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1.
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Supplementation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Radziszewska, M, Smarkusz-Zarzecka, J, Ostrowska, L
Nutrients. 2023;(16)
Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, recurrent functional disorder of the intestine diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. Individuals suffering from IBS often associate the severity of their symptoms with the food they consume, leading them to limit the variety of foods they eat and seek information that could help them determine the appropriate selection of dietary items. Clear nutritional recommendations have not been established thus far. NICE recommends a rational approach to nutrition and, if necessary, the short-term implementation of a low FODMAP diet. Currently, the FODMAP diet holds the greatest significance among IBS patients, although it does not yield positive results for everyone affected. Other unconventional diets adopted by individuals with IBS lack supporting research on their effectiveness and may additionally lead to a deterioration in nutritional status, as they often eliminate foods with high nutritional value. The role of physical activity also raises questions, as previous studies have shown its beneficial effects on the physical and mental well-being of every individual, and it can further help alleviate symptoms among people with IBS. Supplementation can be a supportive element in therapy. Attention is drawn to the use of probiotics, vitamin D, and psyllium husk/ispaghula. This review aims to analyze the existing scientific research to determine the impact of various food items, physical activity, and dietary supplementation with specific components through dietary supplements on the course of IBS.
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2.
Nutrition and Supplementation in Ulcerative Colitis.
Radziszewska, M, Smarkusz-Zarzecka, J, Ostrowska, L, Pogodziński, D
Nutrients. 2022;(12)
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) belongs to the group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). UC is an incurable, diffuse, and chronic inflammatory process of the colonic mucosa with alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. This review aimed to analyze the scientific research conducted to date to determine what impact different nutritional plans and dietary supplements may have on the course of UC. The latest 98 articles about nutrition and supplementation in ulcerative colitis were used to prepare the work. Certain components in food can greatly influence the course of UC, inducing changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiome. This activity may be an important part of therapy for people with IBD. The Mediterranean diet has shown the most promising results in the treatment of patients with UC due to its high content of biologically active foods. Patients with UC may benefit from the UC Exclusion Diet (UCED); however, it is a new nutritional plan that requires further research. Patents frequently resort to unconventional diets, which, because of their frequent elimination of nutrient-rich foods, can worsen the health and nutritional status of those who follow them. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics supplementation may have additional therapeutic effects; however, the evidence is not unequivocal.
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3.
Effect of a Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplement on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Long-Distance Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Smarkusz-Zarzecka, J, Ostrowska, L, Leszczyńska, J, Cwalina, U
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2022;(15)
Abstract
As many as 70% of athletes who practice endurance sports report experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as abdominal pain, intestinal gurgling or splashing (borborygmus), diarrhea or the presence of blood in the stool, that occur during or after intense physical exercise. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and selected biochemical parameters in the serum of long-distance runners. After a 3-month intervention with a multi-strain probiotic, a high percentage of runners reported subjective improvement in their general health. Moreover, a lower incidence of constipation was observed. In the group of women using the probiotic, a statistically significant (p = 0.035) increase in serum HDL cholesterol concentration and a favorable lower concentration of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were observed. These changes were not observed in the group of men using the probiotic. Probiotic therapy may reduce the incidence and severity of selected gastrointestinal symptoms in long-distance runners and improve subjectively assessed health condition.
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4.
Salivary Adipokine and Cytokine Levels as Potential Markers for the Development of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.
Zyśk, B, Ostrowska, L, Smarkusz-Zarzecka, J
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(21)
Abstract
Currently, the number of people suffering from obesity is increasing worldwide. In addition, the disease is affecting younger individuals. Therefore, it is essential to search for new diagnostic methods and markers for early assessment of the risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and other comorbidities. The discovery of the secretory function of adipose tissue and coexistence of low-grade chronic inflammation with obesity set a new direction in this disease diagnosis using the assessment of the concentration of inflammatory markers secreted by adipose tissue. The aim of this review was to determine, based on previous findings, whether saliva can be useful in the diagnosis of obesity and its early metabolic complications and whether it can be an alternative diagnostic material to serum.
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5.
Analysis of the Impact of a Multi-Strain Probiotic on Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Long-Distance Runners.
Smarkusz-Zarzecka, J, Ostrowska, L, Leszczyńska, J, Orywal, K, Cwalina, U, Pogodziński, D
Nutrients. 2020;(12)
Abstract
Use of probiotic supplements, the benefits of which have not been proven in sportspeople, is becoming more widespread among runners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation in the body. The randomised, double-blind study included 66 long-distance runners. The intervention factor was a multi-strain probiotic or placebo. At the initial and final stages of the study, evaluation of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness was performed and the presence of inflammation determined. In the group of men using the probiotic, an increase in lean body mass (p = 0.019) and skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.022) was demonstrated, while in the group of women taking the probiotic, a decrease in the content of total body fat (p = 0.600) and visceral fat (p = 0.247) was observed. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased in women (p = 0.140) and men (p = 0.017) using the probiotic. Concentration of tumour necrosis factor-alpha decreased in women (p = 0.003) and men (p = 0.001) using the probiotic and in women (p = 0.074) and men (p = 0.016) using the placebo. Probiotic therapy had a positive effect on selected parameters of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of study participants and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation.
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6.
Long-term changes of salivary exoglycosidases and their applicability as chronic alcohol-drinking and dependence markers.
