Colitis Treatment Information

Hartmann's procedure is an operation that involves the removal of part of the large intestines. This procedure is normally used as an emergency measure on patients who do not support extensive surgical operations or where anastomosis is not possible.

What are the indications for a Hartmann Procedure?
Though this procedure was initially developed to address the problem of distal colonic adenocarcionoma, related indications have progressed with time. Some of the common indications addressed through this surgical operation currently include:

~Complicated Diverticulitis
This is one of the most common indications for a Hartmann procedure. It normally occurs at sites of vascular penetration between antimesenteric taeniae and mesenteric taenia. Depending on the magnitude, diverticulitis complications can be categorized into 4 categories namely: parabolic absess, disntant absess, purulent perintonitis and fecal peritonitis. Hartmann procedure is mostly preferred for the treatment of the last two stages.

~Rectosigmoid Cancer
This is the next common indication for a Hartmann procedure. In emergency cases, the predominant Rectosigmoid Cancer symptoms may include perforation and bleeding. On the other hand, in elective cases, palliation is the common symptom. Other rectosigmid cancer related indicators include: Volvulusm ischemia; lymphoma, metastatic cancer; crohn disease; ulcerative colitis; pneumatosis cystoides and retroperitoneal bleeding.

Apart from these two dominant categories, a Hartmann procedure may also be carried out whenever a colon resection is necessary. This is normally done in patients who are malnourished.

What does the operation involve?
A cut is usually made in the tummy. This creates an allowance through which the surgeon removes the affected area of the bowel before making a colostomy. Basically speaking, colostomy is an allowance made at the end of the colon to allow for the passage of fecal waste. In some cases, it is possible to have this allowance reversed in a process called reversal Hartmann's procedure. The wound made after the cut is usually closed with stitches or clips. Any visible clips or stitches are normally removed within 12 days.

What the risk is of involved in this procedure?
Well, Hartmann's procedure is a major operation. As with any other surgical operation, the operation has a fair share of risks involved. Some of the common risks include:

*Nerve damage: This procedure is normally done very close to the anal sphincter (muscles of the back passage). In the process, some muscles may become bruised thus causing damage of the nerves. Occasionally, this can lead to incontinence of feces or wind. In extreme cases, this surgical operation may interfere with the bladder and sexual function although the risks are often temporary.

*Paralysis of the Bowel: Sometimes, this operation may lead to the obstruction of the small bowel (ileus). If this happens, the bowel may need to be rested before an operation is carried out to unblock it.

*Other Risks after the operation
Hartmann's procedure may lead to chest complications, patients are normally advised to avoid smoking and practice deep breathing exercises after this procedure. Apart from chest infections, other complications may include thrombosis, wound infection and blood clot in the lungs.

Benefits of Hartmann's procedure
Through this operation, doctors are able to remove the affected part of the bowel. This provides a good solution to most bowel problems such as colon cancer and divercullitis.

Alternative Procedures
As we learnt in the introductory part of this write-up, this operation is normally performed during emergencies. If incase the problem is still containable, a hollow tube (commonly known as a stent) is usually inserted in the bowel. Once in place, stents help keep the passage open. However, these only relieve the symptoms for a short while.

What to do before the operation
While preparing for the Hartmann's procedure, it is important you prepare yourself physically. Try to eat a balanced diet, perform gentle exercises and get plenty of fresh air. At this point you're strongly advised to stop smoking.

Just to sum it up, it is our sincere hope that you've found this article useful. If in case of related symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a qualified medical doctor for treatment and specialized advice.

