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.

With the long list of products claiming to be number one when it comes to the pack of dietary supplements, one cannot help but get confused as to which is saying the truth and which is a scam. Though many products seem to be beneficial to many, it may not work for others. Comparing different products with each other can also add up to the confusion.

Look at two note-worthy products being promoted and sold in the market nowadays: Resveratrol and fish oil vitamins. The former is an antioxidant mainly coming from red grapes, red wine, peanuts, berries, and certain herbs. It is definitely good for the body since as an antioxidant, it can improve longevity, aid in prevention of certain diseases, and fight free radicals. The drawback however lies on its lack of proofs to make the FDA approve it. It is still a "promising" compound and is not released and marked as a dietary supplement yet.

On the other hand, fish oil vitamins are made from essential fatty acids found in fish, mostly cold-water fish. These oils are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It helps to keep blood triglycerides in check and may prove to help prevent certain diseases such as Crohn's disease, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Aside from that, people who are having issues like asthma, atherosclerosis, bipolar diseases, depression, kidney problems, heart attack, osteoporosis, and ulcerative colitis can benefit from the vitamin.

Comparing the two together, they both are beneficial to one's health. The key however, in knowing which one is necessary and which is a waste of money, lies with knowing what your body needs. The best way is to consult your physician about your health condition and ask which among the two can benefit you most if you are looking forward to taking vitamin supplements.

Ulcerative colitis diet is a kind of diet you can do to help you heal yourself when you have condition of inflammatory bowel. To start the diet, you have to know what food to choose as well as understand you have to avoid some food products. The recommendation of proper ischemic is also important for you. If you want to recover from the disease completely, you must follow this plan.

Keep Your Body Healthy with Ulcerative Colitis Diet

Here are some technique to keep you healthy through this type of diet; drink plenty of fluids everyday, engage in a high fiber diet every time the disease process is at rest, take your multi-mineral vitamins to submit the vanish nutrients and do conversely if the disease is in the break out stage.

Avoid foods that contain lactose, limit particular food products like alcohol and caffeine, eat small frequent feedings per day even if you do not feel like eating,fat intake needs to be limited as this can cause bad irritation in your intestinal walls.

Ulcerative Colitis Diet - Healthy Tips

Making certain that you are following the stationary pure precautions in handling food items to evade complications would be the first one. Second, drink plenty of fluid whether or not you are experiencing the disease, you will be kept hydrated and get more health advantage aside from avoiding colitis occurrence this way. Next, you are recommended to include three large meals and other smaller feedings in your daily intake.

Eating fats may be also included in the ulcerative colitis diet, but in a limited count of course. Yet, a slight variation of the normal intake can cause your intestinal linings irritated and thus you must be watchful in every food that you intake.

Don't make yourself in doubt, see more on ulcerative colitis diet

Many different people can suffer from a compromised immune system. Although we typically think of those who suffer from HIV/AIDS and congenital diseases that affect the immune system first, anyone can run the risk of an improperly functioning immune system. AIDS and other diseases of the immune system very often lead to numerous serious infections. Those whose immune system is compromised for other reasons may only experience numerous colds and viruses.

Vitamin deficiencies, lack of proper rest, cigarette smoking and chronic stress can all lead to a compromised immune system. Proper nutrition is of utmost importance for anyone who wants a well-functioning immune system and for overall good health. Immune system aids or enhancers often include vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly those that may be lacking from the average diet. The vitamins A and C are particularly important, but need to be taken with the right combination of other vitamins and minerals to work effectively. Taking a good daily multi-vitamin is the easiest way to insure proper nutrition.

If one does not get adequate amounts of sleep, then the immune system cannot repair cells that were damaged during the day. When you are busy working or playing, the immune system is busy providing protection from injury. When you are resting the immune system can go about the business of destroying viruses and other sources of infection.

If you have numerous colds or other infections and you smoke, then you have another good reason to quit. Cigarette smoking leeches vitamin C from the body and impairs the body's ability to absorb other important vitamins and minerals. Those who have been diagnosed with a compromised immune system, AIDS or a similar condition should make every effort to quit smoking.

Those who are under chronic stress have been shown to have lower than normal white blood cell counts. It is not always possible to reduce the amount of stress in our lives. For those who cannot, vitamin supplementation and an immune system aids, like the herb Andrographis Paniculata (AP) can be particularly helpful. Although some herbalists still recommend Echinacea, it has been shown to have toxic effects on the liver when used for extended periods of time. Animal studies have shown that AP, even in large amounts is non-toxic.

Many diseases are believed to be linked to dysfunction of the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, allergic rhinitis and other allergies, as well as numerous other diseases are all theoretically caused by improper immune system responses. It appears that the immune system attacks healthy cells and in the case of allergies, substances that would not cause infection, leading to inflammation. Because of this belief, prescribed medications for these and other diseases can lead to a compromised immune system. Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatories can reduce white blood cell counts.

Immune system aids or enhancers, such as AP, have been shown in laboratory tests to increase white blood cell counts, reduce risks of infection and reduce the number of complications associated with common viruses, such as influenza. Beta glucans, a biologically active plant component, has been shown to stimulate the immune system, protect against colds, flu and infections, as well as AIDS by inhibiting viral replication. To learn more about products that contain AP, beta-glucans and other ingredients that can lead to the improvement of a compromised immune system, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

When cavities of the body get abnormally associated, a fistula is formed. An example of such a condition would be colostomy where a passageway is connected between the abdominal wall and the colon. Such a connection can also occur between the anus and other parts of the body like the intestinal lining or the vagina or the outer skin surface. Each of these may be termed as an anal fistula.

What are the symptoms?

A tunneling of the body cavity can be observed in this medical state. Due to this abscess or pus may be formed near the anal canal. Lesions may also occur and in some cases, these may be filled with body fluids like excretory material. In these cases, natural healing is difficult and medical aid has to be sought for. The individual may also experience pain in the lower abdomen and near the anus. Change in body temperature, itching and general fatigue can be noticed in patients. However, severity may vary from person to person and hence it is important to discuss any discomfort with your healthcare expert. Nowadays, many online doctors are also available who can promptly help and assist you.

Why does it occur?

The anal fistula can occur for various reasons like injury or digestive diseases. Injury due to constipation or infection in the lining of the anus can lead to this medical state. Besides this there are two diseases in which these types of fistulae mainly form - the first would be the Crohn's disease and the second includes Ulcerative colitis. Discharge with foul odor and accumulation of pus are commonly noticed.

What are the tests and surgeries for cure?

Some of the tests which are used to treat and examine an anal fistula are - the Barium enema test, colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy procedure. Sometimes, an upper endoscopic procedure may be carried out. Further, the examinations that are used to understand inflammatory bowel diseases can be used here, to study the fistula.

The main method to confirm the condition is Fistulogram test. Here, X-ray photography of the affected area is carried out after a radiant dye is injected into the body. The exact presence of the abnormality can be recorded by this method.

After the medical procedures, the patient can heal and restore a healthy living in a few weeks. Appropriate medication must be taken. The diet plan should be followed as per your healthcare expert's advice along with a healthy lifestyle.

What is an ulcer? Basically, an ulcer is an external or internal sore or lesion that is a sign of necrosis (death of the tissues at a cellular level). Most ulcers that plague people are called "gastric" ulcers which are internal in nature. However, there are several kinds of ulcers and they include: decubitus ulcer, peptic ulcer, serpent ulcer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, bed sore, and canker sore (herpes).

Internal ulcers usually occur on the mucous membranes (the internal skin) in the gastrointestinal tract.

Peptic ulcers occur where the lining of the stomach have been eroded away due to extreme acidosis. Like peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and ulcerative colitis occur in the digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract. However, gastric ulcers in the stomach are the most common ulcers.

The symptoms of internal ulcers include inflammation (chronic burning), stomach pain, and bleeding (from the rectum). Internal ulcers are the result of ACID, too much acid in the body. And where does this acid come from? Answer: degenerate diet and lifestyle!

Eating meat, dairy, and starches all contribute to acidosis, for meat converts into URIC ACID, dairy converts into LACTIC ACID, and STARCH converts into CARBONIC ACID.

And lets not forget about the acidic beverages Americans greatly consume which plays a major role in acidosis - soda pop (which has a pH of 2 - GREATLY ACIDIC!), orange juice (processed and boxed); milk, Kool Aid; coffee and hot cocoa, various fruit punches, beer (devil's brew), wine and other spirits to name a few.

And then there's stress! Stress makes the body acidic. Stress is very detrimental to human health, but many people are under it due to being misaligned or disconnected with God, Nature and the Universe predicated upon finances (the lack thereof), job insecurity and/or unhappiness, marital/relationship problems, living a lie or chronic lying; debt (credit cards, behind on the home mortgage or car note, etc.); living unrighteous (fornicating, adultery, scheming, stealing, etc.), legal situations and litigation (usually as the defendant); and unemployment to list just a few of the things that causes stress.

