Colitis Treatment Information

An African plant which is very plump and juicy is known as Aloe Vera. This plant is green and has long leaves with very edgy corners. The gel of Aloe Vera is extracted from its juicy leaves. This gel is very rich in nutrients and is very good for the health. This gel is supposed to be a blend of acids of amino, various types of vitamins, numerous enzymes and other vitamins and minerals.

Aloe vera also has very rich properties such as it controls the inflammation of various fluids of the body. It also helps the body be away from the problem of itching. It also contains very powerful anti-oxidants which help the body to have sufficient amount of oxygen. It also helps to heal the wounds very quickly. It protects the body from any type of bacteria or foreign attack. It also protects the body from all types of viruses. It also protects the body from all types of fungi. It also behaves like a pain killer for the body. It also keeps the skin new, fresh and prevents it from deadening. It keeps the skin very cool and comforting.

Aloe vera also helps a lot in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The disease ulcerative colitis has various symptoms. Some of the symptoms are that the patient suffers from severe loose motions. This can also lead to the very sevior Crohn's disease. It can also lead to regular problem of acidity. Its initial symptoms are small burns on the skin. It can also lead to a disease known as psoriasis. It also results in a serious skin problem known as seborrheic dermatitis. Some times it also leads to serious eruptions on the skin. It also leads to a particular form of diabetes. If a person suffers from such a disease than the healing of the injuries of the person also takes a lot of time. The most important thing is that aloe vera helps to avoid all these symptoms.

Aloe vera is a very excellent treatment for all kinds of ulcerative diseases. It is because it has various medical properties such as it helps to keep the skin new and healthy. It also repairs the skin internally. It is also advised that aloe vera should not be taken in large quantities as it can react in a negative way. An advice must be taken from the doctor before consuming it.

Introduction to Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The illness is similar to another inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. While Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive system, it primarily impacts the colon and the end of the small intestines, called the ileum. Patients with the condition can experience symptoms like abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, bloody stool, and weight loss. It is theorized that Crohn's disease results when the body's immune system attacks non-threatening substances like bacteria or food in the gastrointestinal tract. Severe illness can result in the swelling, scarring, and blockage of the intestines, and many patients are forced to have surgery to remove damaged bowel sections.

Currently, there is no definitive cure for Crohn's disease, and its exact cause remains unknown. There are many medications on the market and in development that help alleviate symptoms, but no drug is completely effective. Moreover, many of these medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, have significant side effects. The shortcomings of traditional pharmaceutical therapies have led several patients with Crohn's disease to try complementary and alternative medicine for relief.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative treatments include natural substances like vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbs, as well as therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture, and hypnosis. Altering or restricting one's diet is another common response to Crohn's disease, as eating certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. Much like the patient response to pharmaceuticals, some Crohn's disease sufferers respond to natural remedies or alternative medicine, while others do not. Nevertheless, many holistic and non-traditional practices are becoming more mainstream, and it is useful for Crohn's disease patients to be familiar with complementary and alternative treatments.

Specific Therapies for Crohn's Disease

The following are examples of alternative therapies that have been beneficial for some people with Crohn's disease. Please be aware that evidence of effectiveness specifically among Crohn's disease patients can be limited, and some studies involving these substances and treatments were not placebo-controlled.

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids: typically taken in the form of fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects and have shown promise for some people with Crohn's disease.


• Probiotics (beneficial bacteria): there is some evidence that ingesting various bacterial strains can help Crohn's disease patients maintain remission.


• Vitamins: nutrient deficiencies are common in people with Crohn's disease. B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc are among vitamins recommended for patients.


• Diet: many Crohn's disease patients find certain foods more problematic than others. Some individuals feel better when avoiding or limiting dairy products, gluten, refined sugars, fiber, fatty foods, or fried foods. Experiences in this area seem to vary greatly among patients.


• Boswellia: resin derived from boswellia serrata trees is used as the basis of an herbal preparation that can help reduce inflammation in the body.


• Curcumin (turmeric): curcumin is another botanical substance that alleviates inflammation and also is an antioxidant.


• Aloe: patients can drink aloe in juice or gel form to promote intestinal healing, but aloe has laxative properties which can cause problems for Crohn's disease patients.


• Glutamine (l-glutamine): this amino acid can help preserve intestinal integrity and build strength and stamina.


• Bromelain: researchers have found that this digestive enzyme derived from pineapple has anti-inflammatory effects in colon biopsies of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.


• Acupuncture (moxibustion, acupressure): this component of traditional Chinese medicine has been shown to be beneficial for patients with a variety of ailments, including Crohn's disease.


• Exercise: a low-intensity fitness program can improve quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease while not making symptoms worse.

Crohn's disease is a debilitating digestive disorder with an unknown cause. There is no conventional treatment that can cure or soothe all people afflicted with the illness. As a result, complementary and alternative medicine has become quite common among individuals with the disease. While there remains no alternative therapy that is completely effective, there are several supplements and practices that have been beneficial for some patients.

Balanced diet with abundant fiber and protein is really helpful in reducing inflammation in the colon caused by ulcerative colitis.

The inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis occur in the large intestine lining. Ulcerative colitis can turn out to be a chronic and an acute membrane inflammation. Persons who have been suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can suffer from symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pains and several other abdominal disturbances. But to understand irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis one must be aware about what is a colon. The colon is an integral part of the large intestine which spreads from cecum to rectum. The main function of the colon is to maintain water balance in the large intestine. Another important function of the colon is to absorb vitamins like vitamin K. When you have a healthy colon, stools are soft and pass through the intestines' because it has enough liquidity. But on the contrary, when the liquidity level in the stool becomes high there is a high possibility for dehydration to occur. Any injury in the colon or the intestine that necessitates the removal of the colon would imply that stools will be extremely watery or have high liquidity.

Under colonoscopy, if an individual is suffering from ulcerative colitis, the colon will appear swollen or red. There will be stomach pain because of the frequent ejection of stool or diarrhea because colon will fail to absorb water. The malfunctioning of the colon caused by ulcerative colitis will result in damages caused on the large intestine wall or lining. With damages like this, the surface cell of the large intestine discharge mucus and blood along with stools. The white blood cells those are present in the lining of the intestine cause inflammation in the intestine itself. If you examine the stool, you will be able to find out the presence of white blood cells. The presence of white blood cells in the stool is substantial evidence that indicates infection in part of the intestine.

There are various remedies that helps in the reduction of ulcerative colitis inflammation such as colloidal silver, omega 3 fatty acids, etc, that can be found in flaxseed and fish oil and it is available in the form of pills or as enemas.

Hawthorn berry extract is an old herbal remedy for heart conditions. Today, Hawthorne berries are used in some natural products designed to promote heart health.

Legends, historical evidence and scientific evaluation surround hawthorn berry extract. One Christian legend holds that the "Crown of Thorns" was made from the hawthorn berry tree or bush, which originally grew in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa and much of the Mediterranean region. Today, the shrub grows in many other areas of the world and the hawthorn berries are believed by some to have miraculous healing properties.

Archeologists have found evidence that appears to indicate that ancient Chinese people used hawthorn berries to make a fermented beverage. Remnants of the hawthorn berry have been found in pottery jars dating to pre-Christian times, around 7000 B.C. It is believed that these beverages were medically or religiously significant, even then.

The New York Medical Journal first published a report concerning the use of hawthorn berries in the treatment of heart disease in October 1896. A Dr. Green of Ennis, Ireland had developed a reputation for "curing" heart disease, but refused to share his secret with colleagues. After his death, his daughter revealed the name of the remedy used by her father. The name was Crataegus Oxycantha, the older botanical name for the Common Hawthorn. The official designation is now Crataegus monogyna, but the older name is often used. According to his notes, the doctor used an extract or a concentrated form of hawthorn berry.

Clinical trials and research continued on the medicinal value of hawthorn berries throughout the early 1900's and is still going on today. Scientific evaluation of the benefits of the hawthorn berry to human health has only been partially completed. It is believed that antioxidants, flavonoids or other compounds such as epicatechin, quercetin and rutin, are responsible for the beneficial effects of hawthorn berries. It is sometimes added to health supplements designed to promote heart health, reduce blood pressure and correct unhealthy cholesterol levels.

The most recent studies of the medicinal value of hawthorn berries are related to its affect on the liver, the digestive system, the cardiovascular system and as an anti-inflammatory. Numerous studies have been completed. These studies use a concentrated extract of the hawthorn berry.

The hawthorn berry extract used by scientists has natural anti-inflammatory action. Chronic inflammation has been associated with numerous life threatening conditions including cancer and heart disease, but use of the known anti-inflammatory drugs does not reduce the risk of developing these conditions. In fact, NSAIDs increase blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and can be damaging to other organs of the body, as well.

On the other hand, it is believed that natural anti-inflammatories, such as those found in hawthorn berries and other herbs, fruits and vegetables, can reduce cancer risks and the risk of heart disease. These natural compounds can also lower blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels, two major risk factors for heart disease.

Hawthorn berry extract has been shown to reduce ulcerative colitis, probably due, once again, to its anti-inflammatory activity. Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases. While not life threatening, it is difficult to live with and the best known treatment for many years was surgical removal of the affected parts of the bowel and colon. Some herbalists recommend hawthorn berries for people suffering from ulcerative colitis and other digestive problems.

Hawthorn berry extract has been shown to protect the liver from damage usually associated with cardiac events in laboratory animals. After a heart attack, liver function is impaired. The exact reasons for the beneficial affects of hawthorn berries extract on the liver are unknown.

In the vascular system, hawthorn berry extract has been shown to reduce calcification. It is calcification of arterial plaques that leads to atherosclerosis, which is commonly referred to as a hardening or narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart. Calcification of arterial plaques can also cause blood clots, leading to strokes and heart attacks.

Even though some health care professionals have recognized the medicinal value of hawthorn berries for over 100 years, research related to them is still considered preliminary. Most scientific research is funded by pharmaceutical companies and pharmaceutical companies cannot patent naturally occurring substances. So, hawthorn berries and other natural remedies are of little interest to them.

Colitis is conventionally referred to as a disease; but it's really a condition. It's a condition of a damaged colon as a result of a degenerating influence usually over a fairly long time period. This is often as a result of injurious treatment either physical or emotional or both.

It can also arise due to extreme conditions over a shorter period of time such as trauma. A condition as a result of a cause. The symptoms are messages from the interior of the body in an attempt to get some attention and subsequent remedial assistance.

A symptom is a sign that something is fundamentally wrong with the sufferer's whole system. If the symptoms are treated by the conventional method, then a pill is usually prescribed which in effect simply suppresses the symptoms. Good for the day, perhaps. Some relief, maybe. But it's a tiger when it wakes up and the effect has worn off. It's generally agreed that this is not a 'cure'. The condition remains. A cure should be regarded as a process whereby the body is able to heal/rectify/restore itself to its natural state of health.

An understanding of the cause of the condition implies an understanding of a restorative treatment.

Two basic strategies can be implemented as follows:

1. Avoidance Tactics - stop doing what causes the problem

2. Positive Healing Input - Contribute to the healing process, i.e. nutritious food, rest and moderate exercise among other things

The combination of these two strategies is to powerhouse the body back to health.

There is also a third element that is to be considered. It is in many ways the most important element of all: The contribution of the mind of the person suffering the debilitating condition.

The negative mental and emotional effects which usually accompany colitis like low self-esteem, depression. low energy, listlessness and a lack of belief in their ability to heal themselves places them at a low ebb. This is ironic as this is a crucial element in the healing process.

What's required is a plan to gently propel the colitis sufferer to achieve small victories by planning a structured set of habits to be integrated into the daily routine and to their lifestyle. This is admittedly just the beginning, but it is a start which will, if followed through, restore the whole body to a higher level of general health and will in turn heal all the component parts of the body that were previously harmed, including the damaged colon. This has the added bonus of an improved general outlook which results in an increased enjoyment of life. 

Copyright 2009 - Carl Birchwood

Many people would ask: What is the best way to detoxify the body and consequently lose weight? Alternative medicine advocates will advice colon cleansing treatments such as cleansing supplements, oxygen-based cleansers, enemas, and colon hydrotherapy.

There are a lot of different cleansing supplements out in the market today and may come in tablet or capsule form. Generally, they are of various organic ingredients that are believed to have colon cleansing properties. Each one may vary in content although there many would contain somewhat similar ingredients.

Oxygen-based cleansers, on the other hand, are composed of oxygen-based chemicals. Typically, the cleansers contain magnesium oxide and magnesium peroxide. This type of cleanser is believed to oxidize and melt away hardened waste matters and mucoid plaque that have accumulated in the intestinal tract. By introducing nascent oxygen into the colon and consequently into the bloodstream, the compacted toxic wastes are liquefied and are bound for elimination.

Enemas are treatments that flush out the impacted wastes in the bowel with sterilized water. These treatments were popularly used in Europe during the 17th century. However, this type of cleansing treatment only reaches the lower part of the intestinal tract but not the entire length of it.

Another colon cleansing treatment that involves gentle and gradual introduction of sterilized water into the colon is called colon hydrotherapy, also known as a colonic treatment, or colonic irrigation. This cleansing procedure is a thorough one compared to an enema since water is allowed to enter the entire stretch of the colon. Thus, this procedure actually uses up to 5 gallons of water. Water is flushed in and out of the body several times during the entire session to efficiently remove the waste matters. During the treatment, the abdomen is massaged to loosen the wastes that are stuck on the colon walls. As a result, accumulated toxic wastes that tend to cause various illnesses and additional weight are thoroughly expelled from the body.

However, the treatment can only be given to people who do not have serious medical conditions such as appendicitis, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, severe hemorrhoids, congestive heart failure, abdominal hernia, severe anemia, heart disease, and intestinal tumors. Also, people who just recently underwent colon surgery are not advised to have a colonic irrigation.

The methods above may have tons of benefits, but they should not be treated as weight loss programs. Any thing that is done in excess has undesirable effects.

And for those who are not yet ready to try out any of the cleansing treatments, they may choose to alter their lifestyle if they truly desire overall body detox. Discipline is the key. They should start getting used to diets high in fiber, and less in sugar and fat. So, that means avoid eating processed foods or fast foods. Start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and perhaps seafoods. Also, start drinking lots of water, at least 2 liters a day.

C. diff colitis: A Bug on the Rise

C. diff colitis, also known as Clostridium difficile colitis, is a really nasty, debilitating infection that has gone relatively unnoticed over the last 20 years. And while most pandemic attention has been focused on bird flu or other foreign invaders from overseas, a sharply rising C. diff infection rate has been silently on the rise. Symptoms can span a range from mild diarrhea to painful and life-threatening inflammation of the colon.

C. diff infections have not only been increasing in numbers, but also the bacterial strain has become more and more difficult to treat. It can strike anyone. Tens of thousands of people including those in the best of health and not on antibiotics, residing in a hospital, or other risk factors are stricken each year.

A carrier can spread C. diff infections without even being aware of the symptoms themselves. It can take weeks, months even for some to notice they are ill and by that time they have probably not taken precautions to contain the bug from contaminating things. And because C. diff can become an increased threat when taking antibiotics for a different condition, it can hide in the periphery until the "good" intestinal bacteria is in the minority and gain the upper hand.

C. diff Symptoms

Early, common symptoms of a C. diff infection are:

• Runny, liquid diarrhea which occurs 3+ times per day, two or more days in a row


• Slight abdominal cramping and discomfort

In contrast, more severe instances of C. diff would actually cause colitis (inflammation of the colon). A variant of colitis is pseudomembranous colitis which includes colon bleeding or discharge. Symptoms of these escalated C. diff infections are:

• Runny, liquid diarrhea occurring up to 15 times per day


• Severe abdominal cramping and discomfort


• Feces containing blood or pus


• Nausea


• Dehydration


• Fever


• Weight loss


• Loss of appetite

If you experience loose stool or any of the symptoms for longer than three days while taking or after taking antibiotics, you should consult your physician at once.

C. diff Causes

Contrary to the belief that C. diff bacteria is only found in feces or restrooms, it is actually found in our air, water, and even the soil. Though it can be carried by healthy people in their intestines, it is most commonly found in sick people. Those that are healthy have a much stronger immune resistance to C. diff exposure. And there are many more carriers of it where concentrations of the sick are found: hospitals and with other health service providers. This bacteria can thrive when the feces they live in is transmitted from a carrier's unwashed hands to food, clothing, counters, and other common objects (scissors, remote controls, utensils, money, doorknobs, etc.). This bacterial contamination can be very hearty and remain in a room or on an object even after several months. Once a person picks up the C. diff on their hands, they could accidentally ingest it by touching their mouth, a piece of gum, a toothpick, etc. or spread it to more locations.

