The Essential Benefits of Bee Propolis

Often referred to as "bee glue", bee propolis has been popular due to its essential benefits. Based on facts, bee propolis is a resinous mixture which is made by bees using tree buds, sap flows or other botanical resources. Typically, the highlight benefits of bee propolis focuses on the health wellness whereas its advantages evolves in folk medicine since the ancient times.

The propolis unique composition as well as its capability to promote general nutritional health as well as its supplemental benefits in promoting optimal health is the reasons why most people do consider this type of health regimen. Basically, the benefits of bee propolist are due to it components such as protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and flavonoids. Hence, in order to know more about the well known health benefits of bee propolis, here are some of the advantages belonging to this amazing type of bee product.

繚 Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects: since prehistoric era, researches have shown that propolis can internally combat certain unwanted manifestations in the body such as bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral infections which are found in tuberculosis, malaria or even in colds. Furthermore, it has been also known to promote faster wound healing as it inhibits inflammation as well as prevent the occurrence of infections.

繚 It can manage ulcers and ulcerative colitis: the tough healing effect on digestive organs as well as in the stomach and bowls are mainly due to its flavonoid components. In addition, since peptic ulcers as well as ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in some of the parts in the digestive system, the proplis essential anti-inflammatory benefits can prevent the occurrence of such condition.

繚 Dental anti-plaque agent: as subject by recent dentistry studies, one of the benefits of bee propolis that experts must look upon to is its ability to protect the oral cavity against dental caries and other forms of oral diseases. Its antimicrobial properties have made this treatment possible as it fights against different kinds of infections. Furthermore, the benefits of bee propolis can also be used as a treatment for canker sores which is a painful open sore in the mouth as well as in canal debridement for endodontic procedures.

繚 Anti-tumor growth agent: in actual fact, bee propolis can also be an effective agent against tumor growth as it inhibits tumorigenesis which literally the origin of cancer. Fundamentally, studies have shown that propolis can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, it can also reduce growth expression and other transcription factors particularly caffeic acid phenethyl ester which is considered to be responsible for the resistance of cancer cell to chemotherapeutic agents.

繚 Good source of antioxidants: studies have shown that one of the most useful benefits of bee propolis is due to flavonoids. Essentially, researches have reported that certain flavonoids such as chrysin are good source of antioxidant compounds which is basically a good thing. Antioxidants are substances that may protect the cells against the effects of free radicals which include damaging of cells and can practically trigger heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Mucus in Your Stool - What Does it Mean?

Finding mucus in stool could prove to be quite disturbing for people who might not know the reasons behind its appearance there. There are various reasons as to why mucus might appear in a person's stool, including irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoid formation, colitis, Crohn's disease, infections, and obstructions. If you understand the causes behind mucus in stool, you can prepare yourself better when it comes to dealing with this particular situation every time it arises.

Mucus in stool can be considered as normal sometimes. The intestines happen to produce mucus to maintain a properly lubricated inner intestine region and bits of the mucus can be eliminated through bowel movements. Sudden increases of mucus in stool have to be noted, though, and it might be a necessity to look for medical treatment if there is too much of it.

Every now and then, when a person gets hemorrhoids, he might also get mucus in stool. Usually, the initial indication of getting hemorrhoids would be this mucus presence in the stool. Inner hemorrhoids might even bleed, but people will usually not experience more discomfort with internal hemorrhoid formation. Conversely, outer hemorrhoid formation might come with mucus in stool, swelling, pain, irritation, itchiness, bleeding, and discomfort.

Whenever a person gets irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, he might notice an increase in the mucus in stool. Whenever a person gets IBS, the intestines usually increase mucus production, which will be visible within bowel movements.

Colitis refers to a condition where there is swelling of the inner intestines that gets grossly aggravated and irritated, forming ulcers in that area. The latter ulcers produce both mucus and pus while the latter productions get passed through bowel movements. At the same time, a person might also get intestinal obstructions that will result in passing mucus in stool. These obstructions will have to be assessed by doctors to get proper treatment and in several cases, surgery might be warranted.

Crohn's disease refers to yet another known source for mucus in stool. This issue affects the digestive tract and its adjacent tissues. Usually, when a person gets Crohn's disease, mucus in stool comes with various symptoms such as unexplained fevers, malaise, exhaustion, blood in stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. This condition could get quite serious and would require treatment and assessment from qualified professionals. In a lot of instances, a person with Crohn's disease might require treatment through surgical procedures and prescribed medications to reduce the disease's effects.

