Question
Hi. Have been experiencing various digestive problems,i.e acid reflux, stomach cramps and a very irritable bowel. Had tests done, i.e colonoscopy, gastroscopy and barium meal. Surgeon found that stomach was rather inflamed, put me on Alto-sec for a month, but just finished with treatment and there has been no improvement. Heard that glutamine repairs the gut? Anything else I could try that will help pls?

Yesheen (Dr.) Singh

Answer Dear G Thank you for your question. I have to say that this is not really the best forum to share information about your case. From the little that you say it seems quite complex and there are a lot of variables that need to be considered before an appropriate plan can be formulated. as such I would recommend making a personal appointment where we can discuss the case more in depth. For contact details please consult www.healthnation.co.za That said, L-glutamine is most certainly a useful supplement in the treatment of inflammation and change of the gut mucus membrane. So to are turmeric and ginger. Also important are adequate omega three supplementation and appropriate protein intake. There are a number of other natural tools available to us today without having to resort to pharmaceuticals for the management of inflammatory bowel conditions, but these have to be tailored to your individual case. Many thanks and warm regards Yesheen

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Question
I have recently been diagnosed with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease and although it is undetermined whether it is Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease (as it has typical characteristics of both), the effective chronic medication I am on (3 grams of Pentasa daily and 100 milli-grams of Azapress daily) tends to indicate to my surgeon that it is Crohn's. I am in the process of adjusting my lifestyle & eating & drinking habits & I know that alcohol is a no-no...but I also have read that this is more due to the reaction with the drugs over the ill effects of the booze. Currently I have quit drinking entirely & finding it difficult to adjust back into my highly active social environment. I would like to know whether the medication I am on is detrimentally affected by any alcohol consumption & what medication would not suffer such effects. I can appreciate that alcohol is not recommended as it can have ill effects on my condition...but if I do choose to have a drink and suffer the consequences, I do not want to loose the impact of my medication due to it. It may seem foolish...but its hard to replace the relaxation of kicking back for a couple of beers with some good mates around a braai.

Sean (Dr.) Gomes

Answer I am sorry to here of you recent diagnosis and can appreciate that you want to control your condition, but at the same time do not it to drastically effect your lifestyle. The best advice would come from your specialist as this is a complex condition needing specialist attention. There are a range of medications that are used to control the inflammation associated with these conditions. Both the medications that you are taking can effect the liver and this may be the the reason why alcohol is contraindicated. As to alcohol affecting the effectiveness of the medications I am not sure. As with all things moderation is key and I am sure the occasional drink should not effect you treatment, but I would recommend you discuss this with your specialist. Kind regards Dr Sean Gomes

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Question
My husband has ulcerative colitis. He is 39 years old. He struggles with tummy cramps all the time. He is on chronic medication but I'd like to know what changes I can make to his diet as he was told by his Dr to avoid food high in fibre. Please help me with what kinds of food would be a good idea to incorporate in his diet.

Melissa Usher

Answer Thank you for your query. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon, which is relatively common but remains poorly understood. The symptoms are very individual and what one person may tolerate, another may not. First and foremost, I would recommend small regular meals. This will ensure that we keep the gut working and that there is a constant passage of food that is well tolerated. The colon is responsible for absorbing salt and water. Please encourage your husband to add salt to his food and to drink plenty of water. Aim for 2-3 litres a day. Fibre tolerance, again, is very individual. A small amount of fibre is important, but try to avoid the high fibre sources. These include: high fibre cereals, muesli, wholewheat breads and pastas, vegetables with skins (try to stay away from broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, sweetcorn, green beans, spinach), fruit with skins and pips, beans and legumes. Rather go for white bread, pasta and rice, Rice Crispies, Cornflakes, and peeled fruit and vegetables (avoid the ones mentioned above).Fish oils will help to control the inflammation. I would encourage a daily supplement of fish oil, delivering 5.4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Regards Melissa Usher, Dietician

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Question
I have inflammatory bowel disease. My gastro enterologist prescribed Panafcort for a month (2 weeks left) and then recommended I start on chronic medication. What alternative treatments are available?

Chase (Dr.) Webber

Answer It is important to discuss with your doctor what you use in combination with his prescription, but the following is useful from natural medicine. In preliminary trials individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease have significantly improved following a sugar-free, low-allergen diet using additional nutritional supplementation such as a multivitamin-mineral supplement, an omega fish oil supplement, borage oil, linseed oil and a probiotic formula containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and other species of beneficial bacteria. regards Dr Chase Webber ND

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