Colitis Treatment Information

In recent years, many people have advocated the act of following a colon cleansing regiment to purify their internal systems. Proponents of detoxification have claimed that after the cleansing program, one feels lighter, healthier, and more alert mentally and physically.

When celebrities started to proclaim the efficacy of colon cleansing or detoxification in aiding their weight loss, easing digestive problems and providing more energy and stamina, it seems as if quite a few colon cleansing products began to appear in the market in response to the situation in a very short period of time.

One product that appears to be gaining quite a bit of popularity is Colopril, manufactured by Pharmaxa Labs. User accounts have been touting the benefits of the product as a safe and effective detoxifying aid. As impressive as the reports appear to be on the product, it is always wise to examine what's actually contained in any nutritional supplement before purchasing it.

Let's take a closer look at the Colopril formula and it's base of ingredients.

Cascara Sagrada Bark

Known as a sacred bark for some Native Americans, the bark of Cascara Sagrada is considered as a potent herb that can alleviate constipation and other digestive problems, such as colitis, bloating, and gas. This ingredient also has astringent properties that help cleanse and detoxify the liver and the colon.

Moreover, Cascara Sagrada's bark contains special substances known as anthraquinones, which is responsible for the laxative effect of the herb. The bacteria inside the intestines transform these substances into compounds that boost motility of the large intestine. Thus, stimulating proper bowel movement needed to help pass stool and get rid of toxins and wastes inside the body.

Ginger Root

In the East, ginger root is used to add flavor and aroma to many dishes. However, this is not the only benefit from this pungent herb. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that ginger root is useful in relieving many conditions, particularly those that affect the digestive tract.

For over 2,000 years, these knotted roots have been used by Chinese doctors not only in relieving vomiting and nausea, but also in treating stomach upsets, dyspepsia, colitis, irritable bowel and other gastrointestinal ailments. Recently, however, experts have discovered that this herb contains terpenes and oleo-resin which are antiseptic substances that promote lymphatic cleansing, boost blood circulation, and eliminate toxins inside the body.

Psyllium Seed

The potency of psyllium seed in colon cleansing is largely due to its high fiber content. It is known that dietary fiber is crucial in helping absorb toxins inside the gut and promote peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines. A person who is constipated usually does not have enough fiber and water in the body to help move waste products and stool out of the system. Aside from being effective in relieving constipation and promoting healthy bowel movement, psyllium seed is also known for curbing appetite and helping treat kidney and bladder problems.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

There are good bacteria and other microorganisms residing inside the intestine and other parts of the body. These are considered good because they promote proper digestion and overall wellness. Furthermore, they also protect people against various diseases caused by bad organisms that inhabit the body.

Aside from aiding digestion, Lactobacillus Acidophilus also prevents infectious diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases, yeast infections, food allergies, cystitis, and urinary tract infection. Lastly, Lactobacillus Acidophilus also helps boost the immune system. Scientists are even looking into the possibility of including Lactobacillus Acidophlus in the treatment of H. pylori infections, HIV-induced diarrhea and even colon cancer.

In the end, when considering a colon cleansing product, you always need to keep in mind that the quality of ingredients should come first and foremost. The purity of the ingredients in each pill or capsule will have a direct influence as to the supplements effectiveness. With Colopril, it certainly establishes itself against that standard.

Coloril is a product that certainly contains a slew of healthy ingredients, most of which our body could use, whether the aim is to detoxify, lose weight or not. One of the big health benefits of colon cleansing comes from the fact that it can get people 'going' around as often as they eat. Overall I really do like this product.

Sometimes, when you are passing stool, you can see streaks of blood in the stool or the tissue paper. Spotting blood like this can be quite an alarming sight for anyone. The presence of blood in stool could be for various reasons, and they generally point towards rectal bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding. It's time to head towards your physician's office if you see blood like this. Ignorance can complicate the matter even further. Ask yourself - can blood in stool cause other problems? Sure they can. Excessive blood loss can lead to weakness, fatigue, and even anemia.

What is the cause of blood in stool? There is more than one factor that can cause rectal bleeding. Let's look at the more important ones among them one by one.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is one of the main reasons that can cause the appearance of blood with stool. A condition which causes the intestines or the stomach to become inflamed, Gastroenteritis can also cause nausea, abdominal pain, weakness, and diarrhea that could possibly contain blood.

Internal Bleeding

Internal Bleeding refers to the bleeding of blood vessels inside the body. Apart from being a blood in stool cause, it may also lead to weakness, dizziness, and stomach pain. The person might also become unconscious due to internal bleeding. The main causes for internal bleeding are bleeding ulcers, tears to the stomach or intestines and trauma.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid can also lead to bloody stools. Hemorrhoids are a medical condition in which the patient suffers from swelling in the blood vessels around the anus and hence experiences severe pain and discomfort while sitting or passing stool. Hemorrhoids are of two kinds - internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can also cause a number of other symptoms, such as anal swelling and itching, pain and discomfort.

Anal Fissures

Anal fissure refer to a torn anal which causes bright red blood in stool. Patients also complain to have blood on the toilet tissue and underwear. Anal fissure leads to severe pain and discomfort in any activity that requires anal movement or puts pressure on the anus, such as passing stools, bending over or lifting something heavy.

Ulcerative Colitis

Patients suffering from Ulcerative colitis have ulcers and inflammation in their rectum and colon. This is a chronic disease of the lower digestive tract which can cause rectal bleeding or blood, mucus or pus while passing your stool. Such patients may also experience water and blood in diarrhea, high fever, stomach pain, nausea, and dehydration. Symptoms like passing foul smelling stools, loss of appetite, skin lesions, and joint pain can also be associated with Ulcerative colitis.

Anal herpes is the formation of viral outbreaks in the rectal area. The transmission of has generally the same characteristics of any other form of the herpes virus. The area is infected when contact with a contaminated person is made. Blisters usually develop about two weeks after initial contact.

The blisters develop at the edge of the anus, but it is possible for the outbreaks to spread inside the rectum. In the event that this happens, colitis, the chronic inflammation of the membrane that lines your colon, intestine or bowel, can develop. Although it is painful to experience any type of herpes anal outbreaks tend to be exceptionally painful as a result of the irritation caused to it during any bowel movements. During outbreaks, blood and mucus is often expelled with stool.

The greatest cause of herpes transmission to the anus is through anal sex. It can be transmitted from anus to penis or from penis to anus. Using protective measures such as condoms greatly reduces the chance of contracting anal herpes, although condoms do not always cover the infected area in its entirety. Taking part in sexual intercourse with a partner who has been infected with herpes brings with it certain unavoidable risks, and the issue should be discussed prior to any kind of intercourse.

Like genital herpes anal symptoms are similar. The initial outbreak is often the worst, and after recognizing that you have anal herpes, subsequent outbreaks are fairly easy to identify. Prior to an outbreak, the infected area is often itchy or painful. Some people develop flu-like symptoms prior to, and during outbreaks as well. Small red bumps will begin to form in the anal region.

These bumps soon develop into blisters that are filled with a red, white, or clear liquid. In some cases, the blisters will remain intact and heal without scabbing, but the majority of the time they will ulcerate and ooze liquid. After a short time the ulcerated blisters dry out and scab. Once the scabs heal and fall off, the episode is complete. Treatment should be administered at the first warning signs that an outbreak may occur, preferable prior to the development of any blisters.

Treatment for anal herpes is consistent with that of any other form of genital herpes. Medical treatment should be sought if the possibility of contraction of the virus is evident. Once the diagnosis has been reached, a number of treatment options are available.

The most popular choice for treatment is currently prescriptive medications such as Valtrex. These medications often lessen the frequency and severity of outbreaks, but are often accompanied by unpleasant side effects. Topical creams are used to remedy symptom discomfort.

Natural treatment options are becoming increasingly popular and Olive Leaf, Andrographis and Echinacea have been known to increase immune system support enough to drastically decrease the number of outbreaks that occur. When combined with vitamin C and zinc, lysine has been known to speed up the recovery process significantly. Aloe vera gel aids greatly in the management of the anal herpes pain and discomfort aspects of the lesions.

Physicians who specialize in gastroenterology diagnose and treat the digestive systems of the body. This is a complex field.

Medical practitioners who specialize in the field of gastroenterology diagnose and treat many portions of the body's digestive systems. Gastroenterologists are grouped with the focus of hepatology in order to offer diagnostics, treatment and preventative care for more than just the stomach. There are many organs and body parts that play a part in digestion including the colon, intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, esophagus and stomach. The food that we eat goes through many channels and stages in order to nourish our bodies.

Some of the treatment services these physicians may offer include:

Constipation: Constipation can occur for many different reasons. Diet can be a component as can dehydration and lack of exercise. Function of the rectum and pelvic floor must also be tested for proper workability.

Fecal incontinence: On the other end of the spectrum from constipation is fecal incontinence. Dietary changes or sphincter surgery may help.

Reflux problems and Barrett's esophagus: Monitoring, evaluation and treatment of these problems can be achieved by these doctors.

Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer: Multiple problems pertaining to the pancreas are tended to by these gastro specialists.

Preventative testing: Endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasounds, colonography and more may be done as preventative testing.

Malnutrition guidance: Nutritionists may help to sort out feeding and eating problems which have led to a patient becoming malnourished. Malabsorption may be part of the problem, as well.

