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.

Whilst suffering from abdominal pain and passing some mucus and even blood in the stools can be alarming, many people who find these symptoms suddenly appearing often think the worst and confuse them with another more serious condition. It is normally the case that the lesser symptom, inflammatory bowel syndrome will be diagnosed rather than inflammatory bowel disease, otherwise known as ulcerative colitis.

Sufferers of colitis will be faced with enduring symptoms that are much harsher and more serious than those related to inflammatory bowel syndrome. The ulcerative colitis symptoms will not suddenly appear and for the person to be immediately incapacitated. What happens is that a part of the large colon gradually becomes inflamed and the open wound that is created starts to excrete mucus and blood. This can vary in amounts depending on the extent of the colon's inflammation. The person will start to notice that their stools will start to contain such mucus and blood and the stools themselves will change their form to a more diarrhea-like consistency.

In addition, the sufferer will experience some abdominal pain and find that when passing a stool that this action will create sometimes acute pain as the waste passes over the inflamed part of the large colon. Tiredness and lack of hunger can also be felt as the body is trying to fight the disease though due to the general overall feeling of being unwell, the person may not desire much food.

Depending on the severity of the attack, the ulcerative colitis symptoms can last for anything between a few days to several weeks. Some people find themselves in remission for long periods of time whilst others may face periods of reoccurring symptoms.

Bearing this is mind, the sufferer should accept that their life will most likely have to be put on hold for the period of time that the symptoms are live. But there is a real dilemma that has to be addressed. Often, the person will not know how long the attack will last, how strong the symptoms will be, what affect it has on the body, what should and shouldn't they eat, and when they can realistically start to get back into their usual lifestyle again. Plus also, whether they can just pick up their life where they left it as if no attack had happened.

It is also common for the sufferer to be anxious about the future, whether the attack was a once of occurrence or if a pattern of relapses will develop and what severity will they take. There is a desire for practical information to try and address such dilemmas which, if left unanswered, can result in anxieties causing possible stress. And that is the precise thing a sufferer will want to avoid.

A low-residue / low fiber diet may be suggested disease flare periods of diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It may also be recommended as before and after operation or surgery diet to decrease bowel amount on the body. An ingestion of less than 10 grams of fiber a day is usually considered a low residue/low fiber diet.

Numerous people employ the clich矇 "low-residue diet" or "low-fiber diet". Although the two are similar in a many ways they are however not precisely the same. Low fiber foods like dairy and coffee, can augment residue or trigger bowel movement. Some foods that have low residue blended bran have high fiber content. A low residue diet has more limitations when compared with its counterpart low fiber diet. Thus, it is vital to confirm with your registered dietitian if a low-fiber diet is adequate or you might need instead a low-residue diet.

If you are on a low-residue diet for a long time already, your physician may advise an intake of multi-vitamin or mineral supplement on a daily basis.

Here are some foods that may form your Low Residue Diet:

Grain Products:
• Enhanced and refined white bread, buns, bagels, and English muffins
• Plain cereals like Cheerios, Cornflakes, Cream of Wheat, Rice Krispies and Special K
• Arrowroot cookies, tea biscuits, soda crackers, plain melba toast
• White rice, refined pasta and noodles
• Shun away from whole grains

Fruits:
• Fruit juices except for prune juice.
• Applesauce, apricots, a half serving of banana, cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon.
• Refrain from raw and dried fruits, raisins and any type of berries.

Vegetables:
• Vegetable juices are highly recommended.
• Peeled potatoes.
• Fresh and well-cooked vegetables including alfalfa sprouts, beets, green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green and red bell peppers, squash or pumpkins, and zucchini
• Avoid vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and Swiss chard

Meat and Protein Choice:
•Well-cooked meat, fish and eggs.
• Refrain from beans and lentils.

Nuts and Seeds:
• Avoid all kinds of nuts and seeds, as well as foods that may have seeds.

Dairy Products:
• As recommended by your doctor or registered dietitian

Acupuncture is a method that originated in China over 5000 years ago. It is a holistic practice that is based on the belief of releasing blocked energy or "chi" in living beings. These energy lines circulate through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians of the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system in your body so the needle insertions in each of these meridians reduce the respective disease associated with that meridian point.

What acupuncture can do?

