This is a lengthy bit of Q & A but it may help answers sone if the questions we all may have.
How do you diagnose Crohn's vs celiac disease?
July 14, 2009 10:08 PM
How can doctors tell the difference between Crohn's/IBD and celiac disease?
I'm looking for (research-based) information that explains how doctors can diagnose Crohn's vs celiac disease.
For example, say a Crohn's diagnosis was made from barium, flexible sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies and various symptoms over the years. What markers would show that this is Crohn's and not celiac? Or vice versa? I can find comparisons of Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, but I can't find anything that explains how Crohn's is different from celiac disease.
Thanks.
posted by acoutu to health & fitness (10 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
I was misdiagnosed as having Celiac when I had IBD. The first, less invasive way of diagnosing Celiac is to go on a wheat elimination diet. If you feel better and symptoms go away- then there's your diagnosis. If not, they can do an endoscopy. With an endoscopy the doctor can conclusively diagnose celiac. Villi are damaged by Celiac, so if the doctor sees evidence of damage to the Villi he'll know you have Celiac.
posted by bananafish at 10:31 PM on July 14, 2009
But would villi be damaged if you had Crohn's?
posted by acoutu at 10:35 PM on July 14, 2009
For one thing, as I understand it, you can have DNA testing to see if you are at risk for Celiac disease. The DNA testing is not used to diagnose celiac disease, but can exclude the diagnosis because you must have certain genetic markers in order to develop Celiac disease.
Having these so-called "celiac disease genes" does not mean you're guaranteed to have celiac disease. In fact, the vast majority of people with the genes never develop celiac disease. Having the genes only means you have a risk of someday developing celiac disease. On the other hand, if you don't have these genes, your odds of developing celiac disease are slim to none. More info. here.
posted by gudrun at 10:57 PM on July 14, 2009
There is a blood test for celiac disease that tests for certain antibodies to gluten that will be present in an individual with celiac. These antibodies will not be present if an individual has Crohn's or IBD.
From the NIH:
People with celiac disease have higher than normal levels of certain autoantibodies—proteins that react against the body’s own cells or tissues—in their blood. To diagnose celiac disease, doctors will test blood for high levels of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) or anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA). If test results are negative but celiac disease is still suspected, additional blood tests may be needed.
posted by fuzzbean at 11:06 PM on July 14, 2009
My understanding is that during the colonoscopy, they take a biopsy and the lab work on this will give a 100% positive for Crohn's disease (BTDT). Coincidentally, at the time when I started having the symptoms, a co-worker of mine was also getting similar ones. He Celiac disease is harder to positively diagnose - his was diagnosed through a fairly uncommon (at the time) blood test that he insisted upon.
posted by plinth at 3:19 AM on July 15, 2009
Definitive diagnosis is by biopsy for both diseases, as mentioned above.
posted by objdoc at 5:57 AM on July 15, 2009
except that definitive biopsy for Celiac disease is from the first part of the small bowel, while Crohn's is generally biopsied in the large bowel. Crohn's can affect other parts of the bowel, so this isn't universally true, but it's the general approach.
posted by cameradv at 7:52 AM on July 15, 2009
Some of what has been said above is untrue. In most cases, the clinical presentation and in particular the extent of bowel involvement along with biopsy and blood test results can help differentiate these two disease.
But there is a small potential for diagnostic uncertainty particularly with Crohn's disease limited to the small bowel when a biopsy fails to identify the hallmark pathological features of Crohn's disease. Suggestive biopsy findings (from the duodenum) alone are not enough for a definitive diagnosis of celiac disease in the absence of antibodies in the blood that are also consistent with celiac. Villous atrophy on pathology specimen may be due to celiac, but it may also be found in Crohn's, bacterial overgrowth, tropical sprue and a number of other conditions. This should prompt careful assessment of other clinical, laboratory or pathological features that might prompt the diagnosis of one of these other conditions. If there's no other clear cut evidence of Crohn's (or other disease) and a suggestive biopsy is all you have, a presumptive diagnosis is entertained and patients will often be treated for celiac at that point. I'd say a response to gluten-free diet in addition to pathological findings is then probably adequate for a diagnosis, even if there were no antibodies present. However really, the combination of celiac specific antibodies and a duodenal biopsy consistent with the disease is more convincing. To add even more confirmation, symptomatic improvement as well as possible improvements in the blood tests while on a gluten-free diet might really confirm things.
In patients that have blood tests that are positive for celiac but a pathology specimen that is negative for the disease, the diagnosis is again murky. For some, this leads to repeated endoscopy for more tissue to evaluate, referral for second opinions, or again, a trial of therapy as previously described.
There is clearly a genetic component to celiac, and there is a DNA test for specific HLA-alleles that are associated with the disease. However at this time genetic testing is not, as far as I'm aware, a part of the "standard" diagnostic approach. Some experts may be using genetic tests with increasing frequency to differentiate murkier cases but I suspect that these tests have only been available for a year or so, and they may suffer from poor specificity. Again, I could be wrong on that as I'm not an academic gastroenterologist.
Again, most of the time Crohn's versus celiac is not a difficult diagnosis to make, but in rare cases it can be a challenge, and really what I've described is the tip of the iceberg, and for all I know, may already be behind the times on the issue. That's why if the diagnosis remains unclear, I'd suggest seeking out care at an academic center with gastroenterologists experienced in the subtleties of such diagnoses.
posted by drpynchon at 10:05 AM on July 15, 2009
Thank you all for your responses. Dr Pynchon, if the patient has indeed been diagnosed with Crohn's, would celiac have been ruled out? Or are there definitive hallmarks of Crohn's that would rule out celiac and not cause confusion. Say a patient has had fistula, abscess, fissures, various states of blood in stool and has had biopsies that indicate Crohn's. Based on my own research, I believe these to distinguish Crohn's from celiac. But is there still room for confusion? I can't find any studies that show how they can tell the difference, especially given that many people with Crohn's do have celiac. And if the patient, who was diagnosed with Crohn's by two separate specialists 10+ years ago now has a sibling with celiac and may have child who has celiac, I just wanted to know how the diseases are distinguished.
(I am not seeking a medical opinion. I just wondered how doctors know which is which. There are several sites and journal articles that explain IBS vs celiac, but not IBD vs celiac.)
posted by acoutu at 10:33 AM on July 15, 2009
Just to be clear, there are two different blood tests that can identify celiac disease: one is the test for antibodies to gluten (or rather gliadin, which is the protein in the gluten that causes the problem) and the other is a DNA test of the patient that identifies if he/she has an HLA type that is associated with celiac disease. The gliadin antibodies test is now a common enough test that it is usually included in a standardized blood test panel given at many gastroenterologists' offices, so I would hope that if you know someone with IBD that their doctor, if at all competent, should have taken the time to check for the antibodies already. The HLA test is pretty new.
Neither test is considered definitive proof without also doing a biopsy, but sometimes you can skip that if other factors warrant it. Personally, I had tested positive for antibodies and did much better after a few months on a gluten-free diet, so my doctor and I were fine with skipping the biopsy and assuming I have celiac disease. Years later, I happened to find out that my HLA type is indeed one of the ones associated with celiac disease, after being tested and typed for the national bone marrow donor database.
posted by Asparagirl at 9:48 AM on July 16, 2009 [1 favorite]
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Celiac Disease and Crohn's
Celiac.com 06/30/2005 – Researchers in Italy have determined that those with Crohns disease also have a high prevalence of celiac disease. Their study evaluated 27 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with Crohns disease—13 were men and 14 were women, with a mean age of 32.3 years. Each patient was screened for celiac disease using antigliadin, antiendomysium, and antitransglutaminase blood antibody tests, and the sorbitol H2 breath test. If either the blood or breath test was positive, the patients were given a small bowel biopsy for final confirmation.
The results of the celiac disease screening of the 27 Crohns patients:
Positive antigliadin – 8 - 29.63%
Positive antiendomysium – 4 - 14.81%
Positive antitransglutaminase – 5 - 18.52%
Positive sorbitol H2 – 11 - 40.74%
Positive biopsy – 5 of 11 - 18.52% Crohns patients studied
The researchers conclude that there is a high prevalence of celiac disease in those with Crohns disease, and that all patients who are diagnosed with Crohns disease should begin a gluten-free diet at the time of diagnosis.
I will be posting many mote articles and links.
The results of the celiac disease screening of the 27 Crohns patients:
Positive antigliadin – 8 - 29.63%
Positive antiendomysium – 4 - 14.81%
Positive antitransglutaminase – 5 - 18.52%
Positive sorbitol H2 – 11 - 40.74%
Positive biopsy – 5 of 11 - 18.52% Crohns patients studied
The researchers conclude that there is a high prevalence of celiac disease in those with Crohns disease, and that all patients who are diagnosed with Crohns disease should begin a gluten-free diet at the time of diagnosis.
I will be posting many mote articles and links.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
How Probiotics Can Boost Your Overall Health Regime
How Probiotics Can Boost Your Overall Health Regime
by Michael Shahani
Probiotics, sometimes called “friendly bacteria,” are beneficial microorganisms that naturally inhabit the human digestive system. You already have billions of bacteria living in your gut. Some are harmful (pathogenic), but many are beneficial. Keeping a balance between the good and the bad bacterial is critical to maintaining good health. The right probiotic will go to work directly in your intestines to help digest your food and purge wastes from the body. Probiotics help keep bad bacteria and yeast from growing in your intestinal tract, and confer many other proven benefits to you, including vitamin production and keeping your immune system healthy.
Without realizing it, every day you eat processed, over-refined, or sterilized foods that destroy the natural balance of healthy flora in your intestines. Even when eating a so-called healthy diet, your body’s flora is bombarded with chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics that further endanger this delicate balance of friendly bacteria. In addition, most of us do not eat enough, if any, of the traditional, naturally fermented foods that contain these bacteria. Probiotics are a great way to help improve your overall health and are becoming one of today’s hottest health trends.
Daily Dose
Every human can benefit from a daily regime of probiotics. Taking a daily supplement* (be sure to consult an expert and/or your doctor) can have positive lifelong effects. Most of our daily lifestyle contains stress, alcohol, caffeine, and medications, which kill your body’s supply of friendly bacteria. As our bodies get older they become less efficient at digesting food and maintaining high levels of probiotics in the intestines. Taking a probiotic supplement can provide your intestines with the vital bacteria it is missing as well as help your body produce its own brand of B vitamins to combat stress and disease.
Probiotics play a vital role in the healthy operation of many of our body’s daily functions. Here are some of the most common and well-researched problems that can be improved with probiotic supplementation (without side effects):
Control Digestive Problems - helps to build up a healthy supply of good bacteria in the intestine and can be an alternative to over-the-counter remedies.
Enhances Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance Programs - maintaining ideal body weight to make sure that your digestive system is functioning properly. A healthy digestive system increases energy and improves your metabolism.
Inhibit Tumors and Carcinogenesis - in clinical studies, Dr. Khem Shahani’s discovery of L. Acidophilus DDS-1 and L. bulgaricus has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and block the formation of carcinogenic compounds in the colon.
Fight Yeast and Fungal Infections - probiotics stimulate the production of white blood cells in the body that combat candida yeast and fungal infections.
Enhance Calcium Metabolism - increase the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize calcium.
Improve Immune Function - maintain intestinal health and enhance natural immune system response by stimulating the body’s production of NK- and T-cells.
Reduce Cholesterol in the Blood - in the digesting of fats that contribute to the levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood.
Produce B Vitamins Naturally - increase the rate of metabolism, help maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, and enhance nervous system function.
Reduces Skin Problems - help alleviate skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Help With Liver Function - detoxify the blood to help the liver to perform more efficiently and with less strain.
*NOTE: Information in this article, including comments on medical treatments, is not intended as medical advice. It should be evaluated critically and should not take the place of medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
by Michael Shahani
Probiotics, sometimes called “friendly bacteria,” are beneficial microorganisms that naturally inhabit the human digestive system. You already have billions of bacteria living in your gut. Some are harmful (pathogenic), but many are beneficial. Keeping a balance between the good and the bad bacterial is critical to maintaining good health. The right probiotic will go to work directly in your intestines to help digest your food and purge wastes from the body. Probiotics help keep bad bacteria and yeast from growing in your intestinal tract, and confer many other proven benefits to you, including vitamin production and keeping your immune system healthy.
Without realizing it, every day you eat processed, over-refined, or sterilized foods that destroy the natural balance of healthy flora in your intestines. Even when eating a so-called healthy diet, your body’s flora is bombarded with chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics that further endanger this delicate balance of friendly bacteria. In addition, most of us do not eat enough, if any, of the traditional, naturally fermented foods that contain these bacteria. Probiotics are a great way to help improve your overall health and are becoming one of today’s hottest health trends.
Daily Dose
Every human can benefit from a daily regime of probiotics. Taking a daily supplement* (be sure to consult an expert and/or your doctor) can have positive lifelong effects. Most of our daily lifestyle contains stress, alcohol, caffeine, and medications, which kill your body’s supply of friendly bacteria. As our bodies get older they become less efficient at digesting food and maintaining high levels of probiotics in the intestines. Taking a probiotic supplement can provide your intestines with the vital bacteria it is missing as well as help your body produce its own brand of B vitamins to combat stress and disease.
