Friday, November 5, 2010

What Is Diverticulitis? The Surprising Facts About Diet and This Disease

It happens. You or a loved one gets the call from the doctor, and it's diverticulitis. So you wonder how did I get this? What is diverticulitis anyway? And most importantly what is the treatment?

I wrote this article to discuss some of the surprising facts about the disease and to clear up some misconceptions. As you'll see, this is an illness where your diet can truly make a difference in both your prognosis and recovery.

So what is diverticulitis? Well, the short answer is that diverticulitis is a swelling or inflammation of an abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the intestinal wall. These pouches are usually found in the large intestine or colon. Diverticulitis occurs when bacteria gets trapped in the pouches and becomes infected.

The symptoms of the illness may last from a few hours to a week or more depending on the severity of the case, and can include any of the following: Belly pain (especially on the lower left side, that sometimes gets worse when you move), bloating and gas, fever and chills, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting, and a loss of appetite.

Here's what's surprising: The existence of the pouches (diverticula) does not necessarily mean that you will come down with diverticulitis. Doctors are not entirely sure why some people get the disease and others do not. Also surprising, diverticulitis is very common. Over half of Americans over age 60 are diagnosed with the disease.

So why do the pouches form and why are so many people are diagnosed? The current belief is that diet and age play a huge role in the formation of the diverticula. (The pouches are more common over the age of 40.) A low fiber diet is considered a major risk factor, here's why:

Doctor's think that without enough fiber to add bulk to the stool, the colon has to work harder to push the stool forward. The pressure from this exertion might cause the pouches to form. Once the pouches are formed, there are no known treatments to remove them short of surgery. Once you have the pouches, you're more susceptible to diverticulitis.

Prevention is the key here. You can greatly reduce your chance of getting the disease just by drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise and by maintaining a diet high in fiber, meaning plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If you already have the disease, cases are typically treated with bowel rest (nothing by mouth) and a course of antibiotics. Once you're feeling better, doctor's typically recommend a high fiber diet to prevent recurrence.

So what is diverticulitis? A disease where a pound of prevention is truly worth an ounce of cure. Follow a healthy life style with a high fiber diet and you will be less likely to come down with this disease.

The Real Modern Day Causes Of Chronic Disease In America

The first step we must take in order to prevent and cure chronic disease is to know their modern day causes and understand why these diseases are now so prevalent in America today. In the U.S., 70 percent of Americans that die each year die from chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke. For many years now, tobacco use has been considered the single most dangerous modifiable risk factor for chronic disease and longevity. But modern day industry and technology has brought about dramatic changes in our diet, our food, our environment, and our lifestyles. These changes have introduced other risk factors that we are now faced with and it's the totality of these other risk factors that today pose a greater threat to the health of Americans than even smoking.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE
A report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (March, 2004) states, "poor diet and lack of physical exercise may soon surpass tobacco as the leading cause of death". In America today, modern technological advances both at home and on the job has created two things, jobs and lifestyles that are less physically active or even sedentary and a heavy reliance on the convenience of fast and processed food. The report goes further and states that only 1.5 percent more people in the U.S. die each year from tobacco (18.1percent) than those that die from poor diet and lack of physical activity (16.6 percent).

Poor diet and lack of exercise contributes to chronic disease in two ways. First, by promoting cell malfunction in our bodies by depriving the cells of sufficient nutrients and enough oxygen to keep them functioning properly and second, by contributing to weight gain and obesity.

WEIGHT GAIN AND OBESITY
It's no secret that the U.S. is the fattest country in the world and that this is due primarily to the convenient availability of today's fast and processed foods and inactive lifestyles. We all know that these kinds of foods are jam-packed with fats and sugars and that by consuming these foods along with physical inactivity sets us up for weight gain from fat.

But why is fat dangerous and how does it contribute to chronic disease? Body fat is dangerous for two reasons. The first reason is because fat cells are actually active, especially abdominal fat cells, and produce toxic hormones and other toxic substances during the process of lipolysis which is the breakdown of the fats that are stored in the fat cells. Our bodies are designed to handle normal amounts of these substances but the more fat you have the more fat cells you have that are releasing these toxic substances up to the point that the body becomes overwhelmed and can no longer safely dispose of them.

The second reason is that some outside environmental toxic chemicals accumulates in human fat. One such example is Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. Better known as flame retardants, PBDEs are used in a wide variety of common household products from carpet to electronics and studies show that they can cause both liver and kidney damage. The more body fat you have, the greater the possibility of you accumulating more toxic chemicals, such as PBDEs, than your body can handle. In either case, excessive body fat results in a toxic overload within the cells and just like depriving them of nutrients and oxygen, causes the cells to malfunction thus weakening the immune system.

HOW THE AMERICAN FOOD INDUSTRY HAS MADE US SICK
Seeing now how poor diet and daily inactivity can cause chronic disease, you would think that all you need to do is to start exercising and and go to the grocery store and stock up on healthier foods, right. Wrong! There are three reasons why the highly processed foods and the conventionally grown crops and meats found in most grocery stores today have played a part in the prevalence of chronic disease in America.

TOXIC CHEMICALS IN OUR FOOD
The first reason is toxicity. For many years now, the U.S.'s major food producers have used chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and growth hormones to grow bigger crops and livestock as quickly as possible for increased profits. Unknown by most American consumers, many of the meats, fruits, and vegetables found on typical grocery store shelves are laced with traces of these chemicals and hormones. These foods, as well as our processed and packaged food, also contain other chemicals in the form of ripening agents, artificial flavor and aromatic enhancers, preservatives, and other man-made chemicals to make them as appealing and as convenient as possible. These toxic chemicals ultimately end up in our bodies and after years of exposure, build up to a toxic level that our bodies are not designed to deal with.

LOW NUTRITIONAL VALUES IN TODAY'S FOOD
The second reason is that a lot of the conventional foods of today have a low nutritional value. Modern agriculture has employed methods of farming that has depleted the soil of vital minerals causing a significant decrease in the nutritional content of many of our fruits and vegetables. In fact, the Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Study conducted in 2009 found that 81 percent of registered dietitians now view dietary supplements as important for maintaining health. Doug Gurian-Sherman, senior scientist with the food and environment program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) recently stated, "The way we farm now is destructive of the soil, the environment and us" and that "worst of all, our food is increasingly bad for us, even dangerous". But perhaps the most serious threat to our food supply is one has gone virtually unknown to the average unsuspecting American consumer and is the third reason why our food is making us so sick.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD
Also known as GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), genetic food modification can quite possibly become the single most dangerous threat to our health. Genetic modification is the technology that makes it possible to manipulate the genes of living organisms by combining multiple genes from different living organisms in order to change the characteristics of that organism. Also referred to as recombinant DNA technology, the resulting products are said to be transgenic, genetically modified, or genetically engineered. The World Health Organization views GMO's as "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally".

This technology has now made it possible for scientists to inject chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides directly into the genes and the DNA of seeds used to grow the fruits and vegetables we eat in order to make them more resistant to the herbicides and pesticides already in use. This technology is also being used on livestock as well. The irony is that the world's largest producer of GMO's and genetically engineered foods is not one of our nation's major food producers such as Tyson Foods or Kraft. It's Monsanto, a chemical company. Since the early 1990's, this technology has been used in America's agriculture. Today approximately 70 percent of the food you buy at your typical grocery store has been genetically modified and chances are you have or will eat a GMO today.

TOXIC CHEMICALS IN OUR AIR, OUR WATER, AND OUR HOMES
The most direct source of chemical exposure we unknowingly experience comes from the foods we eat. But we can no longer ignore the fact that the environmental toxins found in our air, our water, and even our homes contribute greatly to chronic diseases here in the U.S. The number of toxic chemicals we Americans routinely encounter is astonishing. The Environmental Protection Agency has now identified at least 6,000 chemicals that Americans are regularly exposed to and this number grows each year.

And these chemical toxins are not just limited to air and water contaminants. A lot of the chemicals we come into contact with daily are right in our own homes in the form of floor cleaners, furniture polish, and even hairspray. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, "Americans use an average of 10 personal care products each day, resulting in exposure to more than 126 unique chemicals-not counting the many undisclosed chemicals in fragrance."

IS SMOKING REALLY THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF CHRONIC DISEASE IN AMERICA?
The answer is probably not but certainly it remains a major contributor. Even though the decline in the number of people who smoke has been stalled since 2005, the fact is that for 40 years now, the number of Americans who smoke has been decreasing and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to second hand smoke is now down 70 percent. Cigarette smoking peaked in the mid 1960's with 40 percent of Americans smoking and today that figure is at about 23 percent. The percentage of Americans suffering from chronic disease now stands at 51 percent and that number continues to climb. With this in mind, it would be hard to conclusively say that cigarette smoking continues to stand alone as America's number one cause of chronic disease.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF CHRONIC DISEASE IN AMERICA?
The extremely high rate of chronic disease we're experiencing here in the U.S. today is a result of not just one, but a combination of all of these risk factors. These risk factors cause two things within our bodies that serve as the basis for all chronic disease, deficiency and toxicity. If left unchecked, these two common denominators will begin to cause cellular damage and over time, will cause the cells to malfunction thus increasing the probability of developing chronic disease.

In America today, the combination of enormous toxic overload, the declining nutritional value of our foods, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity all work against our nation's health in ways we have never seen before by poisoning our bodies and then depriving it's cells of what they need to function properly. In order to help avoid and reverse disease and give our bodies a chance to detoxify themselves, it's vital that we find ways to limit our subjection to chemical toxins and find nutritious alternate food options.

