IBD Archives - Granite Peaks Gastroenterology of Utah

Adjust Expectations During Shelter in Place

Posted on April 9, 2020October 19, 2020 by Granite Peaks

Granite Peaks GI Staff

4/09/2020

Part of the frustration that can come with this sort of change to our normal daily life is sustaining our normal expectations while living and working in an abnormal way. This goes for how we work, how we eat, how we exercise, how we create, sleep and plan. The secret to avoiding some of the frustration is to adjust our expectations – for now.

If you’re working reduced hours whether at home or at your place of work, you are likely able to adjust your schedule and some expectations. This is a great opportunity to build some new, positive habits by planning ahead to use your time wisely and productively.

Awaken at the same time. Try to keep it around your usual time so there won’t be a big adjustment when you go back to work full-time.
Use your commute time. If you aren’t commuting, use the extra time to ease into your morning with 10-30 minutes of exercise, meditation, reading, and a healthy breakfast. No, you can’t go to the gym right now, but you can figure out some ways to keep up some of your routine from home. Meditation (look online for free options for guided meditation) can help create mindfulness and ease anxiety during this unusual time.
Take a break from at-home work. If you’re used to grinding through the workday without breaks, rethink that. A break gives your mind and body the reprieve it needs. Those with children or family at home can use the time to reconnect with them and enjoy each other’s company. Have lunch outdoors on good-weather days to recharge and ready yourself for the afternoon’s work. That’s better than the work lunchroom any day!
Adjust expectations of your kids. If you have kids, you know this time has been tough on them and on you. They’re not in their normal routine, they can’t see their friends, they can’t even go to the playground at the park. That’s a recipe for tension and mayhem. So, you’re it! You’re in charge of their schooling, daycare, mind-filling and energy-burning activities – while you’re trying to work from home. Create a schedule of activities including learning, chores, creative play, outdoor and nap/quiet times. If you need to discuss adjusted work hours/expectations with your supervisor to accommodate this unusual situation, do it. Check the Workforce Services website if you have questions about your rights or eligibility for benefits surrounding daycare and your work hours.
If your work hours are over earlier than usual, plan to get outdoors for some exercise and fresh air, start a project you’ve been waiting to do, catch up on correspondence and reading, and remember to play. Make a list and schedule certain days or times for certain activities. Planning is key to making the most of your time at home the same way it is at work.
Eat healthy. Now is the time to learn how to properly meal-plan and shop for only those things you need to make your week’s meals. It’s not the time to indulge (too much) with unnecessary, unhealthy items. There are online planning tools to help you build a healthy, delicious week of meals. Remember to wear your facemask at the store and wash your hands thoroughly before and after you shop.
Adjust your TV consumption. Don’t overdose on news about the pandemic. Get one daily news report and move on to entertaining or educational programming. Choose the time you will stop watching television and begin winding down for a reasonable bedtime to allow for 8 hours of rest. Rest is an important part of staying healthy. This is an easy one – you can do it.
Shut off the TV. Even better! Now is a great to play games, work puzzles or work on projects alone or with your family. This is an adjustment that you can enjoy living with.

For those with digestive health issues, be sure to stock up on the items that keep you feeling healthy and keep your digestive system running smoothly. Whether you have celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other digestive health issues, be sure you are taking the precautions necessary to stay well. If you are immunocompromised, do what you can to minimize your risk of contracting the virus. Plan daily exercise and dietary goals for staying well.

Know that your providers at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology are available to you, even during the COVID-19 situation. We have telehealth appointments available that let you connect with your GI provider from the safety and privacy of your home. It’s easy to set up, convenient and safe!

For those who have symptoms that may necessitate an in-person appointment, our clinic is making it safe for you to come in to see us. We are scheduling patients to allow for social distancing, pre-screening patients, performing extra cleaning steps between patients and wearing personal protective equipment.

For now, we are all adjusting expectations and actions to stay well and avoid either contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others, and it’s working. Keep up the good work, Utah! We wish everyone safe and healthy days ahead.

Eating Healthy for Your GI Condition

Posted on May 21, 2019September 12, 2019 by fuelmarketing

By Granite Peaks Gastroenterology

Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to give your body the right kind of fuel for good health and healthy weight management. In general, maintaining a healthy weight puts less pressure on the gastrointestinal (GI) system, decreasing symptoms for many GI conditions.

