The celiac children clearly had a higher rate of cesarean births compared to the other four groups. Twenty-eight percent of the celiac children were born by cesarean section, compared to no more than 19 percent of all the other groups. The celiac children were also diagnosed at a younger age, on average, than the other patients.

Hornef and colleagues are not sure why cesarean delivery might be associated with celiac disease but not Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, because the three disorders develop in some similar ways. They say one explanation might be that celiac disease can be triggered much earlier in life, so the newborns with abnormal intestinal bacteria might be particularly vulnerable.

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=7ec097ab-11e7-4bd6-ba8e-ee816839b31f#ixzz0otllP0jH

It’s commonly known that the bacteria that populate the newborn will vary depending if the child is delivered vaginally or by C-section. What’s not known, though, is if mothers were given probiotics before delivery and the infants given probiotics after birth, whether celiac disease would be less of a risk. Just another type of research study which will likely be conducted in the near future.

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/….

According to a recent Yahoo! News article,

More than 100 researchers working over two years found some 3.3 million distinct genes spread across at least 1,000 species of single-celled organisms, virtually all bacteria.

“The vast majority of bacteria found were not known before. But now we can start sorting out what they do in terms of function, and how they might relate to disease…”

Prior to the study, it was believed that the microbes within the gut were relatively common, shared across most individuals. Surprisingly, only 40 percent of the genes mapped were shared with at least half the volunteers.

Using new DNA sequencing techniques, scientists gathered a mass of data equivalent to 200 complete human genomes, Raes said.

The number of bacteria discovered is double many previous estimates.

So what does this mean? As mainstream medicine begins to research and document bacteria within the human gut, the potential for finding cures for various ailments has increased dramatically.

All of this news is very exciting for the field of probiotics. Since probiotics are comprised of naturally-occuring bacteria, the absense of bacteria which normally aids in certain digestive functions could be the direct cause of varying disorders such as IBS. As scientists begin to map out the functions, there is a greater understanding of the roles performed by individual bacteria strains.

To read the Yahoo! news article in its entirety, visit:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100303/hl_afp/healthdiseaseintestinesgenomebacteria_20100303200745

According to the article:

This research shows that it is unnecessary to order colonoscopies for patients with IBS, unless they show alarming symptoms like unexplained weight loss or anaemia, bleeding from the GI tract, or have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease, says Dr. Chey.

If you’re interested in reading the article in its entirety on DocGuide.com, visit:
http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/852576140048867C852576E20000C862

There have been a number of studies on probiotics protective effect against colon cancer (10).  There are no direct experimental investigations for cancer suppression in human subjects using probiotics. However, there are a wealth of studies indicating indirect evidence for cancer suppression in human subjects. This study helps to identify one of the mechanisms how probiotics can prevent cancer development. Bottom line, it doesn’t hurt to take a probiotic.

You may read the March newsletter in its entirety for more information about Probiotics’ Effects on Cancer and Chemotherapy.

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.

Nearly six months ago I wrote an article addressing the potential of bacteria within probiotics to address the issues associated with IBD. In that article I explained:

Here are the five top reasons to consider probiotics in individuals with IBD (3,5,6).

1. Probiotics adhere to the intestinal lining cells and competitively inhibit the harmful bacteria from taking up residence.
2. Probiotics suppress immune mediated inflammation by producing cytokines that inhibit the inflammatory process.
3. Probiotics produce antimicrobial products that inhibit the survival of harmful bacteria.
4. Probiotics enhance the intestinal lining cells health by tightening the junction between intestinal lining, thereby inhibiting the invasion by the harmful bacteria.
5. Probiotics have been shown to inhibit immune cells responses, which would result in further inflammation.

Researchers are now trying to identity which strains are the most effective for surviving within the intestinal tract of individuals with IBD, given their unique circumstances and depleted supply of functional bacteria.

To read more about this study, visit the Medical News Today article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176550.php

Probiotics and Acute Infectious Diarrhea
The first study was to determine whether probiotics have clinical benefit for children with acute infectious diarrhea (1).

Study design: The study involved 304 children, ages 3 months to 6 years who were hospitalized for acute diarrhea. All the children received rehydration therapy via intravenous fluids and oral rice or half strength formula as age appropriate. The children were randomized to receive a probiotic preparation or a placebo. The benefit of the treatment was assessed in terms of recovery time to the first normal stool. Other clinical symptoms evaluated included fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and appetite.

Results: The average duration of diarrhea after start of therapy was reduced from 86.3 hours in the placebo group to 60.1 hours in the probiotic group. There was also lessening of abdominal pain, fever and overall length of hospital stay.

Discussion: To understand how probiotics benefited these children, the immunologic effects of probiotics were evaluated. The study reveals the immune cells of the intestine reacted in two ways; 1) by increasing production of molecules that decrease inflammation and 2) by increasing the quantity of protective intestinal bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacillus).

