Health Screening - A Revolutionizing Process to Prevent and Treat Any Disease Effectively

Health Screening - Prevention and Disease control.

The new "holistic health center" consists of different, completely holistic (entire body) oriented components: A) Fast, effective, pain-free and non-invasive diagnosis, B) Analyzing and immediate treatment of meridian blockages, C) Energy therapy for over 200 disease conditions including cancer, nerve- and bone related diseases, D) Health monitoring and effective prevention to avoid future disease manifestation.

A Holistic Health Center in the design of a mini-clinic will serve the urgent need of health screening and prevention. Health Screening is a new method for early non-invasive diagnosis, usually performed within a few minutes. It is based on the over 5.000 year old knowledge of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is the first reliable Meridian Diagnostic in the world. Cost efficient and highly accurate - up 95%.

Meridian diagnostic is the core concept of efficient health analyzes. A computer based high tech measurement of the 12 main meridians and its correlated organs. It provides a complete energetically picture of a person displayed in an easy to read graphical format. The measuring points are (20) on the fingers and (20) on the toes. Overall biological energy levels, meridian balance, yin - yang, left - right, top - bottom organs, etc. is recorded and can be used for future therapy control (health screening).

Energy levels over 50% reflect health, vitality, less aging, high immune system activity. Energy levels under 50% reflect energy deficit, low immune system activity, disease condition, chronic diseases.

Therapy suggestions are displayed with exact treatment points. One of the major advantages of the Meridian Diagnostic is the advantage to discover unknown Meridian Blockages in the system. When one or more meridian blockages exists the patient becomes Therapy Resistant, which means no therapy will have a sufficient effect. With the BioGraph meridian diagnostic system we are able not only to discover blockages furthermore we can treat and "delete" those blockages immediately. The patient turns from therapy resistant into therapy receptive. The therapy effects are re-established.

The second component in the Holistic Health Center is the world leading and cost efficient "Pulsating Energy Resonance Therapy" (PERTH) acc. to Prof. Dr. Werner (Germany).

Four (4) complete professional therapy systems on a therapy bed will serve app. 32-50 people treatments per day. The capacity can be extended to 8 therapy systems and will serve more than 64 people treatments per day. The basic research of the PERTH therapy started in the early 1920's with Dr. Royal Rife (The end of all diseases), later research by over 200 Russian researcher for the space program MIR in Russia and since 1994 the research is finalized by a well known German researcher and medical professional Prof. Dr. Werner. In cooperation with leading German universities Werner developed the cancer and bone therapy programs with proven results in 1000's of medical and clinical studies.

The new PRTH P5 professional treatment system is easy to use, non-invasive, pain free and highly effective for prevention and disease treatment. The energy increase can be monitored with the Meridian Diagnosis immediately after a treatment session.

Particular meridians and related organs are effected long time before a disease becomes a pathological issue. (green - normal, yellow - attention and red - signals treatment is necessary). For example most cancer patients have an energy level of only 25%, or energy deficit of 75%. This means the immune system is nearly not functioning anymore. Fertile ground for cancer cell grow is established without major defense. Cancer can spread in the body. The reverse circumstance high energy levels - a powerful immune system, health and vitality and a non toxic environment don't allow cancer cell grow. Disease development of any kind becomes impossible. The Meridian Diagnosis and PERTH treatment combination will make those scenarios visible and immediate treatment plans can be developed. The treatment effect is tested and recorded on a patient by patient basis during the very first measurement - therapy - measurement sequence.

This reflects the most effective way to prevent any kind of disease long time before it would appear. In addition the treatment of existing diseases is not "blind" anymore and the patient - treatment response can be finalized through different therapy applicators. For example mat treatment for energy balancing and meridian harmonization, oxygen increase in the blood (65% after 10 minutes), immune system boost, better sleep and vitalization etc. The treatment with the head applicator for the central nervous system, head, eye, ear, nose diseases and brain related diseases like Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's etc. The intensive applicator for all joint related problems and to rebuild the cartilage, which is alone a phenomena and was completely impossible before. Finally a point applicator for any pain related circumstance. The PERTH therapy system is very easy to use, any therapist assistant can perform the treatment after a short introduction. As soon a therapy plan is in place patients for therapy or prevention can go in and out on their scheduled appointment without long waiting periods.

Indication:

- Degenerative bone and joint disease (hip arthritis, Bechterew's disease, Sudeck's disease)
- Arterial circulation disturbance (hardening of arteries in the leg as result of smoking, lower leg sores, stroke, heart attack)

- Asthma, allergies,

- Burnout syndrome

- Cancer, Leukemia

- Heart diseases

- Liver cirrhoses

- Eye diseases (cataract)

- Venous circulation disturbance (thrombosis, thrombophlebitis)

- Sport injuries, healing of wounds and bones, general regeneration of tissue

- Chronic turbal catarrh resistant to treatment, tympanic effusion, inflammation of the middle ear

- Stabilization of circulation

- High and low blood pressure

- Pulmonary emphysema

- Osteoporosis

- Radiant sickness

- Acute and chronic nasal cavity sicknesses

- Virus infections, allergies, migraine and asthma

- Tinnitus aurium (ear noises) and macular edema (retina damage)

- Stress, sleep and digestive problems

- Metabolic disturbances (normalization of fatty acid and pH values)

- Diabetes in the elderly

- Incontinence, bed wetting with children

- Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),

- Climatic problems, potency problems

- Rheumatic disease with chronic pains

Indications are given in strict conformity with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Problems of the 10th review, accepted by the 43rd World Health Assembly.

NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES:

The sequel of nervous system inflammatory diseases (meningitis, encephalitis, myelites, encephalomyelitis), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine, headache, transitory cerebral ischaemic attacks, sleeplessness, disturbances of sleep-awake cycles, trigeminal neuralgia, facial nerve lesions, neuralgia, neuritis, phantom limb pain syndrome, mononeuropathies, polyneuropathies (including diabetic), infantile cerebral paralysis, hemiplegia, paraplegia, tetraplegia and other paralytic syndromes, vegetative nervous system disorders, vascular (neurocirculatory) dystonia, hydrocephalus, toxic and other encephalopathies, intracranial hypertension (increase of intracranial pressure), fatigue syndrome in recovery period.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM DISEASES, NUTRITIVE AND METABOLIC DISORDERS:

Hypothyrosis, clinical manifestations of hyperthyrosis (thyro-toxicosis), diabetes mellitus, adrenal / ovarial / testicular dysfunction, local fat deposits, adiposis, bilirubin metabolism disturbances, mucoviscidosis.

MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS:

Acute alcoholic intoxication, abstinent delirium (delirium tre-mens) and abstinent status without delirium, symptomatic treatment of chronic alcoholism, depressive disorders, neurotic, stress induced and somatoformic disorders (tic, vegetative nervous system disorders, enuresis, logoneurosis, etc.), sleep-awake regimen disturbances of inorganic etiology, absence or loss of sexual libido, insufficiency of sexual reaction (impotence of inorganic origin), orgasmic dysfunction, mental retardation.

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM DISEASES:

Essential (primary) arterial hypertension, hypertensive disease, arterial hypotony, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, pericarditis, endocarditis, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest, paroxysmal tachycardia, intracerebra! hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, stroke, cerebral atherosclerosis, hypertensive encephalopathy, cardialgiae (pains in the cardiac region), cerebrovas-cular diseases sequelae, diffuse atherosclerosis, Raynaud's syndrome, narrowing (obliteration) of arterioles, varicosis, lymphadenitis, lymphoid edema, lymphangitis.

RESPIRATORY ORGANS DISEASES:

Acute nasopharyngitis (nasal cold), vasomotoric and allergic rhinitis, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis (angina), acute laryngitis and tracheitis, chronic rhinitis, nasopharyngitis and pharyngitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic diseases of amygdalae and adenoids, chronic laryngotracheitis, diseases of vocal cords and larynx, acute obstructive laryngitis (croup), and epiglottitis, acute respiratory infections, viral and bacterial pneumoniae (inflammations of the lungs), acute bronchitis, acute bronchiolitis, recurrent and chronic bronchitis (obstructive and non-obstructive), bronchial asthma, bronchoectasiae, pneumoconiosis (occupational pulmonary diseases), pleurites, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis.

DIGESTIVE ORGANS DISEASES:

Oral cavity diseases, pyrosis, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal ulcer, esophageal dyskinesia, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis and duodenitis of various origin, pylorospasm, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, acute and chronic gastroenteritis and colitis, irritated intestine syndrome with and without diarrhea, constipation, functional diarrhea, neu-rogenous excitability of the intestine, anal sphincter spasm, anal and rectal fissurae and fistulae, hemorrhoids, alcoholic liver disease, toxic liver lesion, acute and chronic hepatitis, hepatic fibro-sis and cirrhosis, cholelithiasis, acute and chronic cholecystitis, biliary tracts dyskinesia, acute and chronic pancreatitis, vomiting after surgical intervention on gastroenteric tract, postoperative intestinal obstruction (intestinal paresis), dysfunction after colosto-my and enterostomy, secondary disturbances of intestinal absorption, disturbance of alimentary behavior (overeating).

