Colitis Treatment Information

Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic disease, is characterized by inflammation or swelling of skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis). It features patchy, red areas of human skin with inflammation and scaling. Psoriasis frequently affects the tips of our elbows and knees, the scalp, around the genital areas and the navel. Approximately 30% of patients who get psoriasis also develop an inflammation of joints. And patients having inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis are mostly diagnosed for having psoriatic arthritis.

The beginning of psoriatic arthritis is generally found in the fourth and fifth decade of human life. Gents and ladies are equally affected. The skin disease and the arthritis often appear separate. In fact, the psoriasis precedes the joint disease in about 80% of patients. But sometimes the arthritis also precedes the psoriasis in 15% of patients. In some people, the diagnosis of this arthritis may become difficult if the joint disease precedes psoriasis by long years. In fact, some patients have arthritis for more than 20 years before psoriasis actually appears! But also, patients have psoriasis for more than 20 years prior to arthritis development, leading to the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is nothing but a systemic rheumatic disease that can cause inflammation in body tissues other than the skin, such as in eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys. It shares several other arthritic conditions, like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis (formerly known as Reiter's syndrome), and also arthritis associated along with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. All these conditions may cause inflammation or swelling in the spine and other joints also, and the eyes, mouth, skin, and various other organs. According to their similarities and tendency to give rise to inflammation of spine, these conditions are conjointly called as "spondyloarthropathies."

Genetic problems, disorder in immune system as well as atmospheric changes are the most important causes of this disease. In patients with the above cited disease who have arthritis of spine, a gene named HLA-B27 is frequently found. Blood testing is now available to test this. Several others are also found to be more common in patients with this arthritis. Some changes in immune system may be important sometimes in its development. For example, the decline in the number of helper T cells in AIDS patients plays a role in the development and progression of the disease psoriasis in patients. Now-a-days the importance of these infectious agents and also other environmental factors in the cause of this arthritis is investigated by researchers.

Pustular psoriasis is also one of the several types of psoriasis which causes parts of our skin to redden, expand and covered by pus-filled blisters called as pustules. There are also several subtypes of this psoriasis. It may stay confined to small areas of patients' body; some times, just on the palms of our hands, the soles of our feet, or the fingers and toes are harmed and this is called the focal form of this disease. But It also can cover larger areas of the body as well. The generalized form which is also called as von Zumbusch psoriasis is more serious, and this form can also be fatal. For its cure we have to follow the same steps as in normal psoriasis like, reducing stress, smoking, drinking and dealing a healthy life. Its treatment also follows the three processes that are, topical, light therapy and systemic.

For anybody that has dealt with the effects of ulcerative colitis, they know that it can one of the most painful and difficult medical situations to deal with.

Despite the fact that the discomfort may feel like it comes from the intestine, it's actually a breakdown in how the immune system is working. Small organisms that actually help the body with digestion are attacked by an over-vigilant autoimmune system--thereby causing pain.

At some point, if you've experienced the painful symptoms of this condition, you've probably considered surgery--and wondered if it could help you.

Here are some tips to both learn more about this procedure and decide whether it's the right thing for you.

Tip No. 1: Don't Just Get One Opinion

Many people who believe they suffer from ulcerative colitis may actually be suffering from Crohn's disease. Though both have similar symptoms--and both affect generally the same area of the body--they do have some major differences.

The biggest difference is that colitis affects a specific area of the small intestine, while Crohn's afflicts the entire intestinal tract. Because colitis affects such a specific area it makes it a great candidate for surgery.

Because they can both be difficult to diagnose be sure to get numerous medical opinions to certify that ulcerative colitis surgery will benefit you.

Tip No. 2: Exhaust All Options

It's true that ulcerative colitis surgery can provide immediate benefit to sufferers of the disease. Still there are serious consequence from such a procedure, namely the fact that you will probably not have a normal bowel movement again.

Considering this, it's a good idea to try every non-surgical remedy available to you. This includes:

Anti-inflammatories: These include medications like ibuprofen can reduce painful swelling.

Immunosuppresives: Can interrupt the internal damage the body is doing to itself.

Diet: Some people have found dramatic relief by changing their diet.

Tip No. 3: What Kind of Surgery Do You Need?

If nothing seems to have worked then surgery may be the next logical step to bring back a pain-free life.

Generally the procedure comes in 2 forms: small and large intestine.

With the small intestine, diet will have to change but prognosis is usually good for reducing pain permanently.

With the large intestine, it's more of a dramatic event to the body and may require more recovery. But it will be worth it for the relief of pain you'll feel.

Be sure to counsel your doctor that you want to keep as much intestine as possible. This will help you lead a normal, pain-free life. Which is the goal, isn't it?

What are your worst candida symptoms? My major complaints, or what led me to discover candida as a problem, were IBS (constipation and gas that wouldn't leave) and yeast infections. Through proper diet and supplements, I am now able to control it. However, that was some years ago, and while I have fallen off the wagon several times, I have moved on from "self-prescribing," to a naturopath/MD, to finally now a doctor of functional medicine.

I realize IBS was just a tip of the iceberg and these many other symptoms/conditions I have are in someway related to an imbalance of intestinal flora: lupus, fibromyalgia, headaches (used to be sinus infections 3+ times a year, but now that has been corrected and I got 1 simple one last year due to 2 weeks of raining/flooding), elevated levels of antibodies for EBV and HSV1, hypothyroidism, leg spasms, bruising, insomnia, a dark toenail fungus, and I'm sure there are more.

I had major shortness of breath, too. I am anemic and have been on iron picoliate for over a month, and that might be the cause for it. The shortness of breath has improved tremendously with also the anti-candida diet.

