Colitis Treatment Information

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

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

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

It is a question asked frequently by those who have experienced some bowel problem and thankfully for the majority, they will not have ulcerative colitis. For the unfortunate few, and the numbers are growing every year, to be diagnosed with the disease will change their life though to what degree can only be determined by the passage of time.

The disease causes ulceration of the large bowel. This may only be located on a few inches at the end of the bowel, often referred to as proctitis, or the ulceration may be more extensive within the left hand side (descending) of the colon. An investigatory teat known as a colonoscopy will be undertaken to determine the extent of the colon's ulceration and perhaps give an indication as to how severe the attack will be.

The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is frequent, watery diarrhoea that can have blood and/or mucus in it. The more severe cases can witness very bloody stools. There will be associated abdominal pain when passing stools. Depending on the ferocity of the relapse, the number of times of having to go to the toilet can vary widely but can easily get into double figures within a twenty four hour period during cases of a serious relapse.

But there are also other symptoms to face other than the problem of regular trips to the toilet. As can be imagined, tiredness will be a major factor when enduring a relapse and this can be extenuated by a loss of appetite and a feeling of nausea. These factors taken together can create the problem of weight loss and an insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Medication that is prescribed such as steroids can produce side effects such as increased hormonal activity and if taken for a long period have been know to cause problems of inflammation of the joints.

The condition, though once diagnosed is permanent, can fluctuate in the appearance of the symptoms. An unfortunate few can have almost perpetual symptoms though the vast majority of sufferers will have periods of relapses and remission. The periods of relapses can be a few days to several months whilst the remissions can last for weeks even years before the next relapse. Whilst experiencing periods of remission, it is common to have no symptoms at all and thus it is possible to achieve life full of normal routines.

If any abdominal pain or blood is found in the stool, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible where they will conduct an examination and test. It can often be that the symptoms the patient is experiencing is in fact inflammatory bowel syndrome which is a mild colitis like condition that can be easily treated and ultimatley kept under control. However, if colitis is diagnosed, then the patient will have to brace themselves and take, what for them will probably be a huge step into the unknown.

Does your dog have bowel problems?

Bowel problems can show up as lots of gas, diarrhea and possibly passing blood. This also can come under the title of digestive problems. The saying that "Life and Death" begin in the colon. That not only applies to humans, but dogs as well.

Many dogs live a very uncomfortable life daily with these digestive problems. They have cramping, pain and are not able to fully digest their food. Sometimes, it passes right through them after they have had a meal.

I have a lot of experience in this area, as I had a Yorkie that had these issues all of his nearly 14 years. The veterinarian never suggested anything.

When he would have bad diarrhea, I would give him small doses of kaopectate from a syringe. He always had loose stools, never constipated, but sometimes would pass a mucous like substance, it would glisten like jelly. I was always scared that he was going to die when he was a puppy. I would hear these loud gurgling sounds coming from his gut area. When they would begin, he would not eat anything until that passed. Sometimes, he would vomit a lot.

I came home one day from grocery shopping and he had bled all over the house. There was so much blood that I was surprised that he was still alive.He was fine when I had left him to go grocery shopping. It came on suddenly. We rushed to the vet which was after hours, 6 p.m. She was anything but helpful. She gave him a couple of shots and said to see my regular vet the next day. She charged $80.00.

His diet was always very good, as I home cook for all my dogs. Sometimes, diet can cause diarrhea and other problems.

Is your dog suffering with any of these symptoms that I am describing?

Some vets prescribe drugs that do not work, so it's really up to you to try to learn as much as you can about your dog's condition. No one knows your dog as well as you do.

At the time, I did not know what was wrong. I have since realised that I could have helped him more with his bowel problems, instead of resorting to Kaopectate. By the way, Kaopectate is a natural product and safe for your dog. It definitely does stop diarrhea. My Yorkie never really liked it very much, but he took it without spitting it out. It is a great medicinal product to have in your medicine chest, since you never know when you might need it yourself.

Many pet parents are worrying with these conditions daily and going to the vet is not always helping. There are many dog breeds, not just Yorkies, that suffer with bowel problems. Large or small, they can all be affected.

Dogs can not tell you when they have a tummy ache. They just seem to go on as best they can, but if you know what to look for and how to help your dog, you'll both be happier. I wish that I had known about products that could have helped my Yorkie.

Presently, all of my dogs are healthy and I am happy to say that none of them have any bowel problems.

And I am more informed today, so that I know what to look for.

Knowledge is power.

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.

Aloe vera supplements are taken to alleviate a number of ailments including constipation, digestive disorders, stomach inflammation and ulcers. Aloe vera uses also include immune system improvement and easing arthritis symptoms. It has also been shown to balance the blood sugar level and decrease body odor. The plant contains many substances such as enzymes, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins among others.

Even though only the leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, the leaves are used for many different purposes. For instance, aloe vera gel is commonly integrated into creams, lotions and ointments and used to treat minor burns and cuts and to soothe lesions and rashes. Not only is it believed to speed the healing process of irritations such as these and insect bites, but it also relieves dandruff and itching. Aloe vera juice has been used as a laxative substance. The supplement has also been made into chunks, liquids and powders and is often made into soothing dairy-based beverages.

Aloe vera supplements may have various side effects. For example, when used as a topical treatment for itching or rashes, one can have an allergic reaction. Overusing the juice can cause imbalances in the electrolytes leading to diarrhea or severe intestinal cramps. People taking arrhythmia medication, diuretics, drugs causing potassium loss and oral or topical steroids should not take the substance. Furthermore, aloe in the form of latex rather than the gel can be dangerous, especially when taken orally.

Still, some may try oral dosages of aloe latex to treat asthma, bleeding, colds, colitis, constipation, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, hemorrhoids, missed menstrual periods, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, varicose veins and vision problems such as glaucoma. However, aloe latex in high doses has been linked to cancer and kidney disease, so those who may want to try the substance should speak with a health professional first to discuss its safety.

If you include wheat as part of your Crohn's disease diet it can be an issue, this is especially true when you have an allergy to gluten or wheat. Many people around the world do have trouble with digesting wheat and other grains that have high levels of gluten.

A reason people can have issues with gluten and other high gluten grains is that they are not part of our ideal diet your body is designed to digest. There are many people without Crohn's that can eat gluten or wheat with no obvious issues, but it can rob them of their true energy and vitality as their body works to make sure all the gluten/grains are removed before any damage is caused to the body.

Having a diet that is high in glutinous grains can be an issue when you have Crohn's, especially if you have a bad allergy to gluten. When you have Crohn's Disease there can be a problem with digesting gluten containing grains. Having a blood test to see if you have a gluten allergy can tell you if wheat is an issue for you. ?

I used to eat wheat and other high gluten products for a long time as part of my Crohn's Disease diet before I knew they were a problem for me and that I had an allergy to them, using Prednisone for many years didn't help either. Prednisone can be a large factor when food allergies are concerned especially when taken over a long period of time.

Foods that you eat a lot of or consume them often can be a candidate for food allergies when long term Prednisone is involved. I did find out eventually it would be good for me to remove wheat and gluten from my diet as it was a factor that was stopping me regaining my health. I was reacting to wheat and some other grains which were making my Crohn's Disease symptoms worse.

Is Wheat and High Gluten Grains Part of the Natural Human Diet?

Modern humans or Homo sapiens have been roaming about for around 100,000 years and our digestive systems are the same today as they were back then. Grains were not part of our ancestor's diet because grains require processing so they can be eaten and our early ancestors didn't have the technology to do that.

The new types of grains are not good for digestion because they have been cross breed to make the gluten levels higher, so bread makers can make bread that is more soft and fluffy than bread that was made with the older breeds of grain.

Old varieties of grain with lower gluten levels are far easier to digest than the new cross breed grains that have much higher gluten levels. This is one possible reason for more cases of gluten and grain intolerance in recent times, as the grains that are being used today contain so much more gluten than in the past.

If you have Crohn's Disease eliminating grains from your diet can be beneficial, but there is still choice if you want to have grains in your diet even if you are sensitive to gluten. If you have a very bad allergy to gluten then these grains may be no good for you, seek the appropriate health professional who helps you with diet before adding them to avoid adverse reactions.

Some options may include in your Crohn's Disease diet are grains like rice, millet, quinoa, oats, and barley to name a few. These grains still can have some gluten in them so be smart and check with your health professional or doctor to see if they will be good for you. Having a blood test to see if you are sensitive to gluten, wheat and other grains is a good way to eliminate which ones will be an issue for you.

The bowel contains over 400 species of bacteria weighing almost 4 pounds (1.5 kilos). Live bacteria make up about 30% of the mass of a stool. Some of these bacteria are potentially harmful and can cause disease. However, many are friendly bacteria and have a beneficial effect in our bodies. These beneficial bacteria are often referred to as 'probiotics' - this literally translates as 'for life'. Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus are the 'good' bacteria that normally inhabit our bowels and they are responsible for keeping 'bad' bacteria and fungi such as, candida albicans, under control. If the harmful bacteria dominate in the bowel essential vitamins and enzymes are not produced and the level of toxins in the body rises. This rise in harmful toxins can potentially cause cancer, liver and kidney disease, high blood pressure, artery disease and poor immunity.

The lactobacillus, acidophilus, bifidus and other friendly bacteria are able to do the following.

• Weaken antibiotic resistant bacterial strains and 'supergerms' and infections in people who have a compromised immune system.


