Ulcerative Colitis Information

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services that accumulates and publishes the statistics for Crohns disease and other health problems, one in 500 people suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the group of diseases that includes Crohns syndrome and ulcerative colitis. The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports similar numbers. Approximately 544,000 people suffer from IBD in the United States. There are typically three or four new cases per 100,000 people reported annually.

Crohns syndrome and ulcerative colitis are not considered life threatening diseases (less than 1000 deaths are attributed to IBD annually), but they do affect quality of life. According to a study published in August 2006, newly diagnosed pediatric patients did report an improvement in overall quality of life within the first year of diagnosis. The average age of the patients studied was between 11 and 13 years. 23% suffered from ulcerative colitis. The statistics for Crohns disease was 77% of those included in the study. Quality of life is of major concern for anyone who suffers from IBD, but the negative impact on children and teenagers can be great. There was no reported difference in quality of life between those who suffer from ulcerative colitis and those who suffer from Crohns syndrome.

While ulcerative colitis and Crohns syndrome rarely result in death, they do lead to approximately one hundred thousand hospitalizations per year in the United States. Sixty four thousand are the statistics for Crohns disease or 64% of the hospitalizations attributed to IBD. Approximately 700,000 doctor's office visits are attributed to IBD annually.

Doctor's visits and hospital stays cost Americans who suffer from digestive diseases an estimated $87 billion in 1992. Another $20 billion was spent on indirect medical costs, which includes disability and mortality. The statistics for Crohns disease disabilities is estimated at 119,000 Americans. Thus, of the 544,000 who suffer from Crohns syndrome 22% are unable to work.

In Europe, concerns about appropriate treatment for Crohns syndrome led to a study in which 10 gastroenterologists, 3 surgeons and 2 general practitioners from 12 different countries evaluated their colleagues' treatment of Crohns syndrome patients. The results were not good. The panel found that treatment was inappropriate 52% of the time. After evaluating the statistics for Crohns disease treatment, this expert panel came up with a set of guidelines for practitioners to use to help them treat patients appropriately.

The Department of Gastroenterology in London reported in February 2006 that the use of complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of Crohns syndrome and ulcerative colitis, particularly herbal therapies, is widespread and increasing. According to the study, there is evidence that aloe may be effective for reducing inflammation and pain associated with IBD. Studies of patients treated with acupuncture were promising. Their concern is that certain herbal preparations may interact with prescription medications and if not used under doctor's supervision may not be safe. There is also some concern over the quality of products patients receive. The statistics for Crohns disease treatment with herbal or alternative therapies relating to effectiveness or safety are unavailable, as no surveys or studies have been done at this time, but at least some doctors believe they are needed. To learn more about natural, botanical and herbal remedies for Crohns disease and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

Would you like your family to bond and have wonderful, magical times together? How would you like to have your children happier, calmer, better behaved, and more appreciative? Would you like to reduce the need to take your children to the doctor as often as you do? Imagine that your family's health issues naturally clear up; would you like to live this way?

Welcome back to the idea of 'Cooking', and specifically, 'Ayurvedic Cooking'!

There are many benefits from doing things on your own, including making your own simple, home-cooked meals from scratch. Buying fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and beans save you loads of money compared to eating out, and increases health and happiness (from being healthy). Cooking together brings the family together; simple, delicious, and healthful meals can be made within half hour; and overall health noticeably improves (eg, often allergies and other illnesses improve). Each benefit is exciting enough to merit its own discussion. In this article we will focus on 7 easily available cooking improve the taste of the foods, and can be used to improve health. Many of the ways these address common health issues have been shown through scientific research.

Ayurveda offers your family a more personal insight and use of the herbs, helping you choose which herbs are most suited to your constitution or dosha. Thus foods can be delicious as well as healthful for your own particular palette. If you need to know your dosha, free online dosha tests are available.

What makes these seemingly insignificant and oft overlooked spices such powerful allies is that they improve the digestion. Ayurveda notes that the cause of most physical illnesses is due to poor digestion; well digested foods mean nutrition is absorbed and fed to the body for health and immune strength. So let's take a more grateful look at these 'sacred crumbs'

1. Black Pepper

Best for Dosha: Vayu and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Burns up ama very well, colds, flu, cough, gargle for sore throat, fevers, colon cleanse, digests fat and obesity; metabolism, mucus, expectorant, sinus congestion, cold extremities, raises agni, epileptic seizures, with honey, clears Kapha from the system in the morning. External-inflammations, urticaria, erysipelas.

2. Cumin

Best for Dosha: All

Best for Conditions: digests bread, along with caraway, fennel and dill relatives; colitis, gas, digestion, abdominal pain, distention, for overeating and eating heavy foods.

3. Cardamom

Best for Dosha: All

Best for Conditions: Absorption of nutrients, asthma, bronchitis, colds, cough, excellent for stomach complaints, hoarseness, indigestion, loss of taste, helps the spleen and pancreas, reduces Kapha in lungs and stomach, stimulates the mind, with milk it reduces mucus formation, detoxifies caffeine in coffee, nervous digestion, vomiting, headache, belching, acid indigestion, nausea, expels Vayu in colon and digests foods in colon, convalescing from diarrhea, biliousness, respiratory disorders, involuntary urination.

Spiritual Uses: spiritual peace and purity; gives clarity and joy

Antidote: Helps digest foods if they create sluggish digestion. Ice cream, milk, cold or sweet foods like bananas, coffee

4. Coriander

Best for Dosha: All

Best for Conditions: Griping, flatulent colic, rheumatism, neuralgia, indigestion, vomiting, intestinal disorders, removes excess Kapha, eyewash, conjunctivitis, relieves internal heat and thirst, skin/rash problems, urogenital system (burning urethra, cystitis, infections, etc.), sore throat, allergies, hay fever, for all Pitta disorders, burning, juice for allergies, hay fever, and skin rashes (and externally as well); antidotes hot pungent foods, bleeding hemorrhoids. Used to balance very hot foods and spices (eg, chillies).

5. Fennel

Best for Dosha: All

Best for Conditions: Abdominal pain (gas or indigestion), menstrual cramps, hernia, diarrhea, colic, vomiting, morning sickness, nausea, anorexia, cough, dry cough, promotes semen, increases vision, raises agni, difficult or burning urination, digestion-children and elderly; promotes menstruation, nursing mothers-increases breast milk flow.

6. Fenugreek

Best for Dosha: Vayu & Kapha

Best for Conditions: Longevity, nerves, allergies, arthritis, skin, rejuvenation, diabetes, allergies, bronchitis, flu, chronic cough, dysentery, dyspepsia, convalescence, edema, toothache, sciatica, neurasthenia, counters cold (i.e., extremities, abdominal pain, indigestion, respiratory and reproductive systems, hair growth, promotes breast milk flow, liver hypo-function, seminal debility, debility, outdoor winter work). Precaution: Do not use when pregnant.

7. Turmeric

Best for Dosha: Kapha/ good for all doshas in moderation

Best for Condition: Amenorrhea, anemia, arthritis, blood purifier, blood tissue formation, circulation, cooking spice, cough, diabetes, worms, jaundice, eye problems, fevers, gas, hemorrhoids, edema, indigestion, ligament stretching, metabolism regulator; mucus relief, and hysteria (from inhaling fumes); pharyngitis, protein digesting, skin disorders, abscess, urinary diseases, wound and bruise healer; a natural antibiotic that also improves intestinal flora; inflammatory bowel syndrome (e.g., ulcerative colitis), Chron's Disease, chronic hepatitis, chronic bronchial asthma, psoriasis, all inflammatory conditions.

Spiritual Uses: Gives one the Divine Goddess's energy and prosperity; Chakra and subtle body cleanser; limbers for Yoga asana practice

Precautions: Do not use if pregnant, with excess Pitta, with acute jaundice or hepatitis.

So bring the family into the kitchen and share the magic of cooking, sprinkle a little more love in your life; save money, enhance health, and discover just how sacred the cooking experience can be!

This article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or health any condition.

It in not intended to substitute for care from duly licensed health professionals.

Anyone with a juicer can easily discover the health benefits of juicing wheatgrass, the young grass of the wheat berry. Wheatgrass is easily grown and juiced at home, and has benefits for a variety of health ailments and for preventing illness.

Wheatgrass contains all of the essential amino acids required for protein synthesis in our bodies. It also potentially possesses detoxifying capabilities, which is a desirable trait in today's polluted world. Some people find it also reduces fatigue or exhaustion.

Studies have shown that wheatgrass is promising as a treatment for a variety of illnesses. Wheatgrass juice contains a large amount of chlorophyll which may benefit human health in a variety of ways, including lowering the incidence of colon cancer. Wheatgrass may help reduce rectal bleeding in ulcerative colitis. In patients with thalassemia, a serious hereditary type of anemia, wheatgrass juice lowered the need for blood transfusions. Breast cancer patients may need fewer medications during chemotherapy if consuming wheatgrass juice regularly.