Chronic diseases in the U.S. is a serious concern with more than fifty percent of Americans now suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. However most chronic diseases are preventable and even curable by learning how to avoid their modern day causes and understanding why these diseases are now so widespread.

To find out more about what you can do to prevent chronic disease, go to http://livingdiseasefree.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_A_Long

Tony A Long - EzineArticles Expert Author

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Important Things You Should Know About Genital Warts

Skin problems and infections are now becoming a common issue among individuals, both men and women of any age. The occurrence of these kinds of problem is due to several factors including poor hygiene, unhealthy lifestyle, unhealthy diet and even some environmental factors. One common relevant issue on skin transpiring in both male and female, particularly the adults is the emergence of these warts in the genital area.

Genital Warts Overview

Similar to genital herpes, genital warts are types of diseases that are mostly transmitted through sexual intercourse and are also highly contagious. The infection is due to a virus called HPV or Human Papillomavirus. Many people who have genital warts are not aware that they are already infected because the infection may not be noticeable.

Typically, these warts, also known as venereal warts are described as gray growths or flesh-colored warts, commonly spotted in the genitalia and anal region. Both men and women of any age can be infected with HPV and have these warts. Majority of the sufferers are those who are in the 17-33 age brackets. Relevant study shows that a single sexual intercourse with a carrier can lead to an approximately sixty percent risk of becoming infected.

Warts in the genitals may also occur to children, particularly those below three years old. In this case, the transmission of the virus infection is regarded as non-sexual but rather as direct manual contact with the carrier. It rarely happens, though.

Common Symptoms

The occurrence of these warts can be painless but can cause too much frustration. A person who has this type of infection may experience symptoms like itchiness occurring in the affected areas. These types of warts usually spread in several areas of the body. Thus, it is widespread. Men sufferers typically have infection in the penis, scrotum, rectal area and urethra. The appearance can be described by soft, raised masses or lesions having smooth or rough surface. In women, genital warts usually appear in the moist areas of the vaginal opening. The incidents of women who experience bleeding after having sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge and itchiness are also few of the rare symptoms that may occur.

Prevention and Treatment

Like the other forms of genital infections, this is highly contagious but preventable. One sure way to evade from having such infection is to carefully observe safe sex. A lot of protective means are available to use depending on your preference. But if by all means, prevention is not enough and genital warts still emerge, proper treatment should be given. Once the existence of warts is recognized, self-care should be properly observed. Considering the warts being infectious, avoid touching them. Picking or squeezing is also discouraged. All these need to be done in order to prevent the spread.

A single effective medical treatment that completely eliminates genital warts is still not available. However, several treatment methods are already offered to help resolve the issue. The cryotherapy, laser treatment and electrodessication are just few of the many alternative treatments and methods, specifically designed to deal with genital warts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harold_Hisona

Harold Hisona - EzineArticles Expert Author

Simple Tip to Prevent Catching Colds - No More Influenza Infection

Influenza is a common problem nowadays. Although it may not be fatal disease, it is very contagious and can affect millions of people all over the world. In this article, I will give a simple tip to prevent catching colds. Say no to influenza infection with this commonsense habit.

Millions of people around the planet have heard the alarming scale of different flu outbreaks over the recent years. From SARS to avian influenza, the strains of influenza virus are getting stronger, causing infections at rapid speed. For the information of the public, more than 500,000 people in the whole planet will die because of these more immune strains of influenza. And this is very scary. So, how can we protect ourselves?

Do not allow yourself to catch flu because of your negligence and lack of knowledge. The key to protect yourself from catching common colds are quite common sense. Boost your immune system with the proper vitamin antioxidant boosters and do not expose yourself to risks that will most likely make you infected with the virus.

One of the simplest approaches to avoiding colds is to wash your wands frequently. This is very commonsense but I cannot stress it enough. According to the journal Applied Environmental Microbiology, you can kill about 99.7 percent of the viruses when you wash your hands thoroughly. Before you touch your nose, face, or mouth, make it a habit to wash your hands with warm water and any ordinary soap. This should require consistent effort and this needs to be formed into a habit.

There are other ways to prevent you from catching common colds and flu. But frequently washing your hands is a great start.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Practicable Malaria Prevention Measures for Nigerians

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium. It is a serious and sometimes fatal disease, usually causing a high fever in its victims with associated chills, shivering, headache, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness, body aches, joint pain and, in its severe forms, anaemia, multiple organ failures, convulsions, altered consciousness, coma and, ultimately, death. Although malaria can potentially become life threatening, illness and death from the disease is totally preventable.

How is Malaria Transmitted?

The malaria parasites, Plasmodium, are transmitted from one person to another by a female anopheles mosquito. The female anopheles mosquito feeds on human blood, which it requires for breeding, and it becomes infected with malaria parasites when it bites and takes a blood meal from an infected person. The malaria parasites in the infected mosquito are then injected into another person through the mosquito's saliva when the mosquito goes to bite and take a blood meal from the second person. These bites usually take place at nights when the mosquito is most active. Other less common modes of transmission are via blood transfusions, organ transplants, sharing of needles and syringes, and also transmission from a mother to her unborn child before or during delivery.

Who is most at risk of developing severe, life threatening malaria?

There are 4 types of Plasmodium species that cause malaria in humans, but the severe form of the disease is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. While anyone exposed to the bites from infected mosquitoes can develop malaria, only people who are heavily exposed to bites from mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum are at risk of dying from the disease, especially those with little or no immunity to malaria such as pregnant women, young children, travelers from areas with no malaria, people living with HIV/AIDS and people suffering from sickle cell disease. Also, poor people living in rural areas who lack knowledge and access to health care are also at risk of falling seriously sick and dying from malaria.

How can malaria be prevented?

There are basically 3 methods of preventing malaria:

1. Eradicating mosquitoes - this involves measures taken to reduce the population of mosquitoes by killing them at various stages in their life cycle, for example, using insecticide sprays on indoor walls in homes to kill adult mosquitoes, using insecticide sprays like DDT around homes to kill outdoor adult mosquitoes, poisoning mosquitoes' breeding grounds like pouring oil on stagnant pools of water around homes to kill the larval stages, and elimination of other breeding sites around homes like covering water storage containers and proper disposal of any unwanted open containers.

2. Preventing mosquito bites - this involves measures taken to reduce contact between humans and mosquitoes, for example, sleeping under a bed net. The efficacy of bed nets can be greatly increased by treating them with insecticides(insecticide treated nets or ITN's), so they can also kill the mosquitoes in addition to acting as a barrier. Other methods of preventing mosquito bites include using mosquito repellents and wearing long sleeved clothes while outdoors at night.

3. Taking antimalarial drugs - this in itself does not prevent infection with the malaria parasites which comes from mosquito bites, but it acts to prevent the development of the disease by halting the development of the parasites, hence it's also known as malaria suppression in some quarters. The antimalarial drugs taken for prevention can also be used for treatment of the disease, but for prevention they are usually taken daily, weakly or sometimes even monthly and in doses usually lower than for treatment. The use of preventive antimalarial drugs for prolonged periods, however, is not very practical because of cost issues, side effects of the drugs, or even development of drug resistance by the malaria parasites, so for this reason this method of malaria prevention is usually advocated for those most at risk of developing life threatening malaria like pregnant women, young children, travelers from areas with no malaria, people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell disease sufferers.

Studies have shown repeatedly that malaria prevention is much more cost effective in the long run than treating malaria, especially, with methods like the use of insecticide treated nets(ITN's). This is true for the family unit as it is for the larger society, so let us all do the little we can within our individual family units to prevent and control malaria. Government and non-governmental organizations are also implored to embark on mass distribution of free ITN's to vulnerable groups like rural dwellers and pregnant women. Above all, stakeholders must embark on continuing public health education campaigns, because it is only in doing this that we can break the vicious cycle of poverty, ignorance and disease.

Protect Your Kidneys And They'll Protect You!

When I talk to my patients about good kidney health, preventing or getting rid of kidney stones is the first thing that comes to their mind. While kidney stones may be one of the more common health concerns for your kidneys, they certainly are not the only one.

Your kidneys do so much to keep you healthy - they filter toxins like mercury, copper, arsenic, pesticides from our food, out of your blood. They also regulate certain minerals like calcium and potassium so that your heart functions correctly. In addition, they balance the water supply for your entire body! Today, I'd like to talk to you about how to keep your kidneys healthy both to prevent stones and to keep the rest of you functioning at optimum health!

Symptoms of Kidney Dysfunction

Your kidneys are located just above your waist on either side of your spine protected inside your rib cage. The very first tell-tale sign of something wrong in your kidneys may be either a dull ache, or even sharp pain, on either side of your back at the waist. Sharp pain usually indicates the presence of a kidney stone moving around or trying to pass, while a dull ache could mean either the beginning of a kidney stone or other kidney problems. Here are some other things you may notice:

?Generalized itching all over
?Marked fatigue
?Darker than normal urine
?Blood or pus in urine
?Muscle cramps
?Darkened skin
?Loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting
?Swelling of the hands or feet

Now, it's important to know that often times temporary dehydration, from sweating too much and not drinking enough water or replacing essential minerals, can result in some of the above symptoms, especially the muscle cramps and fatigue. However, once you start replacing necessary fluid levels and minerals, these symptoms should stop. If any of these symptoms persist, especially if you see blood or pus in your urine, and/or start to have very dark urine in general, see your doctor immediately.

Who Is At Risk For Kidney Disease?

As I tell my patients, there are several lifestyle issues that can put you more at risk for kidney disease than other people. These are chronic alcohol consumption, smoking, and recreational drug use. If you stop these behaviors in time, it's a good bet you can regain your kidney health.

