How to Treat IBS: 7 Commonly-Prescribed Treatments That Do NOT Cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often referred to as IBS or colitis, is a gastrointestinal disorder, and the recommendations for how to treat IBS run the gamut. Because it is a very common disease, with statistics showing that every one out of five adults suffer from IBS in the United States, there is a great deal of misinformation online about treatments for the condition.

The common symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, bloated stomach, heart burn and abdominal cramps. Some patients may have constipation while others may have diarrhea, fever, bleeding and weight loss. IBS is a disease that causes a great deal of discomfort and life upset. If you have one or more of these symptoms, you'll probably begin searching the Internet for cures and treatments for your condition. Most of the information that you will discover may help mitigate your symptoms but won't cure the disease, even though the treatments are recommended as cures.

Here are 7 examples of commonly-prescribed treatments that you will discover as you research how to treat IBS that do not work to cure IBS:

1. Yoga: Yoga was practiced by the ancient sages of India. There are some specific yoga asanas to improve the digestion and to manage the symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating and others. Yoga is a combination of physical and mental exercises. The exercises focus on deep breathing, de-stressing and restoring balance to all organs and systems of the human body. The yoga asanas for IBS include the forward bend, the abdominal twist, the gas-relieving pose and breathing exercises. While these practices may help alleviate some IBS symptoms, yoga is not a cure.

2. Acupuncture and acupressure: These are Chinese medicinal practices that involve treating diseases by pricking fine needles or apply pressure on specific points in the body. Both of these procedures are effective in treating many diseases. An acupuncturist can help in relaxing muscle spasms and improve bowel function. While these practices may help mitigate some IBS symptoms, acupuncture and acupressure are not cures.

3. Home remedies: Home remedies like taking ginger and asafoetida are commonly recommended for IBS. Ginger paste mixed with lemon juice and honey and taken after every meal is recommended to make sure the food you eat is digested well. Drinking gooseberry water and eating pomegranate seeds are other common home remedies recommended for how to treat IBS. While these practices may help alleviate some IBS symptoms, home remedies are not the cure.

4. Stress management: Stress is often listed as a primary cause of IBS. Therefore, the recommendation to manage stress is to indulge yourself in a hobby that you like. Exercise regularly. Go for brisk walking or vigorous swimming or jogging or cycling to reduce stress. Sleep well. Practice yoga. While these practices may help reduce some IBS symptoms, stress management is not the cure.

5. Hypnosis: A trained hypnotist helps you in relaxing and can help you learn how to relax tense abdominal muscles to avoid cramps. While these practices may help overcome some IBS symptoms, hypnosis is not the cure.

6. Diet: Avoiding processed foods, spicy foods, fried foods and acidic foods is a commonly recommended protocol for treating IBS, as is eating a diet rich in fiber. Actually, the best diet for IBS is one in which you eat low fiber foods that won't aggravate the already-inflamed intestinal tissue. This means no raw fruits or vegetables, and no nuts, seeds, or corn until you get your IBS fixed. While these practices may help alleviate some IBS symptoms, a different diet is not the cure. Actually, when you're cured of IBS, you can eat whatever you like.

7. Life style modifications: Typical modifications include no alcohol and smoking, drinking plenty of water, regular exercise, and getting plenty of sleep. While these are all generally good recommendations for enhancing your lifestyle and may alleviate some IBS symptoms, lifestyle modifications are not the cure.

Here's the best way to treat your IBS -- naturopathy. IBS is caused from antibiotics you have taken over your lifetime. These antibiotics have caused damage to the mucosal lining of your intestines. If you want to get rid of IBS permanently, the damaged mucosal lining must be rebuilt. Naturopathic treatment does wonders in rebuilding the mucosal lining and intestinal wall through ingesting natural nutritional compounds. Naturopathy also helps to reinoculate beneficial organisms to help rebuild your GI tract.

The above commonly-recommended treatment options may help you manage your IBS symptoms. However, rebuilding the mucosal lining of your intestines is the only cure for IBS that works and is how to treat IBS.

The IBD Or Inflammatory Bowel Disease Known As Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is the condition that causes the lining of the colon and the rectum to be chronically inflamed and develop ulcers or sores that produce pus and bleed. The most common symptoms of this inflammatory bowel disease or IBD are diarrhea containing blood and abdominal pain.

Ulcerative colitis is a serious condition that can cause many complications including some that are life-threatening. While there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis, many patients are able to manage their symptoms and sometimes experience a remission through various forms of treatment.

The Different Types and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

There are several different type of colitis that are basically categorized by the areas that are affected and each type has a slight variation on the symptoms, however, the most common symptoms associated with all forms of colitis are bleeding, diarrhea, and pain. Ulcerative proctitis is when the inflammation primarily occurs in the rectum.

Symptoms that are associated with this type of colitis include rectal bleeding, and in some cases rectal pain and difficulty emptying the bowels even when having the urge to do so. Left-sided colitis is when the inflammation occurs begins at the rectum and continues up the left side of the colon including the sigmoid and descending colon. The symptoms that occur with left-sided colitis include abdominal pain and cramping that is felt on the left side, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss that is unintentional.

When the colitis is present at the lower end of the colon or the sigmoid colon and the rectum, it is called proctosigmoiditis and causes the symptoms of abdominal pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea, and tenesmus which is the urge to have a bowel movement with the inability to pass stool or passing very little.

When the entire colon is affected by colitis this is called pancolitis and produces the symptoms of bloody diarrhea, weight loss that is significant, abdominal cramps and pain, as well as fatigue. There is also a very rare form of colitis called fulminant colitis that affects the entire colon and can cause serious complications and is a life threatening condition. Patients who suffer from this type of colitis experience severe pain and diarrhea, and sometimes become dehydrated can go into shock.

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for ulcerative colitis and a patient will have this condition for life. Treatment for ulcerative colitis focuses on reducing the inflammation that causes the symptoms. Some individuals may experience a long-term remission of their colitis after treatment.

The first form of treatment that is typically used for colitis is anti-inflammatory medications, however, there are several different types of these drugs of which one that may work for one individual will not work for another. A patient may have to try several different types of medication before finding the one that works for them.

Medications may also be prescribed to treat other underlying medical condition or complications that may have occurred from having ulcerative colitis. Surgery may also be recommended if other forms of treatment have failed. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with colitis, it is essential that you contact your physician as soon as possible to obtain a medical evaluation in order to prevent any further damage or serious complications from occurring.

Natural Cure - Leaky Gut Syndrome

In this series of articles on Leaky Gut Syndrome, we have discussed what Leaky Gut Syndrome is, its causes and symptoms. In addition, we have discussed how you can diagnose Leaky Gut Syndrome, what foods to avoid and what to eat. In this last article of the series, we will see how to cure leaky gut naturally.

In two of the articles on constipation and what foods to eat, we have already discussed two of the important steps in the fight against Leaky Gut Syndrome. We will not go into details but would reemphasize that following a healthy diet that consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and nuts etc., and staying away from processed foods is the key to defeat Leaky Gut Syndrome. You may occasionally digress but do not cheat regularly. Same is the case with constipation, do not take it lightly and try to use natural laxatives to deal with the problem.

Inflammation is one of the main causes for occurrence of Leaky Gut Syndrome and in its aggravation. It is caused by pathogens, bacteria, parasites, yeast and fungus. When the harmful pathogens increase in numbers, they tend to overwhelm the friendly bacteria. The situation needs to be reversed, if we are to cure Leaky Gut Syndrome. To reduce and ultimately eliminate inflammation, stick to the recommended diet. You may also use natural anti-pathogenic supplements. If you are still unable to deal with pathogens, maybe it is time to get the stool tested in a lab. A word of caution, you may experience worsening of the symptoms before you get better. It is called Herxheimer Reaction and shows that your treatment is working.

Digestive process is one of the victims of Leaky Gut Syndrome. Because of the damage to intestinal lining, the gut is unable to produce the digestive enzymes in required quantities. A common example of this is dairy intolerance which happens when the tips of Microville that produce the enzyme to digest milk sugar lactose are damaged. The system needs to be helped with enzyme supplements providing pancreatic, liver and digestive enzymes, as well as Hydrochloric Acid. In this regard, you can use any of the enzyme products in the market. The second step is to re-inoculate with friendly bacteria whose density has been reduced by harmful bacteria so as to aid body's natural ability to fight disease. This is done with probiotices and prebiotics. First are friendly bacteria and second is the food it needs to thrive. Again, go for quality products that have greater number of strains, as it increases the chances of finding a strain that works best for you. The number of friendly bacteria in the probiotic is not the deciding factor in this case.

Repairing the damaged intestines is the next step. It ensures that the tiny open doors through which harmful substances were flooding the system are closed and we throw the keys away. This would require the help of amino acids and digestive herbs. There are some excellent products available in the market and you can go for any one of these. One amino acid product is L-Glutamine that comes in powder form and is readily and quickly absorbed. As far as digestive herbs are concerned, you can try Clear 8 - Aminos and Herbs for Digestive Support.

When you recover from Leaky Gut Syndrome, it is not a lifelong clean bill of health. I have intentionally used the word 'when' in the first sentence because I sincerely believe that there is no chance of failure, if you follow the advice. Anyway, the disease can recur if you return to your old ways. Although it is beyond me to understand why would anyone give up a healthy way of life to one of suffering.

Common Sign of an Ulcer Attack

Of all of the chronic illnesses that one can experience, perhaps one of the most painful has got to be the ulcer. It does make you a bad day to se sign of an ulcer attack appearing in your body. The churning and burning sensation of this terrible illness can be incredibly painful, and if not treated, can go on for week after week with seemingly no end in sight.

However, for those of us that suffer with ulcers, there are a variety of different treatments available that can get your body back up to par in no time. The most important thing to remember, though, is that all ulcers are different and can be caused by different bacteria and viruses, so you must be sure that you get the right treatment for the type of ulcer when you see common sign of an ulcer coming. Usually a few simple tests are all that is needed to determine the cause of your ulcer and how subsequent treatment should go.

If you are one of the millions of people who have the sign of an ulcer, you should go seek treatment as soon as you can. Since most ulcers conditions are quite easy to treat, there really should not be anything holding you back from receiving treatment immediately. Remember, the sooner you go to the doctor the sooner you will recover from this debilitating condition.

Many people in the world today suffer this most common type of ulcer that is known as an aphthous ulcer. It is a type of ulcer which grows in a person's mouth. The common sign of this ulcer is that it is especially painful in your mouth where it is affected since you use your mouth on a continual basis for everything from eating to talking. Luckily though, if you have a mouth ulcer, there are lots of mouth ulcer care products available to help you treat it.

Other sign of an ulcer attack can be pain in the stomach caused by stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer. Another one could be sore on your skin due to decubitus ulcer. What ever type of ulcer you may have, seek medical treatment when you start to see sign of an ulcer attack and you will have a good chance of a speedy recovery.

Healing Ulcers With Cabbage Juice

Stomach ulcers are a painful open sores found in the digestive tract. Ulcers can be triggered by stress, and poor dieting, but the primary cause for an ulcer is an infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria. This bacterial organism weakens the protective coating of the stomach and duodenum and allows the damaging digestive juices to irritate the sensitive lining below. The bacteria has been found in the saliva of some infected people so it is believed to be spread through kissing, as well as possibly through food or water. Overuse of aspirin and ibuprofen is also documented as a common cause of ulcers. There are a number of risk factors that increase the chance of developing ulcers including increasing age, alcohol abuse, diabetes, and smoking. The pain experienced from ulcers comes from contact between the open sores and acidic digestive juices. Eating brings temporary relief as the acids are neutralized, but the pain returns once the food is digested. Using a control group consisting of 100 people with peptic ulcers, Dr. Cheney found that drinking 4 glasses of raw cabbage juice led to healing of peptic ulcers within 4 to 10 days, with no other changes in their diet.. X-ray exams confirmed more rapid healing from cabbage juice when compared to treatments given in hospitals that took an average of 30 days. Peptic ulcers are found on the stomach lining, while duodenal ulcers are found on the lining of the upper small intestine.

The healing properties found in cabbage come from two anti-ulcer compounds, glutamine (an amino acid that fuels the cells that line the stomach and intestine) and S-methyl-methionine (labeled as Vitamin U by Dr. Cheney). Glutamine is available in capsules for those who are too busy to juice cabbage, and is proven as a superior cure to antacids. Juicing cabbage is simple, and done by cutting the head into segments small enough to fit into your juicer's feeding chute. When using cabbage juice it is recommended not to drink more than 4 oz at a time to avoid over stimulating the gastric juices, which can lead to cramping of the intestine and gassiness due to the sulfur in the juice reacting with existing intestinal bacteria. Mixing cabbage juice with carrot juice can help cut the effect of sulfur and tone intestinal walls. Beyond its ability to heal stomach ulcers, cabbage is also recognized as a successful treatment for a number of other health conditions including colitis and constipation. It is also known to help clear up acne, and heal infected gums. It's important to choose heads of cabbage that are firm with no loose leave or discoloration, which means loss of nutritional value. 

Reasons for Bloody Stool in Cats

Seeing traces of blood in a pet's stool can upset you tremendously especially if it happens to your cat. Though small traces of blood or streaks in the stool do not signify anything serious, considerable amount of blood that occurs frequently should be a cause for concern. The presence of blood in the stool is termed clinically as hematochezia. Most often people tend to confuse this with melena which is characterized by dark or tarry stools whereas hematochezia has fresh traces of blood in stool.

The reason for the presence of bloody stool may be something minor that can be easily rectified or it may also be indicative of some serious or fatal disorder your pet has. Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea should always be looked into immediately. Some of the most possible causes for bloody stool in cats are listed here.

The most likely cause for hematochezia is the presence of infection. Bacterial infection especially the ones caused by salmonella, clostridium and E Coli cause colitis and diarrhea with presence of blood in the stool. Salmonella and E coli can be identified only by culture tests done on the sample whereas clostridia are easily recognized in fecal sample tests.

Presence of parasites like tape worms, hook worms and round worms in the intestinal walls also lead to internal bleeding and hematochezia. Intestinal parasites can be identified by doing stool sample tests.

The cat may sometimes ingest rat poison or chemicals like house cleaning supplies that are left lying around the house and yard. This will irritate the intestinal wall and cause bleeding which appears as blood in the stool.

Benign tumors like intestinal polyps present in the colon and the rectal areas also cause the appearance of blood in cat stool. Malignancy is another important reason for concern that causes bloody stool in cats. The lower bowel area is the most prone region for malignancy to occur.

Other than the above listed reasons, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis and other intestinal disorders can also initiate bleeding. Allergic reactions, ingestion of antibiotics that the cat is allergic to and foods that cause allergy can also cause blood to be seen in the stool. Coagulation disorders are another important cause for the appearance of bloody stools.

Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea along with the appearance of blood in the stool should be treated immediately. Get the help of the pet's veterinarian who will suggest a series of diagnostic tests like fecal and rectal examination, radiographs, blood tests, coagulation tests and ultrasound of the abdomen. These will help identify the specific cause for the bleeding.

The treatment given in case of hematochezia is usually a regimen of antibiotics if infection is present and a change in the regular diet pattern of the pet. The diet is changed to a high protein content one with less of fats and more of fibers included. In case of inflammatory bowel disease a hydrolyzed dry diet is given.

When you notice blood in cat stool you should know the various reasons for the presence of blood so that you can take appropriate measures and get veterinary help to treat the condition immediately if it is a serious one.

Colitis - A Basic Outline

Very little is known about this serious digestive disorder. A basic outline about this condition will help victims and their loved ones come to terms with colitis.

Colitis is the inflammation of the colon or large intestine. Colitis is the general term applied when referring to several disorders involving the large intestine.

Common causes of this digestive disorder are viruses, bacteria, parasites, disorders in the immune system, also poor hygiene practices and the prolonged use of antibiotics.

Common symptoms of Colitis that physicians look for in making a diagnosis of this condition are:

• diarrhea


• presence of blood and mucus in the stool


• abdominal pain


• fever


• persistent urge to have a bowel movement


• lack of appetite


• fatigue

Colitis can be diagnosed in all the gender categories from between 15 to 40 years of age. It is uncommon in children. This condition appears to be hereditary as people diagnosed with colitis reveal that they have family members who are ill with this disorder.

The most widespread forms of colitis are ulcerative and Chron's disease. Ulcerative colitis is the chronic and severe inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the large intestine. This form of colitis causes inflammation & formation of ulcers or sores in the top layers of the lining of the colon only; hardly ever does it affect the small intestine. Chron's disease is an inflammatory disease of the colon marked by the thickening of the lining of the intestinal wall. The inflammation characteristic to Chron's disease generally occurs in the small intestine but it often spreads deep into other parts of the digestive tract.

There is no known medical cure for colitis. When the condition arises, the cycle of relapse and remission begins.

Are Acid Reflux and Diarrhea Related?

A significant number of people who have acid reflux disease also claim to suffer from frequent IBS or irritable bowel symptoms. But is this coincidence or connection. The answer is there does appear to be a connection. There is at least one affiliation between acid reflux and diarrhea, and there could be more. In this article, we will briefly explore the implication of these connections.

The Connection

The first of the two connections is a natural one. This could possibly mean that both acid reflux and diarrhea are symptoms of a larger root problem. In this case, the problem is digestion. Medical sources note that acid reflux disease can occur when the intestinal and lower-stomach muscles involuntarily relax. This, also, can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.

The other link between acid reflux and diarrhea is not naturally occurring, but rather drug related. Several current studies show that drugs taken to alleviate acid reflux are actually helping to cause diarrhea. There are two basic categories for acid reflux medical treatment - protein pump inhibitors (PPI's) and H-2 blockers. Some common brand name versions of these drugs you may recognize are Prilosec & Nexium for PPI's, and Zantac and Pepcid for H-2 blockers. Diarrhea has been found to be a side effect of taking both of these drug categories.

Continue reading to find out why these medications can cause diarrhea and what the treatment options are. You can also sign up for the free acid reflux newsletter at the bottom of the page for natural methods of treating acid reflux that won't cause diarrhea.

The Cause

H-2 blockers and protein pump inhibitors both have been shown to facilitate the excessive growth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile (C-diff). Excessive amounts of C-diff growing rampant in the large intestine, or colon, are responsible for causing diarrhea. And to make matters worse, antibiotics taken for separate problems (or related) can kill the "good" bacteria that are needed to ward of C-diff in the large intestine.

Colitis, a painful form of cramping intestinal inflammation, can result from too much C-diff. Compounding matters, these infections can spread very easily in populated places such as hospitals and dorms.

The Reason

Basically, taking drugs to combat acid reflux actually weakens the body's defenses. The stomach acid in a person's body is not just for digesting food, but also acts as a barrier to prevent unwanted bugs from entering our bodies. The drugs used to suppress stomach acid can actually weaken this form of defense, allowing access to certain bacteria (like C-diff) that would otherwise not be admitted.

This is also a reason that doctors often recommend more natural methods of fighting acid reflux before resorting to medicine. Some of these methods include losing weight (if applicable), eating smaller meals more frequently, eating less fatty foods, eating less spicy foods, limiting alcohol and smoking, and elevating the head when sleeping. These can often go a long way in controlling acid reflux if followed carefully.

Acid reflux and diarrhea are related, probably in more ways than one. If you haven't exhausted these possibilities already, you may want to try utilizing some of the lifestyle and diet related treatments listed above. If you're stuck using the medicinal treatments, then just remember to be aware of infections that can result from a weakened line of defense. And, maintain frequent contact with your physician as a result.

Moldable Hollister Stomas Flange Secures It Without A Leak

Moldable Hollister stomas flange has made it a bit easier for people with stoma to manage their situations. Especially if the case is life-long, anything that will make caring and protecting the stoma easier and simpler is a great help.

About Stoma Surgery

Stoma surgery was created and first done in the US in the late 70's. Every year now, it is estimated that around 75,000 Americans undergo the operation and millions of people all over the world have been cured from illnesses because of this procedure. Stoma surgery is being used to treat several illnesses which mostly include problems on the excretory and digestive systems. The three main types are; ileostomy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, colostomy for anus or colon cancer and urostomy to treat problems in the excretory system. Among these types, urostomy has the least number of cases.

At pre-surgery, patients will have to do some important preparations. One is to have a couple of sessions with a psychologist. This has become a necessity, according to medical experts. The idea of having a hole in one's body to release body wastes can be traumatic to any patient - it definitely is life-changing which needs to be fully accepted. Another is the physical preparation where patients need to undergo exercises and diet so the body will be able to sustain major transformations.

During the surgery process doctors eliminate some parts of the body insides as part of treating the decease and then create a hole, a stoma, in the abdominal wall where part of the intestine can be connected to a pouch to collect body wastes.

The Stoma Pouch

At post-stoma surgery the stoma pouch will be the patient's constant companion. This is where body wastes will be collected and patients, including family members sometimes, will spend a great amount of time caring and maintaining cleanliness of the area. These pouches would have a flange that should always be attached securely to the skin to prevent any leakage. In the past, ring seals of the pouches need to be cut according to the size of the stoma. Due to constant developments in caring for stoma patients, flanges have been made to attach on the stoma securely without any measuring and cutting. They are made of elastic materials that moulds according to the shape and size of the stoma so there is more protection from leakage.

A stoma pouch needs to be changed regularly, especially if there is leakage. Even with a moldable Hollister stomas flange leakage is still possible when the backing is starting to wear off. Pouches should not be used for more than 7 days, shorter if the stoma is new, even without leakage. Gladly, many stoma patients are able to adjust and still enjoy life.

What To Do If You Suspect Crohn's Disease Or Colitis

Often people with Crohn's Disease and Colitis suffer uncomfortable symptoms for a long time before they seek medical treatment. The symptoms of these conditions can vary from person to person. The more common ones are diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. If you experience these ill effects on a regular basis, you should seek a medical opinion.

See Your Doctor

Everyone will experience one or more of these symptoms at some point in their life (diarrhea accompanying flu, gas pains, or other temporary distress). Yet there is a difference between regular and acute bouts of distress and an occasional stomach upset. Often people have a sense when something is not quite right with their health but many people will ignore the signs.

It seems easier to bury one's head in the sand. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. If Crohn's Disease and Colitis symptoms go untreated over time, they can do serious damage to one's body.

The effects of ignored symptoms can include malnutrition, intestinal blockages, and even organ damage. As well, people are enduring needless pain and suffering. It is foolhardy to ignore uncomfortable symptoms.

All the time that people spend in discomfort could be eliminated almost right from the start - if sufferers sought professional attention. When a person is diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Colitis, they can begin to be treated for their condition. Although there is no medical cure at present for these diseases, they are manageable conditions.

People can learn to control (and even eliminate) their symptoms. A physician or naturopathic doctor will set up a customized plan that suits the individual. Yet none of this can happen if a person sits at home, suffers in silence, and does not seek medical help. If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, do not delay that all-important trip to your medical professional.

Watch Your Diet

Unless it is an emergency situation, there might be a lapse in time (from hours to days) before you get an appointment. In the meantime, go easy on the processed foods, fats, and sugar. Try healthier options. Whether or not you are diagnosed with these conditions, follow a healthy diet in the future. The Western diet is not considered a good diet for anyone and it causes extra distress for Crohn's Disease and Colitis sufferers.

A diet that includes lots of fruit and vegetables is a wiser choice. Many people with Crohn's Disease and Colitis claim that they have controlled (and even eliminated) their symptoms by taking part in a water fast and eating a regular raw food diet. Of course, nobody should go on a water fast or make an extreme change to their diet without checking with their medical professional.

Maybe a raw food diet is right for you but be prepared for a few initial challenges. If you change from the Western diet to a raw food diet, your body will need time to adjust to its new fuel. You may experience temporary discomfort. Yet in the long-term, fruits and vegetables are a better choice than sugars and fats.

Colopril Review - How Effective is This Product?

In recent years, many people have advocated the act of following a colon cleansing regiment to purify their internal systems. Proponents of detoxification have claimed that after the cleansing program, one feels lighter, healthier, and more alert mentally and physically.

When celebrities started to proclaim the efficacy of colon cleansing or detoxification in aiding their weight loss, easing digestive problems and providing more energy and stamina, it seems as if quite a few colon cleansing products began to appear in the market in response to the situation in a very short period of time.

One product that appears to be gaining quite a bit of popularity is Colopril, manufactured by Pharmaxa Labs. User accounts have been touting the benefits of the product as a safe and effective detoxifying aid. As impressive as the reports appear to be on the product, it is always wise to examine what's actually contained in any nutritional supplement before purchasing it.

Let's take a closer look at the Colopril formula and it's base of ingredients.

Cascara Sagrada Bark

Known as a sacred bark for some Native Americans, the bark of Cascara Sagrada is considered as a potent herb that can alleviate constipation and other digestive problems, such as colitis, bloating, and gas. This ingredient also has astringent properties that help cleanse and detoxify the liver and the colon.

Moreover, Cascara Sagrada's bark contains special substances known as anthraquinones, which is responsible for the laxative effect of the herb. The bacteria inside the intestines transform these substances into compounds that boost motility of the large intestine. Thus, stimulating proper bowel movement needed to help pass stool and get rid of toxins and wastes inside the body.

Ginger Root

In the East, ginger root is used to add flavor and aroma to many dishes. However, this is not the only benefit from this pungent herb. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that ginger root is useful in relieving many conditions, particularly those that affect the digestive tract.

For over 2,000 years, these knotted roots have been used by Chinese doctors not only in relieving vomiting and nausea, but also in treating stomach upsets, dyspepsia, colitis, irritable bowel and other gastrointestinal ailments. Recently, however, experts have discovered that this herb contains terpenes and oleo-resin which are antiseptic substances that promote lymphatic cleansing, boost blood circulation, and eliminate toxins inside the body.

Psyllium Seed

The potency of psyllium seed in colon cleansing is largely due to its high fiber content. It is known that dietary fiber is crucial in helping absorb toxins inside the gut and promote peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines. A person who is constipated usually does not have enough fiber and water in the body to help move waste products and stool out of the system. Aside from being effective in relieving constipation and promoting healthy bowel movement, psyllium seed is also known for curbing appetite and helping treat kidney and bladder problems.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

There are good bacteria and other microorganisms residing inside the intestine and other parts of the body. These are considered good because they promote proper digestion and overall wellness. Furthermore, they also protect people against various diseases caused by bad organisms that inhabit the body.

Aside from aiding digestion, Lactobacillus Acidophilus also prevents infectious diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases, yeast infections, food allergies, cystitis, and urinary tract infection. Lastly, Lactobacillus Acidophilus also helps boost the immune system. Scientists are even looking into the possibility of including Lactobacillus Acidophlus in the treatment of H. pylori infections, HIV-induced diarrhea and even colon cancer.

In the end, when considering a colon cleansing product, you always need to keep in mind that the quality of ingredients should come first and foremost. The purity of the ingredients in each pill or capsule will have a direct influence as to the supplements effectiveness. With Colopril, it certainly establishes itself against that standard.

Coloril is a product that certainly contains a slew of healthy ingredients, most of which our body could use, whether the aim is to detoxify, lose weight or not. One of the big health benefits of colon cleansing comes from the fact that it can get people 'going' around as often as they eat. Overall I really do like this product.

Blood in Stool - Cause For Concern

Sometimes, when you are passing stool, you can see streaks of blood in the stool or the tissue paper. Spotting blood like this can be quite an alarming sight for anyone. The presence of blood in stool could be for various reasons, and they generally point towards rectal bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding. It's time to head towards your physician's office if you see blood like this. Ignorance can complicate the matter even further. Ask yourself - can blood in stool cause other problems? Sure they can. Excessive blood loss can lead to weakness, fatigue, and even anemia.

What is the cause of blood in stool? There is more than one factor that can cause rectal bleeding. Let's look at the more important ones among them one by one.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is one of the main reasons that can cause the appearance of blood with stool. A condition which causes the intestines or the stomach to become inflamed, Gastroenteritis can also cause nausea, abdominal pain, weakness, and diarrhea that could possibly contain blood.

Internal Bleeding

Internal Bleeding refers to the bleeding of blood vessels inside the body. Apart from being a blood in stool cause, it may also lead to weakness, dizziness, and stomach pain. The person might also become unconscious due to internal bleeding. The main causes for internal bleeding are bleeding ulcers, tears to the stomach or intestines and trauma.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid can also lead to bloody stools. Hemorrhoids are a medical condition in which the patient suffers from swelling in the blood vessels around the anus and hence experiences severe pain and discomfort while sitting or passing stool. Hemorrhoids are of two kinds - internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can also cause a number of other symptoms, such as anal swelling and itching, pain and discomfort.

Anal Fissures

Anal fissure refer to a torn anal which causes bright red blood in stool. Patients also complain to have blood on the toilet tissue and underwear. Anal fissure leads to severe pain and discomfort in any activity that requires anal movement or puts pressure on the anus, such as passing stools, bending over or lifting something heavy.

Ulcerative Colitis

Patients suffering from Ulcerative colitis have ulcers and inflammation in their rectum and colon. This is a chronic disease of the lower digestive tract which can cause rectal bleeding or blood, mucus or pus while passing your stool. Such patients may also experience water and blood in diarrhea, high fever, stomach pain, nausea, and dehydration. Symptoms like passing foul smelling stools, loss of appetite, skin lesions, and joint pain can also be associated with Ulcerative colitis.

What Is Anal Herpes And How Is The Virus Treated Effectively?

Anal herpes is the formation of viral outbreaks in the rectal area. The transmission of has generally the same characteristics of any other form of the herpes virus. The area is infected when contact with a contaminated person is made. Blisters usually develop about two weeks after initial contact.

The blisters develop at the edge of the anus, but it is possible for the outbreaks to spread inside the rectum. In the event that this happens, colitis, the chronic inflammation of the membrane that lines your colon, intestine or bowel, can develop. Although it is painful to experience any type of herpes anal outbreaks tend to be exceptionally painful as a result of the irritation caused to it during any bowel movements. During outbreaks, blood and mucus is often expelled with stool.

The greatest cause of herpes transmission to the anus is through anal sex. It can be transmitted from anus to penis or from penis to anus. Using protective measures such as condoms greatly reduces the chance of contracting anal herpes, although condoms do not always cover the infected area in its entirety. Taking part in sexual intercourse with a partner who has been infected with herpes brings with it certain unavoidable risks, and the issue should be discussed prior to any kind of intercourse.

Like genital herpes anal symptoms are similar. The initial outbreak is often the worst, and after recognizing that you have anal herpes, subsequent outbreaks are fairly easy to identify. Prior to an outbreak, the infected area is often itchy or painful. Some people develop flu-like symptoms prior to, and during outbreaks as well. Small red bumps will begin to form in the anal region.

These bumps soon develop into blisters that are filled with a red, white, or clear liquid. In some cases, the blisters will remain intact and heal without scabbing, but the majority of the time they will ulcerate and ooze liquid. After a short time the ulcerated blisters dry out and scab. Once the scabs heal and fall off, the episode is complete. Treatment should be administered at the first warning signs that an outbreak may occur, preferable prior to the development of any blisters.

Treatment for anal herpes is consistent with that of any other form of genital herpes. Medical treatment should be sought if the possibility of contraction of the virus is evident. Once the diagnosis has been reached, a number of treatment options are available.

The most popular choice for treatment is currently prescriptive medications such as Valtrex. These medications often lessen the frequency and severity of outbreaks, but are often accompanied by unpleasant side effects. Topical creams are used to remedy symptom discomfort.

Natural treatment options are becoming increasingly popular and Olive Leaf, Andrographis and Echinacea have been known to increase immune system support enough to drastically decrease the number of outbreaks that occur. When combined with vitamin C and zinc, lysine has been known to speed up the recovery process significantly. Aloe vera gel aids greatly in the management of the anal herpes pain and discomfort aspects of the lesions.

Gastroenterology Specialists - What Can They Treat?

Physicians who specialize in gastroenterology diagnose and treat the digestive systems of the body. This is a complex field.

Medical practitioners who specialize in the field of gastroenterology diagnose and treat many portions of the body's digestive systems. Gastroenterologists are grouped with the focus of hepatology in order to offer diagnostics, treatment and preventative care for more than just the stomach. There are many organs and body parts that play a part in digestion including the colon, intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, esophagus and stomach. The food that we eat goes through many channels and stages in order to nourish our bodies.

Some of the treatment services these physicians may offer include:

Constipation: Constipation can occur for many different reasons. Diet can be a component as can dehydration and lack of exercise. Function of the rectum and pelvic floor must also be tested for proper workability.

Fecal incontinence: On the other end of the spectrum from constipation is fecal incontinence. Dietary changes or sphincter surgery may help.

Reflux problems and Barrett's esophagus: Monitoring, evaluation and treatment of these problems can be achieved by these doctors.

Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer: Multiple problems pertaining to the pancreas are tended to by these gastro specialists.

Preventative testing: Endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasounds, colonography and more may be done as preventative testing.

Malnutrition guidance: Nutritionists may help to sort out feeding and eating problems which have led to a patient becoming malnourished. Malabsorption may be part of the problem, as well.

Esophageal cancer: Cancer of the esophagus is diagnosed and treated within this arena of health care.

Gastrointestinal cancer: These cancers occur in the stomach, rectum, colon and anus.

Liver problems: Liver transplants may be performed by these physicians.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease is also referred to as IBS. Medications as well as psychosocial counseling often help sufferers of this malady.

Crohn's disease: Drugs and surgery along with lifestyle alterations can be utilized to help with Crohn's disease. Sufferers can still live an active lifestyle.

Colitis: Ulcerative colitis causes swelling of the large intestine and can be very painful. There is no cure but many ways to make sufferers more comfortable.

Difficulty swallowing: Nerve and muscle problems can make swallowing difficult. Two conditions are called oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia.

Treatment options in gastroenterology and the digestive centers of the body have increased in recent years due to research and technological advancement. Many procedures are less invasive than in the past due to new techniques.

If a patient is having difficulty in any of the above areas, he or she should seek a consultation with a reputable gastroenterology specialist to find answers. Since these are highly specialized physicians, it will be difficult to get word-of-mouth referrals from your average friend or neighbor. For such a practitioner, asking one's family doctor for professionals that they would recommend is one method of obtaining referrals. Calling one's insurance company to see who is covered on their plan is another good idea. Doctor referral resources are also available online in order to help a new patient pre-screen a physician.

How Bowtrol Helps Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

As many as one in five people suffer from the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the malfunctioning of the gastrointestinal tract that results either in chronic diarrhea, constipation, or both. It is estimated that as many as 50 million people in the USA alone suffer from IBS. The most common occurrences are in people aged between 20 and 30, with two times as many women as men being affected. Other names for this condition include nervous bowel, spastic colon, nervous diarrhea, spastic colitis and mucous colitis. Whatever it may be called, IBS is one of the most common health problems encountered by primary care doctors, and it is the disorder most frequently seen by gastroenterologists (physicians specializing in stomach and intestinal ailments.)

In addition to the primary symptoms of diarrhea and/or constipation, other elements of the syndrome may include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, heartburn, chest pains (not related to the heart), difficulty swallowing, flatulence, cramps, mucus in stools, incontinence and the sensation following a bowel movement that evacuation has not been complete.

There is a wide range of remedies for many of the above mentioned symptoms, ranging from simple folk remedies such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda, to expensive prescription pharmaceuticals, but, until recently, there has not been a treatment designed to assist in the reduction of the wide spectrum of the symptoms that encompass Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now, however, there is a 100% natural remedy available, Bowtrol. Actually two different formulas, there is one Bowtrol for sufferers from constipation or multiple symptoms and a second one for loose stool sufferers. Each treatment regimen includes two components.

The IBS constipation treatment starts with a colon and parasite cleanser that lubricates, moistens and cleanses the bowels to reduce inflammation and gas, purify the intestines, remove old food residue and cleanse microorganisms and other toxic materials from the intestinal tract. This also aids in the reduction of water retention and bloating and assists in weight loss.

The IBS treatment for diarrhea utilizes activated charcoal, potassium and iron to soothe and calm the digestive tract, harden stools, promote intestinal cleansing, decrease inflammation and help decrease the frequency of bowel movements.

The second ingredient in both the constipation and the diarrhea treatments is Lactospore, an enhancer of intestinal probiotics. This anti-bacterial improves digestion by increasing the amount of enzymes in the digestive system. It is a 100% vegetarian material that contains 9 billion Lactobacillus organisms per gram, to help re-establish a healthy intestinal flora.

How You Can Help Candida With a Few Simple Changes

Some of the most common health complaints people suffer from when candida is prevalent are fatigue, allergies, thrush and cystitis, skin rashes, mood changes, low libido and bowel changes, to name a few.
Because candidiasis can affect various parts of the body - the most common being the mouth, ears, nose, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina - it can be characterized by many symptoms. These include constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, memory loss, mood swings, prostatitis, canker sores, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and persistent cough, congestion, acne, night sweats, severe itching, extreme fatigue, vaginitis, kidney and bladder infections, arthritis, depression, hyperactivity, adrenal problems. Symptoms often become more severe after the consumption of foods containing sugar, yeast and/or mold.

Candidiasis may affect both men and women, however, it is rarely transmitted sexually. It is most common in babies (an infected mother may pass the fungal infection to her newborn) and in persons with compromised immune systems. In babies, they will develop nappy rash that looks like a very bad burn.

Taking antibiotics, hormones, steroids and cortisone drugs are the main reason why most people suffer from a Candida overgrowth. This is because these drugs affect the balance between the "Good" and "Bad" bacteria found in the intestines and bowel. These medicines also weaken the immune system, cause nutritional deficiencies and alter the permeability of the gastro-intestinal lining giving rise to further infections.

Very often food allergies or environmental sensitivities are present in candidiasis sufferers.

The bowel and intestine are the first areas of imbalance when candida proliferates. In the bowel we have a large population of "Good Bacteria". When we are born, provided we are breast fed, the colostrum (which is the first part of breast milk) feeds this good bacteria and supplies a plentiful amount of it. This helps to keep the balance between "good and bad" in the intestines. If we have antibiotics, their action wipes out the harmful bacteria, however this action is non specific and also destroys the beneficial bacteria as well. Each time we have another course of antibiotics, this good bacteria is destroyed further and further. This lack of good bacteria leads to all kinds of health problems, such as constipation and diarrhea, headaches, skin rashes, mood changes, a lowered immunity and general ill health.

Therefore the primary treatment of candidiasis is to establish a healthy amount of 'friendly' bacteria in the bowel and intestines. The three reasons this is essential are:

a) The friendly bacteria control the pH of the bowel, this action helps to control opportunistic bacteria and fungus.

b) Probiotic cultures compete for food with yeast and other harmful bacteria.

c) Good bacteria also compete for space to attach themselves onto the bowel wall and intestinal lining, thus 'crowding out' harmful bacteria.

Candida has two quite separate identities in the body. One is when it is in its yeast form and the other is in its fungal form. In the yeast form it has no root, but in its fungal form it produces what are called Rhizoids. These are long structures, similar to roots. Once in this form, the roots can actually penetrate through the mucous lining of the tissue, in which they are growing. When this happens this substance then enters the blood stream. This form of infection is known as systemic candidiasis. Once the candida has broken through the intestinal barrier, undigested proteins from the food eaten, as well as toxic wastes from the candida infestation, may begin to circulate in the blood stream. Once in the bloodstream, candida can invade every organ system in the body, causing a type of blood poisoning called candida septicaemia. If these substances reach the brain, there is a chance for the production of, what have been termed as, "brain allergies". These can result in a wide variety of mood and personality problems, ranging from depression, irritability and mood swings, to conditions, which look to all the world, like the symptoms of schizophrenia.

When candida infects the vagina, it results in vaginitis characterized by a large amount of white, cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. When the fungus infects the oral cavity, it is called thrush. Candida infection may also take the form of athlete's foot or jock itch.

Protocols in natural medicine seek to establish a balance between yeast and beneficial bacteria as well as controlling proliferation through anti-microbial and anti-fungal supplements.

The 2 main formulas we use for treating this condition are the herbal combinations Kolorex and Candaid. Kolorex contains contains herbs made from NZ native plants. These herbs contain properties that are very fast acting and effective against candida and other fungi.

Candaid contains a variety of herbs including caprylic acid. Caprylic acid is a potent anti-fungal agent and was first investigated for its anti fungal use in 1938-39, but it wasn't until the mid 80's that its use became widespread and accepted. At low doses it shows a fungistatic action by inhibiting the separation of buds from the parent candida cell. At higher doses it destroys the integrity of the cell wall causing the cells to leak and collapse. Caprylic acid binds to the candida cells and begins its action within 5 minutes of contact.

Other herbs or supplements that will break down candida yeast in the body, or support the body's ability to do so, are Garlic, Pau d'Arco, Olive leaf, the B Complex vitamins, Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron.

Nutritional and Herbal support used against Candidiasis includes

Kolorex - A NZ native herbal formula with broad spectrum anti-fungal action.

CandAid - contains a blend of herbs & other ingredients known for their anti-fungal activity. Formulated to help restore a healthy balance in the intestines in conjunction with a sugar and yeast free diet.

Vitamin B Complex 100 - This is needed for growth, function and repair of all cells in body.

Advanced Antioxidant Formula - Helps support the weakened immune system and helps with liver support.

Formula 825 - A herbal formula specifically for its antimicrobial support.

Primadophilus Bifidus - Essential friendly bacteria, that is needed to repopulate the gastrointestinal tract.

Colostrum - Helps feed the friendly bacteria and heal the gastrointestinal tract. Restores the bowel to optimum functioning.

Some interesting points on Candidiasis

Eat vegetables, fish, brown rice, oat, bran, live yogurt. Try to keep the diet simple and as natural as possible.

Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.

Avoid sugar, yeast, aged and fancy cheese, chocolate, alcohol, ham, honey, pickles, nut butters, mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar and foods containing MSG. These all encourage the growth of the yeast.

Avoid antibiotics, oral contraceptives and corticosteroids if possible until your condition improves. Oral contraceptives upset the balance of organisms in the body.

If you have had chronic and/or unusually persistent Candida infections, consult a health care provider.

Anal Fissure and Fistula

What are anal fissures and fistulas?
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus or the skin around it. An anal fistula is an abnormal track or channel from the anus that opens onto the skin surrounding the anus.

What causes anal fissures and fistulas and who is at risk?
Frequently, no cause is found for the development of an anal fissure. The most commonly associated condition is constipation.

Anal fistulas are associated with a number of conditions that result in inflammation of the digestive tract. These include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (see separate Factsheet). More commonly, however, fistulas are caused by infection and abscess (collection of pus) in one of the glands near to the anus. Multiple anal fissures may also be associated with these conditions.

What are the common symptoms and complications of anal fissures and fistulas? Sudden and severe pain in or around the anus is the characteristic symptom of an anal fissure. The pain often occurs during or shortly after the passage of a hard stool, but may also occur spontaneously.

After that, the pain occurs now and then and is severe, sharp and often shooting in nature; it is often made worse by a bowel movement. As a result, sufferers often avoid opening their bowels, which makes the constipation worse and prevents the fissure from healing. The condition is frequently associated with something called a 'sentinel pile'. This pile, or haemorrhoid, is a small vein that has dropped down from inside the anus to lie outside. It may bleed from time to time and a streak of bright red blood on the toilet paper may be seen.

Anal fistula is most commonly associated with an abscess near the anus, which gives rise to pain in or around the anus that may be dull and throbbing. The abscess releases pus, which may be blood-stained and soil the underclothes. The formation of a fistula results in the often continuous seepage of pus or sometimes a more thin and watery fluid, again often streaked with blood, from the anus. If the underlying abscess is large enough it may cause a fever and a feeling of being generally unwell.

If a fistula has been caused by an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, other symptoms of the disease may be present. These may include diarrhea, abdominal pains, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting.

What is the treatment for anal fissures and fistulas?

Self-care action plan
Avoiding constipation by eating a diet rich in fibre (including plenty of fruit and vegetables) helps to prevent anal fissures from occurring. Such a diet also helps the healing process.

Medicines
If diet alone is insufficient to control constipation, a number of medicines can be used, many of which are available as over-the-counter preparations from a pharmacist with no need for a prescription. These include lactulose, taken as a liquid, and tablets such as senna. Creams or ointments that contain pain-killing local anaesthetic agents are very useful at relieving the pain of anal fissures. Relief of the pain reduces the spasm in the muscles of the anus, which often prevents the fissure from healing.

Surgery
If all the above measures fail, a variety of operations is available for the treatment of anal fissures. These include stretching of the anus, which is carried out under general anaesthetic (during which you will be asleep) and although normally performed as a day case, may require you to stay in hospital overnight. This procedure results in temporary weakening of the muscles around the anus, relieving the spasm and allowing healing to occur. Alternatively, a 'sphincterotomy' may be performed. This, again, is carried out under a general anaesthetic and involves cutting some of the muscle fibres around the anus. A chronic (long-term) fissure that does not respond to the above treatments often has to be cut out and then sewn up with stitches.

If an abscess is the cause of an anal fistula, it can only be treated surgically. The operation involves cutting into the abscess and draining the pus. If a fistula is present it will also need to be tackled surgically. This operation involves cutting into the fistula and 'laying it open' to allow healing to occur. This will involve a stay in hospital.

More rarely, when the fistula is caused by an associated inflammatory disease of the bowel, the particular disease often also requires specific treatment. This may involve taking steroid tablets to reduce the inflammation but if severe, surgery may also be required.

If you do have an operation for an anal fissure or fistula, you will be given instructions as to what to do when you get home. This is likely to include information about the importance of having a daily bath, how to avoid constipation, and when you should return to the doctor for a follow-up.

Complementary therapy
Relaxation therapy, the Alexander technique, yoga and tai-chi may help to relieve the stress and the underlying increase in muscle tension associated with the pain of an anal fissure, and may help to promote healing. These techniques may also promote a sense of well-being, which may be useful in such chronic painful conditions.

What is the outcome of anal fissures and fistulas?
Anal fissure is usually harmless and heals on its own, although it can be a very painful condition. Complete recovery is usual, and often occurs spontaneously; only rarely is surgery required.

Anal fistula, although rarely a serious condition, often requires surgical treatment, but again complete recovery is usual.

Cats Claw - For Better Health & Immune System Protection

Cats Claw may not be as well known as some other herbs but the protection it can give to the body and its overall health benefits have seen it rise dramatically in popularity.

Let's take a closer look at Cats Claw and its immense health benefits.

Description

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that grows in the rain forests and jungles of Peru and has been referred to as "Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest ".

The vine derives its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw.

Medical research

It has been drawing increasingly more interest among the proponents of natural health care and Cats
Claw has been the subject of medical research since the 1970's.

These studies suggest that Cats Claw may help in the treatment of:

Arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual problems and also beneficial for conditions of the stomach and intestines.

Protection of the immune system

Cats Claw is proven to boost the immune system.

Cat's claw is valued largely because of its immune-building properties and although not as well known as more popular herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, Pau D'Arco, garlic, and ginseng is seen as being just as important.

With the spread of HIV medical research has intensified in this area as well.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in Cat's Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals such as oxinole alkaloids, triterpines, glycosides, and sterols. These phytochemicals have adaptogenic, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Benefits

o Helps the body fight off infections by helping the body's immune system

o Helps Protect the body against degenerative diseases and aging

o Seen to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks by reducing the heart rate lowering blood pressure, improving circulation as well as controlling cholesterol

o Used to treat and protect against arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, PMS, lupus, and prostrate problems

o Used in the treatment of cancer, acne, diverticulitis, parasites, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins.

o Helps treat digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and conditions involving chronic inflammation

o Used in the treatment of herpes infections

o Acts as an all round powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals.

When looking at essential herbs to take for better overall health don't overlook Cats Claw, as we have seen its benefits are immense.

Crohns Disease Diet To Gain Weight

If you are a sufferer, finding a suitable Crohns disease diet to gain weight can be a serious challenge. It is vital to stick to a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen the symptoms.

Until now no Crohns disease diet treatment has been proven effective for preventing or treating the disease and reliable dietary rules to improve a sufferer's symptoms have been difficult to find. Some people find that their symptoms can be made worse by drinking milk or alcohol, eating hot or fried food for example.

However, a new book written by Mark Anastasi offers a completely new approach. Instead of medication and fighting the symptoms, you start thinking about health and treating the cause.
This new holistic approach looks very promising and focuses on the modern human diet. For centuries our diet consisted of basic, natural foodstuffs such as water, seeds, nuts, grasses, herbs, roots, fruits, vegetables and cereals.

In our twenty-first century diet, sugar, sweets, biscuits, crisps, chocolate, cola and soft drinks, fats & oils, cigarettes and alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, chemicals, pesticides, and preservatives have replaced many of these.

For those unfortunate people who are suffering from Crohn's disease, this new approach through dietary change may, at last, offer a long-term cure. Instead of treating the symptoms it may be better to treat the root cause.

Conventional medical research into the treatment Crohn's disease has also taken an interesting step forward due to work being carried out in the U.K. If a new theory being researched at the University College in London is confirmed then the widely accepted theory that an overactive immune system causes the damaging inflammation, could be turned on its head and that the opposite may be correct.

Their research suggests a weaker-than-normal immune response triggers the bowel inflammation that leads to Crohn's disease. If this is the case then they believe that the use of medications like the drug Viagra may prove beneficial in treating the bowel disorder by stimulating an increase in blood flow to the affected area.

This debilitating disease is often diagnosed in late teens or early twenties and can have a dramatic effect on the quality of life enjoyed by the sufferer. With no clearly definable cause and no absolute cure there is still much work needed. Statistics indicate that heredity plays a part in some 20% - 25% of cases and incidences are higher in some more isolated communities with higher levels of inter-marriage.

Earlier research carried out also indicated that a relative of the tuberculosis germ, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, or MAP, might be implicated. This theory goes back to 1913 when a similarity between human Crohn's disease and the animal disease known as Johne's disease was highlighted.

In 1996 the discovery of a gene known as NOD2 was found to play a significant part in incidences of Crohn's in some people. Exactly what role this gene plays is still unclear, but it appears to play some part in disturbing the balance between intestinal flora and the immune system.

In conventional medical treatment of the disease, drugs are prescribed to control the disease, rather than provide the elusive cure. When severe flair-ups occur cortisone based drugs are used, but they do often cause severe side effects and should only be used for short periods. Biological agents that stimulate a particular part of the immune system are also being tested in a bid to replace steroids.

Fish Oil: The Essential Body Supplement

Benefits of Fish Oil

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel have fats that can produce fish oil. Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are recommended by health-care professionals to be included in a individual's diet. Omega-3 acids are mainly docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. Omega- fatty acids are essential in cell building. It is important to get them from our diet since the body cannot produce this kind of acid. Research showed that Omega- 3 plays a significant role in brain and fetal development during pregnancy and infancy. Fish oil are believed and proven to provide numerous health benefits. Aside from this, there are also a lot of advantages by taking oil supplements.

Fish oil can:

• Improve brain development and memory. There are studies showing that DHA actually plays a major role in brain functions. Low levels of DHA can increase the risk of having Alzheimer's disease. Intake of fish oil during pregnancy is also recommended. According to a research conducted by the University of Western Australia showed that pregnant women who ingest fish oil supplement actually give birth to babies with better hand and eye coordination, better in speech and better cognitive development at the age of two and a half.

Aside from Alzheimer's disease, fish can also help in reducing the risk of other mental illnesses like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children, dyspraxia, bipolar disorder and dyslexia.

• Reduce the risk of hear attack. Even if the DHA and EPA are fatty acids, they can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It helps in preventing blood clots in the heart. So aside from heart attacks,It is also important in reducing risks of coronary heart disease.

• Reduce the risk of cancer. Researches have shown that fish oil can help in reducing risks of developing breast, prostate and colon cancer. They stop the growth of cancerous cells and inhibit its growth. For postmenopausal women, those who consume more Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and mackerel or fish oil supplements are less likely to develop breast cancer.

• Reduce the effects or helping patients deal with lupus, arthritis, colitis and asthma. Its natural anti-inflammatory capabilities can reduce pain brought by inflammatory arthritis and gastritis.

• Help a lot during pregnancy. Not only does Omega-3 fatty acids and helps in he fetal brain development, it can also reduce the risk of giving early or premature birth, post-partum depression for mothers, allergic reactions among babies an low- birth weight. Not only does it helps in pregnancy, there are preliminary researches showing fish oil to aid in getting pregnant or fertility.

• Help improve the body overall. Fish oil can help in producing serotonin, the happy hormones. Happiness can help a lot of people deal with stress and other emotional issues which can totally improve a person's emotional and mental disposition. They can also revitalize and rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles, weight loss and improve eyesight. It is even said that fish oil can reduce acne and make your hair a lot better.The oil is very important in building a better you. But doctors and experts suggest in taking pharmaceutical grade oil supplements. The problem with eating too much fish can actually lead to mercury contamination.So, ask yourself, are you getting enough oil in your body? If not, then it is time to start making sure that you do that.

Fish oil can:

• Improve brain development and memory. There are studies showing that DHA actually plays a major role in brain functions. Low levels of DHA can increase the risk of having Alzheimer's disease. Intake f fish oil during pregnancy is also recommended. According to a research conducted by the University of Western Australia showed that pregnant women who ingest fish oil supplement actually give birth to babies with better hand and eye coordination, better in speech and better cognitive development at the age of two and a half.

Aside from Alzheimer's disease, fish oil can also help in reducing the risk of other mental illnesses like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children, dyspraxia, bipolar disorder and dyslexia. There are studies showing that the lack polyunsaturated fatty acids can contribute to this disorder. This can also be the reason behind dyslexia. There were studies conducted among children, they were given fish oil supplements for the period of three months. These children showed significant improvements in behaviour, reading and spelling. They were also able to focus and concentrate more.

There were studies that showed that Omega-3 fatty acids had the same effects as Prozac which is a known anti-depressant. Studies showed that countries with high fish consumption have lower rates of depression. Aside from that, pregnant women and those who have just given birth who include fish in their diet regularly have lower risk of experiencing postpartum depression.

If you have decided to take the supplements to address these mental problems for yourself or for your kids or relatives, then it would be best to consult a doctor first. You would have to know how much you are going to take. Just like any vitamins or anything, when taken in excess it can have bad effects.Too much of the supplement can also cause some serious problems like oxidative stress. Some doctors would recommend taking Vitamin C along with the fish oil supplement. This would actually balance the nutrients that you are getting.Fish oil has amazing effects on our health and body, we just have to remember to keep it balanced with a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. One of the reasons why people take these supplements is due to the various health benefits that they offer.It has long been known to contain essential fatty acids that are known to be very beneficial in maintaining one's good health. Here are some of those benefits.

Heart Disease One of the more common benefits that fish oil is known to offer people involves heart health. Various studies through the years have shown that the long chain omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish oil may help reduce the risk of heart diseases in humans. These essential fatty acids may also help lower LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream ad therefore help reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Not only that, omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are also known to increase the levels of HDL, or good, cholesterol.

Prevent Inflammation One of the more beneficial properties of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil is their anti-inflammatory effects on the body.It can be also used to prevent or reduce the inflammation of the tissues. Regular consumption of fish oil has been known to help those people who are suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.It has also been known to be effective in treating certain gastrointestinal disorders as well as ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.Arthritis Treatment Due to its good anti-inflammatory properties, fish oil is a good supplement that can help ease the pain brought about by arthritis and rheumatic.it's supplements can help reduce the use of NSAID's or Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs for treating such conditions. In osteoarthritis, fish oils prove helpful in trying to reduce the functions of certain enzymes that may destroy or damage cartilage tissues in the body.

Weight Loss Fish oil also proves beneficial for those people who are trying to lose weight. It sees that taking oil supplements may help a lot during the weight loss process. It has been known to improve the efficiency of exercise in trying to lose weight. Studies have shown that people who were given fish oil as part of their diet seem to lose weight more when exercising than those people under the same program but were not given fish oil in their diet.

Eye Disorders Another benefit that many experts have extolled on fish oil involves the treatment of certain eye disorders. Consuming it on a regular basis seems to help people avoid the effects of age related macular degeneration. More studies are being undertaken in order to prove further just how effective fish oil can be in trying to help people maintain good eye health.Skin Health Another known benefit associated with fish oil consumption is skin health.It is also known to contain nutrients that can help change dry and poorly maintained skin look shiny and glowing.It has also been known to be effective in treating other skin conditions such as eczema, skin lesions and rashes.It can be applied topically on the skin to help relieve the effects of psoriasis. Regular intake can also help retain moisture in the skin.

Your Ultimate Defense Against Silent Inflammation:

Silent inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer and dementia. It is a condition that occurs when the body's natural immune response goes awry. Silent inflammation is an inflammation without pain and it can continue undetected for years, continually assaulting your heart, arteries and even the brain - without you noticing it.According to Dr. Barry Sears, author of bestselling books "The Zone," high carbohydrate diet is the culprit to this kind of health situation. In his boos "The Anti-inflammation Zone," he had proposed taking supplements of high dose, ultra-refined fish oil as the best armor against inflammation.

The Japanese manage to maintain a state of wellness and away from silent inflammation by consuming copious amounts of fish. However, according to a research, the massive amounts of fish does not ensure them enough intake of omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil. Fish oil is ultimately the healthiest fat around because it has profiund anti-inflammatory properties. It has no long-term side effects and can even make you smarter.

The reason why high-dose fish oil is so effective is because it reduces arachodonic acid (AA) which is the building block of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. By taking it within 30 days,it will increase your levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil is the only dietary supplement that is supported by robust clinical studes by treating chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, immunological and inflammatory diseases, and neurological conditions like attention deficit disorder, depression, multiple sclerosis, and different types of dementia.However, taking oil fish as defenses to silent inflammation has a drawback, it might lead you to contamination. So in taking fish oil as dietary supplement, Dr. Barry Sears cautioned to ensure that its ultra-refined and use the SIP as guidance for exact dosage. On a scale of 1 to 10 for supplements, Dr. Sears give high-dose fish oil a 12. The EPA found in fish oil partially inhibits the activity of the delta-5 desaturase enzyme that makes AA.

This represents the primary anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil, he adds. To achieve a significant impact on AA production, a person must provide a lot of EPA. A high-dose fish oil, especially rich in EPA will likely lead you to success in reducing silent inflammation as reflected in the reduction of the AA/EPA ratio. The ratio can be measured by SIP.

The public and the mainstream medicine are starting to accept the importance of insulin control to well-being. Now is the perfect time to bring to public's attention the role of eicosanoids and the way high-dose it can manipulate them. Dr. Barry Sears that the role of fish oil in medical practice because it tells us that medical care is based primarily on the food we eat, not the drugs we take.Recent genetic research is forcing scientists to evaluate the value of fish oil in the evolution of modern humANS. It was genetic scientists who initiated the theory that consumption of high-dose fish oil was the reason why humans have the power to conquer the earth. A proper combination of insulin and high-dose pharmaceutical-grade of the oil may be the true miracle cure for the 21st century.It is so effective that having this dietary supplement is like having a miracle drug that has the perfect balance between eicosanoids with totally zero side effects.

• Reduce the risk of hear attack. Even if the DHA and EPA are fatty acids, they can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It helps in preventing blood clots in the heart. So aside from heart attacks, fish oil is also important in reducing risks of coronary heart disease.

• Reduce the risk of cancer. Researches have shown that can it will help in reducing risks of developing breast, prostate and colon cancer. They stop the growth of cancerous cells and inhibit its growth. For postmenopausal women, those who consume more Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and mackerel or fish oil supplements are less likely to develop breast cancer.

• Reduce the effects or helping patients deal with lupus, arthritis, colitis and asthma. Its natural anti-inflammatory capabilities can reduce pain brought by inflammatory arthritis and gastritis.

• Help a lot during pregnancy. Not only does Omega-3 fatty acids and It helps in the fetal brain development, it can also reduce the risk of giving early or premature birth, post-partum depression for mothers, allergic reactions among babies an low- birth weight. Not only does it helps in pregnancy, there are preliminary researches showing fish oil to aid in getting pregnant or fertility.

• Help improve the body overall. The oil can help in producing serotonin, the happy hormones. Happiness can help a lot of people deal with stress and other emotional issues which can totally improve a person's emotional and mental disposition. They can also revitalize and rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles, weight loss and improve eyesight. It is even said that fish oil can reduce acne and make your hair a lot better.Fish is very important in building a better you. But doctors and experts suggest in taking pharmaceutical grade of oil supplements. The problem with eating too much fish can actually lead to mercury contamination.So, ask yourself, are you getting enough fish oil in your body? If not, then it is time to start making sure that you do.

Fish Oil Effects That You Can Avoid: There has been a lot of buzz about fish oil and its benefits. Researches and studies have proved the numerous health benefits that fish oil can give. But every coin has two sides. So, is it possible for something beneficial like fish oil, to have bad effects, as well? Yes, it is possible.

If you have fish oil capsules or liquid at home, then you would have to make sure that it would not be exposed to heat, light and oxygen. When exposed for too long,it would get oxidized and would get bad. Once the oil gets bad, it would lose its nutritional value. Aside from that, bad fish oil and fatty acids are said to contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.Minor side effects of fish oil would include a fishy aftertaste, diarrhea, and fishy burps. Some would report nose bleeding as a side effect of fish oil intake. Aside from this, you would have to be conscious with vitamin A, E and D. Accumulated or large doses of these vitamins can eventually lead to poisoning.There are also serious side effects of fish oil. If these side effects happen to you, it is best to consult a health care professional. You would have to stop taking fish oil supplements or it could mean other serious ailments.

Fish is said to increase the risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding. So if you would notice red blood on your stool and vomiting blood, the consult a health care professional immediately. Serious effects could also include hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain. Common symptoms would include vision and speech changes, numbness or loss of strength in the limbs and frequent and painful headaches.If you have diabetes, then it would also be better to check with your doctor if taking fish oil supplements is safe. Taking fish oil supplements can sometimes result to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Be watchful or conscious of allergic reactions. Symptoms that you are allergic with oil supplements which includes rashes, itching, swelling, wheezing and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

To avoid the minor side effects, you can take the oil supplement along with your meal. This would get rid of the aftertaste and make it easier to digest. It is less likely for you to experience abdominal or stomach pain. There are few who keep their supplements refrigerated. It is said that keeping them frozen or cold would help lessen gastrointestinal problems or side-effects.

Too much is always not good. The problem is we do not how much is too much. There is maximum amount that an individual should take. But there is a recommended amount, for male it is 1600 mg while women are recommended to have 1100 mg.As mentioned, we should be cautious with Vitamin A,E, and D overdose. How do we deal with this?Read the labels. Know what kind of supplement you are taking. You have to know if the oil supplements you are taking exceed the recommended level. To avoid an overdose of Vitamin A and D, avoid using fish oil that includes the internal organs like liver.

Fish oil is something that can very essential in improving our physical and mental health as long as it is taken in recommended doses and amounts. Let us remember that fish oil is not a magic pill that would immediately remove us of any ailments and pains. It's effects can be gradually noticed over time.

How Fish Oil Can Benefit Your Health:

Oil are extracted fats from fish, a concentrated solution of omega-3 EFAs. It is the best source of omega-3 EFAs. You could add more omega-3 EFAs to your diet in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The richest plant sources of ALA are the leaves and seeds of the perilla plants common in North America, Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam.

Green plants and algae also contain ALA as well as linseed oil. However, fats or oil from fish is considered the most important dietary source of omega-3 EFAs because it has concentrated amounts of the ALA derivatives EPA and DHA. These two nutrients are found almost exclusively in seafood.

Eating fish on a regular basis has its own risk as you are can never be sure if the fish you are eating has no toxins on it such as mercury and PCBs. During the manufacture of fish oils, toxins are eliminated. The supplements are meticulously purified to remove heavy metals such as mercury, lead, PCBs and other toxins as well as to reduce the incidence of rancidity and improve the taste and quality of the fish.These makes fish as safe and effective food supplement. A 1-gram fish oil capsule contains about 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. An intake of three 1-gram capsules would provide 0.9 gram (900 mg) of EPA and DHA. This means it comply the daily dosage recommended by the American Heart Association. However, you should always bear in mind that fish oil supplements are basically dietary supplements, not drugs.Studies shows that many people are getting too much of the wrong kinds of fats found in animals (saturated fats) and vegetables (polyunsaturated fats), and need the fish oil to "balance" the family of fat nutrients. Intake of the wrong kinds of fats should be lowered to total 20 to 30 percent of daily calorie serving while fats found in the oils of certain fish should be appreciably increased.

Fish oil prevents and/or alleviates heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and migraine, headaches, may be protective against cancer, immune deficiency diseases, kidney disease and others.It also have two special nutrients that protect the heart and arteries, reduce pain, inflammation and swelling, and protect cell membranes. Omega-3 EFAs found in oily fishes are believed to be essential for the healthy development of brain, retina, and nervous tissue among fetus and infant.During pregnancy these fatty acids are transferred from the mother's tissues to the fetus. However, the FDA has strict guidelines on eating fish during pregnancy because of the possibility of mercury or other toxic substances that may contain in fishes and the best solution is to take fish oil as food supplement

Over the past 30 years more than 7,000 scientific studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of fish oil and omega-3 EFAs in the prevention and treatment of our most common diseases. Hundreds of clinical trials support the efficacy of fish oil's omega-3 essential fatty acids in preventing, mitigating, and remedying an incredible range of health conditions. Some scientific and medical communities however are resisting to these facts and still support pharmacological treatment.

