This week I have a collection of articles and resources from around the internet, on various topics of interest to IBDers.

Parasitic worm treatment for Crohn’s

This recent article on the use of parasitic worms in auto-immune disorders follows a series of news items released in 2004 on the effectiveness of pig whipworm for Crohn’s disease. The worms can be purchased direct from Ovamed (shipped to Europe, USA and Australia). Keah, who is a forum moderator on the HealingWell.com Crohn’s community, has a brief online journal on her experience using the pig whipworms (Trichuris Suis Ova or TSO).

What’s food got to do with it?

Medical News Today reports that a six-month programme has shown potential links between food intolerances and IBD.

Naturopathyworks offers some interesting suggestions on what your cravings for chocolate, fatty foods and more really mean – and healthy alternatives to satisfy them.

Learning more about medications

Prednisone is a corticosteroid which is an effective immunosuppressant and is used to treat many inflammatory diseases. However, it can have serious and permanent side-effects and I have heard doctors refer to it as a ‘dirty’ drug. Take the quiz at About.com to see how much you know about prednisone and then check out the medication side effects index for medications used in IBD and IBS.

For more detailed information check out the website of the very reputable Mayo Clinic – a not-for-profit medical practice located in USA (Arizona, Florida & Minnesota) which is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of complex illnesses. You can look up prescription drugs and supplements, and also read extensive summaries on a range of serious illnesses including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.