Ulcerative Colitis Information

We are sharing a "glyconutrient truth" that will allow you to reclaim your health. Most who read this will probably reject, condemn, or scoff at this new reality, but that is o.k.. As a society, we have been programmed to trust the medical community and the drugs they prescribe to heal us. We seek, want, and expect an immediate relief for all of our ills and ailments, and look to doctors to fix and cure us. There is no real medical or miracle cure, except for the understanding that with the proper nutrition our body can heal itself. God designed our body to be able to heal itself. We are his children and as children we can again feel and be invincible, even if sick or hurt, provided we are given the proper diet and nutrition. To obtain the best nutrients and healing ingredients, it seems logical to acquire them directly from nature, and that is the case.

Back in the early 1980s, there was a study involving AIDs patients who responded well to a nonprescriptive natural substance from the plant Aloe Vera. On review, curious chemists studied the plant and extracted an active ingredient from the leaf of the plant Aloe Vera called Mannose, a vital member of a class of necessary sugars or glyconutrients. At the cellular level, this sugar molecule combined with proteins to form glycoproteins. It is known that glycoproteins are critical to defense, repair, healing and balance at the cellular or molecular biochemistry level. Do you remember being told to have an Aloe Vera plant in your house to treat burns? When cooking, one simply had to break off a leaf and apply the sticky gel to the burn area for relief.

Think of all the many patients, friends, or unfortunately family members with advanced AIDs, terminal cancer, refractory ulcerative colitis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other auto-immune deficiencies who have followed their physicians' orthodox treatment and have ultimately died from the regularly prescribed prescriptive medicines. Medicines or drugs actually mask the problem, suppress symptoms, or actually interfere with biochemistry and physiology. Real healing occurs as the body tries to correct itself at the cellular level through coded instructions located in the genes. On the other hand, many who have sought alternative managed treatment are finding better responses and improved health with the healing power of these glyconutrients. If you are discontent, uncomfortable, miserable, observant and/or are able to think "outside of the box," you will come to know and accept the "truth."

There are actually 200+ simple sugars, but only 8 of the sugars combine with lipids and proteins to allow and enable our cells to communicate to fight disease and to maintain our health. Glyconutrients is a new field and is just beginning to be understood in science, nutrition and medicine. As Allan C. Somersall, ph.D., M.D. in his book, The Healing Power of 8 Sugars, glyconutrients is the wellness solution for the 21st century." In fact, there are over 100 patents and 20,000 research papers being published now in this field of science. Interestingly, many doctors have not been trained or educated in the field of nutrition or glyconutrients. Just talking the other day to a nutritionist in a health food store, he talked about how his brother, an M.D., called him to ask how he should treat his high blood pressure, because the doctor did not want to use any high blood pressure medicine on himself. Does the doctor not want to take the medicine, because he knows all drugs are poisons or have other bad side effects? Some doctors prescribe medicine, because they are supporting the pharmaceutical drug cartel. The pharmaceutical companies is BIG business. The health care system is about one seventh of our economy. Do you think they want some cheap natural "pill" or plant food supplement to disrupt this industry?

Exactly, what are the eight necessary sugars or vital monosaccarides? They are:

• Glucose


• Galactose


• Fucose


• Mannose


• Xylose


• N-acetylglucosamine


• N-acetylgalactosamine


• N-acetylneuraminic acid

Now what if there could be an inexpensive nutritional supplement including all the known necessary sugars in a single complex and that was better than any Aloe Vera extract? Drs. McDaniel and McAnalley filed a worldwide "composition of matter" patents to do just that. They know that it is diet and nutrition that will prevent and cure diseases..."food can be your medicine." Ask yourself, why are so many individuals contracting immune system diseases or why are there so many children labelled ADD or ADHD? Perhaps, it is because the commercial foods that we buy today have processed out these glyconutrients and furthermore our commercial farm fields overtime are now lacking in rich nutrients. People are not getting the essential elements and nutrients needed for health and healing. We are nutritionally deficient and overweight Our cells cannot communicate with each other to fight off viruses like the N1H1 virus, bacteria, carcinogens and toxic chemicals, because our immune systems at the cellular level are broken. To strengthen and regulate the immune system, one needs a metabolic therapy using glyconutrients to improve one's diet.

This could be your answer to an affordable healthcare plan, and even better than Obama's Health Care Plan. Americans need to shift their paradigm from treating the "sick" which economically is impossible to do to maintaining a vibrant energetic wellness. It just makes sense.

1. Improve your health and lifestyle


2. Improve your immune system


3. Improve your digestive function


4. Improve your cognitive skills


5. Improve your memory


6. Improve your concentration


7. Improve your mood


8. Lose weight


9. And reduce stress.

Anal fissures and fistulae are not very common but when they occur, they become a painful and unpleasant condition. Rectal tearing is distressing and highly resistant to treatment and everybody endures it at some point in their life. This tear in the lining of the anus or the skin around it is called anal fissure. Fistulae are the abnormal channels from the anus which open onto the skin surrounding the anus.

Anal fissure and fistula have no specific causes but constipation is commonly associated with them. They are also associated with a number of conditions resulting in an inflammatory digestive tract. These conditions may be Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or many more. Fistula is caused by collection of pus called abscess or infection, in one of the glands near anus and it may also result in multiple anal fissures.

The fistula symptoms and complications for anal fissure may be sudden and severe pain in the anus or the surrounding area. The pain may occur spontaneously or during or shortly after the passage of a hard stool. The pain is recurring and sharp and gets worse with a bowel movement. Due to this, the victims avoid opening the bowels which worsens the constipation and so the fissure takes more time in healing. This condition is also associated with 'sentinel pile', a haemorrhoid - a small vein from inside the anus lying outside- which may bleed sometimes and leave a blood streak on toilet paper.

Anal fistula is generally associated with painful abscess, which may be dull and throbbing, in or near the anus. The abscess has a pus discharge which may be blood-stained. The fistula formation results in continuous seeping of pus or a thin, watery fluid from the anus, which can also be blood-streaked. Large abscesses may also cause fever. Fistula symptoms may also be loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever and weight loss.

Anal fissure and fistula need care and treatment. The care to be taken is firstly having a fiber rich diet with fruits and vegetables which prevents the fissures occurrence and fastens the healing process. Medications are also used if healthy diet is not sufficient, for controlling constipation, with over-the-counter medicines. Creams or ointments that contain pain-killing local anesthetic agents are very useful at relieving the pain of anal fissures. Relief of the pain reduces the spasm in the muscles of the anus, which often prevents the fissure from healing.

Soya lecithin is sometimes recommended as a nutritional supplement, because it is a source of Phosphatidyl choline. Let's call that PC. Here's why PC may be good for you.

PC is a major component of cellular membranes. It is a precursor of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are compounds responsible for communication between brain cells and synapses. They also carry information from nerve endings in the body to the neurons in the brain.

The amount of PC present in cellular membranes may decrease with age. Increasing your intake may slow the aging process. This is the first health claim commonly associated with these supplements. But, the results from research studies have been conflicting concerning these claims.

It has been shown that people already suffering from age-related dementia do not benefit from soya lecithin supplements. Of course the difference in the results of the study could be due to how the lecithin is extracted from the soy.

Lecithin can be extracted from foods by mechanical or chemical means. The chemical method is faster and less expensive. So, most companies choose the chemical method.

The chemical used in the extraction process is hexane. Hexane is toxic to the central and peripheral nervous system, even in small amounts. So, if the supplement used in the studies was created through the use of hexane, it is understandable that benefits to the central nervous system would be ruled out by the toxicity of hexane.

Assuming you choose a supplement that is extracted mechanically, rather than through the use of solvents, you might be able to slow down the aging process in your body with this nutrient. Some studies have shown improved brain function and memory capacity. The nutrient also has some antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants are important dietary components, because they neutralize free radicals and repair damage that has already been done by the molecules. The antioxidant activity of soya lecithin is not strong however. For this reason, it is better to take a supplement that contains it as an ingredient, than to use it as a stand-alone supplement. Other antioxidants are more potent.

PC has also been shown to have a healing effect on the liver. In animal studies, the nutrient has been shown to reduce symptoms and disease activity in hepatitis. Benefits have also been seen in ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, due to the nutrient's natural anti-inflammatory activity.

So, soya lecithin is a good choice as an ingredient for a complete multi-nutritional supplement. But only if the chemical hexane is not used in the extraction process.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a particular type of arthritis. It particularly affects the joints of the spine and sacroiliac linking the pelvis (hip bone) to the column. This disease often also affect other joints such as knees, ankles, toes, hips and rib cage. When it begins before the age of seventeen is called Juvenile Ankylosing spondylitis (JAS).

The EAJ and diseases linked to it are rare but constitute a significant proportion of all young people with chronic arthritis. The EAJ can occur in 1 in 1,000 children, and appears much more frequently in boys than in girls. It usually starts in puberty or adolescence.

The cause of the EAJ is unknown. However, it is known that children who inherit a gene called HLA B27 on one or both parents are more likely to develop the disease than children who do not. Furthermore, the EAJ is rare in white children have the gene HLA B27 (approximately 8% of the normal population has this gene). In addition, the B27 does not cause disease itself. It is believed that bacterial infection of the intestinal tract or the genito-urinary tract may trigger the onset of AD.

SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE

In children, the EA usually begins in the ankle, knee or hip. Some months or years later, other joints may be involved, particularly those of the spine or sacroiliac. The disease behaves differently in each person.

The first symptom may be the enthesitis EAJ, a painful inflammation of tendons and ligaments at the site where they attach to bone, usually near or around the joints. The pain is usually in the joint (as in rheumatoid arthritis) but with a joint. In children, this type of pain occurs most often under or behind the heel below the toes or around the kneecap.

About one fifth of patients develop EAJ eye inflammation called iridocyclitis or uveitis. Can occur in one or both eyes, and usually accompanied by acute eye redness, sensitivity to sunlight and pain. Other complications (which can affect the heart, kidneys or spinal cord) are very rare.

Topical corticosteroids can be used to treat eye inflammation. Surgery usually is not required, but in a few cases of severe joint destruction may necessitate hip replacement.

THE DIAGNOSIS OF EAJ

The diagnosis of the EAJ is made on the basis of clinical history, physical characteristics of joint inflammation and tissue and the results of certain laboratory and radiological examinations. Experienced doctors in the care of children with JAS will make a careful assessment of arthritis; ask carefully about enthesitis and look at the physical examination, spinal mobility tested, sacroiliac pain and chest movement with breathing. There is no specific laboratory test for EAJ, but tests can be very useful. Blood tests showed that children with EAJ not have rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibodies, which are common in other types of juvenile chronic arthritis. The genetic marker HLA B27 is not an anomaly in itself, but its presence correlates with the development of EAJ in a child with arthritis. This means that the test for HLA B27 is an important test, but diagnosing EAJ.

Radiographs of the sacroiliac joints, which must show changes to make a clear diagnosis of AD in adults, may be normal in children with JAS, or show those changes over time, when the individual is an adult. Keep in mind that the plates of the sacroiliac joints are usually difficult to interpret in younger kids because bones are growing along the joint.

The EAJ can resemble other diseases, and physicians should be careful to make a proper diagnosis. There are several diseases associated with AD who have other problems besides arthritis. These include: Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the intestines), Reiter syndrome (arthritis with inflammation of the eyes and loose lower urinary tract infection), psoriasis. All of these can occur in children.

THE TREATMENT OF EAJ

The treatment of children with JAS is individualized according to the specific problems of each patient, depending on how severe are the disease and its complications. This treatment is performed, ideally, with the help of a multidisciplinary team which can achieve combine individual efforts to benefit the patient. Its members are: pediatric rheumatologist (doctor with highly specialized training and experience in caring for children with rheumatic diseases such as EAJ) physical therapist (the professional responsible for developing appropriate exercise programs for children with JAS, to be carried out in the gym and at home, with the goal of rehabilitating the patient), occupational therapist (which will ensure that the child can physically perform well in school, p adapt elements to it, and get to live as independently as possible) psychologist, nutritionist, ophthalmologist, orthopedist and other doctors who can become involved the treatment of youth.

Cleansing Techniques

The colon, also called the large intestine or bowel, is situated in the abdominal cavity after the small intestine in the lower part of the digestive tract. The large intestine is approximately six long feet from end to end. The small intestine absorbs most of the nutrients from the food that you eat and then the leftover waste is passed into the large intestine. The large intestine carries out a variety of vital functions including the completion of the digestive process, storing waste, extracting and maintaining the water balance in waste, absorbing water soluble nutrients, and synthesizing critical vitamins. In the colon, these functions are carried out with the help of billions of living bacteria which inhabit the colon. The colon itself produces no digestive enzymes.

The colon can be very easily disturbed by a number of factors that will adversely affect its internal ecosystem, such as an accumulation of toxins and their byproducts in our bodies as the results of an unbalanced diet, overeating, alcohol abuse, and exposure to toxins in our everyday environment. When this occurs, a colon cleansing is recommended as a good procedure to set things right and restore the healthy function of the colon. This procedure may also reduce or eliminate several adverse symptoms of the accumulation of toxins in the body, such as impaired digestion, gas or bloating, chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, protruding belly, powerful food cravings, recurring headaches, fatigue, skin problems and rashes, and even irritability and mood swings.

There are numerous ways to cleanse the colon. Likewise, the various proponents of this treatment all claim that their products and/or services work best to cleanse the colon to achieve optimal health. In this article we take a look at the pros and cons of these various procedures.

Colonic Irrigation Using Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon hydrotherapy involves the infusion of water into the colon via the rectum. No drugs or chemicals are used, but the procedure requires vast amounts of water which is sometimes mixed with minerals, herbs, or other organics such as coffee. The liquid can be administered using an FDA-approved class II colon sanitary hydrotherapy devices or by a gravity-fed enema-like system. Some hydrotherapists recommend colon irrigation in cases where control of excretory functions has been comromised, if tolerable by the patient. Other practitioners recommend it for a variety of condition that may stem from the accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine
Colonic irrigation should not be used in people with various bowel, rectal, or anal pathologies such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or hemorrhoids particularly since colonic irrigation carries a risk for perforation or infection.

Use of Colon Cleanser

Gentle colon cleansing can be done by ingesting products that contain specifically blended nutrients and supplements that are formulated to maximize one's elimination. These are called "colon cleansers." There are many colon cleansers in the marketplace. Colon cleansers are classified by the FDA as foods and dietary supplements, and not as drugs. The FDA therefore does not pre-approve colon cleansers under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. On the other hand, the FDA does monitor manufacturing practices and labeling for compliance and certifies certain ingredients in foods and dietary supplements as "FDA GRAS (generally recognized as safe)." One therefore should use colon cleansers containing ingredients that have this latter designation.
Most products contain fiber. In the colon, fiber swells and absorbs fluids. This sets up a fluid gradient that moves contaminants out of the crevices of the colon and into feces that is destined for expulsion.

Many colon cleansers also contain herbs. The use of irritant herbal laxatives should be avoided in favor of milder herbs such as fennel, peppermint, and licorice. The latter ingredients do not depend on irritating the colon to produce elimination and are less likely to produce internal damage.

Some colon cleansers provide the body with healthy minerals and vitamins. Also it is a good idea to check the ingredients list provided with colon cleanser products for the presence of soy, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, or other constituents that may cause an allergic reaction in people who have particular food allergies.

Proper Hydration

When cleansing the colon, even with the use of body cleansers containing ingredients that are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, it is important to stay properly hydrated. Eight to twelve glasses per day of clean filtered water is recommended during any cleansing cycle. Eating a proper diet, drinking plenty of fluids and enjoying daily healthy activity and mild exercise aides in the cleansing process.

Colon Cleansing Systems

Inner cleansing can also be facilitated by fasting for short periods of time if this approach has the approval of your physician. When fasting, solid food is replaced with fruit juces, herbal teas or broths for one to three days. Alternatively, several colon cleansers are packaged and supplied as part of a cleansing system that contains the colon cleansing components as a capsule or liquid that is taken with a glass of water plus nutritional shakes or snacks that have been formulated to complement the activity of the primary cleanser.

Colon cleansing systems are available that are generally used over several days and up to one months duration. The cleansing supplement is not taken daily over a prolonged period of time, since after the colon is cleaned, a healthy equilibrium in the bowels needs to be reestablished during non-cleansing days. The colon cleanser cleans the bowels and the nutritional and other supplements provided in the system further support healthy colon function and aide in the reestablishment of the helpful friendly flora of bacteria that resides within the colon. Directions are usually providing regarding the amounts to be taken and timing of each supplement utilized in the cleansing system. Many cleansing system allow you to tailor the program to fit your schedule. Although the latter flexibility is an important attribute of several colon cleansing systems, moderating the ingestion of alcohol or caffeine is strongly recommended during a colon cleansing program.