Probiotics play a vital role in the healthy operation of many of our body’s daily functions. Here are some of the most common and well-researched problems that can be improved with probiotic supplementation (without side effects):
Control Digestive Problems - helps to build up a healthy supply of good bacteria in the intestine and can be an alternative to over-the-counter remedies.
Enhances Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance Programs - maintaining ideal body weight to make sure that your digestive system is functioning properly. A healthy digestive system increases energy and improves your metabolism.
Inhibit Tumors and Carcinogenesis - in clinical studies, Dr. Khem Shahani’s discovery of L. Acidophilus DDS-1 and L. bulgaricus has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and block the formation of carcinogenic compounds in the colon.
Fight Yeast and Fungal Infections - probiotics stimulate the production of white blood cells in the body that combat candida yeast and fungal infections.
Enhance Calcium Metabolism - increase the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize calcium.
Improve Immune Function - maintain intestinal health and enhance natural immune system response by stimulating the body’s production of NK- and T-cells.
Reduce Cholesterol in the Blood - in the digesting of fats that contribute to the levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood.
Produce B Vitamins Naturally - increase the rate of metabolism, help maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, and enhance nervous system function.
Reduces Skin Problems - help alleviate skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Help With Liver Function - detoxify the blood to help the liver to perform more efficiently and with less strain.
*NOTE: Information in this article, including comments on medical treatments, is not intended as medical advice. It should be evaluated critically and should not take the place of medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Vitamin D Deficientcy
Vitamin D Absorption Is Diminished In Patients With Crohn's Disease
20 Jan 2011
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have for the first time shown that reduced vitamin D absorption in patients with quiescent Crohn's disease (CD) may be the cause for their increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. The findings, which currently appear on-line in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, also showed that the only way to determine absorption efficiency is to perform a vitamin D bioavailability test.
Vitamin D is ingested in the diet as well as synthesized in the skin from UVB irradiation from the sun. People living in areas that receive less sunlight have lower circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and have higher prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, both children and adults with IBD have an increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency. In particular, patients with CD have an increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency, relative to both patients with ulcerative colitis and the general population.
Ten normal subjects (50 percent female) and 37 CD patients with quiescent disease (51 percent female) were included in this study. A vitamin D bioavailability test was performed on all subjects. After a baseline blood draw, all subjects were then given a single 50,000 IU oral dose of vitamin D2 in a capsule formulation and had their blood drawn 12 hours later to determine serum vitamin D2 which reflected their vitamin D2 absorption capacity. The researchers found that CD patients had on average a 30 percent decrease in their ability to absorb vitamin D2 when compared to normal subjects.
According to the researchers, this study emphasized the important role of an oral vitamin D absorption test, which may be an excellent means to assess for the malabsorption of fat soluble vitamin. "We demonstrated that neither disease activity nor prior surgery or location of disease predicts the ability to absorb vitamin D," said lead author Francis Farraye, MD, MSc, a professor of medicine at BUSM.
"Since the ability to absorb vitamin D in CD patients is unpredictable, the only way to determine absorption efficiency is to perform a vitamin D bioavailability test. This test is convenient and its use may guide clinicians in administering the appropriate therapeutic dose of vitamin D for treating vitamin D deficiency in patients with CD," added senior author Michael Holick, PhD, MD, a professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at BUSM.
Additionally, in a pilot study, the researchers performed vitamin D absorption tests in four patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and found a wide variability of vitamin D2 bioavailability in patients with UC as well as in 17 patients with CD, which was unexpected since vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine and not in the colon.
The results, if confirmed by others may merit the development of a vitamin D assay by reference laboratories as a clinical test. "Our data support the use of an oral vitamin D absorption test in CD patients, especially in those patients who could not correct in the vitamin D deficiency by either dietary or pharmacologic means," added Farraye.
Source:
Gina DiGravio
Boston University Medical Center
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/214128.php
20 Jan 2011
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have for the first time shown that reduced vitamin D absorption in patients with quiescent Crohn's disease (CD) may be the cause for their increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. The findings, which currently appear on-line in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, also showed that the only way to determine absorption efficiency is to perform a vitamin D bioavailability test.
Vitamin D is ingested in the diet as well as synthesized in the skin from UVB irradiation from the sun. People living in areas that receive less sunlight have lower circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and have higher prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, both children and adults with IBD have an increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency. In particular, patients with CD have an increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency, relative to both patients with ulcerative colitis and the general population.
Ten normal subjects (50 percent female) and 37 CD patients with quiescent disease (51 percent female) were included in this study. A vitamin D bioavailability test was performed on all subjects. After a baseline blood draw, all subjects were then given a single 50,000 IU oral dose of vitamin D2 in a capsule formulation and had their blood drawn 12 hours later to determine serum vitamin D2 which reflected their vitamin D2 absorption capacity. The researchers found that CD patients had on average a 30 percent decrease in their ability to absorb vitamin D2 when compared to normal subjects.
According to the researchers, this study emphasized the important role of an oral vitamin D absorption test, which may be an excellent means to assess for the malabsorption of fat soluble vitamin. "We demonstrated that neither disease activity nor prior surgery or location of disease predicts the ability to absorb vitamin D," said lead author Francis Farraye, MD, MSc, a professor of medicine at BUSM.
"Since the ability to absorb vitamin D in CD patients is unpredictable, the only way to determine absorption efficiency is to perform a vitamin D bioavailability test. This test is convenient and its use may guide clinicians in administering the appropriate therapeutic dose of vitamin D for treating vitamin D deficiency in patients with CD," added senior author Michael Holick, PhD, MD, a professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at BUSM.
Additionally, in a pilot study, the researchers performed vitamin D absorption tests in four patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and found a wide variability of vitamin D2 bioavailability in patients with UC as well as in 17 patients with CD, which was unexpected since vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine and not in the colon.
The results, if confirmed by others may merit the development of a vitamin D assay by reference laboratories as a clinical test. "Our data support the use of an oral vitamin D absorption test in CD patients, especially in those patients who could not correct in the vitamin D deficiency by either dietary or pharmacologic means," added Farraye.
Source:
Gina DiGravio
Boston University Medical Center
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/214128.php
Celebrities with Crohn's Disease
Here is yet another well known actress with Crohn's Disease. Can you guess why she might have gotten a reputation for being "bitchy"?
Shannen Doherty is an American actress who starred in the hit television series Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed revealed in 1999 that she suffers from Crohn's disease.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Health Benefits of Cabbage
The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, and Alzheimer's disease.
