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.

Crohns Disease Health Problems

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that results in the swelling of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It affects the lower part of the small intestine, the ileum. The swelling, which extends deep into the lining of the affected organ, can cause pain and make the intestines empty frequently, leading to diarrhea. As the symptoms of Crohn's disease are like other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it is difficult to diagnose.

Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. Occurring in people of all age groups, the disease is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 35. Abdominal pain, often in the lower right area and chronic diarrhea are the early symptoms. Rectal bleeding, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, arthritis, and skin problems may also occur. Bleeding may be severe and constant, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn's disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth and fatigue resulting from anemia.

Obstruction or blockage of the intestine due to swelling and the formation of scar tissue is a general health problem related to the disease. Crohn's disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The tunnels, called fistulas, often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in certain cases surgery is essential. About one third of the people who develop Crohn's disease, have problems around the anus. Small cracks called fissures may also progress in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.

Nutritional health problems such as deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are common. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, loss of protein, or malabsorption. Other health problems associated with Crohn?s disease include inflammation in the eyes, mouth or spine; reddish skin nodules, kidney stones, gallstones, and diseases of the liver and the biliary system. Medical science has not yet discovered a cause or cure for Crohn's disease, but many drugs are available to control the symptoms.

Risk Factors in Bowel Cancer

Most of us flirt with the risk factors for bowel cancer. How many of us don't exercise enough; eat the wrong foods and have bad habits such as drinking and smoking that are not conducive to good health? How many of us are stressed in our high powered lifestyles and don't seem to have enough time to exercise or prepare healthy meals?

So what are the risk factors for bowel cancer and what can we do about them.
The main risk factor of bowel cancer is age.

* 83% of people who get bowel cancer are over the age of 60yrs.
* Poor diet.
* Lack of exercise.
* Smoking.
* Being over the age of 50. (risk increases with age)
* You have a family history of bowel cancer.
* If you have ever had Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
* If you have previously had polyps called adenomas in your bowel.

So, if 83% of people who get bowel cancer are over the age of 60 years and I'm well under that, I'm safe, right? Not exactly, there's still17% left who get bowel cancer below that age and some in their 20's.

So what to do? For a start, if you are approaching 60years old, book yourself in for a colonoscopy. Who knows they may find nothing, on the other hand they may find something that can be dealt with before it gets serious. For those younger, be vigilant and look for any signs and symptoms that may manifest themselves.

Fortunately bowel cancer is fairly slow in developing; unfortunately it doesn't show symptoms until it's developed. Therefore, the earlier you go to the doctor, if any symptoms do occur, the better for your long term survival.

Poor diet, something a lot of us suffer from. Whether it be fast food for convenience sake or those yummy snacks we eat when we are probably not even hungry, it doesn't matter, they take their toll. For a start this type of food will probably be high in fat or processed to death. Take your pick, neither is good. Fresh vegetables and fruit are a good start on the road to good eating habits. Plenty of fibre and water to get the flow going is another plus on the road to good eating habits. There are plenty of books on the subject, go out and find them and educate yourself.

Lack of exercise, another pastime we often ignore, especially when we are asleep in front of the TV. You don't have to be a marathon runner to exercise. Walking is extremely good for you.10,000 steps a day is fantastic. Get yourself one of those step counters and clip it to your belt and see how much you walk in a single day. Some will be pleasantly surprised and some will be disappointed. The good thing is it's a simple way to define and reach your goal. Be good to yourself and use the stairs, walk the dog, walk to the shops and leave the car at home. Do any sort of walking to get your 10,000 steps and you are heading toward the healthy zone.

My next article will finish off the risk factors we started in this article.

Testing And Treatment For Leaky Gut Syndrome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ulcerative Colitis Diet Recommendations

If you are searching for information about an effective ulcerative colitis diet, you may find yourself very confused. There is no diet for ulcerative colitis that is agreed upon by all healthcare professionals. Most eating plans that are advertised as an ulcerative colitis diet were designed by those who suffer from the disease or those who love them. One man who sells a cookbook for his ulcerative colitis diet plan says that he was told by a doctor of "oriental medicine" (his words, not mine) that he should eat no meat, no fish, no egg yolks, no fruits and no nuts. While another diet for ulcerative colitis control, developed by a doctor and a biochemist recommends meat, fish, eggs, fruits and nuts. It may be wise and most effective to design your own ulcerative colitis diet, taking into account any known food allergies or sensitivities.

A symptoms and food diary may be helpful to use as you are designing your diet for ulcerative colitis control. Try to note not only what you ate, but what you drank. While there is little agreement about what foods should be included in an ulcerative colitis diet, there are certain products (like caffeine, alcohol, high fiber cereals, some fruits and some fruit juices) that are known to have a laxative effect, cause cramping and diarrhea, even in people who do not have an inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis. Diet is important. A healthy diet is important for overall good health and sense of well being. For those who suffer from ulcerative colitis, diet is particularly important.

Chronic diarrhea may lead to malnutrition, weight loss, weakness and dehydration. For these reasons a diet for ulcerative colitis control should be well-balanced, with adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and good fats. Including vitamin supplements, particularly D, B12 and iron is recommended.

Simple sugars and artificial sweeteners cause flare ups in some people. No matter what your food preferences, it is important when designing your ulcerative colitis diet to be honest with yourself. It may be hard to give up sodas, coffee, candy and muffins, but your goal should be to control your symptoms. Ulcerative colitis is considered a chronic disease that has a tendency to go into remission and then flare up again over time. Mild to moderate symptoms may be controlled with an ulcerative colitis diet, supplements, herbs and medications, but severe ulcerative colitis can only be cured with surgery. Since cases rarely begin as severe, keeping your symptoms under control decreases the likelihood that surgery will be necessary.

One thing to consider when designing your ulcerative colitis diet is stress and anxiety. While stress and anxiety are not believed to cause ulcerative colitis, it is believed that they can aggravate the condition. Many people who suffer from ulcerative colitis also suffer from anxiety. It may be that the condition causes people to be more anxious, never knowing when they may have to find a bathroom, always worrying about a flare up, etc. Symptoms of anxiety include rapid pulse, trembling, shaking, sweating and nausea or abdominal distress. If you experience symptoms of anxiety, in addition to symptoms of ulcerative colitis, diet considerations are similar, but there are other suggestions. These include eating smaller meals more frequently, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly.

Salt and preservatives are known to put additional stress on the body. These should be excluded or at least restricted from a healthy ulcerative colitis diet, particularly when symptoms of stress and anxiety are present. When designing your diet for ulcerative colitis control, try to include less pre-packaged foods which are full of salt and preservatives.

One more consideration for an ulcerative colitis diet is meat selection. Most companies that raise poultry, cattle and pigs for human consumption include hormones in the animal's diets. While there is no conclusive evidence that these hormones are harmful to humans, many people believe that they can put additional stress on the human body, because they increase stress on the animal's bodies. When you are selecting meat and fish for your ulcerative colitis diet, try to select products that do not contain hormones. For example, wild salmon, free range chicken and other organic products are better choices for a diet for ulcerative colitis control than pork and beef.

The lack of agreement about an effective ulcerative colitis diet probably stems from the fact that people have different food sensitivities and allergies. For example, a person who is lactose intolerant can not follow a diet that contains numerous milk products. One who is allergic to legumes can not follow a diet that relies heavily on legumes for protein. If you do not know if you are allergic to any foods, it may be wise to visit an allergy specialist. Sometimes food allergies develop over time, so foods that you were able to eat at one time with no adverse reactions may, at a later date, cause symptoms to flare up.

All of this may seem overwhelming and even depressing, but you may be encouraged to know that many people have found an ulcerative colitis diet that works well for them. For other suggestions about diet for ulcerative colitis control, from people just like you, you may want to visit a colitis support group. There are several on the web and your doctor may be able to recommend groups in your area. For more information about ulcerative colitis and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome (Symptoms After Gallbladder Surgery)

An estimated 20 million Americans have gallstones (cholelithiasis), and about 30 percent of these patients will ultimately develop symptoms of their gallstone disease. The most common symptoms specifically related to gallstone disease include upper abdominal pain (often, but not always, following a heavy or greasy meal), nausea, and vomiting. (The upper abdominal pain often radiates around towards the right side of the back or shoulder.)

Patients with complications of untreated cholelithiasis may experience other symptoms as well, in addition to an increased risk of severe illness, or even death. These complications of gallstone disease include:

- Severe inflammation or infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)

- Blockage of the main bile duct with gallstones (choledocholithiasis), which can cause jaundice or/and bile duct infection (cholangitis), as well as pancreatitis

More than 500,000 patients undergo removal of their gallstones and gallbladders every year in the United States, making cholecystectomy one of the most commonly performed major abdominal surgical operations. In 85 to 90 percent of cholecystectomies, the operation can be performed laparoscopically, using multiple small "band-aid" incisions instead of the traditional large (and more painful) upper abdominal incision.

