Problems With Inflamed Colon

Belly pain is one of the more typical problems among people. Sometimes, this pain is challenging to describe or give a reason for but can often be relieved with colon cleanse tablets. In the situation where you are having frequent stomach pain along with associated bowel problems for a lengthy interval, you might be suffering from an inflammation of the intestinal tract. This illness is also known as colitis and is caused in the colon (colon and rectum). Ulcerative colitis along with Crohn's disease is the significant illnesses impacting the colon. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the typical technological name for these illnesses impacting the colon.

The colon includes the intestinal tract and the rear end. The main operate of the intestinal tract is to process the typical water and other waste meals debris and send them on to that aspect of the colon, where it is stored as waste. Later, it moves out from the rectum in the form of bowel movements. Inflammation of the intestinal tract or colitis, happens when there is a swelling on the external coating of the intestinal tract. Sometimes, if the intestinal tract is inflamed at some places, stomach sores may be established. This situation is known as ulcerative colitis.

Our intestinal tract may be compared to a tube which provides water. If the tube gets blocked due to accumulation of debris, then normally, water cannot circulate through it. It needs cleaning on an everyday so as to avoid choking. The same is with our intestinal tube. It needs periodical cleansing. In situation of inflammation of the intestinal tube, the walls of the colon become thinned. There is a probability of harmful fecal matter getting out of through these surfaces and circulating into the cells of our body. This can cause various illnesses like cell injury, inappropriate digestive operation or problems in elimination. If you use aloe vera colon cleanse tablets, you can flush all of this out of your system.

The actual cause of intestinal tube inflammation is not known even in these days. There are speculations though, going around, and the most accurate among them is that inflammation of the intestinal tract is triggered due to an artificial initialization of the immune system in the intestinal tube. Normally, the immunity process of your body creates certain proteins which deal with off any undesirable microorganisms or viruses that cause illnesses. Once the job is done, the immunity process stops generation of these proteins. If for any reason the immune system begins secreting these proteins without need, it may cause inflammation of the intestinal tract.

There are certain microorganisms which generate poisons, or toxins, that may make the colon cells discharge salt, which will account for inflammation of the intestinal tracts. There is however no confirmation as to exactly which type of microorganisms causes this illness.

Since the colon is affected by inflammation of the intestinal tube, there is a direct impact on the expulsion of feces. The typical the signs of intestinal tract inflammation are:

• Diarrhea or bowel problems over a long time
• Blood and/or discomfort while moving stools
• Abdominal discomfort or gas in the stomach
• Fever and body pain
• Constant throwing up and nausea
• Weight reduction, hunger reduction and continuous exhaustion.

To deal with these types of intestinal problems, take Colon Cleanse Tablets.

Ulcerative Colitis - Does Stress Matter?

No matter what anyone else says I find that stress does have an impact on my Colitis, I don't know why but that doesn't matter. All I need to know is that by staying calm and relaxed I can stay well. Feeling refreshed and alert. Now that's not to say that I have to be in a permanent state of chilled out bliss! Although that would be nice. I am realistic and realize that life can throw things my way which will get me worked up, so I take a practical approach to staying relaxed.

What I aim to do to beat stress in my life is to have a period of half an hour a day which I set aside for myself to do something which will if you like unwind any stress I may have accumulated.

There are several things I do -

- Going for a Walk - I find having a walk in the countryside near my home for half an hour or maybe longer if I feel like it is a fabulous way to unwind. It also has the benefit of being gentle exercise which is promoting movement in my abdomen, and this can also help to remove any abdominal cramps.

- Chi Kung - There is a wonderful form of Chi Kung exercise which is great for the digestive system. It is called Zhan Zhuang or in English this is best translated as standing exercise. This is a great exercise to do and very easy to learn, it has many health benefits and is a great way to de-stress at the end of the day. I personally stand for 20 minutes every day and find that the benefits are many.

- Bin-aural Beats - This is a type of relaxing music which can put you into a state of deep meditation without any effort on your part! Its a really quick and easy way to do some stress busting. I've got a CD which I put on an mp3 player and whenever I need to I can use this to get in the most amazingly relaxed state for about 20 minutes, then I just wake up feeling refreshed and alert.

Medical Conditions That May Mask Gluten Intolerance

Just a decade ago doctors and researchers alike believed that celiac disease or gluten intolerance was extremely rare. But a recent study indicated that at least one in 133 people all over the world suffer from some form of gluten sensitivity. There are a few reasons why estimates were so inaccurate, but the one I will discuss today is the role other gastrointestinal disorders played in masking the presence of gluten intolerance.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease, named for gastroenterologist Burrill Bernard Crohn, is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that may actually occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the anus all the way up to the mouth. Like celiac disease, it is believed that Crohn's may be an autoimmune disease. But unlike celiac disease and its known trigger gluten, we still do not understand why the body's immune system attacks itself in Crohn's disease.

Crohn's features some core symptoms in common with gluten sensitivity, including diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. It is believed in the past few decades some individuals who may have been diagnosed with Crohn's may actually have been suffering from gluten intolerance.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is another inflammatory bowel disease with symptoms in common with both Crohn's disease and celiac disease. Ulcerative colitis specifically afflicts the colon or large intestine. It becomes evident when a colonoscopy reveals open sores or ulcers along the walls of the colon. The primary symptoms of ulcerative colitis is diarrhea with specs of blood, with increasing blood as the condition worsens.

The triggers of this condition remain somewhat mysterious, although there is evidence of a genetic connection. Ulcerative colitis can be frustrating for sufferers trying to treat it as it often swings between periods of remission and periods with exacerbated symptoms.

Because of the abdominal pain and diarrhea, some researchers hypothesize that celiac disease may have been misdiagnosed as ulcerative colitis at some point in the past two decades.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is really the worst offender. Why do I say that? Because IBS is what is known as a diagnosis of exclusion. This basically means the individual is diagnosed with IBS when they experience persistent gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, constipation and diarrhea but all tests for diseases such Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis come back negative. Therefore they just neatly put it under the umbrella term irritable bowel syndrome and call it a day.

If you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and you still suffer symptoms, I encourage you to seek a diagnosis for gluten intolerance or celiac disease as it is believed that many people diagnosed with IBS in the last few decades may have actually been suffering from gluten intolerance.

So if you are diagnosed with any of the three conditions discussed here and struggle to find relief, I encourage you to discuss the possibility of a gluten sensitivity with your doctor.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms and Pregnancy

Ulcerative colitis symptoms and signs can generally differ, depending on how severe and where the inflammation occurs. Consequently, categorization of ulcerative colitis symptoms depends on its site. The course of ulcerative colitis varies, with episodes of acute ulcerative colitis frequently periodic with intervals of remission. Ultimately, the gravity of the disease typically remains the same.

If a you suffer from ulcerative colitis symptoms and are pregnant or thinking about starting a family you and your partner will naturally worry about the effects of the ulcerative colitis symptoms on the pregnancy, and about the consequence the of pregnancy on your disease. After the birth it is likely that worries will be raised about the effects of the ulcerative colitis medications on breast milk. The good news is that most of women with ulcerative colitis symptoms have normal fertility and can anticipate a normal pregnancy, delivery and growth of a healthy baby.

You can increase the chances of having a healthy baby by eating a varied and balanced diet for ulcerative colitis which is enhanced with supplements of vitamins and minerals. If you have active disease, on steroid medication or are underweight, then it is essential to increase nutrition and seeking advice from a dietician who can advice you about ulcerative colitis symptoms and diet. A good way to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy is regularly exercise.

A folic acid supplement should be taken before conception and for the first twelve weeks of your pregnancy. This is normal practice for any pregnant woman and helps to lessen the risk of spina bifida in the baby. It is however more important for people with crohn's disease because folic acid is more difficult to absorb when this disease is present. If you are taking ulcerative colitis medications such as sulphasalazine, you will require additional folic acid because this also interferes with the absorption rate of folic acid. Daily supplements of 2000-5000 micrograms are recommended for pregnant women with ulcerative colitis symptoms rather than the typical 400 micrograms daily.

The most important message for sufferers of ulcerative colitis symptoms and pregnancy is that the baby can be expected to be healthy if your ulcerative colitis health is good and kept under control. Ulcerative colitis drugs and medications should therefore be taken as advised before and during your pregnancy.

Parents who have been given an ulcerative colitis diagnosis are to some extent more likely to have a child who contracts ulcerative colitis or crohn's disease. However, even with genetic tendency, other added factors are required to trigger the disease. Research has suggested that parental smoking during pregnancy is another factor linked to the development of ulcerative colitis symptoms in children

If your ulcerative colitis symptoms are in remission at the start of your pregnancy, the likelihood of delivering a perfectly healthy baby are similar to those of a woman without ulcerative colitis signs and symptoms. If you have flare-ups during pregnancy or the disease is active at the beginning the risks to the baby are doubled and it is more likely to be premature or have a low birth weight. This is still a small risk and the baby is likely to be healthy. However, severe flare-ups are very dangerous and a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Another concern you will probably have will be the side effects of ulcerative colitis drugs. Usually however the threat to the baby is related to the action of the disease rather than the ulcerative colitis medications.

Best Home Remedies for Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is different from other forms of acne in that it is severely inflamed acne. Cysts are the most serious type of acne and are painful pus-filled pockets under the skin. The causes of cystic acne are generally overactive oil glands, dead skin cells within the hair follicle and the acne causing bacteria, propionibacteria acne. When the follicle wall erupts deep in the skin, the nearby area is infected causing serious lesions.

Cystic acne is one symptom of Acne Vulgaris, the other is the nodule. Nodules are large hard bumps under the skin's surface. These nodules are painful and often leave scarring behind. Cysts and nodules are the type of acne that nodulocystic acne is responsible for producing. But, all is not lost; science had developed several ways to deal with cystic acne.