Esophageal cancer: Cancer of the esophagus is diagnosed and treated within this arena of health care.

Gastrointestinal cancer: These cancers occur in the stomach, rectum, colon and anus.

Liver problems: Liver transplants may be performed by these physicians.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease is also referred to as IBS. Medications as well as psychosocial counseling often help sufferers of this malady.

Crohn's disease: Drugs and surgery along with lifestyle alterations can be utilized to help with Crohn's disease. Sufferers can still live an active lifestyle.

Colitis: Ulcerative colitis causes swelling of the large intestine and can be very painful. There is no cure but many ways to make sufferers more comfortable.

Difficulty swallowing: Nerve and muscle problems can make swallowing difficult. Two conditions are called oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia.

Treatment options in gastroenterology and the digestive centers of the body have increased in recent years due to research and technological advancement. Many procedures are less invasive than in the past due to new techniques.

If a patient is having difficulty in any of the above areas, he or she should seek a consultation with a reputable gastroenterology specialist to find answers. Since these are highly specialized physicians, it will be difficult to get word-of-mouth referrals from your average friend or neighbor. For such a practitioner, asking one's family doctor for professionals that they would recommend is one method of obtaining referrals. Calling one's insurance company to see who is covered on their plan is another good idea. Doctor referral resources are also available online in order to help a new patient pre-screen a physician.

As many as one in five people suffer from the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the malfunctioning of the gastrointestinal tract that results either in chronic diarrhea, constipation, or both. It is estimated that as many as 50 million people in the USA alone suffer from IBS. The most common occurrences are in people aged between 20 and 30, with two times as many women as men being affected. Other names for this condition include nervous bowel, spastic colon, nervous diarrhea, spastic colitis and mucous colitis. Whatever it may be called, IBS is one of the most common health problems encountered by primary care doctors, and it is the disorder most frequently seen by gastroenterologists (physicians specializing in stomach and intestinal ailments.)

In addition to the primary symptoms of diarrhea and/or constipation, other elements of the syndrome may include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, heartburn, chest pains (not related to the heart), difficulty swallowing, flatulence, cramps, mucus in stools, incontinence and the sensation following a bowel movement that evacuation has not been complete.

There is a wide range of remedies for many of the above mentioned symptoms, ranging from simple folk remedies such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda, to expensive prescription pharmaceuticals, but, until recently, there has not been a treatment designed to assist in the reduction of the wide spectrum of the symptoms that encompass Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now, however, there is a 100% natural remedy available, Bowtrol. Actually two different formulas, there is one Bowtrol for sufferers from constipation or multiple symptoms and a second one for loose stool sufferers. Each treatment regimen includes two components.

The IBS constipation treatment starts with a colon and parasite cleanser that lubricates, moistens and cleanses the bowels to reduce inflammation and gas, purify the intestines, remove old food residue and cleanse microorganisms and other toxic materials from the intestinal tract. This also aids in the reduction of water retention and bloating and assists in weight loss.

The IBS treatment for diarrhea utilizes activated charcoal, potassium and iron to soothe and calm the digestive tract, harden stools, promote intestinal cleansing, decrease inflammation and help decrease the frequency of bowel movements.

The second ingredient in both the constipation and the diarrhea treatments is Lactospore, an enhancer of intestinal probiotics. This anti-bacterial improves digestion by increasing the amount of enzymes in the digestive system. It is a 100% vegetarian material that contains 9 billion Lactobacillus organisms per gram, to help re-establish a healthy intestinal flora.

Some of the most common health complaints people suffer from when candida is prevalent are fatigue, allergies, thrush and cystitis, skin rashes, mood changes, low libido and bowel changes, to name a few.
Because candidiasis can affect various parts of the body - the most common being the mouth, ears, nose, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina - it can be characterized by many symptoms. These include constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, memory loss, mood swings, prostatitis, canker sores, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and persistent cough, congestion, acne, night sweats, severe itching, extreme fatigue, vaginitis, kidney and bladder infections, arthritis, depression, hyperactivity, adrenal problems. Symptoms often become more severe after the consumption of foods containing sugar, yeast and/or mold.

Candidiasis may affect both men and women, however, it is rarely transmitted sexually. It is most common in babies (an infected mother may pass the fungal infection to her newborn) and in persons with compromised immune systems. In babies, they will develop nappy rash that looks like a very bad burn.

Taking antibiotics, hormones, steroids and cortisone drugs are the main reason why most people suffer from a Candida overgrowth. This is because these drugs affect the balance between the "Good" and "Bad" bacteria found in the intestines and bowel. These medicines also weaken the immune system, cause nutritional deficiencies and alter the permeability of the gastro-intestinal lining giving rise to further infections.

Very often food allergies or environmental sensitivities are present in candidiasis sufferers.

The bowel and intestine are the first areas of imbalance when candida proliferates. In the bowel we have a large population of "Good Bacteria". When we are born, provided we are breast fed, the colostrum (which is the first part of breast milk) feeds this good bacteria and supplies a plentiful amount of it. This helps to keep the balance between "good and bad" in the intestines. If we have antibiotics, their action wipes out the harmful bacteria, however this action is non specific and also destroys the beneficial bacteria as well. Each time we have another course of antibiotics, this good bacteria is destroyed further and further. This lack of good bacteria leads to all kinds of health problems, such as constipation and diarrhea, headaches, skin rashes, mood changes, a lowered immunity and general ill health.

Therefore the primary treatment of candidiasis is to establish a healthy amount of 'friendly' bacteria in the bowel and intestines. The three reasons this is essential are:

a) The friendly bacteria control the pH of the bowel, this action helps to control opportunistic bacteria and fungus.

b) Probiotic cultures compete for food with yeast and other harmful bacteria.

c) Good bacteria also compete for space to attach themselves onto the bowel wall and intestinal lining, thus 'crowding out' harmful bacteria.

Candida has two quite separate identities in the body. One is when it is in its yeast form and the other is in its fungal form. In the yeast form it has no root, but in its fungal form it produces what are called Rhizoids. These are long structures, similar to roots. Once in this form, the roots can actually penetrate through the mucous lining of the tissue, in which they are growing. When this happens this substance then enters the blood stream. This form of infection is known as systemic candidiasis. Once the candida has broken through the intestinal barrier, undigested proteins from the food eaten, as well as toxic wastes from the candida infestation, may begin to circulate in the blood stream. Once in the bloodstream, candida can invade every organ system in the body, causing a type of blood poisoning called candida septicaemia. If these substances reach the brain, there is a chance for the production of, what have been termed as, "brain allergies". These can result in a wide variety of mood and personality problems, ranging from depression, irritability and mood swings, to conditions, which look to all the world, like the symptoms of schizophrenia.

When candida infects the vagina, it results in vaginitis characterized by a large amount of white, cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. When the fungus infects the oral cavity, it is called thrush. Candida infection may also take the form of athlete's foot or jock itch.

Protocols in natural medicine seek to establish a balance between yeast and beneficial bacteria as well as controlling proliferation through anti-microbial and anti-fungal supplements.

The 2 main formulas we use for treating this condition are the herbal combinations Kolorex and Candaid. Kolorex contains contains herbs made from NZ native plants. These herbs contain properties that are very fast acting and effective against candida and other fungi.

Candaid contains a variety of herbs including caprylic acid. Caprylic acid is a potent anti-fungal agent and was first investigated for its anti fungal use in 1938-39, but it wasn't until the mid 80's that its use became widespread and accepted. At low doses it shows a fungistatic action by inhibiting the separation of buds from the parent candida cell. At higher doses it destroys the integrity of the cell wall causing the cells to leak and collapse. Caprylic acid binds to the candida cells and begins its action within 5 minutes of contact.

Other herbs or supplements that will break down candida yeast in the body, or support the body's ability to do so, are Garlic, Pau d'Arco, Olive leaf, the B Complex vitamins, Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron.

Nutritional and Herbal support used against Candidiasis includes

Kolorex - A NZ native herbal formula with broad spectrum anti-fungal action.

CandAid - contains a blend of herbs & other ingredients known for their anti-fungal activity. Formulated to help restore a healthy balance in the intestines in conjunction with a sugar and yeast free diet.

Vitamin B Complex 100 - This is needed for growth, function and repair of all cells in body.

Advanced Antioxidant Formula - Helps support the weakened immune system and helps with liver support.

Formula 825 - A herbal formula specifically for its antimicrobial support.

Primadophilus Bifidus - Essential friendly bacteria, that is needed to repopulate the gastrointestinal tract.

Colostrum - Helps feed the friendly bacteria and heal the gastrointestinal tract. Restores the bowel to optimum functioning.

Some interesting points on Candidiasis

Eat vegetables, fish, brown rice, oat, bran, live yogurt. Try to keep the diet simple and as natural as possible.

Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.

Avoid sugar, yeast, aged and fancy cheese, chocolate, alcohol, ham, honey, pickles, nut butters, mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar and foods containing MSG. These all encourage the growth of the yeast.

Avoid antibiotics, oral contraceptives and corticosteroids if possible until your condition improves. Oral contraceptives upset the balance of organisms in the body.

If you have had chronic and/or unusually persistent Candida infections, consult a health care provider.

What are anal fissures and fistulas?
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus or the skin around it. An anal fistula is an abnormal track or channel from the anus that opens onto the skin surrounding the anus.

What causes anal fissures and fistulas and who is at risk?
Frequently, no cause is found for the development of an anal fissure. The most commonly associated condition is constipation.

Anal fistulas are associated with a number of conditions that result in inflammation of the digestive tract. These include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (see separate Factsheet). More commonly, however, fistulas are caused by infection and abscess (collection of pus) in one of the glands near to the anus. Multiple anal fissures may also be associated with these conditions.

What are the common symptoms and complications of anal fissures and fistulas? Sudden and severe pain in or around the anus is the characteristic symptom of an anal fissure. The pain often occurs during or shortly after the passage of a hard stool, but may also occur spontaneously.

After that, the pain occurs now and then and is severe, sharp and often shooting in nature; it is often made worse by a bowel movement. As a result, sufferers often avoid opening their bowels, which makes the constipation worse and prevents the fissure from healing. The condition is frequently associated with something called a 'sentinel pile'. This pile, or haemorrhoid, is a small vein that has dropped down from inside the anus to lie outside. It may bleed from time to time and a streak of bright red blood on the toilet paper may be seen.

Anal fistula is most commonly associated with an abscess near the anus, which gives rise to pain in or around the anus that may be dull and throbbing. The abscess releases pus, which may be blood-stained and soil the underclothes. The formation of a fistula results in the often continuous seepage of pus or sometimes a more thin and watery fluid, again often streaked with blood, from the anus. If the underlying abscess is large enough it may cause a fever and a feeling of being generally unwell.

If a fistula has been caused by an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, other symptoms of the disease may be present. These may include diarrhea, abdominal pains, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting.

What is the treatment for anal fissures and fistulas?

Self-care action plan
Avoiding constipation by eating a diet rich in fibre (including plenty of fruit and vegetables) helps to prevent anal fissures from occurring. Such a diet also helps the healing process.

Medicines
If diet alone is insufficient to control constipation, a number of medicines can be used, many of which are available as over-the-counter preparations from a pharmacist with no need for a prescription. These include lactulose, taken as a liquid, and tablets such as senna. Creams or ointments that contain pain-killing local anaesthetic agents are very useful at relieving the pain of anal fissures. Relief of the pain reduces the spasm in the muscles of the anus, which often prevents the fissure from healing.

Surgery
If all the above measures fail, a variety of operations is available for the treatment of anal fissures. These include stretching of the anus, which is carried out under general anaesthetic (during which you will be asleep) and although normally performed as a day case, may require you to stay in hospital overnight. This procedure results in temporary weakening of the muscles around the anus, relieving the spasm and allowing healing to occur. Alternatively, a 'sphincterotomy' may be performed. This, again, is carried out under a general anaesthetic and involves cutting some of the muscle fibres around the anus. A chronic (long-term) fissure that does not respond to the above treatments often has to be cut out and then sewn up with stitches.

If an abscess is the cause of an anal fistula, it can only be treated surgically. The operation involves cutting into the abscess and draining the pus. If a fistula is present it will also need to be tackled surgically. This operation involves cutting into the fistula and 'laying it open' to allow healing to occur. This will involve a stay in hospital.

More rarely, when the fistula is caused by an associated inflammatory disease of the bowel, the particular disease often also requires specific treatment. This may involve taking steroid tablets to reduce the inflammation but if severe, surgery may also be required.

If you do have an operation for an anal fissure or fistula, you will be given instructions as to what to do when you get home. This is likely to include information about the importance of having a daily bath, how to avoid constipation, and when you should return to the doctor for a follow-up.

Complementary therapy
Relaxation therapy, the Alexander technique, yoga and tai-chi may help to relieve the stress and the underlying increase in muscle tension associated with the pain of an anal fissure, and may help to promote healing. These techniques may also promote a sense of well-being, which may be useful in such chronic painful conditions.

What is the outcome of anal fissures and fistulas?
Anal fissure is usually harmless and heals on its own, although it can be a very painful condition. Complete recovery is usual, and often occurs spontaneously; only rarely is surgery required.

Anal fistula, although rarely a serious condition, often requires surgical treatment, but again complete recovery is usual.

Cats Claw may not be as well known as some other herbs but the protection it can give to the body and its overall health benefits have seen it rise dramatically in popularity.

Let's take a closer look at Cats Claw and its immense health benefits.

Description

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that grows in the rain forests and jungles of Peru and has been referred to as "Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest ".

The vine derives its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw.

Medical research

It has been drawing increasingly more interest among the proponents of natural health care and Cats
Claw has been the subject of medical research since the 1970's.

These studies suggest that Cats Claw may help in the treatment of:

Arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual problems and also beneficial for conditions of the stomach and intestines.

Protection of the immune system

Cats Claw is proven to boost the immune system.

Cat's claw is valued largely because of its immune-building properties and although not as well known as more popular herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, Pau D'Arco, garlic, and ginseng is seen as being just as important.

With the spread of HIV medical research has intensified in this area as well.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in Cat's Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals such as oxinole alkaloids, triterpines, glycosides, and sterols. These phytochemicals have adaptogenic, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Benefits

o Helps the body fight off infections by helping the body's immune system

o Helps Protect the body against degenerative diseases and aging

o Seen to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks by reducing the heart rate lowering blood pressure, improving circulation as well as controlling cholesterol

o Used to treat and protect against arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, PMS, lupus, and prostrate problems

o Used in the treatment of cancer, acne, diverticulitis, parasites, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins.

o Helps treat digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and conditions involving chronic inflammation

o Used in the treatment of herpes infections

o Acts as an all round powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals.

When looking at essential herbs to take for better overall health don't overlook Cats Claw, as we have seen its benefits are immense.

If you are a sufferer, finding a suitable Crohns disease diet to gain weight can be a serious challenge. It is vital to stick to a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen the symptoms.

Until now no Crohns disease diet treatment has been proven effective for preventing or treating the disease and reliable dietary rules to improve a sufferer's symptoms have been difficult to find. Some people find that their symptoms can be made worse by drinking milk or alcohol, eating hot or fried food for example.

However, a new book written by Mark Anastasi offers a completely new approach. Instead of medication and fighting the symptoms, you start thinking about health and treating the cause.
This new holistic approach looks very promising and focuses on the modern human diet. For centuries our diet consisted of basic, natural foodstuffs such as water, seeds, nuts, grasses, herbs, roots, fruits, vegetables and cereals.

In our twenty-first century diet, sugar, sweets, biscuits, crisps, chocolate, cola and soft drinks, fats & oils, cigarettes and alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, chemicals, pesticides, and preservatives have replaced many of these.

For those unfortunate people who are suffering from Crohn's disease, this new approach through dietary change may, at last, offer a long-term cure. Instead of treating the symptoms it may be better to treat the root cause.

Conventional medical research into the treatment Crohn's disease has also taken an interesting step forward due to work being carried out in the U.K. If a new theory being researched at the University College in London is confirmed then the widely accepted theory that an overactive immune system causes the damaging inflammation, could be turned on its head and that the opposite may be correct.

Their research suggests a weaker-than-normal immune response triggers the bowel inflammation that leads to Crohn's disease. If this is the case then they believe that the use of medications like the drug Viagra may prove beneficial in treating the bowel disorder by stimulating an increase in blood flow to the affected area.

This debilitating disease is often diagnosed in late teens or early twenties and can have a dramatic effect on the quality of life enjoyed by the sufferer. With no clearly definable cause and no absolute cure there is still much work needed. Statistics indicate that heredity plays a part in some 20% - 25% of cases and incidences are higher in some more isolated communities with higher levels of inter-marriage.

Earlier research carried out also indicated that a relative of the tuberculosis germ, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, or MAP, might be implicated. This theory goes back to 1913 when a similarity between human Crohn's disease and the animal disease known as Johne's disease was highlighted.

In 1996 the discovery of a gene known as NOD2 was found to play a significant part in incidences of Crohn's in some people. Exactly what role this gene plays is still unclear, but it appears to play some part in disturbing the balance between intestinal flora and the immune system.

In conventional medical treatment of the disease, drugs are prescribed to control the disease, rather than provide the elusive cure. When severe flair-ups occur cortisone based drugs are used, but they do often cause severe side effects and should only be used for short periods. Biological agents that stimulate a particular part of the immune system are also being tested in a bid to replace steroids.

Benefits of Fish Oil

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel have fats that can produce fish oil. Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are recommended by health-care professionals to be included in a individual's diet. Omega-3 acids are mainly docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. Omega- fatty acids are essential in cell building. It is important to get them from our diet since the body cannot produce this kind of acid. Research showed that Omega- 3 plays a significant role in brain and fetal development during pregnancy and infancy. Fish oil are believed and proven to provide numerous health benefits. Aside from this, there are also a lot of advantages by taking oil supplements.

Fish oil can:

• Improve brain development and memory. There are studies showing that DHA actually plays a major role in brain functions. Low levels of DHA can increase the risk of having Alzheimer's disease. Intake of fish oil during pregnancy is also recommended. According to a research conducted by the University of Western Australia showed that pregnant women who ingest fish oil supplement actually give birth to babies with better hand and eye coordination, better in speech and better cognitive development at the age of two and a half.

Aside from Alzheimer's disease, fish can also help in reducing the risk of other mental illnesses like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children, dyspraxia, bipolar disorder and dyslexia.

