Colitis Treatment Information

There are people who suffer from poor health and diseases and rather than seek medical help continue to be at the mercy of symptoms and suffer in silence. If colitis is the problem, then it can actually be dangerous to health not to seek medical intervention. For the vast majority of sufferers, whilst they do receive help, it is important to ensure that they are taking advantage of all the colitis treatment available.

It is only natural that the sufferer in the early course of a colitis diagnosis will have concerns and questions that require to be answered relating to the impact the symptoms will have on their life, what exactly all the colitis symptoms are and how to cope through daily life, both during periods of a flare up and remission. It is essential that the sufferer is aware of, understands and uses the treatments for colitis available that will help in coping daily with the effects of the disease.

It is not an unusual scenario that when discomfort and pain occur in the abdominal area, there can be a tendency to just carry on with life or if it persist for a few days then take "over the counter" medication to try and stop the principle symptom of diarrhoea. Unfortunately, the symptoms will not be brought under control by these medicines. What has to be realised is that this is a challenge that cannot be overcome utilising such medication as the cause of the problem is not temporary as with a gut infection. It is essential that the sufferer makes contact with their doctor to discuss the symptoms being endured and in the first instance a course of anti inflammatory drugs will be prescribed to try and reduce the inflammation and ulceration of the large colon, the reasons for the symptoms occurring.

This prescribed medication requires to be taken over a period of time in order for the inflammation to reduce and for the normal function of the colon to return. It is the case that some amount of medication will continue to be used to try and ensure that the inflammation remains dormant but unfortunately there is no guarantee this will happen. Extra assistance will take the form of steroids to fight the inflammation and ulceration. It should be understood that colitis symptoms will not disappear during the few days after the medication is taken, but there is a gradual reduction and slow return to health. This period of time can take from a week to over a month.

Unfortunately, there will be times that the patient will have to enter hospital due to the strength of the symptoms where a period of intense care should have the effect of bringing them under control. There will be more powerful medicine available though its use will only be adopted in instances where the regular treatment has not succeeded as anticipated.

To ensure that every sufferer's colitis experience is as manageable as possible, it can be very advantageous to gain and use the knowledge of others who have experienced colitis to ensure that they are not missing out on a colitis treatment to enable them to make their daily life easier to cope with and, importantly, to ease their anxieties.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain that is accompanied by at least two of the following: relief by defecation, change in frequency of stool, or change in consistency of stool. The cause is unknown, and the pathophysiology is incompletely understood. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common medical disorder that is characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. The abdominal pain or cramping can be a dull ache but, for some women, it can be intolerable and without relief. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder of altered bowel habits associated with abdominal pain or discomfort. The pain, discomfort, and impairment from IBS often lead to healthcare medical consultation and workplace absenteeism, and associated economic costs. Obviously other conditions can contribute towards or result from this. Is there a connection between irritable bowel syndrome and bipolar disorder?

Stressful situations can cause digestive tract upset in healthy people. Children with irritable bowel syndrome seem to have more digestive problems when stressed or anxious than healthy children do. Stress can make the symptoms worse, but does not cause the symptoms. Stress, or inability to handle stress, is cited in most cases of colitis. We all approach this differently.

Bipolar disorder doesn't seem to necessarily be linked with irritable bowel syndrome, though there does seem to be a potential genetic connection.

Depression is a medical illness which affects an organ, the brain, which in turn affects the rest of the body. One can no more snap out of depression that one can snap out of diabetes or heart disease. Depression is a term used to describe a common condition characterized by feelings of sadness, gloom, misery, or despair. Most people experience temporary depression at various points in their lives. Depression is usually treated with counseling or antidepressant medicine, or both. It sometimes takes a few tries to find the right treatment, and it can take several weeks for the medicine to start working.

Any word ending in 'itis' implies inflammation of a designated part of the physical body. The painful areas manifest certain symptoms which are given a name. All complaints - and it's easy to understand why they are called complaints when you are suffering from them - share a common cause. They are both indicators that the body generally is in a high acid condition. In other words, it is the acidic body (acidosis) that sends the brain signals by the means of symptoms (messages) that there is a problem that REQUIRES ATTENTION.

That problem basically is acidosis but finding yourself in pain you understandably want to be rid of the symptom. This is fine so long as it is understood that alleviation of the symptom is not going the resolve the condition of the body that is producing the signal. Otherwise it is like receiving bad news from a messenger and treating them well and taking no notice of a vital message that effects your future well-being.

This is the great mistake of conventional medicine: placating the symptoms and not addressing the cause which is simply storing up much worse health conditions in the future. All this means is drug dependency whilst lining the pockets of the 'fat-cats' at the expense of society as a whole. In chronic pain it is understandable to alleviate the present suffering but the cause MUST be addressed too. It is my view that this responsibility must be wrenched back from 'the authorities' and placed firmly in the hands of the individual themselves. This means self-education, awareness of their own body and observing the simple practices of living that the body demands in accordance with the basic natural laws of life.

So, is there a connection between colitis and arthritis? Yes, they are both manifestations of the body in a high state of acidosis that has produced two different sets of symptoms. Cure one and you cure both. I personally can testify to this. It actually took longer to clear up the arthritis than it did the colitis. And even now if I lapse even just a little in my own life habits I find that it is the arthritis that comes a knockin' first. Mild but apparent.

What do I do? I cut out everything for several days other than water and vegetables. That makes a difference within a day or two. Also visualising the healing process in my body taking place NOW aids quick recovery. My sensitivity now is that I eat and live according to my awareness not simply by blind habit or routine.

Bottom line: If symptoms are signals for help then listen to them and act accordingly. Better still, rather than reacting, why not be pro- active and simply take your body into a higher level of health and many of these conditions won't arise? Meanwhile, know that you are facing the direction of improving health. You're doing good - after all you're reading this to learn how to put yourself in a better place with regard to your own health. Congratulations; that's taking responsibility!

Topical steroids are widely used in medicine to treat dermatitis problems. They are a great agent to reduce skin inflammation, but their use also can bring a long certain health problems that are worth knowing about. In this article I will explore the good, the bad and the ugly of topical steroid creams.

They were first introduced in dermatology back in the 50s, and they became the first line of treatment against skin inflammations (eczema, dermatitis) and other skin conditions. This type of medication is not safe, like with all meds out there an abuse of them will bring along side effects.

Currently we can find steroids classified according to their strength. We have currently 4 classes of these, being Class 1 the most potent. Doctors will be the ones who will prescribe you the use of them, but in general it is recommended to use the cream that is less potent and does its job. In other cases, however, depending on the skin condition doctors can direct you to use a potent class for just a few days and then stop completely.

Side Effects of Topical Steroids

Like any medication, these steroid creams will bring adverse side effects if used incorrectly. Sometimes as an uniformed patient, you may think that using a potent cream every day will help you stay clear of your current condition. This is a wrong idea, some of the effects from the abuse of topical steroids can be irreversible and will make you change your appearance.

During my research with thousands of patients suffering from almost every kind of illness, including terminal diseases, I found that each person had large numbers of gallstones in the liver and, in many cases, also in the gallbladder. When these people eliminated these stones through the liver flush and introduced simple health-forming habits and supportive measures, they recovered from diseases that defied both conventional and alternative methods of treatment.

What follows is a description of some of the more common signs indicating the presence of gallstones in the liver and gallbladder. If you have any of them, you will most likely derive great benefits from cleansing your liver and gallbladder. In my practice, I have found these indications to be highly accurate. In case you are not sure whether you have stones, it may be useful to cleanse the liver anyway; it can improve your health significantly, regardless. There is an old saying: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." The only way to discover for yourself whether you have gallstones is to do the liver flush. You will find that when you remove all the stones that may be present, the symptoms of disease will gradually disappear, and health will return to normal.

Signs and Marks

The Skin

The major function of the skin is to continuously adjust our internal body to the ever-changing external environment, which includes temperature, humidity, dryness, and light. In addition, skin covers the body to protect us against injury, microbes, and other harmful agents. Apart from having to deal with these external influences, the skin also monitors and adapts according to internal changes taking place within the body. Accordingly, the skin reflects the condition of the organs and body fluids, including the blood and lymph. Any long-term abnormal functioning of the body will inevitably show up in the skin as skin blemishes, discoloration, or changed condition, such as dryness, oiliness, wrinkles, lines, and so forth. Almost all skin disorders have their root in an imbalanced liver condition. Gallstones lead to circulatory disorders, which reduce the nutrient supply to, and waste removal from, the skin and prevent healthy development and normal turnover cycles of skin cells. The following marks are particularly indicative of gallstones in the liver and gallbladder:

Black spots and small or large brown patches that are the color of freckles or moles: They usually appear on the right or left side of the forehead, between the eyebrows or under the eyes. They may also show up just above the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades. Most prominent are the so-called liver spots on the back of the hands and forearms, often seen among middle-aged and elderly people. If gallstones, which are spontaneously excreted by the gallbladder, get caught in the colon, such spots may also appear in the area where the thumb and index finger meet. These liver spots usually start fading after the majority of stones are removed from the liver and gallbladder. Most people assume that the liver spots are due to sun damage and "normal" aging. This is a myth. Liver spots, as the name suggests, come from the liver. Sun exposure merely brings to the surface of the skin any existing acidic waste deposits.

Vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows:There may be one deep line or two, sometimes three, lines in this region. These lines or wrinkles, which are not a part of natural aging, indicate an accumulation of many gallstones in the liver. They show that the liver is enlarged and has hardened. The deeper and longer the wrinkles are, the more the deterioration of liver function has progressed. A line near the right eyebrow also indicates congestion in the spleen. Furthermore, the vertical lines represent a great deal of repressed frustration and anger. Anger arises when gallstones prevent proper bile flow. A bilious nature is one that keeps toxins trapped-toxins that the liver tries to eliminate via bile. Vice versa, anger can trigger gallstone formation. If white or yellow patches accompany the wrinkles, a cyst or tumor may be developing in the liver. Pimples or growth of hair between eyebrows, with or without wrinkles, indicate that the liver, gallbladder, and spleen are affected.

Horizontal wrinkles across the bridge of the nose: These are a sign of pancreatic disorders due to gallstones in the liver. If a line is deep and pronounced, there may be pancreatitisor diabetes.

Green or dark color of the temple area at the sides of the head: This shows that the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen are underactive because of deposits of gallstones in both the liver and gallbladder. This may be accompanied by a green or blue color on either side of the bridge of the nose, which indicates impaired spleen functions. A horizontal line across the bridge of the nose implies weakness of the pancreas.

Oily skin in the area of the forehead: This reflects poor liver performance due to gallstones. The same applies to excessive perspiration in this part of the head. A yellow color of the facial skin indicates disorders of the bile functions of the liver and gallbladder, and a weakness of the pancreas, kidneys, and excretory organs.

Hair loss in the central region of the head: This mark indicates that the liver, heart, small intestines, pancreas, and reproductive organs are becoming increasingly congested and aggravated. There is a tendency to develop cardiovascular disease, chronic digestive problems, and the formation of cysts and tumors. Early graying of hair shows that liver and gallbladder functions are underactive.

The Nose

Hardening and thickening at the tip of the nose: This indicates chronic liver weakness, resulting in hardening of the arteries and the accumulation of fat around the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and prostate glands. If the enlargement is excessive and blood vessels are visible, a heart attack or stroke may be imminent.

The nose is constantly red: This condition shows an abnormal condition of the heart, with a tendency toward high blood pressure(hypertension). A purple nose indicates low blood pressure. Both conditions are due to imbalanced liver, digestive, and kidney functions.

Cleft nose or indentation of the tip of the nose: This mark indicates irregular heartbeat and heart murmur. If one half of the cleft nose is larger than the other, this shows that one side of the heart is abnormally enlarged. Arrhythmia and panic attacks may accompany this condition. There may be severe lymphatic congestion caused by digestive disorders such as constipation, colitis, stomach ulcer, and so on. Liverfunctions are subdued because of large amounts of gallstones cutting off the blood supply to the liver cells. Bile secretions are insufficient. (Note: I have personally seen clefts in the nose disappear after liver flushing.)

The nose is bending toward the left: Unless caused by an accident, this asymmetric shape of the nose implies that the organs on the right side of the body are underactive. These include the liver, gallbladder, right kidney, ascending colon, right ovary or testicle, and right side of the brain. The main cause of this condition is an accumulation of gallstones in the liver and gallbladder (the nose is likely to return to center once the stones are removed).

The Eyes

Skincolor under the eyes is yellowish: This indicates that the liver and gallbladder are overactive. A dark, even black color in the same area results when the kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs are overtaxed because of a prolonged disorder of the digestive system. A grayish, pale color occurs if the kidneys and, occasionally, the lungs are malfunctioning owing to improper lymphdrainage from these organs. Also, the endocrine system may be affected.

Water-containing bags under the lower eyelids: These are formed as a result of congestion in the digestive and excretory organs, which results in inadequate lymph drainage from the head area. If these eye bags are chronic and contain fat, this points toward the presence of inflammation, cysts and, possibly, tumors in the bladder, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and prostate.

A white cloud covers the pupil of the eye: The cloud consists mostly of mucus and degenerate protein particles. It indicates the development of cataracts brought about by longstanding poor liver and digestive performance.

Constant redness in the white of the eye: This condition is caused by the protrusion of capillaries, indicating disorders in the circulatory and respiratory functions. White or yellow mucus patches in the white of the eye show that the body is accumulating abnormal amounts of fatty substances because the liver and gallbladder have amassed large quantities of gallstones. When this occurs, the body has a tendency to develop cysts and both benign and malignant tumors.

A thick white line covers parts of the periphery of the iris, particularly the lower parts: This indicates the accumulation of large amounts of cholesterol in the blood circulatory system. The lymphatic system also has major congestion and fat retention. (Note: If you wish to understand the connection of the eyes and iris with the various parts of the body, I recommend that you study the science of iridology, or eye interpretation.)

The eyes have lost their natural luster and shine: This signals that both the liver and kidneys are congested and unable to filter the blood properly. "Dirty" blood, loaded with toxins or waste products, is heavier and more sluggish than clean blood. The thickened blood slows circulation and reduces oxygen and nutrient supply to the cells and organs, including the eyes. If this condition persists, the cells will deteriorate and inevitably age or die off. The eye and braincells are especially affected because the blood has to flow against gravity to reach them. Most vision problems are the direct or indirect result of reduced blood-cleansing capacity by the liver and kidneys. Clean and nutrient-rich blood from a healthy, efficient liver can flow easily and nourish the eye tissues better, thereby improving most eye problems.

The Tongue, Mouth, Lips,and Teeth

The tongue is coated yellow or white, especially in the back part: This indicates an imbalance in the secretion of bile, which is the major cause of digestive trouble. Toxic residues of undigested and fermented or putrefied food linger in the intestinal tract. This blocks lymph flow in the thoracic duct and prevents toxins and microbes in the throat and mouth area from being removed.

Teeth impressions on the sides of the tongue, often accompanied by white mucus discharge: This indicates weak digestion and inadequate absorption of nutrients from the small intestine.

Pimples on the tongue: They are indicative of poor digestion and the presence of fermenting and putrefying food in both the small and large intestines.

Cracks on the tongue: These are signs of long-term intestinal trouble. When food is not being mixed with a sufficient amount of bile, it remains partially undigested. Undigested foods are subjected to bacterial putrefaction and, thereby, become a source of toxicity. Constant exposure of the intestinal wall to the toxins that these bacteria produce irritates and injures it. The resulting lesions, scars, and hardening of the intestinal walls is then reflected by the cracks on the tongue. There may be little or no mucus discharge on the tongue.

Repeated mucus discharge into the throat and mouth: Bile may regurgitate into the stomach, thereby irritating its protective lining and causing excessive mucus production. Some of the bile and mucus may reach the mouth area. This can create a bad (bitter) taste in the mouth and give rise to frequent attempts at clearing the throat, which sometimes involve coughing. Mucus discharge without this bitter taste results when food is not digested properly, and toxins are generated. The mucus helps to trap and neutralize some of these toxins, but as a side effect, it causes congestion.

Bad breath and frequent burping: Both signs point toward the presence of undigested, fermenting, or putrefying food in the GI tract. Bacteria acting on the waste material produce gases, which can be very toxic at times, hence the bad odor emanating from the breath.

Crust formations at the corners of the mouth: This indicates the presence of duodenal ulcers, caused by regurgitation of bile into the stomach, or by other reasons discussed earlier. Ulcers in various parts of the mouth or on the tongue show that inflammation or ulceration is occurring in the corresponding parts of the GI tract. For example, a mouth ulcer on the outside parts of your lower lip points to the presence of ulcer lesions in the large intestine. Herpes ('cold sores') on the lip corresponds to more severe inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal wall.

Dark spots or patches on the lips: These marks occur when obstructions in the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys have resulted in slowness and stagnation of blood circulation and lymph drainage throughout the body. There may be advanced, abnormal constriction of blood capillaries. If the color of the lips is reddish (dark) or purple, this indicates that heart, lung, and respiratory functions are subdued.

Swollen or expanded lips: This condition indicates intestinal disorders. If the lower lip is swollen, the colon suffers constipation, diarrhea, or both, alternating between them. Toxic gases are formed from improperly digested foods, which give rise to bloating and abdominal discomfort. A swollen or enlarged upper lip indicates stomach problems, including indigestion, frequently accompanied by 'heartburn'. An abnormal, tightly closed mouth shows that a person suffers from disorders of the liver, gallbladder, and, possibly, the kidneys. If the lower lip is dry, peels, and splits easily, there may either be chronic constipation or diarrhea, with large amounts of toxic acids prevalent in the colon. This condition is accompanied by advanced dehydration of the colon cells.

Swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums: Any these symptoms occurs when lymph drainage from the mouth area is inefficient as a result of intestinal lymph congestion. The blood has an overload of acid compounds. Inflammation deep in the throat, with or without swelling of the tonsils, is also caused by lymphatic blockage. Tonsillitis, which often occurs among children, is a sign of constant retention of toxins contained in the lymph fluids and back-flushing of waste from the GI tract into the tonsils.

Toothproblemsare generally caused by nutritional imbalance: Poor digestion and overconsumption of refined, processed, and highly acid-forming foods, such as sugar, chocolate, meat, cheese, coffee, soda, and so forth, deplete the body of minerals and vitamins. Adults usually have thirty-two teeth. Each tooth corresponds to a vertebra of the spine, and each vertebra is connected to a major organ or gland. If any of the four canines are decaying, for example, it indicates the presence of gallstones in the liver and gallbladder. A yellow color of the teeth, and of the canines in particular, indicates the presence of toxins in the organs located in the mid abdominal region, that is, the liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, and spleen. Bacteria are not the cause of tooth decay. They only attack tooth tissue that already has an unbalanced acid-alkaline ratio. Proper saliva secretions also play a major role in the protection of the teeth. Truly healthy teeth last a lifetime and are maintained by a healthy digestive system.

Hands, Nails, and Feet

White, fatty skin on the fingertips is a sign of dysfunctional digestive and lymphatic systems. In addition, the liver and kidneys may be forming cysts and tumors. An excessive discharge of fats may occur, seen as oiliness on the skin.

Dark red fingernails point toward a high content of cholesterol, fatty acids, and minerals in the blood. The liver, gallbladder, and spleen are congested and underactive, and all excretory functions are overburdened with waste products. Whitish nails indicate the accumulation of fat and mucus in and around the heart, liver, pancreas, prostate, or ovaries. This condition is accompanied by poor blood circulation and low hemoglobin levels (anemia).

Vertical ridges in the fingernails generally indicate poor absorption of food and the disruption of important digestive, liver, and kidney functions. There may be general fatigue. Strong vertical ridges on the thumbnails, possibly with split ends, show that a person's testicles and prostate or ovaries are not functioning properly. This is caused by the ineffectiveness of the digestive and circulatory systems.

Horizontal indentations in the nails show unusual or drastic changes in dietary habits. The changes can be either beneficial or harmful.

White dots on the nails appear when the body eliminates large amounts of calcium and/or zinc in response to excessive consumption of sugar or sugar-containing foods and beverages. Sugar has highly acid-forming properties and leaches out these minerals from the bones and teeth.

A hard protrusion at the ball of the foot: This condition shows progressive hardening of the organs located in the middle of the body, including the liver, stomach, pancreas, and spleen. It points to the accumulation of numerous gallstones in the liver and gallbladder.

A yellow color of the feet indicates the accumulation of many gallstones in the liver and gallbladder. If the color of any part of the feet is green, then spleen and lymph functions are severely disrupted. This may lead to cysts and to benign and malignant tumors.

Hardness at the tip of the fourth toe or a callus in the area under the fourth toe: This symptom shows that gallbladder functions are stagnant. General rigidity, a bent condition, and pain in the fourth toe imply a long history of gallstones in the gallbladder and liver.

Curving of the first toe: If the large toe curves inward toward the second toe, it shows that liver functions are subdued owing to the presence of gallstones in the liver bile ducts. At the same time, spleen and lymphatic functions are overactive because of the accumulation of toxic residues from inadequately digested foods, metabolic waste, and cellular debris.

White color and rugged surfaces on the fourth and fifth toenails: This indicates poor performance of the liver and gallbladder, as well as of the kidneys and urinary bladder.

The Constitution of Fecal Matter

The stool or fecal matter emits a sharp, sour, or penetrative odor: This indicates that food is not being digested properly. Fermented and putrefied food and the presence of large quantities of 'unfriendly' bacteria in the feces give rise to an abnormal odor and sticky texture. Normal stool is coated with a thin mucus lining, which prevents the anus from being soiled.

Dry and hard stools are an indication of constipation, and so are sticky stools. Diarrhea is yet another sign of weak performance of the digestive system and the liver, in particular.

Pale or clay-colored feces: This is still another indication of poor liver performance (bile gives the stool its natural brown color). If the stool floats, large amounts of undigested fats are contained in it, making it lighter than water.

Conclusion

There may be many more signs and symptoms indicating the presence of gallstones in the liver and gallbladder than those listed above. Pain in the right shoulder, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, numbness in the legs and sciatica, for example, may have no obvious relation to gallstones in the liver. Yet when the gallstones are removed, these conditions usually disappear.

The body is a network of information, and every part influences and communicates with every other part. Seemingly insignificant marks or signs on the skin, in the eyes, or on a toe may be the harbingers of serious health issues. When you recognize them and flush your liver and gallbladder, in concert with adopting a healthy regimen of diet and lifestyle, you will find that the signs of wellness and vitality begin to reappear. To prevent illness and make permanent health a practical reality in your life, it is important to understand what actually causes gallstones in the first place.

OPC (or Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) belongs to the family of Antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that protect our body's cells and tissues from being damaged by oxygen free-radicals that contribute to aging and illness. Free radicals are created by environmental pollution, food additives, growth hormones, high fat diets, excessive alcohol, smoking and second hand smoke, radiation, growth hormones and nutrient deficiencies. While OPC itself does not specifically cure any disease or condition, what it does do, is cut down on the free radicals in the body. Without the onslaught of free radicals, the body has the ability to heal itself. Given the chance to work like it should, your own natural immune system is capable of amazing healing properties.

Although it is seldom mentioned in the traditional medical community, there are a surprisingly large number of medical doctors who use natural antioxidants like OPC in their own personal care. This phenomenon is documented as far back as 19 years ago. In a 1992 issue of the Medical Tribune it was written that "8 out of 10 Doctors Take an Antioxidant for Long Term Health". If this is the case with a majority of doctors, why is it that they are reluctant to recommend them to their own patients?

Studies from the National Cancer Institute On Aging, John Hopkins University and the American Heart Association have found how antioxidants isolated from fruits and vegetables and natural herbs function within our body's cellular and tissue systems. Fruits, vegetables and other plants have hundreds of protective nutrients that protect our bodies from "free radicals" which enter and destroy our bodies. In many instances, the damage can even be reversed by antioxidants.

These natural antioxidant nutrients found in fruits and vegetables along with herbs are called bioflavanoids. the most commonly known bioflavanoid is of course Vitamin C, but there are literally thousands of other types of them in nature. Some others include, Vitamin A, E, Zinc, Selenium and Beta Carotene. But the most powerful of all is the Bioflavanoid OPC. OPC is found naturally in grape seed extract, red wine, and pine park, and is considered to be by far, the most potent of all antioxidants. It has twenty times the strength of Vitamin C and 50 times the strength of Vitamin E. Actually OPC has been shown to enhance the healing properties of Vitamin C when the two are used together.

It is truly a wonder, why the wondrous healing properties exhibited by bioflavanoids like OPC have been a secret for so long! Maybe it's time now, to share the secret to the thousands, even millions of people suffering worldwide from inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and Colitis.

From the earliest Egyptian settlements everyone has been applauding the incredible medicinal features of aloe. It is a plant with succulent green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. The scientific name of the common aloe plant is Aloe barbadensis or aloe vera. Discovered in Africa, this medicine is now common in America, Europe and Asia. For their medicinal qualities, parts of the Aloe plant used are the gel, the latex, the extract, the juice and capsules.

Aloe vera is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory attributes. Aloe is also a very powerful laxative. It is rarely used as a laxative because it causes severe stomach cramps. Aloe gel used topically on burned or broken skin is used as a soothing agent and also a pain killer. Studies in animals have shown aloe to reduce inflammation. In a study that tested the use of aloe in the treatment of ulcerative colitis aloe gel (internally ingested) showed better results than a placebo in aiding disease treatment. Due to its anti-inflammatory property it is considered an excellent cure for easing digestive problems.

Aloe extract has aloemannan which aids the growth of kidney cells and also in slowing down kidney stone production. Aloe juice is a very good antidote for ulcers and heart burns. However, its effectiveness is limited to peptic ulcers and does not extend to ulcers caused due to stress. In asthma patients who have not been on corticosteroids, use of aloe orally has been found to give good results. Use of aloe vera during pregnancy needs to be discussed with your doctor. One of the components of aloe vera, Aloe-emodin, is a very good laxative. Additionally it also kills the herpes virus which causes painful shingles and cold sores. Aloe vera is infused in base oils (almond and apricot) and used in aroma therapy. Astringent, anti fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties are shown by such treated oils.

There are various natural remedies to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. These natural solutions could prove to be effective in alleviating pain, cramps, bloating and diarrhea.

More and more patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are now going the natural way to bring their situation under control. Natural solutions are mainly preferred to avoid the side effects caused by conventional medicines. Natural remedies are known for their safety and you feel in greater control without any worry about surgery. You also need not worry about the nutritional value while resorting to natural methods. Natural treatments are also beneficial to keep a check on irritable bowel syndrome.

When conventional methods of treatment are not helping in healing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, then alternative medicine or natural therapy may be resorted to. However it is always advisable to take the opinion of your physician before doing so because any wrong move could further aggravate your condition. Most doctors also advise natural supplements to be taken along with conventional medicine and not as a replacement.

Some commonly referred natural solutions for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease includes peppermint oil, Boswellia, probiotics, psyllium and elm. Other vitamin and mineral supplements for colitis and Crohn's include omega-3 fatty acids, garlic and ginger. Probiotics is extensively used, as they are known to benefit the intestinal tract. If you have an inflammation in the intestinal region, then probiotics helps fight the infection. Similarly, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome may also be contained with probiotics.

Capsaicin is used as a natural remedy for pain. It also helps bring down diarrhea, cramps and bloating. The lemonade detox diet is a very old therapy which uses mineral water, maple syrup, pepper and lemon. This diet is supposed to improve your digestive system, liver and bile ducts. Aloe Vera has a calming effect and is used as a natural ingredient for the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. But it has to be taken in mild quantity else may aggravate diarrhea.

Peppermint oil is supposed to reduce abdominal pain and bloating. It is also said to have properties that help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Fish oils, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, are believed to be a natural solution for colitis and Crohn's. Ginger and peppermint has shown to reduce some symptoms of colitis and Crohn's. Certain teas, which use these ingredients, have proven to be beneficial. They are also quick remedies to ease bloating and cramps.

Medical marijuana has developed into a treatment for painful gastrointestinal disorders that involve bowel inflammation and cramping. These diseases include colitis, Crohn's disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Often with these diseases patients can suffer from cramping, inflammation, chronic pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. Medical marijuana is often able to alleviate these symptoms substantially.

Crohn's disease represents a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disorder that causes intense, severe pain. The cause is unknown. Digestion is adversely affected, and in very rare cases it can be fatal. The disease is destructive to the intesting. There are over 500,000 people in the US who suffer from Crohn's disease. In most states who have approved medical marijuana, Crohn's disease is an accepted condition for usage.

Traditional medications utilized for Crohn's include immunosuppressive ones such as Imuran, methotrexate, 6 MP, steroids, Mesalamine, and Remicade. These medications may cause the same symptoms as the disease including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Steroids have some side effects that may include adrenal dysfunction, bone thinning, ulcers, and glucose intolerance.

Various studies have shown promising results for medicinal marijuana alleviating the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's.

A 2005 study published in O'Shaughnessy's found that cannabis helped a lot with the symptoms of Crohn's disease. It was a pilot study using marijuana at the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in a dozen patients with Crohn's and patients described significant improvement for appetite, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and depression. There were less flare-ups and fewer stools per day. Patients were able to decrease the amount of immunosuppressive medications necessary as well.

Another study from 2001 called Cannabinoids and the Gastrointestinal Tract found that the cannabinoids found in marijuana represent a potentially excellent option for the treatment of numerous GI disorders - including inflammatory bowel diseases, functional bowel diseases, gastro-esophageal reflux conditions, secretory diarrhea, gastric ulcers, and colon cancer. There are receptors both in the brain and the GI system named CB1 receptors. In animals the study showed that agonists for these receptors delayed gastric emptying and inhibited gastric acid secretion. CB1 receptors are mostly located in the brain.

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Endocrinolog Investigation demonstrates that activation of the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors exert biological functions on the gastrointestinal tract.

There are CB2 receptors in numerous cells outside of the brain, including in the GI tract lining. Marijuana contains cannabinoids which activate the CB2 receptor - this is thought to decrease inflammation in the GI tract along with reducing pain and swelling. There is another compound in cannabis named beta-caryophyllene which turns on the CB-2 receptors as well.

Aloe Vera is a plant that originates in Africa and has long been regarded as having anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. The gel from the plant can be taken orally for Ulcerative Colitis. Initially there wasn't real evidence that the plant could have a proven benefit as an Ulcerative Colitis remedy. Proponents believed that it did but there were definitely skeptics as well. More recently there have been blind studies conducted that have shown that there actually is a marked positive effect for sufferers of the disease who consume the gel orally as compared to those who don't.

In the studies a number of patients were given a regime of Aloe Vera gel. Another set of patients were given the same regime but the in this case were administered placebo. The results indicated that there were definite benefits for those who were given Aloe Vera. For instance:

• Clinical remission occurred in 30% of Aloe Vera patients as opposed to 7% of those who took placebo


• Improvement was documented in 37% of those who took Aloe Vera in contrast to only 1% of those who didn't


• Response occurred in 47% when Aloe Vera was used but for only 14% of the patients who received placebo

In light of these findings it seems very obvious that a clinical benefit exists. Many in the medical field often discredit natural remedies for diseases in favor of expensive manufactured drugs. Hopefully this proves to them that alternatives to harsh medicines may exist and can benefit those who suffer from illness. It is important to remember to always heed the advice of a medical professional, but it never hurts to research ways to supplement and maybe even replace harsher prescription drugs in favor of a natural remedy for Ulcerative Colitis. Aloe Vera gel has other significant uses as a natural remedy as well. Here are some examples:

Can be used topically for

• Minor burns


• Wounds


• Sunburn


• Radiation-related skin reaction


• Genital herpes


• Psoriasis

Can be used orally for

• Ulcers


• Diabetes


• Crohn's disease


• Immune Support


• Constipation

Since Aloe Vera gel has also been proven as a safe natural remedy for Ulcerative Colitis there is definitely good reason to make use of this supplement in your routine. Many have already done so and are gladly reaping the benefits of this wonderful natural remedy. In addition, using natural supplements can also mean a great cost savings especially if the patient can reduce the amount of the costly prescriptions drugs that are required.

There is a very dramatic pattern that has been emerging among Crohn's sufferers today. Based on my reading and research, I see, an increased trend in people taking on more of an active role in managing and controlling their own Crohn's Disease condition. It is becoming popular for example, for people with Crohn's to choose more holistic or homeopathic approaches to their treatment, using healthy alternative choices of natural supplements, vitamin and food offerings, that sometimes are very successful in effectively treating Crohn's, sometimes to the point of even eliminating the need for prescription drugs altogether.. I'm hearing that the goal of many people seeking holistic medicine is to obtain the end result of getting their life back on track from Crohn's as smoothly as possible, and without the risk of the potentially dangerous side effects chemically derived prescription drugs can give them. Some Crohn's sufferers have complained that the side effects from prescription drugs were far worse than dealing with the Crohn's disease itself. One lady wrote "my GI doctor urged me to consider Mercaptopurine or Humira. In researching these drugs, I learned that they were quite toxic and could have extreme side effects, including bone marrow toxicity and lymphoma. For me, the risk did not seem worth it - why treat a debilitating disease with a drug that could potentially leave me with another more life-threatening one?"

Why and how are people becoming more aware and informed about holistic approaches and their worth in controlling Crohn's Disease? For years many now, Crohn's patients have been frustrated with the limiting and harsh treatment options available to them from the medical/drug establishment. One gentleman wrote "I too have come up against a lot of skepticism (and even strong opposition) when bringing up holistic/natural treatment approaches at local support groups". "But I'm sticking with a holistic approach - not only because I've had the most success with it in terms of seeing improvement in my condition, but also because it makes me feel like I am in control of my disease, not the drug companies". There was at one time really only two choices available to Crohn's Disease patients, either to elect to have major surgery (if granted by the attending physician), or opting to take a chance on potentially toxic prescription drugs with accompanying side effects like cancer, liver disease, skin, joint, and bone damage or suppression of the immune system. Folks with Crohn's hoped and prayed that there would be some kind of medical break through in technology (some new miracle drug), that would solve all their Crohn's problems, but sadly, it never came to be. Sometimes Crohn's patients were even ridiculed and looked down upon by some traditional medical professionals for even asking for healthier alternatives, or holistic ways of treating their Crohn's.

Thankfully over the past decade or so, a different kind of break through occurred that impacted the world of medicine, the drastic advances in computer technology, resulting not only in the increase of power and sophistication of personal computers but their accompanying ease of use ushered in by of the internet. Since then, Internet site alternatives (like Web MD and many others), have popped up and prospered, offering millions of Crohn's disease sufferers now the vital information they so badly needed in order to seek out and bettor understand their condition and available treatment options. With the rise of internet technology, came also the availability of internet blogs, chat rooms, forums, and online medical journals, making laymen even bettor informed than in earlier years. From such venues, I have discovered holistic natural treatments I never knew existed, like papaya, Aloe Juice, Slippery Elm, Cats Claw, the SCD Diet, L Glutamine, and powerful anti-oxidants/anti-inflammatory agents like OPC-3, and pycnogenol now available online for Crohn's people to try. Not only is it now more convenient to research this stuff, but you can also arrange to buy it online and have it shipped within a few days, in some cases free, to your very doorstep.

I must mention though, even with all the abundant information on holistic alternatives on the internet these days and all the possible choices it opens up to Crohn's sufferers, it still is imperative to seek out the advice of a skilled yet open minded licensed and board certified gastroenterologist, adequately schooled in the digestive system before proceeding in trying anything new. Though the chance of natural supplements reacting with currently prescribed medicines already being taken or causing an allergic reaction with you is not great, it still is it is only prudent to check it out first with a licensed and board certified professional.

I've suffered myself from a brutal form of Crohn's Disease (specifically Ileitis) for a period of 39 years. At the time I contracted Crohn's, little was know of the disease at all, regarding its diagnose and treatment possibilities. After suffering through the Jr. high School and Sr. high school years, and early college, unaware of what the ailment I had was, finally after all the physical and emotional anguish, my condition eventually came to a head in the spring of 1971. It was then that I had a blockage leading to a completion perforation of my intestine, the part connecting to my small bowel (Iliem). The life saving emergency surgery I had, was particularly serious, resulting in the loss of several feet of my intestines and a re-sectioning of my small bowel. However, with the Lord's help and very capable surgeon, I did pull through, and without the need for a colostomy bag. Since then, I have always felt close to other people experiencing Crohn's or other related autoimmune disease/digestive disorders like IBD, or Colitis, wherever they may be. For those out there feeling lost and alone (like I was), suffering from one of these diseases, hopefully this information will give you the tools you need to get the support and help you need in both the medical and patient help support community.

Relieve the Pain and discomfort of Fibromyalgia with a highly effective course of treatment that will leave you feeling less pain, more capable of dealing with your tiredness, improves your quality of life and allows you to sleep better.

In recent clinical research, Craniosacral Therapy, widely recognised as a highly effective way to treat baby colic, sleeping problems and feeding issues, was shown to vastly improve the lives of a group of Fibromyalgia patients.

The group was treated for a 25 week period and then followed up after 6 months and one year. Throughout the period of treatment and afterwards the patients reported sleeping better, having a much improved quality of life and being in considerably less pain.

Even a year after the end of the treatment period people still felt better than a year and a half earlier before they started the course, and were sleeping better.

The conclusion of the research is that Craniosacral Therapy should be used as a complementary form of treatment in addition to other forms of treatment and drugs given to clients. The research paper can be accessed here

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands on form of manual therapy which releases tensions and strictures in and around the nervous system. This improves the working of the nerves of your brain and spine and so allows the rest of your body to function better, deal better with pain, feel more relaxed and allows your body's own healing mechanisms to help your body heal and mend itself.

Craniosacral therapy also releases lesions and strains in the layer of tissue called fascia. The fascia surrounds muscles and organs, as well as nerves, and can become strained and tense due to injury or infection. This can also be a cause of the muscle or body pain of Fibromyalgia and it is also this part of treatment which can have the greatest healing and pain relieving effect on sufferers.

If you have chronic pain, your body is trying to tell you something. Pain is simply a message that something is wrong. There are many natural remedies to treat pain. If you use natural remedies, you will have fewer or no side effects and should be able to heal completely.

There are several reasons why your body cannot heal completely. In order to heal well, you need to have all the vitamins, enzymes and minerals your body needs to function normally. Your body needs these raw materials to make the chemicals it uses to heal you and maintain health.

Magnesium is a good example of a nutrient that can treat a lot of ailments. It is estimated that 80 percent of Americans do not have enough magnesium. We do not get enough of it in our diets and we also flush it out of our systems when we drink soft drinks. Phosphoric acid is in most soft drinks. Your body has to buffer this acid to protect you from damage to your tissues. It uses minerals to do this.

If you have a magnesium deficiency, you are very prone to having chronic inflammation and tight muscles. The muscles use magnesium to relax. If you do not have enough, your muscles will be too tight. Tight muscles can cause pain in any part of your body. Migraine headaches are a common result of a magnesium deficiency.

Systemic enzymes are a good supplement to take for pain. They work for pain and inflammation anywhere in your body. Your body makes its own enzymes to digest your food and treat damaged tissue. Enzymes are used to dissolve things. They dissolve your food and they dissolve tissue that has been damaged by trauma. That is why they are so effective to treat pain. They are natural to your body, have no side effects and can be used to treat many health problems.

Bromelain is a good example of an enzyme being used for inflammation. It is derived from pineapples. If you eat raw pineapple, you might have an irritated tongue. Your tongue is irritated because the Bromelain in the pineapple has started to dissolve the coating on it. That makes it irritated. Bromelain is fast acting. It is best to take it on an empty stomach. When you take enzymes on an empty stomach, they can go into your bloodstream and heal inflammation. Pineapple in cans has been boiled and is not useful to relieve pain.

Acupuncture is also very effective for chronic pain. It works by improving circulation and relaxing tight muscles that are putting pressure on nerves. In Chinese medicine theory, if you have pain, you have blocked circulation. If you have no blockages, you have no pain. It is as simple as that. You do not have to wait until you are in pain to get acupuncture. When you get acupuncture, your circulation is greatly improved as well as your energy levels. If you have a healthy energy level, you are less likely to have a blockage.

Chronic pain is complicated. It is important to take all the appropriate vitamins and minerals your body needs to function well. Supplements like Bromelain and magnesium can go a long way to treat many cases of chronic pain. If you combine this with the right nutrients, you will have a good chance of staying pain free.

Irritable Bowel Medication Used in Drug Therapy

When speaking about drug therapy for IBS, it is worth mentioning that this therapy is used in cases of moderate to severe IBS patients, those who have been recommended changes in the food they eat and given other medical councils, but with no, or little effect.

In spite of the fact that in the past the first stage treatment for IBS was intended to deal with the main symptom, now there are several therapies that shown their efficiency in dealing with multiple symptoms.

1. Laxative

The first step in approaching the IBS traditionally is dietary fiber. This is part of a group of irritable bowel medication called laxatives. Apart from the dietary fiber, there are other three types of laxatives that are used in case the first doesn't have the expected effect.

This type of IBS medication is used in progressively in an attempt to find a solution for the specific IBS symptoms that a patient might show.

2. Anticholinergic/Antispasmodic agents

If laxatives prove inefficient to fight IBS, then the physician uses a second group of irritable bowel medication called antispasmodic agents. The problem with this type of IBS medication is that there are no significant results in the general population, and also, those have shown some little effect are not available in USA.

3. Antidiarrheal agents

For IBS patients suffering from diarrhea, a GI doctor would next use as irritable bowel medication antidiarrhea agents. The downside of this method is that it doesn't eliminate abdominal pain and it causes constipation.

4. Antidepressant medications

Considering that the gut flora and motility is influenced by antidepressant medications, the medical procedure uses this type of irritable bowel medication. In addition to that, IBS is often present when psychological issues may be involved.

This way can be relived abdominal pain.

5. New serotonin agents

Due to the new research results, now is used another type of irritable bowel medication. These newer drugs have proved to be efficient by high standard clinical tests. We will mention two of these irritable bowel medications that act on serotonin receptors in the body.

Serotonin (5-HT) has an important role for the bowel function. That is why it is used as an irritable bowel medication..

There are several drugs that include serotonin, but the most known are:

• Alosetron ( Lotronex), which is used for IBS patients with diarrhea, and
  
  
  


• Tegaserod (Zelnorm), which is used when the IBS patients present constipation symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis surgery involves removing all or part of the colon, which includes the large intestine and rectum. Ulcerative colitis surgery is the only known cure for the disease, but it can often be controlled with medication and complimentary treatment programs including botanicals, vitamins, dietary changes and chiropractic therapy. There is no specific diet for someone with ulcerative colitis. Experts and healthcare professionals as well as those who suffer from the disease do not always agree on what foods to include in or exclude from a diet for someone with ulcerative colitis.

In an effort to delay or negate the necessity for ulcerative colitis surgery, many patients look for alternative and supplemental treatments. Some are unhappy with the side effects associated with their prescription medications, but even those who do research concerning alternative treatments do not recommend that anyone stop taking their medicine. It is important to control the disease. A special diet for someone with ulcerative colitis may not be enough. If symptoms are mild, then natural remedies and dietary changes may be effective, but it is a chronic disease, meaning it has a tendency to flare up again and again overtime. For this reason counseling and support groups are often recommended before and after ulcerative colitis surgery. Chronic diseases often lead to depression and/or anxiety. Anxiety can aggravate symptoms of the disease.

A diet for someone with ulcerative colitis should be well-balanced, on this point everyone agrees. Frequent diarrhea may prevent the body from being able to use essential nutrients. Frequent bleeding may lead to anemia. Vitamin supplementation, particularly with Vitamins D and B12, should be added to the diet for someone with ulcerative colitis. When symptoms are severe and cannot be controlled with medication or if the colon becomes so inflamed that perforation is a possibility, the only real option is ulcerative colitis surgery.

Foods to include in or exclude from a diet for someone with ulcerative colitis is a point on which there is little agreement. Some experts suggest that nuts, meats and eggs should be excluded while others say to include these foods. The best way to find an effective diet for someone with ulcerative colitis is to record what foods cause flare-ups and avoid those foods. A well balanced diet is one that includes a combination of fresh foods, salt and preservatives may aggravate symptoms. Products containing caffeine, sugar and other things that may have a laxative effect should be avoided. Alcohol and cigarette smoking should be avoided.

A special diet for someone with ulcerative colitis may not exist, but there are many diets that individuals have found effective. Eliminating certain foods from the diet may seem restrictive, but may help delay the need for ulcerative colitis surgery.

We may often have symptoms that we don't necessarily want to go to a doctor for. This is a list of some of the most common ailments. Once you identify the possible cause to your ailment, the most important question you need to ask yourself, and perhaps your doctor, who may not readily provide the information, is what caused the ailment, and instead of simply covering the symptom with a drug, get help on how to deal with the actual root cause of the problem. Don't just take a drug for it, as most medical problems can be cured without them, contrary to popular belief.

For example, if you have high blood pressure, please don't just take the medication your doctor prescribes for you, because what he prescribes for you may very well lead to other medical issues. Instead, high blood pressure can be remedied very fast by exercising the right amount, and changing your diet (and I don't only mean eliminating salt).

Abdominal pain and cramping - possible causes:

• 
  Across the abdomen: bladder or kidney disorder, pelvic inflammatory disease, premenstrual syndrome, uterine prolapse


• 
  Around the belly button: appendix, gas, constipation


• 
  Lower left side: colitis, crohn's disease, diarrhoea, diverticulitis, lactose intolerance, ovarian cyst, regional enteritis, uterine fibroids or polyps


• 
  Lower right side: acute appendicitis, colitis, crohn's disease, uterine fibroids or polyps


• 
  Upper left side: food allergies, heartburn, hiatal hernia, IBS, peptic ulcer


• 
  Upper right side of rib cage: liver or gallbladder issues


• 
  Any location: endometriosis, food poisoning, internal injury, indigestion, miscarriage, stress

Back pain: aortic aneurysm, arthritis, awkward sleeping or sitting position, cancer, disk disease, endometriosis, gallbladder problems, heart attack, incorrectly lifting, injury, kidney disease, lack of exercise, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, obesity, osteoporosis, paget's disease of bone, pelvic inflammatory disease, peptic ulcer, pneumonia, poor posture, pregnancy, scoliosis, spinal tumour, sprain, strained muscle and/or ligament, urinary tract infection, uterine fibroids

General body aches and pains: arthritis, infection, influenza, lupus, lyme disease, overexertion

Gas and/or frequent burping: allergies, candidiasis, digestive problems, gallbladder disorders, intestinal obstruction, intestinal parasites, IBS, lactose intolerance, stomach acid deficiency, swallowing air

Persistent headaches: allergies, asthma, brain tumour, cluster headaches, drug reaction, eyestrain, glaucoma, high blood pressure, migraine, sinusitis, stress, vitamin deficiency

Irritability, mood swings: alcohol or drug abuse, alzheimer's disease, anxiety, brain tumour, depression, diabetes, drug reactions, excessive sugar intake, food allergies, hormonal imbalance, hyperthyroidism hypoglycaemia, hypothyroidism, menopause, nutritional deficiencies, premenstrual syndrome, schizophrenia, stress, stroke, virtually any chronic or disabling illness

Muscle cramps: arthritis, calcium, magnesium, and/or potassium deficiency, dehydration, diabetes, hypothyroidism, injury, overuse, poor circulation

Frequent urination: alcohol or caffeine consumption, bladder infection, cancer, cushing's syndrome, diabetes, drug reaction, excessive liquid intake, kidney or bladder stones, pregnancy, prostatitis

Weight gain: aging, congestive heart failure, depression, diabetes, drug reaction, edema, hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, lack of exercise, overeating, poor diet

Weight loss: aging, AIDS, alzheimer's disease, anorexia nervosa, cancer, chronic infection, depression, diabetes, hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption syndrome, mononucleosis, parkinson's disease, stress, tuberculosis

Neck pain or stiffness: allergies, awkward sleeping position, disk disease, fibromyalgia, injury, meningitis, strained muscle and/or ligament, stress

In all honesty, if you are looking for root causes for the above, most of them can be traced back to the food we consume. It is not a well-known fact, and I am sure it is not a well-known fact simply because the pharmaceutical companies would start having major drops in their profits - and they can not allow that, can they?

For instance, most of the cancers can be linked back to a consumption of too much meat, and / or dairy. In the most substantial nutritional research ever conducted over a 20 year period (see The China Study), Dr Colin Campbell and his team examined mortality rates, diets, and lifestyles of 6,500 people in 65 rural counties in China, and concluded that people with a high consumption of animal-based foods were more likely to suffer chronic disease, while those who ate a plant-based diet were the least likely.

Further to this, the book - based on the study - provides eight principles of food and health:

1. 
   Nutrition represents the combined activities of countless food substances.


2. 
   Vitamin supplements do not guarantee good health.


3. 
   There are virtually no nutrients in animal-based foods that are not better provided by plants.


4. 
   Contrary to popular belief, genes do not determine disease on their own. Genes function only by being activated, or expressed, and nutrition plays a critical role in determining which genes, good and bad, are expressed.


5. 
   Nutrition can substantially control the adverse effects of noxious chemicals.


6. 
   The same nutrition that prevents disease in its early stages can also halt or reverse it in its later stages (what great news!)


7. 
   Nutrition that is truly beneficial for one chronic disease will support health for the other bodily functions.


8. 
   Good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence. All parts are interconnected.

Let's stop simply taking the medical drugs our doctors prescribe for us, and take control of our health back in better ways that do not simply favour the pockets of the pharmaceutical companies we are so quick to nurture with our money.

Ask your doctor for natural ways of combatting illness and disease.

There are several different treatments for leaky gut syndrome but they can be split into three different categories. While most doctors would prescribe pharmaceutical cures and treatments, these are not recommended due to their effects on the body and the side effects that might be felt.

Two recommended treatments for leaky gut are homeopathic and diet based - both of these cures are not only more gentle for your body, but being natural have less unfortunate side effects.

Herbal Homeopathic Cures

There are several different herbs that can be taken to treat leaky gut syndrome. In fact many of these herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat gastrointestinal problems and they have been extremely effective.

The four suggested herbs for the treatment of leaky gut syndrome are slippery elm, marshmallow root, echinacea and goldenseal. Slippery elm and marshmallow root are especially effective in treating digestive issues and slippery elm forms a coating to sooth irritated throats, stomachs, and intestines. This coating serves to protect the intestinal lining and helps deal with the irritation being experienced.

Echinacea is an extremely powerful herb that has been used for centuries in the treatment of a variety of ailments and illnesses, and while it does not specifically target the digestive system, it helps to build up the body's own defenses better enabling them to deal with the issues and problems leading to the irritation in the intestines.

Herbal Teas

As one of the leading causes of leaky gut syndrome is stress, herbal teas are especially effective in dealing with this illness. The simple act of drinking tea is a natural way to relax and unwind and there are two main teas that are recommended to help deal with the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome.

Peppermint Tea - Peppermint tea not only calms the stomach but also acts as an antiseptic as it promotes the flow of bile in your system. This tea works to help fight infection and is especially effective.

Chamomile Tea - Chamomile tea is has been used for centuries to treat stomach issues and is a very good treatment for relieving symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome such as excessive gas, bloating, cramping and pain.

Diet

One of the causes of leaking gut syndrome is the food that you ingest. As your body struggles to deal with foreign bodies and toxins, the autoimmune system creates antibodies to fight the invaders. With continued exposure to toxic substances, the autoimmune system can become overwhelmed and start to irritate and inflame the intestines themselves. The best cure for treating leaky gut syndrome in this instance is changes to your diet. By removing specific fruits and vegetables from your diet over a period of 30 days, your body is able to recuperate and recover from the ravages of leaky gut syndrome. After 30 days you should gradually start reintroducing foods back into your diet, giving yourself three days between each new foodstuff so that you can track any changes or issues appropriately.

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of mobility issues for many people. An estimated 35 million North Americans suffer from this condition. If you are affected with this condition, you may be aware that it can cause great pain, discomfort, lack of mobility and a lower quality of life. While there are many synthetic drugs to fight your arthritis, you might be interested to know that there are natural ways to fight this disease. Let's take a look at aloe vera and arthritis and how it is used as a natural remedy for pain.

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disorder. This is a term that describes over 100 medical conditions. The most common forms are osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. This disease causes inflammation in your joints and can be due to a variety of things. This ranges from age, weight, genetics, previous injuries and certain illnesses.