As mentioned earlier, while taking antibiotics can help with some infections, it can reduce the number of "good" bacteria that your body has too. When there are not very many good guys, the bad bacteria has a chance to overpower and gain the upper hand. Once it has control over your gut, toxins are produced which erode the lining of the intestines and causes decay within the colon itself.

It is good to keep in mind that the antibiotics which most commonly result in a C. diff infection are: clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, and penicillins.

C. diff Superbugs

As a result of years and years of overly-perscribed antibiotics to treat ailments, some bacterial strains have evolved as more resistant to medicine. These new C. diff strains are much more robust and harmful than the ones of the past, and excrete toxins which are more caustic to the intestines and colon. Also, starting around the year 2000, cases of the new-and-improved bug have been found in patients who are in good health and are not staying in a healthcare facility. This is in contrast to the infection traditionally needing an unhealthy or hospitalized person to strike.

Increasing the odds...

Let's be clear. Anyone can be at risk for getting a C. diff infection. Nursing homes, emergency rooms, and hospitals where tables, carts, desks, stethoscopes, phones, and pens present easy ways for the bacteria to become transmitted. Your odds are greatest for getting the infection if:

• You have had a C. diff infection before


• Have had abdominal or gastrointestinal surgery


• Are 65 years of age or older. The odds are 10 times or greater for those 65 or older when compared to younger adults


• If you are taking antibiotics or have been recently


• Have an existing condition or weakened immune system


• Have colon cancer or an inflammatory bowel issue


• You are hospitalized or are staying in a long-term care facility

Additional Problems

Here are some of the additional problems that can result from C. diff colitis or infections:

• Toxic Megacolon. It is not as fun as it sounds. It is when the colon is unable to expel gas and feces, which cause it to greatly enlarge and distend. When this condition is not taken care of immediately, the colon may rupture and send deadly bacteria gushing into the abdominal cavity. Emergency surgery must be performed at once in these circumstances.


• Kidney Failure. With all the diarrhea, dehydration can happen fast enough that the kidneys cannot function normally and quickly deteriorate.


• Dehydration. Extreme diarrhea can create a great loss of electrolytes and fluids. Your body must have these things in order to maintain a healthy system and organ support.


• Bowel perforation. When the infection has caused enough damage to the intestines to erode all the way through, the result is a hole which leaks out bacteria. The bacteria then flow into the abdominal cavity creating an immediate life-threatening condition. Emergency surgery is required to seal the hole and save the patient.

Screening for C. diff

Whenever anyone has been using antibiotics and develops diarrhea within around two months since last use, or if there is watery stool soon after hospital admission, medical providers usually suspect a C. diff infection. There are a few tests which can rule this out:

• Colon check. Your physician may need to inspect the insides of your colon to rule out an infection. Theflexible sigmoidoscopy, as it is called, consists of inserting a flexible tube with a little camera into your colon to check for any spots of inflammation or pseudomembranes.


• CT Scan. When there is a possibility of complications stemming from C. diff, a scan called a computerized tomography (CT scan) can give highly detailed information and imagery about the colon. It can even give a report on how thick the wall of the colon is -a wall that is too thick is indicative of pseudomembranous colitis.


• Stool test. The most simple and least invasive test. There are a few types of stool tests, but what they all are trying to detect is the presence of signature, telltale toxins excreted by a hidden C. diff infection. The most common type of stool test is called a enzyme immunoassay, or EIA, test. It is one of the fastest test but can produce some false-positives. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with a tissue culture for best accuracy.

C. diff Colitis and related infections are on the rise and many cases are starting to make the headlines. Through greater pubic awareness and prevention, we can significantly lower the odds of contracting such a debilitating affliction. Old treatments from the late 1950s such as the Fecal Transplant are re-emerging as viable, incredibly-effective curing alternatives to pill popping and pharma-cures.

In this article I will talk about irritable bowel syndrome specifically IBS-D which manifests itself in loose bowel movements or alternating diarrhea and constipation. I will not talk about IBS-C which appears to manifest itself in solely bloating and constipation.

If you have landed on this page it will be because you like many millions of others have either been trying to self diagnose your condition or more likely that you are looking for a cure. I must warn you in advance, although I have an academic background I am not a medical health professional and you should always consult a doctor before embarking on any form of treatment however mild.

In this article I will be covering my battle with IBS for approximately 10 years and how I finally found a cure that works. Everybody has a different story when it comes to IBS-D but as I found out, we all have something in common. I will go on to discuss this in the following paragraphs but I just want to start by saying a little bit about me.

About 10 years ago I was a young university graduate and decided to join a job that first seemed exciting with infinite possibilities. I soon learned that this job was very stressful and required a 24 hour commitment. I didn't have a problem with working hard but I had a problem with my work environment. Many people at work were miserable, anxious, and horrible to one another and constantly testing their bodies to the limit. It seemed the norm to be constantly stressed out, have a poor diet and feel like you had no control over your life. My work was my life and my life was nonexistent.
Within a few months I started to come into work and make my way straight to the toilet. As any sufferer of IBS-D will known this meant constant diarrhea. It didn't matter what I ate or drank I would always have diarrhea. It was not uncommon for me to visit the toilet three or four times a day having eaten little to nothing and immediately have diarrhea.

Slowly I just got used the feeling and for whatever reason I thought nothing more of it. As soon as I would eat I would not feel at ease until I had gone and empties my bowels after which I immediately felt better. Along with the diarrhea I would lose water from my body which I never had time to replace so I looked like a dried out prune. Over 5 years I continued to do this to my body hoping that I would find a better role in my job and finally this would all stop.

It certainly did not go away in fact into my 6th year of IBS-D suddenly out of nowhere I started getting debilitating cramps followed immediately by diarrhea. I would have these cramps 5-10 times a day and would literally need to run to the toilet or feel like I was about to soil myself. This made it difficult to be effective at my job which then created a vicious cycle causing my IBS-D to completely go out of control.

I suddenly thought that I had developed cancer and stated reading everything on the internet about what disease matched up with my symptoms. I found quite a few which is why self diagnosis is not such a wise idea. I went to my doctor and we stated off with a course of antibiotics as he thought I might have developed in infection after an episode of food poisoning.

This didn't have any lasting effect and soon I was back to him demanding more in depth tests. This started a with a breath test to rule out food allergies and went onto multiple blood tests to eventually eliminating ulcers, colitis, coeliac disease, Crones disease gut infections, etc. I then went to the next and final step which was endoscopy of both the upper and lower digestive tracts. This all came back negative too. Finally I was diagnosed with severe IBS-D. In one way I was relieved to know that I didn't have something like colon cancer but at the same time I was depressed thinking IBD apparently has no cure.

The next chapter of my life involved trailing a long list of medicines in the hope that they would resolve this issue. Now I want to tell you that of the drugs that I took, there are many people out there that rave about some of these drugs and what it has done for them. That is great as everyone's body is different and what works for you may not work for me.

I am addressing the huge numbers of sufferers worldwide who like me have tried everything under the sun and were unable to find a cure. Now the following is a non exhaustive list of drugs which I tried and the results by their side.

Fibre (ineffective) Made things worse
Pre & Probiotics (ineffective) At first seemed promising but quickly stopped working
Exercise (ineffective)
Drinking Lots of water (ineffective) Made things worse
Exclusion diet (ineffective) Some foods like cheese, chocolate, spice made my IBS worse but exclusion of all the culprits did not resolve matters.

Anti Spasmodic (ineffective) Lots of different brands but all useless
Imodium (ineffective) Helped a little with the diarrhea but certainly not the cramps
Tri Cyclic Anti Depressant (ineffective) Has a drying up effective at first but quickly runs out
Hypnotherapy (ineffective) Very insightful and relaxing but not enough by itself

At this point the consultant G.I specialist had run out of ideas and I was left to suffer on my own.
Having done countless hundreds of hours of research I came across the answer. In Islam we believe that for every single disease God has made a cure so go seek it.

These are my opinions on IBS-D;

IBS-D will not kill you, it can easily be treated and there is nothing seriously wrong with you
IBS-D Is a functional disorder which is caused 99% by stress be it conscious or subconscious
IBS-D can only ever be treated by dealing with the cause behind the problem and not the problem itself
IBS-D affects people generally in the Western world where the 24/7 lifestyle and pressures of society cause people to be stressed out beyond limits and this is often brushed off as mild anxiety or depression.