• Reduce the risk of hear attack. Even if the DHA and EPA are fatty acids, they can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It helps in preventing blood clots in the heart. So aside from heart attacks,It is also important in reducing risks of coronary heart disease.

• Reduce the risk of cancer. Researches have shown that fish oil can help in reducing risks of developing breast, prostate and colon cancer. They stop the growth of cancerous cells and inhibit its growth. For postmenopausal women, those who consume more Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and mackerel or fish oil supplements are less likely to develop breast cancer.

• Reduce the effects or helping patients deal with lupus, arthritis, colitis and asthma. Its natural anti-inflammatory capabilities can reduce pain brought by inflammatory arthritis and gastritis.

• Help a lot during pregnancy. Not only does Omega-3 fatty acids and helps in he fetal brain development, it can also reduce the risk of giving early or premature birth, post-partum depression for mothers, allergic reactions among babies an low- birth weight. Not only does it helps in pregnancy, there are preliminary researches showing fish oil to aid in getting pregnant or fertility.

• Help improve the body overall. Fish oil can help in producing serotonin, the happy hormones. Happiness can help a lot of people deal with stress and other emotional issues which can totally improve a person's emotional and mental disposition. They can also revitalize and rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles, weight loss and improve eyesight. It is even said that fish oil can reduce acne and make your hair a lot better.The oil is very important in building a better you. But doctors and experts suggest in taking pharmaceutical grade oil supplements. The problem with eating too much fish can actually lead to mercury contamination.So, ask yourself, are you getting enough oil in your body? If not, then it is time to start making sure that you do that.

Fish oil can:

• Improve brain development and memory. There are studies showing that DHA actually plays a major role in brain functions. Low levels of DHA can increase the risk of having Alzheimer's disease. Intake f fish oil during pregnancy is also recommended. According to a research conducted by the University of Western Australia showed that pregnant women who ingest fish oil supplement actually give birth to babies with better hand and eye coordination, better in speech and better cognitive development at the age of two and a half.

Aside from Alzheimer's disease, fish oil can also help in reducing the risk of other mental illnesses like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children, dyspraxia, bipolar disorder and dyslexia. There are studies showing that the lack polyunsaturated fatty acids can contribute to this disorder. This can also be the reason behind dyslexia. There were studies conducted among children, they were given fish oil supplements for the period of three months. These children showed significant improvements in behaviour, reading and spelling. They were also able to focus and concentrate more.

There were studies that showed that Omega-3 fatty acids had the same effects as Prozac which is a known anti-depressant. Studies showed that countries with high fish consumption have lower rates of depression. Aside from that, pregnant women and those who have just given birth who include fish in their diet regularly have lower risk of experiencing postpartum depression.

If you have decided to take the supplements to address these mental problems for yourself or for your kids or relatives, then it would be best to consult a doctor first. You would have to know how much you are going to take. Just like any vitamins or anything, when taken in excess it can have bad effects.Too much of the supplement can also cause some serious problems like oxidative stress. Some doctors would recommend taking Vitamin C along with the fish oil supplement. This would actually balance the nutrients that you are getting.Fish oil has amazing effects on our health and body, we just have to remember to keep it balanced with a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. One of the reasons why people take these supplements is due to the various health benefits that they offer.It has long been known to contain essential fatty acids that are known to be very beneficial in maintaining one's good health. Here are some of those benefits.

Heart Disease One of the more common benefits that fish oil is known to offer people involves heart health. Various studies through the years have shown that the long chain omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish oil may help reduce the risk of heart diseases in humans. These essential fatty acids may also help lower LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream ad therefore help reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Not only that, omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are also known to increase the levels of HDL, or good, cholesterol.

Prevent Inflammation One of the more beneficial properties of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil is their anti-inflammatory effects on the body.It can be also used to prevent or reduce the inflammation of the tissues. Regular consumption of fish oil has been known to help those people who are suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.It has also been known to be effective in treating certain gastrointestinal disorders as well as ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.Arthritis Treatment Due to its good anti-inflammatory properties, fish oil is a good supplement that can help ease the pain brought about by arthritis and rheumatic.it's supplements can help reduce the use of NSAID's or Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs for treating such conditions. In osteoarthritis, fish oils prove helpful in trying to reduce the functions of certain enzymes that may destroy or damage cartilage tissues in the body.

Weight Loss Fish oil also proves beneficial for those people who are trying to lose weight. It sees that taking oil supplements may help a lot during the weight loss process. It has been known to improve the efficiency of exercise in trying to lose weight. Studies have shown that people who were given fish oil as part of their diet seem to lose weight more when exercising than those people under the same program but were not given fish oil in their diet.

Eye Disorders Another benefit that many experts have extolled on fish oil involves the treatment of certain eye disorders. Consuming it on a regular basis seems to help people avoid the effects of age related macular degeneration. More studies are being undertaken in order to prove further just how effective fish oil can be in trying to help people maintain good eye health.Skin Health Another known benefit associated with fish oil consumption is skin health.It is also known to contain nutrients that can help change dry and poorly maintained skin look shiny and glowing.It has also been known to be effective in treating other skin conditions such as eczema, skin lesions and rashes.It can be applied topically on the skin to help relieve the effects of psoriasis. Regular intake can also help retain moisture in the skin.

Your Ultimate Defense Against Silent Inflammation:

Silent inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer and dementia. It is a condition that occurs when the body's natural immune response goes awry. Silent inflammation is an inflammation without pain and it can continue undetected for years, continually assaulting your heart, arteries and even the brain - without you noticing it.According to Dr. Barry Sears, author of bestselling books "The Zone," high carbohydrate diet is the culprit to this kind of health situation. In his boos "The Anti-inflammation Zone," he had proposed taking supplements of high dose, ultra-refined fish oil as the best armor against inflammation.

The Japanese manage to maintain a state of wellness and away from silent inflammation by consuming copious amounts of fish. However, according to a research, the massive amounts of fish does not ensure them enough intake of omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil. Fish oil is ultimately the healthiest fat around because it has profiund anti-inflammatory properties. It has no long-term side effects and can even make you smarter.

The reason why high-dose fish oil is so effective is because it reduces arachodonic acid (AA) which is the building block of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. By taking it within 30 days,it will increase your levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil is the only dietary supplement that is supported by robust clinical studes by treating chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, immunological and inflammatory diseases, and neurological conditions like attention deficit disorder, depression, multiple sclerosis, and different types of dementia.However, taking oil fish as defenses to silent inflammation has a drawback, it might lead you to contamination. So in taking fish oil as dietary supplement, Dr. Barry Sears cautioned to ensure that its ultra-refined and use the SIP as guidance for exact dosage. On a scale of 1 to 10 for supplements, Dr. Sears give high-dose fish oil a 12. The EPA found in fish oil partially inhibits the activity of the delta-5 desaturase enzyme that makes AA.

This represents the primary anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil, he adds. To achieve a significant impact on AA production, a person must provide a lot of EPA. A high-dose fish oil, especially rich in EPA will likely lead you to success in reducing silent inflammation as reflected in the reduction of the AA/EPA ratio. The ratio can be measured by SIP.

The public and the mainstream medicine are starting to accept the importance of insulin control to well-being. Now is the perfect time to bring to public's attention the role of eicosanoids and the way high-dose it can manipulate them. Dr. Barry Sears that the role of fish oil in medical practice because it tells us that medical care is based primarily on the food we eat, not the drugs we take.Recent genetic research is forcing scientists to evaluate the value of fish oil in the evolution of modern humANS. It was genetic scientists who initiated the theory that consumption of high-dose fish oil was the reason why humans have the power to conquer the earth. A proper combination of insulin and high-dose pharmaceutical-grade of the oil may be the true miracle cure for the 21st century.It is so effective that having this dietary supplement is like having a miracle drug that has the perfect balance between eicosanoids with totally zero side effects.

• Reduce the risk of hear attack. Even if the DHA and EPA are fatty acids, they can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It helps in preventing blood clots in the heart. So aside from heart attacks, fish oil is also important in reducing risks of coronary heart disease.

• Reduce the risk of cancer. Researches have shown that can it will help in reducing risks of developing breast, prostate and colon cancer. They stop the growth of cancerous cells and inhibit its growth. For postmenopausal women, those who consume more Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and mackerel or fish oil supplements are less likely to develop breast cancer.

• Reduce the effects or helping patients deal with lupus, arthritis, colitis and asthma. Its natural anti-inflammatory capabilities can reduce pain brought by inflammatory arthritis and gastritis.

• Help a lot during pregnancy. Not only does Omega-3 fatty acids and It helps in the fetal brain development, it can also reduce the risk of giving early or premature birth, post-partum depression for mothers, allergic reactions among babies an low- birth weight. Not only does it helps in pregnancy, there are preliminary researches showing fish oil to aid in getting pregnant or fertility.

• Help improve the body overall. The oil can help in producing serotonin, the happy hormones. Happiness can help a lot of people deal with stress and other emotional issues which can totally improve a person's emotional and mental disposition. They can also revitalize and rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles, weight loss and improve eyesight. It is even said that fish oil can reduce acne and make your hair a lot better.Fish is very important in building a better you. But doctors and experts suggest in taking pharmaceutical grade of oil supplements. The problem with eating too much fish can actually lead to mercury contamination.So, ask yourself, are you getting enough fish oil in your body? If not, then it is time to start making sure that you do.

