Saturday, June 8, 2013

Probiotics to the Rescue - How to Relieve Excessive Flatulence and Other Digestive Problems


 Digestive diseases and disorders, such as: IBS, IBD, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, among many others are becoming an epidemic in our country. Probiotics can alleviate and even cure most of the following problems: excessive flatulence, IBS, IBD, and gastritis.

Recent scientific researches point the connection between digestive disorders and an improper balance of beneficial bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI)tract. There are good bacteria (beneficial to our health) and bad bacteria (harmful to our health when outnumbers good bacteria) living in the human guts, creating intestinal microflora. Intestinal microflora secretes enzymes and digests food. The beneficial bacteria have multiple functions in our health such as:

creating vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, K and Biotin

making essential fatty acids that feed the gut lining

helping digest food  

producing lactase to digest milk

detoxifying dangerous substances

helping remove hormone excess

crowding out harmful bacteria and fungi producing bacteriocins and anti-fungals to fight harmful bacteria

helping to maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels

increasing the number of immune cells

helping cells reproduce normally

reducing inflammatory response

stimulating cell repair mechanisms.  

When bad bacteria start to overgrow the good bacteria, we get all kind of digestive disorders described  above. Probiotics are the good bacteria, and they support the normal activity of the intestinal microflora.

There are different species and strains of bacteria. Depending on the species and strains of bacteria, they work in different parts of the human gastrointestinal tract and have different effects. Some strains of probiotics help to maintain the normal health of the intestinal lining in the small intestine which supports a healthy absorption of nutrients. Other strains reside in the large intestine where they help maintain normal elimination.

The digestive system is a complex system that can be disrupted by disease, bad diet, and emotional stress. Common digestive problems such as heartburn or GERD, IBD, and IBS cause millions of Americans to suffer daily. Digestive problems often result in symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pains, and stomach cramps. These problems pose a limit to the quality of life for people who suffer from these problems. Some digestive diseases produce symptoms that are not related to digestion, for example: anxiety or depression, fatigue, headache, unpleasant taste in the mouth, backache, sleeping problems (insomnia), sexual problems, such as pain during sex or reduced sexual desire, heart palpitations (feeling like the heart skips a beat or is fluttering), urinary symptoms (frequent or urgent need to urinate, trouble starting the urine stream, trouble emptying the bladder). Symptoms often occur after a meal, during stressful times, or during menstruation. Many of these symptoms can disappear if you find the right probiotic supplement.

There are many probiotic supplements on the market today, but as you've guessed, not all of them are equal. In order for probiotics to be effective they need to have requirements, such as:

Contain more than one strain

Contain prebiotics

Be able to survive stomach acid

Remain potency at the time of consumption  

Some brands fulfill some of these requirements, but if you want to see the results you need the probiotic product that has it all. That being said, the information above is not a substitute for consulting with a medical professional. Always consult your doctor before starting any treatment . If you would like to learn more about probiotics and their effect on your health, you can get your free report "Probiotics for Better Health" at www.healthlv.com.

Apples For Gastric Reflux


Has anyone cured acid reflux? To find the answer to this one, I typed in the natural cure for acid reflux, and the answer according to many sources, is most definitely yes. There appear to be many cures for gastric reflux. These include Artemisia Asiatica or Wormwood, garlic, Vitamin U, yoghurt, acidophilus and other probiotics, amino acids and digestive enzymes, to name just a few natural cures for gerd, heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.

A condition not a Disease

The problem with acid reflux/gerd is that its name suggests that it is a disease, which it is not. It is a condition, a very painful one and if it goes untreated, it can cause damage to the esophagus, but it does not require a cure in the normal sense of the word. Symptoms of this condition can include burping, bloating, regurgitation of food, bloating and heartburn after eating. Once you remove the cause of the symptoms, the condition is not so much of a problem.

What about the Simple Apple?

Did you know that the apple is a symbol of immortality? An apple for gastric reflux can help reduce stomach acid naturally. I usually eat a couple of slices before retiring, as bedtime is the worse time for me. You may also find it useful to raise the bed, by placing wood blocks or books under the legs at the top of the bed. This helps gravity and will keep the stomach acid down. I have also found that many with gerd use apple cider vinegar and just taking a couple of spoonfuls when the symptoms present does the trick by soothing acid reflux pain.

Apple cider vinegar is also an anti spasmodic remedy for the esophagus. It is also astringent, antiseptic, anti fungal and antibacterial.

The Apple Juice Cure

The applejuice cure for acid reflux has considerable backing from research; for example, studies in Japan established that Apple Pectin, which has both insoluble and soluble fibers, helps to sustain the intestinal balance by purging the intestinal tract. It is also advocated in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and one of the natural cures for the side effects of stomach cancer treatment.

If you have gastric reflux, vinegar, cider vinegar, or lemon juice ingested in small quantities with your meals, for example, as a salad dressing, can help stimulate normal production of enzymes and acids.

Lots of Water and Chewing Gum!

One of the most important considerations and cures for gastric reflux is water and it is important to drink at least a large bottle each day. Chewing gum after a meal can also help as it produces saliva. This being alkaline by nature, offsets the over production of stomach acid.

Bowtrol Ingredients - A Closer Look


Bowtrol is one of the best-selling natural colon cleansing products available today. Thousands of people use Bowtrol to clean out the excess mucus and toxic fecal matter that clog up their bowels. But what are the natural herbal ingredients that make Bowtrol so effective? Let's take a look.

The dry, aged bark of the Cascara Sagrada tree has been used for over 1,000 years by Native Americans for colon cleansing. Cascara Sagrada means "sacred bark" in Spanish. The bark contains anthroquinones, organic compounds that stimulate the bowels, resulting in an evacuation 6 to 10 hours after ingestion. As an added benefit, this herb also helps restore the colon's muscle tone.

On a related note, studies are now being conducted to find out if Cascara Sagrada can help treat drug overdoses by removing the drug from the lower intestine.

Although it might seem odd, eating natural clay can prevent and alleviate many health problems. As a key ingredient in Bowtrol, Bentonite Clay is one of the most powerful natural colon cleansing substances available today and has been used by generations of native tribes around the world. When the clay mixes with water in the bowel it swells up and acts like a sponge, attracting and absorbing the toxins in colon. When it is expelled from the body it takes the toxins with it.

Slippery Elm has long been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for colon cleansing and the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments. It works by coating and soothing the digestive tract. Recent studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of Slippery Elm have scientific merit in treating inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Turkey Rhubarb has been used for colon cleansing in China for over 2,000 years. Although gentle, Turkey Rhubarb can empty the bowels thoroughly. It also strengthens the gastrointestinal tract and tones and tightens bodily tissues.

Aloe Vera has been recognized since Egyptian times for it amazing restorative powers. Today, it's most commonly known as something you apply to your skin after getting a sunburn, but recent studies have shown that Aloe Vera is also a very effective laxative and colon cleanser.

Any good natural colon cleansing product will contain something to kill unwanted organisms that live in your colon. That's why Wormseed is an important part of Bowtrol. Wormseed features a crystalline substance called santonin, which poisons parasites and rapidly expels round-worms and thread-worms.

These are just some of the important ingredients contained in Bowtrol. It's worth remembering that what makes Bowtrol so powerful is not the individual herbs, but the exact way they are combined together. This is what makes Bowtrol's unique herbal formula so effective.

Herbal Medicine Sicklepod Will Help With Colon Cleansing


Sicklepod and Chinese Senna are both the common names for Senna obtusifolia. Senna is a large species of plant that is prominently found in tropical areas. For many years, the Sicklepod plant has been well known in both the world of herbs and folk medicine. They often act as a laxative and help treat constipation. Much like rhubarb and aloe, the Senna plant has active ingredients in it that give it the ability to loosen stool. It can also help with colon cleansing, as it can cause an increase in the peristaltic movements of the colon when it irritates the mucosa.

Sicklepod leaves have been used for ages in creating tea, and over the years they have developed a lot of medical claims as to what they can do. For a long time it has been a prominent ingredient in a number of tonics and herbal medicines. It has also been a lot in so called "dieter's teas". Since it has the properties of a laxative, in addition to acting like a stimulant, it can help someone on a diet to lose weight. In addition to its laxative properties, Senna has also been used to treat various skin diseases when applied directly to the skin in the form of a paste.

Sicklepod is very rich in fiber, which is a powerful ingredient in making sure that bowels move regularly and timely through the body. As for it being a good colon cleanser, during the day to day consumption of food, as waste forms from what the body did not use, it begins to move through the intestines. As the bowels are moving it creates a slimy concoction that gets stuck on the intestinal walls. Things like Senna that are high in fiber are good at removing that slimy residue out of there.

Although Sicklepod has beneficial properties working as a laxative, it needs to be taken in moderate doses. It should never be taken for more than 10 days in a row. Overusing Senna can cause someone to lose fluids, cause their potassium to drop, as well as cause diarrhea. All of that can lead to dehydration, which could eventually cause harm to the muscles as well as the heart. Senna should also not be used during the first trimester when pregnant. Those who suffer from Crohn's disease, appendicitis, have intestinal obstructions, ulcerative colitis and general abdominal pain should not use any Senna products, tea or otherwise, at all.

Health News: The Secret To Good Health Is Simple


How good is your health?

Most people forget that good health is the greatest asset they can have in life.

They work hard all their lives without taking proper care of themselves
for many years until one day they break down.

Don't wait until you've a nervous break down, to face the reality.

You should balance your activities with the proper amount of rest.

Some of the leading experts in the field of aging now believe that regular exercise along with the proper amount of rest may actually add years to the life span.

Results from a number of tests indicate that speed and muscular strength of many of the elderly can be extended.

