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NUTRITION

Vitamin D3 and Crohn’s Disease

As mentioned in this author’s previous posts, Crohn’s disease (CD) is a condition characterized by chronic and inflammatory episodes, which can affect any section of the digestive tract.1 Thus far, this author has outlined steps to reduce inflammation, improve digestion/absorption, reduce intestinal permeability, and improve repair of the gastrointestinal tract. In the following sections, vitamin…

Gut Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Connections and Solutions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease, which effects the connective tissues of the body with a particular locus about the joints.1 RA is characterized as a chronic, disabling, and deforming condition affecting multiple joints, especially along the hands and feet.1(731) The onset of RA is known to be driven by environmental and genetic…

Crohn’s Disease: Support With the Four R Program

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a condition characterized by chronic and inflammatory episodes, which can affect any section of the digestive tract.1 Furthermore, 30-65% of CD patients exhibit a secondary condition known as intestinal permeability (IP); a pathophysiological aberration in tight junction (TJ) integrity.1(1000) TJs represent the space between intestinal cells (enterocytes) that, in normal and…

Supporting Digestion With Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an estimated 7 m long organ with a surface area of approximately 300 m2.1 The GIT is composed of intestinal epithelium producing a semipermeable barrier preventing entry of pathogens and blocking contact with constituents of the immune system.1 Ultimately, such a system maintains homeostasis, immune function, and digestion/absorption of nutrients. A…

Chronic Diarrhea (IBS-D): Support With the Four R Program

Chronic diarrhea is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a predominant symptom of diarrhea (IBS-D). IBS-D is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. The pathogenesis may be linked to factors such as visceral hypersensitivity, brain-intestine axis disorders, intestinal flora alternations, and intestinal motility abnormalities.1(888) In the following sections, this author will…

IBS Support: How the Four R Program Can Help

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder accounting for an excess of 2 million family physician visits in 2002 within the United States.1 Furthermore, IBS is a multifactorial and complex disorder often characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, altered bowel habits, as well as bloating and gas.1(261) The pathophysiology of IBS can include…

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Supporting Intestinal Barrier Function with Glutamine

In this author’s latest posts, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was explored with a particular focus upon nutritional support (i.e., removal of triggering foods) to manage said condition in addition to use of digestive enzymes when and where indicated. In the following sections, this author would like to explore other nutritional themes that might be efficacious…

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Can Digestive Enzyme Supplementation Help?

In this author’s most recent posts, IBS was explored with a particular focus upon nutritional support to manage said condition. In the following sections, this author would like to explore other nutritional themes that could prove useful in mitigating the pathophysiology and symptoms underlying IBS. As such, the following will consider digestive enzyme supplementation as…

Nutritional Support for Gas, Bloating, and Constipation

Constipation is a condition that falls under a broader term known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); a disorder that negatively affects millions of people, globally.1 IBS with constipation (IBS-C) can be caused by multiple factors, ultimately presenting as slowed gut motility, gas, and bloating.1(39),2 Left unmanaged, IBS-C can create psychological burdens, affect relationships, lower physical…

Costochondritis, Duodenal Cancer, and Nutritional Support

Costochondritis is a self-limited condition defined by inflammation of the costochondral junctions of the ribs near the anterior region of the chest.1 Generally, neoplastic (abnormal tissue growth)/rheumatologic (inflammation of joints)/infectious processes can induce said condition. Duodenal cancer is characterized by abnormal and malignant tissue growth within the regions of the duodenum (intestinal component directly attached…