Colitis Treatment Information

The numerous medical details behind the ailment commonly known as "Crohn's Disease" are rather complex; especially to those of us who don't have dozens of years of clinical training in our professional past. In the simplest terms, Crohn's Disease results from an inflammation often located in the small intestine (a.k.a. "the ileum"). There is some strong evidence that suggests that this inflammation is caused by a virus. Though generally localized in the small intestine, this inflammation has the potential to adversely affect any area of the entire digestive tract. As a result, the bowels are constantly agitated and often compelled to empty, leading to diarrhea, discomfort, and pain.

Indeed, this is a very simple way of grasping the essence of Crohn's Disease, and to truly understand the details, a great deal of medical study and experience is necessary. Yet with this being said, there's one thing that can be concluded without hesitation; something that doesn't take years to study or grasp. For the millions of people who suffer from Crohn's Disease, their life is unfairly filled with pain, often constant discomfort, and a looming fear of being unable to control their bowel movements.

It's fair to say - in fact, it's an understatement to say - that people who suffer from Crohn's Disease are forced to dramatically change their entire lifestyle. Some people - and this is not dramatic at all - have been forced to quit their jobs, or cancel vacations simply because of the tremendous stress that the disease places on a sufferers physical and emotional health.

Treatment Options

The US National Institute of Health (NIH) outlines the treatment "options" that Crohn's Disease sufferers are often forced to choose from: drugs or surgery. The NIH also points out, very clearly, that according to them there is no cure for Crohn's Disease. As a result, pharmaceutical and surgical treatment methods focus on symptom management; they do not and cannot cure the disease. At the very most, they can mitigate some of the pain and discomfort; though, naturally, with the introduction of side effects that can adversely affect other biological systems, including emotional health. Some of the side effects include:

· nausea

· vomiting

· heartburn

· diarrhea

· headache

Drugs

The NIH points out that pharmaceutical remedies (for lack of a better word) containing the ingredient mesalamine are common prescribed to people suffering from Crohn's Disease. Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory, and seeks to target the inflammation in the ileum. However, drugs containing mesalamine (such as Sulfasalazine) are not curative; they can not treat the inflammation. They can merely mask it to some extent. The body is still suffering and the problem still remains, but the drug controls some of the felt inflammation.

If the problem is more severely felt, some patients may be prescribed steroids (corticosteroids). These drugs, as can be assumed, lead to severe side effects if taken over a longer period of time, including those noted above. Steroids can also make a person more vulnerable to infection, which can thus expose them to additional health problems aside from the Crohn's Disease that they're trying to address.
Other drugs, such as Infliximab, have been approved by the FDA for those suffering from more severe Crohn's Disease. But it is not free from side-effects either and for the common Crohn's sufferer it is prohibitively expensive. And some people develop antibodies rendering its effect void.

Surgery

One of the most remarkable things about the human body is its regenerative properties; break some skin, and new cells rush to the exposed area. Break a bone, and immediately the body sends in reinforcements to start the healing process. Generally, this is seen as a wonderful - indeed mysterious - quality of the inexplicable intelligence of the human body.

Ironically, however, this is not always such a positive thing. For example, Crohn's Disease sufferers sometimes opt for surgery to remove the inflammed area of the ileum. Yet, remarkably, it often grows back in some other part of the intestine. In this light, surgical options for Crohn's Disease sufferers is not always a method of releving pain and suffering; it's a last resort measure to address an even more serious problem in the area, such as intestinal bleeding or the formation of an abscess. In such dire situations, surgery may take place; but it is only temporary, and done to treat the bigger problem. The Crohn's Disease remains.

Some Crohn's Disease sufferers also opt (or are persuaded to opt by their doctor) a surgical solution called a colectomy. A colectomy literally cuts off the entire colon, and body waste is expelled through a small opening near the abdomen. The fact that some people in the medical community consider this a "solution" - forcing people to wear a pouch around their stomach to collect waste that previously flowed through their (now surgically removed) colon -- is a testament to the fact that people with Crohn's Disease are not provided with the real solution that they deserve: one that actually treats the problem at the source.

Over-The-Counter Remedies

When comparing Crohn's disease to other ailments it might surprise that there exist only very few herbal products and over-the-counter medications for Crohn's disease. And most of these are just tablets containing vitamins or minerals which are meant to replenish any deficits which can result as a consequence of Crohn's disease. To some extent these products can alleviate secondary symptoms but they do not address the cause of the disease. Aloe vera products have been quite popular but by now the scientific community has debunked its efficacy except for skin related disorders.
The only herbal product on the market which is designed only for Crohn's disease is SedaCrohn. It is still relatively new on the market but reports from Crohn's sufferers are promising. SedaCrohn acts by two separate mechanisms. First of all it has immune-modulating properties which apparently are able to inhibit the inflammation. And secondly, perhaps more interestingly, it has proven antiviral properties and thus attack what many researchers believe is the underlying cause of Crohn's Disease: a virus.
As a consequence, many users of SedaCrohn report that their flare-ups have disappeared for much longer intervals or even copmletely after taking SedaCrohn for several months. If this is the long awaited natural relief remains to be seen.

Drugs, Surgery, or Natural Remedies?

The best way to deal with Crohn's differs from person to person. There is probably no way to avoid prescription drugs completely for all the time. But at the same time its certainly advisable to take one's fate in its own hand and try to find the dietary changes or natural products which work best for himself or herself.

When it comes to health and well-being, nothing beats natural supplements. With the many benefits they provide as well as the fact that their safe from dangerous synthetic ingredients and chemical compounds that are usually present in lab-manufactured drug components, these health alternatives are highly recommendable for human consumption. Active manuka honey is one example of these natural products with undeniable healing properties.

Here is a list of important facts about active manuka honey.

- A rare type of honey from New Zealand, it is produced by putting up hives on lands where manuka bushes grow. The bees from these hives gather nectar from the flowers of the manuka bushes, hence the product's name.

- It is used to produce manuka honey products that are either ingested or applied topically on skin.

- This honey is believed to have anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

- It can address internal ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, acid reflux disease, strep throat, eye, ear and sinus infections, cold/flu symptoms, ulcerative colitis, heartburn and indigestion, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach virus, esophagitis, and gum disease.

- It can address external diseases like acne, eczema and dermatitis, wounds and burns, infections, ringworms, nail fungus, athlete's foot, MRSA, skin ulcer, pressure sores, dry skin, and tinea.

- Some of the most well-known honey products from active manuka honey include acne cream, first aid antiseptic lotion, anti-itch cream, antiseptic spray, anti-fungal cream, anti-wrinkle serum, liquid and bar soaps, hand sanitizing gel, mud mask, lozenges, and pain relief cream.

- Not all manuka honey can be considered as active. As for now this cannot be fully explained by science but studies have supported the veracity of this claim. Therefore in purchasing manuka honey products, one must check its UMF rating first.

- UMF or Unique Manuka Factor is a term used to rate how active this honey is.

Nature is truly teeming with many wonders. These wonders aren't always readily noticeable with a naked eye but they are real wonders nonetheless, just like this honey.

This honey has been used for ages in the more indigenous areas of the world. Recently though, with the proliferation of all sorts of manuka honey products, this alternative treatment has attracted the attention of the medical community.

This honey is also used in skin care products due to its incredible benefits. Although research about this natural by-product is not yet exhaustive, more and more medical practitioners are expressing their confidence toward manuka honey based items.

Surgery for colitis has to be faced up to by a small percentage of sufferers and though the problems living with the symptoms of the disease are over, what then begins is a whole new set of challenges. But what does the patient face physically when the surgical procedures are complete?

For the first stage of the surgery involves the removal of all the large colon including the extraction of the rectum. Even though only part of the large colon may be diseased, enough for surgery to be required in the first place, there is no option but for it to be removed entirely. It is important not to lose sight that this surgical process to remove the colon and rectum is the only permanent cure for colitis. It should also be noted that such surgery also eliminates any risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer.

Once the colon has been removed, a small opening is formed in the abdominal wall and the end of the small colon, which was formerly attached to the large colon, is then pushed through and attached to the skin. The size of what is termed an ileostomy, or stoma, will normally be between one and two inches. So what happens with this? This will be the outlet for the body waste that would have otherwise passed through the large colon as normal. It is then collected in a small bag which is attached to the skin and covers the stoma entirely. The bag is then emptied periodically when necessary.

The thought of living with part of the small intestine sticking out the front of the abdomen may not be appealing but it has to be remembered that it is all an essential part of the process to rid the patient of colitis. It is normally only temporary as the surgical consultants will do their best to try and create a more user friendly system of storing and riding the body of its solid waste.

In most cases, there will be an attempt to create an internal pouch created from the end of the small intestine that is then attached to the anus. This acts as an effective reservoir for the collection of solid waste which is then evacuated in the same manner as when the patient had a large colon. This complicated surgical procedure will happen some time after the initial operation and will probably be given further convalescence time before being connected up. The surgical term for this procedure is an ileo anal pouch which, and after a period of getting used to, can give a very encouraging degree of normality of life back to many patients who have undergone this surgical procedure.

Surgery for colitis is a last solution for those faced with the onslaught of symptoms and as such should never be considered until many methods to try and control the symptoms have been tried and have not succeeded. It has to be understood that it is a major surgical procedure and unfortunately comes with no cast iron guarantee of success. It brings with it many challenges and can for some be too problematic, yet for many it is the solution to the debilitating effect colitis has on their lives.

When bowel surgery for colitis is undertaken you may be seriously ill or perhaps in remission and have good health, yet a problem has been identified and surgery is required. It is a prospect filled with the unknown of how you are going to cope physically and mentally for the immediate period after the operation and further into the future.

Your concern can be further intensified by the knowledge that not only is it major surgery, it is the bowel area what will be affected. Thoughts of how on earth can the body function without a large bowel are only natural as is the further concern of whether it possible to live a normal life without the large bowel. Whilst it maybe questionable to believe, it is possible for the body to function adequately without it and life, post operations, can be lived in a fairly normal manner.

When you are admitted to hospital you will be assessed and perhaps tests undertaken, such as a colonoscopy, to confirm the diagnosis. Of course, with any surgery you always have a choice though if you have been admitted due to a serious relapse of colitis and surgery has been recommended as being required, it would be unusual to refuse it. The alternative is a very high and increasing chance of perforation of the bowel. That would lead to the creation of a whole lot more serious and life threatening problems relating to the poisoning of the body.

The first operation will most likely be the start of a surgical timetable where you will be facing several operations to not only take out the affected bowel or part thereof and the creation of an ileostomy, but further surgical procedures will see the creation of an internal pouch which acts as a reservoir to store waste matter with further ileostomies as required.

The first surgical procedure itself will take approximately four to five hours and you should have prepared questions that you may want to ask the surgical team before you have the surgery. It is always better to enter the hospital operating theater with a degree of knowledge and understanding of the procedures and what to expect physically when you wake up so as to avoid any less than welcome surprises.

It is essential to know and understand that whilst surgery for colitis is required, this does not suggest that your lifestyle will cease to be enjoyable and fulfilling. As there are changes ahead to the design of your internal plumbing, you will have to adapt to the outcome from these changes yet this should not impair the quality of your life that much. By understanding the surgical process that you face and what it means for the workings of your body, you will be able to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. By utilizing effective methods to reduce pain and increase mobility during the hospital stay, the time spent there can be reduced and the post op convalescence made easier.

How to get rid of candida if you have not been diagnosed to have it? In US, treating candidiasis can cause a lot of depression. The main reason that candidiasis is not understood by the regular medical system. It is treated as many other issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, vaginal yeast infection, athletes' foot, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, jock itch, oral thrush, etc. People who have each of these things, as diagnosed by a doctor will scream if you tell them they have candidiasis, because they want to have their own private disease.

The doctors just tell them that there is no cure, give them a medication for maintenance, and write them off. They are the lucky ones. Then there are those who go from doctor to doctor being told that there is nothing wrong with them.

It is not so strange that you learn more about candidiasis from internet. Like me for example, I know a lot how to cure candidiasis because I had the fortune to teach a person who had cured herself of candidiasis through learning to be a naturopathic doctor. I asked her about her symptoms and she told me and at the same time I am able to recognize my problems. So I began to study nutrition, and found out to get rid of candida.

In US, as explain above, candidiasis is not recognized by the medical community. So when you find out that you have candidiasis, Doctors don't tend to believe in it. I was once on an antifungal medication about 25 years ago, but the doctor never told me about any diet, and when I went into what I now know was die-off, he took me off the medication and said I couldn't be cured. There was nothing else he offered on how to get rid of candida.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both inflammatory bowel diseases which can be painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool, ulcers, reduced appetite and weight loss, and fistula or abscess. Heredity and an abnormal immune system are believed to be the common causes of these conditions. Risk factors for these conditions are: an age from 20 to 30, white race, a family history, urban place of residence, and a history of smoking or of having used Isotretinoin. The difference between the two diseases is that ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum in continuous stretches; whereas Crohn's disease occurs in patches anywhere in the digestive tract, and often spreads deep into the layers of the tissues.

Since the system of Ayurveda classifies most diseases predominantly based on the symptoms, it categorizes both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the disease called 'Pravaahika', and hence these two conditions have been clubbed here together for a common overview of their Ayurvedic treatment. Treatment is aimed at correcting the basic pathology of the diseases, controlling symptoms, preventing or reducing complications and boosting the immune system of the body.

Treatment for the main symptoms includes medicines like Kutaj-Ghan-Vati, Kutaj-Parpati, Panchamrut-Parpati, Bilva-Avaleha, Sanjeevani-Vati, Bhallatak-Parpati, Jatiphaladi-Churna, Bol-Parpati and Bol-Baddha-Ras. Herbal medicines useful in these conditions are: Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Hing (Ferula narthex), Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea) and Bhallatak (Semicarpus anacardium).

In order to prevent bleeding, medicines like Praval-Bhasma, Naagkeshar, Sphatik-Bhasma and Laxa (Purified wax) are used. Castor oil has been given prime importance in the treatment of these conditions; and therefore, products containing this medicine such as Gandharva-Haritaki and Sinhnaad-Guggulu are used along with other medicines. Refractory patients who do not respond satisfactorily are given a course of a special medicated enema known as 'Pichha-Basti' which consists of milk, boiled with medicines like Moch-Ras (Salmalia malabarica).

In order to reduce the intestinal inflammation and prevent complications like abscess and fistula, medicines like Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica) and Haridra (Curcuma longa) are used in high doses for prolonged periods. Medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are used to reduce stress. Suvarna-Parpati, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant and Panchamrut-Parpati are used to boost the immune system of the body and also to reduce the inflammation in the intestines.

It is important to note that adequate life style changes need to be made to adjust to these chronic conditions. Appropriate modifications are required in the diet, and adequate relaxation techniques need to be adopted. Butter-milk and pomegranate juice are specially recommended in both these conditions. Because of the potential for serious complications, all such patients should maintain a long term follow-up with a Gastroenterologist.

The Avian flu is caused by the virus group called Influenza, a related virus to the ones that produce the flu in humans. The most contagious and dangerous Influenza is the strain H5N1 that causes almost 100% death in infected birds from all species.

The human catch of the virus occurs by direct or indirect contact with sick birds or with secretions, feces or oral discharges from infected chicken or ducks.

The first occurring symptoms of Influenza in humans are a sore throat, coughing, muscular weakness, fever and conjunctivitis. These symptoms almost always lead to complications and to death causing dysfunctions. On the Influenza field, several viral pneumonias can appear and also the respiratory distress syndrome and finally the multi-organ failure.

Respiratory conditions are very frequent in humans and the Bird flu can be easily mistaken to such diseases. But any patient shoeing the symptoms and that has had a contact with sick animals or their secretions are suspected to have caught the Influenza virus. The confirmation of the illness will be established by laboratory testing and the case will be connected to all other sudden, unusual deaths in the area where the patient lives or works.

The treatment for the avian virus is the same as those for treating regular flues caused by Influenza strains. The treatment can be administered for cure and for prevention and its benefic effects are likely to be obtained in clinical healthy children and adults. The treatment has however its limitations given by the rapid mutations of the virus. Antiviral drugs are usually very expensive and the supplies needed for the entire community are never enough.

In the present, a new vaccine against bird Influenza has been established and its used is highly recommended for poultry handlers, veterinary employees and breeders. The vaccine is called Tamiflu and can also be used as a medication in case of disease confirmation.

The first step in preventing a Bird Flu epidemic is to ban the import of poultry from countries with confirmed cases. The bird caretakers must avoid contact with wild birds, control the human traffic in poultries, practice proper washing and disinfection, and report to the authorities any case of strange illnesses in birds or workers.

The general public must wash their hands properly after handling chicken meat, clean kitchen surfaces well, cook poultry at high temperatures, not sell live chicken on market places, not allow birds to run free in the yard, not place other species in the same place with birds, avoid contact with wild birds and report any case of dead birds in their farm.

People can safely travel to counties with Bird Flu cases as the disease is not transmitted from a person to another. In such cases of travels, tourists must avoid visits to places where birds may occur.

Diarrhea that lasts for more than two weeks is called chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea may prove to be a nuisance for an otherwise healthy person; however, it may represent a life-threatening illness for someone with a compromised immune system. Common causes for this condition includes infections, disorders or previous surgery of the intestinal tract, food intolerance, medications, hyperthyroidism, reduced blood flow to the intestines, altered immune function and hereditary disorders.

The Ayurvedic treatment of chronic diarrhea is aimed at providing symptomatic relief and treating the known cause. Infections of the intestinal tract can be treated using medicines like Panchamrut-Parpati, Ras-Parpati and Kutaj-Parpati. Parasitic infections can be treated using Vidang (Embilia ribes), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Bahava (Cassia fistula) and Sukshma-Triphala. Viral infections can be treated using medicines like Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Bhrungraj (Eclipta Alba) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).

Food intolerance can be treated using medicines like Shankh-Vati, Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), Agnitundi-Vati and Pippalyarishta. Disorders of the pancreas can be treated using medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Yashtimadhuk, Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis). Inflammation of the intestines can be treated using medicines like Kamdudha-Ras, Praval-Panchamrut, Bilva-Avaleha, Yashtimadhuk, Praval, Bilva (Aegle Marmelos), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica). Chronic diarrhea resulting from previous surgery or radiation of the abdomen can be treated using medicines like Shankh-Vati, Agnitundi-Vati, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis) and Pippali (Piper longum). Reduced blood flow to the intestines can be treated using medicines like Tapyadi-Loh, Ekang-Veer-Ras and Abhrak-Bhasma. An altered immune function resulting in chronic diarrhea can be treated using medicines like Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Loh-Parpati and Suvarna-Parpati.

Curd, buttermilk and pomegranate juice are specially recommended for both acute and chronic diarrhea. It is important to maintain adequate hygiene and use safe drinking water.

Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can have a wide range of symptoms that include diarrhea, weight loss, cramps, blood in the stools, tiredness, low energy as well as constipation. Crohn's Disease can be difficult to diagnose because of the similarities that it has with Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

While you may have some of the symptoms of Crohn's Disease, you need to be checked out by your doctor or a gastroenterologist to see if that is indeed the case. If your doctor thinks that you may have Crohn's Disease you will likely undergo a series of tests to see if you do have the condition.

Some of the tests that your doctor may give you include a blood test checking for anaemia, elevated white blood cells as this can indicate an inflammatory condition, infection or possibly Crohn's Disease. They will also check the platelet count, when this above normal it can also indicate infection or active inflammation.

Your doctor may also get you to do a non invasive stool test which will be sent to the laboratory for testing. This can tell if you have a bacterial infection and also help determine if you have Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.

Another test that your doctor may want you to do is an endoscopy. An endoscope is a thin, flexible lighted tube that is connected to a video monitor and a computer. An endoscopy is performed by inserting an endoscope in to the rectum or mouth. This provides your doctor with a very detailed view of the intestinal tract. When having the procedure small biopsies will probably be taken for further examination. This can provide more information and help in the diagnosis of Crohn's Disease.

There are several other tests that your doctor can use to determine if you have Crohn's Disease, when the tests above do not provide enough information or aren't conclusive enough. Once you have been diagnosed you can start to do something about it.

Dealing with any health problem can be an emotional and stressful time. With the right information and help you can make sure Crohn's Disease doesn't have a negative effect on your life long term. Once you know you have Crohn's there are several things that you can do to help yourself using natural therapies, supplements, lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and stress management.

These help your body heal and get back in to tip top shape and stay off harsh drugs, medications and avoid surgery.

Unconscious, repressed emotions initiate physical illness such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, neck and back pain, migraine, repetitive stress injuries, tendonitis, IBS, Crohn's, colitis, heart burn, hiatus hernia, fibromyalgia, arthritis, lyme disease, weight gain, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, PMS, eczema, psoriasis, and even cancer.

How can emotions have such a powerful impact on the body?

The circulation of blood is under control of a subsystem of the central nervous system known as the autonomic nervous system. An emotion, such as anger, fear, or guilt, initiates a process in the brain which activates the autonomic nervous system, causing a reduction of blood circulation to the involved area. The affected area is now deprived of their full complement of oxygen, resulting in a reduced rate of repair and an increase in inflammation.

If the affected area is a joint, tendon or a muscle, they will be more prone to injure and will remain in an inflammatory state causing arthritis, RA, fibromyalgia, back/ neck pain or some other pain syndrome. If the affected areas are the intestines a person will be more likely to develop IBS, colitis, Crohn's, spastic colon, bowel irregularities; if in the cardiovascular system, one would be more prone to inflammation of the blood vessels causing plaque formation and heart disease; if in the brain, it could lead to anxiety, depression, dementia and Alzheimer; if in the hormonal system, it could cause weight gain, hypothyroidism, PMS, fatigue, or adrenal burn-out.

An interesting note on cancer, Nobel Prize winner Otto Warburg proved over 50 years ago that cancer occurs whenever any cell is denied 60% of its oxygen requirement.

Also, did you know inflammation is thought to be the culprit behind the visible signs of aging?

As you can see, addressing underlying repressed emotions can increase oxygenation to tissue and reduce inflammation resulting in improved health, less pain, more youthful appearance, and weight loss.

Powerful techniques used to assist in the healing process of unresolved emotions:

Inner Child Therapy:

The concept of the 'inner child' stands for unfinished emotions and feelings from our first years. It stands for essential aspects of our being, like trust, innocence and natural energy that have been damaged or oppressed in our early years. When areas within have gone unhealed and unheard they may show up in your outer life as problematic communications, anger issues, dysfunctional relationships, addictions or codependency. They may leave us feeling sad, lonely, abandoned or distrustful. Most of these issues were established out of earlier experiences which were learned in early childhood.

Magnified Healing

Many have described Magnified Healing energy as "soft yet powerful," "magnetic," "very yin" (or feminine) in its essence. Using the center line of the body and starting at the top of the head, practitioners place one hand in front of the body and the other behind the body. They then move their hands down the body all the way to the feet until the entire body has been treated with Magnified Healing. Magnified Healing recipients often feel a pleasant tingling or pulsing in areas with which the healing facilitator is working. The recipient generally completes the treatment with great reduction of stress and pain.

Heart Linking

A heartlink is an energy cord, or channel, that we establish between our heart center and the heart center of another. Heartlinks serve as a tool that fills us with energy to the point of overflowing enabling us to share the excess with others.

Reconnection Therapy

Reconnection Therapy is the process of cleansing and re-activating our personal grid...our connection to everything else in the universe. Many people report feeling a new sense of confidence and empowerment with clarity about their life's purpose. Almost everyone reports their desires manifesting more quickly. Physical changes are increased energy and vitality, looking younger, softer skin, staying healthy, not catching colds and viruses, even the healing of disease. The dependence on medicines and supplements falls away as you allow the wisdom that created your body to heal your body.

Trauma Release Techniques

Trauma is defined as emotional, psychological or physiological symptoms that result from events that overwhelm the nervous system. Feelings of being out of control or helplessness may result after a traumatic experience. This could be something as seemingly non life-threatening, but traumatic none the less as a dental and medical procedure, falls, or minor car accidents. When a state of helplessness and lack of control accompanies negative life experiences, our brains are unable to rid themselves of the messages of threat. All of the experiences that accompanied these traumatic events are mainly stored in our unconscious survival memory centers.

The techniques used help to extinguish the portions of traumatic memory with ease, without having to "re -live the experience" but by eliminate those memories cues that cause a "fight, flight or freeze reaction."

Removal of Energy Blocks

Energy Blocks can take many forms, such as stagnated blood or lymph causing toxins to build up in the body, thus resulting in disease. Another form can be limiting beliefs and expectations preventing us from manifesting fulfillment in our lives. "When Qi (a name for energy) flows freely along the meridians, people are free from illness; if the Qi is blocked, the pain follows." Ancient Chinese Saying.

Locked-in negative emotions

Quantum biology teaches us that consciousness is not localized to any one place. Every time you have a thought or a feeling, a desire, an instinct, or a drive, the body produces specific neuropeptides to communicate that feeling to the rest of the body. Researchers have found receptor sites to these neuropeptides in the immune system and in all organs of the body. Because of this direct mind-body link, negative emotions; e.g. anger, grief, rejection, fear, worry, self-criticism; can create a physical effect. For example, someone that is very self-critical will communicate that feeling to the immune system, causing the immune system to think that there is something wrong with the self and start to attack the self (your own body) leading to an autoimmune disorder, such as arthritis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, asthma, fibromyalgia, or even cancer. Another example could be an inability to speak about your emotions, not feeling heard, or your voice doesn't matter affecting the thyroid, resulting in a slow functioning thyroid, slow metabolism and weight gain.

Inherited negative emotions from prior generations:

Bert Hellinger's Family Systems Oriented Psychotherapy and advanced APN are very effective tools in dealing with these types of issues. The common dynamics that can affect the person from prior generations are as described in Dr. Klinghardt Systemic Energy Psychology manual:

1. "I follow you." E.g. a mother dies at childbirth at age 22. The child lives. When the child turns 22, she commits suicide.

2. "I do it for you." E.g. a father is unhappy. He considers (unknown to anyone else) to leave the family. His 4 year old daughter develops cancer and does it for him.

3. "I am like you." E.g. in a specific family, over generations, men around the age 35 are involved in a huge business failure.

4. "I take it from you." E.g. the client's father was chronically very angry at his wife. The daughter carries the anger for him (displacement of subject) and projects it onto her husband (displacement of object).

5. "I want to be with you." E.g. a daughter was never held lovingly by her father. Her whole life becomes an attempt to finally be held by a man. It will always fail because of displacement of object. It can be completed through APN.

6. Atonement for personal or taken on guilt. E.g. A newborn loses his mother at birth. He will often live as he does not deserve to be here.

Michael Karlfeldt, N.D., Ph.D., 208-919-7429, http://www.karlfeldthealingretreats.com - A perfect blend of Healing, Relaxation, Fun, and Self Discovery in one of the most beautiful places in the world

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition of the esophagus or feeding tube that is characterized by the abnormal presence of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions) in the lining of the esophagus. Eosinophils are thought to migrate to the esophagus in response to foods that trigger an allergic response. The most common foods reported are milk, egg, soy, corn, wheat, beef, chicken, potato, oats, peanuts, turkey, barley, pork, rice, green beans, apples, pineapple, tree nuts and seafood.

Interestingly these very foods cause the majority of food allergies and food sensitivities or intolerance and are foods that contain many of the lectins that are suspected of causing problems in the gut, joints, skin and the brain. Restriction of these foods frequently improve symptoms in the gut and outside the gut in many people. If specific foods identified by allergy testing can be avoided improvement is usually noted. However, the symptoms and signs of eosinophilic esophagitis frequently, if not usually, return after stopping steroids unless accompanied by dietary manipulation that includes elimination of problem foods.

When food allergy testing is negative or equivocal, elimination diet may be the only way to determine what food or foods may be causing ongoing or recurrent eosinophilic esophagitis. Strict elimination diet has been most effective but is difficult to follow long term for most adults and children. More recently, Kagalwalla published success with a six food elimination diet (SFED) in children with eosinophilic esophagitis. The SFED restricted foods from six of the most common food allergens. The SFED eliminated cow's milk protein (casein), soy, wheat, egg, peanut/tree nuts, and seafood. This SFED was compared with an elemental diet (ELED), that consists of proteins broken down into simple forms in a liquid, such as what protein intolerant infants are fed. Such a diet is expensive, tastes poor and is not well received.

In this particular study it was noted that though the SFED was not quite as effective (74% versus 88% achieving significant improvement), the six food elimination diet has better acceptance, cost and likelihood of people complying with the diet. I would point out that the SFED is actually not a six food elimination diet. Not only are more than six food categories eliminated (peanuts are legumes and separate from tree nuts) but much more than six foods are eliminated considering there a multiple nuts and seafood. Processed foods containing any known or suspected foods must also be eliminated during an elimination diet.

The helpfulness of a diet symptom diary prior to an elimination diet is that sometimes it is difficult to identify problem foods and relate their elimination and re-introduction to various symptoms. Various simple diet diaries exist in print form and online formats that can be printed out to record manually foods eaten and symptoms noted. However, an online diet diary that provides an ongoing tracking of diet and symptoms as well as feedback does not exist, especially those customized according to an individual's health history.

Question:

I suffer from chronic ulcerative colitis, and I am on pharmaceutical drugs, which cause side effects that outweigh the benefits. How can I control it?

Answer:

Ulcerative colitis is characterised by an inflamed colon, which may also have numerous ulcers. This condition is caused by the lining of the colon being attacked by the body's own antibodies. A bacterial invasion or some other unknown cause can change the nature of the proteins of the lining. When this happens, the white blood cells reclassify the altered proteins as enemies. They then instruct their special defence units (the lymphocytes) to produce antibodies to fight the altered proteins and the body starts to destroy its own tissue.

Ulceration occurs as the lining of the colon becomes damaged. The ulcers can bleed and cause abdominal pain -the two most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Colitis also causes swelling of the gut lining, and loss of functions such as absorption of water and essential minerals and vitamins, formation of stools and storage of waste materials. The ulcers are particularly painful before a motion is passed. Because they bleed, there is frequently fresh blood in the motion.

Diarrhoea is also common. Normally there are folds of mucus-rich tissue lining the inner layer of the colon. When big stools are passing down the colon, the mucus lining expands to ease their passage. Due to the inflammation, these folds disappear and the colon cannot hold stool masses. This results in diarrhoea.

Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis are anaemia (due to the bleeding), fatigue (due to anaemia and the malabsorption of magnesium and calcium), cramps in the legs at night (due to calcium deficiency) and weight loss (due to malabsorption and bleeding). Sufferers get nervous because of the constant fear of 'accidents' due to diarrhoea And the stress of this makes everything worse. Because of this anxiety, physicians sometimes treat ulcerative colitis as a psychological disorder without realising that the mental symptoms are secondary.

My approach is to help the loose stools to firm up, so the fear of accidents is removed. Hopefully you will be able to come off the drugs, but this should be done in consultation with your doctor.

These are my recommendations:

* For four months, eat a diet that helps absorption of nutrients but is fibre-free and devoid of substances that may irritate the bowels. Ear nothing but mushy rice; mashed potatoes with olive oil and salt: jacket potatoes with butter and salt, but not the skin; minced lamb/turkey/chicken cooked in olive oil with garlic, ginger, salt and perhaps a pinch of black pepper; mashed root vegetables; boiled eggs; pasta with olive oil; cottage cheese; live yoghurt manuka honey; carrot and/or pomegranate juice. After four weeks, include oatmeal porridge made with water, as long as it does not cause diarrhea.

* Take a multivitamin and mineral tablet daily because of the lack of fresh vegetables.

* Drink pure, still water; add Dioralyte (available from chemists) or a pinch of salt if you have diarrhea. Avoid tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

* After four months of this diet, if the diarrhoea has settle down, introduce heads of cauliflower and broccoli; asparagus; peeled apples, pears and plums; grapes; bananas, Ryvita and rice cakes. Stay on this regime for three to six months until the abdomen settles down.

* It is essential to do one to two hours a day of vigorous exercise such as power walking, running, lifting light weights, swimming, tennis or strenuous dancing. This will create a demand for more energy so the body is forced to absorb more food by changing the lining of the gut (which is what we want). The muscle-building hormones created by intensive exercise act like steroids, which help to cure the inflammation of the bowels and can replace the steroid drugs which are prescribed for ulcerative colitis.

* Take kadu to help detoxify the body: soak two twigs in a cup of hot water at night, strain and drink the infusion first thing in the morning for two months.

* Ayurvedic remedies to aid digestion are also useful, such as Stomach Formula: take one daily for two months.

* Pomegranate infusion: boil a 5cm square piece of pomegranate peel in two cups of water for l0- 15 minutes, and let it infuse for l5 minutes. Strain and drink half the liquid in the morning and the other half in the evening, before meals. Do this twice a week for a month; it will calm the intestines and help stop diarrhea.

* Relaxation and good sleep are essential, so play a relaxation tape at bedtime to help you unwind.

Comfrey has a long history of effectiveness as a healer plant. It has the reputation of being able to knit bones together thus accounting for many of the common names (boneset, nipbone, knitbone, and healing herb).

Comfrey leaves are similar to Foxglove leaves, though they have smaller veins not extending into the wings of the leaf-stalk. The leafy stem, 2 to 3 feet high, is stout, angular and hollow, broadly winged at the top and covered with bristly hairs. The lower, radical leaves are very large, up to 10 inches long and covered with rough hairs which make people itch when they touch them. The flowers are either creamy yellow or purple, growing on short stalks. They appear in April or early May.

Comfrey is a contact healer and is best known for tissue healing. In fact, until the early 1800's, it was only used externally as treatment of cuts, burns, skin ulcers, varicose veins, bronchitis, and rheumatism. The leaf has been tea that is gargled or used as a mouthwash to relieve throat infections, hoarseness, and bleeding gums. One reason for its effectiveness is its abundance of calcium and vitamin C and contains carotene (vitamin A), B12, and chlorophyll.

Internally and externally comfrey is used in the treatment of colitis, varicose veins, assorted pulmonary complaints (pleurisy, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia), rheumatism, metritis, diarrhea, and periostitis. It is utilized as a diuretic and bulk laxative and is credited with scar healing. It is also used as a sedative.

Comfrey is effective as a healer because it contains Allantoin. This is able to help grow new flesh and bone cells and accelerate the healing process. It also reduces the inflammation of pulled tendons. An extract can be used for acne and athletes foot. It is also used for certain female problems. Comfrey tea and extract has been used as a douche for yeast infections. Poultices applied to sore and caked breasts, helps the tenderness leave very quickly.

Comfrey leaves and shoots are also used as a vegetable and are often ground up in a blender or some other type of mechanical device to form the basis of "green drinks" which have become increasingly popular among health conscious individuals.

A modern medicinal tincture, employed by homoeopaths, is made from the root with spirits of wine, and 10 drops in a tablespoonful of water are administered several times a day. Internally, the leaves are taken in the form of an infusion, 1 oz. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water.

Many claim that comfrey is so safe that anyone can use as much as they want any time. However, a few precautions are in order. Care should be taken when using Comfrey with very deep wounds as its rapid healing power can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper down, possibly leading to abscesses. Make sure that wounds are thoroughly cleaned and protected from infection.

A home remedy can be an alternative to commonly used practices in curing calf diarrhea. There are owners of calves, both professional as well as hobby farmers, who are considering to use these alternatives. Some use it as a last resort and others because they prefer not to use antibiotics.

The question rises if this way of treating their calves from scours is sufficient enough to cure it. What does this treatment do exactly? Does it prevent dehydration or does it kill viruses and bacteria? This article can provide some answers to the working of home remedies.

Since most of the home remedies haven't been tested scientifically, guarantees can never be given. However, some products have shown to have good results. Which one will work and which will not, is something you have to decide for yourself.

There are two ways to help calves to overcome their scours. First combat the causes of the scours and second, support the health status and defense system of the calf.

Products that combat the causes of calf diarrhea.

Grapefruit seed extract.

This is an effective disinfectant and it is a powerful all-around antimicrobial product.

Lemon juice.
Lemon juice can kill pathogens that cause diarrhea.

Red or white wine.
Contain polyphenols or tannins, these are antibacterial agents.

Culturelle.
This is a pro-biotic formula that consists of a strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus G.G. Research has shown that it protects against salmonella and clostridium, increases antibody response and intestine-related immune functions. It has also shown to be able to treat or prevent different causes of diarrhea, including Rota-virus, diarrhea caused by antibiotics, and colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon).

Apple cider vinegar.
This contains Pectins which are effective against certain types of bacteria that cause diarrhea. Pectins also bind to disease-causing bacteria and flush them from the gut.

Carob flour.
This is very rich in pectin, a binding substance, and tannins, which have an anti-viral effect.

Honey.
This is a good remedy for bacteria-caused diarrhea.

Bayberry.
This contains a chemical in the bark called myricitrin that fights germs, and also contains tannins which have a drying or astringent effect that will help relieve diarrhea.

Egg yolk.
Chickens are many times vaccinated against diseases that relate to diarrhea diseases. The chickens then pass the antibodies in their eggs. Research has shown that these egg yolk antibodies can prevent and treat scours very effectively.

Products that have a supportive therapy.

Agrimony.
Reduces all intestinal inflammations and has an astringent working.

MSM.
Methylsulfonylmethane is natural organic sulphur, one of the essential minerals. It helps reducing inflammation and aids the digestive system to work better. MSM has a healing and soothing influence on the mucous membrane that lines the intestines.

Blackberry root.
The roots of blackberry bushes have a chemical astringent that dries up excess fluid in the body. This drying up in turn helps stop scours.

Soluble Pectins.
These Pectins can coat the gut wall leaving a protective coat and slowing the passage of food.

Lignocelluloses and yeasts.
Are used to stabilize digestion and improve the consistency of the stools.

Citric and ascorbic acids.
These acids can restore the right pH levels to promote beneficial gut micro flora.

Chamomile and bilberry.
Soothe the intestines, act as a spasm reducer and as an anti inflammatory.

Electrolytes.
Make your own recipe by mixing one gallon of water with 86 grams of sugar, 14 grams of baking soda, 13 grams of salt and 3 grams of potassium chloride.
An alternative can be: 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 can beef soup, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 package of jelly pectin, plus add warm water to make a 2-quart total.

Acidophilus.
Acidophilus or live culture yogurt can help with the buildup of good bacteria in the intestines.

Carrot juice.
The essential oils in carrot juice have a positive effect on the stomach's mucous membranes.

FOS pro-biotic.
Improve good bacteria in the intestines by adding FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) supplements. FOS can be found in vegetables and fruits. It is a soluble fiber and it has acidophilus as well as other needed bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar.
The vinegar helps cleaning the intestines and the complete digestive system and acts as a natural antiseptic. It also contains pectin which will thicken the stools.

Garlic.
Garlic can be a supportive product in several ways: it cleanses, soothes and reduces inflammation. Garlic has also a large amount of potassium which is needed for a good working of the contractions of the intestines. Potassium is also an important ingredient of electrolytes in the body.

Bran.
Unprocessed bran can soak up the excess fluids in the intestines because it absorbs eight times its own weight.

Charcoal.
Charcoal can stop the diarrhea quickly by absorbing the toxins that are causing the problem.

Cabbage.
Substances in cabbage have shown to heal intestinal lesions.

Green tea.
Green tea is a rich source of tannins which has an astringent working.

Cinnamon and Cayenne pepper.
Cinnamon and cayenne pepper as a combination, is very effective in tightening the intestines.

Ginger.
Ginger can help with cramps or abdominal pain.

Tormentil.
Tormentil has 20% tannins, making it very astringent and helpful in reducing inflammation.

As you can see there are many alternative products that can help curing and treating calf diarrhea. Most of them are supportive products that definitively can be a benefit for scouring calves. It is good to keep a close eye to these calves to see if the products actually work.

When in doubt, always consult a veterinarian because dehydration is a real threat to a calf with diarrhea and it can cause a rapid death. Learn more about commonly used practices in treating calf diarrhea here and how to prevent new outbreaks.

If you're suffering from Crohn's disease, then you're living a nightmare! I know. I too suffered from this debilitating disease for 4 years - perhaps longer without my knowledge. Despite the seemingly endless claims of 'No cure', I proved them wrong. Today, I am totally Crohn's free and the doctors are amazed.

This is what I suggest:

1. Have a complete heavy metal test.

Normal blood tests can't detect heavy metals. Saliva and hair analysis can. It is now widely acknowledged that Crohn's disease can be caused by mercury toxicity.

2. Get rid of your mercury fillings.

The most common source of mercury poisoning is teeth fillings. See a holistic dentist and have them removed safely.

3. Detox.

An experienced natural practitioner will put you on a detox program that will remove the mercury and any other problem toxins from your body, particularly your bowel.

4. Have a test for candida growth.

Many of us have too many sugary foods and drinks. These and a host of other yeast producing products can create a fungal environment in our bowels.

5. Have bifidus products.

Good quality bifidus taken daily in cold water, will make a huge difference to the functioning of your bowel. If your bowel slows down significantly, consider increasing the dosage of bifidus significantly. See your experienced naturopath for advice.

6. Have only soft foods until your bowel movements return to normal.

When your bowel is inflamed, avoid eating any foods that might irritate it. Soft foods will slide over it and provide healing nutrition.

7. Drink 8 glasses of Evian or Fiji water daily.

Water flushes the entire body of unwanted toxins. High quality bottled water such as Evian and Fiji, contain an extraordinarily high amount of beneficial minerals.

8. Exercise on a rebounder daily.

A fantastic all over toxin flusher, this will quickly and effectively get things moving in the right direction.

9. Go to sleep by 10pm every night.

Not only is sleep healing, but it is a time of relaxation. Both are essential for restoring the bowel to optimum health.

10. Get plenty of sunshine

Vitamin D benefits every part of our bodies. The safest and most beneficial times to go out, are early morning or afternoon.

Mind your own colitis... because nobody else can do it for you. Notice I said 'nobody' - no-body other than your body. That includes no mind other than your mind. Together your body will be healed by your mind both directly and in-directly.

How?

Directly by NOT doing certain things that you know are harmful to it's general well-being and...

Indirectly by cultivating an attitude of joyful expectancy. Of assumed new reality.

It's easy enough to eat and drink this and that and avoid eating and drinking that and the other, but... thinking in a certain way is one of the great crippling causes of humanities common afflictions. In fact, it is the number one blight on the health, happiness and general well-being of most people in the world.

It is now over 18 months since I began my website, blog, and newsletter and life has taken several unexpected twists for me in this time. Nothing that anyone looking from the outside of me might notice immediately but from the inside where I reside the changes have been quite incredible.

After all these years of study, observation and experimentation I realize that the greatest impediment to any kind of improvement in any field of a person's life is the way that person thinks. Like yourself perhaps, I have long been familiar with phrases like 'you are what you think' but the fact is that words are simply words until they are replaced by the meaning which gave rise to them in the first place.

It's the idea itself that has power not the words. The power is within the natural forces in our lives that create whatever it is that both afflicts and benefits us. This force - energy is a better word - is simply there working in our lives presenting conditions that are representative of our thoughts. I have known this for a long, long time. But I didn't understand it. Because I didn't understand it, I was more a random 'victim' of it rather than an instigator with it.

Er, colitis?

Yes, colitis hasn't been forgotten. In fact I touched upon this aspect of healing in a blog about a year ago, but again, the words have been replaced by an understanding. A year can be a long time in self-revelation. Colitis has taught me one thing solidly: You reap what you sow. But It has also made me aware that many people doing the same thing - or not doing the same thing as the case may be - rarely all get exactly the same results. Why?

That remains an awkward point of contention that has frustrated physicians and fascinated psychologists for a very long time. The answer? Because everyone is different? Partly, not that they look different,but that they think differently. Their attitude to their individual life is different from the next person. That includes their closest family too. To explore our thinking habits - our attitude - is the key to minding any kind of business. In health issues it is imperative. If in doubt ask anyone involved in placebo-effect testing. More beneficially to you, simply take a more positive attitude to ... not health or illness, but to general outlook on life. That really is the fun de 'mental' key. No apologies for the pun. It's that important! That's the way to really mind your 'health.'

Leaky gut syndrome:

Leaky gut syndrome is a term often used in complementary or alternative medicine circles and by the lay public that is really describing a known entity termed increased intestinal permeability. Gut permeability is important for health and prevention of disease. The intestine is lined with a single layer of epithelial cells, called enterocytes in the small bowel and colonocytes in the large bowel or colon. These epithelial cells both constitute the intestinal barrier and the digestive and absorptive lining of the gut.

Intestinal villous and microvilli increases absorptive area:

The small intestine lining has projections called villi that dramatically increase the surface area of the intestine. Each villous is lined with a single layer of enterocytes and goblet cells. The enterocytes of the small intestine have projections on their surfaces known as microvilli where digestive enzymes reside.

Tight junctions prevent leaky gut:

The cells are joined to each other by tight junctions or zonula occludens that form a barrier to fluid and proteins except when permitted by signals that open up the spaces between the cells, the paracellular space. Abnormal tight junctions result in increased intestinal permeability or what may be called a leaky gut. This altered intestinal permeability or barrier function is implicated in several diseases, especially celiac disease and the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Occludin, claudin and zonulin proteins:

Occludin and claudin are structural proteins that maintain the tight junctions or zonula occludens. These proteins are regulated at least in part by another protein, zonulin. The structure of the tight junctions is also known as a cytoskeleton.

Leaky gut can occur without visible or microscopic signs:

Obvious visually apparent defects of the lining of the intestine or mucosa such as ulcerations and erosions or atrophy are associated with increased intestinal permeability but ultra structural studies have shown that areas of the lining can have gaps in the intestinal barrier. That is, your gut can be leaky though it may look normal visually during endoscopy or even on plain microscope examination of biopsies.

Gluten can cause leaky gut without celiac disease:

Chronic gluten exposure has been shown to activate zonulin resulting in increased intestinal permeability (or leaky gut) even in the absence of celiac disease. Intestinal permeability with malabsorption has been described in celiac patients and their relatives who don't have atrophy of the intestine on biopsy but only increased inflammatory cells known as lymphocytes or increased intraepithelial lymphocytosis (IEL).

Lymphocytic enteritis may be the earliest microscopic sign of leaky gut:

Lymphocytic enteritis is a relatively new term for this small intestine biopsy finding. Since lymphocytes release chemical mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) it makes sense that increased numbers of lymphocytes in the villi releasing TNF can result in a leaky gut, malabsorption symptoms and increased risk of celiac disease, Crohn's, and colitis, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. Moreover, if altered gut bacteria and yeast levels are present the risks appear to be higher.

Tumor necrosis factor release results in leaky gut:

Interestingly, anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy in the form of remicade (infliximab) and humira (adalimubab) are highly effective in treating Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and more recently ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, such therapy is directed at the already released TNF not the underlying cause or predisposition.

Probiotics may be protective against leaky gut and bowel inflammation:

Probiotics are gaining acceptance or interest in the prevention and treatment of both inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's and colitis) as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They are also being touted to prevent or treat antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Leaky gut gaining scientific support but bigger picture still being missed:

Again, however, it appears that there are a lot of researchers and physicians who appear to have some pieces of the bigger puzzle of leaky gut or altered gut permeability as a cause of intestinal diseases and intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms but few are seeing the bigger picture. Go to www.thefooddoc.com to access the Food Doc Blog to explore this bigger picture and the latest research in the context of my experience of a practicing gastroenterologist who is also personally affected by food intolerance. Be sure to subscribe to the blog and e-mail postings to friends and family.

References:

Gliadin, zonulin and gut permeability: Effects on celiac and non-celiac intestinal mucosa and intestinal cell lines. Drago, S et al. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2006; 41(4): 408-419

Inflammatory bowel disease: Is it really just another break in the wall? Weber, CR and Turner, JR. Gut 2007; 56(1): 6-8

Changes in expression and distribution of claudin 2,5, and 8 lead to discontinuous tight junctions and barrier dysfunction in active Crohn's disease. Zeissig S. et al. Gut 2007; 56(1): 61-72

Excessive hair loss should never be dismissed as a cosmetic problem, as it can be an early warning sign of impending illness. Any change in hair can be the body's way of telling you to pay attention to your health.

The condition of one's hair is an indication of their entire physical and emotional well-being. When a person is physically or emotionally ill their hair may become dull and lifeless, and may begin to fall out. Traditional Chinese medicine and other healing systems view the outward appearance of one's hair as an indication of the internal system.