I have suffered from Crohn's disease since I was eleven years old. At first the doctors did not know what was wrong with me and put my illness down to growing pains. They eventually diagnosed me with crohn's disease when I was fourteen. I had to endure several months of painful examinations and had two years off school as I was so ill. I was put on steroids and had to have operations to remove part of my intestine. I have tried lots of different prescription drugs over the years but they all had horrible side effects and made me feel so ill. It wasn't until I reached the age of 28 that I started to look for alternative medicines. One natural remedy for Crohn's disease is aromatherapy, which some people believe helps rejuvenate the body and promote healing. Many people believe that there is a strong link between the mind and body and that, by repairing the mind, they are able to repair the body as well. Using calming scents, users of aromatherapy soothe away mental and physical stress, allowing the body a chance to recuperate from the daily stresses that weaken the immune system. Maintaining a healthy immune system is a great natural remedy for Crohn's disease.

Controlling crohn's disease the natural way:

Herbalism is used to treat a multitude of problems by using the whole plant, rather than extracting a key ingredient. While modern medicine and herbalism work best together, they are often in opposition because each side believes their way is best. This natural remedy for Crohn's disease claims to treat the cause of the illness, as opposed to eradicating the symptoms. The theory is that all the medicine a person needs can be found already in nature and, that if they are used properly, the body will repair itself. A combination of herbs and other plants are used as a natural remedy for Crohn's disease in a multitude of ways. The herbs soothe the nervous system which, in turn, calms gastrointestinal distress. One of the best herbal remedies I have used is a product called Aloe MP Plus which is the best crohn's disease medication I have tried and is the ultimate crohn's disease natural remedy. I would not be without it. It has changed my life. The other product I use is called Esdifan which controls any diarrhea and allows me to eat foods which I would not normally be allowed to eat. They are both ways in controlling crohn's disease the natural way, with no side effects, which actually work.

Ulcerative colitis is considered a serious ailment. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome, it can take a lot of time money and effort to get it treated and not having a health insurance policy can make things difficult.

Ulcerative colitis is considered a serious ailment. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome, it can take a lot of time money and effort to get it treated and depending on the level of severity, treatment could end up being a costly affair. It is a condition very similar to Crohn's disease and is from a group of similar ailments collectively called Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBD). It causes ulceration of the bowels and blood in stool. It is a serious medical condition that might even require hospitalization. And given the ever-increasing cost of healthcare, ulcerative colitis will end up hurting a lot more than just your bowels! So if you have health insurance, now is a good time to use it. Less than one in thousand persons suffer from ulcerative colitis in the United States. If that sounds like a small number, we are talking a quarter million people here!

So how much insurance coverage do you need for ulcerative colitis? Well, that's hard to say, I don't want to throw a number here because it depends on several factors like severity, mode of treatment adopted, where the treatment is administered - small government clinic or up-market private hospital - and most importantly, the reaction of individuals to the treatment and costs can vary over a wide range. I can tell you nothing more informative than "a few dozen dollars to a thousand." Case-to-case differences exist and even within an individual, the symptoms of the disease are intermittent. Sometimes they are barely noticeable and sometimes they are severe. In some cases, the symptoms lessen gradually and eventually disappear on their own, but in some cases it requires medical intervention.

Treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and alternative treatments. So if the mode of treatment adopted is chemotherapy - do you benefit from you health insurance policy? Depends. Most of the health insurance policies I know do not cover the costs of drugs. I know mine doesn't. It covers only hospitalization and surgery charges but I have to buy my own drugs. But then again, it could depend on the way the terms and conditions are phrased and defined. If drugs are an inevitable part of the treatment, you might get reimbursed. I know for sure that most policies pay nothing in case of a relatively minor ailment like irritable bowel syndrome which has no more weight than a headache but crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can sometimes even lead to surgery.

Microscopic colitis is a disease that causes an inflammation of the colon, resulting in chronic diarrhea and occasional abdominal pain. It was given the name "microscopic colitis" because the inflammation can only be viewed through a microscope.

What causes microscopic colitis?

Research shows that microscopic colitis is a result of the immune system attacking bacteria living in the colon. Scientists are still unsure, however, about what instigates the attack to these bacteria. It is suggested that consumption of certain antibiotics or certain types of foods may trigger the attack. It is likewise believed that the body's immune system attacks non-foreign elements in the intestine after erroneously identifying them as foreign elements. Why this anomaly happens is uncertain.