However, some healthy foods can cause increased symptoms for individuals suffering with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Celiac disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Raw vegetables, whole wheat or grains, and high-fructose fruits can aggravate the gut, increasing unpleasant symptoms because the body may have a harder time digesting such foods.

The goal is to eat the healthiest diet that agrees with your system to obtain the best nutrition while avoiding uncomfortable symptoms. Good nutrition supports the entire body and balancing a nutritious diet within the limits of your body’s digestive tolerance levels will achieve good health and a good GI state.

If you, or someone you know, has gastrointestinal issues, consult one of the gastroenterology specialists at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology in Sandy or Lehi. If you have a condition that may require adjustment to your diet, they can help you make the right choices to live a healthy life without the discomfort of GI symptoms.

Are you Lactose Intolerant?

Posted on January 25, 2018February 2, 2018 by

OVERVIEW
Lactose is the sugar found in milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. After eating dairy products that contain this sugar, usually lactase, a digestive enzyme of the small intestine, helps to breakdown this complex sugar into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose. These simple sugars are then absorbed in the small intestine and ultimately reach the blood stream where they act as nutrients. The enzyme lactase is located in the lining of the small intestine known as the intestinal villi.

In addition to milk and dairy products such as ice cream, yogurt and cheese, lactose can be found in bread and baked goods, processed breakfast cereals, instant potatoes, some soups and non-kosher lunch meats, candies, dressings and mixes for pancakes and biscuits. Lactose is also the sugar found in breast milk and standard infant formulas. Therefore almost all babies are able to digest and absorb this sugar and it serves as their primary dietary sugar.

SYMPTOMS
Because lactose is not digested properly in the small intestine of individuals who are lactose intolerant, it passes whole into the large intestine or colon. Upon reaching the colon it is broken down by the normal colon bacteria. This breakdown results in the production of carbon dioxide and hydrogen gases. The gas production can lead to the following common symptoms:

• Abdominal distension and pain
• Excess burping
• Loud bowel sounds
• Excess gas and diarrhea following ingestion of lactose.
• Watery and explosive bowel movements
• Urgency with bowel movements, which means that children feel that they have to get to the bathroom immediately or they will have an accident.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can start during childhood or adolescence and tend to get worse with age. The severity of symptoms is usually proportional to the amount of the milk sugar ingested with more symptoms following a meal with higher milk sugar content.

Although eating lactose-containing products will result in discomfort for someone who is lactose intolerant, they are not at risk of developing more serious intestinal disease because of long-term lactose malabsorption. The only exception to this would be for babies who are born with primary lactase deficiency or children with secondary lactase deficiency as discussed below.

CAUSES
Primary Lactase Deficiency: This condition is very rare and occurs when babies are born with a deficiency or absence of the enzyme lactase. Babies inherit this condition by getting one gene that causes this problem from each of their parents, even though both parents may be lactose tolerant. These babies require a specialized formula with another type of sugar such as sucrose (present in table sugar), which they are able to digest.

Secondary Lactase Deficiency: The most common cause of temporary lactose intolerance in infants and young children is infection that affects the gastrointestinal tract and can damage the lining of the small intestine.

Rotavirus and Giardia are two common organisms that cause damage to the surface of the small intestine resulting in temporary lactose intolerance. Older infants and young children will commonly be infected by a rotavirus. The symptoms of rotavirus infection symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (frequent, watery stools), and fever. Giardia is a parasite that is found in well water and fresh water from lakes and streams. Treatment of giardia infection with antibiotics will resolve the lactose intolerance.

Secondary lactase deficiency can also be due to Celiac disease, which is intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, barley and other grains. Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, can lead to secondary lactase deficiency as well. Once each of these conditions is treated, the lactase deficiency will resolve. The lactose intolerance usually resolves within three to four weeks when the lining of the intestines returns to normal.

Acquired Lactase Deficiency: Many individuals acquire lactose intolerance as they get older. It is estimated that approximately one-half of adults in the United States have acquired lactase deficiency. This condition is due to a normal decline in the amount of the enzyme lactase present in the small intestine as we age. Although lactose is an important part of the diet in infants and young children it represents only 10% of the carbohydrate (sugar) intake in adults. However, individuals who are lactose intolerant may not be able to tolerate even small amounts of this sugar in their diet.

