Ulcerative Colitis Information

Colon cleansing may be the ideal method to regain power over your health, particularly if you have been experiencing the after-effects of a poor diet, not enough exercise, chronic constipation, and the common stresses and strains of our every day modern life. A healthy colon is essential to good health, which makes it cleansing a must. A colon cleanse allows your colon the chance to rebuild itself, and return to proper functioning.

The function of colon

The colon consists of the portion of the large intestine that runs from the caecum down to our rectum. The large intestine's purpose is to store waste, reabsorb water, and helps maintain electrolyte and water balance. The largest intestine does not play any part in actually digesting our food - that's already done in the small intestine. Reabsorbing nutrients and water into our bodies is the main function of colon, along with ridding the body of toxins and waste materials through regular bowel movements. When the bowel is impacted, however, problems arise such as constipation, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer.

People are suffering from different types of health problems including all types of pain, constipation and lack of energy, which can at once be related to a dirty bowel. Many problems can ultimately lead to more serious health issues like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea, weight problems, vision problems, hemorrhoids, joint pains, vision problems, loss of memory and sinusitis. We should opt for colon cleansing, as this is the only way to flush out extra toxins, which are continuously in the process of getting antitoxic.

Colon is one of the most important organ, which affects us all in a direct or indirect manner. When it gets blocked up, the liver cannot perform its job in a proper way. When the liver cannot work in an efficient manner then the kidney system fails to function properly. So in order to cure all these symptoms and to get better in the process we must start cleansing our bowel immediately.

A high-quality colon cleanse schedule will help you maintain a healthy weight, but more importantly maintain healthy lifestyle. You should have a regular colon exam with your doctor and use a good colon cleanser regularly, to help maintain a longer, healthier and more productive life.

Ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome have similar symptoms but differ in their intensity and require different treatment methods. Allopathic medications are widely preferred for the treatment of colitis.

Even though there are numerous approaches through which people will be able to treat any kind of disease or ailment, medication is still one of the most widely used approaches. This scientific approach ensures that the results of the treatment are quick, effective and long lasting. Treating any kind of disease with the modern allopathic approach will also ensure that the disease will not resurface in the near future and will have a good effect quite fast. People who are suffering from ulcerative colitis will soon realize that they have numerous alternatives that they can go for to treat the disease.

While patients can go in for surgery, which is also very effective, more and more people choose to go for treatment with medications as this can be more pain less and will also have very few complications. The first thing that people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis will have to ensure is that the diagnosis is right. This is because a very similar disease with the same kind of symptoms is also present. This disease is known as the crohn's disease and this too is very similar to ulcerative colitis.

However, the medication used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis is quite different from the medication used for the treatment of crohn's disease and hence it is necessary for people to get the right kind of diagnosis at the very beginning. People will also have to make sure that their condition is not confused with the irritable bowel syndrome which is also a similar inflammatory bowel disease which is lot less severe and involves treatment with completely different medications.

One of the most widely used medications for colitis is the Sulfasalazine which is recommended by most of the doctors. The few side effects like nausea, headache, heartburn and vomiting accompany this medication. Patients can also go for medications like the Aminosalicylates, Corticosteroids, Immunomodulators and Cyclosporine.

The conditions of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and inflammatory bowel disease or IBD are often confused as the same condition, however, they are different due to the fact that IBS is a condition that causes spasms in the colon and has multiple symptoms with no inflammation or disease present, while IBD is an inflammatory disease of the bowel that involves the autoimmune system and includes the conditions of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

However, some medical experts believe that some individuals with IBS may suffer some of the symptoms of IBD as well as some individuals with IBD may suffer from the symptoms of IBS except the symptoms of weight loss, anemia, bleeding, and fever that occur in individuals who have inflammatory bowel disease do not occur in individuals who have irritable bowel syndrome.

Characteristic Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease can experience the symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, bloody stools, and weight loss. The condition of the IBD ulcerative colitis affects the colons mucosal lining and can be contained in the lower colon; however, it can also affect the entire colon in some individuals.

Individuals who have ulcerative colitis are at a high risk factor for developing cancer - particularly those individuals who have experienced long term colitis. The condition known as Crohn's disease is also an IBD that typically affects only parts of the colon but also causes abscesses, strictures, and fistulas.