Did you know that the cheap, humble looking and so widely used cabbage could work miracles? Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of Brassica family, round or oval in shape, consisting of soft light green or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It is widely used throughout the world, eaten cooked or raw as salad and is a very popular vegetable.
Deficiency Symptoms:
Deficiency of Vitamin C: Scurvy, which is recognized by spongy and bleeding gums, cracked lip corners etc., very weak immune system, frequent infections and cold, ageing, depression etc.
Remedy: Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C. You will be surprised to know that it is richer in vitamin C than the famous oranges. Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body. Thus it is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depressions, for strengthening immune system and fighting against cough and cold, healing of wounds and damaged tissues, proper functioning of nervous system and thereby help curing Alzheimer’s disease etc.
Deficiency of Roughage: This is a very serious deficiency but most neglected. Lack of roughage in the food results in constipation, the root cause to innumerable other ailments and health hazards such as stomach ulcers, headache, intestinal cancer, indigestion and resultant loss of appetite, skin diseases, eczema, ageing and hundreds related problems.
Remedies: Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.
Deficiency of Sulphur: Sulphur is a very useful nutrient as it fights infections. Its deficiency results in microbial infections and late healing of wounds.
Remedy: Again, cabbage is rich is sulphur. So, it helps fight infections in wounds and ulcers.
Detoxification by cabbage: Cabbage is a good detoxifier too, i.e. it purifies blood and removes toxins (primarily free radicals and uric acid which is major cause for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc.). This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the presence of vitamin C and sulphur.
Other benefits of Cabbage: Cabbage, being rich in iodine, helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, apart from keeping the endocrinal glands in proper condition. Thus, it is good for brain and treatment of neurotic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The various other nutrients present in cabbage such as vitamin-E which keeps the skin, eye and hair healthy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., are very useful for overall health. The cabbage can also be used for treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers etc.
So, now you know that the inevitable part of your Chinese dish could do you miracles. Add more and more cabbage in your daily diet, be it your soup or be it your salad, this is going to help you live a healthy and longer life.
This article was contributed by Aparup Mukherjee.
Did you know that the cheap, humble looking and so widely used cabbage could work miracles? Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of Brassica family, round or oval in shape, consisting of soft light green or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It is widely used throughout the world, eaten cooked or raw as salad and is a very popular vegetable.
Deficiency Symptoms:
Deficiency of Vitamin C: Scurvy, which is recognized by spongy and bleeding gums, cracked lip corners etc., very weak immune system, frequent infections and cold, ageing, depression etc.
Remedy: Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C. You will be surprised to know that it is richer in vitamin C than the famous oranges. Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body. Thus it is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depressions, for strengthening immune system and fighting against cough and cold, healing of wounds and damaged tissues, proper functioning of nervous system and thereby help curing Alzheimer’s disease etc.
Deficiency of Roughage: This is a very serious deficiency but most neglected. Lack of roughage in the food results in constipation, the root cause to innumerable other ailments and health hazards such as stomach ulcers, headache, intestinal cancer, indigestion and resultant loss of appetite, skin diseases, eczema, ageing and hundreds related problems.
Remedies: Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.
Deficiency of Sulphur: Sulphur is a very useful nutrient as it fights infections. Its deficiency results in microbial infections and late healing of wounds.
Remedy: Again, cabbage is rich is sulphur. So, it helps fight infections in wounds and ulcers.
Detoxification by cabbage: Cabbage is a good detoxifier too, i.e. it purifies blood and removes toxins (primarily free radicals and uric acid which is major cause for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc.). This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the presence of vitamin C and sulphur.
Other benefits of Cabbage: Cabbage, being rich in iodine, helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, apart from keeping the endocrinal glands in proper condition. Thus, it is good for brain and treatment of neurotic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The various other nutrients present in cabbage such as vitamin-E which keeps the skin, eye and hair healthy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., are very useful for overall health. The cabbage can also be used for treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers etc.
So, now you know that the inevitable part of your Chinese dish could do you miracles. Add more and more cabbage in your daily diet, be it your soup or be it your salad, this is going to help you live a healthy and longer life.
This article was contributed by Aparup Mukherjee.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
CCFA TEAM CHALLENGE
Team Challenge
Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s endurance training and fundraising program. Through Team Challenge, you can run or walk 13.1 miles or train for a cycling event while helping to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases that impact 1.4 million Americans.
Team Challenge: Your ticket to a sold-out destination race!
Team Challenge is taking you to world-class destination races in 2011! You'll walk or run through the hillside vineyards of California Wine Country (July 17), the historic estates and beautiful horse farms of Virginia (June 4), or the scenic beaches of Kona, Hawaii (June 26) when you join our team.
The Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon and the Napa Wine Country Half Marathon are now sold-out races -- the ONLY way to race in these events in 2011.
Half Marathon Training Program
Don't see your area listed in the links below? Join the National Team.
The following areas are participating in Team Challenge:
Boston (New England Chapter)
Carolinas (Charlotte, NC)
Chicago (Illinois Chapter)
Cincinnati (Southwest Ohio)
Cleveland (Northeast Ohio)
Denver, CO (Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Fairfield, CT
Florida - North Florida - Jacksonville
Florida - Central Florida - Orlando
Florida - South Florida & The Palm Beaches
Georgia
Las Vegas (Southwest Chapter)
Long Island, NY
Los Angeles/Orange County
Maryland (Baltimore)
Mid-America (St.Louis)
Minnesota
New Jersey
Northern California - Peninsula & South Bay
Northern California - San Francisco & East Bay
North Texas (Dallas)
NYC
Philadelphia / Delaware Valley
Pittsburgh (Western PA)
San Diego, CA
Seattle (Northwest Chapter)
Phoenix (Southwest Chapter)
Texas Gulf (Houston)
Washington DC / Virginia
Westchester, NY
Wisconsin
Don't see your area listed? Join the National Team
CCFA TEAM CHALLENGE
Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s endurance training and fundraising program. Through Team Challenge, you can run or walk 13.1 miles or train for a cycling event while helping to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases that impact 1.4 million Americans.
Team Challenge: Your ticket to a sold-out destination race!
Team Challenge is taking you to world-class destination races in 2011! You'll walk or run through the hillside vineyards of California Wine Country (July 17), the historic estates and beautiful horse farms of Virginia (June 4), or the scenic beaches of Kona, Hawaii (June 26) when you join our team.
The Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon and the Napa Wine Country Half Marathon are now sold-out races -- the ONLY way to race in these events in 2011.
Half Marathon Training Program
Don't see your area listed in the links below? Join the National Team.