For the vast majority of patients with cholelithiasis, cholecystectomy effectively relieves the symptoms of gallstones. In 10 to 15 percent of patients undergoing cholecystectomy, however, persistent or new abdominal or GI symptoms may arise after gallbladder surgery. Although there are many individual causes of chronic post-cholecystectomy abdominal or GI symptoms, the presence of such symptoms following gallbladder surgery are collectively referred to as "post-cholecystectomy" syndrome (PCS) by many experts.

I routinely receive inquiries from patients who have previously undergone cholecystectomy, and who report troubling abdominal or GI symptoms following their surgery. In many cases, these patients have already undergone rather extensive evaluations, but without any specific findings. Understandably, such patients are troubled and frustrated, both by their chronic symptoms and the ongoing uncertainty as to the cause (or causes) of these symptoms.

The most common symptoms attributed to PCS include chronic abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, excessive intestinal gas, and diarrhea. Fever and jaundice, which most commonly arise from complications of gallbladder surgery, are much less common, fortunately. While the precise cause, or causes, of PCS symptoms can eventually be identified in about 90 percent of patients following a thorough evaluation, even the most comprehensive work-up can fail to identify a specific ailment as the cause of symptoms in some patients. It is important to stress that there is no universal consensus on the topic of PCS among the experts, although most agree that there are multiple and diverse causes of chronic post-cholecystectomy symptoms. Thus, it can be very difficult to counsel the small minority of patients with chronic symptoms after surgery when a comprehensive work-up fails to identify specific causes for their suffering.

Because PCS is, in effect, a non-specific clinical diagnosis assigned to patients with chronic symptoms following cholecystectomy, it is critically important that an appropriate work-up be performed in all cases of chronic PCS, so that an accurate diagnosis can be identified, and appropriate treatment can be initiated. As the known causes of PCS are numerous, however, physicians caring for such patients need to tailor their evaluations of patients with PCS based upon clinical findings, as well as prudent laboratory, ultrasound, and radiographic screening exams. This logical clinical approach to the assessment of PCS symptoms will identify or eliminate the most common diagnoses associated with PCS in the majority of such patients, sparing them the need for further unnecessary and invasive testing.

In reviewing the etiologies of PCS that have been described so far, both patients and physicians can gain a better understanding of how complex this clinical problem is:

- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

- Bile gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)

- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

- Hypersensitivity of the nervous system of the GI tract

- Abnormal flow of bile into the GI tract after removal of the gallbladder

- Excessive consumption of fatty and greasy foods

- Painful surgical scars or incisional (scar) hernias

- Adhesions (internal scars) following surgery

- Retained gallstones within the bile ducts or pancreatic duct

- Stricture (narrowing) of the bile ducts

- Bile leaks following surgery

- Injury to bile ducts during surgery

- Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis), incisions, or abdomen

- Residual gallbladder or cystic duct remnant following surgery

- Fatty changes of the liver or other liver diseases

- Chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic insufficiency

- Abnormal function or anatomy of the main bile duct sphincter muscle (the "Sphincter of Oddi")

- Peptic ulcer disease

- Diverticulitis

- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

- Stress

- Psychiatric illnesses

- Tumors of the liver, bile ducts, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, colon, or rectum

In reviewing the extensive list of potential causes of PCS, it is evident that some causes of PCS are directly attributable to cholecystectomy, while many other etiologies are due to unrelated conditions that arise either prior to surgery or after surgery.

While it is impossible to predict which patients will go on to develop PCS following cholecystectomy, there are some factors that are known to increase the risk of PCS following surgery. These factors include cholecystectomy performed for causes other than confirmed gallstone disease, cholecystectomy performed on an urgent or emergent basis, patients with a long history of gallstone symptoms prior to undergoing surgery, patients with a prior history of irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic intestinal disorders, and patients with a history of certain psychiatric illnesses.

In my own practice, the initial assessment of patients with PCS must, of course, begin with a thorough and accurate history and physical examination of the patient. If this initial assessment is concerning for one of the many known physical causes of PCS, then I will usually ask the patient undergo several preliminary screening tests, which typically include blood tests to assess liver and pancreas function, a complete blood count, and an abdominal ultrasound. Based upon the results of these initial screening tests, some patients may then be advised to undergo additional and more sophisticated tests, including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), upper or/and lower GI endoscopy (including, in some cases, ERCP, or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), bile duct manometry, or CT or MRI scans, for example. (The decision to order any of these more invasive and more costly tests must, of course, be dictated by each individual patient's clinical scenario.)

Fortunately, as I indicated at the beginning of this column, a thoughtful and logical approach to each individual patient's presentation will lead to a specific diagnosis in more than 90 percent of all cases of PCS. Therefore, if you (or someone you know) are experiencing symptoms consistent with PCS, then referral to a physician with expertise in evaluating and treating the various causes of PCS is essential (such physicians can include family physicians, internists, GI specialists, and surgeons). Once a specific cause for your PCS symptoms is identified, then an appropriate treatment plan can be initiated.

Disclaimer: As always, my advice to readers is to seek the advice of your physician before making any significant changes in medications, diet, or level of physical activity.

Signs And Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcer

Nowadays, peptic ulcer affects more than 10% of the Americans. It is mostly caused by a bacterium (H. Pylori) and by inadequate use of medication. Peptic ulcer causes an injury upon the stomach or duodenum lining, known as gastric ulcers or duodenum ulcers.

Because of this erosion, abdominal pain and burning might occur during the night, when the stomach is empty, or two-three hours after eating. Also, nausea, vomiting, belching and indigestion might occur. These are the general symptoms of a peptic ulcer.

If you vomit blood, or see that your stool is bloody or black, call for a doctor immediately, because a complication of the peptic ulcer might have occurred. Also, an increased abdominal pain is urgency.

Peptic ulcer occurs when inside your stomach and duodenum increased levels of acid are produced. This acid injures the line of stomach and duodenum and so ulcer appears.

The level of acid inside the stomach increases because some factors interfere within its production. For example, following a treatment with NSAIDs for a long time could increase the level of produced acid inside your stomach. To prevent ulcer from occurring your current doctor will prescribe some antacids, inhibitors of the proton pump (Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole), and H2-Receptor antagonists (Famotidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine, and Ranitidine).

Another factor that leads to ulcer is a bacterium (H. Pylori). This bacterium weakens the natural barrier that protects the lining of your stomach against the acid's action. A lot of people possess this bacterium inside their stomach but not all of them develop ulcer. This is quite an interesting thing for scientists and is still studied.

People who suffer of Zollinger - Ellison Syndrome might develop ulcer because they have tumors in the pancreas that produce a hormone called gastrin, which increases the acid production in the stomach.

Alcohol, smoking, intensive stress, radiation therapy and other direct physical injuries can also lead to an ulcer. Ulcer has even a genetic predisposition.

People who have a weakened immune system and live in unsanitary conditions are exposed to H. Pylori.

In order to diagnose the ulcer, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms, will want to know for how long have you been having them, and will inquire about your lifestyle and diet.

After that the doctor will perform a physical exam to see if there are any signs of bleeding. A blood test is also required to see if you are anemic.

If the doctor suspects a peptic ulcer has occurred he will prescribe you antacid drugs.

But if you continue to feel abdominal pain and burnings even after treatment the doctor will have to perform other investigations like: endoscopy and an upper gastrointestinal test with barium.

These tests are quite accurate in detecting H. Pylori, the bacterium which could have caused your peptic ulcer. In this case antibiotic drugs are recommended, alongside with antacid medication.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treatment

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE or EE) Treatment Options

Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a rare condition in which the esophagus becomes inflamed due to an allergic response in the esophagus. Since the disorder is complex, it can sometimes be difficult to treat. There has been a significant rise in the number of patients diagnosed with EoE so more treatment options are being explored by allergists. It is important to first understand that while there are drug therapy options available for those suffering from Eosinophilic Esophagitis, none of them are currently FDA approved.

EoE Treatment: Swallowed Inhaled Steroids

Swallowed Inhaled Steroids, otherwise known as topical steroids, are one of the most popular Eosinophilic Esophagitis treatments. This particular drug therapy requires the patient to swallow what was originally intended to be an inhaled medication for asthmatics. People with asthma use these medications to treat lung inflammation, and those who are in need of an EoE treatment use the medication to rid the inflammation that is prevalent in the esophagus. For those who have Eosinophilic Esophagitis from allergies, topical steroids are one of the main ways to treat it; in fact, it is often the only way in which these particular patients choose to treat this disease.

The two most popular types of steroids are budesonide (Pulmicort) and fluticasone (Flovent). If a patient decides to use Flovent, they should know that it is a metered dose inhaler (MDI). This type of medication is pumped manually in order to aerosolize the steroid. It is then pumped into the mouth and dry swallowed. Pulmicort, on the other hand, usually comes in a solution that is aerosolized through a nebulizer that is used for asthma patients. For those who want to use Pulmicort as an EoE treatment, it is typically combined with another element such as Splenda to produce a type of Slurry that is swallowed.