Leading authorities agree that this new data is going to shatter many of the myths about aging and physical performance.

The conclusion now is that the performance and ability of the elderly has long been underestimated, diet, proper sleep and exercise along with rest and relaxation are all important factors in preserving our bodies.

Laughter is one of the best things for your mental and physical state.

People are naturally attracted to someone who has a good sense of humor.

You can develop a good outlook and a good sense of humor by associating with and surrounding yourself with pleasant happy people.

Recognize that stress is a killer. A life filled with stress can really wreak havoc on your body causing a number of illnesses such as hear attacks, strokes, asthma, gastric problems, menstrual disorders, ulcerative colitis, angina, irritable colon, increased blood pressure, ulcers, headaches, etc.

There are different types of stress such as mental, emotional and physical.

Emotional stress seems to take the greatest toll on everyone.

All stress is not bad; in fact, life would not be very interesting if it were not met with challenges.

However, too much stress, too often with no effective and appropriate outlet, does not allow the body and soul to recuperate.

You might review a typical week to see if you can identify things that might be making you anxious or causing you stress.

Once identified, stressors can be attacked and eliminated.

Are you a worrier? Chronic worriers don't have more serious problems than others - they just think they do.

Many worriers try to cope by trying not to think about their problems, but this just makes things worse.

Doctors say that chronic worriers feel less anxious if they actually spend a half-hour a day thinking specifically about their problems.

Get plenty of exercise. People who are physically fit look good and feel good.

A good exercise regimen will lengthen your life. Improve your appearance, build self confidence and help delay the aging process.

Remember that you need to do something physical every day.

If you don't use your joints, quite simply they'll tighten up with age to create the stooped, bent and worn out appearance we so often associate with old age.

Studies have shown that people with arthritis experience less pain if they continue to keep their joints flexible.

As one gets older, the bones tend to get brittle which is why it is common for senior citizens to break bones and especially their hips when they fall.

Eating right, getting proper sleep and learning to relax are all very valuable in maintaining a healthy body and mind.

And keep in mind that eating healthy foods and avoiding those high in fats, sodium and cholesterol will help to decrease your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and associated problems.

May these good health news and insights help you to live a longer, healthy and happy life.

Warmly,

I-key Benney, CEO

Improving Digestion Naturally: A Look at Probiotics


Admittedly, the term probiotics doesn't seem all that appealing; it sounds dangerously close to "antibiotics," a type of medication that brings to mind particularly nasty illnesses, such as pneumonia and sinus infections. Not to mention that antibiotics carry along a wide range of unpleasant side effects; users have been known to experience everything from dizziness to rashes to diarrhea. Despite this unfortunate association, research indicates that probiotics can be very beneficial to your digestive system, and can even negate some of the unintended consequences of antibiotics.

The Purpose of Probiotics

First, a little bit of background information on probiotics. Like many words in the English language, "probiotics" can trace its routes to the cradle of Western Civilization - ancient Greece. The prefix "pro" stands for "promoting," whereas the "biotics" part translates into "life."

From this point on, the exact definition of probiotics gets a bit murky, with different organizations offering up their own take on the subject. For clarity's sake, we'll go with the description provided by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, which defines probiotics as follows:

"[probiotics are] live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."

You read that right; probiotics are living, microscopic things. Not only that, but they are also a type of bacteria to boot. Your body is no stranger to bacteria - it's hard to see how it could be, given that there are several pounds worth of bacteria floating around in your skin, nose and intestines.

But wait a minute - aren't bacteria bad? Don't they cause a seemingly endless number of diseases, some of which are life-threatening? If there's so much bacteria swimming inside our bodies, shouldn't we all be struggling just to stay alive?

This situation actually makes sense when you realize that not all bacteria are inherently bad; to the contrary, our body needs a certain amount of bacteria to function properly. This "friendly" type of bacteria play a prominent role in our digestive system, as it breaks down food into smaller pieces, allowing the body to extract valuable nutrients from its meals. In addition to aiding the body's digestive process, friendly bacteria also attack and destroy harmful forms of bacteria.

For the most part, probiotics are a type of healthy bacteria. Like other friendly bacteria inside the gut, probiotics are tasked with purging various enemies from the digestive tract and utilizing passing food. As you can imagine, an insufficient amount of probiotic bacteria leads to a number of health complications. When this scenario does occur, both the body's digestive tract and its immune system become vulnerable to allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders and infections.

Probiotics Under the Microscope

In recent years, a niche market for probiotic supplements has emerged, with several products claiming to boost probiotic bacteria in the body. Not to be outdone, a number of foods have been heavily marketed based on their probiotic properties. Given that most people know very little about probiotics, it's understandable that some consumers might wonder about the effectiveness of such products.

Medical researchers have pondered this very question, and have conducted numerous studies to determine if probiotics live up to their billing. A large compilation of probiotics studies were examined by Yale University faculty in 2011. After reviewing the complete body of research, the Ivy League experts concluded that probiotics could be useful in treating the following conditions:


  • Childhood diarrhea

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the intestines. This condition occurs mostly in infants

  • Preventing diarrhea and infectious diarrhea caused by antibiotics

  • Preventing pouchitis, a type of intestinal inflammation that can develop after intestinal surgery

  • Eczema (a type of skin disorder that leads to rashes, dry skin and blisters) caused by an allergic reaction to cow's milk

  • Strengthening the immune system

The Yale team added that probiotics might also prove effecting against the conditions listed below, though they cautioned that more researched is needed to confirm these benefits:


  • Certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

  • Vaginitis

  • Diarrhea caused by C. difficile bacteria

  • Crohn's disease

Adding Probiotics to Your Diet

Given that the value of probiotics has been extolled by numerous studies, it would likely prove beneficial to work them into your daily diet. As mentioned above, there are several probiotic supplements available to consumers at popular drug store chains. Shoppers looking for probiotics in foods and beverages also have many options:

Yogurt - By far the most well-known food source of probiotics is yogurt. This diary product contains lactobacillus or bifidobacteria, two types of good bacteria that can starve off diarrhea, gas, bloating and cramping (don't feel bad if you struggle pronouncing these bacteria; together, their names add up to thirteen syllables!)

Sourdough Bread - The next time you go shopping, you might to consider picking up some sourdough bread. Sourdough bread features lactobacilli, which has been linked to smoother digestive patterns.

Sauerkraut - You've probably heard of sauerkraut, though you might not know what it actually is. This German dish consists solely of shredded cabbage and salt; both ingredients are placed into a jar, and the salt facilitates the formation of bacteria. In turn, these bacteria produce acid, giving sauerkraut its distinctive tangy taste.

In its unpasteurized form, sauerkraut contains three notable probiotics - leuconostoc, pediococcus, and lactobacillus. If you have concerns about eating sauerkraut which has not been pasteurized, bring the issue up with your doctor.

Bananas - Another food with a tongue-twisting type of probiotic are bananas. In this case, the helpful bacteria are called fructooligosaccharide. Fructooligosaccharide, which spurs the formation of healthy bacteria while allowing the body to absorb greater amounts of calcium.

Other Foods With Probiotics:


  • Kefir

  • Dark Chocolate

  • Pickles

  • Hummus

  • Cottage Cheese

Friday, June 7, 2013

Risks of Colon Cancer in Women and Men


Cancer occurs when something goes wrong with this system, causing uncontrolled cell division and growth. Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer killer overall and third most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States in both males and females. Who is at risk for colorectal cancer. Men tend to get colorectal cancer at an earlier age than women, but women live longer so they catch up with men and thus the total number of cases in men and women is equal. Women diagnosed with uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50 are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. Woman with a personal history of breast cancer have only a very slight increase in risk of colorectal cancer. The average age to develop colorectal cancer is 70 years, and 93% of cases occur in persons 50 years of age or older. You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you have:

Cancer elsewhere in the body.

Colorectal polypsCrohn's disease

Family history of colon cancer

Personal history of breast cancer

Ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer vary depending on the location of the cancer within the colon or rectum, though there may be no symptoms at all. The most common presenting symptom of colorectal cancer is rectal bleeding. Cancers arising from the left side of the colon generally cause bleeding, or in their late stages may cause constipation, abdominal pain, and obstructive symptoms. On the other hand, right-sided colon lesions may produce vague abdominal aching, but are unlikely to present with obstruction or altered bowel habit. Other symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, or anemia resulting from chronic blood loss may accompany cancer of the right side of the colon.

The first step to avoiding this ailment is prevention with regular tests at the doctor, but there are other ways of getting around this disease in between checkups. Nevertheless, it appears that increasing the fiber content in the Western diet would be useful in the primary prevention of colorectal cancer. It is recommended that physical activity messages promoting at least 30-45 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most days of the week be included in primary prevention interventions for cancer. The population prevalence for meeting proposed physical activity criteria for colon cancer prevention is low and much lower than that related to the more generic public health recommendations.

Our bodies need lots of calcium and not only for building strong bones. Colon cancer prevention is one of the most exciting uses for calcium. However, instead of using calcium supplements, this study relied on low-fat dairy products to supply 1,200mg calcium per day. Investigators found this amount of calcium decreased the incidence of changes in the cells lining the colon, which is often seen in the initial stages of colon cancer. A significant protective factor is adequate dietary calcium intake during the period of maximum growth (ages 9-25 y), so that proper peak bone mass is achieved by age 20-30 y and maintained until mid-life, with only slow bone loss in the following years. As already noted, dietary surveys indicate a significant gap between the recommended calcium intake and the actual intake in the United States in the critical years of adolescence and young adulthood and later in life.

You Can Now Try Aloe For Ulcerative Colitis


Do you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis? Have you been on the look out for a permanent solution? May we interest you in a natural solution? Aloe vera. Aloe has an ability of potent internal healing which works to fix the health of your digestive system. It is an all natural, non-toxic medicine with no negative side effects.