You see, when you have to digest or process so much stuff in life, it usually results in digestive problems, that's why gastric ulcers are the most common form of ulcers.

Stress creates too much acid in the body. Stress and a very poor diet will undoubtedly lead to stomach or digestive problems and many times this will lead to headaches, bilious or migraine headaches. And what do most people take for headaches? Answer: drugs in the form of aspirin. Aspirin converts into ascetic acid and literally eats up your red blood corpuscles (just like white vinegar does). Aspirin is so caustic on the internal lining in the stomach and digestive tract that it literally burns a hole in the lining of the digestive tract causing gastric ulcers which eventually leads to internal bleeding which many times is manifested in blood in the stools.

And eating and drinking acidic things does not help the situation, but only exacerbates the situation. This is why people with "acid reflux" usually are prescribed "antacids." An antacid is an "anti" acid or that which counteracts acid. And what counteracts acid? Answer: ALKALINITY! Although the antacids are alkaline in nature, they break down into the body as acids and further the problem. Antacids only "mask" the problem (acidosis, ulcers), but does not heal the problem.

So now we have an idea of what causes ulcers, what can be used to heal ulcers?

Healing ulcers naturally

The best remedy for healing ulcers, especially gastric (stomach) ulcers is a diet rich in natural green foods - eating plenty of green cruciferous vegetables and drinking vegetable juice daily or as often as possible. Green foods are very healing! Parsley, kale, spinach, broccoli, cilantro, Roamine and green lettuce, watercress, asparagus, etc. are some of the best green foods available. And remember, green foods are naturally antacid without any adverse or negative side effects such as Tums or Rolaids and other OTC (over the counter) drugs.

Cabbage juice is probably the best instant healing remedy for ulcers. I usually tell people suffering from ulcers to drink 2-4 ounces of cabbage juice daily.

One day Stevie Wonder called me and asked me to help a friend in dire need of help and healing from ulcers. Stevie's friend was in Philadelphia, PA, a very long distance from California and needed help right away. I told the person to overdose on cabbage juice and watch the instant results. Two weeks went by and then I received a call from this person who was so elated and grateful and who told me the cabbage juice regimen worked wonders. His ulcer problem was gone! I told him to stay on that drink for preventative measures and to keep eating raw and green as long as he could.

Aloe vera juice is also excellent for healing of ulcers. Two ounces of aloe vera juice should be added to each glass of drinking water. Aloe vera is very soothing to internal sores (ulcers) and also helps to stop internal bleeding.

The herbs White Oak Bark, Witch Hazel Bark, Goldenseal Root, Cranesbill (Alum Root), Shepherd's Purse, Solomon's Seal, Dragon's Blood, Cayenne Pepper, and Manjistha help to stop internal bleeding, especially when used in combination with each other. However, Cayenne may cause irritation due to its natural heating effect and therefore should be used sparingly.

The herbs White and Black Willow Bark, Meadowsweet, Birch, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Spearmint, and Balm of Gilead can be used (as a tea) in place of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin.

Stress reduction and elimination are mandatory in healing ulcers. The herbs Kava Kava, Valerian Root, Chamomile, Jatamansi, Blue Vervain, Lavender Flower and Passionflower are great nervine herbs that help in stress reduction and elimination.

Yoga/deep breathing exercises, transcendental meditation, crystal therapy, positive thinking, aromatherapy (essential oils of Lavender, Bergamot, Neroli, Valerian, and Davana); Tai Chi, massage therapy, colon therapy, relaxation, deep sleep, living righteously and standing on and for truth can all help to reduce or eliminate stress - Guaranteed!

DHERBS.Com provides five formulas that can physically help an ulcer sufferer. Our Ulcer Buster formula, Nervine formula, Bio-Salicin (Headache & Pain) formula, Digest-Aid, and Electric Greens Cell Food formula used during a short duration (in conjunction with a green foods diet and cabbage juice therapy) can help an ulcer sufferer rid him/her self of ulcers in a matter of days.

Ulcers are a degenerative disease which means they are a preventable and reversible disease and can be prevented or reversed through proper diet and lifestyle.

This health article is compliments of http://www.DHERBS.Com and Djehuty Ma'at-Ra, The People's Herbalist

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Embarrassment, Fatigue, Pain
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can severely impact every aspect of a patient's life. IBS can also complicate other chronic health conditions such as clinical depression, hemorrhoids and generalized anxiety disorder. IBS taps into the fears children have about not being able to control their bowels. This lack of control and pain may evoke feelings of low self-esteem in a sufferer. Sometimes potentially dangerous attempts to self-medicate are made because the patient may be too ashamed or too embarrassed to go to a doctor.

Adding to the problem is that IBS is a mysterious condition, often acting as a catch-all phrase for many types of chronic digestive problems such as spastic colon and colitis. The world-renowned Mayo Clinic notes that there are no diagnostic tests for IBS, so a doctor may have to run tests in order to eliminate more severe problems such as cancer before making a diagnosis. Symptoms of IBS are also similar to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, so there is a chance of misdiagnosis. The misconception that IBS does not exist and that patients are merely exaggerating their symptoms still persists in society.

Symptoms of IBS
Another factor making IBS difficult to diagnose is that each person experiences their own set of symptoms. The most common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, excessive flatulence, mucus-coated stools, hemorrhoids or a lack of bowel control. Pain is eased after a bowel movement. The Mayo Clinic reports that less common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting and sudden weight loss. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports that patients with IBS often cycle between periods of diarrhea and constipation and rarely have a normal bowel movement.

In order for a doctor to diagnose IBS, the patient must have exhibited symptoms for at least 12 weeks in the past 12 months. Although many patients wait until conditions are severe before seeing a doctor, many patients may not be able to obtain an IBS diagnosis because they are in the early stages of the condition. The Mayo Clinic also recommends a colonoscopy for all patients with IBS symptoms to rule out colon cancer. Colonoscopy preparation involves completely clearing the bowels through a lengthy period of a liquid diet which may exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Women's Condition
The Mayo Clinic reports that over 50% of IBS patients are women. It is not known why women are more prone to IBS than men. The typical IBS patient is not only female, but has a relative with IBS and is under 35 years of age. Again, it is unknown why younger women are more susceptible to IBS than older women. There are some theories that younger women may be subject to greater stress than older women or that older women may have learned greater stress management skills than their younger counterparts. It is also unknown just how much of a role genetics plays in developing IBS.

Another theory is that hormones such as estrogen and progesterone may play a large role in IBS. The NIDDK reports that women with IBS often have attacks just before or during their periods. But this does not explain why men are diagnosed with IBS. Both men and women report IBS attacks at times when they are under severe stress. Perhaps the female sex hormones weaken a woman's digestive system when she menstruates. The NIDDK notes that many IBS patients of both sexes also have a depressive illness or an anxiety disorder. There is still much that needs to be learned about why women suffer from IBS more than men. But one thing is clear - IBS is treatable in a majority of cases.

Treatment
Treatment for IBS involves dietary changes and learning how to manage stress. IBS patients have more frequent attacks if they consume large meals, so IBS patients are encouraged to eat small, frequent meals every day rather than two or three large meals. The Mayo Clinic notes that a majority of IBS patients regularly are afflicted after consuming certain foods. The IBS patient is encouraged to keep a food journal of all food and beverages consumed to determine which foods trigger attacks, and thus avoid or drastically reduce such foods or beverages.

Prescription medications have also been used to help ease IBS symptoms but are in no way considered a cure. Some drugs such as laxatives are only to be used short-term because the body becomes reliant upon laxatives to push the stool through the colon to be eliminated through the rectum. If the body becomes dependent upon laxatives, the digestive muscles are not used and they atrophy. Other medications such as muscle-relaxants may cause bladder incontinence or excessive flatulence. The Mayo Clinic reports that anti-depressants and antibiotics are prescribed off-label for IBS.

The Dangers of Self-Medication
Many patients with IBS postpone visits to the doctor for treatment. It is unknown how many try to self-medicate, but IBS symptoms can cause sufficient anxiety that a patient will quite literally try anything in an effort to gain relief from their symptoms. Medications can include over the counter laxatives or alcoholic beverages. The alcohol acts as both a painkiller and a muscle relaxant. But long term use not only leads to addiction but also a worsening of symptoms. If the patient also has an illness such as depression, then alcohol will act to worsen symptoms or counteract antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.

Conclusion
Irritable bowel syndrome is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Treatment and advice should be sought as soon as the illness presents itself. Patients can be helped to learn to live with IBS and to reduce the impact that the illness has on their daily lives.

