Causes Of Anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious condition where we can literally starve ourselves to death, thinking we're fat. The disorder can stem from physical, psychological and, sadly, intentional causes. In this article, we'll consider the different causes of anorexia, and discuss symptoms and treatment needs.

Physical Causes Of Anorexia: Studies are underway to determine if there is a genetic predisposition for anorexia, but short of that, any of a number of illnesses can actually cause a person to be anorexic. These include arthritis, colitis, kidney failure and cirrhosis of the liver. Also, advanced alcoholism and drug addiction can result in anorexia. If our diet is deficient in certain nutrients, like vitamins A, B3, or B8 we could develop anorexia as a deficiency symptom. Anorexia can be a medical drug side effect, too, so see your doctor. The cool thing about anorexia that had a physical cause is, once the physical condition is cleared up, the anorexia usually goes away, too.

Psychological Causes Of Anorexia: More difficult to treat are the psychological causes stress, depression and anxiety. In fact, anorexia nervosa is a severe anxiety over body weight. We actually see ourselves as being fat, even as we look in a mirror and see a body that's wasting away from hunger, with bones sticking out. It's this body image that's at the root of anorexia. Even when medical treatment restores a normal body weight, until the body image is corrected, the person will just lose it all again.

Intentional Causes Of Anorexia: This is probably the saddest part of the anorexia story. Some people actually cause themselves to become anorexic, accidentally, through fad diets or worse, intentionally, through a sick idea that the "anorexic look" is sexy. There are websites and companies making money by promoting self-starvation as a weight management tool. This creates the mindset of the negative body image which is at the heart of the disorder. I'm all for web freedom, but I think websites promoting anorexia are as bad as those promoting kiddy porn, and for the same reason...they're destroying lives.

Anorexia Symptoms And Treatment: Because the heart of anorexia is an irrational belief you're fat, most people are unlikely to look in the mirror and say, "I'd better get to the doctor." Since denial is a big part of the illness, the best way to see if you or a loved one needs to see a doctor is to take a self-test like this signs of anorexia nervosa quiz. Anorexia is never a self-treatment issue. You must see a doctor, get a proper diagnosis and get professional treatment. Anorexics, left to their own devices, often die. Often, treatment includes medical tests to determine the cause, food supplements to restore body weight, antidepressants or anxiety medicine and psychological therapy to get at the body image issue. How you see yourself is usually the key to the whole thing.

The cause of anorexia can be as simple as a vitamin deficiency or as complex as the human self-image. Often, those causes are physical, psychological and even intentional in nature. Whatever started it, anorexia is a serious condition that can be deadly if not treated. With proper treatment, though, recovery is very likely. If you suspect you or a loved one suffers from anorexia, get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible, so recovery can begin.

The Curative Properties and Health Benefits of Banana

Bananas have a special place in diets low in fats, cholesterol and salt. In the mythological ages in Europe, a banana was called the apple of paradise. In the traditional medicine in India and the ancient Persia this golden fruit is regarded as nature's secret of perpetual youth. To this day, banana is known for promoting healthy digestion and creating a feeling of youthfulness. Banana is one of the oldest and best known fruits of the world. It is delicious and available in all seasons.

Banana is of great nutritional value. It constitutes almost a complete balanced diet in combination with milk. It is a good source of quick energy and an excellent means of recovery from fatigue.

Hypertension and Heart Problem: Potassium salt, like beta blockers, can reduce the risk of hypertension and therefore heart problems. Banana, being a rich source of potassium and low in sodium is beneficial for high blood pressure patients.

Certain compounds in banana behave like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is responsible for rise in blood pressure. ACE inhibiting property has been found in six varieties of banana.

Obesity: A diet of half banana and skimmed milk during breakfast is considered as an effective remedy for weight reduction.

Intestinal Disorder: Banana is used as a dietary food against intestinal disorders. As chronic ulcer patients need to avoid any acidic fruit it is the only fruit they can consume without distress. It neutralizes the hyperacidity of the gastric juice and reduce the irritation of the ulcer. Ripe banana is highly beneficial in the treatment of ulcerative colitis as it is bland, easily digestible and slightly laxative. It relieves the acute symptoms and promotes the healing process.