My friend's major symptoms are depression, IBS turned into ulcerative colitis, sleep problems, Fibromyalgia, hypothyroid, eczema, dry skin, headaches, sinus infections, bronchitis, allergies, weight gain, and tired always. Along with all of the doctors he saw, he used to think these were all unrelated, but he knows now it is candida. Then, he went to a Chinese doctor for acupuncture, muscle stimulation, strict diet, and supplements. Gradually, he is starting to feel better the last month.

Cancers arising in the colon and rectum are called colon cancer or colorectal cancer, and are usually believed to have developed from polyps. Colon cancer is very common in the Western world but is rare in Asia and Africa. Diets high in fat are believed to predispose humans to colorectal cancer whereas diets high in vegetable and high fiber foods help reduce the risk. Ulcerative colitis highly increases the risk for colon cancer. Genetic factors are also an important risk factor in this disease. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, anemia, breathlessness, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps and bloating. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the standard line of treatment for this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of colorectal cancer is aimed at treating the main cancer, preventing or reducing its spread to other parts of the body and improving overall survival. Medicines used in this condition are: Arogya-Vardhini, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha, Panchamrut-Parpati and Saarivasav. Medicines which act on the 'Ratka' and 'Mansa' dhatus (tissues) are useful in this condition. These include medicines like Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Triphala (Three fruits), Nimba (Azadirachta indica) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica). Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Triphala (Three fruits), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) and Dashmool (Ten roots) are also very useful in this condition.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Suvarna-Parpati, Abhrak Bhasma and Heerak Bhasma are used to improve the immune status of the body.

Treatment needs to be taken for prolonged period to get good results. In combination with modern therapy, Ayurvedic treatment can reduce the tumor size, prevent or reduce the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, improve the immune status of the body and prolong survival. All patients need to be under the regular care and supervision of an Oncology team.

Chances are every dog owner has had to deal with some bouts of canine diarrhea. At times, though, the condition can seem to last longer than a day or two, which may be a sign of something more significant. Just like humans, dogs can develop an irritable bowel condition known as colitis.

In the simplest terms, colitis is an inflammation of the colon, which causes persistent (and sometimes painful) diarrhea. For some dogs, this may be an actual irritable bowel syndrome that may require medication. For other dogs, simple changes to the diet can relieve the symptoms.

There are many causes of colitis, both acute (which may resolve in 1-3 weeks) and chronic (which could be there for life). Whipworms, bacteria, fungi, and diet are all perpetrators. Allergies can also play a role, so it's good to have your dog tested.

For most dogs, antibiotics and a change in diet can help. The most common diet remedy is to feed your dog a hamburger and rice diet - 2 parts rice to 1 part hamburger. Vets call this a "bland diet." It soothes your dog's stomach and keeps it away from some of the grains and fillers that are in store-bought dog food, which can sometimes cause digestive issues with your pooch.

It's important to note, though, that the diet remedy will not help to prevent your dog from having continued trouble with colitis.

When my dog had her first problems with colitis, the vet had me put her on antibiotics for a week and a bland diet for two weeks. This did work, but within a month, she was having more diarrhea. If you find yourself in a similar position, consider putting your dog on probiotics.

One of the problems dogs face is that diarrhea from colitis will also flush the good bacteria from your dog's digestive tract. Giving your dog probiotics will restore that good bacteria to your dog's system, giving it the ability to fight off any future inflammations.

As always, you should consult with a vet before doing anything, but I have found that Purina's Fortiflora works exceptionally well. It's simply a packet of powder each morning. Since my dog has been on the probiotics, she has not had any trouble with colitis or diarrhea. In fact, she seems to enjoy the powder, as it's not unusual for her to lick the food pieces with the powder first.

Anything you can do to help your dog's digestive system is certainly much appreciated by your canine companion. My dog is healthier and happier now.

Crohn's Disease and Colitis are chronic conditions. At present, there is no cure, but sufferers can manage (and even eliminate) their symptoms. Yet there is much confusion out there about these diseases. It helps if everyone knows the facts.

Clearing Up the Confusion

Understanding your Condition

It is vital that patients understand their condition. Often Crohn's Disease and Colitis patients do not want to talk about their condition - even with their doctors. Both diseases come with uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach pain.

Sometimes sufferers would sooner sweep the symptoms under the rug than bring up a discussion about them. Yet patients need to be as informed as possible about their condition. Indeed, they should keep up to date about the latest developments in this area of medicine.

Get the Facts

Do not believe everything you hear about Crohn's Disease and Colitis - unless it comes from a trusted source. Your medical professional trained in dealing Crohn's Disease and Colitis is your best source of information. Not only do they have the professional knowledge but they knows about a patient's health relative to Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

Everyone is not affected in the same way by these conditions. Symptoms can vary from person to person. Treatment regimes can also be customized to meet a patient's condition.

Controlling your Symptoms

Many people are confused about Crohn's Disease and Colitis. They think that there is no help for these conditions. Although there is no cure healing is possible, the symptoms can be controlled or healed and the patient can be in control.

When they know that they can manage or heal their symptoms, sufferers feel empowered and ready to face any challenge. Pay no attention to anyone who claims that you cannot do anything to help your disease. Check with your medical professional about ways to cope with these conditions or possibly heal them.

Some patients claim that a water fast, followed by a regular raw food diet, helped them to manage (and eliminate) their symptoms. Of course, nobody should take part in a water fast or make an extreme change to their diet without consulting their medical professionals. Yet researchers are studying the benefits of vitamin A for sufferers with Crohn's Disease and Colitis. The research has not reached completion.

Many patients say though that they do not feel well on the Western diet. It makes sense that the Western diet would not be good for people with both conditions. Keep in mind that the North American diet is heavy in processed foods, fats, and sugars.