Previous acne remedies included benzoyle peroxide, salicylic acid and topical treatment Retin-a. Accutane is twenty-four times as effective as these previous treatments. But, all of these treatments offer some relief. To add to these treatments are several additional steps: draining large pimples and cysts by a doctor; applying prescription antibiotic gels, creams and lotions; applying prescription retinoids; applying azelaic acid; taking prescription oral antibiotics; and taking prescription oral retinoids like Accutane. Accutane is expensive and most often used as a last resort for treating acne because of its serious side effects. For women, oral contraceptives may be prescribed because of the recurrence of acne at the onset of menstruation.

Acne remedies could be any one of the above or any combination of the above treatments. To correct the scarring left behind by acne there are several methods of reducing and removing the scars. One way to remove the scarring is with collagen injections to smooth out the skin by plumping up the skin beneath the scars. Another way is with dermabrasion which uses a whirling wire brush to remove scar tissue. Yet another way is to resurface with a laser, which uses a laser to burn away scar tissue. And finally, the scar tissue is with chemabrasion, the use of chemicals to peel away layers of the skin.

The treatment of severe acne takes a minimum of six to eight weeks to treat. Sometimes the treatment will cause the condition to worsen before it gets better. The side effects for Accutane are pretty severe: inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Currently, there are several lawsuits with the plaintiffs filing suit for those very reasons.

Natural acne remedies include one chemical-free, organic product called Lerosett by Gunilla of Sweden. It comes in a clay treatment and a moisturizer. Bare Minerals and Olay both carry a skin care line that treats acne without harsh chemicals. Whether you need strong chemicals to treat your acne or can get the results you want from natural acne remedies, you have a choice of treatments and as long as you are willing to give them time to work, you should see results within a two month period.

The Basics of Juicing Diet

Many detoxification diets like juice fasting or juicing diet have become popular with the health conscious who aim to maintain their ideal weight. It is one of the many extreme forms of dieting and detoxification since there is no solid-food intake for a period of time (usually two to three days). This diet can only go on three days at most, but if one prefers a longer fast, it is required to have medical supervision and constant nutritional monitoring.

Pregnant and nursing women are not allowed to try this diet. People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, eating disorders, cancer, epilepsy, low-blood pressure or low-blood sugar, nutritional deficiencies, ulcerative colitis and other terminal illnesses should only be allowed this diet under the strict supervision of a medical professional.

When you are on a diet plan, it can take a lot of discipline to refrain from eating many other foods. It is best to remove any junk foods from your cupboards and refrigerator. When buying your preferred fruits and vegetables, purchase from an organic health food store. If, by any chance, there is no organic market near your place, you may wash the inorganic produce in a bleach bath to make sure they are free of pesticides. A vegetable and fruit detox bath can be done by submerging them in a bleach bath (filtered water and 2 teaspoons of bleach) for 15 minutes.

Upon chopping and peeling your desired fruit and veggie combination, run them through the juicer and consume immediately. Fresh juice can only be stored for five hours in the fridge. Avoid storing it overnight. Choosing the right combination of fruits and vegetables can produce a tasty drink, however, many fusions may not be very palatable to some.

One basic rule is to juice an apple with any vegetable or fruit. Just prepare exactly how much you can consume to avoid spoilage.

Try the following these proportions:

• Breakfast - 翻 large date, 1 medium-sized banana and coconut milk.


• Lunch/Dinner - 2 apples, 5-6 leaves of kale, 翻 cup of parsley, 2 stalks celery, 1 carrot and 翻 teaspoon cayenne pepper or ginger root. (Tip: If you want a spicy drink, you may mix 6 leaves each of baby Chinese cabbage and rainbow chard with beets and a small garlic bulb.)


• Snacks - 2 apples, 1 small carrot, 翻 lemon and 1 teaspoon of ginger root.

Make sure to drink enough filtered water in order to adjust to the process of juice dieting. Your water intake should be around 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses every day. You may add flax seeds to any of your drinks thrice a day to facilitate normal bowels. The most common side effects of this diet include dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, fainting and bad breath. After the juicing diet period, gradually return to regular solid food.

Type 2 Diabetes - Blood Sugar Control and Tumors

Tumors are one complication anyone with or without a diagnosis of diabetes wants to prevent. According to research performed in the Department of Internal Medicine at I-Shou University in Taiwan, people who have diabetes and who have also controlled their blood sugar levels consistently, were likely to find this a good means for the prevention of tumors.

The study, reported in November 2011 in the journal Cancer Causes Control, included 2,776 volunteers who enrolled in a comprehensive health management program that included:

• fasting blood sugar levels,


• hemoglobin A1c levels, and


• screening colonoscopies.

Six hundred and five of these participants were found to have colonic tumors, 68 of which were at a high risk for becoming malignant. Among the volunteers with diabetes, both the blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c levels were highest in those with tumors. It was also found the highest hemoglobin A1c levels (HbA1c) were also associated with tumors.

It was concluded further research could clarify how useful hemoglobin A1c levels might be in estimating the risk for colorectal tumors.

Colon, or colorectal, cancer starts in the colon or large intestine, or rectum at the end of the colon. Besides diabetes, several other risk factors exist:

• age over 60,


• African American or eastern European descent,


• a diet high in red or processed meats,


• colorectal polyps,


• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis,


• a family history of colon cancer, of polyps, of colorectal cancer, of breast or other types of cancer,


• smoking and the consumption of alcohol.

Colorectal cancer can exist without symptoms, so screening should be performed for those over age 50 or who are at high risk. Signs and symptoms that can exist include:

• lower abdominal pain or tenderness,


• blood in the stool,


• constipation or diarrhea,


• narrow stools, or


• unexplained weight loss.

When colorectal cancer is found, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy can be prescribed.

1. Surgical treatment can consist of the removal of tumors or even of sections of the colon.

2. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor as much as possible for removal. Chemotherapy can be given instead of surgery:

• if the tumors are advanced to the point of being inoperable, or


• it can be given after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might not have been removed.

3. X-rays can also be used to:

• shrink tumors,


• ease symptoms, or


• kill diseased cells that have not been surgically removed.

When the disease is caught in its early stage the prognosis is good, with 74 percent of sufferers living at least 5 years after diagnosis.

Turbo Jam Review: Can You Lose Weight Your First Week in Turbo Jam?

You have probably seen the infomercial on TV for the workout program, Turbo Jam, and wondered are the results real? Does this program really work? Can this program help me to get real results? You might have even seen the turbo slim rapid results program that comes with Turbo Jam featured in the infomercial that guarantees results of up to 10 lbs of weight loss and 10 inches lost in up to 10 days, but do fast start programs like that really work?

I tested the Turbo Jam program being 20 pounds overweight and after battling chronic fatigue for 6 years due to my autoimmune disease ulcerative colitis. I hadn't worked out in over 2 years because of the chronic fatigue associated with the disease. I decided to give it a try after wanting to lose 20 pounds, shed the tire around my waist and get more energy. I didn't really know if the program would work for me seeing how I was out of shape, suffered from a chronic illness and hadn't worked out in over 2 years. I was surprised by the results.

I started with the Turbo Slim 10 day rapid results program that comes with Turbo Jam. It is a 10 day fitness and meal plan that is an additional plan to the regular and advanced workout schedules and meal plan that is included with the workout program. During the 10 day program, you workout for 10 days straight and follow a meal plan that consists of real food! No starvation here! I was surprised to find the meal plans included real everyday foods that people actually have time to prepare and consists of ingredients that people already have around the house. My favorite meals were the tuna salad, chicken pita, turkey burger, and chicken burrito with rice and beans. Real easy to prepare and fix. The magic of the 10 day rapid results meal plan and fitness plan is that it is high in protein and low in carbs and helps to rev up your metabolism to burn a lot of calories. The 10 day kickstart program really delivered results. I lost 7 lbs and 3 inches in 10 days following the plan. This weightless motivated to complete the entire program and go on to lose 12 lbs and 8.5 inches in 38 days with the program.

So if you are a woman considering purchasing Turbo Jam and you struggling with low motivation whenever you don't see results and see some result during your first two weeks of a program, and you want to lose weight quickly and shed inches from your waist, I highly recommend the program.

To learn how you can use the 10 day rapid results program during a 90 day Turbo Jam challenge to lose weight, drop inches from your waist and have more energy, go to: turbo jam review.

Feeling Sluggish? Try A Colonic Cleanse

A colonic cleanse can clear the body of unwanted toxins that have accumulated due to environmental pollution as well as the poor eating habits of our society. Each day industrial poisons enter our bodies and they are not always eliminated. These accumulated poisons can be the source of many different diseases and a colonic cleanse eliminates them before they can become a problem.

Many of these poisons are found in processed foods. They slowly build up in the intestines and create a barrier which prevents the normal absorption of healthy nutrients by the body. This results in lower energy levels and higher risk levels for disease. A colonic cleanse will rid the intestines of this barrier and will result in higher energy levels and a general feeling of well-being.

The colon will let you know when it needs a colonic cleanse. Some of the symptoms of a clogged or dirty colon are such diseases as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gas, bloating, stomach pain, and chronic fatigue. If you have tried other methods to eliminate these problems and nothing works, then try a colonic cleanse. There's a very real possibility that a colonic cleanse will eliminate most if not all of these symptoms.

Not only will a colonic cleanse help eliminate the above mentioned symptoms and diseases it will also help eliminate such problems as constipation, parasites, bad breath, headaches, irritability, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, and frequent colds. If this sounds like a miracle drug, it's not. A colonic cleanse merely allows the body to do what it's suppose to do, i.e. properly digest and assimilate nutrients from the foods we eat. Without this proper digestion and absorption of food the body can not function correctly. Thus a colonic cleanse aids the body in doing what it is supposed to do.