If you suspect that you have arthritis, you may have had some of the following symptoms:

• persistent joint pain


• pain or tenderness in a joint, which gets worse with movement or activity


• inflammation caused by joint swelling, stiffness, redness and or warmth


• unexplained weight loss


• extreme tiredness or weakness


• crepitus - this is described as a crackling or grating feeling or sound under your skin, around your lungs or in your joints

Aloe vera has been shown to successfully repair damaged tissue by regenerating cells. Because of it's anti inflammatory properties, regular use of aloe can help reduce the painful swelling of arthritis.

Aloe Vera As A Treatment
To apply aloe cream or gel, clean the skin over the affected joint and apply the cream or gel topically. Gently massage it in for 20 seconds and repeat the procedure. For severely inflamed joints, the process can be repeated every 4 hours. For chronic joint pain, you may apply it 4 times a day.

To take aloe vera internally, in the form of juice, the dosage can vary from 20-30 ml 3 times a day. For conditions that have a longer duration of pain, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dosage can vary from 20-50 ml twice a day. It can take up to 2-3 months to notice the beneficial effects. It's also important to note that the results can be different from person to person.

Arthritis can be an uncomfortable and debilitating disease. You may want to consider a natural remedy for pain management and treat your condition with aloe vera. One of the reasons is that traditional medicines can come with their own side effects. Aloe vera has none.

Foods may cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms: In the U.S., most doctors have been, and continue to be, skeptical that foods cause symptoms of (IBS) and elimination of specific foods can improve these symptoms. This is despite almost 70% of people diagnosed as having IBS reporting symptoms related to specific foods. There is accumulating evidence, though still criticized because of limitations of studies that make it difficult to prove, that specific foods may be the cause of symptoms in many people labeled as having IBS.

Food intolerance testing and elimination diet based on IgG antibodies may be beneficial: Atkinson et.al. (Gut, 2004) randomized people to either an elimination diet based on elevated IgG antibody levels (YorkTest Laboratories) for specific foods or a sham diet. Those who avoided specific foods based on their IgG antibody tests had improvement in IBS symptoms (10-26% reduction) and global rating of quality of life significantly improved. Re-introducing foods for which they tested positive resulted in worsening. Zar et.al. (Am J Gastro, 2005) reported significant improvement of IBS symptoms such as pain, bloating, and alterations in bowel habits based on six month elimination of elevated food-specific IgG4 antibodies in 25 people.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is very commonly diagnosed in adults: No diagnostic tests can confirm IBS. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is a syndrome, that is, a collection of symptoms that cannot be explained by other diseases resulting in the diagnosis of IBS. Common missed diagnoses that are blamed on IBS include lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance, colitis, Crohn's disease, parasite infections such as giardia, bacterial overgrowth in the intestine or alterations in gut bacteria levels and types (dysbiosis), food allergies, food intolerance, and food hypersensitivity.

Celiac disease, colitis and Crohn's disease should be excluded before diagnosing IBS: Celiac disease, colitis and Crohn's disease can be diagnosed or excluded by blood tests, stool tests, and biopsies of the intestine. Food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity are not only more difficult to confirm or exclude but frequently missed because of limitations of blood tests, stool tests, allergy skin tests and biopsies. Adverse food reactions have to be considered as a potential cause of the symptoms attributed to IBS.

There are common foods that cause adverse food reactions: Common foods reported by IBS sufferers, whose symptoms improve with elimination, are wheat, barley, and rye (gluten); dairy including cow's milk protein (casein) and/or lactose (milk sugar); the legumes (peanut) and soy; yeast used to bake or brew foods; corn; shellfish and fish; nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, and walnut); fruits (apple, orange, and strawberry); vegetables (celery, cabbage, and lettuce); the meats (pork, beef, and chicken); and nightshades (potato and tomato).

Individual specific and food-specific elimination diets are based on a variety of tests and a food-symptom diet diary: Elimination diets based on the common foods causing allergic reactions and non-allergic food reactions have been used for quite some time and are often prescribed with or without a food symptom diet diary. Interestingly, to my knowledge, no one has looked at approaching these people and their adverse food reactions individually, based on tests for Celiac disease, gluten intolerance or sensitivity (elevated blood gliadin IgA or IgG antibodies and/or stool gliadin IgA antibody without diagnostic blood tests or biopsy for Celiac), casein intolerance (stool IgA anti-casein antibody or blood IgG antibody), oral allergy syndrome (OAS) history and thorough food allergy testing (skin prick testing, IgE RAST or CAP RAST tests, intradermal skin testing or patch skin testing).

Specific food elimination diet trials based on such information (see the table at www.thefooddoc.com) has been helpful in my experience. Food-pollen cross reaction in OAS is well documented. A diet symptom diary combined with specific food elimination based on results of food allergy tests, food intolerance of food sensitivity tests, and known pollen allergies should be considered as a possible approach to elimination diet. This should not exclude evaluation for and treatment of established Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, dysbiosis, colitis or Crohn's disease.

Bibliography

Atkinson W, Sheldon TA, Shaath N, Whorwell PJ. Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled study. Gut 2004;53:1459-1464.

Choung RS, Talley NJ. Food allergy and intolerance in IBS. Gastroenterology & Hepatology October 2006;2(10):757-760.

Zar S, Benson MJ, Kumar D. Food-specific serum IgG4 and IgE titers to common food antigens in irritable bowel syndrome. American Journal Gastroenterology 2005;100:1550-1557.

Zar S, Mincher L, Benson MJ, Kumar D. Food-specific IgG4 antibody guided exclusion diet improves symptoms and rectal compliance in irritable bowel syndrome. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. 2005;40:800-807.

Suffering from the irratable bowel syndrome can be very annoying. The IBS is a gastro intestinal condition that manifests through episodes of diarrhea and/or constipation, associated with acute abdominal pain. Medics find it quite difficult to set up a diagnosis as there is no apparent cause and the symptoms can be associated with a series of other gastro intestinal conditions.

People between 20 and 30 years old are more affected by this disorder and studies have shown that women present these symptoms twice as often as men do. There are four main types of manifestation of the condition: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and diarrheic episodes alternating with constipation. Between 10% and 20% of all the people in the U.S. suffer from the irratable bowel syndrome. However, specialist believe that the incidence rate is actually higher that the official numbers, as many people try to self-medicate or believe that they suffer from other affections and do not consult a medic.

Medics also refer to the irratable bowel syndrome as spastic colon, spastic colitis, nervous diarrhea, nervous colon or nervous bowel. However this condition should be distinguished among other gastro intestinal disease called "colitis, such as ulcerative colitis (colitis describes the inflammation of the colon, whereas the colon is not inflamed in people suffering from irratable bowel syndrome).

There are several symptoms depending on the person and the actual cause, but the main ones are abdominal pain and occasional diarrhea, often alternating with constipation. The person suffering from IBS may feel bloated, full, as the digested food travels at an abnormal rate through the intestines. Sometimes the person may witness abdominal swelling or tenderness. Anxiety can be another symptom associated with the condition, as the person is aware of the gastro intestinal problem and he gets annoyed.

The movement of the digested food and fecal material through the intestines and the colon is dictated by a series of rhythmical muscular contractions (the medical term for these actions is peristalsis). When a person is suffering from the irratable bowel syndrome, the peristalsis is more frequent, thus leading to a noisier and abnormal bowel activity. That is what causes the discomfort of the IBS and what may determine people to be embarrassed with these symptoms.

Abdominal pain is another frequent symptom and it appears mostly in the lower left corner of the abdomen. Going to the toilet can relieve pain associated with this condition.
Also, there may be traces of white mucus in the sufferer's stool sample.

Other symptoms include burping, bad breath caused by an abnormal digestive activity, gas production, nausea and headache. It is important to go the doctor if you witness any of the above syndromes in order to have the proper medication prescribed.