Good Bacteria Helps Persons With IBD

DANBURY — Doctors are finding that adding bacteria to one’s diet, in addition to eating certain foods, can help people suffering with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Taking “probiotics” or good bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidus, can help balance the flora in one’s digestive tract. In addition, eating “prebiotics,” certain foods like garlic and artichokes that contain nutrients and enzymes, can also balance the system.

“Bacteria is the fuel required to feed the fire of inflammation,” said Joan Culpepper-Morgan, MD, a gastroenterologist with Danbury Hospital’s Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology. IBD is so pervasive that Danbury Hospital recently sponsored an educational meeting on how to manage the problem, in conjunction with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

“Inflammatory bowel disease is a field that is evolving rapidly,” said Joseph Fiorito, MD, chief of Danbury Hospital’s Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, who moderated the meeting.

Dr.Culpepper-Morgan spoke about the importance of using probiotics and prebiotics, while gastroenterologist Scott Estabrook, MD, discussed medications, such as the controversial Remicade. Surgeon Stuart Bussell, MD, discussed the latest options in colorectal surgery.

While the approach of using probiotics to treat IBD is new, it has been found to be effective. Commensal bacteria, or good bacteria, live normally in the body, but can get out of balance with the bad bacteria. Crohn’s patients, for example, she said, have more bad bacteria in their intestinal tract than good bacteria. They then react to this imbalance with an immune response. Adding good bacteria helps the imbalance, said Dr Culpepper-Morgan.

Prebiotics — nondigested carbohydrates found in foods like garlic and artichokes — can also help, she said. Prebiotics, including bran and psyllium, can stimulate the growth of good bacteria. This kind of therapy is good for IBD patients to maintain remission, she said.

With all the controversy about Remicade, a drug used to treat Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, Dr Estabrook talked about all types of medications. “Remicade is controversial,” he said, “most doctors don’t embark on it lightly.” However, it is helpful to many patients with severe cases of the disease.

Anyone who has questions about IBD, should contact a doctor, or visit the Danbury Hospital website, www.danburyhospital.org or the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America at www.CCFA.org.