Fish Oil Effects That You Can Avoid: There has been a lot of buzz about fish oil and its benefits. Researches and studies have proved the numerous health benefits that fish oil can give. But every coin has two sides. So, is it possible for something beneficial like fish oil, to have bad effects, as well? Yes, it is possible.

If you have fish oil capsules or liquid at home, then you would have to make sure that it would not be exposed to heat, light and oxygen. When exposed for too long,it would get oxidized and would get bad. Once the oil gets bad, it would lose its nutritional value. Aside from that, bad fish oil and fatty acids are said to contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.Minor side effects of fish oil would include a fishy aftertaste, diarrhea, and fishy burps. Some would report nose bleeding as a side effect of fish oil intake. Aside from this, you would have to be conscious with vitamin A, E and D. Accumulated or large doses of these vitamins can eventually lead to poisoning.There are also serious side effects of fish oil. If these side effects happen to you, it is best to consult a health care professional. You would have to stop taking fish oil supplements or it could mean other serious ailments.

Fish is said to increase the risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding. So if you would notice red blood on your stool and vomiting blood, the consult a health care professional immediately. Serious effects could also include hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain. Common symptoms would include vision and speech changes, numbness or loss of strength in the limbs and frequent and painful headaches.If you have diabetes, then it would also be better to check with your doctor if taking fish oil supplements is safe. Taking fish oil supplements can sometimes result to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Be watchful or conscious of allergic reactions. Symptoms that you are allergic with oil supplements which includes rashes, itching, swelling, wheezing and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

To avoid the minor side effects, you can take the oil supplement along with your meal. This would get rid of the aftertaste and make it easier to digest. It is less likely for you to experience abdominal or stomach pain. There are few who keep their supplements refrigerated. It is said that keeping them frozen or cold would help lessen gastrointestinal problems or side-effects.

Too much is always not good. The problem is we do not how much is too much. There is maximum amount that an individual should take. But there is a recommended amount, for male it is 1600 mg while women are recommended to have 1100 mg.As mentioned, we should be cautious with Vitamin A,E, and D overdose. How do we deal with this?Read the labels. Know what kind of supplement you are taking. You have to know if the oil supplements you are taking exceed the recommended level. To avoid an overdose of Vitamin A and D, avoid using fish oil that includes the internal organs like liver.

Fish oil is something that can very essential in improving our physical and mental health as long as it is taken in recommended doses and amounts. Let us remember that fish oil is not a magic pill that would immediately remove us of any ailments and pains. It's effects can be gradually noticed over time.

How Fish Oil Can Benefit Your Health:

Oil are extracted fats from fish, a concentrated solution of omega-3 EFAs. It is the best source of omega-3 EFAs. You could add more omega-3 EFAs to your diet in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The richest plant sources of ALA are the leaves and seeds of the perilla plants common in North America, Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam.

Green plants and algae also contain ALA as well as linseed oil. However, fats or oil from fish is considered the most important dietary source of omega-3 EFAs because it has concentrated amounts of the ALA derivatives EPA and DHA. These two nutrients are found almost exclusively in seafood.

Eating fish on a regular basis has its own risk as you are can never be sure if the fish you are eating has no toxins on it such as mercury and PCBs. During the manufacture of fish oils, toxins are eliminated. The supplements are meticulously purified to remove heavy metals such as mercury, lead, PCBs and other toxins as well as to reduce the incidence of rancidity and improve the taste and quality of the fish.These makes fish as safe and effective food supplement. A 1-gram fish oil capsule contains about 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. An intake of three 1-gram capsules would provide 0.9 gram (900 mg) of EPA and DHA. This means it comply the daily dosage recommended by the American Heart Association. However, you should always bear in mind that fish oil supplements are basically dietary supplements, not drugs.Studies shows that many people are getting too much of the wrong kinds of fats found in animals (saturated fats) and vegetables (polyunsaturated fats), and need the fish oil to "balance" the family of fat nutrients. Intake of the wrong kinds of fats should be lowered to total 20 to 30 percent of daily calorie serving while fats found in the oils of certain fish should be appreciably increased.

Fish oil prevents and/or alleviates heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and migraine, headaches, may be protective against cancer, immune deficiency diseases, kidney disease and others.It also have two special nutrients that protect the heart and arteries, reduce pain, inflammation and swelling, and protect cell membranes. Omega-3 EFAs found in oily fishes are believed to be essential for the healthy development of brain, retina, and nervous tissue among fetus and infant.During pregnancy these fatty acids are transferred from the mother's tissues to the fetus. However, the FDA has strict guidelines on eating fish during pregnancy because of the possibility of mercury or other toxic substances that may contain in fishes and the best solution is to take fish oil as food supplement

Over the past 30 years more than 7,000 scientific studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of fish oil and omega-3 EFAs in the prevention and treatment of our most common diseases. Hundreds of clinical trials support the efficacy of fish oil's omega-3 essential fatty acids in preventing, mitigating, and remedying an incredible range of health conditions. Some scientific and medical communities however are resisting to these facts and still support pharmacological treatment.

As a traditional dietary supplement that encourages good health,it is a preventive medicine but as a natural alternative to NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other pharmacological and medical treatments, it is complementary medicine.With all the undergoing studies to prove its affectivity, fish is on the threshold of crossing over into traditional Western medicine.

How Fish Oil Can Cure Inflammation:

Inflammation occurs as our body's natural protective response to fend off any outside aggressors and to begin the process of healing. Its effect on our tissues usually involves pain, heat and redness. However, there are some cases that this outward effect is not visible.

Inflammation is a double-edges sword; its effect can be helpful or harmful depending on the circumstances. When an inflammation is in chronic state, devastating consequences are likely to happen like arthritis, heart disease or stroke. It usually happens when the cause of inflammation is continually reintroduced or if the acute inflammatory response is not able to eliminate it. This situation is very likely to happen nowadays because of our exposure to implausible amounts of toxins.

Some of these toxins can be avoided like poor food choices, smoking, and prolonged sun exposure. While some things arise from things from things we don't have control like genetics, accidents and pollution. Inasmuch as there are factors you can't help being exposed to unnecessary and harmful factors detrimental to your good health, you can also take food supplements effective in strengthening your body against the sometimes lethal effect of inflammation. The most effective food supplement according to recent studies happens to be fish oil.

The prevalence of destructive or chronic inflammation among Western countries makes it imperative for many specialists to deal with preventive measures. The reason behind this is that the Western population is more exposed to stress, obesity and poor health in general. Many pharmacological anti-inflammatory drugs offer reduction of inflammation, however, long-term medication have potentially lethal side effects.

So what is your safest option if you have inflammation? Research on alternative medicines revealed that certain dietary supplements can help reduce levels of pro-inflammatory factors, with significantly lower side effects. One of these dietary supplements is the essential fatty acids or EFAs.

Essential fatty acids are necessary for various aspects of normal physiology like: mediating immune response, regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity, dilating and constricting blood vessels, regulating collateral circulation, directing endocrine hormones to their target cells, regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes, being primary constituents of cell membranes, regulating the rate of cell division, maintaining the fluidity and rigidity of cellular membranes, regulating the flow of substances into and out from cells, transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues, maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance, keeping saturated fats mobile in the bloodstream, preventing blood clots, mediating the release of inflammatory eicosanoids that may trigger allergic conditions, and regulating nerve transmission and communication. (Source: Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory by Joseph C. Maroon and Jeffrey Bost, 2006, page 39).

For this reason, it is very important for over-all health to have a regular intake of foods rich in omega-6 or omega-3 EFAs. The omega-3 pathway, activated by trauma, injury, or chemical stimulus, is the process of converting the omega-3 EFAs found in the cell membranes to various eicosanoids. If the omega-3 EFA components of the cell membranes become dominant, an anti-inflammatory state can result, with preventive health benefits.

Fish is the best source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids. But why fish oil, you might ask? The needed nutrients can also be found in green plants; algae (phytoplankton); leaves and seeds of the perilla plants; and linseed oil but fish oil is considered the most important dietary source of omega-3 EFAs because it contains concentrated amounts of the ALA derivatives with APA and DHA.

The two mentioned nutrients can almost exclusively found in seafood. Fish contains high amount of EPA and DHA because they are at the top of food chain based on algae, a single-marine organism that manufactures huge amount of EPA and DHA.

Surprising Benefits Of Using Fish Oil:

The known benefits of fish oil are not just limited to the more common conditions. Of course, many people have already known how using fish oil may help improve skin health and reduce the risk of heart disease. But there are also surprising benefits that it seem to offer to those who regularly consume them. Here are just some of them.

Depression And Anxiety People may not be aware of it, but fish seems to help put people in a good mood. In fact, many studies have shown that fish oil may be beneficial in trying to help treat depression and anxiety in people. Thanks to the omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish, it seems a good means to relieve anxiety, depression, stress and sadness in people.

Fish seems to have good mood stabilizing properties that make them quite interesting as a treatment for depression and other related conditions. Evidence suggests that countries where oily fish such as salmon is regularly eaten also seem to have low incidence of depression. Similar studies involving prisoners have also shown that having them on a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids resulted in a significant drop in homicide rates. Although more studies may be needed in order for such findings to be conclusive, it already shows some good evidences of the other surprising benefits of fish oil.

Cancer Fighter It may seem quite surprising enough that fish oil may also benefit patients with certain forms of cancer. Preliminary studies have shown that fish oil may be useful in trying to delay the weight loss in people suffering from pancreatic cancer. Still further research may be needed to solidify this claim as well as how oily fish may affect certain types of cancers.

Type II Diabetes Some studies also have shown positive findings on the effect of fish oil in Type II diabetes. Since people suffering from this form of diabetes are also prone to developing diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke, medical experts believe that taking fish oil supplements may also help in trying to reduce such risks in diabetics. Some studies have already shown that fish oil may also be effective in lowering triglyceride levels in people with diabetes.

Pregnancy Fish oil might also be able to help women bear healthier children. Taking the oil supplements may help pregnant women ensure the healthy development of their child while still in the womb. The DHA found in fish oil is known to help babies undergo healthy eye and brain development. Pregnant women who are also taking the oil supplements run fewer risks of having premature births, miscarriage or delivering babies with low birth weights. As an added benefit, pregnant women who regularly take fish oil supplements run lesser risks of getting into depression following the baby's delivery.

Fertility Fish oil supplements may also help in improving fertility. In a study done on male boars, those who were fed with a diet rich in fish oils were able to show better sperm quality. After ejaculation, the sperm from the boars fed with fish oil seem to resist the effects of lipid peroxidative attacks in the female boar genital tract, giving the sperm higher chances of conception.

The Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements: The benefits of fish oil supplements should not be outweighed the need to understand how these supplements should work or provide essential nutrients for the human body.

Although it is a general notion for nutrition experts to insist on regular food as the common and most basic source of vitamins and minerals important for the human body, oil supplements, be it in liquid or solid form, are needed to ensure a holistic enrichment and nourishment for the body.

Fish oil supplementation is ideally beneficial by providing for what the regular or daily diet may not provide, it can also be a preventive measure against diseases and illnesses.

Essentially, fish supplements are meant to complement a diet, not as a substitute for it, as what many believe to be the case. Since plant foods still contain many nutrients, among them phytochemicals, that still cannot be substituted or generated through synthetic means.

Why the need for fish oil supplements? Take for instance these circumstances;

Infants that are being breast-fed need to have their regular source of iron, especially when they reach their four to six months, since breast milk only provides little iron. This is where iron supplementation comes in with baby milk formula or alternative sources like fortified cereal meals or baby food.

Children also need fluoride supplementation to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

Pregnant women need multivitamin-mineral supplementation, to ensure that their nutrient levels are met for the development of the fetus inside the womb. Among those that need supplementation are increased levels of folate to prevent birth defects, as well as increased amounts of vitamins like B6.

You Gotta Love Fish Oil

One has gotta love fish oil. If you think that I'm kidding then go pick it up. Those who shun fishes like mackerel, tuna and salmon due to some personal and at times even weird preferences might have second thoughts, by going for fresh fish which has oil in them for vit. B6 supplement for your good health to come up.

Cystic acne is different from other forms of acne in that it is severely inflamed acne. Cysts are the most serious type of acne and are painful pus-filled pockets under the skin. The causes of cystic acne are generally overactive oil glands, dead skin cells within the hair follicle and the acne causing bacteria, propionibacteria acne. When the follicle wall erupts deep in the skin, the nearby area is infected causing serious lesions.

Cystic acne is one symptom of Acne Vulgaris, the other is the nodule. Nodules are large hard bumps under the skin's surface. These nodules are painful and often leave scarring behind. Cysts and nodules are the type of acne that nodulocystic acne is responsible for producing. But, all is not lost; science had developed several ways to deal with cystic acne.

Previous acne remedies included benzoyle peroxide, salicylic acid and topical treatment Retin-a. Accutane is twenty-four times as effective as these previous treatments. But, all of these treatments offer some relief. To add to these treatments are several additional steps: draining large pimples and cysts by a doctor; applying prescription antibiotic gels, creams and lotions; applying prescription retinoids; applying azelaic acid; taking prescription oral antibiotics; and taking prescription oral retinoids like Accutane. Accutane is expensive and most often used as a last resort for treating acne because of its serious side effects. For women, oral contraceptives may be prescribed because of the recurrence of acne at the onset of menstruation.

Acne remedies could be any one of the above or any combination of the above treatments. To correct the scarring left behind by acne there are several methods of reducing and removing the scars. One way to remove the scarring is with collagen injections to smooth out the skin by plumping up the skin beneath the scars. Another way is with dermabrasion which uses a whirling wire brush to remove scar tissue. Yet another way is to resurface with a laser, which uses a laser to burn away scar tissue. And finally, the scar tissue is with chemabrasion, the use of chemicals to peel away layers of the skin.

The treatment of severe acne takes a minimum of six to eight weeks to treat. Sometimes the treatment will cause the condition to worsen before it gets better. The side effects for Accutane are pretty severe: inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Currently, there are several lawsuits with the plaintiffs filing suit for those very reasons.

Natural acne remedies include one chemical-free, organic product called Lerosett by Gunilla of Sweden. It comes in a clay treatment and a moisturizer. Bare Minerals and Olay both carry a skin care line that treats acne without harsh chemicals. Whether you need strong chemicals to treat your acne or can get the results you want from natural acne remedies, you have a choice of treatments and as long as you are willing to give them time to work, you should see results within a two month period.

Statistics Can be Useful

A whopping 13 million out of 298 million people in the US had hemorrhoids in 2006, that's a prevalence rate of 4.4%. Medical researchers have, without fail recorded a whole million new cases of hemorrhoids yearly. Nonetheless, a lot of people ignore the symptoms of hemorrhoids resulting in disproportionately few consulting a doctor for medical treatment, with guesstimates ranging from half to three million per annum. Strangely, 10 million people pay little attention to the symptoms! Although the direct death toll from hemorrhoids is very low, at less than 20 deaths per 100,000, that is certainly no reason to be unconcerned.

First, the dictum of more haste less speed does not apply but the converse is true for hemorrhoids treatment and healing; take action. Prompt action translating to the probability of total recovery is a superb reason to take action. Having hemorrhoids may be the best news of all, as the other likely causes may necessitate long-running medical care or be life-threatening.

Life-endangering - True or False?

Symptoms of hemorrhoids, principally blood in stool or bowel movement bleeding, can be almost identical to a whole array of other medical conditions. It is no falsehood. Alarming results can arise from a few of these maladies.

The colon and rectum are the organs where these other illnesses primarily crop up. In the colon, the other 7 main infirmities are colorectal cancer, colon polyp, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal ischemia and peptic ulcer. There are 4 other predominant afflictions in the rectum, namely anal fissures, anorectal fistulae, proctitis and rectal prolapse.

Complications from SOME of these other malaises can imperil life. In this case, following the majority of 10 million people in ignoring the symptoms of hemorrhoids can have severe results. A very practical rule is suitable; see a doctor if bleeding drags on over a week. Once hemorrhoids are diagnosed, the symptoms elaborated below will appear as well.

Hemorrhoids, Haemorrhoids, Hemroids or Piles - Different Names, Same Symptoms

Hemorrhoids (US spelling), haemorrhoids (UK spelling), hemroids (possible mis-spelling) and piles are the same infirmity, all being words derived from haimorrhoos which means flowing with blood in Greek. More familiarly known all over the world is the name piles, believed to be derived from the Latin word pila meaning ball. "The common people call them piles, the aristocracy call them haemorrhoids, the French call them figs - what does it matter so long as you can cure them?" said Ardene, a 14th century English surgeon.

Before moving on to other symptoms of hemorrhoids, we must know the various medical names that denote a line demarcating the end of the rectum and the beginning of the anal canal. Known variously as the pectinate line or dentate line or anal verge or anorectal junction, this line separates internal (in the rectum) and external (on the anus) hemorrhoids. These dissimilar names matter less to the hemorrhoid sufferer than the fact that they demarcate the dearth of pain nerve endings in the rectum and a profusion of them in the anal region. In comparison, therefore, external hemorrhoids may cause extreme pain whilst internal hemorrhoids may be painless. This pain factor alone plays a critical part when choices are made with regard to treatment, be it mainstream medicine or alternative remedies.

Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids - Internal

Rectal bleeding, cited above as blood in stool or bowel movement bleeding, is the most frequent symptom of internal hemorrhoids. Blood may drip into the toilet bowl, toilet paper may be coloured red and stools gleam with blood.

Bulging movements of internal hemorrhoids during defecation clearly demonstrate the presence of hemorrhoids. Medical researchers classify bulging internal hemorrhoids according to 4 stages of prolapse or protrusion:

- a first-degree internal hemorrhoid bulges into the anal canal;
- a second-degree hemorrhoid bulges from the anus, then automatically retracts itself;
- a third-degree hemorrhoid bulges from the anus and must be physically pushed back in;
- a fourth-degree hemorrhoid bulges out from the anus permanently.

Typically not painful (as internal hemorrhoids form above the dentate line) but the larger ones can prolapse and be painfully squeezed by the anal sphincter muscles that control the anal opening. Deprived of blood supply, strangulated hemorrhoids may form and endanger surrounding tissues; a situation warranting urgent medical treatment.

Itchiness, skin irritation, anal lumps, rectal lumps and the uncomfortable urge to pass stools just after cleaning up from bowel motion are other normal symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. Where the hemorrhoid is extremely huge and near the anus, the sensation of unfinished bowel motion is greatly boosted.