People who have an issue dry swallowing the Flovent medication prefer to use the Pulmicort. Patients who use swallowed steroids should not eat or drink anything for at least half-an-hour afterwards; this way, it will have enough time to properly coat the esophagus. In addition, it is highly important for anyone using these steroids to brush their teeth after every use to remove any residue. This is extremely necessary because if there are remnants of these steroids left over they can cause negative side effects.

EoE Treatment: Swallowed Inhaled Steroid Side Effects

Unfortunately, using swallowed inhaled steroids as an Eosinophilic Esophagitis treatment can lead to negative side effects. The most common side effect is called esophageal candidiasis, and it is basically a yeast infection of the throat. This condition begins with an intense pain in the throat. If a patient is experiencing this, it is imperative that they notify their physician immediately; esophageal candidiasis is typically treated with anti fungals. There are some who cannot use swallowed inhaled steroids as an Eosinophilic Esophagitis treatment because they have repeated throat yeast infections. Another side effect that has occurred with topical steroids is dry mouth. In addition, there has been one report of a patient contracting herpes infection of the esophagus after using fluticasone.

EE Treatment: Multidisciplinary Centers

Due to the fact that Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a highly complex disease that is still not very well known, patients who have it need to be seen by different physicians with different specialties. Furthermore, it is important for a patient to visit an allergist in order to go through an allergy evaluation, and it is also wise for them to visit a gastroenteologist in order for their symptoms to be analyzed, and the EoE to be observed through endoscopies (EGD).

It is also in the patient's best interest to see a pathologist because they will have the ability to decipher the findings of the esophageal biopsy. A dietician is also very important to help the patients who decide to use dietary therapy as their Eosinophilic Esophagitis treatment. There are many patients who benefit greatly from the help of a therapist or social worker because of the stress this disease can cause. There are numerous physicians a patient with EoE should consult with, but it is also important for all of the doctors to communicate with each other. For this reason, it is in the patient's best interest to go to a multidisciplinary center. Typically, at this type of center that specializes in Eosinophilic Esophagitis treatment, they schedule patients for multiple appointments in one day; this way the patient can be evaluated as quickly as possible thus making everything extremely more convenient.

Although EE is a very complex disorder, there are several treatment methods that have proven effective for eliminating symptoms. By using a combination of medication, diet, and multidisciplinary therapies, patients can learn to live a normal lifestyle.

Colon Cancer Symptoms - Changes In Stool Or Blood In Stool

Colon cancer symptoms may not be present in many cases. However, if symptoms are seen they can include a variety of changes in the stool or bowel habits (i.e. diarrhea, constipation). Colon cancer also known as Colorectal Cancer, is a malignant (cancerous) tumor growth found in a portion of the large intestine, which is a common cancer site.

Colon Cancer Symptoms And Causes

In many cases of colon cancer no symptoms will be apparent in the early stages of the disease. Later symptoms may develop such as:

• Bloody or black, tarry stools


• Abdominal pain or cramps


• Diarrhea or constipation or narrow stool


• Unexplained weight loss


• Anemia

Most cases begin as benign (non-cancerous) polyps, which slowly become cancerous. The cause of colon (or colorectal) cancer is not well understood but risk factors include being over the age of 60, eating a diet low in fiber and high in fat and red meat, being of African American or eastern European descent, a prior diagnosis of cancer elsewhere in the body or colorectal polyps, the presence of an inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), a family history of colon cancer, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, a complete cure is often possible with an early diagnosis.

Colon Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

Observation of the aforementioned symptoms may lead to a diagnosis but many times the condition is detected through a routine physical exam. Early detection kits may be available for those at high risk, which can detect blood in the stool (available at most pharmacies).

If symptoms have appeared, a physical examination, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium x-rays of the large intestine may be performed to make a definitive diagnosis. Blood tests may be taken to check for anemia and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) may be ordered to detect small amounts of blood in the stool, which could indicate colon cancer.

Treatment will depend on how much the cancer has progressed and if it has spread to other areas of the body. Surgery to remove the cancer cells is often performed. Surgery may result in a need for a colostomy, which is a diversion of the bowel through an opening in the abdominal wall. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be prescribed as well to destroy cancerous tissues.

Prognosis improves with early detection and treatment.

What Causes Acid Reflux Symptoms in Women?

You know the drill -- it begins with pregnancy and as the baby progresses in size, all of your internal organs get smashed, punched, kicked and moved in ways you never thought possible; but does this lead to the cause of acid reflux symptoms in women?

It Is More Than Just What You Eat
Have you ever wondered why some men can eat anything? More than likely they could eat nails and eliminate them from their systems without experiencing any harm at all. Kind of reminds you of the family dog, doesn't it? It seems they have guts made out of cast iron. Not so for most women, who experience fluctuations in their digestive system as continually as the sun goes up and the sun goes down. One day it's diarrhea, the next constipation.

The stomach rumbles and burns causing uncomfortable bloating, pain, gas, flatulence (oh my!) a sour taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in your throat. You've quit eating all the foods you like, and yet you still suffer the symptoms of acid reflux. What gives?

The Body's pH Balance Is Upset
What does this mean? pH stands for potential of hydrogen. Hydrogen is a gas found in the sun -- no wonder you're burning up inside. Your body's pH balance is measured by a scale of zero to 14 with 7.0 being a neutral condition. Below 7.0 is acidic, above 7.0 is alkaline. The ideal range for the body's pH is 6.1 to 7.5, preferably more alkaline at 7.4.

When your body's pH balance is upset, this is when you begin to experience acid reflux symptoms. If you don't address the problem, acid reflux symptoms in women can lead to diseases like GERD, chronic gastritis,
conditions that cause colitis, diverticulitis, diverticulosis, Crohn's Disease and a whole host of complications that could end up in cancer.

The body doesn't like to be acidic for too long. And recently studies have linked acidic bodies to a whole host of viruses and problems.

Natural Remedies For IBS - A Quick and Easy Cure

If you are one of those suffering from IBS, you'll be surprised to know that there is more to the cure than just prescription medications alone. Natural remedies for IBS has been in existence even before pharmacological treatments and this has helped people centuries ago and it still can help people of today's generation. Before we list down these natural treatments, let us try to get to know more about this condition.

Fast Facts Irritable Bowel Syndrome is categorized as a functional disorder. This condition happens when the usually normal activities in our intestines takes a different course of activities. There are actually no abnormalities that can be seen in its anatomy, blood or cells. The problem arises when it performs differently.

Many people experience this disorder of functioning. It affects a trivial 10-20% of our general populace. According to gastroenterologists and other physicians, this is the most common disorder diagnosed. Other terms for this disorder include spastic colon, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, mucous colitis and irritable colon-all referring to the parts of the digestive system.

The symptoms manifested clearly states that there is a problem with the functions and interaction of the intestines, the brain and the nervous system which are all connected in order to have normal bowel movements.

The symptoms are usually pain and discomfort in the abdominal area, different bowel pattern and persistent diarrhea or constipation. The discomfort in the abdominal area can be accompanied by cramps. The symptoms can range from mild to severe.

There are no diagnostic tests that can track this condition. The only way this can be diagnosed is to identify the symptoms unique to this disorder.

The efficacy of the treatments for sufferers of this condition may vary. Some may find a method effective, while others may not. This is why it is important to widen the search for a treatment that can relieve the symptoms.

The best treatment is to avoid the foods that can trigger the malfunction of the intestine. So avoid ingesting caffeine or drinking too much alcohol. Avoid eating fatty foods and foods with dairy content. It will also be helpful if you try to increase you intake of foods rich in fiber. But whatever you do, avoid beans, uncooked broccoli and cabbage as these can make you feel bloated.

Natural remedies for IBS include the use of herbal remedies. If you want a more natural approach to treating this disorder try the following:

Peppermint - this can reduce bloating and pain. It helps reduce the likelihood of heartburn.
Fennel - If this is combined with Dill, another herb, it can help calm the intestines and reduce symptoms such as gas and bloating.
Ginger - this is a great ally for our digestive functioning. It allays the symptoms such as indigestion and nausea.
Cinnamon - This is effective in preventing diarrhea. Not only does it taste good but it also helps reduce the level of cholesterol and sugar in the blood stream.

Sufferers if this disorder should also try a product called DigestAssist. Like what its name suggests, it can help promote a healthy functioning of the digestive system and supports its good interaction with the brain and the nervous system.

DigestAssist eases up unwanted symptoms after meals and can provide immediate relief. This product uses herbal ingredients such as ginger, fennel, peppermint and stomach bush. These powerhouse ingredients enable the digestive system to perform normally.

It is easy to say that natural remedies for IBS work better than over-the-counter medications. You can try this kind of remedy and you might be pleasantly surprised with its results too.

Banish Colitis Using This 5 Point Plan

Medics say that colitis is a disease, an infection, a virus. My own approach is that Colitis is a condition resulting from several things we do and don't do in our past and present lifestyle.