SKIN AND SUBCUTANEOUS FAT DISEASES:

Skin abscess, furunculi and carbunculi, panaris, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, neurodermitis, psoriasis, Quincke's edema, burns (including sunburns), frostbite, focal alopecia (baldness), follicular cysts of the skin and subcutaneous fat, hyperhidrosis (sweating), vitiligo, callosities, atrophic skin lesions (trophic ulcers), hypertrophic skin lesions (keloid cicatrices), erysipelas.

DISEASES OF BONES, MUSCLES AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE:

Infection, postinfection and reactive arthropathiae, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, gout, polyarthrosis, osteoarthritis deformans, articular cartilage lesions, ligaments lesions, joints luxations and subluxations, hemarthrosis, exudate in the joint, pain in the joint, rigidity of the joints, osteophytes ("spurs"), lupus erythematosus, dermatopolymyositis, systemic sclerosis (including sclerodermia), systemic vasculites, scoliosis, osteo-chondrosis, torticollis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondylopathiae, spondylosis, inter-vertebral disks lesions, radiculopathiae, radiculitis, ischias, lumbago, backaches, myosites (muscles inflammation), synovites, tenosynovitis and bursites, ligaments and joints injuries, pain in the limbs, other unspecified diseases of joints and soft tissues, bones fractures, poor fractures consolidation (including age-related fracture of the neck of the femur), osteomyelitis, periostitis, periodontitis, parodontosis, parodon-titis.

DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS ADNEXA:

Hordeolum and chalazion, blepharitis, dacryocystitis, chronic inflammation of lacrimal ducts, acute and chronic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal scars and opacities, cataract, retinal breaks and detachment, diabetic retinopathy, open-angle glaucoma, optic neuritis, optic atrophy, squint, myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (including age-related), blindness and lowered vision, eye pain.

DISEASES OF THE EAR AND MASTOID PROCESS:

Acute and chronic external otitis, non-purulent of middle ear, perforation of the drum membrane, tympanosclerosis, neurosen-sory hypoacusis, ototoxic hypoacusis, pain in the ear.

UROGENITAL SYSTEM DISEASES:

Glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic nephritic syndrome, acute and chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, acute and chronic pyelonephritis, reflux-uropathy, toxic nephropathy, hydronephrosis (without obstruction), urolithiasis, renal ischemia or infarction, acquired renal cyst, acute and chronic cystitis, neuromuscular dysfunction of the urinary bladder, urethritis, urinary tract infection without definite localization, enuresis; hyperplasia of the prostate, adenoma of the prostate, acute and chronic prostatitis, prostatocystitis, prostatic calculus, orchi-tis and epididimitis, balanopostitis, vascular disorders of male genital organs, certain forms of male sterility; mastopathia fibrocystica, mastitis, lactostasis, nipple cracks and fistulae; salpingitis and oophoritis, vulvovaginitis, incomplete vaginal prolapse, ovarial cysts, incorrectwomb positions, cervical erosion, myoma and fibromyoma, absence of menstruations, poor and rare menstruations, frequent, irregular menstruations, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pains, early menopause, climacteric status, recurrent abortion, secondary female sterility.

PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND POSTNATAL PERIOD:

Arterial hypertension as complication of pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period, edema and proteinuria caused by pregnancy, nephropathy of pregnancy, excessive vomiting of the pregnant, hemorrhoids, diabetes mellitus, herpes of the pregnant, arterial hypotony syndrome in mother, preparation for childbirth, anesthesia during childbirth, hypothermia of unclear origin appearing after childbirth, changes of mammary gland and lactation.

CERTAIN CONDITIONS APPEARING IN PERINATAL PERIOD:

Lesions of fetus and newborn caused by mother's diseases and complications of pregnancy and childbirth, birth injuries, intrau-terine hypoxia, respiratory disorders of fetus and newborn, non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage in fetus and newborn, neonatal jaundice, transitory neonatal endocrine disorders, digestive disorders in perinatal period, thermoregulation disorders and skin changes in fetus and newborn, regurgitation, vomiting, poor sucking and overfeeding, muscular tonus lesion in newborn.

SYMPTOMS, SIGNS AND DEVIATIONS FROM NORM FOUND OUT DURING CLINICAL AND LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS:

Increased blood pressure without diagnosed hypertension, cough, stridor, wheezing respiration, hiccup, sneezing, pain in throat and chest, pain in stomach and pelvic region, nausea and vomiting, pyrosis, meteorism, lesions of skin sensitivity, pain associated with urination, retention of urine, loss of consciousness and coma, nervousness, anxiety and excitation in association with failures and disasters, emotional shock and stress, speech and voice disorders (dysarthria, dyslexia, dysphonia), fever of unclear origin, headache, indisposition and fatigue, syncope and collapse, senility (without psychosis).

Diverticulitis Symptoms And Natural Remedies For Diverticulitis And Other Similar Medical Conditions

In these epochs where virtually every individual from any nook and corner of the globe is aware about the connotation of a healthy lifestyle and fitness, medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Acid Reflux, Crohn's disease, Diverticulitis, colitis, leaky gut syndrome, etc. are being increasingly being focused on as they are the common ailments which affects a majority of the populace from all across the world.

All these conditions are related to the abdominal area and largely affect the colon and intestines. The persons who are suffering from these ailments essentially resort to medicines which are not entirely devoid of side effects. This is because not many folks are aware about the Natural Remedies for IBS, Natural Cures for Colitis, Natural Treatment for IBS, Natural Remedies for Diverticulitis, Natural Cures for Acid Reflux, etc. With these herbal remedies for IBS and other medial condition, you will be able to cure the ailment permanently and should not worry about being affected by side effects which can adversely affect you.

What these herbal remedies and natural cures do is rebuild the ruptured and inflamed tissues steadily and bring about a welcome change which is permanent in nature. Natural Cures for Acid Reflux are a painless and happy way to cure your medical condition without involving any medicine or side effects. Let us sneak a quick look through some of the most sought after and popular Natural Cures for Acid Reflux. Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, milk, fruits and vegetable juices is a recommended measure.

Changing your dietary practices to one with high fiber content will also go a long way and do not forget to include apples, almonds, candied ginger, papaya, garlic and a lot more, in your diet. Now let us come down to Diverticulitis Treatment. Diverticulitis Symptoms include sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, abdominal cramping, fever, constipation, Gas, belching, bloating, diarrhea, blood in stools, and a lot more. Now let us come down to some Natural Remedies for Diverticulitis.

Include high fiber content in your diet such as barley, brown rice, garlic, apples, almond, papaya, pear, potatoes; it is also imperative to say no to processed foods. Anti-inflammatory and soothing herbs are also known to proffer endless assistance. caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco should be steered cleared of as they will only worsen your medical condition. The World Wide Web is the best place to find more pertaining and precise information.

Curcumin Information - What is the Correct Curcmin Dosage and Amount to Take?

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.

What About Supplements to Fight Colitis Symptoms?

There is a tendency for people diagnosed with colitis to seek out information and advice about supplements in additional to conventional prescriptive medication as a method to reduce the impact of colitis symptoms. Yet it is entirely wrong to assume that by taking supplements they can somehow automatically replace what your doctor has prescribed for your condition.

What is required is an understanding between the difference between medication that your doctor has prescribed for you to tackle colitis and supplements that can be bought over the counter. These are not classed as prescriptive drugs and they can contain such elements as vitamins and minerals. Their use is not as a substitute for prescribed medication but as an addition to. They are available to be used as a personal choice of the individual to perhaps complement other healthy initiatives.

With regard to utilising methods to reduce colitis symptoms, sufferers often look for supplements that will have the effect of reducing the inflammation in the large colon and increasing the presence of good bacteria. At the present time, medical research is studying whether there is a link between colitis and the role of bacteria in the gut. This has had the effect of raising awareness of the role of probiotics, whereby the patient is attempting to increase the amount of good bacteria found within the large colon.

It is too early to say with any certainty that using such a supplement will specifically reduce the effect colitis has on the large colon but it will provide the body with nourishment it so often needs. It has been found that people with a colon unaffected by colitis do receive a boost to their overall health and bowel function by taking probiotics.

It is important that a discussion is held with your doctor if anything other than prescribed medication is taken. Enquire if taking a particular supplement is safe for those diagnosed with colitis. What must be avoided is for innocently taking supplements that will either conflict with your regular medication to make it less effective or for a supplement to actually create a reaction which in fact exacerbates the symptoms.

It is also important to understand that by taking say, probiotics, there will still be a need for anti inflammatory medication. Think about it, they are not labeled supplements for nothing. It is important not to ignore the fact that they are not substitues for the anti inflammatory and steriod drugs that have been prescribed to you in order to bring and keep colitis under control. For sufferers, it is vital that they know how and when supplements can be used in coordination with other preventative measures by accessing the knowledge and experience of others in order to reduce the impact colitis has on their daily life.

Symptoms for Hypoglycemia

A largely unknown symptom of hypoglycemia (or diabetes) is a fungus infection that, very often, the individual is unlikely to be aware of. The fungus, over time, builds up and unless it is seen on the skin or the sides of your mouth you won't know it is there.

However, it is also unlikely that you develop a skin fungus without also building up fungi inside your body. An internal fungal infection you have probably known is Candidiasis or yeast infection. Candida albicans makes its home chiefly in the intestines and mouth and especially develops after taking antibiotics. These kill off all bacteria (both good and bad) and leave the way clear for the yeast infection to multiply unhindered.

This is where it pays to be alert to symptoms you might have. These symptoms start off mildly and then can become quite debilitating:

• Mental confusion


• Allergic reactions


• Hunger cravings


• Fatigue


• Hyperactivity.

Eventually autoimmune disorders kick in - these can be as serious as ulcerative colitis and generally involve inflammation in various parts of the body for example arthritis is inflammation of the joints.

Another simple fact you should know is that a dieting plan is like a road map and will help you treat hypoglycemia and low blood sugar. Once you have your diet under control you will start to feel better and have more energy in your daily activities.

Note, the above symptoms for yeast infection are similar or the same as those for hypoglycemia. The connection is that hypoglycemia tends to open you wide to candida. How does this come about?

Generally people with hypoglycemia love sugars, refined foods and sodas. These make the body more alkaline. Now what kind of environment does fungus thrive on? Alkaline. And what kind of foods do fungi rely upon? The sugars from the excessive Western refined and processed diets.

To compound the problem, once you have a thriving population of sugar eating bacteria, they put increased demand on your cell's sugar supplies. And before you know it the fungus is adding to your hypoglycemic woes.

Daily exercise and walking are essential to keep hypoglycemia under control. By keeping active you allow your blood sugar to stay at a healthy level which is very important.

So if you find a fungus on your nails or suspect candidiasis then ask yourself the important question how and why did it arrive? What lies behind it? Perhaps hypoglycemia is slowly percolating in the background.

The Benefits of Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides

Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides or AMP are said to be long sequences of sugar molecules that are separately made up of mannose and glucose sugar molecules that are linked together. These AMP molecules are only one of the many, many constituents that can be found in the plant called Aloe Vera. What one has to understand is that it is the AMP in the Aloe Vera that is the only ingredient that is accountable for all the different healing properties that the Aloe Vera has been credited with. This helps in many areas of medicine especially in the autoimmune and the gastrointestinal sections of medicine.

In actual fact the mucopolysaccharides are a substance that is produced inside the human body and is accountable for the performance of many vital functions in your body. The sad part is that, once you attain puberty the production of this substance comes to a halt and the body has to look for other sources to attain it.

The Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides have very many benefits. it is anti-inflammatory thereby reducing and controlling inflammation, it helps to control the recurrence of diseases, in is an excellent intracellular antioxidant. It has high anti-bacterial and anti-viral functions, it helps to enhance the growth of tissues, improves cellular metabolism, augments the working of the immune system and adds on to the number of immune cells and is one of the natural, non-toxic substances that is said to have absolutely no side effects.

Studies have proved that the Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides can be broken into various chain lengths like small, medium, large and very large chains and it is said that each different length of chain can exclusively offer its own healing properties. As word spreads more and more people are turning to the many healing powers of this great miracle herb that seems to have no end to the hundreds of medical properties that it contains.

Colonic Hydrotherapy - How Effective Are They?

Colonic hydrotherapy, also known as colonic irrigation is used to bring back your colon to life. Colon hydrotherapy is offered to those individuals who have experienced problems with their colon like irregular bowel movements, etc. Trained professionals who conduct colonic hydrotherapy to the individuals are known as colonic hydrotherapists. Usually, in colonic hydrotherapy low-pressure (artificially created) water is used to treat the individuals with the professional guidance of a colonic hydrotherapist assisted by the usage of special colon hydrotherapy equipment.

Intestinal cleansers are available in the market to prepare the individuals for colonic hydrotherapy. In case, the individual's colon is in a irreparable condition that is to say, his/her colon is seriously damaged then it is advisable not to use an intestinal cleanser. Choose an authentic colon hydro therapist for the treatment. A colonic hydrotherapy is much safer and effective than an ordinary enema when guided by a genuine colon hydro therapist. When compared to enema, colon hydro therapy is more efficient because in enema the entire stretch of colon is not cleaned whereas in colonic hydro therapy whole of the colon is cleaned without much pain or danger, so colonic hydro therapy is recommended for people who are looking forward for a total cleansing of their colon.

Colon hydrotherapy treatment is painless and relaxing. People find it affordable, effortless and instantaneous when compared to other colon cleansing programs. Though several kinds of herbal medicines and supplements are available in the market for cleansing colon, colon hydrotherapy has proved to be immensely useful, less painful and easily accessible. In a colonic hydro therapy treatment emphasis is laid on cleansing the large intestine. For treating small intestine herbal medicines are administered to the individuals orally. If you are unable to make up your mind regarding colonic hydro therapy, consult your doctor and discuss it with him. People with certain kind of diseases and ailments like -ulcerative colitis, rectal tumors, Crohn's disease, and diverticulitis are advised not to opt for a colonic hydro therapy. Colonic hydro therapy will cause side-effects to such people and can prove to be harmful also at times. Hence, consult the physician before you start off with the colonic hydro therapy treatment.

A colonic hydro therapy session lasts only for an hour. Colonic hydro therapy is extremely quick and result-oriented when compared to other colon cleansing rituals.

Colon hydro therapy uses specific standard, sterilized and disposable equipment for treating the individuals. So, you need not worry about the safety and reliability of the colonic hydro therapy machinery. Women can opt for Colonic hydro therapy sessions on any day of their lives, even when they are menstruating. This lessens the trouble and makes it easy for the women who usually worry about their menstrual periods while opting for any treatment or medication.

For the best colonic hydro therapy treatment brace yourself with a smile and walk into the therapy center positively. The colonic hydrotherapy treatment would be over even before you even contemplate worrying about the procedure.

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What Are the Benefits of Probiotics?

There has been a growing hype about the use of probiotic supplements around the globe because of their effectiveness in promoting the fitness and wellness of the users. Basically, probiotics are live microorganisms that resemble the qualities of live and beneficial microorganisms which thrive in the human gut. Probiotics are considered as friendly and good bacteria. According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are live microorganisms which can either be a virus, bacteria or fungi, that provide a number of health benefits to the host when taken in adequate amount only. Scientists believe that probiotics are helpful in keeping healthy people healthy. So what are the benefits of probiotics?

Many health professional strongly recommend probiotic therapy in treating a number of illness such as vaginal infection, urinary infection in women and in delaying allergies among children. Probiotic therapy is also beneficial in lessening the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

When there is an imbalance between the amount of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract, probiotic play a major role in alleviating the discomforts which the imbalance can bring about. Inappropriate intake of antibiotics can kill good and bad bacteria in the gut which can lead to a number of side effects such as diarrhea, cramping and gas. Many people take probiotics to offset these adverse effects. Probiotics can also help in improving the symptoms of lactose intolerance which is characterized by the absence of enzyme that digests milk.

Probiotics suppress the growth of fungi, yeasts, disease-causing bacteria and parasites that trigger the onset of infectious diarrhea, skin infection, stomach infection, irritable bowel syndrome, tooth decay, periodontal disease, infection caused by Helicobacter pylori, vaginal infection, and respiratory infections. Probiotics are even known to be effective in eliminating parasites and viruses that can trigger illness.

Results of scientific researches show that probiotics enhance the immune system of an individual. Probiotics produce a mildly acidic environment which is unfavorable for disease-causing bacteria to thrive into. They also stimulate the production of antibodies such as B-lymphocyte that helps the body fight against different kinds of infection. Furthermore, probiotics stimulate the body's natural capacity to produce alpha-interferon that regulates the body's immune response.

These beneficial microorganisms also play a major role in helping the patients cope with the adverse side effects of antibiotics and in reducing the risk of developing cancer. Probiotics are considered to be effective in easing the symptoms of certain medical conditions such as hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol level, weak immune system, oral health, necrotizing enterocolitis and kidney stones.

Other benefits of probiotics include treatment of urinary tract infection, diarrhea caused by rotavirus, and pouchitis that may require surgery in order to remove the colon. These microorganisms are also beneficial in reducing the recurrence of bladder cancer, in treating an intestinal infection triggered by Clostridium difficile and in preventing the recurrence of atopic dermatitis or eczema among children.

Probiotics also break down hydrocarbons into quantities which can be absorbed by the human digestive tract. This can improve cellular growth and development and at the same time provide additional nutrition for the human body. These microorganisms are also responsible in cleaning the digestive tract and in getting rid of any unwanted substance and accumulated decay out of the body.

Furthermore, probiotics significantly increase the availability of essential vitamins and minerals in the body such as Vitamin K, fatty acids, lactase, Vitamin B and calcium. Probiotics are even capable of strengthening the immune system which reduces the risk of an individual to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies and systemic candida.

Written by: Julia

Why I Prescribe Antibiotics

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.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms 101 - How Do I Get Rid of Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?

Ulcerative colitis symptoms represent a broad array of physical problems and can actually be affected by many aspects including diet, genes, age and mental attitude. It is often associated with ulcerative colitis but can even be linked to other intestinal ailments.

If you're suffering from ulcerative colitis symptoms, and doubtful about what they are or how to take care of them, here are a few helpful tips to understanding this painful disease and what you could possibly do to get back to healthy life.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a swelling of the large intestine that may many times be a persistent situation. The exact factor for the problem is not known but many studies are being performed on the genetics linked to the problem.

There are a number of ulcerative colitis symptoms such as rectal bleeding, acute pain and diarrhea. Some sufferers may only have the rectal bleeding symptom while some with more severe inflammation may even feel urgency to relieve themselves and even pain when they use the bathroom.

Treatment

Once diagnosed, there are various treatment solutions, depending on the acuteness. Patients may be prescribed medicines in order to treat the problem.