Minding your Symptoms

When people spread the myth that Crohn's Disease and Colitis are at a minimum not manageable, they are spreading a false (and dangerous) story. The worst possible scenario for patients occurs if they feel hopeless about their conditions. If they do not seek treatment for the disease, the symptoms will just worsen over time.

The longer symptoms go untreated, the more damage can be afflicted on one's body. Untreated symptoms can lead to varied negative effects from blockages to organ damage. It is time to clear up the confusion. Get the facts about Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. The disease is also called granulomatous enteritis, colitis, regional enteritis, regional ileitis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis and it causes ulcerations of the small and large intestine. The disease can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but distinctively affects the terminal ileum as well as demarcated areas of large bowel. The disease is named after the American physician, Burrill Bernard Crohn (1884-1983), who described the disease in 1932.

Crohn's Disease Symptoms

Crohn's disease symptoms may include:

• Chronic diarrhea & disrupted digestion: It becomes difficult for the patients in the acute phase of the disease to eat and/or digest food.
  


• Painful and debilitating inflammation
  


• Fistulas of the colon
  


• Hemorrhoids
  


• Lipid absorption problems
  


• Anemia: Persistent rectal bleeding may lead to anemia.
  


• Bruising of the shins.
  


• Fever, pain and psychological damage in many cases
  


• Crohn's disease in children may cause delayed development and stunted growth.

Crohn's Disease Treatment

Crohn's disease treatment may include medication, surgery, dietary advice and Helminthic therapy (current research).

Medication Treatment

Acute treatment: steroids are used in the initial stages. Long-term steroid therapy is discouraged because of their side effects. Corticosteroids like prednisone are traditionally used medications. The side effects of steroids may include insulin resistance and frank diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), glaucoma, osteoporosis, severe psychological issues etc.

Chronic treatment (Steroid-sparing): The treatment may include Salicylates - 5-ASA derivates - 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®, Salazopyrin®), mesalamine (Pentasa®, Asacol®), olsalazine, and balsalazide. Immunomodulating drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate are given mainly in moderate-to-severe cases. Infliximab (brand name Remicade®) is given in patients with therapy-resistant or fistulating Crohn's. Adalimumab (brand name Humira®) has been used in patients who show allergic reaction to infliximab. The drugs like thalidomide are under study trials.

Surgery

In the case of widespread intractable Crohn's colitis, the colon and rectum (protocolectomy) are removed by the surgery ileostomy. Surgery is generally avoided, as this does not cure the disease. Crohns disease can recur at the site of the anastomosis or ileostomy.

Dietary Advice

Crohn's patients should avoid the following foods and liquids:

• Dairy foods
  


• High fiber foods should be avoided during flare-ups.
  


• Hot spicy foods
  


• Alcohol & caffeine
  


• Foods containing saturated fats, found in meat and dairy products. However some fats such as in fish oil may actually be helpful.
  


• Products containing corn or gluten, those made from wheat, oats, barley, or triticale
  


• Foods, such as soy, eggs, peanuts and tomatoes
  


• Gas-producing foods such as cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks
  


• Foods that may irritate the intestine (particularly the cabbage family vegetables)
  


• Simple sugars
  


• Dried fruits or high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, watermelon, or pineapple
  


• Sorbitol (an artificial sweetener)

Beneficial Foods:

• Fluids to keep the body hydrated and prevent constipation
  


• Fruits may be protective
  


• A high protein diet with lean meats

Advice:

• Eat small frequent meals
  


• Prebiotics such as psyllium may help in the healing process.
  


• Probiotics may also be helpful in aiding recovery of the intestines.

Recent studies have come up with a promising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis treatment. Helminthic therapy is a new treatment that has shown impressive results in clinical trials. It argues that the absence of intestinal worms (due primarily to higher hygiene standards) from the human intestinal tract may cause the immune system that is not evolutionary adapted to this condition, to over-react causing inflammation and other negative effects, and that reintroducing helminths through ingesting eggs of a certain species (which is not dangerous to humans) can help down regulate and normalize immune responses.

Helminthic therapy like the fecal bacterio therapy induces a characteristic TH2 white cell response in the diseased areas which seems to be the key in achieving and maintaining remission, and may prove to be of key significance in further research.

There are a diverse range of diseases that affect various areas of the digestive tract. Many of these conditions, grouped in the category of irritable bowel disease (IBD), are indistinguishable from other similar diseases like Crohn's Disease and Irritable Bowl Syndrome, thus, diagnosis is often a complicated and you must adopt a trial-and-error approach.

Colitis is a disease that results in the inflammation of the lining of the large intestine, or colon. Researchers have estimated that as many as two million people in the United States may suffer from colitis, many of them undiagnosed. The majority of cases manifest rather early in life - before the age of thirty - although it is not uncommon for people of any age to develop the disease. Research on colitis has revealed that prevalence is not affected by gender.

The disease can either be acute or chronic and results in ulcers being formed in the upper membrane layers of the colon. Colitis, like other forms of IBD, wreaks havoc on the digestive tract. When the colon becomes inflamed many of the cells die and this tissue death spurs the production of ulcers. Ulcers may bleed and generate pus leading to severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, painful abdominal sensations, reduced appetite, infections, fatigue, weight loss, and fever.

As is the case with other forms of IBD, the causes of colitis are shrouded in mystery. There are a number of competing theories as to the cause, but none have been proven as of yet. Since colitis is believed to be spurred through inflammation, many scientists point to infection as the leading cause. There is also some evidence that genetics and family connection plays a part. There is also research into colitis as potentially being related to an autoimmune response by the body. It appears that colitis may be triggered by the body attacking itself. Various bacterial, viral, and protozoan infections have also been bandied about as possible triggers of colitis. According to research, smokers are twice as likely to develop colitis then are non-smokers.

