Most Clicked Digestive Health SmartBrief Stories
1. Experts: Gluten-free diets only help people with gluten allergy
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 10, 2008
Many people are climbing on the gluten-free bandwagon, but experts say gluten-free diets don't help with weight loss and actually could be harmful to people who don't have a gluten allergy. Dr. Pi Sunyer, of the New York Obesity Research Center, says it's a marketing gimmick, adding that a gluten-free diet does not make sense for people who are not allergic to gluten. CBS11TV.com (12/02)
2. Decode nutrition labels in seconds with these rules
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Serving size, contents and nutritional value are of primary importance when scanning labels at the supermarket. Look for foods with less than 5% of the daily value of fat, sodium or cholesterol, and keep an eye out for foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, says Chicago Tribune columnist Julie Deardorff. Chicago Tribune (free registration) (12/28)
3. Search for a good cookie leads to gluten-free bakery
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Mary Prohm began working on a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe after she hadn't tasted the treat in six months, since drastically changing her diet to relieve celiac disease symptoms. Her baking experiments led to multiple recipes and a bakery in Portage and Traverse City, Mich., called Gluten Free Queenz. She is very careful in her baking, bringing all of her own ingredients and ensuring the baking environment is free from potential gluten contamination. Traverse City Record-Eagle (Mich.) (12/22)
4. Diet changes may ease IBS
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Dr. Paul Donohue advises readers to pay close attention to foods in order to curb symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A diet containing lactose and foods that cause gas may contribute to IBS. SouthCoastToday.com (12/29)
5. Avoid holiday tummy troubles: Tips to ease belching, bloating and flatulence
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 24, 2008
During the holiday season, many Americans will overindulge on tasty holiday treats. The types of food people eat during the holidays coupled with the urge to overeat can lead to abdominal bloating and gas. Although intestinal gas is unavoidable, you may be able to alleviate the symptoms by following some helpful tips. ACG wishes everyone a very happy holiday season.
6. Celiac disease, diabetes may have common genetic origin
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 17, 2008
Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease share seven chromosome regions that may be involved in controlling the processes that cause the immune system to malfunction, U.K. researchers found. They plan to conduct further studies to determine the biologic functions of the "susceptibility genes" and identify environmental causes that affect them, the lead researcher said. Yahoo! (12/10)
7. Digestive health expected to stand out in 2009
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 17, 2008
The biggest nutrition trend for 2009 is expected to be digestive health. Consumers most want to "feel" the benefit of functional foods and beverages, according to an industry expert. Products that encourage weight management, energy and child nutrition are other top trends expected for next year. Food Product Design (12/10)
8. Gallstone disease: Are you at risk?
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 10, 2008
Gallstones are one of the most common gastrointestinal problems, especially for women. Women between the ages of 20 and 60 years are three times more likely to develop gallstones than men. Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors for developing gallstone disease.
9. Probiotic helps reduce IBS symptoms, study shows
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 17, 2008
A British study that involved 52 IBS patients found improved symptoms after two weeks for 68% of participants who received a high-strength multistrain probiotic called ProVen and for 92% after eight weeks. Patients reported less abdominal pain and bloating and better bowel movements. WalesOnline (U.K.) (12/15) Star (South Yorkshire, U.K.), The (12/13)
10. ACG publishes new evidence-based recommendations on IBS
Digestive Health SmartBrief | Dec 24, 2008
The American College of Gastroenterology's updated recommendations on the management of irritable bowel syndrome are based on an extensive new meta-analysis. Among the conclusions, fiber therapy and non-absorbable antibiotics may help some patients, but more data is needed on appropriate use of probiotics. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors benefit a broad range of IBS patients, along with psychological counseling. There is no conclusive evidence, however, that Chinese herbal remedies or acupuncture help, nor is there evidence that testing for food allergies or adopting diets based on eliminating food items relieve IBS symptoms. MedPage Today (free registration) (12/18)
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