Poga Moonga, The Proofs In The Pudding!

The main ingredient and probably the most important ingredient, in Poga Moonga is Moringa, the miracle tree. The"moonga" in poga moonga comes from the word moringa, which is called moonga in some places of the world. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Moringa is its ability amazing health benefits covering a wide range of health issues. Here a just a few:

NUTRITION AND ENERGY BOOST

While most people notice a natural, sustained, energy boost right away, the nutritional results helping undernourished people in third world countries is staggering.

DETOXIFICATION

Studies show Moringa's ability to detoxify water, using the seeds is amazing. It can be grown locally for very little money, which makes it a very cost effective detoxifying agent. It is believed that over 6 million children die each year, due to infections from unclean water. If Moringa can detoxify the worst water and make it usable, how good do you think it would be at detoxifying our bodies? Simply Amazing!

ANTIBIOTIC

Moringa works as a gentle, natural antibiotic, See Eilert, U.,B. Wolters and A. Nahrstedt. "The antibiotic principle of seeds of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala." Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, 42, pp 55-61. 1981

SKIN TREATMENT

Like an other amazing plant, Aloe Vera, Moringa is believed to have great healing benefits for the skin. Most of the research done so fart is on topical applications, but the healing properties would extend to the body itself.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Indian traditional medicines have long used the Moringa in treating the body's inflammation. See, Udupa, S.L., A.L. Udupa and D.R.Kulkarni, "Studies on the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of Moringa oleifera and Aegle marmelos. Fitoterapia 65(2) pp 119-123.

ULCERS

In 1955, the anti-ulcer effects of Moringa were reported in Phytotherapy research. An extract was used from dried leaves and showed to have an impressive ability to heal ulcers in lab animals. Holst, p17.

DIABETES

Further research has shown that an extract from the Moringa leaf was effective in lowering blood sugar levels within a 3-hour period. Holst, pp17-18.

SLEEP

Moringa leaves have shown to aid in keeping a calmer nervous system, which in turn provided improvements in sleep. Holst, p18Some studies have proved Moringa leaves effective for treating,

· Blood pressure

· Diabetes

· Colitis and Diarrhea

· Used as a diuretic

· Headache

· Glandular swelling

· Skin antiseptic

· Fevers

Seeds are used for,

· Fevers

· Tumors

· Rheumatism

· Skin diseases

· Prostate and bladder issues

In all. Moringa is truly an unbelievable tree. So amazing, that is the only plant, which provides the 8 "essential amino acids" our body needs but does not make. We normally must acquire these amino acids by eating the right combination of food.

THE MAGIC OF ALOE VERA

Aloe is an amazing plant that has at least three key actions on cells. It can enhance the effects of even the strongest drugs available without being toxic and causing side effects leaves absolutely no poisonous residues in your body unlike most other drugs. Aloe vera also stimulates the body to cleanse itself in a very positive way, which no other drug, natural or pharmaceutical can match. This is what sets aloe vera apart from any other drug. Aloe Vera is used to treat an awry of health problems. Here is a short list of the benefits of taking Aloe vera:

· Anti-bacterial

· Anti-fungal

· Anti-viral

· Arthritis

· Burns

· Diabetes

· Digestive System

· Anti-inflammatory

· Tumors

· Wounds

Uses based on scientific evidence: Western medicine has done little research on aloe vera and other natural products. But aloe vera has been used for centuries, by many civilizations, with written benefits for all the ailments above. Only further research will gain the approval of the amazing benefits of aloe vera for western medicine.Constipation (laxative) Dried latex from the aloe leaves, taken internally have been used as a laxative. The laxative properties such as aloin are well studied. A herbal remedy containing aloe was found to be an effective laxative, although it is not clear if this effect was due to the aloe itself. Genital Herpes. Some evidence suggests a .05% extract of hydrophilic cream taken from aloe vera, may be an effective treatment of genital herpes in men. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Psoriasis vulgaris

Evidence from one human trial suggests that 0.5% extract from aloe in a hydrophilic cream was an effective treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea, dandruff)One study using 30% aloe lotion, applied to the skin twice daily for 4-6 weeks, was effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Cancer preventionFrom a small case-control study, it showed that oral aloe may help in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits.Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis)From two studies, it was found that using aloe vera gel was a good treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers of the mouth. It reduces the pain and increases the amount of time between the appearances of new ulcers. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Diabetes (type 2) Laboratory studies show that aloe vera can stimulate insulin release from the pancreas and can lower blood glucose levels in mice.

Results from two human trials suggest that oral aloe gel may be effective in lowering blood glucose levels. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits.HIV infection Acemannan, a component found in aloe gel, has been shown to have anti-viral activities and immune-stimulating properties. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Skin burns Preliminary evidence suggests that aloe may be effective in promoting healing of mild to moderate skin burns. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Ulcerative colitis There promising research of the use of oral aloe vera in ulcerative colitis (UC), compared to placebo. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits.Wound healing Study results of aloe on wound healing are mixed with some studies reporting positive results. Further study is needed, since wound healing is a popular use of topical aloe.Radiation dermatitis Reports from the 1930s about the aloe's topical beneficial effects on skin after radiation exposure lead to widespread use. Currently, aloe gel is sometimes recommended for radiation-induced dermatitis.

What's so great about pomegranate? There's no doubt that most of you have heard something about pomegranate, even before the wonders of this magical fruit were introduce to you by Poga Moonga. Pomegranate is the "Po" in PogaMoonga. Pomegranate is a great source of antioxidants.Emerging science suggests that unstable little molecules called free radicals may be linked to disease.Where do they come from? Everywhere. Free radicals come from many external sources such as air pollution, alcohol, pesticides, sunlight, tobacco smoke, drugs, and even fried foods. And if that weren't enough your body also produces them. Antioxidants from pomegranate, which is found in PogaMoonga fight hard to help prevent free radicals from doing their damage.Cancer and emerging science. Cancer is not a single condition, but it is a name connected to hundreds of different diseases. The name "cancer" is characterized by the uncontrolled spread and growth of abnormal cells.

Emerging science has shown that diets rich in vegetables and fruits that contain antioxidants, along with regular exercise, might slow or help prevent the development of cancer. PogaMoonga is a great source of antioxidants, from both the moringa and pomegranate. Aging and Emerging Science (and just plain common sense!)We all know that there isn't a Fountain of Youth. But emerging research is leading us to believe that there are a few things we can do to live "young" no matter what our age is. Scientists believe that free radical damage accumulates with age and that antioxidants may help protect the body from free radical damage. It makes sense that exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables including antioxidant-rich Poga Moonga may help you live "young". 1. What are antioxidants?Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause if uncontrolled.

Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C, E, and A ,beta-carotene, lycopene and other substances.2. Can antioxidants prevent cancer?Considerable laboratory evidence in animals, using chemical, cell culture, indicates that antioxidants may slow and even possibly prevent the development of cancer. Further research is needed to prove the beneficial properties of antioxidants and it's relationship to cancer. 3. What was shown in previously published large-scale clinical trials?The clinical trial about the effect of antioxidants on cancer, published in the 1990s reached differing conclusions. The studies examined the effect of beta-carotene and other antioxidants on cancer in different patient groups. Below is the summary of this trail. o The first large randomized trial on antioxidants and cancer risk was the Chinese Cancer Prevention Study, published in 1993. This trial investigated the effect of a combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium on cancer in healthy Chinese men and women at high risk for gastric cancer. The study showed a combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium significantly reduced incidence of both gastric cancer and cancer overall. Blot WJ, Li JY, Taylor PR, et al. Nutrition intervention trials in Linxian, China: supplementation with specific vitamin/mineral combinations, cancer incidence, and disease-specific mortality in the general population. J Natl Cancer Inst 1993;85:1483-91.

Amino Acids Role

Amino acids play important roles as intermediates in metabolism and building blocks of proteins. The amino acids that are found in proteins combine to create many different amino acids. The precise sequence of those amino acids, amino acid content of a specific protein, is determined by the sequence of the bases in the gene that encodes that protein. The chemical properties determine the biological activity of the protein in amino acids. Proteins not only catalyze all (or most) of the reactions in living cells, they control all cellular process. Proteins contain within their amino acid sequences the information to determine how that protein will be structured, and the stability of the resulting structure. The field of protein folding and stability has been researched for years, and remains one of the great unsolved mysteries. But progress is being made daily to truly completely understand amino acids. As we learn about amino acids, we will learn more about amino acid structure and properties along with properties and structure of proteins. We will learn that even the smallest protein has very complex characteristics, which are a composite of the properties of the amino acids, which comprise the protein.

Essential amino acids

Humans can produce 10 of the 20 amino acids. The others must be supplied in the food. Failure to obtain any or enough of even 1 of the 8 essential amino acids, which our body doesn't produce, results in degradation of the body's muscle and proteins. to obtain the one amino acid that are needed. The body does not store excess amino acids, like it does fat and starch, which can be used at a later time. The amino acids must be replenished, daily. The 12 amino acids that we can produce are alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. Tyrosine is produced from phenylalanine, so if the diet is deficient in phenylalanine, tyrosine will be required as well. The essential amino acids are arginine (required for the young, but not for adults), histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. These amino acids are required in the diet. Plants must be able to make all the amino acids. Humans do not have all the enzymes required for the biosynthesis of all of the amino acids.

Why learn these structures and properties?

Learning the structure and chemical make up of these amino acids will further our knowledge of enzymes, proteins or the nucleic acids.

Aloe Vera - For A Cool Stomach!

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is commonly seen in countries with dry and parched climatic conditions. It looks more or less like a cactus plant with thick leaves. The pulp that comes out of the leaf has the most medicinal value. It can be taken as a juice or in various other processed forms. It has become one of the most important ingredient in cosmetic products like make up, moisturize, creams, lotions and others.

Aloe vera is known for its perfect cure for intestine related diseases. Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide, a molecule of the pulp is of high medicinal value that cures such diseases. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It can be used in the preventive treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Digestive problems like stomach upsets, irregular bowel movements, indigestion, constipation etc can be cured using the juice of this plant. It works by excreting all the unwanted and poisonous substances that remain as residues in the stomach. These residues cause deficiency of essential nutrients, energy loss and other intestinal problems. This reassures better digestion.

A disease called the Crohn's disease of which the symptoms are pain in the abdomen, sudden decrease in weight, vomiting, skin problems, arthritis, swelling of the eye etc can also be cured using its extract. It is caused due to the inflammation of the bowel or any part of the digestive system because of less immunity. The part that is affected the most is 'ileum' of the small intestine. The extract in the gel form can reduce inflammation caused due to Ulcerative colitis.

Aloe vera is also used to keep the acid level of the stomach balanced. It provides a cooling sensation in the stomach. It reduces risks caused due to toxic substances by making them inactive.

You Can Try Aloe Vera For Ulcerative Colitis and Other Skin Diseases

Aloe vera is a plant that was originally found in Africa. It looks like a lily, with thick, green, spiny, succulent leaves. The plant usually has up to 25 leaves. It is used to make aloe gel which is the made from the entire leaf, aloe juice which is made from the nutritious liquid inside the leaf, aloe-vera latex which is a yellow fluid in the leaf with laxative properties and aloe vera capsules which are used as dietary supplements.

Used as digestive, laxative and skincare preparations aloe is known to produce no allergic reaction. Having said that when aloe is internally ingested diuretics, steroids, digoxin, drugs that cause potassium loss and drugs for irregular heartbeat need to be avoided. If drugs for controlling blood sugar are being taken you should not use aloe as it reduces blood sugar levels.

Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides (AMP), one of the components of aloe is what gives aloe its healing abilities. AMPs are sugar molecules consisting of separate mannose and glucose sugar molecules in combination. This discovery of the medicinal abilities of AMP has been widely considered to be a major breakthrough in the autoimmune and gastrointestinal fields of medicine.

Aloe vera is used in the treatment of digestive tract ailments like ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn's disease. An ailment of the colon, ulcerative colitis is the inflammation of the digestive tract. This could result in permanent dilation of the colon or even perforation of the colon. The reason why aloe vera is used in treating this disease is that its anti-inflammatory abilities help calm the inflammation in the digestive tract. In addition aloe vera also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help the condition. Though Aloe is used widely to treat various digestive disorders, from mild to moderate to severe, Aloe is usually used successfully in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Why Probiotics Are Your Best Friend

New research provides further evidence that probiotics are critical to good health. They affect many essential body functions and is the key to your anti-aging process. Many take a multi-vitamin every day as a sort of insurance policy to cover your basis. The truth is that probiotics is likely to be even more important than your multi-vitamin.

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that exist mainly in your gastrointestinal tract, also known as the gut, which extends from the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, to the rectum. But billions of probiotics also live in the ears, eyes, nose, armpits, toes, lungs, appendix, joints, vagina, and urinary tract.

Your gut is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa called the gut flora. There is a constant war going on in the gut between the good and the bad bacteria. If you have a healthy gut flora, you have a strong army of good bacteria or probiotics. The gut barrier is your protective shield against unfriendly invaders, such as bacteria, toxins, and allergens, which enter the body on a daily basis via your food, water, and air.

There are 10 times more probiotics than cells (100 trillion) in the body. Probiotics total about 3.5 pounds of your body weight, more than your heart (0.7 lbs) or your brain (3 lbs).

Augment Immune Function

• Probiotics are responsible for 70-80% of your immune response. When they detect harmful invaders, they repress their growth through competitive exclusion and keep them from colonizing and penetrating the digestive tract. Probiotics also teach the immune system not to overreact to intruders, like allergens, that are harmless to the body. Researchers believe that allergies occur when the gut flora has more of the harmful species of bacteria and not enough of the beneficial ones.


• The gastrointestinal tract of a fetus is sterile. When a mother gives a vaginal birth, the baby experiences its first dose of probiotic inoculation in the birth canal. If the mother is healthy, her vagina will be richly populated with a healthy gut flora. Later on, consumption of breast milk gives the baby more probiotics as the mother's colostrum (first milk) has up to 40% probiotic content. As the baby grows, bacteria begin to colonize in his/her digestive tract. Probiotics increase the baby's immunity, reducing the frequency of colic (excessive crying) and illnesses.


• Probiotics help fight viruses such as colds, flu, rotavirus, herpes, and ulcers.


• Probiotics have a protective effect against bladder, breast, and colon cancers. Researchers discovered that the presence of a healthy gut flora positively influences the activity of your genes, helping them to express in a positive, health-promoting manner.


• Probiotics help prevent and alleviate many gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis. Studies show that some species of beneficial bacteria are anti-inflammatory.

Essential For Production & Assimilation Of Vitamins & Nutrients

• Probiotics help produce a huge number of vitamins such as vitamin A, B1-3, B5-7, B9, B12, B13, B15, K2, and essential fatty acids.


• Probiotics increase the digestibility, bioavailability and processing of a large number of nutrients including calcium, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and cholesterol.


• Probiotics help break down certain carbohydrates that the body cannot digest without bacterial help. A good example is lactose intolerance - symptoms usually disappear with the use of probiotics.

Enhance Brain Function

Most people are not aware that you have two nervous systems -

• the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and


• the enteric nervous system (gastrointestinal tract).

Both are created out of the same type of tissue. During fetal development, one part turns into the central nervous system, while the other develops into the enteric nervous system. These two systems are connected via the vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve that runs from the brain stem down to the abdomen.?

• It is now well established that the vagus nerve is indeed the primary route the gut bacteria use to transmit information to the brain. This is why your gut health can have a profound influence on your mental health.


• Interestingly, neurotransmitters like serotonin are also found in the gut. In fact, 95% of the serotonin, which is involved in mood control, is produced by gut neurons, not the brain.


• Researchers believe that probiotics have a direct effect on brain chemistry. Disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities may all be traced back to gut health.

Antibiotics Upset Gut Floral Balance

If you have a serious bacterial infection, antibiotics can save your life. But antibiotics are useless against viral infections that cause the common cold and the flu. Overuse of antibiotics changes the gut flora.

• Antibiotics wipe out both beneficial and harmful bacteria without distinction. The moment your probiotics are gone, opportunistic parasites, fungi, and harmful bacteria rush in to fill the ecological void. This explains why after taking antibiotics, many people develop oral thrush (white lesions caused by the yeast fungus, Candida albicans), vaginal yeast infection, or urinary tract infection.


• Keep in mind that the foods you eat can also be a major source of antibiotics. If you want to protect your gut bacteria, you should buy meats that come from antibiotic-free animals.


• Antibiotics interfere with important hunger hormones secreted by the stomach, leading to increased appetite and body fat. Studies show that obese people have very different gut flora than lean people, and that altering the gut floral balance towards more probiotics result in weigh loss.

Foods Containing Probiotics

What you eat directly affects your gut flora and sugar is the worst enemy for a healthy gut. Sugar, apart from causing elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance, nourishes the bad bacteria and yeast in your gut.

Eating fermented foods, on the other hand, helps to restore your body's balance of good bacteria. For thousands of years, fermented foods have been part of the diet of many cultures. Examples of fermented foods are:

• kefir, a fermented milk drink


• Lassi, a cultured Indian yogurt drink


• yogurt with live bacteria culture


• fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut and kim chee


• naturally pickled vegetables (turnips, cucumber, onions, carrots)


• fermented soybeans, such as natto (a Japanese food) and tempeh (an Indonesian food).

Choosing A Quality Probiotics Supplement?

If you are not in the habit of eating these traditional fermented foods on a regular basis, you should consider taking a high-quality probiotics supplement for a healthy gut flora. Probiotics are extremely safe and is not associated with any side effects or drug interactions.

• Opt for a well-known, reputable brand because quality matters. The probiotic activity must be guaranteed throughout the entire production process and shelf life of the product.


• There are somewhere between 300 to 500 strains of bacteria in the gut. Check to make sure the supplement contains one or more of these bacteria strains that have confirmed health-promoting features:


• Bifidobacterium bifidum


• Bifidobacterium brevis


• Bifidobacterium infantis


• Bifidobacterium longum


• Lactobacillus acidophilus


• Lactobacillus bulgaricus


• Lactobacillus casei


• Lactobacillus paracasei


• Lactobacillus plantarum


• Lactobacillus rhamnosus


• Lactobacillus salivarius


• Streptococcus thermophilus


• Choose one with a higher bacteria count by looking at the number of organisms per capsule, expressed in billion CFU's. Most brands range from one to 50 billion CFU's. In general, the higher the number, the more potent and expensive it is.


• The latest trend in probiotic development is enteric coating to increase the survivability of the bacteria through stomach acids. However, humans have been getting results using beneficial bacteria for ages without enteric coating. The best way to take probiotics is with food.


• Don't expose your probiotics to heat as they are temperature-sensitive. They thrive at internal body temperature of almost 100 degrees, but at lower temperatures and in the absence of moisture, the bacteria enter a state of dormancy and can survive for a long time. Some probiotics do not require refrigeration but some do in order to maintain potency. Follow handling instructions from the manufacturer.

Super Health Through Raw Foods

The Greek doctor Hippocrates, considered to be the founder of modern medicine, uttered the famous words, "Let food be thy medicine."

How far we have fallen from his wisdom! First, let it be made clear that nothing, no outside object, "cures" or "heals" the body. The body always heals itself, and it alone has the wisdom to do so. As French philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) once observed, "The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease."

But in order for nature to do the healing, it must be aided by the right nutrients, or building blocks. Thousands of modern-day people have enabled their bodies to heal themselves from all kinds of degenerative diseases using raw food diets, describing their journeys to health and full recovery from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, AIDS and other ailments.

A number of doctors have recognized the therapeutic value of raw diets in treating a host of conditions, including diabetes, ulcer, cancer, jaundice, Grave's disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, ulcerative colitis, menstrual difficulties (including PMS), hormone disturbances, diverticulosis, anemia, circulatory diseases, weak immune system, hypertension, neuralgic conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, renal diseases, gout, obesity, myasthenia gravis and various skin diseases. Many of these ailments are not normally associated with nutrition. Section Two will present the science behind these seemingly outrageous claims.

It is very common, on a 90-100% raw diet, to be healed of supposedly "incurable" ailments and no longer need medications. I personally have met several people who had to take the drug Valtrex every day for many years for herpes. After going raw, they threw the drugs out and never had a breakout again. I have met people who no longer need medications for diabetes. I have also read of, and heard reports of, people with full-blown AIDS who became disease-free, sometimes the virus even disappearing from their blood and not showing up on blood tests. A number of the authors of raw food books were healed of cancer or other serious diseases using raw diet alone.

The immune system is vastly enhanced on a living food diet. A clinic in Germany (Klinik in der Stanggass, Berchtesgaden) documented the influence of a raw diet on the immune system. They found effects that yielded antibiotic, antiallergenic, tumor-inhibiting, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory results. They recommend uncooked food as an adjunct to drugs in the treatment of allergic, rheumatic and infectious diseases.

Eskimos traditionally ate nothing cooked until very recently. They are the only Native American culture that has no history of a "medicine man" because they were extremely healthy until introduced to cooking.

Most people think of health as the absence of disease. Dr. Herbert M. Shelton was a renowned leader of the Natural Hygiene movement, a health reform movement that became prominent in the 1800s. He was quick to query, "Why must we accept as normal what we find in a race of sick and weakened beings?"

At his death, Shelton was writing a book to be called Normal Man, his vision of what true normal really is for our species. Perhaps we have yet to realize the full scope of our health potential.

Some people are motivated to get on the raw food bandwagon even though they were relatively healthy already. Some do it to prevent degenerative diseases. Much to their surprise, they soon encounter what can only be described as "ultra health" or "super health."

Gone is the need to sleep eight hours a day, and some even jump out of bed fully awake after three to six hours of sleep, with no desire for coffee or other stimulants. Excess fat melts off without any feeling of deprivation. The desire to overeat is diminished, as natural appetite control reestablishes itself.

Women find complete freedom from PMS, and for most, even their periods, which are a form of detoxification, dwindle down to one day. Birthing labor is sometimes painless and very brief.

Women who have been eating raw diets for several years prior to the onset of menopause report having neither signs nor symptoms that indicate they are passing through menopause. The only way they discover that they have gone through the passage is via blood tests for hormone levels.

Temperature extremes are suddenly tolerated more easily. Body odors vanish or greatly diminish after a year or two of eating 100% raw. Skin becomes soft and smooth. Hair grows thick and wild. Bad breath becomes a thing of the past. Air travel does not entail jetlag.

Various other complaints, like athlete's foot, acne, allergies, colds, flus, dandruff, herpes or cold sores, vanish.

The physical senses sharpen. The person's psychic ability and feeling of being "in sync" or "in the flow of synchronicity" flourishes. The person finds himself more dynamic, radiant, charismatic and confident.

There is a feeling of lightness that everyone new to the raw diet comments on because far less energy is required for digestion. Digestive time is also reduced: While 48-100 hours are needed for cooked food, only 24-36 (or even less) may be needed for raw food.

Athletes eating raw food diets have found their athletic performance enhanced. Dr. Elmer in Germany and Dr. Douglas Graham in the USA both experimented with athletes they train by having them go on purely raw food diets. The athletes improved remarkably in strength, energy and stamina.

Jan Dries tells of a cancer patient on his raw diet regimen who was actually skiing better than before she fell ill (The Dries Cancer Diet, p. 67). Comedian Dick Gregory became a remarkable athlete on a diet of raw foods and juices and occasional fasting. He ran 900 miles on fruit juice alone in 1974.

Since the vast majority of your body cells are replaced every two years, after two years on a raw food diet, a whole new "you" will be formed. Only this will be the first time your body will be rebuilt with living food, full of nutrients.

A common thing people say when confronting dietary reform is, "Well, I have to die of something!" This feeling of resignation relieves them of all responsibility to watch their diets. Dr. Robert Young, a nationally known microbiologist and nutritionist, responded to this "common cultural myth ... I disagree with this because I feel that it's NATURAL TO DIE HEALTHY!"

If you have no interest in achieving abundant health, consider that most illnesses do not show symptoms until the eleventh hour. For example, most people don't know they have cancer until it is in very advanced stages, and the doctor gives them about a year and a half to live, despite the tumor's having been there for up to a decade or so already. For about 40% of the people who have heart disease, the first symptom they experience is death by heart attack! (Sorry, the living food diet cannot bring you back from the grave.)

Although living foods can help your body cure itself even in advanced stages of disease, it is not wise to wait until you are ill. In the Chinese medical classic, the Nei Jing, it is said, "To administer medicine after an illness begins is ... like digging a well after becoming thirsty or casting weapons after a battle has been engaged." Therefore, even if you are currently content with your state of health, consider this diet as a powerful way to prevent future disease.

Preventing Periodontal Disease May Prevent Colon Cancer

A recent study published in Genome Research found that a bacterium that has been associated with periodontal disease has also been detected in colon tumors. Scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute in October 2011 found an abnormally large number of "fusobacterium" in colorectal tumor (or colon cancer) samples. Fusobacterium is typically found in dental plaque and associated with gum disease or periodontal disease. This discovery of the bacteria found in both the mouth and the colon is the first time this type of microorganism has been found to play a role in colon cancer. It is an important finding because colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

DNA samples from normal colon tissue were compared with samples from colorectal cancer tissue. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is also called colon cancer or large bowel cancer. It includes cancerous growths in both the colon and rectum. The tumor tissue contained large amounts of the fusobacterium. Scientists have been giving much more attention in the last ten years to the environment in which cancer cells live. In the case of colorectal cancer, the environment is heavily populated with the same bacteria found in the mouth. This particular bacterium is also associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, which can put people at a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

The colon is a part of the digestive system prior to the waste material of the body being eliminated. Most colon cancer starts off as a polyp, although not all polyps are cancerous. A polyp is a growth that starts in the tissue lining. Left unchecked, a polyp may grow, become cancerous and metastasize to other parts of the body. One of the reasons this is the second leading cause of cancer deaths is that the colon is highly vascularized which leads to higher metastasis and growth rate. Also cells of the colon reproduce frequently or turn over very rapidly, unlike brain cells. This rapid growth also causes the cancer cells to grow faster. Effective prevention of colon cancer has always been diet high in fiber, early detection through colonoscopies and removal of polyps. It appears there may also be another weapon to add to this deterrence arsenal: prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the most prevalent diseases on the planet earth. It is a chronic infectious inflammation of the teeth and gums. Although late stages of periodontal disease show signs, early stages do not. The signs of this gum disease are: bad breath that won't go away, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, and sensitive teeth. Both periodontal disease and tooth decay (or gingivitis) is caused by bacteria. There are hundreds of different species of bacteria in the mouth. Fusobacterium is just one. The mouth is a dark, moist, acidic environment with a constant warm temperature and a steady supply of carbohydrates. These are ideal bacteria growing conditions - particularly in between teeth and under the gum line.

It has not yet been determined whether the fusobacterium found in colon cancer is essential for the cancer to grow or whether it just affords a favorable environment for the bacterium. In either case, it is suggested that those with periodontal disease run a higher risk of colon cancer. It is important to treat the gum disease and lower the fusobacterium in the mouth. It is becoming evident that periodontal disease is linked to many systemic diseases including heart disease, COPD, arthritis, diabetes, etc. Thus, periodontal disease not only affects the gums and teeth, it affects the whole body. Regular professional cleanings and diligent home oral care are essential in preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Herbal Medicine - Tumeric, the Inflammation Agent Orange

Having traveled to India after graduating with my Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and becoming a newly licensed acupuncturist in Boston, I know enough about Indian food to get me in trouble. I can still smell the fragrant dishes I ate while I was there and remember being amazed at the different textures and colors that were present in many of the dishes. One of the more unique colors in Indian cuisine is orange and a key ingredient of these dishes is the spice turmeric. But did you know that it is an important herb in Chinese herbal medicine as well? Recent press on the use of turmeric has focused on its anti-inflammatory properties. Let's take a closer look at this common kitchen spice.

Turmeric is called Jiang Huang in Chinese herbal medicine. It is bitter, warming and has an acrid nature to it. Bitter and acrid substances are very effective Qi and Blood movers. When Qi or Blood becomes stagnant, pain arises, hence the anti-inflammatory nature of turmeric root. It travels most often to the Stomach, Spleen, and Liver organs. The Stomach and Spleen are the organs most involved in digestion of food which explains turmeric's use as a treatment for ulcerative colitis and indigestion. The Liver is involved in the free flow of Qi through the body and when boosted by the actions of turmeric, could work more effectively at relieving the stagnation that causes pain.

Western scientific research focuses on the active ingredient of turmeric, curcumin, a powerful anti-oxidant which has been shown to lower levels of inflammatory enzymes and inhibit platelet aggregation in the body. It is a popular supplement added to joint health remedies and anti-oxidant supplements. Besides joint health, turmeric can treat systemic inflammation found in inflammatory bowel disease. Research on the ability of the herb to maintain remission in patients with ulcerative colitis that were also taking conventional medications showed that only 5% of the patients taking curcumin relapsed versus 21% in the placebo group suggesting it may be an effective supplement for the treatment of this condition. Early research using test tube and animal experiments has shown that curcumin may even be effective in preventing or treating different types of cancers. As always it is important to discuss any herbal supplement with your doctor before taking it as some interactions can occur. In particular, due to curcumin's platelet inhibiting properties, it may be unsafe for patients taking blood thinning medication.

Turmeric is considered food safe and has been utilized in cuisine around the world for thousands of years. It is a very tasty spice and is great in eggs, soups, stews, and curries. Of course, while you enjoy your next Indian curry dish, it is also nice to know that you might be easing your pain a little bit as well.

Crohn's Disease Pregnancy: Can I Still Have Children When I Have Crohn's Disease?

Being male or female the good news is that you can have children safely when you have Crohn's Disease. Fertility rates for women with Crohn's Disease are around the same as woman that are in normal health. If you have a flare up, being a woman your fertility could be lower than normal.

Some medications can affect your fertility which can make having children harder. Medications like sulfasalazine (Azulfadine), can cause temporary infertility in about 60% of men. When you stop using this medication for around two months fertility should be back to normal again.

If you want to have children and you are on medication, talk to your doctor first so you take the correct steps, to ensure the best chance of you or your partner getting pregnant. Working with your doctor in this area is best to be sure you are doing what you need to ensure your safety and that of your baby.

Risks for miscarriage, still births and congenital abnormality are the same as everyone else in the population, no increased risk has been found due to Crohn's Disease. Keep in mind that normal couples can have issues getting pregnant, about 1 in 7 couples have issues with fertility. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, it may not be because you or your partner has Crohn's Disease.

The best time to try and get pregnant is when you are in remission as your body is stronger. When you have a flare up, if you are not eating properly and are quite thin, this can affect fertility. Having a baby is not as easy when your body is in this state. Falling pregnant when you have bad inflammation or a flare up could make for a more problematic time for you throughout your pregnancy.

You can go through pregnancy and get on just fine, be sure to take the right steps with your doctor or other health care professional to ensure the process will be a smooth one.

If you do have fears about Crohn's Disease pregnancy, go to your local CD and Ulcerative Colitis support group. They will be able to give you information about pregnancy. Ask them if they could put you in contact with some women who have already been through the pregnancy process. This could help to settle any fears and put your mind at ease about the whole pregnancy process.

Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement - Is It A Miracle Cure?

Oil from fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both are omega-3 fatty acids.

Where is it found?

EPA and DHA are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of EPA and DHA. Fish oil supplements typically contain 18%EPA and 12% DHA, though more purified (i.e. higher in EPA and DHA) fish oil supplements are sometimes available. In addition, DHA is available in a supplement that does not contain significant amounts of EPA.

Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil

Omega 3 supplement has shown remarkable results in

* Crohn's disease (enteric-coated, free-fatty-acid form of fish oil)

* High blood pressure

* High triglycerides

* Rheumatoid arthritis

It also help in

* Asthma

* Atherosclerosis

* Bipolar disorder

* Breast-feeding support

* Cardiac arrhythmia (do not take, or take only with a doctor's supervision, if there is a history of
sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation)

* Cystic fibrosis (EPA)

* Depression

* Eczema

* Heart attack

* Immune function (omega-3 fatty acids for critically ill and post surgery patients only)

* Intermittent claudication (in combination with vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid)

* Kidney disease

* Lupus

* Macular degeneration (in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10)

* Multiple sclerosis

* Osteoporosis (in combination with evening primrose oil)

* Phenylketonuria (if deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids)

* Pre- and post-surgery health

* Pregnancy and postpartum support (to prevent premature delivery)

* Psoriasis

* Raynaud's disease

* Schizophrenia

* Sickle cell anemia

* Ulcerative colitis

How It Works?

Omega 3 fats are used to make cell membranes, sex hormones and hormone-like chemicals known as series 3 prostaglandins. These perform a wide variety of functions in your body: they helps to thin the blood and break down blood cloths, and also reduce the amount of harmful fats in the blood, which contributes to the risk of heart attacks.

They improve immune system function by reducing inflammation, and help to maintain your body;s water balance.

These fats are crucial for a baby's brain development during pregnancy.

How much Omega 3 Do You Need?

If you have eat several portions of fatty fish per week, you probably no need omega 3 supplement.

Several omega 3 supplements in the market are added with vitamin E, Vitamin E helps to prevent the fish oil from turning rancid. Some evidence suggests that adding vitamin E to fish oil may prevent the fish oil-induced increase in blood sugar levels.

The Powers of Aloe Vera Can Be Used to Treat Ulcerative Colitis

From the earliest Egyptian settlements everyone has been applauding the incredible medicinal features of aloe. It is a plant with succulent green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. The scientific name of the common aloe plant is Aloe barbadensis or aloe vera. Discovered in Africa, this medicine is now common in America, Europe and Asia. For their medicinal qualities, parts of the Aloe plant used are the gel, the latex, the extract, the juice and capsules.

Aloe vera is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory attributes. Aloe is also a very powerful laxative. It is rarely used as a laxative because it causes severe stomach cramps. Aloe gel used topically on burned or broken skin is used as a soothing agent and also a pain killer. Studies in animals have shown aloe to reduce inflammation. In a study that tested the use of aloe in the treatment of ulcerative colitis aloe gel (internally ingested) showed better results than a placebo in aiding disease treatment. Due to its anti-inflammatory property it is considered an excellent cure for easing digestive problems.

Aloe extract has aloemannan which aids the growth of kidney cells and also in slowing down kidney stone production. Aloe juice is a very good antidote for ulcers and heart burns. However, its effectiveness is limited to peptic ulcers and does not extend to ulcers caused due to stress. In asthma patients who have not been on corticosteroids, use of aloe orally has been found to give good results. Use of aloe vera during pregnancy needs to be discussed with your doctor. One of the components of aloe vera, Aloe-emodin, is a very good laxative. Additionally it also kills the herpes virus which causes painful shingles and cold sores. Aloe vera is infused in base oils (almond and apricot) and used in aroma therapy. Astringent, anti fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties are shown by such treated oils.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease - Facts and Details

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease are both Inflammatory Bowel Diseases affecting the bowel and colon. The common symptoms of these diseases are weight loss, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, and fatigue.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are typically Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBD that is found among a lot of Americans. The basic symptoms of such disease are abdominal pain, total exhaustion, loss of weight and bloody diarrhoea resulting in anaemia. All this usually affect the colon and bowel and also result in irritable bowel syndrome.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) mostly attacks the mucosa and sub mucosa present in the large intestine. It occurs normally in young adults starting from the age of 10 right up to 19 or 20 years old, irrespective of sex. Although the exact cause of this disease is not known, it is mostly attributed to infectious, immunologic, nutritional and psychogenic related conditions and both physical and emotional factors put together create such a disorder. Stress can be a major factor in worsening the state of the illness. The presence of this disease may also be influenced by genes and environmental elements.

Ulcerative Colitis is usually indicated by frequent diarrhoea. In acute cases, bloody diarrhoea is noticed which is triggered due to severe pain and cramps in the abdominal region. This could also result in swelling of the abdomen. These conditions may turn you anaemic and pale. The reduced intake of food and irritable bowel syndrome may bring down the water level and electrolytes in the body. Fever, weight loss, anorexia and vomiting are the other features of this bowel disease.

Crohn's Disease is more or less similar to UC. In fact there are so many similarities between the two that sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between the two diseases. The main difference however is that Crohn's doesn't attack the rectum unlike UC. The other big difference is that while UC affects only the mucosa and sub mucosa of the intestinal region, Crohn's affects the muscularis propria as well in addition to the other two. Crohn's Disease typically causes fistulas and strictures while UC results in deadly megacolon and if left untreated can even lead to colonic carcinoma. Due to constant inflammation and regeneration of the colonic wall, there appears a thickening of the bowel wall in the case of Crohn's. In the case of UC though, the ulcerations made by the intestinal tract causes deep recesses or notches creating a pseudopolyps kind of appearance.

However, an X-Ray can help differentiate between the two inflammatory bowel diseases. Although both are IBD's causing irritable bowel syndrome, the manner of treating ulcerative colitis is different from that of treating Crohn's Disease even if some drugs used are the same. While diet plays a major role in Crohn's, UC doesn't seem to be affected much by diet.

Colitis - Causes And Symptoms

Colitis is a condition of the human body that is marked by an inflammation of the colon. It can be caused by a variety of infections as well as a lack of blood supply and autoimmune reactions. The colon, which is also commonly called the large bowel or the large intestine collects and stores the residual waste after digestion. It is also the passage that channels this waste matter towards the rectum for excretory purposes. During the passage of the liquid waste matter through the colon it is mixed with mucus and bacterium, while the water part of the waste is reabsorbed and channeled into the blood stream solidifying the feces.

The colon is made of layers of tissues with the outside wall layered with smooth muscle tissue that is instrumental in generating a movement to push the undigested food towards the rectum. The inner mucosa layer secrets mucus and bacterium for the formation of the feces and also helps in the electrolyte absorption of water through the layer to solidify the waste matter. During a colitis condition it is the inner mucosa layer that gets inflamed. Similar to all other organs in the human body the colon has a supply of arteries and a nexus of veins on its outside wall to supply oxygen and exhaust carbon dioxide and lactic acid.

Infections: Colitis can be caused by infection to the colon through bacteria and virus that reach the organ mostly through food. The condition is commonly called 'food poisoning' and some of the regular causes include Campylobacter, Escherchia Coli, Shigella, and Salmonella. Another similar condition, pseudomembranous colitis happens due to the bacteria Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile). This condition occurs in patients, who have been taking antibiotic medication because of an infection already present. This condition is often accompanied by fever and non-bloody diarrhea.

Ischemic Colitis: This condition is caused when the arteries in the colon narrow due to an atherosclerosis cutting up the blood supply to the organ and causing often-severe inflammation. This condition can occur because of a low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, or shock. In other circumstances-like volvulus, when the bowel starts twisting, and incarcerated hernia, when the colon is obstructed by the abdominal wall-also the colon can suffer from a lack of blood supply, considerable pain, passage of blood through the bowers, and fever to the body.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: There are two types of inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause colitis. The first being ulcerative colitis and autoimmune illness where the surrounding body parts start an immunological attack on the organ. The second is technically called Crohn's Disease and can be interspersed and spread along the digestive tract from the esophagus to the rectum.

Microscopic Colitis: Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are the two conditions in this type of colitis. These conditions happen because of layers of the colon getting enlarged due to collagen or lymphocytes.

Chemical Colitis: If chemicals find an external passage into the colon it can get inflamed causing this condition. It is extremely common as fallout of enema.

A mild case of the disease can be treated at home with bland and watery diet, while if the condition persists or if the patient gets blood in the stool, or fever accompanied by diarrhoea immediate medical care may become necessary.

Ulcerative Colitis - New Treatments Being Developed

Research into new ulcerative colitis treatments is currently being conducted in numerous universities and medical research facilities. The NIH (National Institutes of Health) in the United States reports that there are currently about 270 clinical studies underway or recently completed. More than 600,000 individuals in the U.S. alone - and millions more around the world - could benefit from drugs and therapies developed in these trials.

Approximately 300 ulcerative colitis patients die each year in the United States, so the mortality rate for this disorder is fairly low. Regardless, doctors consider it to be a serious digestive illness. It accounts for 80,000 hospitalizations every year, and doctors prescribe more than two million drugs for it annually.

This disease gets its name because inflammation causes ulcers to grow in the lining of the colon and intestines. These ulcers may produce pus and often bleed.

Medical researchers have not been able to develop any cures for ulcerative colitis. Certain medicines have been developed that alleviate pain from symptoms. These drugs may also reduce inflammation, slow down the progress of the disease, prevent complications, and replace blood and nutritional losses. Plus, these medications may help damaged tissues heal, prevent new flare ups, and lower the necessity of surgery in the future.

In choosing ulcerative colitis medications, your doctor will evaluate the progression of the disorder, the part of the colon that is affected, and any complications that may have developed.

If the disease is in the mild to moderate stage, the first choice of medications is usually aminosalicylates. Drugs called sulfasalazine or mesalamine are often the first choice in these situations. Aminosalicylates focus on reducing any current inflammation, promoting remission, and keeping the disease from becoming active again. Frequently, aminosalicylates are all you need to keep it in remission. Remission means you are not experiencing or suffering symptoms.

When aminosalicylates don't work well enough, corticosteroids are usually the next choice. The main purpose of corticosteroids is to eliminate inflammation, and they'll only be used as long as it takes to bring inflammation under control. As soon as there's no longer inflammation, your doctor will probably resume treatment with aminosalicylates.

When neither aminosalicylates nor corticosteroids bring about remission, your doctor will probably have to try other medications. Typically, such medicine would include immunomodulators, cyclosporine, and infliximab. These medications help reduce or eliminate inflammation by controlling how your immune system responds to your disorder.

Pregnant women with this condition should discuss medications with their doctor. Aminosalicylates and corticosteroids are generally considered to be safe for pregnant women, especially if the doctor believes the disease is more of a threat to the unborn child than any effects of the drugs. Several ulcerative colitis drugs are available that are formulated for use according to the stage of the pregnancy and the severity of symptoms.

Several recent research studies have revealed that the nicotine patch may actually help. But right now it's not really clear how long the benefits last or whether the patch can prevent flare ups. Not only that, but there can other harmful side effects from nicotine - including addiction. So most doctors will hesitate to try the nicotine patch before all other options have been found to be ineffective.

As mentioned above, there are literally hundreds of research studies and clinical trials in progress aimed at discovering new treatments and ulcerative colitis medications. Their efforts, we hope, will soon pay off with the development of new drugs and ulcerative colitis treatments - possibly even in an ulcerative colitis cure.

Bioflavanols Are Your Secret Agent For Crohn's Disease & Colitis

For centuries it has been known that Bioflavanols or OPC has the ability to counteract the effects of autoimmune diseases like Crohn's Disease and Colitis. Pharmaceutical companies have made information on them a best kept secret for years. Bioflavanols aren't made in laboratories; they occur naturally in plant compounds, as plant pigments and powerful antioxidants that fight against inflammation and the production of histamines in our body. inflammation of course is the main culprit in causing the painful symptoms in Crohn's/Colitis like cramps, gas, bloating and diarrhea.

We can find limited amounts of OPC in foods like apricots, blackberries, black currants, broccoli, cantaloupes, cherries, grapefruits, grapes, black/green tea, oranges and lemons. But the highest levels of the Bioflavanol - OPC are found in pine bark, grape seed, and grape skin. OPC by itself is not found in enough abundance in our daily diets (especially the pine bark and grape seeds) to approach any therapeutic value to us. Any of the bioflavanols we can get from OPC is purely from the raw foods we eat.

The natural potency provided from that OPC is however usually lost in the cooking process. However, supplementation with OPC, extracted from pine bark and grape seeds and processed into a fast absorbing powder form, has been shown to be a very effective free radicals inhibitor. Using OPC as a dietary supplement has been proven to be a natural secret agent effective in controlling the inflammation that occurs with Crohn's and Colitis. It also works equally well with other inflammation related illnesses such as hay fever, allergies or hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus and ulcerative colitis.

Very much like Crohn's and Colitis, allergies follow the same process of inflammation known to be a disorder of the immune system, better known as an autoimmune disease. In a correctly functioning immune system, our cells have the natural capacity for recognizing, evaluating and neutralizing or eliminating alien material called free radicals from the body. However for Crohn's/Colitis sufferers we need the help provided from OPC or Bioflavanols to neutralize the free radical activity and inhibit the harmful effects of those inflammatory enzymes in our bodies.

With a bettor functioning immune system, everything works bettor, your stomach doesn't hurt anymore, your joints don't hurt like they used to, you stop running to the bathroom numerous times a day, and even your energy level increases significantly. These powerful secret agents Bioflavanols are secrets no more. Effective OPC supplementaion can truly help you get back to the pain-free and active lifestyle you once enjoyed before Crohn's and Colitis.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids - 10 Million People Can Get Well

Statistics Can be Useful

A whopping 13 million out of 298 million people in the US had hemorrhoids in 2006, that's a prevalence rate of 4.4%. Medical researchers have, without fail recorded a whole million new cases of hemorrhoids yearly. Nonetheless, a lot of people ignore the symptoms of hemorrhoids resulting in disproportionately few consulting a doctor for medical treatment, with guesstimates ranging from half to three million per annum. Strangely, 10 million people pay little attention to the symptoms! Although the direct death toll from hemorrhoids is very low, at less than 20 deaths per 100,000, that is certainly no reason to be unconcerned.

First, the dictum of more haste less speed does not apply but the converse is true for hemorrhoids treatment and healing; take action. Prompt action translating to the probability of total recovery is a superb reason to take action. Having hemorrhoids may be the best news of all, as the other likely causes may necessitate long-running medical care or be life-threatening.

Life-endangering - True or False?

Symptoms of hemorrhoids, principally blood in stool or bowel movement bleeding, can be almost identical to a whole array of other medical conditions. It is no falsehood. Alarming results can arise from a few of these maladies.

The colon and rectum are the organs where these other illnesses primarily crop up. In the colon, the other 7 main infirmities are colorectal cancer, colon polyp, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal ischemia and peptic ulcer. There are 4 other predominant afflictions in the rectum, namely anal fissures, anorectal fistulae, proctitis and rectal prolapse.

Complications from SOME of these other malaises can imperil life. In this case, following the majority of 10 million people in ignoring the symptoms of hemorrhoids can have severe results. A very practical rule is suitable; see a doctor if bleeding drags on over a week. Once hemorrhoids are diagnosed, the symptoms elaborated below will appear as well.

Hemorrhoids, Haemorrhoids, Hemroids or Piles - Different Names, Same Symptoms

Hemorrhoids (US spelling), haemorrhoids (UK spelling), hemroids (possible mis-spelling) and piles are the same infirmity, all being words derived from haimorrhoos which means flowing with blood in Greek. More familiarly known all over the world is the name piles, believed to be derived from the Latin word pila meaning ball. "The common people call them piles, the aristocracy call them haemorrhoids, the French call them figs - what does it matter so long as you can cure them?" said Ardene, a 14th century English surgeon.

Before moving on to other symptoms of hemorrhoids, we must know the various medical names that denote a line demarcating the end of the rectum and the beginning of the anal canal. Known variously as the pectinate line or dentate line or anal verge or anorectal junction, this line separates internal (in the rectum) and external (on the anus) hemorrhoids. These dissimilar names matter less to the hemorrhoid sufferer than the fact that they demarcate the dearth of pain nerve endings in the rectum and a profusion of them in the anal region. In comparison, therefore, external hemorrhoids may cause extreme pain whilst internal hemorrhoids may be painless. This pain factor alone plays a critical part when choices are made with regard to treatment, be it mainstream medicine or alternative remedies.

Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids - Internal

Rectal bleeding, cited above as blood in stool or bowel movement bleeding, is the most frequent symptom of internal hemorrhoids. Blood may drip into the toilet bowl, toilet paper may be coloured red and stools gleam with blood.

Bulging movements of internal hemorrhoids during defecation clearly demonstrate the presence of hemorrhoids. Medical researchers classify bulging internal hemorrhoids according to 4 stages of prolapse or protrusion:

- a first-degree internal hemorrhoid bulges into the anal canal;
- a second-degree hemorrhoid bulges from the anus, then automatically retracts itself;
- a third-degree hemorrhoid bulges from the anus and must be physically pushed back in;
- a fourth-degree hemorrhoid bulges out from the anus permanently.

Typically not painful (as internal hemorrhoids form above the dentate line) but the larger ones can prolapse and be painfully squeezed by the anal sphincter muscles that control the anal opening. Deprived of blood supply, strangulated hemorrhoids may form and endanger surrounding tissues; a situation warranting urgent medical treatment.

Itchiness, skin irritation, anal lumps, rectal lumps and the uncomfortable urge to pass stools just after cleaning up from bowel motion are other normal symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. Where the hemorrhoid is extremely huge and near the anus, the sensation of unfinished bowel motion is greatly boosted.

Symptoms Of External Hemorrhoids

Anal pain is the differentiating feature between internal and external hemorrhoids as the latter manifest outside the pectinate line where there are many pain nerve receptors. Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots or thrombuses, tend to accompany external hemorrhoids leading to interference of blood flow in the circulatory system. Detrimental inflammation of the whole anal and rectal regions can result from the thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Due to the recurrent irritation that they cause, external hemorrhoids are hard to ignore whereas the lack of overt symptoms often lead to internal hemorrhoids going undetected. Whilst it is natural to clean the anal region when afflicted by hemorrhoids, a vicious recurring cycle of hemorrhoid recurrence can set in if the anal region is excessively cleaned.

Joining The 10 Million Ignoring The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids?

Are you in the 10 million majority? Recognition of a problem is the first step to its solution. So it is with hemorrhoids. Occasionally, it can be serious and warrants medical attention. But commonly, the treatment is fairly straightforward. Apart from regular medical methods, there are also alternative solutions like the H Miracle that promises a natural and permanent answer.

Crohns Disease Health Problems

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that results in the swelling of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It affects the lower part of the small intestine, the ileum. The swelling, which extends deep into the lining of the affected organ, can cause pain and make the intestines empty frequently, leading to diarrhea. As the symptoms of Crohn's disease are like other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it is difficult to diagnose.

Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. Occurring in people of all age groups, the disease is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 35. Abdominal pain, often in the lower right area and chronic diarrhea are the early symptoms. Rectal bleeding, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, arthritis, and skin problems may also occur. Bleeding may be severe and constant, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn's disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth and fatigue resulting from anemia.

Obstruction or blockage of the intestine due to swelling and the formation of scar tissue is a general health problem related to the disease. Crohn's disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The tunnels, called fistulas, often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in certain cases surgery is essential. About one third of the people who develop Crohn's disease, have problems around the anus. Small cracks called fissures may also progress in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.

Nutritional health problems such as deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are common. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, loss of protein, or malabsorption. Other health problems associated with Crohn?s disease include inflammation in the eyes, mouth or spine; reddish skin nodules, kidney stones, gallstones, and diseases of the liver and the biliary system. Medical science has not yet discovered a cause or cure for Crohn's disease, but many drugs are available to control the symptoms.

Prevent Digestive System Cancers

Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells. These changes cells grow and they can form into small tumors. The tumors can place pressure on nerves or blood vessels or they can interfere with the function of organs - such as obstructing the intestines. Some cancers grow slowly and it can take years for them to become life threatening - however others can grow very rapidly. Cancers are named according to the type of tissue in which they occur - carcinomas, begin in the tissues of organs (these are the most common gastrointestinal cancers); lymphomas develop in the immune system, particularly in the lymph nodes; sarcomas start on the connective tissue such as muscle or bone.

Cancers can be throughout the digestive tract but the most common sites are the colon and rectum. Symptoms of cancers in the digestive tract include:

o blood in the stool

o difficulty in swallowing

o abdominal pain

o unexplained weight loss

o changes in bowel habits - not related to changes in diet.

You should have any of these symptoms checked by a health professional. If cancers are detected and treated early enough the prognosis is good.

Colorectal cancers begin with changes to the intestinal lining and the development of polyps. While not all polyps become cancerous nearly all colon cancers start as polyps.

Some of the factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer

o A diet that is high in saturated fats, particularly red meat such as beef, pork and lamb and a diet that is low in fruit and vegetables.

o A diet and lifestyle that increases the level of toxins in the bowel. Toxins cause problems for the body - they irritate tissues, cause cells to breakdown and mutagenic changes to occur.

o Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease all increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

o Smoking - colorectal cancer rates are higher among smokers than non-smokers.

o Polyps - nearly all colorectal cancers start as polyps.

o Hereditary - if other members of your family have colorectal cancer then you are at increased risk.

Your hereditary predisposition is a factor over which you have little control but there is a lot that you can do to reduce the risks associated with colorectal cancer - as well as other cancers. Having a healthy lifestyle and reducing the toxins that you are exposed to and in particular those that you ingest will greatly assist.

One of the most important things that you can do is to have a clean colon. So then what is colon cleansing? Proper and safe colon cleansing is the process of enabling the body to remove the stored and harmful substances by re-establishing the normal balance and function of the colon and the rest of the digestive process. Only through this thorough process is the body able to begin healing and repair and only then can there be a restoration of health and vitality.

The colon performs many vital functions but one of its most important is the effective removal of toxins from the body. There are many factors that are able to interfere with this elimination process. If the process is slowed or the bacterial balance of the colon is destroyed then toxins that are ingested and are a by-product of normal digestion will be absorbed into the bloodstream. The body will attempt to eliminate then through other routes however these can become overwhelmed. When this occurs the body needs to store the toxins. These stored toxins cause damage to tissue and are the basis of many diseases. They need to be eliminated from the body. Effective colon cleansing provides a safe means for achieving the cleansing of the whole body. When the toxins are effectively removed form the colon then the risks associated with the development of colorectal and many other cancers in the body are reduced.

Discover how to properly cleanse internally to gain and maintain your health and reduce your risk of colorectal cancer with safe colon cleansing (at safecoloncleansing.com). Then get on with really enjoying life.

The Digestive Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

You've been feeling an upset stomach for days. You experience dyspepsia - that burning sensation at your upper abdomen - together with bloating, belching and nausea. Curiously, you feel full even when you're just starting a meal.

These complaints are frequently heard from people with irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea with alternating constipation, gas and the presence of mucus in the stools are additional symptoms of the condition. Actually, irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common root causes of chronic indigestion. The digestive condition may stem from food, stress and even hormones. Most times the exact reasons are unknown.

You may have consulted a physician who prescribed some medications such as anti-spasmodics and counseled you on lifestyle changes. But are you familiar with aloe gel? It is a very valuable supplement to the allopathic regimen. If you're one of those with constant indigestion, aloe vera aids with proper digestion of your meals and eases your discomfort. It regulates the embarrassing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome which is most often uncontrolled diarrhea.

The efficacy of aloe has been documented in traditional medicine for the relief of dyspepsia, heartburn, ulcers and other irritating stomach conditions. Recent clinical studies reveal that indeed, aloe vera provides relief to people suffering from indigestion. A study conducted in Japan concluded that the herb works on the stomach lining to decrease levels of stomach acids -- the culprit behind indigestion and peptic ulcers.

What's more, aloe vera gel has been shown to be helpful in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis reveals inflammation of the digestive tract with symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. A research done by Langmead in 2004 as reported by Mayo clinic revealed improvements in ulcerative colitis patients who regularly drank aloe vera gel. This is attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of the aloe herb.

If you're suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and you're regularly drinking an aloe supplement, it is always best to inform your health care provider. Your other medications shouldn't have unsafe interactions with your aloe supplement.

A lot of aloe juice is being sold over the net. If you are purchasing, select one containing aloe gel. This transparent aloe extract is a non-toxic digestive healer as opposed to the latex of the inner lining of the leaf which contains aloin - an irritant.

穢 Lisa K. Moran, 2010

Cause of Depression - Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis can be considered as maddening illness. So it advised to know more about this as so far not much of the proper reports had been generated of it and the individuals who are bothered about this must know it. If a person is victim of Ulcerative colitis then processes like investigations, talking about the indicators or regarding the making of the decisions can be a feeling of discomfort for them. But Ulcerative colitis support collection is ready to help those people with their proper knowledge.

Concern and symptom of Ulcerative colitis: -

The main symptom can be the constant illness which further leads to the depression and causing nervousness. So for the help of such patients there are many doctors who are working for the counseling of the patients along with the help of UC support group. There are many ways getting the information regarding the Ulcerative colitis. If some information is not available with the doctors then it can be easily searched on internet. So the counseling from the UC support group can be very much helpful for the patients. If the illness is prolonged then there could be the facility of referring the person who had recently suffered from this problem. So some of the programs are mentioned below which are very much cooperative and attractive for the people: -

i. CCFA known as The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America which is non-profit association which provides the full knowledge and learning about the care of the Ulcerative colitis by providing the financial help and giving support to the patients and their respective families by having the sponsorships for the active members of the association. The CCFA is a big organization and currently as more than 50000 members with around 40 centers all over the world.

Proper knowledge and learning can be taken from the website and people can know how to deal with Ulcerative colitis by their support and make full investigation relating to that topic.

ii. There is a program running known as the UC Support Group Australia and Crohn's illness which helps in providing all the surgical treatments to the patients. So besides the need of the family it necessary to have the support of such groups for the chronic patients.

Difference Between Wheat and Gluten Intolerance

Do you have wheat or gluten intolerance? Wheat is a staple and nutritious diet consumed by many people around the world. Is it possible to have wheat intolerance?

Many people do not realise that the underlying cause for some of their ailments like bloating, abdominal cramp, eczema could be due to wheat intolerance. Wheat intolerance occurs when the person does not have the digestive enzymes to digest wheat thus making the person feel unwell. The symptoms of wheat intolerance are often similar with other ailments and are often overlooked. Symptoms such as aching joints, bloating, flatulence, fluid retention, eczema and joint pains can be relieved with medical help and by eliminating wheat from our diet. Many people find it difficult to eliminate wheat as it is found in many food products.

Wheat are made into bread, noodles, pasta and pies which is a staple diet for many, it is also found in sauces, thickening agent, tin soups, sausage and more. Though wheat is one of the main problems for people who suffer from gluten intolerance, wheat intolerance is not necessarily linked to gluten intolerance. People suffering from gluten intolerance are sensitive to the gluten, a protein found commonly in wheat, barley, rye and oats. A person with gluten intolerance could develop a inflammatory condition called Coeliac (Celiac) disease.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by a reaction to gliadin, one of the main proteins in gluten Coeliac disease is a lifelong inflammatory condition. It can affect a person at any age. You will be more susceptible to coeliac disease if it runs in the family. People with suffer from Type 1 Diabetes, thyroid problems and ulcerative colitis have an increased chance of developing coeliac disease. Diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue are some of the common symptom of gluten intolerant. Poor absorption of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 could give rise to anaemia. Consult your doctor if you have some of the symptoms or if you are worried about coeliac disease. Coeliac disease can be diagnosed through blood test which is test to check for anaemia and test to detect antibodies which are often found in coeliac disease.

Wheat and gluten intolerance can be controlled with a proper wheat/gluten free diet. There is many other type of food available to substitute the sensitive food. With a desire to feel better and careful planning, you can have a normal lifestyle.

Treatment for Helicobacter Pylori Peptic Ulcer

The purpose of the treatment that your doctor recommends in case you have a peptic ulcer caused by H. Pylori is to destroy the bacteria, to lower the quantity of acid from your stomach and duodenum and to preserve the lining of your stomach and duodenum.

Antibiotic treatment will kill the bacteria if taken for 2 weeks in combination of two drugs. Some of the most efficient antibiotic drugs are: Metronidazole, Tetracycline, Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin. Also, one of the antibiotic drugs might be switched with bismuth salicylate which coats and soothes the stomach, protecting it from the damaging effects of acid.

In order to reduce the level of acid in your stomach, the doctor will prescribe you: H2-Receptor antagonists (Famotidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine, and Ranitidine) and inhibitors of the proton pump (Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole). By decreasing the quantity of acid, the stomach and duodenum will not be injured any more by it, and the pain will be reduced.

For protecting the line of your stomach and duodenum, you will receive antacids like TUMS and ROLAIDS that will preserve the lining from the acid's action.

Treatment must be followed exactly as the doctor has prescribed it. Also, smoking and drinking alcohol and coffee must be eliminated or at least reduced. Stress is also a factor that contributes to the extent of ulcer, so you should avoid getting stressed. Some herbs and even acupuncture can be helpful.

Also, a diet is recommended to be followed. Cranberries, apples, onions kill the H. Pylori; fruits and vegetable that are rich in fiber are also good for you. Try to see what kind of aliments are causing you discomfort after eating them and then reduce them from your diet. Another rule is not to eat within two hour of bedtime. Also, if you have a cold avoid using aspirin because it will only injure your stomach more.

There are some rare cases when treatment is not effective and other measures must be applied. Surgery is a solution for treating peptic ulcers but only the doctor will be able to pronounce whether you need a surgery or not.

Treating ulcer from its beginnings is essential for your life. Left untreated ulcer can give you anemia (the blood has a lack of blood cells and can not transport oxygen properly) and perforation, meaning that the ulcer injures your stomach until it goes through its wall. Also, hemorrhages can appear and even death.

Injection Sclerotherapy for Hemorrhoids

According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), about half of Americans aged 50 years and above experience signs of hemorrhoids or piles. The disorder is characterized by discomfort, itching, and bleeding in the anus or lower rectum. It is caused by inflamed veins that swell. It is grouped into two kinds. It is an internal hemorrhoid if the inflamed veins are inside the rectum. It is external if it is under the skin that surrounds the anus. One who has this disorder can take over the counter medication, undergo a surgical procedure or try a non-surgical approach such as injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids.

Sclerotherapy is only one of the non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids. In fact, it is one of the oldest techniques used for treating this condition. Other non-surgical treatments include rubber band ligation, cryotherapy and heat coagulation.

With this approach, the medical practitioner would inject phenol or quinine urea in liquid form. They are the ones referred to as the sclerosants. Their main goal is to get rid of the long-period but mild inflammation. The patients are usually requested to defecate before injecting the sclerosants. Defecating right after the treatment is strongly discouraged because it may reduce treatment's effectiveness. The area to be treated is usually lubricated and pain killer may be given.

The sclerosants must be injected to the hemorrhoids' base. It is not totally pain-free but the pain is experienced much shorter than the one experienced after a surgical procedure. This hemorrhoid management technique usually requires only a day for the pain to go away. It is an outpatient procedure but most doctors recommend that you have someone come with you and drive you home.

One of the benefits of this injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids is that the results are quick even if it is cheaper than other treatments. The inflammation would subside fast. One can see results at least a week after the fluids are injected. The hemorrhoids will come out of the body through the natural bowel movement, which must be pain and blood-free.

Another good thing about this therapy is that it is non-invasive. This is why it is one of the most recommended to the elderly suffering from the said disorder. Unlike surgical procedures, injecting liquids to the veins does not require much strength and excellent health.

Of course, any treatment has its downside. In the case of sclerotherapy, one may develop scars in the affected area when the inflammation is treated. Moreover, the medical practitioners limit the treatment to only three hemorrhoids per sessions. It cannot be used for very large inflamed veins or third degree piles, too. Aside from that the injected phenol is less effective on large piles, there is also a risk for blood clots. Another downside is that the benefits of this treatment are not permanent. The condition may come back after a year or so.

Additionally, the injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids may be great for the elderly suffering from piles but it is not for everyone. It cannot be administered to those who have other inflammatory bowel conditions such as the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Who Is More Prone To Develop Colorectal Cancer?

The exact reason why colon cancer develops in some persons and not in others is not clear. The incidence of colon cancer is quite varied among different countries and within different ethnic groups inside the same country. Industrialized countries like United States, Canada, UK, Western Europe, Australia and Japan have a much higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to the less industrialized parts of the world like Asia, Africa, and South America. Colorectal cancer represent over 9 percent of all cancers in men and about 10 percent of all cancers in women world-wide. In industrialized countries the incidence of colorectal cancer can be as high as 12 to 14 of all cancers, and in non-industrialized countries much lower rates of about 7 to 8 percent of all cancers diagnosed may be colorectal cancer.

Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer diagnosed in the United States. Each year over 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer and over 50 percent of these patients will die from colorectal cancer. Colon cancer incidence is not much different between males and females, however colon cancer is slightly more prevalent in women compared to men (ratio of 1.2:1) but the rectal cancer is more common in males (ratio of 1.7:1).

Even though we do not know the exact cause of development of colorectal cancer, scientists have recognized several factors that can increase the risk of development of colorectal cancer. A risk factor for a disease is any condition that makes a person more likely to develop that diseases. Some of the risk factors like dietary factors are modifiable by the person involved while some other factors like age are un-modifiable. These risk factors may act in combination, and this combination of risk factors may be associated with cumulative increase in the risk of development of colorectal cancer. The simple presence of one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that someone will develop colorectal cancer. On the other hand absence of all risk factors does not mean that an individual will not develop colorectal cancer, but generally more risk factors you have higher is the chance of developing colorectal cancer. Environmental factors also may be playing a role in the development of colorectal cancer. People who migrate from areas of low risk to areas of the world with higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, they tend to acquire the risk of the country to which they are migrating. This finding suggests the presence of environmental factors causing higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Changes in dietary factors associated with migration may also be contributing to this increase in risk associated with migration from low risk areas to higher risk areas.

Risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer include the following:

• Age over 50 years


• Increased fat intake


• Large intestinal polyps


• Family history of colon cancer


• Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.


• Personal history of other cancers


• Sedentary habits and lack of exercise


• Obesity


• Diabetes


• Smoking


• Alcohol content


• Genetic colon cancer syndromes like Familial adenomatous polyposis or Hereditary Non-polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)

Persons who have high risk of colorectal cancer may undergo screening for colorectal cancer with colonoscopy once every 2 to 3 years. Screening colonoscopy is recommended for every one who is 50 years or older. If someone has a higher than average risk of developing colorectal cancer, the screening may be initiated earlier than 50 years.

Aloe Vera Magic - You Can Now See Ulcerative Colitis Disappearing

Are you a victim of ulcerative colitis? Have you experimented with sulfasalazine, corticosteroids, immuno-suppressive drugs and even considered partial removal of your colon to treat your ulcerative colitis? The permanent solution is here. Aloe Vera. It is an all natural, non-toxic medicine with no negative side effects. It can rid you of the abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, fever, dehydration, arthritis, constipation, liver inflammation or skin sores; whatever your ulcer symptoms are. Aloe vera has the ability to heal internal diseases thereby reinforcing the health of your digestive system.

For the quick recovery from first degree burns aloe gel is the best external cure. It is also used to shrink warts and reduce pain caused due to shingles. Psoriasis, another skin disease can be treated with the use of aloe gel. Bleeding gums, denture somatitis and other dental problems can all be solved using Aloe Vera. Cleansing your bowels and clearing constipation are internal diseases that aloe-vera can cure. Its antioxidant properties are also much famed. In European alternate medicine aloe is used to cure heart burns and ulcers. It has also been speculated that it can be used in the treatment of diabetes. Patients who suffer from Irritable bowel disease (IBD) benefit significantly from use of aloe vera. Bowel residue accumulated in the colon is tackled by aloe when it is used regularly. Aloe-vera is also used to heal internal lesions and ulcers.

The soothing, anti-inflammatory capability of aloe is used to treat colitis, peptic ulcers and other irritations of the digestive tract. Another function of aloe vera is its acidity removal. Its anti-inflammatory fatty acids such as alkalize digestive juices keep acidity well under control.

Ulcerative Colitis - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are usually addressed together as irritable bowel syndrome because of the similarity of their symptoms and treatment.

A chronic pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and rectal bleeding are clear symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Another disease with similar symptoms is the Crohn's disease. Most medical journals together classify these diseases as the irritable bowel syndrome. These diseases can lead to weight loss and anemia as well. The Crohn's disease and the ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the digestive tract and their symptoms are so similar that sometimes doctor's are unable to directly diagnose both at an early stage.

These two diseases are positively not caused due to any external infection and there is evidence that they are autoimmune disorders. This means that the body's own defense or immune mechanism starts acting against the digestive process and ulcers or small pus cells get formed and in acute ulcerative colitis perceptible rectal bleeding is noticed. The process of diagnosis normally involves a stool examination and also a colonoscopy which will establish the ulcerations. The cause of the disease is not known till date and the only alleviation from the symptoms is possible through medication. Usually anti-inflammatory drugs are administered to restore good health in the patients.

The aim of the medical practitioners is to limit the inflammatory response. As there is rectal bleeding in ulcerative colitis, oral iron therapy and even blood transfusion in rare cases may be needed. When the colon is affected there is discomfort. Normally pan colitis or universal colitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the entire colon. This is an unhealthy condition to deal with and caregivers of the patients as well as the patients themselves get easily depressed and disillusioned by their state. Crohn's disease can also affect the liver, the joints, the lungs and even the kidneys at some time.

At this time it is known that both crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are rampant in Canada and many Canadians are known to be affected by the disease. They are often treated with Cannabis or medical marijuana. The irritable bowel syndrome caused by either crown's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause fever and vomiting as well as pain in the abdomen and rectum. The simplistic symptoms of these two ailments are easy to ignore, however an early diagnosis can save the pain and the disillusionment that comes from a chronic lifetime ailment.

Ulcerative Colitis and Insurance Cover

Ulcerative colitis is considered a serious ailment. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome, it can take a lot of time money and effort to get it treated and not having a health insurance policy can make things difficult.

Ulcerative colitis is considered a serious ailment. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome, it can take a lot of time money and effort to get it treated and depending on the level of severity, treatment could end up being a costly affair. It is a condition very similar to Crohn's disease and is from a group of similar ailments collectively called Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBD). It causes ulceration of the bowels and blood in stool. It is a serious medical condition that might even require hospitalization. And given the ever-increasing cost of healthcare, ulcerative colitis will end up hurting a lot more than just your bowels! So if you have health insurance, now is a good time to use it. Less than one in thousand persons suffer from ulcerative colitis in the United States. If that sounds like a small number, we are talking a quarter million people here!

So how much insurance coverage do you need for ulcerative colitis? Well, that's hard to say, I don't want to throw a number here because it depends on several factors like severity, mode of treatment adopted, where the treatment is administered - small government clinic or up-market private hospital - and most importantly, the reaction of individuals to the treatment and costs can vary over a wide range. I can tell you nothing more informative than "a few dozen dollars to a thousand." Case-to-case differences exist and even within an individual, the symptoms of the disease are intermittent. Sometimes they are barely noticeable and sometimes they are severe. In some cases, the symptoms lessen gradually and eventually disappear on their own, but in some cases it requires medical intervention.

Treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and alternative treatments. So if the mode of treatment adopted is chemotherapy - do you benefit from you health insurance policy? Depends. Most of the health insurance policies I know do not cover the costs of drugs. I know mine doesn't. It covers only hospitalization and surgery charges but I have to buy my own drugs. But then again, it could depend on the way the terms and conditions are phrased and defined. If drugs are an inevitable part of the treatment, you might get reimbursed. I know for sure that most policies pay nothing in case of a relatively minor ailment like irritable bowel syndrome which has no more weight than a headache but crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can sometimes even lead to surgery.

Ulcerative Colitis Diet - Healthy Habits to Manage Flare-Ups

Keeping to a strict diet plan has been proven to be effective in controlling Colitis attacks. A diet plan is just not a matter of watching what foods you eat, but a change in your eating and drinking habits as well.

There are very helpful methods in successfully keeping Colitis attacks at bay and maintaining a healthy digestive system as a whole. Here are some excellent guidelines to incorporate into your daily diet routine:

• Observe proper sanitary precautions when preparing, cooking, serving and storing food items as a preventive measure to keep bacteria and viruses from setting in. This should include washing your hands before eating or handling food in general.


• Drink plenty of fluids every day. This is not limited to just water, but can include even fresh fruit juices, vegetable juices, and black coffee and tea (keep away from flavored coffee or tea which are overloaded with sugar)


• Take in a superior multi-mineral vitamin daily to supplement regular food intake and replace lost nutrients


• Follow a diet high in fiber only when the disease is in remission but avoid this during an attack or relapse as fiber can act as an abrasive to the lining of the intestinal wall.


• Eat three heavy meals a day but if you do not feel like eating at all then take in smaller meals spaced at regular intervals like every 1 to 2 hours. It is important that the stomach contains food to digest in order to balance acid and alkaline levels.


• Foods high in fats or are very oily can aggravate the intestinal walls further and is a common trigger for attacks.


• Limit your drinking of alcohol to 1 glass per meal only, and control caffeine intake to only 1 to 2 cups daily as alcohol and caffeine are natural irritants.


• Avoid foods that contain lactose such as milk, soy, ice cream.


• Steer clear from foods that can be the source of too much gas in the intestines especially when there are bouts of diarrhea and abdominal pain.


• Recommended food add-ons such as fish oils and probiotics are popular suggestions which help in the treatment process of Colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis - How To Fight It?

An inflammatory disease of the bowel, ulcerative colitis is characterized by the formation of open sores and ulcers in the mucus lining of the colon. Treatment for this disease usually includes, drug therapy and surgery but natural remedies are also available

Often confused with irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis along with Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease which is characterized by mild to severe inflammation of the bowel. A disease of the large intestine, ulcerative colitis causes severe inflammation in the colon and rectal region which is accompanied by open sores and ulcers. The major symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, bloody stool and abdominal cramps. It may also be accompanied by bloating, flatulence, weight loss and extra intestinal manifestations like joint pains and arthritis.

The inflammation kills the cells lining the colon leading to bleeding and pus production and the gradual formation of sores and ulcers in the mucosal lining of the colon. This inflammation of the lining also causes the colon to pass stool frequently leading to diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis is often difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are a lot similar to other intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and another inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's disease. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, nutritional imbalance, food intolerances are some of their common symptoms with ulcerative colitis. Due to these similarities in symptoms, it often becomes very difficult to diagnose the correct disease.

However, from drug therapy to surgery several treatment procedures are available for curing the disease. Ulcerative colitis is a very serious disease and if left untreated can even lead to cancer. The treatment course is usually decided upon depending on the severity of the disease. Its goal being induction and maintenance of remission, drug therapy involves the use of Aminosalicylates, Corticosteroids and Immunosuppressant drugs. While Aminosalicylates and corticosteroids reduce inflammation, the immunosuppressant drugs reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system and are used in patients who do not respond to the other two drugs.

But in some situations surgery becomes necessary. In case of massive spread of the disease with excessive bleeding, ruptured colon or suspected carcinoma, surgical removal of the colon known as colectomy is the common procedure.

For patients looking for alternative cure to ulcerative colitis, several natural remedies and herbal treatments are available. With negligible side effects, 'probiotics' a friendly gut resident bacteria help in killing harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation and improving the mucus lining of the gut. Though fatty food should be strictly avoided in bowel related problems, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid such as fatty fish help in healing the inflammation. Capsules of Boswell and Aloe Vera gel also have an important role in reducing inflammation. Alternatively, as bowel problems often result from stress and lifestyle changes, mind-body treatments like meditation, relaxation techniques and hypnotherapy also produce very good results. A far more serious disease compared to irritable bowel syndrome or crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis needs immediate and proper medical attention.