As a traditional dietary supplement that encourages good health,it is a preventive medicine but as a natural alternative to NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other pharmacological and medical treatments, it is complementary medicine.With all the undergoing studies to prove its affectivity, fish is on the threshold of crossing over into traditional Western medicine.

How Fish Oil Can Cure Inflammation:

Inflammation occurs as our body's natural protective response to fend off any outside aggressors and to begin the process of healing. Its effect on our tissues usually involves pain, heat and redness. However, there are some cases that this outward effect is not visible.

Inflammation is a double-edges sword; its effect can be helpful or harmful depending on the circumstances. When an inflammation is in chronic state, devastating consequences are likely to happen like arthritis, heart disease or stroke. It usually happens when the cause of inflammation is continually reintroduced or if the acute inflammatory response is not able to eliminate it. This situation is very likely to happen nowadays because of our exposure to implausible amounts of toxins.

Some of these toxins can be avoided like poor food choices, smoking, and prolonged sun exposure. While some things arise from things from things we don't have control like genetics, accidents and pollution. Inasmuch as there are factors you can't help being exposed to unnecessary and harmful factors detrimental to your good health, you can also take food supplements effective in strengthening your body against the sometimes lethal effect of inflammation. The most effective food supplement according to recent studies happens to be fish oil.

The prevalence of destructive or chronic inflammation among Western countries makes it imperative for many specialists to deal with preventive measures. The reason behind this is that the Western population is more exposed to stress, obesity and poor health in general. Many pharmacological anti-inflammatory drugs offer reduction of inflammation, however, long-term medication have potentially lethal side effects.

So what is your safest option if you have inflammation? Research on alternative medicines revealed that certain dietary supplements can help reduce levels of pro-inflammatory factors, with significantly lower side effects. One of these dietary supplements is the essential fatty acids or EFAs.

Essential fatty acids are necessary for various aspects of normal physiology like: mediating immune response, regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity, dilating and constricting blood vessels, regulating collateral circulation, directing endocrine hormones to their target cells, regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes, being primary constituents of cell membranes, regulating the rate of cell division, maintaining the fluidity and rigidity of cellular membranes, regulating the flow of substances into and out from cells, transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues, maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance, keeping saturated fats mobile in the bloodstream, preventing blood clots, mediating the release of inflammatory eicosanoids that may trigger allergic conditions, and regulating nerve transmission and communication. (Source: Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory by Joseph C. Maroon and Jeffrey Bost, 2006, page 39).

For this reason, it is very important for over-all health to have a regular intake of foods rich in omega-6 or omega-3 EFAs. The omega-3 pathway, activated by trauma, injury, or chemical stimulus, is the process of converting the omega-3 EFAs found in the cell membranes to various eicosanoids. If the omega-3 EFA components of the cell membranes become dominant, an anti-inflammatory state can result, with preventive health benefits.

Fish is the best source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids. But why fish oil, you might ask? The needed nutrients can also be found in green plants; algae (phytoplankton); leaves and seeds of the perilla plants; and linseed oil but fish oil is considered the most important dietary source of omega-3 EFAs because it contains concentrated amounts of the ALA derivatives with APA and DHA.

The two mentioned nutrients can almost exclusively found in seafood. Fish contains high amount of EPA and DHA because they are at the top of food chain based on algae, a single-marine organism that manufactures huge amount of EPA and DHA.

Surprising Benefits Of Using Fish Oil:

The known benefits of fish oil are not just limited to the more common conditions. Of course, many people have already known how using fish oil may help improve skin health and reduce the risk of heart disease. But there are also surprising benefits that it seem to offer to those who regularly consume them. Here are just some of them.

Depression And Anxiety People may not be aware of it, but fish seems to help put people in a good mood. In fact, many studies have shown that fish oil may be beneficial in trying to help treat depression and anxiety in people. Thanks to the omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish, it seems a good means to relieve anxiety, depression, stress and sadness in people.

Fish seems to have good mood stabilizing properties that make them quite interesting as a treatment for depression and other related conditions. Evidence suggests that countries where oily fish such as salmon is regularly eaten also seem to have low incidence of depression. Similar studies involving prisoners have also shown that having them on a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids resulted in a significant drop in homicide rates. Although more studies may be needed in order for such findings to be conclusive, it already shows some good evidences of the other surprising benefits of fish oil.

Cancer Fighter It may seem quite surprising enough that fish oil may also benefit patients with certain forms of cancer. Preliminary studies have shown that fish oil may be useful in trying to delay the weight loss in people suffering from pancreatic cancer. Still further research may be needed to solidify this claim as well as how oily fish may affect certain types of cancers.

Type II Diabetes Some studies also have shown positive findings on the effect of fish oil in Type II diabetes. Since people suffering from this form of diabetes are also prone to developing diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke, medical experts believe that taking fish oil supplements may also help in trying to reduce such risks in diabetics. Some studies have already shown that fish oil may also be effective in lowering triglyceride levels in people with diabetes.

Pregnancy Fish oil might also be able to help women bear healthier children. Taking the oil supplements may help pregnant women ensure the healthy development of their child while still in the womb. The DHA found in fish oil is known to help babies undergo healthy eye and brain development. Pregnant women who are also taking the oil supplements run fewer risks of having premature births, miscarriage or delivering babies with low birth weights. As an added benefit, pregnant women who regularly take fish oil supplements run lesser risks of getting into depression following the baby's delivery.

Fertility Fish oil supplements may also help in improving fertility. In a study done on male boars, those who were fed with a diet rich in fish oils were able to show better sperm quality. After ejaculation, the sperm from the boars fed with fish oil seem to resist the effects of lipid peroxidative attacks in the female boar genital tract, giving the sperm higher chances of conception.

The Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements: The benefits of fish oil supplements should not be outweighed the need to understand how these supplements should work or provide essential nutrients for the human body.

Although it is a general notion for nutrition experts to insist on regular food as the common and most basic source of vitamins and minerals important for the human body, oil supplements, be it in liquid or solid form, are needed to ensure a holistic enrichment and nourishment for the body.

Fish oil supplementation is ideally beneficial by providing for what the regular or daily diet may not provide, it can also be a preventive measure against diseases and illnesses.

Essentially, fish supplements are meant to complement a diet, not as a substitute for it, as what many believe to be the case. Since plant foods still contain many nutrients, among them phytochemicals, that still cannot be substituted or generated through synthetic means.

Why the need for fish oil supplements? Take for instance these circumstances;

Infants that are being breast-fed need to have their regular source of iron, especially when they reach their four to six months, since breast milk only provides little iron. This is where iron supplementation comes in with baby milk formula or alternative sources like fortified cereal meals or baby food.

Children also need fluoride supplementation to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

Pregnant women need multivitamin-mineral supplementation, to ensure that their nutrient levels are met for the development of the fetus inside the womb. Among those that need supplementation are increased levels of folate to prevent birth defects, as well as increased amounts of vitamins like B6.

You Gotta Love Fish Oil

One has gotta love fish oil. If you think that I'm kidding then go pick it up. Those who shun fishes like mackerel, tuna and salmon due to some personal and at times even weird preferences might have second thoughts, by going for fresh fish which has oil in them for vit. B6 supplement for your good health to come up.

Best Home Remedies for Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is different from other forms of acne in that it is severely inflamed acne. Cysts are the most serious type of acne and are painful pus-filled pockets under the skin. The causes of cystic acne are generally overactive oil glands, dead skin cells within the hair follicle and the acne causing bacteria, propionibacteria acne. When the follicle wall erupts deep in the skin, the nearby area is infected causing serious lesions.

Cystic acne is one symptom of Acne Vulgaris, the other is the nodule. Nodules are large hard bumps under the skin's surface. These nodules are painful and often leave scarring behind. Cysts and nodules are the type of acne that nodulocystic acne is responsible for producing. But, all is not lost; science had developed several ways to deal with cystic acne.

Previous acne remedies included benzoyle peroxide, salicylic acid and topical treatment Retin-a. Accutane is twenty-four times as effective as these previous treatments. But, all of these treatments offer some relief. To add to these treatments are several additional steps: draining large pimples and cysts by a doctor; applying prescription antibiotic gels, creams and lotions; applying prescription retinoids; applying azelaic acid; taking prescription oral antibiotics; and taking prescription oral retinoids like Accutane. Accutane is expensive and most often used as a last resort for treating acne because of its serious side effects. For women, oral contraceptives may be prescribed because of the recurrence of acne at the onset of menstruation.

Acne remedies could be any one of the above or any combination of the above treatments. To correct the scarring left behind by acne there are several methods of reducing and removing the scars. One way to remove the scarring is with collagen injections to smooth out the skin by plumping up the skin beneath the scars. Another way is with dermabrasion which uses a whirling wire brush to remove scar tissue. Yet another way is to resurface with a laser, which uses a laser to burn away scar tissue. And finally, the scar tissue is with chemabrasion, the use of chemicals to peel away layers of the skin.

The treatment of severe acne takes a minimum of six to eight weeks to treat. Sometimes the treatment will cause the condition to worsen before it gets better. The side effects for Accutane are pretty severe: inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Currently, there are several lawsuits with the plaintiffs filing suit for those very reasons.

Natural acne remedies include one chemical-free, organic product called Lerosett by Gunilla of Sweden. It comes in a clay treatment and a moisturizer. Bare Minerals and Olay both carry a skin care line that treats acne without harsh chemicals. Whether you need strong chemicals to treat your acne or can get the results you want from natural acne remedies, you have a choice of treatments and as long as you are willing to give them time to work, you should see results within a two month period.