July 14, 2020

High-Fiber, Low-Fat Diet May Help People With Ulcerative Colitis

FRIDAY, July 10, 2020 -- A low-fat, high-fiber diet may improve the quality of life of patients with ulcerative colitis, a new study finds.

"Patients with inflammatory bowel disease always ask us what they should eat to make their symptoms better," said researcher Dr. Maria Abreu. She's a professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

July 9, 2020

Common Blood Pressure Meds May Lower Colon Cancer Risk

MONDAY, July 6, 2020 -- Millions of Americans take medication to keep their blood pressure down. A new study suggests that two types of blood pressure drugs might do double-duty, keeping colon cancer away, too.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (often called ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) help lower blood pressure by relaxing and opening up narrowed blood vessels, allowing blood to flow freely.

June 29, 2020

Could Crohn's, Colitis Raise Dementia Risk?

TUESDAY, June 23, 2020 -- People with inflammatory bowel disease might be vulnerable to developing dementia, a new study suggests.

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an umbrella term for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, thought to be triggered by a misguided immune system attack.

June 15, 2020

Could Heartburn Med Pepcid Ease COVID-19 Symptoms?

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020 -- An over-the-counter heartburn remedy is showing some potential as a symptom reliever for COVID-19, a small study finds.

Famotidine, sold under the brand name Pepcid, appeared to improve symptoms in a group of 10 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, researchers reported online June 4 in the journal Gut.

June 15, 2020

Could Certain Chemicals Trigger Celiac Disease?

FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 -- Toxic chemicals in a wide range of products are associated with an increased risk of celiac disease in children and young adults, researchers say.

People with celiac disease -- an immune disorder -- can't tolerate foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

June 15, 2020

New Guidelines Say No to Probiotics for Digestive Woes

TUESDAY, June 9, 2020 -- There isn't enough scientific evidence to support using probiotics to treat most digestive disorders, according to a new American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guideline.

Probiotics are living, microscopic organisms found in foods or dietary supplements, according to the AGA. They include certain bacteria and yeasts.