Two of the new studies found that proton pump inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of infection from the bacterium Clostridium difficile, a hard-to-treat intestinal infection that can occur in people taking antibiotics. C. difficile typically results in severe diarrhea but can lead to removal of the colon or even death in extreme cases.

In the past I’ve discussed C. difficile at length. Scientists have discovered that C. difficile infections have not only been increasing, but are more severe, more difficult to treat, and more likely to relapse. Analyses of outbreaks have identified a new strain of C. difficile. It is more virulent because it produces more damaging toxins and is resistant to a commonly-used type of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones, like Cipro.

To read the CNN article at length, visit:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/10/….

Dependent upon how it is measured, the gas in the intestinal tract varies from 3 to 6 ounces. The average adult produces 16 to 48 ounces of intestinal gas resulting in about 14 to 23 gas passages/day.

1. Complex Carbohydrates: The human intestinal tract can’t digest some of the complex carbohydrates in vegetables, fruits and whole grain products. These carbohydrates pass through the small intestines into the colon where they are fermented by gas producing bacteria. Hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane are the main gases produced. Depending on the diet and the intestinal microflora, the amount of gas produced and expelled will vary from individual to individual. The strong odor sometimes associated with intestinal gas is due to the very small production of sulfide gases which is dependent on diet and intestinal bacteria.
2. Lactose is a sugar in dairy products which must be broken down to a simpler form to be absorbed by the intestines. Thirty to 50 million Americans develop lactose intolerance beginning after the age of 2. It is a common problem in the Asian, African American, American Indian, Hispanic, and Eastern European Jewish populations. Undigested lactose prevents fluid absorption and the sugar is fermented by the bacteria in the colon which results in increased intestinal gas and at times, diarrhea. The main form of therapy is to avoid lactose containing foods.
3. Fructose: Another dietary sugar that can cause excessive gas, bloating and loose stools is fructose. Fruits that are high in fructose include apples, apricots, pears, cherries, plums, prunes and peaches (as well as their juices). It is also a used as sweetener in soft drinks and other products. The small intestine has a limited ability to absorb dietary fructose. If it is exceeded, fructose will be fermented in the colon leading to excess gas formation.
4. Sorbitol is found naturally in fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in many dietetic foods and sugar free candies and gums. Sorbitol is not well absorbed by the small intestines. Excess intake will also lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Studies have found that some individuals with symptoms of bloating and distention may be more sensitive to the amount of gas and fluid in the intestines. Some may have slow intestinal motility leading more fluid and gas in the intestines.

Having the right balance of bacteria in the intestines can be important to lessen the symptoms of bloating, distention and gas.

Probiotics, containing bacterial strains similar to those in Endomune have been studied and utilized to help lessen these symptoms. There have been positive results in many of the studies. There are no effective prescription medications to alleviate excess gas formation. One of the nice aspects of probiotics is the fact that they are safe and without significant side effects. Given the positive studies, taking Endomune may improve the digestion and absorption of the complex and simple carbohydrates.

“Recent reports have shown increasing incidence and severity of C. difficile infection, especially in the older population,” Dr. Darrell Pardi, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and senior author of a study on the situation, said in a Mayo news release. “Our study examines why the cases are on the rise and who is getting the infection.”

C. difficile is a bacterium that can reside in our intestines and generally will not cause harm because the normal, healthy bacteria in our in gut will suppress its growth. The problem arises when we take an antibiotic. The use of antibiotics for illnesses such as respiratory and urinary infections doesn’t only destroy the infection itself, but also the good bacteria within the intestines. Once the good bugs are out of the way, the hostile C. difficile can multiply and take over the intestines.

The C. difficile bacteria produce toxins that damage the lining of the colon and cause diarrhea or even severe colitis. The infection can be life threatening, especially in elderly patients with other health issues. The frequency of having to surgically remove an inflamed colon has become an increasing occurrence.

