Effective Alternatives to Prescription Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are both commonly known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease which generally includes irritable bowel syndrome as one of the symptoms. These are diseases that cannot be cured completely but the symptoms of these diseases can just be minimized by using some kind of medication. As the medications can take a very long time to show considerable effect and as there are numerous side effects to the medications, many prefer to go for some kind of alternative treatment. The conventional therapies and treatments are often supplemented with alternative and complementary medicines and these approaches are found to be very effective in reducing the pain and discomfort caused by the Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Just because the complementary and alternative medicines do not figure in the conventional treatment, these alternative medicines cannot be disregarded as ineffective. Numerous treatments, which were earlier considered to be alternative treatments, are now being accepted in the mainstream by doctors throughout the world. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America have come up with a list of alternative treatments which are found to be very effective in fighting Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

There are four major approaches in the complementary and alternative therapies that have been devised keeping in mind the treatment of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Firstly, there is the mind-body treatment which tries to intervene and ameliorate the interplay between mental, emotional, spiritual, social and behavioral factors which affect the health of an individual. This kind of therapy includes the usage of prayers, hypnosis, tai chi, bio feed back and yoga. In this approach even cognitive behavioral therapy and support groups are included for the treatment of the patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

People can also go for the manipulative and body based treatment practices which are also found to be very effective to cure Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In this approach, the patient will be made to manipulate certain parts of the body in ways which will help better the overall heath of the person. This approach includes the usage of osteopathic, chiropractic manipulation, reflexology, massage, Rolfing, Alexander technique and Trager bodywork.

Blood in the Stool: Explanation of Various Terms for Gastrointestinal Bleeding or Hemorrhage

Gastrointestinal bleeding:

Bleeding in the GI tract is very common. It should not be ignored because of its potential serious causes and life threatening results. Understanding basic terms and definitions used in GI bleeding will make it easier for you to recognize GI bleeding in yourself or a family member, communicate more clearly to your doctor about your symptoms, and search more effectively and accurately for information. You will also be a more educated and effective advocate for yourself so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated accurately and in a timely manner.

Blood in the stool:

Blood in the stool or gastrointestinal tract may take various forms or appearances depending on where it is coming from and how brisk the bleeding. There are common medical terms and definitions for blood in the gastrointestinal tract or stool that may not be familiar to the lay public but can be helpful to know if you or a family member experience gastrointestinal bleeding.

Hematemesis is vomiting blood:

Red hematemesis is vomiting red blood. Coffee ground's hematemesis is vomiting blood altered by stomach juices.

Blood in the stomach is quite nauseating usually resulting in vomiting. Vomiting blood is called hematemesis. It can be bright red if occurring briefly after the blood enters the stomach or when the bleeding is brisk. Stomach acid and digestive juices alter any blood that remains in the stomach. If the altered blood is vomited, it usually appears like old coffee grounds, hence the term "coffee grounds like" hematemesis. Blood may originate from the stomach, be swallowed, or regurgitated from the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine just after the stomach.

Melena and blood as a very potent laxative:

If blood in the stomach is not vomited completely the altered blood passes into the intestine where it usually triggers diarrhea. However, the diarrhea is usually black, tarry and foul smelling. This is termed melena or melenic stool. Though many doctors mistakenly refer to such stool as melanotic that is an incorrect term. Melanotic refers to containing melanin, the dark skin pigment present in moles and the malignant skin cancer, melanoma. Melena or melenic stools indicate an upper gastrointestinal tract bleed or source of blood because it has been altered by digestive juices only present in the stomach and upper small intestine. Such bleeding usually originates from a site reachable by an upper scope though occasionally the site is beyond the reach of such a gastroscope.

Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage and rectal bleeding:

Red blood passed rectally usually indicates the source of bleeding is in the lower colon or rectum, or lower GI bleed, except in massive hemorrhage from the upper tract. Bright red blood on toilet paper or dripping in the toilet bowl is usually from the anus or rectum, most commonly from hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, though can occur with rectal cancer.

Bloody diarrhea and colitis:

Bloody diarrhea, often with mucus, is typical of colitis. Colitis is inflammation of the colon or large intestine from any of a number of causes that may include infection, poor blood flow to the intestine (ischemia) and the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Occult blood in the stool:

It takes about 50-100 ml blood to turn the stool black or melenic. Less than 2 cups of bleeding is therefore not usually visibly detectable and is termed occult blood in the stool. Various chemical tests for occult blood in the stool exist that can be done on evacuated stool or stool obtained by a gloved finger exam by a doctor. Occult blood in the stool is concerning for cancer and necessitates an evaluation for the cause. Ulcers, acid reflux, Celiac disease, polyps, colitis and Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids and aspirin type medication injury to the gastrointestinal tract are all common non-cancer causes of occult blood in the stool.

Bleeding in the GI tract should not be ignored.

Now that you understand these basic terms and definitions it will be easier for you to recognize GI bleeding in yourself or a family member and communicate more clearly to your doctor about your symptoms. You will also be able to be a more educated and effective advocate for yourself as well as search more intelligently for the cause, diagnostic options and treatments available. Future articles will go into more detail about the causes and treatment of upper, lower and occult GI tract bleeding. Also, see www.thefooddoc.com for more information on digestive conditions and food related illness as well as to subscribe to my blog for cutting edge up to date information on the gut, food and health.

Pain and Inflammation Gone With Serrapeptase

It is amazing how a squirmy silkworm can make a life changing difference from a life filled with pain, painful inflammation or disease and change it to a life of health and happiness. Serrapeptase has been used in Europe and Asia for over 30 years to replace the chemical agents referred to as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Serrapeptase is an alternative to aspirin, ibuprofen and other OTC (over the counter) medications. As a nature created protease enzyme agent that has no known side effects when used, it does not harm your body or organs. Just the opposite is true, it heals and removes many of the disease or harmful deposits that can cause you pain, inflammation, some cancers and arterial blockages.

What is this wonder enzyme? It has been titled and correctly so, "The Miracle Enzyme" by Robert Redfern.

Isolated from the microorganism, Serratia E15, Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme (protease) that will work in the human body to remove scar tissue (dead tissue) and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect within our bodies. We can thank the silkworm for this miracle. This enzyme was originally found in the silkworm intestine. The silkworm uses it to digest the mulberry leaf and also create a hole in its hard cocoon so that it could exit and a moth and fly off. As we know, the outer layer on the cocoon is the origin of silk that is used in thread and then made into clothing. Today this enzyme is a commercial product derived through fermentation. The history and art of making silk is a fascinating story and one I enjoyed reading about.

Serrapeptase has so many case studies and amazing results that it would be difficult not to place it in a healing category all by itself. There are results showing it dissolving dead tissue, cysts, arterial plaque, inflammation and dissolving the substance that holds blood clots together. There does not seem to be many conditions or diseases in our bodies that have not been reported for this enzyme to improve or clear.

I personally have seen the effects of Serrapeptase in the improvement of removing scar tissue from my foot that was so painful I could hardly walk. Now I can go and do most everything without the unbearable pain. The doctor recommended 2 separate surgeries to remove the scar tissue so that I would not loose a toe due to the surgery and lack of blood flow. I also have PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica) a very painful and debilitating disease, requiring a steroid daily treatment to reduce the pain from the inflammation in my body. I have to have blood tests every 6 weeks and since I have been taking Serrapeptase, my blood results have dropped and I am taking less steroids. I will not go into the effects of taking a steroid but believe me, it is not good for the body and organs. I am thankful for the results I have noticed since taking Serrapeptase and expect the results to continue to improve. Oh, by the way, the results I noticed started within 2 weeks of taking Serrapeptase and prior to that, no changes in the pain or inflammation in either condition for over a year.

My sister is taking the enzyme and has also noticed great results. She has for many years had lumps in her legs that have made it very painful to walk or stand. She noticed that after just 2 weeks on Serrapeptase, that in her shopping in Walmart, which normally she can only walk for about 10 minutes, she had been there over 40 minutes and noticed the reduced pain. She has also had several surgeries for her sinus condition over the years and has noticed a clearing of that problem also. She has called several times to thank me for sending her the first bottle. She is a believer and has re-ordered multi-bottles 2 additional times.

I will list some of the conditions that have shown anywhere from a slight, to what is considered a miracle in the results of using Serrapeptase. There many experts and reports that verify the positive results of Serrapeptase, some are documented on my website as examples and I am truly amazed at the wonderful results that have been reported.

1. Cardiovascular Diseases:

Arterial Disease
Blood Clots
Reduce By-Pass surgery
Angina
Varicose Veins

2. Pain and Inflammation Problems:

Back Problems - Lower and neck
Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Carpal Tunnel
Post operative Scars
Fibromyaligia
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Diabetes

3. Chest and Lung Diseases:

Bronchitis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis
Emphysema

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disorders:

Ulcerative Colitis,
Crohn's

5. Migraines and Headaches:

Migraines and Headaches

6. Cancer Recovery:

7. Multiple Sclerosis and other Neurological problems:

8. Ear, Nose & Throat Problems:

Sinusitis
Hayfever
Swollen Glands
Laryngitis
Rhinitis

9. Sport Injury recovery:

There are many other diseases and conditions that can be helped or eliminated by the use of Serrapeptase. New results are being reported all the time and I expect to see many new amazing results as time continues. Serrapeptase was so valuable in its results, that in Germany, a prescription was required to get this enzyme. It has been used and researched in Europe and Asia for over 30 years. Serrapeptase was not introduced into the United States until 2002 and now we have it available here to improve our Health also.

It should be noted that like any other natural or herbal supplement, you should talk with your doctor to make sure there are no situations or medications that could affect your health condition while taking Serrapeptase. There are no known side effects with this enzyme and the dosage can vary depending on your personal condition. I personally started with a higher dosage and will reduce the amount to a maintenance dosage once I have reached the improvements in my body.

Serrapeptase can be taken by adults, children, dogs and horses. There have been dramatic results in animals with diseases like Arthritis and tumors. The tablet form can be taken whole or chewed up. The capsule can be taken whole or split and added to juice, water or honey. It is great for sore throats when dissolved and swallowed slowly. It will normally work within 15 to 30 minutes to eliminate the sore throat. To be most effective, Serrapeptase is enteric coated to pass through the stomach and be dissolved in the intestines. It should be taken on an empty stomach and can be taken up to 3 times a day and multiple tablets/capsules may be taken to achieve your maximum goal.

"Serrapeptase may become the most widely used nutritional supplement of all time because of it's effectiveness with such a wide range of conditions"

Robert Redfern, Nutrition Researcher and Author

This article is not intended as medical advice. It is solely informational and educational about health.

The Ability of the Chinese Herbs Frankincense and Myrrh to Ease Menstrual Cramps

Frankincense and myrrh are two herbs mentioned repeatedly in the bible.  I find it fascinating that Egyptians used myrrh for embalming the bodies of Pharaohs while frankincense was used in India as incense for worship during biblical times. These shrubs, or small trees, of the family Burseraceae produce a liquid when the bark is punctured.  That liquid or resin is then dried and cooked with vinegar or honey for medicinal uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While both trees originated in the Arabian peninsula, we know they arrived in China by 400 AD, where the exploration of their medicinal properties was noted. 

What's incredible is that the resin from both of these trees is used in TCM combinations or herb formulas mainly to unblock the flow of blood, treat traumatic injury and stop pain. They are excellent for abdominal pain during menstruation and for irregular menstruation .  These herbal resins can also be used in combination to help treat amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Furthermore, both can be used externally.  Frankincense is known to ease the tendons and muscles while myrrh is used for non-healing sores such as bed sores.

Boswellic acid is the active substance of frankincense from which several dietary supplements are produced.  Researchers have identified Boswellic acid as a potent anti-inflammatory agent . This acid inhibits the 5-LOX (lipoxygenase) system, which is involved with enzymatic pathways that produce leukotrienes and thrombaxanes (inflammatory molecules) from fatty acids (following all this?).  Drugs that inhibit this pathway are normally used to treat arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis.  Boswellic acid, unlike conventional NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, the accepted treatments for pain and inflammation, does not seem to cause stomach irritation in small doses.  Neither does it cause liver damage like acetaminophen. The anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellic acid are also effective in reducing the aching and stiffness associated with back pain.

Guggulsterone is the active substance within the myrrh resin. After many years of research, guggulsterone, also known as Guggul, has become popular in the United States for its cholesterol-lowering properties. (1) By inhibiting the FXR gene in the nucleus of liver cells, this leads to the more efficient excretion of cholesterol in the liver, thus lowering serum cholesterol levels. Amazing what comes from a scrubby desert tree.   

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes frankincense and myrrh as blood regulating herbs that complement each other. They invigorate the blood, dispel blood stasis and reduce swelling, relieve pain and promote healing. It is more than coincidence that myrrh is commonly used in TCM for menstrual irregularities and Western medicine research  substantiates guggul's ability to improve liver functions.  TCM theory emphasizes the importance of liver blood for regular and healthy menstrual function and recognizes stagnate liver blood as a cause of painful periods.

Given the compelling scientific evidence regarding the chemicals in these two herbal resins and the history of frankincense and myrrh, we can be certain of their potent medicinal properties. It certainly is amazing that nature has given us such powerful medicines for menstrual cramps, arthritis, cholesterol and for pain. Nature sure has had a remarkable way of providing for our needs, today and in ancient times.

1.(Tripathi YB, et all Thyroid stimulating actions of z-guggulsterone obtained from Commiphora mukul. Planta Med 1984;1:78).

Colon Cancer and Good Nutritional Needs

Colon cancer is often called the silent killer because it grows for years in the lower intestine before it is large enough to create symptoms. Colorectal cancer is also one of the most preventable of the hundreds of types of cancer but is said to affect around 96,000 people in the United States ever year. While prevention is the key, once the cancer is detected, early treatment can be effective and typically involves surgery to remove the cancer itself as well as chemotherapy, radiation or a treatment. A healthy diet will also be key to recovery and to remaining cancer free as well. In fact, a healthy diet is crucial to prevention of colon cancer in the first place.

The symptoms that you feel with colon may depend on where the tumor is growing and how large it has become and can include fatigue and weakness (right side of the colon) or alternating constipation and diarrhea, a nagging abdominal pain and blood streaked or black appearing stools. There are several tests that are recommended for all people, starting at age 40 and those in the high risk categories should be tested more frequently or may need to start getting tested sooner. The earlier this cancer is found the easier its treatment may be.

A digital rectal exam should be done as part of the annual physical every year starting at 40. The fecal occult blood test should be done every year after age 50. A flexible sigmoidoscopy which not only looks for but can remove precancerous polyps should be done every three to five years, depending on risk factors, after age 50. A barium enema may also be recommended with suspicious or inconclusive results suggesting the need for a colonoscopy, however experts are now suggesting that the barium enema step be skipped and the colonoscopy performed at regular intervals instead.

The high risk category for colon cancer includes: those who have had precancerous or cancerous polyps in the past, family history of colon cancer before age 60 or those who themselves have had ovarian or endometrial cancer before age 50. Heredity plays a role in about 20% of all colon cancers in the United States, however there are other risk factors as well. These include: inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A diet that is high in fat but low in fiber is also a major risk factor for the disease.

The Best Colon Cancer Prevention Diet

A high fiber, low fat diet is the best way to prevent colon cancer and should include a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get a rainbow of vitamins and minerals for all the antioxidant power. Fiber is thought to help harmful compounds get pushed through the digestive system before they have a chance to cause any kind of harm and before they get a chance to settle into the walls of the intestine and start building any of the growths that can turn to cancer. The aim of the high fiber diet is to produce one significant bowel movement or more, every day. Good sources of fiber include beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You can opt for a fiber supplement if you are afraid that you are not getting enough.

In addition to plenty of fiber, your healthy diet should include enough water and sources of water to prevent constipation. When fiber is eaten it swells and becomes bulky as it heads down the digestive tract. It sweeps the intestinal walls as it goes, picking up the waste products and harmful substances that have been left behind from previous meals.

Without enough water, the stools can become hard and will not flow through the system correctly leading to constipation and possibly to an impaction. (A fecal impaction can lead to a serious medical emergency which may, if warranted, require surgery.) Just as you can tell that you are getting enough fiber if you have to move your bowels at least once per day, you can tell if you are getting enough water if you have to urinate every two to three hours. The urine should be very light in color with no discernible odor. (Dark, concentrated urine and a strong odor can indicate a bladder infection even without other symptoms).

Red meat should be avoided with protein coming from lean, healthier choices including plant proteins. Red meats are high in dangerous saturated fats and calories. You can eat a small portion of red meat if you cannot give it up completely, however it should be limited to once or twice a week at most. The same suggestion goes for alcohol, which should also be limited to only a drink or two, a week.

A healthy diet should also include enough of the minerals calcium and magnesium which may need to be supplemented in some cases, to make sure that there is enough in the system. Be wary of alternative cures or treatments that suggest that you can take excessively high doses of certain vitamins and be cancer free without surgery or other treatments, not only have they been shown not to work, they may be even more dangerous in the long run.

Your healthy diet should start with the basics of all good nutrition: proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Proteins -- Protein is a part of every single cell in the body and is needed for the role it plays in every function. While it is necessary to build and repair lean muscle mass, protein is also important to sleep, digestion and the act of ovulation. We can get our protein from foods and from protein supplements and we should get the right amount determined by our age, our gender, our health and our activity level. A good guideline is about.6 grams per kilogram of body weight and the American Heart Association recommends that we get no more than 35% of our daily calories from protein of any source.

Protein comes from two sources, plants and animals. Animal proteins are all complete because they supply the eight essential amino acids that humans cannot produce in their own body. These eight (leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methione, tryptophan, phenylalanine and lysine) are broken down during digestion and used to make other amino acids, hormones and enzymes to be used throughout the body. Animal proteins include both meat and non-meat sources and should be as lean as possible. The egg is considered to be the perfect protein and all others are evaluated against it. All of the protein in the egg is digested and used by the body giving it a 100% on the bioavailability score. Low fat milk, cheese and other dairy products are good sources of protein, calcium and other nutrients. Low fat milk, especially chocolate milk has been called one of the perfect after-exercise drinks because it can help in muscle recovery.

Plant proteins are not complete, with the exception of soy because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. It is a myth that vegetarians or vegans are protein deficient, as long as they are getting a variety of plant materials, especially soy, they will get more than enough protein. Soy protein also has the benefit of being heart healthy and can help to lower the blood cholesterol as part of a healthy diet.

Protein supplements can be added and are especially beneficial to those who have gone through surgery for colon cancer. The body needs extra protein when it is ill or recovering as well as for those who are going through chemotherapy and/or radiation. The supplement that you choose should have plenty of protein, other nutrients and be appealing so that you will actually drink it.

Rectal Bleeding - Causes and Symptoms

You may observe that you have got some rectal bleeding and may get worried over this abnormal symptom. In most situations, rectal bleeding is not serious and is in fact a common occurrence that can be corrected. However, in certain cases, rectal bleeding can be more serious if it points to early signs of a malignant condition. Consulting your doctor about it is a good idea.

Rectal bleeding is also known as hematochezia, and it alludes to the passage of bright red blood or maroon-coloured blood, with or without clots, from the rectum. If your rectal bleeding is low grade and self-limited, you probably do not require hospitalisations or urgent intervention. Some, however, are more serious.

Serious cases can occur in two situations. If you experience severe rectal bleeding and suffer from severe volume of blood loss and especially where anaemia is indicated, you would need hospitalisation. Or if you are severely ill due to some other conditions and you start to develop
rectal bleeding. In both these situations, you would need immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of rectal bleeding or hematochezia are obvious enough. You may observe toilet paper after wiping to be streaked with red blood or with pinkish stains. Or there may actually be fresh red blood oozing out of the rectum. But it is not as easy to distinguish the cause, whether it is something benign or malignant.

Causes of rectal bleeding can be many. Tears ripped in the rectal lining or infections affecting the rectum can cause hematochezia. Haemorrhoids are a frequent cause, when the swollen veins break. Polyps, which are lumps of tissue bulging out from the rectal lining, can also undergo bleeding. So will cancer. Diagnosis is therefore recommended so that early identification of possible colorectal cancer can take place.

Age is a significant risk factor in colon cancer. Polyps in the family history and ulcerative colitis that have persisted in the individual for over ten years also increase to a significant degree the chances of colorectal cancer. The physician will also watch for other signs like anaemia and sudden weight losses which will corroborate other observations.

However, if you experience rectal bleeding along with anal symptoms, like soreness and itching, changes in bowel habits, the chances that the bleeding is due to malignancy are less. You are likely to see symptoms like blood staining the toilet paper in anorectal causes.

Cases of bleeding ulcers must be referred to the doctor urgently since rectal bleeding will be massive. If your bleeding is caused by polyps, your doctor may recommend that you have them removed. Alternatively, if removal is not done, you should watch your diet to reduce any inflammation effects. If haemorrhoids are the probable cause of rectal bleeding, then consider incorporating more fiber into your diet.

Unfortunately, only a small proportion of patients seek medical advice for their rectal bleeding. Most people are too shy to let their doctors know. To find out if your rectal bleeding is serious or not, you really ought to see the doctor. During your visit, ensure that you give complete information on drugs and herbal medications that you have been taking. Such details are important in determining what may be causing your rectal bleeding.

My Top 5 Superfruits

All fruit contains vitamins and minerals that are vital to maintaining a healthy body but 'superfruits' boast exceptionally high nutritional value. More than that superfruits are extremely rich in antioxidants that have been proven to help fight diseases, such as cancer. Below are my top 5 superfruits and why they are so important.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates have become the buzz word in the superfruit world and many celebrity chefs have been making use of the ruby coloured fruit over the last few years. Why are they so popular? Pomegranates contain three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine and are also high in Vitamin C, fibre, potassium and calcium. It's also thought that pomegranate juice may reduce cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.

Acai Berry

Red wine is renowned for its antioxidant properties and Acai berries are thought to contain 10 to 33 times more antioxidants than grapes used in red wines. Like all superfruits the grape sized Acai berry can protect against cancer but has also been found to improve mental alertness and memory.

Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help fight cancer, improve vision and brain function and prolong the aging process. But recent research has also found that the fibre in blueberries can help prevent intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Eat with probiotics, the good bacteria found in yoghurt, to boost the effect.

Goji Berry

The Goji berry, or wolfberry, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicines to protect the liver, boost eyesight and the immune system and improve circulation. It has become a popular superfruit in recent years for its superior anti-aging properties. The berries contain a wide range of antioxidants and vitamins such as Vitamins C, B1, B2, E and zinc, iron and calcium, to name a few.

Kiwi

Kiwi fruits contain more Vitamin C than an orange, as much potassium as a banana and are packed with flavonoids, the same antioxidant found in red wine. They are also a great source of magnesium, and vitamins A and E, which all help boost the immune system, protect against asthma and Alzheimer's disease.

Although these 'exotic' fruits aren't obtainable by fruit picking in the UK they are widely available in supermarkets, often in fresh and dried form.