Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I will post that next.

Here is some info for you though.

Expert Insights: Y. Ringel, MD on Novel Approaches to Treatment: Probiotics

http://www.expertinsightscme.com/pdf/IBS-Pt2-NL.pdf

Expert Insights New Perspectives on Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

http://www.expertinsightscme.com/pdf/ATxofIBS2006Part1PT.pdf

I can't post the whole article below but I highy recommend it. Were you able to watch the videos on gut bacteria?

"Gut Bacteria and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
By: Eamonn, M. M. Quigley M.D., Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

Bacteria are present in the normal gut (intestines) and in large numbers the lower parts of the intestine. These "normal" bacteria have important functions in life. A variety of factors may disturb the mutually beneficial relationship between the flora and its host, and disease may result. The possibility that gut bacteria could have a role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may surprise some; there is indeed, now quite substantial evidence to support the idea that disturbances in the bacteria that populate the intestine may have a role in at least some patients with IBS. This article presents a discussion of the possible role of bacteria in IBS and various treatment approaches."

Do bacteria play a role in IBS?

The possibility that gut bacteria could have a role Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may surprize some; there is indeed, now quite substantial evidence to support the idea that distrubances in the bacteria that populate the intestines may have a role in at least some patients with IBS. What is this evidence? It can be summarized as follows:

1. surveys which found that antibiotic use, well known to distrub flora, may predispose individuals to IBS.

2. The observation that some individuals may develop IBS suddenly, and for the first time, following an episode of stomach or intestinal infection (gatroenteritis) caused by a bacterial infection.

This is Post Infectious IBS

3. recent evidence that a very low level of inflammation may be present in the bowel wall of some IBS patients, a degree of inflammation that could well have resulted from abnormal interactions with bacteria in the gut.

There is major evidence on specific cells called mast cells and IBS and bacteria and stress effecting those cells.

4. The Suggestion that IBS maybe Associated with the abnormal presents, , in the small intestines, of types and numbers; a condition termed small bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)>

This is not panning out so well as a cause, but maybe comorbid condition in some IBSers.

5. Accumaliting evidence to indicate that altering the bacteria in the gut, by antibiotics or probiotics, may improve symptoms in IBS.

For some time, various studies have suggested the presence of changes in the kind of colonic flora in IBS patients. The most consistent finding is a relative decrease in the population of one species of 'good' bacteria, bifidobacteria.

However, the methods employed in these studies have been subject to question and other studies have not always reproduced these finding. Nevertheless, these changes in the flora, maybe primary or secondary, could lead to the increase of bacterial species that produce more gas and other products of their metabolism. These could CONTRIBUTE to symptoms such as gas, bloating and diarrhea."

"We still don't know the exact role bacteria has in IBS. More research is needed."

http://www.aboutibs.org/Publications/currentParticipate.html

I highly encourage others to read the read of this excellent article.

Probiotics: business of bacteria
Probiotic products claim to improve digestion and boost immunity with microorganisms. And sales are up -- way up.
By Brendan Borrell, Special to The Times

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-probiotics12-2008may12,0,3784058,full.story

Not sure if you saw this one, but it is the most up to date IBS paper out there really. Its free in Pdf

http://www.aboutgerd.org/store/viewproduct/222

If your so inclined this too if very good, but you have to go through a registration process to view it, scroll down this page to-Integrated Approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Friday, August 03, 2007

http://gastroenterologyconference.dcri.duke.edu/viewarchive.asp

I was able to watch this before as well as register here and view it, it explains a lot as well.

--------------------
My website on IBS is www.ibshealth.com

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator