 |
|
Study Underway to Find an Alternative Cure for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
June 17, 2008CHICAGO - Two research studies evaluating dietary changes and complementary medicine for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have been launched at Rush University Medical Center. Funded by the National Institute of Health, one study will look at the impact of mind/body medicine on patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC) and the other will assess how diet impacts patients with Crohn's Disease.
There are two main types of IBD, Crohn's disease and UC, which afflict approximately one million Americans. These diseases cause chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, causing a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
"We want to control flare-ups of the diseases," said Keshavarzian. "Unfortunately, the treatments for IBD can be toxic and risky. There are increased risks of cancer, infection and even death as a result of IBD treatment. That's why we're looking at how diet as well as stress relate to the flare-ups. It may be that if we can lower stress and get the right diet, we may be able to control these illnesses."
Mind/Body Alternatives for Treating Ulcerative Colitis
One study is looking for participants suffering from UC in order to find out if complementary and alternative medicine techniques may help reduce the effects when conventional medicine has not been successful.
"We're looking at the relationship between stress and ulcerative colitis flare-ups," said Dr. Sharon Jedel, clinical psychologist in the section of gastroenterology at Rush and the study's co-investigator. "The trial includes education about stress and training individuals in certain stress reduction techniques using alternative therapies."
"Approximately 40 percent of patients with IBD use complementary and alternative medicine; however, there is a lack of scientific evidence of the efficacy," said Keshavarzian. "Complementary treatments and services are a large, yet hidden section of our health care system."
Rush is looking to enroll 100 subjects suffering from moderately severe UC who have experienced a flare-up in the last six months. Participants will be assigned randomly to one of two possible eight-week courses on mind/body medicine.
Research on Diet's Effect on Crohn's Disease
The second study which is a dietary trial is looking for 90 participants with Crohn's disease to see if diet adjustments as well as dietary food supplements promoting the growth of good bacteria might help control flare ups.
"We're trying to get improve the mix of bacteria in the intestines of patients with IBD. Imagine making a picture with different colors," said Dr. Ece A. Mutlu, gastroenterologist at Rush and principal investigator on the study. "It could be terrible or harmonious depending on the composition and quantity of certain colors. We're trying to create a harmonious environment in the intestines with the right types of bacteria."
"One of the many advantages of coming to Rush is that we're looking for alternatives to IBD treatment that may have less side effects," says Mutlu. "Our hope is to find a number of solutions to control these debilitating diseases."
To enroll in the dietary study for Crohn's Disease, contact Susan L. Mikolaitis at 312-563-3892. For more information about the ulcerative colitis and stress study, contact Mary Marshall at 312-942-2845.
About Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease which affects only the innermost lining of the large intestine or colon and the rectum. It occurs in individuals of all ages, but is more common in people between the ages of 15 and 30. Additionally, Caucasians, people of Jewish heritage and those with a family history have an increased risk.
About Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease, sometimes called ileitis or enteritis, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease which can affect any area of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, it is most common in the lower part of the small intestine called the ileum. Crohn's Disease occurs in individuals of all ages, but it is more common in people between the ages of 20 and 30. Additionally, people of Jewish heritage and those with a family history have an increased risk.
Rush University Medical Center
Ulcerative Colitis Current Events and Ulcerative Colitis News RSSM. D. Anderson redefines screening guidelines for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers
Drawing on years of experience in cancer research and patient care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center released today the most comprehensive, risk-based screening guidelines publicly available to date for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.
Probiotic Found to Be Effective Treatment for Colitis In Mice
The probiotic, Bacillus polyfermenticus, can help mice recover from colitis, a new study has found.
Discovery of genetic defect may lead to better treatments for common gut diseases
New findings related to an uncommon genetic disorder may impact the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the most common chronic gastrointestinal illness in children and teens. Two million Americans have IBD which involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Oxidized form of a common vitamin may bring relief for ulcerative colitis
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology finds retinoic acid may alleviate ulcerative colitis and similar irritable bowel diseases.
Promising new target emerges for autoimmune diseases
University of Michigan scientists say they have uncovered a fundamentally new mechanism that holds in check aggressive immune cells that can attack the body's own cells.
Subclinical markers predict relapse in juvenile idiopathic arthritis post methotrexate withdrawal
Elevated levels of the inflammatory biomarkers Myeloid Related Protein (MRP) 8/14 predict an increased risk of relapse following withdrawal of methotrexate (MTX) therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who have achieved inactive disease status.