Tests have also suggested that a certain gene present in the body may be the cause of the attack, but due to the lack of consistency in the results, there is no conclusion that can be drawn from the test.

Studies have also suggested that estrogen could be the cause of microscopic colitis. Research has yielded convincing findings that there are more women affected by this disease than men, and that these women are usually affected much later their in life when the supply of estrogen in the body is much higher.

Although it is not the actual cause of microscopic colitis, the body's reaction to glutinous food products could be the trigger for the inflammation of the colon. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats.

Treatment and prevention

The first step of treatment for microscopic colitis is the modification of the diet. The patient is usually asked to stick to gluten-free foods.

A new medical process is being developed to rid the body of immunogenic strains of bacteria that cause microscopic colitis. The process involves replacing these bacteria with good bacteria called lactobacilli.

WHAT IS MASTOCYTIC ENTEROCOLITIS?

Mastocytic enterocolitis (entero=small intestine, colitis- colon + -itis= inflammation) is a newly discovered disorder defined by the presence of increased mast cells in the intestine. Mast cells are a type of immune cell. They are involved in allergy reactions, infection fighting and nerve regulation in the body. They have numerous granules that contain a variety of chemicals that mediate body reactions i.e. chemical mediators. Histamine is one of the main chemical mediators in mast cells that are released when mast cells are triggered. Mast cells present in the superficial intestinal lining or mucosa in small numbers except when there are parasites, food allergies, increased stress or the presence of other chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. When mast cells release histamine and other chemicals, this irritates or inflames the bowel making it more permeable or leaky. This can set up a vicious cycle of pain and further gut injury.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The most common symptoms are diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. However, constipation may occur due to gut paralysis. Nausea, vomiting and various non-GI symptoms such as flushing, headaches, and fatigue may also commonly occur. When histamine is released, it can cause leaky gut, increased contractions of the gut or decreased contractions, increased secretions and increased pain.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

When you have an endoscopic procedure, the doctor takes samples of tissue, called biopsies, from the lining of your intestines. The tissue is then sent to a pathologist who looks at it under the microscope. Mast cells may be hard to see on biopsies without a special stain for tryptase, an enzyme present in mast cells. Mastocytic enterocolitis is diagnosed when excess mast cells are present in the small bowel or the colon.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

There are medications that can reduce or block the release of the chemicals by the mast cells. The most common are antihistamines, both type I and type antihistamines. Type I antihistamines are typically used for allergies symptoms such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin etc. The type II antihistamines are also acid blockers such as Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid. The most specific therapy for mastocytic enterocolitis is a medication that stabilizes mast cells known as cromolyn sodium (Gastrocrom). This drug prevents the release of chemicals including histamine from mast cells. It is typically prescribed four times a day for about 4-6 weeks. Along with medication, you should have allergy testing done for the most common allergies, work on reducing or coping better with stress and consider taking a probiotic supplement.

Copyright 2008 Dr. Scot M. Lewey, "Dr Celiac, the Food Doc" http://www.thefooddoc.com All RIghts Reserved

This may be reprinted for non-commercial patient use provided the contact information above is included.

Colitis is a condition of the human body that is marked by an inflammation of the colon. It can be caused by a variety of infections as well as a lack of blood supply and autoimmune reactions. The colon, which is also commonly called the large bowel or the large intestine collects and stores the residual waste after digestion. It is also the passage that channels this waste matter towards the rectum for excretory purposes. During the passage of the liquid waste matter through the colon it is mixed with mucus and bacterium, while the water part of the waste is reabsorbed and channeled into the blood stream solidifying the feces.

The colon is made of layers of tissues with the outside wall layered with smooth muscle tissue that is instrumental in generating a movement to push the undigested food towards the rectum. The inner mucosa layer secrets mucus and bacterium for the formation of the feces and also helps in the electrolyte absorption of water through the layer to solidify the waste matter. During a colitis condition it is the inner mucosa layer that gets inflamed. Similar to all other organs in the human body the colon has a supply of arteries and a nexus of veins on its outside wall to supply oxygen and exhaust carbon dioxide and lactic acid.

Infections: Colitis can be caused by infection to the colon through bacteria and virus that reach the organ mostly through food. The condition is commonly called 'food poisoning' and some of the regular causes include Campylobacter, Escherchia Coli, Shigella, and Salmonella. Another similar condition, pseudomembranous colitis happens due to the bacteria Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile). This condition occurs in patients, who have been taking antibiotic medication because of an infection already present. This condition is often accompanied by fever and non-bloody diarrhea.

Ischemic Colitis: This condition is caused when the arteries in the colon narrow due to an atherosclerosis cutting up the blood supply to the organ and causing often-severe inflammation. This condition can occur because of a low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, or shock. In other circumstances-like volvulus, when the bowel starts twisting, and incarcerated hernia, when the colon is obstructed by the abdominal wall-also the colon can suffer from a lack of blood supply, considerable pain, passage of blood through the bowers, and fever to the body.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: There are two types of inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause colitis. The first being ulcerative colitis and autoimmune illness where the surrounding body parts start an immunological attack on the organ. The second is technically called Crohn's Disease and can be interspersed and spread along the digestive tract from the esophagus to the rectum.

Microscopic Colitis: Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are the two conditions in this type of colitis. These conditions happen because of layers of the colon getting enlarged due to collagen or lymphocytes.

Chemical Colitis: If chemicals find an external passage into the colon it can get inflamed causing this condition. It is extremely common as fallout of enema.

A mild case of the disease can be treated at home with bland and watery diet, while if the condition persists or if the patient gets blood in the stool, or fever accompanied by diarrhoea immediate medical care may become necessary.

Budesonide Side Effects

Budesonide is a steroid, which is a class of organic compounds that includes cholesterol and testosterone. It is specifically a glucocorticoid steroid because it is manufactured by the adrenal gland and it regulates the breakdown glucose within the body. Drug manufacturers sell budesonide under a variety of trade names, depending on the specific preparation. Physicians use budesonide to treat several conditions, although this powerful drug also has significant side effects, like other glucocorticoids.

Treatments

The treatment of asthma, allergies and other types of non-infectious rhinitis are the most common applications for budesonide. It is also used to treat Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Budesonide is most effective against Crohn's disease that affects the right colon and ileum. Additional uses of budesonide include the treatment of nasal polyps. Budesonide is currently being tested in clinical trials for its effect on ulcerative colitis.

Preparations

Budesonide has different preparations, depending on its purpose. Inhalant preparations are used for nasal problems, while oral capsules and enemas are made for gastrointestinal disorders. The pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca makes a nasal inhalant under the trade name Rhinocort and an oral inhalant under the trade name Pulmicort. Symbicort is a combination of budesonide and formoterol that AstraZeneca markets under the trade name Symbicort.

Prometheus Laboratories makes an oral capsule and enema preparation of budesonide under the trade name Entocort. It also makes an oral capsule of budesonide under the trade name Entocort EC. The primary difference between these two preparations is that Entocort is a modified-release formula while Entocort EC is a sustained-release formula.

Mild Side Effects

Oral preparations of budesonide may cause muscle cramps and an upset stomach. The most common side effects of inhalant preparations include the following:

• Change in mucus color


• Bad taste


• Dry mouth


• Hoarseness


• Coughing


• Nasal bleeding


• Lightheadedness


• Rash


• Sore throat


• Nasal irritation

Severe Side Effects

Budesonide may cause severe side effects, which require immediate medical attention:

• Breathing difficulty


• Facial swelling


• Acne


• White patches in the mouth, nose or throat


• Irregular menstruation

Children who use budesonide may also exhibit behavioral changes such as aggression in rare cases.

Comparison

Budesonide side effects generally compare favorably with those of other corticosteroids. It has a lower rate of systemic side effects that affect the whole body and does not have the strong association with bone density loss that prednisolone does. Unlike budesonide, other corticosteroids reduce the synthesis of hormones in the adrenal cortex, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This property means that patients do not have to taper off budesonide as they do with other corticosteroids.

Facts

• Diarrhea is the passing of watery or loose stools.
  
  


• It is the body's way of eliminating toxic wastes.
  
  


• Diarrhea is also an indication that the digestive system is unable to absorb nutrients, salt and water from food which are subsequently lost from the body through the watery bowels.
  
  


• Acute diarrhea accompanied by fever and blood or mucus in the stool may indicate bacterial or parasital infection.
  
  


• Most diarrhea lasts up to 3 or 4 days, even if left untreated. Consult a physician if diarrhea persists for more than 4 days.
  
  


• Diarrhea depletes the body of electrolytes, which are important minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium. A lack of these minerals can cause fatigue, tiredness and dehydration.
  
  


• Breast fed babies are less vulnerable to diarrhea.
  
  


• A body-detoxifying program can bring about a cleansing effect that could result in watery loose stools. This is the action of the removal of fecal matter from the intestinal walls and it should not last more than 2 days.
  
  


• Excess protein in an athlete can lead to dehydration, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Protein in excess requires more energy to digest and metabolize it.
  
  Reference : "Protein Supplements and Body Building Programs" Cathy K, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association (1978) 240:481
  

• People with lactose intolerance (the inability to digest lactose) who have consumed dairy products will allow the lactose to ferment in the large intestine where it can cause bloating, flatus, diarrhea and pain.
  
  


• Consuming large quantities of artificial sweeteners such as hexitols, mannitol and sorbitol can cause diarrhea.
  
  


• Food poisoning leading up to diarrhea is caused by bacteria such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter.
  
  


• Diarrhea is often a symptom of many health conditions such as diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, celiac disease (gluten sensitivity,) vitamin overdose, caffeine overdose and alcohol overdose.
  
  


• Emotional stress and anxiety can have an unpleasant effect on the digestive system and can spark off diarrhea. Once the stress or anxiety is gone, diarrhea stops.
  
  


• Some women experience diarrhea immediately before or during menstruation.
  
  


• Antibiotics can upset the healthy balance between the good and bad bacteria in the intestine, resulting in diarrhea. Such antibiotics include doxycycline, digoxin, ampicillin, clindamycin, tetracycline and dirithromycin.
  
  


• Diarrhea can be a side-effect from drugs like immunosuppressants and those used for lowering cholesterol; for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, osteoporosis, urinary tract infections, HIV and manic phase of bipolar disorder.
  

• Brainerd diarrhea is a condition characterized by 10 to 20 diarrheic episodes per day of explosive, watery non-bloody stools and often, fecal incontinence, lasting for 4 weeks or more. Other symptoms include gas, mild abdominal cramping and fatigue. It is named after a town called Brainerd in Minnesota, USA where the first outbreak took place in 1983. Neither bacterial, viral nor parasitic pathogens were found to be the cause of this strange disease. A chemical toxin was thought to be involved.
  

• DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS
  
  Replace lost fluids by taking lots of water, juices, broth and decaffeinated teas. Avoid either very cold or very hot fluids.
  
  


• AVOID THESE FOODS
  
  Avoid milk, dairy products, raw vegetables, acidic fruits, bran, whole-grain cereals, sugary foods, spices, fried food, fatty food, caffeine and alcohol. All of which are tough on the digestive system.
  
  


• ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
  
  Works by absorbing and binding harmful or irritating substances found in the stomach and intestines, thereby preventing them from getting absorbed into the body system. Charcoal digested makes the stool black, naturally. Powder form is said to be better than tablets. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of charcoal powder with water and drink with a straw. Must not be taken at the same time with the syrup of ipecac, a common remedy for poisoning used to induce vomiting.
  
  


• NONI
  
  A natural tropical fruit found to contain over 150 nutraceuticals which include 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential because they are not produced in the body, vitamin A, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, ursolic acid, linoleic acid, proxeronine (bromelain), scopoletin, pectin, phytosterols, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
  

  As an adaptogen, noni qualifies to be the Yin/Yang regulator, helping to enhance resistance to stress and disease, normalize metabolic functions and improve the body's ability to adapt to differing external or internal disturbances.

  
  

  Noni has also been blessed with anthraquinone compounds such as alizarin, acubin and L-asperuloside that fight against bacterial strains like E.coli, salmonella, shigella, staphylococcus aureus and baciillis subtilis.
  

  
  

  Author of 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice suggests the tummy treatment as an alternative to get noni's healing compounds into infants and children. This simple treatment uses a cotton ball soaked with warm noni to cover the bellybutton.
  
  
  More about noni : http://www.tipsofallsorts.com/noni.html.
  
  Reference : "Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A literature review and recent advances in Noni research" Wang Mian-Ying, et al. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (Dec, 2002) 23(12):1127-1141
  
  

  
  


• CAROB POWDER
  
  Take 1 tablespoon (mix with apple sauce and honey) on an empty stomach with acidophilus. Carob soothes irritated intestines.
  
  


• ACIDOPHILUS
  
  Diarrhea caused by antibiotics can be handled by acidophilus (friendly intestinal bacteria) which will help restore a healthy flora in the digestive tract.
  
  


• BERBERINE
  
  An alkaloid compound present in the roots and bark of many medicinal plants such as goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis), bayberry (Berberis vulgaris), goldthread (Coptis chinensis) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium). It is responsible for the yellow color in the roots. Bererine has anti-microbial action against bacteria (e.g. E. coli and cholera), protozoa (e.g. giardia, amoebas and chlamydia), yeasts, certain viruses and worms. It also has anti-inflammatory and astringent effects, especially on mucous membranes. Berberine may reduce healthy bacteria in the gut, which can be corrected with the supplementation of acidophilus once diarrhea has stopped.
  
  


• RASPBERRY LEAF (Rubus idaeus)
  
  Used for diarrhea, motion sickness and menstrual cramps.
  Recommended dosage : 2 capsules twice or 3 times daily with food; as a tea, up to six cups a day for acute problems.
  
  


• BLACKBERRY (Rubus macropetalus)
  
  Blackberry juice is used to treat diarrhea, acid indigestion, colitis and gallstones. The tannin content in blackberry has an astringent effect, tightening the mucous membrane tissue along the intestinal tract which discourages the formation of watery stools. Drink 1 cup tea up to 6 times a day. Avoid blackberry remedies when suffering from Crohn's disease or any chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
  
  


• KAOPECTATE
  
  A suspension formula made from an absorbent clay. It works by absorbing and binding to substances irritating or harmful to the gut. The concentrated tablets are free of additives.
  

Complete article link : http://www.tipsofallsorts.com/diarrhea.html

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A unique combination of fatty acids are found in green-lipped mussels that cannot be found anywhere else, including glycosaminoglycan which is said to aid in the repair of damaged joint tissues and prevent inflammation. This rich blend of natural proteins, minerals and mucopolysaccharides are necessary for maintaining cartilage, increasing the mobility of the joints, and preventing pain and damage to the body from inflammation. Several chemical mediators of inflammation are actually produced in the human body itself, with higher levels being detected in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who don't experience any rheumatic symptoms at all. Therefore, controlling the production of these mediators through treatment with green-lipped mussel extract can help improve the conditions of those who suffer from arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) which all include elements of inflammation.