According to the Bible both Jesus and Moses both fasted for 40 days so that they could strengthen their spiritual connection, the fathers of medicine Plato, Socrates and Hippocrates all suggested that fasting should be done for ones own health to be renewed. The Oahspe also talks about fasting and the type of diet that we are supposed to follow to live in peace with each other and Mother Earth.

Professor A J Carlson of Michigan University stated that a healthy man can easily fast for 50 - 75 days without any adverse effects as long as he isn't exposed to harsh elements and emotional stress. Most people carry with them enough fat reserves to handle a fast, considering that a pound of human fat contains 3,500 calories, each pound of fat would enable a fully grown adult male to perform a full days hard labour without any problems. Most people have enough fat reserves to sustain us for many weeks.

Fasting can be used to help people recover from mild to severe health conditions, some of the more common complaints that can be helped by fasting are as follows:

• High blood pressure


• Asthma


• Allergies


• Chronic headaches


• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)


• Irritable bowel syndrome


• Adult onset diabetes


• Heart disease


• Degenerative arthritis


• Rheumatoid arthritis


• Psoriasis


• Eczema


• Acne


• Uterine fibroids


• Benign tumours

Benefits of appropriate fasting for the individual:

• Healthier skin


• More energy


• Healthier teeth and gums


• Better quality sleep


• A clean and healthy cardiovascular system


• A decrease in anxiety and tension


• Dramatic reduction or complete elimination of aches and pains in muscles and joints


• Decrease or elimination of headaches


• Stabilization of blood pressure


• Stronger and more efficient digestion


• Stabilization of bowel movements


• Loss of excess weight


• Elimination of stored toxins


• Improvement with a wide variety of chronic degenerative health conditions, including auto-immune disorders


• Mental clarity is improved


• Spiritual balance is improved/restored

One day weekly fast:

The benefits of a weekly fast can't be under estimated, both as a physical and a spiritual discipline. How many people can honestly say that they follow a perfect diet all week, or don't over eat?

The weekly fast is a perfect time to give your digestive system a rest and burn a bit of fat. It is also a good time to spend in silence contemplating the Creator if you feel that is right for you.

When performing a one day fast you should consume a light meal the evening before, so that you don't spend the whole fasting day digesting the heavy meal you had the night before. When breaking the fast you should ideally do it in the same manner as when you started the fast, i.e a light meal such as fruit or something easy to digest and then move on to heavier food throughout the day if needed.

You can follow a simple water fast or you can do one of the following:

• Fresh fruit juice


• Fresh vegetable juice


• Raw fruits and vegetables

When you perform a fast you will generally discover that you will lose on average 3 - 4 pounds of weight during the first few days, and if you fast for more than a day or so your weight loss will start to reduce down to about half a pound per day. If you are taking juices or raw fruits and vegetables then this will reduce how many pounds you will lose because your body will get some calories from the food/juices that you are consuming instead of using your fat reserves.

If you would like to use the weekly fast as part of your spiritual disciplines, as I do, then please take this time to spend it in an environment that is both spiritually and emotionally uplifting for you. If you can find the time to relax fully and meditate, maybe perform some gentle stretches, or go for a walk in nature, then you should find yourself being able to release some of your emotional baggage. The more often you perform this spiritual discipline, the more benefits you will receive, both spiritually and physically.

Fasting is not a cure-all and is not right for everybody, but I firmly believe that it should be considered as an important ingredient to a persons health and well being. If done right, and with intelligence and diligence then fasting will go a long way in improving most peoples lives.

Remember, if you are considering following a fast, even just for one day, then please make sure you speak with your Doctor or Medical Professional first.

Budesonide

Budesonide is a glucocorticoid steroid. This class of steroids is so-named because they are synthesized in the adrenal cortex and play a role in the metabolism of glucose. Budesonide is available in various preparations that are sold under different brand names. These preparations are approved treatments for several medical disorders.

Uses

The most common use of budesonide is the treatment of asthma and allergies such as hay fever. It is also used to treat and prevent nasal polyposis, commonly known as nasal polyps. Some patients take budesonide as a Crohn's treatment. This disease is known generically as regional enteritis, which is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. A new preparation of budesonide is also being tested as a treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Brand Names

AstraZeneca sells a nasal inhalant preparation of budesonide under the brand name Rhinocort, also known as Rhinosol in Denmark. This company also makes an oral inhalant formula of budesonide under the name Pulmicort, also known as Budicort in Israel. AstraZeneca combines budesonide with formoterol into a single inhalant, which it sells as Symbicort. Eurofarma markets the same preparation in Brazil as Noex.

Prometheus Laboratories sells budesonide in a timed-release capsule and an enema under the brand name Entocort. This company also markets budesonide as an immediate-release capsule under the brand name Entocort EC. The typical course of treatment for oral capsules is 9 mg budesonide per day for 2 months or 6 mg per day for 3 months.

Pharmacology

Budesonide is metabolized quickly compared to other corticosteroids. It has the greatest efficacy in the right colon and ileum when used as a treatment for Crohn's disease. Budesonide causes a lower loss of bone density than prednisolone, a similar corticosteroid. Budesonide has little effect on the activity of the adrenal, hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which means a patient does not have to taper off the drug before discontinuing it.

Side Effects

The side effects of budesonide are generally milder than those of similar medications. These side effects typically include the following:

Change in mucus color

Coughing

Dry mouth

Lightheadedness

Muscle cramps

Nasal irritation

Nausea

Nose bleeds

Rash

Sore throat

Budesonide may also cause the following side effects in rare cases:

Breathing difficulty

Facial swelling

Irregular menstrual periods

Severe acne

White patches in the mouth

Patients should report these symptoms to their physician immediately. Children who take budesonide may exhibit behavioral changes in very rare cases.

Contraindications

The following drugs can cause significant interactions with budesonide:

Clarithromycin

Erythromycin

Ketoconazole

Indinavir

Itraconazole

Nefazodone

Nelfinavir

Ritonavir

Telithromycin

Budesonide may be contradicted if you have diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, osteoporosis or tuberculosis. You must inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking budesonide. You will also need to avoid people with chicken pox or measles, especially if you have not been vaccinated against these diseases.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic yet intermittent condition characterized by a mixture of symptoms believed to be due to a disorder of intestinal motor function. The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. However, symptoms may differ from person to person. It should be noted that irritable bowel syndrome and bleeding are not believed to be linked. A person reporting bleeding usually indicates some other problem related to the gastrointestinal tract.

The symptoms of IBS differ from person to person. Some people report constipation, meaning hard, difficult-to-pass, or infrequent bowel movements. They can feel cramps when trying to have a bowel movement. Either they cannot eliminate any stool or are able to eliminate only a small amount.

Some people with IBS report diarrhea, which are loose, watery stools. These people frequently feel an urgent need to have a bowel movement. There are also many other people which alternate between constipation and diarrhea.

For a number of sufferers the symptoms subside for few months and then return, while others report a constant worsening of symptoms over time.
Irritable bowel syndrome is not associated with bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding in GI tract can occur as the result of a number of different conditions, some of which may be severe or even life threatening.
However, most common reasons of bleeding in GI tract are related to conditions that can be cured or controlled. The cause of bleeding in the GI tract may not be serious, but locating the source of bleeding is very important.
The main organs of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Bleeding may occur from one or more of these organs.

Sometimes bleeding occurs without the person noticing it. This type of bleeding is known as occult or hidden bleeding. Bleeding from the esophagus may occur due to inflammation (esophagitis), enlarged veins (varices), tear (Mallory-Weiss syndrome), cancer or liver disease.

Ulcers, gastritis, and cancer are some of the main causes of bleeding from stomach. In small intestine, duodenal ulcer and cancer may lead to bleeding. In the large intestine and rectum some of the main causes of bleeding are hemorrhoids, infections, inflammation (ulcerative colitis), colorectal polyps, and colorectal cancer.
To diagnose the bleeding in the GI tract, the site of the bleeding must be located. To do this your doctor will normally go through your complete history and perform a physical examination. Your Doctor will probably ask questions about the symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, stool color (to black or red) and consistency, and the presence of pain or tenderness.

Although it can be a little embarrassing sharing these symptoms with your doctor, try to be a accurate in your descriptions as possible as the symptoms may tell the doctor which area of the GI tract is affected.

The doctor must test the stool for blood before offering a diagnosis because the intake foods such as red beets can give the stool the same appearance as bleeding from the digestive tract. A blood count helps to decide if the patient is anemic and also gives an idea of the extent of the bleeding.

Continue reading to discover natural methods to relieve IBS symptoms and sign up for our free newsletter.

The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and bleeding symptoms involve different methods. Generally injecting chemicals directly into a bleeding site through an endoscope can control active bleeding from the upper GI tract. Heat treatment and laser therapy can also be used in some cases. Once bleeding stops, medicines are prescribed to prevent recurrence of bleeding. If you notice blood in your stools you should make a doctor's appointment immediately.

There are various natural remedies to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. These natural solutions could prove to be effective in alleviating pain, cramps, bloating and diarrhea.

More and more patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are now going the natural way to bring their situation under control. Natural solutions are mainly preferred to avoid the side effects caused by conventional medicines. Natural remedies are known for their safety and you feel in greater control without any worry about surgery. You also need not worry about the nutritional value while resorting to natural methods. Natural treatments are also beneficial to keep a check on irritable bowel syndrome.

When conventional methods of treatment are not helping in healing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, then alternative medicine or natural therapy may be resorted to. However it is always advisable to take the opinion of your physician before doing so because any wrong move could further aggravate your condition. Most doctors also advise natural supplements to be taken along with conventional medicine and not as a replacement.

Some commonly referred natural solutions for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease includes peppermint oil, Boswellia, probiotics, psyllium and elm. Other vitamin and mineral supplements for colitis and Crohn's include omega-3 fatty acids, garlic and ginger. Probiotics is extensively used, as they are known to benefit the intestinal tract. If you have an inflammation in the intestinal region, then probiotics helps fight the infection. Similarly, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome may also be contained with probiotics.

Capsaicin is used as a natural remedy for pain. It also helps bring down diarrhea, cramps and bloating. The lemonade detox diet is a very old therapy which uses mineral water, maple syrup, pepper and lemon. This diet is supposed to improve your digestive system, liver and bile ducts. Aloe Vera has a calming effect and is used as a natural ingredient for the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. But it has to be taken in mild quantity else may aggravate diarrhea.

Peppermint oil is supposed to reduce abdominal pain and bloating. It is also said to have properties that help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Fish oils, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, are believed to be a natural solution for colitis and Crohn's. Ginger and peppermint has shown to reduce some symptoms of colitis and Crohn's. Certain teas, which use these ingredients, have proven to be beneficial. They are also quick remedies to ease bloating and cramps.

Stress has always been an unavoidable part of life. Whether positive or negative, stress is the body's reaction to a situation that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response. The human body is designed to react to occasional times of stress by releasing epinephrine (a hormone and neurotransmitter known as adrenaline) and cortisol (a corticosteroid hormone) to help you spring into action and conquer the situation at hand. When the source of stress has passed, adrenaline quickly returns to normal levels. However, unless time is taken to rest and restore following a stressful event, cortisol levels tend to remain elevated.

Unfortunately, stress has become chronic in today's world. For many people, constant, unrelenting stress is the norm rather than the exception. The ever-increasing demands that come with managing our personal lives, family's lives and our careers, bombard us with seemingly never ending "to-do" lists. Even when our exhausting tasks are complete, concerns about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the rising unemployment rate, the economy and our personal financial security loom ever-present causing subtle yet profound stress. When chronic stress continually forces the adrenal glands to sustain elevated cortisol levels, a cause and effect loop of mental, emotional and physical health challenges ensue.

Without periods of relaxation to counterbalance the body's chemical response to stress, disease is inevitable. Numerous emotional and physical health conditions have been linked to stress including weight gain, depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension and immune system disturbances. Stress affects the skin (rashes, hives and dermatitis), the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and contributes to degenerative neurological disorders. Not only does stress aggravate any existing health condition, more and more research is showing that it may actually be the originating cause.

Stress and the Immune System

Long-term stress weakens the immune system and prevents the proliferation of disease fighting killer cells. When chronically stressed, the immune cells are literally being bathed in molecules that are essentially telling them to stop fighting. You see, the brain and the immune system are intimately linked and capable of reciprocal communication. When cortisol levels remain elevated, the brain sends a message that the immune response is no longer needed, causing it to shut down. Therefore, in situations of chronic stress your immune system is less able to respond to bacteria or virus infections and disease in general.

Stress Management

Learning to reduce and manage the stress in your life is essential and begins by identifying your stressors and observing your mental and physical reactions to them. How you react to stressful situations is determined by how you perceive them. Modifying your thoughts and perceptions can change a life of stress and discomfort to one of challenge and excitement. Simply bringing your focus to your successes and achievements can empower you with the confidence you need to handle and overcome stressful times more gracefully.

Stress management techniques can activate your body's relaxation response, creating a calm, relaxed state. These include meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, journaling and positive imagery. Moderate exercise and dietary improvements are also helpful. Stress depletes your body of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients so be sure to eat fresh vegetables, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds and protein. While chronic stress often results in insomnia, getting plenty of restorative sleep is among the most important steps in relieving the damaging effects of elevated cortisol levels in the body.

Stress and Women's Hormone Health

Women, with their inherent tendency to care for others while neglecting their own needs, are especially prone to the harmful effects of stress. They are particularly vulnerable during perimenopause and menopause when changing hormones have already begun to impact the adrenal glands, an intricate part of the endocrine system. Most women who experience the uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms of "the change" have previously experienced times of prolonged emotional and/or physical stress. Progesterone, a calming hormone, helps ease your response to stress. Unfortunately, most women are severely lacking in progesterone.

Cortisol literally "steals" progesterone from the adrenal glands. If your adrenals are continually releasing cortisol into the bloodstream, your body will take any available progesterone and divert it to meet that demand. Because cortisol and progesterone compete for common receptors in the cells, cortisol impairs progesterone activity and interferes with the action of other important female hormones too. Cortisol, testosterone and estrogen are all made from progesterone. If too much progesterone gets diverted by cortisol, there isn't enough to make the testosterone needed for a woman's sexual response, etc. creating a domino effect of troublesome symptoms.

Progesterone is essential for hormonal balance yet it is increasingly deficient in women of all ages. Progesterone is the only hormone that converts into other vital hormones as needed to create a balancing effect on the entire endocrine system. It reduces your risk of osteoporosis, converts fat into energy, metabolizes glucose, and performs many other vital cell functions. Common symptoms of insufficient progesterone levels include an inability to cope with stress, depression, weight gain, insomnia, low libido, heavy and prolonged menstrual cycles, compromised thyroid and adrenal function and a host of potentially serious health conditions.

Progesterone Options

Natural progesterone is identical to the human progesterone molecule produced by your body. Although its name sounds similar, progesterone is quite different from progestin which is found in prescription medications like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills and other pharmaceutical hormone drugs. Unlike these synthetic, risk-laden chemicals, natural progesterone boasts many positive health benefits while remaining free of side effects. Using a progesterone cream that is free of any endocrine disrupting chemicals or additives is essential.

Organic Excellence Progesterone Cream

According to the world renowned Dr. John Lee, the most effective method of restoring progesterone levels is with the proper supplementation of trans-dermal (topical) natural progesterone. Organic Excellence Progesterone Creams are formulated to the specifications outlined in Dr. Lee's best-selling book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" and contain approximately 500 mg. of natural USP progesterone per ounce.

Recommended by many doctors, Organic Excellence Progesterone Cream is a safe and effective way to promote hormonal balance. It nurtures the adrenal glands and the entire endocrine system and has a very calming effect on your nervous system. Organic Excellence is the only company that formulates its natural progesterone creams in a 100% chemical-free base and certified organic herbs. Free of animal products, genetically modified ingredients, fragrances, and artificial colors, Organic Excellence never utilizes animal testing.

Whether you're experiencing the effects of chronic stress, PMS, perimenopause or menopause, Organic Excellence has two natural progesterone creams designed to meet your specific needs. One without phytoestrogens (for PMS and/or perimenopause) and one with phytoestrogens (for those in menopause and beyond). Each is available in either a 2 oz. jar or a 3 oz. metered dose pump. Most women notice a positive result soon after beginning the Organic Excellence Progesterone Cream.

Men and Natural Progesterone Cream

Men also benefit from natural progesterone cream. As with women, the male body produces less progesterone with age. This creates an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone resulting in an excess of estrogen. An increase in estrogen levels is linked to prostate cancer, which is becoming more prevalent among men over 50. Studies indicate that regular application of progesterone cream has shown a decrease in the level of prostate specific antigen in men and stops the progress of lesions related to this disease.

Yes, stress is and always will be an unavoidable part of life. But, by utilizing Organic Excellence Progesterone Cream, a healthy diet, moderate exercise and simple stress management techniques, you can easily avoid the body's harsh chemical reaction to stress, restore your jangled nerves and enjoy calm and balance in your life once again.