The most important feature of Aloe is that your body does not build up a resistance against it and regular use can only help you to regularize bodily functions. Also it is safe for use in children, adults and even the elderly. Another advantage is that it can be taken by patients in all states of health. Likewise, it can be used in combination with any other prescribed medication without any ill effects.

All the healing properties of Aloe are because of one of its ingredients called Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides (AMP). Before we talk about how AMP benefits our body we must first understand what it is. Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides are long chain sugar molecules made up of separate mannose and glucose sugar molecules combined together. Though the most potent, AMP molecules are only one of an approximate 200 ingredients found in the Aloe Vera plant. Discovery of the medicinal values of AMP is a very important breakthrough in autoimmune and gastrointestinal areas of medicinal study.

Ulcerative Colitis is an ailment of the colon which involves inflammation of the digestive tract. It is to be found under the category of irritable bowel disease (IBD). This disease could cause dilation of the colon or even fatal effects like perforation of the colon. The thought process behind using aloe vera to treat this ailment is that its anti-inflammatory properties will help soothe the inflammation current in the digestive system. Its antifungal and antibacterial functions are also deemed to help the condition.

Secrets of How to Tackle a Colitis Flare Up


When the inevitable colitis flare up does happen it can be a very distressing period of time. It has the capacity to alter all of the normal daily routines of the sufferer's life and therefore it is important that knowledge is gained of how to face the consequences of a flare up and manage it to ensure the best possible chance of returning to remission as soon as possible.

Each sufferer has different methods of coping with a change to their circumstances due to the appearance of a flare up, with many recognising that any change to their bowel health requires immediate medical attention. There are other sufferers who stop their daily routines and rest completely for a period of a few days to a week or more in order to try and not antagonise the bowel and reduce any pressure put upon it. If this is unsuccessful, it is usual for the doctor to be made aware of the circumstances of the flare up and additional specific medication requested. Colitis symptoms that are caught early can often be easier and more responsive to treat due to their low intensity, although this unfortunately is not always the case. The sufferers that just carry on life trying best to cope often exacerbate the problems and are ultimately delaying the inevitable downtime.

It is very important to understand and appreciate those dramatic changes in bowel habits over a short period of time, where there is greater frequency in movements and the appearance of blood, signals that the opinion of a doctor should be sought. If this is then coupled with other symptoms such as the onset of fever, increasing abdominal pain, the feeling of nausea with or without vomiting, then the sooner a doctor is contacted the better as this normally signals that a full relapse is happening to the sufferer.

Through the increase in the prescribed amount of medication already being taken is usually the first step a doctor will take, additional medication such as steroids will be prescribed specifically to counter the active inflammation in the large bowel. It is very important to withdraw from daily activities to ensure enough physical and mental rest is had plus also a normal diet cannot be continued. The bowel requires a rest as much as possible from its usual functions and this must be accommodated through a complete change of diet during the flare up to very low quantity simple food.

There will be instances where a colitis flare-up does not respond adequately in a reasonable amount of time to the increased dosages of medications that are prescribed. Where severe flare-ups occur, this can result in nutritional deficiency due to lack of food being eaten plus also the danger of dehydration due to the amount of diarrhea, a period of hospital care maybe required in order for the symptoms to be stabilised. Thankfully this will only happen to a very small number of people who require intensive assistance to first stabilse then reduce the symptoms. The vast majority of those who experience a colitis flare up will be treated in their home with back up from their doctor.

It is recognised that at any time a colitis flare up occurs is a worrying period of time for the sufferer and their family. By adopting a recognised path of taking the medications, rest, adjusting and reducing diet and being aware of the progress of the symptoms, the sufferer should be able to manage the flare up themselves with support from their doctor. The most important issue to note though is that once a flare up appears, it just cannot be wished aware. It has to be faced up to and dealt with in a responsible way.

Whipworm Infestation A Possible Crohns Disease Treatment?


There are many alternative treatments for Crohn's disease; aloe vera isn't the only remedy out there. In fact, one of the latest studies showing promise for Crohn's disease sufferers is an alternative treatment known as helminthic therapy.

Helminthic therapy is an alternative treatment that uses Trichiuruis suis (pig whipworm) to combat symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. During therapy, a patient is given eggs of the pig whipworm. The eggs hatch within the body, grow and colonize for a limited time and then disappear, so no harm is done.

It may sound bizarre and disgusting to treat Crohn's by causing an infestation of pig whipworm in the intestines, after all, shouldn't we in Western civilization be celebrating that we've eradicated these pests from our systems with our sanitized culture? We're the first people in history to be worm free, so where's the logic behind this therapy? As ridiculous as it seems, when you learn all the facts behind helminthic therapy, you'll find that it's not as crazy as it sounds.

You see, Crohn's disease occurs when the small intestine becomes inflamed. It is believed by many medical researchers that this inflammation is the result of the immune system's improper response to regular gut flora. Thus, by introducing pig worms to the body, the immune system is provided with an actual target and will stop its assault on the natural gut flora in Crohn's sufferers. In short, worms help to regulate the immune system.

It is interesting to note, that many medical researchers believe that there is a link between Crohn's disease and lack of worms within the system. Crohn's is a disease of the 20th century, and primarily develops in people who live in Western industrialized countries were sanitation is high and worms no longer exist. Therefore, it is possible that the lack of worms within the body may be partly or totally responsible for bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease.

Medical studies are being conducted to find out what happens when worms are introduced back into people's bodies. The hope is that worms will re-instruct the immune system on proper response to inflammation and eradicate the disease.

Most Crohn's patients who participate in helminthic therapy studies are given the pig whipworm eggs, which are dissolved in a drink they ingest. As was previously mentioned, the whipworms hatch, develop and colonize, but they only live for a short time period.

So far, the success rate of these studies has been high, as more than two thirds of the patients who participated in the study for a 6 month period, experienced remission, while others who didn't go into remission still found the treatment helpful. Furthermore, researchers are finding that even those who unsuccessfully responded to conventional treatment for Crohn's, are benefiting from helminthic therapy

There appears to be no side effects or complications with this treatment as none have been reported. However, research and studies are still being conducted on pig whipworm infestation as a therapy. Only time will tell if the re-infestation of worms is the cure for Crohn's disease. Nonetheless, the future certainly looks promising.

Great and Easy Healthy Recipes For Sweet Potatoes


Sweet potato is one of the oldest vegetables consumed to this day, believed to be in consumption more than 5000 years ago. In fact, related artifacts have been seen in Peruvian caves dating back more than 8000 B.C and serve as the best proof of their consumption even in prehistoric times. Sweet potatoes has been a great part of the American diet for most of America's history particularly in the Southeast, where it is know as yams.

However This nutritious tuber is no relations to true yams. True yams have brown or black skin which resembles the bark of a tree and off-white, purple or red flesh, depending on the variety. The flesh of yams are starchier and drier than that of the sweet potato. In fact the name yams came about when African slaves seeing the tuber, being reminded of the yams of their homeland called it "nyami". The Senegalese word "nyami" was eventually shortened to the word "yam".

Nutrients found in 100 grams of sweet potato:

Carbohydrates - 20.1 gm

Sugars - 4.2 gm

Dietary fiber - 3.0 gm

Fat - 0.1 gm

Protein - 1.6 gm

Vitamin A - 709 繕g

Beta-carotene - 8509 繕g more than 250% of your daily requirements

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) - 0.1 mg

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - 0.1 mg

Niacin (Vitamin B3) - 0.61 mg

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) - 0.8 mg

Vitamin B6 - 0.2 mg

Folate (Vitamin B9) - 11 繕g

Vitamin C - 2.4 mg

Calcium - 30.0 mg

Iron - 0.6 mg

Magnesium - 25.0 mg

Phosphorus - 47.0 mg

Potassium - 337 mg

Zinc - 0.3 mg

A frequent diet of sweet potato can lower the risk of constipation, diverticulosis and colon and rectal cancer. Several researches have shown its superior ability to increase vitamin A levels in our blood, containing between 100 - 1,600 micrograms of vitamin A in every 3.5 ounce sufficient to fulfill over 90% of our vitamin A needs.

Past research has shown that a minimal amount of 3 to 5 grams of fat per meal significantly increases our ingestion of Beta-carotene from sweet potatoes.

Sweet potato also contains cyanidins and peonidins and other associated phytonutrients which has antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects which may protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. That risk reduction is important not only for individuals who are at risk of digestive tract problems like irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis but for all persons needing to reduce the potential risk posed by oxygen radicals. You will find that the purple flesh variety of this vegetable contains higher amount of the phytonutrients mention previously.

Sweet potato is ideal for the health conscious consumer. it blends well with herbs, spices and flavorings producing healthy delightful dishes of all types. From processed baby foods to main dishes, casseroles, salads, breads, desserts, and pet food.

Recipe For A Healthy Sweet Potato Spread

2 medium sweet potatoes 300 grams or 1/2 lbs

1 medium onion, minced

1 Tbs. Tahini or unsalted almond butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

1 Tbs. maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon curry

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1. Cook potatoes in a saucepan, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil.

2. Simmer over medium heat until potatoes are soft when pierced with a knife (During this period, prepare sauce.).

3. Remove from saucepan. When cool, remove skin.

4. While potatoes are cooking, peel carrot and onion, and chop into small pieces.

5. Place chopped carrot and onion into another saucepan and cover with 1/2 cup of water.

6. Simmer carrots and onions until soft

7. Puree sweet potato in a food processor with Tahini or Almond butter, Curry powder, and ground Cumin until just combined.

