Thursday, August 8, 2013

Poga Moonga, The Proofs In The Pudding!


The main ingredient and probably the most important ingredient, in Poga Moonga is Moringa, the miracle tree. The"moonga" in poga moonga comes from the word moringa, which is called moonga in some places of the world. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Moringa is its ability amazing health benefits covering a wide range of health issues. Here a just a few:

NUTRITION AND ENERGY BOOST

While most people notice a natural, sustained, energy boost right away, the nutritional results helping undernourished people in third world countries is staggering.

DETOXIFICATION

Studies show Moringa's ability to detoxify water, using the seeds is amazing. It can be grown locally for very little money, which makes it a very cost effective detoxifying agent. It is believed that over 6 million children die each year, due to infections from unclean water. If Moringa can detoxify the worst water and make it usable, how good do you think it would be at detoxifying our bodies? Simply Amazing!

ANTIBIOTIC

Moringa works as a gentle, natural antibiotic, See Eilert, U.,B. Wolters and A. Nahrstedt. "The antibiotic principle of seeds of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala." Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, 42, pp 55-61. 1981

SKIN TREATMENT

Like an other amazing plant, Aloe Vera, Moringa is believed to have great healing benefits for the skin. Most of the research done so fart is on topical applications, but the healing properties would extend to the body itself.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Indian traditional medicines have long used the Moringa in treating the body's inflammation. See, Udupa, S.L., A.L. Udupa and D.R.Kulkarni, "Studies on the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of Moringa oleifera and Aegle marmelos. Fitoterapia 65(2) pp 119-123.

ULCERS

In 1955, the anti-ulcer effects of Moringa were reported in Phytotherapy research. An extract was used from dried leaves and showed to have an impressive ability to heal ulcers in lab animals. Holst, p17.

DIABETES

Further research has shown that an extract from the Moringa leaf was effective in lowering blood sugar levels within a 3-hour period. Holst, pp17-18.

SLEEP

Moringa leaves have shown to aid in keeping a calmer nervous system, which in turn provided improvements in sleep. Holst, p18Some studies have proved Moringa leaves effective for treating,

· Blood pressure

· Diabetes

· Colitis and Diarrhea

· Used as a diuretic

· Headache

· Glandular swelling

· Skin antiseptic

· Fevers

Seeds are used for,

· Fevers

· Tumors

· Rheumatism

· Skin diseases

· Prostate and bladder issues

In all. Moringa is truly an unbelievable tree. So amazing, that is the only plant, which provides the 8 "essential amino acids" our body needs but does not make. We normally must acquire these amino acids by eating the right combination of food.

THE MAGIC OF ALOE VERA

Aloe is an amazing plant that has at least three key actions on cells. It can enhance the effects of even the strongest drugs available without being toxic and causing side effects leaves absolutely no poisonous residues in your body unlike most other drugs. Aloe vera also stimulates the body to cleanse itself in a very positive way, which no other drug, natural or pharmaceutical can match. This is what sets aloe vera apart from any other drug. Aloe Vera is used to treat an awry of health problems. Here is a short list of the benefits of taking Aloe vera:

· Anti-bacterial

· Anti-fungal

· Anti-viral

· Arthritis

· Burns

· Diabetes

· Digestive System

· Anti-inflammatory

· Tumors

· Wounds

Uses based on scientific evidence: Western medicine has done little research on aloe vera and other natural products. But aloe vera has been used for centuries, by many civilizations, with written benefits for all the ailments above. Only further research will gain the approval of the amazing benefits of aloe vera for western medicine.Constipation (laxative) Dried latex from the aloe leaves, taken internally have been used as a laxative. The laxative properties such as aloin are well studied. A herbal remedy containing aloe was found to be an effective laxative, although it is not clear if this effect was due to the aloe itself. Genital Herpes. Some evidence suggests a .05% extract of hydrophilic cream taken from aloe vera, may be an effective treatment of genital herpes in men. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Psoriasis vulgaris

Evidence from one human trial suggests that 0.5% extract from aloe in a hydrophilic cream was an effective treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea, dandruff)One study using 30% aloe lotion, applied to the skin twice daily for 4-6 weeks, was effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Cancer preventionFrom a small case-control study, it showed that oral aloe may help in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits.Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis)From two studies, it was found that using aloe vera gel was a good treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers of the mouth. It reduces the pain and increases the amount of time between the appearances of new ulcers. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Diabetes (type 2) Laboratory studies show that aloe vera can stimulate insulin release from the pancreas and can lower blood glucose levels in mice.

Results from two human trials suggest that oral aloe gel may be effective in lowering blood glucose levels. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits.HIV infection Acemannan, a component found in aloe gel, has been shown to have anti-viral activities and immune-stimulating properties. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Skin burns Preliminary evidence suggests that aloe may be effective in promoting healing of mild to moderate skin burns. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits. Ulcerative colitis There promising research of the use of oral aloe vera in ulcerative colitis (UC), compared to placebo. Additional research is being done to verify these benefits.Wound healing Study results of aloe on wound healing are mixed with some studies reporting positive results. Further study is needed, since wound healing is a popular use of topical aloe.Radiation dermatitis Reports from the 1930s about the aloe's topical beneficial effects on skin after radiation exposure lead to widespread use. Currently, aloe gel is sometimes recommended for radiation-induced dermatitis.

What's so great about pomegranate? There's no doubt that most of you have heard something about pomegranate, even before the wonders of this magical fruit were introduce to you by Poga Moonga. Pomegranate is the "Po" in PogaMoonga. Pomegranate is a great source of antioxidants.Emerging science suggests that unstable little molecules called free radicals may be linked to disease.Where do they come from? Everywhere. Free radicals come from many external sources such as air pollution, alcohol, pesticides, sunlight, tobacco smoke, drugs, and even fried foods. And if that weren't enough your body also produces them. Antioxidants from pomegranate, which is found in PogaMoonga fight hard to help prevent free radicals from doing their damage.Cancer and emerging science. Cancer is not a single condition, but it is a name connected to hundreds of different diseases. The name "cancer" is characterized by the uncontrolled spread and growth of abnormal cells.

Emerging science has shown that diets rich in vegetables and fruits that contain antioxidants, along with regular exercise, might slow or help prevent the development of cancer. PogaMoonga is a great source of antioxidants, from both the moringa and pomegranate. Aging and Emerging Science (and just plain common sense!)We all know that there isn't a Fountain of Youth. But emerging research is leading us to believe that there are a few things we can do to live "young" no matter what our age is. Scientists believe that free radical damage accumulates with age and that antioxidants may help protect the body from free radical damage. It makes sense that exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables including antioxidant-rich Poga Moonga may help you live "young". 1. What are antioxidants?Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause if uncontrolled.

Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C, E, and A ,beta-carotene, lycopene and other substances.2. Can antioxidants prevent cancer?Considerable laboratory evidence in animals, using chemical, cell culture, indicates that antioxidants may slow and even possibly prevent the development of cancer. Further research is needed to prove the beneficial properties of antioxidants and it's relationship to cancer. 3. What was shown in previously published large-scale clinical trials?The clinical trial about the effect of antioxidants on cancer, published in the 1990s reached differing conclusions. The studies examined the effect of beta-carotene and other antioxidants on cancer in different patient groups. Below is the summary of this trail. o The first large randomized trial on antioxidants and cancer risk was the Chinese Cancer Prevention Study, published in 1993. This trial investigated the effect of a combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium on cancer in healthy Chinese men and women at high risk for gastric cancer. The study showed a combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium significantly reduced incidence of both gastric cancer and cancer overall. Blot WJ, Li JY, Taylor PR, et al. Nutrition intervention trials in Linxian, China: supplementation with specific vitamin/mineral combinations, cancer incidence, and disease-specific mortality in the general population. J Natl Cancer Inst 1993;85:1483-91.

Amino Acids Role

Amino acids play important roles as intermediates in metabolism and building blocks of proteins. The amino acids that are found in proteins combine to create many different amino acids. The precise sequence of those amino acids, amino acid content of a specific protein, is determined by the sequence of the bases in the gene that encodes that protein. The chemical properties determine the biological activity of the protein in amino acids. Proteins not only catalyze all (or most) of the reactions in living cells, they control all cellular process. Proteins contain within their amino acid sequences the information to determine how that protein will be structured, and the stability of the resulting structure. The field of protein folding and stability has been researched for years, and remains one of the great unsolved mysteries. But progress is being made daily to truly completely understand amino acids. As we learn about amino acids, we will learn more about amino acid structure and properties along with properties and structure of proteins. We will learn that even the smallest protein has very complex characteristics, which are a composite of the properties of the amino acids, which comprise the protein.

Essential amino acids

Humans can produce 10 of the 20 amino acids. The others must be supplied in the food. Failure to obtain any or enough of even 1 of the 8 essential amino acids, which our body doesn't produce, results in degradation of the body's muscle and proteins. to obtain the one amino acid that are needed. The body does not store excess amino acids, like it does fat and starch, which can be used at a later time. The amino acids must be replenished, daily. The 12 amino acids that we can produce are alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. Tyrosine is produced from phenylalanine, so if the diet is deficient in phenylalanine, tyrosine will be required as well. The essential amino acids are arginine (required for the young, but not for adults), histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. These amino acids are required in the diet. Plants must be able to make all the amino acids. Humans do not have all the enzymes required for the biosynthesis of all of the amino acids.

Why learn these structures and properties?

Learning the structure and chemical make up of these amino acids will further our knowledge of enzymes, proteins or the nucleic acids.

Bacterial Colitis is the Most Common Cause of Colitis


Pseudomembranous colitis is a form of inflammatory disease characterized by the pathologic presence of pseudomembranes consisting of mucin, fibrin, necrotic cells, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Bacterial IBS is the most common cause of this disease , particularly beyond the first year of life. Allergic IBS is the most common form of colitis during the first year of life. Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two other types of bowel inflammation that affect the colon.

A diagnosis of collagenous IBS or lymphocytic IBSis made after tissue samples taken during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are examined with a microscope. Collagenous IBS and lymphocytic IBS are also called microscopic IBS. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by emotional distress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products, but these factors may trigger symptoms in some people.

For extreme cases of collagenous and lymphocytic that have not responded to medication, surgery to remove all or part of the colon may be necessary.

Ulcerative colitis can occur in people of any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30, and less frequently between 50 and 70 years of age. IBS is an inflammation of the colon. IBS may also cause problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, and osteoporosis. This disease causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon.

Ischemic is a form of vasculitis that results from inflammation and ischemia of colonic mucosa, which causes rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Treatment for collagenous and lymphocytic varies depending on the symptoms and severity of the case. People with ulcerative colitis have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors do not know whether these abnormalities are a cause or a result of the disease. Pseudomembranous usually presents with profuse watery or mucoid diarrhea, tenesmus, fever, abdominal cramps, and tenderness usually within one week of antibiotic therapy.

After age 50 a regular colonoscopy is recommended for early detection of colon cancer unless the patient has increased risk of cancer and then more frequent examinations may be prescribed by the patients doctor.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Dog Diarrhea - Symptoms and Treatment of Diarrhea in Dogs


Diarrhea in dogs can have a number of different causes, including infection, parasites and stress. The first step in treating dog diarrhea is identifying its source, and one way to do this is to note its consistency, smell and color. In older and younger dogs it is more serious as it can cause dehydration. Make a visit to your veterinarian if your dog is in this risk group and experiencing loose bowels.

Causes of Dog Diarrhea

The following are common causes of diarrhea in dogs and their symptoms:

繚 Parasites - Roundworms are the most common dog parasite and since they affect the gastrointestinal tract, they often cause diarrhea and vomiting. Some worms, such as intestinal flukes, can cause bloody diarrhea, a more serious condition that should be attended to immediately by a veterinarian.

繚 Leptospirosis - These bacteria causes chills, muscle aches and fever, followed by extreme vomiting and diarrhea. It often results in kidney and liver damage and is sometimes fatal.