Various different infections have also been cited as sources of too much mucus in stool. If a person gets an infection, it would be vital to look for medical attention so the infection can be addressed properly with antibiotics. After the infection gets treated, the excess mucus in stool is going to subside.

Does My Dog Have Worms? The Tell-Tale Signs of Intestinal Worms

Intestinal Worms

If you are reading this article, perhaps you are wondering if your dog has worms. In this article, I'll outline the tell-tale signs of four kinds of intestinal worms. Intestinal worms can include: Whipworm, Hookworm, Roundworm and Tapeworm.

How can I tell if my dog has Whipworm?
Dogs can be infected by Whipworm by eating infected poop or dirt (as Whipworm eggs can live in both). Whipworms are hard to detect; however they can cause recurring diarrhea (which may be bloody), weight loss, anemia and colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). The best way to determine whether your do is infected is to examine your dog's poop - eggs may appear irregularly so frequent examination is required.

How can I tell if my dog has Roundworm?
Roundworms can cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs and puppies. Dogs may also look unhealthy and have a pot belly appearance. They may also pass whole roundworms in their poop. You may be able to see these worms in your dog's poop; they are approximately two to four inches (five to twelve and a half centimetres) long, spaghetti-like and white. Roundworm is not generally life threatening, however, they can cause discomfort.

How can I tell if my dog has Hookworm?
Hookworms can cause itchy feet, a rash on the dog's feet, coughing and wheezing, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and bloody or black poop. In advanced cases, hookworms can cause anemia and death. Puppies are particularly vulnerable and can die if infected. Hookworms are difficult to detect, therefore consult your veterinarian for regular testing.

How can I tell if my dog has Tapeworm?
Symptoms of Tapeworm can include abdominal discomfort, nervousness, itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss. The itching may result in your dog 'scooting' its bum along the ground. Segments of tapeworm can be found in your dog's poop. The segments are small, wide and flat and look like grains of uncooked rice or sesame seeds.

The Treatment of Worms
If your dog is infected or has not being given a worming preventative, consult your vet. Treatment is very important, and any treatment of worms in dogs should be repeated over time to effectively kill all live and dormant larvae and eggs. Treatment usually involves de-wormer medication. Even if you find a de-wormer that does not require a prescription, you should still use it under your vet's supervision. This is because doses can vary depending on your dog's size and the severity of the infection. Your vet will be able to tell you what dosage is right for your dog.

Bones and Broth - The Health Benefits of Making Your Own Stock

It's a cold gray day today. It has been this way for 4 days straight. A change has definitely come from the serious dog days of this summer and I know we are all feeling the relief. On a day like this when I sit down to write about food and nutrition one thing keeps popping into my mind... bones. Bones for delicious and fortifying stalk of course. This also seems fitting considering Halloween is just around the corner and things such as this are a theme this time of year.

So with the weather and holiday acting as my inspiration, I want to share with you the secrets about why making your own stock is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself and your family this fall/winter. Making stock is an art form! From meat, to chicken to fish or from white stock to brown stock it builds health from head to toe and it turns everything you cook into a more full-bodied, full of love dish. It also makes your house smell extra homey... well maybe with the exclusion of fish stock! Making stock also prevents waste of one of the most mineral rich parts of any animal. And who could use a few more minerals? Everyone!

I think a lot of people feel intimidated about making stock. However, once you make it one or two times the mystery and intimidation subsides. It does take a few tries to figure out your stock making style, but there is no reason to fear it. It is actually really fun to keep notes on how you make each batch and what the end result of each batch is. Then you can mix and match techniques to come up with your own stock style. Like I said earlier, stock making is an art form. This is something you can do while you are on the internet, watching TV, cleaning the house, or whatever else you spend too many hours doing. It's a great way to multitask.

So before I go any further I am going to give you the top ten reasons I want you to include nutritious homemade stock in your diet. Then I am going to tell you how to make the stuff.

Top 10 Reasons you Want to Include Homemade Stock in your Diet

• Gelatin, found in large quantities in homemade stock, acts as a digestive aid and has been used successfully in the treatment of many digestive disorders, including hyperacidity, colitis, and chrohn's disease. Gelatin is a hydrophilic colloid, which means that it attracts and holds liquids, it facilitates digestion by attracting digestive juices to food in the gut.


• The cartilage and collagen, from the bones stock is made from, have been used in the treatment of bone disorders and to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It contains the broken down material from cartilage and tendons--stuff like chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine, now sold as expensive supplements for arthritis and joint pain.