If left untreated, colitis can lead to severe medical problems. As stated previously, the diagnosis of colitis can be tricky since many forms of IBD may appear similar upon cursory examination. It can take some time to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Fortunately, even though the causes of colitis are not fully understood, there are treatments available for the disease. Treatment often varies due to the severity of the flare up. Colitis, like other forms of IBD, is usually treated via prescription drugs. In advanced cases, surgery to remove the colon may be required, and as of this time is the only cure.

It is important to remember that colitis is a disease that will affect each person differently. There is no standard procedure that can be followed for every case. Furthermore, the psychological ramifications from the disease cannot be ignored. Many people experience depression due to the impact of physical symptoms on quality of life. If you are suffering from colitis it is important to schedule regular medical visits to monitor the disease.

When being treated for colitis symptoms it is the norm to be prescribed steroids. These are powerful drugs used for the reduction of inflammation that is present in the large colon during the period of a flare up plus they also have the effect of suppressing the body's immune system. Whilst they are an effective treatment, the patient requires being aware of their effects on the body.

The use of steroids will be prescribed where the patient is suffering from moderate-to-severe colitis symptoms. It is important to realise and accept that there are no benefits to be had by the continual use of them as a form of maintaining periods of remission and thus the sufferer of colitis must be weaned off their use as soon as practically possible. They are either applied by way of an enema which has the benefit of ensuring the steroid, in this instance such as foam, gets to work on the inflammation immediately and has less influence on the rest of the body, or taken by mouth in the form of tablets several times per day.

To start with, the prescribed amount will be high so that the steroids strength can be built up rapidly in order to start the process of reducing the ulceration found on the colon walls and tempering the inflammation. Once this can be achieved, the symptoms will then start to subside. Once this has been achieved, the prescribed dosage will then be gradually reduced until the symptoms, such as bloodied stools and diarrhea have appeared to stop. Once this point is reached, the sufferer should not presume that all is well again and the use of the steroids can be ceased. The course of the medication requires to be finished and this can take up to two months after the symptoms have calmed down in order to be safely weaned off the medication and to ensure that the inflammation has been effectively reduced.

It is common knowledge that with the use of steroids, there is a risk of encountering side effects. This risk has to be balanced against the effective role that they play in bringing a colitis attack under control and achieving good health again. The short term side effects that will undoubtedly happen include gaining of weight, nausea, sleep loss, mood swings including perhaps coming over as irrational. Some longer term effects which do happen when suffering from a colitis attack include "mooning" of the face, appearance of acne, sweating, and distinctive change in personality. There are also conditions such as increased blood pressure and osteoporosis that should be looked out for if the prescribed medication is used for long periods then repeated as such over a period of years.

It is without doubt that the use of steroids for the effective reduction of colitis symptoms does bring benefits to the sufferer yet there does require being an awareness of the consequences of taking such medication. What drawbacks that can happen are, though, a small price to pay in order to bring welcome relief when faced with all that a colitis attack can throw at those that have been diagnosed with the disease.

This article will discuss about Candida and Ulcerative Colitis. I got an email from someone who wanted to share his condition. He said that he's suffered from candida and ulcerative colitis, although he thinks candida may be the cause of his UC. He is 24 years old and from the United Kingdom. He's suffered from UC without remission for 7 years and was considering surgery until he discovered that he had candida. He also discovered that it is the cause of many of his other symptoms including brain fog, sinus problems, indigestion, skin problems, anxiety and fatigue.

He started on an anti-fungal program and was 4 months into the program when his Colitis flared badly, and he had to go back onto steroids. His diet also suffered at that time and things haven't been right ever since. He believes he was doing one thing wrong when he flared; he wasn't colon cleansing so the toxins were building up rapidly especially when he was taking stronger anti-fungals (oreganos and lamisil).

He's having great difficulty coming off steroids. He's started an anti-fungal/diet programme again, but every time he took anti-fungals the yeast stormed back the next day, and he felt very tired during the morning. He thinks it's because his adrenals were having a hard time coping with the die-off. He was wondering if he might need to increase his dose of prednisolone from currently 1 mg to 2.5 mg so that he can get things moving with the anti-fungals and his adrenals could cope with the die-off. And it was the biggest mistake and regret when he went back onto steroids. At that time, he didn't understand what was happening and had no one who knew about his condition.

Crohn's disease typically impacts the very last section of the small intestine, but can also affect other locations in the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative Colitis affects just the large intestine ( colon ). Crohn's disease is a bit more common in women versus men. It is usually a persistent disorder, often called -inflammatory bowel disease. The condition will cause ulcers within the intestinal area and could be anywhere between the mouth area and rectum.

Symptoms Signs or symptoms of Crohn's disease include things like fever, low energy, abdominal and cramping pains, rectal bleeding, recurrent looseness of the bowels and lack of appetite which ultimately cause weight-loss and poor nutrition. As this is a persistent issue, which means it is continual, scar tissue formation can accumulate within the intestinal tract and even result in obstruction and may also bring about holes in the affected area, referred to as fistulas.

Cause of Crohn's Disease The factors that cause Crohn's disease aren't entirely understood. Nevertheless, the top features of the illness would suggest an autoimmune dysfunction. Although additional studies are necessary, the top present-day way of thinking is that the microorganisms within the intestinal tract get inadequate access into the intestinal wall, which activates an immune response against bordering tissue. What may cause Crohn's disease is often a fiercely argued and controversial subject. Many notions are plentiful about the sources of Crohn's disease. Some say it's a condition brought on by the body's very own defense mechanisms, while some feel it's a genetic issue. Others however, believe that dietary practices and inadequate nourishment, in fact, bring about the disease. Although, many more point to bacteria and fungi as the trigger.

