Current Therapies To Get Rid Of Acid Reflux

There are numerous approaches which may be adopted in order to get rid of acid reflux:

Lifestyle changes and Medicinal uses
Lifestyle changes are beneficial to get rid of acid reflux such as sleeping on the left side with the body raised along with things like avoiding causative foods. Even though these may be effective and decrease the chances of heartburn, these methods can be uncomfortable while the likelihood of the symptoms returning may be higher than realized. The symptoms of acid reflux are also alleviated using various medications with the most common one being the class of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole. This method is perhaps the most efficient however again there may be problems associated with taking the medications such as side effects, drug interactions with existing medicines or even problems with remembering to take the medicines on time.

Natural Remedies
There is also an existence of natural remedies which attempt to get rid of acid reflux which may be used alone or combined with medications. Natural remedies are generally used in those who are not exhibiting severe symptoms associated with heartburn. A few natural remedies which aid the improvement of the condition are discussed below.

Apple cider vinegar is a common natural remedy used to get rid of acid reflux. This remedy has shown to be highly effective however; the method by which it works is unknown. Furthermore, an overdose of apple cider vinegar may cause a decrease in potassium leading to hypokalaemia which can be a huge health risk. Additionally, it may also reduce bone density which predisposes towards osteoporosis.

Aloe Vera is another natural remedy used for this condition. It is usually taken orally as a juice form for some symptoms of ulcerative colitis and is thought to be effective for acid reflux. However, problems are also common with this remedy and involve the prevalence of side effects. Aloe Vera is marketed to improve and maintain the well being of the digestive system however; there is no scientific evidence to support this use.

As discussed, the above options for a person suffering from heartburn and acid reflux may not be the most appropriate whether it is due to the effects of prescription drugs, risks associated with surgery or just poor efficacy of these therapies due to the severity of the condition. However, there is still a possibility to completely cure acid reflux and improve the health of the digestive system through an accomplished plan which is proven to be effective.

The IBD Or Inflammatory Bowel Disease Known As Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is the condition that causes the lining of the colon and the rectum to be chronically inflamed and develop ulcers or sores that produce pus and bleed. The most common symptoms of this inflammatory bowel disease or IBD are diarrhea containing blood and abdominal pain.

Ulcerative colitis is a serious condition that can cause many complications including some that are life-threatening. While there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis, many patients are able to manage their symptoms and sometimes experience a remission through various forms of treatment.

The Different Types and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

There are several different type of colitis that are basically categorized by the areas that are affected and each type has a slight variation on the symptoms, however, the most common symptoms associated with all forms of colitis are bleeding, diarrhea, and pain. Ulcerative proctitis is when the inflammation primarily occurs in the rectum.

Symptoms that are associated with this type of colitis include rectal bleeding, and in some cases rectal pain and difficulty emptying the bowels even when having the urge to do so. Left-sided colitis is when the inflammation occurs begins at the rectum and continues up the left side of the colon including the sigmoid and descending colon. The symptoms that occur with left-sided colitis include abdominal pain and cramping that is felt on the left side, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss that is unintentional.

When the colitis is present at the lower end of the colon or the sigmoid colon and the rectum, it is called proctosigmoiditis and causes the symptoms of abdominal pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea, and tenesmus which is the urge to have a bowel movement with the inability to pass stool or passing very little.

When the entire colon is affected by colitis this is called pancolitis and produces the symptoms of bloody diarrhea, weight loss that is significant, abdominal cramps and pain, as well as fatigue. There is also a very rare form of colitis called fulminant colitis that affects the entire colon and can cause serious complications and is a life threatening condition. Patients who suffer from this type of colitis experience severe pain and diarrhea, and sometimes become dehydrated can go into shock.

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for ulcerative colitis and a patient will have this condition for life. Treatment for ulcerative colitis focuses on reducing the inflammation that causes the symptoms. Some individuals may experience a long-term remission of their colitis after treatment.

The first form of treatment that is typically used for colitis is anti-inflammatory medications, however, there are several different types of these drugs of which one that may work for one individual will not work for another. A patient may have to try several different types of medication before finding the one that works for them.

Medications may also be prescribed to treat other underlying medical condition or complications that may have occurred from having ulcerative colitis. Surgery may also be recommended if other forms of treatment have failed. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with colitis, it is essential that you contact your physician as soon as possible to obtain a medical evaluation in order to prevent any further damage or serious complications from occurring.

Facts on Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Supplements

A good source of healthy fatty acids is Nordic Naturals Omega 3. Omega 3 is one of the few fatty acids that is good for the body.Unknown to some people, fat is not the bad guy. There are some types of fats that prove to be useful and very essential to the body. Unsaturated fat, like those found in fish oil and olive oil, are healthy fat that can aid you in living healthy. Fish oil is particularly rich in omega 3 fatty acids. That is probably one of the reasons why fish is a staple food item for many people.

One of the many reasons why omega 3 is popular is because it is known to reduce the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular disorders. Since it is the good kind of fat, it does not promote fat build-up within the walls of the blood vessels. It has also been found to decrease the chances of stroke. Omega 3 helps reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body and helps regulate the blood pressure.

Another benefit of Omega 3 is that it promotes fat metabolism and prevents the breakdown of muscles. Studies show that those who combine exercise, proper diet and a dose of omega 3, burn more calories than people who don't get a dose of the fatty acid. This essential fatty acid is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it alleviates symptoms of asthma and ulcerative colitis.

But the benefits don't stop there. Nordic Naturals Omega 3 is also known to boost the calcium levels of the body, thus preventing the occurrence of bone and joint diseases. That is why people with arthritis are advised to add to their diet, food items which are packed with omega 3. There are still more benefits to taking supplements. Omega 3 lessens the risks of certain kinds of cancer and keeps the body functioning properly.

Other claimed benefits of omega 3 are that it promotes healthy skin and prevents acne and other skin diseases. It is known to help boost the memory and improve cognitive function. This fatty acid helps in the transmission of impulses between brain cells. In fact, doctors prescribe pregnant women to consume omega 3-rich foods to further the neurological development of the baby. By taking the necessary amount of omega 3 fatty acids, you could also reduce your risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Since omega 3 is a natural chemical to help the body reach its full working potential, there are no harmful side effects. Consuming tuna, salmon or flaxseeds can give you the daily dose of omega 3 that your body needs.

However, if eating fish or hundreds of seeds does not appeal to you, you could always turn to supplements. You should bear in mind the quality of the supplement and how much omega 3 it contains. But before you buy your supplements, it's always a good idea to have a little chat with your physician first. Nordic Naturals Omega 3 supplements may be healthy, and they should be taken as prescribed, and with the approval of your physician.

Beginner's Guide to Gluten Allergy Symptoms

Anything which includes flour (white or wheat) as an ingredient is not allowed and these are the most common culprits when it comes to avoiding gluten.

So why should you avoid gluten? As problem foods go, it is up there with the best of them when it comes to harming your body. It can be alluded to pre-disease such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis among others.

Gluten is a protein which is in food grains (such as wheat, barley, oats, rye, and corn) that can produce allergic reactions in some people. Gluten is used as a filler and as a binder in pre-packaged foods.

Gluten intolerance is not a nice thing. If you suffer with gluten intolerance or sensitivity or Coeliac Disease then you will know the feeling of stomach cramping, pain, gas, constipation or diarrhea. People who have Coeliac Disease cannot eat food products containing gluten because it is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food, and if a person suffering with Coeliac or gluten intolerance consumes gluten in any form, the immune system responds as if it were toxic by either destroying or damaging the villi which lines the small intestine. A human needs these villi to enable the body to absorb vital nutrients.

Gluten, while mostly a food substance, can sometimes be found in medicines, vitamins and lip balms.

There are things you can do to stop feeling unwell due to gluten intolerance like eliminating all grain and removing pasteurised dairy products too. Usually if you have gluten intolerance, you will need a multifaceted approach as you will probably find that it is not only gluten that gives you problems. Some people take a daily supplement of key proteins such as glycerine and arginine help to replenish and heal the gut over time.

The best thing I ever did was educate myself into a different way of thinking with food through researching the best things for me to eat. This was very difficult when I was first diagnosed as it wasn't very well known or documented then and everything I tried to make myself was really bland!

Colon Cancer: Don't Miss The Symptoms

The colon (together with the rectum) are part of the large intestine (bowel). The colon is a muscular tube that is about five feet long. It absorbs water and nutrients from food passing through. The rectum, the lower six inches of the digestive tract, serves as a holding place for stool, which then passes out of the body through the anus. The colon is divided into four sections: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. Most colorectal cancers arise in the sigmoid colon -- the portion just above the rectum. They usually start in the innermost layer and can grow through some or all of the several tissue layers that make up the colon and rectum. Cancer can, however, develop in any portion of the colon. The extent to which a cancer penetrates the various tissue layers of the colon determines the stage of the disease.

What is Colon Cancer? Colon and rectal cancers are the second most prevalent type after lung cancer among men, and the third most prevalent after breast cancer and lung cancer in women. Most colorectal types grow slowly over a period of several years, often beginning as small benign growths called polyps. Removing these polyps early, before they become malignant, is an effective means of preventing colorectal cancer. If the epithelia cells (the cells in the mucous membrane of the colon) turn cancerous and begin to grow and replicate in an abnormal and uncontrolled way, the body cannot organize these cells for normal function and the cells form a mass that is called a tumor. Malignant tumors in the colon can eventually penetrate through the colon and spread to other parts of the body, crowding and destroying normal cells.

Everyone is potentially at risk of developing colon cancer at some point in their lifetime. Although colon cancer occurs mostly in mature individuals, it can also occur in younger men and women as well. Some of the risk factors include a personal history of colonic or rectal polyps, a personal or family history of colon or rectal cancer, and certain conditions, such as chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) and Crohn's disease. Diet also appears to be a factor in the development of colon cancer.

Warning Symptoms Of Colon Cancer: There are symptoms or warning symptoms that should raise the suspicion that one has cancer. These include: Obstruction As the colon cancer grows, particularly if it is located in the transverse colon or in the descending and sigmoid colons, it may cause obstruction, leading to a build-up of pressure. This can result in pain and in swelling of the abdomen. In more extreme cases of obstruction, there may also be nausea and vomiting. Bleeding As tumors expand, they can be traumatized by the fecal stream, causing them to bleed. The blood is often hidden in the stool and not readily visible. In some cases bleeding may be visible on the stool or there is rectal bleeding. Anemia In some cases, as the tumor bleeds, it causes iron deficiency anemia to occur. Pain Once the tumor penetrates the wall of the colon and begins to invade adjacent tissue, it can cause pain, together with additional symptoms. For example, if the cancer spreads to the bladder, it may cause urinary problems. Wasting Syndrome In some cases, colon cancer can cause a loss of appetite, weight, and strength.

While the above warning signs can occur even in individuals without colon cancer, if someone does exhibit these symptoms, appropriate diagnostic procedures should be recommended in order to rule out colon cancer.

Colon cancer generally grows slowly over a period of years. Once the cancer breaks through the colon, it can enter blood or the lymphatic system grow and spread very rapidly. As the cancer grows, it often spreads into the liver and the lungs. It can also spread to the bones, especially in the pelvis. Depending on the location of the tumor, it can also spread to the clavicle.

The American Cancer Society recommends that screening for colon cancer in individuals without any symptoms commence at age 50. Screening should consist of a yearly digital rectal examination (DRE) and a fecal occult bloot test (FOBT). Sigmoidoscopies, preferably flexible endoscopic sigmoidoscopies, should occur every three to five years. For anyone with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colon cancer under the age of 55, screening should start by age 40.

Facts - Colon Cancer Is the second leading of death from cancer in the U.S. Over 50% of all new cases of colon cancer involve metastasis by the time of diagnosis Approximately 102,900 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. Approximately 48,100 Americans will die from colon cancer this year. 80 to 90 million Americans are at risk of developing colon cancer If colon cancer is detected and treated early, the survival rate is high.

Screening The American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenteroloy recommend that screening for colon cancer in individuals without any symptoms commence at age 50. The recommended method for screening is a colonoscopy (repeated every ten years if no polyps or tumors are found and the person has no risk factors). The recommended alternative method for screening is a yearly digital rectal examination (DRE) and a fecal occult bloot test (FOBT). Sigmoidoscopies, preferably flexible endoscopic sigmoidoscopies, should occur every three to five years. For anyone with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colon cancer under the age of 55, screening is recommended starting at age 40.

Medical Malpractice and Colon Cancer The incidence of medical malpractice related to the diagnosis of colon cancer is alarming. It is the second most common type of cancer in the U.S., resulting in an expected 48,100 deaths this year. Nonetheless, too many men and women have their cancer diagnosis delayed when the doctors in whose hands such men and women entrust their well-being fail to perform appropriate screening tests, fail to properly interpret test results, and fail to take necessary steps when symptoms of cancer are reported. When this happens, the physician has been negligent. And the tragic result of this negligence is too often the loss of treatment options and/or the loss of chance of survival.

My law firm is devoted to explaining how medical malpractice arises in the context of a failure by a physician to timely diagnosing colon cancer; to describing what is involved in pursuing a medical malpractice claim; and to offering a convenient and free attorney consultation to those who believe they have been the victim of medical malpractice.

Why You May Have a Claim According to a report by the Institute of Medicine, medical errors are responsible for at least 44,000 deaths each year in the United States and possibly as many as 98,000 each year. The following are among the more common forms of negligence or medical malpractice by physicians in diagnosing and/or treating colon cancer: Failing to perform a routine digital rectal examination (DRE); Failing to identify a cancerous mass in the rectum or lower colon during a routine digital rectal examination; Failing to perform a screening sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy; Failure to order appropriate diagnostic examinations (such as a colonoscopy) to test for colon cancer when a patient exhibits symptoms that can be caused by colon cancer; Misinterpreting the biopsy results; Failing to react to biopsy findings; Failing to recommend appropriate treatment options; and Failing to follow-up with the patient. The above are only examples and are by no means intended to be an exhaustive list of acts of malpractice. If you suspect that your doctor failed to detect and/or properly treat your colon cancer, you should contact a competent attorney immediately.

Contact us for a Free Consultation

Please feel free to contact me directly at RJaffe@lcjLawFirm.com or 516.358.6900 if you or a family member have been diagnosed with Colon Cancer and a doctor or other medical professional discounted complaints of rectal bleeding as just hemorrhoids, failed to screen for colon cancer by recommending a colonoscopy or testing for blood in the stool and a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or failed to follow up after an abnormal test result.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aloe Vera

An African plant which is very plump and juicy is known as Aloe Vera. This plant is green and has long leaves with very edgy corners. The gel of Aloe Vera is extracted from its juicy leaves. This gel is very rich in nutrients and is very good for the health. This gel is supposed to be a blend of acids of amino, various types of vitamins, numerous enzymes and other vitamins and minerals.

Aloe vera also has very rich properties such as it controls the inflammation of various fluids of the body. It also helps the body be away from the problem of itching. It also contains very powerful anti-oxidants which help the body to have sufficient amount of oxygen. It also helps to heal the wounds very quickly. It protects the body from any type of bacteria or foreign attack. It also protects the body from all types of viruses. It also protects the body from all types of fungi. It also behaves like a pain killer for the body. It also keeps the skin new, fresh and prevents it from deadening. It keeps the skin very cool and comforting.

Aloe vera also helps a lot in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The disease ulcerative colitis has various symptoms. Some of the symptoms are that the patient suffers from severe loose motions. This can also lead to the very sevior Crohn's disease. It can also lead to regular problem of acidity. Its initial symptoms are small burns on the skin. It can also lead to a disease known as psoriasis. It also results in a serious skin problem known as seborrheic dermatitis. Some times it also leads to serious eruptions on the skin. It also leads to a particular form of diabetes. If a person suffers from such a disease than the healing of the injuries of the person also takes a lot of time. The most important thing is that aloe vera helps to avoid all these symptoms.

Aloe vera is a very excellent treatment for all kinds of ulcerative diseases. It is because it has various medical properties such as it helps to keep the skin new and healthy. It also repairs the skin internally. It is also advised that aloe vera should not be taken in large quantities as it can react in a negative way. An advice must be taken from the doctor before consuming it.

Is Sugar Poisoning You?

You have just finished savoring the last chunk of your favorite chocolate and you are unaware of the dangers of sugar that were involved in every bite that you took. On an average, every American consumes two to three pounds of sugar in a week. Does this surprise you? Well, sugar is taken in as bread, breakfast cereals, peanut butter, your favorite ketchup and gallons of juices that you take to keep yourself hydrated. Actually, sugar consumption has increased in the last twenty years. I don't think you are even aware that sugar is a chemical and an addictive drug. Trying to stop intake or reducing intake can lead to withdrawal symptoms as serious as those in alcohol withdrawal.

One of the most unknown dangers of sugar intake is its effect on the immune system. Sugar suppresses white blood cells and reduces their number, thereby, bringing about a suppression of the immune system. Thus the person is more prone to infections and diseases. The effect is more profound in children than adults. Type 2 diabetes is another danger of sugar. Constant presence of sugar in the diet would increase the secretion of insulin and the pancreas is fatigued by this continuous action. Thus they burn out, leading to diabetes.

Common Dangers of Sugar

o Tooth decay
o Obesity
o Sugar rush or hyperactivity in children
o Chronic fatigue
o Increase in pre-menstrual symptoms
o Depletion of minerals and vitamins
o Mood swings and depression
o Increased growth of Candida
o High cholesterol
o Chromium and copper deficiency
o Anxiety and panic attacks
o Adrenal gland depletion
o Increase risk of ulceration colitis
o Upset body's mineral balance
o Produce acidic stomach

Refined sugar has no nutrients. It is just an empty calorie food. For being assimilated, sugar requires help from vitamin and mineral reserves of the body thus depleting them in the process. Therefore, the body is at a nutritional disadvantage in digesting sugars.

Thus, a combination of sugar and caffeine is lethal for the body. The early morning sugary coffee which gives most of us a high is just a starter of the sugary cravings to hit us in the next twenty four hours. The dangers of caffeine on the heart are well known, add to it the legalized recreational drug sugar and there is no limit to the highs that can be obtained. We would experience fluctuations of highs and lows never thinking what we are doing to our bodies.

Try stopping it and the real danger of sugar consumption would hit you then. Sugar is present in everything you eat from soups to even salt thus getting rid of it seems impossible. But try, if you can. Read labels of food that you buy. Slow and eventual reduction of sugar intake can make you successful in reaching a sugar free diet. There is no right amount of sugar that can be consumed.

Can I Ease Chronic Colitis?

Question:

I suffer from chronic ulcerative colitis, and I am on pharmaceutical drugs, which cause side effects that outweigh the benefits. How can I control it?

Answer:

Ulcerative colitis is characterised by an inflamed colon, which may also have numerous ulcers. This condition is caused by the lining of the colon being attacked by the body's own antibodies. A bacterial invasion or some other unknown cause can change the nature of the proteins of the lining. When this happens, the white blood cells reclassify the altered proteins as enemies. They then instruct their special defence units (the lymphocytes) to produce antibodies to fight the altered proteins and the body starts to destroy its own tissue.

Ulceration occurs as the lining of the colon becomes damaged. The ulcers can bleed and cause abdominal pain -the two most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Colitis also causes swelling of the gut lining, and loss of functions such as absorption of water and essential minerals and vitamins, formation of stools and storage of waste materials. The ulcers are particularly painful before a motion is passed. Because they bleed, there is frequently fresh blood in the motion.

Diarrhoea is also common. Normally there are folds of mucus-rich tissue lining the inner layer of the colon. When big stools are passing down the colon, the mucus lining expands to ease their passage. Due to the inflammation, these folds disappear and the colon cannot hold stool masses. This results in diarrhoea.

Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis are anaemia (due to the bleeding), fatigue (due to anaemia and the malabsorption of magnesium and calcium), cramps in the legs at night (due to calcium deficiency) and weight loss (due to malabsorption and bleeding). Sufferers get nervous because of the constant fear of 'accidents' due to diarrhoea And the stress of this makes everything worse. Because of this anxiety, physicians sometimes treat ulcerative colitis as a psychological disorder without realising that the mental symptoms are secondary.

My approach is to help the loose stools to firm up, so the fear of accidents is removed. Hopefully you will be able to come off the drugs, but this should be done in consultation with your doctor.

These are my recommendations:

* For four months, eat a diet that helps absorption of nutrients but is fibre-free and devoid of substances that may irritate the bowels. Ear nothing but mushy rice; mashed potatoes with olive oil and salt: jacket potatoes with butter and salt, but not the skin; minced lamb/turkey/chicken cooked in olive oil with garlic, ginger, salt and perhaps a pinch of black pepper; mashed root vegetables; boiled eggs; pasta with olive oil; cottage cheese; live yoghurt manuka honey; carrot and/or pomegranate juice. After four weeks, include oatmeal porridge made with water, as long as it does not cause diarrhea.

* Take a multivitamin and mineral tablet daily because of the lack of fresh vegetables.

* Drink pure, still water; add Dioralyte (available from chemists) or a pinch of salt if you have diarrhea. Avoid tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

* After four months of this diet, if the diarrhoea has settle down, introduce heads of cauliflower and broccoli; asparagus; peeled apples, pears and plums; grapes; bananas, Ryvita and rice cakes. Stay on this regime for three to six months until the abdomen settles down.

* It is essential to do one to two hours a day of vigorous exercise such as power walking, running, lifting light weights, swimming, tennis or strenuous dancing. This will create a demand for more energy so the body is forced to absorb more food by changing the lining of the gut (which is what we want). The muscle-building hormones created by intensive exercise act like steroids, which help to cure the inflammation of the bowels and can replace the steroid drugs which are prescribed for ulcerative colitis.

* Take kadu to help detoxify the body: soak two twigs in a cup of hot water at night, strain and drink the infusion first thing in the morning for two months.

* Ayurvedic remedies to aid digestion are also useful, such as Stomach Formula: take one daily for two months.

* Pomegranate infusion: boil a 5cm square piece of pomegranate peel in two cups of water for l0- 15 minutes, and let it infuse for l5 minutes. Strain and drink half the liquid in the morning and the other half in the evening, before meals. Do this twice a week for a month; it will calm the intestines and help stop diarrhea.

* Relaxation and good sleep are essential, so play a relaxation tape at bedtime to help you unwind.

Anal Fissures and Fistulae

Anal fissures and fistulae are not very common but when they occur, they become a painful and unpleasant condition. Rectal tearing is distressing and highly resistant to treatment and everybody endures it at some point in their life. This tear in the lining of the anus or the skin around it is called anal fissure. Fistulae are the abnormal channels from the anus which open onto the skin surrounding the anus.

Anal fissure and fistula have no specific causes but constipation is commonly associated with them. They are also associated with a number of conditions resulting in an inflammatory digestive tract. These conditions may be Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or many more. Fistula is caused by collection of pus called abscess or infection, in one of the glands near anus and it may also result in multiple anal fissures.

The fistula symptoms and complications for anal fissure may be sudden and severe pain in the anus or the surrounding area. The pain may occur spontaneously or during or shortly after the passage of a hard stool. The pain is recurring and sharp and gets worse with a bowel movement. Due to this, the victims avoid opening the bowels which worsens the constipation and so the fissure takes more time in healing. This condition is also associated with 'sentinel pile', a haemorrhoid - a small vein from inside the anus lying outside- which may bleed sometimes and leave a blood streak on toilet paper.

Anal fistula is generally associated with painful abscess, which may be dull and throbbing, in or near the anus. The abscess has a pus discharge which may be blood-stained. The fistula formation results in continuous seeping of pus or a thin, watery fluid from the anus, which can also be blood-streaked. Large abscesses may also cause fever. Fistula symptoms may also be loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever and weight loss.

Anal fissure and fistula need care and treatment. The care to be taken is firstly having a fiber rich diet with fruits and vegetables which prevents the fissures occurrence and fastens the healing process. Medications are also used if healthy diet is not sufficient, for controlling constipation, with over-the-counter medicines. Creams or ointments that contain pain-killing local anesthetic agents are very useful at relieving the pain of anal fissures. Relief of the pain reduces the spasm in the muscles of the anus, which often prevents the fissure from healing.

Testing And Treatment For Leaky Gut Syndrome

It is often difficult to pin down an accurate diagnosis for leaky gut syndrome. The symptoms can be so varied and sometimes so vague that many patients will end up getting treated for a condition they do not even have.

The nourishment for our bodies is delivered through our gastrointestinal system. After we eat, our stomach begins the process of breaking down the food so that it can be absorbed. Enzymes help to reduce the size of the food particles and hydrochloric acid kills of pathogens before the food is passed on to the small intestine.

After passing through the stomach, food enters the small intestine where most of the nutrients needed for our body are absorbed. The small intestine is lined with villi (singular villus), small protrusions that increase the amount of area available to take in the digested food. The villi are rich in capillaries, which make it easy for food to pass through the villi into the bloodstream; this is considered to be normal intestinal permeability. When the normal condition of the small intestine has been upset, through yeast infection, stress, or any other causes, spaces open up between the villi that allow food and fat particles, as well as toxins, to enter the body cavity causing leaky gut syndrome.

The large intestine takes water and vitamins out of the food that passes into it. Although there are no villi in the colon, there are invaginations and goblet cells, which can also be subject to deterioration and increased intestinal permeability. As with the small intestine, openings can appear, passing all manner of toxins into the body.

Unsurprisingly, leaky gut syndrome will probably cause intestinal problems to begin with, and the patient can suffer from gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or muscular spasms in the belly. However, symptoms such as headache, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, and insomnia can also occur. It is easy to understand how leaky gut syndrome can cause such a range of problems as the contents of both intestines will be oozing out right into the surrounding tissues and organs. No part of the body will be safe from these contaminating substances.

Part of the trouble with correctly diagnosing leaky bowel syndrome symptoms is that they can be so broad or so vague that pinning down the cause can be difficult. Often a correct diagnosis is only reached by performing tests. One of the first will be to test for a Candida yeast infection. A blood test will be necessary for this, and the presence of certain antibodies will indicate that an overgrowth of yeast has occurred. A stool sample will also probably be called for, and this can not only indicate yeast, but also how well the food has been digested. Poorly digested foods can be a red flag for leaky gut syndrome.

If leaky guts have been caused by yeast, there are several ways to approach this problem. Traditional medicine will probably suggest using one of several antifungal prescription drugs. These can include Nystatin, which is considered safe, or such medicines as Nizoral or Lamisil, both of which have been linked to liver damage.

Another approach is to fight leaky gut syndrome with a diet designed to correct the problems in both intestines. This dietary approach will eliminate foods such as those containing gluten (breads and pastries), fermented beverages, processed foods, dairy products (especially cheese), and sugary foods. Changing your eating habits in this way can help your body repair itself, and can often provide a way to overcome leaky gut syndrome.

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.

Do You Need a Colonoscopy?

It's distressing to realize, but many people don't consider preventative medicine options until it's too late. We might shrug off a lesion or irregular bleeding as something that will go away on its own, but there is always the possibility anomalies like these could be signs of something dire. The push to have tests and procedures done isn't necessarily a plot to drain your bank account, but a gesture to allow you peace of mind that you are healthy and will be for years to come. Getting a colonoscopy to check for possible cancers and other ailments is a good step in maintaining good health.

Who Needs a Colonoscopy?

If you have never before had a colon cancer screening, it's important to note how soon you should schedule an exam. Rule of thumb dictates that a good candidate for early detection should:

• Have had a history of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease in his/her family - an immediate relative


• Have had another type of cancer in the past, or has had colon cancer


• Be fifty years or older and have not yet had one


• Have problems with irregular bleeding from the colon, blood in the stool, or difficulty with bowel movements

Consult with a Specialist

If you fall into any of the above categories, you should seriously consider setting up a consultation with a gastroenterologist or other specialist to determine if an exam is needed. If you are over fifty and have had a colonoscopy in the past, talk to your doctor about how often you should be checked going forward.

The more you listen to your body and know your medical history, the better you can arrange for preventative care.

Can Yogurt Fight Gastrointestinal Ulcers?

Recently, in a report presented at the 237th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, it was revealed that there is a new yogurt which appears to have the ability to fight the bacteria responsible for gastritis and stomach ulcers.

In the report, which was based upon the result of human clinical studies, Japanese researchers claimed that ingesting the yogurt is comparable to the effects of innoculation by a vaccine for both conditions.

Yogurt Facts

Yogurt, a fermented milk product, has long been known to be a healthy source of calcium, protein and various other nutrients. Currently, many brands of yogurt contain probiotics (i.e., certain types of bacteria believed by many alternative and allopathic practitioners to have beneficial impacts on many digestive issues).

This new kind of yogurt may represent a unique approach to fighting stomach ulcers. It is perhaps the latest product in the ever growing, "functional food," market, which now generates some $60 million in annual sales. Indeed, stomach ulcers affect some 25 million people annually in the United States alone.

The study's coordinator, Hajime Hatta, a chemist at Kyoto Women's University, in Japan, had this to say: "With this new yogurt, people can enjoy the taste of yogurt, while preventing or eliminating the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers."

Researchers are hopeful that the new yogurt, which is already available in Japan (under the name "Dr. Piro"), Korea (under the name "Gut",) and Taiwan will soon be on the shelves in the United States.

Stomach Ulcers

Most stomach ulcers are now known to be caused by a bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by overuse of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the past H. pylori ulcers have been effectively treated and eliminated with antibiotics and acid suppressants; however, for millions of poverty-stricken people who suffer from H. pylori ulcers, such treatments may simply be unavailable.

Research has linked childhood H. pylori-induced ulcers to more serious health problems like malnutrition and impaired growth. Scientists have long been at a loss to find a more economical and accessible way of treating these bacteria.

IgY-urease

In the study, Hatta and colleagues point out that H. pylori appears to depend upon a protein known as urease to attach itself to and infect the lining of the stomach. The researchers used classic vaccine-creation techniques in their efforts to thwart the effects of the urease protein, injecting chickens with urease, and allowing the chickens to produce antibodies to the protein. The researchers harvested the antibody, IgY-urease, from the eggs of the chickens, postulating that the consumption of yogurt containing IgY-urease might help to prevent the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the stomach.

The study consisted of a group of 42 people, all of whom suffered from H. pylori ulcers, who were segregated into 2 groups, one group was fed 2 cups daily of untreated yogurt and the other group was fed yogurt containing the antibody. At the end of the 4-week study, urease levels in the latter group had decreased significantly.

Yogurt and Ulcers

Ultimately, although the yogurt appears to be somewhat less effective than antibiotics in treating H. pylori ulcers, it is certainly more accessible and can be eaten every day. The antibody has no effect upon the taste of the yogurt.

Researchers cautioned, however, that since yogurt is a dairy product that also contains egg yolk, those with an allergy to dairy or eggs should not consume this new "anti-ulcer" yogurt. Furthermore, unlike antibiotics, which once taken, can permanently eliminate the problem, the yogurt must be eaten on a consistent basis. So, it would appear that unless an individual wishes to avoid use of an antibiotic, it might well be more beneficial to partake of the permanent solution than to commit to use of a product for the duration of one's lifespan.

Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Questions and Answers

Crohn's Disease and Colitis, inflammatory diseases of the intestines, are misunderstood by many people - including some sufferers. Often when individuals are diagnosed, they are embarrassed to ask questions about their condition. It is vital, however, that Crohn's Disease and Colitis sufferers gather as much information as possible about the state of their health.

Symptoms for these conditions can vary from person to person. As well, sufferers can receive treatment to manage and even eliminate their individual symptoms. A trusted Naturopath physician can be one of the best sources of information about individual cases of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. Certain truths about these conditions have not yet been acknowledged by the regular medical community.

Questions and Answers

. What is Crohn's Disease And Colitis?

Crohn's Disease (CD) can exist anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Usually, Colitis (UC - Ulcerative Colitis) is discovered in the large intestine. Sometimes Colitis, however, will affect part of the small intestine.

. Is There A Cure?

At present, there is no cure for these conditions. Sufferers can, however, manage the symptoms. Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal diseases.

. What Is The Life Span For A Person With Crohn's Disease And Colitis?

People with these conditions are thought to have a normal life span. Generally, men with the condition live to be 78 years and women live for 79 years. These statistics are in line with figures for the average life span of males and females. The untold statistics are when death occurs in Crohn's and Colitis patients there are classified as deaths from complications such as bowel cancer and recorded as a cancer death rather than one of Crohn's or Colitis. This skews the statistics for suffers giving a false impression of greater longevity.

. What Are The Symptoms?

Individuals experience different signs. Sufferers can experience varied symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, and stomach pains, as well as other health issues. People should not ignore the symptoms of these diseases. If left untreated, ordinary symptoms can lead to serious complications.

. What Side Effects Can Result From Untreated Symptoms?

The side effects of these conditions can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening situations. If sufferers ignore their symptoms, they can be stricken with malnutrition, intestinal blockages, damaged organs, and other serious afflictions. Yet these side effects are preventable if individuals get treatment for their symptoms.

. How Can Individuals Manage The Symptoms?

A person's doctor can help with managing - and even temporarily eliminating - a patient's symptoms. Physicians may prescribe drugs to control these conditions. In some situations, doctors may suggest surgery. Yet some sufferers, as well as researchers, claim that Crohn's Disease and Colitis water fasts and a regular raw food diet can eliminate uncomfortable symptoms. Of course, patients must always check with their doctor before embarking on strict fasts or any dramatic changes to one's diet.

. How Could A Raw Food Diet Control Crohn's Disease and Colitis Symptoms?

At present, researchers are exploring the connection between a raw food diet and more manageable (and even disappearing) symptoms. The study of Vitamin A plays a significant part in this research. Many patients have claimed that their symptoms lessened and even ended over time as they adhered to a raw food diet.

After all, the Western diet is filled with fats, sugars, chemicals, and processed foods. Research continues regarding the raw food diet and its contribution to better health for Crohn's Disease and Colitis sufferers. Of course, the bottom line in looking after one's health is to make an informed decision before making any drastic changes.

Colon Cancer and Good Nutritional Needs

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

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

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

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

The Best Colon Cancer Prevention Diet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Basic Facts

There are many misconceptions about the inflammatory diseases - Crohn's Disease and Colitis. The medical profession will explain all aspects of the disease to their patients. Yet everyone needs to understand about these chronic conditions. If a person recognizes the signs of these diseases, they can seek medical help before untreated symptoms turn into serious complications.

Basic Facts

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis are chronic conditions.

Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal conditions. The diseases are referred to as 'chronic' conditions because there is no medical cure but people can manage their symptoms.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can live a normal life span.

Sufferers with these conditions live a similar life span to everyone else. Women live for 79 years and men live almost the same duration (78 years).

. There is a difference between Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

Generally, Ulcerative Colitis (UC) affects the colon (large intestine). Crohn's Disease can be present anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes UC can affect the small intestine.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis will have uncomfortable symptoms.

Since both conditions are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, sufferers can expect symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach pains as well as a host of other unpleasant symptoms. Yet people with these conditions can live a comfortable and stress-free lifestyle when they understand how to manage the diseases.

. The Western diet is not ideal for patients with these conditions.

The Western diet contains considerable amounts of fat and sugar and includes many processed foods. This diet is not ideal for anyone especially individuals who suffer from inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers, as well a many patients, claim that Crohn's Disease/Colitis water fasts and a regular raw food diet can make a difference to their symptoms.

Indeed, many sufferers say that the symptoms disappeared over a period of time. Of course, patients should expect that there will be some challenges if they change to a raw food diet. The body will need time to adjust to the new fuel. In fact, sometimes symptoms will be exacerbated at first by the fruit and raw vegetable diet. Yet many individuals claim that they noticed a gradual difference until the symptoms ceased to be a problem.

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis can lead to serious side effects.

The symptoms of these conditions can be managed - and even controlled - by patients. Yet if symptoms are left untreated over time, they can cause grave damage to one's health. Anemia, liver damage, serious infections, and other health issues can occur if sufferers do not attend to their condition.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can receive individualized treatment for their conditions.

Different people can have varied symptoms of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. As well, they can experience a wide range of side effects from malnutrition to problems with their immune system. Modern medicine will attempt to accommodate the individual needs of patients but these will generally only mask the real problems of diet and chemical ingestion. Look for a Doctor with an open mind as well as one that has been trained in nutrition, this will go a long way to receiving a balanced treatment plan.

Detoxification: What Is Real and What Is Snake Oil?

Detoxification Benefits:

Detoxification can have positive effects on many health challenges, such as allergies, weight gain, digestion, and any sort of inflammatory situation. Unfortunately, there is a lot of snake oil out there claiming detoxification.

Mucoid Plaque

The number one myth of detoxification is "mucoid plaque" in the colon or large intestine. This is a myth perpetrated because of what people pass from their bowels doing a colon cleanse; but it is in fact an artifact of the clay and psyllium fiber that is a big component of these cleanses.

Keep in mind that clay is a proven topical detoxifier, so having clay pass through your intestines could have a positive benefit regardless of the lack of mucoid plaque. More on this later.

Many of the benefits of detoxification come from severe reduction of caloric intake, giving the body a break from the task of processing all these calories, allowing it to use those enzymatic resources to "clean house" so to speak.

Unscientific Detoxification Methods:

Water Fasting

The ultimate detoxification using the caloric restriction idea is the water fast. It's most famous promoter was Arnold Ehret, who conducted public water fasts as long as 49 days, and claimed many benefits including strength and endurance. He once rode his bicycle 800 miles from Algiers to Tunis to prove his point. I am not a fan of water fasting for more than a day or two. I have noticed that it's proponents tend to look prematurely aged, with early white and grey hair, which to me indicates mineral deficiency.

Juice Fasting

Another approach to detoxification is juice fasting. I am not a fan of fruit and carrot juice fasting because removing all the fiber from your fruit increases the rate at which the sugars enter the bloodstream, and you miss out on fiber's many proven health benefits. Definitely a bad idea if you have blood sugar or insulin issues. Dr. Joe Mercola recommends using a masticating juicer that maintains the fiber content on green vegetables (not fruits) and eating the resulting puree. This makes a lot more sense to me.

Fruit Fasting

A healthier variation of the fruit juice fast is to only eat fruit for a period of time, this way you get the whole food benefits. The downside to this approach is that you maintain your carbohydrate intake relatively high while drastically reducing your protein intake. I have noticed that many people using this approach are overweight. If you are fasting, you should reduced your carbohydrate intake, not maintain it. Still, there is some value to this approach.

Green Juices

An exception to the no-juice rule would be cereal grass juices, such as wheat grass, barley, and kamut grass juices. Alfalfa juice would fall in this category as well. Cereal grasses are extremely nourishing, and worth consuming, but only in juice form with all the fiber removed. Grasses have a fiber structure akin to barbed razor blades which are extremely irritating to us non-ruminants. Make sure that any cereal grass supplement that you does not contain any whole grass with it's razor-like fiber. Since ground up grass is about a twentieth the cost of the juice, many formulators like to add this as a cost reduction strategy. The taste, texture, and odor do not compare to 100% juice.

Colon Cleansing

The most common approach to detoxification is to "colon cleanse" which usually involves an approach to remove the mythical "mucoid plaque" we spoke of earlier. I have seen some benefits from this approach, usually with people who are quite toxic. These people would improve with just about any approach where they make a serious reduction in their caloric intake. The major downside to the colon cleanse approach comes when the formulators look to add anti-parasitic ingredients and they sell this to someone with Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, and all of a sudden this person is passing bloody stools and bleeding from their rectum. Not to mention the fact that these formulations are based on a myth.

The Master Cleanse

Another popular unscientific method of detoxification is the so-called "Master Cleanse." The Master Cleanse advocates drinking a sugary mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, sea salt and water for days on end. The lack of protein in this formula means that you body will run out of multiple substrates needed for metabolic detoxification pathways. This is very counter-productive, so when you hear of master cleanse adherents brag about their headaches and runny noses, you will now know that these symptoms are a result of the toxicity due to lack of nutrients in this snake-oil approach.

Detoxification Depends on Nutrients

All of the above approaches suffer from a major flaw: Not enough nourishment! You need protein to maintain your muscle mass and keep detoxification pathways flowing in the liver, as well as vitamins and minerals to maintain all sorts of body processes including detoxification.

A Better Approach to Detoxification

I use scientific methodologies using clinically proven medical foods, supplements, and dietary interventions which have been proven in human clinical trials. In particular, I have great clinical tools to use with any sort of inflammatory condition, including intestinal inflammation and irritation conditions that are poorly addressed by allopathic medicine and the more traditional detoxification interventions described above.

Medical Food Cleanses

The cleanses I recommend typically use a medical food that average 160 calories per serving, including healthy fats, slow carbohydrates, and about 16 grams of protein. Getting protein into your body while you are on a cleansing fast minimizes muscle loss, prevents hunger, keeps your metabolism cooking, and improves detoxification. Most people don't know that the body needs more protein when you are reducing calories, as carbohydrate and fat "spare" protein.

Accelerated Weight Loss

A neat benefit of cleansing is that you reducing body-fat and what I call "fluff". Fluff is water and carbohydrate that is held by the body when it is in a toxic state. When you lose the "fluff", you lose more weight faster than you could by losing fat alone.

Detox Fasting

Don't get me wrong, detoxification fasting is the very best way to strip fat off your body quickly that there is. In fact, people who are extremely fit and lean will often see those stubborn pockets of body-fat melt away. I believe this is because many stored toxins are fat-soluble. If your body doesn't have the resources to access, conjugate and excrete the toxins, then it needs those pockets of fat for "toxin storage".

Supplying the nutrients that your system needs to deal with the toxins, while restricting the calories to promote the whole body cleansing process, and maintaining or increasing protein intake is a winning combination.

Typical Detoxification Recommendations

Typically I recommend a calming, cleansing medical food that uses hypoallergenic rice protein and rice carbohydrate. Depending on your history of exposure to heavy metals, and other factors, I may recommend a green food supplement for your detoxification cleanse. Again, I like to stick to products that have been proven to detoxify particular chemicals or heavy metals in multiple human clinical trials. The green food that I recommend the most has been proven in literally hundreds of clinical trials with real people.

Wheatgrass Juice Provides You Lasting Relief From Digestive Issues

When you have digestive problems, it's easy to become dependent on over-the-counter drugs. I've had many patients come to me for help breaking their antacid habit.

If you feel like you're a slave to antacids, I have a solution for you that I bet you haven't thought of before. Many people with chronic digestive issues find lasting relief by drinking wheatgrass juice. Wheatgrass juice is an all-natural, very nutritious way to relieve your indigestion pain.

Nature's Own Healing Agent

Wheatgrass is a cousin of the wheat we grow for flour. Its technical name is agropyron. When it's still young, wheatgrass looks pretty much like grass. The juice from wheatgrass is incredibly nutritious. From vitamins and minerals to amino acids and enzymes, this juice contains many things that can enhance your digestion and your general health.

Wheatgrass juice has been touted to cure everything from male pattern baldness to anemia to bad breath. It's been purported to prevent cancer and enhance weight loss. Despite some outlandish claims, many benefits of wheatgrass juice are very real. The digestive benefits, in particular, are backed up by good research.

Proven Relief From Your Indigestion

Wheatgrass juice is a good source vitamin B, amino acids and enzymes. Each of these helps promote healthy digestion. Whether you have constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, or other stomach problems, drinking this juice each day can provide quick and lasting relief.

In one study, patients with ulcerative colitis were given either 3 ounces of wheatgrass juice each day or a placebo. Those receiving the wheatgrass juice saw significant improvements in their symptoms. They had less pain and discomfort and experienced less rectal bleeding.

It's the high level of enzymes in this juice that helps improve digestion by causing your body to properly break down foods and absorb nutrients. Enzymes are essential to good digestion. Unfortunately, the average American diet is deficient in enzymes. A daily serving of wheatgrass juice can bring your own enzyme levels back into balance and that can do wonders for your digestion.

The high chlorophyll content of wheatgrass juice also helps promote good digestion. Chlorophyll which is valued for its detoxifying effects, works by removing toxins from the blood and by supporting good liver function. Most importantly for your digestion, it helps to cleanse your bowels. When your bowels are clean, they work better, and you'll notice less gas, bloating, and discomfort after eating.

Where to Find Wheatgrass Juice

You can get wheatgrass juice from juice bars, health food stores, or you can grow your own.

At juice bars, you can get this juice that is mixed into a tasty smoothie. This is an easy way to benefit, but it can get expensive if you're trying to drink it every day.

If you have a green thumb and a juicer at home, you can grow and juice your own wheatgrass. This grows quickly. It sprouts and is ready to juice within one to two weeks. Growing your own wheatgrass is the cheapest way to get all the benefits of this amazing food... and you'll be certain about the freshness and ingredients used to raise your own.

Personally, I prefer a quick visit to my local health food store, which carries this juice. This "middle ground" solution lets me enjoy the benefits of this juice without the trouble of tending the plants. Because you only need two to three ounces a day of juice a quart easily lasts me three weeks, making it a cost-effective option as well.

I do want to note one more thing about using wheatgrass juice. Most people don't enjoy the taste. I use my blender to mix the the juice with a variety of fruit juices. This masks the flavor without interfering with any of the benefits.

Wheatgrass juice is a great supplement, especially for digestive disorders. Whether you get a smoothie made to order or juice your own, you're sure to enjoy the digestive benefits of this juice.

Hair Loss as Symptom of Medical Disorder

Excessive hair loss should never be dismissed as a cosmetic problem, as it can be an early warning sign of impending illness. Any change in hair can be the body's way of telling you to pay attention to your health.

The condition of one's hair is an indication of their entire physical and emotional well-being. When a person is physically or emotionally ill their hair may become dull and lifeless, and may begin to fall out. Traditional Chinese medicine and other healing systems view the outward appearance of one's hair as an indication of the internal system.

Hair loss is a symptom of many medical conditions. Taking hair loss seriously in the beginning stages can help prevent a slight imbalance from becoming a more serious medical condition. In many cases hair loss is temporary and can be easily corrected once the cause is identified and addressed.

An example of hair loss as an early symptom of impending illness was documented in the Journal of Royal Society of Medicine (JRSM, December 1989.) A 40 year old female experienced chronic diffuse hair loss with no other symptoms. Six months later she experienced an attack of ulcerative colitis. She was treated and remained well for eighteen months. During this time her hair loss ceased. Her second attack of ulcerative colitis was also preceded by diffuse hair loss before any other symptoms were present. Because of this pattern, another episode of hair loss could be a warning of the possibility of an upcoming ulcerative colitis attack, and preventative measures can be taken.

Other gastrointestinal disorders such as Chron's disease and Celiac disease often include hair loss as a symptom. These types of disorders hinder the body's ability of absorb nutrients. Malnourishment often shows up in the hair before other symptoms are present.

Hair loss is often the first symptom of any type of adrenal gland imbalance. If treated early balance can be re-established. Untreated adrenal gland disturbances can progress to more serious disorders such as Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome.

The thyroid is commonly involved in hair loss. A healthy thyroid is essential for healthy hair. Even a slight deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones could cause hair loss. The thyroid should always be checked when hair loss occurs.

There are over 80 different autoimmune disorders. Although hair loss is very common with certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, and Grave's disease, it can be a symptom of almost all autoimmune conditions. Changes in texture, color, dryness etc. commonly occur in autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to mistakenly view its own cells as foreign invaders. In response the immune system begins to attack its own body, affecting various organs and body systems.

Any liver or kidney deficiency can manifest as hair loss. In Chinese medicine the kidneys are believed to be the primary organ connected to scalp hair. It is thought that beautiful lustrous hair is a sign of healthy kidneys; and that a weakness in the kidneys can cause thinning and prematurely gray hair.

Problems with insulin and blood sugar levels such as in hypoglycemia and diabetes can cause hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia are also causes of hair loss.

Any hormonal imbalance can lead to hair loss. A common cause of hair loss in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Candidiasis albicans is a condition of yeast overgrowth which can become very destructive and cause many health problems including hair loss.

These are some of the more common medical conditions in which has loss can be a symptom. Anytime the body is not functioning optimally hair loss may occur. Because hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body (along with bone marrow) it is very sensitive to any disturbances.

It is important to pay attention to any changes in hair and to identify the cause as soon as possible. Correcting the problem early could minimize future health problems.

Unlocking The Physical Degeneration And Aging Cycle With IV Nutrition

More often than not, the degeneration of health begins with poor nutrition. A nutrient is defined as a substance that the body can use for energy or building it's structure. When needed nutrition is insufficient in the diet, the working machinery of the body structure breaks down.

The tissues in the digestive tract undergo a lot of wear and tear and are easily damaged. For this reason, the body tries to replace them every 3-4 days. But if nutrition is lacking, this cell turnover may slow down from lack of nutrients, and so these cells may only be replaced every week or two. This can lead to several problems. These damaged lining cells of the intestines may not absorb nutrients as well as they should. This will compound the problem of lack of nutrition. They might only absorb half of what is present (they're old! They move slow!). In addition, since they have wear and tear damage, they will allow molecules into the body that should not enter. Bacteria, yeast, partially digested food can come in between cells because the junctions break down. This is what is known as "leaky gut." With lower nutrient levels now being absorbed the enzyme levels in the stomach, small intestine and pancreas will fall. This leads to incomplete digestion and more nutrient deficiency. It becomes a viscous cycle.

And so based on this scenario we age prematurely and get sick.

Moreover, since the immune system is largely based in the small intestine, it begins to react strongly to the foreign substances that are entering the body through this now "leaky gut" and attacks them. This leads to an overall up regulation of the whole immune system and often times it begins no only to attack the invaders from the leaky gut, but also its own tissues. This is the origin of many autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and lupus.

In today's modern society of nutrient depleted food (fast food, processed food, vegetables picked green and shipped thousands of miles and stored in coolers for weeks or months before we eat them), and daily exposure to hundreds of toxic chemicals, our bodies are "left out in the cold" so to speak, and heath suffers.

Such ill people often seek help from well meaning practitioners who may prescribe "treatments" for the symptoms that are really due to nutrient deficiencies and environmental toxicities. Rounds of antibiotics for "colds and flu," drugs for arthritis, for high cholesterol, for poor sleep, for mood alteration, for fatigue always just make matters worse. All drugs are toxins and may also block nutrient absorption or lead to nutrient depletion. There are many reports of magnesium depletion and other minerals from anti-acid and diuretic therapies, low CoQ 10 from cholesterol drugs and diabetes medication, B and C vitamin deficiencies from oral contraceptives just to name a few. Replenishing these missing nutrients can cause profound benefits in quality of life, better energy, improved sleep quality, and mental functioning.

Many times, trying to replenish the sick body by taking more oral nutrients does not work because the digestive system is so broken, it cannot absorb them. Luckily, we have a way around this.

By using intravenous (IV) solutions of nutrients (vitamins and minerals), we can quickly and efficiently deliver them directly to where they are needed: the cells. This means we can bypass the broken digestive system entirely.

What we are doing is giving the body natural nutrients (as opposed to drugs) that help to heal the body structure, including the intestine and digestive system, improve metabolism, and replenish supplies of deficient nutrients. Since these are the actual building blocks of the body, they are safe to administer, and body accepts them easily.

Did you know that sixty-seven percent of the population is estimated to be magnesium deficient? And did you know that when a person is magnesium deficient they have difficulty absorbing magnesium? Since this is the case, giving more oral forms of magnesium will not work.

We can fix the situation by giving a series of magnesium IVs and when the body is replenished, it will again be able to absorb the oral nutrient. Magnesium is essential in over 200 body processes and when one is deficient he may experience asthma (spasm of bronchioles), high blood pressure (spasm or constriction of blood vessels), menstrual cramps (spasm of the uterus), and migraines (vascular spasm). Heart failure and heart arrhythmia are conditions associated with decreased intracellular magnesium levels and, as such, are also benefited by this essential mineral.

Many times we use Vitamin C by IV administration because it can help the body fight off viral and flu type infection and it is useful in treating colds, influenza, and hepatitis. It is also indicated for immune support, for treating allergic conditions, for its anti-cancer properties, and to aid the detoxification of heavy metals.

The Myers Cocktail, named after the late Maryland physician John Myers, M.D. combines magnesium, calcium and B vitamins to safely, inexpensively, and effectively treat a variety of chronic conditions including depression and fibromyalgia and chronic conditions of the digestive tract that can result in magnesium being "leaked" or wasted.

A common eye disorder in seniors is macular degeneration. It is often responsive to IV administration of nutrients required for healthy eye function, including zinc, selenium, glutathione, and vitamin B complex.

A blend of vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients may be used to replenish nutrients during a course of chelation therapy and also anytime someone feels rundown, is exhausted by chronic illness, or is under more stress than usual. Stress "eats up" nutrients (especially B vitamins), thereby creating a temporary exaggerated need.

When someone has a chronic infection or is under a lot of mental or physical stress, an intensive anti-oxidant IV can be delivered using glutathione (the most potent antioxidant in the body) or alpha-lipoic acid. These nutrients have special use in modulating peripheral neuropathy of diabetes, liver disease (including hepatitis), asthma, and virtually any chronic disease in which oxidation plays a role.

In Summary IV Nutrition

* Gets high dose vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly to the cells

* Quickly fixes nutritional deficiencies

* Enhances immune response

* Increases total body energy

* Bypasses intestinal malabsorption

* Fights chronic infections like hepatitis, candida, lyme, etc.

* Fights acute infections like Flu, mono, etc.

IV Vitamin C

This is an effective way to treat infectious diseases from cold and flu to Hepatitis C and HIV. IVC Therapy has been shown to kill viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.

IV Glutathione

This is an effective aid to detoxification through the liver. It is indicated in Parkinson's Disease and Macular Degeneration and sports recovery after hard exercise

Myers' Cocktail

Meyer's Cocktail helps boost or maintain a health immune system. It is a mixture of B vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium. It has been shown to be helpful in the following conditions:

Angina

Asthma

Chronic depression (due to B-vit deficiency)

Chronic fatigue,

Congestive heart failure

Fibromyalgia

Muscle spasms

Seasonal allergies

Senile dementia

Sinusitis

Urticaria

Hydrogen Peroxide IV

Oxygenating therapies have been used in medicine since the late 1800s when peroxide was reported to help in treatment of sinus and throat infections.

When Hydrogen peroxide is given intravenously, it quickly, within 1 second, becomes free oxygen, and boosts the levels of oxygen in the body.

In fact, studies show that tissue oxygen levels with IV peroxide were the same as when someone was put in a hyperbaric chamber.

Hydrogen peroxide can kill many infectious diseases like bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can also break up the lipid cholesterol plaque in arteries to reverse atherosclerosis.

There are over 6100 articles in the scientific literature dating from 1920 on the scientific applications of hydrogen peroxide.

In studies conducted by Charles H. Farr M.D., PhD, the father of peroxide treatments, he proved that when given IV peroxide:

• The metabolism increased and body temperature rose

• There is stimulation of thyroid hormone

• There is dilation of small arteries all over the body with improved blood flow

• Oxygen levels in the blood dramatically increase

• Strong stimulation of the immune system

• Improved blood sugar

The test subjects reported increased mental alertness, increased visual acuity, increased brightness of surroundings, and a feeling of relaxation. There were significant improvements in many conditions including infection, allergy, and influenza.

Do You Experience Explosive Diarrhea After Eating?

Explosive diarrhea after eating is not pleasant: you go out to a restaurant, and enjoy a beautiful meal but within a half hour you start to feel stomach cramps, and that horrible feeling in your bowels that something is about to happen!

I am sure you know the feeling - we all get it now and again, but some of us a lot more than others. The cramps get worse, and you have to rush to the rest room where you have explosive diarrhea. The problem is that you never know when you are finished, and it can be extremely embarrassing. Wouldn't you just love to have that cured?

Of course you would, and there are a few possible reasons for diarrhea after eating, such as allergy to the gluten in many foods, although the most common is IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome to give it its Sunday name. This is a condition that affects up to 20% of all Americans.

The root cause of IBS usually is not a single trigger but a complex set of triggers, with explosive diarrhea after eating as one of the main symptoms. IBS can be tied with celiac disease, which is an intolerance to the gluten protein in some grains such as wheat. It is difficult to know where the beginning starts with these types of digestive issues, thus it is a condition that has to be targeted from several directions.

Main stream medicine has trouble diagnosing IBS, because it has such similar symptoms as several other digestive disorders. In fact IBS not only causes diarrhea, but can also cause the exact opposite: severe constipation. The way that IBS is generally diagnosed is to test with very invasive procedures for all other known causes of the symptoms, and once none are left it must be IBS. How unscientific! No wonder that the best remedies for you are natural ones. Let's discuss a few alternative diarrhea cures that you can try.

1. Your diet. It is probably worth while trying a gluten free diet just to make sure that is not the cause. Lactose can also cause similar symptoms, so if you keep free of these for a week or so and the symptoms disappear, then you could have found your cure. However, celiac disease occurs in only 1 in each 133 of the population: a long way away from 20%!

2. Eating a lot of fruit and vegetables can help some people. You might feel tempted to increase your fiber intake, but that can often cause symptoms of bloating and gas. Many find that bananas can help both the diarrhea and constipation symptoms of IBS. Many people swear by them, and so are worth a try. The high potassium content of bananas helps replace potassium that is lost through diarrhea, and also helps in the proper formation of stools. Juiced greens also seem to be an effective treatment for some.

3. Activated charcoal absorbs gas and toxins, and helps your stool to form properly.

4. Garlic is useful in that it helps to remove parasites and mucus from your colon, and fights infections in the gut. It also expels gas, and a combination of all of these effects can help relieve some of the symptoms of your condition. A side-benefit of garlic is that it is also good for your heart!

5. Slippery elm taken with a lot of water can coat the colon, and treat chronic diarrhea and ulcerative colitis. It appears to soothe and heal your whole gastro-intestinal tract and help you to form normal stools.

6. Where children are involved, agrimony and meadowsweet are very useful because they are mild but effective herbal remedies for explosive diarrhea after eating, and meadowsweet is both astringent and nutritious for children.

Diarrhea after eating can also be caused by drinking too much alcohol, infections from contaminated food or water, parasites and also emotional stress and other similar conditions. An example of one of the minor causes is withdrawal from some forms of prescription painkillers.

However, most of these cause only temporary diarrhea which goes when the condition is cured. Nevertheless some other natural remedies reflect one or two of these other causes. So, to continue:

7. Stress relieving herbs such as catnip and chamomile are particularly effective in treating IBS and other conditions of the bowel, and far more effective that St. John's Wort for this condition. Kava kava and valerian are useful in dealing with general stress: in fact kava kava is increasing in popularity, and can relax you without affecting your mental alertness. Hops also help to reduce stress, but not in the form of beer!

8. Finally, probiotic drinks and supplements can increase the volume of friendly bacteria in your gut, and improve your digestion in general as well as regulating the function of your bowel.

All of these remedies are a good place to start for overcoming explosive diarrhea after eating. They are easy to try, and actually aid your body in healing, unlike many of the manufactured chemical drugs that can have severe side effects, only address the symptoms and not the root causes, and can even make your condition worse.

While main stream medicine still does not recognize the causes of IBS and struggles to give definitive diagnoses, if you are struggling with diarrhea after eating or other digestive disturbances, you can try these natural remedies since they are easy to take and give good results. They have been recommended after countless years of successful use by untold numbers of people that have gone before us.

What Causes Pain Below The Rib Cage?

The words pain below the rib cage can mean several different things, and it's important to make a distinction. In this article, we'll consider the words pain below the rib cage to mean pain in the physical area often called the stomach or abdomen. We will not cover possibilities like heart disease and lung cancer, which occur inside the rib cage in the upper part of the chest. Technically speaking, you could say these disorders cause pain below the rib cage too, but that's not the meaning we'll employ here.

The area below the rib cage that's generally described as the stomach or the "belly" is packed with organs, tissues and muscles. So when you have discomfort in this area, it might be caused by one of dozens of possibilities. Stomach pain under the ribs may simply result from indigestion: a dose of antacids might be all you need to feel better. On the other hand, stomach pain under the rib cage could be a symptom of something serious like an ulcer or stomach cancer. Fortunately, stomach cancer is relatively rare today in the U.S. and many other countries. But hundreds of thousands of people certainly suffer from painful stomach ulcers.

Gallbladder problems are likely to cause pain below the rib cage. The most common gallbladder disorders are gallstones and gallbladder attacks, which typically cause abdominal distress but may also radiate to the right shoulder or even the middle of the upper back. Gallbladder attacks often occur after you've eaten a big meal - especially one that includes a lot of fat - because your gallbladder can't process an overload of cholesterol. It becomes inflamed and irritated, which is the cause of the pain.

Pancreatitis is another possible cause of pain below the rib cage. Your pancreas is also involved in digestion, so you'll have pain in the upper abdomen if your pancreas isn't functioning properly.

There are many digestive problems involving the colon and intestines: a colon infection, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or one of several other colon-related problems. Unfortunately, colon cancer is a possibility too.

If you have pain below the rib cage at the same time you have pain in the back or sides, it could be caused by kidney stones. Generally, kidney stone pain occurs in the back, but sometimes it radiates to the abdomen and even down into the upper thighs.

Injury or illness affecting the spine can cause pain below the rib cage too. If you damage a disc, for instance, you may feel pain all the way around to the front of your body. Pain sometimes travels along the nerve pathways, so it's possible to "feel" pain away from the actual source of the problem. This is known as referred pain. When this happens, you usually feel numbness, tingling, and a "pins and needles" sensation.

Strained muscle and ligaments can also be a source of pain in the stomach area. This can be caused by exercising too much or not warming up enough before you exercise. There's also a condition called a side stitch which is characterized by sharp pain under the rib cage. A side stitch, as the name implies, often happens on one side or the other. The medical name for this condition is exercise related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). It has not been scientifically established why so many people get a side stitch during exercise, but it certainly can be painful.

Many of the problems mentioned above can happen in the stomach area, or on either side. But if you have pain on the right side under the ribcage, it's possible you have liver trouble. The liver is situated on the right side under the ribs.

In conclusion, this article has been intended briefly list and describe some of the possible causes of pain under the rib cage. But always remember that only a doctor is qualified to make a diagnosis. Pain is often just one symptom that something is wrong. Your doctor will need to evaluate all your symptoms to help him or her come up with the answers you need to get relief.

Prevent Digestive System Cancers

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

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

o blood in the stool

o difficulty in swallowing

o abdominal pain

o unexplained weight loss

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

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

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

Some of the factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer

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

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

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

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

o Polyps - nearly all colorectal cancers start as polyps.

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

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

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

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

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

Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions - List

Before we delve into arthritis different types, it's important to note that arthritis means joint inflammation. It is actually a name given to problems that cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. It can affect one or more joints and it could mean anything from slight tightness to severe pain and disability. Put simply, there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. In fact, here's the compete list of arthritis different types and related conditions.

A-B Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Achilles tendinitis


• Achondroplasia


• Acromegalic arthropathy


• Adhesive capsulitis


• Adult onset Still's disease


• Ankylosing spondylitis


• Anserine bursitis


• Avascular necrosis


• Behcet's syndrome


• Bicipital tendonitis


• Blount's disease


• Brucellar spondylitis


• Bursitis

C-D Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Calcaneal bursitis


• Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD)


• Crystal deposition disease


• Caplan's syndrome


• Carpal tunnel syndrome


• Chondrocalcinosis


• Chondromalacia patellae


• Chronic synovitis


• Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis


• Churg-Strauss syndrome


• Cogan's syndrome


• Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis


• Costosternal syndrome


• CREST syndrome


• Cryoglobulinemia


• Degenerative joint disease


• Dermatomyositis


• Diabetic finger sclerosis


• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)


• Discitis


• Discoid lupus erythematosus


• Drug-induced lupus


• Duchenne's muscular dystrophy


• Dupuytren's contracture

E-F Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome


• Enteropathic arthritis


• Epicondylitis


• Erosive inflammatory osteoarthritis


• Exercise-induced compartment syndrome


• Fabry's disease


• Familial Mediterranean fever


• Farber's lipogranulomatosis


• Felty's syndrome


• Fibromyalgia


• Fifth's disease


• Flat feet


• Foreign body synovitis


• Freiberg's disease


• Fungal arthritis

G-H Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Gaucher's disease


• Giant cell arteritis


• Gonococcal arthritis


• Goodpasture's syndrome


• Gout


• Granulomatous arteritis


• Hemarthrosis


• Hemochromatosis


• Henoch-Schonlein purpura


• Hepatitis B surface antigen disease


• Hip dysplasia


• Hurler syndrome


• Hypermobility syndrome


• Hypersensitivity vasculitis


• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

I-K Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Immune complex disease


• Impingement syndrome


• Jaccoud's arthropathy


• Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis


• Juvenile dermatomyositis


• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis


• Kawasaki disease


• Kienbock's disease

L-N Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease


• Lesch-Nyhan syndrome


• Linear scleroderma


• Lipoid dermatoarthritis


• Lofgren's syndrome


• Lyme disease


• Malignant synovioma


• Marfan's syndrome


• Medial plica syndrome


• Metastatic carcinomatous arthritis


• Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)


• Mixed cryoglobulinemia


• Mucopolysaccharidosis


• Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis


• Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia


• Mycoplasmal arthritis


• Myofascial pain syndrome


• Neonatal lupus


• Neuropathic arthropathy


• Nodular panniculitis

O-P Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Ochronosis


• Olecranon bursitis


• Osgood-Schlatter's disease


• Osteoarthritis


• Osteochondromatosis


• Osteogenesis imperfecta


• Osteomalacia


• Osteomyelitis


• Osteonecrosis


• Osteoporosis


• Overlap syndrome


• Pachydermoperiostosis Paget's disease of bone


• Palindromic rheumatism


• Patellofemoral pain syndrome


• Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome


• Pigmented villonodular synovitis


• Piriformis syndrome


• Plantar fasciitis


• Polyarteritis nodosa


• Polymyalgia rheumatica


• Polymyositis


• Popliteal cysts


• Posterior tibial tendonitis


• Pott's disease


• Prepatellar bursitis


• Prosthetic joint infection


• Pseudoxanthoma elasticum


• Psoriatic arthritis

R-S Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Raynaud's phenomenon


• Reactive arthritis/Reiter's syndrome


• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome


• Relapsing polychondritis


• Retrocalcaneal bursitis


• Rheumatic fever


• Rheumatoid arthritis


• Rheumatoid vasculitis


• Rotator cuff tendonitis


• Sacroiliitis


• Salmonella osteomyelitis


• Sarcoidosis


• Saturnine gout


• Scheuermann's osteochondritis


• Scleroderma


• Septic arthritis


• Seronegative arthritis


• Shigella arthritis


• Shoulder-hand syndrome


• Sickle cell arthropathy


• Sjogren's syndrome


• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis


• Spinal stenosis


• Spondylolysis


• Staphylococcus arthritis


• Stickler syndrome


• Subacute cutaneous lupus


• Sweet's syndrome


• Sydenham's chorea


• Syphilitic arthritis


• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

T-Z Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Takayasu's arteritis


• Tarsal tunnel syndrome


• Tennis elbow


• Tietse's syndrome


• Transient osteoporosis


• Traumatic arthritis


• Trochanteric bursitis


• Tuberculosis arthritis


• Arthritis of Ulcerative colitis


• Undifferentiated connective tissue syndrome (UCTS)


• Urticarial vasculitis


• Viral arthritis


• Wegener's granulomatosis


• Whipple's disease


• Wilson's disease


• Yersinial arthritis

Arthritis Different Types-- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. As such, we will discuss these two types in more detail.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease involves the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Mild aching to severe pain and loss of mobility, especially in the evening, due to joint stiffness.


• Usually affects the weight-bearing joints - the knees, hips, and facet joints (in the spine), as well as the finger joints.

Osteoarthritis is primarily associated with aging and injury. In fact, it was once called "wear-and-tear" arthritis and it affects nearly everyone past age sixty. Although it can develop before age forty, it is said to be rare. In truth, the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. However, about 20 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis.

Supplements that may be helpful for Osteoarthritis

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a type of inflammatory arthritis, is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system improperly identifies the synovial membrane as foreign and, as such, inflammation results, damaging cartilage and tissue around the joints. Often, the bone surfaces are destroyed as well. Joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis include the hands, knees, wrists, and feet.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:

• Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness, and pain in the affected joint. Usually more severe in the morning.


• Fatigue.


• Fever.


• Chills.


• Body aches.


• Joint deformity.


• Weight loss.

It affects about 2.1 million Americans and roughly 75% of them are females. In addition, it frequently occurs in people under forty five and when the disorder occurs in children under sixteen years old, it is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown or should we say it is still not well understood.

Supplements that may be helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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