The following areas are participating in Team Challenge:
Boston (New England Chapter)
Carolinas (Charlotte, NC)
Chicago (Illinois Chapter)
Cincinnati (Southwest Ohio)
Cleveland (Northeast Ohio)
Denver, CO (Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Fairfield, CT
Florida - North Florida - Jacksonville
Florida - Central Florida - Orlando
Florida - South Florida & The Palm Beaches
Georgia
Las Vegas (Southwest Chapter)
Long Island, NY
Los Angeles/Orange County
Maryland (Baltimore)
Mid-America (St.Louis)
Minnesota
New Jersey
Northern California - Peninsula & South Bay
Northern California - San Francisco & East Bay
North Texas (Dallas)
NYC
Philadelphia / Delaware Valley
Pittsburgh (Western PA)
San Diego, CA
Seattle (Northwest Chapter)
Phoenix (Southwest Chapter)
Texas Gulf (Houston)
Washington DC / Virginia
Westchester, NY
Wisconsin
Don't see your area listed? Join the National Team
CCFA TEAM CHALLENGE
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Rifaximin Therapy for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Antibiotic Rifaximin Extremely Effective In Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
06 Jan 2011
Rifaximin, a minimally absorbed antibiotic that stays in the gut has been found to provide long-lasting relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), researchers have revealed in NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine). IBS patients experienced relief long after they had stopped taking the drug.
The authors report that patients reported relief from IBS symptoms for up to 10 weeks after completing rifaximin treatment. They specifically reported considerable reductions in abdominal pain, bloating, and better stool consistency.
The authors explain that the idea that bacteria play a major role in IBS has been disputed over the last ten years. These latest findings confirm that intestinal bacteria, also known as the gut microbiome, are closely involved in IBS symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as spastic colitis, nervous colon syndrome, or IBS is a chronic (long-term) gastrointestinal disorder that causes bloating, mucous in stools, irregular bowel habits (diarrhea and constipation), and abdominal pain. In the majority of cases patients have periods during their lives when the symptoms wax and wane. Although IBS can be extremely unpleasant, it does not usually lead to serious complications. However, it can cause absenteeism (from work), serious fatigue and make the patient's life a misery. Fortunately, the majority of patients do not have severe symptoms.
Approximately 30 million Americans are known to be affected by IBS. This latest therapy was developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Lead author, Mark Pimentel, M.D., GI Motility Program director and principal investigator of the clinical trials at Cedars-Sinai, said that their findings demostrate that targeted antibiotics are both safe and effective for long-lasting IBS relief.
William D. Chey, M.D., professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, said:
"This represents a big change in the way we think about and treat IBS."
Chey added that currently available treatments, such as fiber supplements or dietary changes do not provide satisfactory relief for a significant number of patients - as soon as treatment stops, symptoms tend to come rushing back. With this new treatment, however, even when they have stopped taking the meidcation, patients continue feeling better.
The study involved 660 patients in two double-blind trials. All the IBS participants with mild to moderate diarrhea and bloating were randomly selected to receive a three times daily dose of 550milligrams of rifaximin or a placebo (dummy drug) for a period of two weeks. They were then monitored for a further ten weeks.
40% of patients on rifaximin experienced relief immediately from abdominal pain, loose/watery stools and bloating. The majority of them had symptom relief that continued for several weeks after completing their antibiotic treatment.
Because IBS causes have been unclear, doctors have tended to focus on treatments which either slow down or speed up the digestive process, depending on whether their IBS provokes more diarrhea or constipation.
A previous study had found an association between bloating and bacterial fermentation in the intestine related to small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Other studies have suggested that the bacteria which exist within the small and large intestines of individuals with IBS are not the same as those within the intestines of other people.
Rifaximin, which is marketed by Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc., is currently approved by the FDA to treat hepatic encephalopathy and traveler's diarrhea.
"Rifaximin Therapy for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome without Constipation"
Mark Pimentel, M.D., Anthony Lembo, M.D., William D. Chey, M.D., Salam Zakko, M.D., Yehuda Ringel, M.D., Jing Yu, Ph.D., Shadreck M. Mareya, Ph.D., Audrey L. Shaw, Ph.D., Enoch Bortey, Ph.D., and William P. Forbes, Pharm.D. for the TARGET Study Group
N Engl J Med 2011; 364:22-32January 6, 2011
Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/212981.php
Main News Category: Irritable-Bowel Syndrome
Also Appears In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology,
06 Jan 2011
Rifaximin, a minimally absorbed antibiotic that stays in the gut has been found to provide long-lasting relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), researchers have revealed in NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine). IBS patients experienced relief long after they had stopped taking the drug.
The authors report that patients reported relief from IBS symptoms for up to 10 weeks after completing rifaximin treatment. They specifically reported considerable reductions in abdominal pain, bloating, and better stool consistency.
The authors explain that the idea that bacteria play a major role in IBS has been disputed over the last ten years. These latest findings confirm that intestinal bacteria, also known as the gut microbiome, are closely involved in IBS symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as spastic colitis, nervous colon syndrome, or IBS is a chronic (long-term) gastrointestinal disorder that causes bloating, mucous in stools, irregular bowel habits (diarrhea and constipation), and abdominal pain. In the majority of cases patients have periods during their lives when the symptoms wax and wane. Although IBS can be extremely unpleasant, it does not usually lead to serious complications. However, it can cause absenteeism (from work), serious fatigue and make the patient's life a misery. Fortunately, the majority of patients do not have severe symptoms.
Approximately 30 million Americans are known to be affected by IBS. This latest therapy was developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Lead author, Mark Pimentel, M.D., GI Motility Program director and principal investigator of the clinical trials at Cedars-Sinai, said that their findings demostrate that targeted antibiotics are both safe and effective for long-lasting IBS relief.
William D. Chey, M.D., professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, said:
"This represents a big change in the way we think about and treat IBS."
Chey added that currently available treatments, such as fiber supplements or dietary changes do not provide satisfactory relief for a significant number of patients - as soon as treatment stops, symptoms tend to come rushing back. With this new treatment, however, even when they have stopped taking the meidcation, patients continue feeling better.
The study involved 660 patients in two double-blind trials. All the IBS participants with mild to moderate diarrhea and bloating were randomly selected to receive a three times daily dose of 550milligrams of rifaximin or a placebo (dummy drug) for a period of two weeks. They were then monitored for a further ten weeks.
40% of patients on rifaximin experienced relief immediately from abdominal pain, loose/watery stools and bloating. The majority of them had symptom relief that continued for several weeks after completing their antibiotic treatment.
Because IBS causes have been unclear, doctors have tended to focus on treatments which either slow down or speed up the digestive process, depending on whether their IBS provokes more diarrhea or constipation.
A previous study had found an association between bloating and bacterial fermentation in the intestine related to small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Other studies have suggested that the bacteria which exist within the small and large intestines of individuals with IBS are not the same as those within the intestines of other people.