Inflammation Crohn's disease brings about inflammation deep within the lining of the intestinal tract. Some studies have shown that present and past tobacco users have higher risk of developing Crohn's disease than non-smokers do. Among the individuals with the disease, tobacco is linked to a increased rate of relapse, repeat surgical procedures, and immuno-suppressive therapy. Why cigarette smoking raises the potential risk of Crohn's disease is not known. However, many theorists are convinced that cigarettes may decrease the intestine's defenses, reduce the circulation of blood to the intestines, or bring about the body's defense mechanism alterations that lead to inflammation.

Treatment Treatment may well include things like drug therapies, natural health supplements, surgical procedures, or a mixture of these options. The desired objectives of treatment approaches are to manage the inflammation and correct nutritional deficiencies. Treatment may help manage the condition by minimizing how frequently an individual experiences a recurrence, but it is said there no cure. Side effects of conventional medication for Crohn's It is crucial that an individual is aware that pharmaceutical medications have possible side effects.

Immune Modifiers The immune system modifiers work by suppressing the body's defense mechanism to minimize inflammation. Typical unwanted side effects include things like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, higher possibility of an infection, diminished white blood cell count, and liver deterioration. Anti-inflammatory prescription drug, including drugs like Infliximab, also have side effects. Infliximab suppresses the body's defense mechanism to allow it to control inflammation. By doing this, affected individuals encounter weakened immune systems which makes them susceptible to microbial infections and bacterial contamination including TB.

Alternative Treatment Method Unless of course, you've been hiding inside a cave over the past few years, you most likely are aware of the growth in the alternative health industry. With diminishing confidence in modern-day medicine, consumers are stepping into a virtual time machine and looking to solutions of earlier times for remedies of the future. Dealing with Crohn's disorders obviously is no exception.

Managing The Symptoms Side effects and additional complications that occur with Crohn's disease are the major objectives of most physicians and health care professionals. Precisely the same results however, can be obtained through the use of less hazardous, far more gentle compounds in the human body, as opposed to the generally approved prescription drugs. There are numerous herbal plants and herbal solutions which, rather effectively, respond to minimizing, and in many cases, eradication Crohn's disease symptoms and unwanted side effects.

There are distinctive differences between IBD and Inflammatory bowel syndrome. These differences also influence the course of treatment suggested by the doctors. In IBD, inflammation and ulcers are caused in the upper and lower intestines accompanied by extreme pain in the abdominal region. IBS is known by different names, like mucous colitis, spastic colitis, spastic colon, nervous diarrhea, and nervous stomach. IBD, on the other hand, can be characteristically segregated into 2 diseases, viz., Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and Crohn's Disease (CD).

IBS is related with some kind of disturbance in the bowel functioning. This gastrointestinal disorder is not really a disease; rather it reflects a collection of symptoms. The IBS symptoms would normally involve irregular bowel formation and functioning causing constipation, diarrhea, chromic abdominal pain / discomfort, etc. Individuals affected with IBS might have other functional irregularities like Fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pains, chronic fatigue symptoms, etc. Though IBS is also referred to as mucous colitis or spastic colitis by several people, those are not very accurate. When inflammation occurs in the large intestine (colon) it is referred to as colitis. But inflammation does not occur in IBS.

When examination of the colon is conducted, no diseases are indicated in IBS but definite signs are shown in Ulcerative colitis. The inflammations caused in IBD are very dangerous whereas the conditions in IBS are much less severe. Permanent damage to the upper and lower intestines does not happen in IBS. Neither is there any kind of intestinal bleeding. People affected with IBD or IBD-related gastrointestinal ailments are also prone to colon cancers. IBS treatment is much less intensive than that of IBD. In IBD, people might need surgeries or powerful medicines to reduce the pain.

Immunosuppressive medicines or steroids are often prescribed for IBD patients but those are not encompassed in the IBS treatment regime. But this does not imply that patients suffering from IBS do not face any problems in their day to day lives. The ability to work in an unhindered manner is often lost in case of IBS patients. They need to visit the washroom often, and soiling of pants becomes a common incident. IBS can create a serious dent in a person's composure and confidence. Travelling to places where no toilets are present might be worrying for the people suffering from IBS. The social life and the self-image of IBS-afflicted people take a beating.

Recently it has been revealed that IBS treatment (indirect and direct medical expenses), accounts for more than twenty billion dollars yearly in USA. Many individuals consider IBS and IBD to be the same. This is because of certain similarities existent between these two. In order to manage the conditions properly accurate diagnosis needs to be done. As the root cause has yet to be determined, IBS treatment is mainly directed towards the symptoms. Educating people about IBS is very crucial and by applying basic IBS diet treatment, lot of benefits can be got. Stress-management techniques like deep breathing and yoga are also helpful for IBS-affected people.

The use of herbs for Crohn's disease has not been scientifically approved but is accepted as an alternative treatment for the disorder. Crohn's disease is a condition which causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It usually affects the intestines but can appear in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The cause of this disease is not known for certain but it may be caused by an abnormal immune system. Your body may treat certain types of food as foreign objects and try to fight them.

How Crohn's Disease Can Affect Your Body

Crohn's disease can affect your body in many ways. It causes inflammation in your digestive tract, most often in the intestines. This inflammation is usually accompanied by pain. There can be bleeding, diarrhea and loss of appetite. These symptoms can be treated using medication or nutritional supplements. A proper diet should be followed to control the recurrence of the disease.

Herbs Used For Treating Crohn's Disease

Apart from taking drugs and supplements like fish oil, you can turn to herbs for Crohn's treatment. Herbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine since the 13th century. They are also widely used in India as remedies for many maladies. Herbs have never been scientifically proven to be effective cures but are used more as traditional medicine.

There are many herbs with properties which can help reduce the discomforts associated with Crohn's disease. Some of the herbs and their effects are given below.

Ginger is an herb which can help by warming the digestive tract and making digestion of food easier. It is important because patients of Crohn's normally lose the ability to digest food properly. If you roast ginger it aids in stopping diarrhea as well. Licorice root is another useful herb as it has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a sweet taste and is sometimes used as an additive to reduce the bitterness of many other herbs like goldenseal and dandelion.

Ume plums and Catechu resin have properties that help to heal sores in the inner lining of the digestive tract. In patients of Crohn's disease, many foods may cause allergies and Ume plums have anti-allergic properties which help control reactions to such food.

There are some herbs which act as detoxifiers and have strong anti-bacterial properties. These herbs are very useful when there is fever, diarrhea and a lot of mucus. You can use them for a short span of time when these symptoms increase suddenly. Some such herbs are Pulsatilla root and Coptis root.

There are three herbs which strengthen the digestive organs. These are Codonopsis root, Atractylodis root and Astragalus root. These can be used as tonics in cases of chronic diarrhea. Astragalus is also a great booster for the immune system which is essential for patients of Crohn's disease. Angelica root and White Peony root are blood tonics and are helpful in the event of bleeding ulcers which could lead to anemia.

Though herbal treatment is not scientifically proven to be effective, it is still used in many countries as traditional medicine. Most of them have healing properties which are very useful in treating several medical conditions. Using herbs for Crohn's disease has been quite effective as treatment.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) will understand how painful a condition it can be. Not only is it painful, it can also be embarrassing for many people in social situations which can also put limits on their lifestyle.

The condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome is quite a common condition. The actual causes of IBS have not been fully determined. The symptoms of the condition can be different between one person and another. However, there are a number of common symptoms that include a tender and painful stomach, constipation and in some cases diarrhoea. Sufferers can also complain of a full up or bloated feeling in the stomach.

Recent research has highlighted that certain enzymes and live friendly bacteria can assist in relieving the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. One of these friendly bacteria is probiotics which can be found in a variety of natural diary produce such as yoghurt's. Studies have shown that these probiotic friendly bacteria are believed to help the body's digestion system by making it more effective at absorbing the nutrients that we need from the food we eat.

There are many different types of probiotics available however, studies have shown that there are two particular probiotics that can help to relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. They are better known as lactobacillus and Bifid bacteria.

If you suffer from IBS consult your doctor first to see if this is recommended. Look for products that have a high percentage of these 2 friendly bacteria strains in them. There are two popular brands that use these two particular strains one is Yakult which is a refreshing drink and another brand is Actimel.

As well as probiotic drinks there are other ways to help relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. For example, make sure you drink plenty of liquids throughout the day especially fresh filtered water as this will help to keep your body hydrated. Drinking liquids helps with lubricating the bowels to improve constipation. If you suffer from regular bouts of diarrhoea it is important to drink water to replace the fluids the body uses to discharge the diarrhoea.

There a number of natural treatments you can use to help relieve the symptoms of IBS. For example, aloe vera juice is believed to have soothing qualities that can help your digestive system to digest the food you eat more effectively. Another way to reduce the symptoms is to stay more relaxed because it has been found that if you are stressed out it tends to worsen the conditions of IBS.

If you are among the millions of people searching for a natural cure for ulcerative colitis then you are in luck. There are ways that you can help to manage the symptoms of this very insidious condition. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the large intestine. It normally affects people between the age of 15 and 40 and is attributed to heredity or to an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping can make taking care of your day-to-day activities very difficult. In the most serious cases, the symptoms may even make functioning impossible since it can manifest itself in joint pain and anemia.

There are many medications that your doctor can prescribe that will help you with the symptoms of the disease. These are medicines, such as corticosteroids, that are designed to treat the inflammation. Unfortunately, these medicines just don't work for everyone or you may not want to take another prescription medicine. That is why so many people are searching for a natural cure for ulcerative colitis. There are many natural remedies available. Among the most effective of these are herbal treatments which have proven to help control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

A readily available natural cure for ulcerative colitis that has proven to be very effective in many cases is the juice of the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera juice is available in quantity and can easily be incorporated into your daily diet. In addition to aloe, other herbal products are used as a natural cure for ulcerative colitis. These include chamomile, turmeric, and boswellia. All can be incorporated into your daily routine and greatly help to alleviate symptoms and can be found at most health food stores and online.

Nutritional supplements can also greatly reduce the need for traditional medicines. Folic acid, fish oil, and soluble fiber have been shown to not only help people with the disease but are helpful in improving health overall. When combined with herbal remedies and dietary changes you can develop a comprehensive program that is a true natural cure for ulcerative colitis.

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can also show up in other serious diseases so it goes without saying that you should consult your doctor before making big changes to your treatment plan. Many doctors are well informed on homeopathic methods of treating the disease and give you good advice on your natural cure for ulcerative colitis. They can also ensure that you are diagnosed correctly. Once you are certain that your condition is indeed ulcerative colitis, you can begin to make the necessary improvements to your diet and begin to incorporate your natural cure into your daily routine and before you know it you'll be back to your old self.

Crohn's disease is an inflammation in the digestive tract. This can involve your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, bowel, large intestine and anus. Your digestive tract is the body's lifeline. It helps to breakdown your food, absorb the nutrients in your body and also eliminate the waste. With the presence of this disease, these functions are largely affected. The disease is largely seen in the age group of 15 years-30 years. It is however even found in younger children as pediatric Crohn's disease.

