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Genetic links to bowel disease

(The Scotsman 16/11/2009)

TWO large genetic studies have found new clues to the causes of serious bowel diseases which could lead to better treatments. A study in Nature Genetics, which included researchers at Edinburgh University, scanned the genetic make-up of more than 3,400 patients, including 500 in Scotland, with childhood IBD. Researchers found five new genetic regions linked to childhood IBD and another study found three to ulcerative colitis.

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Soluble fibre 'effective for IBS'

(BBC 28/08/2009)

A soluble fibre supplement should be the first line of attack in treating irritable bowel syndrome, experts say. Researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands compared adding bran, a soluble supplement called psyllium and a dummy supplement to sufferers' diets. They found psyllium was the most effective, warning that bran may even worsen the symptoms of the condition, the British Medical Journal reported. As many as one in 10 people is estimated to have the condition.

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How to keep your gut in mint condition

(Daily Mail 29/11/2008)

As far back as ancient Greece, herbal practitioners have pointed towards the peppermint plant - mentha piperita - as a cure for digestive disorders. Now scientific research is backing up some of their claims. Last week, the Br Medical Journal reported that almost half of sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) found their symptoms disappeared after taking peppermint oil.

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'Old treatments' better for IBS

(BBC 14/11/2008)

Older "overlooked" treatments for irritable bowel syndrome may end up being the best option for patients, research suggests. Fibre, anti-spasmodic drugs and peppermint oil were all found to be effective in a review of the evidence. Guidelines on IBS should be updated in light of the findings, the researchers say in the British Medical Journal.

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Why do so many have to put up with IBS ... and is there easy relief for sufferers?

(Daily Mail 16/08/2008)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of Britain's most common and debilitating stomach conditions. Here, DR ELLIE CANNON answers some of the questions she is most frequently asked in surgery.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a passing problem

(Telegraph 26/07/2008)

Lucy Atkins on the misery of irritable bowel syndrome.

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