However, there are others who are also at risk from kidney disease and they include:

?People over 50 - kidney function naturally starts to slow down with age.
?People with diabetes - diabetes and kidney function go hand in hand.
?People with hypertension - high blood pressure puts a lot of strain on the kidneys.
?Family history of kidney disease - kidney disease tends to run in families.
?Athletes - heavy training can cause a chronic state of dehydration.

How Can You Maintain Good Kidney Health?

The best way to keep your kidneys healthy is to:

1) Adopt a healthy lifestyle: No smoking, recreational drugs, or heavy alcohol consumption.

2) Stay well-hydrated: Drink adequate amounts of water. This helps flush out toxins and regulate blood pressure. The National Institute of Health recommends drinking 91 ounces of water per day if you are a woman and 105 ounces a day if you are a man. High-water content vegetables and fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, tomato also add water.

3) Eat a Kidney Healthy Diet:

?Limit protein: Excess protein (specifically animal) increases wear and tear on kidneys by adding too much nitrogen and uric acid to the blood. This in turn causes dehydration as it takes more fluids to try and clear these elements. Limit your animal protein to 8 oz per day (limit whey protein bars to one, 25-30 gram protein bar per day). Add more vegetable proteins like legumes, beans, whole grains.

?Kidney Healthy Fruits/Vegetables: Red Bell Peppers, apples, cabbage, cauliflower, cranberries, strawberries, cherries, asparagus, iceberg lettuce, green beans, radishes, turnips, cottage cheese, eggplant.

?Limit dairy products: Dairy contains a lot of phosphorous which can build up in the kidneys. 2-3 servings a day are good. However, keep in mind that you do not really need to consume dairy to get much needed calcium. Substitute with bananas, tofu, spinach, broccoli which are also low in phosphorus.

4) Exercise: Regular physical exercise helps your kidneys remove toxins from your blood faster as it speeds up metabolism.

5) Watch Your Weight: Excess weight can cause high blood pressure which can damage kidneys.

If you have persistent symptoms of possible kidney disease, such as those mentioned above, please contact your doctor who can order certain blood and/or x-ray tests for you to determine if your symptoms are kidney-related. However, a healthy lifestyle, whole foods diet, and adequate amounts of water, can both help you prevent kidney and heart disease and stay healthy long into your golden years!

Terminal Illness Support: How to Be There for Loved Ones

When a loved one is dying, it can be a very difficult time not only for them but for their family as well. Everyone around the terminal ill member will grieve and feel sorry for them, but it will be hard to put themselves in the shoes of the personal facing a terminal illness. It's hard to empathize without knowing what it's like to face your own mortality. Thus, for many people it is rather difficult to provide terminal illness support.

Learning to Provide Terminal Illness Support

There are many ways through which a person can learn and receive guidance on how to provide terminal illness support. One of these ways is through an online prayer group. These groups offer you the chance to seek help and guidance from other people that are or have been around someone suffering from a terminal illness. With the help of an online group, you will learn how to be there for your loved one that is dying. But an online prayer group will also help you deal with your own feelings as well.

Old group members have spoken with many people before you and thus have experience in helping you cope with your feelings of helplessness and anger. They will let you know that your feelings are natural and will help you to find a way to deal with these issues through prayer. They will guide you through how to provide proper terminal illness support for your loved one so you can be certain that they will have peaceful thoughts as they pass away. Your loved one could also join an online prayer group with other people who are facing death or who are suffering from the same illnesses.

How to Support Your Loved One

By joining an online prayer group you'll learn from other people's experience that your relationship with your ill loved one does not have to change at all, but improve and become stronger. People suffering from terminal illnesses need support and the presence of their family, friends and loved ones. However, sometimes it's easier for a person facing a terminal illness to talk about their feelings and fears with someone they don't know, such as a counselor. Nonetheless, you need to show your loved one that you're there to listen, without forcing them to express their feeling if the time's not right. You can provide great support just with your presence.

Supporting your Loved One with the Help of a Group

By being part of an online prayer group, you can also help other people who share your fears and feelings. Group members can share their stories and feelings with one another and help consult each other through this difficult time. They can support each other through this difficult time by becoming a source for comfort and faith reinforcement. Moreover, members of your group will also be able to support your loved one who's facing a terminal illness by sending them prayers and well wishes. Just knowing that they aren't alone in their suffering can great help ease the fear and pain a dying loved one is experiencing. The power of prayer is powerful and will help them feel God's there for them.

Online prayer groups can provide people who are dying and their families with terminal illness support and access to guidance, prayer, and therapy. These groups are often free and share their resources in the hopes of making the end lives of fellow believers easier and less painful. In short, if you are looking to learn how you can support your love one who's dying and don't know how to go about it, checking out an online prayer group could be a good way to start.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Hemorrhoids and Dietary Changes

There is no question that hemorrhoids inflict pain, itching and discomfort for those that are affected. And yet hemorrhoids are not limited to a small population in the world. Research studies have shown that as high as fifty to sixty percent of the world's population gets to deal with this painful situation at one time or the other during the course of their lives. Additionally, there seems to be a stigma associated with describing the pain associated with the excretory system and this keeps many people from even going to the doctor.

The first thing to do if you feel there is pain during bowel movements or if there is blood in the stool is to get medical attention immediately. These could be signs of potentially more serious health problems. If it has been diagnosed as being hemorrhoids, then in addition to the necessary medications that get prescribed, after consulting with your doctor making healthy dietary changes can go a long way in the battle with this painful condition.

It is necessary to keep the body well hydrated by drinking several glasses of clean water every day. Additionally, stool has to be kept softer so that there is no undue stress and pressure exerted on the walls of the colon and the area close to the rectum. This can be accomplished by consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables. Plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber are present in fruits and vegetables and these are essential not only for good gastrointestinal health but they are important for the overall health and well being of the human body.

Dietary changes for keeping hemorrhoids at bay include staying away from harsh spices and extremely spicy food. It may feel good at the time of eating but the intestines get stressed by the consumption of these items. Staying away from foods that have too many preservatives and other man made additives is a step in the right direction. Consumption of healthy nuts such as almonds is also beneficial as long as you are not allergic to nuts. Almonds are a good source of healthy fats in addition to fiber, so they benefit other areas of the biological systems as well such as the circulatory system.

It is important to talk to your medical professional before embarking on a diet regimen to make sure you are not allergic to certain foods. Once that is done, a diet that is low in fats and rich in fiber and other nutrients can go a long way in keeping your system free from hemorrhoids.

What Causes Hemorrhoids in Women?

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a not painful but embarrassing at the same time. That's why you have to treat and get rid of your hemorrhoids before it takes control of your life. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum that can be itchy and burning at times. Sometimes you won't notice them as they can't be felt or seen unless they flare up. There are actually two kinds. The internal hemorrhoids and the external hemorrhoids.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is constipation. Straining too much during a bowel movement can cause pressure on your rectal region that causes the veins to swell and become inflamed. Sitting too much on the toilet sit waiting for stool to pass should be avoided, too. Obesity also paves the way for hemorrhoids to develop. If you are overweight, you put pressure on the lower part of your body including the rectal area. When you sit or stand for a long period of time, you'll most likely develop hemorrhoids. In order to avoid this, take breaks in between.

The Increased Risk for Women

Pregnancy is a common cause of hemorrhoids in women. This is due to the hormonal changes in a pregnant woman's body that causes constipation. The additional weight of the baby inside all adds to the pressure in the lower part of the body. Hemorrhoids can also occur after giving birth. When a woman goes through labour, she tends to strain too much, putting pressure in the veins. Hemorrhoids after giving birth are quite common and can be easily treated. It may also disappear on its own once your body goes back to its pre-pregnancy state.

Treatment for Hemorrhoids

If you want to relieve yourself from all the symptoms of hemorrhoids, use products that are natural and safe.

My name is Kath and I write about topics that are of interest to me.

These are just a few tips to help you. Hemorriods can be controlled by natural methods. Click here to find more treatments that will really work for you and get your free hemorriod report.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kath_Wright

Monday, November 1, 2010

Understanding Options for IBS Treatment

Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? A disorder of the colon that can cause painful and embarrassing symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome has been shown to affect a large percentage of adults. While some of the symptoms of IBS can be mild or even confused with other digestive disorders, it's important for you to know that you don't have to live with this condition forever. Has been shown to be successful at reducing the frequency of the symptoms of this disorder, and natural often the best option.

Do You Need IBS Treatment?

It's possible that you've been living with signs of irritable bowel syndrome for years and never knew that there were options that could help restore the balance of your digestive system. In most cases, never considered because the symptoms are too mild or too infrequent to be noticed by the patient. However, if you've noticed inconsistent performance from your digestive system, or are dealing with painful bowel activity on a daily basis, it might be time to consider your options for natural.

Constipation IBS Treatment Options

One of the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is frequent constipation. This painful dysfunction is the result of your body extracting too much liquid from your intestine during digestion, leaving the solid waste compacted in your colon. If you're seeking constipation your health care professional is likely to suggest fiber like:

- psyllium
- methylcellulose
- oat bran

If you're still not happy with these constipation plans, you might also consider taking a probiotic supplement that has been proven to soothe the intestine and colon, and alleviate the constipation symptoms of IBS.

Other IBS Treatment Options

Constipation isn't the only symptoms of IBS that can be painful and embarrassing. Some people experience violent diarrhea, painful cramping in the abdomen, excessive gas, bloating, and even nausea. Some of the options that your doctor might suggest to deal with these symptoms include:

- Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide

- Eliminating high-gas foods like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower from your diet

- Anticholinergic medications designed to relieve painful bowel spasms

- Antidepressant medications that inhibit the activity of neurons that control the intestines

Natural IBS Treatment Options

If you don't like the idea of taking an antidepressant or boxes of anti-diarrheal medications, you might want to consider the natural options that so many have found to be effective. One of the most respected options for people who prefer holistic remedies are probiotics that contain good bacteria known to be beneficial for healthy bowel function. After taking probiotic supplements on a daily basis, many IBS sufferers reported that their symptoms had become far less frequent as well as more manageable. If you think that you might benefit from this type of natural it's important to look for a brand that contains multiple types of beneficial bacteria as well as prebiotics.

Gluten Intolerance: What It Is and Three Tips on How to Deal With It

Gluten Intolerance otherwise known as celiac disease, coeliac disease, celiac sprue, malabsorption syndrome or gluten-induced enteropathy is a sensitivity problem particularly by the gluten factor of protein found in grains, wheat, rye, oats, and barley.

When ingested by a child with gluten sensitivity, a toxic substance called "glutamine" is released which causes swelling and degeneration of the small intestines causing malabsorption of fat and deficiency of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). In turn, the child would suffer from gluten intolerance symptoms such as steatorrhea (bulky, foul-smelling fatty stools), anemia and malnutrition.

Having the Celiac disease can be frustrating at first most especially for parents whose kids have such disease. But, with great knowledge and proper management, coping up will not be that difficult. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you deal with gluten intolerance.

First, be knowledgeable about your disease. Information about the disease is needed for you to be able to take good care of your health. Know what are those included in your gluten free diet. These includes grains, corn, potatoes, rice, tapioca which is derived from cassava, starch sources such as amaranth, arrowroot, millet, montina, lupin, quinoa, sorghum, sweet potato, taro, teff, chia seed and yam. Various types of bean, soybean and nut flours are often used to add protein and fiber in the diet. Buckwheat and Gram flour is also acceptable.

Second, you must be careful with what you buy inside the grocery. Always check the labels and be a careful shopper. Ice cream, ketchup, packaged frozen foods, gravy, wheat flour and some other sauces do have gluten which is not suitable for persons with gluten intolerance.

Third, some over-the-counter or prescription drugs as well as cosmetics such as lip balms and lipsticks may also contain gluten. Before you use such cosmetics, take into consideration its compositions.

Although gluten intolerance is a disease wherein you can't eat all the things that you like, always put into mind that there are far more deadly diseases other than the Celiac disease. At least with this kind of disease, you won't be able to experience surgeries and chemotherapies just for you to get well. Just stick with your diet, read an all-in-one guide to gluten intolerance (like our product), be nice to your intestines and you won't have other problems to deal with.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Johansson

Dealing With Anxiety Related to Candida

Someone I know has a serious problem with her anxiety. She always wakes up at night with her body shaking all over, and she can't stop praying. She had taken Xanax for up to 50mg, hoped it can get her go to sleep, but it didn't work. Xanax is so addictive in her opinion, and she hates taking it so it was the first time she takes on those pills again. She wants to end it soon for she's having 2 children she has to taken care of.

If die-off is too difficult for you, by all means, slow down the anti-fungals. Moreover, you probably have leaky gut as well (anyone with a serious candida problem undoubtably does), and this requires that you discover what your food sensitivities are and stay away from them, and take further measures to heal your intestines. I would look into Candex as well.

There is no very good test for candida. Trials using antifungals are the best way: if you take anti fungals and get die-off, then you have it, especially if you try various kinds of anti-fungals to rule out a non-yeast sensitivity to a particular one. But there is a 100% accurate test for leaky gut. Nobody knows whether candida causes leaky gut or vice versa. For example, it is known that many things can cause leaky gut, including NSAIDs, such as Tylenol and alcohol abuse, and other drugs. Once you have leaky gut, candida is free to flourish.

If you have leaky gut, you will not get over it unless you deal with it parallel with the candida problem. And your candida will keep coming back again and again. My guess, from what I've researched, is that your panic and anxiety is a problem due to leaky gut more than candida. While candida does indeed cause toxins such as acetyaldehyde and ammonia to travel around the system, leaky gut pretty much screws up the entire endocrine system, because of suppression of pancreatic enzymes, and hepatic function of the P450 enzymes. It taxes the serotonin resources which can cause the panic attacks.

Anyone who has, or thinks they have, candida should do two, bare minimum. Get a lactulose/mannitol test done. And get checked for H Pylori infection, which can cause digestive problems leading to the chain of effects and ultimate the vicious cycle. In the meantime, HCL and pancreatic enzymes supplementation are a must.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Best Way To Prevent Chicken Pox In Three Easy Steps

Each one of us wants some thing. With some it is something they need to accomplish or do. Some wish to have some things, to own them. Sometimes there is something we would like to be or figure out how to do.

Perhaps you want to prevent chicken pox, for example. Lots of people want that. The fact is, once you understand how, that is not really hard. If you wish to prevent chicken pox, this short article can certainly help teach you exactly how. If you want to understand how, simply keep reading; learn to prevent chicken pox in three simple steps.

The all-important starting point will be to step away from anyone who has got the chickenpox. This is very important because the chickenpox is highly contagious. With this initial step, avoiding anyone with the chickenpox will likely be pretty important.

Carrying out this very first step completely and well is important. If you can not then you'll get the chickenpox and be covered in a uncomfortable, itchy red rash.

Your 2nd step will be to ensure that you're healthy and still have a substantial immune system. For this step, take care to avoid both junk foods and also certain chemicals or foods that can cause you to be sick. When your immune system low, you are most vulnerable to getting the chickenpox..

The final step is going to be to get to your medical clinic or doctor to find the chickenpox vaccine. This step will be an important one given that it is designed to prevent you or your child from getting the chicken pox, but it is not guaranteed. With this last step it is going to be important for one to avoid people who have the chickenpox. Because you might have been vaccinated, doesn't mean you still aren't susceptible to the illness..

Carefully follow these three easy steps, for the reasons given. Be certain to avoid the potential problems outlined. You'll successfully avoid nearly all problems by carefully observing the problem warnings here.

When you start to prevent chicken pox, by following the above suggestions you'll have the greatest probability of succeeding. Then enjoy all of the benefits that come with your success!

Finally, if you want to know the secrets to cure chicken pox in only 3 days or less, then you will want to check out the Fast Chicken Pox Cure website.

On our website, we provide the safest and most effective treatments and remedies that can easily cure your child or yourself as quickly as possible. We also have hundreds of success stories and testimonials of what works!

To learn more, click below to go to the Fast Chicken Pox Cure website:

Fast Chicken Pox Cure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stefan_Hall

Stefan Hall - EzineArticles Expert Author

Methods in Candidiasis Treatment

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the over production of yeast in the body. Yeast may develop in several parts or areas of the body. There are several Candidiasis treatments that a person suffering from infection can follow. Most treatments would take around 4 - 6 months and may also be dependent on the gravity of the infection.

For Candidiasis treatment, antifungal therapy has been proven to be effective. However, antifungal treatment cannot be done for more than 6 months because it can be harmful to your body. When antifungal therapy is done, it can remedy the infection for quite some time. Eventually, the yeast infection can become drug-resistant and the antifungal therapy would not be as effective as it was during the first months of Candidiasis treatment. Another set back of this method is once the medication is stopped, yeast would start growing again. These antifungal medications are not really helpful in growing back the good bacteria in the body.

Candidiasis treatment can also be done through diet. A yeast-free diet is recommended by health professionals to cure the infection. It is a big challenge to stick with the diet, but if you really want to get rid of the infection, you must do it. During the first week of the diet, you will experience dizziness and headache because you are not used to being restricted on food intake. Yogurt intake can help in the production of good bacteria but it should be plain and unsweetened. Sugary food can alleviate the infection.

The nutrients that our body need should be replenished. A person with yeast infection has weaker immune system. Taking vitamins and minerals is also a Candidiasis treatment. These supplements can help balance the good and bad bacteria in our body. Vitamins are helpful in warding off diseases by making our body's immune system stronger; a lot of diseases can be prevented by vitamins. For the energy production of the body, minerals are needed. It aids in regulating the metabolism of the body. Digestion is affected if you have yeast infection.

Natural herbs can also help in Candidiasis treatment. For instance, garlic is considered to be the yeast's biggest enemy, but is considered one of the nature's amazing drugs. It can help cure a lot of diseases such as heart disease, regulate cholesterol and induce low blood pressure.

The apple cider vinegar can provide relief to itchiness. Women with vaginal Candidiasis are often advised to use apple cider vinegar as douche.

You can try any of these methods in Candidiasis treatment but you should have yourself checked by a health professional before undergoing medication or any treatment. Your overall health condition is very important before giving any remedy to the yeast infection. Remember to not self-medicate; seek professional help. If you see any symptoms that you have Candida infection, visit your doctor for the proper health care procedures to follow. There a lot of methods to choose from, but whatever treatment you are advised to do, you have to discipline yourself and follow it strictly.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Proven Steps for Prevention of Flu and Colds - Keep Your Immune System Strong With These Tips

There are proven steps to prevent colds and flu. This information will provide you with details on how to keep your immune system strong and be free from getting infected by flu or cold virus.

Colds and flu are easily spread from one person to another because it is very infectious. If you observe that a family member becomes infected with flu, you should be careful. The whole household could potentially be infected by influenza virus as well within a few days.

You can prevent flu from infecting your system. To do so, you need to be fit and have a strong immune system. This requires eating the right amounts of foods with essential nutrients. With the right nutrition, you can easily shrug off flu and avoid the associated symptoms like fever, headaches, and sore throat. Research verified that a healthy diet with adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals boost the immune system, reducing the chances of developing cold symptoms. Take multivitamin and mineral supplements if needed.

If you are starting to feel some signs of flu like sore throat, you need to drink a pint glass of tolerably hot water. Pair it with a spoonful of honey and this can relieve you of sore throat. To further provide more relief, you can also try lozenges containing zinc. Suck these lozenges to provide relief and heal the sore throat.

You can also need to minimize the stress in your everyday life. Stress can dramatically increase the chances that you will get infected by the virus and develop colds. You can try chamomile herbal tea or ginseng to reduce anxiety and reduce your stress levels.

In ending, be aware of these steps to avoid getting sick due to flu infection. Be healthy all the time and keep your immune system strong.

Common Candida Overgrowth Symptoms

A person with Candidiasis would mean that there is an over production of yeast in his body. Inside a normal condition body, the growth of Candida is controlled. However, if the body's immune system weakens, this will sometimes cause production of toxins most especially in the intestinal tract area. If there is too much consumption of sugar in the body and even carbohydrates, chances are yeast will grow rapidly.

To know whether there is an overproduction of Candida in the body, there are several common Candida overgrowth symptoms that you should look out for. Gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps and poor digestion are some of the common symptoms. Others may even experience bowel disorders, diarrhea and constipation which can sometimes result to hemorrhoids. Heart burn and acidity are also apparent signs of Candida.

Aside from the gastrointestinal symptoms, a person with Candida overgrowth may manifest irritability, frequent mood swings, and lack of concentration. In some cases, dizziness and severe headaches are also experienced. Others may even feel depression. This may be due the depravity of sugar; sugar cravings are often felt by a person with Candida infection.

For women with yeast infection, vaginal itchiness and soreness are the most common symptoms. Some may even have unusual discharge which can have unpleasant smell. Men may experience soreness in the penis head area. There are even blisters that may appear on the shaft area. Rashes may spread in the area of the groin up to the anus.

Children are also affected by the overgrowth of yeast. Thrush or oral yeast infection is common among infants and kids. It is characterized by white patches that grow on the tongue or mouth area. For infants, frequent colic for the past three months is a manifestation of yeast over production in the body. Even ear infection can be an indication.

Symptoms may vary from one person to another. Experiencing more than one of these indicators does not automatically mean that you have yeast infection; however there is a strong possibility that you are actually infected by it. Women can visit their OB Gynecologist for proper diagnosis and medication. Men can visit their Urologist to validate the symptoms and get medication. Of course, for children, parents should bring their kids to a Pediatrician for proper care.

As much as possible, avoid self-medication. There are a lot of over the counter medication in local pharmaceuticals but it is still best to visit a health professional before medication or going on a diet.

Friday, October 29, 2010

How to Really Cure Crohn's Disease

Hello friend. For well over 10 years I had fought and struggled with this hated disease. It seemed that nothing I could do would stop the horrible stomach aches and constant vomiting. I was constantly battling with its dreaded symptoms.

I had done all I could until one day. I stumbled upon an almost forgotten secret. This secret, actually brought me the healing and relief I had earnestly sought after. I no longer suffer from ANY of the Crohn's Disease symptoms. No more. Amazingly, most people who have heard about it, never really use this method because they think its just too hard to do. Quite the opposite. It really isn't all that hard. If you really want the change in health you need, you will do it.

This method has been around for many years, has been responsible for the amazing health recovery of countless individuals. Yet few really take advantage of it. What I am talking about has to do with what we eat. Pure and simple.

For many years I ate just about anything and everything I wanted. I believed that I was getting the proper nutritional intake of the right kinds of foods. Unfortunately, in my younger years, I ate way too much candy, cakes, pastries and the like as well. You see, eventually it all caught up with me. Because I did not eat what my body was originally designed to process.

Our bodies are a wonderful machine. And it works perfectly as long as you work together in harmony with it. Some individuals believe they can eat, drink whatever. Without even knowing what will happen to their own body in just a short time. I can't tell you how many people I have spoken to about this and they really believe they are made out of cast iron. Once my Dad told me about a man who could chew on glass. Good grief!

Needless to say, it is always best to do what you can to provide the best nutritional and body sustaining food you can, to get the most life giving properties. Something, and that includes yours truly, we can all benefit from by constantly studying what will give us just that.

Organic, non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) foods are the best to eat. Any time a food substance is modified from its originally intended form spells trouble. The reason is that the food chemistry is completely changed, and you are not getting the full nutritional value you deserve, regardless of what some people say about it. It's a fact.

Lets face it. You want to do the best for your body, right? Well, then you must educate and retrain yourself to eat for the best performance of your body. When I was younger, I ate a lot of junk food, sodas just to name a few wrong food sources. Friends, we have to be on guard for our life. Yes, that's right. For your life.

Here's a little food secret: Did you know that avocados, coconuts and coconut milk have incredible life giving properties in them? If you we stranded on an island with just these foods, you could stay alive in perfect health. Amazing isn't it? I was stunned when I found this out. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is actually tons of other foods that will supercharge you back to full health. I mean it. Remember I did it!

Now this information may sound strange, however, you must have complete control over your nutritional intake. That way, whenever you eat something, you know that you are putting into your body the highest nutritional value you can.

This may sound too difficult to do. However, its not really. We all change the way we do things from time to time. Just look at it from that point of view. Then it is not that hard to do at all. That's what I did. And the change was the best thing I could ever have done for myself. Sometimes you just have to get a little "selfish" with your body to improve it.

It is no different than say restoring an antique car for example. Same thing.

You can get rid of Crohn's Disease because I DID IT. No surgery or drugs of any kind. If I can do it, any person can do it too. I invite all who are now suffering under this disease to take the challenge. What you need to do is, "Stop, Look and Think". Do I want to continue like this or heal it up? That's what I asked myself. Treat yourself as something so valuable that you can't put a price on it. Look at your body as being the most important priority to restore to health.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. My goal is to help as many individuals as I can to think more clearly and not to be mislead by those who would not provide the true healing you need. You can break the cycle of conditioned thinking into proactive thinking for yourself. Never forget that. Do not let others do the thinking for you. Especially when it comes to your health. You alone must be in control of that.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia?

Anemia usually takes time to set in, its symptoms do not appear straight away, that is why it is important to know what the symptoms are, this way you can get treatment straight away. Here are some of the main symptoms of anemia.

Headaches Although headaches are very common in a variety of alignments they are a big part of anemia. If you have frequent headaches it is always best to get it checked out even if the cause is not anemia.

Shortness Of Breath When there isn't enough oxygen in your blood you start to get short of breath, simple tasks might wear you out and exercise is not possible anymore.

Pale skin Blood gives the skin a flushed tone to it, when there aren't enough red blood cells the skin starts turn pale, the skin may also be dry and flaky.

Weakness When your body is not getting enough oxygen it starts to become weak, the muscles have to fight a lot harder to work.

Fatigue You may feel tired and worn out at the slightest bit of exercise, even everyday tasks seem impossible to complete.

Cold Hands and Feet Your body will only send blood where it really needs to, it starts to neglect the limbs to keep the vital organs functioning properly.

Restless Legs Syndrome RLS is common among anemia sufferers, it is when you legs hurt during sleeping hours. You may get an unpleasant feeling in them which stops when you move your legs, this can cause difficulty sleeping and waking in the night.

Pica You may start to crave non foods such as dust, coal or dirt.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Heavy bleeding during menstruation is something to worry about if you are prone to getting anemic. It can cause loss of a lot of red blood cells which are essential to the body.

Poor Diet Lack of iron in the diet is a huge factor in why people become anemic, analyze your diet and see where you can add more iron into it. Try to track what you eat and how you can improve.

Frequent Infections Your immune system may get low when you are anemic, you start to get infections more easily. Even a cold can affect your body quite seriously.

Who is most at risk?

Infants When a child is growing up they are more likely to lack the sufficient iron they need to grow. It is often more common in developing countries but is getting increasingly common in the USA.

Women Due to the fact women menstruate and can lose a lot of blood they are more prone to becoming anemic. During pregnancy women need twice the amount of iron to account for the growing baby.

Adults with Internal Bleeding Bleeding internally can cause a lot of blood lose, this is usually down to stomach ulcers. The body cannot produce enough red blood cells to keep up with what it is losing, so the body become anemic.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Gluten Free Foods To Cope With Celiac Disease In Children

Children with Celiac Disease should follow a gluten-free diet to avoid any complications with their condition. Even if a child is only suspected of having Celiac Disease it is wise to avoid gluten as much as possible.

The symptoms of Celiac disease are displayed when the body is unable to process gluten as it is digested in ordinary foods. The symptoms can include stomach cramps, irritable bowel and weight loss among other things. They can be particularly distressing for small children who may not be able to be diagnosed as easily as adults or older children.

Gluten is most commonly found in ingredients such as wheat, rye, barley, oats and other similar grain products.

Such ingredients are normally in flour based or cereal products so it can appear particularly difficult to remove them from children's diets as so many of their favourite foods will contain these things in one form or another.

However, it is quite easy to follow a diet that is free from gluten wherever you encounter Celiac Disease in children.

Foods to generally avoid are bread and bread rolls, rye bread, pumpernickel, pretzels, muffins, biscuits, cookies, bulgar wheat, couscous, scones, bran, barley water drinks, malted drinks, sponge puddings, anything coated in breadcrumbs, pizza, pasta, pastry, cakes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, pancakes, crispbreads, semolina, breakfast cereals and muesli.

