The owner of IBS Tales, Sophie Lee, has written a new book called “Sophie’s Story” which chronicles her life dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

I want to tell the absolute truth about IBS, because the reality of this disorder is so often clouded by embarrassment and myths. Perhaps the most pervasive myth is that IBS means mild diarrhea and nothing more. Many people with no experience of IBS wonder why we have such difficulty in coping with our condition. This book shows why. - Sophie Lee, “Sophie’s Story”

It would appear that “Sophie’s Story” is aiming to be an accurate & detailed account of what life with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is like, even if the truth about IBS isn’t pretty. Her story will probably resonate with many who have had similar frustrating & painful experiences while dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Sophie has been kind enough to provide me with a review copy that I will read  & then review at a later date. You can purchase the book right now on Amazon, Amazon UK. For international orders it’s best to check the IBS Tales website for further details.

Related posts:

1. Crystal Saltrelli’s Gastroparesis Book Project
2. Align Probiotic For Irritable Bowel Syndrome Update
3. Special Diets & Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Almirall is the licensee of Linaclotide for European markets. They along with Linaclotide manufacturer, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency in a bid to gain access to European markets. Along with the application they submitted the results of their Phase III trials showcasing the benefits they feel Linaclotide provides patients who are dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If approved the drug would be sold under the brand name of Constella.

Linaclotide is a drug that aids those dealing with constipation related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is an agonist of the guanylate cyclase type‐C receptor which is found in the surface structure of the intestinal system. Studies on Linaclotide in the US suggest that it aids constipation by increase intestinal fluid secretions, reducing visceral hypersensitivity & accelerating transit through the digestive system. Usually it’s well tolerated, but in some cases caused adverse reactions, such as chronic diarrhea, requiring approximately 5% of the trial participants to stop taking it.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals is still awaiting approval from the United States’ FDA after they submitted a request for final approval following their Linaclotide Phase III trials. The FDA is not expected to make a decision until 2012.

Ironwood’s stock hit a 52-week low on Oct 4th, 2011, although this may have more to do with the current bearish market rather than the state of their business ventures.

Source: Almirall announces regulatory filing of linaclotide for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in Europe

Related posts:

1. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals’ Linaclotide IBS Drug Looking For Final FDA Approval
2. FDA Puts Brakes On Approval Of Salix’s Xifaxan For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
3. Plecanatide & Linaclotide, Similar Experimental Treatments For IBS

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals’ LX1033 is a Irritable Bowel Syndrome drug meant for those with diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms or mixed symptoms that include diarrhea. LX1033 works by targeting the hydroxylase enzyme which is also known as TPH. TPH is essential for the production of serotonin within the body & it comes in two forms TPH1 & TPH2. TPH1 lives mainly in the digestive system, while TPH2 lives in the nervous system & the brain. LX1033 specifically targets TPH1 only & leaves TPH2 alone to avoid nervous system or psychoactive effects. Serotonin levels do seem to play a role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but how much is not fully understood.

LX1033 is actually more potent & targeted form of Lexicon Pharmaceuticals’ earlier drug LX1031. LX1031 made it to Phase IIa trials, which is usually where they trying to determine effective dosage levels. It would appear they felt they could do better than the results LX1031 was achieving & thus reintroduced it as LX1033. LX1033 appears to be more effective at the same dosage levels of LX1031.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals’ plans to pursue Phase II trials soon.

Sources:

• Lexicon’s IBS Drug Candidate, LX1033, Successfully Completes Phase 1 Clinical Trial
• The Tryptophan Hydroxylase Inhibitor LX1031 Shows Clinical Benefit in Patients With Nonconstipating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Related posts:

1. Ironwood’s Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation Drug Seeking European Approval
2. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals’ Linaclotide IBS Drug Looking For Final FDA Approval
3. Furiex’s New Irritable Bowel Syndrome Drug “MuDelta”

The new regulations will now list FGIDs as being a “presumed” result of military service during operations within Southeast Asia during the Persian Gulf War that occurred in the early 1990s. This essentially means that a veteran making a disability claim should have an easier task of claiming that their Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Functional Dyspepsia(chronic indigestion) was a result of their service, even if symptoms developed after they had left the military. In the past a veteran had to prove that their symptoms were apparent while they were actively serving during the Gulf War. This made it complicated for many veterans who developed severe gastrointestinal disorders after their tours of duty ended.

While this is a step forward, the disability process for veterans may still be an uphill battle when dealing with doctors or claims reviewers who may not be aware, educated or compassionate towards FGIDs. This is unfortunate as many of our soldiers are more at risk of developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome due to stress, poor sanitation, travel & the physical hazards involved with combat operations. Hopefully these new regulations will streamline the process for many of the veterans who have been either suffering in silence or struggling with the current disability process.

Source: Presumptive Service Connection for Diseases Associated With Service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations During the Persian Gulf War: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Related posts:

1. David Wu Responds To My H.R. 2239 Inquiry
2. Please Support HR 2239 “Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011″
3. Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Side Effect Warnings Boosted In Canada

Reglan is the brand name of the drug Metoclopramide which has been used for decades to as an anti-emetic & prokinetic drug. Health Canada is the department which sets health policy within Canada. Health Canada has come out with stronger warnings regarding the major side effect of Tardive dyskinesia. The new warnings will now be required for all prescriptions of Reglan.

Here are the new warnings.

• Tardive dyskinesia may develop in patients treated with metoclopramide. The elderly, especially elderly women, appear to be at increased risk.
• The risk appears to increase with treatment length and the total amount of drug taken.
• Tardive dyskinesia is more likely to be irreversible with long-term treatment (over 12 weeks).
• Less frequently, tardive dyskinesia can develop with short term treatment at low doses; in these cases, the symptoms are more likely to disappear either partially or completely over time, once treatment has been stopped.
• Tardive dyskinesia may not be easy to recognise in its early stages.
• Metoclopramide treatment beyond 12 weeks should be avoided, unless the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk.

In 2009 United States’ FDA finally gave Reglan a “block box label” which greatly strengthened the warning labels accompanying it, though Reglan was under labeled for decades before this occurred.

If you are in Canada you should insist on Domperidone(Motillium) before ever taking Reglan. Those in the USA unfortunately don’t have a pharmaceutical alternative, though I’d suggest Iberogast to anyone before trying Reglan.

Reglan is often prescribed to people who have functional gastrointestinal motility disorders(FGIMDs). The problem with Reglan is that has never been deemed safe for long term use & even short term use can lead to side effects. For as long as it’s been on the market, it’s manufacturers have downplayed the risk & severity of it’s side effects. It’s most notable side effect is the previously mentioned Tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia manifests itself as tremors & loss of motor control. The symptoms of Tardive dyskinesia are very similar to those found in Parkinson’s Disease. In some cases Tardive dyskinesia is acute & will disappear after Reglan is stopped, while in others the condition remains chronic & permanent.

Please check out my other article “Supreme Court’s Reglan Ruling Detrimental To Patient’s Rights” which talks about the physical and legal dangers of taking Reglan, especially if you’re in the USA & are taking a generic version.

Health Canada release.

Related posts:

1. Supreme Court’s Reglan Ruling Detrimental To Patient’s Rights
2. Metozolv, Same Drug Different Branding
3. Treatments For Gastroparesis

Just to recap here is the original letter I sent to David Wu via his website.

I would just like to bring your attention to the house bill HR 2239 “Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011″.

I have personally suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for 14 years and went through an acute case of Gastroparesis for 3 months. Both of these diseases have had a profound & lasting affect on my life. Motility related digestive illnesses greatly affect a person’s quality of life & they greatly impact a person’s social, educational & career endeavors. With almost 20% of Americans facing some form of digestive motility disorder, it’s a shame that there isn’t more funding given to researching these diseases.

I ask that you please become a cosponsor of H.R. 2239 by contacting Amy Bos in the office of Congressman James Sensenbrenner, Jr.

Thank you,
Gabriel Hedges

Here is David Wu’s recent response.

Dear Mr. Hedges:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for H.R.2239 the Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011. I appreciate hearing from you.

H.R. 2239 would expand the National Institutes of Health’s research activities concerning functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders. H.R. 2239 was introduced [by] James Sensenbrenner (WI) on June 16, 2011 and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commercewhere it awaits further consideration.

With as many as 20 percent of the adult population having symptoms of IBS, it is one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.

As a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, I know well the importance of investing in biomedical research. I strongly favor increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and other research institutions, including increasing funding towards functional gastrointestinal and motility disorder research. By investing in biomedical research and development,we can provide virtually unlimited savings in both human and economic terms.

Once again, thank you for writing to me about this importantissue. If you would like to receive regular email updates from me, please go to my website at www.house.gov/wuto sign up. If I can be of additional assistance, please call my Oregon office at 503-326-2901 or 800-422-4003.

EMAIL.BEGINHIDE.MERGE

With warm regards,
David Wu
Member of Congress

A lot of the response is just explaining basic information about the bill & what IBS is. I would have liked to have seen an acknowledgment that Irritable Bowel Syndrome isn’t the only functional disorder, but I am sure he had a lot on his plate at the time & may not be fully versed on all the facets of functional gastrointestinal motility disorders. Additionally it’s possible the letter might have been a form letter because it looks like some sort of mail merge tag wasn’t removed properly. Regardless, the meat of the letter is positive especially the statement “I strongly favor increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and other research institutions, including increasing funding towards functional gastrointestinal and motility disorder research.”

While the response was positive, unfortunately this story has a negative ending. David Wu resigned amid a sex scandal less than a week ago. Who will fill his seat is currently in limbo & who knows if his replacement will be as welcoming to H.R. 2239. Whenever his replacement does take office, I will not hesitate to contact them and ask for their support of H.R. 2239.

If you haven’t already contacted your local representative about H.R. 2239, please do so. After you’ve done so or if you have already done so, please either “Like” or post your support on our Functional GI and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011 Facebook page.

Related posts:

1. Please Support HR 2239 “Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011″
2. US Veterans Affairs Disability Regulations More Accepting of IBS
3. Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Side Effect Warnings Boosted In Canada

Prunes were the topic of discussion in a recent debate over their effectiveness in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome constipation. The debate started over a bit of research done by the University of Iowa’s Department of Gastroenterology which suggested that prunes were possibly a more effective treatment option than psyllium husks for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome constipation.

However not all were satisfied with methods or the results of this research. Prof Peter Gibson and dietitian Emma Halmos of Monash University in Melbourne wrote a retort to the journal “Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics”, which is the same journal the original study appeared in. The retort suggested that the prune’s laxative effects were probably due to their large quantity of sorbitol, which itself is used as a laxative when given in high enough of a dosage. Sorbitol is essentially an indigestible sugar & is part of the “fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols” family aka (FODMAPs) of which Prof Peter Gibson and dietitian Emma Halmos have written extensively on. They suggested that too much sorbitol may actually be detrimental to those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, possibly making their symptoms worse by contributing to bloating due gas production from the fermentation of the indigestible sorbitol.

The study original authors wrote back suggesting that sorbitol was not the reason for the positive benefits people received from taking the prunes. They felt that the prune’s fiber, polyphenols & other contents played a larger part than the sorbitol. The response also closed with somewhat of a jab at their detractors by suggesting that they were being overzealous in their desire to make a connection between FODMAPs & Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

My personal feelings are that it could go either way. I know that a lot of people with & without Irritable Bowel Syndrome have issues with sorbitol & other indigestible sugars. Some also have issues with fibrous fruits & vegetables. There are some who can’t handle psyllium husk or prunes, especially those who seemingly have alternating Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. As usual it really depends on the individual & that’s probably the best thing a doctor can gain from this at the moment until more research is done. Treatment should be on an individual level & if something is not working for your patient or making it worse, listen & don’t be afraid to try something different.