While other studies have shown that probiotics can lessen infectious diarrhea in children, this is the first study that has simultaneously evaluated the clinical, immunologic, and microbiologic effects of probiotics.

Probiotics and Chronic Abdominal Pain (CAP)
The second article deals with the occurrence of chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in children. CAP accounts for approximately 25% of pediatric gastroenterology office visits.

This study’s purpose was to determine if excess build up of intestinal bacteria in the small intestine could be a common cause of the CAP symptoms (2). This condition is called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and is referred to as “SIBO”. Sometimes, the bacteria in the small intestines can increase and disrupt the normal digestive process. When this occurs, diarrhea, excess gas, and abdominal pain can occur.

Study Design: This study evaluated children ages 8 to 18. Of those involved in the study, 40 were healthy and 75 had chronic abdominal. Using a breath hydrogen test, it was possible to determine if there was abnormal buildup of small bowel bacteria.

Results: The study found 91% of children with CAP had abnormal breath hydrogen indicating excess small intestinal bacteria, or SIBO. The control group had a 35% positive breath test.

Discussion: This study found an objective measure to explain chronic abdominal pain in these children.  Often, psychological explanations are proposed to explain the ongoing symptoms, and the correct diagnosis is missed.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on the frequency of abnormal breath hydrogen test in children with CAP.

If the breath test is abnormal, then the current recommended therapy is to use antibiotics to decrease the bacterial count in the small bowel (3).  Studies have shown up to a 75% improvement in symptoms after a course of antibiotics. Sometimes there is a relapse and further courses of antibiotics are required (4).

Another approach to treat SIBO is to give probiotics.  A recent study using a probiotic in patients with SIBO found a 47% decrease or normalization of the breath hydrogen test (5). The authors concluded that, “probiotics are a promising, easily handled and well-tolerated treatment option for SIBO”. In addition, since SIBO has a high recurrence rate, the availability of a treatment alternative to antibiotics could reduce both the risk of antibiotic resistance and the incidence of side effects.

In summation, current medical research continues to gain a better understanding of how the intestinal bacteria affect the function and health of our intestines. The results of these studies certainly further our knowledge about how probiotics can improve gastrointestinal disorders in children. Consider discussing with your child’s doctor taking a good probiotic, like EndoMune, if your child is having a problem with infectious diarrhea or chronic abdominal pain.

Resources

(1) Probiotics Have Clinical, Microbiologic, and Immunologic Efficacy in Acute Infectious Diarrhea Chen, Chien-Chang; Kong, Man-Shan; Lai, Ming-Wei; Chao, Hsun-Chin; Chang, Kuei-Wen; Chen, Shih-Yen; Huang, Yhu-Chering; Chiu, Cheng-Hsun; Li, Wen-Chen; Lin, Pen-Yi; Chen, Chih-Jung; Lin, Tzou-YienThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.2010 Feb;29(2)

(2) Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children Is Associated with High Prevalence of Abnormal Microbial Fermentation.Collins BS, Lin HC.Dig Dis Sci. 2009 Nov 4.

(3) Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: diagnosis and treatment.Gasbarrini A, Lauritano EC, Gabrielli M, Scarpellini E, Lupascu A, Ojetti V, Gasbarrini G.Dig Dis. 2007;25(3):237-40.

(4) Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth recurrence after antibiotic therapy. Lauritano EC, Gabrielli M, Scarpellini E, Lupascu A, Novi M, Sottili S, Vitale G, Cesario V, Serricchio M, Cammarota G, Gasbarrini G, Gasbarrini Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Aug;103(8):2031-5.

(5) Bacillus clausii as a treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Gabrielli M, Lauritano EC, Scarpellini E, Lupascu A, Ojetti V, Gasbarrini G, Silveri NG, Gasbarrini A.Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 May;104(5):1327-8. Epub 2009 Apr 7.

The study addressed patients with both Ulcerative Colitis and Chrohn’s Disease, with the latter showing higher incidence of malnutrition. Fortunately, the occurrence of malnutrition was low – but this study still indicates the need to monitor nutrients and maintain medical treatment to not only address the medical disease, but its impact on overall health and nutrition.

For more information:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Gastroenterology/InflammatoryBowelDisease/16681

The survey was confucted by the University fo California-San Francisco, and was the largest survey of its kind to study the relationship between chronic stress and eating behaviors. According to USA Today:

…people who had greater chronic stress were more likely than the other survey participants to say they ate high-fat foods and felt they lacked control over their eating and hunger.

Those who were chronically stressed also were more likely to rely on “rigid restraint” to try to control their weight, including vowing to avoid fattening foods and skipping meals…”

Weight maintenance and weight loss is a lifestyle change that cannot be achieved by quick, sudden changes in habits. Going ‘cold turkey’ for any addiction is difficult, particularly for food – something we cannot live without. It’s important to remember to take small, manageable steps to weight control, rather than sudden, all-encompassing changes.

For more information on this research study, visit:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2009-11-02-stresseating02_ST_N.htm