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CancerProbiotic Improves Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Probiotic Improves Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A recent study in France demonstrated that a 30-day treatment with the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum 35624 resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms of irritable bowel for approximately two-thirds of patients with IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gut-brain disorder that can cause a variety of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhoea, constipation, or a mix of the two. IBS can reduce quality of life, often results in missed school or work, and can have a substantial economic impact.

Physicians diagnose IBS by identifying symptoms laid out in the Rome Criteria, a set of diagnostic measures developed by a group of more than 100 international experts. Limited diagnostic testing is also done, to help exclude other conditions that could present with similar symptoms.

Although the precise cause of IBS remains unknown, recent research suggests that an imbalance in intestinal microbiota (the microorganisms living in your digestive tract) and a dysfunctional intestinal barrier (which, when working properly, helps keep potentially harmful contents in the intestine while allowing nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream) may be involved in the development of IBS in some people. Because of this, methods to restore the microbiota have been explored as a treatment for this condition.

Balance of bacteria is important for gut health
Many digestive processes rely on a balance of various bacteria, which are found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. If these bacteria fall out of balance, gastrointestinal disorders may occur, possibly including IBS.

Probiotics, which are bacteria or yeast that are associated with health benefits, may help restore this balance. Most probiotics used in IBS treatment fall under two main groups: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These probiotics are thought to assist the digestive system. Among other functions, they may strengthen the intestinal barrier, assist the immune system in removing harmful bacteria, and break down nutrients.

Probiotics may relieve symptoms of IBS

The American College of Gastroenterology found that probiotics may improve overall symptoms, as well as bloating and flatulence, in people with IBS.  The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 has been reported to adhere particularly well to intestinal cells, and therefore may have an advantage in altering the intestinal microbiota and increasing the intestinal barrier.

Recent study finds inactive probiotics relieve IBS symptoms

More recently, Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 has been shown to improve symptoms of IBS, even in its inactivated form. For the eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trail published in Lancet Gastroenterology, researchers studied whether the heat-inactivated form of Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 could alleviate IBS symptoms.

Overall, 443 patients (average age 41, 70% women) were randomised to receive heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 or placebo once daily. A total of 377 patients (190 probiotic and 187 placebo) completed the trial. The primary endpoint was defined as a 30% or greater improvement of abdominal pain and at least “somewhat relieved” overall IBS symptoms for four or more weeks of the eight-week study duration. Significantly more patients receiving the Bifidobacterium probiotic met the primary endpoint compared to patients receiving placebo (34% versus 19%). In addition, a significantly greater percentage of patients receiving the probiotic also reported adequate relief of symptoms compared to placebo. Finally, individual symptoms including bloating, bowel movement satisfaction, and quality of life were also significantly improved with Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 compared to placebo.

Advantages of inactive probiotics

Previously, general consensus held that only active, living bacteria may have beneficial effects. But these results suggest that heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium can play a significant role in relieving symptoms of IBS, a syndrome with typically limited options for relief. This is important because inactive probiotics have several potential advantages over active probiotics. For example, they are more likely to be stable, particularly if exposed to excessive heat. Inactive probiotics are also easier to standardize than active probiotics. Active probiotics also raise concerns for patients who may be susceptible to infection; inactive probiotics should relieve these concerns. Whether other strains of heat-inactivated probiotics will also improve IBS symptoms remains unknown.

Summary of diagnostic criteria used to define irritable bowel syndrome. Diagnostic criteria

Symptoms included in criteria:

Rome 1 Abdominal pain or discomfort relived with defecation; Abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in stool frequency or consistency; In addition, two or more of the following on at least 5% of occasions or days for 3 mo: (1) Altered stool frequency and form; (2) Altered stool passage; (3) Passage of mucus; and (4) Bloating or distension

Rome II  Abdominal discomfort or pain that has two or three features for 1 wk (need to be consecutive) in the last year; Relieved with defecation; Onset associated with a change in the frequency of stools; Onset associated with a change in the form of stools

Rome III Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort three days per month in the last 3 mo associated with two or more of: (1) Improvement in defecation; (2) Onset associated with a change in the frequency of stools; and (3) Onset associated with a change in the form of stools

Rome IV Recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 d/wk in the last 3 mo, associated with 2 or more of the following1: (1) Related to defecation (i.e., either increasing or improving pain); (2) Associated with a change in stool frequency; and (3) Associated with a change in stool form (appearance)

If any of the above symptoms persist, please refer to your Medical Practitioner

Reference:

Benjak Horvat I, Gobin I, Kresovi? A, Hauser G. How can probiotic improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms? World J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 13(9): 923-940 [PMID: 34621470 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i9.923]

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Cancer-related is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments. Like fatigue, cancer fatigue is whole-body exhaustion that you feel no matter how much sleep or rest you get. Cancer fatigue takes exhaustion a step further: You feel physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted most of the time. Cancer fatigue may last a few weeks (acute) or for months or years (chronic).

To improve energy effectively, we provide modalities ranging from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy therapies, to herbal medicine and targeted nutritional interventions.