The coexistence of IBD and IBS

While there is conflicting evidence that individuals who suffer from IBD or IBS experience the same symptoms, patients who have claimed they experienced the symptoms of IBS for many years have later on been diagnosed with IBD.

However, medical experts claim that individuals with IBS are not at a higher risk for developing IBD. Depression is also common among patients with IBD and IBS and studies conducted have shown that approximately the same percentage of individuals who have IBS or IBD suffer from depression.

What is thought to cause the depression in these individuals is the fact that ninety five percent of the serotonin levels - that are a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that affect mood - in the body are present in the colon and that gastrointestinal issues experienced with these conditions causes the serotonin levels to be abnormally low.

Prevalence of IBS and IBD

Statistics show that the medical conditions of IBS and IBD primarily develop and are diagnosed in younger individuals' who are between the ages of ten and twenty years and is also often diagnosed in individuals who are in their early thirties.

Approximately fifteen percent of the American population have irritable bowel syndrome with over sixty percent of cases occurring in women while approximately six hundred thousand individuals suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.

While these two conditions are quite often mistaken for one another, they are two very different conditions. If you feel that you suffer from a gastrointestinal complication, it is important that you make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. By getting a confirmed diagnosis, you will be able to receive the treatment that is required to experience relief from the symptoms of the condition.

Can genetics explain if you are allergic to some pollens or foods?

White blood cell patterns determined genetically and designated as HLA DQ and DR genes have been identified with an increased risk of pollen, dust, latex, and food allergies. The intriguing part of this story is that there is an advantage to knowing your HLA DR and DQ type when evaluating your risk for pollen allergies and their associated food allergies or cross reactions.

Genetics of Food Reactions and Allergies

As I explain in more detail in my articles on the genetics of gluten sensitivity, we all have proteins on the surface of our cells that are genetically determined. These patterns are easily detectable by testing cells from blood or from the mouth obtained by a Q-tip type swab. Specific patterns have been associated with increased risk for autoimmune conditions, gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.

HLA DQ Genetics and Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity

HLA DQ2 is present in more than 90% of people who have celiac disease while HLADQ8 is present in most of the rest, though not all people with celiac have been found to have DQ2 and/or DQ8.

DQ and DR Genetic Patterns Associated with Food and Pollen Allergies or Sensitivities?

Now it appears certain DQ or DR patterns are associated with food and pollen allergies as well. As the Food Doc, I continue to search the literature for more information about genetic links to food allergy and intolerance. My search has led to me to a couple of interesting articles in the unusual area of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The relationship between seasonal and perennial nasal allergies and food allergies is certainly well established but not generally known by most doctors or patients. It appears that some of us need to avoid eating certain foods if we have hay fever or allergies, especially during the hay fever season. This problem also appears to be inherited.

Research Documents Genetic Association With Certain Food and Pollen Allergies

Boehncke, et al. from the University of Frankfurt reported in 1998 that certain white blood cell types known HLA class II genotypes or HLA DQ and DR genetic patterns were found more frequently in people with certain pollen associated food allergies. HLA-DQB1*0301 is present in more people with grass pollen allergy. Those with HLA-DRB1*08, an inherited white blood cell protein pattern linked with a grass pollen allergy, have six times the increased risk of peanut allergy. Those who have inherited the HLA-DRB1*12 white blood cell pattern are 13 times higher at risk for carrot allergy.

Tree Pollen Allergy to Birch Tree Pollen Appears to be Worst

Birch pollen associated hazel nut allergy is linked to HLA-DRB1*01, DQA1*0101, and DQB1*0501. Hazel nut, almond, walnut and apple are the most common food allergies associated with birch tree pollen. Allergies to those foods are commonly associated with birch tree pollen in other studies.

Weed Allergies Also Associated With Food Reactions

In 2004, Wang et al. from China published that the inherited white blood cell type DQA1*0302 is found in more people with Artemisia pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, hay fever due to Mugwort or Sagebrush weeds. Mugwort allergy is associated with several food allergies including apple, celery, hazelnut, pistachio, lettuce, almond, peanut, and carrots.

Where to Get Genetic Testing

There are three commercial labs that I am aware of that offer full HLA DQ typing. They are Quest Laboratories, The Laboratory at Bonfils in Denver, and Enterolab. Bonfils runs the Enterolab genetic tests. Enterolab offers the test run on samples of cells obtained from a Q-tip swab of the mouth. The test can be obtained directly from Enterolab without a doctor's order though it is not covered by insurance. It however is very reasonable from a genetic testing standpoint at $149. Bonfils also does the DQ typing on cells obtained from blood samples sent to them from other labs.

The Future of Genetic Testing in Pollen and Food Allergies

In the future such testing should be very helpful in evaluating suspected food allergies, intolerance and pollen allergies. In the meantime those of us interested in this interesting story anxiously await more research findings in this exciting area. Dr. Fine, founder of Enterolab, has previously published the HLA DQ patterns associated with microscopic colitis. He has found that microscopic changes in the colon or large intestine are similar if not identical to what is seen in the small intestine in celiac disease. Several articles now document that a gluten free diet works in many people with microscopic, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. It also helps many with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

A finding of intraepithelial lymphocytosis in the distal small intestine (terminal ileum) is associated with an increased incidence of celiac disease in the proximal small intestine. Now, adding to the intrigue, are these articles linking certain inherited white blood cell protein gene patterns to pollen allergy and food allergy cross reactions that are well recognized but rarely pursued clinically. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also called the "burning mouth syndrome", occurs in many people but frequently goes undiagnosed. Symptoms include burning, painful and/or itching sensation of mouth or throat with or without swelling that occurs almost immediately after eating certain foods. The foods causing these reactions are commonly associated with pollen, latex or dust allergies.

Unusual Association of Pollen Allergies and Mouth Burning or Food Reactions

This unusual association of tree, grass, and weed pollens, latex and house dust mite allergies to food reactions, though well documented in the medical literature, is not commonly recognized by doctors or patients. The OAS literature contains numerous reports of food allergy or intolerance reactions that are associated with specific pollen, dust, mold or latex allergies. One of the best examples is ragweed pollen allergy. It is associated with a higher risk of food allergy or intolerance to only a few foods. These include foods in the gourd family (cucumbers and melons) and bananas. On other the hand, Birch tree pollen allergy is associated with sensitivity to many foods. The list includes those foods in the Rosacea family (apples, pears), tree nut family (hazelnut, almond, walnut), potatoes, and carrots. Reactions include classic allergic reactions such as skin rashes (atopic dermatitis, hives), wheezing (asthma), runny nose (allergic rhinitis), as well as the burning mouth OAS symptoms and other food intolerance symptoms.

If You Suspect Food Allergy, Intolerance or Sensitivity Get Evaluated By an Expert

Individuals who suspect food allergy or intolerance are encouraged to review the food-pollen connection and undergo appropriate evaluations for food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity. Food sensitivity includes gluten sensitivity and cow's milk (casein) protein sensitivity. Food intolerance includes lactose intolerance. Food allergies are separate and distinct from either food sensitivity or food intolerance.

Consider Getting Genetic Testing or Asking Your Doctor to Test You

This new information about the link of white blood cell protein patterns, HLA DQ types, suggests that we should consider having genetic testing done. After an adequate evaluation,

Establish a Baseline Symptom Score and Start a Food Symptom Diet Diary

I encourage everyone to establish a baseline symptom score. A detailed food symptom diary before a trial of elimination diet is also extremely helpful. An elimination diet that excludes major food lectins (dairy, grain, legumes, and nightshades) and any foods from the pollen list that one is allergic is recommended before accepting diagnoses of IBS, fibromyalgia, unexplained neuropathy or headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Any symptoms not readily explained or improved with other diagnoses and treatment should be considered to be possibly due to a food reaction until proven otherwise.

Selected Bibliography

Boehncke, et al. Clin Exp Allergy. 1998 Apr;28 (4):434-41.

Fine KD et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Aug;95(8):1974-82.

Wang et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Feb; 130(2): 192-197.

There are many people who are suffering needlessly with inflammatory diseases of the bowel. Medical doctors treat the problems of inflammation in the intestines with drugs which only cover symptoms, doing nothing to heal the condition. This information comes from many years of working with herbal remedies and from my own experience with irritable bowel and diverticulitis.

Two of my siblings have been hospitalized with acute inflammatory bowel diseases. Had they known what to do they could have saved themselves thousands of dollars while eliminating the pain within minutes. I know how painful an inflammatory condition of the large intestine can be and have been successful every single time in eliminating the pain within less than a half hour of time. This treatment works well for all inflamed conditions of the bowel; Diverticulitis, Crohn's, IBS, and Colitis.

The herbs of choice are what are known as mucilaginous. They act as a 'mucilage' in that when mixed with water the herb becomes slippery, cooling and healing to the digestive tract. One of the herbs even has the word slippery in it. That would be Slippery Elm. Slippery Elm is the inner bark of the Slippery Elm tree and during the 1st and 2nd World Wars when food and medicines were scarce the bark of the Slippery Elm tree was used as a porridge for babies and children because it is highly nutritious and has a pleasant, sweet taste. Often it was added to oatmeal because it was high in vitamins.

The other mucilage that soothes the intestines is Marshmallow. Marshmallow root is another nutritious herb that is cooling and soothing to inflamed tissues.

Both herbs may be taken singly or in a combination known as Intestinal Soothe and Build which also contains Bugleweed, plantain and rosehips to help tone the tissues. Chamomile is in along with the other herbs in this combination to act as a nervine and an anti-inflammatory.

Infection is suspected if the pain is intense and may be assuaged by taking one or two capsules of Golden Seal powder. Known as "nature's anti-biotic", true Golden Seal is a rich gold color in a clear capsule. Since it is in high demand and there is only moderate supply, the price is usually about $20-$30 for 100 capsules. Don't be fooled by producers who try to sell you a cheap Golden Seal. If it is 'cheap' it is not Golden Seal. Never use Golden Seal if you are hypoglycemic because it will lower your blood sugar even more.

Limiting your intake of sugar, dairy, and peanuts in any form, especially peanut butter which is highly acidic, is another recommendation for a healthy digestive tract. If you want to eat something that is nutritious and more alkaline in nature, then try Almond butter. The almond is the only alkaline nut and much better for the bowel than peanut butter.

If diarrhea is keeping you at home, then make sure you always have plenty of Hydrated Bentonite around. Just one capful in water will stop those rapid trips to the bathroom in minutes.

Taking the herbs suggested in this article may be just the ticket to getting you back to a pain-free, more active life.

References: The Ultimate Healing System by Dr. Donald LePore
Back To Eden by Jethro Kloss

A large number of us are on a continual search for solutions to safe, effective weight loss. In order for us to lose weight and keep it off permanently we need to first understand how fat develops.

"Toxins In, Toxins Out" is a theory that is helping many people begin to understand the correlation between toxins stored in our bodies and obesity.

When our eliminatory systems are bombarded by toxins, which is extremely common in our industrialized world, our body begins to store all the unmanageable toxins in our fat cells. This environment causes the stubborn, unwanted fat deposits that most of us have trouble releasing. When this state of emergency is declared in your body, you will start to store fat regularly to manage the abundance of toxins in your system. The good news is that these toxins can be released quite effectively and painlessly, allowing the body to return to its natural state."

It is recommended to work with a health care professional to develop a cleansing program that focuses on the use of colon hydrotherapy, a.k.a. colonics, to remove excess debris and toxic waste from your body.

When you can introduce colon hydrotherapy treatments combined with a diet focused on healthy, living foods you'll notice immediate results in achieving weight loss goals and overall well-being. You will also find that the weight-loss is permanent, as the toxins are not reabsorbed from the colon back into the fat cells.

Many people agree that bowel cleansing is a good idea, yet they may have many pre-conceived notions about receiving Colon Hydrotherapy. One misconception is that colon hydrotherapy is painful, smelly and just plain gross. When done in a professional, relaxing environment the treatment can actually be relieving and invigorating. You want to make sure you find a colon hydrotherapist who uses a closed system FDA-approved machine to ensure you're receiving the best and most state-of-art treatment available.

There are a few contraindications for colon hydrotherapy. If you have any of the following please contact a colon hydrotherapist or your health care practitioner prior to your appointment:

Severe cardiac disease/hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure/recent Heart Attack, Aneurysm, Severe Anemia, GI Hemorrhage/perforation, Cancer of the Colon or GI Track, Severe Hemorrhoids, Severe Diverticulitis, Cirrhosis, Carcinoma of the Rectum, recent history of GI Bleeding, Intestinal Perforation, Fissures/Fistulas, Pregnancy, Abdominal Hernia, Recent colon, rectal, or abdominal surgery (within 6 months), Renal Insufficiency, Advanced Crohn's, Ileitis or Ulcerated Colitis, Epilepsy or Psychoses, history of Seizures.

Ulcerative colitis is a brutal disorder that is exemplified by frequent occurrences of abdominal pain, soaring temperatures, nausea and acute dysentery. There is no definite cause for ulcerative colitis. The most widespread risk factor ascribed to this disease is an uncharacteristic assaulting of the intestine or bowels by one's own immune system. It may also be attributed to heredity. Of late, studies have shown smoking to cause this ailment. Other aspects such as diet and an assortment of infections may also cause colitis.

If you have any of the above symptoms, a simple blood test can confirm this disease. You can take advantage of a simple test that can be done at home. You can prick and collect a small amount of blood as sample. This can be sent to a pathological lab where further tests will be undertaken to reveal the presence of any antibody to particular food items. Antibody blood tests look for specific markers of ulcerative colitis, called serological markers.

Crohn's disease is also an inflammatory ailment of the bowel and the intestines which greatly distresses a large portion of the GI tract -from mouth to rectum. This in turn leads to a range of indications. It primarily causes abdominal ache, dysentery, vomiting along with weight loss. It could also provoke the inflammation of skin, arthritis, and swelling and tenderness of the eyes, weakness and an attention deficit. Crohn's disease is regarded as an autoimmune disease, in which the body's own immune response overwhelms the GI passage and causes the inflammation.

Blood tests are necessary for the diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. The physician cannot identify the disease based only on the symptoms. Blood tests for anemia may show if there is a blood loss in the intestine. If the white blood cell count in the blood tests is high, then it might indicate an inflammation in any other region of the body.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is another common colitis affecting many people. Essentially, this is a result of an extremely prone GI tract. Irritable bowel syndrome can have diverse medical manifestations. The symptoms can vary from diarrhea, constipation, stomach pains or lost ability to hold food. All these symptoms are the indications of the same ailment.

Blood tests for irritable bowel syndrome involve a complete blood count or CBC to search for indications of bleeding or anemia. Prolific WBC count and/or platelet count might indicate an irritation or infection. Fecal blood tests are also used to diagnose IBS.

In short, many people suffer from these inflammations of the GI tract. Getting to know some of the tests for diagnosing the same may help these people.

Aloe Vera has attributes to support good health and it has been used in many forms and especially through external application to benefit skin conditions. Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides or AMP is a form of the plant extract, which is advantageously used in several disorders of the digestive system including ulcerative colitis. The digestive function is the key system of our body to acquire nutrients from our food intake. And in turn, it is responsible to supply essential nourishment to different organs of the body through the blood stream to ensure proper functioning of the entire body system. The digestive system retains the good portion of the food and excretes the waste through feces.

Different toxins, which enter the system with food disrupts the entire process and creates malfunctioning of the system causing severe illness and acid reflux disorders including ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive chaos. Fortunately, the treatment with AMP helps the system to provide relief to the patient in such conditions and restores the digestive system to resume normal functioning. It is due to certain inherited qualities of AMP that strengthens the immune system of the body and repairs the inner wall of the intestine to make it perfectly capable to receive nutrients from the food. AMP further acts in the intestine to eliminate problems of digestion and acid reflux disorders. The patient is relieved from the condition of constipation or diarrhea and the stomach pain associated with ulcerative colitis.

Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides supports in the reversal process of disorders of digestive system effectively and a long medication with the ingredient helps the patient to attain complete relief from the discomfort of different bowel abnormalities. There is definite gain in the health of the individual with the positive attributes of AMP, which safeguards the entire gastrointestinal tract for a smooth functioning of the digestive system. Gain better health in a natural way with the support of Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides.