Symptoms Of External Hemorrhoids

Anal pain is the differentiating feature between internal and external hemorrhoids as the latter manifest outside the pectinate line where there are many pain nerve receptors. Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots or thrombuses, tend to accompany external hemorrhoids leading to interference of blood flow in the circulatory system. Detrimental inflammation of the whole anal and rectal regions can result from the thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Due to the recurrent irritation that they cause, external hemorrhoids are hard to ignore whereas the lack of overt symptoms often lead to internal hemorrhoids going undetected. Whilst it is natural to clean the anal region when afflicted by hemorrhoids, a vicious recurring cycle of hemorrhoid recurrence can set in if the anal region is excessively cleaned.

Joining The 10 Million Ignoring The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids?

Are you in the 10 million majority? Recognition of a problem is the first step to its solution. So it is with hemorrhoids. Occasionally, it can be serious and warrants medical attention. But commonly, the treatment is fairly straightforward. Apart from regular medical methods, there are also alternative solutions like the H Miracle that promises a natural and permanent answer.

Crohn's disease definition: It is a chronic inflammatory disease which mainly affects the small and large intestine. Crohn's can affect any part of the digestive system, right from the mouth through to the anus. It is named after Burrill Crohn, an American gastroenterologist who first described the disease in 1932.

Crohn's Disease falls into the broad category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Another such illness called Ulcerative Colitis belongs to the same group of illnesses and is similar to Crohn's but only involves the large bowel, not the whole digestive system.

A person can be diagnosed with Crohn's at any age but is most common when you are a teenager and in your twenties. Crohn's can be a chronic reoccurring condition, but it can also cause very few symptoms in some cases and not really need any treatment at all.

Around 0.02-0.04% of the population has Crohn's Disease, with both equal numbers of men and women affected. White people are more affected with Crohn's than any other racial group. Crohn's or IBD can run in families and there is around a 20% chance that you will have a relative that also has Crohn's Disease.

Some of the symptoms of Crohn's Disease include abdominal pain which can often be in the lower right side of the abdomen, diarrhea, weight loss, rectal bleeding, tiredness, vomiting, as well as loss of appetite. You may not experience all of these symptoms but they are possible.

If you think that you may have Crohn's Disease or are showing several of the symptoms, then the best course of action you can take is to see your doctor for some tests to see if that is indeed the case. When you know what you are dealing with you can then make informed decisions about what to do next.

There are many great ways that you can help your Crohn's Disease using natural means and can help you to stay off drugs. Some of these include diet, exercise and keeping on top of stress.

More and more people are suffering from digestive disorders these days. Due to poor diets, unhealthy lifestyles and the abuse of caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol, most people develop different forms of ulcer. There are multiple types of ulcer and some of them are considered to be life-threatening. Even milder forms of ulcer may endanger a person's life if the disorder is not appropriately treated.

Ulcer involves irritation, sores or lesions at different levels of the gastrointestinal tract. The main cause of ulcer is considered to be the infection with the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which can be acquired through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Another cause of ulcer is the excessive production of hydrochloric acid and pepsin. When in excess, gastric acid may damage the protective walls of the stomach or other particular internal organs, enabling the bacteria to cause greater damage. Although the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and excessive gastric secretions are mainly responsible for the development of ulcer, there are also other factors that may contribute to the process: smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, etc.

When hydrochloric acid and pepsin are also involved in the development of the ulcer, the disorder is referred to as peptic ulcer. If the ulcer occurs at the level of the duodenum, the disorder is called duodenal ulcer. If the ulcer develops in the stomach, the disorder is called stomach or gastric ulcer. Gastric ulcer is considered to be a serious form of digestive disorder, as it may lead to complications and even cancer. The most severe complications of peptic ulcer are bleeding ulcer and perforate ulcer.

Bleeding ulcer is very dangerous and in some cases it can cause the death of the affected person. Bleeding ulcer requires immediate medical attention and in most cases it can only be corrected through surgery. Operations performed in order to treat bleeding ulcers are mostly done through the means of a gastroscope. General anesthesia is not always required in performing such operations. Fortunately, not all patients who suffer from bleeding ulcer need surgery. Latest experimental medicines have decreased the mortality rate of patients who develop such complications and maybe in the future oral treatment will become a substitute for today's surgery.

The most common symptoms of bleeding ulcer are: vomiting blood, presence of blood in the feces, black stools, nausea and dehydration. Bleeding ulcer can also lead to anemia; due to excessive blood loss, fewer red blood cells remain within the body, failing to provide sufficient oxygen to internal organs. It is vital to try to prevent bleeding ulcers from appearing, as in some cases they may be fatal. The best thing to do when confronted with the symptoms of ulcer is to immediately inform your physician of your problems, in order to receive an appropriate medical treatment, thus avoiding further complications of the disorder.

Intestinal Candida symptoms may be very hard to diagnose. The chances for a successful treatment depend on the severity of each sign present. Although it may sound difficult, prompt action must be done to prevent more serious complications.

Obvious and hidden symptoms may vary from one person to another. Who ever is diagnosed early has a higher possibility of regaining it healthy body in shorter time.

Since Candida infection is caused by overgrowth of yeast-like fungus, called Candida albicans, in your body, it will be also normalized once you have a successful treatment.

Intestinal Candida symptoms differ quite a lot from other signs that are also caused by Candidiasis. You will also have a harder time to distinguish from the symptoms of many other diseases. Your intestine is the normal habitat of the Candida albicans fungus.

And because your intestines are their home, therefore it is also the major target of attack by the yeast infection. Once the fungus can penetrate your colon wall, it will eventually spread all over the body, affecting almost all the organs in the body from your skin to your brain.

These symptoms are well distinguished and experienced by sufferers of Candidiasis, such as colitis, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, food allergies, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, rectal itching, intestinal ulcers, leaky gut syndrome intestinal ulcers and sugar cravings.

If you're suffering from intestinal Candida symptoms, it is essential that you treat your infection immediately, diligently and carefully. Candida albicans is an organism that will sooner or later wipe out your good health making it harder for you to recover, or if not, may leave some permanent complications. It may take you months and years, rather than the usual three to six weeks therapy.

A natural Candida remedy is beneficial, like cleansing your body by fasting, and then indulging your body with a yeast free diet. This is 100% yeast control method and will dramatically end the symptoms of your infection.

Symptoms that You Have to Keep an Eye On:

Leaky Gut Syndrome - This is often referred to as increased intestinal permeability. This happens when you partially broken down food and the toxins get into your bloodstream via the holes that are made by the fungus.

Oral Thrush - Are profound white-colored deposits inside your mouth or within your cheeks. This can bleed once you scrape it.

Diarrhea - This is watery bowel movement. This may lead to your dehydration if not resolved immediately.

Constipation - You find trouble in defecating as defined by presence of hardened stools.

Rectal Itching Skin - This is an inflammation around your rectum.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - It is a persistent disease of the intestinal area commonly defined by fever, pain in your abdomen, diarrhea, weight loss, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and eye and skin irritations.

Flatulence - This is the release of gases from your body.

On the other hand, if you continue to ignore the symptoms of infection like indigestion and bloating, more serious symptom may develop, like:

• Toxic liver
• Food allergies
• Skin disorders
• Fatigue
• Urinary tract infection
• Concentration problems and
• Aching joints and muscles

You have to remember that the best way to treat symptoms of Candida infection is with the use of natural remedies. Natural remedies not only treat Candida but also boost your immune system.

As one of the deadliest cancers in the world, melanoma can rapidly spread from the skin to important internal organs, such as the brain. Bristol-Myers Squibb has been developing a new drug, ipilimumab, to treat patients who suffer from the advanced stages of this disease.

Ipilimumab aids the activation of the immune system's T-cells in order to fight the cancer. The results of a study that analyze the effects of the drug on advanced melanoma patients are very impressive:

• More than twenty percent of patients were alive after two years, after taking the drug.


• Median survival for patients who received the drug was higher than that of patients who received an experimental cancer vaccine.


• The drug was extremely effective for twenty to thirty percent of patients.

"Once [melanoma] metastasizes, the average survival is six to nine months, and we really had no effective treatments for patients who have had prior treatment for melanoma," said Dr. Steven O'Day, the director of the melanoma program at the Angeles Clinic and Research Institute. "[Ipilimumab] is impacting survival, which is the gold standard in cancer clinical trials."

Unfortunately, as promising as the results of this experiment are, ipilimumab does carry serious side effects:

• Two out of three patients who received the drug had immune related side effects.


• Ten to fourteen percent of the patients experienced serious side effects, such as colitis, after taking the drug.


• Two to three percent of the patients suffered treatment related death because of significant immune system side effects.

However, Dr. O'Day claimed that these side effects could be managed. The most common side effects were completely reversible. Serious side effects, such as colitis, could be treated with steroids and immunosuppressive therapy.

As long as doctors closely monitor the melanoma patients' reactions to the drug, ipilimumab can give patients and their loved ones hope that their conditions can be reversed. For more information about melanoma, please visit the American Cancer Society's detailed guide [http://www.acsevents.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?rnav=cridg&dt=39].

This article looks into the various aspects of Ayurvedic and herbal treatment in ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease etc. You can learn about various ayurvedic medicines used in such treatment.