8. Add carrot-onion mixture and puree until smooth.

This makes a tasty spread when served on crackers or toasted bread.

Ulcerative Colitis: Life After Surgery


It is an unfortunate reality that many people suffering from ulcerative colitis will require surgery to rectify obstructions in the intestine. This surgery is often unplanned due to the fact that it is usually conducted at short notice and under emergency conditions.

There are many horror stories that describe sufferers of ulcerative colitis being rushed to hospital with abdominal pains and waking up after having 18 inches of their intestines removed. Sadly, medical professionals are yet to find a cure for colitis and therefore surgeons are left to deal with symptoms when they are otherwise impossible to treat. If surgery is unavoidable however, it is possible to reclaim a normal life depending on the extent of the surgery and how much of the intestines were removed.

Surgery to rectify and intestinal obstructions or blockages from sufferers of ulcerative colitis can be divided into two categories, small intestine surgery and large intestine surgery.

After small intestine surgery, the bowel is capable of increasing its absorptive capacity to compensate for the loss of the removed section of the intestine. Therefore, by allowing the intestines to heal properly and adjust to the changes, a person with colitis can return to life as normal. This includes a return to the regular diet that was consumed before surgery was performed. In severe cases where a more significant amount of the intestine is removed, the remaining intestine may be unable to fully compensate for the loss of surface area. The obvious alternative to an underperforming intestine is to increase the caloric value of food that is consumed.

This should balance the deficit in food absorption and reduce the amount of weight that is lost as a result of the surgery. In cases of severe ulcerative colitis, food supplements may need to be delivered to the stomach via a tube or alternatively, into the blood stream.

Following large intestine surgery, a special diet of high caloric value is rarely needed. This is due to the fact that much of the function of the large intestine is related to water absorption. The initial diet following the operation will most likely be dominated by liquids and slowly transition back to a regular diet. In cases where the whole intestine is removed, an ileostomy will be formed using the surrounding tissue. Due to the function of the colon in absorbing water and salt, both will need to be consumes in higher amounts.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Antibiotic for Treatment of IBS


Based on theory that there might be overgrowth of bacteria in the small bowel (SBO) in patients with IBS antibiotics have been tried as a treatment. Antibiotics have helped some suffering with IBS, especially, those with complaints of diarrhea, excess bloating and gas, and abdominal pain.

Without well-designed scientific studies showing clear cut effectiveness, the use of antibiotics has been somewhat empiric and the questions have continued to be which antibiotic, for how long and how often? Furthermore, the role of SBO has been over stated in past, with an estimate of only 5-10% of IBS patients having confirmed bacterial overgrowth. However, more recently the role of post-infectious IBS and altered gut flora in IBS as well as the availability of non-absorbed antibiotics like Rifaximin and high quality probiotics such as VSL#3 has led to increased interest in antibiotic and probiotic therapy.

Two recent multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, TARGET 1 and TARGET 2, involving over a thousand patients who were given either Rifaximin or placebo have shown favorable though not "earth shattering" results. The dose of Rifaximin was 550 mg 2-3 times a day versus placebo, for two weeks followed by another 10 weeks of follow-up. Constipated IBS patients were excluded. Bloating and a global assessment of IBS symptoms by a standardized scale were the primary endpoints whereas abdominal pain and stool frequency were secondary endpoints.

Abdominal pain, bloating and stool symptoms were all better following treatment with Rifaximin. When data from both studies were combined it was noted that 41% of those receiving Rifaximin versus 32% in placebo group (30% placebo response rate typical in most treatment studies). Though this achieved statistical significance, it isn't a great response rate, significantly less than 50% noting response. There was a statistically significant improvement noted over the three month study period.

Limitations to the study from my stand are that markers for leaky gut and IBD serology were not checked nor were stains for mast cells done on these patients. Patients did not receive probiotics either.

One major advantage of Rifaximin is that is not absorbed from the GI tract so there are no systemic side effects. It also tends to quickly if it works and has been documented to last up to three months. The disadvantage is that it is expensive, often not covered by insurance and doesn't work in more than half of those trying it. Addition of a probiotic may help though there are limited studies to support this as a formal recommendation. A theoretical disadvantage is possible selecting out more resistant bacteria in the gut.

It is a regimen that may be worth a try if your insurance covers the antibiotic. I would recommend that Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), and microscopic colitides (lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis and mastocytic enterocolitis) be excluded by blood tests and endoscopies with biopsies.

Back Pain In the Lower Left Side? These Are The Common Causes


There are many types of back pain with many different causes.? Chances are if you've been to a doctor, hospital or chiropractor they have had difficulty in diagnosing the problem.? Perhaps you've had X-rays taken and other tests as well as taken drugs to ease the pain but you were not cured.?

Possible causes of back pain involving the lower left side indicate intestinal problems of some sort possibly including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), muscle imbalance, kidney stones, excessive or improper exercise, lifting objects that are too heavy, pregnancy, obesity or an improperly aligned spine such as a herniated disc.

With IBS, you may experience bouts of diarrhea and vomiting due to certain foods you may have eaten that you may be allergic to such as gluten in wheat or rye.? Chances are your doctor will tell you to remove gluten from your diet, which should bring some relief.? There are no cures for IBS which also includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis but it can be managed.? In some cases Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have come about due to some prescription medication you have taken such as Fosamax.? Fosamax is used to treat osteoporosis in women and men as well as Paget's disease.

Kidney stones are a common cause of lower left back pain.? Chances are you will experience difficulty urinating and possibly have blood in your urine.? Your doctor will have no problem diagnosing his problem.? Depending exactly where your stones are and how big they are, your doctor will determine how to get rid of them.? Sometimes it is just a matter of letting them pass through your system.? Laser technologies have been used to blast these stones into smaller pieces, which will pass through your system as well.

A muscle imbalance can also cause lower left back pain.? There are many causes including a pulled muscle.? This can generate pain in other parts of the body as well including spinal pain and intestinal pain.? You may experience pain on the opposite side of your back because your right side is working harder to take over lost function from your left.? Sometimes muscle relaxers and pain killers are prescribed to allow you to do certain exercises that aid in recovery of the damaged muscle.? If the damage is serious, you may require surgery.? Alternating hot and cold compresses are recommended to keep inflammation down and allow for good blood circulation for a faster recovery.? Lower left back pain will remain until your muscles return to normal.

Pregnancy is another cause of lower left back pain.? As the fetus develops it gets bigger and bigger causing the uterus to expand shifting your center of gravity not to mention weakening of the stomach muscles.? This puts tremendous strain on your lower back.? Remember, you are also carrying around extra weight from the fetus plus any weight you are gaining.? This increase in body mass may begin pinching nerves which will cause pain as well.? I'm afraid the only cure here is delivery and that you will have to wait for.? Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs may bring some relief in the mean time.

Many back problems can be avoided if you maintain proper weight and exercise regularly.? Be careful how you pick up heavy objects and make sure you do your exercises properly.? Back problems can start out small but if ignored can become a serious issue.?

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Ulcerative Colitis, A Personal Experience


This is a record of my own, personal, experience with Ulcerative Colitis. In 1997 I was suddenly very sick with Colitis, or Crohns Disease (Doctors weren't sure at the time, and still are not), but I was pleasantly surprised when, after visiting a nutritional therapist, I made a fast and full recovery. This, despite being told there was nothing that could be done apart from downing a fistful of steroids (not at one sitting of course). Talk of possible surgery was not appealing either!!

I walked out of the hospital feeling very unrelaxed about their diagnosis and hopes for the future. I was informed that my condition was among the worst cases they had seen and I should take my pills. Well, I am a bit of a rebel so I decided to check out alternatives. And, soon enough, I was in the care of a natural health practitioner in a small Hampshire town called Brockenhurst. My weight returned to normal, skin regained its colour and I felt energetic again. Needless to say, I did not take the steroids, but this was a personal choice. Between then and now I have experienced one minor bout during a period of heavy stress.

Prior to my diagnosis I was in the "care" of my GP for 3 months and, now realise, was manifesting all the symptoms of Colitis/ Crohns, diarrhoea, blood in stools, major weight loss and vomiting. Two months into my "treatment" I was advised by my doctor to take a well known heartburn remedy, with no mention of my requirement for extra water to rehydrate myself. Three months into my "treatment" I begged to be seen by a specialist, was diagnosed, and the rest is history.

I was clear of symptoms for nearly 7 years until, during a period of stress, minor symptoms did re-appear, but on this occasion, armed with new knowledge returned to good health in record time. This seemed to be a clear indicator that stress and nutrition play an important part in illness and disease.

It is not fully understood what causes Colitis or Crohns. They are both inflammatory diseases, also known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which, it is thought, might result in our immune systems mistakenly attacking the good bacteria in the bowels as it would normally attack invading organisms. This is known as an autoimmune response.

In the year leading up to my illness I was exposed to the heavy metals, tin and lead while working with solder on circuit boards. During this period I also ate more junk food along with 2 pints of milk per day. This was out of the ordinary for me and it may have been a factor leading to my illness. Of course, it is impossible to know for sure but it's a gut feeling (excuse the pun). The nutritionist advised me to cut out the usual suspects, wheat and dairy, for at least 6 months and to eat a varied, healthy diet. I followed the advice strictly and my weight and skin tone returned to near normal levels within a few weeks. I was symptom free for 7 years. I went through a period of heavy stress and neglected my diet, as a result minor symptoms did reappear for a week or two. But, this time, I was armed with valuable knowledge and knocked the IBD on the head in record time.

