This open-label, multi-clinic study in 12 patients with digestive disorders demonstrated that consuming 2 servings daily of an innovative structured nutrition therapy for 6 weeks: Reduced GI symptoms and improved overall GI quality of life Increased production of SCFA, including butyrate Increased levels of Bifidobacterium spp. Reduced potential harmful intestinal microbiota Despite the limited sample size in this preliminary study, this targeted nutrition therapy approach offers promise as a novel nutritional therapy for patients with compromised gut function. Download the…

A review published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed alcohol consumption adversely altered gut microbiota and could lead to negative impacts on the liver. It is well known that alcohol intake directly and adversely affects the liver, but more recently, it has also been clinically shown to impact the gastrointestinal microbiota. To better elucidate this relationship the authors utilized the PubMed data base, to identify and review data from research articles addressing this topic. The studies that the authors identified showed alcohol…

Inflammation, pathogenic gut bacteria, and Candida species and markers of disease severity where analyzed in adults with stable mild, moderate and severe congestive heart failure (CHF). High levels of pathogenic bacteria including Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Candida species were discovered in CHF patients when compared to normal control. Intestinal permeability (IP), right arterial pressure (RAP) and markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP) was also greater in the CHF group. These results suggest that people with CHF have higher levels of gut dysbiosis and…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women in the US.1 Chronic inflammation contributes to cancer development.2 Pro-inflammatory conditions, such as obesity and inflammatory bowel disease, have been associated with CRC risk.3-4 It is plausible that a dietary pattern that induces more inflammation could impact CRC risk. The relationship between dietary inflammatory potential and CRC risk was investigated by Dr. Frank Hu of Harvard University and his colleagues, evaluating data…

A thought-provoking article in the July 22, 2016 Issue of Science posed the question “Is triclosan harming your microbiome”?1 The article concludes that the data is still mixed about the effects of triclosan on the microbiome, but begs some broader questions such as, “what is triclosan?” and “are there safety risks associated with it?” Triclosan, 2,4,4’ –trichloro-2’-hydroxydiphenyl ether, is a synthetic, broad-spectrum, antibacterial and antifungal agent found in many oral and topical body care products, cosmetics, and even plastic toys, clothing…

This presentation, entitled, “Probiotics: From Basic Science to Clinical Application” was delivered by Eamon M Quigley, MD at the ASPEN Symposium in February 2015. Dr. Quigley is the Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas. His presentation begins with a definition of probiotics and discussion of the health benefits they can have on the body. Current clinical applications for probiotics include diarrheal illnesses, necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and liver…

by Bianca Garilli, ND “Treat the gut” and “breast is best” are both common mantras in the Functional Medicine practitioner’s office offering insight into the primary location of foundational imbalance for many chronic illnesses (in the gut) as well as a potential mechanisms to prevent these imbalances in the first place (breastfeeding). Delving into both of these areas more deeply, it has been shown that human breastmilk reduces permeability of the infant’s intestine and its predominant antibody, sIgA, gives immunoprotection…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Most people have heard of, or know somebody who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is not a single condition but rather a group of symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that includes abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements such as constipation or diarrhea.1 IBS affects 10-15% of US adults, with women being twice as likely as men to develop IBS.1 Costs associated with treating IBS symptoms are estimated to  be $1.7 billion and $10…

   In this video from ASPEN Clinical Nutrition Week 2016, we present part 1 of a roundtable discussion featuring several experts from the field of clinical nutrition. The topic of this discussion is Inflammation: A Novel Clinical Nutritional Approach for Resolution. Stephen A. McClave, MD, moderates the roundtable discussion. Dr. McClave is Professor and Director of Clinical Nutrition and Director of Nutrition Curriculum at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY. The discussion begins with the…

by Bianca Garilli, ND In recent years, the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet to both prevent and treat cardiovascular disease has become well accepted in the health care community. Atherosclerosis is commonly associated with high dietary intake of animal products, fat and processed carbohydrates and continues to be the leading cause of mortality in the US. Protection from atherogenesis however, may be possible through increased intake of plant-based foods high in polyphenols and antioxidant effects.1 What foods a plant-based…