Usually people suffer from diseases when energy gets blocked in the meridians. When the needles are inserted into the specific points along the meridian lines, the balanced flow of energy is restored. Acupuncture works effectively because the needles stimulate the release of pain-relieving endorphins into the body, influences the release of neurotransmitters and also enhances the working of autonomic nervous systems. By influencing the electrical currents in the body, acupuncture also improves blood circulation throughout the body.

School of acupuncture therapy

School of acupuncture therapy provides acupuncture-training courses to all practitioners. These courses help them to perform various acupuncture treatments to reduce diseases in human beings. The acupuncture therapy school teaches the acupuncturists to perform a number of treatments like acupuncture with needles and acupuncture without needles.

Acupuncture with needles include curing disorders like head and neck pains, migraines, cervical spondylitis, Azoospermia, genitor-urinary systems like bed-wetting in children, laryngitis, earache, depression, arthritis, deafness, schizophrenia and skin disorders like Acne, psoriasis, and falling hair. Sometimes the needles are electrified to produce better results. This also helps in curing smoking, alcoholism and drug addictions.

Other unique acupuncture treatment offered by acupuncture schools

Needle-less acupuncture includes techniques like Moxibustion, Soft Laser Therapy, Cupping Therapy, and Ultrasonopuncture.

1. Sujok Acupuncture - the acupuncture schools offers this unique technique where the expert uses only his hands and legs. He inserts microscopic needles into the points or even a sesame seed and small magnets that relieve the patients instantly.
2. Acutron Mentor Acupuncture - this is one of the most advanced techniques that use electro curative apparatus that offers micro current therapies and interferential current through the needles. It is advantageous because it can be used for pain management and treating all types of diseases.

Special training methods of acupuncture NYC

Other significant acupuncture treatments are offered by Acupuncture NYC [New York City] center. The main advantage of their techniques is confirmed remedy and there are no side effects. They heal severe cases of menstrual disorders, PMS, endometriosis, cysts and fibroids, hot flashes, arthritis, infertility problems in men and women, pregnancy problems, circulation problems, digestive disorders, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and constipation.

The ancient method of acupuncture truly helps in stress management strategies and rebalances the body's energetic forces to achieve harmony and sense of well being.

I was told by my naturopathic doctor that eczema skin symptoms can also be a sign of repressed anger from within. I initially refused to believe it but the more I research into eczema and natural healing, the more I realised that there could be some truth in it.

What is repressed anger? Repressed anger simply means that you deny your thoughts and emotions and keep them all inside. You then become unresponsive and numb to several things that may affect you. If you keep all your negative thoughts to yourself, then it is possible that you develop eczema skin symptoms as your body seeks to find an outlet.

Every emotion is a potent force that suffuses your entire body, including your skin. What you feel emotionally can be easily observed by others on your skin level. The effect on your skin can be easily seen by others and can be electrically recorded. For instance, your skin blushes when you feel love or embarrassment, breaks out in cold sweat when you are afraid, and flushes with shame or anger.

When your eczema skin symptoms are observed as red and inflamed rashes, you may well be having an underlying fire fuelled by suppressed anger. If your emotions are spent or if you feel stuck, then these feelings are likely to result in dryness or even cracking of the skin. In contrast, excessive emotions are tied to oily skin. Should you be having conflicting emotions, overwhelming feelings of grief and anguish, self-hatred, or inappropriate passions, then you may find yourself breaking out in the form of rashes or blemishes.

Repressed anger not just manifests in eczema skin symptoms but can also have a negative impact on the rest of your body. These include migraines and ulcers, and in the long term, to strokes or tumours. Prolonged fears and repressed angers increase tensions and stresses. As you well know, stress can aggravate and worsen your bodily reactions such as eczema, shingles, psoriasis, or arthritis.

Naturopathic doctors say that the first body system that reacts to repressed anger is the gastro-intestinal or digestive system. You can experience difficulties in swallowing, nausea, vomitting, diarrhea, constipation, or gastric ulcer. Bear in mind the repressed anger is the most common cause of ulcerative colitis.

An interesting study of 128 patients in a hospital outpatient department was conducted to determine the relationship between repressed anger and the twelve symptoms or diseases. Among the 27 patients who suffered eczema, it was found out that eczema flared up whenever the individual could not quite handle the intense frustration of being prevented from doing something or simply interfered with.