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Our acupuncture services, including traditional acupuncture, medical acupuncture, and laser acupuncture, are designed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, reduce pain, and improve overall health. In addition to acupuncture, we provide specialised physiotherapy services aimed at restoring movement, improving function, and alleviating pain Our commitment to quality care is reflected in our dedication to continuously improving our services and staying abreast of the latest advancements in medical and complementary treatments.

We are devoted to helping our patients achieve the best possible health outcomes through compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centred care.

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Helping you to thrive into enduring wellness after the conclusion of cancer treatments is our goal. At Vitawell Wellness we understand that an optimised immune system comes from a foundation of basics. Quality of sleep, exercise, enjoying nature, and practising meditation are incredibly important elements to aid in your recovery.

Our holistic approach focuses on rebuilding all the components that form your unique profile, from weight and movement to mind-body connection; from good energy to healthy weight; from sleep to finding happiness in small things.  Recovery also depends upon restoring imbalances in your immune system, nervous system, neurotransmitters, gut health, adrenal and hormonal systems. At Vitawell Wellness we will provide you with the essential tools and the appropriate program to achieve and to maintain optimal health and enduring wellness.

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The state of mind impacts health through the mind-body connection. We believe that  that body and mind are one, that the mind feeds the body just as the body feeds the mind. Since emotions, feelings, thoughts, beliefs, actions, and behaviour impact and literally shape wellbeing, we provide the necessary tools to  strengthen your mental and emotional inner life.

We strive to help you cultivate and maintain hope, calm, optimism, and inner-peace. We want to know how you feel; we listen and support you in regaining power with positive actions, step-by-step into wellness. 

Clinical Detox

After the conclusion of cancer treatments, we strongly recommend that you follow our clinical detoxification program. At Vitawell Wellness we are aware tht some common side-effects from chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments can have lasting effects such as brain fog, loss of energy and gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

We strongly believe in the power of detoxification as a method of steadily reducing toxins` accumulation and regaining strength, balance, and imporve wellness. Our personalised program is sensible, gentle but effective, and includes stress reduction technique and lifestyle changes.

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The relationship between cancer, diet, energy, muscle mass and optimal weight is extremely important. At Vitawell Wellness we focus on addressing your current nutritional status and develop the right diet for you.  "One size does not fit all" principle applies to your diet. Each person is unique and therefore variability exists between nutrient-sense diets.

We provide personalised and appropriate dietary plans before, during and after cancer treatments. We provide 7 day menu plan, shopping lists and recipes that reflect food preferences and sensitivities. The menu plans are easy to follow. Each food is selected for its specific content of nutrients. Healthy foods positively support your whole person wellness.

For some, reaching wellness means improving body weight, muscle mass, digestion, assimilation and gut microbiome. 

For some, reaching wellness means reducing body weight, improving muscle mass, digestion, bowel function and gut microbiome. Obesity and overweight have been shown to increase cancer risk.

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The Functional Medicine model is an individualised, patient-centred, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together and to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.

Functional Medicine is gaining attention as a new approach to care in large institutions and Universities around the world. This is leading to new approaches to investigate ways to research outcomes of Functional Medicine designed to discover and remedy root causes of problems instead of suppressing symptoms. Random controlled trials are beginning to be conducted, and a new body of literature is beginning to emerge in this realm as a result.

Nutritional Medicine

Nutrition medicine is a personalised medicine that deals with primary prevention and addresses underlying causes instead of treating symptoms for serious chronic diseases. By shifting the traditional disease-centred focus of medical practice to a more patient-centred approach, nutritional medicine individualises the patient's nutritional needs based on genetic, environmental, and personal considerations.

Nutritional medicine focuses on shifting dietary habits to optimise personal health stimulating the powerful inert healing mechanism within each person by providing nutrient protocols and specialised diets for each individual need.

Herbal Medicine

Herbalism today is based on remedies and techniques tried and tested through generations of use, but increasingly re-evaluated in the light of modern medical refinements. A key feature of herbalism is that remedies are used to support and modify disturbed body functions.

Herbal medicine is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today. It is medicine made exclusively from plants. It is used in all societies and is common to all cultures.

Herbal medicine is increasingly being validated by scientific investigation which seeks to understand the active chemistry of the plant. Many modern pharmaceuticals have been modelled on, or derived from, phytochemicals found in plants. Increasing research on herbal medicine demonstrates that liquid botanicals play a critical role during, before and after a diagnosis of cancer.

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Cancer requires negotiation and navigation. Decisions must be made. Directions must be pursued. The decisions and directions often occur in the middle of stress, fear, trauma, and many other challenging emotions. The skills with which people negotiate and navigate their cancer journey are better supported by combining conventional treatments with evidence-based natural medicine.

At Vitawell Wellness, we design individual programs to support you regardless of your diagnosis and the stage of your cancer. We collect all critical information about your state of health and help you in your decision-making process with the wisdom and the experience that comes from years of clinical practice. We work in alignment with what you think, feel, say, and do. In this way, we honour your self-awareness, your knowledge and views and integrate them in safe practices.