繚 Parvo - This virus is has a number of initial symptoms similar to leptospirosis, but is usually less dangerous. Diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration pose the greatest risk. In more severe cases, blood can be observed in the diarrhea.

繚 Hyperthyroidism - This condition results in an overproduction of thyroid hormone that speeds up the body's processes, including metabolism. Weight loss and diarrhea are common symptoms.

繚 Corona Virus - This is a serious viral condition that can lead to intense vomiting and diarrhea. In this case, the diarrhea will be watery, foul-smelling and yellow-orange in color.

繚 Canine Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Both of these conditions lead to inflammation of the intestines and can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

繚 Allergies - Allergic reactions to food or medication can often cause diarrhea.

Dog Diarrhea Treatment

Since diarrhea in dogs can be caused by a number of different conditions, it is important first to identify its source. Once the cause is removed the diarrhea will cease. To help your veterinarian identify the cause of diarrhea, try to collect a sample that you can keep in a jar for your visit. In some cases, your veterinarian will be able to use the sample to visually identify the cause while in others he or she might use it to perform a clinical diagnosis. Depending on the exact nature of the condition, a number of different treatments might be recommended, including antibiotics, FortiFlora Canine Nutritional Supplement or Centrine Tabs.

Regardless of the cause of diarrhea, it is important to treat the symptoms as well, especially in the cases of older and younger pets. Diarrhea can lead to intense dehydration, especially when it is accompanied by vomiting, so it is important to keep your dog hydrated. Your veterinarian might administer fluids intravenously or via injection, but you can also do your best to provide your dog with fluids. You also might want to keep your dog on a diet of chicken and rice for a while, as this will help to bind loose bowels in dogs.

Herbal Remedies and Treatments You Might Want to Try For Crohn's Disease


Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, which affects the alimentary tract, anywhere from the mouth to the anus. This inflammation can extend throughout all the layers of the stomach wall and can occur in patches, or in normal tissue. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is yet unknown, but many have recognized a link to stress and family history. Crohn's disease is a chronic disease for which there is no cure, but only treatments.

Diet is an important factor in Crohn's disease and with the right food and supplements, your body can begin to heal itself naturally, causing your Crohn's disease to go into remission for an extended period of time, sometimes even permanently. In conjunction with natural treatments from your Ontario chiropractor, and the right diet, together with natural herbs and supplements, your body may be able to heal itself naturally from this chronic disease altogether. Here are some natural treatments and supplements for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be effective in treating symptoms of Crohn's disease and address the underlying causes of the illness, while aiming to restore the body's natural healing properties. They can help to restore harmony and equilibrium in the body, and provide a supportive platform to bring natural healing remedies into the affected body systems. These remedies will be specifically tailored by your Ontario wellness physician, to meet your specific needs, and to address specific symptoms.

Some examples of these herbal remedies used in conjunction with treating Crohn's disease include Filipendula ulmaria, Ulmus fulva, and Matricaria recutita just to name a few. These herbs may be recommended alone, or in combination with another, depending on the individual's specific health needs. These herbs can help to strengthen the digestive health of the patient, as well as decrease inflammation in the bowel walls. These herbs can be a natural option for the treatment of Crohn's disease, without all the dangerous side effects associated with prescription drugs and steroids currently used for the treatment of this illness.

Another herbal treatment that has shown to have success in treating Crohn's disease is green tea. Green tea has been well known for thousands of years for its soothing qualities as well as its miraculous healing properties. But only until recently, has green tea been used in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in Crohn's patients, as well as reduce pain and provide temporary relief. Green tea has also, in some cases, been found to ward off cancer with long term use, which can be a major concern down the line, with patients with Crohn's disease.

Ginko biloba has also been seen to have positive effects in the treatment of Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory-related illnesses like colitis, and IBS. Ginko biloba is particularly effective in treating inflammatory diseases like Crohn's because of it's rich antioxidant properties. These antioxidant properties help to clear out bacteria in the intestinal wall, reducing inflammation and pain associated with Crohn's disease. Consult your Ontario wellness physician for more information about herbal remedies and treatments available for Crohn's disease.