Your thoughts have a direct influence on your life's outcomes. If you think negatively, think that colitis is in control, think that you will succumb to a relapse, think that it won't be long before another relapse will happen, think that you won't get better any time soon, think that the colitis symptoms will always control your life, then you are right.

And why is that? It is simply because that is what will happen. If your thoughts are negative, you will not help yourself heal. Turn this around and think positively and imagine yourself healthy, visualise yourself healthy, then your subconscious mind will influence the thoughts that are allowed to occupy the conscious mind. You need to alter your thought pattern to achieve this. You need to feel this way. Close your eyes and visualise yourself healthier. Colitis is not in control, you are.

It all comes from the number one lesson for life. Control the thoughts in your mind and you can achieve what you desire. What you think is ultimately what you become. If you think "I probably will never be able to do that" then surprise, surprise, you won't be able to do it. Your mind will be sent negative messages by the subconscious telling it that you can't do it and, of course, you end up failing.

So use the power of your mind to ensure a positive healthy outlook. If you are in a period of relapse, envisage yourself getting better. If you are enjoying good health, reaffirm to yourself that you are healthy and will stay that way.

Colitis can not only be physically challenging but mentally draining also. When during a colitis attack, you are faced with yet another trip to the toilet after already going ten times and it is still only midday. You can sit there and wish it would all go away. You don't want to move as this can not only be painful but will bring on an even more immediate need to get to the toilet. It is all too easy to let the attack consume you. You can submit to it and let it just run its course.

Alternatively, you can start by defending yourself. You can start by changing the way you mentally tackle an attack. By accepting that the attack will do whatever it wants to you, to have the thoughts of "I can't", you will be at the mercy of it. By adopting and maintaining mental strength, this will see you through the attack quicker and give you goals and promises to work to. Yet that is not to say just ignore what is happening to you. It is all about effective colitis management and how it can reduce the impact that a colitis attack has on you not only during a relapse, but also in remission.

By adopting a positive mental outlook and not having colitis dictating that you can't do something just because of "what might happen", you can grab hold of life again. By discovering what other sufferers have achieved by facing up to the disease and living life through a positive attitude you too can attain the desired effect of reducing the impact that colitis symptoms have on your life.

For anybody that has dealt with the effects of ulcerative colitis, they know that it can one of the most painful and difficult medical situations to deal with.

Despite the fact that the discomfort may feel like it comes from the intestine, it's actually a breakdown in how the immune system is working. Small organisms that actually help the body with digestion are attacked by an over-vigilant autoimmune system--thereby causing pain.

At some point, if you've experienced the painful symptoms of this condition, you've probably considered surgery--and wondered if it could help you.

Here are some tips to both learn more about this procedure and decide whether it's the right thing for you.

Tip No. 1: Don't Just Get One Opinion

Many people who believe they suffer from ulcerative colitis may actually be suffering from Crohn's disease. Though both have similar symptoms--and both affect generally the same area of the body--they do have some major differences.

The biggest difference is that colitis affects a specific area of the small intestine, while Crohn's afflicts the entire intestinal tract. Because colitis affects such a specific area it makes it a great candidate for surgery.

Because they can both be difficult to diagnose be sure to get numerous medical opinions to certify that ulcerative colitis surgery will benefit you.

Tip No. 2: Exhaust All Options

It's true that ulcerative colitis surgery can provide immediate benefit to sufferers of the disease. Still there are serious consequence from such a procedure, namely the fact that you will probably not have a normal bowel movement again.

Considering this, it's a good idea to try every non-surgical remedy available to you. This includes:

Anti-inflammatories: These include medications like ibuprofen can reduce painful swelling.

Immunosuppresives: Can interrupt the internal damage the body is doing to itself.

Diet: Some people have found dramatic relief by changing their diet.

Tip No. 3: What Kind of Surgery Do You Need?

If nothing seems to have worked then surgery may be the next logical step to bring back a pain-free life.

Generally the procedure comes in 2 forms: small and large intestine.

With the small intestine, diet will have to change but prognosis is usually good for reducing pain permanently.

With the large intestine, it's more of a dramatic event to the body and may require more recovery. But it will be worth it for the relief of pain you'll feel.

Be sure to counsel your doctor that you want to keep as much intestine as possible. This will help you lead a normal, pain-free life. Which is the goal, isn't it?

Colon cancer often exhibits the same symptoms as other colon conditions. Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease show the same symptoms of colon cancer: red or dark blood in stools, changes in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, unexplainable weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and anemia. In order to observe your symptoms better, it is also important to read up on other colon diseases.