Rifaximin, which is marketed by Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc., is currently approved by the FDA to treat hepatic encephalopathy and traveler's diarrhea.
"Rifaximin Therapy for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome without Constipation"
Mark Pimentel, M.D., Anthony Lembo, M.D., William D. Chey, M.D., Salam Zakko, M.D., Yehuda Ringel, M.D., Jing Yu, Ph.D., Shadreck M. Mareya, Ph.D., Audrey L. Shaw, Ph.D., Enoch Bortey, Ph.D., and William P. Forbes, Pharm.D. for the TARGET Study Group
N Engl J Med 2011; 364:22-32January 6, 2011
Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/212981.php
Main News Category: Irritable-Bowel Syndrome
Also Appears In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology,
Crohns Scholarship
UCB Announces the Sixth Year of Their Crohn's Scholarship Program
UCB is proud to once again offer 30 one-time scholarships of up to $10,000 each in 2011. This opportunity extends to participants diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) who are seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree, or who are enrolled in a trade school educational program.
This is the sixth year UCB has had the opportunity to support those living with CD with the Crohn's Scholarship Program. The program aims to help these students continue their education and live beyond the boundaries of their disease.
UCB, Inc., is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative treatments for inflammatory diseases such as CD. UCB is dedicated to creating unique programs and tools to help people with Crohn’s fulfill their educational ambitions.
We are proud to sponsor a scholarship program that recognizes and rewards your ability to take control of Crohn's—and not allow it to control you.
Do You Qualify?
This program is designed for applicants of any age. An applicant must be:
A legal resident of the United States
Diagnosed with Crohn's disease by a physician
Seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree, or enrolled in a trade school educational program
An individual who demonstrates academic ambition and embraces a way of life that overcomes the boundaries of living with Crohn's disease
Enrolled in or awaiting acceptance from a United States-based institution of higher education for the fall semester of 2011
Employees of UCB, their immediate family members, and previous Crohn's Scholarship winners are not eligible for this scholarship.
UCB is proud to once again offer 30 one-time scholarships of up to $10,000 each in 2011. This opportunity extends to participants diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) who are seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree, or who are enrolled in a trade school educational program.
This is the sixth year UCB has had the opportunity to support those living with CD with the Crohn's Scholarship Program. The program aims to help these students continue their education and live beyond the boundaries of their disease.
UCB, Inc., is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative treatments for inflammatory diseases such as CD. UCB is dedicated to creating unique programs and tools to help people with Crohn’s fulfill their educational ambitions.
We are proud to sponsor a scholarship program that recognizes and rewards your ability to take control of Crohn's—and not allow it to control you.
Do You Qualify?
This program is designed for applicants of any age. An applicant must be:
A legal resident of the United States
Diagnosed with Crohn's disease by a physician
Seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree, or enrolled in a trade school educational program
An individual who demonstrates academic ambition and embraces a way of life that overcomes the boundaries of living with Crohn's disease
Enrolled in or awaiting acceptance from a United States-based institution of higher education for the fall semester of 2011
Employees of UCB, their immediate family members, and previous Crohn's Scholarship winners are not eligible for this scholarship.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
CCFA Team Challenge Training/ Virginia
Team Challenge Takes You to Historic Virginia!
Experience Northern Virginia and the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon on June 4th with Team Challenge, CCFA's endurance training and fundraising program. When you join us, you'll run or walk this great destination race on the winding country roads of Northern Virginia through hillside vineyards, expansive horse farms, and historic estates.
Our 16-week professional training program is designed to meet your unique walk or run fitness needs. We'll get you ready for the finish! While you're training, we'll also help you to raise critical dollars to fund research and programs for the 1.4 million people suffering from Crohn's and colitis, two chronic digestive diseases.
Our Team Challenge information meetings are taking place in January. When you attend an information meeting, you'll meet a coach, talk with a CCFA staff person, and learn more about how Team Challenge can help you and help others! The Virginia Half Marathon is sold out to everyone BUT Team Challenge participants. Find a meeting near you today and join us in Virginia Wine Country!
Information Resource Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872)
Web site: http://www.ccfa.org/
E-mail: info@ccfa.org
Phone: 800-932-2423
CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive disease
Experience Northern Virginia and the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon on June 4th with Team Challenge, CCFA's endurance training and fundraising program. When you join us, you'll run or walk this great destination race on the winding country roads of Northern Virginia through hillside vineyards, expansive horse farms, and historic estates.
Our 16-week professional training program is designed to meet your unique walk or run fitness needs. We'll get you ready for the finish! While you're training, we'll also help you to raise critical dollars to fund research and programs for the 1.4 million people suffering from Crohn's and colitis, two chronic digestive diseases.
Our Team Challenge information meetings are taking place in January. When you attend an information meeting, you'll meet a coach, talk with a CCFA staff person, and learn more about how Team Challenge can help you and help others! The Virginia Half Marathon is sold out to everyone BUT Team Challenge participants. Find a meeting near you today and join us in Virginia Wine Country!
Information Resource Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872)
Web site: http://www.ccfa.org/
E-mail: info@ccfa.org
Phone: 800-932-2423
CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive disease
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Let's Talk About MAP
MAP in the Environment
Overview The Paratuberculosis Problem MAP in Water
MAP in Food
Overview MAP in Dairy Products MAP in Beef Products Marshfield Clinic Study Photo Gallery
MAP IN FOOD:
Overview
Introduction
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), which causes Johne's Disease in many species of ruminants, is endemic in the food animal herds of almost every developed country. According to a study conducted by the USDA in 1996, in the United States, between 20% and 40% of dairy cattle herds are infected with MAP, resulting in economic losses of at least US$1.5 billion each and every year. (Results of a new USDA survey will be published in 2003 based on data collected in 2002. With Johne's disease increasing at an alarming rate, undoubtedly the new figures will be higher, perhaps significantly higher, than those in 1996.)
Since MAP is not classified as a human pathogen, meat, milk and other products from animals infected with MAP may be continually entering the human food chain. There is a wealth of evidence which appears to indicate that MAP is capable of surviving the food processing methods that we employ to protect us from disease, such as cooking and pasteurization. This scientific evidence is thoroughly reviewed and discussed in the MAP in Dairy Products, MAP in Beef Products, and Marshfield Clinic Study sections of our website.
MAP as a Food Safety Problem in the U.S.
Concerns about MAP and the scientific studies which suggest a connection to Crohn's disease in humans raise extremely grave concerns about food safety.