The medications should help reduce the risks attached to the problem and strengthen the patient's overall well being. (Medications include anti-inflammatory agents and combination that suppress the body's immune system so as to decrease inflammation.)

Surgery?

Surgery may also be recommended for patients. If a patient does not improve with medications, has a long-standing condition, or has suffered for several years with no improvement, surgery may be the best choice.

Standard surgical treatments include extracting the entire colon and the rectum. Stool can be collected in a bag. In recent times, however, surgeries have been developed in order to make it easy for stools to pass through the anus again, making it much less disturbing.

Diet and Ulcerative Colitis

Many patients think that special diets could help ease their pain and suffering. To date, however, no single diet has been identified to slow the development of the problem to a concluding basis. (Although I've observed, as an ulcerative colitis patient, that diets can control the pain.)

You should, of course, start eating a well-balanced, healthy diet and restrict saturated fats to risk flare-ups. Some patients may be sensitive to various food items; constant tryout of which foods cause which reaction is helpful and very important.

Future

Research is ongoing on the disease so as to find prescription drugs with more positive impacts and fewer unwanted effects. Surgical developments are also being made. In the future, adults with bowel problems may even be able to receive vaccine shots to aid their trouble. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Bowel Movement Bleeding - 6 Possible Causes in the Rectum

Bloody (not the expletive) pertinently depicts bowel movement bleeding. Down the legs and into the toilet bowl, bright red drops of blood drip. Red blood oozes from the surface of stools. Toilet tissue may be stained by scarlet red blood. Our hearts may skip a beat in alarm. What is going on?

There is no need to be unduly alarmed yet as the hemorrhaging (technical jargon for bleeding) may be the result of any one of 6 likely reasons. As annoying as they are to our daily lives, most of the 6 causes are not severe and treatable if approached correctly. Nevertheless, complacency is not wise. Monitor closely. If bleeding persists more than a week, accompanied by pain, visit a medical doctor right away.

A proper diagnosis will identify the exact cause so that correct treatment can be administered to solve the problem. More alarmingly, bowel movement bleeding may be the consequence of some form of cancer.

Melena or Hematochezia

Rectal bleeding is referred to medically as melena (tarry or sticky black colored stools) or hematochezia (maroon colored or bright red blood). Termed as rectal because the bleeding exits the body via the rectum, the 6 causes are proctitis, anorectal fistulae, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

Proctitis

Proctitis is medically listed in the IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) group which includes the small intestine and the colon or large intestine. Inflammation by itself is a positive bodily reaction to heal wounded tissue. Inflammation is a double-edged sword, triggering off healing of wounded tissue but causing tissue weakening if left unfettered. Ulcers cause proctitis in the rectum by eroding the mucous membrane lining.

Among other symptoms, bowel movement bleeding is a common encounter. The elimination of proctitis as the cause of rectal bleeding is critical as at an advanced stage, the rectum can become perforated.

Anorectal Fistulae

Between two or more unconnected internal organs, an anorectal fistula is a passageway that cuts right through. It can continue all the way until it reaches the surface of nearby skin. An anorectal fissure has its opening at the anal surface. The discharge of urine and stools via this fistula is not unheard of.

The leading causes of anorectal fistulae are inflammatory bowel diseases, chiefly Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis. Apart from infection pus, bowel movement bleeding is also one of the symptoms.

Fistulae must be accurately diagnosed as it can be due to peritonitis (abdominal lining inflammation) which can be life-threatening. Surgery and antibiotic therapy are usual treatment methods following tracing of the fistula's complete path.

Anal Fissures

Fissure or tear, they mean the same thing. Undue physical strain during constipation usually result in an anal fissure, a tear around the opening of the anus. Hassle-free bowel motion is contingent upon the external and internal anal sphincter muscles being in a relaxed state. Fissures may worsen as they cause the internal sphincter muscle to break into bouts of spasms. A dangerous cycle develops resulting in added pain and bowel movement bleeding.

A change in diet to reduce constipation coupled with medication (lidocaine or hydrocortisone) may relieve the pain, inflammation and the harmful spasms.

Rectal Prolapse

An ancient sickness, the earliest recorded rectal prolapse was in 1500 B.C.! Afflicting largely aged women, this condition is characterised by the rectum hanging visibly out of the anus. Weakened muscles, including external and internal sphincter muscles, and ligaments fail to hold the rectum in its place.

Constant constipation, persistent diarrhea, severe pelvic floor descent and strenuous bowel movements are common attendant symptoms. Frequently, the only solution is surgery.

Internal & External Hemorrhoids

Notwithstanding the above weighty narration, it may be ironic relief that the most frequent reason for bowel movement bleeding is hemorrhoids, both internal and external.

Diarrhea Treatment Methods That Work

Diarrhea affects a lot of people everyday, whether we admit it or not. It is a serious bowel and stomach illness that almost everyone has experienced. Diarrhea refers to the frequent discharge of loose stools due to improper absorption, or lack thereof, of water from digested matter by the intestines. The stools vary in color and sometimes contain blood and undigested food particles. Luckily, it can be treated right away by different diarrhea treatment methods.

There are actually different causes for diarrhea but the most common is viral infection in the intestines. The infection causes the intestines to absorb less liquid which results to the food and liquid just passing through the intestines and then being released by the body faster at a much faster rate.

Some causes of diarrhea are food that was improperly prepared, as well as contaminated water, parasitic infections, and intestinal diseases. There actually is no cure for diarrhea since the underlying causes vary from person to person, which is why doctors focus on curing the effects of diarrhea, like dehydration.

Normally, diarrhea will go away by itself but a prolonged suffering from diarrhea must be treated immediately since it could result to the patient losing vital nutrients and minerals. The simplest home diarrhea treatment, therefore, is to drink lots of water to replace what you have lost as a result of the diarrhea. You can also try mixing in sugar and salt to your lemonade and then drinking it every few minutes. A number of people suffering from diarrhea have also found Gatorade is a good way to replace lost electrolytes due to dehydration.

Likewise, people suffering from diarrhea should also avoid drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol because they can worsen dehydration. Milk as well as greasy and dry food should also be avoided as it can prolong and worsen the condition; instead, eat yogurt rich in probiotic to ease the symptoms of diarrhea. The BRAT diet is also advisable. The letters of BRAT stand for banana, rice, apple, and dry toast, the major types of food that are considered an effective diarrhea treatment for both children and adults.

Diarrhea that has been going on for more than a day, especially if there is already blood present in the stool or if the stool appears to be black in color, requires a visit to your doctor. Your doctor would then, most likely, prescribe rehydration solutions as a diarrhea treatment to keep your body from getting dehydrated. Tests would be performed to check the cause of your diarrhea. This is done to ensure that your diarrhea is not a symptom of a larger health problem.

In the most severe dehydration cases brought about by diarrhea, the patient needs to be hooked up to an IV in order to replace lost body fluids. Also, children under three months must be rushed to the hospital right away to get diarrhea treatment. If not given early medical attention, there is a high probability that the baby would get dehydrated and die.

Steroids Used for the Treatment of Asthma and the Treatment of Crohns Disease

Budesonide

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

Uses

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

Brand Names

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

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

Pharmacology

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

Side Effects

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

Change in mucus color

Coughing

Dry mouth

Lightheadedness

Muscle cramps

Nasal irritation

Nausea

Nose bleeds

Rash

Sore throat

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

Breathing difficulty

Facial swelling

Irregular menstrual periods

Severe acne

White patches in the mouth

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

Contraindications

The following drugs can cause significant interactions with budesonide:

Clarithromycin

Erythromycin

Ketoconazole

Indinavir

Itraconazole

Nefazodone

Nelfinavir

Ritonavir

Telithromycin

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

Colon Cancer and Good Nutritional Needs

Colon cancer is often called the silent killer because it grows for years in the lower intestine before it is large enough to create symptoms. Colorectal cancer is also one of the most preventable of the hundreds of types of cancer but is said to affect around 96,000 people in the United States ever year. While prevention is the key, once the cancer is detected, early treatment can be effective and typically involves surgery to remove the cancer itself as well as chemotherapy, radiation or a treatment. A healthy diet will also be key to recovery and to remaining cancer free as well. In fact, a healthy diet is crucial to prevention of colon cancer in the first place.

The symptoms that you feel with colon may depend on where the tumor is growing and how large it has become and can include fatigue and weakness (right side of the colon) or alternating constipation and diarrhea, a nagging abdominal pain and blood streaked or black appearing stools. There are several tests that are recommended for all people, starting at age 40 and those in the high risk categories should be tested more frequently or may need to start getting tested sooner. The earlier this cancer is found the easier its treatment may be.

A digital rectal exam should be done as part of the annual physical every year starting at 40. The fecal occult blood test should be done every year after age 50. A flexible sigmoidoscopy which not only looks for but can remove precancerous polyps should be done every three to five years, depending on risk factors, after age 50. A barium enema may also be recommended with suspicious or inconclusive results suggesting the need for a colonoscopy, however experts are now suggesting that the barium enema step be skipped and the colonoscopy performed at regular intervals instead.

The high risk category for colon cancer includes: those who have had precancerous or cancerous polyps in the past, family history of colon cancer before age 60 or those who themselves have had ovarian or endometrial cancer before age 50. Heredity plays a role in about 20% of all colon cancers in the United States, however there are other risk factors as well. These include: inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A diet that is high in fat but low in fiber is also a major risk factor for the disease.

The Best Colon Cancer Prevention Diet

A high fiber, low fat diet is the best way to prevent colon cancer and should include a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get a rainbow of vitamins and minerals for all the antioxidant power. Fiber is thought to help harmful compounds get pushed through the digestive system before they have a chance to cause any kind of harm and before they get a chance to settle into the walls of the intestine and start building any of the growths that can turn to cancer. The aim of the high fiber diet is to produce one significant bowel movement or more, every day. Good sources of fiber include beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You can opt for a fiber supplement if you are afraid that you are not getting enough.

In addition to plenty of fiber, your healthy diet should include enough water and sources of water to prevent constipation. When fiber is eaten it swells and becomes bulky as it heads down the digestive tract. It sweeps the intestinal walls as it goes, picking up the waste products and harmful substances that have been left behind from previous meals.

Without enough water, the stools can become hard and will not flow through the system correctly leading to constipation and possibly to an impaction. (A fecal impaction can lead to a serious medical emergency which may, if warranted, require surgery.) Just as you can tell that you are getting enough fiber if you have to move your bowels at least once per day, you can tell if you are getting enough water if you have to urinate every two to three hours. The urine should be very light in color with no discernible odor. (Dark, concentrated urine and a strong odor can indicate a bladder infection even without other symptoms).

Red meat should be avoided with protein coming from lean, healthier choices including plant proteins. Red meats are high in dangerous saturated fats and calories. You can eat a small portion of red meat if you cannot give it up completely, however it should be limited to once or twice a week at most. The same suggestion goes for alcohol, which should also be limited to only a drink or two, a week.

A healthy diet should also include enough of the minerals calcium and magnesium which may need to be supplemented in some cases, to make sure that there is enough in the system. Be wary of alternative cures or treatments that suggest that you can take excessively high doses of certain vitamins and be cancer free without surgery or other treatments, not only have they been shown not to work, they may be even more dangerous in the long run.

Your healthy diet should start with the basics of all good nutrition: proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Proteins -- Protein is a part of every single cell in the body and is needed for the role it plays in every function. While it is necessary to build and repair lean muscle mass, protein is also important to sleep, digestion and the act of ovulation. We can get our protein from foods and from protein supplements and we should get the right amount determined by our age, our gender, our health and our activity level. A good guideline is about.6 grams per kilogram of body weight and the American Heart Association recommends that we get no more than 35% of our daily calories from protein of any source.

Protein comes from two sources, plants and animals. Animal proteins are all complete because they supply the eight essential amino acids that humans cannot produce in their own body. These eight (leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methione, tryptophan, phenylalanine and lysine) are broken down during digestion and used to make other amino acids, hormones and enzymes to be used throughout the body. Animal proteins include both meat and non-meat sources and should be as lean as possible. The egg is considered to be the perfect protein and all others are evaluated against it. All of the protein in the egg is digested and used by the body giving it a 100% on the bioavailability score. Low fat milk, cheese and other dairy products are good sources of protein, calcium and other nutrients. Low fat milk, especially chocolate milk has been called one of the perfect after-exercise drinks because it can help in muscle recovery.

Plant proteins are not complete, with the exception of soy because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. It is a myth that vegetarians or vegans are protein deficient, as long as they are getting a variety of plant materials, especially soy, they will get more than enough protein. Soy protein also has the benefit of being heart healthy and can help to lower the blood cholesterol as part of a healthy diet.

Protein supplements can be added and are especially beneficial to those who have gone through surgery for colon cancer. The body needs extra protein when it is ill or recovering as well as for those who are going through chemotherapy and/or radiation. The supplement that you choose should have plenty of protein, other nutrients and be appealing so that you will actually drink it.

Pseudomembranous Colitis - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon that occurs mostly in adults who have received antibiotics. Common symptoms of this condition include watery diarrhea; abdominal cramps; high fever; urgency for bowel movement; nausea; dehydration; and blood, pus or mucous in the stools. Antibiotic use, age over 65 years, a weakened immune system, inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, intestinal surgery and cancer chemotherapy, are risk factors for this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of pseudomembranous colitis is aimed at controlling the diarrhea, reducing inflammation in the intestines and preventing complications like perforation. Ayurvedic medicines like Kutaj-Ghan-Vati, Kutaj-Parpati, Praval-Panchamrut, Panchamrut-Parpati, Kutajarishta, Bilva-avaleha and Laghu-Sutshekhar-Ras are used to treat the diarrhea. Herbal medicines which can be used for this purpose include Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Dadim (Pomegranate), Maiphal (Quercus infectoria), Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans), Lavang (Eugenia caryophyllata), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata).

Patients who do not respond to the above mentioned medicines can be given additional medicines like Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis), Rakta-Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus), Pittapapda (Fumaria vaillantii), Shankh-Bhasma and Praval-Bhasma. Medicines like Kamdudha-Ras and Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) can be used to prevent perforation in the intestine. Medicines like Ras-Parpati, Kutaj-Parpati and Panchamrut-Parpati are effective both for treating the diarrhea as well as helping the normal bacteria to grow again in the intestines.

Patients affected with pseudomembranous colitis have a tendency to relapse several times. Medicines like Panchamrut-Parpati and Suvarna-Parpati can be given to prevent this. Medicines like Bilva-avaleha and Kutajarishta can also be given for this purpose on a long term basis. Pomegranate juice, curd and buttermilk are recommended for this condition. It is important to treat dehydration in order to prevent complications like circulatory collapse, toxic megacolon and kidney failure.

Facts and Important Uses For Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera heals burns, scalds, relieves sunburn, treats minor wounds. As a healing plant, aloe is something of a celebrity. Across America, the spiky plant sits on untold numbers of kitchen windowsills, just waiting. Waiting for what? A spattered bit of grease, a careless moment at the oven, and the inner gel of the aloe leaves gets called into service as a burn salve. Even scientists take advantage of this simple home remedy.

Most household burns and scalds, and many other minor mishaps, occur in the kitchen. With an aloe plant close by, it's easy to snip off one the thick, fleshy leaves, slit it open and squeeze the clear gel onto the injury. "Aloe gel dries into a natural bandage, It also promotes healing and helps keep burns from becoming infected." Aloe has a long history as a healer. Around 1500 BC, the ancient Egyptians began using aloe as a powerful laxative and a treatment for skin problems. When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, he learned that an island off Somalia teemed with aloes. He immediately seized it to guarantee a supply of the wound treatment for his troops, while keeping the herb from his enemies. Arab traders carried aloe from Spain to Asia around the sixth century. Traditional Indian Ayurvedic doctors and Chinese physicians quickly adopted it as a laxative and skin treatment. American pioneers used aloe gel to treat wounds, burns, hemorrhoids and rashes.

Scientific validation of aloe's wound-healing power dates from the 1930s, when radiologists noticed that aloe gel scooped straight from the cut leaves of the plant hastened the healing of x-ray burns. Since then, many studies have confirmed the herb's ability to promote healing of cuts, frostbite and first- and second-degree burns.

"Aloe contains allantoin, a substance that speeds wound healing," says Alan R. Gaby, M.D., a Baltimore physician who practices nutritional and natural medicine and is president of the American Holistic Medical Association.

One chemical in this herb - aloe-emodin - "has anti-tumor activity," according to James A. Duke, Ph.D., a botanist retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Aloe is not currently used to treat cancer, but one day it might be. And some derivatives of aloe are also being studies for both anti-AIDS and anti-cancer potential.

How To Use Aloe Vera

Before applying aloe to burns of cuts, wash thoroughly with soap and water. For minor burns, scalds, sunburns or cuts, select a lower (older) leaf, cut off several inches and slice it lengthwise. Scoop out the gel, apply it liberally to the affected area and allow it to dry. (The injured aloe leaf quickly closes its own wound. Periodic leaf-snipping does not harm the plant.)

Aloe gel is safe for external use by anyone who does not develop an allergic reaction. If your skin shows signs of redness or irritation after using aloe, discontinue use.

Even if you have a brown thumb, you can grow aloes. They need little water and no care other than good drainage and a temperature above 40 degrees F. They prefer sun but tolerate shade, and they don't mind poor soil. Aloes produce offshoots, which may be removed and replanted when they are a few inches tall. Simply uproot or un pot the plant, work the soil gently to separate the offshoot and return the parent plant to its bed or pot.

Aloe Vera and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a plant originally found in Africa. It has thick cactus-like green long leaves which contain a gel and also a yellow residue known as latex. It is this gel that contains all the medicinal values of Aloe. All the medicinal features of it are found in Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides (AMP). Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules consisting of separate mannose and glucose sugar molecules linked together.

With its incredible medicinal properties Aloe vera is used in the treatment of grave diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) all ailments caused due to the inflammation of the digestive tract between intestine and rectum. Aloe is considered to be a natural remedy for these conditions because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Let us now take a look at how exactly aloe vera heals these conditions.

Every cell, tissue and organ of your body is benefited by AMP (Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide) molecules in Aloe-Vera. Primarily and most importantly, this medicine functions as a highly potent anti-inflammatory drug. It directly tackling the inflammation in the digestive tract, aloe vera successfully helps in removing diarrhea and constipation. Similarly, using its property as an intercellular antioxidant Aloe-Vera detoxifies your body rather naturally by repairing and rebuilding the protective mucosa membrane along the bowel walls and fixing damaged tissue from mouth to rectum.

