August 10, 2000 Research Update

H. pylori eradication and NSAIDs: effects on ulcers

First, I think that there are too many questions about H. pylori's effect on ulcers. Some researchers say it is supposed to be there, some say H. pylori is an infection and needs to be medicated, yet others suggests that H. pylori protects against reflux disease. Next, (and here comes my chiropractic viewpoint) what is the reason the patient is taking the NSAIDs and can the problem be fixed so the drug is not needed??

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 14 (7), 879-885 Eradication of H. pylori prior to NSAID therapy significantly reduces the level of apoptosis in the gastric mucosa, which may contribute to maintaining mucosa integrity and preventing ulcer development.

Duodenal ulcer: Evidence for the possible role of dietary lipids

There are many substances in nature that can help with ulcers. Licorice, cabbage. This study suggests that specific lipids can protect against ulcers.

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 15 (6), 610-616 The experiments confirm the presence of a lipid in certain staple foods that have protective and healing properties in experimental peptic ulcer animal models. The differences in the prevalence of duodenal ulceration between different regions in some developing countries with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection might be explained by the presence or absence of protective lipids or ulcerogenic factors in the staple diet.

Fatty acids reduce movement of protein across intestinal epithelium

It is common knowledge that fish oil can help with Crohn's disease. This article suggests a mechanism for this benefit. Certain good fats can stablize the gastrointestinal tract's ability to keep bad stuff out of the body.

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 15 (6), 626-631 Both w-3 and w-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce transcellular, non-receptor-mediated permeation of proteins across differentiated Caco2 cell monolayers, without altering paracellular permeability. Alteration of intestinal barrier function should be considered as a possible mechanism of action of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Mercury poisoning associated with a Mexican beauty cream** There are many examples of certain "health products" actually being high in certain heavy metals which damage our bodies. Shark cartilage can be an excellent example. wjm -- Abstracts: Weldon et al. 173 (1): 15 http://www.ewjm.com/cgi/content/abstract/173/1/15

Plant sterol and stanol margarines and health

Many studies are supporting the ability of this new plant based margarine to lower cholesterol levels. This is a very good review article.

wjm -- Law 173 (1): 43 http://www.ewjm.com/cgi/content/full/173/1/43