Hence, if you have eczema skin symptoms, then you may wish to approach healing from looking at your emotional well-being. Are you having repressed anger? If so, you will need to look for ways in dealing with your anger, rather than suppress it. Seeking open communication with your loved ones help. Alternatively, find outlets that can help you discharge the unspent emotions that smoulder but remain alive in you. Channels, such as religion or taking up meaningful work, that help you gain some perspective about your life can also assist in diffusing the anger that you feel.

If I were to let myself go on this one topic, this article would be the longest in history, rivaling the size of War and Peace! I promise to do my best to restrain myself.

I'll start by saying that every doctor worth his salt - MD, DO, ND, DC or any other - should be recommending Omega 3 EPA-DHA, no matter what illness comes across his threshold! In fact s/he should recommend it to everyone who is NOT ill...yet. The benefits go across the board, or literally from head to toe! Depression, cognitive function, ADHD, bi-polar disorder, macular degeneration, asthma, neck pain, back pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis, MS, Crohn's disease, autoimmune diseases like RA, Lupus, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and more, as well as PMS, psoriasis, migraines, joint pain, degenerative disorders, inflammatory conditions of all kinds and much more. Any of your symptoms listed?

If any of your issues are not listed above, there are a few more extremely urgent reasons why your body - everybody's body - need Omega 3 EPA-DHA.

One of the main functions of EPA-DHA is to coat each cell wall (200 trillions cells, mind you) making it fluid, flexible and permeable, to allow easy transference and permeability of nutrients as they enter the cells, and waste products as they leave the cells. Next, and by no means least, EPA-DHA essential fatty acids act as conductors in the brain, enabling that electrical spark for the firing of neurons. Your brain is more than 70% DHA - that's another reason to keep feeding it EPA-DHA.

These essential fatty acids also direct DNA and protein interactions; they enable fat-soluble vitamins like A,D, E and K to be absorbed. They influence enzymes, receptors and much more. To find out even more benefits, you can always check out The National Institute of Health's site for "Omega 3" and any of the 16,203 studies, or Medscape's 293 documents on hand at the moment of the 18,000 available, or Google's 81,600,000 pages on Omega 3.

There are 3 types of Omega 3 essential fatty acids. The marine sources (fish and sea vegetables) provide Omega 3 EPA and DHA. The plant sources (e.g. flax, flaxseed oil, walnuts, canola oil) provide Omega 3 ALA which is somewhat different. You'll find that 98%+ of the medical studies have used the marine source, EPA-DHA. This is because the plant source, ALA, is supposed to convert to EPA-DHA in our body after being ingested, and then do its work. However, this conversion is not very dependable.

Studies show that most people are unable to make this conversion, most particularly those with a chronic illness who are low in many minerals, enzymes and other necessary components to effect this conversion. In doctor Mercola's many articles on the subject, he describes this nations deficiency of Omega 3 EPA- DHA's and how it's affecting all of us. He also describes the ineffectiveness of this conversion process from ALA to EPA-DHA in most people.

Omega 3 ALA has many benefits in its own right, to be sure, but it is not a substitute for the same effects as Omega 3 EPA-DHA.

And then there is the Great Imbalance! Omega 6 is also an essential fatty acid. In a perfect world we would have a balance of 1:1 or 2:1 of Omega 6 to Omega 3 in our diet for all our systems to run smoothly- Omega 6, the pro-inflammatory, and Omega 3, the anti-inflammatory, working side-by-side, in balance.

But with the dawning of processed, packaged, boxed and fast foods this finely tuned balance has gone out the window like a boomerang coming back to whack us in the head, arms, legs, hands, feet, joints, gut, etc in the form of inflammatory nightmares! This "balance" now sits at 40:1 or 50:1 (depending on the study you read), far far far and away in favor of the PRO-inflammatory Omega 6 fatty acids.

Why? Because Omega 6's are found everywhere in our diet! They are in eggs, margarine, poultry, cereals, baked goods, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, seeds, and vegetable oils from corn, peanut, sesame, sunflower, soybean, cottonseed, wheat germ and more. The whole foods are one thing; Omega 6 belongs there. But look at the labels on the processed, packaged, boxed and frozen foods. These Omega 6's (including a preponderance of veggie & seed oils) have now taken on the forms of hydrogenateds, partially hydrogenateds and trans fats - all inflammatories, all preservatives - which will NOT preserve YOU! But rather will eat away at systems and joints and organs by increasing inflammation, slowly, steadily day after day after day.

Few are increasing their Omega 3 to bring this balance back to reality! Is it any wonder there are so many degenerative and inflammatory conditions running rampant in our Western world? Only recently are studies showing that Fibromyalgia is a condition that involves inflammation. But even if that isn't proven in the near future, think about the symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, joint pain, depression, cognitive difficulties, bowel disorders, asthma and allergies and all the rest that may be a part of your particular brand of Fibro. Omega 3 EPA-DHA has been proven to help all if these symptoms.

Not only does Omega 3 EPA-DHA help these listed conditions on the whole, but it has also been proven to be a much safer pain reliever than NSAIDS or ibuprophen, specifically for neck or back pain, as shown in this study reported by Medscape http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/529425. In fact, "...close to 2/3 of the patients could discontinue their use of NSAIDS..."

This medical abstract from NIH at Pubmed tells of the benefits of fish oil (EPA-DHA) for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like RA, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, migraine headaches, lupus and more. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12480795

Omega 3 EPA-DHA is the very first supplement I recommend to everyone I meet who has Fibromyalgia or any chronic illness. I use Carlson's brand - 3 capsules per day. The better brands of capsules tend to have no "blow back," or fishy taste. Look for 3rd party tested, deep sea fish oil preferably from the North Atlantic where there are few if any PCB's and mercury contamination. Buy a one month's supply at a time, instead of stocking up. After two or three months, fish oil can go bad (oxidize) when it's opened. Heat, light and air affect it's viability, so I use capsules instead of the liquid- there is less of a chance for it's oxidaion.

The effect is accumultive. So in a week or two you may begin to feel positive effects, then as time goes on, even more positive effects will be recognized.

Some well-tested, well-known brands are: Carlson's, Nordic Naturals, Twin Lab, Kirkland (from Costco), NOWFoods & Nature Made, for example. Also consider checking with Consumerlab.com for their latest up-to-date information on this supplement.

Foods containing Omega 3 EPA-DHA are salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout, herring, halibut, cod, free range-chicken and beef and wild game (in other words, animals that have NOT been fed grain).

One of the frustrating things about being on the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is the fact that the weight loss is the only thing that matters to most people. I try to explain that I'm feeling better because my gut is being healed, I'm feeling better because my body is working better all around, it's not simply because I've lost weight! People have even suggested that my self esteem is higher because I've lost weight. Losing weight isn't a magic wand. People don't change overnight just because they weigh a few pounds less. But people can change when they clean up their diet and begin to heal their stomach. When our food isn't digesting properly, we can be malnourished, even while our body looks obese. All kinds of things go wrong when we aren't getting proper nutrition.

I initially looked into the GAPS diet in order to help my husband as he had been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis several months earlier. I initially thought the diet was for helping children with autism and healing serious digestive disorders. I didn't think I'd need to do GAPS. However, while reading, I started to wonder if I could help myself. At 47, I felt like I was eighty. Every task and chore seemed insurmountable and difficult. Even something as simple as taking a shower felt like too much work. I used to think I had a lot of endurance for being on the computer because I could sit here for hours and hours at a time while other people had to get up and move around. I try to think positively and I tried to make the best of my life. But let's face it, every day I was miserable and depressed.

I had vowed in 1995 that I would never go on another diet, and I'd kept that promise to myself for over a decade. I tried to love my body exactly as it was and fully embraced the body acceptance movement. But in spite of loving my girth, the fact of the matter was that it was becoming more and more difficult to live in my body. It was difficult to bend over and tie my shoes. Even worse was trying to cut my toenails. For a while I had to use a bath rail just to hoist myself out of the tub on the rare occasion that I'd indulge in a bath. I was beginning to have all kinds of problems; my feet hurt, my ankles and fingers would swell and I wasn't really sure why. My doctor had no solutions and told me it was just the result of growing old. And it was hard to be happy with the fact that my weight was continuing to climb every year. I still was afraid to diet because any time I even went so far as to consider going on a diet I'd start overeating.

