June 03, 2021

31 - Healing the Gut

31 minutes

Is Crohn's passed on from family members? Does diet have anything to do with it?

In the first installment of our Cedars-Sinai series, hosts Dr. Steven Taback and Bill Curtis are joined by Gastroenterologist Dr. Stephan Targan, where they discuss the ins and outs of IBD and Crohn's disease. Dr. Targan shares some key insight on symptoms and techniques used in the fight against this widespread disease that is thought to affect almost 3 million Americans. Dr. Targan also enlightens us on the efficacy of probiotics and whether gluten plays much of a roll in IBD.

In this dedicated series, we're showcasing the medical breakthroughs and innovations from one of the world's most preeminent hospitals: Cedars-Sinai. Cedars-Sinai is dedicated to improving the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research, and clinical care.

Episode Timestamps:

2:20 What is Crohn's Disease?

3:23 Is there a definitive cause for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)?

4:29 What are the techniques used to test for Crohn's Disease?

5:01 How do we treat Crohn's Disease?

5:50 How important is diet’s impact on IBD?

7:06 What is the efficacy of probiotics in general and in regards to IBD?

8:35 Does eating vegetarian ease symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

10:34 Targeted Therapeutic Selection? What is it and how is it used with IBD?

14:22 What is a TNF inhibitor?

16:23 Does family history play into getting IBD?

17:11 At what age can you develop IBD?

18:14 Is each case of IBD trial and error, or are there some already established practices?

19:55 Immunotherapy and IBD?

20:36 What is fibrosis?

21:35 Has COVID had any impact of IBD?

22:59 Whats the distribution of Crohn's Disease geographically?

24:23 What is the population of those infected with IBD?

25:50 Genetic mapping and Crohn's Disease?

26:23 Does the consumption of gluten have any relation to Crohn's Disease?

27:55 Dr. Targan shares his main focus moving forward in his research

29:24 What are the symptoms the general public should be aware of when it’s time to go see a doctor because of IBD?