Wednesday April 27, 2011
The first time I ever heard of kiwi was at a funky restaurant in the Hamptons, the upscale, celebrity-filled area found on the East End of Long Island. This restaurant was noted for the fact that the waiters and waitresses would sing or do stand-up comedy in between serving the diners. As it was late in the evening, we ordered the fresh fruit special. Expecting a cup of cut-up melon and grapes, we were surprised to receive a full basket of fruit, the type you might send to someone in the hospital. At the top of this tower of fruit was a hairy, little brown thing. We had no idea what this was or what we were supposed to do with it, so we asked our waiter. I wish someone had a camera to catch our expressions when the waiter not only cut into the kiwi, but proceeded to eat it all!
A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition assessed the value of eating kiwi as a way to relieve the symptoms of constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C). Why kiwi was the fruit of choice is unknown. According to the study abstract, 54 IBS-C patients and 16 healthy individuals participated in a six week study. The study consisted of a baseline week, a four-week treatment phase, and a one week post-treatment phase. The IBS-C group was split, so that 41 patients ate two kiwis per day for the four week treatment period, while the other 13 patients were given placebo capsules. The healthy individuals also ate two kiwis per day. All participants recorded their number of bowel movements each day.
After four weeks of eating kiwifruit, the number of bowel movements of each IBS-C patient was increased and transit time was decreased.
Perhaps that waiter out in the Hamptons all those years ago knew something about easing constipation. Go ahead and enjoy your kiwi - ust be sure to wash the outside well and then dive in to all that green goodness!
Related Reading:
Source:
Chang, C., et.al. "" Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2010 19:451-457.
Monday April 25, 2011
According to a report on MyNorthwest.com, Franklin Gutierrez, a center fielder with the Seattle Mariners, has been diagnosed with IBS. According to the report, Gutierrez was seen at the Mayo clinic and given the diagnosis. The report includes an interview in which Gutierrez sounds very relieved at having been given a firm diagnosis and knowing that the condition is treatable. He has reportedly been placed on medication, but it is unknown as to what he is taking. Let's hope that Franklin's optimism is well-served and he does find rapid symptom relief.
Gutierrez is not the first major league baseball player to publicly announce an IBS diagnosis. Justin Duchscherer, currently with the Baltimore Orioles, has also struggled with the disorder. Justin's difficulties were highlighted due to the fact that he was not comfortable in the role of relief pitcher. Apparently, the stress of waiting for the call to enter the game aggravated his IBS. Perfectly understandable.
As we all know, IBS is a very common disorder. However, it is uncommon for individuals in the public spotlight to openly discuss an IBS diagnosis. It is heartening that both Franklin and Justin have had the courage to do so. This kind of open dialogue can only help all IBS sufferers to be able to discuss their intestinal difficulties openly and matter-of-factly, letting go of unnecessary, and unearned, shame.
Related Reading:
Sources:
Drayer, S. "Gutierrez diagnosed with IBS" Shannon Drayer's Mariners Blog April 23, 2011.
Silva, M. "Jeff Francis Looks Like Best Fit For Yanks" Mike Silva's NY Baseball Digest January 11, 2011.
Monday April 25, 2011
A new study has taken a deep look at the role of peppermint in reducing the visceral hypersensitivity of IBS. According to the study abstract, a component of peppermint, icilin, activates a certain channel, specifically the "transient receptor potential ion channel melastatin subtype 8"(TRPM8), found in nerves throughout the lining of the large intestine. Researchers were able to document that icilin acts to desensitize these nerves from both mechanical stimulation and from exposure to capsaicin, a component found in spicy foods such as chili peppers.
Nice to hear that researchers are looking so deeply into this. One would hope that this information will be expanded upon so as to develop improved treatment options. In the meantime, enjoy your peppermint tea!
Related Reading:
Source:
Harrington, A., et.al. "A novel role for TRPM8 in visceral afferent function" Pain Published online April 14, 2011.
Sunday April 24, 2011
Bathroom finder apps for your smart phone or other mobile devices serve as a great example as to how modern technology can make life easier. However, many of these apps are still in their infancy. The potential is there - they just need time and user input to make them truly worthwhile. "The Bathroom Finder" app is a good example of a not-quite-there-yet app, as you will see in my review:
Related Reading:
