Top Story

• Dairy, fruit, veggies can trigger IBS symptoms
  A study done in Norway found lactose and other components of dairy products worsened symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Fruits aggravated symptoms for people who had IBS with diarrhea, while vegetables were a problem for people who had IBS with constipation and diarrhea. DailyRx.com (6/19)

Guide to Healthy Living

• Study links low levels of vitamin B6 with chronic inflammation
  People with low vitamin B6 levels had more indicators of chronic inflammation than did those with higher concentrations, according to a Tufts University study. Inflammation can be a risk factor for stroke, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems, but registered dietitian Joan Salge Blake says that until studies confirm a connection, people should focus on including foods rich in vitamin B6 in their diets rather than taking supplements. WebMD (6/19)

• Hotels warming up to needs of guests who avoid gluten, report says
  Travelers with celiac disease have more gluten-free breakfast bar options at major hotels but still need to wade through cereals, pastries and other foods that may contain the protein, according to TripAdvisor. It can be helpful to talk to a hotel employee about gluten-free options and to ensure gluten-free fare was not prepared in a way that would allow cross-contamination. USA TODAY/Hotel Check-in blog (6/18)

• Chia seeds are an oft-overlooked super food
  Chia seeds are more familiar to most consumers as plants sold in silly-shaped terra cotta pots dubbed "pets," but chia seeds also are a widely overlooked super food with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant. They once were a key component of the Aztec diet as well as used for their medicinal properties. The high-fiber seeds can be munched on their own or included in salads, cereals and juices. Chicago Tribune (6/20)

• Lifestyle changes lead to weight loss and wellness, dietitian says
  Registered dietitian Jill Koegel writes that people should toss out their scales and adopt the idea of "reshaping" their lives with gradual lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss and wellness. She writes that people should begin by evaluating diet patterns and then set six-month, weekly and even daily goals that are written down and checked off as they are achieved. Omaha World-Herald (Neb.)/Livewell Nebraska blog (6/13)

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Osteoarthritis supplement linked to liver injury, study shows
  The botanical flavocoxid or Limbrel, a prescription supplement taken for osteoarthritis, was linked to cases of liver damage that reversed when people stopped using it, Indiana University research showed. An accompanying editorial said adverse events linked to herbal products are generally under-reported. MedPage Today (free registration) (6/19)

• HCV is a problem among homeless, study shows
  A study of Los Angeles homeless adults showed 26.7% tested positive for hepatitis C, but 46% of them did not know they had the disease, according to University of California, Los Angeles, researchers. Of those who knew they had HCV, data showed fewer than 3% had been treated. HealthDay News (6/18)

Policy Watch

• Experts: Wider HCV testing could pose challenges to those seeking insurance
  Insurance experts expressed concern that a government proposal to test baby boomers for hepatitis C could make it difficult for some people to get life, health and long-term care insurance. CDC officials said they are working with insurers, public health agencies, laboratories and other institutions to clarify how testing might work. A decision on the proposal could be made this year. MSNBC/Vitals blog (6/19)

• CDC report examines state of U.S. health in 2011
  Early data from the CDC's 2011 National Health Interview Survey revealed positive trends among Americans, such as more physical activity, reduced smoking and increased pneumonia vaccination rates. However, researchers also found a higher prevalence of obesity and high rates of diabetes in adults aged 65 and older. HealthDay News (6/19)

• Lawmakers drop painkiller restriction language from FDA bill
  A congressional conference committee removed language from an FDA pharmaceutical bill that would have put tighter controls on painkillers and other medications subject to abuse. Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., who led the push for additional restrictions, said his proposal apparently was overcome by lobbying efforts of drugstores and related firms. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (6/18)

The Last Word

News and information from the American College of Gastroenterology

• NSAIDs and ulcers: How to avoid unsuspected damage
  If you're one of millions who take NSAIDs for pain relief, you may be at risk for ulcers and GI bleeding. You can reduce the risk of these common side effects by following a few simple guidelines. Learn important safety tips on the use of NSAIDs.

SmartQuote

The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made." --Groucho Marx, American comedian