Who Should Avoid Wheat, Pork, Beef, and Soya Beans? Professor David Demko, PhD AgeVenture Syndicated News Service 07-21-05 As the old saying goes, "You are what you eat". And that's exactly what new medical research confirms. Those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are in greater pain when they eat certain foods now known to increase their symptoms. Reporting in the July 2005 issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology (AJG), researchers have determined that antibodies in common foods such as wheat, beef, pork, lamb, and soya bean present a health hazard to those who suffer from IBS. According to recent findings, IBS patients appear to have elevated sensitivity to food-specific antibodies (IgG4). Medical research now suggests that hyper-sensitivity to certain foods plays a significant role in IBS. In fact, regardless of the IBS patient's symptoms (diarrhea, constipation, etc), all were found to test positive for food-specific antibodies. The presence of these antibodies was determined by a skin-prick blood test. Irritable bowel syndrome increases discomfort and reduces one's quality life. Author of the July 2005 AJG research article, Dr. Devinder Kumar of Saint Georges Hospital in London states, "With this simple (blood) test, we have scientifically shown that these symptoms may be due to the body's response to what we eat in our daily diet. It opens up a new avenue for the management of this large and complex group of patients." Current research shows that the prevalence of food hyper-sensitivities in the general population is about 5%. Nearly 7 out of 10 IBS patients attribute their symptoms to food allergies. As a result of the new research findings, medical scientists can now address the treatment of IBS by prescribing dietary regimens that exclude certain hyper-sensitive foods from the patient's daily diet. This new avenue of IBS research and treatment shows great promise. The findings, while preliminary, are a welcome addition to the body of knowledge for scientists, and a welcome relief from pain for those who suffer. Those now suffering from IBS should bring this new study to the attention of their health care provider. See related articles in AgeVenture archives. AgeVenture Headline News AgeVenture Lifestyle Features AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com BACK TO TOP