But then I decided to give GAPS a chance. It was difficult at first, but to tell you the truth - not as hard as most diets. One important reason being that you are nourishing your body with real food, and it is so satisfying and delicious. You don't run around starving with your stomach growling all day long. And once I got over mourning about all the foods I couldn't have, it got a lot easier. While the diet does require that you stop eating all processed foods, there is huge selection of foods to eat on full GAPS diet. Full GAPS includes meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts, dairy products as well as healthy fats like butter, olive oil, coconut oil and lard. A typical meal would be roast beef with steamed carrots, onions and mashed cauliflower (aka faux-tatoes). Or I might have butter fried chicken breast with eggplant and mushrooms.

When people see that I don't eat processed foods, they wonder what I can eat? When I tell them, they think that's not too bad, but when I start to list what I don't eat they understandably become uncomfortable. How can I make it without stopping at a fast food joint for a burger, or relying on frozen or boxed pre-made foods from the grocery store? It's sad that processed foods have become the norm while those eating real traditional foods are weird.

I wish I could persuade everyone to give GAPS a try for one month. But people don't want to give up their favorite foods (I understand that completely), and they don't think they are that bad off (I didn't either). I didn't even have any noticeable digestive problems and all that depression and anxiety? I didn't think it was too unbearable. It's not like I was suicidal or anything like that.

But the contrast in how I felt ten months ago, and how I feel today, the change is dramatic. I want to scream from the rooftops how much better I feel. My weight has dropped, no more ankle swelling and I can easily reach my feet! I'm really glad that I decided to give the GAPS diet a chance.

In a previous article, we discussed the high risk groups for vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms; vegetarians, pregnant and lactating women (especially those that are also vegetarian), adults over 50 and people with gastrointestinal disorders. Each of these groups is naturally at a higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency since their digestive process is altered. They should monitor themselves more closely and consider nutritional supplements to prevent symptoms from a B12 deficiency.

In this article, we want to focus on the needs of gastrointestinal patients. Since vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestines, with the help of acids and proteins produced in the stomach, any disruption to their natural state will decrease absorption. Most adults need 2.4mcg per day or they could start to experience B12 deficiency symptoms.

Gastric Bypass Surgery:

This is a great life altering surgery for many people to lose weight and live a longer life. However, because the stomach is much smaller after this surgery it is unable to produce enough acid and proteins needed to help the body absorb the B12. The acids break the B12 away from the animal proteins of the foods (dairy, eggs, red meat, chicken, fish, etc.). The "intrinsic factor" protein created in the stomach then combines with the B12 to assist in the absorption process in the intestines. In this case, the intestines are fine, but the stomach fails to prep the B12.

Gastrointestinal Disease:

Many people suffer from Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease. These all create flare ups in the intestinal tract that damage the lining of the intestine walls or remove all the probiotics that aid in the further breakdown of foods. The body fails to absorb everything, let alone the vitamin B12. Vital nutrients are literally flushed straight through the body. In this case, the stomach is fine and properly prepping the B12, but the intestines can't absorb it.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptom Prevention:

Both of these groups need to find alternative ways to obtain B12. Any nutritional supplement; that is swallowed will still fail to be absorbed in the system. Supplements that get around this include ear patches, injections and even nasal sprays.

Colitis, also known as ulcerative colitis, refers to a type of inflammatory bowel disease affecting the inner lining of the colon (the large intestine). Inflammation of the intestinal wall, whether chronic or acute, causes ulcers to be formed in the top layers of the lining. These ulcers may bleed and produce pus. A patient of colitis experiences an uncontrollable urge to empty the bowels frequently as in diarrhea (loose motions), in many cases accompanied by abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, painful spasms, appetite loss, fatigue and fever. The condition can affect people of all ages, but it is more commonly found in the 15 to 30 age group.

What Causes Colitis?

There are many theories about what may cause colitis. Contrary to popular belief, colitis is not a direct consequence of mental stress or an allergy to certain foods âEUR" though these factors may trigger or worsen the symptoms of colitis in certain people. It is found that people suffering from colitis present some abnormalities in their immune system, which supposedly starts reacting abnormally to some virus or bacteria present in the digestive tract, causing inflammation in the intestinal wall. But this may possibly be a consequence rather than the cause of colitis.

Research has also shown that family history, certain viruses and protozoa, and toxins-producing bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium and Shigella species may play a strong role in causing colitis. Patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in the pelvic region may develop local colitis. Sometimes strong doses of some antibiotics can also trigger colitis. In the elderly, a drastic decrease in the blood supply (ischemia) to the colon is another factor contributing to colitis.