So here is the magic bullet you have all been waiting for that worked for me and if my concept is correct should work 100% without fail for genuine IBS-D sufferers.

First accept that you have IBS-D because you are under pressure consciously or subconsciously and this is your body's way of warning you that enough is enough.

I spoke to my G.P and asked for Venlafaxine XL which is an SNRI antidepressant. I choose this specifically because it had constipation as one of its side effects; it was a powerful antidepressant and reduced visceral hypersensitivity.

Within 6 months at 150mg a day I had completely 100% recovered from any symptoms of IBS-D.
So how did it work? It is simple; the vicious cycle of stress, followed by cramps followed by diarrhea was broken. I no longer worried every time I went out if I had been food poisoned or where the nearest toilet was. It just let me get on with life without thinking about IBS and soon I was able just stop worrying about IBS and that is it.

Every single person reacts differently to different antidepressants so try them and see which one works best for you. Whilst you are on them you could try using hypnotherapy to make you understand that if you take the stress away then you break the cycle. It's your thoughts that control your bowels. Controlling your thoughts will help control you're IBS but as I said before hypnotherapy is ineffective on its own.

The only other drug that I have used when coming off Venlafaxine was a benzodiazepine called Alprazolem, brand name XANAX. In the UK this is not prescribed on the NHS so you will have to get it by private prescription. This drug can be addictive but if you have good self control it is an excellent drug to use on a controlled as needed basis. One tablet of 0.5 mg and I would be saying what IBS? You have to be very very careful not to increase your dose or develop a habit for this drug. You should also know it can develop tolerance and so you will then need to start increasing your does. Use it like it is supposed to be used as a treatment for IBS and not recreationally for you pleasure and you will have no problem.

Finally I'd like to conclude by saying that if I didn't have God in my life I probably would have given up long ago. Now I have my life back and am free from IBS-D. God always gave me hope so never give up the search for treatment and treatment starts with knowledge of your condition. So don't make the mistakes I made and loose ten years of your life before realising that we are all human and we all have breaking points. If you have gone past that breaking point your body will tell you one way or another so listen to your body.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) belongs in the class of gastrointestinal diseases called inflammatory bowel disease. It is often confused with Crohn's disease because they present some of the same symptoms. However, Crohn's disease affects the entire gastrointestinal tract while UC only affects the small intestine and the colon. It is a chronic disease that causes ulcers to form in the colon. The primary symptom is bloody diarrhea. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. It is speculated that genetic factors mixed with environmental factors may trigger the disease in susceptible people. Some researchers believe that UC may be the result of an autoimmune disorder but there is no definitive evidence of that.

There are a number of treatments that a person with ulcerative colitis might be prescribed to help treat the disease. The goal of treatment is to put the disease into remission and to prevent a relapse. The types of medications used include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and biological treatments. Patients who smoke are encouraged to quit because it aggravates the condition. Doctors may also prescribe a change in diet. A frequently recommended modification is the addition of dietary fiber. Fish oils and the alternative Indian medication Boswellia have been recommended as well.

The only cure for ulcerative colitis is surgical removal of all or part of the large bowel. However, with proper medical treatment, it generally won't come to that. You will most likely be taking medication for the rest of your life to control outbreaks of the disease. Therefore, you will want health care coverage that also pays for some or all of your prescription medications. It is not a particularly life threatening disease but you will need to have regular checkups with your physician to ensure the disease remains under control. Look for a plan with reasonable copayments for doctor's visits. You will also need to ensure that surgery is covered under your plan just in case.

There are a number of health care plans available that will fulfill your needs. Sifting through them all will take time and patient. You can help narrow your selection by using a health insurance quote website. This website will search through the health plans available and find the ones that will pay the costs associated with treating your ulcerative colitis. You will be able to compare the benefits as well as the rates. Without this ability to compare insurance plans, you may inadvertently pay too much for very little. Be smart and use all the tools available to you to get the most affordable healthcare insurance you can.

If you need assistance in locating coverage for this condition, we may help. Please visit our website at http://www.health-insurance-buyer.com and provide your contact information so we may respond to your request.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common diagnosis (25-50%) given to people referred to stomach and intestine specialists. It is reported to affect between 10-15% of people in the U.S. However, it cannot be diagnosed by any specific tests. It is diagnosed by criteria. The criteria are called the Rome II diagnostic criteria because a group of doctors meet periodically to establish rules for labeling intestinal conditions that have no diagnostic tests.

