Desi News Corp - Index

Desi News Corp - Desi News - July 2009 - Index

Persistent bloating, gut
discomfort, gas and
diarrhoea are symptoms
common to many types of
digestive problems, one of
them being small intestinal
bacterial overgrowth.
Antibiotics are sometimes
effective at eliminating symptoms,
but may be needed on an
on-going basis.
Homeopathy offers hope for
those struggling for relief from
digestive troubles.
Though the ability of antibiotics
to relieve symptoms of
irritable bowel syndrome remains
the exception rather than
the rule, bacterial overgrowth
may be a reasonable avenue to
explore in those with persistent
digestive problems – especially
with evidence of malnutrition
or poor nutrient absorption.
Bacteria are naturally kept
under control by the immune
system and the coordinated
action of the intestinal muscles
that propel food and bacteria
toward the colon.
When you can’t stomach it
When an aspect of this
system is compromised, bacterial
overgrowth may occur.
Potential causes include:
• Outpouchings in the wall
of the small intestine or certain
surgical procedures that result
in a section of the small intestine
without normal intestinal
movement (blind loop). Bacteria
thrive in this hideaway.
• Scleroderma and Crohn’s
disease, which can cause hardening
and scarring of intestinal
tissues, compromising movement
within the small intestine.
Disorders such as diabetes may
contribute to bacterial overgrowth,
leading to diminished
immune and small intestine
mechanical function.
Excessive bacteria in the
small intestine can result in gas,
bloating, grumbling gut, abdominal
discomfort, flatulence
and diarrhoea.
Bacterial overgrowth may
lead to malnutrition and weight
loss. It can cause inflammation
and damage the lining of the
small intestine, limiting the
body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Bacteria also compete with
the body for nutrients, particularly
vitamin B-12.
The test for diagnosing bacterial
overgrowth involves inserting
a thin, flexible tube
(endoscope) into the mouth and
to the upper part of the small
intestine. Fluid is extracted to
be tested for bacteria count. A
biopsy of the wall of the
intestine may be taken for evidence
of abnormal tissues or
inflammation.
Additional clues may suggest
bacterial overgrowth.
These include:
• Evidence of poor nutrient
absorption with weight loss,
foul smelling, greasy stools or
a positive stool-fat test, anaemia,
vitamin B-12 deficiency or
excess of folate or vitamin K.
HOMEOPATH DR.
RANVIR SHARDA
can be reached at
416-727-9199
• Hydrogen
breath
test. Sugars
passing
through the
s m a l l
intestine
should remain
undigested
but
the digestion
of certain
sugars by bacteria
produces hydrogen, which is
absorbed into the bloodstream
and exhaled through the lungs,
where it can be measured.
The underlying cause of
most bacterial overgrowth is
usually an anatomical problem
involving the small bowel. The
present medical system uses
antibiotics to manage it.
But the root causes remain
and overgrowth often returns
within a year.
Homeopaths manage the
treatment through symptoms
and cure the patient by getting
to the root of the problem.
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July 2009 Desi News 41