• Rich chicken broth, often called the famous jewish penicillin, is used as a remedy for the flu. Stock helps prevent and mitigate infectious diseases. They found that some components of the chicken stock inhibit neutrophil migration, which may have an anti-inflammatory effect that could lead to temporary ease from symptoms of illness.


• Fish broth, made with fish heads, in quite rich in iodine. This mineral is very important to the healthy function of the thyroid gland, the gland that regulates metabolism and energy.


• Stock adds immense flavor to our food and can be turned into a satisfying sauce just by adding herbs, wine, and butter and then reducing by boiling down.


• Stock is the start of culinary magic and the crux of all cooking. Cook anything with stock to make it richer and more nutrient dense.


• Stock feeds, repairs and calms the mucous lining of the small intestine. This can reduce allergies by building up the protective mucous membrane lining of the GI tract.


• Stock contains minerals in a form the body can absorb easily, calcium being a big one but also magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals.


• Gelatin in properly made broth helps the body use protein in a more efficient way. Stock has been used throughout history when meat was not available or affordable to help one stretch his use of other proteins in the diet.


• Many commercial stocks do not contain the gelatin and mineral potential that homemade stock can contain.

Important Things to Remember When Making Stock

• Always start with cold water


• Add acid (2 tsp. vinegar, 2 Tbs. lemon or 1 cup white wine) to your stock water to enhance mineral leaching


• Add mirepoix (2:1:1 Onion, carrot, celery) and herb sachet (1 bay leaf, 6 peppercorns and 3 parsley stems) for flavor and nutrients


• Simmer the stock gently, do not allow it to boil


• Skim your broth from impurities that develop as you cook


• Do not salt your stock. Salt your finished stock-based dish. If you reduce a salted stock you have a very salty end product


• Simmer fish for 1-2 hours, chicken for at least 4 hours, and meat bones for 6-8 hours


• Remove the fat from the cooled stock before freezing or leave it on while storing in the fridge to increase shelf life


• Store in variously sized containers in the freezer for easy use

White Stock (non-caramelized, clear color and lighter flavor)

5 lbs. bones (veal or beef) or 1 poultry carcass or 1-2 non oily fish carcasses and/or crustacean shells
1 gallon cold Water (or enough to cover bones)
1 lb. mirepoix
1 herbal sachet Acid (see above)

Cut the bones into 3-4 inch pieces. Place the bones in a stock pot and cover them with cold water. Add acid and soak for 30 minutes Bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer immediately and skim any scum that forms. Add the mirepoix and herb sachet to the simmering stock. Continue simmering and skimming for the time listed above based on what the stock is being made from. Strain, cool, and refrigerate

Brown Stock (caramelized, dark color and richer flavor)

5 lbs. bones (veal or beef) or 1 poultry carcass
1 gallon cold Water (or enough to cover bones)
1 lb. mirepoix
2 oz. tomato paste
1 herbal sachet Acid (see above for options)

Place the bones in a roasting pan one layer deep, and brown in a 375 degree oven. Turn the bones occasionally to brown them evenly. Remove the bones and place them in a stock pot. Pour off the fat from the roasting pan and reserve it. Deglaze the roasting pan with part of the cold water. Add the deglazing liquor and the rest of the cold water to the bones, covering them completely. Add acid and soak for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer immediately and skim any scum that forms. Add a portion of the reserved fat to the roasting pan and saute the mirepoix until evenly browned. Add the tomato paste to the caramelized mirepoix and mix. Then add to the simmering stock. Add the sachet to the stock. Continue simmering and skimming for the time listed above based on what the stock is being made from. Strain, cool, and refrigerate

Discover What Chronic Colitis is and How Safely and Naturally Relieve the Painful Symptoms

Chronic Colitis Facts

The symptoms that you might have colitis are abdominal pain, blood in the stool, a constant urge to defecate, diarrhea, fever, and chills. Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner parts of the large intestine and the rectum. Colitis starts at the lower intestine. When colitis is still mild, there is no abdominal cramping or any indication of blood in the stool. Colitis can develop into chronic colitis. Chronic colitis can be fatal.

The worst case of colitis is Ulcerative colitis. At this stage, sores will develop in the large intestine. As colitis gets worse, it spreads upwards. Colitis is manageable and needs to be treated in the earlier stages.

Treatment for Colitis

One of the treatment options for chronic colitis is surgery. