Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Basic Facts

There are many misconceptions about the inflammatory diseases - Crohn's Disease and Colitis. The medical profession will explain all aspects of the disease to their patients. Yet everyone needs to understand about these chronic conditions. If a person recognizes the signs of these diseases, they can seek medical help before untreated symptoms turn into serious complications.

Basic Facts

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis are chronic conditions.

Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal conditions. The diseases are referred to as 'chronic' conditions because there is no medical cure but people can manage their symptoms.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can live a normal life span.

Sufferers with these conditions live a similar life span to everyone else. Women live for 79 years and men live almost the same duration (78 years).

. There is a difference between Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

Generally, Ulcerative Colitis (UC) affects the colon (large intestine). Crohn's Disease can be present anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes UC can affect the small intestine.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis will have uncomfortable symptoms.

Since both conditions are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, sufferers can expect symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach pains as well as a host of other unpleasant symptoms. Yet people with these conditions can live a comfortable and stress-free lifestyle when they understand how to manage the diseases.

. The Western diet is not ideal for patients with these conditions.

The Western diet contains considerable amounts of fat and sugar and includes many processed foods. This diet is not ideal for anyone especially individuals who suffer from inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers, as well a many patients, claim that Crohn's Disease/Colitis water fasts and a regular raw food diet can make a difference to their symptoms.

Indeed, many sufferers say that the symptoms disappeared over a period of time. Of course, patients should expect that there will be some challenges if they change to a raw food diet. The body will need time to adjust to the new fuel. In fact, sometimes symptoms will be exacerbated at first by the fruit and raw vegetable diet. Yet many individuals claim that they noticed a gradual difference until the symptoms ceased to be a problem.

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis can lead to serious side effects.

The symptoms of these conditions can be managed - and even controlled - by patients. Yet if symptoms are left untreated over time, they can cause grave damage to one's health. Anemia, liver damage, serious infections, and other health issues can occur if sufferers do not attend to their condition.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can receive individualized treatment for their conditions.

Different people can have varied symptoms of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. As well, they can experience a wide range of side effects from malnutrition to problems with their immune system. Modern medicine will attempt to accommodate the individual needs of patients but these will generally only mask the real problems of diet and chemical ingestion. Look for a Doctor with an open mind as well as one that has been trained in nutrition, this will go a long way to receiving a balanced treatment plan.

Revolutionary Treatment Gives Hope For the Chronically Ill

Low dose naltrexone has recently garnered attention as a possible treatment for autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, cancer and some other illnesses. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, which means that it blocks opioid receptors in the brain and thus eliminates the feeling of pleasure caused by e.g. drinking alcohol, because our endogenous opioids (endorphins) cannot bind to the receptors. But when used in very small doses (less than 1/10 of the normal dose) naltrexone can be used to stimulate the release of endorphins.

History

Low dose naltrexone was pioneered by the neurologist Bernard Bihari in the early 1980s, when he was studying medications used for drug and alcohol withdrawal. He noticed that very small doses of naltrexone (initially 3 mg) taken at bedtime only blocked the opioid receptors transiently, which stimulated the body to produce more of its endogenous opioids and produced no significant side effects.

Bihari tried LDN as a treatment for HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis, two conditions that have been shown to be associated with low levels of beta endorphin, one of the most important endogenous opioids. In some of his AIDS patients the blood levels of beta endorphin as much as tripled when using low dose naltrexone.

Patients also experienced marked clinical improvement. The MS symptoms (especially fatigue) were relieved and the illness progression seemed to halt. Most patients never experienced a single MS attack after the initiation of low dose naltrexone. Patients infected with HIV had their viral counts drop radically and their CD4 counts subsequently went up. As a result the rates opportunistic infections and AIDS related malignancies decreased.

Later development

Encouraged by his success Bihari and other doctors began trying LDN for other conditions, such as other autoimmune illnesses and cancer, often with great results. The support from the patient community has been overwhelming. Patients with MS have collected money for clinical trials and there have even been three conferences on LDN and the fourth one is scheduled for October 2008.

A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that 89% of patients with Crohn's disease were improved on LDN and 67% achieved a full remission. There are clinical trials currently running for multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, autism, fibromyalgia, pancreatic cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (head and neck cancer). A large HIV/AIDS study is also running in Mali, West Africa.