Moreover it helps your body in digestion, better absorption of digested food and even better assimilation of absorbed food into your body. Also it helps restore and balance the optimum functioning of your immune system. Complete with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides provide a wide range of benefits to your body while helping maintain good health without any serious side effects.

Colitis in Pets

Colitis

What is colitis?

Colitis is inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. Colitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in dogs. It does occur in cats, although less often.

What are the symptoms of colitis?

Animals with colitis will have diarrhea, often with mucus or fresh blood in the stool. When the colon becomes inflamed, the pet feels an urgency to have a bowel movement. So, a dog or cat with colitis will often have inappropriate accidents in the house and even after the colon is empty, may continue to strain as if trying to go. This nonproductive straining can be confusing to an owner who often misinterprets this symptom as constipation.

What causes colitis?

There are various causes including parasites, bacterial infections, and dietary problems. The most common cause of colitis is stress. This stress is often associated with activities that are scary to the pet like boarding, guests in the house, and thunderstorms.

How is colitis treated?

If the specific cause can be determined, therapy is directed at the source. For instance, if an infection is found, antibiotics are prescribed. Reducing the inflammation in the colon is also important. High fiber diets are also very helpful in the treatment and in the prevention of colitis.

What should an owner do if they suspect their dog has colitis?

Seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Avoid events that you know may be stressful for your dog. Ask your veterinarian for a higher fiber diet, specially if your dog seems prone to colitis.

Kill Anaerobic (Low Oxygen) Bacteria With Antibiotics

Flagyl is an effective and valued defense against bacterial infection. The generic name for Flagyl is metronidazole.

The Flagyl antibiotic is used to effectively kill anaerobic (low oxygen) bacteria and certain parasites in humans.

Areas of the body which may harbor anaerobic bacteria include the liver, abdomen, and pelvis. Infections within these regions that are commonly treated with the antibiotic Flagyl are:

- Bacterial peritonitis (of the abdomen)

- Abscesses of the liver

- Abscesses of the ovaries and fallopian tubes

- Bacterial infections of the brain

In addition, Flagyl may be used to treat bacterial infections of the stomach, skin, joints, and respiratory tract infections.

Flagyl may also be chosen in the treatment of parasitic infections such as Giardia lambia and ameba, both of which may cause abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea. Patients taking Flagyl to treat a Giardia infection must follow up with their health care professional to ensure complete eradication of the parasite.

Infections not included in Flagyl labeling, but which Flaygl may be chosen to treat include:

- Colitis associated with antibiotic use

- Balantidiasis

- Dental infections

- Gastritis or ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori

- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)

Flagyl may be prescribed to treat other infections at the discretion of a medical doctor.

Flagyl is generally safe for use by all ages, including premature infants, newborn infants, children, teens, and adults. Flagyl may however cause adverse effects in unborn babies and so it is not used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Likewise, Flagyl is not recommended for breast feeding mothers as adverse effects can occur in nursing infants.

Flagyl may be used prior to, during, and following certain medical procedures to treat or prevent bacterial infection. Patients may be prescribed antibiotic Flagyl before and during bowel surgery. Flagyl may also be prescribed to male and female carriers of trichominiasis even if symptoms of infection are not present in order to eradicate the invader and prevent infection.

Flagyl is subject to allergic reaction and side-effects, although side-effects with Flagyl are generally rare and the drug is usually well tolerated. Side effects may include numbness, tingling, pain, swelling, tenderness, dizziness, irritation, and unpleasant taste in the mouth; very rarely, seizures may result from Flagyl use. Any unpleasant or serious side-effects should be reported to your doctor so that appropriate action can be taken.

Flagyl can be affected by and can affect other medical conditions, and may interact with other medications, so it is important to share your complete medical history with your doctor.

Flagyl is an antibiotic that works best when constant levels of the drug are maintained in the bloodstream, so proper dosing schedules of Flagyl should be maintained to the best of your ability.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis - Two Different Diseases

The inflammatory bowel disease is a grouping of chronic gastrointestinal disorders that cause inflammation and ulceration on the digestive tract or bowels and can lead to many medical symptoms and signs, including abdominal pain, tiredness, fever, watery stools, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two most commonly occurring inflammatory bowel diseases. Although most of the symptoms of both these abdominal diseases are more or less same, these two diseases are two different medical conditions and require different treatment modalities. A brief explanation of the symptoms and other characteristics can be greatly helpful to understand the differences between these two inflammatory bowel diseases.

The Crohn's disease is a persistent inflammatory condition of the digestive tract and can affect anyplace from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, mostly causes inflammation in the innermost lining of the colon and the rectum. In some individuals it affects the ileum, the last part of the intestine.

Ulcerative colitis normally causes pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. Patients with Crohn's disease usually feel pain in their right lower abdominal quadrant. It typically creates patches of inflammation in an intermittent pattern in one or more organs of the alimentary canal, while colitis produces continuous inflammation in the colon and rectum.

A gastroenterologist performs a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to identify whether the patient suffers from these bowel diseases. If the colon shows a thickened, cobblestone appearance, it can be concluded that the patient is having Crohn's disease. Likewise, granulomas or lesions of inflamed cells are commonly found in Crohn's while they are absent in ulcerative colitis.

In the patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcers occur only on the inner lining of the large intestine. The Crohn's disease ulcerations are deep and can penetrate into all layers of intestinal walls. Similarly, this disease can sometimes lead to many other complications, such as fissures, traumas, and fistulas.

Another interesting difference between these two diseases is that when smoking is a risk factor for the Crohn's disease and can lead to relapse of this disease, ulcerative colitis is regarded as no-smoker's disease as in some people smoking can be protective against it.

Sometimes, the inflammatory bowel disease is confused with another common gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. The irritable bowel syndrome also has symptoms like abdominal bloating, pain, intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and weight loss. However, this medical condition is not as serious as inflammatory bowel disease, but it can affect the quality of life of a patient.

Abdominal Cramps and Diarrhea

Abdominal cramps and diarrhea are symptoms that may come with various diseases. These diseases include gastritis, food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome, parasitic infections, diverticulitis, and traveler's diarrhea. Diarrhea is a disease where a person suffers from abnormal bowel movements. A bowel movement would be considered abnormal if it occurs more than thrice in a day. Abdominal cramps are caused by spasms or muscle contractions.

It can be said that abdominal cramps and diarrhea tells us about the irritation that our colon or the digestive system faces for various reasons. It is often said that it is through diarrhea that our body frees itself from various unwanted substances. Bacterial infections can also trigger diarrhea.

In short, what we eat has lot to do with abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Eating of unhygienic or under prepared food items often causes food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastritis. People who have allergies from various foodstuffs can also suffer from diarrhea.

Apart from the above mentioned cases, abdominal cramps are seen in women who are undergoing their menopause. This is a period of their life cycle when they undergo some biological changes and that may cause the cramps on the muscles of the abdomen. Women who are having their period also suffer this kind of cramps.

Abdominal cramps can also signify infections of the colon. This is the reason that such cramps are one of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. However, a patient of this disease also suffers from blood diarrhea.

Quite often a person suffering from diarrhea and abdominal cramp can also have feelings of nausea. There are antibiotics that can control these cramps and diarrhea. It is also very important that one should keep his body hydrated during diarrhea.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Lead a hygienic and healthy life style and you will not suffer from abdominal cramps and diarrhea too often.

The Thyroid Adrenal Pancreas Connection

The Thyroid-Adrenal-Pancreas Axis

In addition to gastrointestinal and blood sugar disorders, adrenal gland dysfunction is the most commonly seen imbalance in today's society. Adrenal gland imbalances are also one of the major factors that cause thyroid hormone imbalance. Stress from work, relationships, electronics, poor diet choices such as consumption of refined carbohydrates and trans fats, infections, and environmental toxins all contribute to adrenal disorders.

The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are about the size of a walnut and lie on top of the kidneys. The outer adrenal cortex comprises eighty percent of the gland and produces many hormones including cortisol and DHEA from cholesterol. Ninety percent of the cholesterol in the body is made by the liver and only ten percent comes from the diet. Cholesterol converts into the hormone pregnenolone in the adrenal cortex which then converts to cortisol, the stress hormone, or DHEA, the sex hormone source, immune enhancer and anabolic. Cortisol is our "fight or flight" stress hormone. Cortisol slows down digestion, suppresses immune function and raises blood sugar as a survival mechanism when we are under stress. The problem arises when this becomes chronic and over time, elevated cortisol will tear down your body. Cortisol is secreted on a circadian rhythm with highest production in the morning that slowly tapers off as the day progresses. Sleep is when our bodies repair and rejuvenate but high cortisol during sleep will prevent this from happening.

Hormones Secreted by the Adrenal Glands

DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor to estrogens, progesterone and testosterone. DHEA is extremely important for immune system function and anabolic (building up) processes in the body. DHEA levels begin to decline after age thirty-five but cortisol can remain elevated during continuing periods of stress. Low DHEA levels are also found in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and of course, thyroid disorders.

Healthy adrenal glands are required for the conversion of inactive T4 into active T3.
When the adrenals have reached a state of fatigue, they are no longer producing sufficient cortisol or DHEA. This leaves individuals more susceptible to chronic diseases from an inability to compensate for the stresses they encounter on a daily basis. It is very important to treat the adrenal glands before commencing treatment of the thyroid. Increasing thyroid hormone production while the adrenals are in fatigue can overwhelm the adrenals and lead to further exhaustion. I have found that once the adrenal glands are healthy and the other related system/factors associated with thyroid imbalance are optimized, there is no need to treat the thyroid directly.