What are the chances that live MAP is in our food? It is an undisputed scientific fact that live MAP is excreted in the milk of infected cattle. Terrifyingly enough, scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals have determined that MAP may be capable of surviving U.S. pasteurization standards. And, scientists have levied significant criticism at the one study that disagrees with the other studies, citing a misinterpretation of data by the scientists that conducted the study. (See the MAP in Dairy Products section for detailed information.)
As a bit of history, in 1993, the first scientific study was published indicating that MAP may survive pasteurization standards used in the U.S. This study was ignored by federal agencies responsible for food safety in the U.S.
Much later, in 1998 when University of Wisconsin researchers published their findings that MAP was able to survive current U.S. pasteurization standards, this study was again ignored by U.S. Federal Agencies cognizant of food safety. All in all, during the period 1993 through 2000 -- seven long years -- nine (9) scientific studies came in from the U.S. and around the world which suggested that MAP may survive current U.S. pasteurization standards/practices, and all of them were tossed to the side, ignored by cognizant U.S. Federal Agencies such as USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
In May of 2002, a study was published, entitled "Incidence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Bulk Raw and Commercially Pasteurized Cows' Milk from Approved Dairy Processing Establishments in the United Kingdom" (Grant, I.R.; Ball, H J.; Rowe, M.T. Applied and Environmental Biology, May 2002, p. 2428-2435, Vol. 68. No. 5). Results from this study confirmed that MAP survives pasteurization standards used in the UK, pasteurization standards which equal or exceed those used in the U.S.
Regardless, despite MANY pleas from PARA since mid 1997, the USDA and FDA have not taken measures to exert the precautionary principle in determining whether indeed the food we give our children is free from contamination with MAP.
Other Countries Have Taken the Lead in Food Safety
While U.S. Federal Agencies ignored the scientific findings, other nations have stepped to the forefront in this issue.
In August of 1998, the Food Safety Authority in Ireland (FSAI) took dramatic measures to remove MAP from the food chain, by adopting the following measures:
Animals diagnosed with Johne's disease must be removed from the food chain
From the time an animal is diagnosed with Johne's disease until it is culled, milk will not be used (pasteurized or raw) for humans or calves
Additionally, in 1998 the United Kingdom took action. The United Kingdom's (UK's) Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAFF) undertook a nationwide study to investigate the microbiological quality of raw and pasteurized cows' milk in the UK. The preliminary findings warranted a larger study, which was published in May 2002 (Study by Grant, Ball and Rowe cited above.)
In early 2000 the European Commission/European Directorate General of Health and Consumer Protection (DG24) published a 76-page report requesting an "urgent research program" to deal with the connection between MAP and Crohn's disease, and to deal with the transmission of MAP to the human population through the food chain. Stating that "There are sufficient grounds for concern to warrant increased and urgent research activity to resolve the issue," the Commission recommends a wide rage of research that should be conducted as a matter of urgency.
In December of 2001 the UK Government adopted a comprehensive strategy to prevent human exposure to MAP. The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF), which advises the UK Government Food Standards Agency, approved a comprehensive program of measures aimed at eliminating MAP from retail milk, as purchased by consumers. As the ACMSF says in its strategy document, "The Agency has put to one side the question of whether or not there is a link between MAP and Crohn's disease. The Agency believes that precautionary action to reduce human exposure to MAP should start now and should not be dependent on waiting for the link to be proven."
U.S. Will Be Forced to Act!
PARA commends these European nations on their willingness to act in the best interests of their citizens and the best interests of the public health. Unfortunately, U.S. Food safety regulators (FDA/FSIS/USDA) have taken the opposite position of perpetuating human exposure till a conclusive link is proven, literally gambling with the lives of millions of people. Because of actions taken by other nations, the U.S. Government and animal industry will be forced to deal with the issue, despite their obvious reluctance to do so.
As evidenced by "PARA's Paper Trail", a compilation of nearly 70 letters that PARA has sent to and replies from various agencies of the U.S., the formal record clearly demonstrates that every responsible agency of the U.S. Government, leaders of animal industry and the U.S. Congress have been sufficiently apprised of this situation.
Undoubtedly, there will be accountability issues raised in the future as to why the individuals within those agencies have been remiss in their responsibility to the American public.
In the opinion of PARA, the failure of these federal agencies to take swift action to ensure the protection of U.S. citizens is nothing short of a national disgrace!
(Please visit the Governments Section of our website for detailed information about actions taking place in various countries throughout the world.)
Source: http://www.crohns.org/map_food/index.htm Contact PARA: http://www.crohns.org/contact.htm
Paratuberculosis Awareness & Research Association, 1999-2003.
Overview The Paratuberculosis Problem MAP in Water
MAP in Food
Overview MAP in Dairy Products MAP in Beef Products Marshfield Clinic Study Photo Gallery
MAP IN FOOD:
Overview
Introduction
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), which causes Johne's Disease in many species of ruminants, is endemic in the food animal herds of almost every developed country. According to a study conducted by the USDA in 1996, in the United States, between 20% and 40% of dairy cattle herds are infected with MAP, resulting in economic losses of at least US$1.5 billion each and every year. (Results of a new USDA survey will be published in 2003 based on data collected in 2002. With Johne's disease increasing at an alarming rate, undoubtedly the new figures will be higher, perhaps significantly higher, than those in 1996.)
Since MAP is not classified as a human pathogen, meat, milk and other products from animals infected with MAP may be continually entering the human food chain. There is a wealth of evidence which appears to indicate that MAP is capable of surviving the food processing methods that we employ to protect us from disease, such as cooking and pasteurization. This scientific evidence is thoroughly reviewed and discussed in the MAP in Dairy Products, MAP in Beef Products, and Marshfield Clinic Study sections of our website.
MAP as a Food Safety Problem in the U.S.
Concerns about MAP and the scientific studies which suggest a connection to Crohn's disease in humans raise extremely grave concerns about food safety.
What are the chances that live MAP is in our food? It is an undisputed scientific fact that live MAP is excreted in the milk of infected cattle. Terrifyingly enough, scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals have determined that MAP may be capable of surviving U.S. pasteurization standards. And, scientists have levied significant criticism at the one study that disagrees with the other studies, citing a misinterpretation of data by the scientists that conducted the study. (See the MAP in Dairy Products section for detailed information.)
As a bit of history, in 1993, the first scientific study was published indicating that MAP may survive pasteurization standards used in the U.S. This study was ignored by federal agencies responsible for food safety in the U.S.