Illnesses that can be treated with LDN

LDN has been successfully used to treat the following conditions:

Autoimmune diseases

• multiple sclerosis
  


• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/LED)
  


• rheumatoid arthritis
  


• ankylosing spondylitis
  


• pemphigoid
  


• sarcoidosis
  


• scleroderma
  


• Crohn's disease
  


• ulcerative colitis
  


• celiac disease
  


• psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
  


• Wegener's granulomatosis
  


• transverse myelitis

Cancers

• bladder cancer
  


• breast cancer
  


• carcinoid tumor
  


• colorectal cancer
  


• glioblastoma
  


• liver cancer
  


• non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC)
  


• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  


• lymphoma (both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
  


• melanoma
  


• multiple myeloma
  


• neuroblastoma
  


• ovarian cancer
  


• pancreatic cancer
  


• prostate cancer
  


• renal cell carcinoma
  


• throat cancer
  


• uterine cancer

Other illnesses

• HIV/AIDS
  


• hepatitis C
  


• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
  


• autism
  


• Alzheimer's disease
  


• Parkinson's disease
  


• Behcet's disease
  


• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, emphysema)
  


• endometriosis
  


• fibromyalgia
  


• chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
  


• irritated bowel syndrome (IBS)

LDN may possibly also work for e.g. myasthenia gravis, antiphospholipid syndrome/Hughes syndrome, narcolepsy (a possibly autoimmune condition), interstitial cystitis, chronic Lyme disease/post Lyme syndrome, acne, rosacea, chronic urticaria, dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), cluster headaches, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been reported to be helpful in insomnia and migraine prevention.

Mode of action

Endorphins are often associated with the pleasant feeling we get from e.g. exercise, but they are more than just that. Beta endorphin and met enkephalin, another opioid peptide produced by the body have profound effects on the immune system. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that met enkephalin acts as an anti-cancer agent. Beta endorphin levels have shown to be low in HIV/AIDS, many autoimmune conditions and e.g. migraine.

Autoimmune illnesses have been traditionally seen as manifestations of an overactive immune system and are usually treated with immunosuppressants, but more and more data is emerging that suggests that autoimmune conditions may in fact be forms of immunedeficiency, explaining why LDN, an immunostimulant, works for them.

Clinical effects

In most autoimmune diseases the disease progression halts. Symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, muscle weakness and cognitive problems are often alleviated, as well. In degenerative conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's the illness progression is slowed down. The lipodystrophy caused by antiretroviral (HIV) drugs usually improves significantly.

Bihari reports that a halt in cancer growth occurs in about 50% of the cancer patients he treats. Some of these patients show objective signs of tumor shrinkage. Some patients who have been deemed terminal with little time left are still alive and doing well years later, such as one with pancreatic cancer (one of the deadliest cancers) whose case was published in Integrative Cancer Therapies.

According to Bihari LDN works best for the following cancers: multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, breast cancer, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (including the pancreas) and non-small cell lung cancer. That isn't to say that cancer patients should ditch their existing treatments, but LDN can be combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some patients only undergo surgery or are considered not to benefit from conventional treatment, so they would be good candidates for LDN.

How it is used

LDN is taken every night between 9 PM and 3 AM, as the body produces most of its endorphins during the early morning hours. There are usually no side effects. Some people experience problems with sleeping during the first week. Nausea, feeling "high", gas and bloating and hunger pangs may occur in the beginning and usually go away in a few days. In patients with MS spasticity may transiently worsen. It may take anywhere between a day and a few months to notice improvement.

LDN can safely be taken with all other medications, foods or supplements, but because it is an opiate antagonist it cannot be combined with any narcotic painkillers (opiates), including tramadol, and taking it with immunosuppressive drugs (like corticosteroids) may cause the drugs to "cancel out" each other's effects, as LDN is an immunostimulant. The only contraindication is a past organ transplant, because taking an immunostimulant might lead to graft rejection.

Any doctor can prescribe LDN as an "ex tempore" prescription, to be filled by a compounding pharmacy. Some people use foreign pharmacies, as it is legal in most countries to order medications from abroad with a valid prescription. LDN may be formulated as capsules or liquid, but the liquid has to be refrigerated and is less convenient when traveling. It is recommended that calcium carbonate is not used as a filler for tablets.

The recommended dose is 4.5 mg, but some people, especially those who are very slim and those with severe MS, only take 3 mg. Often prescriptions are written for 1.5 mg capsules so that the patient can try taking either two or three at once. LDN is also relatively inexpensive, usually costing between $15 and $40 a month.

Acupuncture and Meridian Circuit Systems: A Channel Based Approach to Pattern Identification

In a meridian based approach to pattern identification and treatment emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships between the channels, and how the meridian networks connect to the patient's top three health concerns. The relationships between the channels are determined by the traditional Chinese names for the meridians, the internal-external relationships, and the horary cycle.

To begin to understand these connections between the channels we need to start with the six meridian pairs as classified in the six stages of syndrome differentiation. These are expounded upon in the Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage) and include the six pairs of tai yang, yang ming, shao yang, tai yin, shao yang, and jue yin. Though the Shang Han Lun discusses these meridians in the context of external cold invasions, this method of pairing the meridians is also based on yin-yang relationships, anatomical location, and physiological functions. Taking the yang ming pair as an example we find that it contains one hand meridian and one foot meridian. Additionally, these meridians are located on the most anterior yang portions of the body, and they share functions in the digestive processes. Similarly, the shao yin pair includes one hand and one foot meridian, and these channels are located on the most posterior yin aspects of the body. In terms of functionality the shao yin governs the most vital fluids of the body, namely the blood and essence.

Another way the meridians may be paired is through what is called the Zang Fu Bei Tong Theory (5 Zang Extra Relationship Theory). This way of pairing meridians is a major component of Tung style acupuncture and is referred to as the system two associations in Dr. Tan's methods. This system takes the tai yang meridians and pairs them with the tai yin, while the shao yang is associated with the shao yin, and the yang ming meridians are paired with the jue yin. It is through this system that the LI and LV meridians form a connection, and this relationship is most commonly recognized in the point combination of LI 4 (He Gu) and LV 3 (Tai Chong).

In addition to the well-known internal-external associations, meridians may also be grouped according to the horary cycle. In this system each of the twelve regular meridians have a designated two hour period of time during a 24-hour day. Meridians that are located opposite the clock of one another may be paired, and examples of this include the relationships between the LV and SI, the ST and PC, and the KI and LI. Additionally, the channels may also be paired when they are located next to each other on the clock and have the same yin-yang designation. This forms relationships between the LV and LU, the SP and HT, and the KI and PC.

The systems that are a fundamental part of meridian systems theory have been described by several classical and traditional sources, including the Nei Jing (Inner Classic), the Shang Han Lun, Master Tung, and Dr. Richard Tan.

Four Meridian Circuits

By joining meridian pairs that share correspondence through these systems, circuits of connection can be formed from four meridians. These are called four meridian (4M) circuits. As an example the yang ming may be connected to the tai yin, and this relationship between the meridians may be represented as:

ST - LI

SP - LU

This image shows how the stomach and large intestine are connected through the yang ming, while the yang ming connects to the tai yin through the internal-external relationships. Taken as a whole we may describe the functions and indications of the yang ming - tai yin circuit.

Functions:

1. Governs Qi through Respiration and Digestion
2. Benefits the Stomach and Intestines
3. Regulates Bowel Functions

Indications: Weak digestion, bloating, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, PMS, asthma, cough, shortness of breath, bronchitis, colitis, constipation, sinusitis, abdominal pain, deficient stomach acid

Explanation:

The use of this circuit will depend on symptoms that primarily involve the yang ming and tai yin. This is an earth-metal circuit that has broad applications when respiratory and digestive symptoms occur together. This includes food allergies, Candida, asthma, immune deficiency, and external invasions that affect the lungs and digestive system.

This circuit may be used for treating patterns such as spleen qi deficiency, large intestine damp heat, lung qi deficiency, spleen dampness attacking the lungs, spleen and lung qi deficiency, and phlegm obstruction of the lungs.

The Yang Ming - Jue Yin Circuit

According to the Zang Fu Bei Tong Theory, the yang ming also connects to the jue yin meridians of the liver and pericardium. In patterns where the liver is affecting the stomach or large intestine, the use of the meridians in this circuit are usually sufficient to address the numerous symptoms and diseases that can arise from these types of patterns. Notice in this circuit that the LV and LI have a direct connection. The association between these meridians is widely acknowledged in the use of four gates (LI 4 and LV 3). It should also be noted that the ST and PC share a direct connection in this circuit, and this helps to explain the ability of Nei Guan PC 6 to resolve nausea and vomiting. The yang ming - jue yin circuit may be represented as:

ST - LI

PC - LV

Functions:

1. Regulates Digestive and Bowel Functions
2. Calms the Shen
3. Harmonizes Digestion through Regulating Qi and Blood Circulation

Indications: Stress induced digestive and abdominal conditions, constipation, IBS, loss of appetite, ulcers, colitis, irritability, anger, chest tightness, palpitations, heart disease, headaches, plum pit syndrome, and PMS

Explanation:

This circuit should be used whenever the primary symptoms exist within the yang ming and occur with liver, pericardium, or qi and blood stagnation patterns. Proper circulation of the qi and blood is essential to good digestive health, and when liver patterns present they can easily influence the stomach and large intestine. This can cause symptoms such as acid reflux, ulcers, stomach pain, constipation, and IBS. When the liver is involved in yang ming patterns it is common that the client will also suffer from excessive stress, frustration, and anger. For these reasons PC points are an important addition to the treatment since they have the functions of moving liver qi, calming the mind, and harmonizing the stomach and intestines.

This circuit is useful for treating various patterns including liver qi stagnation, liver qi invading the stomach, qi stagnation of the large intestine, liver heat, and stomach fire.

The Jue Yin - Shao Yang Circuit

The jue yin also connects to the shao yang through their internal-external relationships, and this circuit can be used to treat a variety of patterns including liver yang rising, liver fire, liver qi stagnation, and liver/gallbladder damp heat.
This circuit may be represented as:

LV - PC

GB - SJ

Functions:

1. Circulates Qi through the Shao Yang and Jue Yin
2. Calms the Shen
3. Controls Circulation of Qi and Blood
4. Resolves Wind

Indications: Temple headaches, neck pain, insomnia, seizures, strokes, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, hip pain, Parkinson's, shen disturbance, tightness in the ribs, constipation, chest tightness, costal pain, stress, PMS, irritability, abdominal pain, palpitations, groin pain.

Explanation:

This circuit is often used when the shao yang meridians are in a state of disharmony and manifest with symptoms in the head, neck, throat, shoulders and hips. Shao yang symptoms will usually occur with jue yin patterns due to the internal-external relationship they share. It is often the case that liver patterns will influence the GB meridian and present with symptoms such as temple headaches, neck tension, eye disorders, and insomnia.

This circuit is also very powerful for clearing internal heat and fire that is located in the shao yang and jue yin meridians. Liver fire will often manifest with GB meridian symptoms, and the SJ is effective for relieving symptoms associated with both the gallbladder and liver. When liver fire is present, needling the SJ helps to clear fire, while the PC meridian clears heat and resolves liver stagnation.

Refining Pattern Identification and Treatment Strategies

The use of the meridian circuits can greatly aid in fine-tuning the process of pattern identification and the corresponding treatments that result. For example, liver qi stagnation can cause a variety of symptoms, and not every patient will manifest all the symptoms that characterize the pattern of liver qi stagnation. Some clients with liver stagnation will experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation. For patients like this the yang ming - jue yin circuit would be the optimum one to use, since it contains meridians that will address the root pattern, as well as treat the organs that have the symptomatic expressions. However, for a client that has liver qi stagnation but experiences symptoms such as temple headaches, neck pain, and shoulder tension, it is best to use the jue yin - shao yang circuit. This is because the shao yang meridians pass through these areas and can easily be affected by imbalances originating in the liver. For this reason the use of the jue yin - shao yang circuit is often a good choice for neck and shoulder conditions, especially when a liver pattern results in symptoms in the gallbladder and/or san jiao meridians.

Meridian Circuit Systems

The use of the 4M circuits constitutes a complete system of pattern identification that is based on the connections between the meridians. When we analyze all the possibilities of 4M circuits that may be formed we find that there are a total of fifteen. By asking the patient about their top three health concerns, and identifying what meridians and organs are expressing symptoms, it is possible to identify which one of the fifteen 4M circuits is most out of balance. By combining this method of pattern identification with more conventional forms like zang-fu and 5-elements, it is possible to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis and have a more complete picture of pathological imbalances that are present. This can greatly help to improve the clinician's selection of meridians and points to be treated, while increasing clinical efficiency with the use of fewer needles.

For more information about the book Meridian Circuit Systems: A Channel Based Approach to Pattern Identification, please visit: http://www.ihsociety.com

Acupuncture - Effective Tips for Treating IBS, IBD and Digestive Disorders

If you live in Boston and suffer from IBS or IBD, you are not alone. Digestive conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affect millions of Americans every year and in the case of IBS, is the second leading cause of missed school or work. Chinese medicine and acupuncture is very helpful in allowing patients with IBS or IBD to lead pain free and stress free lives. Despite their similar monikers, there are some very important differences between these conditions.

IBS is a purely functional gastrointestinal disorder. What this means is that based on Western medical theory, there is no known anatomical, biochemical or infectious cause. The syndrome categorization indicates that the diagnosis is based on a group of symptoms that typically occur together. The primary symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The discomfort is often triggered by eating and relieved once the individual has had a bowel movement. One of the best places to find out more information about IBS is on the website of the Internal Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

IBD includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the mucus membranes of the digestive tract. In the case of Crohn's Disease, the inflammation develops across the entire tissue of the tract and while it typically affects the distal ileum of the small intestine and the colon, can occur at any point along the digestive tract. Ulcerative Colitis involves inflammation of only the outer layer of mucous membrane in the colon. The symptoms of IBD tend to be more serious and if untreated, can lead to hospitalization. They typically include an increased urgency to defecate, blood or mucus present in stools, constant diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Due to the loss of blood, particular attention must be paid to the patient to ensure their wellbeing. Diagnosis is made based on visual confirmation of ulceration during a colonoscopy or through x-ray. An excellent source for information about IBD, Crohn's and Colitis is at the website for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

