Research examines new methods for managing digestive health
Because of the limited pharmacological treatment options available, many patients build up a tolerance to prescribed medicine. Additionally, traditional acupuncture requires patients to make repeat appointments and a fear of needles may make it undesirable for many patients. The wireless, needleless device tested in the study was designed by Jiande Chen, PhD, professor at the University of Texas’ Medical Branch at Galveston, and allows clinicians to tailor the frequency and amplitude of the electrical waves used to stimulate acupuncture points.
Funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, patients were instructed to spend 240 minutes each day using the device on designated spots on the body. They kept a detailed diary tracking specific gastroparesis symptoms and the number of heartburn episodes per day.
Dr. McCallum worked with fellow Texas Tech professor Irene Sarosiek, MD, senior author of this project, to analyze results of a four-week period of use of the device. Compared to the placebo group, the device significantly improved five out of nine gastroparesis symptoms - vomiting was reduced by 39 percent, nausea by 30 percent and bloating by 21 percent. The number of heartburn episodes decreased significantly when patients utilized active stimulation.
Increasingly, children are developing digestive problems that were once reserved for adults. Digestive problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and even inflammatory bowel diseases can result from a multitude of factors, but the underlying cause is often inappropriate eating habits.
The role of good nutrition in health is unfortunately still underemphasized in North America. Although we recognize a relationship between food and the body’s functionioning, there is still a tendency to assume that the mechanics of the body are malfunctioning due to other reasons.
We need to realize that if digestion is impaired, that means the food we eat is not being broken down and absorbed properly. Digestion is how your body takes food and makes it usable in the form of energy and nutrients. In many healing modalities, it is believed that problems with digestion are at the heart of all other health conditions.
To help improve your child’s digestion and their body’s access to nutrients, it is best to implement some of the strategies listed below. Oftentimes, even modifying some of the harmful habits that overwhelm children’s systems can be enough to bring about change.
“These exciting initial results have great potential for patients,” Dr. McCallum said. “With the customizable features of the device, we can explore fine-tuning the therapy to directly target specific symptoms.”
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Ms. Raftery will present data from the study “Vitamin D supplementation improves muscle strength, fatigue and quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease in remission,” abstract Sa1198, on Saturday, May 18, at 8 a.m. in West Hall 1A of the Orange County Convention Center.
Dr. Carbonero will present data from the study “Short-term reciprocal diet exchanges impact colonic fermentation and hydrogenotrophic microbiota for native Africans consuming a typical Western diet and African Americans consuming a traditional African diet” abstract Sa1965, on Saturday, May 18, at 8 a.m. in West Hall 1A of the Orange County Convention Center.
Dr. McCallum will present data from the study “Self-Administered Needleless Acupuncture Therapy to Control Dyspepsia and GERD Symptoms in Patients Diagnosed with Diabetic Gastroparesis,” abstract 749, on Monday, May 20, at 3 p.m. in room 102AB of the Orange County Convention Center.
Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW takes place May 18 to 21, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology.
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Aimee Frank
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407-685-4030
Digestive Disease Week