Source: Irish Medical Times

Related posts:

1. News: Rifaximin For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes Emotion & Pain Sensitivity To Increase
3. Ironwood’s Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation Drug Seeking European Approval

Magnesium plays an important role in many functions of the human body. It has been linked to helping prevent osteoporosis, diabetes, anxiety, migraines, indigestion, constipation and other ailments. Magnesium is also important for activation of cellular energy(ATP,Adenosine triphosphate). While magnesium is one of the most common elements in the human body most people do not intake enough magnesium on a daily basis.

Those with digestive problems will be looking towards using magnesium for it’s laxative properties. Magnesium is a mineral that attracts water to itself, this is mainly where it’s abilities as a laxative come from. It should not be considered a stimulant laxative. This means that it’s milder, better tolerated & the body is less likely to build an immunity to it.

Which magnesium supplement is more potent?

There are two main types of magnesium used for supplements: magnesium oxide & magnesium citrate. Usually magnesium citrate is considered to be more potent.

Nature’s Bounty Magnesium tablets use only magnesium oxide, while Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex uses a blend of both magnesium oxide & magnesium citrate.In this battle Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex comes out slightly ahead due to the inclusion of magnesium citrate, but they do not specify how much of it is included in the 500mg.

Which magnesium supplement is easier to take?

Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets are smaller & have a coating on them to make them easier to swallow. Keep in mind this is only for their 500mg version. Nature’s Bounty also offers a 250mg version that does not have this coating which gives those tablets a rough texture & makes them start dissolving almost immediately when they come in contact with water.

Nature’s Way is in capsule form. The capsules are rather sizable & may be hard to swallow for some. If you find it hard to swallow you can open the capsule & pour the powdered magnesium into food. This is something that is harder to do with the Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets as you’d have to crush those & crushing coated tablets can be a bit of a pain.

Keep in mind that magnesium has a slightly sour taste & very chalky texture. I would not recommend mixing it into most foods.

Which magnesium supplement is vegetarian safe?

This is where Nature’s Way fails as they use a gelatin capsule which is derived from animal products. Nature’s Bounty on the other hand does not have any animal products & is vegetarian safe.

Which magnesium supplement is a better value?

As far as pricing goes on Amazon.com, Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex barely eeks out a win over Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets. Magnesium is pretty cheap regardless of who you get it from.

How much magnesium should I take?

This really depends on what kind of benefit you get from magnesium. I am currently taking two Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex capsules along with six Nature’s Way Psyllium Husk capsules & two Custom Probiotic CP-1 Adult Formula capsules. It would probably be best to start off with one 500mg tablet or capsule & then maybe go up to two or three later on. I would recommend taking the magnesium with fiber & probiotics to aid in their traversal through the digestive system.

Are there any other brands of magnesium you’d recommend?

Though I haven’t tried it personally, Solgar’s Magnesium Citrate tablets may be better than Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex or Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets. It’s 400mg of pure magnesium citrate in tablet form & vegetarian friendly. If I do try it I’ll post a review about it later.

If you’ve tried magnesium supplements for yourself, feel free to leave a comment & let others know if they’ve helped at all.

Related posts:

1. Review: Nature’s Way Psyllium Husks
2. Review: Custom Probiotics CP-1 50 Billion CFU Adult Formula
3. Review: Iberogast for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The study goes on to also suggest that those who are under stress while only having access to a questionable water or food supply, such as in an active war zone, are considerably more at risk of developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome than the general population.

Researchers used mathematical models to try and link bouts of acute gastroenteritis with later development of IBS. The starting point for the models were all the same with no one in the population having IBS. They then modeled how long it would take for cases of IBS to level off & become a steady percentage of the population. Their model for the general population suggested it would  take 20 years for 8.9% of the population to develop IBS. The model they used suggests that some people may be immune to developing IBS regardless of how many times they have gastroenteritis while others may immediately develop IBS after a single bout of gastroenteritis.

Another analysis was done, but this time including factors such as stress, contaminated water and/or food supply. The analysis only took only a single year to achieve an 8.9% rate in this population. This suggests those win war zones or countries with poor infrastructure are at much greater risk. The study may also shed some light on the numerous reports of Gulf War Syndrome, which usually has a digestive illness component.