Wheatgrass increases the levels of hemoglobin in the blood thanks to chlorophyll, which helps transport oxygen. It also promotes cell regeneration due to its antioxidant capacities. It may also suppress the appetite, making it useful for weight loss.

Wheatgrass is safe to consume for most individuals. In some people it may cause an allergic reaction with typical allergic symptoms such as itching, hives, throat swelling, headaches or nausea. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Wheatgrass is easily grown in the home kitchen, the safest and most budget-friendly way to obtain wheatgrass for juicing. It can grow indoors in trays in as little as an inch of soil, which will save you a lot of money compared to purchasing already-grown wheatgrass or pre-juiced wheatgrass juice.

When growing your own wheatgrass, be careful to avoid overcrowding seeds and allowing un-germinated seeds to grow moldy, as this mold may spread to the grasses. Ensure good ventilation to reduce the risk of mold.

Juicing wheatgrass requires a masticating juicer, a type of electric juicer that slowly rotates while crushing the juice out of the fruit or vegetable and extruding the remaining plant fibers ("pulp"). Any masticating juicer should work.

When the grass is run through the juicer, pulp is also extruded. This pulp can be run through the juicer one more time to extract any additional juice. It is normal for white or greenish foam to be found on top of the fresh juice, and this is edible and healthy.

Wheatgrass juice is best combined with:

• Carrot juice

• Apple juice

• Ginger juice

• Beet juice

• Orange juice

• Lemon juice

• Ginger juice

One example of a delicious recipe including wheatgrass juice is:

Wheatgrass and Carrot Juice

3 large carrots, greens removed

3 inch diameter bunch of wheatgrass

1/2 apple

Try combining with the above list of ingredients until you find the mixture that tastes best to you. Sweet or tart flavors complement wheatgrass's grassy taste. Wheatgrass has a distinctive flavor that may take some getting used to, but you will eventually acquire a taste for it.

Wheatgrass juice, like all green juices, should not be consumed in excess. Start with one small shot per day and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

You are likely to start noticing the benefits of this green elixir quite quickly. You will soon realize why so many people are juicing wheatgrass for its plentiful health benefits.

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

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

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

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

The healing benefits of aloe vera have been recorded throughout the world's history for thousands of years, but only recently has modern medicine placed the "miracle plant" under laboratory investigation and began to unlock the deep secrets of aloe's amazing chemical composition.

Aloe has such unique healing abilities, proven scientifically, like no other plant. There have been many studies on aloe. The key ingredient in aloe vera is mucopolysaccharides [MPS] (long-chain sugars) that have very strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties proven scientifically. Many articles on aloe's remarkable healing abilities were published in the most prestigious medicinal magazines.

Even if you think it is easier just to buy a commercial aloe product, like gel or juice, it is still not going to be the same as aloe gel squeezed from a fresh aloe leaf because many aloe products on the market are either diluted or improperly processed. While traditional medicine has been using aloe as part of some drugs or cosmetic products for decades, folk medicine has been using aloe for a few thousand years and has built up an impressive collection of home remedies for many ailments.

There are two ways to prepare aloe gel at home: a regular method and a biogenic stimulation method. The biogenic stimulation method is very easy to do at home. It is a powerful weapon against tumors and serious illnesses, like stomach cancer, tuberculosis, radiation burns and mastopathy. This method was proven scientifically in 1930s and has already been successfully used by traditional and folk medicines in treating various diseases in the last 70 years.

Aloe vera can be used externally and internally.

Aloe vera gel used externally helps with acne, sunburns, thermal and radiation burns, boils, dandruff, gum sores, dermatitis, edemas, hemorrhoids, inflammation in the eyes, insect bites and stings, psoriasis, skin rashes and irritations, ulcers, varicose veins, warts, wounds and wrinkles. When you apply freshly squeezed aloe vera gel on the affected area of the skin, it creates a protective coating which speeds up the healing process, decreases swelling and redness, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, promotes synthesis of collagen in tissue and prevents blisters in case of burns.

Taken internally, it reduces inflammation which is involved in such diseases as ulcerative colitis, arthritis, and gastritis, helps with the reduction of blood sugar with both type I and II diabetes and has a powerful healing effect on AIDS, cancer, tumors and many different immune system disorders. Mucopolysaccharides found in aloe vera are very effective intracellular antioxidants which is very important in preventing and treating arteriosclerosis, heart disorders and Parkinson's disease.

Today home remedies have become more and more popular because people have become aware of the harmful side effects of synthetic drugs.

If you are interested in treating your health problems naturally, with home remedies that cost just pennies, download today the report Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor, which is filled with over 150 tested home remedies.

Enemas and colonics have been used for hundreds of years by people worldwide.

An enema is a medical procedure used to relieve constipation. A coffee enema is the enema related procedure of inserting coffee into the anus to cleanse the rectum and large intestines. A colonic involves the infusion of water into the rectum. It is also referred to as a water enema given to flush out the colon.

Generally speaking, coffee enemas and colonics are regarded as safe. However, before self-prescribing, the best practice is to consult with your physician to ensure that the detoxification is safe and achieves the desired results for your specific condition.

What do coffee enemas do?

• Coffee enemas aid the liver detoxifying the body in a natural way.


• The main goal is to clear the colon of large quantities of stagnant, supposedly toxic waste encrusted on colon walls.


• The belief is that doing so will enhance the vitality of the body.


• They are an economic and effective detoxification, praised by many and doubted by others.


• People who use coffee enemas do so with different frequency according to personal choices.


• Many coffee enema users report broad and wide reaching benefits from the use of coffee such as improved skin, weight control and better hair.


• Coffee enemas work because of the presence of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and other components in coffee.


• As a stimulant, the caffeine speeds up the ejection of toxins, wastes and other matters from the small intestines.


• The enzymes in coffee, referred to as palmitates, help the liver carry away the toxins in bile acid.


• The coffee enema is absorbed into the hemorrhoidal vein and goes up to the liver.


• With the bile ducts dilated, bile carries toxins away from the liver.


• When the colon is evacuated, the toxins and bile are carried out of the body.

Is this colon cleansing or detoxification good and necessary? The jury is still out on this.

• It is not yet determined whether what you eat, instead of what you flush through your colon, has the greatest impact on colon health, enhanced overall health and a feeling of good digestion.


• Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can help with a wide range of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and other more serious conditions.


• If constipation and a feeling of "fullness" make you want to detoxify using coffee enemas or colonics, take the time to evaluate the amount of fiber consumed daily in your diet first.


• The typical American consumer needs closer to 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day which is about double the amount consumed.


• To increase soluble and insoluble fiber, increase your intake of cereal and whole grains, bran, fruit, vegetables and oatmeal.


• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink alcohol in moderation. Avoid tobacco and limit red meat.


• And, of course, visit with your doctor and discuss your diet, lifestyle and treatment options.

It is good common sense and prudent to avoid coffee enemas if you have certain conditions such as,

• Diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Chrohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, blood vessel disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, intestinal tumors and other serious conditions.

Coffee, of course, in the form of a coffee enema is not a wonder drug anymore than anything else. However, when used properly, preferably with professional medical advice, coffee enemas can offer appealing benefits for a healthy and natural detoxification. The decision to use coffee enemas or other alternative treatment is entirely up to you.

While you decide a course of action for your detoxification, how about drinking a cup of Guatemalan Antigua to benefit from this beverage's many natural antioxidants that are good for you?

Health is such a big issue nowadays. If you will compile all the nutritional supplements sold in the market today, this will be an infuriating task as you will find thousands of natural supplements claiming all the same: they provide the best protection for your body. But what do you really need in order to protect your body from harmful diseases? Find a food supplement that can benefit your health the most.

Want to know what is common among a bottle of wine, French fries and chronic stress? Well, all of these can cause inflammation. And since inflammation is the culprit for almost every degenerative disease, it is always the best move to avoid them. But at this point in time, there is this awesome emerging antidote for inflammation and it is mostly found in the spice racks of grocery stores: turmeric.

For the past twenty years, one of the most favorite natural nutrients of scientists for medical study is curcumin, an extract of the rhizome, turmeric. It was first used in Asian countries especially in India and China as the fastest relief for body aches and pains. If you are wondering where turmeric was first used, it was introduced by Indians as part of their daily cuisine in curry powder form. Evidences have suggested that adding curry powder to your daily diet can prevent mental illnesses and improve your memory.

Turmeric has also been the subject for many clinical trials that aims to prove that its derivative, curcumin is a powerful anti-oxidant. It was also discovered that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate a number of inflammatory processes in the body responsible for aging and the fast onset of wear and tear. When inflammation in the body is stopped, it is possible that inflammation-induced diseases can also be prevented before it even starts to develop.