Much later, in 1998 when University of Wisconsin researchers published their findings that MAP was able to survive current U.S. pasteurization standards, this study was again ignored by U.S. Federal Agencies cognizant of food safety. All in all, during the period 1993 through 2000 -- seven long years -- nine (9) scientific studies came in from the U.S. and around the world which suggested that MAP may survive current U.S. pasteurization standards/practices, and all of them were tossed to the side, ignored by cognizant U.S. Federal Agencies such as USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
In May of 2002, a study was published, entitled "Incidence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Bulk Raw and Commercially Pasteurized Cows' Milk from Approved Dairy Processing Establishments in the United Kingdom" (Grant, I.R.; Ball, H J.; Rowe, M.T. Applied and Environmental Biology, May 2002, p. 2428-2435, Vol. 68. No. 5). Results from this study confirmed that MAP survives pasteurization standards used in the UK, pasteurization standards which equal or exceed those used in the U.S.
Regardless, despite MANY pleas from PARA since mid 1997, the USDA and FDA have not taken measures to exert the precautionary principle in determining whether indeed the food we give our children is free from contamination with MAP.
Other Countries Have Taken the Lead in Food Safety
While U.S. Federal Agencies ignored the scientific findings, other nations have stepped to the forefront in this issue.
In August of 1998, the Food Safety Authority in Ireland (FSAI) took dramatic measures to remove MAP from the food chain, by adopting the following measures:
Animals diagnosed with Johne's disease must be removed from the food chain
From the time an animal is diagnosed with Johne's disease until it is culled, milk will not be used (pasteurized or raw) for humans or calves
Additionally, in 1998 the United Kingdom took action. The United Kingdom's (UK's) Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAFF) undertook a nationwide study to investigate the microbiological quality of raw and pasteurized cows' milk in the UK. The preliminary findings warranted a larger study, which was published in May 2002 (Study by Grant, Ball and Rowe cited above.)
In early 2000 the European Commission/European Directorate General of Health and Consumer Protection (DG24) published a 76-page report requesting an "urgent research program" to deal with the connection between MAP and Crohn's disease, and to deal with the transmission of MAP to the human population through the food chain. Stating that "There are sufficient grounds for concern to warrant increased and urgent research activity to resolve the issue," the Commission recommends a wide rage of research that should be conducted as a matter of urgency.
In December of 2001 the UK Government adopted a comprehensive strategy to prevent human exposure to MAP. The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF), which advises the UK Government Food Standards Agency, approved a comprehensive program of measures aimed at eliminating MAP from retail milk, as purchased by consumers. As the ACMSF says in its strategy document, "The Agency has put to one side the question of whether or not there is a link between MAP and Crohn's disease. The Agency believes that precautionary action to reduce human exposure to MAP should start now and should not be dependent on waiting for the link to be proven."
U.S. Will Be Forced to Act!
PARA commends these European nations on their willingness to act in the best interests of their citizens and the best interests of the public health. Unfortunately, U.S. Food safety regulators (FDA/FSIS/USDA) have taken the opposite position of perpetuating human exposure till a conclusive link is proven, literally gambling with the lives of millions of people. Because of actions taken by other nations, the U.S. Government and animal industry will be forced to deal with the issue, despite their obvious reluctance to do so.
As evidenced by "PARA's Paper Trail", a compilation of nearly 70 letters that PARA has sent to and replies from various agencies of the U.S., the formal record clearly demonstrates that every responsible agency of the U.S. Government, leaders of animal industry and the U.S. Congress have been sufficiently apprised of this situation.
Undoubtedly, there will be accountability issues raised in the future as to why the individuals within those agencies have been remiss in their responsibility to the American public.
In the opinion of PARA, the failure of these federal agencies to take swift action to ensure the protection of U.S. citizens is nothing short of a national disgrace!
(Please visit the Governments Section of our website for detailed information about actions taking place in various countries throughout the world.)
Source: http://www.crohns.org/map_food/index.htm Contact PARA: http://www.crohns.org/contact.htm
Paratuberculosis Awareness & Research Association, 1999-2003.
PARA - Welcome
http://www.crohns.org/
Anna Marie Sarich -
Fine Dining Delivered 2 U
Rastelli Direct
(386)473-2001
www.FineDiningDelivered2u.com
Info@FineDiningDelivered2u.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
CCFA
Every day, IBD threatens dreams for a normal life. But thanks to people like you, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) offers patients hope.
Today, I'd like to invite you to renew your support by becoming a member of CCFA.
As you probably know – and as Daniel can attest – the challenges of living with Crohn's or colitis can be fierce. That's why your membership is so vitally important – partnering with CCFA is the easiest and surest way to make a real difference to the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn's and colitis.
Since their founding, CCFA has given more than $150 million to researchers across the globe. They've played a role in every major scientific breakthrough in IBD, including the discovery of the first gene for Crohn's disease. We couldn't have had such an impact without friends like you.
But despite our progress, there's so much more work left to be done and we need your help.
When you join CCFA, you'll not only continue to fund crucial research, but you'll also support programs that improve the lives of those affected by IBD.
From creating valuable publications for patients and health care professionals... to teleconferences that connect patients to up-to-the-minute resources... to our CCFA online community where people share their stories and find out, often for the first time, that they're not alone... your support will touch the lives of so many people.
I believe treatment breakthroughs are up ahead – but we'll reach them sooner if everyone joins the effort. Please become a member of CCFA today. Daniel and countless others who dare to dream will be grateful!
P.S. Daniel realized his dream and became firefighter. Help ensure that more people with IBD live the lives they were meant to. Become a member of CCFA today!
At CCFA, we're paving the way to advances in treatment – and, one day, a cure. You can help us get there.
Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America | www.ccfa.org
888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694-8872)
Today, I'd like to invite you to renew your support by becoming a member of CCFA.
As you probably know – and as Daniel can attest – the challenges of living with Crohn's or colitis can be fierce. That's why your membership is so vitally important – partnering with CCFA is the easiest and surest way to make a real difference to the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn's and colitis.
Since their founding, CCFA has given more than $150 million to researchers across the globe. They've played a role in every major scientific breakthrough in IBD, including the discovery of the first gene for Crohn's disease. We couldn't have had such an impact without friends like you.
But despite our progress, there's so much more work left to be done and we need your help.
When you join CCFA, you'll not only continue to fund crucial research, but you'll also support programs that improve the lives of those affected by IBD.
From creating valuable publications for patients and health care professionals... to teleconferences that connect patients to up-to-the-minute resources... to our CCFA online community where people share their stories and find out, often for the first time, that they're not alone... your support will touch the lives of so many people.
I believe treatment breakthroughs are up ahead – but we'll reach them sooner if everyone joins the effort. Please become a member of CCFA today. Daniel and countless others who dare to dream will be grateful!
P.S. Daniel realized his dream and became firefighter. Help ensure that more people with IBD live the lives they were meant to. Become a member of CCFA today!
At CCFA, we're paving the way to advances in treatment – and, one day, a cure. You can help us get there.
Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America | www.ccfa.org
888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694-8872)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)