These conditions are called syndromes because they don't meet the definition for a disease. They don't have a specific known cause and/or diagnostic test(s). They are often referred to as "functional" problems. The cause of the functional problem in IBS is not known. By definition there is no abnormality that can be seen on a biopsy, x-ray, blood or stool test. The diagnosis is made by applying criteria after exclusion of other conditions or diseases of the intestine. There is not a universally agreed upon consensus for what constitutes an adequate evaluation to exclude other causes.

For IBS the criteria required to make the diagnosis is the presence of abdominal pain or discomfort that has been present for at least 3 months in the past year (not necessarily consecutively) and has at least two out of three of the following features:

1. The pain or discomfort is relieved with a bowel movement.

2. The beginning of pain or discomfort is associated with a change in frequency of bowel movements.

3. The beginning of pain or discomfort is associated with a change in the appearance or consistency (hardness or softness) or stools.

There are other symptoms that doctors use to support the diagnosis of IBS and to further divide it into three different categories. The three categories are determined by whether there is a predominant stool pattern of diarrhea or constipation or is the stool pattern alternating diarrhea and constipation. The supporting symptoms are as follows.

1. 3 bowel movements per day (diarrhea)

3. Hard or lumpy stools

4. Loose, mushy or watery stools

5. Straining during a bowel movement

6. Urgency, or the sense that you need to rush to the bathroom to have a bowel movement

7. Feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement

8. Passage of mucus or whitish material during a bowel movement

9. Feeling of abdominal fullness, bloating or swelling

Therefore, the diagnosis is made by a report of the symptoms and the doctor excluding other causes. The extent to which other conditions are excluded is highly variable and doctor dependent. Self-diagnosis of IBS should be avoided because serious conditions can cause symptoms that mimic IBS.

Theories of the cause of IBS are not proven. Serotonin, a chemical present in both the brain and the gut, has been suspected. An imbalance in serotonin has been blamed for IBS. Serotonin increases the contractions of the intestine. Several medications that either increase or decrease serotonin have been developed to treat constipation or diarrhea predominant IBS.

More recently, research has been focusing on the common report of many people with IBS of a distinct time that their IBS symptoms began, often after some type of intestinal infection such as food poisoning, traveler's diarrhea or gastroenteritis. This "post-infectious" theory has lead to theories of bowel injury and/or alterations in bacteria in the intestine. An imbalance of "good and bad" bacteria in the intestine is a theory. Some are treating people with antibiotics and/or probiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria. Probiotics are live bacteria that are "good bacteria" like acidophilus and lactobacillus that can be taken as pill, capsule, powder or eaten or drank in yogurt or milk.

Food intolerances have been proposed as a cause of IBS by some, especially in Europe, but have not been accepted by most doctors in the U.S. Trials of elimination diets, with or without the use of food allergy or antibody tests have been reported in a few studies or a lot of testimonials to be helpful.

Lactose intolerance is a common condition that can cause symptoms that may be misdiagnosed as IBS and resolve with avoidance of lactose. Undiagnosed colitis or Crohn's disease can be a cause of symptoms that can be diagnosed by colonoscopy with biopsy of the intestine. Blood tests for colitis and Crohn's disease also now exist.

More recently, undiagnosed Celiac disease has emerged as a cause of what had been previously been diagnosed as IBS in as many of 20% of people. Those with a diagnosis of IBS should be screened for Celiac disease, as it is a common condition, affecting 1 in 100 people. The symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea are common symptoms of Celiac disease and it is now known that untreated Celiacs can be constipated. Gluten free diet relieves these symptoms in people who are gluten sensitive. Further information about irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerance, colitis, Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance and Celiac disease may be found at www.thefooddoc.com

If you have symptoms suggestive of IBS or have been diagnosed as having IBS it is important that you have an evaluation by a physician and other causes including colitis, Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, and Celiac disease are excluded. Food intolerance should also be considered. Minimum evaluation should include a blood count, stool tests for blood and pus cells, screening lab tests for Celiac disease, colitis, Crohn's and a colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor about the diagnosis and how other causes can be or have been excluded before accepting the diagnosis of IBS.