Constipation and Diarrhea: Banana helps in both constipation and diarrhea as it balances the colonic functions in the large intestine. It absorbs large amount of water, which helps in proper bowel movement.

Dysentery: Mashed banana with little salt is a valuable remedy for dysentery. According to traditional naturopathy a combination of ripe banana, tamarind and common salt is most effective in this disease.

Anaemia: Being high in iron content, banana is beneficial in the treatment of anaemia. It stimulates the production of haemoglobin in blood.

Allergies: The fruit is very useful for those who are allergic to certain foods and thus suffer from skin rashes, digestive disorder or asthma. Banana contains compounds which in most cases are not allergic. The fruit, however, does cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive individuals and they should avoid it.

Tuberculosis: Bananas are considered useful in the treatment of tuberculosis. The juice of the plantain or the ordinary cooked banana works miracle in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Urinary Disorder: Juice from banana stem is a well known remedy for urinary disorders. It helps to improve kidney and liver functions. It has been found that it is of great help in the treatment for the removal of kidney and gall bladder stones.

Menstrual Disorder: Cooked banana flower eaten with curd is considered an effective medicine for painful menstruation and excessive bleeding. Banana flower increases the concentration of progesterone hormone which reduces the bleeding.

Other uses: Ripe banana is chiefly eaten in a dessert or as a breakfast fruit. Unripe fruits can be cooked. Banana chips made from fully mature unripe banana are tasty and healthy. The flour prepared from the dried unripe banana is three times richer in minerals than the wheat flour. It is also easily digestible than cereal starches and is an ideal food for the infants and patients. Banana is also helpful in arthritis.

Precautions: Banana must be thoroughly ripe otherwise it is difficult to digest. The raw banana contains 20 to 25 per cent starch. But during the process of ripening this starch is fully converted to a sugar which is easily assimilated.

The fruit should not be consumed by those suffering from renal failure because of its high potassium content.

Cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome Naturally

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common digestion disorder seen by physicians. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults have IBS though less than half actually seek help for it. This disorder is also called neurosis, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon. In IBS, the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated. This interferes with the normal movement of food and waste material, and leads to the accumulation of mucous and toxins in the intestine. This accumulation material sets up a partial obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools, which in turn causes bloating, distension, and constipation.

IBS is caused by a diet consisting primarily of animal foods (meat, fish, dairy, etc...). High in saturated fats, carcinogens, and toxins while low in fiber, these foods constipate the bowel and lead to inflammation. High fiber vegetarian diets have proven to be extremely successful in dealing with IBS. This is due to the fact that dietary fiber helps to dilute, bind, inactivate, and remove many of the carcinogens and toxic substances found in our food supply. This action prevents harmful substances from prolonged contact with the bowel wall, thus minimizing the absorption and damage from direct contact. Dietary fiber also binds cholesterol and bile acids and consequently reduces their contact and absorption from the bowel. -Cancer 42 (1978), p. 2832, Digestion 11 (1974), p. 289, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 29 (1976), p. 1417, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 34 (1981), p. 2054

Symptoms:

Constipation and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, mucous in stools, nausea, flatulence, bloating, anorexia, and intolerances to certain foods. Pain is often triggered by eating and may be relieved by a bowel movement. Malnutrition may result as nutrients are not properly absorbed.

Recommendations

• Herbal colon formulas may be helpful in cleansing the intestinal tract, reducing inflammation and keeping the colon healthy.If interested, take a look at some very high quality herbal colon formulas.


• Vitamin C may help reduce inflammation and boost immunity response. We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE that is complete and made from whole foods.


• Organic Aloe Vera Juice is beneficial because it softens stools and has a healing effect on the digestive tract; drink a half a cup three times daily.


• Make sure to chew your food thoroughly; do not eat in a hurry.


• Flax Seed Oil contains omega 3 essential fatty acids which are necessary for the repair of the digestive tract.


• Drink plenty of distilled water and fresh juices.


• Peppermint has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing abdominal symptoms in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (A key ingredient in Intestinal Formula #2) British Medical Journal, October 6, 1979, p. 73


• Eat a diet consisting mainly of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, garlic, kale, spinach and turnips. High fiber diets have been reported to be of definite benefit for those with bowel disorders. J. McDougall, M.D, "The McDougall Plan," (1983): pp49-50

Things to Avoid:

• Avoid all dairy foods, (especially milk, cream, butter, and cheeses), sodas, coffee, fried foods, ice cream, junk food, salt, caffeine, processed foods, sugar, refined flour. These foods are laced with chemicals, pesticides, and toxins as well as high levels of saturated fats which cause inflammation of the intestines as well as creating excess mucous which prevents the absorption of nutrients..


• Also avoid all other animal foods (meat, fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, etc...) as these foods are extremely hard to digest and can cause more inflammation in the intestine. Avoid alcohol and tobacco as these irritate the lining of the intestine.


• Do not eat right before going to bed.

References:

1) James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," (1997)

2) S. Imes et al., "Vitamin C Status in 137 Outpatients with Crohn's Disease: Effect of Diet Counseling," Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 8(4), August 1986, p. 443-446

3) D. Burkitt, "Some Diseases Characteristic of Modern Western Civilization," Br Med J 1 (1973):274

4) J. McDougall, M.D, "The McDougall Plan," (1983): pp49-50

5) "Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Peppermint Oil," British Medical Journal, October 6, 1979, p. 73

6) B. Reddy," Metabolic Epidemiology of Large Bowel Cancer," Cancer 42 (1978), p. 2832

7) M. Hill, "Colon Cancer: A Disease of Fiber Depletion of of Dietary Excess," Digestion 11 (1974), p. 289

8) J. Kelsay, "A Review of Research on Effects of Fiber Intake in Man," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 29 (1976), p. 1417

9) I. Ullrich, "Alterations of Fecal Steroisd Composition Induced by Changes in Dietary Fiber Composition," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 34 (1981), p. 2054

Mastocytic Enterocolitis or Mastocytic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (MIBD), A New Epidemic?

Mastocytic enterocolitis is a new clinical entity characterized by increase mast cells of 20 or more per high-powered field in the duodenum or colon. Jakate et al. described 47 patients with intractable diarrhea and abdominal pain without other cause who had elevated mast cell numbers in intestinal biopsies and responded to therapy directed at mast cells. The patients generally met criteria for diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Normal subjects had much lower levels of mast cells of an average of 12 per HPF. My experience indicates that this condition may be another hidden epidemic that should be added to the that of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). My colleague Dr. Rodney Ford has suggested the term 'gluten syndrome" for the broader problem of non-celiac gluten sensitivity and I agree that this may be a more appropriate term. Now, I am suggesting that mastocytic inflammatory bowel disease (MIBD) be considered as a better term for the newly recognized mastocytic enterocolitis. I review my reasons below.

Until recently the presence of increased mast cells was either missed due to lack of ability to see mast cells on biopsies in the background of normal cells or was only noted in association with inflammatory bowel diseases and celiac disease. A few pediatric studies have noted increase mast cells in the esophagus in association with eosinophilic esophagitis or "allergic esophagus". Systemic mastocytosis has been known for years and has been associated with bowel symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Now two new studies are shedding more light on this covert cell and its role in postoperative ileus and association with stress. Mast cells have been linked to diarrhea predominant IBS in a few studies but it wasn't until the Jakate article that a distinct entity defined.

The problem with linking mast cells with IBS and other digestive symptoms has been hampered by the difficulty seeing these cells in intestinal biopsies. However, now commercially available special stains utilizing immunohistochemistry for the enzyme tryptase allows the mucosal mast cells to be seen and counted in intestinal tissue obtained from routine random intestinal biopsies. Over the past year I have been asking the pathologists to perform mast cell stains on intestinal biopsies in my GI patients with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Recently, I began expanding this to include as many patients as possible as well as requesting these stains be done on biopsies performed previously in patients who I suspected might have this condition.

I have now accumulated fifty patients meeting criteria for mastocytic enterocolitis or mastocytic enteritis. These patients are in various stages of evaluation and treatment. I am collecting and analyzing the clinical information with the intent to submit the data for publication. What I have observed on initial review is that appears to be a higher than expected prevalence of the celiac disease risk genes DQ2 and DQ8. In particular, DQ8 appears to be overrepresented compared with the incidence in the general population. There also appears to be an association with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity and multiple food intolerance.

The latter finding of multiple food intolerance determined by mediator release testing abnormalities (MRT, Signet Diagnostic Corporation and Alcat) makes sense. The principle of these tests is the detection of changes in cell volumes that occur due to chemical mediator release from cells present in the blood. The tests are not specific for the mediator or mediators released but is assumed that the greater the reaction the greater the number of mediators released and more likely a particular food, chemical or food additive can cause an adverse reaction.

The laboratories that provide mediator release testing report great success in treating a variety of symptoms commonly attributed to food intolerance or chemical/additive sensitivity. It is my belief that mast cells are heavily involved in this process. This would make sense since success with conditions now being associated with mast cells are reported to respond favorably to dietary elimination of foods or substances with abnormal MRT reactions. Classic examples include IBS, headaches, and interstitial cystitis that have been linked to mast cells as well as stress that is now linked to increase mast cells and mast cell degranulation releasing mediators.

Mediator release tests are criticized by some U.S. doctors, in particular quackwatch.com as being unproven or not validated for "food allergy" evaluation. However, they are not food allergy tests. Food allergy is an IgE mediated type I immediate immune response known as allergy. MRT tests for non-immune delayed type reactions resulting from mediator release from immune cells. The point is that mediator release testing is not a form of food allergy testing. MRT is a form of non-immune food intolerance or sensitivity reaction.

New articles published in the January 2008 issue of the journal Gut reveal exciting new associations of mast cell degranulation with postoperative ileus and a link to a stress hormone. The first study may be the first to show that mast cells in human bowel release mediators when the bowel is handled during surgery resulting in temporary bowel paralysis known as postoperative ileus. The minimally invasive surgery technique of laparoscopy results in less mechanical stimuli to the bowel and has a lower incidence of postoperative ileus.

Stress association with IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) has been long known but a mechanism had not been determined definitely. In the same issue of Gut investigators showed that the stress hormone corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) regulates intestinal permeability (leaky gut) through mast cells. The investigators even identified specific receptors on mast cells. This new information sheds new light on the possible link of leaky gut and mast cells with IBS, IBD and celiac disease.

So, how do I believe this new information may help us? Since stress can increase mast cells in the bowel and these cells can release mediators that cause gut injury and symptoms, stress reduction important. These cells can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation as well as other symptoms outside the gut so they are important. Yet, the significance of these cells is generally not recognized because most doctors, including gastroenterologists and pathologists are unaware of their presence and importance.

These cells cannot be seen in the intestine without special stains done on intestinal tissue obtained during upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Those stains are not routinely done but generally require the doctor performing the biopsy to request them. If no biopsy is performed then obviously these cells cannot be found. There may be a genetic predisposition for what I think may be better termed mastocytic inflammatory bowel disease (MIBD) rather than mastocytic enterocolitis. There also may be the same genetically determined white blood cell protein patterns that are associated with Celiac disease playing an important role in MIBD.

As note above, stress reduction and probiotic therapy may be helpful to reduce mast cells and leaky gut but what about once the mast cells are increased in the gut. Once elevated mast cells are present, treatment may include medications and dietary interventions. Antihistamines, both type I (e.g. Claritin, Allegra, Zirtec) and type II (e.g. Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid) to block histamine effects have been used successful in reducing abdominal pain and diarrhea in people with mastocytic enterocolitis. A very specific mast cell stabilizer, sodium Cromalyn (Gastrocrom), also has reduced symptoms. It is an accepted therapy for the more severe condition of generalized mastocytosis.

Searching for food allergies and food intolerance (by mediator release testing) followed by dietary elimination of problem foods until leaky gut resolves and mast cell numbers in the bowel reduce is also helpful in my experience. Food allergy testing consists of skin testing and IgE RAST antibody tests. These tests do not exclude non-allergic food intolerance and sensitivity. Antibody tests for IgG in blood or IgA in stool or saliva have been used for food sensitivity. In my experience MRT tests are much more helpful as they look for any abnormal mediator release to a variety foods, chemicals, or additives, regardless of the nature.

Stay tuned for new developments about the role of mast cells and look for more interest in mastocytic enterocolitis in the future. I propose that the GI community should adopt the broader term mastocytic inflammatory bowel disease since there is information indicating mast cells have an important role in allergic esophagus and stomach problems.

Selected References:

The, FO et al. "Intestinal handling-induced mast cell activation and inflammation in human postoperative ileus." Gut 2008; 57:33-40

Wallon, C et al. "Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) regulates macromolecular permeability via mast cells in normal human colonic biopsies in vitro." Gut 2008; 57:50-58.

Jakate, S. "Mastocytic Enterocolitis: Increased mucosal mast cells in chronic intractable diarrhea." Arch Pathol Lab Med 2006; 130:362-367.

Copyright 2008 Dr. Scot M. Lewey http://www.thefooddoc.com

The FMLA and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other functional digestive diseases are significant contributors to workplace absenteeism. IBS in particular is a pervasive disease with estimates placing the number of those affected at 25 to 55 million people in the United States alone. Though I do not suffer from a digestive disease myself, I have become familiar with IBS through the experiences of a friend who was facing termination from work due to chronic lateness. He came to me for legal advice on how to handle the situation. This prompted me to look into what legal protections may be available to someone having attendance issues at work due to the symptoms of IBS and other digestive diseases. I previously wrote on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a special focus on digestive diseases.

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows employees with a serious medical condition to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid but JOB PROTECTED leave in a 12 month-period. FMLA has several advantages to someone suffering from IBS, Crohn's Disease or other digestive diseases. First, although the leave is unpaid, the employee's position is protected while on leave. Second, the leave does not have to be taken all at once but may be taken intermittently, and even on an hour by hour basis. For my friend who had particular difficulty with getting to work on time due to the IBS flaring up most frequently in the morning, being able to take a hour here or there to cover lateness would obviously be a helpful protection. Third, all-too-important health insurance benefits are continued during the period of leave.

For an employee suffering with IBS to qualify for leave under the FMLA, there are several fact-specific criteria that must be met. First, the person's employer must be covered by the FMLA. All public entities, including Federal, State, County and Local agencies (including schools) are covered. In regard to private (e.g. non-government) businesses, an employer is covered so long as it employed 50 or more employees in 20 or more work weeks within either of the last 2 calendar years.

For the employee to be covered by the FMLA, he or she must have worked at least 1,250 hours within the last 12 months for his or her employer. The employee must also work at a location where 50 or more employees of that employer work within a 75 mile radius.

Finally, in order to qualify for Family Medical Leave, the employee's IBS or other digestive disease must meet the definition of a "serious medical condition" as defined in the FMLA. This means a condition which prevents the employee from working, and which resulted in an in-patient stay at a hospital or other medical care facility, or is the subject of ongoing treatment by a medical professional. The FMLA regulations also specifically recognize chronic health conditions that can qualify for leave. These conditions occur over a period of time and "may cause episodic rather than continuing periods of incapacity." This would certainly seem to describe the situation faced by most sufferers of IBS.

The reader should understand that the Family Medical Leave Act is a complex statute which is supported by voluminous and complex regulations. There are going to be rules, exceptions to those rules, and then exceptions to the exceptions. The entitlement to leave is a fact specific determination made on a case-by-case basis and there is the potential for confusion and/or conflict. If you feel you are being treated unfairly by your employer, or you have questions or concerns, I recommend speaking with an employment attorney to discuss your specific set of circumstances.

Itchy Scalp, Natural Scalp Treatments: Using A Natural Home Remedy For Itchy Scalp Conditions

Yes it can be extremely annoying and embarrassing having a scalp condition like dandruff, eczema, scalp infections or a nasty itchy red rash on your scalp.

If you are suffering from:

itchy scalp, sore scalp or do you have a flaky dry scalp with redness and rashes that drive you crazy?

scalp picking - do you constantly find yourself picking at & scratching?

oily scalp and limp hair leaving you feeling less than your best

embarrassing dandruff falling on your clothes

or even a fungal infection of your scalp...that can lead to lesions or scalp sores.

Hair falling out & patches on your scalp

Your instinct might be to pick up a product from the store shelf or your doctor. Most of these scalp treatments that promise relief from dry scalp conditions sound very attractive until you start reading the fine print.

Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)? What's that? Why do you have to call a Poison Control Center if you accidentally swallow shampoo? And what are those warning labels on the back all about? What does it do to your head if it's that toxic?

Stop! What you must know is that several chemicals, especially SLS, strip the natural oils from the skin and even corrode it, along with your eye membranes. Have you also noticed that your hair has been thinning? Well hair follicle damage is another little known but very common symptom of these chemicals.

Actually, most commercial shampoos & scalp treatments are designed to meet people's "sensory" expectations...offering instant gratification and the illusion that they are doing their job. So therein lies the problem. For example adding silicone to conditioner induces an artificial shine but in truth can create problems long term including sensitivities.

Most people expect a shampoo to:

Foam up nicely

Smell good

Take all the so-called "nasty" oiliness out of their hair

Make their hair feel squeaky-clean

And that's a reasonable ask - think about it...if your shampoo didn't foam up, smell good, or leave your hair feeling squeaky-clean, would you trust it? Well, here's the thing: 90% of commercial shampoos achieve the foaming effect using the equivalent of engine degreasers to strip off not only dirt and grime but also valuable natural oils that your scalp needs.

Yes --your scalp needs natural oils. Without them, your body has no natural defence - those oils are there for a reason! Your scalp needs to maintain a natural PH balance that if disturbed - can develop into a dry, itchy irritated scalp. The good news is that there are many natural remedies you can use with moisturising oils and natural powerful alternatives to heal & reverse any scalp problem by restoring balance safely. You can easily repair follicle and damage - even boost hair growth and use your own home remedy for scalp cell regeneration. There are also the artificial aromas that are added - its alarming the huge percentage of people who are mildly to severely averse or allergic to artificial scents - resulting in itchy scalp, skin rashes etc and we don't even know it.

So what non toxic itchy scalp treatments and natural remedies can help? Well there are many non toxic shampoos which are nourishing and conditioning while still giving you're the "foam effect", they smell devine with the addition of the natural oils they contain. So you do have a choice and it does NOT have to cost you more - in fact most of them are less - you just have to know what to look for.

So lets have a look at natural oils for treating your scalp...

Here are some of my favorite natural oils you can use for hair & scalp treatments.

Zinc Pyrithione: Wonderful stuff for dandruff & itchy scalp conditions. First synthesized in the 1930's, this is the most widely used active ingredient from a natural source. It's used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitus, psoriasis, eczema and numerous other skin and scalp disorders. It has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Jojoba: Is excellent as a scalp moisturiser and helps to rebalance sebum.

Tea Tree: Oily hair ... Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands, enlivens the scalp and brings the cells & follicles to attention

Basil: Oily hair ... promotes growth

Chamomile: Fine to normal hair ... gives golden highlights

Clary sage: All types of hair ... dandruff treatment

Lavender: Normal hair ... Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice!