Consisting of the large intestine, the rectum, and the anus, the colon is quite possibly one of the most important organs in your body. It is part of a complex system designed to eliminate food waste and the waste generated by your body as effectively as possible and is the part of the body where bowel movements are created out of digestive matter for excretion.

Aside from water and sodium, the colon is usually not associated with the absorption of food nutrients which is technically the job of the small intestines. However, the colon plays an extremely important role in overall health. It is the site of the fermentation of food materials that the small intestines cannot absorb (i.e., soluble and insoluble fibre) by bacterial flora. This is the reason why dietary probiotics have started to gain popularity in recent years. Bacterial flora in the colon are responsible for producing vitamin K-2 which has been shown to aid in proper blood clotting and the formation of strong bones. As a matter of fact, it is believed that one of the reasons why Japanese woman from Okinawa (an area famous for it's high number of centenarians and high average life-span) have much lower incidences of osteoporosis is that they consume healthy bacteria in their diets which increases the amount of vitamin K-2 that their colons absorb.

Evidently, the colon is an important organ for overall health, however things can go wrong. Like most bodily organs and tissues, the colon is susceptible to infection, inflammation, and cancer. There are a variety common conditions that can affect your colon:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition in which the muscles of the colon contract abnormally, causing diarrhea, constipation, cramps in the abdomen, bloating, and gas. It can be managed through dietary changes/food avoidance and medications.

Colitis

Colitis is an umbrella term referring to several conditions characterized by inflammation of the large bowel. The different types of colitis include ulcerative colitis (cause unknown), Crohn's disease (cause unknown), ischemic colitis (when there is a lack of blood going to the colon), infectious colitis (the result of infections of the large bowel), and radiation colitis (caused by radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer).

Symptoms often depend on the cause of the colitis but common symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, bloody stools, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and a constant urgency to go to the bathroom.

Much like the symptoms, treatments also depend on the cause of the colitis but may include immune moderating medications, antibiotics to target infections, dietary changes, and possibly surgery if necessary.

Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease consists of diverticulosis (where small pouches form in the colon when it is pushed through small openings in surrounding muscle walls) and diverticulitis (when these little pouches become inflamed). There is no official cause but it is believed that a diet low in fiber can lead to diverituclar disease.

Symptoms include cramping, bloating, and constipation if only diverticulosis is present but can include lower abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting if it becomes diverticulitis.

Surgery, medications, and dietary changes are usually the only common treatments for diverticular disease.

Cancer of the Colon and Rectum

Cancer of the colon and rectum occurs when the cells that make up the lining of the colon begin to reproduce uncontrollably. This leads to the formation of tumours which can ultimately be fatal. The first sign of cancer of the colon or rectum are pre-cancerous polyps, or small protruding growths on the tissues of the colon. These in themselves are not yet actually cancer but can develop into a serious cancerous growth.

There usually no symptoms associated with pre-cancerous polyps but once cancer of the colon or rectum occurs, symptoms may include blood in the stool, bowel obstruction, anaemia, and abdominal pains.

Treatment for cancer of the colon or rectum resembles the treatment of many other cancers and involves either chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or some combination of the three.

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended that you advise your doctor so that together, you can rule out any of the above conditions. You may also like to look into some medical diagnostic tests such as the common colonoscopy or a small bowel follow through procedure, as they are the ideal way to catch any problems early before they worsen.

Turmeric may not be well known to the western world but in some other cultures, it is considered as one of nature's most powerful healers. For more than 5,000 years, turmeric has been an important part of traditional Chinese and India's Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is known to harbor anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver- and heart-protecting effects.

In recent years, turmeric has captured the attention of many western scientists as more and more clinical studies have substantiated its purported health benefits. Although researchers are still learning the biochemical effects of turmeric in human diseases, the initial findings of turmeric for disease prevention and/or treatment are extremely encouraging.

Turmeric is a perennial plant of the ginger family and is native to tropical South Asia. Turmeric powder is derived from the dried underground stems and its key active ingredient is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric its therapeutic effects, pungent flavor, and yellow color. However, besides curcumin, there are other beneficial substances in turmeric.