They are all the obvious ones but we should also watch out for other foods which might contain gluten, but might not seem so obvious. We should also avoid sausages, luncheon meat, gravy powders and stock cubes, blue cheese, baked beans, pates, meat or fish pastes, wafers, instant coffee, cheap chocolate, drinking chocolate, soy sauce, salad dressings, chutneys and pickles and malt vinegar.

Also be aware that many soups and sauces are thickened with flour.

Foods that are generally safe to eat on a gluten free diet can be categorized as follows:

Vegetables

Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Garlic, Green beans, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radish, Spinach, Squash, Sweet potatoes, Turnips, Watercress

Fruit

Apples, Apricot, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Carobs, Cherry, Cranberries, Currants, Dates, Figs, Grapes, Guavas, Honeydew melons, Kiwis, Kumquat, Lemons, Limes, Mandarin, Mangoes, Oranges, Papaya, Passion fruits, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plantains, Plums, Persimmons, Quince, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tamarind, Tangerines, Watermelons

Meat & Poultry

Beef, Buffalo, Chicken, Duck, Goat, Goose, Lamb, Pork, Rabbit, Turkey, Quail, Veal, Venison

Dairy/Eggs

Butter (check for gluten containing additives), Cheese (except for blue cheese), Eggs, Milk, Yogurt (plain, unflavored - most flavorings include some form of gluten)

Fish

Pretty much any fish as long as it's not prepared in gluten ingredients.

The bottom line is, avoid the obvious products that are based on or include gluten and always remember to read the labels on processed foods as it can sometimes be very surprising to find gluten in a product that you would not otherwise have thought would be on the list of foods to avoid.

But there are plenty of nutritious and tasty foods that can be used to avoid the symptoms of Celiac Disease in children.

Are You Suffering From A Bloating Stomach?

The older you get, it might seem harder and harder to fit into your favorite pair of jeans, or that little black dress. While most people can blame a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, or lack of physical exercise for this expansion around their mid-section, it's important to remember that a bloating stomach can also be a sign of a serious physical condition. If you've been dealing with unexplained abdominal bloating, it might be time to investigate your digestive health to see if a malfunctioning gastrointestinal system is at fault.

What Is Abdominal Bloating?

We've all eaten big holiday meals after which it felt necessary to loosen our belts or unbutton the top button of our pants. The stomach is a very flexible organ, although for most people, it's only the size of their fist when empty. Eating food stretches the stomach slightly, and when you over eat it can cause even more significant abdominal bloating. Typically though, when people complain about a bloating stomach, they are actually feeling the effects of a gas buildup inside the stomach cavity. This abdominal bloating can be caused by eating foods that are known to cause gas, or by an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive system.

Causes of Abdominal Bloating

Depending on age, gender, and health status, there can be many different things that cause a bloating stomach. It's important to pay attention to the foods and activities that seem to make the abdominal bloating better or worse, because these things can act as clues to help you discover the source of your gas bloating. Some common causes of abdominal bloating are:

- Too much alcohol
- Eating too many salty or processed foods
- Pre-menstrual Tension
- A lack of protein in the diet
- An intestinal disorder, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Drinking too many carbonated beverages, including beer
- Lactose intolerance
- Food allergies
- Intestinal inflammation or obstruction

Some of these causes of bloating stomach, like lactose intolerance, food allergies, or pre-menstrual tension are beyond your control, but there are still things that you can do to reduce the discomfort you feel from the abdominal bloating. Other causes, like intestinal disorders and inflammation are causes of gas bloating that can usually be treated with natural remedies.

What Can You Do For A Bloating Stomach?

One of the first things that you can do to help alleviate the discomfort of a bloating stomach is to change your diet to include fewer foods that are known to cause gas. If you're in the habit of eating a lot of fast foods or processed foods like TV dinners, it might be worth it to cut way back for a week to see if it helps reduce the gas bloating as well.

Treating Your Bloating Stomach with Probiotics

If you've determined that intestinal or digestive issues are what are causing your bloating stomach, you should know that many people have had success improving this condition with probiotics. Probiotics are made from beneficial bacteria that are known to return normal digestive function and reduce abdominal bloating easily.

Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Quick and Easy

Hemorrhoids can be a real pain in the butt, figuratively and literally. It makes doing your usual day to day activities far more difficult due to the symptoms associated with this condition such as pain, itching and burning sensation. People who have hemorrhoids are oftentimes subjected to embarrassment and ridicule since even simple movements can cause them so much discomfort. If you're one of these people, then this article is just for you. Here are some natural ingredients you can use to get rid of hemorrhoids quick and easy.

Mango Seeds and Jambul Fruit

For hemorrhoids sufferers, it is best to have powdered dry mango seeds stored in air tight jars in your kitchen cupboards. Take note to only consume two to three grams of this powder two times a day in order to eliminate hemorrhoids and piles. Aside from powdered mango seeds, jambul fruit is another good alternative in treating hemorrhoids. Just eat one each day with a little salt everyday for about two to three months while the fruit is in season.

Vegetable Juices

Get rid of hemorrhoids quick and easy by using different kinds of vegetable juices, check these out: bitter gourd juice - combine three teaspoons of bitter gourd juice with one glass of butter milk and consume every morning; ginger juice - you will need a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, a teaspoon of fresh lime juice, one teaspoon of fresh mint juice and one teaspoon of honey, then mix these ingredients and make sure to drink once everyday;

Figs

Using figs for hemorrhoids treatment is very simple, just saturate about three to four figs overnight in a bowl of clean water. The next morning, eat the figs and drink the water. Go on with the treatment for three to four weeks for optimum results.

Radish and Onion

A mixture of 100 grams of radish and a teaspoon of honey, taken twice every day will also be an effective home remedy for piles or hemorrhoids. You can also consider drinking radish juice with a little amount of salt for this condition. Onions, on the other hand is also very helpful in treating this condition. Simply combine 30 grams of onion with 60 grams of sugar and take this mixture once a day to get relief from hemorrhoids.

Butcher's Broom

A person who is suffering from hemorrhoids can also use Butcher's Broom or also known as Ruscus Aculeatus to cure hemorrhoids the natural way. It is an evergreen bush and looks like an asparagus. It can be used as a vegetable or as an herbal supplement. Ruscogenine is the active ingredient of Butcher's Broom and has been proven to lend a hand in the swelling of veins and tissues of the anus and rectum. It can also strengthen the walls of the veins in this area.

With these ideas on how to get rid of hemorrhoids quick and easy, you will surely be relieved and finally be able to get with your normal daily activities once more. Keep in mind to watch your diet, add fibers to your meal and exercise.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Dairy Products Are The Number One Food Products To Avoid When Undergoing IBS Treatment

People who suffer from IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, have got to be able to add extra caution when it comes to the foods that constitute their diet because there are certain foods that can agitate the syndrome and cause great discomfort to the individual, which is why it is important to be able to identify what these foods are so that they can be eliminated from their diet for once and for all.

Regardless of whether the individual actually suffers from constipation or diarrhea, it is important to keep in mind that they need to avoid foods that trigger irritable bowel syndrome. On the top of the list of these foods to avoid, you will find dairy products, which have always been one of the common culprits when it comes to problems associated with digestion and bowel movement. Despite the fact that dairy food products actually contain a lot of essential nutrients, people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome need to avoid them at all costs.

When we talk about diary food products, we are referring to the following:

- butter,
- cheese,
- cottage cheese,
- cream cheese,
- creamer,
- eggs,
- ice cream,
- milk,
- ricotta,
- sour cream,
- whip cream,
- and yoghurt.

These food products need to be avoided because the colon, which has been previously damaged for whatever reason, cannot endure these types of food since they are not readily digested by the stomach. In addition to that, people who have irritable bowel syndrome tend to complain about intense pain in the abdominal region upon consumption of these dairy-based products. These complaints only serve as extra proof that these types of foods only aggravate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

It would be helpful to avoid these foods, among others that have not been mentioned above, because the fact of the matter is that people who have signs of a damaged colon need to make sure that their condition will not get worse. The poor form of their colon makes it difficult for the patient to digest the things that they used to be able to digest with ease.

Although these are not the only foods that should be avoided, these are the highest ranking when it comes to dealing with this condition, especially for those who are currently undergoing IBS treatment. By doing so, the patient will be able to feel the symptoms start to subside and they will feel less discomfort as long as they continue to maintain the appropriate diet that is recommended to them by their physician.

What Are Staph Infections?

Keeping yourself healthy is a top priority these days as we live in a competitive commercial society. The working environment that most of us face at our jobs requires that we function at peak efficiency at all times. Sometimes our jobs may require extensive traveling and we may want to be at our peak fitness levels at all times. This is why it is important to keep free from infections such as staph infections that are caused by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria that are found on the skin and around the nose and other moist areas of the human body.

Staph infections often begin their infection cycle when they enter your body through a cut or a scrape that you have not covered up. What this means is that you can definitely reduce the risk of contracting staph if you take adequate precautions to properly dress and cover up any cuts or scrapes on any part of your body. You can also contract staph infection by coming in close contact with another infected person. It is better to avoid prolonged close contact with another person if you find that there is a suspicious boil on them. The only way you can do this is by observing the people whom you come in contact with.

The popular staph infection treatment is to treat it with a course of antibiotics. Penicillin is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. It is advisable to get appropriate advice from a medical practitioner before you start a course as some strains of the staphylococcus aureus bacteria resistant to antibiotics, particularly methicillin. You can prevent many instances of staph infection by restricting the use of your personal belongings. You should also sanitize all items of clothing on a regular basis. Following a high standard of personal hygiene is also another excellent method by which you can prevent to a great extent.

