McFalls

GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) SYMPTOMS are a common and supplements that include probiotics. Many food problem among patients with an immune disease. As a products, such as yogurt and cheese, already carry natural- result, many patients are diagnosed with either irritable forming probiotics. bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite their best efforts to eat a well-balanced diet Both IBS and IBD present with symptoms such as abdominal and to exercise, patients still can have severe GI symp- pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. These toms requiring more involved treatments. IBD, such as symptoms are the gut’s way of screaming for help. Yet, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, are chronic autoimmune despite what their gut is trying to tell them, many patients diseases that often require the use of prescription are embarrassed to talk about IBS and IBD symptoms, no medications to achieve and maintain disease remission. matter how debilitating they might get. But, not talking Aminosalicylates, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), about symptoms can raise patients’ stress levels, which in mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa), olsalazine (Dipentum) and turn, will make symptoms worse. So, it is a conversation balsalazide (Colazal), are drugs that interfere with the patients should have with their doctor. body’s ability to control inflammation. Corticosteroids can help with flare-ups, providing rapid relief and a Effective Treatments decrease of symptoms on a short-term basis. Patients Although currently there is no cure for either IBS or IBD, who do not respond to traditional therapies or whose there are effective treatments. Tracking symptoms and disease is more progressive may require the use of immune responses to treatments is one of the first things patients’ modulation drugs, such as methotrexate, Imuran, doctors may ask them to do. Keeping a simple log of all cyclosporine, Humira and Cimzia. symptoms, along with infusions, allows a doctor to spot any Whether a patient’s disease is well-controlled or they patterns associated with symptoms. NuFACTOR specialty have occasional flare-ups, acute awareness to nutritional pharmacy has a very simple, complimentary health diary needs is the key to a healthier life. Some patients may developed especially for immune globulin patients, which require nutritional support via high-calorie, high-nutrition can be requested at https://secure.nufactor.com/pages/ supplement drinks, such as Boost or Ensure. But, these ig_infusion_log_form.html. drinks are not meant to displace a well-balanced meal, and a Tracking symptoms also may help to reveal certain patterns doctor should be consulted before using any supplements. associated with infections. Because the intestinal system is full of billions of bacteria, known as “gut flora,” it can easily A Serious Issue be upset by chronic use of antibiotics needed to fight infec- Symptoms of IBS and IBD are not to be taken lightly. Gone tions. Out-of-balance flora can lead to overgrowth of some unchecked, symptoms can lead to malnutrition and a decreased bacteria. Recent research suggests small intestinal bacterial quality of life. Openly discussing symptoms and treatments overgrowth may contribute to IBS. If patients have shown a with a doctor is the best way to get relief and support. pattern of increased symptoms after antibiotics, they may be asked to take another antibiotic such as rifaximin or neomycin Sources to help get the gut flora back in balance. These particular Bolen, BB. Gut Bacteria and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. About.com. Accessed at ibs.about.com/od/symptomsofib1/a/bacteria.htm. antibiotics are used because they are not absorbed in the Aminosalicylates. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Accessed at stomach and, therefore, are thought to work better on the www.ccfa.org/info/treatment/aminosalicylates. bacteria in the small intestine. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. WebMD. Accessed at www.emedicinehealth.com/inflammatory_bowel_disease/page8_em.htm. Keeping gut flora in balance is thought to be a key strategy for better overall health. Some doctors recom- KRIS MCFALLS is the full-time patient advocate for IG Living mend their patients maintain good balance through diet magazine.

42 August-September 2010 www.IGLiving.com IG Living! Sources

Directory of IBS/IBD Products and Services

Nutrition Supplements protein to help build muscle. And, Ensure High Calcium Align has added calcium. All products are available in Align is a digestive care probiotic drugstores. supplement made with Bifantis. www.ensure.com Bifantis replenishes the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria, helping to build and maintain a healthy diges- Support Groups tive system — providing ongoing Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America protection against occasional diges- This nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization is dedi- tive upsets. Align is intended to be cated to finding the cure for Crohn’s disease and taken once a day and comes in ulcerative colitis. The foundation funds cutting-edge capsule form. It is available in local pharmacies. studies at major medical institutions, nurtures investi- www.aligngi.com gators at the early stages of their careers, and finances underdeveloped areas of research. It hosts educational Boost workshops and symposiums, and publishes a scientific Boost nutritional energy drinks contain 26 vitamins and journal, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, created to minerals, antioxidants and protein. It comes in six forms: enable medical professionals to keep pace with this Boost Drink for extra energy, Kid Essentials, Boost Plus rapidly growing field. Drink containing supplemental nutrients for weight gain, www.ccfa.org Boost High Protein Drink, Boost High Protein Powder and Boost Glucosamine Control (a snack for people with Crohn’s & Me diabetes). It is available at most drugstores. Crohn’s & Me is a website created to be a community www.boost.com for people affected by the disease. The site explains the disease, provides online tracking tools, allows individuals Culturelle to share their stories, provides lifestyle tips and lists Culturelle comes in five different treatment options. Individuals can become a member of products. Natural Health and the site free of charge. Wellness, Culturelle for Kids, Digestive www.crohnsandme.com Health (dairy- and gluten-free), Dairy Free Natural Health and Wellness IBS Self Help and Support Group (which contains inulin, is encapsulated The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help and in a vegetable capsule and is dairy- Support Group, established in 1987, is an award-win- and gluten-free) and Digestive Relief ning patient advocate group in support of self-man- (for occasional bouts of diarrhea and upset stomach). agement for those who suffer from IBS, those who are All are available in most major health food stores. looking for support for someone who has IBS, and www.culturelle.com medical professionals who want to learn more about IBS. In addition to forums, the website provides a list Ensure of helpful links, a very comprehensive booklist, Ensure shakes contain fiber, omega-3s and 24 essential research studies, brochures, medical tests, diagnostic vitamins and minerals, and come in four different criteria and diet, treatment and medications about, forms. Ensure Plus is intended to help individuals gain and for, the disease. The community has more than or maintain a healthy weight and contains 350 calories. 37,000 active members. Ensure High Protein contains 12 grams of high-quality www.ibsgroup.org

August-September 2010 www.IGLiving.com IG Living! 43