RESEARCH AREAS

Over the years, we have participated in clinical trials in many different areas of research. Please click on any of the underlined links below to learn more about conditions.

For a complete list of previous trials, please refer to Dr. Bennett’s CV

Hepatitis B Over 1.4 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis B For Hepatitis B, there is a readily available vaccine, which immunizes you from contracting the virus. If unvaccinated, you can contract Hepatitis B through the passing of bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids) from an infected person. Thus, behavior such as sharing needles for intravenous drug use puts you at greater risk for contracting the viruses. Symptoms Both viruses have no or very mild symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle soreness, and stomach pain. Risks Liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer; in the US, Hepatitis B and C cause between 3,000 and 15,000 deaths every year. Treatment Available for Hepatitis B, yet they are not effective in all patients. For Hepatitis B, there are pills that can be effective in controlling the disease, yet complete cures are not common. Hepatitis News At MARG, we have conducted 20 Hepatitis studies over the past 10 years. Recently, the results of two of our hepatitis studies were published, one in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.

Diverticulitis 25% of Americans over age 40 have a diverticular disease 40% of all people over 70 have a diverticular disease What is a Diverticular Disease? A Diverticulum is a small pocket that pouches off the colon. These pouches are caused by high pressure in the colon, which causes weak spots in the colon to bulge out between the muscles of the bowel wall. Diverticulosis indicates that the pouches are present. By itself, it only causes mild constipation and occasional pain. Diverticulitis indicates that the pouch has become infected or has ruptured. An infection can cause pain and fever while a rupture can cause a serious life threatening problems that require surgery. Additionally, the pouches can bleed, causing life-threatening hemorrhages. Is there Treatment? Treatment varies from diet to medication to surgery depending on the severity and complication of the diverticulitis. Regardless, diet and lifestyle changes are essential for people with diverticular disease. Experts agree that diverticlar disease is caused by the lack of roughage and natural fiber in the diet, therefore it requires a high fiber diet, such as bran, fruits and vegetables, and additional fiber supplements. Additionally, drinking lots of liquids and exercising regularly helps regulate the bowels. Foods to be avoided are nuts, seeds, and popcorn, as these sometimes can cause an attack of diverticulitis.

Gerd/Acid Reflux Over 50 million Americans suffer from ACID REFLUX daily What is acid reflux? If you have frequent and persistent heartburn—two or more days a week—you may have acid reflux disease, also know as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. A valve at the lower end of the esophagus opens to allow food and liquid to enter the stomach and closes to keep acid and food in the stomach. When this valve does not work correctly, it causes stomach acid to get into the esophagus over and over again, causing GERD. What are the symptoms? Persistent heartburn, stomach acid rising, burning in the throat and chest, regurgitation, bloating, and nausea and/or vomiting. What are the risks? Erosive Esophagitis – erosion of the lining and severe damage caused to the esophagus. Dysphagia – development of strictures, which make the esophagus narrow and closed up, a painful condition making it difficult to swallow. Barrett’s esophagus – an abnormal growth of cells which may lead to cancer of the esophagus. While there is no cure for GERD, certain changes can ease symptoms Lifestyle changes Eat small, well-balanced meals, exercise, avoid smoking, avoid tight fitting clothing, eat no later than 2 or 3 hours before bedtime. Foods to avoid Coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint/spearmint, fried and fatty foods, foods with tomatoes, onions and garlic.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Did you know that 10% of people suffer from IBS? What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an extremely common disorder of the intestinal tract, which results in severe diarrhea or severe constipation or an alternation between the two. While IBS is not a colitis and does not lead to colon cancer, it can severely diminish the quality of life. Symptoms: Along with the diarrhea and/or constipation, the most common symptoms are mild to severe abdominal pain, gas and bloating Treatments While there is no cure for IBS, diet plays a huge role. Bad Foods caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods and dairy Good foods high fiber foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole wheat and bran for constipation predominant IBS, lower fiber foods such as rice, pasta, low fat protein such as poultry and fish for diarrhea predominant IBS. Additionally, stress, alcohol, and cigarettes can also trigger IBS. If diet alone doesn’t control the IBS, some medications as well as probiotics help treat the symptoms. While medication is important, it is no substitute for a good diet.

Arthritis Over 20 million people suffer from OSTEOARTHRITIS What is Osteoarthritis? It begins with the breakdown of joint cartilage, and commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Cartilage serves to cushion the bones and to help the joint move smoothly and easily. As it breaks down, the end of the bones thicken and the joint can lose its normal shape. Eventually, the ends of the bones may begin to rub together and cause pain. Risks increases with age and weight as well as with joint injury and family history. What are the symptoms? Steady or intermittent pain in a join, stiffness after sleeping, sitting, or other periods of inactivity, swelling or tenderness in joints, the feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone when the joint is used. Is treatment available? There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with exercise, physical therapy, rest, and certain anti-inflammatory medication. Unfortunately, certain antiinflammatory medications can put you at risk for stomach ulcers.

Hypertension Over 50 Million Americans have High Blood Pressure What is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is caused when the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries. If your levels are 140/90 mm Hg or higher, you have hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. This means that your heart is working extra hard to pump blood through your body. Factors Genetics, race, age, obesity, stress, excessive alcohol intake, lack of exercise, and excessive salt intake in average American diet Symptoms No symptoms, thus known as the “silent killer” Risks Stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney failure. Moderately high blood pressure can shorten your life; severely high blood pressure can mean an immediate death sentence Treatment Fortunately there are treatments for high blood pressure currently available, yet only about 1/3 of the population with high blood pressure is able to keep it under control. Additionally, unpleasant side effects such as cough and water retention often accompany the most common type of treatment.