With about 700 research papers backing up the many benefits of turmeric, it has been regarded as one of the best natural supplements beneficial to the body. Turmeric food supplements are creating a new avenue for disease prevention and immunity.

Turmeric food supplements come in various forms, although it is mostly in pill-form, containing a certain amount of its extract, curcumin, the most typical dose ranging from 400-600mg taken 3x daily. The University of Michigan Health System had compiled a list of clinical trials suggesting curcumin doses on various health conditions: 360mg 3x daily for Crohn's Disease; 400mg thrice daily for post-surgical inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis; 400-600mg 3x daily for lower back pain; 500mg 4x a day for stomach acidity, heartburn and indigestion and 550mg twice daily for ulcerative colitis.

While many of us may not recognize the name Curcumin, when we hear its moniker turmeric, we think of the beautiful yellow powder that can be found in many Asian dishes and curries. In addition to tasting great, this root, which is a member of the ginger family, is being used successfully in the treatment of diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis and even Crohn's Disease.

For those of us interested in maintaining the best possible health, making sure that we get the correct curcumin dosage is essential. Rather than eating dishes filled with turmeric day and night, the best possible way to receive at least 50 mg of curcumin daily is to find a high-quality multi-vitamin supplement which contains this and other essential herbal extracts to ensure optimum health.

Turmeric or curcumin has been receiving much attention in recent studies that have shown that this herb has been responsible for slowing the cancerous cell growth in various types of melanoma. Various studies have shown that the herb works by actually slowing the process of the proteins that generally protect cancer cells from death. Instead, the process not only triggered cell death, but also decreased the cancerous cell growth.

Other studies have also shown positive results in using curcumin to stop the cell growth of pancreatic cancer in humans, and also that it can help with those patients struggling with Alzheimer's disease. If that weren't enough, it has also shown to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, adding even more benefits to this antioxidant powerhouse.

While there is no set curcumin dosage for the most health benefits, finding a multi-vitamin which includes this and other herbal extracts such as green tea and milk thistle extract is the best way to ensure you receive all the health benefits from these and other essential vitamins and nutrients.

Ulcerative colitis disease affects about 500,000 people in the United States alone. It seems to be more prevalent in women than in men. The cause or causes are unknown. Treatment for the disease typically includes one of the ulcerative colitis medications, as well as alternative or complimentary therapies. Choosing an ulcerative colitis medication depends on known allergies and how much of or to what extent the colon is inflamed.

One ulcerative colitis medication that has been used for over thirty years is an aminosalicylate. There are many brand names. These medications are considered effective treatments for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis disease.

Sulfasalazine is another one of the ulcerative colitis medications. It is used to treat mild to moderate Crohn's and ulcerative colitis disease. Studies show that this ulcerative colitis medication is effective 80% of the time when used regularly to prevent flare-ups. However, those who are allergic to sulfa drugs cannot take sulfasalaine. Most people who cannot take sulfasalazine can take mesalamine, olsalazine or balsalazide.

An ulcerative colitis medication is typically prescribed to put the disease into remission, meaning to prevent recurring symptoms. Ulcerative colitis disease is chronic. The only known cure is surgery to remove all or part of the colon. Those with mild to moderate symptoms are typically successful using ulcerative colitis medications and/or alternative or supplemental therapies.

As with any prescription drugs, ulcerative colitis medications cause side effects in some people. These side effects may include nauseau, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. One ulcerative colitis medication, sulfasalazine, may reduce sperm count in men while they are taking it. These and other side effects often send people looking for other choices.

Botanicals such as aloe is often recommended as a supplement to ulcerative colitis medication. One study suggests that omega-3 supplementation may reduce the need for ulcerative colitis medications. Chripractic treatments have been effective for some people in reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis disease. Massage therapy and acupuncture have providing relief for some who suffer from the disease. Avoiding certain products that contain caffeine, alcohol and anything that may have a laxative effect is typically recommended for persons using ulcerative colitis medication. These products can worsen symptoms and side effects.

Many people who have ulcerative colitis disease have found that following a special diet has relieved their symptoms. Some report that their need for ulcerative colitis medications has been reduced. Others claim that they do not need any ulcerative colitis medication at all, as long as they follow their special diet. Most people who make these claims are either selling a cookbook, newsletter or special report. This is not to say that their claims are false, but if your doctor has prescribed an ulcerative colitis medication for you, it is not wise to stop taking it, no matter what other therapies you are trying, without consulting with him/her first.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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