Detrimental Effects of Colitis

Persistent inflammation of the colon lining can cause extensive damage of the cells in the lining, and has been found to lead to colon cancer in about 5% of the patients suffering from chronic colitis. Obviously, the risk of colon cancer increases with the duration of the disease and the extent of damage caused to the colon lining. For example, if the damage extends to the entire colon then the risk of cancer may be as much as 32 times the normal, but if only the lower colon and rectum are involved then the risk is no higher than the normal. Also, people showing dysplasia (precancerous changes in the colon lining) are more prone to develop colon cancer from colitis.

Is Colitis Preventable?

Strict hygiene and sanitation measures while handling, cooking and eating food can go a long way in preventing colitis associated with infective germs. Other than that, as goes for any other health problem, incorporating healthy lifestyle and diet changes in your daily routine helps to make your body as disease-free as possible by strengthening your immunity to keep at bay not only colitis but also other diseases. Adopt the best health mantra: moderate exercise combined with a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, lentils, fruits, vegetables and water in plenty, and animal-origin foods in as restricted amounts as possible.

Diet Recommendations for Colitis

Diet goes a long way in helping you manage colitis. First and foremost, since fluid loss is substantial in colitis, make sure to drink 2âEUR"3 liters of water and lots of clear fluids like light soups, lemon tea, lemonade, etc., in order to prevent dehydration. Avoid greasy and fatty foods.

Also alcohol, highly seasoned foods and high-fiber foods may aggravate the problem of colitis and are best avoided. Naturopathy recommends a 3- to 5-day juice fast based on juices of fruits and vegetables like papaya, cabbage, carrot, sweet gourd, etc., and a post-fast diet of steamed vegetables and soft fruits along with plain yogurt. And a thorough chewing of whatever you eat.

To conclude, colitis can be managed and controlled with diet recommendations and restrictions, in addition to treatment with drugs prescribed by a specialist.

Yogurt is a popular snack treat for people who are trying to monitor their weight. Did you know that apart from making you lose weight, yogurt has other benefits to your body?

One way to improve your health naturally is by eating an adequate amount of yogurt everyday. Yogurt has live microorganisms called probiotics. These good bacteria help your body works properly.

Here are some benefits you can get from eating yogurt:

- Improves gastro-intestinal functions

Since yogurt is rich with probiotics, it helps improve food digestion and absorption. Good digestion and absorption will prevent you from experiencing hyperactive bowel movements and constipation. Yogurt also helps lactose intolerant individuals. It also lowers your risk of getting inflammatory bowel diseases like Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease.

- Boosts your immune system

Probiotics from yogurt makes your body stronger in resisting harmful bacteria, thus lessening your risk of getting infections. These good bacteria also enhance your body's natural healing process so you can easily recover from illnesses.

- Regulates your blood pressure

A study have shown that having 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy daily will greatly reduce your risks of getting high blood pressure. Some dairy products are high with dairy fat that is not healthy for your heart. Yogurt is a low-fat dairy product that does not have a bad effect on your heart.

- Maintains your weight

Because yogurt is low-fat, it frees you from worries of gaining weight. When dieting, it's important that you still get enough nutrients so you don't end up being malnourished. Yogurt contains an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals that you need. With enough yogurt intake, you get enough nutrients without the worries of moving the scales up.

- Prevents osteoporosis

Yogurt, just like some dairy products have added calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are very important in making your bones stronger. Strong bones will prevent you from developing osteoporosis.

Here are some tips you can follow when deciding on adding yogurt in your diet.

1. Choose the type of yogurt that you want to take. There are various types of yogurt. Some yogurts contain regular fat, some are fat-free and some are low-fat. You may also want to check the sugar contained in the yogurt. There are yogurts that have more sugar than others. Look at the label at the back of the package. Read and compare nutritional contents of different brands. Doing this will help you choose the best brand in the market.

2. Make it a habit

You can eat yogurt anytime and anywhere. Make it a point to take some yogurt everyday. Bring some in the office so you can easily have yogurt on your lunch break. You can also put a small yogurt cup in your bag so you can take a healthy snack anywhere.

