A review of the literature by researchers from the University of Verona in Italy reveals that in the right patient, “For both incontinence and dyssynergic defecation, the benefits of biofeedback last at least 12 months.”
Dyssynergic defecation is one of the most common forms of functional constipation both in children and adults. Continue reading Biofeedback and gastrointestinal illness
Dr. Désirée Lie from the University of California at Irvine Medical Center has reviewed the literature.
She presents case histories and guidelines for its use. Here are the highlights. Continue reading What’s zinc good for?
Giving zinc tablets reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea in children, according to researchers from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Continue reading Using zinc to treat diarrhea
Researchers at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia report the emerging importance of rice — a food commonly thought to be “hypoallergenic” — as a significant trigger of food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). Continue reading Rice as an allergen in children
The immune system depends on this essential trace element.
Many (but not all) diseases respond positively when zinc is used to support immunity or correct a zinc deficiency. Continue reading Should everyone get zinc?
 Here’s a summary of a thorough review of this special area of CAM care. Continue reading Acupuncture in children
 NewsWise reports the results of 3 studies presented during the American College of Gastroenterology’s 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.
Highlights of the reports on probiotics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) follow. Continue reading Probiotic studies presented at ACG
Growing evidence suggests that probiotics might serve as a functional food in the treatment of diarrhea.
Here’s what we know.
Continue reading Updating what we know about probiotics and diarrhea
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises not to purchase or consume Total Body Formula in the flavors of Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar, or Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange/Tangerine flavor.
There are 43 reports of people in 9 states who experienced serious adverse reactions. Continue reading Consumer alert: “Total Body Formula” and “Mega Formula”
One study reports on flax and flaxseed oil in menopausal women, the second conducts a general review of the literature.
One study is positive; the other is not. Continue reading Flaxseed for menopausal symptoms and more
Researchers from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia evaluated a milk product containing probiotics and prebiotics (Cupday Milk) on the incidence of diarrhea in children in daycare centers. Continue reading Probiotics reduce diarrhea in children
Researchers from Los Angeles reviewed the literature and found acupuncture holds promise but,… surprise … more research is needed.
Here’s what we know today. Continue reading Acupuncture for children
Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a drug that’s been used to treat cancer for about 40 years.
Researchers from Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland tested the value of a probiotic (Lactobacillus) and fiber supplementation on 5-FU side effects. Continue reading Using a probiotic to reduce 5-FU related diarrhea
Dr. Brooks Cash from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland has published a detailed review on Medscape.
There are some surprising conclusions regarding common treatments, including fluids, dietary fiber, physical activity, education, enema, and biofeedback. Continue reading CAM recommendations to treat chronic constipation
Pelvic floor dyssynergia-type constipation occurs when pelvic muscles contract instead of relaxing when a person strains to defecate. It’s “functional” because the muscles needed to defecate aren’t working properly.
Are you still with me on this?
Continue reading Using biofeedback to treat functional constipation
Not all commercially available probiotics are effective in children with acute diarrhea, according to this study from researchers at the University of Naples Federico II in Italy. Continue reading Comparing probiotics to treat diarrhea
Yes, probiotics are “generally regarded as safe,” say researchers from Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.
But although most studies show “statistical shortening of the duration of diarrhea,” evidence that the results are really beneficial to patients is missing.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Moving to the next stage of research with probiotic treatment of diarrhea
Radiation therapy can disturb bacterial colonies in the intestines and cause radiation-induced enteritis and colitis, leading to diarrhea in cancer patients.
In this study, researchers at the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, Italy used probiotics to reduce this complication. Continue reading Using probiotics to lessen diarrhea after radiation therapy
Several were effective. Continue reading Probiotics to prevent traveler’s diarrhea
This is the second study in 2 months to report a positive effect with biofeedback to treat pelvic floor dyssynergia-type constipation.