Friday November 6, 2009
Lactose intolerance may not be as prevalent as was once thought, suggests a study published in the September/October 2009 issue of the journal Nutrition Today. According to the study abstract, telephone interviews were conducted with over one thousand adults from the following ethnic groups: European American (EA), African American (AA), and Hispanic American (HA). The study found prevalence rates of 12 to 13 percent, much different from the approximately 25 percent figure normally stated.
Keeping in mind that this is only one study, it does suggest that you should not jump to a quick conclusion that you are lactose-intolerant. The downside of a misdiagnosis is that you might be avoiding certain nutritious foods needlessly. On the other hand, there is often an overlap between lactose intolerance and IBS. So confusing! The bottom line is that if you suspect you are lactose intolerant, have a discussion with your doctor. They may suggest diagnostic tests for the presence of lactose intolerance, the use of a food diary, and/or an elimination diet.
For more information:
Source:
Niklas, T., et.al. "Prevalence of Self-reported Lactose Intolerance in a Multiethnic Sample of Adults" Nutrition Today 2009 44:222-227.
Wednesday November 4, 2009
In my mind, the real IBS experts are all of you! You are the ones who deal with the pain, the disruption, the worries about food, and the bathroom issues on a daily basis. I have such a strong belief in the power of your experiences that your words were the basis of my second book. Here at About.com, I am so happy that we have the opportunity to let you share your experience with other readers as well through our recently added "Share Your Tips" articles. Over the past several months, I have been adding new "Share Your Tips" articles, and many of you have generously shared your time, your stories, and your solutions. Because these articles are so helpful, I have pulled them all together into one place so that you can easily find them. Look at the Topic list on the left side of my home page:
Spend a few moments browsing through these articles - who knows what you might learn! And, if a subject strikes you, share your thoughts. Again, who knows what positive effect you might have on another person who is walking in your same IBS shoes.
Tuesday November 3, 2009
Considering the high prevalence of diarrhea-predominant IBS, it seems like an absolute crime that conventional medicine has so little to offer in the way of treatment. The only medication that currently has FDA approval for the treatment of IBS-D is Lotronex. Unfortunately, like many things IBS, the Lotronex path has been a bumpy one. My newest article takes a comprehensive look at Lotronex:
As you may recall, last week I told you that the manufacturers of Lotronex are offering financial assistance for Lotronex users:
Sunday November 1, 2009
Coming from a large Irish-American family, I would be an expert on family dysfunction even without my doctoral degree. I know first-hand how outside stressors can disrupt family harmony. From my training, I know that studies have been done which not only look at the effect that an illness can have on family life, but how family life can affect the severity of an illness.
I have had the great fortune to be in touch with two individuals who have devoted their careers toward understanding and treating the functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly IBS. Drs. Mary-Joan and Charles Gerson are a husband and wife gastroenterologist/psychologist team who practice in New York City. They graciously agreed to share their experience in the area of IBS and family relationships with me so that I could share it with you. In the following interview, you will see that in addition to explaining their research findings, they offer practical suggestions to help you and your family cope with your IBS in the healthiest way possible:
To learn more about the work of the two Drs. Gerson:
Do you think your family helps or hurts your IBS? Share your experience and find out how family life is for other IBS sufferers:
