Saturday, May 4, 2013

Blood in Stool - Cause For Concern


Sometimes, when you are passing stool, you can see streaks of blood in the stool or the tissue paper. Spotting blood like this can be quite an alarming sight for anyone. The presence of blood in stool could be for various reasons, and they generally point towards rectal bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding. It's time to head towards your physician's office if you see blood like this. Ignorance can complicate the matter even further. Ask yourself - can blood in stool cause other problems? Sure they can. Excessive blood loss can lead to weakness, fatigue, and even anemia.

What is the cause of blood in stool? There is more than one factor that can cause rectal bleeding. Let's look at the more important ones among them one by one.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is one of the main reasons that can cause the appearance of blood with stool. A condition which causes the intestines or the stomach to become inflamed, Gastroenteritis can also cause nausea, abdominal pain, weakness, and diarrhea that could possibly contain blood.

Internal Bleeding

Internal Bleeding refers to the bleeding of blood vessels inside the body. Apart from being a blood in stool cause, it may also lead to weakness, dizziness, and stomach pain. The person might also become unconscious due to internal bleeding. The main causes for internal bleeding are bleeding ulcers, tears to the stomach or intestines and trauma.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid can also lead to bloody stools. Hemorrhoids are a medical condition in which the patient suffers from swelling in the blood vessels around the anus and hence experiences severe pain and discomfort while sitting or passing stool. Hemorrhoids are of two kinds - internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can also cause a number of other symptoms, such as anal swelling and itching, pain and discomfort.

Anal Fissures

Anal fissure refer to a torn anal which causes bright red blood in stool. Patients also complain to have blood on the toilet tissue and underwear. Anal fissure leads to severe pain and discomfort in any activity that requires anal movement or puts pressure on the anus, such as passing stools, bending over or lifting something heavy.

Ulcerative Colitis

Patients suffering from Ulcerative colitis have ulcers and inflammation in their rectum and colon. This is a chronic disease of the lower digestive tract which can cause rectal bleeding or blood, mucus or pus while passing your stool. Such patients may also experience water and blood in diarrhea, high fever, stomach pain, nausea, and dehydration. Symptoms like passing foul smelling stools, loss of appetite, skin lesions, and joint pain can also be associated with Ulcerative colitis.

Dark Green Stool? Read This Now!


A healthy person's bowel movements are normally yellowish brown and comprise of 75% water and 25% solid matter, the latter of which would include waste materials, undigested particles of food and intestinal bacteria. But at times, poops of unusual colors might appear, such as white, dark brown, black, green or reddish because of various reasons. Green stools, whether in darker or lighter shades might be completely harmless. Still, it should be remembered that it could be a sign of underlying intestinal or digestive problems, most of all if these dark green stools are frequently passed. Therefore, it would be recommended to identify the risk factors, causes and overall treatment options for dark green stool.

The Risk Factors

Bowel movements that are green aren't necessarily something of concern as long as it only happens on occasion. If it happens recurrently, it would be recommended to look for medical attention. If it happens to be related to therapeutic medications or ingested food, there is no cause for worry. On the other hand, passing odd colored stool has to be treated if caused because of digestive disorders or food poisoning. Doctors need to be consulted if dark green stool is in any way associated with diarrhea, rectal pain, constipation, weight loss or fever.

The Causes

A lot of the time, mothers report breastfed babies passing unusual colored stools. As a matter of fact, dark green stools can be seen most often within babies and toddlers. Occasional odd-colored stool passing is fairly common in adults, as well, though. When it comes to the causes of dark green stool, there are various possibilities that could result in them, such as the following:

1. Diets - One common dark green stools cause would be the consumption of green vegetables like lettuce, spinach, broccoli and peas. Dark green stool passing might also be an indication that a diet is filled with iron, food coloring and sugar.

2. Digestion Problems - weird colors in the stool could be caused by abnormal processes of digestion. When it comes to food particle malabsorption within intestinal tracts, stools might get green coloration. Additionally, if bile salts get passed into the rectum with no undergoing intestinal changes, stools become dark green.

3. Too Much Bacteria - Defecate usually consists of colonies of bacteria. If there is too much bacteria present in the form of salmonella, the color could possibly turn green.

4. Medication - abnormally colored stool might result from particular medications. People that administer antibiotics and laxatives have higher chances of dark green stool passing.

5. Others - Other causes of abnormally colored stool would be intestinal problems, food poisoning, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and starvation stools.

The Overall Treatment Options

Before treating irregular colored stools, physicians have to analyze stool samples for abnormal changes. Several conducted diagnostic procedures for weird colored stools include stool culture, blood tests, colonoscopy and X-ray. The therapeutic options for odd-colored stool treatment will vary depending on the related symptoms, diagnostic results and underlying health conditions, if there are any. Doctors might prescribe eating habit and diet plan changes with various medications to make one's digestive health better. Drinking lots of water for body hydration would be another effective treatment from home for dark green stools.

Crohn's Disease - Which Insurance Plan Is Best for Your Disease


Named after Burrill Crohn's who first described the disease in 1932, Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms associated with the disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, arthritis, vomiting, skin rashes, and weight loss. The cause of the disease is up for debate. Some think it is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system considers the gastrointestinal tract the enemy and attacks it. Others argue that there are genetic and environmental components to the onset of the disease. This view is supported by the fact that the majority of cases occur in western industrialized nations.

There is no cure for Crohn's disease and treatment centers around prevention of inflammation, prolonging remission, and managing symptoms. Patients are usually prescribed a combination of drugs that include corticosteroids, antibiotics, and immunomodulators. They are also encouraged to make lifestyle changes, such as quit smoking and to switch to smaller meals through the day, which may reduce the occurrence of symptoms. This disease does carry a risk of having blockages develop in the intestines, such as fistulas or abscesses, which may require surgery to remove. If the disease is bad enough, a doctor may prescribe complete removal of whole sections of the intestines which can create other problems.

Since Crohn's disease requires lifetime treatment and there is a risk of needing surgery in the future, you will want to go with an insurance that will allow you to see specialists without too much hassle. A preferred provider organization (PPO) plan will probably be your best option. Although it is more expensive than other insurance plans, it provides you with the most flexibility to get the care that you need. With other insurance plans, particularly HMOs, you need permission to see specialists from a primary care physician. This can cause unnecessary roadblocks to be erected in your path to good health care.

You can control the cost of your health care insurance by being smart about how you shop for it. Making good use of a health insurance quote website is a great way to save time and money shopping for insurance. These websites will provide you with quotes from multiple insurance providers which will save you from having to call each company or dealing with a pushy insurance agent. You will also be able to view each individual plan to ensure it provides the coverage you need to manage your Crohn's disease. Getting affordable health insurance that fits your needs is as easy as clicking your mouse.

Ulcerative Colitis Flare Up Remedies


Here is what I do if my Ulcerative Colitis Flares Up -

1. Take Probiotics in particular VSL-3 which is specifically formulated for Ulcerative Colitis. In one medical study at The University of Alberta UC patients were given 8 sachets a day for 6 weeks and this produced remission in 77% of them. Also get some Kefir Grains and make your own Kefir with Goats Milk, which is easy to do and provides you with a nourishing drink which is packed with probiotics.

2. Drink Fangocur Clay it is a clay based mineral drink which is a highly effective natural remedy for Colitis. It has been studied at the Medical University if Vienna and was found to be effective in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. It fights inflammation of the intestinal wall and reduces diarrhoea.

3. Diet, No Sugar or Alcohol at all, Best to avoid fruit too with the possible exception of the odd banana. Chicken Stock Soup is soothing and nutritious in a flare up- the recipe is on my site Colitisrecovery.com. Avoid all grains, beans and potatoes, with the exception of rice. Eat Chicken and Fish but when you cook them only steam or boil, absolutely no frying. Vegetables are OK if well cooked, again steam them well, but avoid the really fibrous root ones like Swede, also avoid tomatoes and peppers. Avoid all dairy products, I find they make any bleeding worse - except Kefir and homemade probiotic yogurt. Don't overeat, have lots of small meals little and often is best.

4. Take these Herbs - Boswellia, Turmeric and Ashwaganda, all are very effective anti inflammatories, in one study Ashwaganda was shown to be a stronger anti inflammatory than steroids.

5. Elemental Drinks - These are a form of feeding which is completely absorbed in the small intestine, and therefore give the colon a rest whilst still providing nourishment. They have been used in medical studies to induce remission in UC as successfully as steroids. I have had Elemental 028 from my Doctor and they really help in the midst of a Flare Up. You can also get Absorb Plus on the Web.

6. Omega 3 Fish Oils are another excellent anti inflammatory; take 4g of them a day.

Once things settle down, continue with Probiotics, Omega3, and Boswellia & Turmeric. Reintroduce more foods but follow a Palaeolithic diet for autoimmunity. It is also worth having an igg antibody test for food intolerances done in case there is any food which is triggering your Colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment


Ulcerative colitis treatment begins with a definitive diagnosis and a determination of the severity of illness. Once this initial diagnosis has been made, the immediate goal of treatment is to reduce the painful physical symptoms associated with it. Since there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, the long-term goal of treatment is to prevent future onset of illness, or relapse.

Both ulcerative colitis, and a related disorder called Crohn's Disease, are characterized by an abnormal immune system response within the intestines. In patients with ulcerative colitis, the location of this response is restricted to the large intestine, or colon. The resulting inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal walls can cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, the main symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Due to the fact that other health conditions may exist that exhibit similar symptoms, care for ulcerative colitis begins with a confirmation of this initial diagnosis. This includes taking stool samples to rule out the presence of parasites or an existing infection within the colon, and performing blood tests to detect elevated white blood cell counts (high white blood cell counts indicate that the cause of inflammation is due to the activation of the body's own immune response).

A visual examination, either directly using a sigmoidoscope or a colonoscope, or indirectly via a barium enema, will help make the final confirmation that colitis is in fact the culprit. These visualization techniques are an essential step in ulcerative colitis treatment because they allow the physician to measure the severity of the illness, and therefore to figure out the best course to minimize the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Medications play a large part in both the initial treatment and long-term care for ulcerative colitis. These medications fall into two main categories: immunomodulators, which alter the proteins produced by the immune system which cause inflammation, and anti-inflammatory medications, which act to reduce the inflammation directly. Although these medications do not cure ulcerative colitis, they can induce remission of its symptoms and lengthen the time between relapses. As such they offer an ulcerative colitis treatment option that many sufferers take advantage of.

Very rarely, ulcerative colitis is treated surgically. Although surgery is the only true cure for the disease, it is inherently risky and therefore often reserved only for cases in which prolonged inflammation of the colon has resulted in life-threatening complications.

Although research has not yet shown any correlation between diet and the initial onset of ulcerative colitis, a low-fat, bland diet may alleviate some of the symptoms during periods of disease activity. Similarly, a healthy, balanced diet may help to prolong periods of disease remission.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis mentioned above, make sure you visit your doctor right away for a thorough examination. If you do have this disorder, your doctor will help you determine the best ulcerative colitis treatment for your particular case.

Zylean Weight Loss Supplement Review - Why Zylean Works So Well


Apple Cider Vinegar is a vinegar type made by fermenting apple cider. In this process the sugar present in the apple cider gets broken by the yeast and bacteria into alcohol and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid as well as citric, lactic and malic acids. Apple cider vinegar is yellow brown in color and is sold unfiltered. This unfiltered apple cider vinegar is available in the health food stores and also in grocery stores. The other vinegar types are white vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar and rice wine vinegar. They are used in cooking as well as are good for health purposes. Apple cider vinegar was believed to have been used by Hippocrates as health tonic and the American soldiers also made use of the same to combat indigestion ad pneumonia. The intriguing aspect of this vinegar is that it has abundant health benefits. It can decrease the blood glucose levels. It is effective for people suffering from diabetes and weight loss.

Bioperine is derived from the extract of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). Bioperine activates the thermogenesis process that generates energy at the cellular level. This process also helps in burning of fats. It also increases the absorption of nutrients and vitamins. It ensures that the body benefits and is able to efficiently use the nutrients from the food. It also boosts the metabolism that makes it effective in weight loss and maintenance. Because of the boost in metabolism, it also provides the body an increased supply of energy. It also aids in the proper digestion.

Caffeine is a powerful and very common alkaloid supplement used in Zylean primarily to increase the body's ability to lose weight quickly, boost energy and stimulate the brain into more activity with better clarity. It also fuels the body's metabolism for increased fat burning qualities. This allows users to have more stamina for exercise and more focus for weight loss initiatives. Caffeine anhydrous is found naturally in many different beans and plants and works successfully as a stimulating supplement for those needing increased energy, focus, and alertness. When taken as a supplement for health or weight loss reasons, caffeine anhydrous should not be combined with other traditional forms of caffeine, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, or tea, because the supplement form is concentrated and powerful in itself.

Cayenne, which contains Capsaicin, a thermogenic substance. A thermogenic raises your core temperature, which allows you to burn more calories from food, particularly when eating a high fat meal.

Chromium Picolinate is a nutritional supplement that treats and helps prevent chromium deficiencies and has shown a reduction in carbohydrate cravings making it another weight loss product as well.

Citrus Aurantium is the Latin name for a citrus tree which grows bitter oranges. Traditionally being used by Chinese medicine and herbologists, the extract of the orange and the peel was used as a dietary supplement in concoctions with other herbs to suppress appetite. While other active ingredients of the citrus aurantium may contribute and even promote the effect, the main ingredient used in all weight loss products is synephrine, an alkaloid similar to ephedrine. It is a phenethylamine; it influences the alpha1 adrenergic receptor, constricting blood vessels, additionally increasing the heart rate and the blood pressure. In most cases the use of synephrine is paired with a diet and body building plan, where weight loss and muscle building is essential.

Fennel Seed or Sauf is derived from the herb Foeniculum vulgare. It is commonly used for digestive problems such as relieving gas, cramps and indigestion. It is very rich in minerals particularly magnesium. It also has anethol that inhibits muscle spasms particularly in the intestinal tract. Fennel Seed also helps in increasing the production of bile. It may also be used for de-worming and ridding the intestine of other such parasites. Fennel Seed also possess anti-microbial properties and may act as a decongestant. It may also be used as diuretic. It is also effective in aiding weight loss because it suppresses appetite and food cravings. It also reduces water retention in the body.

Ginger Root has been used as herbal medicine in India, Asia, and Arab countries for a long time. People in China have been using this knotted, thick, underground stem or rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale to improve digestion for over two thousand years. Ginger was also found effective in the treatment of health conditions such as heart problems, arthritis, colic, and diarrhea. Ginger is also a popular cooking spice in different cuisines. The magic herb can also help a great deal in pregnancy, motion sickness, and cancer chemotherapy since it aids in preventing or treating nausea and vomiting associated with it. Many women consume ginger to reduce the pain during menstrual periods. Ginger is also used to reduce inflammation and combat inflammation-related problems such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. You may buy fresh ginger root or go for other variations like ginger extracts, capsules, and oils.

Green Tea Extract is currently being promoted by the health conscious community as a weight loss product, which does not do this incredible concoction of helpful ingredients justice. Many green tea extracts nowadays exclude caffeine, to avoid the associated side effects and lower the ingestion of this legal addictive stimulant. The main characteristic of the green tea extract should be the antioxidative effect, which surpasses Vitamin C twentyfold. But the other traits are not to be forgotten, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogen and anti-radiation. The unique combination of green tea catechins, derivatives of apicatechin, and flavonoids, which belong to the same family, are proven scavengers of free radicals and an unavoidable addition to any dietary supplement combination, body building or weight loss as the target objective.

Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb that has shown to reduce blood sugar and is used by some to reduce sugar cravings as it seemingly reduces the sugar taste when placed in the mouth.

Hydrocitric Acid or HCA is a compound that may be derived from the extracts of the fruit Garcinia cambogia which is found in India. It helps suppress the appetite and aids in digestion. It activates the thermogenesis process that burns the fat. It increases the conversion of the carbohydrates in glucose, allowing a large amount of fats to pass through the body without storing it. These fats are also burned to be used as energy that helps increase the endurance and strength, and replenish the supply of energy. It also helps control the blood sugar level that prevents conditions of hypoglycaemia. HydroCitric Acid is also used as a purgative to treat worms and parasites.

L-Carnitine is produced from amino acids present in the body. It burns fat for the release of energy for the body to function and is therefore, one of the more well known agents of weight loss. L-Carnitine is also believed to have an effect in the delay of Alzheimer's disease. Conditions, such as angina, cause insufficient production of L-Carnitine. It is commonly found in breast milk, red meat and dairy products. Low levels of L Carnitine can cause cramps in the muscles, low blood sugar and tiredness. When using supplements of L-Carnitine, a person must use suitable amounts of Vitamins C and B, along with iron supplements. Proteins from animals and other foods, rich in nutrition will assist in meeting the required levels of nutrition.

L-Tyrosine, a non-essential amino acid that is used to build protein. It is a precursor dopamine, as well as a precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. The body makes L-Tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine. Since L-Tyrosine is a precursor of Dopamine, it may raise mental alertness, making it of great use in exercise programs.

Licorice Root is cultivated in southern as well as central Europe. Licorice root is extensively used as flavor in candies and as well as in syrups, cough drops, laxatives and tonics. The licorice root is also useful in flavoring various types of beer, gelatins, meat products, puddings and frozen dairy desserts. Licorice is commonly found in all the Chinese herb combinations so that it maintains other herbs as well as promotes vitality. Licorice is a source of silicon, magnesium and thiamine. It is available in liquid extract and is helpful for people having problems with swallowing capsule. Licorice root capsule can be taken three times a day. Licorice root is useful for various ailments such as baldness, asthma, canker sores, athlete's foot, depression, chronic fatigue, flu, colds, dandruff, coughs, gingivitis, emphysema, heartburn, viral infections, HIV, ulcers, fungal infections, tooth decay and liver problems. This root has anti-depressant compounds and is one of the impressive herbal medicines.

Pantothenic Acid also known as B5 is a natural, inexpensive and safe form of curing acne. It is free from all negative side effects. It is best suited for people with oily skin as it stops the overproduction of oil within our body. It converts the carbohydrates and fats into energy effectively when synthesized with other Vitamin B. Additionally it also helps your body produce red blood cells and metabolizes fats. It plays a significant role in reducing physical and mental stress because it works along with the stress hormone producing adrenal gland. Pantothenic acid is present in all kinds of food and therefore our body gets sufficient amount of it. As it is impossible for our body to become deficient in pantothenic acid, there is no recommended daily amount of it. Eggs, whole grains and milk contain panthothenic acid in large numbers.

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the formation of proteins. It is converted into tyrosine in the body which stimulates the production of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It helps treat and manage the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, and Parkinson's disease. It also alleviates the symptoms from alcohol withdrawal. It also has the ability to reduce pains caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Phenylalanine also treats vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder. Phenylalanine may also help in weight loss because it aids in suppressing the appetite and cravings, and at the same time, it promotes the production of energy.

Vitamin B12- Also called Riboflavin, B2 is a water absorbed vitamin of which the body must replenish its supplies each day as it cannot be stored. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells and, like the other B vitamins, it works at supporting it supports energy production by helping in the metabolism of various foods.B2 is required for healthy skin as well as hair growth, the nails and has a role in regulating the activity of the thyroid gland. It is also necessary in order that the body can process amino acids found in proteins and fats and to activate vitamin B6 and folic acid.

Vitamin B6contains pyridoxal phosphate, or PLP for short, as the active ingredient and is a vitamin belonging to the B complex grouping. It is functioning mainly as a co-enzyme with others in the human body, aiding in the proper function of several metabolic processes. Neurotransmitter synthesis, as well as hemoglobin and histamine synthesis are just some of the functions of PLP, hemoglobin function, gene expression and aiding in the facilitation of decarboxylation, elimination and other reactions, mainly taking place in the liver. Vitamin B6 was found to diminish by 50% the risk of Parkinson's disease. Alternative medicine suggests the use of Vitamin B6 to combat autism, in combination with magnesium. This combination has shown effects with children suffering from attention deficit disorders. PLP also seems to show therapeutic effects for diabetic nephropathy.

White Willow Bark possesses salicin that offers identical effect as aspirin and exhibits no side effects. This is the basis for aspirin synthesis. Chinese healers used it to control pain and the Native Americans also understood the value of it to get relief from headaches as well rheumatism. This also reduces fevers. The advantage of white willow bark is that it also helps in reducing weight and aids the diet goals. It is an anti-inflammatory and is analgesic, anti-rheumatic, fever reducer and gives relief from inflammatory pains such as rheumatism, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. White willow bark is found in Asia and Europe. Taking one or two capsules at mealtimes is recommended. However, this dosage should not be exceeded. This does not exhibit significant side effects, but the tannins present in the white willow extract may result in stomach upset and may trouble if a person is allergic to aspirin.

Yerba Matte or Ilex paraguariensis commonly grows in South America. It contains about twenty four vitamins and minerals, fifteen amino acids, eleven types of polyphenols, caffeine, and contains a high level of antioxidants. It is considered to be the most balanced stimulant and revered as the "drink of the gods". It contains xanthine alkaloids such as theobromine, caffeine and theophylline, and saponins that stimulate the immune system, enhance the memory and focus, and suppress appetite. Yerba Mate also helps regulate the blood sugar and cholesterol level. It also helps burn the fat and fight free radical damages to cells that may cause cancer and aging. It also helps in cleansing the blood, and may act as a diuretic

Battling Chronic Pelvic Pain Disorders With Acupuncture


Frequently, the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic disorders is conducted in error because of difficulty to diagnose the actual condition responsible for the pain. In these cases, the patient is denied an effective rational treatment aimed at the underlying disease.

Sometimes, undiagnosed proctitis is the cause of the pelvic pain. Term proctitis generally means inflammation of the lining of the rectum, called the rectal mucosa. Proctitis can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic) and may have many causes. It may occur as a side effect of certain medical treatments like a course of antibiotics. Inflammation of the rectal mucosa may be related to ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, yeast infections, herpes, conditions that cause inflammation in the colon or small intestine. Other causes include rectal injury, bacterial infection, allergies, chronic pancreatitis and cholecystitis.

Some of the symptoms often correlate with chronic pelvic pain disorders, specifically anal and/or rectal pain, itching, left-sided abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, heaviness and discomfort after meals, constipation. It is easily explained because urinary bladder, prostate, rectum and colon share sympathetic, sacral parasympathetic nervous system and mucosal epithelium permeability.

In many cases that I have been involved in, occurrence of these symptoms is connected with particular occupation of the patient. My office is located in Northwest suburbs of Chicago, major transportation hub and I have seen significant above average numbers among Chicago area truck drivers, limo and taxi drivers that pursue my services. Based on these cases that is available in my practice, I've come to a subjective but logical conclusion that one of the possible overlooked causes of this problem is rectal traumatic injury caused by extended hours of prolonged seating in the same positions in addition to constant vibration and frequent bumps of the pot holes. These small but frequent and repeated traumas can cause neurological abnormalities and inflammation and/or irritation which lead to pelvic floor dysfunction and may be one of the underlying causes of these conditions: chronic abacterial prostatitis, prostatodynia, painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. All of the above have similar, overlapping urinary symptoms of the following: frequency, urgency, and pain.

All these pelvic conditions are considered to be non-manageable and incurable by conventional medicine. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical treatment and surgical procedures have proven to be insufficient and costly. In United States alone 10 to 15 million men and women suffer from these debilitating conditions. Luckily, there is hope to those people that are diagnosed with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and IC and Chronic Prostatitis. It is acupuncture, which have been around for thousand of years delivering great results without side effects and has been proven as effective treatment for chronic inflammation.

Specific acupuncture protocol will deliver great results. The use of multi-level approach and focus on addressing underlying cause of the problems, not just the symptoms, guarantees success.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Finding a Qualified Classical Homeopath


Homeopathic Services - when you need a Professional Classical Homeopath with the letters DCH, CCH or HMC?

Recently at a presentation I was speaking at, it became very obvious what a confusing struggle it is to know when you've found the appropriate holistic practitioner for your specific health concern. In Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, East Vancouver, Burnaby and all of the Lower Mainland, this is a particularly challenging.

The positive aspect of the fact that this is such a challenge in Vancouver is that there are many holistic practitioners to choose from. There are many highly qualified Homeopaths, Naturopaths, TCM practitioners, TCM Doctors, Acupuncturists, Shiatsu, Craniosacral Therapists, Osteopaths, Reiki Masters etc... in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Within the different modalities to choose from, there are various levels of education. Usually this is indicated by the letters behind the practitioners' name.

When choosing a well educated and experienced Homeopath, look for the following letters: DCH, CCH and HMC. They will often be shown somewhat in this order. The significance of these letters is that they have received four years of up to date/contemporary education. That is what the DCH stands for (Diploma of Classical Homeopathy).

I will define the significance of the term 'Classical Homeopath' in another article. The CCH signifies that the Homeopath has completed the Board exams for Certification as a Classical Homeopath that apply to all North American Homeopaths. The CCH letters are very important when looking for a properly trained Homeopath. CCH stands for Certified Classical Homeopath.

In the Vancouver area (specifically Bowen Island and West Vancouver), we are fortunate to have an upper level Homeopath and Professional Teacher, Louis Klein. Between the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy (DCH) with Murray Feldman and Louis Klein's Homeopathic Master Clinician (HMC) courses, the Vancouver area is brimming with the best trained Homeopaths in North America.

Louis Klein's HMC course is an excellent three year follow up to the Diploma years. After these seven years of focussed, professional training - a Classical Homeopath is well equipped to help you with any range of health concerns - even the ones that conventional medical doctors might not know how to address (undiagnosed).

Seek Homeopathic Treatment from a Classically trained, professional homeopath for any chronic or acute health concerns. At Access Natural Healing Centre, we have the highest calibre, professional Homeopaths to serve you and your families natural health care needs.

We offer homeopathic treatment for, but not limited to: Allergies, Asthmatic Bronchitis, Headaches, Many psychological problems and disorders including Anxiety and Depression, Constipation, Diarrhea, Insomnia, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, ADD, Autism, Weight Control, Menopausal symptoms, Chalazion, Eczema, Hepatitis-C, IBS, Psoriasis, Tonsillitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Urticaria, Vitiligo.

Good luck and remember to research responsibly. The internet can be a great first start to your research but follow it up with grounding contact with a professional of your choice.

Sincerely,
Elena Cecchetto ("El" for short) DCH, CCH (pending), HMC (pending)

How to Control Ulcerative Colitis Flare Up?


Flare up symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be controlled by natural remedies and also medication. While herbs like turmeric, aloe Vera and Boswellia have a major role in controlling the inflammation; patients should also avoid high fiber diets and cut down on stress.

An inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum and is characterized by open sores and ulcers. Its main symptoms include diarrhea accompanied by frequent watery and bloody stools and abdominal cramps. Due to the similarities in symptoms, it is often confused with Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, which is actually a functional bowel disorder.

A far more serious disease compared to Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis requires immediate treatment. Regarded as an intermittent disease, patients suffering from ulcerative colitis experience painful flare up symptoms in the form of loose stool and severe abdominal cramps from time to time. Several natural remedies as well as medications are available for controlling flare-ups. The remedial treatment is based on the symptoms a patient experiences and looks to control the pain, ulcers and inflammation and also improve the overall health.

Apart from prescribed medications, remedies for ulcerative colitis flare-ups include taking herbal supplements and also nutritional supplements in the form of vitamins and minerals.

Probiotics - A gut friendly bacteria, probiotics is mainly taken in the form of VSL-3 and helps control the inflammation of the colon.

Turmeric - Having strong anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps fight infection and even has a role in preventing cancer.

Aloe Vera - Taken in the form of gel capsules or drunk as juice, aloe vera helps in controlling ulcers along with reducing inflammation. It also helps in healing other digestive tract and stomach ailments.
Boswellia - Taken in the form of capsules, Boswellia has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and thus helps control abdominal cramps, loose stool and stabilizes bowel movement.

Nutritional Supplements - Frequent loose stool leads to the loss of essential body fluids and nutrients leading to weight loss and fatigue. Thus, patients suffering from this disease must take multi-vitamin capsules to make up for the loss of nutrients. Iron supplements help in controlling anemia, while Vitamin E being a strong anti-oxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties, prevents bleeding, and also boosts the immune system.

Moreover it has been seen that diet has a major role in the flare up of the disease. Patients suffering from ulcerative colitis should avoid fiber-rich foods like whole wheat bread, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine and red meat. Removing fibers from the diet results in lesser formation of undigested residue and thus helps in controlling the frequent loose stools. Although oils should be avoided as much as possible, omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fish like tuna, sardine and mackerel help in reducing flare up symptoms and controlling inflammation.

Do You Fart More or Less?


The digestive system, like all other body organs, is susceptible to various diseases too. Depending on what you eat and how you eat it and also when you eat, your dietary habits do determine what diseases affect your digestive system.

Did you know that farting is considered a sign of a healthy digestive system.

Digestion starts in the mouth. With the aid of saliva, the teeth break down the food into smaller portions. As the saliva moistens the food, it digests starch into maltose. After digestion in the mouth, the food is rolled into little balls and pushed down the throat through a process called peristalsis, into the stomach.

In the stomach, the food is mixed with gastric juice. Together with the hydrochloric acid, these digestive juices further breakdown the food into absorbable substance. After about three or four hours of digestion, the absorbable substances leave the stomach for the duodenum.

In the duodenum, the rest of the substances that had not been digested or fully digested in the stomach are then further converted into absorbable elements. After the duodenum, the digested substances leave for the intestines where absorption does take place.

Nearly all the digested food is absorbed in the small intestines. With substances such as mineral salts, water, cellulose and vegetable?fibre?which are not?absorbed?here, they are passed on to the large intestines where they are absorbed into the blood. What is not absorbed is then passed out of the body through the anus.

There are many diseases and health conditions that affect the digestive system. Many of these diseases are lifestyle related illnesses, and thus are common among people. They include indigestion, gastritis, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, colitis, flatulence and Crohn's disease. Here is a brief description of these diseases, their causes and their symptoms.

Mouth sores. These are painful ulcerations that are white and red. These are cold sores that can be caused by allergic reactions, deficiencies, a weak immune system or a viral infection.

Bad breath. Have you met a person with a foul smell from the mouth? This?condition?is known as halitosis and it is caused by poor digestive, constipation, oral hygiene, alcohol and other substance consumption.

Dental carries and gingivitis. This is the inflammation of the gums and the teeth. Both are caused by oral bacteria and sugar intake. Gingivitis leads to peridontitis, which is the loss of teeth.

Indigestion. This is painful digestion characterized by flatulence, discomfort and acidity. Medical studies illustrate that it can be an early symptom of a serious illness such as ulcers. Its causes are usually organic, a result of unhealthy diets that compromise the digestive process.

Gastritis. This is the inflammation of the gastric mucus. It is caused by reaction of the mucus linings to certain types of foods and fluids, consumption of alcohol and other substances such as drugs and tobacco.

Flatulence. This is where you have excess intestinal gas. This is usually as a result of its production by intestinal bacteria.

Ulcers. This is the inflammation of the stomachs linings. This condition can be fatal if not treated and effectively managed. ??It is caused by excess stomach acid and is aggravated by intake of spices, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, drugs and stress.

Constipation. This is a condition where food does travel too slowly in the intestines. It does produce toxins which are then absorbed into the blood resulting into autointoxication of the body. It can be caused by substances such as drugs, alcohol and lack of adequate physical activity.

Diarrhoea. This is where the food does travel too fast in the intestines. This condition renders absorption inadequate since the mineral salts and water are not absorbed into the blood stream.

Ulcerative colitis. This is the inflammation of the colon. It is characterized by loose?faeces?which sometimes can be accompanied by blood.? It is caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods and medication such as antibiotics.

Crohn's disease. This is the inflammation of both the small and large intestines. Those who are highly at risk of this disease are those who are regular consumers of junk and fast foods.

It is a natural instinct in animals to eat, at least per day. Eating is essential anyway, we need food for survival. To benefit from the food you eat, the body has to digest and then absorb the nutrients into your blood and to all your cells.?Do you eat to live or do you live to eat??You must be familiar too with the phrase "you are what you eat".

Take a look at all the causes of these diseases. It is common that, the dietary choices you make influence a lot on the development of these diseases. To avoid these digestive system illnesses, give your digestive system time to rest. Eating even if you are not hungry or just because it is the hour of serving, only overwhelms your digestive system.

Colon Infection Causes, Symptoms And Treatment


The term "colon infection" can be used in various ways to include a number of different colon disorders and conditions.

When used by doctors, however, it usually refers to a disorder caused by the Clostridium difficile bacteria - more commonly known as C. difficile or simply C diff.

Most C. diff colon infections are experienced by older adults who are in a hospital or living in a nursing home or other long term care facility. The reason they get these infections is the fact that they're taking antibiotics to cope with some other health problem.

The problem occurs because antibiotics not only kill bacteria that cause sickness - they also kill bacteria in our intestines which help us digest our food properly. Without enough of this beneficial bacteria, C. diff takes over and grows rapidly. Once C. diff gets established, it causes an infection by producing a toxic substance that attacks the lining of the cells and intestines. The resulting inflammation causes abdominal pain and discomfort.

If your colon infection is fairly mild, it will probably go away when you stop taking the antibiotic. However, in cases in which the colon infection is more severe, an entirely different type of antibiotic may be needed to kill C. diff.

There are several kinds of antibiotics that seem to produce more colon infections from Clostridium difficile than others. These include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillin and clindamycin.

C difficile bacteria is common in nature. It can be found in abundance in dirt and water, and also on plants. This bacteria, which is also found in the feces of humans and animals, tends to spread quickly in places where sanitation is poor. It floats easily in the air and can settle on surfaces where it can be transmitted to hands.

Avoiding C. diff bacteria can be done the same way you protect yourself from germs of all kinds: keep surfaces at home clean and wash your hands a lot. C diff produces spores that spread readily and can live on surfaces for months. Touching a surface where these germs have landed, and then touching your lips or mouth, could give them entrance to your digestive tract. This could start a chain of events that ends with a colon infection.

The fact that you have C. diff germs in your digestive tract doesn't always mean your going to get sick. But individuals who have C.. diff can certainly spread them to other people who will then develop a colon infection in turn.

In the last few decades, an increasing number of colon infections caused by C. difficile have been reported. A new form of Clostridium difficile bacterium has mutated which is even more aggressive. This type resists medications that were effective before, resulting in several serious outbreaks in the last ten years or so.

Symptoms of a colon infection can take a long time to appear after C. diff germs get into your system. It can be months. When colon infection symptoms do appear, they may include those detailed below.

* Mild abdomen pain and tenderness, or stomach cramps.
* Very watery bowel movements and diarrhea that lasts at least two days.
* A type of severe colon inflammation known as colitis.
* The most disconcerting symptom may be raw tissue, blood, and pus that you'll notice in bowel movements..
* Fever and nausea.
* Loss of appetite followed by loss of weight..
* Signs of dehydration

It's time to call a doctor if you have these symptoms for 2-3 days or more.

Once it's been established that your colon infection has been caused by Clostridium difficile, your doctor will probably tell you to discontinue the antibiotic you've been taking. Even though your colon infection symptoms will probably improve, there are other treatment steps that may still be required.

The good news is this. There are other antibiotics you can take that will kill Clostridium difficile without destroying the helpful bacteria in your system. The most frequently prescribed among these are known as metronidazole and vancomycin. Side effects like nausea are possible with both, and they may also leave a bitter taste. It's especially important not to drink alcoholic beverages when taking metronidazole.

There are a number of probiotics which be beneficial in restoring your intestinal tract Saccharomyces boulardii, a variety of yeast, has been effective for some patients when combined with medications.

Surgery is not usually performed, but may be done in severe cases.

Not all the treatments for a colon infection recommended above will work every time. When a colon infection returns, it's usually because the Clostridium difficile bacteria was not completely removed in the initial treatment. It can also come back because the individual has been exposed to a different strain.

Ulcerative Colitis And Depression


Ailments like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome - are they linked to depression? There is a link according to old studies but results are inconclusive and vague.

Ailments like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome - are they linked to depression? Well, you don't have to be a medical expert to conclude that any illnesses or for that matter any bad or negative thing is inevitably linked to depression. But the answer to the question is not exactly yes.

First, let's make sure we have the meanings clear. Depression can be described as a general low feeling and the opposite of feeling cheerful, sadness if you will. But sometimes it can be serious enough to be classified as a disorder. Depression can cause other symptoms like change in sleep and food patterns, aches and pains, behavior changes, social isolation, reckless behavior and sometimes even dangerous, murderous and suicidal behavior.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a feeling of discomfort and pain in the digestive system caused by infections and immune reactions. It is a relatively minor aliment and can be controlled through diet and medication. Ulcerative colitis on the other hand is a more serious condition and requires special attention. It is an inflammation of the colon and the severity of the symptoms can very within a wide range in one patient. Crohn's disease, like ulcerative colitis is also a form of inflammatory bowel disease but is distinct from ulcerative colitis.

So back to the question - do ailments like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome have a link to depression? Well, studies have been conducted on the links between bowel conditions and depression. Links have been found, but what exactly those links are is a bit of a grey area. Besides, these studies were conducted long ago when technology was not so advanced and the results were mostly written off as inconclusive and unreliable and medical research at that time would rather focus its attention on the new and more serious issues of cancer and AIDS.

Whether stomach ailments can cause depression is unclear, but on the other hand, the opposite is certified true! But this is a very general knowledge - mental state can definitely affect recovery from diseases and ailments. This has been proved over and over again - positive or negative thinking does have a physiological effect.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Prevention As a Relief of Constipation


The condition referred to as constipation is known by many other names including dyssynergic defaecation and costiveness dyschezia. It is distinguished by having difficulty in bowel movements, oftentimes producing hard lumpy stools. The passing of these stools cause pain. Although generally harmless, a chronic form known as obstipation can cause severe pain. Oftentimes it has been said that prevention is better than a cure. It is all the more true in the case of constipation. The symptom is easier to prevent from happening than it is to treat. Constipation remedies such as laxatives are not as effective without a proper change in the diet and lifestyle.

There are numerous ways which can cause people to become constipated. Some of the most common causes include not having enough fiber or liquids in the system, not doing a lot of physical activity, a side effect of certain medications, colorectal cancer and even hypothyroidism. In some cases, stress is also a factor.

For some individuals who suffer from constipation, taking laxatives is the easier alternative than changing the diet. However, routine consumption of laxatives is not encouraged as it can lead to dependency on the medication. Laxatives made from natural ingredients are a better alternative. Laxatives containing milk of magnesia is popular as these are both cheap and effective. For those that do not gain relief from consuming laxatives, stimulants may be used as an alternative. Another common treatment is by taking enemas. These help in bowel movement. However, these are only effective in certain areas of the digestive system.

Humans are not alone in experiencing constipation. Animals such as bears and canines also get constipated. Bears purposely induce a form of constipation by eating certain foods before hibernation, creating a rectal plug in the process. As such, bears and other hibernating animals undergo a phase during spring where they painfully expel the waste from their body. On the other hand, canines consume grasses and some type of plants to make the bowel move smoothly.

Much like animals, people also need to defecate on a regular basis in order to live a healthy life. In addition, the stools passed must not be lumpy and hard. Dry and hard stools are difficult to pass and a clear indication of having constipation, regardless of whether the movement is regular or not. A healthy diet consisting of foods rich in fiber and nutrients as well as lots of liquids is essential in order to have relief of constipation.