Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Bacteriophage Viruses Protect your Gut Microbiom…
Most people have heard about the importance of the gut microbiome. That usually means the range of bacteria found primarily in the large intestines. However, we also host a large number of viruses alo…
Coconut for Crohn’s Supported by Science
In 1998 we received an intriguing letter from a reader of our syndicated newspaper column. Donald Agar, from Pittsfield, MA, contacted us to say he had finally overcome a long-standing battle with inf…
Show 1339: Harnessing the Power of the Vagus Ner…
We have multiple nervous systems. You are probably aware of the nerves that help move your arms to throw a ball or move your legs to jump. No doubt you also know about the fight-or-flight response tri…
Show 1325: Recognizing the Ravages of Silent Inf…
This week on our nationally syndicated radio show, our guest describes the causes and consequences of silent inflammation. Usually, inflammation (redness, swelling, heat, pain) is a tool the immune sy…
Are Your Children Getting High Doses of Food Dye…
Some parents are unwittingly feeding their children high doses of food dye. Pediatricians may worry about the effects on kids' behavior. In addition, a recent study suggests we should be looking at th…
Do Colon Bacteria Trigger Chronic Inflammatory D…
Could you use “we” in referring to yourself? Sure, Queen Elizabeth did that, and probably King Charles does, too. That's the Royal We. But the rest of us who are not royalty should get used to thi…
Show 1321: Rebalancing Our Microbiome Through Pe…
This week on our nationally syndicated radio show, we consider how to maintain a healthy balance in our gut microbiome. Each of us carries a vast collection of microbes in our digestive tracts. Althou…
Show 1270: How Your Microbiome Shapes Your Immun…
In the middle of a pandemic, you probably want to know how well your immune system is functioning. Even more important, what if anything can you do to support it? Scientists have found that the microb…
Show 1179: What Should You Do About Digestive Di…
Have you ever had horrible heartburn or a really bad bellyache? Most of us have experienced digestive distress at one time or another. When do you need to seek medical attention for your problem? What…
Do You Know About Cookies for Crohn’s?
Crohn's disease is a serious condition in which the lining of the digestive tract is inflamed. The consequences can be severe diarrhea, terrible bellyaches, weight loss or even malnutrition and fatigu…
How Do You Feed Your Microbiota?
Scientists know that the community of microbes that lives in your digestive tract is unique to you (your microbiota). They hypothesize that if you want to stay healthy, you have to keep the community …
If Leaky Gut Syndrome Exists, How Can You Test f…
Several years ago, we were at a small conference attended by some very thoughtful physicians. The overall theme of the discussions focused on the concept of empowered patients. These doctors were tota…
Do People Who Eat Fish Grow Old More Healthfully…
Does eating fish or taking fish oil make any difference for your health? For decades, researchers have touted the anti-inflammatory benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. They have sug…
Coconut Macaroon Cookies Cured Child’s Dia…
Have you ever had acute diarrhea? Almost everyone has. You know how unpleasant the experience can be, even if it only lasts for a few hours. Millions of people suffer from chronic diarrhea. It can be …
How Could Cannabis Help Inflammatory Bowel Disea…
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune disease that can create chaos in the digestive tract. Inflammation leads to diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. People with ulcerative…
Will a Sugar Substitute Harm Your Health?
The safety of artificial sweeteners has been fairly controversial. The FDA and the food industry maintains that these products are safe. On the other hand, epidemiological studies show that people who…
Humira Side Effects, Complications and Interacti…
Humira (adalimumab) is the best selling drug (in dollars) in the U.S. (and around the world). Sales were listed between $13 and $16 billion in 2016. That is an unbelievable amount of money for a singl…
How to Improve Digestive Health with a Poop Tran…
How do you feel about poop? Most people prefer not to talk about it. That's why we have so many euphemisms: number two, stool, feces, manure, crap or BM for bowel movement. No wonder you probably neve…
Viruses Lurking in Gut May Contribute to Disease
Recent research has generated intense interest in the bacterial ecology of the human digestive tract. The ability to analyze the collected DNA of gut denizens has allowed scientists to recognize how c…
Vitamin D Deficiency Increases the Risk of Cance…
People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are often deficient in vitamin D. Researchers in Boston wondered whether a lack of vitamin D would make them even more vulnerable to developing cancer…
Peppermint Tea Helps Irritable Bowel Syndrome, U…
Many of us have trouble keeping IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) distinct from IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). They are, however, totally different disorders. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and u…
Does It Make Sense to Prescribe Parasites to Cal…
Some day, doctors may prescribe worms to help treat people with autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes. Humans and their parasites have co-evolved through…
Heavy Antibiotic Use May Predispose People to Bo…
Antibiotics have long been thought of as silver bullets against infection. There is no doubt that such drugs save many lives each year. But there is also a growing recognition that overuse may have un…
Intestinal Infection May Lead to Inflammatory Bo…
No one knows why some people develop inflammatory bowel disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks the intestines. This includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and causes signific…
Coconut Counters Chronic Colitis
Q. Thank you for writing about coconut for treating ulcerative colitis. I was diagnosed with colitis in 1980, and had three feet of my colon removed. My condition was moderate to severe and I was taki…