• Manufacture B vitamins (biotin, B3, B5, B6, folic acid and B12) and vitamin K.


• Inhibit the bacteria that convert nitrates into nitrites and secrete carcinogens - therefore they act as anti-cancer agents (especially in the bowel and bladder).


• Act as a natural antibiotic against 'bad' bacteria and viruses and yeasts such as candida albicans.


• Improve bowel function and elimination.


• Improve diarrhea conditions in irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, AIDs and in travellers.


• Relieve and prevent skin conditions such as acne and skin infections.


• Can assist in the protection against the adverse effects of radiation and pollution.


• Helps to reduce high blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.


• Helps to manage high stress levels and food cravings.


• Helps to eliminate bad breath.


• Helps to balance sex hormone levels and enhances fertility.


• Produces lactic acid and enhances the digestibility of foods.


• Assists in the prevention of osteoporosis.


• Can assist in the treatment of:


• o Allergies,


• o Eczema,


• o Psoriasis,


• o Colitis,


• o Irritable bowel syndrome,


• o Gastritis,


• o Duodenitis,


• o Diverticulitis,


• o Urinary tract infections,


• o Vaginitis,


• o Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, alopecia areata, scleroderma and so forth, and


• o Other chronic infections.

Probiotics have also been shown to have a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. It is a far safer prescription than antibiotics and probiotics have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of postpartum complications. Also if the mother has a healthy bowel population then the beneficial bacteria are transferred to the baby at birth (including when the delivery is by cesarian section). This means that the baby is less likely to develop fungal infections such as thrush and cradle cap. How do probiotics work?

There are several different ways that the probiotics work.

• They produce anti-microbial substances - organic acids, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. These inhibit pathogen adhesions and degrade toxins produced by the 'bad' micro-organisms.


• They compete with 'bad' bacteria for binding sites as well as for nutrients.


• They secrete various proteins that stimulate the immune system both locally and throughout the body.


• They can prevent the movement of harmful micro-organism through the intestinal wall and into the lymph nodes, spleen, kidneys, liver and blood.

The adverse effects of probiotics Probiotics are generally considered to be very safe and well tolerated in the usual dosages. Highly sensitive individuals have reported the occasional occurrence of indigestion, nausea and heartburn. Very rare cases of liver abscesses due to L. acidophilus have been reported in cases of chronic pancreatitis undergoing surgery. Dosage The safe and effective dosage for most people is 1 to 10 billion viable L. acidophilus, L casei GG or B. bifidum organisms daily. Dosages in excess of 10 billion can cause intestinal disturbances.

Factors that suppress probiotics There are a number of things which will adversely affect probiotics. These include:

• a diet high in sugar and refined foods,


• caffeine,


• alcohol,


• chlorine in drinking water,


• tobacco,


• prescription antibiotics,


• steroids,


• vaccinations and


• X rays.

It has also been found that the casein and antibiotics found in most commercially available dairy produces will also adversely affect the probiotics. Probiotics are a natural part of the healthy bowel and have many beneficial effects on the body. In particular they are able to counter the effects of harmful bacteria and yeasts such as candida albicans. Taking a friendly bacteria supplement containing lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus and other beneficial bacteria can be of benefit in many conditions and can help to improve health.

References

Appleton, N. 1995, Secrets of Natural Healing with Food. Rudra press.

Chaitow, L. 1998, Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics. Thorsons.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Hoffman, D. 1990, The New Holistic Herbal. Element.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Conditions which affect the stomach, esophagus, bowel, colon, liver or pancreas are considered digestive system diseases and disorders. Many people wonder about nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract and conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress and emotional trauma may all aggravate symptoms, but it is unclear whether any of these cause digestive system diseases and disorders. In fact, in most digestive system diseases and disorders the causes are unclear. There are only theories about what the causes may be and what may worsen the conditions or aggravate symptoms.

There are many digestive system diseases and disorders. Some are very common and easily treated, while some are more serious, difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. There are some nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract. These are sometimes classified as symptoms or related conditions and sometimes as possible causes of digestive system diseases and disorders, because in some cases it is unclear which came first, the digestive disorder or the nervous disorder.

The most common of the digestive system diseases and disorders is heartburn. Heartburn affects an estimated 25% of people in the United States on and other western countries on a monthly basis according to a study from the Mayo Clinic. In contrast only 11% of those living in Eastern Asian countries have heartburn once or more per month. Excess stomach acid is what causes heartburn, but stress and anxiety are nervous disorders that can affect the digestive tract and increase stomach acid. Heartburn is a symptom of another of the common digestive system diseases and disorders; acid reflux.

Acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of stomach acid and/or food, hoarseness, coughing and irritation of the larynx, throat and/or esophagus. This is one of the digestive system diseases and disorders that can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. For example, acid reflux or GERD is one of the major risk factors for esophageal cancer. As with heartburn, anxiety and stress are nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract and can aggravate acid reflux symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis is another of the digestive system diseases and disorders. This one can be very serious and when symptoms are severe may require surgery to remove diseased portions or the entire colon. Anxiety, stress, depression or emotional turmoil (all nervous disorders that can affect the digestive tract) are often experienced by people with ulcerative colitis and can worsen symptoms. It is an inflammatory bowel disease, similar to Crohn's disease. Whereas irritable bowel syndrome is not considered an inflammatory disease, but because the names are similar, people sometimes get them confused.

Irritable Bowel System or IBS is one of the common digestive system diseases and disorders. Somewhere between 25 and 55 million Americans suffer from IBS and most of them are women. IBS is not life threatening and it does not lead to other more serious digestive system diseases and disorders, but it can still be hard to live with. IBS and nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract, such as stress and anxiety may cause a vicious circle in a person's life. Meaning, IBS may make a person anxious about when he/she will have to find a bathroom and the anxiety can aggravate symptoms of IBS, which increases anxiety, etc.

These are only some of the many digestive system diseases and disorders and while nervous disorders that affect the digestive system are not believed to cause any of these conditions, it is possible that they may aggravate symptoms, particularly when it comes to stress and anxiety. Eating too fast, too much, on the go, in the car, in front of the TV or computer are all poor eating habits that are very common. When treating digestive system diseases and disorders like IBS, acid reflux and heartburn, doctors typically advise that these eating habits may worsen symptoms. It has been shown that by slowing down and reducing stress in one's life, many of the symptoms of the most common digestive system diseases and disorders may be reduced or prevented entirely.

For more information about digestive system diseases and disorders, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

A type of the diet in the offing is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), which is thoroughly tackled in the book Management of Celiac Disease by medical experts Dr. Sydney Valentine, Dr. Haas Gottschall and Dr. Merrill P. Haas. Dr. Sydney Haas. Dr. Haas Haas Gottschall who is pediatrician got interested in the diet of his patients with celiac disease. He discovered that there are specific carbohydrates that can be tolerated in some people, and from then on he went on to whip out the SCD as a cure for celiac disease.

A distressed mother who is searching for a cure for her daughter who is experiencing treatment-unresponsive ulcerative colitis stumbled upon Dr. Haas Gottschall. The girl followed the SCD and her health gradually improved. This was a remarkable development as it inspired Gottschall to study and research further on the SCD and then later, wrote and published the book entitled, Breaking The Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet, which contains comprehensive information and details about the SCD.

SCD a Useful Undertaking in Fighting Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Although it is not yet proven that SCD can fully treat IBD such as the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and at the same time difficult to implement and follow, it can provide a big help for the patients. Any medical professional organization and patients advocacy associations don't support the SCD yet. Nonetheless, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America are not throwing any words that it will not diminish the inflammation and an attempt to use the diet is unsafe.

The Principles Behind The SCD

The diet doesn't allow grains, lactose, and sugar. The main idea is the exclusion of complex carbohydrates from the diet. Only plain carbohydrates are permitted. The conjecture is that complex carbohydrates are food for the detrimental bacteria in the gut. If these bacteria are famished, they will not be able to reproduce and go on with stirring and creating gastrointestinal symptoms.

Moreover, complex carbohydrates are not easy to digest. The undigested carbohydrates are suspected to contribute to the furthering of harmful toxins in the gut. The toxins can aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms and the unfinished digestion of carbohydrates.

Expecting mothers may wonder how shingles and pregnancy interact together. Can the virus pose a danger to their baby? Are the drugs used in treating shingles safe to use when pregnant? Since infections can be passed along from mother to child, these are important questions to ask.

Shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV. It can pose a risk to your unborn child if you develop shingles or chickenpox before you hit the 30-week mark in your pregnancy. If you do, it is possible your baby may have a birth defect. It is very rare for this to happen, however. More of a risk comes from developing chickenpox than shingles, and since most pregnant adults will have already had chickenpox, there is very little risk involved.

It is possible to have an outbreak of shingles while you are pregnant, but it doesn't happen very often. Treatment is the same as treating shingles in women who are not pregnant. The main antiviral medications are all safe for use while pregnant. The main pain medications used with shingles outbreaks, however, are not safe-pregnant women should not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication once they reach the third trimester.

If you do develop chickenpox late in your pregnancy, it is possible for your baby to be infected with chickenpox. If you develop the illness more than five days before you give birth, you may transfer the disease to your child. However, since your body will have had time to develop antibodies to battle chickenpox, you will also pass these antibodies to your baby. This will help their undeveloped immune system battle the chickenpox.

The problem comes from developing chickenpox right before giving birth. Since your body won't have developed the antibodies, your newborn will be in danger. However, there are medications that can help protect him or her from the illness.