Ulcerative Colitis Information

Leaky gut syndrome:

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

Intestinal villous and microvilli increases absorptive area:

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

Tight junctions prevent leaky gut:

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

Occludin, claudin and zonulin proteins:

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

Leaky gut can occur without visible or microscopic signs:

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

Gluten can cause leaky gut without celiac disease:

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

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

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

Tumor necrosis factor release results in leaky gut:

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

Probiotics may be protective against leaky gut and bowel inflammation:

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

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

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

References:

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

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

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

How can i manage my life now that I have been diagnosed with autoimmune disease?. Although there is no cure, you can treat your symptoms and learn to manage your disease, so you can still enjoy life. It is important, though, to see a doctor who specializes in these types of diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which the body's immune system reacts against itself and produces antibodies to attack its own healthy cells and tissue. Autoimmune disorders can be directed mainly at one part of the body, such as the thyroid gland or the pancreas, or they can spread widely throughout the body, as in the case of diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on which autoimmune disease you have, the most common that is shared among the autoimmune disorders are joint pain and fatigue.

RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) joint pain, joint deformities, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.

MS(multiple sclerosis) numbness and tingling in the extremeties, difficulty with balance and coordination, problems with walking or speaking, tremors, and even paralysis.

Lupus - joint pain, swelling, skin rashes, fatigue, sensitivity to sun, purple fingers or toes from cold or stress, and swelling in the legs or around the eyes.

Type1 Diabetes elevated blood sugar, fatigue, increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, increased appetite, and weight loss

Graves Disease(overactive thyroid) insomnia, irritability, unexplained weight loss, weakness, bulging eyes,shaky hands, brittle hair.

Hashimotos Thyroiditis (under-active) tiredness, cold sensitivity, weight gain, weakness, tough skin, constipation, and depression

Ulcerative Colitis - diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, skin lesions, and joint pain.

Who is at risk?

Autoimmune diseases tend to run in families, with women more likely than men to develop an autoimmune disorder.

Treatments

There is no cure however with treatment you can still lead a full life. Treatments depend on which autoimmune disorders you have but range from antiinflamatories, insulin, and synthetic thyroid pills.

How do I know if I have an autoimmune disease?

If you suspect you may have an autoimmune disorder the doctor will likely start out conducting a physical exam and taking your personal and family medical history. Test may be run to rule out other conditions.

There is no definitive diagnostic test for autoimmune disorders for the most part. Blood tests, x-rays, ct scans, or MRI's may help in determining some of the autoimmune disorders.

Should I see a doctor and when?

If you experience any of the symptoms of an autoimmune disorders it is wise to see the doctor as soon as possible. Putting it off only runs the risk of having symptoms worsen or do permanent damage to your body.

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed, Ulcerative colitis is a serious disorder which is characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fever, chills and profuse diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis causes both inflammation and sores, also called ulcers, in the lining of the colon and rectum. The ulcerated areas occur in the areas where inflammation has killed off the protective cells that usually line the colon. The inflammation and ulcers lead to pain, bleeding, and the hallmark symptom of profuse and nearly uncontrollable diarrhea.

The inflammation typically begins in the rectum and the sigmoid or lower colon. It may then spreads upward throughout the entire colon. However, except for the lower section, call the ileum, this disease rarely invades the small intestine. Other names for ulcerative colitis include proctitis, enteritis, ileitis and colitis.

Currently the cause is unknown, although many theories exist. Some researchers believe that it is hereditary; others believe that it is due to a bacteria or viral invasion, and still others believe it is a defect in the immune system in which the body's antibodies actually attack the colon.

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody or pus-filled diarrhea. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, loss of body fluids and nutrients and fever.

Patients may also experience joint pain, rashes, skin lesions, and abscesses. Typically the onset of ulcerative colitis is gradual. However, in some cases the onset can be rather severe with the diarrhea and bleeding being much more significant. Because many of these symptoms can mimic other disorders it is important to see your physician so that an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can begin.

There is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis except for removal of the colon. Some helpful treatments include medications such as steroids designed to control or lessen the inflammation of the colon can help to improve the diarrhea and cramping. Antibiotics may also be used to help control the disorder.

Other medications may be used to control the pain and diarrhea of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes can also help. For example, during an acute attack of ulcerative colitis, your physician may suggest that you avoid milk, milk products and bulky, heavy fiber foods.

A healthy diet with sufficient calories and adequate protein will help in overall well being. Hospitalization may be necessary in order to correct malnutrition, dehydration or mineral imbalances and to stop the diarrhea.

Surgery may also be required for difficult cases of ulcerative colitis. In cases of excessive bleeding, a perforation of the colon or even a debilitating lifestyle impact from the disease may all be appropriate reasons for surgery to remove the colon. Surgery is generally looked to as a last resort option after all other treatment options have failed.

Ulcerative colitis mimics several other bowel disorders and must be aggressively managed in order to avoid long term damage to the colon and a significant impact on the overall health of the sufferer.

Talk with your physician today and determine the best and most aggressive course of treatment for your disease.

Ulcerative colitis is when a chronic inflammation is present in the colon (large intestine), which is a part of our digestive system. This chronic inflammation causes ulcers or open sores to form. In most cases, people suffering from this condition do not display any symptoms, and even when warning signs do exist (such as fatigue, weight loss, loss of nutrients, joint pain), they will diminish on their own. Contrary to what most people believe, environmental factors contribute greatly to the development of this disease, not poor diet. But having said that, dietary modification can actually help lessen the effects caused by ulcerative colitis.

If you have ulcerative colitis, it is very important for you to modify your diet. Although there is no specific ulcerative colitis diet, many people find that avoiding or increasing the intake of certain foods can greatly reduce the symptoms.

People suffering from this condition should maintain a well balanced diet, preferably a balanced combination of complex carbohydrates, good fats, whole grains and protein. Soluble fiber is very helpful for this condition and is better than insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can be found in foods such as peeled apples, peeled potatoes, oat bran, and white rice; while insoluble fiber can be found in cabbage, wheat bran, sweet corn, and fruit and vegetable skins. You are advised to avoid insoluble fiber because it can't be digested by our body, and it will irritate the colon even more. Fish oils that come from sardines or any other oily fish will help you treat ulcerative colitis. The fatty acids contained in fish oils are believed to reduce inflammation in general. Do include more oily fish in your diet to help heal the ulcers in your colon. If you are a vegetarian, you can include dairy products or high protein plants in your diet. Soy products can be a good replacement for meat, fish, or poultry, and it gives the same benefits to the body.

As mentioned previously, poor diet is not the cause of ulcerative colitis. However, there are foods that may worsen inflammation or cause previously unseen symptoms to occur; these foods are often referred to as food triggers. The types of food that might be considered as food triggers vary among sufferers. One individual might be highly sensitive towards coffee or caffeine in general, while others are not. The most common foods which can cause further irritation are alcohol, carbonated beverages, popcorn, raw vegetables, nuts, pepper, or spicy foods in general.

An ulcerative colitis diet as such does not really exist, as different foods trigger different sufferers. Overall its best to avoid fruit and fruit juices, alcohol, high fiber cereals, coffee and prepackaged refined food, as they generally provide poor nutrition and contain hidden salt sugar and chemical preservatives. If you are not entirely sure which specific food and drink are problematic for you, keep a detailed food and drink diary and visit an allergy specialist, particularly as allergies change over time. Then put together your own ulcerative colitis diet and stick to it.

Healthy nutritious food is of vital importance to reduce the progress of the disease from controllable to requiring surgery. You will need a well balanced diet with a good supply of high quality protein, carbohydrates and fats as well as vitamin supplements such as B12, vitamin D and additional iron. Meat protein from non free range animals may also lead to flare ups caused by the growth hormones, antibiotics and generally stressful conditions present in the lives of these animals. Stick to free range lean chicken and meat, free range eggs, wild salmon and unprocessed fish products. To improve your ulcerative colitis diet, shop around the edges of the supermarket to find the food that is the freshest and least packaged and leave the middle aisles alone. Check sell by dates and buy fresh food daily.

As a general rule of thumb, here are a few suggestions to help you put together your ulcerative colitis diet plan:

• Plenty of fluids to reduce constipation and keep your body hydrated. This does not include alcohol!


• Low fiber foods during a flare up but high fiber food when you are in remission


• Small frequent meals will put less stress on your system


• Reduce fatty food and gas producing vegetables from the cabbage family (cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli)


• Herbal teas to replace sugary carbonated drinks and coffee


• Include a good multivitamin and other supplements to make up for lost nutrients (fish and flaxseed oils and probiotics may all aid in the healing process). Check your individual needs with your doctor or nutritionist.

Try to reduce the stress and anxiety in your own life too by educating yourself as much as possible about ulcerative colitis and by finding a doctor or specialist you can relate to and confide in. Support groups whether on or offline are also really helpful for suggestions which worked for others.

Crohn's Disease is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a group of illnesses, the main two are Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both of these illnesses are very similar but the main difference between them is that ulcerative colitis is only located in the large bowel or colon, where Crohn's Disease can affect the person anywhere in the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.

At times it can be hard for doctors to know if you have Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease. A couple of years after I was diagnosed my doctors decided that maybe I didn't have Crohn's after all, perhaps it was Ulcerative Colitis. Eventually they changed their minds and I was back to having Crohn's again.

Some people can be told that they have IBD as it isn't really clear whether they have Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. Western treatment can vary between Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis, but it if you have not been diagnosed with anything other than IBD then it probably won't really make much difference not knowing in most cases.

A good thing as is that many natural methods that work well for Crohn's also work well for Ulcerative Colitis. A great place to start is to keep a food dairy and write down what you eat during the day, so if the next day you start to feel not that well you can go back over the last few days and see what you have eaten. You can then tell if there is something there that you may think has caused you a problem.

Over time you maybe able to see a pattern with certain foods and you could try not eating that food for awhile to see if that makes a difference in your Crohn's Disease. It may only take a couple of days to make a difference, for some people they will need to eliminate that food for perhaps over a month to see an improvement. There are other ways to see what foods are causing you problems but a food diary is a good place to start and can give you some good results.

Beware the Possibility of Probiotics Side Effects!

You are looking to supplement your diet with probiotics but want to check whether there are any side effects first? This is a wise decision as so much of what we consume today has effects on our bodies.

What are probiotics?

Before we answer the question of probiotics side effects, we need to understand what probiotic bacteria is and its role in normal body function. It is with this understanding that we have the context we need to answer the question effectively.

Probiotics are living microorganisms (typically in the form of bacteria) that are similar to those found naturally in the human gut. They are often referred to as "good bacteria" because of the positive role they play in the process of digestion. They can be found in many foods or can be acquired from health shops as a dietary supplement. Many alternative health practitioners recommend probiotics as complementary medicine.

Probiotics are often consumed to treat and prevent certain ailments and to promote good overall health and well being. These include such illnesses as infectious diarrhea, excessive gas, stomach bloating, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease), infections in female body regions, skin infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach and respiratory infections and tooth decay - amongst others.

Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics (no digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms already in people's colons). However, a when probiotics and prebiotics are combined in one's diet, together, their relationship is complementary.

A quick note on Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to kill "bad bacteria" but their use does not discriminate so they also kill the "good bacteria". So many people use probiotics to counteract the negative effect of antibiotics. Essentially they are used to replace probiotics after a course of antibiotics has been completed.

So, what are the side effects?

Historically, people have consumed live microorganisms without too many side effects. There have not been sufficient studies undertaken to comprehensively test probiotics effects on the body. However, they are generally considered to be safe.

Probiotics effects some people adversely and when it happens, it tend to be mild and digestive related e.g. excess gas or bloating). More serious probiotics effects have been identified in a few people. Some experts hypothesize that probiotics could cause infections in people with underlying health conditions. They could also over stimulate the immune system. Overall though, there is little evidence of any significant side effects in most people. If you experience these symptoms after taking a probiotic supplement, we suggest you stop taking them and consult your doctor.

Where to find good quality probiotic supplements

Probiotics can be found naturally in some foods or they can be taken as dietary supplements. There are many places where reviews have been conducted on different probiotics supplements in the market. Check out the links below for more information on this.

Conclusion

Probiotics are consumed to prevent some diseases and to promote good overall health and well being. They have been consumed in diets for many years. Although few comprehensive studies have been carried out on probiotics side effects, there would seem to be very few and in most cases these occur in people with an existing condition. If you are in any doubt, consult your doctor first.