If you liked this article about an Ontario chiropractor, tell all your friends about it. They'll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don't forget to mention total wellness solution as the original source).

Digestive System Disorders


The function of the digestive system is to take the food and liquids that we put into our mouths and then either turn them into nutrients and energy needed by the cells of our body, turning what the body doesn't absorb into waste products to be expelled by our body as bowel movements. Digestive system disorders happen when there is a faulty function during the process of digestion which prevents some part of the digestive system from working as it should do. There are many common digestive system disorders.

Colon and Rectal cancer is a malignant cell in large intestine, which consists of the colon and the rectum. Colon and rectal cancers share so many common features that they are referred to as the same cancer which is how the name colorectal cancer came about. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in the U.S.A. If you have symptoms of colorectal cancer you should consult your doctor right away. Common symptoms include: a change in normal bowel habits, blood on or in the stool that is either bright or dark, unusual abdominal or gas pains, very narrow stool, a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after passing stool, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, affected approximately 21,700 Americans in their 60s and 70s in 2001. The risk factors for developing stomach cancer are increased by a diet that consists of eating large amounts of smoked foods, salted fish and meat, foods that are high in starch and low in fiber, pickled vegetables, and foods and beverages that contain nitrates and nitrites.

Diarrhea is watery stool, or an increased frequency in bowel movements, or both as compared to the normal amount of stool passed by the individual. Diarrhea can be short-term, which can be related to a bacterial or viral infection, or it can be long-term which is usually related to a functional disorder or intestinal disease.

Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection which occurs in small pouches that bulge out in the colon. There is a tendency for these patches to catch and trap food particles, which can lead to infection.

Gas in your digestive tract is often caused by swallowing air or during the breakdown process of certain foods by the bacteria that is present in the colon. Everyone has gas, but if you have a gas problem it can be uncomfortable and certainly embarrassing to pass the gas.

Heartburn is what most of us get from time to time. Chronic, problematic heartburn is a digestive disorder called gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is caused by gastric acid that backs up from the stomach and into the esophagus, where it can burn sensitive tissue, and can lead to cancer.

There are several different diseases that fall under the category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), all of which require a doctor for treatment. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two of these diseases. Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders and to Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease differs because it causes inflammation deeper within the intestinal wall and can occur in other parts of the digestive system including the small intestine, mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Crohn's disease symptoms can be different for each person. The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some people have bleeding in the rectum, which is the lower end of the GI tract, just before the anus, which can be serious and may not stop without medical help. Bleeding can lead to anemia, the loss of too many red blood cells. Anemia makes a person feel tired. People can also have weight loss, skin problems, and fevers. Children with Crohn's disease may develop and grow slower than most other children or they may not reach their expected full height.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, also called spastic colon, irritable colon, or nervous stomach) is a condition in which the colon muscle contracts more readily than in people without IBS. A number of factors can trigger IBS including certain foods, medicines, and emotional stress. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and cramps, excess gas, bloating, and a change in bowel habits such as harder, looser, or more urgent stools than normal. Often people with IBS have alternating constipation and diarrhea. The primary causes for IBS include: eating a diet low in fiber, not drinking enough water or other fluids , not getting enough exercise, traveling or other changes in routine, eating large amounts of dairy products, being stressed, resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, overusing laxatives that, over time, weaken the bowel muscles, taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum, taking certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and narcotic pain medicines), and pregnancy.

Lactose intolerance is a condition caused by the lack of an enzyme called lactase, which is needed by the body to digest lactose (a sugar found in milk products). Adults and children can be affected by this intolerance. Digestive diseases or injuries to the small intestine can cause this intolerance. Individuals can experience different symptoms but the common ones are: cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and nausea. The symptoms will worsen when milk products are consumed.

Stomach ulcers, or gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers are open sores or lesions found in the mucous membranes of areas of the body. Lifestyle, stress and diet may have a role in ulcer formation; however they are not the main cause of them. Scientists now know that ulcers are caused by hydrochloric acid and pepsin that are contained in our stomach and duodenal parts of our digestive system and that these acids contribute to ulcer formation; many stomach ulcers are caused by the bacteria H. pylori, and can be cured with antibiotics.