The symptoms found are...

• Diarrhea
  


• Abdominal pain
  


• Nausea
  


• Vomiting
  


• Constipation (in some cases)
  


• Anemia
  


• Fevers
  


• Chills
  


• Malabsorption
  


• Weight loss
  

Environmental factors have been implicated in Crohn's disease. It is seen more in temperate areas of developed countries like North America and Australia. Genetic factors are also found to play a role in the incidence of this disease. About 10% to 15% of patients have a family history of Crohn's disease. Another 5%-7% suffer from ulcerative colitis. There is a high prevalence of this disease seen among siblings.

Risk Factors

Crohn's disease affects both men and women. The risk factors are as follows...

Age- It can strike at any age. The condition is likely to develop when you are young. The highly affected age group is between the ages of 20-30.
Ethnicity- Whites have the highest risk of the disease. It can even affect Jews and Europeans.

Family History- You are at a higher risk if you have a close relative such as parent or a sibling with the disease. Your risk is higher (about 30%) if your sibling is suffering from this condition.

Area where you live- It is more common in urban and industrialized areas. This can be because people in such areas are likely to consume diet rich in fats or take more refined foods. People in Northern climates are also prone to this disease condition.

Smoking- You are more likely to develop Crohn's disease if you smoke. If you continue to smoke even after diagnosis, your treatment can be less effective and your illness can worsen.

Complications

The following is a list of possible complications that can result from Crohn's disease...

• Perforation of the colon
  


• Abscess in the colon, abdomen
  


• Narrowing of the colon causing obstruction
  


• Toxic swollen colon
  


• Fistulas- can lead to recurrent infections of the urinary genital tracts
  


• Infection of the blood (sepsis)
  


• Osteoporosis
  


• Gallstones
  


• Joint pain and arthritis
  


• Colon cancer
  


• Nutritional problems like weight loss and reduced muscle mass
  


• Eye inflammations or infections
  


• Mouth ulcers, gum inflammation and dental cavities
  


• Anemia
  


• Liver damage
  


• Depression and anxiety
  


• Blood clots
  


• Skin rashes and ulcers
  

Crohn's disease sufferers have high levels of fluid loss due to diarrhea. This chronic dehydration can affect their kidney functions. So it is important for these patients to given attention to their fluid intake especially during warmer times of the year. They need to carefully evaluate their diet and select foods which help in reducing the symptoms and promote an environment for healing the GI tract.

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that can recur at different times during your lifetime. You need to ensure you give proper management and treatment to help you deal with the disease condition. You need to try and improve your quality of life by accepting the situation and learn to cope with the condition in a better manner.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a disorder of the colon and is triggered by factors like consuming the wrong type of foods, stress, smoking, alcohol etc. IBS is not a disease but a disorder wherein the bowels do not function properly. It is not a severe disease like cancer or brain tumor. However, it causes severe discomfort and may disrupt the daily life of those suffering from it. About 15 to 20% of the American population suffers from this common disorder. IBS is also known as mucous colitis, spastic colon, nervous stomach or irritable colon. Medication, therapy and counseling are the usual methods to cure the symptoms of IBS. However, medication is not the only way to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome; it can be healed using natural methods too.

Irritable bowel syndrome is classified as a functional disorder, affecting the physiological function of the body. Hence, it cannot be diagnosed in the usual manner by x-rays or blood tests. The symptoms are not clear and the patient may experience either diarrhea or constipation, both contradictory to each other. The causative factors are also not defined and it may affect people with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract. Treatment may involve medication, a change in diet and use of natural means. Some of the natural methods of healing for irritable bowel syndrome are given below.

Colonic Massage:
Colonic massage can be performed while sitting on the toilet or by lying down and bending the knees. Using the fist of the right hand, gently massage the colon by making a circular, digging motion with the knuckles. Start with the lower right side area of the abdomen and work upwards under the right side of the ribcage. Repeat the same process with the left side and also massage the pubic bone or groin area. The main aim of this exercise is to bring on a bowel movement. This exercise relieves colic in newborns, though minimal pressure must be used in their case.

Mind and body healing:
The symptoms of IBS may cause mental and emotional stress to those suffering from this disorder. In order to control irritable bowel syndrome, it is important for the patients to find a release for the mental stress and seek out therapy that uses emotional release. Somato (or body) emotional release is based on the belief that trauma or pain is stored in the body tissues apart from the mind and soul of the patients. In order to heal effectively, these pains should be eliminated from the body. There are various therapies dealing with somato-emotional release and these include craniosacral reiki and acupuncture apart from other energy healing exercises.

Fiber rich food:
Health experts generally advise on the benefits of consuming fiber rich food to maintain a healthy body. However, persons suffering from IBS reap greater benefits by including fiber in their diet. This should be done slowly to avoid any further complications. By observing what kind of foods agree or don't agree with your digestive system, you can avoid the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome. It is advisable to keep away from foods that trigger an attack of IBS.

Human growth hormone, or HGH for brevity, has been unduly associated with steroids for many years. Many people cling to the opinion that since both substances help improve cell growth that they are, for all intends and purposes, similar to each other - in terms of benefits, and yes, in terms of negatives as well. This is a grave misconception, an unfair assumption that has festered into a misguided myth.

The reality is that HGH is totally different from steroids. Indeed, HGH, can help stimulate cell growth. But more often than not, HGH is used to repair cell damage or cell growth deficiencies. HGH is a compound based on a single chain polypeptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland. HGH is something that the body normally produces, though some people produce more quantities of such a hormone than others.

