June 11, 2012 

Irritable bowel syndrome has long been a problem for physicians.  We have very little knowledge of the etiology and know very little about how to effectively treat it.  This is about to change.

A new study published in the may 2012 issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences shows us that certain bacteria are the cause of dysfunction.

Our large intestines contain 10 to the 10th bacteria versus 10 to the 5th for the small intestine.  If the amount of bacteria in the small intestine rises, then disease can ensue.  

The study from Cedars Sinai is the first to use small intestine bacterial culture to prove the association.  This is very important since we are finally getting a snapshot of normal small bowel flora versus unhealthy microbiology.  

In the study they used an antibiotic Rifamixin to reduce the bacterial load and treat the irritable bowel.  

In my assessment of the findings, I think that a root cause of the dysfunction is the large intestinal overgrowth of bad bacterial players. Controlling the natural flora to reduce the growth of pathogenic bacteria is the key to preventing IBS in the small intestine.  

How can you achieve this?  When you have a diarrheal illness or have to take antibiotics, it seems prudent to support your intestines with probiotics like Culturelle or Primadophilus.  

Eat an anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in food for good bacteria. Drinking high quality fermented foods like kefir is useful. 

Avoid Americanized processed food and grain fed beef which can promote the bad guys in your gut flora.  

IBS has a huge mental stress component.  Get help with stress if you have IBS.  A future article.!

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