The disease can be present for many years before symptoms of colon cancer even show. This is why the best thing to do to watch out for colon cancer is to undergo regular screenings, preferably those that entail fecal blood testing and colonoscopy.

Symptoms of colon cancer vary according to where the tumor is located. Because the right colon is spacious, tumors in the right colon can grow to large sizes before they even cause symptoms of colon cancer. As tumors have a tendency to bleed, cancers on the right colon cause iron deficiency anemia because of the slow, unnoticed loss of blood over a long period of time. It is all the more unnoticeable because the stool travels through the colon longer, so whatever blood is in the stool dries up and even becomes invisible. Iron deficiency anemia, in turn, results in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath for patients.

On the other hand, the left colon is narrower than the right colon. Cancers of the left colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. This type of cancer causes the following symptoms of colon cancer: diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating. If there is bright red blood in the stool, this can also mean that there is a cancerous growth near the end of the left colon or the rectum.
Go and see your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms of colon cancer mentioned above. However, don't panic just yet. As mentioned, some of the symptoms can be indicative of another colon disease altogether. For example, while blood in your stool may be one of the symptoms of colon cancer, it may also come from hemorrhoids or minor tears in your anus. If you are constipated as a result of not drinking enough water and not taking in sufficient fiber, tough stools may scratch your rectal wall.

Additionally, certain foods, such as beets and red licorice, can cause your stools to turn red, while iron supplements and some anti-diarrhea medications often make stools black. However, it is still a good idea to visit your doctor at any sign of blood or other changes in your stools and bowel movement. After all, early detection based on symptoms of colon cancer usually result in complete cures.

Below is a complete list of the top symptoms of colon cancer. It will do no harm to visit your doctor as soon as you feel two or more of the following:

* Major change in your toilet habits, whether you move your bowels more or less

* Blood in your fecal matter, bright red or dried

* Stools that are thinner than usual

* Unexplainable dramatic weight loss

* Stomach pains, cramping or bloating

* Unexplainable fatigue

* Always feeling like you need to move your bowels

* Constant nausea and vomiting

* Iron deficiency anemia

* Abdominal pain, which is a rare symptom of colon cancer, and may exhibit itself as mere tenderness in the abdomen.

If you have just heard about the low residue diet then you may have just come back from a visit to the doctor. A Low fiber diet is usually recommended to patients who suffer from stomach inflammation or those preparing for a surgery. In a nut shell, this low residue diet is made to reduce the number of bowel movements you have so that the body doesn't have to work as hard as it normally does.

Whilst you will probably lose weight from this diet it is not a healthy long term weight loss solution because of it's lack of fiber. This diet is targeted towards patients with stomach problems. In a normal diet plan we actually consume a number of foods that our body can't digest and this produces excess waste. The low residue diet aims to get rid of these foods momentarily so that your body can rest from it's usual efforts.

Make sure you always check with your doctor on what foods you can and can't eat as part of your diet plan. In general here is a list of foods that you can eat when on a diet such as this: Well ground eggs, meats, chicken or fish, White rice, White bread, some cereals, clear pulp free juices, plain gravies, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, vegetable oils and some dressings.

More important than the foods you should eat is the foods you shouldn't! Once again, be sure to double check with your doctor for your personal diet plan. In general you should avoid these foods: Spicy foods, Fatty meats, popcorn, seeds from fruit, seeds and nuts, raw vegetables (lettuce is ok), chocolate and coco powder, muffins, corn bread, most cheeses, peanut butter, millet, buckwheat, dried beans, oatmeal, whole grains (including whole grain pasta and bread) and legumes.

People that have the following conditions are often recommended the low residue diet:

Mothers during pregnancy - Some mothers in the later stages of pregnancy are put on the low residue diet to ease with stomach pains associated with pregnancy.

Radiotherapy patients - Some patients that under go radiotherapy treatments in the pelvic and/or stomach area can suffer from diarrhea as a side effect. The low residue diet can stop malnutrition, help the diarrhea and also re-hydrate the patient.

If you are suffering from Bowel inflammation - Post surgery inflammation isn't uncommon for stomach surgery patients and a low fiber diet gives the body time to take a rest from processing so hard which gives the inflammation time to die down.

Crohn's disease patients, astronauts, abdominal surgery patients and people with ulcerative colitis are all also know to use the low residue diet!