Green-lipped mussel extract is essentially an anti-inflammatory supplement that helps provide the temporary relief of arthritis pain and reduce the inflammation of joints which is commonly associated with arthritis. In addition, green-lipped mussel extract also contains essential Omega 3 fatty acids as well as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate that are important building blocks of joint cartilage and aid in the repair of the structure of your joints. There are many uses for green-lipped mussel extract such as for the treatment of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate. Commercial extracts are generally formulated with vitamin E for its antioxidant properties and other Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Not only is it able to suppress the symptoms of inflammation such pain and joint discomfort, green-lipped mussels also promote faster healing and is tolerated more by the body compared with other anti-inflammatory pain medications.

Supplements containing the freeze-dried tissue of the green-liped mussel are sold all over the world to relieve arthritic symptoms to aid in the regeneration of injured and arthritic joints. Although inflammation is normal under certain conditions, excessive pain and joint damage can result from too much inflammation.

Studies were conducted on rats that had inflammation induced through collagen and were then subsequently treated with green-lipped mussel extract. Rats showed reduced symptoms after taking the supplement showing reduced polyarthritis. The mussel even acted as an immunomodulating agent which affected both the humoral and cellular immunity.

There are no known major side effects to the extract although there are minor effects such as stomach upset, gas, skin rash, fluid retention and nausea due to the high protein content. Allergic reactions can include itching or hives, swelling of the face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, chest tightness, breathing difficulties or rash. It is recommended to take green-lipped mussel during a meal and not before it. It can also be taken with milk. If one notices any tenderness in the joints it is usually a result of the joints being "fed" and can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days. Continued use is recommended although pregnant or nursing women should consult a physician before taking any form of supplement.

I was told by my naturopathic doctor that eczema skin symptoms can also be a sign of repressed anger from within. I initially refused to believe it but the more I research into eczema and natural healing, the more I realised that there could be some truth in it.

What is repressed anger? Repressed anger simply means that you deny your thoughts and emotions and keep them all inside. You then become unresponsive and numb to several things that may affect you. If you keep all your negative thoughts to yourself, then it is possible that you develop eczema skin symptoms as your body seeks to find an outlet.

Every emotion is a potent force that suffuses your entire body, including your skin. What you feel emotionally can be easily observed by others on your skin level. The effect on your skin can be easily seen by others and can be electrically recorded. For instance, your skin blushes when you feel love or embarrassment, breaks out in cold sweat when you are afraid, and flushes with shame or anger.

When your eczema skin symptoms are observed as red and inflamed rashes, you may well be having an underlying fire fuelled by suppressed anger. If your emotions are spent or if you feel stuck, then these feelings are likely to result in dryness or even cracking of the skin. In contrast, excessive emotions are tied to oily skin. Should you be having conflicting emotions, overwhelming feelings of grief and anguish, self-hatred, or inappropriate passions, then you may find yourself breaking out in the form of rashes or blemishes.

Repressed anger not just manifests in eczema skin symptoms but can also have a negative impact on the rest of your body. These include migraines and ulcers, and in the long term, to strokes or tumours. Prolonged fears and repressed angers increase tensions and stresses. As you well know, stress can aggravate and worsen your bodily reactions such as eczema, shingles, psoriasis, or arthritis.

Naturopathic doctors say that the first body system that reacts to repressed anger is the gastro-intestinal or digestive system. You can experience difficulties in swallowing, nausea, vomitting, diarrhea, constipation, or gastric ulcer. Bear in mind the repressed anger is the most common cause of ulcerative colitis.

An interesting study of 128 patients in a hospital outpatient department was conducted to determine the relationship between repressed anger and the twelve symptoms or diseases. Among the 27 patients who suffered eczema, it was found out that eczema flared up whenever the individual could not quite handle the intense frustration of being prevented from doing something or simply interfered with.

Hence, if you have eczema skin symptoms, then you may wish to approach healing from looking at your emotional well-being. Are you having repressed anger? If so, you will need to look for ways in dealing with your anger, rather than suppress it. Seeking open communication with your loved ones help. Alternatively, find outlets that can help you discharge the unspent emotions that smoulder but remain alive in you. Channels, such as religion or taking up meaningful work, that help you gain some perspective about your life can also assist in diffusing the anger that you feel.