Patients suffering from Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease have some good news. Now, there is an Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for such diseases. Similar disease like irritable bowel syndrome can also be treated by Ayurvedic and herbal medicines. These three diseases are similar as the intestine is affected in all the three. While in Ulcerative colitis, the colon or the large intestine is affected, in Crohn's disease, it is the small intestine that is affected. Irritable bowel syndrome occurs with mild symptoms when compared with the other two. Usually people between the ages of 20 to 40 are prone to these diseases. They are painful and sometimes may become life threatening.

The exact cause of these diseases is unknown. However, studies suggest different factors like allergens, diet, environmental factors, and genetic factors as the cause of these diseases. As Ulcerative colitis is known as an autoimmune disease, the involvement of immune system is also suggested. Even psychological factors are considered as cause of these diseases according to Ayurveda. People suffering from excessive anger and anxiety are more prone to such diseases. The main symptoms of Ulcerative colitis, is of course diarrhea, where stools are mixed with blood. The disease is caused by inflammation of the colon. According to Ayurveda, it is people of pitta type, who are more prone to such diseases. The Ayurvedic system treats diseases based on their symptoms.

The most important way of treating these diseases actually lies in the right diagnosis. It is always better to treat such diseases at an early stage. In fact, some Ayurvedic medicines and herbal medicines have helped many patients suffering from these diseases. The common Ayurvedic herbal medicines used are Ulcerin compound 1 and Ulcerin compound 2.These compounds usually contains a mixture of several herbs.

Now a day, more and more people are turning to Ayurvedic herbal medicines for the treatment of Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc. The Ayurvedic and herbal medicines help to stop bleeding. They also help to prevent the leakage of the intestinal wall. Another advantage of these medicines is that they protect the inner lining of the intestinal walls. Castor oil is an important medicine used in Ayurvedic treatment. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Saariva,Patol and Haridra are some other herbs used in high doses to prevent these diseases.

Some other ingredients used to cure ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are Vishva, Ativisha, Bilwa, etc. Ayurvedaa uses Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras and Yashtimadhuk to prevent bleeding of the intestine. So turn to Ayurvedic herbal medicines for treatment of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ayurveda also is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

The cosmic rise to popularity of Rutin supplements is much talked about. You might be wondering what could possibly be in store for you in using this kind of supplement. Well, this is the best time to edify yourself on the merits of using this supplement.

What is Rutin?
Rutin is actually a citrus bioflavanoid. It is a naturally occurring substance in variety of botanical sources such as citrus fruits and vegetables including some nuts, buckwheat and bark. It contains over 2,000 chemicals, all important in the normalization of our systemic functions.

What does it do? How can it help us?
Good question. Now why is this bioflavanoid important you say? Rutin is actually a major component in the better absorption of vitamin C in the body. Without this, we cannot fully experience the health benefits of ascorbic acid.

This bioflavanoid is vital in ensuring the health of collagen, tendons and arterial venous. When there are problems that concerns fragile capillaries, insufficient chronic venous and even inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, Rutin is a good treatment. Rutin varicose veins have a good relationship because of how effective this nutrient is in improving the strength of our blood capillaries.

Rutin has also shown major prowess in treating variscosities. People who bleed or bruise easily can benefit a lot from this bioflavanoid.

To further elevate this compound into a higher status, we should not fail to mention its great potential in treating a multitude of diseases such as colitis and venous edema, not to mention preventing cancer because of its anti-carcinogenic properties.

Why Rutin supplements? Why not just eat its natural sources?
If I have a penny every time I hear this question, I'd probably be rich by now. Yes, we can get this bioflavanoid from natural sources. In fact, nutritionists advise us to get most of our daily nutrition from botanical sources.

But because of the deteriorating quality of our lifestyle and a whole lot of environmental factors, getting abundant supply of vitamins and minerals from natural botanical sources is far easier said than done. Most of us are not too conscious of what we are ingesting. And the rest of us just could not be bothered with checking our daily nutritional intake.

Supplementation is the easiest and the safest way of getting our daily supply of Rutin. Not only that, if you choose a high-grade Rutin supplement, you will be getting more than just Rutin. You will get a supplement satiated with multivitamins and minerals that can all contribute to our health.

If you want to try Rutin, consider a product called Total Balance manufactured by Xtendlife Company. They have extracted this nutrient from one of its most abundant source, blue-green algae and have incorporated a sufficient 10mg to keep your body functions as normal as ever.

Now is the best time to start using Rutin supplements. Do not wait for you to be seriously ill. If you have shot at getting better, health-wise, why not grab that opportunity, right?

Although a cure has not been discovered for Crohn's Disease and Colitis, patients can manage their condition. Sometimes doctors suggest surgery but it is often possible to control the unpleasant symptoms and side effects. Of course, individuals should always check with their doctor before making any drastic changes.

How To Manage Crohn's Disease and Colitis

. Understand Your Condition

Nobody can improve their condition if they do not even understand it. Indeed, it can be quite alarming if you do not know the facts. Many people have the perception that Crohn's Disease and Colitis are the same disease.

Although both conditions are related, there are distinct differences. Crohn's disease (CD) may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is usually an inflammation of the large intestine (the colon).

Since there is no medical cure, some people think mistakenly that the conditions must be fatal diseases. In fact, Crohn's Disease and Colitis sufferers live a normal life span (men, 78 years, women, 79 years). Get the facts from your doctor and other reputable sources (books, documentaries, online). A second doctor's opinion can give a patient that extra peace of mind.

. Acknowledge The Symptoms And Side Effects

Individuals must try to manage the symptoms and side effects. Crohn's Disease and Colitis is not a death sentence. A patient's mission must be to discover safe and healthy methods that work for them. They need to find how to reduce or even eliminate any unpleasantness.

. Consider A Raw Food Diet

Individuals should never make any drastic changes to their diet without consulting their doctor. Yet many researchers insist that the Western diet is bad for Crohn's Disease and Colitis sufferers. The Western diet is full of fats, processed foods, and sugars and researchers believe that a raw food diet using organic produce is a much better choice.

Once a person is given the 'ok' by their doctor, the patient can implement the diet slowly and allow the body time to adjust to its new fuel. Numerous studies and examples have shown that a raw food diet can eliminate all the uncomfortable symptoms. Of course, the improvement will be gradual and nobody should ever expect an 'overnight' cure.

. Get Informed About Water Fasts

Some sufferers have found that the combination of a water fast and daily raw food diet have eliminated their symptoms. Although nobody should embark on a Crohn's/Colitis water fast without checking with a trained professional, this approach is an option. Many testimonials praise its effectiveness. Everyone is, however, in charge of their own health and, ultimately, must make their own decisions in these matters.

. Keep Up-To-Date

There is continuous research being done about Crohn's Disease and Colitis. Individuals affected by those conditions should keep up to date on all the latest developments in the field. One recent study explores the effectiveness of Vitamin A in the treatment of Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

Golden Seal is a North American native plant growing in the Appalachian Mountains region. The American Indian tribes of Kickapoo, Catawba, Cherokee and Iroquois used the Golden Seal root as an herbal remedy for centuries. They used this as an insect repellent and for treating inflamed or sore mouth and eyes. In the 1600s in the early pioneers of Kentucky and Ohio adopted the use of this herb from the native Indians.

The root of this plant is bright yellow in color with scars that look like that of the seal and hence the herb is called. It is also known by names such as eye root, yellow puccoon, eye balm, ground raspberry and yellow root. The root is the part that contains the medicinal properties. This herb is from the same family as buttercup or crowfoot.

Golden Seal is Nature's powerful antibiotic for fighting infection and virus. It is an effective treatment for colds and flu when combined with Echinacea. The antibacterial properties of this herb make it a powerful treatment for tonsillitis, sinus infections, liver disorders and urinary infections.

By promoting strong digestion and increases hydrochloric acid production Golden Seal aids the digestive system and keeps it healthy. Stomach problems such as dysentery, indigestion, chronic gastritis, colitis and ulcers can be effectively treated with this plant.

Golden Seal is an excellent remedy for skin, ear and eye disorders. It is used to treat herpes sores, mouth and gum sores, denture sores and fever blisters. To treat earache it is mixed with olive oil into an ear drop. An eye wash is made from strained Golden Seal tea for pink eyes. Its tincture when mixed with witch hazel is an effective cure for ringworm, eczema and itching. Tea of this herb can be used as a wash for Candida yeast infections.

Golden Seal is used by many alternative care and holistic practitioners to treat drug addictions due to its ability to cleanse the body of foreign organisms. This herb has become a preferred remedy for Malaria over Quinine. It has none of the side effects of the drug. This plant can regulate blood sugar level due to its natural insulin. It is also a laxative useful for treating habitual constipation. Golden Seal eases breast swelling and pain and alleviates nausea during pregnancy.

You can purchase golden seal as tablets, capsules, tincture and tea. The recommended dosage is 250 to 500 mg three times a day. When the right dosage is taken it is safe with no side effects. Golden Seal must not be used by those who suffer from low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia) or high blood pressure. It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. This herb must not be taken over a long period. Over use could be poisonous and unsafe. Some side effects include stomach cramps, anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and sensitive to sunlight. Golden Seal can interfere with the effectiveness of some prescription medications.

Today in United States Golden Seal remains one of the most popular herbs. It is a very sensitive plant that can take up to five years to mature. The demand far exceeds the supplies and this herb is also therefore one of the most costly herbal products. The herbal medicine industry has accepted Golden Seal as a natural antibiotic and a booster for the immune system.