In the meantime, be aware of this significant, potentially serious side effect of taking an antibiotic. You may want to consider taking a probiotic like EndoMune if an antibiotic is prescribed.

For more information about recent findings presented by the American College of Gastroenterology, visit:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20091104/hl_hsn/deadlystomachbug…

I recently stumbled upon a great article that helps pull all of these items together into healthful advice: Don’t Resist Starch

Enjoy!

Studies are starting to shows that “Probiotic” or “beneficial microorganisms” may be able to improve chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

According to Johannsen, probiotics should have the following characteristics if they are to be used in human beings:

- The micro-organisms must be of human origin – using probiotics produced from micro-organisms that occur in soil or animals can be dangerous

- The micro-organisms in probiotics must be present in adequate quantities (not too little and not too much)

- The micro-organisms in probiotics must be viable (i.e. alive – it is no use taking large doses of probiotics that are dead!)

- The ideal micro-organisms for the human gut belong to the Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus families

EndoMune meets all of the above criteria. Each capsule contains 6 billion bacteria, and has multiple strains of the Bifido and Lacto bacteria species. It’s important to note that probiotics are comprised of live organisms. In order for this potency to remain, long-term storage should be within a refrigerator. As the article notes, consuming probiotics that have no live organisms has zero benefit.

The full article may be viewed by visiting:
http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/DietDocs_articles/15-1871,50242.asp

MSNBC takes a look at the impact of fiber, prebiotics and antibiotics on the general health of your gut. As indicated in a recent EndoMune newsletter, the synbiotic effect of probiotics and prebiotics is powerful. See what some of the leading researchers have to say:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28690925/

I have previously discussed the many health benefits of probiotics, most of which have been related to the GI tract. I would like to review some of the reports on probiotics with regard to oral health.

Clinical studies have been carried out to determine whether probiotics can prevent or lessen common oral and dental diseases. The three disorders that I will review are dental caries, periodontal disease, and halitosis.

Dental Caries
Dental caries, or cavities, are formed by bacteria. Streptococcus mutans is the most destructive bacterial strain in the mouth as it attaches easily to teeth and produces a lot of acid. It is able to ferment the sugars (carbohydrates) in our diet, especially those sweet foods that get caught on and between our teeth.

Studies using orally-administered probiotics have found that certain strains can inhibit the growth of S. mutans (1,2). The conclusion was that probiotics seem to be a natural way to maintain dental health, and that daily intake of probioitcs in early childhood may result in less dental caries (3).

Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth. These tissues consist of our gums (gingiva), outer layer of the roots of our teeth (cementum), the bony sockets that anchor our teeth (alveolar bone), and the connective tissue supporting the roots and bony sockets.

Studies have found that the bacteria causing periodontal disease could be regulated by applying a probiotic which inhibited their growth. A decrease in gum inflammation and bleeding was noted in those subjects given probiotics (4). These studies, like those for dental caries, are promising but have not yet proved that they can prevent periodontal disease.

Halitosis
Halitosis, or bad breath, is the condition when breath has an unpleasant odor. Halitosis is an embarrassing social problem more than it is a dental health problem. Approximately 80-90% of the causes of bad breath originate in the mouth. Again, this is a bacterial disorder. Two studies have found that by administering probiotic bacteria, it was possible to suppress the odor-producing bacteria, resulting in a decrease in the foul smelling gases arising in the mouth (5,6).

Probiotics seem to be a potential therapy for maintaining oral health. Just like in the GI tract, maintaining a healthy balance of the bacteria flora in the mouth may help to prevent increased visits to the dentist. Probiotics are certainly not a substitute for the basic recommendations by the American Dental Association.

If you are prone to cavities, periodontal disease, or suffer with halitosis, it may be worthwhile to take a good probiotic such as EndoMune.

for more information about probiotics and oral health, please visit:
http://hubpages.com/hub/probiotics-and-oral-health

Enjoy the article and start eating your fiber!
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090201-LIFE-902010309