Lemon: Oily hair ... Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands

Myrrh: Dry hair ... Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands

Patchouli: Oily hair ... Dandruff treatment

Peppermint: Dry hair ... Promotes hair growth

Rose: Fine hair ... Soothes scalp

Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil: Itchy Scalp, Dry Scalp Excellent for itchy scalp, dry scalp and dandruff

Rosemary: Oily hair ... Dandruff treatment; promotes hair growth

Tea tree: Oily hair ... Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands

Ylang-ylang: Oily hair ... Dandruff treatment

Neem: ... a wonder oil from India. Neem is amazing for all of the wonderful "stuff" it does. It's also derived from a type of tree bark. Neem is an effective fungicide and insecticide (great for head lice when used with geranium, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oils). In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis with none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone. Neem extracts and oil removes redness and itching when applied directly to your scalp...and it's a great skin conditioner. Best of all its excellent for relieving itching fast.

The best part of knowing that there are alternatives is that you can have mix these into super powerful blends like a super moisture boosting home remedy for dry scalp, or soothing itchy scalp treatments. Dry itchy scalp can be dealt with fast and permanently without spending a ton on traditional scalp med products.

Here's just one easy remedy you can make today:

Home remedy for dry itchy scalp Take ¼ c oatmeal and soak in water for 20 mins. Mix well and then strain the liquid adding it to a cup. Add 5 drops lavender oil (or lavender stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Add 5 drops rosemary (or rosemary stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Allow to cool until tepid.

Mix the liquids together and dab on your scalp...leave in for 10 mins to soothe the itch. This a good temporary soother for itching. Chamomile tea is also soothing!

There are hundreds of ideas that are excellent scalp treatments from dandruff to scalp infections like scalp sores & psoriasis. These remedies combined with the knowledge of what causes itchy scalp and other scalp conditions will enable you to be free from itching, dryness and allow you to grow fabulously thick, shiny beautiful hair also.....so have fun experimenting and "luxuriating" by giving your hair a treat using the many natural gifts from nature that are right under our noses! There are also many natural shampoos that so not use these ingredients and do wonders for your hair such as Akin shampoo, and Thursday Plantation which is fantastic as an effective anti-dandruff shampoo.

I have included a few more remedies and uses for oils below. There are many many more in "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp Secrets & Remedies " and a list of shampoos that are not toxic. They are nourishing & repairing for your scalp & hair.

SOOTHING & HEALING ANTIFLAMMATORY REMEDY: Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon of Neem oil (antifungal & antiitching) 1 teaspoon Teatree or Manuka (also antifungal) which much stronger than teatree, one teaspoon of Rosemary oil and one teaspoon of Lavender oil together in 3 tablespoons of carrier oils such as Olive or Almond oil (Wheatgerm and Macadamia carrier oils closely match your natural sebum) and apply to your scalp daily.

Alternatively add the oils together minus the olive/almond oil to one cup if water in spray bottle and shake vigorously then spray on your roots. If you can get a teaspoon of hemp oil add that to the mix as well.

GARDEN REMEDY: Go to your garden and get 3 sprigs of Rosemary, and chop up and add to 3 tea bags of Chamomile tea. Boil gently, let cool, strain and rinse your hair with this liquid for a calming antiflammatory effect.

As with all remedies please patch test first and use at your own risk. And but only non toxic shampoos without ingredients that cause your head to react, flake itch and burn....plus more remedies in "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp Secrets & Remedies "

Heres a little about the oils above which can be mixed to create various formulas to treat different conditions and add condition to your hair found in my eBook "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp Secrets & Remedies ".

Neem Oil: Derived from a type of tree bark it is an effective fungicide and insecticide (great for head lice when used with geranium, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oils). It has a very strong odor which can overpower other fragrances but its effectiveness is proven:

In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis with none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone.

When applied to the skin, Neem extracts and oil removes redness and itching while improving the condition of the skin while being treated. In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema with the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients.

Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation caused by acne and other bacterial infections.

Its also good for other skin conditions such as Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin Ulcers and Warts which can be effectively remedied with soaps and other products containing Neem oil.

Lavender Oil: Lavender is known for its calming properties both emotional and physical. There are different varieties of lavender and certain ones are favored more than others for medicinal treatments. Lavender is effective to soothe itching from skin and sore scalp inflammations such as burning red itchy scalp, and dandruff to insect bites as well as having a powerful calming effect to treat scalp itching and irritated scalp as well as relax you and help you nod off to sleep.

In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata (a disease of unknown cause characterized by significant hair loss, generally in patches), those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for 7 months experienced significant hair re-growth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. It is not entirely clear from this study whether lavender (or a combination of lavender and other essential oils) was responsible for the beneficial effects. Scalp massage is also highly beneficial to stimulate follicles and blood supply to the skin's surface.

Aromatherapists also use lavender as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), dandruff, eczema of the scalp, wounds, scalp acne, with lavender oil. It is also used externally in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments (conditions affecting the muscles and joints).

Tea Tree Oil: One of the strongest known natural antiseptics. Also has punative skin penetrating capacity as an anti-inflamatory, anti-bacterial, germicide and fungicide. The scientific name for it is Melaleuca Alternifolia.

Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil has a pronounced action on the brain and the central nervous system and is wonderful for clearing the mind and mental awareness, while having excellent brain stimulant properties, as well as improving memory.

It helps with headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion and the antiseptic action of rosemary oil is especially suitable for intestinal infections and diarrhea, easing colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders and jaundice and relieving pain associated with itchy flaky scalp, rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and gout. It also helps for arteriosclerosis, palpitations, poor circulation and varicose veins.

The diuretic properties of rosemary oil are useful with reducing water retention during menstruation, and also with obesity and cellulite.

On the respiratory system, it is effective for asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, sinus and whooping cough. Because of its astringent action, it is also effective for countering sagging skin. Its stimulating action benefits scalp disorders and encourages hair growth.

On the skin, it helps to ease congestion, puffiness and swelling and can also be used for acne, dry inflamed scalp, dermatitis and eczema, but a very popular use of this oil is the use in hair care products, as it has a pronounced positive effect on the health of the hair and scalp. It increases the circulation to the scalpand is therefore also effective for promoting hair growth after having conditions such as dandruff or scalp sores causing hair loss, scalp itching and scratching.

Rosemary oil is effective for mental fatigue, circulation problems, pain relief for the muscular system, decongests the respiratory tract and is a skin and hair booster.

How Do You Know If You Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

There are many forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), with the main ones including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Whilst they are all different, the main symptoms remain almost the same. They all involve the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and they are basically caused by an abnormal response in the body's immune system.

The immune system is there to protect our bodies against foreign objects and disease. Unfortunately, when a person suffers from this bowel disorder, their immune system can mistake anything; including food and other helpful materials found in the digestive system, as a threat. It tries to protect the body by attacking the cells within the immune system and white blood cells go to the lining of the intestines and cause the inflammation. That is when the symptoms of the condition can be felt. The condition can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people aged 15-30.

So, how do you know if you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Look for the symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of IBD?

There are a number of common symptoms that a person with IBD will suffer with. These include abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, bright red blood in the stools and vomiting. It is not uncommon for loss of appetite to occur and for you to feel increasingly drowsy.

Every person will experience differing levels of the symptoms. Some people may only experience slight discomfort every now and again, whilst others could develop frequent intestinal ulcers and inflamed joints or even eye problems.

If you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, it only affects the large intestine. Crohn's Disease can affect any part of the intestines, but typically, it affects the lower small intestine.

Diagnosis of the Condition

In order to detect IBD, doctors will usually carry out a Colonoscopy. This includes a small camera being inserted into the anus so that the doctor can get a better idea of what is going on inside your intestines. A biopsy can be done during this procedure and foreign lesions can be removed if necessary.

However before that is given, the doctor will give you an initial consultation. You will have to provide your medical history details and discuss any medications that you may be taking. If this illness is suspected, blood tests may be given to see whether there is any inflammation within the body. You will also be required to give a stool sample.

Whilst a Colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose the condition, an upper endoscopy may also be given. This checks the stomach and the upper small intestine for any ulcers or bleeding. You may also be given a Barium Study that involves you drinking a thick white solution known as Barium. This solution shows up white on an X-Ray and the doctor will see exactly what is going on within the intestines.

Overall IBD is more serious than IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The symptoms can be particularly painful and uncomfortable. If you do notice that you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above then you should consult your doctor straight away.