Waszkiewicz, N, Kratz, EM, Chojnowska, S, Zalewska, A, Zwierz, K, Szulc, A, Szajda, SD, Nestsiarovich, A, Kapitau, A, Kępka, A, et al
The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry. 2019;(1):64-75
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigation of long-term dynamic changes of salivary activity/output of exoglycosidases, deglycosylation processes and their applicability as alcohol markers. METHODS Exoglycosidase (α-fucosidase (FUC), β-galactosidase (GAL), β-glucuronidase (GLU), β-hexosaminidase (HEX, HEX A and HEX B isoenzymes) and α-mannosidase (MAN)) activities were measured in the saliva of healthy social drinking controls (C), alcohol-dependent non-smokers (ANS) and alcohol-dependent smokers (AS) at the 1st, 15th, 30th and 50th day of abstinence after chronic alcohol drinking. RESULTS The activity of exoglycosidases was 2-3-fold (MAN), 2-6 fold (FUC), 8-25-fold (HEX A) and 19-40-fold (GLU) higher in the ANS and AS groups than in controls, and had good/excellent sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The higher outputs of exoglycosidases were in the AS and ANS groups than in controls at the 1st day (GLU, HEX A) and at the 50th day (GLU, FUC, MAN) of abstinence. We found numerous correlations between alcohol-drinking days with GLU and HEX A, alcohol amounts with HEX A and duration of alcohol dependence with FUC and MAN activity/output. CONCLUSIONS Salivary exoglycosidases/deglycosylation processes were still very high up to 50 days after the end of alcohol consumption. We found markers of chronic alcohol consumption (HEX A), alcohol dependence (FUC and MAN) and chronic alcohol consumption and dependence (GLU).
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7.
Probiotic strains as the element of nutritional profile in physical activity – new trend or better sports results?
Smarkusz, J, Ostrowska, L, Witczak-Sawczuk, K
Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny. 2017;(3):229-235
Abstract
A diet, individually customized to the needs of sportsmen and sportswomen prepares them better for competition and achievement of better sports results. However, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and frequently recurrent upper respiratory tract infections pose a common problem observed among athletes of disciplines such as triathlon, cycling and marathon. Diarrhea, splashing in the intestines or gastrointestinal bleeding make it difficult to start and win in the race. Recently researchers have paid special attention to the therapeutic effect of probiotic strains on the human body. Various probiotic strains may have a beneficial effect on elimination of disorders mentioned above among athletes of these disciplines. Still, researchers continue looking for answers to the question how a specific probiotic strain is able to reduce the risk of the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system disorders appearing during training or competition. Attention is also drawn to the possible impact of probiotics on the physical capacity athletes and their athletic performance. Probiotic strains properly applied may have a positive influence on the athletes’ bodies, but still randomized controlled trials are required to prove this thesis.
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8.
Intake of Meals Containing High Levels of Carbohydrates or High Levels of Unsaturated Fatty Acids Induces Postprandial Dysmetabolism in Young Overweight/Obese Men.
Adamska, E, Ostrowska, L, Gościk, J, Waszczeniuk, M, Krętowski, A, Górska, M
BioMed research international. 2015;:147196
Abstract
Postprandial metabolic response depends on the meals' components and can be different in normal weight and obese people. However, there are some discrepancies between various reports. The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic response after intake of standardised meals with various fat and carbohydrate contents and to determine the differences among normal weight and overweight/obese individuals. The study group comprised 46 healthy men. The participants were divided into two groups and study was carried out using a crossover method. Group I received high- and normal-carbohydrate meals, whereas group II received high-carbohydrate and high-fat meals. Glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and free fatty acids levels were measured at fasting state and at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after meal intake. Despite the lack of differences in glucose levels, insulin levels were higher among overweight/obese individuals after each meal. TG and FFA levels were higher after normal-carbohydrate and high-fat meals. Moreover, in overweight/obese young men after high-fat meal intake postprandial hypertriglyceridemia was observed, even if meals contained predominantly unsaturated fatty acids, and fasting triglycerides levels were in normal range. The conducted study showed that postprandial metabolic response depends not only on the meal macronutrient content but also on the current body mass index (BMI).
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9.
The role of gastrointestinal hormones in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Adamska, E, Ostrowska, L, Górska, M, Krętowski, A
Przeglad gastroenterologiczny. 2014;(2):69-76
Abstract
Obesity, influencing the increase of incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular complications and cancer is a growing medical problem worldwide. The feelings of hunger and satiety are stimulated by the "gut-brain axis", where a crucial role is played by gastrointestinal hormones: glucagon-like peptide 1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, oxyntomodulin, cholecystokinin and ghrelin. These hormones affect not only the functioning of the digestive tract, but also might have effects on insulin secretion and are mediators which affect brain areas involved in the regulation of food intake. The effect of their actions can be antagonistic as well as an additive or synergistic, and their secretion is dependent on many factors, such as dietary nutrients or the energy state of the body. Changes in circulating gut hormones concentrations result in activation of various pathways primarily within the hypothalamus and brain stem areas, which modulate feeding behaviour and a number of metabolic processes.
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10.
Effect of nutrition and atherogenic index on the occurrence and intensity of insulin resistance.
Ostrowska, L, Witczak, K, Adamska, E
Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej. 2013;(6):289-96
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diet is one of the factors that can stimulate genetic predisposition and, in consequence, lead to insulin resistance. An adequate supply of nutrients and energy-rich diet as well as increased physical activity are the most effective methods to prevent metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine whether there are any associations between nutrition and the occurrence of insulin resistance. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 143 individuals. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured and the HOMA-IR index was calculated for each patient. Nondiabetic patients were divided into the study and control groups. We conducted anthropometric measurements (body mass, height, and waist circumference), biochemical analysis (fasting glucose and insulin), and dietary interview. RESULTS We observed a negative correlation between the percentage of sucrose in the diet and the HOMA-IR value, and a positive correlation between the percentage of protein intake and the HOMA-IR value. Moreover, there was a significantly higher intake of lactose in men without insulin resistance compared with those with insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS The results encourage to conduct further, more detailed research involving a larger group of patients to better understand associations between dietary content and insulin resistance.