Constipation is the difficult passage of stools or the infrequent (less than three times a week) or incomplete passage of stools. Constipation is usually caused by inadequate roughage, or fiber, in the diet, or a disruption of the regular routine or diet. Constipation causes a person to strain during a bowel movement. It sometimes causes anal problems such as fissures and hemorrhoids. The body needs two types of fiber: soluble fiber (dissolves and acts like a sponge) and insoluble (does not dissolve and acts like a wisk broom). We have recently recognized the need for a third kind of fiber, macrofiber; macrofiber is not only insoluble, it is indigestible, and it carries water through the digestive tract with your food. We used to get a lot of macrofiber 100 years ago; we called it chaff, and a little dirt from the garden, and bug parts....

Structural disorders are those in which the bowel looks abnormal and doesn't work properly. Sometimes, the structural abnormality needs to be removed surgically. The most common structural disorders are those affecting the anus, as well as Diverticulitis and cancer.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that line the anal opening caused by excess pressure from straining during a bowel movement, persistent diarrhea, or pregnancy. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are normal structures cushioning the lower rectum and protecting it from damage by stool. When they fall down into the anus as a result of straining, they become irritated and start to bleed. Ultimately, internal hemorrhoids can fall down enough to sink or protrude out of the anus. External hemorrhoids are veins that lie just under the skin on the outside of the anus. Sometimes, after straining, the external hemorrhoidal veins burst and a blood clot forms under the skin. This very painful condition is called a pile.

Anal fissures are splits or cracks in the lining of the anal opening. The most common cause of an anal fissure is the passage of very hard or watery stools. The crack in the anal lining exposes the underlying muscles that control the passage of stool through the anus and out of the body. An anal fissure is one of the most painful problems because the exposed muscles become irritated from exposure to stool or air, and leads to intense burning pain, bleeding, or spasm after bowel movements.

Colitis is a condition that causes an inflammation of the bowel. There are several types, including infectious colitis (caused by bacteria), ischemic colitis (caused by not enough blood going to the colon), radiation colitis (after radiotherapy), ulcerative colitis (cause not known), and Crohn's disease (cause not known). Colitis causes diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and urgency (frequent and immediate need to empty the bowels).

Celiac disease is a condition of intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and in some medicines. In people with celiac disease, the body's immune system reacts to gluten by attacking and damaging the lining of the small intestine. Eating foods containing gluten can produce severe abdominal pain. When the lining is damaged, the body cannot get the nutrients it needs. Over time, celiac disease can cause anemia, infertility, weak and brittle bones, and other health problems. Celiac disease tends to run in families.

Rapid gastric emptying, or dumping syndrome, occurs when undigested food empties too quickly into the small intestine. Early rapid gastric emptying begins either during or right after a meal. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue. Late rapid gastric emptying occurs 1 to 3 hours after eating. Symptoms include hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar; weakness; sweating; and dizziness. Experiencing both forms of gastric emptying is not uncommon.

Smoking can harm all parts of the digestive system, contributing to such common disorders as heartburn and peptic ulcers. Smoking increases the risk of Crohn's disease, and possibly gallstones, which form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. Smoking also damages the liver.

Many diseases of the colon and rectum can be prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good eating, exercise, and bowel habits:


Eat to live, rather than living to eat. Choose foods that will nourish your body, the fresher the better; keep prepackaged foods and snacks down to a minimum; there are healthy snacks!

When you eat, stop, sit, relax, slow down, and chew well. Try not to overeat; many small eatings are much better for our digestive system than three large ones, especially if you also snack.

To get the most out of the foods you eat, it is best to avoid drinking lots of liquids 20-30 minutes before and after your meals. Drinking too much liquid with meals dilutes the concentration of hydrochloric acid and enzymes needed for proper digestion.

Find your best time of day to have a bowel movement, usually a half hour to an hour after breakfast or after lunch.

Eat all of your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at a predictable time each day. The bowel functions best when food is introduced at the same regular intervals.

Eat a high fiber diet.