Currently, HGH is being used for the following medical purposes:

- In cosmetic medicine as a means of reversing - or at least slowing down - the effects of aging.
- As an aid to weight loss with HGH enhancing fat-burning cells.
- As an aid to expedite the healing of wounds, infections and burns on the subject's skin.
- As a remedy to Ulcerative Colitis.
- As a cure to Crohn's disease.
- As a supplement for people who are short for their stature.
- As a treatment for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.

These are the more acknowledged uses of human growth hormones. That HGH is being utilized as a bodybuilding enhancement is merely one of the non-medical usages for the hormone that is rarely observed, but because media has become fixated with the ill effects of steroids, HGH has also been targeted because people who use steroids usually use HGH as well.

The only side effect of using HGH is theoretical at best. Many people are of the belief that HGH can increase the risks of developing diabetes. Theoretical or not, people shouldn't take any risks. HGH in large dosages is only prescribed for people over the age of 25 and/or are suffering from conditions that desperately require the intervention of this 191-amino acid.

Should you or should you not use HGH?

Try to analyze your need, first and foremost. Thereafter, try to exhaust all other remedies recommended for your condition. If there will still be a need for a curative or therapeutic aid, consult a medical professional and ask if HGH can be taken to help your disposition.

Colitis happens when there is an occurrence of inflammation of the colon of a person. There are several Colitis causes which include poor blood supply, infections and in cases where the body undergoes autoimmunity. What are the colitis symptoms? What is colitis treatment?

The colon is responsible for pushing undigested food to the anus for final elimination in the process of bowel movement. As the undigested food travels in this long muscular tube, it gathers up mucus and bacteria along the way. The bloodstream reabsorbs water permitting the liquid mixture to solidify to form the feces.

Colitis causes mainly include various infections and illnesses. Infections that bring about inflammation of the colon often come from food poisoning. Lack of blood supply in the body can also cause Colitis. There are a number of reasons why the colon can lose blood and in turn can contribute to having diarrhea, anemia, dehydration or shock.

If one is experiencing bloody bowel movements and abdominal pain, this can be because of an inflammatory bowel disease. Before consulting what is colitis treatment for your case, one will first need to study the causes, and with it the careful application of various diets including the ulcerative colitis diet.

Symptoms:

The symptoms will depend on the type of colon inflammation that the patient has but the common factor among them is experiencing diarrhea and abdominal pain.

- There may or may not be blood in the feces.

- Patients will experience frequent urges to defecate.

- Abdominal can be great at the beginning and gradually declines; regular pain.

- Chills and fever can be observed with some types of Colitis.

The Diagnosis:

- While many patients may attest diarrhea as the general symptom, some are able to resolve the dilemma in just hours while there are a number of patients who suffer from it for years.

- Dehydration can greatly add to the occurrence of a colon inflammation.

- Colitis is often associated with diarrhea because of its symptom being prominent in every type of colon inflammation.

The Exams and Tests:

- Blood testing is done to discover the patient's stability and observe possible factors that can lead to Colitis.

- A Colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist by inserting a long flexible camera in the anus to permit visibility of the colon walls.

- Computerized tomography is performed to see the image of the colon and the abdomen.

What is Colitis Treatment?

- The inflammatory bowel diseases can be controlled by taking a good combination of medicines.

- Abdominal pain and diarrhea from Colitis can be relieved by a clear liquid diet, rest and an ulcerative colitis diet.

- Infectious Colitis is often countered with antibiotics but there are other viral infections that do not require them instead rest can be enough to eliminate the virus over time.

Even though there are several Colitis symptoms, a prominent one is having a diarrhea whether bloody or not, and frequent abdominal pain. Although there are ways to treat colon inflammation, it is always advisable to rather prevent it by eating healthy and staying away from too much sugar, fat and oily foods which can cause Colitis in the near future.

Did you know that your digestive tract is the size of a small football pitch?

If you've got colitis then this football pitch sized bodily organ has become damaged at one or various points along its enormous area. When the cells of the digestive tract become damaged it makes the digestive tract more permeable - hence the term Leaky Gut. When your gut is leaky like this it can let through the digestive wall some incompletely digested food particles.

Some research has been done into the link between IBD and Intestinal Permeability and one study found that Crohns patients had a six fold increase in intestinal permeability.

A leaky gut can lead to food sensitivities as any food particles leaking out of the digestive tract may cause an immune response in the body, leading to inflammation. Elemental diets where patients are fed a diet of pure nutrients have been shown to bring about a reduction in intestinal permeability. Researchers have also found that low-allergenic diets where grains and dairy are avoided can produce welcome relief from Ulcerative Colitis.

How to fix a leaky gut?

There are several steps we can take to heal a leaky gut -

· Initially identify any foods you may be allergic to or have intolerance to. Try a York Test which is a pin prick blood test that you can do at home. A small blood sample is sent away to a lab where they test it to look for any anti bodies to specific foods. It will tell you if you have any food intolerances.

· Next you need to get some probiotics in there, to correct any in balance between the good and bad bacteria, and correct any Dysbiosis in the gut. You need more good than bad! A good Probiotic is Primal Defense or VSL-3. Probiotics have been shown in several medical studies to be very helpful in the treatment of colitis.

· Get some l-glutamine powder, glutamine is an amino acid which is very useful for healing the digestive tract. Glutamine is the preferred 'fuel' for the cells lining the mucosa of the small intestine called enterocytes. These cells have the ability to take up glutamine directly rather than waiting for it to be supplied through the blood stream. Glutamine is also required for the production of both intestinal mucus and Secretary Immunoglobulin Type A (SIgA).

As a result of these functions, a good supply of glutamine will help repair a leaky gut. Glutamine also has the benefit of helping to prevent bacteria from getting from the gut to the bloodstream. You can buy l-Glutamine powder, or try juicing Cabbage as this is a good source of Glutamine.