In my opinion, based on personal experience, environmental and nutritional factors play a large part in how you feel. Processed foods are laced with all sorts of toxic elements and our household environment, for example, is filled with chemical poisons. It is not surprising people get sick. Try your best to eat a diet consisting of whole foods and avoid toxic chemicals to the best of your ability. This is not to say you cannot eat the occasional junk meal but you will learn to read what your body is telling you. Just don't overdo it. You do not have to live like a monk, but in the early stages of your recovery you do need to follow instructions from your health practitioner to the T. Once you are fit and well again the occasional lapse should not be the end of the world.

Remember, this account is based on my own, personal experience and the road taken was my choice. I took the alternative route and it worked for me. I believe it was the correct decision. If you get nothing else from this article I hope it will encourage you to check out all the options available to you before making big decisions regarding surgery and drugs. Find out what you can about your condition before blindly taking the route of toxic drugs and irreversible surgery.

My personal experience with Ulcerative Colitis was very painful indeed but, if I knew then what I know now, I am certain I would not have suffered for so many months. And, in the words of my specialist, I had a very serious case. I now understand it can be overcome with certain lifestyle changes including nutrition, reducing exposure to environmental toxins and stress control etc. People have controlled, or eliminated UC and Crohns and you can too, but it takes determination and a commitment to be strict with yourself, at least until you have made a full recovery.

Clinical Presentation and Investigation of Crohn's Disease


The presentation depends mainly on the site of the disease but also on whether there is a tendency to perforate or fistulate rather than to fibrose and stricture, probably determined by genetic factors. Terminal ileal and ileocolonic disease present with right iliac fossa pain, often with an associated mass. This can present acutely, mimicking acute appendicitis or - more commonly - chronically, when symptoms may closely mimic the irritable bowel syndrome. It can also present subtly, as short stature III a child or adolescent, as weight loss with minimal abdominal symptoms or even as nephrotic syndrome due to amyloidosis.

Colonic Crohn's disease is distinguishable from ulcerative colitis by the presence of skip lesions, rectal sparing, perianal skin tags or fistulas and/or granulomata on biopsy, but in up to one-third of cases the distinction is unclear and in this situation it is usually better not to be dogmatic about the diagnosis.

Initial diagnosis is usually made by barium studies and/or endoscopy. Radiolabelled white cell scanning may be helpful if radiological evidence of small-intestinal disease is equivocal. Serum C-reactive protein concentration is raised in about 95% of cases with active disease. Magnetic resonance scanning is very useful for evaluation of perianal fistulas and abscesses.

Extra-intestinal manifestations of the disease include erythema nodosum, episcleritis and reactive arthritis. With the exception of ankylosing s ondylitis, for which Crohn's disease - like Ulcerative Colitis - is a risk factor, the other extra-intestinal problems usually resolve with appropriate treatmenfofthe underlying bowel disease and do not usually require specific treatment. Sclerosing cholangitis is extremely rare, particularly if colonic disease is absent.

Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis


Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. It is considered a serious ailment and requires medical attention.

Ulcerative colitis is an ailment that causes inflammation in the bowels. The word "colitis" refers to inflammation (-itis, as in dermatitis, hepatitis) of the colon (col-). It is characterized by ulcers and open sores in the colon. More than a quarter million people in America are affected by it. While it is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, it is not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome which is also a bowel related ailment but is not serious in nature. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic ailment characterized by bowel pain, irregular bowel movements, discomfort and bloating.

Ulcerative colitis is very similar to Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive system from mouth to anus. The causes for ulcerative colitis can be attributed to many factors like genetic factors, diet and food habits, environment and some also classify it as an autoimmune disease - that is, the body's immune system turns against the body itself.

There are many treatments for ulcerative colitis that depend on the extent and severity. While irritable bowel syndrome can be treated rather swiftly by a few simple drugs, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease require serious medical attention. Chemotherapy is used more commonly than any other form of treatment and is used in more than 70% of the cases. It involves an initial drug course to initiate the cure, followed by maintenance drugs. A class of drugs known as aminosalicylates is used. Aminosalicylates include mesalazine, sulfasalazine, balsalazide, olsalazine and dipentum - although sulfasalazine has been known to cause side effects like nausea; vomiting; reduced sperm count; damage to blood cells, liver, kidneys, pancreas, nerves and hearing.

Corticosteroids are also used. Corticosteroids include cortisone, prednisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone and budesonide. Apart from these, immunosuppressive drugs and TNF inhibitors are also used. Also, some new drugs like Methotrexate, hepagrin and anti-integrin anti-bodies are being tested with varying degrees of success. Sometimes, surgery is also recommended for ulcerative colitis treatment. Besides there are many alternative treatments for this and nearly a fifth of the cases rely on these alternative treatments like dietary control, consumption of certain fats and oils, herbal medicine and bacterial recolonization.

Distinguishing Ulcerative Colitis


Inflammatory bowel disease is the source of two serious digestive diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease is a condition that affects the upper part of the digestive tract, especially the intestines. It causes inflammation that can be both incredibly painful and force a person to change many aspects of their life, for example, their diet. Ulcerative colitis is similar to Crohn's disease in that it is caused by severe inflammation. However, this disease affects the rectum and colon.

The cause of irritable bowel disorders is not definitively known. However, certain patterns have been observed. These conditions have been linked to genetics, high stress levels, and use of prescription medications containing the active ingredient isotretinoin.

Ulcerative colitis has symptoms very similar to other digestive disorders. However, some symptoms can be very telling, allowing this condition to be diagnosed. Diarrhea that is accompanied by thick blood or mucus is a common sign. Abdominal pain will be slightly different with this condition than with Crohn's disease. The pain will be on the left side of the body.

There are also visual ways to diagnosis ulcerative colitis. If a doctor finds that there is no healthy tissue in the colon and chronic inflammation, this condition is likely the source.

Sometimes the symptoms of this condition can occur separate from the disease. It may have no relationship to IBD. Other illnesses can cause digestive tract inflammation. Some conditions cause severe inflammation in many parts of the body. IBD will typically create severe problems only in the digestive system. Therefore, if IBD symptoms are experienced with such conditions as joint problems and skin problems, the diagnosis may be different.

Intestinal Gas: Causes and Remedies


Carbohydrates are made of sugars either alone or in combinations (starches) and before they can be absorbed, they must be broken down into single sugars. Vegetables, beans, nuts, cereals and other foods contain starches and sugars that should be absorbed in the upper intestinal tract. However, some of the carbohydrates cannot be broken down. If they are not absorbed in the intestines, they pass to the colon where bacteria ferment the carbohydrates to release gas.

Half of the world's population develops gas and cramping after drinking milk because they lack the intestinal enzyme that is necessary to break down the double sugar in milk called lactose. If lactose is not absorbed in the upper intestinal tract, bacteria ferment it in the colon to release gas. If you are lactose intolerant, you can avoid dairy products, but no one should avoid vegetables, beans and whole grains.

If you are bothered by gas when you eat beans, whole grains or vegetables, you may not have an adequate colony of friendly bacteria in your colon to break down the resistant starches in plants. If you have recently changed your diet to include more of these foods, give yourself a few weeks or even months to build up the bacteria you need to digest them without excessive gas. Recent research shows that normal intestinal bacteria make up approximatly 95 percent of the total number of cells in the human body. The good bacteria help to prevent bad bacteria from infecting you, and may help to prevent intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or cancer.

If you have waited a reasonable time and are still bothered by excessive gas, check with your doctor. One study showed that Rifaximin, an antibiotic that cannot be absorbed from the intestines, can control many cases of excessive intestinal gas. However, this antibiotic is not available in North America; ask your doctor about using metronidazole instead.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Low Residue Diet


The Low Residue diet is one that focuses on near elimination of foods that remain in your intestinal tract, such as fiber. In fact, a low fiber diet and the low residue diet are generally used interchangeably because they're so alike. While the two diets are similar, the low residue diet is a more restrictive diet than the low fiber diet.

The amount of undigested items and fiber that pass through your intestine are limited on the low reside diet. Because of this, the diet will lower the amount of stools you will have which will help to alleviate diarrhea, stomach pain, or other flare ups of the inflammatory bowel disease kind.

The low residue diet lacks nutrients, so it is not a good idea to stay on the diet for too long. The amount of time to be on the diet should be determined by your doctor.

The benefits to the low residue diet include alleviating annoyances with your digestive system. Low residue diet is normally prescribed from your doctor after surgery (generally abdominal) or if you happen to be experiencing a flare up of some digestive problems such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or diverticulitis.

If you're looking for the kinds of food to eat on the diet, you should look at the Nutrient & Calorie label on the backs of food. You will want to look for food that doesn't have any dietary fiber. If you're a fan of breaded or pasta products, you will want to look for grains that are refined (which are usually listed as the first ingredient on the label).

Other examples of foods that can be eaten on the low reside diet are:

- Juiced vegetables and fruits that do not contain pulp or seeds.
- Most dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and pudding (which need to be limited to no more than two cups a day).
- Lean meat (fish, chicken, turkey, eggs).
- Oils (that don't arrive from nuts or olives) such as butter and margarine.
- Salad dressings, syrups, and honey.

Foods that should be avoided are:

- Whole wheat (bread, crackers, pasta etc)
- Fruits and vegetables that are whole and not juiced.
- Treats that include pieces of fruit, vegetables, or nuts.
- Nuts and nut butters (for instance, peanut butter).

The low residue diet doesn't provide the needed amount of nutrients to remain a diet that's healthy. If you are going to use the low residue diet, be sure to stay on for a short period of time. Symptoms are generally alleviated within a day or two.

You can see what diet works for me and get more information.

Bid Bye to Ulcerative Colitis With the Help of Aloe Vera


Does Ulcerative Colitis trouble you? Does a permanent solution for Ulcerative Colitis elude you? Your search is about to end. May we interest you in nature's own solution? Aloe vera. Aloe has the capability to heal you internally nurturing your digestive system back to good health. It is a completely natural, non-toxic drug with no unwanted side effects.

The significant feature of Aloe is that there is no internal resistance that builds up in your body against aloe vera and using it daily can only help in regularizing functions of your body. Also being safe for use in the elderly, adults and even children is only one advantage. Another benefit is that it can be used by people in all health conditions. Also, it can be used along with any other medication prescribed to you without any side effects.

All the medicinal qualities of Aloe are because of one of its components called Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides (AMP). Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides are sugar molecule compounds made up of separate mannose and glucose sugar molecules united together. Though the most powerful, AMP molecules form only one of approximately 200 different ingredients found in the Aloe plant. Finding out the medicinal values of AMP was a significant breakthrough in areas of medicine including autoimmunity and gastrointestinal fields.

Ulcerative Colitis is a disease of the lower small intestine which causes inflammation of the digestive system. It is categorized under irritable bowel disease (IBD). This ailment often results in dilation of the affected area or even grave effects like perforation of the colon which could prove fatal. Why aloe vera is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This particular property will help calm the angry inflammation present in the digestive tract. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial functions are also supposed to aid the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes - The Metabolic Syndrome And Inflammatory Bowel Disease


The metabolic syndrome consists of high blood sugar, high blood cholesterol, high blood fats, obesity and high blood pressure. Inflammatory bowel disease consists of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two conditions involving the large intestine. Researchers in the Department of Gastroenterology, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, set out to discover whether the two conditions could be associated. The results of their work were published in the Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology in the month of November 2011.

Sixty-two participants with Crohn's disease and 115 volunteers with ulcerative colitis were included in the study...

  • 34 participants with ulcerative colitis, and

  • 11 with Crohn's disease

were found to have the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome was found in 10.3 per cent of the participants under 45 years of age and 55 per cent of those over 45.

Since both the metabolic syndrome and inflammatory disease were studied at the same time, the results show an association but it is not clear which condition might be a risk factor for the other. Anyone with either diagnosis should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the other.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

  • unusual hunger or thirst,

  • unintended weight loss,

  • unusual headaches,

  • faintness,

  • unusual fatigue,

  • blurred vision,

  • darkened skin (especially under the arms),

  • frequent urination, and

  • sores or infections that heal slowly.

Anyone experiencing signs or symptoms should be seen by a family doctor or endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in diseases of the glands.

People with ulcerative colitis can experience:

  • rectal bleeding,

  • rectal mucous,

  • feelings of urgency,

  • diarrhea,

  • fatigue,

  • bloating,

  • left-sided pain,

  • abdominal cramping,

  • unintended weight loss, and

  • diarrhea.

Crohn's disease can cause:

  • diarrhea,

  • abdominal cramping,

  • reduced appetite,

  • weight loss,

  • nausea and vomiting, and

  • occasionally bleeding.

Some scientists have suggested the two conditions are simply slightly different presentations of the same disease. A family doctor or gastroenterologist, a specialist working with diseases of the digestive system, can diagnose inflammatory bowel disease.

Type 2 diabetes has traditionally been diagnosed by fasting blood sugar levels. Hemoglobin blood sugar levels could replace fasting blood sugar levels as the diagnostic test of choice.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are diagnosed by colonoscopy, which consists of inserting a tube called a colonoscope in the rectum and viewing the length of the large intestine.

Both conditions can be treated with diet and medications:

  • vegan diets are known to be the best kind of diet for people with Type 2 diabetes to follow, and could also be effective for inflammatory bowel disease, although high fiber diets can be irritating.

  • exercise is directly beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes and is under investigation for inflammatory bowel disease. Since inflammatory bowel disease is at least partly related to stress, exercise could be at least indirectly helpful.

Leaky Gut Syndrome - Ulcerative Colitis And Other Associated Diseases


Leaky gut syndrome is associated with diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome as all of them are linked to abnormal immune function. As its name suggests, the syndrome is characterized by increased intestinal permeability leading to an increase in the passage of substances from the intestines into the bloodstream.

Normally, intestinal cells are held tightly against each other. In case of leaky gut syndrome these cell junctions no longer remain tight increasing the permeability and allowing toxins, bacteria and allergens to leak into the bloodstream. In an effort to destroy these substances, the body produces immune reactions that cause inflammation. Such an inflammation occurring inside the large bowel leads to the formation of ulcers in which case the condition is termed as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The irritation in the bowel as a result of abnormal cell permeability also causes abdominal distress and hampers normal bowel movements in which case the condition is termed as irritable bowel syndrome.

The major causes for leaky gut syndrome that is implicated in ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases are suggested to be intestinal infections, poor dietary practices, chronic gluten exposure, stress, excessive consumption of inflammatory drugs and environmental contaminants. Symptoms include fatigue, anemia, improper bowel movements, abdominal distress, joint pains etc.

Altered intestinal permeability is by far the major objective for the treatment of this syndrome that is associated with ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases. This objective is realized through nutritional supplements such as vitamin A, glutamine and zinc and through the use of herbs such as aloe, slippery elm, licorice etc. Stress management is also crucial in alleviating the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome.

One of the earliest signs of a leaky gut is the presence of lymphocytic enteritis that increases Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) which in turn increases the risk for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Therefore, treatment also includes the use to anti-TNF agents such as remicade and humira that are already proven to control inflammation in colitis and Crohn's disease.

Since prevention is always better than cure, it is better to prevent a leaky gut than seek a cure for it. Preventive measures in this case include proper dietary management through the use of fresh foods, balanced diets and regular meals and more importantly the use of probiotics that are said to not only prevent but also treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

Glyconutrients - Given the Proper Nutrition the Body Can Heal Itself Naturally


We are sharing a "glyconutrient truth" that will allow you to reclaim your health. Most who read this will probably reject, condemn, or scoff at this new reality, but that is o.k.. As a society, we have been programmed to trust the medical community and the drugs they prescribe to heal us. We seek, want, and expect an immediate relief for all of our ills and ailments, and look to doctors to fix and cure us. There is no real medical or miracle cure, except for the understanding that with the proper nutrition our body can heal itself. God designed our body to be able to heal itself. We are his children and as children we can again feel and be invincible, even if sick or hurt, provided we are given the proper diet and nutrition. To obtain the best nutrients and healing ingredients, it seems logical to acquire them directly from nature, and that is the case.

Back in the early 1980s, there was a study involving AIDs patients who responded well to a nonprescriptive natural substance from the plant Aloe Vera. On review, curious chemists studied the plant and extracted an active ingredient from the leaf of the plant Aloe Vera called Mannose, a vital member of a class of necessary sugars or glyconutrients. At the cellular level, this sugar molecule combined with proteins to form glycoproteins. It is known that glycoproteins are critical to defense, repair, healing and balance at the cellular or molecular biochemistry level. Do you remember being told to have an Aloe Vera plant in your house to treat burns? When cooking, one simply had to break off a leaf and apply the sticky gel to the burn area for relief.

Think of all the many patients, friends, or unfortunately family members with advanced AIDs, terminal cancer, refractory ulcerative colitis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other auto-immune deficiencies who have followed their physicians' orthodox treatment and have ultimately died from the regularly prescribed prescriptive medicines. Medicines or drugs actually mask the problem, suppress symptoms, or actually interfere with biochemistry and physiology. Real healing occurs as the body tries to correct itself at the cellular level through coded instructions located in the genes. On the other hand, many who have sought alternative managed treatment are finding better responses and improved health with the healing power of these glyconutrients. If you are discontent, uncomfortable, miserable, observant and/or are able to think "outside of the box," you will come to know and accept the "truth."

There are actually 200+ simple sugars, but only 8 of the sugars combine with lipids and proteins to allow and enable our cells to communicate to fight disease and to maintain our health. Glyconutrients is a new field and is just beginning to be understood in science, nutrition and medicine. As Allan C. Somersall, ph.D., M.D. in his book, The Healing Power of 8 Sugars, glyconutrients is the wellness solution for the 21st century." In fact, there are over 100 patents and 20,000 research papers being published now in this field of science. Interestingly, many doctors have not been trained or educated in the field of nutrition or glyconutrients. Just talking the other day to a nutritionist in a health food store, he talked about how his brother, an M.D., called him to ask how he should treat his high blood pressure, because the doctor did not want to use any high blood pressure medicine on himself. Does the doctor not want to take the medicine, because he knows all drugs are poisons or have other bad side effects? Some doctors prescribe medicine, because they are supporting the pharmaceutical drug cartel. The pharmaceutical companies is BIG business. The health care system is about one seventh of our economy. Do you think they want some cheap natural "pill" or plant food supplement to disrupt this industry?

Exactly, what are the eight necessary sugars or vital monosaccarides? They are:


  • Glucose

  • Galactose

  • Fucose

  • Mannose

  • Xylose

  • N-acetylglucosamine

  • N-acetylgalactosamine

  • N-acetylneuraminic acid

Now what if there could be an inexpensive nutritional supplement including all the known necessary sugars in a single complex and that was better than any Aloe Vera extract? Drs. McDaniel and McAnalley filed a worldwide "composition of matter" patents to do just that. They know that it is diet and nutrition that will prevent and cure diseases..."food can be your medicine." Ask yourself, why are so many individuals contracting immune system diseases or why are there so many children labelled ADD or ADHD? Perhaps, it is because the commercial foods that we buy today have processed out these glyconutrients and furthermore our commercial farm fields overtime are now lacking in rich nutrients. People are not getting the essential elements and nutrients needed for health and healing. We are nutritionally deficient and overweight Our cells cannot communicate with each other to fight off viruses like the N1H1 virus, bacteria, carcinogens and toxic chemicals, because our immune systems at the cellular level are broken. To strengthen and regulate the immune system, one needs a metabolic therapy using glyconutrients to improve one's diet.

