Although genetic factors greatly influence the likelihood of whether a person develops inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), environmental interactions within the GI system can play a key role in both the development and progression of the disease. IBD is believed to develop as a "gut" reaction to intestinal dysbiosis--chronic imbalances in the microbial flora that set off a chain of pathogenic events.

One scenario is for IBD to develop as a response to chronic intestinal infection.1 A variety of bacterial pathogens can elicit severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. What's more, many of these intestinal microbes can exacerbate or cause flare-ups of symptoms in patients who already have IBD. For these reasons, examination of stool samples for potential gut pathogens, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli is strongly recommended for patients with IBD.2

Once infection occurs, the presence of bacteria and their byproducts can perpetuate IBD by penetrating the intestinal barrier, where they can irritate previous ulcerations and invade the systemic circulation. This provokes a continuing chain of chronic inflammatory immune responses.1 Here again, evaluation and treatment to restore the natural balance of intestinal microflora is crucial.

Researchers from Cambridge, England recently found that patients with IBS excrete far more hydrogen gases than healthy controls. This significant increase is believed to stem from changes in the normal gastrointestinal flora--and specifically hydrogen-consuming bacteria--which trigger faulty colonic fermentation.3

A disrupted colonic environment fits with other known development patterns of IBS, which frequently arises after gastroenteritis or antibiotic use. The researchers suggest that evaluating other factors related to colonic fermentation, such as short-chain fatty acids, may also be important.

Produced as a by-product of bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates in the intestine, SCFAs such as butyrate serve as "food" for the protective epithelial cells that line the colon. Thus numerous studies have associated successful treatment of SCFA deficiencies with marked improvement in clinical symptoms of IBD. 4-7

The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis is a non-invasive evaluation of digestive function and microbial balance that can provide important information about IBD through its analysis of bacteria, yeast, short-chain fatty acids, and other crucial gastrointestinal parameters.

References:
1 Sartor R. Pathogenesis and Immune Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Am J Gastroenterol 1997;92(12):5S-11S.
2 Moses P, Moore B, Ferrentino N, Bensen S, Vecchio J. Inflammatory Bowel disease:Origins, presentation, and course. Post Med 103(5):1998:77-84.
3 King TS, Elia M, Hunter JO. Abnormal colonic fermentation in irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet 1998;352:1187-1189.
4 Kim YI. Short-chain fatty acids in ulcerative colitis. Nutr Rev 1998;56(Pt 1):17-24.
5 Vernia P, Marcheggiano A, Caprilli R, Frieri G, Corrao G, Valpiani D, Di Paolo MC, Paoluzi P, Torsoli A. Short-chain fatty acid topical treatment in distal ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1995;9(3):309-313.
6 Scheppach W, Christl SU, Bartram HP, Richter F, Kasper H. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1997;222:53-57.
7 Velazquez OC, Lederer HM, Rombeau JL. Butyrate and the colonocyte. Production, absorption, metabolism, and therapeutic implications. Adv Exp Med Biol 1997;427(123-134).

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.