Always Tired - It Could Be Iron-Deficient Anemia

The most common complaint I hear is that people always feel tired. In fact, most people seem to think feeling tired all the time is just a normal part of modern life. Fortunately, this isn't so.

There are many causes of chronic tiredness. Sometimes it's obvious, like not getting enough sleep, but other times it can be due to an underlying health issue. Chronic tiredness can be a frustrating condition. There usually isn't a simple solution to it and any medical tests are likely to come back 'normal'.

In this article I'm going to explore iron-deficient anemia, how it can cause chronic tiredness and who is most at risk.

Other symptoms of iron-deficient anemia include:

You feel particularly tired after exercising

You may have a malabsorption problem (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease) which can cause internal bleeding and anemia

You are more prone to catching colds, infections and the flu

You may often feel cold and look pale or generally unwell

Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body.
Iron deficient anemia is the most common type of anemia. It happens when you don't have enough iron in your body. You need iron to make hemoglobin.

It's possible to be iron deficient without having anemia. Iron deficiency develops gradually and occurs when the dietary iron intake does not meet the daily need for iron. Initially the storage form of iron becomes depleted, while the blood hemoglobin level (a marker of iron status) remains normal. People who are iron deficient have no iron stores to mobilize if the body requires more iron.

How does iron deficiency progress to iron deficient anemia? Iron deficiency anemia is an advanced stage of iron depletion. It occurs when storage sites of iron are deficient and blood levels of iron cannot meet daily needs. Blood hemoglobin levels are now below normal.

Who is most at risk for iron deficiency and iron-deficient anemia?

Women of childbearing age. This is due to 2 main reasons. Firstly, they loose blood each month with menstruation. Secondly, they are the group most likely to diet and unfortunately protein and meat are commonly reduced in the erroneous belief that they are fattening.

Pregnant women - the growing baby uses the mother's iron stores.

Infants and toddlers - especially if they are fussy eaters

Athletes - due to the increased needs for oxygen.

People who lose abnormal amounts of blood (heavy menstruation, people with gastro-intestinal bleeding)

People with kidney disease - people with kidney failure, especially those being treated with dialysis, are at high risk for developing iron deficiency anemia because their kidneys cannot create enough erythropoietin, a hormone needed to make red blood cells. Both iron and erythropoietin can be lost during kidney dialysis.

People who have a low intake of dietary iron (fussy eaters, vegetarians)

People with malabsorption and digestive problems who can't absorb the iron that they eat. Most iron is absorbed in the small intestines. Gastrointestinal disorders that result in inflammation of the small intestine may result in diarrhea, poor absorption of dietary iron and iron depletion.

People who have deficiencies of vitamin A. This nutrient helps mobilize iron from its storage sites, so a deficiency of vitamin A limits the body's ability to use stored iron. This results in an "apparent" iron deficiency because hemoglobin levels are low even though the body can maintain normal amounts of stored iron.

Please note: The information in this article is not intended to take the place of a personal relationship with a qualified health practitioner nor is it intended as medical advice.

Two Kinds of Psychotherapy

In the initial interview with a patient the therapist may be trying to decide if the patient is saying "I cannot feel" or "I cannot think". If the client is saying they cannot feel the therapist may decide to employ gestalt therapy but if the client is saying they cannot think then the preferred method of treatment may be transactional analysis.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy is a system of psychotherapy that enhances the patients self-awareness and their personal responsibility. In gestalt therapy the goal is to raise the awareness of the patient concerning how they function in their social environment. The focus of the therapy is on what is happening in the here and now rather than focusing on the past. During the therapy sessions the patients become more aware of what they're doing in the present and they learn how to change themselves, except themselves and value themselves.

When you arrive for a gestalt therapy session you will soon become aware of an extra empty chair in the room. This chair is used for what is called "empty chair technique". This was the favored technique developed by Fritz Pearls, the founder of the present day gestalt therapy. When a patient reveals a conflict with another person they are directed to imagine that person in the "empty chair" and to talk to that person. This technique will help the client understand their feelings more fully and work through their conflict with the other person more quickly.

Gestalt therapy has been used to treat a wide assortment of "psychosomatic disorders" including such things as ulcerative colitis, migraine headaches, and to back problems. Gestalt therapists have also been very successful in working with many intra-psychic conflicts such as coping with authority figures. There is an emphasis on personal responsibility and back and help the client re-own "alien" parts of themselves and can help them resolve the conflicts between different aspects of their personality.

Transactional Analysis

Transactional analysis is a very useful form of therapy in which the behavior of both other people and ourselves is defined in a fascinating framework. Transactional analysis or "TA" was developed by the psychiatrist Dr. Eric Berne. His thesis described what he called "ego states"which are easily recognized by what we say, our body language, gestures, mannerisms, and tone of voice.

Berne hypothesized the existence of three ego states that he called "child ego state-adult ego state-parent ego state". He believed that individuals would continually switch between these ego states, sometimes even within one sentence. Since each person was capable of vacillating between any of the three ego states, according to his theory, when two people are communicating it is as if there were six people. Some of the possibilities are one persons parent ego state talking to the other persons parent ego state, adult ego state, or child you state.

Complementary transactions happen when both people are talking to each other and communicating from the same ego state level such as (parent to parent, adult to adult, child to child). The problem is most frequently occur when there are "crossed transactions". In this case people are talking to each other when they are in different ego states (I. E. Parent to child). If one person is being controlling (acting from the parent ego state) and treating the other person as if they are a child that person may retort with a parent to child response which is a classic example of the crossed transaction.

Another key component in transactional analysis is the theory of games. These games, in transactional analysis, our thoughts of being more like a war game than a fun game. In TA theory if you wind up feeling bad you have either started a game or participated in a game.

By analyzing these transactions and games between individuals the therapist can assist the patient in understanding the conflicts that arise in their interactions with other people.

The Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet - How It Helped Me and How It Can Help You

I'd heard of the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride but mostly in regards to children with autism, so I never gave it a second thought when it came to helping myself. Little did I know.

About one year ago I remember getting up in the middle of the night and became aware of the sounds I was making. I was in obvious discomfort and I heard myself groaning and moaning as I hobbled to the bathroom, walking just like my old Grandpa used to do. I thought to myself I sound like an eighty year old woman, and I'm only 46. I figured this was part of aging. I'd heard that getting old wasn't for sissies, after all. I had a lot of aches and pains and general discomfort. I was tired most of the time and I had lost my joy for life. I was just going through the motions. I didn't think too much about it, as I tend to be a glass half full kind of person. Life was difficult, that's just life.

About a month later my husband confided to me that he was still having "problems". He'd been diagnosed a year earlier with ulcerative colitis, and even though his doctor had told him following the colonoscopy that there was nothing to be done diet-wise, he wanted to try something. He was losing a lot of blood every morning, and it was finally beginning to worry him.

I remembered I'd heard folks talking about the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet (GAPS) on a forum I frequented, saying it had been instrumental in healing all types of digestive disorders. In fact, the main focus of the diet is to heal the gut and digestive system. When your gut is not functioning properly, all kinds of ailments follow. I wanted to help my husband, so I ordered the books and started reading. I was half way through the GAPS Guide book when I started realizing maybe, just maybe I could help my own body to heal. I was mainly concerned with, and wanted help with two areas: I wanted to stop being so tired all the time, and I wanted to feel like I had some joy in life. I didn't want to actually put labels on the problems back then, but now that I'm feeling so much better I can admit it. I was suffering from fatigue and depression.

A couple of weeks later I joined a group specifically set up on Yahoo Groups to help people who are on the GAPS diet. I read so many encouraging stories that I was anxious to get started.

I'd made a vow in 1995 that I would never, ever diet again. Just thinking about dieting would start me on a binge. I was really stepping outside my comfort zone to even think about doing GAPS. My husband and I started on GAPS in December. My husband was a good sport in following along for a while and learned that dairy products were causing the bulk of his problem so he eliminated them from his diet. However he has not stayed on the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet with me, so I've continued on my own for the past ten months.

GAPS may seem intimidating at first glance, there are a lot of foods you must avoid, and most people I know cannot begin to imagine restricting so many foods, but the pay off in changes to your health are well worth it. There's also a learning curve if you don't know how to cook. It's best to start out with Baden's GAPS Guide book which will help you get started with simple steps.

I have had so many changes occur for me but the first two things that happened made a huge impact on my daily life. For the previous ten years I had been unable to be in bed for more than 7 hours or my back would stiffen up into knots so tightly that I could hardly move. I am one that needs more than 7 hours of sleep so I would have to take naps on the weekends to try and catch up on my sleep. Two years earlier my feet began hurting and I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Within two weeks of starting GAPS my back stopped seizing up and I could sleep for nine hours without pain. And my feet stopped hurting! My feet used to hurt so bad that I dreaded standing on them barefoot in the shower, and had to put on supportive shoes just to get up in the middle of the night. It was like a miracle. I was encouraged to continue with GAPS on these two small miracles alone. No longer was I getting up in the middle of the night, moaning and groaning and hobbling around like an eighty year old grandpa. Not to mention that I've easily lost fifty pounds. By my six month anniversary I was a completely changed person. I'm so grateful that I decided to give GAPS a chance, and I hope you will, too!

Crohn's Disease Treatment Options Disappointing to Some

According to studies and surveys performed by the National Institutes of Health, many patients are unhappy with conventional Crohns disease treatment and more than half seek alternatives. Crohns disease symptoms are difficult to live with and affect the quality of a person's life, so it is understandable that those who suffer from the condition would seek alternatives, when traditional therapies are ineffective or cause unwanted side effects.

Crohns disease treatment depends primarily on the severity of symptoms. Crohns disease symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. The primary Crohns disease symptoms may lead to complications including abscesses, ulceration of the deepest layers of the lining of the digestive tract or abnormal openings, called fistulas, in the intestine. There may be intestinal bleeding and that combined with recurrent diarrhea are Crohns disease symptoms that may lead to vitamin deficiencies, malnourishment and anemia.

Initially Crohns disease treatment may include an anti-diarrhea medication such as Imodium A-D, an over the counter product that is designed to stop diarrhea and reduce abdominal pain. When Crohns disease symptoms are moderate to mild, aminosalicylates or corticosteroids may be prescribed. If neither of these is effective or if stopping corticosteroids causes symptoms to return then Crohns disease treatment may include prescription medications that suppress the immune system.

The theory behind Crohns disease treatment plans to suppress the immune system stems from the fact that inflammation is present. Crohns and ulcerative colitis are known as inflammatory bowel diseases and the belief is that the immune system overreacts to bacteria that normally lives in the bowel and attacks it in the way that it would normally attack invading bacteria or infection. It is believed that Crohns disease symptoms may be caused by this dysfunction of the immune system, since inflammation is present, but not infection.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are not normally included in Crohns disease treatment, because they have been linked in clinical studies to flare-ups and worsening of Crohns disease symptoms. Thus corticosteroids are the most common choice of Crohns disease treatment to control inflammation. Corticosteroids are not safe for long term Crohns disease treatment or for the treatment of any disease, because they have serious side effects including high blood pressure, osteoporosis and increased risk of infection. When used for extended periods of time, some people become steroid dependent, even though they become ineffective after long term use and Crohns disease symptoms return.

When a Crohns disease treatment plan includes medications to suppress the immune system and control inflammation in that way, there is a greater risk of infection. Obviously if the immune system is suppressed, it cannot fight infection effectively. In addition, there is a greater risk of cancer, because the immune system normally attacks and destroys abnormal cells that if left unchecked may eventually become cancer cells.

Aminosalicylates relieve Crohns disease symptoms in some cases, but cannot be used by certain people and may reduce white blood cell counts; once again, lowering a person's resistance to other infections and diseases by impairing the immune system. Prescription medications for Crohns disease treatment are obviously lacking, both in effectiveness and safety. Scientists continue to research new drugs for Crohns disease treatment.

When Crohns disease symptoms are severe, surgery may be recommended to remove the affected portions of the bowel. This choice for Crohns disease treatment is extreme and is understandably avoided by most patients. However, those who have had surgery no longer suffer from Crohns disease symptoms. There are numerous support groups both for people who are considering surgery for Crohns disease treatment and for those who have had surgery, since certain adjustments and lifestyle changes may be necessary at least initially. Most people who have had surgery for Crohns disease treatment report that they are able to lead normal lives and that the relief of Crohns disease symptoms has improved their quality of life.

A recent study (August, 2006) found that 52% of the time, Crohns disease treatment was inappropriate. This was a group of gastroenterologists, surgeons and general practitioners evaluating the prescribed Crohns disease treatment plans of their colleagues. For those who suffer from Crohns disease symptoms, this may be discouraging news. Many people choose self-treatment with aloe, slippery elm or other botanicals. While the effectiveness of these natural products has not been proven, there is evidence of traditional use as digestive aids, which suggests that they may be effective for Crohns disease treatment and the relief of Crohns disease symptoms.

Aloe, in particular, has been scientifically proven to be a natural anti-inflammatory. Many researchers, doctors and scientists believe that natural anti-inflammatories may be gentler to the body, safer overall and more effective, because they target several inflammatory responses; synthetic anti-inflammatories may target only one molecule. Natural anti-inflammatories do not hamper the immune system, as do prescription anti-inflammatories for Crohns disease treatment.

Relieving inflammation can relieve Crohns disease symptoms. While decisions about Crohns disease treatment are a personal choice, those who suffer from the disease should advise their doctor about natural products they are using, particularly when using prescription medications at the same time. Botanicals and herbals have been known to interact with prescription medications typically used in Crohns disease treatment. For more information about natural products that may be useful for the relief of Crohns disease symptoms, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine For Crohn's Disease

Introduction to Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The illness is similar to another inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. While Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive system, it primarily impacts the colon and the end of the small intestines, called the ileum. Patients with the condition can experience symptoms like abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, bloody stool, and weight loss. It is theorized that Crohn's disease results when the body's immune system attacks non-threatening substances like bacteria or food in the gastrointestinal tract. Severe illness can result in the swelling, scarring, and blockage of the intestines, and many patients are forced to have surgery to remove damaged bowel sections.

Currently, there is no definitive cure for Crohn's disease, and its exact cause remains unknown. There are many medications on the market and in development that help alleviate symptoms, but no drug is completely effective. Moreover, many of these medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, have significant side effects. The shortcomings of traditional pharmaceutical therapies have led several patients with Crohn's disease to try complementary and alternative medicine for relief.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative treatments include natural substances like vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbs, as well as therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture, and hypnosis. Altering or restricting one's diet is another common response to Crohn's disease, as eating certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. Much like the patient response to pharmaceuticals, some Crohn's disease sufferers respond to natural remedies or alternative medicine, while others do not. Nevertheless, many holistic and non-traditional practices are becoming more mainstream, and it is useful for Crohn's disease patients to be familiar with complementary and alternative treatments.

Specific Therapies for Crohn's Disease

The following are examples of alternative therapies that have been beneficial for some people with Crohn's disease. Please be aware that evidence of effectiveness specifically among Crohn's disease patients can be limited, and some studies involving these substances and treatments were not placebo-controlled.

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids: typically taken in the form of fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects and have shown promise for some people with Crohn's disease.


• Probiotics (beneficial bacteria): there is some evidence that ingesting various bacterial strains can help Crohn's disease patients maintain remission.


• Vitamins: nutrient deficiencies are common in people with Crohn's disease. B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc are among vitamins recommended for patients.


• Diet: many Crohn's disease patients find certain foods more problematic than others. Some individuals feel better when avoiding or limiting dairy products, gluten, refined sugars, fiber, fatty foods, or fried foods. Experiences in this area seem to vary greatly among patients.


• Boswellia: resin derived from boswellia serrata trees is used as the basis of an herbal preparation that can help reduce inflammation in the body.


• Curcumin (turmeric): curcumin is another botanical substance that alleviates inflammation and also is an antioxidant.


• Aloe: patients can drink aloe in juice or gel form to promote intestinal healing, but aloe has laxative properties which can cause problems for Crohn's disease patients.


• Glutamine (l-glutamine): this amino acid can help preserve intestinal integrity and build strength and stamina.


• Bromelain: researchers have found that this digestive enzyme derived from pineapple has anti-inflammatory effects in colon biopsies of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.


• Acupuncture (moxibustion, acupressure): this component of traditional Chinese medicine has been shown to be beneficial for patients with a variety of ailments, including Crohn's disease.


• Exercise: a low-intensity fitness program can improve quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease while not making symptoms worse.

Conclusion

Crohn's disease is a debilitating digestive disorder with an unknown cause. There is no conventional treatment that can cure or soothe all people afflicted with the illness. As a result, complementary and alternative medicine has become quite common among individuals with the disease. While there remains no alternative therapy that is completely effective, there are several supplements and practices that have been beneficial for some patients.

An Assortment of Colitis

Colitis can emerge in diverse forms. All forms of colitis are coupled with inflammation of the colon. Despite the fact that several kinds may be more serious and possibly life-threatening than others it is always important to diagnose the type of Colitis since treatment varies for each type.

Let us look into several common forms:

Ulcerative Colitis

This Colitis is the most widespread form. It is the chronic inflammation of the large intestine or colon. It can also cause inflammation in the joints, the spine, the eyes, skin, liver and bile ducts. The cause of this intestinal disorder is still not known. Usual warning signs of this type of Colitis are irregular bleeding of the rectum, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Diagnosis is made by means of a barium enema, likewise known as a lower gastrointestinal exam, which is a test that applies x-ray assessment to check over the large intestine. But a more accurate diagnosis is made through utilizing sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Ulcerative Colitis that has persisted for a long period of time is a risk factor for colon cancer. Treatment may necessitate medications and surgery.

Crohn's Disease

This form of Colitis is closely related to ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the intestines. The inflammation mainly involves the entire span of the intestinal wall, which are the small and large intestines, but can also impinge on other parts of the digestive system. This condition can result to the formation of ulcers in either or both the small intestine and colon. The cause of this disease is still unidentified. The most obvious warning signs are acute stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and alarming loss of weight. Crohn's disease of the small intestine may lead to blockage of the intestine. This digestive disease can be linked to swollen skin lesions, and joints, spine, eyes, and liver inflammation. Diagnosis is obtained by a barium enema, barium x-ray of the small intestine, and colonoscopy. Treatment will depend on the gravity of the disease and what part of the digestive tract is involved. Choices for therapy include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgery.

Ischemic Colitis

This form refers to the abrupt inflammation of the colon that comes about when there is temporary loss or a decrease of blood flow to the colon. It arises predominantly in people over 50 and who have a history of peripheral artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, stroke, and low blood pressure. For most cases of ischemic colitis, treatment is not needed as the condition is mild and will improve in the course of time.

Diversion Colitis

It is the inflammation of the lower part of the large intestine which occurs as an after-effect of the gastrointestinal surgical procedures ileostomy or colostomy to remove damaged parts of the intestine. Treatment is not necessary for most people as the symptoms are merely mild and disappear naturally over the course of time.

Infectious Colitis

Infectious colitis is the inflammation of the small intestine or colon caused by infection brought about by disease-causing bacteria or a virus. This form of Colitis can become chronic, but for other people a prescribed amount of antibiotics can eliminate the disease completely.

Microscopic Colitis

This form of Colitis refers to collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, two digestive conditions indicated by persistent, runny, non-bloody diarrhea. Inflammation on the outer surface of the colon is not visible when examined through a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, so a biopsy is required to arrive at a diagnosis.

Chemical Colitis

This form of Colitis comes about when the inflammation of the large intestine is caused by harsh chemicals that filter through the colon by a barium enema or some other method.

The Benefits of Probiotics in Bodybuilding

As new technology gets invented every day, so do new health concepts that are purported to solve a majority of health problems plaguing the modern world from constipation to the common cold. One of these new concepts involves probiotics which are something you currently see being used in supplements and even in certain foods and beverages. So what exactly are probiotics and what can it do for us?

First off, the word probiotics comes from the Greek words "pro" which means promoting and "biotic" which means life. While there has been some confusion as to what the exact meaning of probiotics is but the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has finally pinned it down to this: Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts offers immense health benefits to the hosts.

It is also defined as a preparation or product containing viable, defined microorganisms in sufficient numbers which alter the microflora (the aggregate of microorganisms that reside on the surface, as well as deep layers of the skin, saliva, conjunctiva and gastrointestinal tract) of the host, resulting in numerous health benefits to the host. Probiotics are also about striking a balance between good and bad bacteria and how to maintain that balance which can be upset by a number of things like medication, diet and disease.

Probiotics are usually found in fermented dairy products like yoghurt but are now present as well in most foods and supplements, particularly bodybuilding supplements and formulated probiotic drinks. Bifidus and acidophilus are examples of probiotics that are commonly found in these products since they are necessary dietary fibres that help you avoid stomach upsets and any digestive problems. They also help boost the immune system and therefore prevent bodybuilders from being sick or afflicted with illnesses that can sidetrack them from training. Studies show that the presence of one or several of these bacteria strains can improve digestion and prevent the numbers of our gut microflora from diminishing. It also enables bodybuilders to digest and absorb nutrients better for enhanced performance and endurance.

Also, aside from improving our digestive process, probiotics also filters out and eliminates harmful bacteria, toxins, chemicals and other waste products and helps us absorb nutrients better and delivers them to where they are needed, particularly in the muscle cells. It also enhances protection against allergies, autoimmune disorders like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although probiotics may seem such a complex concept, it is one that hasn't fallen of the radar as far as bodybuilding health concepts go because taking supplements or including it in bodybuilding diet regimens hasn't shown any immense negative effects to date. The fact that it helps tremendously in nutrient absorption as well as reduces food intolerance means it is very effective in helping one achieve their fitness goals. Many bodybuilders have also reported enhanced and improved performance and general well-being upon using probiotic supplements.

However, since there are people who have certain intolerance for high-fibre diets or intolerance for dairy-based products like yoghurt, it is important that you consult a health professional before taking probiotic supplements. You can also do your own research and make sure you take probiotic supplements that are just right for your condition. While probiotics are generally safe to take, it is still best to exercise caution to make sure you don't compromise your health.