Lactose intolerance occurs more frequently in certain families. One of the most important factors affecting the rate of developing lactose intolerance is an individual’s ethnic background. Approximately 15% of adult Caucasians, and 85% of adult African Americans in the United States are lactose intolerant. The rate of lactose intolerance is also very high in individuals of Asian descent, Hispanic descent, Native Americans and Jewish individuals.

DIAGNOSIS
Lactose intolerance is diagnosed by a simple test called a hydrogen breath test. After an overnight fast before the test, an individual breathes into a bag and then drinks a specified amount of the milk sugar in the form of a syrup. In adults this corresponds to the amount of milk sugar in a quart of milk. Subsequent breath samples are taken for up to three hours. The breath that they exhale into the bag is analyzed to determine its hydrogen content. During the course of the test individuals who are lactose intolerant will have an increase in the amount of hydrogen that they exhale. If the values for hydrogen increase above a certain value, the diagnosis of lactose intolerance is made. Patients who are lactose intolerant may also develop their typical symptoms during the test.

In younger children or in children who cannot tolerate the breath test, removal of lactose from the diet and possible supplementation with lactase can be done for 2-4 weeks to see if this improves the symptoms.

Treatment
The best treatment of lactose intolerance is a combination of dietary modification and taking a supplement to aid in digestion of lactose. Individuals who are lactose intolerant should meet with a dietician to review the sources of lactose in their diet. Some reduction in the daily lactose consumption is usually required. When an individual is going to be eating a food that contains lactose they should take a commercially available non-prescription lactase supplement at the time of lactose ingestion. This type of supplement can be taken throughout the day whenever lactose is ingested. Some individuals will be less lactose intolerant and therefore will be able to tolerate comparatively larger amounts of lactose. Alternatives to milk for lactose intolerant individuals include products such as soy milk. If an individual is restricting their milk/ dairy intake it is important to ensure adequate supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D in the diet. This is especially important for pediatric patients and women.

Recommended daily calcium intakes:
1-3 years of age: 500 mg
4-8 years of age: 800 mg
9-24 years of age: 1300 mg
Age 25 and above: 800-1000 mg
Pregnant and nursing women: 1200 mg

Author(s) and Publication Date(s)

Marsha H. Kay, MD, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, and Anthony F. Porto, MD, MPH, Yale University/Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT – Updated December 2012.

Marsha H. Kay, MD, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, and Vasundhara Tolia, MD, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI – Published September 2004.

IBD-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Posted on November 13, 2017January 19, 2018 by fuelmarketing

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means comfort food and delicious treats. Living with IBD and eating some of these Thanksgiving foods could upset your symptoms, however, we have some yummy solutions. Here are two IBD-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that everyone at the table will surely love!

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

Ingredients
1 whole bone-in turkey breast, 6 1/2 to 7 pounds
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons good olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup dry white wine

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, mustard, herbs, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to make a paste. Loosen the skin from the meat gently with your fingers and smear half of the paste directly on the meat.

Spread the remaining paste evenly on the skin. Pour the wine into the bottom of the roasting pan.

Roast the turkey for 1 3/4 to 2 hours, until the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F when inserted into the thickest and meatiest areas of the breast. (I test in several places.) If the skin is over-browning, cover the breast loosely with aluminum foil. When the turkey is done, cover with foil and allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Slice and serve with the pan juices spooned over the turkey.

Source: https://insitedigestive.com/healthy-ibd-friendly-recipes/

Herbed Poultry Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients
2 tbs. olive oil
1 cup onions, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 tsp. rubbed sage
1/4 tsp. thyme
3/4 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup chicken stock
4 cups plain stuffing croutons
4 tbs. olive oil

Directions
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, garlic and onions. Sauté the onions and garlic until they have become soft and translucent. Add the sage and thyme and continue cooking for 2 minutes.

Add the cranberry juice and chicken stock to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the olive oil and stuffing croutons. Using a large spoon thoroughly mix the stuffing.