Western treatment of these gastrointestinal conditions ranges from dietary or lifestyle changes to permanent medication to surgery in the case of severe IBD. Stress is often a major player in the flaring of symptoms although there is no known cause of either IBS or IBD at this point. From a Chinese medicine standpoint, these gastrointestinal diseases fall primarily under the realm of a spleen dysfunction. The spleen is the organ in Chinese medicine theory that is responsible for the transforming and transporting of the food we eat; a fancy way of saying that it is the major player in digestion and assimilation of food's nutrients into the body. When the spleen is dysfunctional in any way, this leads to gastrointestinal difficulties such as the symptoms of IBS or IBD. The fact that stress plays a large role in the severity of the symptoms also indicates that the function of the liver is either impaired or overwhelming the digestive capabilities of the spleen. The liver is responsible for the smooth movement of the Qi, or energy, in the body and when the movement is erratic or blocked, it can have effects throughout our systems.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture seeks to tonify and strengthen the spleen through nourishing acupoints and herbal remedies while relaxing the liver to promote the smooth flow of Qi through the body. In addition, other symptoms are addressed through treatment aimed at stopping any bleeding the gut, reducing inflammation, eliminating gas and bloating and restoring regular bowel movements.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture can give you an extra tool to use to relieve the symptoms of IBS or IBD but there are some simple things that you can do to improve your quality of life and management of your condition.

1) Decrease your stress levels. Since stress seems to have a large impact of the gastrointestinal health, the best thing you can do is remove yourself from stressful situations if at all possible. By using breathing or meditation techniques, you can decrease the harmful effects of stress and affect the symptoms of digestive diseases. There have even been references to hypnosis and mantra usage to relieve stress levels in people that suffer from IBS or IBD.

2) Exercise. This one could be piggybacked on the previous tip because exercising helps decrease stress levels in the body. Yoga is particularly helpful because many of the poses and motions involve twisting movements that actually massage the intestines and promote increased blood flow to the gut.

3) Dietary changes. This is often one of the hardest to make and stick to but there is very little doubt that diet does have an effect on gastrointestinal diseases. The main problem is that there is no diet that works for everyone. Track what you eat and your symptoms in a food log and you should be able to gradually form a picture of what your food triggers might be. Some basic recommendations include removing refined sugars, alcohol, and difficult to digest foods like nuts or seeds from your diet. The sugar and alcohol can cause inflammation in the system while the difficult to digest foods can tax an already fragile system.

4) Herbal remedies. A good acupuncture friend of mine says, "chamomile, chamomile, chamomile" whenever we talk about digestive disorders. Chamomile is thought to ease the nerves, reduce inflammation and relieve abdominal cramping. Another herb, turmeric, is also often used to decrease the damage caused by inflammation. A high quality probiotic can be helpful in decreasing the abdominal discomfort from bloating and gas.

5) Talk about it. Find a support group to join and discuss your condition with others who are going through the same thing. This can be invaluable in a world where bowel movements and the effects they have on one's life and perception of themselves are rarely discussed. In addition, having a supportive group of people sharing what therapies work for them, trusted doctors they like and hints or tips about living with these conditions can create an excellent environment for real physical and emotional healing to take place. You can find support groups in your area by looking at the website of the aforementioned foundations for IBS and IBD.

Digestive diseases like IBS and IBD can take a toll on your emotional state as well as your physical condition. While there hasn't been a specific cause or cure identified yet for them, there are numerous options out there for care. Chinese medicine and acupuncture are merely two of them but their emphasis on natural wellness and whole body balance might be just what you need to help you deal with your gastrointestinal illness.

If you would like further information about acupuncture or Chinese medicine and its treatment of Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, I have some research articles available to share. Please contact me for them.

IBS Support: 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

I have been a holistic gastroenterologist for over 3 decades, and my line of work involves providing people with IBS support. This has brought me into contact with many clients who ask a lot of questions out of curiosity about their condition. There were some queries that kept recurring.

So, I decided to come up with a collection of questions that are frequently asked as far as my IBS support practice is concerned.

Q: Can IBS be classified as an Auto-Immune Disease?

A: Inflammatory Bowel Disease can certainly not be classified as an auto-immune disease because it is definitely not a disease at all. When one looks at it critically, you will note that the immune system does not attack the colon in IBS, Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn's disease. On the contrary, your immune system does its job by trying to help you.

A good example is if I cut my finger. The immune system will take charge of the situation and it works by a means referred to as "compliment." This is an old-school term that explains how the immune system goes about doing its work. The immune system usually becomes active locally and it acts by preventing the finger from getting infected. As much as it is active in this process, I cannot blame my immunity system for my cut finger. The same concept can be applied to the colon. In as much as the immune system becomes active, it cannot be held responsible for damaging the colon lining. On the contrary, it tries to act to prevent infection while at the same time trying to facilitate the healing process. Yet we still prescribe some drugs to help suppress the immune system.

Q: Can IBS be caused by NSAIDS?

A: One can easily get NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over the counter. There are some, like aspirin and ibuprofen, which do not need a prescription. These are not known to cause IBS directly. They may cause stomach upsets due to their acidity but they are not responsible for conditions like IBD. However, they may worsen an already existing situation, especially before antibiotics have been used. Because of this, the NSAID may be able to penetrate the porous mucosal lining and end up irritating the wall of the GI tract.

Q: Is IBD hereditary?

A: This is not exactly the case. There may be some genetic tendencies for some body systems to develop a weakness towards a particular disease. As far as the gastro-intestinal problems are concerned, people do not get IBD without there being other underlying factors. What does "run in the family" are people who frequently use antibiotics. This environmental factor may affect the genetic tendencies and increase the chances of getting Crohn's disease or IBS.

Q. Some of my doctors are recommending the use of colonics as a means of increasing my fiber. Is that an idea worth taking up?

A: This is not recommended because it will only worsen the situation. Considering the colon lining is already inflamed, it is not a good idea to worsen this by dragging roughage over it. It is, however, a good idea to eat a diet that is low in fiber.

Q: Why is it hard for some Naturopaths to fix leaky gut syndrome?

A: Naturopaths are paths are good at treating most general problems. Problems that affect the colon are very complex and thus require Naturopaths who specialize in them. Unfortunately, most of them shy away from this condition. I have been dealing with this for 30 plus years to the point of developing my own Gastro-enterology method.

You do not have to face a lifetime of suffering from some form of IBS. Find the right IBS Support and get your IBS cured today!

Medical Importance Of Milk

What makes Milk worth taking about? And how is it medically important to the Human health? Well! For the start, it is definitely a food material of special importance. It is almost complete, an ideal food and contains most of the proximate principles of a well balanced diet required for human body. It is thus the nearest approach to perfect food. It forms the only diet for children to the age of a year or so. It is the best source of Calcium in diet both on account of quality and the valuable biological value to the body. Milk contains the following proximate principles:

1. Carbohydrates. The carbohydrate in all Milks is lactose or Milk sugar (4-5%). Human Milk contains more Lactose than cow's Milk.

2. Fats. Fats contain 3.5% to 4% of fats in emulsified form. Milk fat is a good source of Vitamins A and D when Milk is allowed to stand for sometime, fat rises to the surface as cream, Chemically, milk fat consists of some vital fatty acids.

3. Vitamins. It also contains all the vitamins except Vitamin E. In summer, cows feed on grass, produce Milk containing large amounts of vitamins B, C and D. But in winter, amount of Vitamins A and D in Milk is much reduced.

4. Mineral salts. Phosphates and chlorides of Calcium, potassium and sodium are all constituents of Milk. It is very poor in Iron.

The average composition of Milk from various sources is as follows;

Cow Milk contains 3.2% of proteins; 4.4% of Lactose, 4.1% of Fats; and 87.5% of water.
Goat Milk contains 3.5% of Protein, 4.6% of Lactose, 4.5% of Fats and 86.5% of water.
Human milk contains 1.1% of protein; 7.4% of Lactose; 3.4% of Fats and 88.0% of water.

Milk borne diseases

The Important Milk borne diseases are;

• Directly from the milked animal; Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, streptococcus infection, Malta fever and Anthrax.
• Indirectly from the Human handler or environment; Typhoid and para-typhoid fevers, cholera, Dysentery, Diphtheria and Viral Hepatitis.

Therefore, Milk must be well pasteurized in order to consider it fit for consumption. Everything discussed about Milk here is based on pasteurized Milk and if you are not too sure about the Milk you are taking, please to do not take it.

Cream

It is prepared by allowing the Milk to stand for a considerable time in the cold so that butter fat may rise to the top and then removing the top layer. The fat or cream may be separates from Milk mechanically through a centrifuge machine known as cream may contain about 50% fat. Besides Milk fat, cream contains proteins and lactose also.

Butter

It is the most nutritious and easily digestible form of all fats. Good butter should neither be varied nor have an unpleasant odor. Its average composition should be; water (12-15%), fat (80-90%), caseinogens (1-3%), Lactose (1%), ash (2-3%), salt and vitamins (very little variable amount).

Cheese

It is very concentrated protein food and methods of making it vary at different places. It is prepared by coagulating caseinogens of whole milk or skimmed milk with rennet. Cheeses differ by high content of protein (20-25%), fat (25-30%) and what is also important is calcium and phosphorus.

The fat content of different diary products varies a lot and much of this is saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol and is linked to heart diseases. Most cheeses contain between 20 to 40g fat per 100g. If you're trying to make the healthier choice, you don't need to avoid cheese, but it's a good idea to keep a check on how much you eat and how often. If you are using cheese to flavor a dish or a sauce, you could try using a very strong, tasting cheese.

Another option is to choose reduced fat hard cheeses, which usually contain fat (3g fat per 100g or less) including reduced fat cottage cheese and quark. If you are trying to cut down on fat, it is a good idea to go for semi- skimmed or skimmed milk and low fat yogurt. These products contain at least the same amount of protein, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc as full fat versions. They just contain less fat. Cream and butter are high in fat, so try to use them sparingly. You can use plain yogurt instead of cream or even sourced creams in recipes. Low fat spreads can be used instead of butter.

It is also worth remembering that some dairy products can be high in salt, and too much salt can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), which is also linked to heart disease. Adults should be eating no more than 6g of salt a day. Some flavored and malted milk products and shakes tend to contain added sugar which can be bad for our teeth. You can check the amount of fat, salt and sugar by looking at the nutrition information on the label. If you compare similar products, you will be able to choose the ones with lower amounts.

Diet and curative property

Milk does not excite gastric secretion enough. It is connected with small content of Nitrogen containing extractive substances. That is why milk is widely used in curative and diet nourishment and almost in all diets. Diuretic effect of Milk is correlation between Potassium and Sodium which is 3:1. Lactic acid stimulates secretory action of stomach, supporting normal and symbiotic microorganisms of intestinal tract and depresses putrefactive microbes. Thanks to that available antibiotic substance and small number of alcohol which appear after fermentation of sour milk products (yogurt and acid-loving yeast) stimulate appetite, regulate motility of intestine (one-day products accelerated and three day products depress) have expressed bactericidal property, slow down fermentation and putrefactive process in intestinal tract.

Yogurt is used in treatment of patients with tuberculosis, because it is made on basis of mare's albuminous milk whose proteins has much better assimilation, also make better appetite, content specific antibiotic substance to Tuberculosis bacteria, normalize work of intestinal tract and make diuretic influence. Lipid digesting and anti-sclerotic property of milk is caused by available lecithin. Prophylaxis and treatment of Osteoporosis is made by milk calcium with vitamin D. Antibiotic influence of milk and milk products on the Liver is possible due to available protein of full value, sulfur containing amino acid and choline. That property is used in treatment and prophylactic nourishment.

Influence of Milk products on the Organism

1. Sour Milk Stimulates appetite. It stimulates the secretory and mechanical functions of the intestine. Lactic acid improves the development of useful microbes in the intestine. It is a rational nutrition of all population groups but should not be taken when suffering from cases as; Ulcer disease of stomach and duodenum with increased acidity.

2. Kefir Milk stimulates appetite. It influences the secretory and mechanical function of the intestine. It improves the development of symbiotic microbes in the intestine. It is a rational nutrition of all population groups and should not be used in same cases as in sour milk.

3. Greasy Kefir Milk has same qualities as the first two aforementioned milk types only that it can also be recommended for patients with Diabetes.

4. Non greasy Kefir Milk has same qualities as well, but can be recommended for patients with Obesity, diseases of cardiovascular system and Liver problems.

5. Light Kefir (1 day) has same qualities as the previous, but in addition, it can serve as a laxative and hence indicated for constipation and spastic colitis.

6. Middle Kefir (2 days) has exact qualities as the first two milk types.

7. Strong Kefir (3 days) has same qualities as the first two milk types but in addition, it is used as an anti putrid and strengthening agent. It can be recommended for cases of Gastritis with decreased acidity, chronic Colitis and diarrhea.

8. Koumiss is milk with albumins and it is well digested in the organisms. It stimulates appetite, stimulates gastric secretion, activates peristalsis of intestine, decreases putrid processes in intestine, and eliminates mycobacterium tuberculosis, decreased acidity of gastric Juice, intoxication, exhaustion and anemia.

9. Light Koumiss is the same as koumiss only that it is a laxative and hence recommended or indicated for constipation.

10. Acid loving products are as follows; acid-loving milk and acid-loving yeast milk. They stimulate appetite; influence the secretory and mechanical function of stomach and intestine. They have considerable bactericidal properties, slow putrid processes in intestine. They are recommended for inflammation of the Large Intestine, dysentery, tuberculosis, constipation, exhaustion and ray disease. But should not be taken in diseases such as Ulcer disease with increased secretion, gastritis and Inflammation of the Pancreas.

11. Yogurt stimulates appetite, influences the secretory and mechanical function of the intestine. It has middle bacterial-killing properties and slow putrid processes in the intestine. A rational nutrition of all population groups, children's nutrition, prophylaxis of bacterial diseases caused by imbalance of the normal or symbiotic microbes in our bodies and it is contraindicated in Ulcer disease with increased secretion, gastritis and Inflammation of the Pancreas.

