Why Homeopathy Crohns Treatments Work

Most people who have severe cases of Crohn's disease are always on the lookout for new treatments that can help them feel better, for example homeopathy crohns treatments. Though there are medications and diets you can try, they certainly don't work well for everyone. Then there's those that don't like to take prescriptions because the side effects can often be worse than the problem they are meant to clear up. Others want to try alternative options such as homeopathy Crohns treatments, but have no idea what it entails or what it might do for them.

Though these treatments don't work for everyone, it might not hurt to talk to your doctor about trying some of the alternative methods available to you.Should you decide to see someone about homeopathy for Crohn's, you should be ready to give a detailed description of your health, your symptoms, and what treatments you are currently following with your therapist. You will have to list all of your medications, give details about your diet, and talk about your lifestyle. You also have to talk about your symptoms in a way that you might find embarrassing, but you should remember that they need all of this information to come up with a treatment plan that will work best for you.

Homeopathy will not be a cure for Crohn's, but rather is another way to try to deal with your symptoms. The methods used will concentrate on your most debilitating problems first, and that is why you have to be very detailed about what is going on with your body.

This type of treatment will zero in on your problems, but will also focus on treating your whole self. That means that homeopathy Crohns treatments will deal with the physical, mental, and emotional dynamics of your life to give a more complete result. The belief is that emotions and thoughts can contribute to your physical state, and they should not be ignored during treatment.

Your treatment will consist of natural plants that are meant to help boost your immune system and deal with your symptoms. Many of these plants will not be things you will be familiar with, and remember that it is okay to ask what they are and what they are meant to do. You should always ask when you are not sure about something, as stress and uncertainty are not good for you when you are battling this condition. Your therapist should be more than willing to tell you what you need to know.

When you embark on homeopathy Crohns treatments, it is important that you let your doctor know what you are doing and what you are taking. There can be reactions between the plants and the medications that you are already taking, and that can be very problematic for you.

You should never abandon your medical doctor to try something else, and you should always be very open and honest about what you are going to do and what you might want to try. Your doctor might express concern about following a homeopathy crohns treatment, and might even try to talk you out of it, but they should be willing to work with you if it is something that is very important to you.

Protruding Hemorrhoids - What They Are and How to Heal Them

If you're reading this article, chances are you've been diagnosed with protruding hemorrhoids. This painful condition is caused when the veins that carry blood to the tissues around the rectum become swollen and inflamed, creating internal hemorrhoids, and then during a straining bowel movement they are expelled through the anal canal to form protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids.

Doctors aren't sure exactly what causes hemorrhoids or 'piles' to enlarge. There are several theories, mainly relating to the pressure on the sphincter caused by hard stools - the kind you have if you're constipated. If the pressure is great, it can force the lining of the rectum to lose its proper position and suddenly protrude outside the body. This is known as a prolapsing internal hemorrhoid.

Often, these piles will return to the rectum on their own. If not, they can be pushed back with a finger each time the extend, until the bout of piles has ended.

If it cannot be pushed back inside, the hemorrhoid becomes strangulated and needs immediate medical attention.

If you have not been diagnosed, but just have symptoms, it's critically important that you do get an expert medical check up. The same symptoms can indicate more serious conditions such as cancer, polyps or colitis.

How Can You Prevent Them?

The best way to prevent this situation is to ensure that your stool remains soft, so that you aren't straining with bowel movements. There are a number of steps you can take to make this happen:

• drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, in addition to other beverages you may consume


• add fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet


• reduce your consumption of dairy products

There is also a small field of scientific research showing that squatting, instead of sitting, when you have a bowel movement, can also help prevent protruding hemmorhoids.

How Can You Heal Them?

There are several ways to treat hemorrhoids, both surgical and non-surgical.

Surgical treatments, such as stapling, rubber band ligation, and laser surgery that can be used to treat the condition. Your physician will work with you to determine the best option for you.

There are numerous over-the-counter remedies on the market for treating the symptoms, as well. Look for a solution that contains witch hazel, butcher's broom or horse-chestnut - all three are natural anti-inflammatories.

I hope you've found this explanation helpful. If you'd like to end the itching, burning, and pain of protruding hemorrhoids once and for all, visit my website for practical advice you can use.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Linked to Brain Disease by Deposits in Intestine and Brain

Antibodies for tissue transglutaminase found in the intestines of blood test negative celiac disease patients are also found in the intestine and brain in people with brain disease due to gluten. Gluten ataxia is a brain disorder characterized by balance disturbances not explained by any other cause but due to the ingestion of gluten. The disorder responds to a gluten free diet if irreversible brain damage has not already occurred. Calcifications can be seen in the brain on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Deposits of gluten related antibodies have been found in brain tissue obtained on biopsy and autopsy specimens. Mario Hadjivassiliou, M.D. from Sheffield England recommends gluten ataxia be added to a list of gluten related diseases that includes peripheral neuropathy and the skin disorder dermatitis herpetiformis. He has called for a new paradigm to be accepted where celiac disease is not considered primarily as an intestinal disease.

Dr. Hadjivassiliou and colleagues recently published a report of nine patients with gluten ataxia compared with seven patients with ataxia due to other causes. They found tissue transglutaminase IgA deposition on jejunum intestinal tissue on all nine patients with gluten ataxia but none of the control patients. Brain tissue from an autopsy of one patient with gluten ataxia was also found to have IgA tTG deposits in the cerebellum, pons and medulla of the brain but not in a control brain.

Previous studies have found negative celiac blood tests in patients with gluten ataxia suggesting that they may not have celiac though they had a gluten related disease. In light of a new report that blood test negative celiac disease can have intestinal tTG and advanced intestinal damage it is curious to wonder if the gluten ataxia patients with blood tests negative are seronegative celiacs. It is increasingly appearing that there is a very broad spectrum of gluten related disease and there are non-celiac gluten related symptoms that include the brain, skin, musculoskeletal system as well as the gut.

Many patients I have seen with gluten sensitivity describe symptoms of balance difficulty, concentration problems or "brain fog", headaches, and neuropathy and a few report symptoms such as "bug crawling" sensations and strange muscle twitches. These symptoms commonly improve with a gluten-free diet and return with intentional or accidental gluten exposure. For some, intestinal symptoms or skin rashes occur but not all. The concept of gluten as a cause of brain symptoms is still not one widely known or accepted by many doctors, especially in the United States. However in Europe, especially England, Germany and Scandinavian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand the gluten brain-gut connection is more accepted.

Casein causing brain symptoms is also not commonly accepted by doctors in the U.S. though many lay public organizations and support groups have found a casein-free diet to be associated with improvement of brain function as well as helping autism.

What is needed is more openness of U.S. doctors to the role of diet and foods in such symptoms and diseases and much more scientific research. I ask you to join me on the journey of the food, bacteria, gut-brain-joint-skin connection to disease and health.

References:

Autoantibody targeting of brain and intestinal transglutaminase in gluten ataxia. Hadjivassiliou M. et. al. Neurology 2006; 66:373-377.

Endomysial antibody-negative coeliac disease: clinical characteristics and intestinal autoantibody deposits. Gut 2006; 55:1746-1753.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) How, Why and When to Supplement

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Sources and Physiologic Functions

Requirements and Sources: Pork, whole grains, and legumes are the richest sources of thiamine. Outer layers of seeds are particularly rich in this vitamin.

Populations at Risk: The populations most at risk of developing a thiamine deficiency are chronic alcoholics in Western countries and those with an over dependence on polished rice as a staple in undeveloped nations. In alcoholics it may be caused by decreased intake, reduced absorption, and impaired ability to use the absorbed vitamin. Thiamine is spared by fat, protein, sorbitol, and Vitamin C. High carbohydrate intake, parenteral glucose, pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and antibiotics will increase needs. Also, it is readily lost in persons consuming raw fish, tea, coffee, blueberries, red cabbage, and cooking with excess water and baking soda. Breast fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers are particularly at risk, as death from cardiac failure can result within a few hours, even though the mother appears healthy. Other risk factors include chronic colitis, fever, malignant disease, sprue, and thyrotoxicosis. Intestinal absorption of thiamine appears to be controlled and limited, and modest increases in the serum concentration were accompanied by active renal clearance.

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency: Children present with aphonia, cardiomyopathy, and polyneuritis. Symptoms involving the heart include tachycardia, cardiomegaly, and cardiac failure. Neurological symptoms include mental confusion, anorexia, ataxia, nystagmus, and weakness of hands, calves, and feet as a result of degeneration of sensory and motor nerves. Thiamine deficiency in adults is called Beri-beri and is characterized by dry skin, irritability, disorderly thinking, and progressive paralysis. In chronic alcoholics, a syndrome of Wernicke's - Korsakoff"s Psychosis develops. Ataxia and Nystagmus (Wernicke's ) develop early and, if left untreated progresses to amnesia, confusion, and polyneuropathy ( Korsakoff's ). Complete recovery at this stage is seen in only 25% of the patients. Vomiting, diarrhea, edema, and weight loss are other non-specific symptoms.

Safety:

Due to relative increase in sympathetic activity, nervousness, sweating, tachycardia and tremors can be seen with excess thiamine. Edema and vascular hypotension occur as a result of capillary leakage. Allergies, fatty liver and herpes are common. Folates and thiamine cause seizures and excitation when administered in high dosage directly into the brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of experimental animals, but have rarely been reported to cause human neurotoxicity, although fatal reactions to i.v. thiamine are well known.

Biochemistry: The biologically active form of thiamine is TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate). It acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation at the pyruvate and the alfa-ketoglutarate steps in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. It also acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation ( of alfa-keto acids and in the formation or degeneration of ketols ) by transketolase in the Pentose phosphate pathway, the intermediary products of which are used in the synthesis of ribonucleotides such as ATP & GTP, deoxyribonucleotides such as dATP & dGTP, and nucleic acids DNA & RNA. Thiamine is also essential for protein catabolism, acetyl choline synthesis, normal muscle tone in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

In human the storage of thiamine is is in greatest concentrations in skeletal muscle, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. The human stores about 25 to 30mg of thiamine. ThMP and free (unphosphorylated) thiamine is present in plasma, milk, cerebrospinal fluid, and just about all extracellular fluids. Unlike the highly phosphorylated forms of thiamine, ThMP and free thiamine are capable of crossing cell membranes.

Recommendations: RDA in mg

• Infants birth to 6 mos - 0.3mg


• Infants 6 mos to 1 yr - 0.4mg


• Children 1 yr to 3 yr - 0.7mg


• Children 4 yr to 6 yr - 0.9mg


• Children 7 yr to 10 yr - 1mg


• Adolescent males 11yr to 14 yr - 1.3mg


• Adolescent females 11 yr to 14 yr - 1.1mg


• Adolescent males 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.5mg


• Adolescent females 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.5mg


• Adult females 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 51 yr plus - 1.2mg


• Adult females 51 yr plus - 1.0mg


• Pregnant Women - 1.5mg


• Lactating Mothers - 1.6mg

Thiamine hydrochloride is the common supplemental form. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Erythrocyte transketolase activity is considered the most reliable index of the functional state of thiamine.

Thiamine B1

Food Source - Serving Size - Number of milligrams per serving

• Pork (lean arm braised) - 3.5 oz - 0.60mg


• Pork (bacon cured/pan fried) - 4.48oz - 0.88mg


• Navy beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.37mg


• Pinto beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.24mg


• Pinto beans (boiled) - 1 cup - 0.32mg

Literature:

A cross-sectional investigation of patients with congestive heart failure being treated with loop diuretic therapy showed that thiamine deficiency may occur in a substantial proportion of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and dietary inadequacy may contribute to increased risk. Men and nonwhite patients with CHF appeared most likely to have evidence of thiamine deficiency, although this reflects, in part, the gender composition of the patients recruited for the study. Patients with more severe CHF (as indicated by lower percentages of left ventricular ejection fractions) had greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Another study found left ventricular ejection fraction to be adversely affected by thiamine deficiency and described that, when these patients were supplemented with thiamine intravenously, the ejection fraction improved significantly. Thus, nutritional assessment of thiamine status, including dietary intake, may be an important component of care for patients with CHF who are being treated with loop diuretic therapy.

Cognitive functioning

A study by Benton et. al demonstrated the association between improved thiamine status and improved performance on a range of measures of cognitive functioning in females. No such association was found in males. Although it was not possible to establish the reason for a beneficial response in females rather than males, there is evidence that females respond differently to dietary factors.

Alzheimer's disease:

Results of one study suggest that probable Alzheimer's Disease (pAD) is associated with a decrease in plasma thiamine levels. In another study, a 40-50% decrease of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) was found in patients with frontal lobe degeneration of the non-Alzheimer's type (FNAD). As TDP is an essential co-factor for oxidative metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, and because low thiamine status (compared with other species) is a constant feature in humans, a nearly 50% decrease in cortical TDP content may contribute significantly to the clinical symptoms observed in FNAD. This study also provides a basis for a trial of thiamine to improve the cognitive status of the patients. A mild beneficial effect in patients with Alzheimer's disease was observed on supplementation with Fursultiamine (TTFD), a derivative of thiamine, at an oral dose of 100 mg/day in a 12-week open trial. Similar benefits were observed in another trial with high dose thiamine (3-8 g/d), while a 12 month study with 3 g/d of thiamine showed no apparent benefit in slowing the progression of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Thus, weak and contradictory evidence suggests that vitamin B1 may be helpful for Alzheimer's disease.

Assessment of thiamine status

In several human studies during the past 10 years, thiamine status was assessed either by measuring thiamine pyrophosphate response alone or by using TPP response measures in conjunction of calculated estimates of thiamine intake from diet histories. Some investigators have combined estimates of thiamine intake with measures of thiamine status other than TPP response, such as erythrocyte TPP [18] or plasma TPP In several of these reports, poor thiamine status, as defined by TPP response, could not be related to less-than-adequate thiamine intake. Several authors have noted that valid TPP response measures depend on a kinetically normal enzyme. Hence, disease states, such as alcoholic encephalopathy, may affect enzyme-cofactor binding, and thus, TPP response. Rigorous statistical analysis of relationship between urinary thiamine excretion and TPP response seems to be lacking in the report generally cited as evidence of the validity of TPP response measures. In the ICNND report, categories of thiamine status appear to relate superficially to urinary thiamine excretion, but when there is no clear break-point in the curve for thiamine intake plotted against urinary excretion, it is difficult, in contrast to the case with urinary riboflavin excretion, to define deficiency. One author has demonstrated that in non-human species, pyruvate dehydrogenase appears to be a more sensitive indicator of tissue thiamine deficiency than is transketolase. A study by Gans et. al. raises questions about the usefulness of the TPP response as the sole indicator of marginal thiamine status. Thiamine status was measured in 137 incarcerated and 42 nonincarcerated adolescent males by use of both dietary intake data and a standard biochemical assay, thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) response. Although average daily thiamine intake of nonincarcerated subjects was significantly higher than that of incarcerated subjects, both groups appeared to be at minimal risk for marginal thiamine status. Comparison of TPP response values indicated that there was no significant difference between groups. However, approximately 24% of the total population appeared to have less than adequate RBC thiamine on the basis of current standards for TPP response. Neither dietary intake nor reported previous alcohol intake was correlated with TPP response. Thus, clinical standards of thiamine deficiency seem to lack firm definition. Perhaps a better, more valid metabolic measure, such as thiamine or TPP in plasma, should be investigated and adopted. Also, intake data as well as some appropriate measure of enzyme activity or function may be important values to assess to describe the thiamine status of a group more correctly.

Summary:

Thiamine is essential in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also needed in the synthesis of ATP and GTP and nucleic acids DNA and RNA. It acts as a coenzyme in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. Thiamine is also essential for acetylcholine synthesis, maintenance of normal tone of muscle in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

A number of claims have been made about the beneficial effects of thiamine on numerous conditions. (Fibromyalgia, HIV Support, Pregnancy and postpartum support, Canker sores - mouth ulcers, and Minor injuries)

Evidence strongly suggests that patients with CHF may benefit from thiamine supplementation. Patients with CHF who are on loop diuretics are shown to have thiamine deficiency and patients with more severe CHF showed greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine supplementation is shown to improve the left ventricular ejection fraction significantly.

Thiamine supplementation may improve cognitive functioning and has been shown to improve performance on a range of cognitive tests in females.

Populations who are prone to be deficient in this vitamin, like chronic alcoholics, patients with malabsorption syndromes, and those who consume high carbohydrates should receive supplementation. Pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and parenteral glucose therapy will increase the requirements of thiamine. Breast-fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers should receive adequate supplementation, as death from cardiac failure can result within hours, even though the mother appears normal.

Our recommendation for adults is 25 mg/d. This amount can be obtained from approximately 41 servings of Pork (lean arm braised), 28 servings of Pork (bacon cured/pan fried), and 80 servings of Pinto Beans (boiled). The RDA for adults is 1.5 mg/d, although a range of doses from 1-25 mg/d is usually consumed. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Wernicke's syndrome, which involves ataxia and nystagmus, develops early and, if left untreated, may progresses to Korsakoff's psychosis, the neurological manifestations of which are irreversible in 75% of the patients. Fatal reactions to high doses of I.V. thiamine have been reported.

Undergo Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment For Ulcerative Colitis And Crohn's Disease

This article looks into the various aspects of Ayurvedic and herbal treatment in ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease etc. You can learn about various ayurvedic medicines used in such treatment.

Patients suffering from Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease have some good news. Now, there is an Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for such diseases. Similar disease like irritable bowel syndrome can also be treated by Ayurvedic and herbal medicines. These three diseases are similar as the intestine is affected in all the three. While in Ulcerative colitis, the colon or the large intestine is affected, in Crohn's disease, it is the small intestine that is affected. Irritable bowel syndrome occurs with mild symptoms when compared with the other two. Usually people between the ages of 20 to 40 are prone to these diseases. They are painful and sometimes may become life threatening.

The exact cause of these diseases is unknown. However, studies suggest different factors like allergens, diet, environmental factors, and genetic factors as the cause of these diseases. As Ulcerative colitis is known as an autoimmune disease, the involvement of immune system is also suggested. Even psychological factors are considered as cause of these diseases according to Ayurveda. People suffering from excessive anger and anxiety are more prone to such diseases. The main symptoms of Ulcerative colitis, is of course diarrhea, where stools are mixed with blood. The disease is caused by inflammation of the colon. According to Ayurveda, it is people of pitta type, who are more prone to such diseases. The Ayurvedic system treats diseases based on their symptoms.

The most important way of treating these diseases actually lies in the right diagnosis. It is always better to treat such diseases at an early stage. In fact, some Ayurvedic medicines and herbal medicines have helped many patients suffering from these diseases. The common Ayurvedic herbal medicines used are Ulcerin compound 1 and Ulcerin compound 2.These compounds usually contains a mixture of several herbs.

Now a day, more and more people are turning to Ayurvedic herbal medicines for the treatment of Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc. The Ayurvedic and herbal medicines help to stop bleeding. They also help to prevent the leakage of the intestinal wall. Another advantage of these medicines is that they protect the inner lining of the intestinal walls. Castor oil is an important medicine used in Ayurvedic treatment. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Saariva,Patol and Haridra are some other herbs used in high doses to prevent these diseases.

Some other ingredients used to cure ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are Vishva, Ativisha, Bilwa, etc. Ayurvedaa uses Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras and Yashtimadhuk to prevent bleeding of the intestine. So turn to Ayurvedic herbal medicines for treatment of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ayurveda also is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

Soy Protein: Hidden Ingredient, Hidden Danger

Almost all of the food processed in the US contains soy and/or soy protein. Soy protein (concentrated soy) is used to extend meat, emulsify food, and as a thickener. These uses have transformed the food industry. Food that never contained soy protein -- smoothies, ice cream, frozen potatoes, and baked goods -- may contain it now.

Most companies list soy protein on labels, but done don't. In March 2005 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued an allergy alert for "undeclared soy protein" in a specific brand of cheesecake. All eight flavors of cheesecake contained soy protein, yet it wasn't listed on any of the labels.

"Consumption of these products may cause serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with allergies to soy protein,' the alert said.

Soy protein is often a hidden ingredient. That's because soy protein has many names: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, isolated soy protein, soy protein concentrate, textured soy protein, vegetable protein, soy meal, soy flour, textured soy flour, and tofu. Even if you weren't allergic to soy protein before, you may be allergic to it now.

Have you felt uncomfortable after eating fast food? Have you had stomach pain after eating at a restaurant? Have you had "indigestion" after eating food prepred with a sauce or rice mix? The symptoms of soy protein allergy include colitis (inflammation of the colon), stomach bloating, and severe stomach pain. These symptoms can last 24 hours or more.

Few adults are allergic to soy, according to The Cleveland Clinic, but times are changing. More people are allergic to soy protein due to the number of products that contain it. You wouldn't be the first person to see a doctor because you're worried about ulcers and find that you're allergic to soy beans.

If you can't eat soy beans you may not be able to eat similar foods. The Center for Food and Environmental Illness says soy beans are a member of the legume family, so you may have "cross reactions" with peas, garbanzo beans, lima beans, black beans, lentils, peanuts, and even wheat. What can you do?

You can become a food label detective. Before you put a product in the grocery care read every word on every label. Shopping will take more time, but that's a fair tade-off to avoid getting ill. Recipes change, so continue to read labels even of products have been safe in the past.

Keep an ongoing list of foods to avoid. Do this on a computer, if possible, because your list will grow from dozens of items to hundreds in a few weeks. Bring the list with you when you go shopping. When you eat out, don't be afraid to ask the server if there's soy protein in a recipe.

For the only way to "treat" soy protein allergy is to avoid the foods that contain it. The best thing you can do for yourself is to make meals from scratch. Set asde a few hours each weekend (or when it's convient) for meal preparation. Make a large batch of soup, for example, and freeze most of it. You may also wish to freeze individual dinners and servings in foil pans.

Last, always have a gas-reducing product on hand, such as Beano or Gax X. Your doctor can help, but the final responsibility for soy protein allergy rests with you. Though this requires vigilance, your health and wellbeing are worth it.

Copyright 2005 by Harriet Hodgson. To learn more about her work please go to www.harriethodgson.com.

Type 2 Diabetes - Blood Sugar Control and Tumors

Tumors are one complication anyone with or without a diagnosis of diabetes wants to prevent. According to research performed in the Department of Internal Medicine at I-Shou University in Taiwan, people who have diabetes and who have also controlled their blood sugar levels consistently, were likely to find this a good means for the prevention of tumors.

The study, reported in November 2011 in the journal Cancer Causes Control, included 2,776 volunteers who enrolled in a comprehensive health management program that included:

• fasting blood sugar levels,


• hemoglobin A1c levels, and


• screening colonoscopies.

Six hundred and five of these participants were found to have colonic tumors, 68 of which were at a high risk for becoming malignant. Among the volunteers with diabetes, both the blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c levels were highest in those with tumors. It was also found the highest hemoglobin A1c levels (HbA1c) were also associated with tumors.

It was concluded further research could clarify how useful hemoglobin A1c levels might be in estimating the risk for colorectal tumors.

Colon, or colorectal, cancer starts in the colon or large intestine, or rectum at the end of the colon. Besides diabetes, several other risk factors exist:

• age over 60,


• African American or eastern European descent,


• a diet high in red or processed meats,


• colorectal polyps,


• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis,


• a family history of colon cancer, of polyps, of colorectal cancer, of breast or other types of cancer,


• smoking and the consumption of alcohol.

Colorectal cancer can exist without symptoms, so screening should be performed for those over age 50 or who are at high risk. Signs and symptoms that can exist include:

• lower abdominal pain or tenderness,


• blood in the stool,


• constipation or diarrhea,


• narrow stools, or


• unexplained weight loss.

When colorectal cancer is found, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy can be prescribed.

1. Surgical treatment can consist of the removal of tumors or even of sections of the colon.

2. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor as much as possible for removal. Chemotherapy can be given instead of surgery:

• if the tumors are advanced to the point of being inoperable, or


• it can be given after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might not have been removed.

3. X-rays can also be used to:

• shrink tumors,


• ease symptoms, or


• kill diseased cells that have not been surgically removed.

When the disease is caught in its early stage the prognosis is good, with 74 percent of sufferers living at least 5 years after diagnosis.

Dogs With Colitis

One of the common infections in the dogs these days is the colitis. This colitis occurs in a variety of forms. It might be acute or chronic and in case if it is very severe then it can also come out as an episodic one. The colitis is said to harmful for the dogs but it is seen that it is not life threatening for the dogs. But if it is not treated in time then it can hamper the health and other things of your dog. Hence the dog won't be able to have a healthy life. The colitis occurs at least once in the dogs. It is most common in the small dogs or the puppies that are said to be more prone to colitis.

Once it is left untreated in the dog then after some time it is seen that it cannot be cured and though the dog will not die but he will also not be able to lead a healthy life as it will cause many problems in the body of the dog. In many cases it has been seen that the main cause of the colitis is very difficult to be found. The colitis is nothing but generally a sort of inflammation in the colon. It is in the large intestine of the dog.

Some people might think that the dog suffers from some irritable disease of the bowel. It is hence confused with the bowel disease due to the similar symptoms that persist. Many dogs tend to act as normal as possible even when they have the colitis. This is because it is difficult to judge for this type of disease. People are hence left unknown of the fact that the dog has colitis. This is because the dog does not show any symptoms many times. The symptoms might be noticed when the colitis increases and becomes a severe one.

The dog with colitis is supposed to have very bright colored and fresh blood along with some mucus sometimes in their stool session. Vomiting is also seen in some cases but it is not that strong of a symptom. The symptoms vary a lot. The colitis which is of chronic nature is the one where the dog is seen to vomit frequently. In this the dog will also stop eating and reduce his appetite. They become very lazy and some weight loss can also be seen in the dogs with chronic colitis. If the dog starts losing his weight then it is not a good sign. This simply indicates that the necessary nutrition's are not going in the body of the dog which can cause further many problem in the health of a dog overall.

Chronic Colitis

Chronic colitis is also known as ulcerative colitis. It is usually blamed on autoimmunity, which is the process where the body's immune system mistakenly interprets otherwise good elements as invaders and attacks them.

Warning signs

One of the most evident symptoms you may encounter when you have chronic colitis is diarrhea that is accompanied by pain in your abdomen.

You may have to visit the bathroom 10 to 20 times a day due to diarrhea attacks that may contain mucous, bloody purulent and tenesmus. The pain in your abdomen is usually at the left, middle or lower portion. In more severe cases, you may also experience fever, nausea, loss of weight, anemia, edema, and others. You may also experience colon spasms and deformity, and your mucosal folds may become disordered.

Simple cures

There are simple treatments you can do for yourself at home to relieve your chronic colitis. You can give your body lot of clear fluid like water, lemonade, light lemon tea, and light soup. Consume at least eight to 10 glasses of water to prevent dehydration.

As your condition progresses, start to take low-fiber foods. Do not take in greasy or fatty foods. Do not eat raw, cold or deep-fried foods. Remember to eat regular meals and avoid overeating or drinking too much at meals. Avoid mental stress and never overstrain yourself.

Contact your doctor immediately if a sudden change in your bowel routine occurs. Also see a doctor when there is blood in your stool, if you experience continuous diarrhea for 3 days, or if you feel severe abdominal or rectal pain. You should also see a physician as soon as you can when you are unable to urinate. If someone who shared food with you is starting to display your symptoms, bring that person to a doctor, too.

Do You Have an Autoimmune Disease?

How can i manage my life now that I have been diagnosed with autoimmune disease?. Although there is no cure, you can treat your symptoms and learn to manage your disease, so you can still enjoy life. It is important, though, to see a doctor who specializes in these types of diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which the body's immune system reacts against itself and produces antibodies to attack its own healthy cells and tissue. Autoimmune disorders can be directed mainly at one part of the body, such as the thyroid gland or the pancreas, or they can spread widely throughout the body, as in the case of diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on which autoimmune disease you have, the most common that is shared among the autoimmune disorders are joint pain and fatigue.

RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) joint pain, joint deformities, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.

MS(multiple sclerosis) numbness and tingling in the extremeties, difficulty with balance and coordination, problems with walking or speaking, tremors, and even paralysis.

Lupus - joint pain, swelling, skin rashes, fatigue, sensitivity to sun, purple fingers or toes from cold or stress, and swelling in the legs or around the eyes.

Type1 Diabetes elevated blood sugar, fatigue, increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, increased appetite, and weight loss

Graves Disease(overactive thyroid) insomnia, irritability, unexplained weight loss, weakness, bulging eyes,shaky hands, brittle hair.

Hashimotos Thyroiditis (under-active) tiredness, cold sensitivity, weight gain, weakness, tough skin, constipation, and depression

Ulcerative Colitis - diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, skin lesions, and joint pain.

Who is at risk?

Autoimmune diseases tend to run in families, with women more likely than men to develop an autoimmune disorder.

Treatments

There is no cure however with treatment you can still lead a full life. Treatments depend on which autoimmune disorders you have but range from antiinflamatories, insulin, and synthetic thyroid pills.

How do I know if I have an autoimmune disease?

If you suspect you may have an autoimmune disorder the doctor will likely start out conducting a physical exam and taking your personal and family medical history. Test may be run to rule out other conditions.

There is no definitive diagnostic test for autoimmune disorders for the most part. Blood tests, x-rays, ct scans, or MRI's may help in determining some of the autoimmune disorders.

Should I see a doctor and when?

If you experience any of the symptoms of an autoimmune disorders it is wise to see the doctor as soon as possible. Putting it off only runs the risk of having symptoms worsen or do permanent damage to your body.

Treating Digestive Disorders With Chiropractic Care

Americans spend billions of dollars on over-the-counter and prescription medication hoping to relieve digestive problems. Their symptoms can come in the form of constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and other common complaints of a digestive nature. Untreated, digestive disorders may affect one's quality of life, immune system, social well-being, and job productivity. On the other hand, the side-effects of steroid medications and other drugs used to treat digestive problems are very hard on the body.

While the symptoms of digestive disorders are bothersome, there are ways to address the underlying factors that contribute to the problem without the use of drugs. Research offers evidence that chiropractic care, for example, can be very effective in treating digestive conditions.

What Chiropractic Care Can Do for Your Digestive Disorder
The nervous system is responsible for controlling digestive function. It does so from several different parts of the body. The vagus nerve, for example, travels from the brain stem to the atlas bone, energizing the digestive organs and inciting the digestive process. The sympathetic nerves of the thoracic and lumbar region, and the sacral parasympathetic nerve fibers, are responsible for the pace of digestion.

Spinal misalignment in these spinal regions may affect the proper functioning of the bowel and the neurological process as a whole. Chiropractic doctors seek to isolate the exact location of spinal misalignments (also known as subluxations). The adjustment is performed in order to realign the impaired regions, and recover proper nerve supply to the affected organs.

Chiropractic care recognizes the body's natural ability to heal itself. As such, its approach to restoring ailments is based on addressing organ function, so that it can perform optimally without the aid of drugs.

Various studies have illustrated the effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating patients with digestive conditions. One study showed how infants with infrequent bowel syndrome receiving chiropractic care experienced almost immediate improvement after sessions.

Another comprehensive study established a link between spinal misalignments and the occurrence of Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease results in inflammation along the small intestine, affecting any part of the digestive tract. In addition to pain, this inflammation results in frequent emptying of the intestines and diarrhea.

The prevailing theory around the cause of Crohn's disease is that the immune system is acting in response to a virus or bacterium. Traditional treatment for Crohn's disease involves the use of corticosteroids to address the inflammation. However, the side-effects of corticosteroids can be serious, possibly prompting greater vulnerability to infection. Drugs that suppress the immune system are also used. Researchers of the study sought to look for treatment options that boosted the immune system (as opposed to suppressing it) in a way that did not rely on the use of drugs.

Another study revealed the link between spinal misalignments and a wide range of conditions including ulcerative colitis, asthma, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel disorder. It showed that correcting those displacements caused improvement (and sometimes complete remission) of symptoms of Crohn's disease. Research findings also point to another attendant benefit of chiropractic care. Not only is there improvement of digestive disorders following chiropractic care but also an overall improvement of patients' quality of life.

Contact a Chiropractor for a Thorough Assessment of Your Digestive Condition
Chiropractors adjust misalignments of the spine that interfere with nerve function. These problems can be painlessly corrected. Once the misalignment is treated, the troublesome symptoms will likely go away as well.

Chiropractic care can benefit those suffering from digestive disorders by restoring the digestive processes' natural rhythm. In addition to spinal manipulation, your chiropractor may also employ the use of nutritional counseling as part of his or her practice. Vitamin and mineral supplements, healing herbs, as well as other complementary approaches may also be suggested. In an effort to address the patient as a whole, chiropractic doctors seek for ways to encourage wellness in a holistic manner.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) How, Why and When to Supplement

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Sources and Physiologic Functions

Requirements and Sources: Pork, whole grains, and legumes are the richest sources of thiamine. Outer layers of seeds are particularly rich in this vitamin.

Populations at Risk: The populations most at risk of developing a thiamine deficiency are chronic alcoholics in Western countries and those with an over dependence on polished rice as a staple in undeveloped nations. In alcoholics it may be caused by decreased intake, reduced absorption, and impaired ability to use the absorbed vitamin. Thiamine is spared by fat, protein, sorbitol, and Vitamin C. High carbohydrate intake, parenteral glucose, pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and antibiotics will increase needs. Also, it is readily lost in persons consuming raw fish, tea, coffee, blueberries, red cabbage, and cooking with excess water and baking soda. Breast fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers are particularly at risk, as death from cardiac failure can result within a few hours, even though the mother appears healthy. Other risk factors include chronic colitis, fever, malignant disease, sprue, and thyrotoxicosis. Intestinal absorption of thiamine appears to be controlled and limited, and modest increases in the serum concentration were accompanied by active renal clearance.

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency: Children present with aphonia, cardiomyopathy, and polyneuritis. Symptoms involving the heart include tachycardia, cardiomegaly, and cardiac failure. Neurological symptoms include mental confusion, anorexia, ataxia, nystagmus, and weakness of hands, calves, and feet as a result of degeneration of sensory and motor nerves. Thiamine deficiency in adults is called Beri-beri and is characterized by dry skin, irritability, disorderly thinking, and progressive paralysis. In chronic alcoholics, a syndrome of Wernicke's - Korsakoff"s Psychosis develops. Ataxia and Nystagmus (Wernicke's ) develop early and, if left untreated progresses to amnesia, confusion, and polyneuropathy ( Korsakoff's ). Complete recovery at this stage is seen in only 25% of the patients. Vomiting, diarrhea, edema, and weight loss are other non-specific symptoms.

Safety:

Due to relative increase in sympathetic activity, nervousness, sweating, tachycardia and tremors can be seen with excess thiamine. Edema and vascular hypotension occur as a result of capillary leakage. Allergies, fatty liver and herpes are common. Folates and thiamine cause seizures and excitation when administered in high dosage directly into the brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of experimental animals, but have rarely been reported to cause human neurotoxicity, although fatal reactions to i.v. thiamine are well known.

Biochemistry: The biologically active form of thiamine is TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate). It acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation at the pyruvate and the alfa-ketoglutarate steps in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. It also acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation ( of alfa-keto acids and in the formation or degeneration of ketols ) by transketolase in the Pentose phosphate pathway, the intermediary products of which are used in the synthesis of ribonucleotides such as ATP & GTP, deoxyribonucleotides such as dATP & dGTP, and nucleic acids DNA & RNA. Thiamine is also essential for protein catabolism, acetyl choline synthesis, normal muscle tone in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

In human the storage of thiamine is is in greatest concentrations in skeletal muscle, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. The human stores about 25 to 30mg of thiamine. ThMP and free (unphosphorylated) thiamine is present in plasma, milk, cerebrospinal fluid, and just about all extracellular fluids. Unlike the highly phosphorylated forms of thiamine, ThMP and free thiamine are capable of crossing cell membranes.

Recommendations: RDA in mg

• Infants birth to 6 mos - 0.3mg


• Infants 6 mos to 1 yr - 0.4mg


• Children 1 yr to 3 yr - 0.7mg


• Children 4 yr to 6 yr - 0.9mg


• Children 7 yr to 10 yr - 1mg


• Adolescent males 11yr to 14 yr - 1.3mg


• Adolescent females 11 yr to 14 yr - 1.1mg


• Adolescent males 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.5mg


• Adolescent females 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.5mg


• Adult females 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 51 yr plus - 1.2mg


• Adult females 51 yr plus - 1.0mg


• Pregnant Women - 1.5mg


• Lactating Mothers - 1.6mg

Thiamine hydrochloride is the common supplemental form. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Erythrocyte transketolase activity is considered the most reliable index of the functional state of thiamine.

Thiamine B1

Food Source - Serving Size - Number of milligrams per serving

• Pork (lean arm braised) - 3.5 oz - 0.60mg


• Pork (bacon cured/pan fried) - 4.48oz - 0.88mg


• Navy beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.37mg


• Pinto beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.24mg


• Pinto beans (boiled) - 1 cup - 0.32mg

Literature:

A cross-sectional investigation of patients with congestive heart failure being treated with loop diuretic therapy showed that thiamine deficiency may occur in a substantial proportion of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and dietary inadequacy may contribute to increased risk. Men and nonwhite patients with CHF appeared most likely to have evidence of thiamine deficiency, although this reflects, in part, the gender composition of the patients recruited for the study. Patients with more severe CHF (as indicated by lower percentages of left ventricular ejection fractions) had greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Another study found left ventricular ejection fraction to be adversely affected by thiamine deficiency and described that, when these patients were supplemented with thiamine intravenously, the ejection fraction improved significantly. Thus, nutritional assessment of thiamine status, including dietary intake, may be an important component of care for patients with CHF who are being treated with loop diuretic therapy.

Cognitive functioning

A study by Benton et. al demonstrated the association between improved thiamine status and improved performance on a range of measures of cognitive functioning in females. No such association was found in males. Although it was not possible to establish the reason for a beneficial response in females rather than males, there is evidence that females respond differently to dietary factors.

Alzheimer's disease:

Results of one study suggest that probable Alzheimer's Disease (pAD) is associated with a decrease in plasma thiamine levels. In another study, a 40-50% decrease of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) was found in patients with frontal lobe degeneration of the non-Alzheimer's type (FNAD). As TDP is an essential co-factor for oxidative metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, and because low thiamine status (compared with other species) is a constant feature in humans, a nearly 50% decrease in cortical TDP content may contribute significantly to the clinical symptoms observed in FNAD. This study also provides a basis for a trial of thiamine to improve the cognitive status of the patients. A mild beneficial effect in patients with Alzheimer's disease was observed on supplementation with Fursultiamine (TTFD), a derivative of thiamine, at an oral dose of 100 mg/day in a 12-week open trial. Similar benefits were observed in another trial with high dose thiamine (3-8 g/d), while a 12 month study with 3 g/d of thiamine showed no apparent benefit in slowing the progression of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Thus, weak and contradictory evidence suggests that vitamin B1 may be helpful for Alzheimer's disease.

Assessment of thiamine status

In several human studies during the past 10 years, thiamine status was assessed either by measuring thiamine pyrophosphate response alone or by using TPP response measures in conjunction of calculated estimates of thiamine intake from diet histories. Some investigators have combined estimates of thiamine intake with measures of thiamine status other than TPP response, such as erythrocyte TPP [18] or plasma TPP In several of these reports, poor thiamine status, as defined by TPP response, could not be related to less-than-adequate thiamine intake. Several authors have noted that valid TPP response measures depend on a kinetically normal enzyme. Hence, disease states, such as alcoholic encephalopathy, may affect enzyme-cofactor binding, and thus, TPP response. Rigorous statistical analysis of relationship between urinary thiamine excretion and TPP response seems to be lacking in the report generally cited as evidence of the validity of TPP response measures. In the ICNND report, categories of thiamine status appear to relate superficially to urinary thiamine excretion, but when there is no clear break-point in the curve for thiamine intake plotted against urinary excretion, it is difficult, in contrast to the case with urinary riboflavin excretion, to define deficiency. One author has demonstrated that in non-human species, pyruvate dehydrogenase appears to be a more sensitive indicator of tissue thiamine deficiency than is transketolase. A study by Gans et. al. raises questions about the usefulness of the TPP response as the sole indicator of marginal thiamine status. Thiamine status was measured in 137 incarcerated and 42 nonincarcerated adolescent males by use of both dietary intake data and a standard biochemical assay, thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) response. Although average daily thiamine intake of nonincarcerated subjects was significantly higher than that of incarcerated subjects, both groups appeared to be at minimal risk for marginal thiamine status. Comparison of TPP response values indicated that there was no significant difference between groups. However, approximately 24% of the total population appeared to have less than adequate RBC thiamine on the basis of current standards for TPP response. Neither dietary intake nor reported previous alcohol intake was correlated with TPP response. Thus, clinical standards of thiamine deficiency seem to lack firm definition. Perhaps a better, more valid metabolic measure, such as thiamine or TPP in plasma, should be investigated and adopted. Also, intake data as well as some appropriate measure of enzyme activity or function may be important values to assess to describe the thiamine status of a group more correctly.

Summary:

Thiamine is essential in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also needed in the synthesis of ATP and GTP and nucleic acids DNA and RNA. It acts as a coenzyme in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. Thiamine is also essential for acetylcholine synthesis, maintenance of normal tone of muscle in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

A number of claims have been made about the beneficial effects of thiamine on numerous conditions. (Fibromyalgia, HIV Support, Pregnancy and postpartum support, Canker sores - mouth ulcers, and Minor injuries)

Evidence strongly suggests that patients with CHF may benefit from thiamine supplementation. Patients with CHF who are on loop diuretics are shown to have thiamine deficiency and patients with more severe CHF showed greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine supplementation is shown to improve the left ventricular ejection fraction significantly.

Thiamine supplementation may improve cognitive functioning and has been shown to improve performance on a range of cognitive tests in females.

Populations who are prone to be deficient in this vitamin, like chronic alcoholics, patients with malabsorption syndromes, and those who consume high carbohydrates should receive supplementation. Pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and parenteral glucose therapy will increase the requirements of thiamine. Breast-fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers should receive adequate supplementation, as death from cardiac failure can result within hours, even though the mother appears normal.

Our recommendation for adults is 25 mg/d. This amount can be obtained from approximately 41 servings of Pork (lean arm braised), 28 servings of Pork (bacon cured/pan fried), and 80 servings of Pinto Beans (boiled). The RDA for adults is 1.5 mg/d, although a range of doses from 1-25 mg/d is usually consumed. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Wernicke's syndrome, which involves ataxia and nystagmus, develops early and, if left untreated, may progresses to Korsakoff's psychosis, the neurological manifestations of which are irreversible in 75% of the patients. Fatal reactions to high doses of I.V. thiamine have been reported.

Pollen Allergy and Food Sensitivity: The Oral Allergy Syndrome and Food Intolerance

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a well-recognized but little known condition. It is characterized by a burning sensation or mouth pain and swelling when you eat specific foods that cross react to pollens to which you are allergic. Interestingly, the specific foods causing this reaction are well established to cross react with certain trees, grass, or weed pollens, house dust mite or latex. There are common groups of foods that cluster with certain nasal allergies. For example, ragweed allergy commonly causes an oral or gut reaction after eating melons or bananas but usually not other foods. Birch tree pollen is commonly associated with reactions to numerous foods as is latex allergy. The explanation for these reactions include similarities in protein structures as well as some chemicals in the foods.

Though this reaction is well documented in the allergy literature it is not commonly recognized or diagnosed by most doctors including some allergy specialists and many stomach specialists. Various allergy web sites include lists of the common foods associated with certain pollens, dust mite or latex. However, a comprehensive list that is easy to read or interpret can be difficult to find. Also, the names of some pollens or the common links between a group of pollens and a group of foods can be confusing.

In its classic form OAS should be easy to recognize. After eating a food associated with a pollen to which you are allergic you experience near immediate burning sensation in your mouth or throat with or without swelling. However, it is commonly recognized that frequently in medicine, symptoms do not occur in the "classic" or typical manner in a specific person. Worded another way doctors are taught "patients don't read the textbooks". Therefore, you may experience variations of the reaction such as throat swelling or tightening, burning when swallowing, a lump in the throat or a sense of swallowing difficulty but not make the connection to what you ate or what is happening to you.

You or your doctor may misinterpret your symptoms. Frequently people just assume it happened because they were having a choking spell on food that was poorly chewed, swallowed too fast, or eaten or drank while too hot or cold. Commonly, it is assumed that an esophageal (swallowing tube) disorder, especially acid reflux with a hiatal hernia is the cause. Acid reflux can cause an esophageal constriction called a stricture or ring that can result in a food sticking sensation, but this is usually associated with heartburn symptoms or food getting stuck which then prompts an upper endoscopy or scope exam. Other times, especially if occurring in an elderly person, a neurological condition like stroke or Parkinson's disease is blamed. Sometimes doctors decide that your symptoms are due to a nervous reaction or neurosis that historically was called as globus hystericus. The hystericus portion of the term is usually dropped these days to the shorter term globus or globus sensation especially since it is not proven it is due to a psychiatric problem. However, globus may be the diagnosis arrived at if your complaint is that you feel a lump in your throat and an 'evaluation" appears to turn up nothing even if OAS was not considered or excluded.

An unusual condition that has been more recently recognized in the field of gastroenterology (diseases of the stomach and intestines) that may be related to or a variant of OAS is called eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) or allergic esophagitis. It was first described in the pediatric population but is now known to occur in adults. Classically described in teenage boys and young men who presented with food sticking episodes without heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, it is associated with a strange appearance of the esophagus on endoscopy (lighted scope exam of the upper gastrointestinal tract). What the doctor doing the scope sees is that the esophagus resembles a cat's esophagus. That is it looks like it has rings (cats have cartilage rings in their esophagus, we do not) and this is referred to as "ringed esophagus" or felinization of the esophagus. On biopsy of such a ringed or felinized appearing esophagus (that is also often narrowed resulting in food sticking) microscopic signs of allergy are noted. The lining shows numerous eosinophils, a reddish pink appearing white blood cell, characteristic of allergic conditions. These eosinophils release chemicals like histamine that trigger swelling, pain, and damage to tissue.

Food allergies are commonly found to present in EE though sometimes the search for a food allergy by traditional skin tests or IgE blood tests is negative. Treatment is avoidance of known food allergens and swallowed nasal steroids sprays that are designed for use in the nose for nasal allergies. Though not specifically proven yet, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) may be a variant of OAS.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and eosinophilic or allergic colitis also exist and can be diagnosed by biopsies of the stomach, small intestine and colon respectively. Allergic colitis is typically seen in infants who have a cow's milk protein allergy. It presents as colic type abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and bloody diarrhea in an infant on cow's milk formula or sometimes in breast-fed infants whose mom is drinking a lot of cow's milk.

Allergic gastroenteritis occurs in any age group presenting typically as abdominal pain, with or without intestinal blockage or perforation; diarrhea; anemia; weight loss; and microscopic bleeding in the intestinal tract also known as occult blood in the stool. Such bleeding is detectable only by special stool chemical tests known as fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or stool guaiac testing.

At least some people with food intolerance that does not make sense on limited diet diary information, blood tests, biopsies, or allergy testing, may have a form of OAS. In other words, the presence of known pollen or latex allergies may be predisposing to reactions to foods known to cross react with allergies noted in OAS. However, instead of classic oral allergy syndrome symptoms other stomach and intestinal symptoms or even non-gastrointestinal symptoms may result.

Support of this concept can be found in detailed screening of individuals for food intolerance. Those with known pollen or latex allergies, any known food allergies or intolerance including gluten intolerance (celiac disease) and casein intolerance, are asked to complete a series of symptom assessments and severity rating scales followed by a strict elimination diet. This is followed up by re-assessment of response of symptoms while re-introducing foods one at a time while monitoring for recurrence.

This type of analysis is the basis for the Neopaleo Specific Diet. In the near future online symptom assessments and screening for food intolerance along with dietary recommendations specific to individuals will be available at www.thefooddoc.com. An online diet symptom diary will also be available. A simplified table illustrating the common foods that may cross-react with the broad categories of pollen allergens and latex allergy is available. Food intolerances are more commonly being recognized as a common cause of illness and symptoms. Individualized specific diet recommendations and elimination diet trials may be more helpful in discovering any possible links to what you are eating and how you feel.

Copyright 2006 The Food Doc, LLC. All rights reserved.

10 Tips for Self Healing of Colitis and Crohns

There are different ways you can promote self healing colitis and crohns if you suffer from either of these inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Self healing remedies, which are essentially non-drug alternative treatments, are the preferred choice of treatment for many IBD sufferers because most of these remedies are free of negative side effects and encourage the body to heal itself.

The following are 10 self healing colitis and crohns methods you can look into -

1. Diet - Many IBD symptoms are triggered by food products. Therefore, it's a good idea to create a food diary and eliminate the foods that aggravate your condition (I.E. fat, sugar, acid foods) and increase those that lower the risk (I.E. most fruits, vegetables, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids). Talk to a dietician or your doctor about good food choices and to start a diet plan that works for you.

2. Herbal remedies - There are many herbal remedies for self healing colitis and crohns treatments. Herbs from plant have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes including treating gastrointestinal disorders such as crohns and colitis. Popular herbal remedies that may be used as treatment for inflammation include: cat's claw, green tea, ginkgo, slippery elm, wild indigo, etc. Herbs may be taken as supplements, added to recipes, in tea, or eaten whole, depending on the herb. It's in your best interest to talk with a professional herbalist.

3. Acupuncture - Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into specific acupoints in the body to help bring balance back to the body. Acupuncture can help treat painful symptoms as well as, diarrhea and constipation. This treatment should be sought from a professional acupuncturist.

4. Hypnosis - Known as body/mind medicine, this form of self healing colitis and crohns is a treatment that helps to increase relaxation, improve immune function, decrease stress and ease feelings of anxiety. Hypnosis improves conditions by allowing a patient to use their subconscious to gain control over their symptoms. Hypnosis should be sought from a psychologist or psychiatrist.

5. Homeopathy - This is a type of treatment that focuses on treating individuals as a whole. The course of treatment is determined after a person's physical, psychological and emotional makeup is studied. This form of treatment is given by a homeopath.

6. Naturopathy - Naturopathy treats a person as a whole - mind, body and spirit. Naturopathy does not treat the illness, and promotes self-healing by determining what lifestyle changes a person needs in order to achieve and maintain good health. Many alternative treatments may be recommended including acupuncture, homeopathy, massage therapy, herbs, etc.

7. Probiotics - Some research has found that probiotics, also known as good gut bacteria (I.E. lactobacillus) can improve the symptoms of crohns and colitis. By providing the stomach with beneficial bacteria it helps to keep other "bad" bacteria under control and bring more balance to the gut flora.

8. Reduce Stress - Anxiety and stress have been shown to trigger and worsen symptoms related to IBD. Therefore, part of a good self healing colitis and crohns treatment plan is to make sure you find ways to reduce stress. Stress can be reduced through meditation exercises such as Yoga and Tai Chi, and massage therapy.

9. Reduce bad habits - If you have bad habits such as smoking, overeating, and drinking alcohol, it is imperative you put a stop to these habits right away to avoid triggering and worsening symptoms.

10. Joining a support group -Suffering from crohn's and ulcerative colitis can be difficult and embarrassing to live with. It helps to talk with people who understand your physical and emotional conditions. Treating emotional and psychological symptoms of IBD helps to reduce stress and is an important part of the self healing process.

Despite which self healing colitis and crohns remedies interest you, make sure you consult with your doctor before starting any treatment. It is important to first obtain his/her advice, and it is a good idea to allow your doctor to monitor your condition to see how you respond to self healing treatments.

Aloe Vera - Cure For Anything the Stomach Churns Out

Have you always wanted to know more about aloe vera? Are you interested in getting to know all about the medicinal uses of aloe? Here is a look at aloe vera and its use in the treatment of bowel related diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

Aloe vera is a plant of African origin with fleshy and succulent leaves. Its pulpy structure is arranged in a rosette pattern. This miracle drug is used in many forms as cure for various ailments. Its gel is made out of the fluid in its leaf, its extract by removing the water contained in the gel, juice made from pulping the leaf and aloe vera latex from the yellow syrupy liquid found within the leaf. It is also available in the market in the form of capsules. Aloe-vera gel contains enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids within it.

Aloe has many medicinal attributes. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, astringent, anti-itch, anti-viral, antioxidant, laxative and analgesic. There are many ailments that aloe helps reduce the symptoms of: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Ulcerative Colitis, constipation, Psoriasis, minor burns, Eczema, mouth ulcers, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Type 2 Diabetes (supposedly not tested).

There are many more uses that aloe vera is used for. Some of its uses have been listed below. Aloe juice is used to treat minor insect bites and minor wounds. It aids better and faster recovery by forming a plaster like covering over the injury. Because of its anti-inflammatory and astringent qualities it works miraculously on skin ailments and cosmetic treatments and is also a preferred cure for hemorrhoids (piles). Aloe's antioxidant abilities have been found to control cases of skin cancer and other skin damage.

Aloe-Vera gel makes an excellent cure for ulcerative colitis thanks to its anti-inflmamtory and calming functions. Studies have suggested that aloe when used as a cure for ulcerative colitis has showed 47 percent improvement of symptoms.

Dangerous Intestinal Candida Symptoms You Have to Keep an Eye On

Intestinal Candida symptoms may be very hard to diagnose. The chances for a successful treatment depend on the severity of each sign present. Although it may sound difficult, prompt action must be done to prevent more serious complications.

Obvious and hidden symptoms may vary from one person to another. Who ever is diagnosed early has a higher possibility of regaining it healthy body in shorter time.

Since Candida infection is caused by overgrowth of yeast-like fungus, called Candida albicans, in your body, it will be also normalized once you have a successful treatment.

Intestinal Candida symptoms differ quite a lot from other signs that are also caused by Candidiasis. You will also have a harder time to distinguish from the symptoms of many other diseases. Your intestine is the normal habitat of the Candida albicans fungus.

And because your intestines are their home, therefore it is also the major target of attack by the yeast infection. Once the fungus can penetrate your colon wall, it will eventually spread all over the body, affecting almost all the organs in the body from your skin to your brain.

These symptoms are well distinguished and experienced by sufferers of Candidiasis, such as colitis, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, food allergies, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, rectal itching, intestinal ulcers, leaky gut syndrome intestinal ulcers and sugar cravings.

If you're suffering from intestinal Candida symptoms, it is essential that you treat your infection immediately, diligently and carefully. Candida albicans is an organism that will sooner or later wipe out your good health making it harder for you to recover, or if not, may leave some permanent complications. It may take you months and years, rather than the usual three to six weeks therapy.

A natural Candida remedy is beneficial, like cleansing your body by fasting, and then indulging your body with a yeast free diet. This is 100% yeast control method and will dramatically end the symptoms of your infection.

Symptoms that You Have to Keep an Eye On:

Leaky Gut Syndrome - This is often referred to as increased intestinal permeability. This happens when you partially broken down food and the toxins get into your bloodstream via the holes that are made by the fungus.

Oral Thrush - Are profound white-colored deposits inside your mouth or within your cheeks. This can bleed once you scrape it.

Diarrhea - This is watery bowel movement. This may lead to your dehydration if not resolved immediately.

Constipation - You find trouble in defecating as defined by presence of hardened stools.

Rectal Itching Skin - This is an inflammation around your rectum.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - It is a persistent disease of the intestinal area commonly defined by fever, pain in your abdomen, diarrhea, weight loss, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and eye and skin irritations.

Flatulence - This is the release of gases from your body.

On the other hand, if you continue to ignore the symptoms of infection like indigestion and bloating, more serious symptom may develop, like:

• Toxic liver
• Food allergies
• Skin disorders
• Fatigue
• Urinary tract infection
• Concentration problems and
• Aching joints and muscles

You have to remember that the best way to treat symptoms of Candida infection is with the use of natural remedies. Natural remedies not only treat Candida but also boost your immune system.

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome and What To Do About It

Irritable Bowel Syndrome has many names. It can be called "Spastic colitis", "nervous Indigestion", "mucous colitis", and "intestinal neurosis", and finally in short we will address it as "IBS".

IBS is not a disease it is a functional disorder. It is treatable by diet, lifestyle changes, stress reduction, nutrition, and movement. It affects 55 million Americans a year. It can affect you in different ways. Some report that any number of the following symptoms. Abdominal pain, bloating, more frequent bowel movements with pain, or bowel movements that relieves pain sensations, constipation, diarrhea, excessive production of mucus in the colon, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, anorexia, anxiety and or depression.

IBS is usually associated with a food allergy, stress, or a lack of fiber and water in the diet. I want to stress right here that just because you have symptoms of IBS does not mean that you have it. There are many things that mimic IBS. (cancer, antibiotic or antacid over usage, diverticular disease, infectious diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal candidiasis, lactose intolerance, laxative abuse, pancreatic deficiency, celiac disease, fecal impaction, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, reactions to coffee, teas or carbonated drinks and sugars). You see there could be many different things that could be wrong. Make sure you get your diagnosis from a doctor.

So, you have IBS and you're wondering just what can I do about it. You should really consult a professional like a holistic health counselor. Why? Because, they will work with you and your doctor if you choose. They will guide you through a diet and lifestyle change gradually. It will take about 6 months to really put your IBS to rest.

We want to start by

1- Drinking more water.

2- Increasing your fiber.

3- Keeping a daily diary. Keep track of what you ate or drank and how it affected you. You should also include and medication, vitamins & probiotics.

4- Eat more cooked greens

5- ELIMINATE the following items:
A) Coffee, caffeinated teas, carbonated drinks, alcohol, white flour, sugar, artificial sweeteners and if you have allergies to dairy and wheat eliminate them. You should consult with a doctor or health counselor to try an elimination diet to see if food allergies exist.
B) Eliminate eating fast. Chew your food at least 25 times. This helps aid in digesting your food better.

YOUR PLATE:

What your plate should look like is 翻 the plate should be cooked greens. Then 翹 of the plate should be a complex carbohydrate (like brown rice or spelt noodles) the other 翹 should be a protein (beans, fish, meat, chicken) with a healthy fat like avocado, olive oil, or seeds.

The easy way to add fiber to your diet is ground up flax seeds. You can add these to your breakfast lunch or dinner. They will keep your system clean from top to bottom.

Eat more organic fruits and vegetables. Keep it balanced though.

BLOATING

For those of you who suffer from abdominal pain and or bloating. I want to give you some simple tricks that can help. The easiest one is lying down with a hot water bottle. You should try sleeping with a hot water bottle every night as well. This helps to aid in passing a bowel movement and or trapped gas. It does this by relaxing the muscles. The other one is if your able to do a few sit ups you might dislodge the gas pocket. Most of the time the pain is gas. You can also by a anti-gas supplement from your local health food store. You can also take a probiotoc everyday as it helps in creating good intestinal balance.

LIFE STYLE CHANGES

You definitely need to implement some life style changes. Start by walking. You can start by just taking a leisure stroll for 20 minutes a day. Your movement will cause movement.

STRESSED? Then try meditation or yoga relaxation therapy or get a message.

Early childhood trauma or sexual abuse seek a mental health counselor. You need someone to talk to. You need to release this from inside of you. When you hold your thoughts or feelings in. It can cause digestive issues. They can show them shelves in many ways and one way is IBS.

Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the bowels. The cause is not known, though it is presumed to be a type of allergic reaction. Some theories state that it is hereditary or that when the immune system of the bowels is weakened, it causes irritation of the bowels. Let us examine the symptoms before we proceed further.

The most visible symptoms of Ulcerative colitis are pain and cramps in the abdomen. Other symptoms include blood in your stool, diarrhea, loss of appetite but these symptoms are common to other diseases of the bowel region as well. They are inconclusive unless further tests are done to lead towards a proper confirmation. Some other symptoms are fever, mucus in the stool, and ulcers in the large intestine. Nevertheless, a good physician will diagnose by examining a biopsy of tissue swab from the colon during colonoscopy.

A very similar condition known as Crohn's disease also has similar symptoms. Both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis are jointly called irritable bowel syndrome. Blood tests can offer helpful information leading to the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by monitoring depletion levels of important electrolytes like sodium and potassium.

The system of treating Ulcerative Colitis is in using two types of drugs. One type is prescribed to stop an occasional spurt of the disease. The other type is to be taken regularly to prevent such spurts in advance. Some of drugs that are usually prescribed are Azulfadine (sulfasalazine), Asacol (mesalamine), Immuno suppressants (Imuran, 6-MP, cyclosporine), Methotrexate, TNF-alpha inhibitors (Remicade and Humira) and Corticosteroids (Entocort and prednisone)

Of all these, the Corticosteroids are taken for a short term and the doses are tapered off and stopped for a while, since Corticosteroids are known to weaken the bones if taken in the long run. Some people resort to surgery, if the affected portion is small and is detected very early. But, this is inconclusive, since irritable bowel syndrome can still prop up in other healthy areas.

Treatment with natural Aloe Vera has been showing promising results. Aloe Vera has an anti-inflammatory action on the inner linings of the intestines. This is not only safe, but it also does not have any negative side effects other than regenerating dead cells in other parts of the body, including the intestines. Aloe Vera heals, and if taken regularly, restores your digestion and absorption. Besides, Aloe Vera can be taken by anyone right from infants to the elderly. With Aloe Vera, you can continue your doctor's prescriptions for Ulcerative Colitis.

Aloe Vera has Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide molecules which benefit all cells and tissues in your body. As it works to soothe the inflamed inner linings of your intestines, it stops diarrhea as well as constipation. Simultaneously it acts as an intercellular antioxidant. It removes toxic wastes from the human body as it rebuilds and repairs the protective mucus lining. It helps in ensuring proper digestion and better absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food. It then restores the immune system in the intestines by promoting friendly bacteria and eliminating new unrecognized ones. In addition to treating ulcerative colitis it also eliminates the unhealthy side effects of using drugs.

The Passover Feast Controls Candida Albican Yeast

Yeast-related illness has been around for centuries. Four hundred years before the birth of Christ, Hippocrates the father of modern medicine recorded many occurrences of thrush, cradle cap, and other fungal infections of the skin. All of these are indications of yeast infection by candida albicans.

A Biblical Candida Albican Diet

It was brought to my attention one day that the week long Passover Feast or Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed by Orthodox Jews was very similar to the anti candida diet and other lower-carb diets. The feast was instituted to commemorate the passing over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when God smote the firstborn of the Egyptians with a plague.

I was particularly excited about this idea because the promise for observing the feast was "that the destroying angel would pass them by." In light of the pervasive occurrence of yeast related complaints among human beings, and the debilitating effect it has from the inside out, "destroying angel" would be an apt description of how it feels to deteriorate under yeast's control.

I went to the local library to find a book about the Passover Feast. I learned that the feast is observed in late March or early April before the earth bears anything sweet.

The Seven Day Passover Feast

The seven-day feast includes fasting during the day and eating the feast after sunset each night. A traditional Passover plate was pictured with divided sections for each of the foods that are eaten. The meal consists of a brilliantly low carbohydrate collection of foods:

• Unleavened bread (containing no yeast),


• A piece of lamb,


• A boiled egg,


• Leafy greens,


• A grated apple/nut mash called 'charoseth'


• and a bitter herb like parsley, horseradish or some other kind of radish,

which all happen to contain anti-fungal properties. In fact, all bitter, hot and spicy herbs combat candida albicans yeast, alleviating candida symptoms.

The physiological effect of observing the Passover would be like a "spring cleaning" of the body from candida albicans yeast, mold and fungus every year.

What a fun thought! What if the command to God's chosen people to observe this feast were not just a means of remembering their deliverance from bondage to Pharaoh centuries before, but also a means of literal annual deliverance from a subtler destroyer within, namely candida albican?

Since this fascinating idea settled in, I've enjoyed, and strongly recommend, an annual spring cleaning of systemic candida albican yeast from the body to optimize energy, zap foggy thinking and prime hormone systems for peak performance in the year ahead.

Common Sign of an Ulcer Attack

Of all of the chronic illnesses that one can experience, perhaps one of the most painful has got to be the ulcer. It does make you a bad day to se sign of an ulcer attack appearing in your body. The churning and burning sensation of this terrible illness can be incredibly painful, and if not treated, can go on for week after week with seemingly no end in sight.

However, for those of us that suffer with ulcers, there are a variety of different treatments available that can get your body back up to par in no time. The most important thing to remember, though, is that all ulcers are different and can be caused by different bacteria and viruses, so you must be sure that you get the right treatment for the type of ulcer when you see common sign of an ulcer coming. Usually a few simple tests are all that is needed to determine the cause of your ulcer and how subsequent treatment should go.

If you are one of the millions of people who have the sign of an ulcer, you should go seek treatment as soon as you can. Since most ulcers conditions are quite easy to treat, there really should not be anything holding you back from receiving treatment immediately. Remember, the sooner you go to the doctor the sooner you will recover from this debilitating condition.

Many people in the world today suffer this most common type of ulcer that is known as an aphthous ulcer. It is a type of ulcer which grows in a person's mouth. The common sign of this ulcer is that it is especially painful in your mouth where it is affected since you use your mouth on a continual basis for everything from eating to talking. Luckily though, if you have a mouth ulcer, there are lots of mouth ulcer care products available to help you treat it.

Other sign of an ulcer attack can be pain in the stomach caused by stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer. Another one could be sore on your skin due to decubitus ulcer. What ever type of ulcer you may have, seek medical treatment when you start to see sign of an ulcer attack and you will have a good chance of a speedy recovery.

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Herbs That Help

Managing IBS with herbs that help

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome month. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 people in the UK suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

If you suffer from irritable bowel, you're not alone. IBS is a common condition that affects an estimated 1.4 million people in the UK. Twice as many women than men are thought to experience IBS.

People with IBS report symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn, bloating and stomach cramps.

What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS symptoms may come and go, or they may be constant, the condition affects each person differently.

Common symptoms of IBS include:

- changes to bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation or a combination of the two

- stomach cramps or pain that eases when the bowels are emptied

- bloating or hardness of the stomach

- a feeling that the bowels haven't emptied sufficiently

- symptoms that get worse after eating

- mucus in stools

- flatulence

- nausea

According to the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, IBS is usually diagnosed after you have experienced symptoms, on a regular basis, for 6 months and when tests prove that there is no other cause for your symptoms.

The condition is usually diagnosed after all other possible causes have been eliminated. This is known as diagnosis by exclusion. It is important that other conditions are ruled out as conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, Crohn's Disease, Coeliac Disease and Colon Cancer can present with similar symptoms; particularly in the early stages.

*** It is vital that you see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

- bleeding from the back passage

- blood in stools

- a lump or swelling in the back passage or stomach

- unexplained weight loss

- unexplained fever

- unexplained changes in bowel habit

- persistent or severe vomiting

Herbs That May Help With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

One way Western herbal medicine describes herbs is by the actions they have on the body. Current research confirms many of these herbal actions. For example, Meadowsweet, has been used traditionally as an anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic (something that brings a temperature down). Research has confirmed the presence of salicylates, which are similar in action to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).

Adaptogens:Adoptogens increase resistance to the negative effects of stress - known to exacerbate IBS symptoms - by supporting the function of the endocrine and adrenal systems.

Anti-inflammatories:Anti-inflammatory herbs help alleviate inflammation of the large and small intestine, an important first step in the healing process.

Antispasmodics:Anti-spasmodic herbs prevent, reduce and ease stomach cramps by relaxing contractions of the smooth muscle of the intestinal system.

Anti-microbial:Anti-microbial herbs fight infections; they also help to strengthen the body's natural defence system.

Astringents:Astringent herbs cause contraction of the body's tissues and make them stronger. They are useful for people with diarrhoea predominant IBS.

Bitters:Bitter herbs are used to strengthen the digestive system. They stimulate production of digestive enzymes and enhance the break down and absorption of food.

Carminatives:Carminatives are traditionally used to dispel gas, reduce nausea and improve digestion. They work by reducing the amount of gas formed in the gut, increasing peristalsis within the gut and by increasing blood flow through the gut wall to encourage transportation of gas from the gut.

Mucilaginous:Mucilaginous herbs soothe and coat irritated mucosal tissue of the intestines to prevent irritation of the nerve endings and promote healing.

*** The following herbs can be used to support IBS ***

Meadowsweet - (Filipendula ulmaria)

Actions:Antacid, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, astringent.

Therapeutic properties:An excellent antacid and antispasmodic that can relieve the pain, irritation and cramping associated with IBS. Astringent properties help to heal and protect the gut lining.

Cautions:Do not take Meadowsweet if allergic to salicylates or aspirin, warfarin.

German Chamomile- (Matricaria recutita)

Actions:Relaxant, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic.

Therapeutic properties:Traditionally known as the "mother of the gut" German chamomile alleviates flatulence, muscle contractions and irritation of the gut and is useful in treating stress-related IBS. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Cautions:Can cause dermatitis i.e. irritation of the skin if you have an allergy to the Asteraceae plant family.

Cinnamon- (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Actions:Antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, antibacterial, carminative.

Therapeutic properties:Helpful for stomach upsets, flatulence, nausea, bloating and diarrhoea. Enhances digestion and protects the gut lining.

Cautions:Avoid during pregnancy.

Licorice- (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Actions:Adaptogen, carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory (similar action to cortisone), antiviral, demulcent.

Therapeutic properties:Calms irritated mucous membranes. Useful for heartburn and indigestion as it lowers stomach acid.

Cautions:Avoid if you have high blood pressure and during pregnancy.

Agrimony - (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Actions:Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic.

Therapeutic properties:Enhances digestion and improves bowel function. Protects the gut lining from irritation. Useful for treating diarrhoea.

Cautions:Avoid with blood thinning drugs such as warfarin. Proceed with caution with diabetes drugs.

Boswellia - An Anti-Inflammatory Herb

Boswellia (standardized to contain 55% Boswellic Acid) (Boswellia serrata) (leaf): Boswellia, also known as boswellin or "Indian frankincense," comes from the tree Boswellia serrata, that grows in the dry hills of India. For centuries, traditional Indian healers have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of the tree bark's gummy resin, called salai guggal. Modern preparations made from a purified extract of this resin and packaged in pill or cream form are used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike conventional NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen - the accepted treatments for joint inflammation - boswellia doesn't seem to cause stomach irritation. It also may be effective for back pain and certain chronic intestinal disorders.

Health Benefits: Research has identified specific active anti-inflammatory ingredients in this herb, which are commonly referred to as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to reduce inflammation significantly in several ways. Boswellic acids deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. They improve blood flow to the joints. They also block chemical reactions that set the stage for inflammation to occur in chronic intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Boswellia may help to ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia can be taken internally as well as applied topically to affected joints to relieve inflammation associated with these joint disorders. This may lessen morning stiffness and increase joint mobility.

In a study of 175 patients with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, 122 participants experienced reduced stiffness and inflammation two to four weeks after starting on a boswellia regimen. Boswellia's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce aching and stiffness, especially when associated with low back pain. Although research indicates that boswellia is best taken orally for this purpose, creams appear to be soothing as well. Boswellia also appears to reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, both painful intestinal disorders. It seems to accomplish this without the risk of further gut irritation associated with many conventional pain relievers. In a 1997 study of ulcerative colitis sufferers, 82% of those who took boswellia extract (350 mg three times daily) experienced a complete remission of their disease.

Ailments That Mimic Symptoms of Acute Appendicitis

Although medical misdiagnosis is one of the most common forms of medical malpractice, the vast majority of instances of misdiagnosis of an ailment by a doctor go uncontested. Because it is necessary in a medical malpractice case to prove that the negligence of the doctor led to serious injury or death, if the misdiagnosis did not cause any substantial injury there is no way to win a lawsuit. But there are certain diseases and disorders which are very virulent and fast moving for which misdiagnosis can prove to be deadly for the patient. One of these disorders is appendicitis.

The main reason doctors misdiagnose appendicitis is because the symptoms of the disease mimic symptoms of a variety of different disorders. Symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Pain in the belly region--this pain may begin around the belly button


• Pain that gets stronger and moves to the right side


• Pain that continues to worsen rather than improve


• Pain that becomes more severe when you walk or cough


• Pain occurring in any other part of your belly or your side


• Nausea and vomiting


• Loss of appetite


• Constipation


• Back pain


• Slight fever


• Swollen abdomen

Other ailments which have very similar symptoms include:

• Gastroenteritis


• Kidney stone


• Constipation


• Pelvic inflammatory disease


• Irritable bowel syndrome


• Crohn's disease


• Colitis


• Food poisoning


• Ectopic pregnancy


• Endometriosis


• Diverticulitis

While it is true that there can be a great degree of difficulty in differentiating the symptoms of appendicitis from the above mentioned disorders, it is a doctor's duty to perform every possible test to ensure that his or her diagnosis is correct.

Bowels Function Vs Leaky Gut Syndrome

Food is essential for the body to process normally. Unfortunately, these foods may also contain germs and dangerous toxins that can be destructive to the digestive system.

Digestive system involves converting complex substances like food into simple forms. In simple understanding, our digestive system is responsible in the process of converting insoluble food into soluble and absorbable forms.

A good bowel function is important for proper activities of muscle tissues and nerve fibers to help minimize the risk of both kidney and digestive system from causing different problems.

The bowel is a part of the digestive system, it facilitates our body to process nutritional value and liquids from the foods we ingest and drink. Waste products that aren't needed in the body are being excreted in the form of stool. The consistency of the stool is based mostly on different things, such as how much time the stool stays in the colon, quantity of water that has been consumed from the body and how much left in waste products and lastly, the quantity of fiber from the food we intake. It is important to include in our meal a high in fiber diet. Most people in America have insufficient fiber in their diet. This is one of the contributing factors causing some people to have problems with their bowels. Harmful processed foods also cause leaky intestinal tract symptoms. Some bacteria called "friendly bacteria" are excellent and help process foods properly. But with Leaky Gut Syndrome these "friendly bacteria" are damaged.

The symptoms include:

• Stomach discomfort (abdominal discomfort from serious to chronic pain)
• Gas
• Poor digestive function which may cause to absence or insufficient intake
• Symptoms of heartburn
• Sleeplessness
• Diarrhea
• Poor defense system
• Mood concerns
• Constipation
• Gluten intolerance
• Muscle discomfort and aches (chronic discomfort in joints/muscles)
• Hypersensitive reactions
• Fatigue
• Bronchial asthma or wheezing
• Vitamin inadequacies
• Acne
• Poor attention
• Irritability

Here are some of the major causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome:

• Medications. Excessive use of remedies may lead to damage of the "good" dangerous bacteria in the stomach system.
• High consumption of sugar or sugars
• Zinc oxide and supplement B-6 (maintain stomach wall reliability as well as produce muriatic acid), supplement A (required to develop healthy mucosal designs, such as those of the colon), protein (found in protein for regular repair process of the intestines) deficiencies.
• Free Radicals can damage any of your cells and the stomach layer.
• HIV/AIDS, infection, gastrointestinal cancer, poor liver function, and allergies
• Inflammatory Conditions such as Crohn's Condition, colitis, coeliac, and pancreatitis
• Lifestyle. A high-stress way of lifestyle or a failure to deal with daily stresses-reduces movement to the gut. Increase alcohol and coffee intake. Cigarette smoking worsens the condition.

Probiotics are "friendly bacteria" that are valuable to the body. These "friendly bacteria" help fix the leaks in the stomach walls that are damaged by harmful substances. Probiotics are found in normally cultured yogurt. You need to seek advice from the doctor and talk about the necessary management of Leaky Gut Syndrome to avoid further complications.