Transfer the stuffing to a casserole dish. Bake the stuffing for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Cover the casserole for moist stuffing or leave uncovered for a crispier top.

(Recipe serves 4.)

Source: http://www.colitiscookbook.com/side-dish-recipes/herbed-poultry-stuffing-serves-4/

Preventive Care In Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Posted on December 13, 2016April 18, 2019 by fuelmarketing

You trust your gastroenterologist to help you make the right decisions regarding medical therapy of your ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. But is everything being done to prevent other diseases associated with your inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Despite published guidelines, vaccination and preventive screening rates are unacceptably low among patients with IBD. The following is a list of preventive strategies you should discuss with your gastroenterologist in order to maximize your health care:

Colonoscopy – IBD increases one’s risk of colon cancer by 4 fold. It is recommended that patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease involving the colon undergo a colonoscopy with surveillance biopsies every 1-3 years starting 8 years after the initial diagnosis.

Vaccinations – This is important for all patients with IBD, but especially those that are immunosuppressed (those taking medications such as prednisone, Imuran, 6-MP, Remicade, or Humira):

– Influenza: Every patient with IBD should receive a yearly flu shot (intramuscular, inactivated vaccine)
– Pneumococcus: Every immunosuppressed patient with IBD should have a pneumococcal vaccine, with a booster in 5 years
– Hepatitis B: All children should receive a hepatitis B vaccination series, but this is especially important for IBD patients who are immunosuppressed.
– HPV: This should be given to all males and females up to 26 years of age.
– Tdap: This should be given to all patients every 10 years.
– Meningococcus: This vaccine should be given to immunosuppressed patients with IBD every 5 years.
– The following LIVE vaccines should be administered BEFORE a patient is started on an immunosuppressant, and NEVER when they are already on an immunosuppressant: intranasal influenza, varicella, zoster, MMR, rotavirus, oral polio.

Skin exam – There is an increased risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients with IBD. Imuran and 6-MP may increase the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, while biologic therapy (Remicade, Humira) may increase the risk of melanoma. Every immunosuppressed patient with IBD should undergo a yearly skin exam by a dermatologist, and they should be counseled to wear sunscreen and avoid excess sun exposure.

PAP smear – Immunosuppressed women with IBD have an increased prevalence of abnormal PAP smears and cervical cancer. Therefore all of these patients should undergo a yearly PAP smear.

Bone density scan – Osteoporosis is found in 15% of patients with IBD, and their fracture risk is increased by 40%. Chronic steroid use is a major risk factor for osteoporosis as well. Postmenopausal women, older men, and patients on long-term steroids should undergo a DEXA scan. An argument can also be made for having all patients with IBD undergo a DEXA scan for a baseline measurement.

Eye exam – Patients with IBD are at increased risk of developing episcleritis which causes burning and itching of the eye, and uveitis which may lead to eye pain, blurred vision, and headaches. Steroids may increase the risk of glaucoma and cataracts. All patients with IBD should undergo an eye exam every 1-2 years.

Smoking cessation – Smoking worsens Crohn’s disease. It is linked to a more complicated course of Crohn’s disease and an increased requirement for steroids, immunosuppressants, and surgery. All patients with Crohn’s disease should be advised to stop smoking.

Avoidance of NSAIDs – The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may increase flares of IBD and should be minimized.

Blood work – Patients with IBD are at increased risk for anemia and liver conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis. Patients should have labs drawn for a CBC and CMP yearly. Consideration should also be given to checking yearly labs for vitamin D levels and for vitamin B12 levels in patient with Crohn’s disease of the terminal ileum. Patients receiving Imuran or 6-MP should have labs drawn more frequently.

Exercise – All patients with IBD should exercise regularly and try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Consideration should also be given to a daily multivitamin, 1000-1500 mg of calcium daily, and 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily.

Please contact your provider at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology if you have any questions.

Important Things to Know About Pregnancy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Posted on August 11, 2016June 14, 2017 by fuelmarketing

By Dr. Christopher Cutler

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Many women worry about how pregnancy can affect their IBD, and more importantly,how treatment for IBD may affect their baby. However, with appropriate treatment and follow up, most women can have a normal pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.