This could be your answer to an affordable healthcare plan, and even better than Obama's Health Care Plan. Americans need to shift their paradigm from treating the "sick" which economically is impossible to do to maintaining a vibrant energetic wellness. It just makes sense.


  1. Improve your health and lifestyle

  2. Improve your immune system

  3. Improve your digestive function

  4. Improve your cognitive skills

  5. Improve your memory

  6. Improve your concentration

  7. Improve your mood

  8. Lose weight

  9. And reduce stress.

Anal Fissures and Fistulae


Anal fissures and fistulae are not very common but when they occur, they become a painful and unpleasant condition. Rectal tearing is distressing and highly resistant to treatment and everybody endures it at some point in their life. This tear in the lining of the anus or the skin around it is called anal fissure. Fistulae are the abnormal channels from the anus which open onto the skin surrounding the anus.

Anal fissure and fistula have no specific causes but constipation is commonly associated with them. They are also associated with a number of conditions resulting in an inflammatory digestive tract. These conditions may be Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or many more. Fistula is caused by collection of pus called abscess or infection, in one of the glands near anus and it may also result in multiple anal fissures.

The fistula symptoms and complications for anal fissure may be sudden and severe pain in the anus or the surrounding area. The pain may occur spontaneously or during or shortly after the passage of a hard stool. The pain is recurring and sharp and gets worse with a bowel movement. Due to this, the victims avoid opening the bowels which worsens the constipation and so the fissure takes more time in healing. This condition is also associated with 'sentinel pile', a haemorrhoid - a small vein from inside the anus lying outside- which may bleed sometimes and leave a blood streak on toilet paper.

Anal fistula is generally associated with painful abscess, which may be dull and throbbing, in or near the anus. The abscess has a pus discharge which may be blood-stained. The fistula formation results in continuous seeping of pus or a thin, watery fluid from the anus, which can also be blood-streaked. Large abscesses may also cause fever. Fistula symptoms may also be loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever and weight loss.

Anal fissure and fistula need care and treatment. The care to be taken is firstly having a fiber rich diet with fruits and vegetables which prevents the fissures occurrence and fastens the healing process. Medications are also used if healthy diet is not sufficient, for controlling constipation, with over-the-counter medicines. Creams or ointments that contain pain-killing local anesthetic agents are very useful at relieving the pain of anal fissures. Relief of the pain reduces the spasm in the muscles of the anus, which often prevents the fissure from healing.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Learn About Soya Lecithin And Why It May Be Good For You


Soya lecithin is sometimes recommended as a nutritional supplement, because it is a source of Phosphatidyl choline. Let's call that PC. Here's why PC may be good for you.

PC is a major component of cellular membranes. It is a precursor of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are compounds responsible for communication between brain cells and synapses. They also carry information from nerve endings in the body to the neurons in the brain.

The amount of PC present in cellular membranes may decrease with age. Increasing your intake may slow the aging process. This is the first health claim commonly associated with these supplements. But, the results from research studies have been conflicting concerning these claims.

It has been shown that people already suffering from age-related dementia do not benefit from soya lecithin supplements. Of course the difference in the results of the study could be due to how the lecithin is extracted from the soy.

Lecithin can be extracted from foods by mechanical or chemical means. The chemical method is faster and less expensive. So, most companies choose the chemical method.

The chemical used in the extraction process is hexane. Hexane is toxic to the central and peripheral nervous system, even in small amounts. So, if the supplement used in the studies was created through the use of hexane, it is understandable that benefits to the central nervous system would be ruled out by the toxicity of hexane.

Assuming you choose a supplement that is extracted mechanically, rather than through the use of solvents, you might be able to slow down the aging process in your body with this nutrient. Some studies have shown improved brain function and memory capacity. The nutrient also has some antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants are important dietary components, because they neutralize free radicals and repair damage that has already been done by the molecules. The antioxidant activity of soya lecithin is not strong however. For this reason, it is better to take a supplement that contains it as an ingredient, than to use it as a stand-alone supplement. Other antioxidants are more potent.

PC has also been shown to have a healing effect on the liver. In animal studies, the nutrient has been shown to reduce symptoms and disease activity in hepatitis. Benefits have also been seen in ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, due to the nutrient's natural anti-inflammatory activity.

So, soya lecithin is a good choice as an ingredient for a complete multi-nutritional supplement. But only if the chemical hexane is not used in the extraction process.

Ankylosing Spondylitis - Young People With Chronic Arthritis


Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a particular type of arthritis. It particularly affects the joints of the spine and sacroiliac linking the pelvis (hip bone) to the column. This disease often also affect other joints such as knees, ankles, toes, hips and rib cage. When it begins before the age of seventeen is called Juvenile Ankylosing spondylitis (JAS).

The EAJ and diseases linked to it are rare but constitute a significant proportion of all young people with chronic arthritis. The EAJ can occur in 1 in 1,000 children, and appears much more frequently in boys than in girls. It usually starts in puberty or adolescence.

The cause of the EAJ is unknown. However, it is known that children who inherit a gene called HLA B27 on one or both parents are more likely to develop the disease than children who do not. Furthermore, the EAJ is rare in white children have the gene HLA B27 (approximately 8% of the normal population has this gene). In addition, the B27 does not cause disease itself. It is believed that bacterial infection of the intestinal tract or the genito-urinary tract may trigger the onset of AD.

SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE

In children, the EA usually begins in the ankle, knee or hip. Some months or years later, other joints may be involved, particularly those of the spine or sacroiliac. The disease behaves differently in each person.

The first symptom may be the enthesitis EAJ, a painful inflammation of tendons and ligaments at the site where they attach to bone, usually near or around the joints. The pain is usually in the joint (as in rheumatoid arthritis) but with a joint. In children, this type of pain occurs most often under or behind the heel below the toes or around the kneecap.

About one fifth of patients develop EAJ eye inflammation called iridocyclitis or uveitis. Can occur in one or both eyes, and usually accompanied by acute eye redness, sensitivity to sunlight and pain. Other complications (which can affect the heart, kidneys or spinal cord) are very rare.

Topical corticosteroids can be used to treat eye inflammation. Surgery usually is not required, but in a few cases of severe joint destruction may necessitate hip replacement.

THE DIAGNOSIS OF EAJ

The diagnosis of the EAJ is made on the basis of clinical history, physical characteristics of joint inflammation and tissue and the results of certain laboratory and radiological examinations. Experienced doctors in the care of children with JAS will make a careful assessment of arthritis; ask carefully about enthesitis and look at the physical examination, spinal mobility tested, sacroiliac pain and chest movement with breathing. There is no specific laboratory test for EAJ, but tests can be very useful. Blood tests showed that children with EAJ not have rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibodies, which are common in other types of juvenile chronic arthritis. The genetic marker HLA B27 is not an anomaly in itself, but its presence correlates with the development of EAJ in a child with arthritis. This means that the test for HLA B27 is an important test, but diagnosing EAJ.

Radiographs of the sacroiliac joints, which must show changes to make a clear diagnosis of AD in adults, may be normal in children with JAS, or show those changes over time, when the individual is an adult. Keep in mind that the plates of the sacroiliac joints are usually difficult to interpret in younger kids because bones are growing along the joint.

The EAJ can resemble other diseases, and physicians should be careful to make a proper diagnosis. There are several diseases associated with AD who have other problems besides arthritis. These include: Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the intestines), Reiter syndrome (arthritis with inflammation of the eyes and loose lower urinary tract infection), psoriasis. All of these can occur in children.

THE TREATMENT OF EAJ

The treatment of children with JAS is individualized according to the specific problems of each patient, depending on how severe are the disease and its complications. This treatment is performed, ideally, with the help of a multidisciplinary team which can achieve combine individual efforts to benefit the patient. Its members are: pediatric rheumatologist (doctor with highly specialized training and experience in caring for children with rheumatic diseases such as EAJ) physical therapist (the professional responsible for developing appropriate exercise programs for children with JAS, to be carried out in the gym and at home, with the goal of rehabilitating the patient), occupational therapist (which will ensure that the child can physically perform well in school, p adapt elements to it, and get to live as independently as possible) psychologist, nutritionist, ophthalmologist, orthopedist and other doctors who can become involved the treatment of youth.

How Do You Know When a Colon Cleansing is Necessary?


Cleansing Techniques

The colon, also called the large intestine or bowel, is situated in the abdominal cavity after the small intestine in the lower part of the digestive tract. The large intestine is approximately six long feet from end to end. The small intestine absorbs most of the nutrients from the food that you eat and then the leftover waste is passed into the large intestine. The large intestine carries out a variety of vital functions including the completion of the digestive process, storing waste, extracting and maintaining the water balance in waste, absorbing water soluble nutrients, and synthesizing critical vitamins. In the colon, these functions are carried out with the help of billions of living bacteria which inhabit the colon. The colon itself produces no digestive enzymes.

The colon can be very easily disturbed by a number of factors that will adversely affect its internal ecosystem, such as an accumulation of toxins and their byproducts in our bodies as the results of an unbalanced diet, overeating, alcohol abuse, and exposure to toxins in our everyday environment. When this occurs, a colon cleansing is recommended as a good procedure to set things right and restore the healthy function of the colon. This procedure may also reduce or eliminate several adverse symptoms of the accumulation of toxins in the body, such as impaired digestion, gas or bloating, chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, protruding belly, powerful food cravings, recurring headaches, fatigue, skin problems and rashes, and even irritability and mood swings.

There are numerous ways to cleanse the colon. Likewise, the various proponents of this treatment all claim that their products and/or services work best to cleanse the colon to achieve optimal health. In this article we take a look at the pros and cons of these various procedures.