This form of infection is known as Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. MRSA is contracted by people who have got the from a stay in the hospital or people who have been subject to invasive medical devices during their hospitalization for other medical causes. MRSA treatment protocol sometimes differs from that of other forms of staph infection. The medical practitioners recommend draining procedures as a preliminary procedure for treating MRSA followed by a course in new generation antibiotics.

We have seen that the staph infections are very manageable if identified early on and treated effectively. Information is a key factor in identifying whether a boil that you have got is due to a staph infection. There are many resources on the Internet that are authored by eminent medical practitioners. These resources attempt to give you an in-depth knowledge-base on these infections along with simple, practical ways by which you can complete your staph infection treatment protocol. It is therefore worth your while to invest in these resources that can help you keep yourself and your family healthy and free from staph at all times.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Can You Spot IBS Symptoms?

No one likes to admit that they are having problems with their digestive tract. As a society, we're a little embarrassed to talk about whether or not we've moved our bowels on a particular day, or whether we think that our body is having trouble digesting food. It's important to realize that the gut is one of the keys to achieving excellent overall health and symptoms of IBS are very serious. That's why every adult should be able to spot IBS symptoms and determine whether something is out of balance in their digestive system.

Why Should You Be Concerned About Symptoms Of IBS?

People that try to pay attention to the food that their eating, and haven't noticed anything unusual about their bowel movements might be tempted to think that they have no need for information about IBS symptoms. The only problem with this laid back attitude is that symptoms of IBS are commonly mistaken for other, less serious digestive problems. This means that if you're not knowledgeable about IBS symptoms, you could suffer unnecessary embarrassment and pain thinking that it's something else.

Signs and Symptoms of IBS to Be On the Lookout For

Sometimes it can be hard to know whether you just ate something that didn't agree with your stomach, or whether you're suffering the onset of IBS symptoms. That's why it's important to know which symptoms of IBS are different than those of other conditions. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of IBS to be on the lookout for:

- Unexplained pain or cramping in the abdomen
- Feeling Bloating
- Excessive Flatulence
- Constipation and diarrhea, sometimes experienced in the same day
- Mucus in the stool
- Nausea

What to Do If You Notice IBS Symptoms

If you've been noticing the signs and symptoms of IBS listed above in your own daily life, you might be worried that you've developed a very serious health condition. It's important to know that while IBS symptoms can be painful and should not be taken lightly, they are unlikely to do any permanent damage to your colon. Most American adults have experienced symptoms of IBS at least once or twice in their life, but if you're noticing consistent fluctuations in the way your bowels behave, it might be time to notify your doctor. Although there's not much that can be medically done to cure irritable bowel syndrome, your doctor might be able to help you find ways to reduce your IBS symptoms.

Treating IBS Symptoms with Probiotics

In the most common cases of irritable bowel syndrome, your doctor is likely to suggest that you make small changes in your diet to alleviate the gas, bloating or diarrhea. In more severe cases, laxatives, fiber supplements, antidepressant medications, and even some neurological medications proven to calm the bowels might be suggested. These are not your only options for treating IBS symptoms, however. Many people have experienced success by taking a daily probiotic supplement part of their every day routine. Talk with your doctor about the benefits of probiotics for your symptoms of IBS.

Reduce Inflammation Naturally Without NSAIDs

More and more people are looking for safe, natural and effective alternatives to reduce inflammation without NSAIDs. This is hardly surprising as there are many side effects associated with these drugs. There is a solution that also provides many other important health benefits.

Quality omega 3 fish oils are proven to be just as effective as the NSAIDs drugs at reducing inflammation but without the adverse side effects.

The truth is as many as half of regular NSAID users will suffer from stomach and digestive problems, some of which are serious enough to send more than 100,000 people to the hospital every year. Ultimately, these drugs when taken regularly are responsible for literally thousands of deaths each year.

To reduce inflammation without NSAIDs using omega 3 fish oils, you need to ensure you take a daily supplement to ensure high purity and to control the amount you take. With fresh fish you are unwittingly ingesting toxins like mercury and lead and have no idea how much of the omega 3's you are getting.

Inflammation is the cause of most diseases and in the body it is lethal as it has no symptoms and leads to sudden and premature death. Thousands of deaths each year are preventable with omega 3 oils and it is the single most effective natural substance to reduce inflammation without NSAIDs.

These oils prevent hardening of the arteries, lower bad cholesterol and prevent the platelets in the blood from sticking together and causing deadly clots.

In studies, most people who took omega 3 oils rich in DHA fats for six months were able to lower their intake of NSAIDs, with many coming off them altogether as the symptoms reduced.

Using the natural way will always provide more benefits with fewer side effects and help your body to heal and repair and prevent the inflammation from returning.

The very best fish oil supplements for lowering inflammation are a blend of hoki and tuna oils as they are proven to contain two and a half times more anti-inflammatory properties than any other oil.

Look for a minimum of 270mg of DHA in each standard capsule and check the label as well to ensure the oils have been distilled.

Distillation simply means they have been put through a process that separates out the oil from the toxins to leave it safe and to also increase the omega 3 content significantly.

Now you know the best and most natural way to reduce inflammation without NSAIDs, you can look forward to improved health now and in the future too.

If you would like to learn more about the pure DHA fish oil supplements I personally take, visit my website below.

Three Ways You Are Making Yourself Sick

There are three basic factors or causes for every disease known to man. It doesn't matter if it's heart disease, cancer, auto-immune, internal or external symptoms. If you were to address these three things, you could basically live a disease free life. It is possible to have a body that is strong, healthy, pain-free and drug-free. So what are these three causes?

Nutritional imbalances and/or deficiencies.Toxic accumulation.Inflammation.

Let's breakdown each category for further insight.

1. HOW CAN NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES CAUSE DISEASE?

We know the effects of vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as osteoporosis(calcium), scurvy(vit C), pellegra(niacin), Beri-Beri(vit B1). We are all informed by the RDA on vitamin bottles of the minimum daily recommneded doses of the vitamins and minerals needed to prevent those and other diseases.

However, this is the MINIMUM DAILY DOSE. But who wants a body that is operating at the minimum levels of efficiency!? And this is precisely what I am referring to when I talk about vitamin deficiencies. When operating at the minimum levels of efficiency, your body will function minimally, eventually wear out and finally break down. To work efficiently, your body needs the proper nutrients every day. And in America, most of us are not getting them.

Especially not with the Standard American Diet(SAD). McDonald's anyone? Let's face it. We are a fast food nation. Food is processed, altered, irradiated, treated with pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, antibiotics and more. The nutrient levels of processed food is negligible at best and down right harmful at its' worst. There is no way your body is getting what it needs to function properly and to fend off infections and fight diseases.

There is another reason we are not getting the proper nutrients and why most of us are suffering from malnutrition. And that is the state of your gut or your stomach and intestines. Over time, these critical organs have basically become sick, clogged up, overly toxic and are actually now a cause of many of the conditions, diseases and symptoms we experience daily.

So now that we're symptomatic and don't feel good, what do we do? Take more drugs, which in turn further deteriorates the normal flora and trillions of "good" bacteria that we need to thrive. There are 10 times the number of bacteria in your gut than there are cells in your entire body. So they are there for a purpose. Not only that, the proportion of "good" to "bad" bacteria is likely even more important.

WHAT DESTROYS THE "GOOD" BACTERIA?

There are many causes but the #1 cause is antibiotics. They were designed to kill the "bad" bacteria and they do a great job. But they are not selective. They kill all of them. And if you have ever taken an antibiotic, even once(and some live on the stuff) and did not take a good quality probiotic supplement to replenish them, you are deficient. Not to mention using antibiotic hand soaps every day. Make no mistake. What gets on your skin, gets into your bloodstream.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN "GOOD" BACTERIA ARE DEPLETED?

When you think of your immune system do you think of your gut? Probably not. But approximately 80% of all immune tissue cells are found in your gut. It is called GALT(Gut Related Lymphatic Tissue). Now imagine that these immune cells, which are totally dependent and rely on the proper functioning of the "good" bacteria that live there, were to become over-worked. This is exactly what happens. These immune cells become agitated when they are exposed to something called an antigen, such as pet dander, dust, smoke and even certain foods. The immune cells sound an alarm. Your body then mounts an all out war by releasing histamines and alerting your white blood cells and antibodies to attack the "offending' organism. Unfortunately, they also attack normal tissues along with them, be it in your nose, sinuses, lungs, your joints, your skin or your stomach. Any body site location can be the "battleground" where the war is waged. This is when we take more drugs to: lower histamine release; to impede your immune cells; to dull the pain; to reduce the itchy watery eyes; to clear your throat; to un-stuff your nose.

Actually, the first signs that your body's becoming toxic and your immune system is overactive and going haywire are: chronic sinusitis and allergies(food or environmental). But we ignore the signs, not recognizing the real cause, and allow it to get worse and worse by merely masking the symptoms. After a while, your immune system becomes overworked to the point of exhaustion. This is when a major illness can now occur.

2. HOW DO WE BECOME TOXIC?

Just by living in today's society we literally are breathing, drinking, and eating toxins. We think of isolated areas of the world as toxic dumps. Well, look in the mirror because that is the closest toxic dump near you.

There are a number of ways you can reduce the amount of toxic substances entering your body.