One of the world's oldest alive tree forms is Ginkgo Biloba. Excavations of fossils of Ginkgo Biloba show them to be 5000 years older and even more. One single tree can have a life of a thousand year; it can grow up to one hundred twenty feet long. The leaves are shaped like a fan while branches are short.

There is a strong odor in it's fruits and there is inner seed in every leaf, consuming the leaf can lead to human poisoning. For centuries Chinese people used both the seed and the leaf as herbal medicine, but modern researchers have discarded this and mainly focused attention on basic Ginkgo Biloba extract, derived from green leaves after being dried up.

There are as many as 40 odd materials available in Ginkgo Biloba tree, but just 2 out of those many can be of any benefit to human suffering, the 2 being terpenoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are influential in antioxidant effects.

Reports have supported the same and say it helps protecting retina, blood vessels, heart muscle and nerves from damage. Terpenoids help increasing blood circulation by opening blood vessels and dipping the tackiness of platelets.

Flavonoids is a definite antioxidants which are immensely helpful in removing free radicals that float present in out bodies, these radicals possess threats to human health and can effect normal system functions.

The environment too has its share in causing damage to us (obviously we stand responsible for the current state of environment) like cigarette smoking, air pollution, radiation and ultraviolet rays shall have a telling effect on our bodies and these threatening free radicals can lead to heart diseases, cause aging, cancer, cell death & Alzheimer's disease.

There are various studies being conducted across the globe to find the diseases that Ginkgo Biloba can be applied in. We know now that Ginkgo Biloba is useful in treating dementia, hair loss, circulatory problems and hair loss but researchers are trying to widen the scope of its benefits to alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, blood vessel disorders, chronic rhinitis, atherosclerosis, hearing loss, high blood pressure, respiratory tract illnesses, concentration deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, cataracts, bronchial asthma, anti-rheumatic, migraine, high cholesterol, heart disease, labor induction, schizophrenia, congestive heart attack, coronary heart disease, menstrual pain, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, blood clots, freckle-removing, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, cough, dermatitis, fatigue, hepatitis B, angina, genitourinary disorders, anxiety, mood disturbances, acute cerebral infarction, retinopathy, anti-bacterial, autoimmune disorders, oral cavity cancer, acidosis, anti-parasitic, diabetes, indigestion, allergies, anti-fungal, dysentery, breast disease, bronchitis, insomnia, varicose veins, skin sores, eczema, hypoxia, sepsis, scabies, ulcerative colitis, swelling, headache, seizures, thrombosis, heart attack and aging.

There exist few side effect but benefits will always out number side effects. Headaches and gas related discomfort may be experienced. Suppose you consume anti-depression drug (these are monoamine-oxidase inhibitors in character) then a negative counter reactions could be possible. You could be risking some kind of bleeding and if you at all have a clotting disorder then it should be strictly avoided.

If going through lactation or pregnancy then too should be avoided. Headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, in few cases you might get rashes or feel itchy and nausea are few other possible side effects. To be on safer side visit your doctor and consult him/her before you starting the medication of any herbal remedies.

Conditions which affect the stomach, esophagus, bowel, colon, liver or pancreas are considered digestive system diseases and disorders. Many people wonder about nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract and conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress and emotional trauma may all aggravate symptoms, but it is unclear whether any of these cause digestive system diseases and disorders. In fact, in most digestive system diseases and disorders the causes are unclear. There are only theories about what the causes may be and what may worsen the conditions or aggravate symptoms.

There are many digestive system diseases and disorders. Some are very common and easily treated, while some are more serious, difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. There are some nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract. These are sometimes classified as symptoms or related conditions and sometimes as possible causes of digestive system diseases and disorders, because in some cases it is unclear which came first, the digestive disorder or the nervous disorder.

The most common of the digestive system diseases and disorders is heartburn. Heartburn affects an estimated 25% of people in the United States on and other western countries on a monthly basis according to a study from the Mayo Clinic. In contrast only 11% of those living in Eastern Asian countries have heartburn once or more per month. Excess stomach acid is what causes heartburn, but stress and anxiety are nervous disorders that can affect the digestive tract and increase stomach acid. Heartburn is a symptom of another of the common digestive system diseases and disorders; acid reflux.

Acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of stomach acid and/or food, hoarseness, coughing and irritation of the larynx, throat and/or esophagus. This is one of the digestive system diseases and disorders that can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. For example, acid reflux or GERD is one of the major risk factors for esophageal cancer. As with heartburn, anxiety and stress are nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract and can aggravate acid reflux symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis is another of the digestive system diseases and disorders. This one can be very serious and when symptoms are severe may require surgery to remove diseased portions or the entire colon. Anxiety, stress, depression or emotional turmoil (all nervous disorders that can affect the digestive tract) are often experienced by people with ulcerative colitis and can worsen symptoms. It is an inflammatory bowel disease, similar to Crohn's disease. Whereas irritable bowel syndrome is not considered an inflammatory disease, but because the names are similar, people sometimes get them confused.

Irritable Bowel System or IBS is one of the common digestive system diseases and disorders. Somewhere between 25 and 55 million Americans suffer from IBS and most of them are women. IBS is not life threatening and it does not lead to other more serious digestive system diseases and disorders, but it can still be hard to live with. IBS and nervous disorders that affect the digestive tract, such as stress and anxiety may cause a vicious circle in a person's life. Meaning, IBS may make a person anxious about when he/she will have to find a bathroom and the anxiety can aggravate symptoms of IBS, which increases anxiety, etc.

These are only some of the many digestive system diseases and disorders and while nervous disorders that affect the digestive system are not believed to cause any of these conditions, it is possible that they may aggravate symptoms, particularly when it comes to stress and anxiety. Eating too fast, too much, on the go, in the car, in front of the TV or computer are all poor eating habits that are very common. When treating digestive system diseases and disorders like IBS, acid reflux and heartburn, doctors typically advise that these eating habits may worsen symptoms. It has been shown that by slowing down and reducing stress in one's life, many of the symptoms of the most common digestive system diseases and disorders may be reduced or prevented entirely.

For more information about digestive system diseases and disorders, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

There are many reasons you may discover blood in your stool, and some of them are life threatening. Some are less so, but finding the cause is very important.

How do you know there's blood?

Seeing something red is one way, but that is not the only thing to watch for. If the blood has been in or through the stomach, it won't be red. It'll be black and have the consistency of tar or coffee grounds. Both types can be a sign of something bad.

What causes it?

1) Medications and herbs: Aspirin, willow bark and blood thinners can cause bleeding in the intestines. Anti-platelet medications can do the same thing. This is something you should speak to your doctor about, as you may need a change in these medications.

2) Ulcers: Whether it's in your stomach or your intestines, an ulcer can bleed. Stomach ulcers can cause this to exit on both ends of the alimentary canal. This is a potentially life threatening problem, so getting treatment fast is important.

3) Hemorrhoids: This burning, itching problem around the anus can actually rupture. If so, the color will be fairly bright red. Diverticulitis (an abnormal pocket in the intestines) can also bleed.

4) Crohn's Disease: Another name for this is ulcerative colitis, and as the name suggests it causes ulcers in the digestive tract.

5) Colon Cancer: This is obviously not something that can be treated at home, and one of its symptoms is bloody stools.

Some of these problems can be dealt with using herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Others may need the help of your doctor, especially if cancer is the cause. It's always best to consult your doctor, especially in the above cases. The doctor can give you a diagnosis and help you come up with a plan that will be beneficial for you.

For ulcers and Crohn's Disease, you may be able to use marshmallow or licorice root to coat the digestive tract. You will probably also need an antibiotic, at least in the case of regular ulcers. Don't take any medications at the same time as the herbs, as it can prevent proper absorption. Don't use licorice root if you have high blood pressure.

Hemorrhoids may be eased by sitz baths, witch hazel and aloe vera. The witch hazel acts as an astringent, and may shrink the hemorrhoid. Aloe will help reduce inflammation. Don't drink the juice, as it can cause explosive diarrhea, which would be an irritant.

Colon cancer, as mentioned above, cannot be treated at home. If the doctor approves, oats and marshmallow may be useful. Due to the side effects, licorice root would be a bad idea.

There is one more thing to consider if you see an off-color stool. Some of the things we eat can change the color and not be a threat. Black licorice and pepto-bismol, lead, iron tablets and blueberries can turn the stool dark. Tomatoes can give a reddish color, especially if a great many are eaten.