Interesting article from The University of Adelaide, Australia could help explain the cause of IBD and other autoimmune diseases. Note the reference to diet and the hygiene hypothesis as part of the disease process.

When I went for my colonoscopy follow-up appointment I figured my doctor would again recommend that I start taking Imuran. I wasn’t about to do that, but I wanted to feel well prepared when I declined so I made a little tool and thought it might interest some of you.

I made a list of the possible treatments for Crohn’s including the usual drug selections, plus low dose naltrexone (LDN), the SCD and even no treatment at all. The list had four columns for each possible treatment;  benefits, side effects, risks and notes. I did my research, filled in all the columns and for me, the risks column is what I hung my decision on.

For what it’s worth, here’s a PDF of the tool for you to use.

I thought about just giving you a copy of the one I filled out, but I believe the benefits, risks and notes columns can be very subjective. For instance, something I might consider a risk, you may consider a side effect given your particular situation, needs and goals.

Be sure to talk to your doctor and research the web for any other drugs or treatments.

If you want the background on the colonscopy experience, see these two posts.

-Paul

Just a note to let you know that I’ve changed addresses. I’ve moved from “eatingscd.wordpress.com” to “eatingscd.com”.

I think that your links and RSS feeds should continue to work, but if they do break you’ll know why.

-Paul

Synesthesia: noun:

1. A physiological or psychological phenomenon whereby a particular sensory stimulus triggers a second kind of sensation.

Example: “That music smells like fresh cut grass.”

Better example:

What I have seen:

• A steady stream of studies linking gut flora and/or probiotics to immune system. Here’s one from the American Physiological Society and  another from the Garvan Institute.

What I have not seen:

• Studies that disprove a connection between gut flora and immune system.
• Studies that show that the SCD is harmful.

I don’t know if my perceptions are a result of paying close attention to this area for the past five years, but I’m optimistic that the western medical establishment will one day tell it’s IBD patients that there are ways to improve the quality of their lives other than drugs alone.

Will it be in my lifetime? What’s your bet good reader?

Have you ever had butterflies in your stomach?  How about spiders in your colon?

Italian scientists are developing a remotely controlled pill cam that can crawl around and examine your colon. Creepy.

Link to story with video. Commercial proceeds video.

This just blew my mind.

I was watching The Office on television when a couple of the characters announced that they were expecting a baby. The assembled staff shouted out various things and I swore that I heard someone off camera say, “Don’t vaccinate it”. I was stunned and unsure my ears heard right so I went to hulu.com to watch it again and sure enough, just after the eighteen minute mark someone rings out “Don’t vaccinate it”.

I suspect that more than a couple of you are sensitive to the vaccination issue. Are you as surprised as I was that a major networks would let this get out? Was it a mistake? Do you think someone got fired for it? Do you think NBC got a call or two from big pharma?

Check it out here. UPDATE 10.23.09 – Video is no longer available.

I finally made it to the Asian market to replenish my supply of big flavor. I like Kadoya’s sesame oil for the character it adds to anything from stir-fry to salad dressing. I didn’t use it much pre-SCD, but now it’s a staple in my oil-as-flavor arsenal.

It’s much darker and bolder than the sesame oils I’ve been able to find in my regular grocery store and gives me an excuse to wander around the always interesting Asian market.

A sobering look at genetically modified foods.