Hair loss is a symptom of many medical conditions. Taking hair loss seriously in the beginning stages can help prevent a slight imbalance from becoming a more serious medical condition. In many cases hair loss is temporary and can be easily corrected once the cause is identified and addressed.

An example of hair loss as an early symptom of impending illness was documented in the Journal of Royal Society of Medicine (JRSM, December 1989.) A 40 year old female experienced chronic diffuse hair loss with no other symptoms. Six months later she experienced an attack of ulcerative colitis. She was treated and remained well for eighteen months. During this time her hair loss ceased. Her second attack of ulcerative colitis was also preceded by diffuse hair loss before any other symptoms were present. Because of this pattern, another episode of hair loss could be a warning of the possibility of an upcoming ulcerative colitis attack, and preventative measures can be taken.

Other gastrointestinal disorders such as Chron's disease and Celiac disease often include hair loss as a symptom. These types of disorders hinder the body's ability of absorb nutrients. Malnourishment often shows up in the hair before other symptoms are present.

Hair loss is often the first symptom of any type of adrenal gland imbalance. If treated early balance can be re-established. Untreated adrenal gland disturbances can progress to more serious disorders such as Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome.

The thyroid is commonly involved in hair loss. A healthy thyroid is essential for healthy hair. Even a slight deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones could cause hair loss. The thyroid should always be checked when hair loss occurs.

There are over 80 different autoimmune disorders. Although hair loss is very common with certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, and Grave's disease, it can be a symptom of almost all autoimmune conditions. Changes in texture, color, dryness etc. commonly occur in autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to mistakenly view its own cells as foreign invaders. In response the immune system begins to attack its own body, affecting various organs and body systems.

Any liver or kidney deficiency can manifest as hair loss. In Chinese medicine the kidneys are believed to be the primary organ connected to scalp hair. It is thought that beautiful lustrous hair is a sign of healthy kidneys; and that a weakness in the kidneys can cause thinning and prematurely gray hair.

Problems with insulin and blood sugar levels such as in hypoglycemia and diabetes can cause hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia are also causes of hair loss.

Any hormonal imbalance can lead to hair loss. A common cause of hair loss in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Candidiasis albicans is a condition of yeast overgrowth which can become very destructive and cause many health problems including hair loss.

These are some of the more common medical conditions in which has loss can be a symptom. Anytime the body is not functioning optimally hair loss may occur. Because hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body (along with bone marrow) it is very sensitive to any disturbances.

It is important to pay attention to any changes in hair and to identify the cause as soon as possible. Correcting the problem early could minimize future health problems.

According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), about half of Americans aged 50 years and above experience signs of hemorrhoids or piles. The disorder is characterized by discomfort, itching, and bleeding in the anus or lower rectum. It is caused by inflamed veins that swell. It is grouped into two kinds. It is an internal hemorrhoid if the inflamed veins are inside the rectum. It is external if it is under the skin that surrounds the anus. One who has this disorder can take over the counter medication, undergo a surgical procedure or try a non-surgical approach such as injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids.

Sclerotherapy is only one of the non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids. In fact, it is one of the oldest techniques used for treating this condition. Other non-surgical treatments include rubber band ligation, cryotherapy and heat coagulation.

With this approach, the medical practitioner would inject phenol or quinine urea in liquid form. They are the ones referred to as the sclerosants. Their main goal is to get rid of the long-period but mild inflammation. The patients are usually requested to defecate before injecting the sclerosants. Defecating right after the treatment is strongly discouraged because it may reduce treatment's effectiveness. The area to be treated is usually lubricated and pain killer may be given.

The sclerosants must be injected to the hemorrhoids' base. It is not totally pain-free but the pain is experienced much shorter than the one experienced after a surgical procedure. This hemorrhoid management technique usually requires only a day for the pain to go away. It is an outpatient procedure but most doctors recommend that you have someone come with you and drive you home.

One of the benefits of this injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids is that the results are quick even if it is cheaper than other treatments. The inflammation would subside fast. One can see results at least a week after the fluids are injected. The hemorrhoids will come out of the body through the natural bowel movement, which must be pain and blood-free.

Another good thing about this therapy is that it is non-invasive. This is why it is one of the most recommended to the elderly suffering from the said disorder. Unlike surgical procedures, injecting liquids to the veins does not require much strength and excellent health.

Of course, any treatment has its downside. In the case of sclerotherapy, one may develop scars in the affected area when the inflammation is treated. Moreover, the medical practitioners limit the treatment to only three hemorrhoids per sessions. It cannot be used for very large inflamed veins or third degree piles, too. Aside from that the injected phenol is less effective on large piles, there is also a risk for blood clots. Another downside is that the benefits of this treatment are not permanent. The condition may come back after a year or so.

Additionally, the injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids may be great for the elderly suffering from piles but it is not for everyone. It cannot be administered to those who have other inflammatory bowel conditions such as the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease that is characterized by ulceration of the inner lining of the large intestines. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and dysentery. Ulcerative colitis is a serious medical condition that needs immediate treatment as it can lead to several life-threatening complications.

Although many doctors opine that diet does not factor in as a cause for ulcerative colitis, the condition is certainly exacerbated by several types of foods which are hence best avoided. Therefore, good knowledge regarding foods that must be avoided and those that can be eaten in case of this type of irritable bowel syndrome goes a long way in enabling successful dietary management of this condition.

Foods that must be included in the diet to help manage flare-ups in case of ulcerative colitis are good quality proteins from non-vegetarian sources, carbohydrates and fats in moderate amounts. Fruits and vegetables must be easily digestible and fruits in particular, can be boiled or baked. Dairy products are a must as they help to reduce the propensity of the ulcers. Adequate consumption of water is mandatory as it helps to solve many digestive problems related to Crohn's disease. Physicians might also prescribe certain nutritional supplements such as vitamin B, D and iron to make up for any dietary deficiencies or loss due to lowered intestinal absorption.

Foods that must be avoided to overcome flare-ups in Crohn's disease are those that cause flatulence such as cabbage, caffeine, carbonated drinks, beans etc. Hot, spicy and greasy foods, highly fibrous foods, sugar, sweeteners and processed foods containing food additives must be curtailed as these increase the intensity of the symptoms. Also avoid heavy meals; instead opt for frequent, small meals to stave of hunger pangs that exacerbate ulcerative conditions.

Although, correct dietary practices might not help to completely cure irritable bowel syndrome, they definitely act as adjunct therapy in controlling the symptoms associated with this condition. With the right dietary management, controlling IBS is possible, although medications and in case of severity surgery might be necessary.

Thus, dietary management of crohn's disease involves avoidance of spicy, greasy, highly fibrous and processed foods, whereas, consumption of fresh foods and a balanced diet is recommended. Therefore, those suffering from ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome can take heart from the fact that dietary management can help curtail some of the unbearable symptoms of this condition.

Hence, flare-ups in ulcerative colitis can be managed via sound dietary practices that revolve around eating fresh and balanced meals.