New Haven Independent

Posted by: Your Tax Dollars at Work | February 25, 2008 11:24 AM

Before you accuse "the doctors" of non-disclosure, realize IBD is an insidious disease arising out of a malfuncioning immune system reacting to a perceived "danger" by attacking the victim's gut. I don't believe it's been discovered what causes the victim's immune system to act this way but research has suggested the answer is more related to the victim's DNA than what he or she eats.

As with diabetes and other immune system diseases, research is hampered by unreasonable government restrictions on use of stem cells. Touted "miraculous cures" have the effect of taking the focus off of the need for funding more extensive research and repealing the insane laws restricting the use of stem cells.

IBD (Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis) has an insidious way of going into complete remission even for decades often returning -- frequently much more strongly than before sometimes causing cancer.

As for suggesting one can eat one's way out of autism -- PLEASE -- give me a break!

Lots of luck with the cook book, Raman

Posted by: rp | February 25, 2008 2:11 PM

Hi "Tax Dollars at Work",

Research, especially in the last five years, is showing that a key factor in IBD is the gut flora. IBD is a combination of genetics + environment--not just genetics. This link has some older quotes (2002, 2003) from the "New England Journal of Medicine" and "Current Issues in Intestinal Microbiology."

More recently (Jan. 2008), here's an excerpt from a "Current Opinion in Gastroenterology" article titled Alterations in intestinal microbial flora and human disease. It also re-iterates the role of environment ("gut microbes").

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"Perhaps the strongest argument for the role of commensal gut microbes in IBD is that researchers were unable to demonstrate the development of colitis in knockout mouse models of IBD when the animals were kept germ free. Specifically, even IL-10 knockout mice would not develop their usual severe intestinal inflammation if raised in a germ-free environment" [note: when raised normally, interleukin-10. knockout (IL-10 KO) mice "spontaneously develop a chronic colitis that closely mimics human IBD"]
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In terms of the gut flora, one study published in the British Journal Gut showed that a "probiotic" applied to diseased Crohn's tissue in the lab decreaesd the TNF level, reducing inflammation--the same thing Remicade does. (Note: There's a gap between probiotic research and what you can buy off the shelf).

The fundamental science behind the specific carbohydate diet makes sense and I'm hoping momentum leads to actual research:

In the last two years, mainstream publishers, including Random House, have produced five SCD cookbooks. In Canada, Costco sells one of these books. Oprah's nutritionist interviewed the author of another SCD cookbook on XM Radio. There are two small businesses that sell SCD supplies including yogurt makers, food, and books. They both serve hundreds of customers each week. One business is in the New York Hasidic community, which has a high incidence of IBD. The diet is working well enough that SCD meals are available in other places within the community.

Regarding autism, that's a trickier subject. Most of these kids have gut problems--I've visited a small practice in Massachusetts (with some state funding) that uses diet as a central part of its treatment. They've treated over 200 kids and have well over 100+ on the waiting list. They're finding that self-destructive behaviors are always stopped, and that most children stop regressing. (A mom whose child was helped in that area has even started an SCD bakery). For more information, www.pecanbread.com has a very active support group.

Also, The gut-autism relationship has gained enough attention to be mentioned on the cover of the April 2007 Discover magazine: "The devastating derangements of autism also show up in the gut and in the immune system. That unexpected discovery is sparking new treatments that target the body in addition to the brain."

A cure for IBD? No. A way to manage it and have a normal life. Yes.

Thanks for the post--if you'd like I'd be happy to talk about this offline or send you contact more information.

Take care,

Raman

Posted by: Your Tax Dollars at Work | February 25, 2008 4:46 PM

RP: Over the decades I tried everything. Having finally accepted the "final solution," I'm no longer an IBD sufferer. Paul has my contact info.