Electronic Pill Shows Its Smarts by Measuring pH Levels in Digestive Tract
An electronic diagnostic tool called the SmartPill is swallowed by patients in order to take measurements as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract.
Enzyme involved in inflammatory bowel disease discovered at Penn State College of Medicine
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, working with biochemists, geneticists and clinicians at the University of Bern, Switzerland and in the United Kingdom, have discovered an enzyme that has a key role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
UCLA cancer researchers first to link intestinal inflammation with systemic chromosome damage
UCLA scientists have linked for the first time intestinal inflammation with systemic chromosome damage in mice, a finding that may lead to the early identification and treatment of human inflammatory disorders.
Chronic diarrhea unresponsive to conventional medication: Are you taking lansoprazole?
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which powerfully suppresses gastric acid production and is widely prescribed for chronic use in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
More Ulcerative Colitis Current Events and Ulcerative Colitis News Articles
 |
The First Year: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Jill Sklar (Author), M.D. Manuel Sklar (Foreword) This newly revised edition includes new research and insights to help everyone newly diagnosed with IBD come to terms with their condition and the accompanying lifestyle changes – along with other vital information about IBD. |
 |
Coping Successfully With Ulcerative Colitis (Overcoming Common Problems) by Peter Cartwright (Author) Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but it may affect the entire colon. The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis occurs most often in people ages 15 to 40, although children and older people sometimes develop the disease. Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally and appears to run in some families. There are 90,000 sufferers in the UK and 400,000 in the United States. This book covers: Causes Diagnosis Treatments Surgery Living with an ileostomy or a pouch Living with ulcerative colitis, including emotional issues and effects on the family Diet Ulcerative Colitis... |
 |
What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis by Tracie M Dalessandro MS RD CDN (Author) From a patient who is also a dietitian... Everything you need to know about nutrition and inflammatory bowel disease including healing foods, recipes, supplements and more. At the age of nineteen, author Tracie Dalessandro was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and eventually Crohn's disease. After years of trying to heal, Dalessandro realized the power of using diet in conjunction with traditional medicine to control her inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rather than allowing it to control her. Nutrition became the link between feeling sick and feeling well. What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis is an invaluable resource containing the latest nutrition and diet information for those suffering from IBD.... |
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Lahey Clinic Guide by Andrew S., M.D. Warner (Author), Amy E., M.D. Barto (Author) Whether you’re a newly diagnosed patient, or a friend or relative of someone suffering with Crohns Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, this book offers help. Completely revised and updated,100 Questions & Answers About Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Lahey Clinic Guide, Second Editionprovides authoritative, practical answers to common questions about this condition to help patients and families achieve a greater understanding of all aspects of dealing with Crohns Disease including treatment options, sources of support, and much more. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this disease. |
 |
Colitis & Me: A Story of Recovery by Raman Prasad (Author) Narrative of an individual's successful recovery from inflammatory bowel disease. |
 |
VSL #3 Capsules (60 caps) by Sigma Tau VSL#3 Capsules for Ulcerative Colitis - 60 ea (Refrigerated Item= MUST be Shipped NEXT DAY AIR) |
 |
Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet by Elaine Gloria Gottschall (Author) |
 |
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health) by Fred Saibil (Author) Includes the most recent medical research. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes two chronic conditions known as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This has remained for too long the secret illness that no one wants to discuss. Although up to 1,000 per 100,000 North Americans have IBD, no one is completely sure what causes it, and there is no known cure. Dr. Fred Saibil, a renowned expert on IBD, provides concise, up-to-date information on common conditions. He describes the normal gastrointestinal system, and then explains what goes wrong when someone has IBD. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis also covers: - Signs and symptoms - How the gastrointestinal system works normally and how IBD affects it - Procedures and instruments used to diagnose IBD -... |
 |
Colitiscope: Living With Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis by Andrew Tubesing (Author) More of an adventure story than an encyclopedia, this resource for Crohn’s and colitis patients weaves humor with introspection and information with observation. Written by a sufferer of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the guide shares common tales and insights while also covering symptoms, medications, and procedures, from a uniquely entertaining viewpoint. Humor and frankness are used as a coping method, helping to illustrate and conquer common difficulties brought on by the chronic illness. |
 |
Ulcerative Colitis Hank Green (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |