Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Your Digestive System - a Ticking Time Bomb


Before digestion actually occurs, the smell of food or the thoughts about food when you are hungry is the signal to salivate. This moistens the mouth and makes it possible to swallow food.

Digestion occurs in four stages beginning with the mouth, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Mouth

There are two actions that take place when you put food in your mouth. One is to start breaking down food by chewing. While you are chewing saliva further breaks down food because of the enzyme amylase. Not chewing your food enough causes strain on the stomach to break down larger chunks.

Stomach

The stomach produces about 3 quarts of acid per day. This in combination with enzymes further breaks down the food. It is in the stomach that proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are processed for nutrient absorption. The hydrochloric acid also kills off viruses and bacteria.

Small Intestine

The pancreas, which releases enzymes, and the gallbladder, which releases bile salts, assist the small intestine in further breakdown. It is in the small intestine that most of the nutrient absorption takes place. Unfortunately, today's poor diets from over processed foods, pollutants in our agriculture and misinformation, has created a nation susceptible to poor health and disease. Long term poor diet results in the body literally starving for nutrients while we gain unwanted weight, fatigue and immune system difficulties.

Large Intestine

The large intestine takes the remaining mass and absorbs water, electrolytes and some left over nutrients. The indigestible mass remains until it can be excreted.

What Can Go Wrong

Most everyone has experienced diarrhea or constipation in their lives and someone who is in relatively good condition will find this to be temporary. Diarrhea is when the muscles in the intestines move the mass along too quickly and there is not enough time for the water to be absorbed in the system. This is why doctors get concerned about dehydration. The opposite is true for constipation where the waste moves along very slowly so the water gets absorbed and the waste hardens making it difficult to excrete.

There are several conditions that cause havoc in the intestines that can cause poor health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, is where the muscles in the colon are not working properly. This can cause constipation or diarrhea, bloating and cramping, a very uncomfortable condition.

Colitis is a chronic inflammation of the intestines where the top layer of lining of the intestinal wall can be damaged and ulcers occur. This causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and possible bleeding. Ulcerative Colitis can be difficult to diagnose because it is similar to IBS and Crohns disease.

Crohns disease mainly affects the small intestine but can affect any part of the digestive system including the mouth and stomach. This disease causes inflammation even deeper in the intestinal lining.

The stomach and esophagus are not immune to irritation. The esophagus can get inflamed from acid reflux or GERD. The acid from the stomach can move up to the esophagus and damage the lining. The stomach can experience ulcers which can be quite painful.

There are other digestive disorders that can make one's life miserable, but, there is hope for any of these conditions. Lifestyle changes and eating habits can do much to ease or reduce symptoms. The fuel you put in your body has everything to do with how efficiently your body runs. It is a well known fact that if you put bad gas in your car it will run poorly or not at all. The same holds true for a body. If you have spent years abusing your body by giving it bad fuel, it stands to reason that it will not function well. So what do you do?

Start by evaluating what you eat on a daily basis and keep notes. Get educated in health and nutrition. The grocery stores are full of canned and packaged processed foods. Processed foods are truly an enemy to good health. Some nutrition is taken out, preservatives put in to ensure shelf life, great for the shareholders who are happy with their profits but bad for proper health.

Next time you go to a grocery store try this little exercise. Avoid all the center aisles for food items. This means no canned or processed foods, only non food items such as toothpaste, paper towels etc. Do go to the meat dept. for all natural meats, (but do keep portions way down, you really don't need much more than 3 oz). Then go to the produce section for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, preferably organic. This means actual cooking which may not be as convenient as processed foods, but by far much healthier. If you don't have time to cook daily, take a Sunday afternoon and prepare meals to place in the freezer.

Drink a lot of water! Just drink up all day long. You would be amazed at what drinking water can do for your health. (Note, the more dehydrated you are, the more pain you feel) Water is so important in flushing your system of toxins and waste. Your toilet will not flush without water and this is true for your body as well. Most Americans are semi dehydrated and don't know it. You can get some of your liquids from fruits and vegetables, teas etc., but not drinking water through out the day will make it tough on your entire body. Some times when you feel a bit hungry you may actually be thirsty. Drink a glass of water first. If your craving for food goes away then you know it was thirst.

Your body relies on the digestive system for your very survival. A malfunctioning system impairs water and nutrient absorption. It can go like this for a long time but at your own peril. *** Long term neglect can result in conditions such as GERD, IBS which includes chronic constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitisor Celiac disease or even cancer.*** While you may enjoy the cookies, pies, cakes and fatty foods that you know are not good for you, you will pay later! No matter the state your body is currently in with regards to the digestive system, you can do something about it. So DO something about it! You'll live longer, lose weight and feel so much better.

The Importance of Amino Acids in Your Daily Regime


Amino Acids and Athletic Performance

There has been considerable research on the protein needs of athletes. Most experts and studies indicate that athletes who do endurance training or intense bodybuilding should consume up to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. High altitude athletes may need as much as 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram per day. This is up to twice the recommended daily allowance for protein for the average individual who does not exercise. Those athletes who under-eat protein can suffer from malnutrition or injuries during training exercises. More than the recommended amount for athletes does not help an athlete gain muscle mass, however. 

Anabolic Amino Acids

One speculated benefit of amino acid supplementation is that those hormones that stimulate growth hormones in the body, such as Ornithine and Arginine, will increase the muscle mass of the athlete, changing the body composition and causing increases in muscle size. This can be accomplished by altering the diet or increasing the amount of amino acid supplementation using amino acid supplements.  It is important to use a crystallized protein supplement and one that is NSF "Certified for Sport" so that this allows professional athletes to use the product without fear of become tested positive for illegal substances or anabolic steroids.  

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA), such as Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine, generate energy for the body that is exercising and are called "ergogenic" amino acids. They reduce the exercise-caused degradation of protein and reduce muscle loss during intense exercise. Remember that the body will use muscle for energy if it ca not find energy anywhere else. By consuming these enzymes during intense activity, you increase your fat free muscle mass and increase the muscle to fat ratio. Secondly, BCAA enzymes are able to reduce exercise-induced fatigue. The enzymes are taken up by the muscles during exercise so that oxidative metabolism (metabolism using oxygen instead of muscle) takes place.

Eventually, the BCAA enzymes are used up during exercise and this triggers another amino acid, L-tryptophan, to increase and enter the brain. L-tryptophan induces a sudden psychological and physiological need to rest, signaling the time to stop exercising and is probably the cause of over-training syndrome, low energy, loss of periods, depression, appetite loss, weight loss, immunosuppression and poor performance in athletes who are overdoing it. BCCA supplements help reduce over training syndrome by reducing the ratio of BCCA to L-tryptophan.    

Glutamine also supports muscle growth and development. Researchers have found that glutamine provides fuel as well for white blood cells, preventing the immunosuppression seen in overt raining syndrome. 

Many professional athletes are turning to an all natural amino stack called gHP Sport. The main reason is because it's NSF "Certified For Sport" and they know they can take gHP Sport without fear of losing their career due to banned substances.

Amino Acids and Weight Loss

Some amino acids seem to be helpful against obesity by allowing the body to burn fat more efficiently and by suppressing the appetite. Obesity is considered a cofactor in clogged arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes and the increase in certain cancers. The particular amino acids implicated in weight loss are carnitine, phenylalanine and tryptophan. Science tells us that most overweight individuals do not eat the degree of calories required to explain their weight gain. They just tend to burn calories at a lower rate than thinner people and store the calories as fat.

A number of studies have indicated that genetics has a great deal to do with your weight. Identical twins tend to be more strikingly similar in weight than are fraternal twins. Fat storage in overweight individuals depends on the enzyme known as lipoprotein lipase (LPL).   Researchers believe that LPL determines the number of nutrient molecules that the fat cell takes up during storage. Repeated bouts of crash dieting actually cause weight gain because LPL is increased during the weight loss phase. The body adapts to the lower caloric intake and stores as much food intake as possible. 

Many researchers suggest that amino acid supplements may be helpful in weight loss programs. Carnitine transfers the fatty acids back out of the fat cell and makes it possible to burn them. This increases the body metabolic rate of the body and helps reduce muscle weakness in weight loss. Carnitine is made from Lysine and Methionine, which are both essential amino acids and we do not manufacture what we really need. Tryptophan, in addition, helps reduce the body from craving for carbohydrates and Phenylalanine decreases appetite by improving the amount of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in the brain.    

Amino Acids and Aging

Amino acids can affect premature aging. In fact, amino acids are considered preferable over alpha-hydroxy treatments in skin aging because they do not photosensitize the skin and result in a lesser irritation of the skin than alpha-hydroxy treatments. Amino acids are applied to skin cells and help remove wrinkles, smooth the skin, exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The appearance of photo-damage is reduced. 

Amino acids also help improve the internal aging process. For example, Arginine can help in reducing heart conditions, including clogged arteries. It is also a natural anticoagulant and may help reduce cholesterol levels. Leucine is also good for its anti-aging properties. It supports the body and the healing processing, reducing the aging process. Without enough Leucine, our body will not repair itself well. In addition, it is found to improve the appetite in those suffering from cancer. Cysteine plays an essential role in the anti-aging process because it helps us metabolize fats better. It has been shown to lessen the damage to the body due to alcohol and cigarettes. It is preventative against heart disease and cancer and boosts the immune system so you will get sick less often. There are several other amino acids that slow or reverse the aging process.  

Forms of Amino Acid Supplementation

Amino acids, as mentioned, come in food like meats, dairy, soy and legumes. Sometimes the diet is enough to provide us with enough amino acids. If not, however, amino acids must be given by supplementation. Some ways to supplement amino acids include protein shakes, some of which are not very tasty but are good for body builders who can simply chug them down with water or juice. They also come in tablets, caplets and in tincture forms through health food stores or on the Internet. Amino acids also come in crystallized form, making them highly soluble and pure in the management of the several conditions helped by amino acid supplementation. 

The Vitality of Amino Acids in Your Diet

Our diet provides us with all that we need in life. We thrive on carbohydrates, fatty acids and numerous types of proteins. Proteins make up the substance of our organs, glands, hair, nails, muscles and tendons and are vital to our existence. In fact, they make up the greatest part of our body weights. 

The proteins we create as a part of biological processes or that we eat as part of our diet are all made from amino acids. There are twenty standardized amino acids of which several are considered (essential) because the body cannot make them and they must be eaten. Besides being the important building blocks to structural proteins, amino acids help to make aspects of coenzymes, which help our bodies enzymes work. Amino acids are also part of the creation of heme (a vital blood protein).

Scientists and nutritionists are beginning to recognize the benefit of amino acids in the aging process, for athletes of all types and for women's health. For example, amino acids provide (myoproteins), which are muscle proteins that aid in building muscle mass and help athletes recover from being fatigued. They absorb quickly so that they can very easily be replenished when used up in sports activities.

The essential amino acids, required in our diet include the following:

·         Histidine
·         Isoleucine
·         Leucine
·         Lysine
·         Methionine
·         Phenylalanine
·         Threonine
·         Tryptophan
·         Valine

There are also numerous non essential amino acids that are considered so because our bodies can create the amino acids from an internal source of body elements. These include:

·         Alanine
·         Arginine
·         Aspartic acid
·         Cysteine/Cystine
·         Glutamic Acid
·         Glutamine
·         Glycine
·         Ornithine
·         Proline
·         Serine
·         Taurine
·         Tyrosine

The Importance of Several Amino Acids

The following amino acids have special importance when it comes to enhancing bodily functions. Some are considered essential amino acids while others are non-essential amino acids that are particularly important in amino acid supplements.

Lysine

Lysine is one of the essential amino acids so we need it in our diet. It is essential in the processes of growth and cholesterol reduction. It is an amino acid which is vital to the making of connective tissues in our body like cartilage, tendons and skin. Without enough lysine in the diet, people get kidney stones and a variety of other disorders. Athletes who work out a great deal are at risk for lysine deficiency. Lysine comes to our diet through protein and most protein comes from meat and dairy sources. This means that vegetarians can also suffer from lysine deficiency as are those who eat diets high in cereals and baked goods.

What is Lysine used for?  

Lysine has therapeutic uses as well. For example, lysine supplements are helpful in managing herpes diseases like shingles. It can also reduce the frequency of herpes breakouts. In addition, lysine helps calcium absorption in the diet so that individuals with osteoporosis can take lysine supplements to help strengthen bones. It is the L-lysine form that works the best on the body. 

Arginine

Arginine is considered a non-essential amino acid but it is vital for bodily functions. For men, it improves blood flow to the penis in order attain an erection and enhances sperm count. It also slows the growth of cancer cells because it improves the body's immune system. It increases muscle mass and reduces the amount of body fat, resulting in weight loss. By releasing the growth hormone of the body, Arginine leads to the best muscle growth and maximum tissue repair in the event of injury. Like lysine, Arginine comprises a major portion of collagen and connective tissue. This makes it good for treating arthritic and connective tissue diseases. Arginine can also be converted to glucose and its storage product, glycogen, if needed.  

Why Do People Use Arginine?

Heart Disease: Arginine creates nitric acid which improves blood flow to major body organs, including the brain, the legs and the heart. 

Erectile Dysfunction: Nitric acid is very important in the attainment of an erection. The muscles of the penis relax, allowing blood to flow in at the time of an erection. It must be taken regularly in order to work.

Wound Healing: Arginine helps form another amino acid, Proline, that is vital for the synthesis of collagen (connective tissue).

Where can I find Arginine?

If you take an amino acid supplement, you are already covered. If not, the amino acid can be found in animal protein, dairy products, soy products and some plant proteins. One can become short on Arginine if there are infections, burns or other injuries and one may need to take a supplement to make the deficiency up.

Ornithine

Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid that, along with Arginine and Carnitine, is vital for the healthy functioning of the immune system. It helps the liver regenerate itself in case of injury and helps insulin function as a muscle-building hormone. Ornithine is created by the amino acid, Arginine, which is metabolized during urea (a part of urine) production. Ornithine is highly conducive to the production of growth hormone. As mentioned before, growth hormone builds muscle mass. It also improves insulin production. There are beneficial effects of Ornithine in those who have had major surgery, serious infections, cancer, major trauma or burn injuries. Using Ornithine helped to improve the appetite, quality of life and weight gain in those who took it following these illnesses. Finally, Ornithine has been shown to help those with severe liver disease, such that the disease is affecting their brain.

Where is Ornithine Found?

Amino acids generally come from the same sources, predominately in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. The recommended daily allowance is five grams per day. Deficiencies in Ornithine are rare but can occur during growth spurts, pregnancy, malnutrition or following severe traumatic injuries. 

Glutamine

Glutamine is the most prominent amino acid found in our muscles and it helps to make muscles grow. People who have been bedridden for a long time would benefit from glutamine to build up muscle mass. It also improves the function of the brain and helps with digestive diseases. It helps reduce fatigue and has been found to be helpful in treating brain diseases like dementia and schizophrenia. The body's immune system is highly dependent on the presence of glutamine. It is considered non-essential but in conditions when the body really needs it, the production of it is insufficient and you need it in your diet. Conditions needing extra glutamine include severe injuries, surgeries, prolonged stress, and infections.

Importance of Glutamine


  • Glutamine is used to heal the body from injuries, from major to minor ones. It responds to the elevated cortisol levels present in times of bodily stress. Glutamine enhances the healing process, including those from cuts or severe burns. 

  • Glutamine is used also to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It appears that glutamine heals the internal tissue in these conditions. 

  • Glutamine helps AIDS patients who have muscle loss to gain muscle back, along with other nutrients. 

  • Athletes who train heavily will reduce their stores of glutamine and benefit from having glutamine supplements. The athlete recovers from injury better, as well. 

  • Cancer patients have low levels of glutamine and require supplementation in order to improve their malnourished state.   Glutamine can also heal the lining of the intestines during chemotherapy. 


Sources of Glutamine

The best dietary sources of glutamine include proteins from animals and plants, including beef, fish, poultry and port, dairy products, raw spinach, raw cabbage and raw parsley.

Glycine

Glycine is notable for its ability to prevent muscle degeneration and it improves the storage of sugar in the body. It allows the glucose of the body to turn into energy, making it useful for athletes needing that extra boost. It is used in the repairing of damaged body tissues and promotes healing following injury. It is a non-essential amino acid; meaning that the body is capable of producing it itself but one can still suffer from deficiency in times of need. Glycine has recently been shown by research to work with antioxidants in the management of cancer. It has been shown to be effective against melanoma (skin cancer), by blocking the formation of blood vessels inside the tumor. 

Glycine is vital to the construction of DNA and RNA, the building blocks and information storage of the body. By boosting the body's creatine content, it helps to build our muscle mass. Glycine is not only found in muscle; it is found in skin and other types of connective tissue as well. It keeps the skin firm and flexible as well.     

Glycine is important for the function of the nervous system. It puts a stop to the parts of the brain that cause seizures, hyperactivity and bipolar depression. Glycine can be changed into another neurotransmitter, serine, which may be beneficial to the management of schizophrenia. It improves memory retrieval and helps those with sleeping disorders, Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease and even jet lag.

What are the sources of Glycine?

Glycine is found in high protein foods like fish meat, beans, dairy products and by medical supplement. 

Leucine

Leucine is an essential amino acid that combines with Isoleucine and Valine in order to maximize muscle, bone and skin healing. It provides the body with energy and helps regulate the blood sugar in the body. It is a fat-burning amino acid and burns the deeper layers of fat in the abdomen and in other areas. Leucine is particularly able to convert itself to glucose (sugar) very quickly, making it excellent for the prevention of muscle loss. For athletes, it prevents the using up of muscle mass for energy so that muscle is built up during body building and other strenuous activities. Thos suffering from injuries or major surgery may wish to speed healing by taking a Leucine supplement. 

Deficiencies of Leucine

Without Leucine, one can suffer from symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, irritability and confusion. Remember, Leucine is not created by the body and must be gotten from the diet.

Sources of Leucine in the Diet

Leucine can be gotten from any meat or fish source, as well as from brown rice, beans, dairy, soy flour and whole wheat. Those who exercise a great deal but do not have the best diet may wish to consider Leucine supplements in order to prevent muscle loss and low blood sugar.  Because Leucine is used along with Isoleucine and Valine, they should be taken in combination. 

Isoleucine

Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that is particularly helpful in making the bodys hemoglobin (a blood component).   It also regulates the blood sugar and enhances energy. For athletes, Isoleucine is vital in the quick repair of muscle, bone and skin, following injury. Athletic endurance is improved, making it an important supplement for body builders and other athletes. It is one of three branched chained amino acids (along with Leucine and Valine) and all protect and promote recovery of muscles during and after exercise. It has not been found that deficiencies of Isoleucine causes fatigue, dizziness, headaches, depression, irritability and confusion.

How can I Obtain Isoleucine?

As an essential amino acid, Isoleucine cannot be manufactured by the body itself and must be ingested. Excellent dietary sources include seeds, any type of meat, fish, nuts, eggs, dairy, lentils, soy protein and peas. Those who exercise a lot or are body builders should consider Isoleucine supplementation. As with Leucine, Isoleucine should be taken together with Leucine and Valine. They work together to do their important jobs. 

Valine

Valine is an essential amino acid that is used in combination with Leucine and Isoleucine to improve body tissue repair and for the proper maintenance of the balance of nitrogen in the body. It is also helpful in treating diseases of the liver and gallbladder, including the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (a liver-related brain condition), and is felt to calm ones emotional state. In fact, Valine is felt to be necessary for proper mental and emotional function. 

Valine is one of three branched chain amino acids (like Leucine and Isoleucine). Together, they regulate the blood sugar and give the body an extra boost of energy. When one exercises, there can be cannibalization of muscle to use as energy. Valine and its cohorts stop this process and instead promote muscle increase by providing glucose as an energy source for the body. 

How can I Obtain Valine?

As Valine is an essential amino acid, you must get it through your diet or through supplementation, along with Leucine and Isoleucine.   Good dietary sources of Valine include meat products, fish, dairy products, mushrooms, soy proteins sources and peanuts. Valine deficiency is possible in those with poor or restricted diets. Valine supplementation should be considered in those who are exercising a great deal, eat a low protein diet or are trying to build up their muscles. Always take Valine with Leucine and Isoleucine, as they work together. 

Thank you for reading this article. If you would like to add Amino Acids to your diet OR if you are already taking Amino Acids and would like to experience the only patented stack of Amino Acids in the world, risk free, go to:

Ulcerative Colitis Diets - Food Combining


Foods fall into the 3 categories:

Fruits which should be eaten separately.

Proteins (nuts, seeds, beans, meat, fish, poultry) and starches (grains, pasta, breads, cereal, rice, carrots)

Starches.

Most people can eat a variety of foods without it causing health problems but if you do suffer then "Great Taste No Pain" may be the answer.

A lot of people do not know about the differences between proteins, starches and fats so as a result often consume more starch than protein, as starches tend to be more filling and satisfying.

Combining of protein and starch can be beneficial.

Sherry Brescia a Natural Health Researcher has created a FREE white paper. She had not heard of food combination until she was told about it while having an evening meal. She was told that common food combinations can spell big health problems, especially for people prone to digestive issues. She had suffered and had tried everything, all the tests, drugs, pills and medical advice and purely by chance found the solution.

After following the food combining diet she suffered no symptoms after years of suffering.

She states that no longer did she suffer from the usual digestive problems of cramps, bloated stomach, excessive gas, acid reflux or constipation.

She thinks by eating the "Great Taste No Pain Way" you could change your life for ever.

Sherry had no negative side effects to endure. The enhanced digestion made her feel more satisfied with her meals. Since following the food combining plan she has never looked back.

Bowel Obstruction Symptoms 101 - How to Deal With a Bowel Obstruction


Do you have problems with bowel obstruction symptoms? Doubtful about what exactly bowel obstruction is...or how to deal with it? Allow me to share an inside look at this distressing ailment and what can be done to relieve the symptoms of a bowel obstruction.

How Digestive system Works

Each and every organ associated with the human digestive function works all together in unison to take in, assimilate and excrete unwanted nutrients introduced into the body through the mouth as food.

When food is consumed, it passes through an intricate digestive system before it gets discharged from the body in the form of toxic waste matter, also referred to as feces.

The colon and also intestines are solely responsible for assimilating the final bit of essential nutrients in the unused part of food waste, to discharge the rest. Whenever the colon is not functioning effectively, people may experience bowel obstruction symptoms.

What exactly are the Signs and symptoms?

Typical indicators are discomfort and bloating of the belly, nausea and vomiting, virtually no gas passing via the rectum, bowel irregularity, diarrhea and frequently blood might be detected in the feces. (However these are all signs and symptoms which can also stem from ulcerative colitis, therefore finding out whether an obstruction exists or if the indicators develop from ulcerative colitis is extremely vital.)

The Role of Daily diet?

All these complications, and other bowel connected troubles, are usually attributable to an unhealthy diet. A diet rich in fiber and water consumption is vital to avert these and other complications connected with the bowels. When these signs and symptoms exist, you should seek medical attention, especially when there is blood contained in the stools.

Will a Detox Help?

To try to fix symptoms which are not serious enough to seek medical attention can often be treated through a colon cleanse. When detoxifying the bowel lots of built-up toxins might be expeled from the body which can cause a few of the earlier mentioned symptoms to cease.

It is very important to immediately begin a diet program which is loaded with fiber, or take fiber supplements to avoid blockages, bowel irregularity as well as other irritable bowel problems. Consuming plenty of water is a vital element to regaining proper colon help.

Healthy Inside

As the colon and intestines are in charge of keeping impurities out of our bodies it is advisable to care for their particular needs, even if this suggests a person must alter their lifestyle and dietary habits.

The body will feel much better when the colon and intestines are cleaned out on a regular basis and cared for regularly by way of healthy diet and exercise. Bowel obstruction symptoms can virtually disappear when a well-balanced diet and a good cleansing has been put into practice.

People who had to endure unhealthy bowel obstruction symptoms will experience a better quality of life when the organs are handled appropriately, it may also extend an individual's life expectancy.

Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan For Those With Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome


Inflammatory bowel diseases include both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both of these are inflammation of the intestines. They lead to inflammation of the intestines, ulcers, bleeding of the intestines; the commonest symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain fever, fatigue and cramping.

Diet and nutrition are very important parts of the recovery process. This prevents malnutrition and rapid and severe weight loss. The dietary recommendations for ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome are the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids 8-10 servings on a daily basis. This is vital to keep the body hydrated and prevent constipation.

• Your dietitian will suggest a daily multivitamin -mineral supplement to make up for the lost nutrients.

• You must have a high fiber diet. Some patients like to have steamed vegetables better than eating them raw.

• When there is flare up, eat a low fiber, low residue diet. So that bowel gets rest and the symptoms are minimal.

• Do not take foods with lactose like diary if you have lactose intolerance. You can use lactase enzymes.

• During flare ups, you have to continue nourishing your body. Eat frequently small meals. You can take a high protein diet that will give you relief from IBD. You can take the pre-digested nutritional drink that the dietitian recommends.

• Minimize the intake of caffeine, alcohol,

• Avoid gas producing foods like cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, onions, carbonated drinks foods with high fat content causes diarrhea and gas in such patients.

It is vital to manage irritable bowel syndrome with healthy lifestyle habits and a diet plan which is rich in nutrients. This is crucial as IBS can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and loosing of essential nutrients. This can lead to anemia, fatigue.

Diet plan of ulcerative colitis should be rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and good fats. This diet will give you energy. Your diet must have poultry, fish vegetables, margarine and oils. If you are a vegetarian you can have soy products.

How Can Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Obstruct With Digestion?


The diet nutrition of patients with Crohn's disease are indeed utilized frequently. People with the disease often think that diet can be utilized as a treatment. Regrettably, this way of overcoming the disease can be thought as too crude and will absolutely not get the nod of medical experts. Diet can have some effects in the symptoms and treatment of the disease, and may also affect the inflammatory process that is taking place in the body. Although it has a role to play its effect is not a major issue in the inflammatory process.

Since Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are ailments on the digestive tract, it's normal that numerous questions arise concerning proper diet and nutrition of people with the ailment. If however you unfortunately acquire the disease which is also called as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, your concentration might shift to diet that may play a role in lowering symptoms and fosters treatment.

When swelling takes place in the small intestine, and this makes digestion of foods not very effective and nutrients absorbed from the food taken will be reduced. The nutrients along with the undigested bile salts, can find their way to the large intestine which may vary in magnitude, depending on the degree of inflammation on the small intestine. This is perhaps one of the causes why people with the ailment may eventually become malnourished. Adding to the woes perhaps is the lack of appetite the patient will endure and experience. Additionally, undigested foods that go through the large intestine may hinder water storage in the body, even though the colon is not affected. Hence, the large intestine will get inflamed too, and this will lead to diarrhea which makes the disease even more formidable.

On the other hand, the ulcerative colitis, only the colon is damaged and inflamed, whilst the small intestine continues to do it functions normally. Since the inflamed colon does not process water appropriately in the body, diarrhea can be stern.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Causes and Symptoms of Colitis - A Guide


Ulcerative colitis is a relentless disorder that is epitomized by persistent incidents of abdominal discomfort, high temperatures, shivering and prolific dysentery. It is a continual, inflammatory bowel disorder in which the interior coating of the large intestine (the colon or the bowel) and rectum turn out to be painful.
Ulcerative colitis may possibly be attributable to an assortment of infections over and above a shortage of blood supply and certain autoimmune responses.

The colon, often also known as the large intestine accumulates and amasses the residues after digestion has occurred. The large intestine also functions as the route or conduit through which this residual matter moves towards the rectum to be thrown out of the body. As a result of ulcerative colitis the inner layer of this passage gets irritated. There is no specific cause of ulcerative colitis. The most common risk factors attributable to this disorder may be atypical attack of the immune response on the intestines. Smoking also has been found to cause this ailment. Environmental aspects like nourishment and a variety of infections may also cause colitis.

Crohn's disease is another type of colitis. It is an inflammatory ailment of the bowel and the intestines which mostly distresses many regions of the GI tract - starting with the mouth to the rectum. This is manifested in a wide variety of symptoms. It generally causes abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, queasiness and loss of weight. It may also bring about indications such as skin inflammation, arthritis, and irritation of the eyes, fatigue and loss of focus.

Crohn's disease is classified as an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's own immune response besets the GI tract, causing inflammation. There isn't any identified basis for the disease as such. Infectivity, family history, heredity, nutrition, various immunological aspects, measles, certain vaccines, and even psychosomatic factors may have a role to play in crohn's disease.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a fairly common colitis that affects numerous people. On the whole, people with IBS have a markedly vulnerable GI tract. Irritable bowel syndrome can have varied medical manifestations. The warning signs may vary from dysentery, to lack of bowel movement, to abdominal spasms to the urge to visit the washroom as soon as food is eaten. All these indications are an expression of the very same disease. Experts have found the major sources of irritable bowel syndrome to be improper digestion of the food that is eaten and to a certain extent, the stress that most people experience these days.

In conclusion, a lot of people suffer from the various forms of colitis. Knowing some of the symptoms and causes associated with these may be useful to people.