The inner medulla produces adrenalin and noradrenalin also known as norepinephrine and epinephrine. The cortex is under the control of hormones produced in the brain and the medulla is under the control of the nervous system.

Healthy adrenal glands are vital for women who are peri- and post-menopausal. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing the majority of sex hormones in a menopausal woman once the ovaries stop functioning. If the adrenal glands are fatigued and not ready for menopause, there will be an exaggeration of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, sleep problems, bone loss, mood swings, depression, anxiety, loss of sex drive and vaginal dryness. Healthy adrenals ensure an easy transition into menopause and beyond. A vast majority of the women I see in practice approach menopause with adrenal fatigue leading to severe menopausal symptoms and hormone dysfunction.

Aldosterone
Aldosterone is produced by the cortex and causes sodium absorption and potassium excretion. Low salt diets and high water intake put a major stress on the adrenal glands to retain as much salt as possible as the blood becomes more diluted from the extra water intake. One of the easiest ways to maintain healthy adrenals is to consume a half- teaspoon of unrefined celtic sea salt every morning with a few glasses of water. It's important to consume half of your bodyweight in ounces of water every day but it must be balanced with salt to remove stress from the adrenal glands.

Cortisol
Cortisol is also produced by the cortex which increases blood sugar when it is low or if the body is under stress. Cortisol will cause glucose production in the liver or it will strip muscle tissue of protein to make glucose. Excess cortisol over long periods of time can increase the risk of diabetes due to prolonged blood sugar elevations.

Adrenaline
Adrenaline produced by the adrenal medulla will also raise blood sugar if there is stress on the body. Adrenaline will also increase fat circulation so that it can be burned as energy. This is not a good scenario for someone who is sitting at a desk and under major stress. Large amounts of fat and sugar floating in the bloodstream should be utilized to run from a saber-toothed tiger which is our built-in survival mechanism. If there is no activity, the excess sugar will be converted into fat and stored mainly around the mid-section, hips and thighs.

The adrenal cortex communicates with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus reads the amount of circulating hormones and tells the pituitary to make hormones that directly tell the cortex to make hormones. This is called the HPA axis or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

All hormones are secreted on a circadian rhythm over a 24-hour period. Cortisol is especially representative of this rhythm as cortisol production is the highest in the early morning and then slowly tapers off as the day progresses. Cortisol levels are lowest at night so that the body can repair itself to the best of its ability. You lose two-thirds of your stored sugar while sleeping and cortisol production ensures balanced blood sugar during the night. If the adrenals are fatigued, you may have trouble staying asleep as the body will make adrenaline to raise blood sugar due to inadequate cortisol production which is enough to wake you up. If your adrenals are in overdrive with too much cortisol production, then you probably have trouble falling asleep. If you are a slow starter in the morning, your adrenals are probably fatigued and can't make adequate cortisol to raise blood sugar and get you going in the morning.

The adrenals will go through phases of adaptation to stress beginning with elevated cortisol due to the initial stress. In the second stage, the adrenals will begin to use sex hormone precursors to make cortisol and DHEA will drop. The final stage is adrenal exhaustion/fatigue when the adrenals can no longer produce cortisol and DHEA. If you have adrenal gland dysfunction you may have the following symptoms:

Can't fall asleep
Can't stay asleep
Fatigue
Salt or sugar cravings
Allergies
Slow to start in the morning
Headaches
Weakened immune system
Ulcers
Need to eat to relieve fatigue
Irritable before meals
Shaky or lightheaded if meals are missed
Blurred vision
Crave caffeine or cigarettes
Feeling full or bloated
Dizziness
Asthma
Varicose veins
Hemorrhoids

Remember that the hormone aldosterone made in the adrenal cortex regulates blood volume through sodium retention and potassium excretion. If you have the following symptoms you have low aldosterone levels indicating adrenal gland dysfunction:

Craving salt
Fluid retention in the arms and legs
Pupils do not stay constricted when exposed to light
Rough or sandpaper tongue
Excessive urination - up to 15-20 times/day
Excessive sweating even without activity

Your natural physician will order a salivary hormone profile to measure cortisol production at four different times throughout the day. This allows your physician to observe adrenal gland dysfunction during all parts of the day and will dictate the type of treatment you will receive. Symptoms cannot adequately diagnose if the adrenals are in fatigue or if they are hyperfunctioning. This is why testing is so vital to properly assess adrenal gland function. In addition, it gives a baseline to compare to follow-up testing so treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

Blood sugar is intricately related to adrenal gland function and vice versa. Chronically elevated cortisol levels from adrenal stress will cause insulin receptor insensitivity. This basically means that when insulin binds to cell receptors to allow glucose (blood sugar) entry into the cell, the receptors may not respond which leaves sugar floating in the blood stream. Remember that excess sugar will be converted into fat and stored mainly around the abdomen, hips and thighs. This also puts extra stress on the pancreas to make more insulin to deal with the excess blood sugar which increases the risk of diabetes. As discussed earlier, cortisol is very important for blood sugar stability.

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which there is inadequate cortisol to raise blood sugar into the normal range. We usually see adrenal fatigue and hypoglycemia together. Hypoglycemics develop symptoms of low blood sugar and need to eat something to normalize blood sugar levels. They may feel shaky, irritable, light-headed, fatigued or may crave sugar because their adrenal glands cannot raise blood sugar into the normal range. Once hypoglycemics rejuvenate their adrenal glands, the symptoms will subside. It's important for hypoglycemics to eat frequently throughout the day and not skip meals. Each meal should be a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fats as a low-carb meal or too many carbs will further throw off blood sugar levels.

You may ask which comes first - adrenal dysfunction or blood sugar dysfunction? It doesn't matter because when one starts to become imbalanced so goes the other. This is also important to understand in treatment because both aspects should be addressed at the same time for optimal results.

So how does all this relate to optimal thyroid function? In the chapter on thyroid hormone physiology, we discussed the enzyme that converts inactive T4 (thyroxine) into active T3 (triiodothyronine). Remember that 93 percent of the hormone produced by the thyroid is inactive T4 until it is activated mainly in the liver by an enzyme. Cortisol directly inhibits this enzyme (5'-deiodinase) which converts inactive T4 into active T3. This in part can lead to low T3 levels. In addition, elevated cortisol will cause thyroid hormone receptor insensitivity meaning that even if T3 levels are adequate, they may not be able to bind normally to receptor sites. Cortisol will also increase the production of reverse T3 which is inactive. Cortisol can also lower the levels of protein that binds to thyroid hormone so it can circulate in a stable structure. Iodine, as you know from a previous chapter, is extremely vital to thyroid health but high levels of cortisol will increase the excretion of iodide from the kidney. And finally, elevated cortisol will inhibit TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) production by disrupting hypothalamic-pituitary feedback leading to suboptimal TSH production in the range of 1.0-1.5. Has your physician adequately assessed your adrenals before treatment? It is very irresponsible for any physician to treat thyroid hormone dysfunction without thoroughly assessing adrenal gland physiology and of course, blood sugar.

Regarding cortisol's effect on thyroid hormones, Werner and Ingbar's The Thyroid: A Fundamental and Clinical Text, (8th edition), states: "Serum TSH, TBG (thyroid-binding protein), T4 and T3 concentrations are slightly decreased, albeit usually within the respective ranges of normal; serum free T4 values are normal."11

As discussed in our chapter on the liver, impaired detoxification can lead to abnormal thyroid function. Again, the adrenals come into play because elevated cortisol inhibits proper liver detoxification. It is sometimes necessary to support liver detoxification pathways while treating the adrenal glands and thyroid to optimize results and metabolize toxins, excess hormones and thyroid-disrupting chemicals. Signs of impaired liver detoxification include nausea, constipation, bloating, lack of response to treatment, acne, acne during menstrual cycle, medication sensitivity, and pale skin upon pressure.

There is also a powerful Adrenal-Gut connection as well. Elevated cortisol levels slowly eat away at the immune system that lines the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Cortisol also increases inflammation in the GI tract and prevents the cells that line the GI tract from regenerating which increases the risk of ulcers. This leads to increased infections from parasites, yeast, mold, fungi, viruses, and bacteria which further stresses the adrenal glands creating a vicious cycle. Leaky gut is another consequence of chronically elevated cortisol levels which is a condition in which gaps open in the intestinal barrier allowing undigested proteins and toxins to enter the bloodstream uninhibited. This puts a major stress on the body's immune system and can lead to immune dysfunction, adrenal stress, chronic fatigue and thyroid hormone imbalance.

Adrenals that are functioning at a low level tend to exhibit various symptoms and patterns. Adrenal-fatigued people usually have to run on caffeine and sugar throughout the day to keep going. They are dragging out of bed and say, "I need my coffee before I can do anything." This is a sad state because it indicates an extremely unhealthy individual who requires a legal drug just to function. These individuals crave sweets and crash many times throughout the day, especially in the afternoon, and need a "pick me up" such as another cup of coffee or something sweet. This further drives blood sugar and hormone imbalances leading to weight gain, insomnia, fatigue and an underactive thyroid gland. In addition, these people can usually fall asleep without problems but will wake up during the night. This happens because there is inadequate cortisol production to stabilize blood sugar so the adrenals release adrenaline instead which raises blood sugar but is also too stimulatory resulting in waking up and insomnia.