If that's the result, what's the solution? As far as possible, reverse those 'do's' and 'don't do's'. Simple? Yes, but they can also be confusing as we become so used to the 'civilised' lifestyle that we live.

So, let's turn it all around even if it's only for a long enough period to demonstrate the beneficial effects. My sneaky plan is, that way you will become convinced enough to take some of these new lifestyle practices on board permanently.

Let's go banish this nasty colitis condition without drugs and without incurring any great expense along the way. Practice these directives for next 7 days and see the amazing results for yourself.

1. Drink: Only water. Sip at least 2 litres a day. Preferably filter your own tap water using a very simple jug filter that is readily obtainable at any supermarket or health store. So, only water. Sip it frequently during the day. Hold it in your mouth for a few moments to warm it up and mix with saliva. Savour it slowly. You'll be surprised how much you'll come to enjoy it. Drink BEFORE eating. Allow 30 minutes after a meal.

2. Eat: Only vegetables. Any vegetables. Yes, only veg... your body can happily manage for a week on veg. Try it and see. Eat raw whenever possible but...take your time. Chew thoroughly until each mouthful is almost liquid. Select the softest foods at first. For example, peel cucumber and eat flesh. Lettuce is fine. Carrot/parsnip/turnip can be finely grated and eaten without cooking. Broccoli should be steamed or lightly boiled in ½ inch of water and eat only the florets. Stalk part can wait until your colon has become stronger. For additional sugar and a treat enjoy organically grown dates.

3. Rest: Relax as much as possible. This allows your system to recover naturally. More of your energy is diverted to healing the parts which require attention i.e. your colon. For a whole week give your body a holiday even if you need to attend to work. Enjoy a relaxing bath each evening. Go to bed early.. Enjoy some 'quiet'. Keep warm. Let go!

4. Exercise: Gentle walks are sufficient if you are not fit. Increase to a brisk pace when you build up your fitness. Ten to 15 minutes on a morning and again later in the day will do much to benefit all of your internal organs. Walking is also a great way to relax.

5. Attitude: It's often said that 'Attitude Is Everything'. It certainly is when it comes to self-healing. The idea that your body heals itself because it is not only a product of Nature but it is an integral part of Nature is an assurance that your body is a self-adjusting, self-repairing biological system directly connected to everything. To know this is to change your attitude to healing. Keep your mind open to the changes that are possible and learn as opportunities for understanding arise.

Footnote: After 7 days you can begin to modify your lifestyle again but why not adopt these practices for say, one day each week? By taking on board the 5 points above you will see a startling turn-around to your system as a whole and to the health of your colon in particular. Following these precepts you will eventually banish colitis for good.

Copyright 2009 - Carl Birchwood

Faster, Quicker Stronger: Intravenous Nutrient Therapy for Optimal Health

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am privileged with education and experience using a multitude of treatment options for my patients, including various natural medicines as well as conventional medicines. However, the exact therapy or "tool" used to treat patients is not as important as what the goal of treatment is.... That is, to treat the underlying cause of disease. In the many treatment modalities I utilize, one particular therapy I find exceptionally helpful in treating both chronic and acute conditions, using natural vitamins, minerals, botanicals, antioxidants, homeopathics, and other nutrients. The therapy I am referring to is called Intravenous Nutrient Therapy, or IVNT. There are times when various factors inhibit the body's usual ability to heal itself, such as exceptional stress, nutritional deficiencies, certain medical conditions, etc, where the immune system is unable to function at its best level. In certain situations, IVNT provides the missing link in achieving optimal health benefits from natural medicine. Before continuing to explain why IVNT is so beneficial, first we need to discuss why oral supplementation and healthy diet alone may sometimes need a boost to achieve results.

Nutrient Depletion Despite Super-Supplementation

Very often, I encounter patients who have modified their diets, are taking high quality and appropriate supplements and nutrients, yet still are not experiencing expected improvements. Sometimes they are already on these programs when they show up to my office, yet sometimes they are established patients that have not achieved desired result from treatments. Is the answer that they are taking the WRONG supplements and nutrients? Maybe. Is it possible that they are taking low quality, minimally absorbable supplements? Perhaps. Is it possible that there is something else causing their symptoms? Possibly. However, perhaps they are taking the right type of supplements and treatment plan, the diagnosis is correct, but something else going on....

The Problem of Absorption

In order to have a therapeutic effect, nutrients need to be adequately absorbed and delivered to the cell. Even with the very best, highest quality, most expensive supplements there are issues that prevent adequate absorption nutrients derived through oral supplementation and foods. For some people, these issues can be corrected over time with natural medicine, yet for others, malabsorption may be a long-term condition.

Many factors are needed to elicit optimal absorption and delivery of nutrients, including:

• Optimal gastrointestinal health: when nutrients are taken orally, the gastrointestinal track needs to break down foods and supplements to release the core nutrients, and transport those nutrients to the blood for delivery to the cells requiring them. This requires many steps and is dependent on numerous variables to be intact, including optimal enzyme activity, proper acid production, healthy gut flora, healthy gastrointestinal lining free of inflammation and irritation, absence of "bad" bacteria, healthy parastaltic tone (pumping action of the GI tract), as others.


• Healthy liver function: after the nutrients are transported to the blood, they are then delivered to the liver for filtering and detoxification before having opportunity to reach other cells in the body. This is referred to as "first pass metabolism." A compromised liver can make certain nutrients inactive, ineffective, or bound for excretion before given the opportunity to have their effect in the body.


• Healthy cell membranes: cell membranes contain energy requiring pumps to maintain proper levels of essential nutrients inside the cells. Often nutrients need to be in higher concentration inside the cells compared to outside the cell. In any mixture of substance, there is a natural predisposition for solutes (aka nutrients, minerals, etc) to flow from levels of high concentration to lower concentration, which is called the "concentration gradient." This is analogous to an overcrowded train. People in the overcrowded train will tend to move to an empty train if one is available, so there is more space to breath. However, it would take a little force to squeeze in additional people into an over packed train, requiring some shoving and pushing to make room. Similarly, in order to keep higher levels of nutrients inside the cell where they can do repair and healing, the cell membrane needs to be healthy, and have enough energy (ATP) to fuel the pumps to transport the nutrients from outside the cell (the empty train) to the inside of the cell (crowded train) against the "concentration gradient." This is called "active transport".

Most People Have Suboptimal Absorption

Nutrient, vitamin and mineral absorption from both foods and supplements are suboptimal in most people. Many essential minerals have as little as 1% absorption, and most only have 10-25% absorbed and available to the cells in healthy adults. This is often related to suboptimal functioning of the systems involved in absorption due to various causes.[i] [ii]

• Most people have some degree of gastrointestinal compromise, even when that is not their major complaint. As a naturopathic doctor, I always look to gastrointestinal health as an initial cause of disease. So many diseases and symptoms have direct correlation with gastrointestinal compromise because this leads to malabsorption of nutrients necessary to maintain health! If the body is starving for nutrition, it starts to decay and breakdown. There are numerous factors in modern society contributing to such widespread gastrointestinal dysfunction, which cannot always be avoided. Poor diet, inflammatory foods, processed foods, transfatty acids, environmental toxins (heavy metals, PCB's, pesticides, dioxins, smog), chronic medication use, synthetic hormones, bacteria, viruses, Candida, fungus, chronic stress, and so on all engender decreased gastrointestinal health. With sub-par gastrointestinal function, is it a surprise that most people are unable to absorb nutrients requiring optimal gastrointestinal function?


• We as a society tend to ascribe to the thinking of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." As a naturopath, I hope to change this thinking to "If it ain't broke, lets keep it that way!" Not as catchy. However, until this paradigm shift fully occurs, people tend to seek healthcare when they are already sick or starting to have symptoms. By that time there is already diminished function down to the cell itself, with decreased energy production causing compromised membrane function. To recall, membrane pumps require energy to bring in essential nutrients and transport out toxins. This becomes a Catch 22 situation: nutrient depletion and toxins lead to cellular dysfunction, decreased energy production and "disease"; this leads to impaired membrane pumps required to maintain optimal intracellular nutrient levels and export of toxins (the cellular trash); often the nutrients may be present in small concentration surrounding the cell; if the cell could take those nutrients inside the cell, they would help promote healing and repair; however, the cell may be too sick or energy depleted to fuel the pumps required to bring those nutrients in! This is why many people taking wonderful supplements and eating a whole food diet may not experience the improvements they expect. Their cells are not healthy enough to get healthy!!!!

Some Medicinal Effects of Nutrients Only Achieved At High Levels

Though nutrients may have numerous effects in the body, some of these effects are only attained after reaching very high levels. For example, vitamin C has been demonstrated to have an antiviral effect at high serum concentrations of 10-15 mg/dL.[iii] These levels are not achievable via oral route even in a healthy individual. The highest plasma concentration achieved through oral administration of vitamin C is 9.2 mg/dL. [iv] This means that no matter how much vitamin C someone ingests, they will be unable to raise their blood levels beyond a certain point. To put that in perspective, a standard, preventative dose of 2.5 grams/day of vitamin C will only raise the serum concentration to about 1.2-1.5 mg/dl. Even if we could achieve higher and higher serum concentrations from super dosing of vitamin C, such high oral dosing often causes disagreeable gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. A similar effect is found with magnesium supplementation, where oral supplementation has a peak serum concentration beyond which even super-dosing with oral magnesium cannot surpass.

