Digestive System News and Research

RSS

'Good bugs' promising against ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome

In four different studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 76th Annual Scientific meeting in Washington, DC, researchers explored the effectiveness of probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea; as an anti-inflammatory agent for patients with ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome; and for people with abdominal discomfort and bloating who have not been diagnosed with a functional bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

31 Oct 2011

VTT to develop next-generation vaccines against allergy

VTT holds patents on gene technology which can be applied to alter the structure of an allergen, i.e. a protein causing allergy, so that it will cause less allergic symptoms than the original allergen, while remaining effective in desensitisation therapy.

22 Oct 2011

Colon cancer may be linked to a bacterium that causes appendicitis and gum disease: Study

A new study shows that a bacterium that causes appendicitis and gum disease is also found in colon tumors. Researchers suggest that it may set the stage for colorectal cancer, the second-deadliest malignancy. The bacterium – fusobacterium might play a role in determining the prognosis of colorectal cancers and shaping their treatment, according to two research teams independently reporting a relationship between the rod-shaped microbe and cancers of the lower digestive system.

18 Oct 2011

BPA may not affect male testes

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common component of plastic used in many consumer products, has recently become infamous -- and banned in some places -- because it can mimic natural estrogen in the body. A new study by Brown University toxicologists, however, finds that male mice whose mothers were exposed even to high doses of BPA while pregnant developed no signs of harm to their testes as adults.

23 Sep 2011

Maternal exposures to BPA are not transmitted to fetus: FDA study

The North American Metal Packaging Alliance, Inc. (NAMPA) applauds the publication of yet another government-funded and conducted study that provides reassuring evidence that bisphenol A (BPA) is not harmful to infants, children, or adults.

21 Sep 2011

Neuroticism affects brain processing during anticipation and experience of pain

Neuroticism - the tendency to experience negative emotions -significantly affects brain processing during pain, as well as during the anticipation of pain, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. Neuroticism tends to be higher in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and is a risk factor for chronic, unexplained pain in IBS.

20 Sep 2011

Spices boost broccoli's power to fight cancer

Teaming fresh broccoli with a spicy food that contains the enzyme myrosinase significantly enhances each food's individual cancer-fighting power and ensures that absorption takes place in the upper part of the digestive system where you'll get the maximum health benefit, suggests a new University of Illinois study.

14 Sep 2011

Study: Gastric bypass surgery for obesity also decreases blood pressure

The kidneys play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure by adjusting the production of urine after eating or drinking. This process begins already in the upper digestive tract, which could explain why gastric bypass surgery for obesity also markedly reduce blood pressure, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg.

7 Sep 2011

Sunscreen pills from coral

Researchers have found that coral does not suffer from sunburn despite living in shallow water in tropical areas, because it is able to produce its own “natural sunscreen”. By studying the compounds which protect it from UV rays, researchers hope to develop a tablet which can protect human skin and eyes without the need for dark glasses or sun cream. Scientists from King's College London said the first sunscreen pill could be available within five years.

31 Aug 2011

Cell's reserve fighting force shrinks with age: Study

When the body fights oxidative damage, it calls up a reservist enzyme that protects cells - but only if those cells are relatively young, a study has found.

31 Aug 2011

AHRQ's new Spanish-language guide on heart medications

A free, illustrated easy-to-read pamphlet that compares drugs for preventing heart attacks, heart failure or strokes in people with stable coronary heart disease is one of six new Spanish-language publications from HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that help patients compare treatments for common illnesses.

16 Aug 2011

VeganZyme supplement may aid in reducing digestive discomfort and symptoms

Every year the American public spends billions of dollars on food and beverages that are toxic to the body and devoid of natural enzymes. These may include processed, microwaved or cooked food, meat, cereal grains, milk, gluten, soy, refined sugar, and more. But are they really getting their money's worth? Not without a little extra help, says Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, a world-renowned authority on natural medicine and digestive health.

26 Jul 2011

New ways for treating diabetes

Surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center are innovating new ways to treat diabetes using techniques from weight-loss surgery, including experimental procedures to improve blood glucose levels and address a major complication of the disease.

16 Jul 2011

100 million Americans suffer pain - many in silence

According to a report released by the Institute of Medicine Wednesday, nearly a third of Americans experience long-lasting pain and too often feel stigma rather than relief from a health care system poorly prepared to treat them. Chronic pain is costing the nation at least $558 billion a year in medical bills, sick days and lost productivity, the report found. That's more than the cost of heart disease, the top killer.

30 Jun 2011

UCLA's new center to explore links between brain, digestive system in chronic disorders

Investigators at UCLA's Center for Neurobiology of Stress have been studying the links between the brain and digestive system in the development and treatment of common chronic digestive disorders in adults and children.

16 Jun 2011

Childhood cancer survivors at increased risk of new cancers in middle age

CANCER RESEARCH UK scientists have found that survivors of childhood cancers are four times more likely than the general population to develop a new cancer. The results are published online today in JAMA.

15 Jun 2011

Liver stiffness measurement could replace liver biopsy for evaluation of hepatitis C

Non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis, such as liver stiffness measurement or the FibroTest, can predict survival of patients with chronic hepatitis C, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.

15 Jun 2011

Right diet is the best way to achieve optimal digestive health

A lot of Americans struggle with digestive difficulties with many not knowing how to fit in regular physical activity or make the best dietary choices that can actually promote digestive health.

15 Jun 2011

Hepatitis C patients with chronic liver disease may benefit from drinking coffee during treatment

Advanced hepatitis C patients with chronic liver disease may benefit from drinking coffee during treatment, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.

8 Jun 2011

Nutribar, CBCF partner to support breast cancer research

Are you still on that lifelong search for the proverbial 'Fountain of Youth' that delays the effects of getting older? If so, you may be overlooking an important aspect of the aging process itself - the best route to healthy aging can simply be a healthy lifestyle.

27 May 2011