It is estimated that the average adult human being has between five to forty pounds of waste in their bowels and it is this waste that a colonic cleanse eliminates. There are several ways to go about cleaning the colon one of the ways is through an enema. An enema inserts water or some other liquid through the rectum into the lower bowel. It is effective in eliminating constipation but does not necessarily cleanse the entire colon.

Another and some think more effective way of handling a colonic cleanse is through herbal supplements. A common herbal supplement is psyllium based, and although it will help you empty your bowels it does not necessary clear away any barriers that have built up over time. This is also true of laxatives which can cause dehydration and other problems.

A colonic cleansing diet is yet another way to cleanse the colon. Eliminating sugars, fast foods, and processed foods and adding fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and the healthy oils such as olive oil to your diet will help the intestines process the incoming nutrients and flush away accumulated toxins in the colon.

As you can see, a colonic cleanse is a necessary part of any wellness plan, the only thing you have to do is decide which colonic cleanse is the best one for you.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting (D&V) - Some Common Causative Agents and Their Management (Part 2)

Diarrhoea and Vomiting (D&V) - Some Common Causative Agents and Their Management (Part 2)

Travellers Diarrhoea (TD):

This is classically defined as passage of three or more unformed stools within a 24 hour period during or shortly after a period of foreign travel.

It is frequently encountered by individuals travelling to developing countries although no country is exempt in our modern day 'jet age'.

Aetiology:

Most common cause of TD is the ingestion of faecally contaminated food or water.

A number of viral, parasitic and bacterial organisms can cause TD. Among the common enteroviruses which have been implicated include: Coxsackie, Polio and echoviruses while the common parasites include Entamoeba histolytica (Amoebiasis/Amoebic dysentery) and Giardia lamblia (Giardiasis) but the majority of cases are associated with bacteria, particularly the pathogen enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).

Here is a list of the most common causes of TD:

(1)  Enterotoxigenic E.coli

(2)  Shigellosis spp. (bacillary dysentery)

(3)  Aeromonas spp.

(4)  Salmonella spp.(Already discussed in Part 1)

(5)  Non-Cholera Vibrio spp.

(6)  Camphylobacter  jejuni

(7)  Pleisonias Shigelloides

Pathogenesis:

The bacterial organisms produce either a heat-labile or a heat-stable enterotoxin, causing marked secretory diarrhea and vomiting after 1- 2 days incubation.

Treatment:

(a) If diarrhea is associated with severe dehydration, intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement is indicated.

This is of particular importance in the case of diarrhea associated with Vibrio.

(b)Antibiotics: These can be used to limit the duration of symptoms and prophylaxis may help to prevent the disease.

(c) In most cases the illness is usually mild and self-limiting after 3 - 4days. Most important supportive treatment is fluid and electrolyte replacement; either orally (if there is no vomiting) or intravenously if there is.

Campylobacter jejuni:

Aetiology and Pathogenesis:

This infection is basically a zoonosis (a disease of animals that may secondarily be transmitted to man). The organism inhabits the gut of cattle and poultry, the commonest source of infection being chicken or contaminated milk.

There is also an association with pet puppies.

Campylobacter infection is now the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the U.K., even though most of the cases are sporadic.

The incubation period is 2-5days.

Clinical Features & Treatment:

Severe colicky abdominal pain which mimics surgical pathology at times ensues and is followed by nausea, vomiting and quite significant diarrhoea which may become blood stained as the illness progresses.

Majority of Campylobacter infections affect fit, young adults and are self-limiting after 4-7 days.

10-20% will have prolonged symptomatology warranting treatment with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or a macrolide, while another 1% of cases will develop bacteraemia and distant foci of infection.

Non-infectious Diarrhoea:

Among the common causative agents of non-infectious diarrhoea the following should be considered:

-      Drugs:These include purgatives (most common); antibiotics, and digoxin (rare).

-      Others:

Diverticulitis:- This occurs commonly.

Diabetes, thyrotoxicosis (rare)

Spastic colon / Nervous diarrhoea (common)

Malabsorption syndromes - especially following vagotomy (an operation to divide the Vagus nerve around the stomach area)

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Colonic carcinoma - at times manifests with spurious diarrhoea secondary to partial obstruction.

Iridology - Diagnosing Disease by Looking Into Your Eyeballs

Romantics believe that the entire soul is revealed by gazing into someone's eyes. Now iridologists have gone one step further. When they look into your eyes, they see your entire health status mapped out before them, and can ascertain whether you are suffering from heart disease, muscular problems or just plain old diarrhea.

Iridology posits that there's more than meets the eye with regards to one's health.

Real doctors believe that only a few diseases can be by looking into your eye, including (not surprisingly) certain eye conditions such as a detached retina. But people who practice iridology, or iris diagnosis, believe that the eye reveals much, much more.

In fact, some iridologists believe they are 99 percent accurate in detecting cancer anywhere in the body, and that they can even tell when someone is about to die - all by looking into the eyes. They make such a claim because they believe that each part of the body is represented by an area in the eye, and when that body part gets sick, the corresponding part of the eye is affected as well.

Many also believe that the markings in the eye, specifically around the iris, tell an iridologist not only about current illnesses and disease, but also about past illnesses - and even ones you are likely to get in future. Iridologists believe that changes in the iris can appear before other physical symptoms develop, so iridology is seen not only as a diagnostic tool, but a preventative one as well.

Origin of Iridology

Iridology began, so the story goes, with one Dr Ignatz von Peczely, a Hungarian who had the childhood misfortune of accidentally breaking the leg of an owl in his back garden when he was just 11 years of age ( he was trying to free it from shrubbery, a twisted vine or a tree - the exact place is unclear). Young Ignatz was traumatized by the incident, so much that he looked into the owl's eyes. It was then he noticed that a dark stripe was developing in the owl's iris.

Conscientious Ignatz nursed the owl back to health, as one does, and let it fly free. Of course the bird stuck around, and later Iggy noticed that the bird's iris had changed once it had healed. When he grew up and became a doctor (Ignatz, not the owl), he developed the world's first iridology chart. This chart, crafted more than 150 years ago, is considered the birth of iridology, as we know it.

What an Iridologist Does

A session with an iridologist usually begins by the brandishing of the instruments of the trade, which can include a magnifying glass, flashlight, cameras, microscopes and eye gouging knives and scalpels (just kidding). Their examination of a patient's eye involves looking for changes in the eye tissue, as well as looking for irregular coloring and patterns.

These patterns, or markings, correspond to an iridology chart, which maps out the iris into special delineated zones, which correspond to the parts of the body. So if there is a marking in your iris which corresponds to the prostate on the chart, that means you could have - or could develop - a problem with your prostate (assuming you're male, that is).

While iridologist are quick to point out that they cannot pinpoint a specific diseases - although in truth some say they can - what they do claim is that they can tell you the state of every organ in your body, and which inherited or acquired tendencies you will have toward a specific ailment, condition or disease.

They can also extrapolate - a problem in the iris that corresponds to the pancreas means you might be diabetic - but most iridologists will then suggest you see a medical doctor for a qualified opinion.

Some iridologists also believe that the color of your iris makes you more prone to certain conditions. Women with blue eyes, for example, are more prone to having bouts of unpleasant vaginal discharge than women with brown eyes, while people whose irises are a combination of brown and blue are more prone to flatulence.

Pet Iridology

Iridology for pets is the same as iridology for humans: the eye is used to determine the state of Fido's, Fluffy's or Rover's health. Iridologists claim that by studying the markings of an animal's eye - whether it be a dog, cat, horse or even rabbit - they can detect health issues future, past and present. Other benefits of seeing an iridologst before you see a vet, according to trained pet iridologists, include:

Pinpointing the actual problem. Often pet owners are worried about a certain animal, but are unable to figure out what exactly is wrong due to their pet's lack of speech and inability to communicate fully. Iridologists claim they can intervene and spot the health issue for animals who can't speak up for themselves.

Alerting owners to past problems. Pets who are brought from shelters or pounds often have no accompanying medical history. Pet iridologists claim they can let the owners know about their animal's past, and therefore manage potential illnesses better.

Getting a better breed. Assessing the iris of an animal's eye is something a trained pet iridologist claims is beneficial in determining an animal's weaknesses and strengths, which are vital when deciding whether to breed or not.

Maintaining your animal's health. Iridology can help both when a problem occurs, they claim, and as a regular preventative check-up to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Keeping behavior in check. Often pet owners are flummoxed when an animal's behavior changes for seemingly no apparent reason. Iridologists claim they can help to find the root of the problem.

If you feel that you - or your pet - could benefit from iridology, there is no shortage of people out there willing to take your money in exchange for a quick look at your eyeball. But most scientists as well as people in the medical profession classify iridology as a pseudoscience, saying that it has no real basis whatsoever.

In fact, in scientific tests the father of modern-day iridology - Bernard Jensen - failed to pinpoint which patients had kidney impairments, when asked to diagnose the eyeballs of 143 different people. Other iridologists worldwide scored equally poorly when asked to distinguish which patients had health problems such as gallbladder disease, ulcerative colitis and heart disease - by examining their irises.

While iridology can be a bit of fun, the risk is that some people will take it seriously and become unnecessarily frightened by a bogus diagnosis. If you have a problem with a particular part of your body, you'd be better off having that part of your body examined by a medical professional, rather than having an iridologist stare at your eyes. It just doesn't make sense - scientific or otherwise.

Support Groups for Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease and IBS Patients

Support groups helping patients with Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome to share their experiences and managing the disease.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease are diseases of the intestinal tract. These are incurable diseases and are quite immune to treatment. Quite often, this disease is associated with irritable bowel syndrome as some of the symptoms are the same. Millions worldwide suffer from this disease.

People suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease find that they are unable to perform their normal work duties resulting in heavy absenteeism from work. This results in low productivity and is a major concern for companies.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease have common symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and nausea. Both the diseases are different in manner in which they affect the digestive tract. It is a most frustrating disease to deal with as patients find it difficult to discuss the problems with friends and close ones.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease sufferers go into depression and anxiety. The doctors who care for these diseases advise counseling and encourage patients to join support groups. The Ulcerative Colitis support groups encourage members to discuss their problems with each other. Members also feel freer to discuss symptoms that they have. They also compare the various tests they have undergone and the treatment that is being carried out. Discussing with others having the same problem gives many patients relief and comfort. However, there are some people who resist the idea of counseling or group support because they are shy to discuss with other members about the problems they have.

There are various Crohn's disease support groups in most of the developed countries. In the US, there are currently about 50 such groups. Similarly, there are numerous organizations in Australia and New Zealand. These groups also undertake research studies for the benefit of the members.

In some countries, these support groups have well structured online forums on Crohn's disease. They also support social interaction, provide information about care of the disease and other subjects which are of general interest. Members are encouraged to actively participate and share any benefits they have derived from their individual treatment program.

Doctors and health care professionals encourage patients suffering from ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome to actively participate in these support groups. They feel by joining the support group, patients would overcome depression and anxiety that they sometimes feel. The support groups have been found to play an important role in helping patients manage the disease.

The Thyroid Adrenal Pancreas Connection

The Thyroid-Adrenal-Pancreas Axis

In addition to gastrointestinal and blood sugar disorders, adrenal gland dysfunction is the most commonly seen imbalance in today's society. Adrenal gland imbalances are also one of the major factors that cause thyroid hormone imbalance. Stress from work, relationships, electronics, poor diet choices such as consumption of refined carbohydrates and trans fats, infections, and environmental toxins all contribute to adrenal disorders.

The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are about the size of a walnut and lie on top of the kidneys. The outer adrenal cortex comprises eighty percent of the gland and produces many hormones including cortisol and DHEA from cholesterol. Ninety percent of the cholesterol in the body is made by the liver and only ten percent comes from the diet. Cholesterol converts into the hormone pregnenolone in the adrenal cortex which then converts to cortisol, the stress hormone, or DHEA, the sex hormone source, immune enhancer and anabolic. Cortisol is our "fight or flight" stress hormone. Cortisol slows down digestion, suppresses immune function and raises blood sugar as a survival mechanism when we are under stress. The problem arises when this becomes chronic and over time, elevated cortisol will tear down your body. Cortisol is secreted on a circadian rhythm with highest production in the morning that slowly tapers off as the day progresses. Sleep is when our bodies repair and rejuvenate but high cortisol during sleep will prevent this from happening.

Hormones Secreted by the Adrenal Glands

DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor to estrogens, progesterone and testosterone. DHEA is extremely important for immune system function and anabolic (building up) processes in the body. DHEA levels begin to decline after age thirty-five but cortisol can remain elevated during continuing periods of stress. Low DHEA levels are also found in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and of course, thyroid disorders.

Healthy adrenal glands are required for the conversion of inactive T4 into active T3.
When the adrenals have reached a state of fatigue, they are no longer producing sufficient cortisol or DHEA. This leaves individuals more susceptible to chronic diseases from an inability to compensate for the stresses they encounter on a daily basis. It is very important to treat the adrenal glands before commencing treatment of the thyroid. Increasing thyroid hormone production while the adrenals are in fatigue can overwhelm the adrenals and lead to further exhaustion. I have found that once the adrenal glands are healthy and the other related system/factors associated with thyroid imbalance are optimized, there is no need to treat the thyroid directly.

The inner medulla produces adrenalin and noradrenalin also known as norepinephrine and epinephrine. The cortex is under the control of hormones produced in the brain and the medulla is under the control of the nervous system.

Healthy adrenal glands are vital for women who are peri- and post-menopausal. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing the majority of sex hormones in a menopausal woman once the ovaries stop functioning. If the adrenal glands are fatigued and not ready for menopause, there will be an exaggeration of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, sleep problems, bone loss, mood swings, depression, anxiety, loss of sex drive and vaginal dryness. Healthy adrenals ensure an easy transition into menopause and beyond. A vast majority of the women I see in practice approach menopause with adrenal fatigue leading to severe menopausal symptoms and hormone dysfunction.

Aldosterone
Aldosterone is produced by the cortex and causes sodium absorption and potassium excretion. Low salt diets and high water intake put a major stress on the adrenal glands to retain as much salt as possible as the blood becomes more diluted from the extra water intake. One of the easiest ways to maintain healthy adrenals is to consume a half- teaspoon of unrefined celtic sea salt every morning with a few glasses of water. It's important to consume half of your bodyweight in ounces of water every day but it must be balanced with salt to remove stress from the adrenal glands.

Cortisol
Cortisol is also produced by the cortex which increases blood sugar when it is low or if the body is under stress. Cortisol will cause glucose production in the liver or it will strip muscle tissue of protein to make glucose. Excess cortisol over long periods of time can increase the risk of diabetes due to prolonged blood sugar elevations.

Adrenaline
Adrenaline produced by the adrenal medulla will also raise blood sugar if there is stress on the body. Adrenaline will also increase fat circulation so that it can be burned as energy. This is not a good scenario for someone who is sitting at a desk and under major stress. Large amounts of fat and sugar floating in the bloodstream should be utilized to run from a saber-toothed tiger which is our built-in survival mechanism. If there is no activity, the excess sugar will be converted into fat and stored mainly around the mid-section, hips and thighs.

The adrenal cortex communicates with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus reads the amount of circulating hormones and tells the pituitary to make hormones that directly tell the cortex to make hormones. This is called the HPA axis or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

All hormones are secreted on a circadian rhythm over a 24-hour period. Cortisol is especially representative of this rhythm as cortisol production is the highest in the early morning and then slowly tapers off as the day progresses. Cortisol levels are lowest at night so that the body can repair itself to the best of its ability. You lose two-thirds of your stored sugar while sleeping and cortisol production ensures balanced blood sugar during the night. If the adrenals are fatigued, you may have trouble staying asleep as the body will make adrenaline to raise blood sugar due to inadequate cortisol production which is enough to wake you up. If your adrenals are in overdrive with too much cortisol production, then you probably have trouble falling asleep. If you are a slow starter in the morning, your adrenals are probably fatigued and can't make adequate cortisol to raise blood sugar and get you going in the morning.

The adrenals will go through phases of adaptation to stress beginning with elevated cortisol due to the initial stress. In the second stage, the adrenals will begin to use sex hormone precursors to make cortisol and DHEA will drop. The final stage is adrenal exhaustion/fatigue when the adrenals can no longer produce cortisol and DHEA. If you have adrenal gland dysfunction you may have the following symptoms:

Can't fall asleep
Can't stay asleep
Fatigue
Salt or sugar cravings
Allergies
Slow to start in the morning
Headaches
Weakened immune system
Ulcers
Need to eat to relieve fatigue
Irritable before meals
Shaky or lightheaded if meals are missed
Blurred vision
Crave caffeine or cigarettes
Feeling full or bloated
Dizziness
Asthma
Varicose veins
Hemorrhoids

Remember that the hormone aldosterone made in the adrenal cortex regulates blood volume through sodium retention and potassium excretion. If you have the following symptoms you have low aldosterone levels indicating adrenal gland dysfunction:

Craving salt
Fluid retention in the arms and legs
Pupils do not stay constricted when exposed to light
Rough or sandpaper tongue
Excessive urination - up to 15-20 times/day
Excessive sweating even without activity

Your natural physician will order a salivary hormone profile to measure cortisol production at four different times throughout the day. This allows your physician to observe adrenal gland dysfunction during all parts of the day and will dictate the type of treatment you will receive. Symptoms cannot adequately diagnose if the adrenals are in fatigue or if they are hyperfunctioning. This is why testing is so vital to properly assess adrenal gland function. In addition, it gives a baseline to compare to follow-up testing so treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

Blood sugar is intricately related to adrenal gland function and vice versa. Chronically elevated cortisol levels from adrenal stress will cause insulin receptor insensitivity. This basically means that when insulin binds to cell receptors to allow glucose (blood sugar) entry into the cell, the receptors may not respond which leaves sugar floating in the blood stream. Remember that excess sugar will be converted into fat and stored mainly around the abdomen, hips and thighs. This also puts extra stress on the pancreas to make more insulin to deal with the excess blood sugar which increases the risk of diabetes. As discussed earlier, cortisol is very important for blood sugar stability.

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which there is inadequate cortisol to raise blood sugar into the normal range. We usually see adrenal fatigue and hypoglycemia together. Hypoglycemics develop symptoms of low blood sugar and need to eat something to normalize blood sugar levels. They may feel shaky, irritable, light-headed, fatigued or may crave sugar because their adrenal glands cannot raise blood sugar into the normal range. Once hypoglycemics rejuvenate their adrenal glands, the symptoms will subside. It's important for hypoglycemics to eat frequently throughout the day and not skip meals. Each meal should be a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fats as a low-carb meal or too many carbs will further throw off blood sugar levels.

You may ask which comes first - adrenal dysfunction or blood sugar dysfunction? It doesn't matter because when one starts to become imbalanced so goes the other. This is also important to understand in treatment because both aspects should be addressed at the same time for optimal results.