Fertility
For patients whose IBD is in remission, the chance of becoming pregnant is the same as the general population. However, for patients with active disease, there may be a decrease in fertility. Therefore, women with inflammatory bowel disease should attempt conception at a time when they have no symptoms. Prior extensive abdominal and pelvic surgery may also decrease fertility by scarring the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Certain medications can decrease fertility in men. The use of sulfasalazine in men may cause a reversible decrease in sperm production.

Genetics
Children of parents with IBD are 3-20 times more likely to develop Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis than the general population. If the mother has IBD, the risk of passing it on to her child is 4-8%. If both parents have inflammatory bowel disease, the risk can increase to up to 30%.

Disease activity
Two thirds of women with inactive disease at the time of conception remain in remission throughout the pregnancy. However, should a relapse occur, it usually occurs during the first trimester. 70% of patients with active disease at the time of conception have continuous or worsening symptoms throughout the pregnancy. Disease activity in the first pregnancy does not predict problems with future pregnancies.

Birth outcomes
Pregnant women with Crohn’s disease may be at increased risk of having an infant with low birth weight or experiencing premature delivery.

Procedures during pregnancy
Endoscopy during pregnancy should be performed only if there is a strong indication to do so and even then, the procedure should be postponed until the second trimester if possible. However, flexible sigmoidoscopy carries a low risk in any trimester. The data on colonoscopies is limited. Propofol sedation is safe, but should be administered by an anesthesia provider. CAT scans and plain X-rays should be avoided. Ultrasounds and MRIs (without contrast) can be safely performed during pregnancy.

IBD medications during pregnancy

Sulfasalazine – Use is safe during pregnancy but women should be sure to also take folic acid 2 mg daily. Sulfasalazine use in men may cause a decreased sperm production. Therefore, men should stop sulfasalazine and start a 5-ASA medication 4-6 months before planned conception.

5-ASA medications – These medications are generally safe during pregnancy. However, the enteric coating on Asacol and Asacol-HD may be harmful to the fetus, and thus these two 5-ASA medications should not be used by pregnant women as a treatment for IBD.

Steroids – The use of prednisone and budesonide (Entocort or Uceris) overall is safe, but the lowest dose to control symptoms should be used. Use should be avoided during the first trimester due to the risk of oral clefts. Long-term use in the mother may also increase the risk of fetal adrenal insufficiency and low birth weight infants. Women on steroids may also be more likely to develop gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-MP – The use of these medications is a bit controversial. They may be associated with preterm birth, but not with birth defects. They should be continued if IBD symptoms can’t be managed with other medications.

Methotrexate – The use of methotrexate is contraindicated in pregnancy. It may cause miscarriages and birth defects. It should be stopped both in men and in women six months prior to planned conception.

Inflimab (Remicade) – The use of biologics in pregnancy is safe. The main concern is transport of the medication throughout the umbilical cord to the baby during the third trimester. This may increase the risk of infection and lead to a suboptimal response to vaccines. Thus, if patients are doing well and their disease is controlled, Remicade should be stopped 8-10 weeks before the estimated due date. Babies should not receive live vaccines for the first six months of life.

Adalimumab (Humira) – This is safe in pregnancy, but like Remicade, it may cross the placenta and thus should be discontinued 4-5 weeks prior to the expected due date.

Vedolizumab (Entyvio) – This is safe in pregnancy, but should also be stopped 8-10 weeks prior to delivery.

Certolizumab (Cimzia) – Unlike the other biologics, there is minimal placental transfer of Cimzia, thus it can be continued throughout the pregnancy.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) – Short courses are probably safe, but not during the first trimester.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) – This medication is not recommended during pregnancy due to its effect on growing cartilage.

Lomotil and Imodium – The safety of these medications is controversial, and thus they should be avoided during pregnancy.

Delivery
Most women with IBD can undergo vaginal deliveries. However, women with active perianal disease, active Crohn’s disease of the rectum, and a prior colon resection with ileoanal anastomosis should probably undergo a cesarean section.

Inflammatory bowel disease has implications on fertility, pregnancy, and delivery. Before becoming pregnant, patients with IBD are encouraged to discuss their plans with their gastroenterologist and obstetrician to ensure a safe, healthy pregnancy.

The Future of IBD Treatment

Posted on January 25, 2016June 14, 2017 by fuelmarketing

Over a million Americans suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease every day. Now, a new drug may be available soon to change the entire face of the disease for those who suffer.