Drink plenty of fluids, ideally 64 ounces a day or 8 glasses of water. Keep caffeine to a minimum; it is a diuretic which draws fluid from your colon and leaving your stools hard.

Exercise daily. Bowel function is helped most when exercise is at a consistent daily time.

It is generally accepted that you should take only a minute or so to empty your bowel. Never strain or hold your breath. Hemorrhoids can result from straining.

Avoid relying on laxatives and use them only when needed - ask your doctor or continence adviser for help.

Regular exercise, drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of fresh high fiber foods should keep your bowel healthy. Believe it or not, try chicken soup; it is not just a Jewish myth. Half a cup or so of chicken broth sipped with meals is a great digestive aid.

Disclaimer: The above article is educational in nature, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.

Sudden Hearing Loss - What You Need to Know?


One of the most devastating hearing losses is the sudden hearing loss (SHL). This occurs relatively quickly in a matter of hours or days and can affect one or both ears. Many specialists state that this type of loss is frequent in people between the age group of 30-60 years and has an equal occurrence rates in both men and women. It is important to note that SHL affect people differently but it is often accompanied with other conditions like vertigo or tinnitus or both. The condition may be mild or server and may affect various parts of the hearing frequency range. It may also be temporary or permanent.

There are two types of this condition: sudden conductive and sudden sensorineural hearing. These conditions will be treated differently because they are of different natures. The sudden conductive condition is relatively easy to diagnose and fix and are therefore not considered a medical emergency. On the other hand the sudden sensorineural condition is a medical emergency and patients need to see an otologist or a neurologist. This condition usually occurs within three days and the loss is more than 30DB as shown on the audiogram. In other situations, the condition may be instantaneous and the patients may hear a loud sound or a pop sound before their hearing disappears.

The condition is not idiopathic as there are quite a number of known causes. One of them is autoimmune conditions such as lupus, relapsing polychodritis and Ulcerative colitis among others. Vascular conditions like red blood cell deformity, sickle cell and blood dyscrasias; Neurological Neoplastic like acoustic Neuroma, leukemia and multiple sclerosis are also some of the causes of this condition. People who have undergone trauma or have infections due to viruses and toxins in the body may also suffer from sudden hearing loss. Sometimes it may be difficult for the ear specialists to determine the cause of the condition and may render it as idiopathic.

For those patients with history of SSHL associated with situations look straining, diving or recent surgery it is important to see a specialist as it will require a surgery. Patients diagnosed with idiopathic SSHL usually recover completely without treatment but others may require some treatment options in order to regain their ears while others do not recover whether they have been treated or not.

Crohn's Disease Support Groups


Man is a social animal and does not live in isolation. Hence, it is vital for patients to adjust to the society and their living conditions despite any diseases they may have. This is where the role of health support groups is critical. Support groups, as the name suggests, support an individual and his or her family. They help adjust to the changed social scenario brought about by a debilitating disease.

Crohn?s disease is a chronic illness which generally onsets between the ages of 15 and 30. There is currently no cure for the disease and treatment is mainly jus to ease symptoms. Some patients have reported that consumption of foods high in fiber and dairy foods make their symptoms worse. Therapies include treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs that act in the intestines and steroids. In advanced cases, a bowel resection may be required.

A patient Crohn?s disease has gas and abdominal pain in case of mild ailment, whereas severe cases have uncontrollable bowel movements. This makes it difficult for the patient to move freely in public. This could lead to isolation, embarrassment and anxiety, which can severely alter the patient?s life and may also lead to depression.

Support groups provide support in terms of information needed about the disease. Medications, surgical options and symptoms are some of the areas that patients need information on. Some members of support groups belong to the medical profession and offer advice to other members. It is also helpful to talk to people who suffer from the same condition.

It is very easy to become a member of a support group. One can join a local support group or the various support groups globally, through the Internet.

Although support groups aren't for everyone, they can provide valuable information about ones condition as well as emotional support. Members of support groups learn about the latest medical treatments or integrative therapies. Patient's also finds it reassuring to be among people who understand what they are going through. Crohn?s disease support groups also help patients keep abreast of the latest findings in the treatment of the disease.