Playing The Game of Nutritional "Catch-Up"

Another factor hindering fast and significant improvement from healthy diet and supplementation is that by the time healthy regimens are implemented, the body may be so depleted that it needs a long time to "catch up". In addition, many people are basing adequate supplementation levels on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) guidelines, which are levels intended to avoid deficiency induced diseases, but have little to do with levels promoting optimal health. Therefore, most individuals are nutrient deficit, which requires even higher amounts and longer periods of time to "catch up". This effect is further compounded when considering the multiple factors that hinder absorption discussed above (gastrointestinal health, cellular absorption capacity, etc). Often nutrients are used therapeutically in levels over and above what are necessary for baseline function (homeostasis), so it follows that before one can achieve such benefit, they must first raise their levels to baseline. The body needs to be out of debt before it can make a nutritional profit!

Overcoming The Obstacles Using Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: A Safe, Effective, and Natural Method To Achieve Optimal Health

With so many obstacles to achieving therapeutic benefit from vitamins, minerals and nutrients, does that mean we should just throw in the towel and have a Big Mac? Absolutely not. Most of the obstacles presented can be addressed and remedied using natural medicine over time. A very effective therapy to help circumvent these obstacles is called Intravenous Nutrient Therapy, or IVNT.

While oral supplementation and diet requires adequate gastrointestinal absorption and "first pass metabolism" through the liver, IVNT delivers nutrients directly to the circulation and to the cells where the nutrients are needed. In addition, whereas oral absorption may be 1-25%, IVNT provides 100% of nutrients delivered to be available to cells for repair and health. This circumvents the problem of malabsorption, gastrointestinal disease, and liver dysfunction to allow the nutrients to have immediate and direct action promoting improved health and function.

IVNT provides a "kick start" by making nutrients more readily available and easier to transport inside the cells. By providing higher nutrient concentration in the blood than can be achieved with oral therapy, cells are no longer reliant on energy dependent mechanisms to transport nutrients inside. Nutrients can enter cells via "passive transport" requiring less energy than "active transport". Using the train analogy, IVNT supersaturates the surrounding blood, so that the inside of the cell is more like the empty train, and the surrounding blood is like the overcrowded train. The nutrients require less work to travel from high concentration (packed train, or bloodstream) to lower concentration (empty train, or inside the cell). Furthermore, nutrients delivered via IVNT can provide high enough concentrations to elicit pharmacological (drug-like) effect on cells which can only be achieved at such high levels. For example, Vitamin C can have a virus killing effect but only at very high plasma concentrations. Thus, IVNT allows for natural substances to have drug-like effect without the side effects and dangers of using synthetic and toxic drugs!

IVNT can be used as a crutch to fast track nutrient delivery which allows the body to become healthy enough to better utilize nutrients, drugs, or other therapies. As discussed, there is a therapeutic Catch 22 in cellular health, where the cells need to be healthy enough to have enough energy to bring in the nutrients required for repair, but a sick cell may not be able to do so even if those nutrients are around. IVNT provides a method of increasing nutrient absorption so that the body can become healthy enough to heal itself. For some, it is a therapy used temporarily to accelerate the healing process. For others, IVNT should be utilized long term to overcome their health challenges. ?簪

Conditions Treated with IVNT[v] [vi] [vii]

IVNT is a safe and effective therapy using natural substances in high quantities which enables accelerated healing for optimal health. Most any condition can benefit from high dose nutrient therapy, from general health optimization, acute cold symptoms, to caner, migraines, and viral infections. The many conditions which benefit from IVNT include:

• Cancer


• Chronic fatigue syndrome


• Fibromyalgia


• Depression


• Parkinson's Disease


• Migraine Headaches


• Macular degeneration, Cataracts and certain Retinopathies


• Autoimmune conditions




• Rheumatoid Arthritis


• Lupus


• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis




• Lyme Disease and other chronic infections


• Hepatitis


• Herpes Virus


• Environmental Toxicity


• Malabsorption problems (i.e. gastritis, ulcers, IBS, Crohn's, colitis, diverticulits)


• Asthma


• Flu symptoms


• Peripheral Artery Disease


• Macular Degeneration


• Heavy metal toxicity


• Post traumatic/post operative wound healing


• Heart disease


• Diabetes


• Parkinson's disease


• Alzheimer's disease


• Dementia


• Multiple Sclerosis


• HIV

Therapeutic Effect of IVNT

Benefits seen by patients vary and depend on the severity of the illness and individual response to treatment. The desired goals expected include:

• Stimulates and increases immune system function


• Encourages cellular repair and regeneration


• Accelerates the process of recovery


• Provides preventative immune support


• Inhibits disease progression


• Enhances treatment efficacy


• Bolsters cancer-fighting capacity


• Increases energy


• Improves circulation


• Increases cellular detoxification


• Enhances sense of wellbeing


• Decreases symptoms related to chronic or acute illness


• Alleviates nutritional deficiencies


• Hydrates the body


• Increases body's ability to heal

Natural Substances Used in IVNT

繚 Amino Acids

繚 Glutathione

繚 Vitamin C

繚 Phosphatidylcholine

繚 Chelating agents

繚 Sodium Bicarbonate

繚 Minerals

繚 Multi-vitamins

繚 Antioxidants

繚 Herbal and homeopathic medicines

繚 Meyer's Cocktail (including)

• B complex


• Vitamin C


• Magnesium


• Dexpenthanol (Vitamin B5)


• Calcium


• B12


• B6

Complications/side effects and safety

Intravenous delivery of nutrients, when administered by a trained and qualified doctor, is extremely safe and efficacious. Some potential short term side effects include a warm sensation due to some of the minerals, hypotension (lowered blood pressure), and changes in blood sugar. There are some rare but potential side effects that occur with any time of IV administration, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), allergic reaction (rare), or minor discomfort. Overall, IVNT is a very safe therapy. It is essential to let the doctor know if you are taking any medications or have any additional health complaints that were not discussed during the office visit to rule out any possible contraindications to treatment.

Conclusion

Intravenous infusions of certain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, homeopathics, botanicals and other nutrients can often be the missing link in achieving optimal health. It can be used as a short term accelerator towards therapeutic goals, or longer term to provide more efficient delivery of needed substances for maximal effect. It is one treatment amongst many within the realm of natural medicine, and when used appropriately, can provide astonishing results!

[i] Turnland JR. Bioavailability of dietary minerals to humans: the stable isotope approach. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1991;30(4);387-396

[ii] [28] Schumann K, et al. Bioavailability of oral vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals in perspective. Arzneimittelforshcung

[iii] Harakeh S, Jariwalla RJ, Pauling L. Suppression of human immunodeficiency virus replication by ascorbate in chronically and acutely infected cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1990;87:7245-7249

[iv] Blanchard J, Tozer TN, Rowland M. Pharmacokinetic perspectives on megadoses of ascorbic acid. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:1165-1171

[v] Gaby A (2002). "Intravenous nutrient therapy: the "Myers' cocktail"". Altern Med Rev

[vi] Shrader W (2004). "Short and long term treatment of asthma with intravenous nutrients". Nutr J 3: 6.

[vii] Massey, Patrick B. (May/June 2007). "Reduction of fibromyalgia symptoms through intravenous nutrient therapy: Results of a pilot clinical trial". Alternative Therapies 13 (3): 32-34.

Don't Let Indigestion Ruin Another Evening

A good friend of mine loves spicy food. A few years ago, though, he noticed that whenever he ate anything to spicy, he spent the rest of the evening with miserable indigestion. He asked me if there was any way he could enjoy the foods he loved without the unpleasant aftereffects. Fortunately, I was able to give him several recommendations that helped prevent his indigestion.

As you get older indigestion becomes a more common problem. Six million Americans suffer with frequent indigestion. Whether you suffer from gas, frequent heartburn, or bloating these are all signs that something is not working quite right in your digestive system. The gas, bloating, and pain are early signs of what can turn into a bigger problem.

It's your gut's job to process the food you eat. It pulls the nutrients out to be absorbed and used by your body, and then it moves what can't be used right on through. You can imagine if things aren't working the way they should, it can lead to all sorts of problems.

Fortunately, there are natural, safe, healthy solutions to solve your digestion woes. But first, let's take a look at the most common causes of indigestion.

Common Cause of Indigestion

Indigestion can be caused by a number of different things. Some are serious, some are less so. All will cause you pain and discomfort.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: This is one of the most common digestive disorders that people suffer from. It leads to pain, cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The symptoms vary from person to person, and the cause isn't well understood, although food sensitivities and stress both tend to aggravate symptoms.

Frequent Heartburn: Heartburn happens when the muscle that keeps your stomach acid in your stomach gets weak. It allows some of your stomach acid to enter your esophagus, which leads to an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest.

Diverticulitis: Weak places in your colon can bulge out, creating small pockets in the colon wall. These pockets are called diverticula. The diverticula can become infected causing pain, bloating, and gas. In serious cases, the diverticula can rupture requiring hospital care.

Crohn's Disease: When you have Crohn's disease, you experience chronic inflammation in various spots throughout your digestive system. The inflammation left unchecked can lead to painful ulcers.

Ulcerative Colitis: This condition is similar to Crohn's disease, but where Crohn's disease affects random areas of the digestive tract, ulcerative colitis tends to be localized to the lower colon and the rectum.

Prevent and Relieve Indigestion for Good

No matter what the source of your discomfort, natural digestive support can help. These remedies work to protect and improve your digestive system. They don't mask your symptoms, but actually help to improve your condition.

The key to freeing yourself from digestive pain is to make sure your body can adequately absorb nutrients from the food you eat and then to make sure your body can quickly move the waste products out of your body.

Probiotics: The most important thing you can do to support your immune system is to take a good probiotic. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help with digestion. If the number of probiotics in your gut is low then you'll have a hard time digesting your food. The waste products from your food will also sit around in your gut longer and that leads to gas and bloating. Taking a probiotic supplement can do wonders for your digestion. Just take a look:

Researchers from Harvard Medical School state that probiotics can help to prevent and cure a wide range of chronic diseases including diarrheal diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and irritable bowel syndrome. 1

Taking probiotics will improve the function of your intestinal barrier and it will improve motility in your gut-that means you'll eliminate waste products more quickly. 2 The result is less indigestion, gas, and bloating.

According to studies reviewed by gastrointenstinal specialists, probiotics help reduce inflammation within your digestive tract and promote the overall health of your gut by regulating the production of mucus, inflammatory compounds, and immune reactions within the gut. 3

Flaxseed:Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. That's what it's famous for, but it also contains another compound that is very useful for digestive health. Flaxseed lignans are a compound found within the hull of the flaxseed. The lignans support colon health and good digestion by helping your body to make more of certain compounds that your colon needs. Your colon needs enterolactone and enterodiol to function properly. Flaxseed lignans help your body to produce these two compounds. 4

Fructooligosaccharides: FOS, for short, works a little like fiber in your colon. It breaks down, but isn't digested and so it helps to cleanse your colon as it moves through. It also works as a natural regulator of the bacteria in your gut. It helps the good bacteria to grow and it stops the bad bacteria from flourishing. 5 FOS can be tough to find in a supplement, but it's well worth the search.

Digestive problems are an early warning sign. They cause pain and discomfort and can lead to more serious problems down the road. If you regularly suffer from indigestion, your body is asking you to pay attention. Try some of these solutions and see what a difference they make.

How To Reverse Fatty Liver Disease - This Is How To Treat Fatty Liver The Natural Way!

Fatty liver is a disease in which too much fat gets accumulated inside the liver cells. The disease is also known as steatosis. The abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver was first observed in alcoholics, but later it was found that the condition also occurs in non-alcoholics. It usually appears in people who are obese or diabetics or to those who suffer from hypertriglyceridemia.

The exact reason that causes this condition is not fully understood. It seems that is some people, excessive fatty acids do not get stored in the fat cells, where they are usually stored and end up in the liver. Fats remain outside the cells and they cause the onset of a series of reactions leading to damage of hepatocytes. Women are affected more often, and the disease can occur in all age groups including children.

The condition has no symptoms, but in some rare cases the individual can experience abdominal pain, fever or swelling in the stomach. Due to the fact that the condition is usually asymptomatic, the reason for the visit to the doctor is the discovery of fatty infiltration of the liver ultrasound or an increase in the transaminases in blood tests. The frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver varies, but in some countries it is between 15-20% of the population and it increases with age and the presence of obesity or diabetes.

More specifically, the causes of the hepatic steatosis are the following:

• Alcohol: The regular consumption of alcohol is one of the most common causes of this condition. Practically all patients who report long-term alcohol consumption suffer from hepatic steatosis.


• Medication: steroids, synthetic estrogen, oral contraceptives and more can cause hepatic steatosis, when taken for long periods of time.


• Diabetes: the risk of the disease increases when diabetes remains untreated.


• Obesity: Obesity and mainly abdominal obesity can be responsible for the disease.


• Sudden weight loss, crash diets resulting in rapid weight loss and can cause fat deposition in the liver.


• Other causes: A number of diseases such as hepatitis C, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis and Wilson disease can also cause hepatic steatosis.

How to treat fatty liver disease:

The treatment of the disorder includes the shedding of excessive pounds and the maintenance of normal body weight. Losing weight is the most important step you could take to eliminate this condition. Some studies have shown that 20% to 40% of overweight or obese patients will develop hepatic steatosis. You should also include some physical activity in your lifestyle and take medicines to lower blood cholesterol. Your diet should include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and it would be a good idea to avoid junk food.

Tips on How to Control Ferret Diarrhea

Ferrets are very active, agile and exploratory by nature and are awake for a maximum of seven or eight hours in a day. They are extremely boisterous and active while they are awake. During their waking hours they are liable to be mischievous and tend to chew up and swallow anything they find like rubber, furniture, cloth and so on. No wonder they are susceptible to indigestion and diarrhea. Ferret diarrhea brings stomach pain, vomiting and fever which can be hard to handle. Here is how to manage it.

Diarrhea is caused due to mal-absorption of content in the intestines, which can occur due to intestinal blockage, food poisoning or some stress that the ferret undergoes.

Moreover, as diarrhea is only a symptom of internal disorder it may also be a manifestation of some gastrointestinal infection which is caused by parasites, virus or bacteria. Diarrhea is the passing of liquid stools frequently. If it is an occasional manifestation, it may well be normal requiring no medical attention. However, if persistent and recurrent it requires the attention of the vet.

You can work out a plan to treat your ferret diarrhea by examining its stools, blood, and conducting radiography, biopsy and/or exploratory surgery. You can treat viral infections by supporting methods such as feeding it by tube or syringe and fluid therapy. If there are any alternative bacterial infections antibiotics may be given.

Some effective antibiotics include amoxicillin, bismuth subsalicylate, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfa. If symptoms are due to eosinophilic gastroenteritis or proliferative colitis, steroids like metronidazole and prednisone are used supported by anti-inflammatory drugs.

Contaminations that are protozoa are usually treated with sulfadimethoxine and giardia treated with metronidazole. However, if diarrhea is caused due to Cryptosporidium parvum and Lymphosarcoma, there is no available treatment for these. If there are changes in the diet of the ferret or intake of a high protein diet, these can also cause diarrhea. To treat the infection, make changes in the nutrition and diet of your pet.

If it is a case of dehydration, it can also result in the death of the ferret if not immediately hospitalized. To give first aid, feed the ferret with plenty of fresh water to replace the loss of fluids as well as restore its electrolytes.

Diverticulitis Diets - Natural Vegetable and Fruit Juices

If you are suffering from diverticulitis symptoms, you certainly don't want to be eating a lot of food and especially not processed foods. You need to check into some diverticulitis diets. Ones with lots of homemade vegetable and fruit juices is a smart choice, or if need be add some juices to the diet, like making your own carrot, papaya, cantaloupe or watermelon juice, which are all well known for there digestive enzymes, or you can even mix and match them.

You can find a diet for diverticulitis which can and will help all digestive problems. My holistic journey started back in the early 1980's with a natural colon cleansing product that I tried for about 6-8 weeks and boy did it work. Next I purchased a juicer called the champion juicer and I have personally known the benefits for many years.

It changed my life in and astounding way. Not to mention weight control, overall feeling more healthy and energetic.

I have been using a juice man junior juicer for quite some time now and you can buy several different juice machines for under a hundred dollars these days. Cutting back on your fiber intake during flare ups will reduce bowel movements, there by reducing inflammation, irritation and possible infection.

As for diverticulitis diets, carrot juice is practically a miracle food in most nutritionists opinions, lettuce, potatoes, beets, celery can all be eaten or juiced for part of a correct diet for diverticulitis. Prunes, prune juice, cabbage and many dried fruits and nuts are some of the foods to avoid during an attack. Lots of healthy fluids are needed including water, and stay away from fruits and vegetables that may be to acidic.

You should begin to slowly add a proper high fiber diet back in as soon as your feeling well and moving away from any previously bad eating habits that contributed to the signs and symptoms. This will also help to prevent any and all future health problems as well. Be sure though to continue any of the new healthy habits you picked up along the way.

There are actually some very good diverticulitis diets and books on digestive problems available online.

Antibiotics - 5 Reasons to Avoid Them - Yeast Infection, MRSA, Resistance, Diarrhea, and Allergy

Have a cold? Take an antibiotic?

Ear pain? Take an antibiotic.

Acne? Take an antibiotic.

That's what people think anyway. But is this really the best course of action? Does the short-term gain outweigh the long-term consequences? And is there a short-term gain to begin with? Antibiotics don't help colds caused by a virus. Most ear infections clear just as quickly without antibiotics. True, bad acne improves with oral antibiotics, but what about the millions of teens who take them for just a few zits?

Every day doctors see problems related to the use of antibiotics. Here are five reasons doctors try to limit their use and why you should think twice yourself before taking one.

1. Yeast infection. Often patients are unaware that our body is covered with germs, both inside and out. The skin, the mouth, the vagina, the intestine - all have their own population of bacteria. For the most part, these microbes stay where they belong and do what they're supposed to. One function of the normal flora (normal population of bacteria) is to keep the bad ones at bay. There are always a few harmful bacteria around, but usually they are crowded out by the good ones. However, taking an antibiotic often kills off the population of good bacteria and allows a different microbe to take over. Most commonly, yeast is the intruder. Once the bacteria get out of the way, the few yeast that linger on the skin, in the vagina, or in the colon claim the territory as their own. The overgrowth of yeast often leads to symptoms of vaginal yeast infection or a yeast skin infection, usually in warm areas such as the armpits, groin, or under the breast.

2. Clostridium difficile colitis. Just as the overgrowth of yeast can occur and produce infection when the normal bacteria are killed off, so may harmful bacteria. Frequently the normal flora of the intestine is susceptible to an antibiotic taken for an illness. However, clostridium difficile (or c. diff.) is not killed by common antibiotics such as penicillin, sulfa drugs, or erythromycin. The few c. diff. bacteria that you may harbor in your intestine will not harm you as long as their numbers remain limited. But when overgrowth occurs, foul-smelling diarrhea occurs, sometimes accompanied by fever, dehydration, or the need for hospitalization. C. diff. colitis requires a different antibiotic to rid your body of this harmful organism.

3. Resistance. As mentioned above, certain bacteria are already resistant to antibiotics. However, the potential exists for many bacteria to become resistant to useful antibiotics. What if penicillin became ineffective for strep throat? In some cases it already is. MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus) is a harmful bacteria that has emerged in recent years due to the overuse of antibiotics. If you remember your high school genetics, you may know that when bacteria (or people) multiply by the billions, a few mutations are inevitable. In the microbe population this often means that when billions of bacteria reproduce, a few of the daughter-bacteria inherit a mutation that makes them resistant to certain antibiotics. Usually these mutated bacteria, though stronger in the sense that they could live through an "attack" of penicillin, are actually weaker in other ways and die a natural but premature death. However, if the entire population of bacteria is subject to a round of antibiotics, the weaker but penicillin-resistant bacteria may live to repopulate the environment. Then the next time penicillin is used, it will not work. Doctors see antibiotic resistance everyday. It IS a real threat, and at least for now, we don't have new antibiotics on the horizon to use against these resistant bacteria.

4. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Even apart from killing off the normal flora of the body, antibiotics may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in themselves. These are chemicals after all, chemicals which the body may reject as foreign. The erythromycin class of antibiotics is especially notorious for causing gastrointestinal symptoms by stimulating the naturally occurring contractions of the gut.

5. Drug allergy. Any patient can be allergic to any medication, and antibiotics are no exception. Though often an antibiotic allergy may manifest as only a rash, true anaphylaxis may occur with the use of any antibiotic. Anaphlylaxis is a total body allergic response which may include hives, nausea, light-headedness, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing, much like a bee-sting allergy. Any time you think you are having a reaction to a medication, call your doctor. If you are having trouble breathing or feel like you might faint, call 911. This is a medical emergency.

Just writing this reminds me to be careful when prescribing antibiotics to my patients. Next time your doctor orders you a round of penicillin or other antibiotic, ask how necessary the drug really is. Often they are prescribed for convenience more than necessity. If an antibiotic will only get you well a day faster, maybe you're better off doing without.

Copyright 2011 Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Unsure of What Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Are?

Whilst suffering from abdominal pain and passing some mucus and even blood in the stools can be alarming, many people who find these symptoms suddenly appearing often think the worst and confuse them with another more serious condition. It is normally the case that the lesser symptom, inflammatory bowel syndrome will be diagnosed rather than inflammatory bowel disease, otherwise known as ulcerative colitis.

Sufferers of colitis will be faced with enduring symptoms that are much harsher and more serious than those related to inflammatory bowel syndrome. The ulcerative colitis symptoms will not suddenly appear and for the person to be immediately incapacitated. What happens is that a part of the large colon gradually becomes inflamed and the open wound that is created starts to excrete mucus and blood. This can vary in amounts depending on the extent of the colon's inflammation. The person will start to notice that their stools will start to contain such mucus and blood and the stools themselves will change their form to a more diarrhea-like consistency.

In addition, the sufferer will experience some abdominal pain and find that when passing a stool that this action will create sometimes acute pain as the waste passes over the inflamed part of the large colon. Tiredness and lack of hunger can also be felt as the body is trying to fight the disease though due to the general overall feeling of being unwell, the person may not desire much food.

Depending on the severity of the attack, the ulcerative colitis symptoms can last for anything between a few days to several weeks. Some people find themselves in remission for long periods of time whilst others may face periods of reoccurring symptoms.

Bearing this is mind, the sufferer should accept that their life will most likely have to be put on hold for the period of time that the symptoms are live. But there is a real dilemma that has to be addressed. Often, the person will not know how long the attack will last, how strong the symptoms will be, what affect it has on the body, what should and shouldn't they eat, and when they can realistically start to get back into their usual lifestyle again. Plus also, whether they can just pick up their life where they left it as if no attack had happened.

It is also common for the sufferer to be anxious about the future, whether the attack was a once of occurrence or if a pattern of relapses will develop and what severity will they take. There is a desire for practical information to try and address such dilemmas which, if left unanswered, can result in anxieties causing possible stress. And that is the precise thing a sufferer will want to avoid.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both inflammatory bowel diseases which can be painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool, ulcers, reduced appetite and weight loss, and fistula or abscess. Heredity and an abnormal immune system are believed to be the common causes of these conditions. Risk factors for these conditions are: an age from 20 to 30, white race, a family history, urban place of residence, and a history of smoking or of having used Isotretinoin. The difference between the two diseases is that ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum in continuous stretches; whereas Crohn's disease occurs in patches anywhere in the digestive tract, and often spreads deep into the layers of the tissues.

Since the system of Ayurveda classifies most diseases predominantly based on the symptoms, it categorizes both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the disease called 'Pravaahika', and hence these two conditions have been clubbed here together for a common overview of their Ayurvedic treatment. Treatment is aimed at correcting the basic pathology of the diseases, controlling symptoms, preventing or reducing complications and boosting the immune system of the body.

Treatment for the main symptoms includes medicines like Kutaj-Ghan-Vati, Kutaj-Parpati, Panchamrut-Parpati, Bilva-Avaleha, Sanjeevani-Vati, Bhallatak-Parpati, Jatiphaladi-Churna, Bol-Parpati and Bol-Baddha-Ras. Herbal medicines useful in these conditions are: Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Hing (Ferula narthex), Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea) and Bhallatak (Semicarpus anacardium).

In order to prevent bleeding, medicines like Praval-Bhasma, Naagkeshar, Sphatik-Bhasma and Laxa (Purified wax) are used. Castor oil has been given prime importance in the treatment of these conditions; and therefore, products containing this medicine such as Gandharva-Haritaki and Sinhnaad-Guggulu are used along with other medicines. Refractory patients who do not respond satisfactorily are given a course of a special medicated enema known as 'Pichha-Basti' which consists of milk, boiled with medicines like Moch-Ras (Salmalia malabarica).

In order to reduce the intestinal inflammation and prevent complications like abscess and fistula, medicines like Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica) and Haridra (Curcuma longa) are used in high doses for prolonged periods. Medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are used to reduce stress. Suvarna-Parpati, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant and Panchamrut-Parpati are used to boost the immune system of the body and also to reduce the inflammation in the intestines.

It is important to note that adequate life style changes need to be made to adjust to these chronic conditions. Appropriate modifications are required in the diet, and adequate relaxation techniques need to be adopted. Butter-milk and pomegranate juice are specially recommended in both these conditions. Because of the potential for serious complications, all such patients should maintain a long term follow-up with a Gastroenterologist.

Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Top 5 Myths

When it comes to medicine, myths are a dangerous thing. If you are wondering about Crohn's Disease and Colitis, there is no shortage of information out there. Yet you need to separate facts from fiction. There are many widespread myths dealing with various aspects of these diseases.

Top 5 Myths

1. Outcome

Sometimes uninformed people offer dire predictions about the fate of patients with these conditions. Yet Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal diseases. Sufferers with these conditions have a normal life span (women, 79 years, men, 78 years). Crohn's Disease and Colitis are 'chronic' conditions. There is no 'cure' at present for these diseases. Yet people can manage their symptoms and live normal lives.

2. Treatment

If you hear that these conditions do not require treatment, pay no attention to this horrible myth. People need to seek help to treat their Crohn's Disease and Colitis symptoms (including diarrhea, weight loss, and stomach pains). If symptoms are left untreated, individuals can suffer serious complications - blockages, malnutrition, and even damage to organs.

3. Lifestyle

Your work life, social life, and love life are not over because you are diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Colitis. This fear is perpetuated by a nasty myth. No doubt, these conditions have uncomfortable symptoms. Yet Crohn's Disease and Colitis are manageable conditions and in many cases the symptoms can be totally eliminated.

When people learn how to manage their symptoms, they can regain their lives - even with more vigour than before diagnosis. Before people are diagnosed, they suffer through the pain on their own. After diagnosis, individuals have a wealth of modern medical knowledge and a professional team to help them.

4. Cure

At present, the medical profession can offer no cure for these conditions. Yet sufferers have found methods that worked for them - even to the point of eliminating their symptoms. These plans can work effectively to manage symptoms.

Numerous patients claim to have found relief by taking part in a water fast and sticking with a raw food diet. Medical researchers are looking into the benefits of Vitamin A for treating the symptoms of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. This research is still underway but many sufferers feel better if they stay away from the Western diet of processed foods, sugars, and fats.

Choosing organic produce over fat-laden foods is always the better choice. Yet nobody should undertake a water fast or a dramatic change in diet without their doctor's permission. Sufferers who change to a raw food diet must understand that their body needs time to adjust to its new "fuel."

5. Success

There is a myth that sufferers cannot find an effective treatment for Crohn's Disease and Colitis. Since everyone has different symptoms, people worry that a standard treatment procedure will not work for patients. It is a fact that people experience varied symptoms but proper diet can help you cope with or heal your symptoms. Your doctor if enlightened can help work out a customized treatment plan and diet that works for you.

Crohn's or Colitis?

In the realm of disorders that affect the digestive tract there is often some confusion over diagnosing specific conditions. Many of these disorders tend to overlap in terms of symptoms and signs. Since it is often difficult to distinguish one form of irritable bowel disease (IBD) from another, diagnosis is often a time-consuming procedure wrought with the painstaking approach of trial-and-error.

Two forms of IBD that are frequently confused are Crohn's Disease and colitis. Each of these diseases is strikingly similar in symptomology. Each condition can result in severe diarrhea, extensive episodes of abdominal cramping, loss of energy, fever, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Each of these diseases is caused by tissue inflammation. According to current data up to two million people in the United States have either Crohn's Disease or colitis.

Crohn's Disease usually affects the small intestine, however, it can manifest in other places throughout the body including the esophagus, stomach, appendix, anus, duodenum, and large intestine, colitis, on the other hand, strictly affects the colon.

Sufferers of both Crohn's Disease and colitis experience periods where the respective diseases fade into remission. Each, however, is marked by the tendency to experience sudden flare-ups which can drastically reduce quality of life. While the physical symptoms are similar, the psychological effects from the diseases also mimic one another. Many sufferers fall into depression and withdraw from social situations due to the fear of sudden flare-ups. Surprisingly, one of the most commonly prescribed medications for Crohn's and colitis is antidepressants.

Treatment, disregarding the emotional impact of these forms of IBD, is also similar. Drugs are generally the first option. The classes of these drugs include antibiotics, immune suppressants, biologic therapy, immunomodulators, and corticosteroids.

Drugs will not cure either disease. Colitis can be cured, but surgery to remove the colon is required. Since Crohn's can affect a wider region of the body, surgery can alleviate some of the more severe symptoms, but this does not mean that the disease cannot spring up in other places, thus it remains incurable.

Experts on IBDs recommend similar methods of approaching the maintenance of each disease on a daily basis. Exercise, reducing stress levels, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain foods, taking various vitamins and supplements, and keeping a food diary can all be excellent ways of keeping the diseases in check. With either condition it is important to schedule regular medical check ups to ensure serious damage to the digestive tract is avoided.

New Frontiers in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The management of irritable bowel syndrome may be not straightforward. Many different theories abound from what causes or contributes to this condition including stress, anxiety, foods that are eaten, or alcohol. In addition there are hundreds of therapies being offered from every field including probiotics, vitamins, naturopathy, homeopathy and acupuncture. It does not help the person suffering from this condition that there is not consensus or unanimous opinion amongst the medical profession as to the approach to IBS. Different clinicians may have quite different approaches to this common condition.

From the medical point of view, many different factors have been suggested as contributing to IBS. This includes visceral hypersensitivity ('oversensitive nerves in the gut'), and also increased intestinal permeability ('leaky gut') which may cause diarrhoea. The approach to IBS can be divided into diagnosis of IBS and management of IBS. From the point of view of diagnosis, IBS can often be diagnosed by the doctor taking a history and performing an examination if the story is typical. A classical story is alternating diarrhoea and constipation, associated with bloating and lower abdominal cramping. The diarrhoea tends to be low volume and does not occur at night. Alternatively there may be 'diarrhoea predominant' IBS or 'constipation predominant' IBS.

Your doctor may want to exclude other causes of these symptoms, especially if the story is not 'classical'. A basic panel of blood tests including full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, thyroid function tests is a reasonable start. If diarrhoea is predominant, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, pancreatic insufficiency or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. One investigation involves a 'colonoscopy' which is a thin tube with a camera on the end which examines the entire large bowel, however there are uncommon risks to this procedure and a colonoscopy is certainly not mandatory for all patients. Certain features that might trigger further investigations are called 'red flag' signs or symptoms and include loss of weight, diarrhoea at night, anemia (low red cell count), or elevated ESR. In addition, blood in the diarrhoea always mandates further investigation, generally with colonoscopy.

The management of patients with IBS encompasses a number of different areas and can be used in a stepwise approach. This includes dietary intervention, antispasmodics, medications to affect the nerves in the gut and other therapies. Dietary interventions are a complex area with every centre having a slightly different approach. One reasonable approach is to reduce 'resistant starches' in the diet, which can worsen symptoms and to use 'non-resistant' starches such as golden linseed instead. Meal times should be regularised, soft drinks and chewing gum should be reduced or avoided. Antispasmodics can be used if abdominal cramping is a problem and include peppermint oil, buscopan or mebeverine. Amitriptylline or SSRIs can reduce visceral hypersensitivity despite being originally designed as antidepressants. If anxiety or depression is an issue, this should be addressed with your clinician. In some patients, talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy with a psychologist may be of benefit.

Note that this document is a guideline and individual treatment should be discussed with your clinician.

Smoking And Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Worst Friends Forever!

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the colon, which is also known as the large intestine. The person may experience abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon, mucus colitis or functional bowel disease. It is not a life-threatening disease, nor is it cancerous or contagious. The disease causes discomfort and stress, disrupting daily activities and often affects the sexual life of the patients.

Smoking worsens the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome. The symptoms of IBS are worsened by tobacco and it does not matter whether the tobacco is chewed, smoked or inhaled. The fact is that tobacco is a very potent gastrointestinal tract irritant, a carcinogen and a stimulant. Patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract and are therefore very susceptible to some stimuli that may include certain foods, tobacco, caffeine and alcohol. Of all these stimulants, tobacco is probably the worst.

In general, smoking and tobacco affects all the parts of the human digestive system. It is the biggest cause for cancer. Smoking causes heartburn and reflux, the two triggers for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Smoking also damages the esophageal sphincter causing the acidic contents in the stomach to flow upwards into the esophagus.

Ulcers are caused by the helicobacter pylori bacteria; however, peptic ulcers are caused due to smoking of tobacco. Smoking prevents healing of the ulcers causing it to recur more often. The reason for this is that smoking aggravates the ulcer perforation tenfold. Besides triggering irritable bowel syndrome and causing ulcers, smoking increases the possibility of Crohn's disease and lead to the formation of gallstones.

Nicotine found in tobacco has addictive properties and is a toxin that tends to weaken the esophageal sphincter. This leads to the increased production of acid in the stomach and reduces the generation of sodium bicarbonate that is important in counterbalancing the stomach acid.

Besides nicotine, tobacco contains about four hundred toxins and forty three carcinogens.
These harmful substances are carried by the bloodstream to the digestive tract, thus triggering IBS symptoms. Inhaling tobacco smoke can cause gas, belching and bloating that are symptoms of IBS.

Smoking is known to cause cancer of the colon, the kidney, bladder, stomach or pancreas. Long term smoking increases the likelihood of colorectal cancer. The carcinogens in the tobacco smoke enter the colon and tend to increase the polyp size which may lead to cancerous growth. Studies have shown that twelve percent of colorectal cancers are due to smoking.

As we all know, smoking is injurious to health. Smoking increases the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome and can lead to more serious diseases like cancer. Thus, for the sake of your health, quit smoking and lead a healthy life.