So how does all this relate to optimal thyroid function? In the chapter on thyroid hormone physiology, we discussed the enzyme that converts inactive T4 (thyroxine) into active T3 (triiodothyronine). Remember that 93 percent of the hormone produced by the thyroid is inactive T4 until it is activated mainly in the liver by an enzyme. Cortisol directly inhibits this enzyme (5'-deiodinase) which converts inactive T4 into active T3. This in part can lead to low T3 levels. In addition, elevated cortisol will cause thyroid hormone receptor insensitivity meaning that even if T3 levels are adequate, they may not be able to bind normally to receptor sites. Cortisol will also increase the production of reverse T3 which is inactive. Cortisol can also lower the levels of protein that binds to thyroid hormone so it can circulate in a stable structure. Iodine, as you know from a previous chapter, is extremely vital to thyroid health but high levels of cortisol will increase the excretion of iodide from the kidney. And finally, elevated cortisol will inhibit TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) production by disrupting hypothalamic-pituitary feedback leading to suboptimal TSH production in the range of 1.0-1.5. Has your physician adequately assessed your adrenals before treatment? It is very irresponsible for any physician to treat thyroid hormone dysfunction without thoroughly assessing adrenal gland physiology and of course, blood sugar.

Regarding cortisol's effect on thyroid hormones, Werner and Ingbar's The Thyroid: A Fundamental and Clinical Text, (8th edition), states: "Serum TSH, TBG (thyroid-binding protein), T4 and T3 concentrations are slightly decreased, albeit usually within the respective ranges of normal; serum free T4 values are normal."11

As discussed in our chapter on the liver, impaired detoxification can lead to abnormal thyroid function. Again, the adrenals come into play because elevated cortisol inhibits proper liver detoxification. It is sometimes necessary to support liver detoxification pathways while treating the adrenal glands and thyroid to optimize results and metabolize toxins, excess hormones and thyroid-disrupting chemicals. Signs of impaired liver detoxification include nausea, constipation, bloating, lack of response to treatment, acne, acne during menstrual cycle, medication sensitivity, and pale skin upon pressure.

There is also a powerful Adrenal-Gut connection as well. Elevated cortisol levels slowly eat away at the immune system that lines the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Cortisol also increases inflammation in the GI tract and prevents the cells that line the GI tract from regenerating which increases the risk of ulcers. This leads to increased infections from parasites, yeast, mold, fungi, viruses, and bacteria which further stresses the adrenal glands creating a vicious cycle. Leaky gut is another consequence of chronically elevated cortisol levels which is a condition in which gaps open in the intestinal barrier allowing undigested proteins and toxins to enter the bloodstream uninhibited. This puts a major stress on the body's immune system and can lead to immune dysfunction, adrenal stress, chronic fatigue and thyroid hormone imbalance.

Adrenals that are functioning at a low level tend to exhibit various symptoms and patterns. Adrenal-fatigued people usually have to run on caffeine and sugar throughout the day to keep going. They are dragging out of bed and say, "I need my coffee before I can do anything." This is a sad state because it indicates an extremely unhealthy individual who requires a legal drug just to function. These individuals crave sweets and crash many times throughout the day, especially in the afternoon, and need a "pick me up" such as another cup of coffee or something sweet. This further drives blood sugar and hormone imbalances leading to weight gain, insomnia, fatigue and an underactive thyroid gland. In addition, these people can usually fall asleep without problems but will wake up during the night. This happens because there is inadequate cortisol production to stabilize blood sugar so the adrenals release adrenaline instead which raises blood sugar but is also too stimulatory resulting in waking up and insomnia.

People with adrenal hyperfunctioning usually cannot fall asleep because there is too much cortisol production which has an excitatory effect on the nervous system. There are many possible causes of elevated cortisol that lead to too much cortisol production and eventually adrenal fatigue. The following cause adrenal stress:

1. Anemia - red blood cells cannot deliver oxygen to body tissues


2. Blood sugar imbalances


3. Low cholesterol - statin medications such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, etc.


4. Infections


5. Gums


6. Urinary tract


7. Gastrointestinal


8. Mold, yeast or fungus


9. Lyme Disease/Tick-Borne Infections


10. Chronic virus


11. Dehydration - especially in athletes or those who fly frequently (it is important to drink half of bodyweight in ounces of water every day)


12. Poor dietary habits (skipping meals, high intake of simple carbohydrates, etc.)


13. Eating foods you are sensitive/allergic to


14. Leaky gut


15. Liver detoxification issues


16. Essential fatty acid deficiencies


17. Not enough sleep


18. Overexercise


19. Emotional stressors (usually severe)


20. Heavy metals


21. Autoimmune adrenals


22. Chronic use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Prozac, etc.)


23. Chronic pain


24. Environmental toxin exposures - damages mitochondria


25. Surgical menopause


26. Chronic tissue injury or inflammation (autoimmune condition)

It takes a great deal of time and effort to do the proper detective work to find out why someone is ill. The supplements covered here are meant to complement diet and lifestyle changes. In order for a treatment plan to be successful, it is very important that the following guidelines are adhered to without deviation.

Adrenal stimulants will disrupt your treatment plan and consist of the following:

Inadequate sleep
Eating sugar/simple carbohydrates
Caffeine and decaffeinated beverages
Nicotine
Alcohol
Food allergies
Trans fats (hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils)
Artificial sweeteners
Excess exercise

As long as blood sugar levels are out of balance, it will be extremely difficult to restore proper adrenal function. Practice the following guidelines to ensure stable blood sugar levels:

1. Always eat breakfast that includes more protein than carbohydrates


2. Eat every two to three hours


3. Snack on protein and fat such as nuts, eggs and seeds


4. Do not drink juice - this includes ALL juices which are nothing more than plant sugar


5. Consume protein at every meal

Blood sugar imbalances and a condition known as insulin resistance are major factors in optimizing thyroid and adrenal health. Insulin resistance basically means that insulin receptors are no longer able to respond to insulin. Insulin binds to receptors and allows blood sugar to enter cells. With insulin resistance, insulin's effects are negated leaving excess blood sugar. The following symptoms can indicate insulin resistance:

Fatigue
Sugar cravings
Abdominal obesity
High blood pressure
Inability to lose weight
Always feeling hungry
Fatigue after meals
Aches and pains all over
High cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides
Low HDL ("good" cholesterol)

Remember that impaired liver detoxification can significantly affect optimal thyroid hormone function. Elevated insulin levels will reduce glutathione levels inhibiting the liver's ability to detoxify. This will affect the conversion of inactive T4 into active T3, increase thyroid-disrupting chemicals and may lead to excess estrogen levels which inhibit thyroid hormone function.

Thyroid hormone's main function is to regulate metabolism through the burning of sugar, fat and protein. Insulin resistance prevents adequate sugar transport into the cell decreasing the available fuel for energy production. This puts an increased strain on the thyroid to make more hormone and can eventually lead to hypothyroidism.

We have already discussed the importance of adrenal gland function and its relationship to optimal thyroid health. The following supplements will help to correct adrenal gland dysfunction. It's very important to have the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA tested to ensure precise treatment. Adaptogens are compounds that help to normalize the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. They will help adrenals that are in a state of fatigue, high stress or a combination of both. The feedback loop of the HPA axis is key in balancing adrenal hormones, and adaptogens are vital in healing this process.

Supplements That Help Correct Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

Magnolia & Phellodendron
Magnolia is a tree native to the rain forests of China. Its bark has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes including the regulation of stress and anxiety. Phellodendron grows in northeastern China and Japan. Together, these extracts restore cortisol and DHEA production in the adrenal gland. They bind to stress hormone receptors promoting relaxation and feelings of well-being.

Perilla oil & MCTs
These essential oils have natural stress-reducing effects. Perilla oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which stimulate repair and are anti-inflammatory. MCTs reduce cell acids and help to produce energy in the cell's mitochondria. MCTs are easy to assimilate and metabolize which is extremely important for those with delicate stomachs and impaired absorption.

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is similar to panax ginseng. It has the ability to normalize adrenal stress syndromes. Stress responses can have many adverse affects on health and this herb will reduce these effects.

Eleutherococcus
Eleutherococcus senticosus is an adaptogen that supports the HPA axis under times of stress as well as enhance athletic performance. Eleutherococcus will enhance physical work capacity as well as brain function when under stress.

Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is also known as Korean ginseng and is an adaptogen. Panax ginseng optimizes the functioning of the HPA axis. It has been shown to enhance physical performance, stamina and energy production. Panax ginseng will shift metabolism into a fat-burning state as opposed to a sugar-burning state due to an increase in oxygen availability for muscles.

Rhodiola
Rhodiola is popular in traditional Eastern European and Asian medical systems. Rhodiola is an adaptogen that has been shown to enhance immune function and brain function. It also has antidepressant properties, protects the heart and protects against cancer. Rhodiola will prevent adrenaline roller coasters due to high stress.

Holy Basil
Holy basil is an adaptogen that reduces cortisol production from stress, supports blood sugar, has antihistamine properties, optimizes the functioning of the HPA axis, improves the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, improves immune function, and enhances athletic performance.

Pantethine
Pantethine is required for adrenal hormone production. However, it will not over-stimulate cortisol production under times of stress but has the opposite effect.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabara)
Licorice contains compounds that increase the half-life of cortisol which removes stress on the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. It also has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and also reduce/minimize allergic responses. Licorice is antibacterial and antiviral. Due to estrogen's negative effect on thyroid function, licorice is of great benefit because it helps normalize estrogen metabolism.

Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is the "mother of all hormones" and is made from cholesterol in the adrenal gland. Pregnenolone converts into cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Pregnenolone is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to boost mood, improve memory and optimize brain function.

DHEA
DHEA is made by the adrenal glands and will convert into estrogen and testosterone. In men, it will mainly convert into estrogen and in women, DHEA will mainly convert into testosterone. DHEA has its own effects including resensitizing insulin receptors, boosting the immune system, preventing bone loss, enhancing memory and lowering cholesterol. When under stress, the body will make cortisol at the expense of DHEA.

Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine's greatest benefit is its ability to lower cortisol levels by optimizing the brain's relationship with the adrenal glands. After only ten days of high doses of PS, research has shown that excessive cortisol levels can be decreased in healthy men. PS has also been shown to enhance brain function and memory, decrease anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance metabolism. It is also an antioxidant. It is very difficult for the body to make PS as it requires many nutrients for production. Supplementation is vital for optimizing adrenal function so cortisol cannot have its negative effects on the body and the thyroid.

Supplements that Balance Blood Sugar

Blood sugar imbalances will greatly influence the ability of your thyroid to function optimally. The following supplements are vital in balancing blood sugar.

Huckleberry/Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
The extract from the leaves of this plant has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes.

Galega Officinalis (French lilac)
This plant has been utilized since the Middle Ages in the treatment of diabetes. French lilac lowers blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance. Prescription medications for blood sugar control such as Metformin are derived from the active ingredients in French lilac.

Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre has been shown to regenerate the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This herb will enhance the effects of insulin, reduce fasting blood sugar, decrease the need for insulin and help with insulin resistance. It will not cause a state of hypoglycemia, however.

Chromium
Chromium stabilizes blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. It will also ensure optimal delivery of blood sugar into your cells. Deficiencies in this nutrient can lead to insulin resistance, high cholesterol and abnormalities in sugar's ability to bind to red blood cells.

Zinc
Zinc's role in blood sugar management includes optimizing insulin metabolism, protecting insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas and improving insulin sensitivity which ensures optimal uptake of sugar into your cells.

Vanadium
Vanadium is very important for insulin resistance by improving transport of sugar into your cells due to its insulin-like effects on cell receptors.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)
ALA is another important nutrient for insulin resistance and is also a strong antioxidant. ALA increases energy production by your cells, optimizes sugar metabolism and lowers lactic acid levels.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E should not be taken in its alpha tocopherol form. Mixed tocopherols including gamma and delta tocopherol are the preferred form of delivery. Vitamin E improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood fats, is a powerful antioxidant and lowers the so-called "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Biotin
Biotin is important in supporting the liver's utilization of sugar. This nutrient will enhance insulin's effects as well as lower blood sugar levels after meals.

Magnesium
Entire books have been written on the king of minerals. Magnesium is involved in approximately 350 reactions in the body and deficiencies in our society are rampant. Magnesium deficiency will lead to insulin resistance and abnormal sugar metabolism. Magnesium appears to enhance insulin secretion by the pancreas.

L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a di-peptide compound that shuttles fatty acids in the cell to be burned as energy. Carnitine has similar effects on blood sugar by supporting sugar transport into cells.

5 Common Theories About What Causes Colitis

What causes colitis is still a matter of much debate within the traditional medical community. Colitis is basically an inflammatory swelling of the large intestine -- the colon. The basic function of the colon is to produce stools by absorbing fluids and food residues.

Colitis belongs to a group called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and most forms of colitis are mild to moderate, although an extreme condition known as ulcerative colitis can become debilitating over time, caused by the development of ulcers inside the colon or rectum. This chronic condition seems to afflict mostly people of all ages and can affect both sexes. Crohn's Disease is perhaps somewhat a better-known IBD. Most members of the traditional medical community will tell you that there is no cure for IBDs, and many people suffer for many years with the symptoms.

The most common symptoms of colitis include abdominal pain, cramping, bloody stools, diarrhea, fever, chills or dehydration.

Here are 5 common theories about what causes colitis:

1. Antibiotics: The introduction of antibiotics in the 1950s and its subsequent widespread use saw a marked increase in the incidence of colitis. It is well-known that antibiotics can adversely interact with naturally occurring bacteria within the digestive system, eventually eroding the inner lining of the colon. While suppressing normal bacteria, antibiotics can furthermore aid abnormal growth of other bacterium, the most widely known being Clostridium difficile, an acknowledged producer of toxins that can lead to colitis.

This use of antibiotics destroys the mucosal lining of the intestines, and I believe this to be the primary cause of colitis, and that is the focus of my treatment protocol. This lining is imperative for the health of your colon, as it protects the tissue in GI tract. Once the lining has been damaged, your body's digestive enzymes then work on destroying this lining. As the tissue is eaten away, it causes symptoms like bleeding, bowel urgency, and diarrhea.

In fact, there has been a marked increase in gastrointestinal disorders since the 1950s due to the fact that antibiotics were introduced and popularized during that time. As people began increasing their use of antibiotics, more and more gastrointestinal problems began surfacing in the general population.

2. Immune system: Scientists at the Mayo Clinic have suggested that a weakened immune system caused by illness can lead to the digestive system becoming inflamed, thus colitis. Other scientists have offered that the introduction of a virus or pathogens, such as E. Coli, Listeria, Botulism, Salmonella, or Shigella, can also be a leading cause.

3. Blood supply: Restricted or insufficient blood flow to the colon can cause blood vessel inflammation. The causes can range from common ailments such as diabetes, hernias, infections, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and sometimes just from arteries narrowing due to the progress of age.

4. Heredity: In another finding, the Mayo Clinic also suggested that heredity is a predominant culprit leading to what causes colitis. Their research points to the fact that possible gene mutations can be inherited that can predispose patients to developing colitis themselves, although the genes in question have not been pinpointed. However, statistics show that only 15% of colitis sufferers have family members who also have a form of IBD.

5. Stress: Although stress has not been singled out as a direct factor in what causes colitis, it has been emphasized that stress can be the root cause of colitis flare ups. Stress is commonly referred to as a trigger for colitis.

Despite the disagreement between natural medicine and traditional (Western) medicine about what causes colitis, I know that colitis can be permanently cured with a treatment protocol involving use of probiotics to rebuild the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease and How to Reduce Inflammation With Omega 3 Fatty Acids

A medical study was done in Bologna and Turin, Italy, where doctors, for one year, administered fish-oil capsules to thirty-nine patients with Crohn's Disease, three times a day. These particular patients had already been in remission for about eight months. A control group of thirty-nine patients, all in a similar condition of remission, received capsules that contained neutral oils. The fish-oil capsules had been formulated to reduce fishy odor and to improve assimilation of Omega-3 EPA and DHA. The odor had to be reduced for this study, because until the trial was over, neither the physicians nor their patients knew which patients had been given the fish oils, and which ones had not. After a year of ingesting 2.7 grams of EPA and DHA (the healing elements in omega 3 oils) every day, twenty-three of the patients who received the fish oils were still in remission. By contrast, only eleven of the thirty-nine control patients stayed in remission.

The story of that study is from "Omega-3 Oils," by Donald Rudin, MD and Clara Felix. Omega 3 oils have shown to support anti-inflammatory pathways in the body. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition, occurring sporadically in the large intestine. It is painful.

In this disease, bowel tissue contains abnormally high levels of inflammation-producing, "bad" prostaglandins from Omega-6 ARA (arachidonic acid). A prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance that helps regulate, among other activities in our body, inflammatory responses. In the patients taking the fish oil whose illness stayed in remission, red blood cell levels of ARA decreased dramatically. However, levels of Omega-3 EPA and DHA increased significantly. In general, laboratory tests indicated that inflammation decreased in the fish oil patients, but increased in the patients who were given the other oils.

In ulcerative colitis, as in Crohn's disease, bowel tissue shows high levels of the unwanted ARA-produced prostaglandins. The more severe the symptoms, the higher the levels of these inflammation producing prostaglandins. In a study, conducted at Washington University School of medicine, by William Stenson, twenty-four patients with active ulcerative colitis who took fish-oil capsules for four months showed a big drop in the prostaglandins.

In other studies done with fish oil supplements, a decrease in rectal bleeding showed, and also patients who had suffered weight loss began to gain weight. Since at this time there is no cure for Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis, I think it is exciting that there is some improvement gained with a natural product - a food supplement. Omega 3 fatty acids seem to play an important role.

Colostomy Info

A Colostomy is a surgical procedure that bypasses the intestinal tract therefore producing an alternate track for Bowell movements.   This is required when there is disease or damage to the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure involves the connection of a section of the colon to an opening in the skin of the abdomen. A Stoma is the opening which allows the waste to drain. The waste then drains into a pouch called a colostomy pouch. A Colostomy can be temporary or permanent depending on the intent. If the intent is temporary, the colostomy can be reversed when the intestine is healed. In these cases the Stoma would closed.   In a colostomy, the surgeon will cut away the diseases or damaged part of the colon. The more colon that can be used will lead to the more solidity of the stool. 

Patients with Chrohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis experience discomfort and sudden urges to pass stool. A colostomy

A colostomy can be permanent or temporary.   In intestinal surgeries where healing is needed, the drainage of waster can be re-routed away from the surgical site to allow recovery.  Once the intestines are functioning properly again, the colostomy is reversed and the stoma closed.   

A colostomy may be needed in severe cases of bowel disease, such as Chrohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis.  Because the colon functions so poorly, patients experience extreme discomfort and unpredictable urges to pass stool.   If conservative treatments do not improve the situation, a colostomy can provide significant relief of symptoms. 

Top Common Causes of Lower Right Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower right abdomen may not always be a cause of alarm but it is still important to know the reason for this. You might not need to be rushed to the emergency room but at least you know exactly what is going on inside your body.

Here are some of the more common reasons that trigger pain in the lower right abdomen:

• Constipation-This is very common for a lot of people. The difficulty of your digestive tract to push triggers pain in the lower abdominal area. This is because of the extra work that the muscles are doing which also puts pressure on the abdominal part.

• Appendicitis-This is a problem for people who are within 11 to 40. For appendicitis, the abdominal pain is also accompanied by vomiting, fever and loss of appetite.

• Hernia-This can also cause pain because of the protruding soft tissue that hits the abdominal wall. For this type of medical problem, the pain is also felt in the groin and upper thigh area.