12. Sour Cheese (greasy middle and non greasy) partially fills the organism needs in proteins, essential amino acids, well digested calcium, growth and lipid digesting substances. Especially important for women, children and Old people. It has considerable lipid digesting properties due to the presence of choline and lecithin. It is highly recommended for children, acute and chronic hepatitis, inflammation of the gall bladder, Ischemic heart disease, obesity, diabetes, exhaustion, osteoporosis and fractures. It is contra indicated in a case of high phosphate level in blood.

As earlier stated, to have an idea of how nutritious and fully packaged Milk is, just consider Breast Milk in which the newborn feeds on till some period of time. If it were not complete, or lacks some vital nutrients, the Child will definitely grow up with some deficiencies. Milk is so nutritive to be ignored and medically important to be ignorant of. So therefore, you do not have to be a medical practitioner to know this.

Slippery Elm - Your Pet's Best Holistic Friend

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) is an exception to the fears and cautions surrounding the use of herbs in animals. It is very safe and non-toxic. The part of the tree used is the inner bark, which is soft and stringy. Simplest to use is the powdered form, which can be purchased in bulk, or pre-packed in capsules, at most health food stores. It is readily available over the Internet from herb suppliers.

Herbalists attribute many wonderful healing properties to Slippery Elm: demulcent (soothing, mucilage-forming), emollient (soothing and protective for skin), nutritive (providing specific food nutrients), tonic (promoting healthy function of one or more body systems), and astringent (constricting, binding or drying effect). It can be used both internally and externally. Slippery Elm is one of the herbs used in the original formulation of "Essiac," an herbal brew widely promoted as a cancer-fighter.

In the gastro-intestinal tract, Slippery Elm acts directly. It can be thought of as a sort of natural  "Pepto-Bismol." (Pepto-Bismol itself should not be used because it contains salicylate, a.k.a. aspirin). Its mucilage content coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucus membranes lining the digestive tract. Slippery Elm is an excellent treatment for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. It is high in fiber, and so helps normalize intestinal action; it can be used to relieve both diarrhea and constipation. It may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting in pets suffering from non-GI illnesses, such as kidney disease. A syrup made from Slippery Elm Bark can be used to help heal mouth ulcers from all causes (see recipe below).

Slippery Elm is said to relieve inflammation of virtually any mucus membrane, and has been used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the lungs (bronchitis, asthma), kidneys, bladder (cystitis, FLUTD symptoms), throat (tonsillitis), and joints (arthritis).

Slippery Elm contains many nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene,  calcium, and several trace minerals) that can be beneficial for recuperating pets, and it may stay down when other foods are not tolerated. It is known as a "survival" food; George Washington and his troops survived for days during the bitter winter at Valley Forge eating nothing but gruel made from Slippery Elm bark. However, Slippery Elm may interfere with the absorption of certain minerals and pharmaceuticals, so is best given separately from any concurrent drug therapy.

In the case of cystitis (bladder inflammation), Slippery Elm is thought to soothe the bladder lining. However, it is somewhat high in magnesium, so may be contraindicated in dogs who have an active infection with an elevated urinary pH, where struvite crystal formation may be a risk. (In cats, urinary tract infections are very rarely bacterial.) Slippery Elm bark contains natural pentosans, a class of complex sugars that contains the same compound found in the drug "Elmiron®,"the major pain-relieving treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC) in women. Pentosan has been used by the pharmaceutical industry as an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory for more than 40 years. (Anti-coagulant effects are not seen with normal oral administration.) Since bladder disease in cats is very similar to that in women, slippery elm may be especially beneficial for our feline friends. Small, frequent dosages of pentosan has been shown in humans to be more effective than single large doses.

Externally, a soothing paste of Slippery Elm powder (mix the powder with a little cold water) can be used as a poultice for hot spots, insect burns, rashes, scratches, ulcerated areas, or other shallow wounds. Native Americans used Slippery Elm bark to stop bleeding. It forms a natural "bandage" that can be left in place for several hours, if you can convince your dog to leave it alone! Moisten with water to remove it.

To give internally, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of Slippery Elm bark powder with cold water for every 10 pounds of body weight. For very small dogs, it is fine to use the same 1/4 teaspoon dose. The bulk powder may be very fluffy, so pack it down as much as possible to measure it. Alternatively, use 1/2 capsule (per 10 pounds), opened and the contents mixed with water. Slippery Elm powder will absorb many times its own weight in water, so be sure to add enough to make a moderately thick gruel. This gruel can be given before meals by syringe or eyedropper, or added to baby food, canned food, or a homemade diet. It has a slightly sweet taste and is usually well-tolerated by cats and dogs when mixed with food. Give a dose 5 minutes before meals for sore throat, and before or with meals for digestive tract problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, until symptoms resolve.

Slippery Elm bark is inexpensive and easy to use; it would be a great addition to your holistic medicine chest!