It’s important to remember that the models in this study are purely mathematical, though they are based off of real world data. The study suggests that there is a population that is more susceptible to Irritable Bowel Syndrome possibly due to genetic factors. What those factors are is not known. So while this study suggests that gastroenteritis plays a part in triggering IBS, we still don’t know why. Still interesting food for thought.

Study

Related posts:

1. Study: Those With IBS Usually Have Diets That Are Nutritionally Sufficient
2. Study Suggests Cannabis Helpful In Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
3. Giardia Infection Linked to Irritable Bowel & Chronic Fatigue

Visit Functional GI and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011 on Facebook.

Everyone out there who is dealing with a functional gastrointestinal and motility disorder(FGIMD) needs to listen up & get the word out to their friends, family & especially their local US district representative about H.R. 2239 the “Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011“. The goal of the bill is to increase funding for functional & motility related gastrointestinal diseases.

Currently the National Institute of Health(NIH) invests very little money towards research of these diseases.

credit: Crystal Saltrelli - LivingWithGastroparesis.com

H.R. 2239 looks to change this by:

[...] directing the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to provide the necessary funding for continued expansion and advancement of the FGIMDs research portfolio through intramural and extramural research;

[...] directing the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to expand research into FGIMDs that impact children[.]

There are a wide range of FGIMDs that would be covered for research under H.R. 2239:

[...] dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, cyclic vomiting syndrome, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Hirschsprung’s disease, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, bowel incontinence, and many others[...]

This bill would be a great leap forward as far as raising awareness & getting better diagnostic & treatment options for these diseases!

What you need to do!

Contact your local US district representative about H.R. 2239. Make them aware of the bill, tell them about how the disease affects you, a family member or a friend.

How do you get in contact with your representative? Go to Congress.Org & enter your zip code on the right hand side.

Once you enter your zip code you should get a list your Elected Officials. You want to look under “Representatives” which is under “President & Congress” on the left hand side.

States are broken into districts & representatives are elected to each district. In some cases your zip code may overlap multiple districts. You might need to narrow down your representative by entering your full address. Once you have located your local district representative you can either call or e-mail them.

If you choose to call, call their Washington D.C. offices. Ask to speak to a staff member who handles health related legislation. You may get sent to voicemail. That’s fine, leave a message that briefly explains that you’re a constituent of your representatives district, how FGIMDs have affected your life or someone you care about & ask them to “become a cosponsor of H.R. 2239 by contacting Amy Bos in the office of Congressman James Sensenbrenner, Jr.”

You can e-mail them as well. You may need to register at the Congress.Org website or you might be redirected to your representatives website where you can write your message to them. Make sure you include “become a cosponsor of H.R. 2239 by contacting Amy Bos in the office of Congressman James Sensenbrenner, Jr.” somewhere in your message.

Given that I keep odd hours, I opted to e-mail my local rep, David Wu.

I would just like to bring your attention to the house bill HR 2239 “Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011″.

I have personally suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for 14 years and went through an acute case of Gastroparesis for 3 months. Both of these diseases have had a profound & lasting affect on my life. Motility related digestive illnesses greatly affect a person’s quality of life & they greatly impact a person’s social, educational & career endeavors. With almost 20% of Americans facing some form of digestive motility disorder, it’s a shame that there isn’t more funding given to researching these diseases.

I ask that you please become a cosponsor of H.R. 2239 by contacting Amy Bos in the office of Congressman James Sensenbrenner, Jr.

Thank you,
Gabriel Hedges

It doesn’t take much time to drop them a line. It’s only 15 – 20 minutes of your time that could eventually impact the rest of your life.

Specials thanks to Crystal Saltrelli for her great gastroparesis advocacy efforts & the IFFGD.

Visit Functional GI and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2011 on Facebook.

Read the full text of H.R. 2239.

Related posts:

1. David Wu Responds To My H.R. 2239 Inquiry
2. Funky Sleep Linked to Functional Dyspepsia
3. US Veterans Affairs Disability Regulations More Accepting of IBS