Get a HEPA filter(s) or purifier for your home.Get a reverse osmosis and/or a good water filter system in your house, drink bottled water, etc. Tap water is loaded with chlorine, a deadly toxin and fluoride which is also very toxic. Of course, tap water is also contains many heavy metals and even prescription drugs!Food? That's a little tougher since the food industry and the FDA are not on your side here and in fact make it that much more difficult to avoid ingesting toxic substances with your food. Obviously, avoid fast food like the plague (although I'm not being fair, the plague didn't kill nearly as many people) A good rule of thumb is to eat foods found as close to nature as possible. Want to give your kids juice?

Avoid food that is heavily processed, comes in a box, a bag or a bottle. Eat organic meat, fruit and vegetables as much as possible. There are many great books on this subject so I am not going to get into specific details. My goal is just to make you aware of the things that are slowly making you and your family sick and setting the stage for a major illness.

There are foods that should be avoided as they upset the gut lining; hinder the growth of "good" bacteria; encourage yeast overgrowth; lower blood PH(too acidic); cause blood sugar, insulin and other hormones to spike; promote the overproduction of mucus and cause an allergic response.
These are: dairy products(milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, etc.), shellfish, pork products, wheat, refined sugar and peanuts.Question: So, what is the most popular child's lunch(and why may there be so much hyperactivity and other child hood problems)?Answer: A big glass of milk and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. YES!

4. These are the obvious ways we are ingesting toxic substances every day. What about the not so obvious? Like things that you rub onto your skin, lather into your hair and scrub into your gums and teeth. Have you ever bothered to really read the ingredient lists on shampoo, deodorant, skin lotion, toothpaste and the like? It reminds me of experiments in organic chemistry classes. Now the FDA has determined that all of these ingredients are completely safe at the levels that are in those products(Whose paying off who?). Maybe that's true, not likely, but maybe. But I guarantee they never tested the safety or the effects of combining hundreds of them, being used everyday...together...for years!

Did you know that propylene glycol, for example, is found in most shampoos, conditioners and even toothpaste? It's great for removing dirt and oils from garage floors. But, propylene glycol is the main ingredient in anti-freeze. You know what can happen to you if you swallowed anti-freeze. There is a large caution on that container stating not to. Of course. But what about just scrubbing, brushing and rubbing a little bit of it into your body every day? Common sense tells me not to, so I don't. There are lots of products found in your local health food stores that do not contain propylene glycol or sodium laurel sulfate(another serious toxin). Just read the labels and look for products with all-natural ingredient alternatives. They are out there and growing in numbers everyday. Yes, they cost a little more. But again, are you and your family's health worth it?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS OF TOXICITY?

Due to the complicated nature of the immune system and the many ways in which toxicity can effect it, it is difficult to diagnose that you are toxic. Hair testing analysis and specific blood stress testing can reveal it, but they can be expensive and misleading or inconclusive. Symptoms of toxicity can range from allergies and sinus problems, to chronic infections or chronic fatigue(after all, your body is fighting a constant but losing battle), to joint pains, to more serious and life threatening conditions. So, don't wait. If you suspect you are becoming toxic, and you probably already are, there are other things you can do to assist your body in detoxifying itself in addition to the 4 points above.

Again, there are many great books out there that spell out the types of procedures but quickly:

colonic irrigationa liver flusha gallbladder flushherbal detox formulationsspirulina and chlorella supplements(very powerful natural detoxifiers)milk thistle(powerful liver support herb)fastingjuicing, to name a few

3. HOW DOES INFLAMMATION CAUSE DISEASE?

The inflammatory process is a good thing and is, in fact, required for most physiological functions and for chemical reactions to take place in your body. The problem is when the inflammatory response gets out of control and occurs for too long or is too strong. A constant severe inflammation ultimately causes tissue damage and destruction, whether it's a simple single fiber or an entire organ. That being said we do many things, mainly through our diet, that promote chronic inflammation.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION?

As mentioned, dietary factors are the number one cause of chronic inflammation. You have heard of good fats and bad fats I am sure. Well, a diet higher in Omega 6 fatty acids and lower in Omega 3 fats will promote the inflammatory reaction. There is a complicated chemical pathway when these unsaturated fats are broken down and of the by-products that are produced, one is pro-inflammatory and one is not. Suffice it to say to just consume more omega 3 fatty acids such as fish oils, olive oil, flax seed and nut oils. The culprits with the highest ratio of Omega 6 fats to Omega 3 fats are corn oil, vegetable oils and safflower oil. So from this list it becomes obvious that most pre-packaged processed foods contain high levels of pro-inflammatory Omega 6 fats.

The biological effects of chronic over production of n-6 eicosanides(a signaling molecule mainly involved in inflammation and the immune system) is associated with heart attacks, stroke, inflammation, asthma, immune diseases, arthritis, obesity, mood disorders and cancer.

Another cause of inflammation in the body, particularly inside blood vessel walls, is high sugar levels. We have known for quite sometime how detrimental sugar is to our health including its' role in Type 2 diabetes. But more and more research is revealing sugar's role in the onset of heart disease and circulatory problems. The excess sugar in the blood causes an inflammatory response at the vessel wall. This in turn causes the body to heal it by placing a "patch" over the damaged vessel wall's lining. It is patched with: cholesterol, fats in the blood, calcium and other substances. Together, this is what makes up plaque and which can eventually block your artery if the inflammation and "patching" is ongoing and extensive.

Other foods that cause inflammation are: red meat, alcohol, dairy and anything deep fried(Omega 6 oils). So a diet high in fish, vegetables, fruits, raw nuts and seeds and some whole grains are the best way to reduce inflammation in your body and keep your immune system functioning the way it was designed to.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Living With Celiac Disease - More Common Than You Think

What do The View's Elizabeth Hasselbeck and MSNBC's Keith Olbermann share, other than television air time? Both have Celiac Disease, an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects an estimated 1 out of 133 people. When those with Celiac Disease eat certain types of proteins called glutens, their small intestine loses the ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients found in food, leading to malnutrition and other medical complications. Found in wheat, barley and rye, glutens can cause a person with the disease to suffer from serious health problems if ingesting even a small amount.

Who gets it?
Celiac Disease can strike a person at any age and at any stage during their lifetime. As a hereditary condition, about 17% of people with celiac disease also have an immediate family member who has it.

What causes it
While not a a food allergy, the condition can be caused by a genetic disposition or by certain environmental triggers such as:

? going through puberty
? undergoing and recovering from a major surgery
? pregnancy
? experiencing a stressful situation
? after catching a virus

What are the Symptoms?
Some who are diagnosed with Celiac Disease have no symptoms at all, yet 300 symptoms for the disease exist. The most common symptoms include:

? abdominal pain
? diarrhea
? constipation
? decreased appetite
? weight loss
? nausea
? failure to thrive

How is it Diagnosed?
According to the National Foundation for Celiac Disease Awareness, 3 million people suffer from the disease, but around 95% of those are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The disease can be diagnosed initially though a blood test. If positive, a biopsy from the lining of the small intestine can provide a positive confirmation. Once a diagnosis is made, it's recommended that immediate family members also get tested due to genetic factors. If left undiagnosed and untreated, this disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders.

What is the Treatment?
It is a lifelong condition since no cure exists. Successfully managing the disease involves adapting to a gluten free diet. Reading labels and learning how to identify ingredients that might contain hidden amounts of gluten is critical to successfully managing Celiac Disease. In recent years, most grocery chains have added gluten-free sections and restaurants have become more pro-active by adding gluten free items to their menus. Fortunately, damage to the small intestine can be reversed if glutens are removed from the diet.

It can take several years for someone to be correctly diagnosed with Celiac Disease, since the symptoms are similar to other gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn's Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Why Inflammation in The Body Is Known As The Silent Killer and How To Reduce It Safely and Naturally

There's no doubt about it, inflammation in the body can lead to premature sudden death from a heart attack or stroke as well as causing conditions like arthritis. Discover why you could be at risk and how to prevent it naturally.

We all have certain levels of inflammation in the body and that is normal but for many of us today, these levels are far too high.

Our diets are rich in omega 6 fats from sunflower oil, fried food, red meat etc which all cause inflammation while 90% of the population are lacking in omega 3 from fatty fish.

The best natural ratio for these two is around 2:1 or 3:1 omega 6 to omega 3. Today it is not uncommon for it to be 25:1 or more! You do not feel the inflammation in the body as it has no symptoms but it can strike without warning.

Just by increasing your daily intake of omega 3 with a fish oil supplement for example can reduce your risk of premature sudden death by 40%.

This is because inflammation is behind most diseases and not just restricted to the more obvious ones like arthritis and other joint problems.

In the case of conditions like arthritis, it is usually an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly believes that the healthy tissue is a foreign invader and sends white blood vessels and other chemicals to repel it.

This leads to soreness, swelling and considerable discomfort on an ongoing basis if the right treatment is not found.

The absolute best and most natural way to lower inflammation in the body is to increase your omega 3 intake with fish oils. Fresh fatty fish are no longer the best choice as they contain too many chemicals today from our polluted oceans.

While eating a couple of portions a week is okay, it will not give you enough omega 3 fatty acids.

A quality distilled fish oil supplement rich in the most important fatty acid called DHA can really help to reduce the symptoms and lower your risk of serious disease.

The DHA fats are responsible for the anti-inflammatory benefits and should be present in high amounts. Distilling the oil ensures that you will not ingest toxins from the fish that could lead to health problems and cancel out the many benefits.

As well as lowering inflammation in the body to safe and natural levels, you also get to benefit from lower blood pressure, a stronger cardiovascular system, stronger immune function and enhanced brain health too.

If you would like to learn more about the pure DHA fish oil supplements I personally take, visit my website below.