3. Substitute other ingredients with yogurt

Yogurt can easily be added to your recipes. Use yogurt instead of ice cream when making a smoothie. You can also try adding yogurt when baking cakes and other pastries. You can easily substitute milk to yogurt.

4. Make eating yogurt fun delightful

There are numerous recipes that you can follow so that you don't only get to eat the flavored yogurt available on the market. Adding fruits on your yogurt is a good idea and will make your snack even healthier.

I am often asked why I prescribe antibiotics to my patients with rheumatoid or reactive arthritis, late-onset asthma, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia and other so-called "autoimmune diseases". Before I prescribe any medication, I ask myself whether it will help or hurt. All of the "auto-immune" diseases cause severe disability. Conventional medications neither cure these diseases nor stop the progressive destruction that they cause. Doctors prescribe immune suppressives that sometimes have deadly effects. Antibiotics are far safer than the drugs conventionally used to treat these diseases. So, if antibiotics can be shown to help control these diseases, they should be used long before a doctor thinks of using the conventional immune suppressives.

When a germ gets into your body, you are supposed to produce cells and proteins called antibodies that attach to and kill that germ. These diseases are felt by many doctors to be caused by your own immunity. Instead of doing its job of killing germs, your immunity attacks your own tissue. If it attacks your joints, it is called reactive arthritis; if it attacks your intestines, it's called Crohn's disease; your colon, it's called ulcerative colitis; and if it fills your lungs with mucous, it's called late-onset asthma. I do not believe that your immunity is that stupid. Accumulating data show that all of these conditions can be caused by infection. Many diseases that were thought to be autoimmune turn out to be infections: stomach ulcers are caused by bacterium, helicobacter pylori and others; multiple sclerosis may be caused by HHS-6 virus; rheumatic fever is caused by the bacterium, beta streptococcus, group A; Gillian-Barre syndrome may be caused by the bacterium, campylobacter; Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by E. Coli, Klebsiella, Bacteroides or Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis; and so forth.

Shouldn't We Be Concerned About Resistant Bacteria?
The argument that giving antibiotics causes bacteria to be resistant to that antibiotic is reasonable, but it has no place in discouraging people with these diseases from taking them. First, these people have serious diseases that cause permanent damage and death. Second, the treatments that are available are toxic, shorten life, cause cancer, and have to be followed with frequent blood tests. On the other hand, I prescribe derivatives of tetracycline and erythromycin. These drugs are extraordinarily safe and do not require drawing frequent blood tests. If you were to become infected subsequently with bacteria that are resistant to these antibiotics, you would have lost nothing. No reasonable doctor would prescribe erythromycin or tetracycline for acute serious diseases, such as meningitis, pneumonia or an abscess, because tetracyclines and erythromycins do not kill germs, they only stop them from multiplying. Instead, doctors prescribe far more bacteriocidal antibiotics that kill bacteria.

Many doctors criticize my use of antibiotics, but antibiotics are far safer than conventional treatment, cost less, can be administered by a general practitioner, and often cure the condition, rather than just suppressing symptoms. I know that the most physicians who develop these conditions will treat themselves with antibiotics because they know that conventional treatments with prednisone, chloroquine, azathioprine and methotrexate are toxic, and treatment with erythromycins and tetracyclines is safe. However, treatment of many conditions with long term antibiotics is controversial and not accepted by most doctors; discuss your particular condition with your doctor.

How you can help to prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria:
Suffer through short-term illnesses. Don't ask your doctor for antibiotics when you have a cold, flu or other self-limiting illness. You may feel miserable, but antibiotics are useless against viruses.

Finish your prescription. If you stop taking a prescribed antibiotic as soon as you feel better, you encourage the development of resistant organisms.

Become a vegetarian. The bulk of antibiotics are given to animals raised for food. As long as humans demand huge amounts of meat, farmers will use whatever means they have to deliver their product economically.

Definitions:
Bacteriocidal Antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, kill bacteria. They are used to combat most bacterial infections, particularly acute, serious diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, a ruptured intestine or an abcess. However, most bacteriocidal antibiotics are not effective against chlamydia, mycoplasma or ureaplasma, bacteria that have no cell walls.
Bacteriostatic Antibiotics such as tetracyclines (including doxycycline and minocycline) and erythromycins (including Biaxin and Azithromycin) keep bacteria from multiplying. Your own immunity is then able to kill the bacteria and remove them from circulation.