Further evidence to support the success of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet

The primary purpose of the specific carbohydrate diet, as I understand, is to eliminate the bacterial warfare occurring in the small intestines and colons of Crohn’s/Colitis patients.

The following study seem to further the theory behind the specific carbohydrate diet.


Pathogenic E. coli Seen Elevated in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Last Updated: 2007-05-04 (Reuters Health)

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) May 04 - Findings from a study by Canadian investigators, published in the May issue of Gut, support a connection between Escherichia coli and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Dr. Denis O. Krause told Reuters Health that "a number of research groups have associated E. coli with IBD, but the exact mode of action is still unclear."

"E. coli from IBD tissue," he added, "have been shown to produce serine protease autotransporters, a class of peptides that degrade the junctions between cells in the intestine. Degradation of junctions between cells is something we know happens in IBD.”

Dr. Krause and colleagues at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg examined biopsy specimens from 13 patients with Crohn's disease, 19 with ulcerative colitis, and 15 controls.

The team found that the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae was 3 to 4 logs higher in tissues of patients with IBD than in control specimens. In addition, the B2+D phylogenetic groups where more prevalent in these patients. These groups, the researchers point out, are associated with serine protease autotransporters and adherence factors and may have a significant role in the etiology of IBD.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Jonathan M. Rhodes of the University of Liverpool, UK notes that the findings are line with those of other studies and that, along with work in dogs, raises the possibility that "we now have a new therapeutic target."

Date Posted on the CCFA website: May 17, 2007

Remicade (INFLIXIMAB) Warning about side effects

REMICADE (INFLIXIMAB)

The ad in Men’s Health Magazine for the last 2 months has the headline: I’m living with Crohn’s. Thanks to Remicade.

The following 3 pages contain the medication guide, which is all about side effects and warnings of negative consequences for users.

Here is the list without details, which you can read if you use the link I posted that will take you to their webpage.

1: Serious infections.
A: TB
2: Cancer.
A: Hepastosplenic T-cell Lymphoma.
3: Heart Failure.
4: Liver injury.
5: Blood Problems.
6: Nervous system Disorders.
7: Allergic Reactions.
8: Lupus-like syndrome.

Is this a reasonable trade-off versus a diet that may, and in many cases has, put Crohn’s and UC into complete and sustained remission if strictly followed?

Does the FDA care more about the health of Pharmaceutical Corporations than the health of Americans?