In cooking, turmeric is commonly used as a spice in Indian curries and other South East Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is the ingredient that makes the American mustard bright yellow. Traditionally, turmeric is also used as a dye, in cosmetics and skin care, as an ant deterrent, and for ceremonial purposes. In the following, we will focus on turmeric's medicinal uses.

Turmeric's Amazing Health Benefits

Protects Against Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease results when a protein fragment called beta-amyloid accumulates in the brains cells, forming hard, insoluble plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function. In a healthy brain, beta-amyloid is broken down and eliminated. Studies show that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that bind to beta-amyloid and block the formation of plaques.

Relieves Rheumatoid Arthritis

Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including six different COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 enzyme induces pain, swelling, and inflammation; inhibitors selectively block the enzyme. Studies of the efficacy of turmeric have indicated improvements in arthritic symptoms, including morning stiffness, joint pain, and joint swelling. In addition, turmeric may be helpful for other inflammatory conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and joint inflammation.

Prevents Cancer

Turmeric's antioxidant actions enable it to protect the body's cells from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA. It also helps the body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot metastasize.

In animal studies, it has been shown to be effective in the prevention and/or treatment of colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, and multiple myeloma (cancer of white blood cells in bone marrow). Additionally, a series of studies over the last 20 years have demonstrated that frequent turmeric consumption can reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia.

Supports Cardiovascular Health

Research reveals that turmeric appears to prevent the oxidation of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the body. Oxidized cholesterol damages blood vessels and builds up as plaques that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Turmeric is also rich in vitamin B6, high intake of which is associated with a reduce risk of heart disease.

Enhances Liver Detoxification

The liver's primary role is to process and remove toxins carried in the bloodstream. However, poor diet, allergens, pollution, and stress can cause the liver to become sluggish and its functions impaired. Research results suggest that turmeric may increase important detoxification enzymes in the liver and may help prevent alcohol and other dietary carcinogens from being converted into harmful compounds in the liver.

Improves Digestion

Turmeric helps break down fats by stimulating the flow of bile as well as the digestion of protein. It reduces heartburn, gas and bloating, and improves gut health.

The therapeutic potential of turmeric does not end here. Evidence suggests that it may also be beneficial for:

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis


• Cystic fibrosis


• Type 2 diabetes


• Psoriasis


• Cataracts

Turmeric is not commonly allergenic and is generally considered a safe herb. It has been used in large quantities as a condiment without any adverse reactions.

However, for people with any health conditions, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements. The following are some contraindications and side effects of turmeric:

• Prolonged use of very high doses may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation.


• People with gallstones, stomach ulcers, hyperacidity, and bile duct obstructions should avoid the use of turmeric.


• Inappropriate for pregnant women and those who are breast feeding.


• Not suitable for people with a blood-clotting disorder and those taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs.

To get the most curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, use a pure turmeric powder rather than curry powder. Just like other dried herbs, buying organic is always preferable to prevent pesticide contamination.

Here are several ways to incorporate more turmeric in your diet:

• Add extra turmeric to store-bought curry powder when making stews and curries.


• Add turmeric to sauteed onions, ginger, garlic, and cauliflower.


• Add turmeric to egg salad.


• Add turmeric to home-made mayonnaise or salad dressings.


• Mix brown rice with raisins and cashews. Season with turmeric, cumin, and coriander.


• Make turmeric tea by adding one teaspoon of ground turmeric to four cups of boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea through a fine sieve. Add honey and/or lemon to taste.

Since eating mustard-laden hot dogs daily is not the ideal turmeric delivery choice, turmeric can be taken as a supplement to capture its many health benefits. The following are tips on buying a quality turmeric supplement:

• Choose a supplement using only standardized extracts of at least 95% curcumin or greater.


• Select a supplement from a company that complies with pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Many supplements on the market today do not provide enough of the active ingredient because it is cheaper to produce. GMP assures that the product has the identity, strength, composition, quality, and purity it is represented to possess.

For prevention purpose, the dosage is 500 mg of turmeric a day. If you are looking to use turmeric as a treatment for a disease, please consult a healthcare professional for the proper dosage.