Ulcerative Colitis and probiotics

Dear Sophia,

Glutamine feeds the tissue of the small intestine enabling the villi to grow and improve absorption of nutrients across the cell membrane more efficiently. Research shows that it is essential in the repair of the intestinal lining, along with many, many other functions throughout the body.

I'm not sure where you found L-glutamine would produce diarrhea. In fact, it is generally suggested that in fact, it will solidify stool. I was just reading an article from the University of Maryland Medical Center, a rather reputable institution, relating the positive effect of glutamine combatting diarrhea. Contraindications for glutamine are liver or kidney issues, or manic-depressive diagnoses. Please type in L-glutamine in your search engine, and you will find a lot of information. However, if you are concerned, probiotics also help to heal and repair the lining as well.

As far as build-up of probiotics in your system - with UC, you need so much more than simply probiotics, although they are fantastic. And healing your intestine is a long term committment! Please contact my assistant at jsinclaire@renewlife.com and she will send you the chapter from my new book on Ulcerative Colitis, which will suggest some healing protocols along with valuable understandings about your gut. btw, that book, Road to Perfect Health, is available through pledge to your local PBS station.

I hope this helps!

Brenda Watson