Second Genome, Inc. is a leader in the development of medicines using the bacteria that already exists in the human body. Each human body has a microbiome, comprised of an estimated 100 trillion bacteria. Second Genome is using innovative scientific methods to use these bacteria for IBD treatment and other diseases that are currently under treated in the medical field.

The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both cause the GI tract to swell, making it difficult to digest food, absorb nutrition, and eliminate waste. The new drug, called SGM-1019, was announced in January 2015 as a molecule inhibitor, meaning it identifies and prevents the original driver of IBD through the body’s own microbiome system. If effective, it may have the ability to completely treat IBD safely and effectively with little or no side effects. The drug is delivered orally, and contains a small molecule that may be able to prevent IBD symptoms completely.

“Our scientists have identified a novel and important relationship between microbiome modulation of the target of SGM-1019 and inflammatory bowel disease. SGM-1019 has the potential to address a critical unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease treatment as a safe and well-tolerated oral therapy with an important disease modifying effect,” says Peter DiLaura, President, and CEO of Second Genome.

As of now, the drug is called SGM-1019 and is entering Phase I of a clinical trial. It has already completed a double blind, placebo controlled test, which went well and was successful with no significant adverse events. The next step in the Phase I trial is to explore multiple ascending doses to identify an optimal dose for future studies. Ideally, the Phase I trial should be completed later this year, although it may take much longer for the drug to make it to pharmacy shelves.

The goal of IBD treatment is to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. Currently, there is no single ideal therapy for the treatment of the disease. However, there are several treatment options, including prescription antibiotics, corticosteroids, Aminosalicylates, and immunomodulators. Still, not every medication works for every patient, and there is no absolute cure. Second Genome’s platform is based in microbiome science, aiming to transform lives with medicines developed through this innovative science to treat multiple diseases where needs are currently not being met.

The genius of Second Genome’s proprietary Microbiome Discovery Platform is the ability to explain the complex relationship between the microbiome and the human body. Once this relationship is explored, Second Genome can isolate and identify more microbiome modulated drug targets. Second Genome obtained exclusive rights to SGM-1019 from an undisclosed biopharmaceutical partner.

At Granite Peaks we can treat your IBD conditions.

Site of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Crucial

Posted on November 18, 2015December 4, 2018 by fuelmarketing

At Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, we keep up with current literature. We thought our patients would find this article interesting regarding recent research on inflammatory bowel disease.

Continue reading “Site of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Crucial”

When You Need a Restroom FAST!

Posted on October 14, 2013March 16, 2017 by fuelmarketing

Ally Bain is in her twenties now, but when she was 14, a humiliating experience prompted her mom to push for passing Ally’s Law in Illinois- also known as The Restroom Access Act. While shopping at a popular clothing store, Ally, who had been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, needed to suddenly use the restroom. This chronic illness affects the digestive system and when it flares up, a restroom is needed within minutes. Despite explaining the medical conditions, Ally was denied access to the employee’s restroom and suffered an embarrassing accident.

Since then, at least 14 states have passed versions of Ally’s Law. The law requires retail establishments that have employee restrooms to allow customers to use the facilities if they suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other medical conditions (some include pregnancy) requiring immediate access to a toilet.

Generally, customers can present a document signed by a medical provider attesting to their need for immediate access to a restroom. Another option is securing a card through the Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD. This Medical Alert Restroom Access Pass helps those affected by Crohn’s and colitis around the nation. The card is available on the organization’s site at http://www.mountsinai.org/ibd-center, and reads:

“The holder of this card has Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Colitis is painful and requires immediate access to a toilet facility. This patient cannot physically ‘hold it’. Please make your restroom available.”

While Utah has not yet passed such a law, this card may be persuasive if you find yourself in a situation without much time to explain. If you’re interested in pursuing Ally’s Law, speak with your local representative; you can find them by visiting this site:
http://www.utah.gov/government/countymap.html

If you or someone you know may have IBD, call (801) 619-9000 or visit this link to schedule an appointment. Granite Peaks Gastroenterology physicians are welcoming new patients, and are able to see patients within one week. Also, you don’t need a physician referral to be seen!