• Testicular Torsion-For men who are suffering from coiled testicle, abdominal pain can be felt. This also comes with vomiting, nausea and pain in the testicles. The pain can come in surges but in worse cases, it would not go away. Hence, it is necessary to consult a doctor right away.

• Ectopic Pregnancy-This is a problem for women wherein the fertilized egg is situated in another area and not in the uterus. The pain in lower right abdomen gets even more intense if the fertilized egg resides in the fallopian tube.

• Cancer-Different types of cancer can also lead to pain in the lower abdomen. The reason why this type of aching should not be ignored is because it may also be symptom of bowel cancer, colon caner or ovarian cancer.

• Endometriosis-This health problem is triggered when the womb tissues grows beyond the womb. For cases like this, there is also slight swelling which can be felt when the painful area is being pressed lightly. The pain could get even worse during the menstrual period.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease-Women's womb may sometimes be positioned the wrong way. Pain is present in the lower right abdominal part when the womb is tilted to this side. For this disorder, pain, vaginal discharge and fever may also be experienced.

• Ulcerative Colitis-This is a disease that damages the large bowel. The pain in lower right abdomen is just one of the symptoms because this usually causes weight loss and bloody stool too.

• Salpingitis-Women who have multiple sexual partners are prone to this illness. This is an infection in the tube which makes intercourse painful and causes excessive vaginal discharge.

These are some of the more common reasons for abdominal pain on the right side. Self-diagnosis is not the best way to go since some of the symptoms may be too similar. If you want to really take good care of your body, asking for doctor's advice should be prioritized.

Why Do People Do a Colon Cleanse Even If They Are Perfectly Healthy?

Perfectly healthy individuals are fast learning the benefits of regular colon cleansing. Despite many medical breakthroughs involved in keeping the body strong, healthy, and youthful, a colon cleanse (also known as a colon detox) has remained a common practice among health-conscious people. If you have not discovered until now why people get a colon cleanse, you have come to the right place to find out the benefits of this purification technique that has often been referred to as "the fountain of youth".

Not to be too technical, but it is important to know first exactly what the colon's function is and what it does with regards to maintaining a healthy body. To get the big picture, understanding the entire workings of our gastro-intestinal and excretory systems are imperative before we go on to what a colon cleanse is all about.

How does the colon work?

Think of the colon (also known as the large intestine) as the garbage disposal unit of your body. This is where the small intestines deposit the body's toxic waste residue after digesting all the food and drinks we've ingested. The main function of the colon is to extract the remaining water, vitamins, and salt from the "chyme" or waste matter to maintain the body's water fluid balance before excreting the feces through the rectum and anal passage ridding the body of toxic waste matter and bacteria that cause all types of diseases.

Regular bowel movement according to medical experts is not enough to maintain a healthy colon. The colon stores very high levels of toxins secreted by long, old, and hardened fecal matter and gases inside it. This builds up over time and is the reason for a lot of bodily discomfort, and if not properly cleansed, possibly fatal diseases. Milder effects of an unhealthy colon would be: constipation, major skin problems, bloating, fatigue, large belly, flatulence, bad breath, weight gain, headaches, insomnia, irritability, and stomach spasms. The side effects don't stop there since toxins that aren't excreted from the body eventually penetrate the bloodstream causing many forms of serious diseases like: Blood poisoning, hemorrhoids, candida, diverticulitis, internal hemorrhage, ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer.

How can you prevent all of this?

The only way is to thoroughly cleanse your colon regularly freeing not only your colon but your body as well of toxic fecal matter and gases. This is why people do a colon cleanse.

Types of Colon Cleansing Methods

1.) Enema Cleanse - This method is a procedure wherein water is used to induce bowel movement, or to wash out toxins and pollutants in the colon, or to replace the colon flora with good bacteria. There are various kinds of ingredients that are effective for enemas and most can be done at home. Some types of home remedy ingredients are: Coffee, wheat grass, yogurt, salt and soda, garlic and salt, and vinegar. To replenish colon flora with good bacteria a very effective method is to use very clean fecal matter from a 13-18 month old, breastfed, unvaccinated, and healthy baby. This procedure is recommended for people with illnesses such as Hemorrhoids, Candidiasis, Allergies, Prostate Cancer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gallstones, and Colon Cancer.

2.) Colon Hydrotherapy or Colonics - A professional does this procedure; a tube is inserted into your rectum for warm water to be flushed into your colon to soften and extricate old and hardened fecal matter stuck to the large intestinal walls. The procedure is done in a series of visits to fully detoxify the body of fecal matter. Sometimes as much as thirty pounds is extricated which is a clear show of how contaminated our colons, in effect, our bodies are when we don't cleanse our colons regularly. The only downside to this procedure is that it is quite heavy on the budget.

3.) Natural Herbal Colon Cleansing Kits - These are simply a combination of healthy and all-natural herbal pills that have been proven to detoxify the colon and to keep the colon's good bacteria alive. This is perhaps the easiest and simplest procedure for everyone, but is best used as maintenance after an enema or colon hydrotherapy as this does not immediately rid the colon of the large quantities of fecal matter lodged inside the colon.

5 Important Facts About Colon Ulcers

There are a number of types of ulcers including peptic and oral ones. But most people are unaware of colon ulcers. The most common form is ulcerative colitis. It is an inflammation of the lining which forms in the upper part of the large intestine. Following are five important facts or info about colon ulcers:

It can be very painful. These symptoms are as a result of mucosal erosions which occur when there is an overproduction of harmful bacteria in the colon. The mucous forms as the body's immune system fights off the invasive bacteria that has killed or overtaken the normal cells in that area.

Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, rectal bleeding, narrow stools, excessive diarrhea or constipation, skin lesions and anemia. These symptoms can often be similar to those of colon cancer; but only 5% of all cases lead to cancer.

The most common treatment is outpatient hospital care. Drugs such as corticosteroids can often be prescribed initially. About 25% to 40% of all patients need surgery to mitigate the symptoms and repair the lining of the affected area.

Occasionally, a patient may require several days or weeks in the hospital if bleeding or diarrhea is severe enough to warrant treatment. Tube feeding is often used to replace body fluids and electrolytes. Doctors may put patients on special diets.

This condition is most common for people between 15 and 30 and less common for those over 50. It is known to occur more often among whites and those of Jewish descent.

Emotional Stress and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

There is a clear and direct connection between stress and autoimmune disorders such as Ankylosing Spondylitis. Painful or repressed emotions put stress on the body, but natural methods of stress relief can help reverse the pain and symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Recently, a client of mine who has Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) had an enlightening "aha" moment when she suddenly realized her autoimmune symptoms raged out of control whenever she had an argument with her adult son.

Until then she had never recognized stress as an issue for her AS pain and symptoms. Now she clearly gets it. She has come to realize that as her stress ramps up, so do the chronic pain and symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disorder similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This is a common for my clients, and I see it frequently. A considerable aspect of my work involves helping clients identify and eradicate the mental and emotional triggers that worsen the pain and symptoms of AS.

Think about it. When you suppress your guilt, anger, resentment, and other difficult emotions... can it make you sick?

The latest medical studies overwhelmingly conclude that yes, negative emotions do affect our health. Toxic emotions significantly compromise immune function, and mental stress weakens our built-in defenses against premature aging and disease.

Stress and stress-related illnesses account for over 90% of the issues that patients report to their doctors. This means that, in a very real sense, our thoughts and emotions hold the key to our physical health.

For example, medical studies conclude that stress can disrupt the normal function of the human digestive system. Mental and emotional stress can cause loss of appetite, ravenous eating binges, and alter the proper absorption and elimination of nutrients. Alleviating the mental and emotional stress that causes these problems will usually result in restoration of proper gastrointestinal function.

If you suffer from and inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other GI tract disorder, alarm bells should be sounding off in your head. Let me repeat: Reverse your stress and toxic emotions, and you'll restore proper gastrointestinal function.

Study after study proves that what we think and feel has a profound effect on our health. Here is the good news: Tests conclude that patients who expect positive results from their medical treatments are more likely to have them.

Stress relief helps to reverse the pain and symptoms related to autoimmune disorders including Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthiritis, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and many others.

Home Remedies to Ease Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes swelling and sores in the colon and rectum. It is painful, sometimes embarrassing and can be deadly if left untreated. Your doctor is needed both in the diagnosis and the treatment, however there are things that you can do.

Herbs that help reduce inflammation may be very useful, although care has to be taken if you are also taking anti-inflammatory medications. One of the herbs recommended is aloe. This herb is likely to make you feel worse. It is a potent laxative. The cramping from taking aloe could exacerbate that from the colitis. Yarrow would be a much better source.

Several herbs can coat the lining of your stomach and intestines. Slippery elm, marshmallow and licorice are all known for that property. Be careful of using licorice if you have high blood pressure, it is quite good at causing it to go up. Also, don't take medications at the same time as these herbs. They might not be effective that way.

Larch can increase the good bacteria in your intestines, which could be helpful. However, it also affects the immune system. If you have an auto-immune disorder, this herb should be avoided. Transplant patients should also avoid it.

Chamomile is a soothing herb, both for the nerves and for the digestive tract. It is fairly mild and can be tolerated by most people well. If you are allergic to ragweed, however, chamomile could cause a reaction as they are related.

Peppermint can also help, though in this instance an enteric coated tablet might be ideal. That way, it gets through your stomach before it starts working. Otherwise, the benefits may be greatly reduced by digestion.

As with all medical conditions, it is important that you speak to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any new supplement. They know your medical history and the prescriptions you take.

Ulcerative Colitis and Nutrition

It is recommended for people with this condition to get more healthy bacteria in their diets. These probiotics can be found in many natural supplements and pills and have proved to be more helpful to some people than using conventional medicines. It is also recommended that people with ulcerative colitis do not have fermented dairy products such as yogurt in the early part of the recovery process. It may be hard to digest early on. When the condition flares up or becomes worse, it is best to eat soft plant foods such as zucchini, white rice and soups that are not too harsh such as potato. It is also recommended to get plenty of Vitamin D to help boost the immune system with this condition. Vitamin D can be found from the sun as well as in salmon, eggs, and sardines.

Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis include these high in omega six fatty acids. They can make inflammation worse. These foods might include: sunflower, corn, cottonseed, sesame oil and peanut oil. Omega 3 fatty acids however are good for this condition and may help with inflammation and recovery. Wild salmon, organic eggs and cod liver oil are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids for people with this condition. It is best to avoid refined sugars and high carbohydrate diets because they can cause problems within the digestive tract making ulcerative colitis worse. Finally, it is a good idea to try to limit emotional stress or know how to better manage it because this can cause inflammation as well.

By knowing what to eat and what to avoid people suffering with ulcerative colitis can begin to live better and feel better. Then they can stay active and even enjoy life again for a long time into the future.

Marshmallow and Heartburn

When people start talking about marshmallows, most people tend to think about that bag of big fluffy white snacks that people like to take with them on camping trips. However before these essential components to s'mores became a mass produced snack item, they were actually made from the root of a plant that could be found growing in the marshlands. The marshmallow plant, also known as Althea, has a white root that is slightly sweet to the taste. Along with being a traditional ingredient in everyone's favorite campfire snack, Marshmallow root was also used in traditional medicine to help soothe coughs, irritations and help to combat heartburn.

It's all about the mucilage

Marshmallow, or althea root (as most health food stores like to label it), contains a high percentage of mucilage. Mucilage is a substance that swells up and takes on a gel like consistency when it is mixed with water. This gel like substance can then coat the inner lining of your throat and esophagus and help protect and soothe it making it an ideal additive to natural cough and sore throat remedies.

This ability to coat and soothe also makes marshmallow root tea an ideal remedy for mild heartburn because of its ability to shield the lining of the esophagus from the harmful effects of stomach acid reducing inflammation and irritation. It is also thought to be helpful in cases of ulcers, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease because it can also help coat the lining of the stomach and intestinal walls.

Besides being used as a tea to help with a host of digestive and throat ailments, Marshmallow root can also be used as a paste to help soothe irritated skin. Simply mixed the powdered root with enough water to make a paste and apply it to the affected skin and then wrap with a layer of gauze. However, be sure to rinse off immediately if any itching or irritation occurs.

Side Effects

While drinking marshmallow root tea will help keep stomach acid from irritating the lining of your esophagus, there are also certain side effects that you should be aware of. Since mucilage does coat the digestive tract, it will also interfere with the absorption of prescription drugs so be sure to give it at least two hours to wear off before taking your daily pills. Marshmallow is also capable of affecting blood levels so people with diabetes or hypoglycemia should consult a physician before taking it.

IBS Support: 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

I have been a holistic gastroenterologist for over 3 decades, and my line of work involves providing people with IBS support. This has brought me into contact with many clients who ask a lot of questions out of curiosity about their condition. There were some queries that kept recurring.

So, I decided to come up with a collection of questions that are frequently asked as far as my IBS support practice is concerned.

Q: Can IBS be classified as an Auto-Immune Disease?

A: Inflammatory Bowel Disease can certainly not be classified as an auto-immune disease because it is definitely not a disease at all. When one looks at it critically, you will note that the immune system does not attack the colon in IBS, Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn's disease. On the contrary, your immune system does its job by trying to help you.

A good example is if I cut my finger. The immune system will take charge of the situation and it works by a means referred to as "compliment." This is an old-school term that explains how the immune system goes about doing its work. The immune system usually becomes active locally and it acts by preventing the finger from getting infected. As much as it is active in this process, I cannot blame my immunity system for my cut finger. The same concept can be applied to the colon. In as much as the immune system becomes active, it cannot be held responsible for damaging the colon lining. On the contrary, it tries to act to prevent infection while at the same time trying to facilitate the healing process. Yet we still prescribe some drugs to help suppress the immune system.

Q: Can IBS be caused by NSAIDS?

A: One can easily get NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over the counter. There are some, like aspirin and ibuprofen, which do not need a prescription. These are not known to cause IBS directly. They may cause stomach upsets due to their acidity but they are not responsible for conditions like IBD. However, they may worsen an already existing situation, especially before antibiotics have been used. Because of this, the NSAID may be able to penetrate the porous mucosal lining and end up irritating the wall of the GI tract.

Q: Is IBD hereditary?

A: This is not exactly the case. There may be some genetic tendencies for some body systems to develop a weakness towards a particular disease. As far as the gastro-intestinal problems are concerned, people do not get IBD without there being other underlying factors. What does "run in the family" are people who frequently use antibiotics. This environmental factor may affect the genetic tendencies and increase the chances of getting Crohn's disease or IBS.

Q. Some of my doctors are recommending the use of colonics as a means of increasing my fiber. Is that an idea worth taking up?

A: This is not recommended because it will only worsen the situation. Considering the colon lining is already inflamed, it is not a good idea to worsen this by dragging roughage over it. It is, however, a good idea to eat a diet that is low in fiber.

Q: Why is it hard for some Naturopaths to fix leaky gut syndrome?

A: Naturopaths are paths are good at treating most general problems. Problems that affect the colon are very complex and thus require Naturopaths who specialize in them. Unfortunately, most of them shy away from this condition. I have been dealing with this for 30 plus years to the point of developing my own Gastro-enterology method.

You do not have to face a lifetime of suffering from some form of IBS. Find the right IBS Support and get your IBS cured today!

Colitis - Can Probiotics Help Your Symptoms?

There are many ways to improve Colitis symptoms one of the most effective that I have found is taking Probiotics regularly Did you know there is more bacteria in your intestinal tract than there are cells in your body?

Benefits of Probiotics -
o They reduce diarrhea
o They are anti-inflammatory
o They Manufacture B complex vitamins
o They help regulate bowel movements
o They create lactic acid that balances intestinal pH levels

There are many other benefits from Probiotic's but these are the main ones we are concerned with in Colitis. Probiotics really work by reducing your diarrhea and lowering inflammation levels in the bowel. When I first took the right type of Probiotics in the right quantity I was amazed at the results, they really improved my stool consistency back to normal in a matter of days.

There are several ways of getting Probiotics into your Diet -

Supplements - There are many many Probiotic supplements for sale out there and it can be confusing knowing which one to take. What you need if you have Colitis is a high powered probiotic with multiple strains of bacteria in it. The best types need to be refrigerated, to keep them fresh and ready for action when they arrive in your intestines. I take one sachet of probiotics containing 450billion live bacteria once a day before bed in a small amount of live goats yogurt. This I find very useful in keeping my bowels regular and my stools well formed. If I feel things are a little bit loose one day then I just take an extra sachet during the day and that gets things back on track.

Kefir - Kefir is a cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your "inner ecosystem." More nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, it supplies complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins. It really is amazing stuff and the good news is that you can make it at home yourself with very little effort or cost! Kefir provides a virtual Swat team of probiotics which get straight to work cleaning up your intestines. You make Kefir by putting Kefir Grains which look a bit like small bits of cauliflower - and are a living microorganism - into a jar of milk. The Kefir then eats up all the lactose in the milk and as a byproduct produces lots of natural living probiotics which when you drink them help your intestines to function better. I drink a glass of my own home made kefir every morning as part of my breakfast because as well as being an excellent probiotic it is also an excellent nutritious food.

Should You Be Worried About These Antacid Side Effects?

Before we go into the side effects of antacids it's important to gain an understanding about what they are and what they can do.

Antacids are used in the treatment of acid reflux or GERD. Their alkaline properties are designed to neutralise stomach acid. They should not be confused with other GERD/Acid reflux treatments such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI's) and H2 blockers. These two types work differently as they effect the stomachs secretion of acid.

It's important to point out those antacids, PPI's and H2 blockers I've just mentioned will not cure or fix your condition - all they do is suppress the symptoms. By suppressing stomach acid they can temporarily ease the pain, however you need to keep using them.

The fact is, antacids should not be used for more than a period of 2 weeks, and this instruction is often emphasised on the packaging.

Adverse Effects Of Acid Suppression

The suppression of acid can eventually lead to a number of health complications. It turns out that stomach acid does more than prepare food for digestion. It plays a vital role in helping the absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

For example, vitamin B12 needs to be absorbed in the stomach. With a lack of acid this can lead to the malabsorption of B12 and many other vitamins. Vitamin B12 is essential for the body's metabolism as well as maintaining the functioning of the central nervous system.

Stomach acid also kills off any bacteria contained within the food we eat. Obviously with lower levels of acid the risk of food poisoning and bacterial infections such as E-coli increase.

Adverse Effects On The Digestive System

But most importantly, is how the overuse of antacids can disturb the micro bacterial balance of the digestive system. The key component, that ensures the health of your digestive system and your whole body, is the beneficial bacteria or micro flora that lines the walls of your intestines.

There are literally billions of these microscopic bacteria. They're like a protective wall that keeps out disease causing bacteria and toxins from overrunning your body. They also assist in the functions of absorption and elimination and if that wasn't enough they also support your body's immune system.

But here's the thing, these bacteria can easily be destroyed by the overuse of antacids and antibiotics. When this happens the bad bacteria and the fungal infections such as Candida have a free reign to spread and cause havoc within your digestive system.

Once these bad guys take over there begins a gradual breakdown of the body's digestive health beginning with indigestion, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation. This eventually progresses to more chronic conditions of ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease.

Other antacid side effects can include;

繚 Diarrhea

繚 Nausea

繚 Joint pain

繚 Itchy skin

繚 Rectal bleeding

繚 Flu like symptoms

繚 Fatigue

繚 Constipation

繚 Swelling around the feet and ankles.