Colonic Irrigation Using Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon hydrotherapy involves the infusion of water into the colon via the rectum. No drugs or chemicals are used, but the procedure requires vast amounts of water which is sometimes mixed with minerals, herbs, or other organics such as coffee. The liquid can be administered using an FDA-approved class II colon sanitary hydrotherapy devices or by a gravity-fed enema-like system. Some hydrotherapists recommend colon irrigation in cases where control of excretory functions has been comromised, if tolerable by the patient. Other practitioners recommend it for a variety of condition that may stem from the accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine
Colonic irrigation should not be used in people with various bowel, rectal, or anal pathologies such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or hemorrhoids particularly since colonic irrigation carries a risk for perforation or infection.

Use of Colon Cleanser

Gentle colon cleansing can be done by ingesting products that contain specifically blended nutrients and supplements that are formulated to maximize one's elimination. These are called "colon cleansers." There are many colon cleansers in the marketplace. Colon cleansers are classified by the FDA as foods and dietary supplements, and not as drugs. The FDA therefore does not pre-approve colon cleansers under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. On the other hand, the FDA does monitor manufacturing practices and labeling for compliance and certifies certain ingredients in foods and dietary supplements as "FDA GRAS (generally recognized as safe)." One therefore should use colon cleansers containing ingredients that have this latter designation.
Most products contain fiber. In the colon, fiber swells and absorbs fluids. This sets up a fluid gradient that moves contaminants out of the crevices of the colon and into feces that is destined for expulsion.

Many colon cleansers also contain herbs. The use of irritant herbal laxatives should be avoided in favor of milder herbs such as fennel, peppermint, and licorice. The latter ingredients do not depend on irritating the colon to produce elimination and are less likely to produce internal damage.

Some colon cleansers provide the body with healthy minerals and vitamins. Also it is a good idea to check the ingredients list provided with colon cleanser products for the presence of soy, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, or other constituents that may cause an allergic reaction in people who have particular food allergies.

Proper Hydration

When cleansing the colon, even with the use of body cleansers containing ingredients that are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, it is important to stay properly hydrated. Eight to twelve glasses per day of clean filtered water is recommended during any cleansing cycle. Eating a proper diet, drinking plenty of fluids and enjoying daily healthy activity and mild exercise aides in the cleansing process.

Colon Cleansing Systems

Inner cleansing can also be facilitated by fasting for short periods of time if this approach has the approval of your physician. When fasting, solid food is replaced with fruit juces, herbal teas or broths for one to three days. Alternatively, several colon cleansers are packaged and supplied as part of a cleansing system that contains the colon cleansing components as a capsule or liquid that is taken with a glass of water plus nutritional shakes or snacks that have been formulated to complement the activity of the primary cleanser.

Colon cleansing systems are available that are generally used over several days and up to one months duration. The cleansing supplement is not taken daily over a prolonged period of time, since after the colon is cleaned, a healthy equilibrium in the bowels needs to be reestablished during non-cleansing days. The colon cleanser cleans the bowels and the nutritional and other supplements provided in the system further support healthy colon function and aide in the reestablishment of the helpful friendly flora of bacteria that resides within the colon. Directions are usually providing regarding the amounts to be taken and timing of each supplement utilized in the cleansing system. Many cleansing system allow you to tailor the program to fit your schedule. Although the latter flexibility is an important attribute of several colon cleansing systems, moderating the ingestion of alcohol or caffeine is strongly recommended during a colon cleansing program.

The Secrets of Fasting - How to Do It Right


According to the Bible both Jesus and Moses both fasted for 40 days so that they could strengthen their spiritual connection, the fathers of medicine Plato, Socrates and Hippocrates all suggested that fasting should be done for ones own health to be renewed. The Oahspe also talks about fasting and the type of diet that we are supposed to follow to live in peace with each other and Mother Earth.

Professor A J Carlson of Michigan University stated that a healthy man can easily fast for 50 - 75 days without any adverse effects as long as he isn't exposed to harsh elements and emotional stress. Most people carry with them enough fat reserves to handle a fast, considering that a pound of human fat contains 3,500 calories, each pound of fat would enable a fully grown adult male to perform a full days hard labour without any problems. Most people have enough fat reserves to sustain us for many weeks.

Fasting can be used to help people recover from mild to severe health conditions, some of the more common complaints that can be helped by fasting are as follows:


  • High blood pressure

  • Asthma

  • Allergies

  • Chronic headaches

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • Adult onset diabetes

  • Heart disease

  • Degenerative arthritis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Psoriasis

  • Eczema

  • Acne

  • Uterine fibroids

  • Benign tumours

Benefits of appropriate fasting for the individual:


  • Healthier skin

  • More energy

  • Healthier teeth and gums

  • Better quality sleep

  • A clean and healthy cardiovascular system

  • A decrease in anxiety and tension

  • Dramatic reduction or complete elimination of aches and pains in muscles and joints

  • Decrease or elimination of headaches

  • Stabilization of blood pressure

  • Stronger and more efficient digestion

  • Stabilization of bowel movements

  • Loss of excess weight

  • Elimination of stored toxins

  • Improvement with a wide variety of chronic degenerative health conditions, including auto-immune disorders

  • Mental clarity is improved

  • Spiritual balance is improved/restored

One day weekly fast:

The benefits of a weekly fast can't be under estimated, both as a physical and a spiritual discipline. How many people can honestly say that they follow a perfect diet all week, or don't over eat?

The weekly fast is a perfect time to give your digestive system a rest and burn a bit of fat. It is also a good time to spend in silence contemplating the Creator if you feel that is right for you.

When performing a one day fast you should consume a light meal the evening before, so that you don't spend the whole fasting day digesting the heavy meal you had the night before. When breaking the fast you should ideally do it in the same manner as when you started the fast, i.e a light meal such as fruit or something easy to digest and then move on to heavier food throughout the day if needed.

You can follow a simple water fast or you can do one of the following:


  • Fresh fruit juice

  • Fresh vegetable juice

  • Raw fruits and vegetables

When you perform a fast you will generally discover that you will lose on average 3 - 4 pounds of weight during the first few days, and if you fast for more than a day or so your weight loss will start to reduce down to about half a pound per day. If you are taking juices or raw fruits and vegetables then this will reduce how many pounds you will lose because your body will get some calories from the food/juices that you are consuming instead of using your fat reserves.

If you would like to use the weekly fast as part of your spiritual disciplines, as I do, then please take this time to spend it in an environment that is both spiritually and emotionally uplifting for you. If you can find the time to relax fully and meditate, maybe perform some gentle stretches, or go for a walk in nature, then you should find yourself being able to release some of your emotional baggage. The more often you perform this spiritual discipline, the more benefits you will receive, both spiritually and physically.

Fasting is not a cure-all and is not right for everybody, but I firmly believe that it should be considered as an important ingredient to a persons health and well being. If done right, and with intelligence and diligence then fasting will go a long way in improving most peoples lives.

Remember, if you are considering following a fast, even just for one day, then please make sure you speak with your Doctor or Medical Professional first.

Steroids Used for the Treatment of Asthma and the Treatment of Crohns Disease


Budesonide

Budesonide is a glucocorticoid steroid. This class of steroids is so-named because they are synthesized in the adrenal cortex and play a role in the metabolism of glucose. Budesonide is available in various preparations that are sold under different brand names. These preparations are approved treatments for several medical disorders.

Uses

The most common use of budesonide is the treatment of asthma and allergies such as hay fever. It is also used to treat and prevent nasal polyposis, commonly known as nasal polyps. Some patients take budesonide as a Crohn's treatment. This disease is known generically as regional enteritis, which is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. A new preparation of budesonide is also being tested as a treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Brand Names

AstraZeneca sells a nasal inhalant preparation of budesonide under the brand name Rhinocort, also known as Rhinosol in Denmark. This company also makes an oral inhalant formula of budesonide under the name Pulmicort, also known as Budicort in Israel. AstraZeneca combines budesonide with formoterol into a single inhalant, which it sells as Symbicort. Eurofarma markets the same preparation in Brazil as Noex.

Prometheus Laboratories sells budesonide in a timed-release capsule and an enema under the brand name Entocort. This company also markets budesonide as an immediate-release capsule under the brand name Entocort EC. The typical course of treatment for oral capsules is 9 mg budesonide per day for 2 months or 6 mg per day for 3 months.

Pharmacology

Budesonide is metabolized quickly compared to other corticosteroids. It has the greatest efficacy in the right colon and ileum when used as a treatment for Crohn's disease. Budesonide causes a lower loss of bone density than prednisolone, a similar corticosteroid. Budesonide has little effect on the activity of the adrenal, hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which means a patient does not have to taper off the drug before discontinuing it.

Side Effects

The side effects of budesonide are generally milder than those of similar medications. These side effects typically include the following:

Change in mucus color

Coughing

Dry mouth

Lightheadedness

Muscle cramps

Nasal irritation

Nausea

Nose bleeds

Rash

Sore throat

Budesonide may also cause the following side effects in rare cases:

Breathing difficulty

Facial swelling

Irregular menstrual periods

Severe acne

White patches in the mouth

Patients should report these symptoms to their physician immediately. Children who take budesonide may exhibit behavioral changes in very rare cases.

Contraindications

The following drugs can cause significant interactions with budesonide:

Clarithromycin

Erythromycin

Ketoconazole

Indinavir

Itraconazole

Nefazodone

Nelfinavir

Ritonavir

Telithromycin

Budesonide may be contradicted if you have diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, osteoporosis or tuberculosis. You must inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking budesonide. You will also need to avoid people with chicken pox or measles, especially if you have not been vaccinated against these diseases.