People with adrenal hyperfunctioning usually cannot fall asleep because there is too much cortisol production which has an excitatory effect on the nervous system. There are many possible causes of elevated cortisol that lead to too much cortisol production and eventually adrenal fatigue. The following cause adrenal stress:

1. Anemia - red blood cells cannot deliver oxygen to body tissues


2. Blood sugar imbalances


3. Low cholesterol - statin medications such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, etc.


4. Infections


5. Gums


6. Urinary tract


7. Gastrointestinal


8. Mold, yeast or fungus


9. Lyme Disease/Tick-Borne Infections


10. Chronic virus


11. Dehydration - especially in athletes or those who fly frequently (it is important to drink half of bodyweight in ounces of water every day)


12. Poor dietary habits (skipping meals, high intake of simple carbohydrates, etc.)


13. Eating foods you are sensitive/allergic to


14. Leaky gut


15. Liver detoxification issues


16. Essential fatty acid deficiencies


17. Not enough sleep


18. Overexercise


19. Emotional stressors (usually severe)


20. Heavy metals


21. Autoimmune adrenals


22. Chronic use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Prozac, etc.)


23. Chronic pain


24. Environmental toxin exposures - damages mitochondria


25. Surgical menopause


26. Chronic tissue injury or inflammation (autoimmune condition)

It takes a great deal of time and effort to do the proper detective work to find out why someone is ill. The supplements covered here are meant to complement diet and lifestyle changes. In order for a treatment plan to be successful, it is very important that the following guidelines are adhered to without deviation.

Adrenal stimulants will disrupt your treatment plan and consist of the following:

Inadequate sleep
Eating sugar/simple carbohydrates
Caffeine and decaffeinated beverages
Nicotine
Alcohol
Food allergies
Trans fats (hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils)
Artificial sweeteners
Excess exercise

As long as blood sugar levels are out of balance, it will be extremely difficult to restore proper adrenal function. Practice the following guidelines to ensure stable blood sugar levels:

1. Always eat breakfast that includes more protein than carbohydrates


2. Eat every two to three hours


3. Snack on protein and fat such as nuts, eggs and seeds


4. Do not drink juice - this includes ALL juices which are nothing more than plant sugar


5. Consume protein at every meal

Blood sugar imbalances and a condition known as insulin resistance are major factors in optimizing thyroid and adrenal health. Insulin resistance basically means that insulin receptors are no longer able to respond to insulin. Insulin binds to receptors and allows blood sugar to enter cells. With insulin resistance, insulin's effects are negated leaving excess blood sugar. The following symptoms can indicate insulin resistance:

Fatigue
Sugar cravings
Abdominal obesity
High blood pressure
Inability to lose weight
Always feeling hungry
Fatigue after meals
Aches and pains all over
High cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides
Low HDL ("good" cholesterol)

Remember that impaired liver detoxification can significantly affect optimal thyroid hormone function. Elevated insulin levels will reduce glutathione levels inhibiting the liver's ability to detoxify. This will affect the conversion of inactive T4 into active T3, increase thyroid-disrupting chemicals and may lead to excess estrogen levels which inhibit thyroid hormone function.

Thyroid hormone's main function is to regulate metabolism through the burning of sugar, fat and protein. Insulin resistance prevents adequate sugar transport into the cell decreasing the available fuel for energy production. This puts an increased strain on the thyroid to make more hormone and can eventually lead to hypothyroidism.

We have already discussed the importance of adrenal gland function and its relationship to optimal thyroid health. The following supplements will help to correct adrenal gland dysfunction. It's very important to have the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA tested to ensure precise treatment. Adaptogens are compounds that help to normalize the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. They will help adrenals that are in a state of fatigue, high stress or a combination of both. The feedback loop of the HPA axis is key in balancing adrenal hormones, and adaptogens are vital in healing this process.

Supplements That Help Correct Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

Magnolia & Phellodendron
Magnolia is a tree native to the rain forests of China. Its bark has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes including the regulation of stress and anxiety. Phellodendron grows in northeastern China and Japan. Together, these extracts restore cortisol and DHEA production in the adrenal gland. They bind to stress hormone receptors promoting relaxation and feelings of well-being.

Perilla oil & MCTs
These essential oils have natural stress-reducing effects. Perilla oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which stimulate repair and are anti-inflammatory. MCTs reduce cell acids and help to produce energy in the cell's mitochondria. MCTs are easy to assimilate and metabolize which is extremely important for those with delicate stomachs and impaired absorption.

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is similar to panax ginseng. It has the ability to normalize adrenal stress syndromes. Stress responses can have many adverse affects on health and this herb will reduce these effects.

Eleutherococcus
Eleutherococcus senticosus is an adaptogen that supports the HPA axis under times of stress as well as enhance athletic performance. Eleutherococcus will enhance physical work capacity as well as brain function when under stress.

Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is also known as Korean ginseng and is an adaptogen. Panax ginseng optimizes the functioning of the HPA axis. It has been shown to enhance physical performance, stamina and energy production. Panax ginseng will shift metabolism into a fat-burning state as opposed to a sugar-burning state due to an increase in oxygen availability for muscles.

Rhodiola
Rhodiola is popular in traditional Eastern European and Asian medical systems. Rhodiola is an adaptogen that has been shown to enhance immune function and brain function. It also has antidepressant properties, protects the heart and protects against cancer. Rhodiola will prevent adrenaline roller coasters due to high stress.

Holy Basil
Holy basil is an adaptogen that reduces cortisol production from stress, supports blood sugar, has antihistamine properties, optimizes the functioning of the HPA axis, improves the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, improves immune function, and enhances athletic performance.

Pantethine
Pantethine is required for adrenal hormone production. However, it will not over-stimulate cortisol production under times of stress but has the opposite effect.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabara)
Licorice contains compounds that increase the half-life of cortisol which removes stress on the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. It also has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and also reduce/minimize allergic responses. Licorice is antibacterial and antiviral. Due to estrogen's negative effect on thyroid function, licorice is of great benefit because it helps normalize estrogen metabolism.

Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is the "mother of all hormones" and is made from cholesterol in the adrenal gland. Pregnenolone converts into cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Pregnenolone is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to boost mood, improve memory and optimize brain function.

DHEA
DHEA is made by the adrenal glands and will convert into estrogen and testosterone. In men, it will mainly convert into estrogen and in women, DHEA will mainly convert into testosterone. DHEA has its own effects including resensitizing insulin receptors, boosting the immune system, preventing bone loss, enhancing memory and lowering cholesterol. When under stress, the body will make cortisol at the expense of DHEA.

Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine's greatest benefit is its ability to lower cortisol levels by optimizing the brain's relationship with the adrenal glands. After only ten days of high doses of PS, research has shown that excessive cortisol levels can be decreased in healthy men. PS has also been shown to enhance brain function and memory, decrease anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance metabolism. It is also an antioxidant. It is very difficult for the body to make PS as it requires many nutrients for production. Supplementation is vital for optimizing adrenal function so cortisol cannot have its negative effects on the body and the thyroid.

Supplements that Balance Blood Sugar

Blood sugar imbalances will greatly influence the ability of your thyroid to function optimally. The following supplements are vital in balancing blood sugar.

Huckleberry/Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
The extract from the leaves of this plant has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes.

Galega Officinalis (French lilac)
This plant has been utilized since the Middle Ages in the treatment of diabetes. French lilac lowers blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance. Prescription medications for blood sugar control such as Metformin are derived from the active ingredients in French lilac.

Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre has been shown to regenerate the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This herb will enhance the effects of insulin, reduce fasting blood sugar, decrease the need for insulin and help with insulin resistance. It will not cause a state of hypoglycemia, however.

Chromium
Chromium stabilizes blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. It will also ensure optimal delivery of blood sugar into your cells. Deficiencies in this nutrient can lead to insulin resistance, high cholesterol and abnormalities in sugar's ability to bind to red blood cells.

Zinc
Zinc's role in blood sugar management includes optimizing insulin metabolism, protecting insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas and improving insulin sensitivity which ensures optimal uptake of sugar into your cells.

Vanadium
Vanadium is very important for insulin resistance by improving transport of sugar into your cells due to its insulin-like effects on cell receptors.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)
ALA is another important nutrient for insulin resistance and is also a strong antioxidant. ALA increases energy production by your cells, optimizes sugar metabolism and lowers lactic acid levels.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E should not be taken in its alpha tocopherol form. Mixed tocopherols including gamma and delta tocopherol are the preferred form of delivery. Vitamin E improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood fats, is a powerful antioxidant and lowers the so-called "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Biotin
Biotin is important in supporting the liver's utilization of sugar. This nutrient will enhance insulin's effects as well as lower blood sugar levels after meals.

Magnesium
Entire books have been written on the king of minerals. Magnesium is involved in approximately 350 reactions in the body and deficiencies in our society are rampant. Magnesium deficiency will lead to insulin resistance and abnormal sugar metabolism. Magnesium appears to enhance insulin secretion by the pancreas.

L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a di-peptide compound that shuttles fatty acids in the cell to be burned as energy. Carnitine has similar effects on blood sugar by supporting sugar transport into cells.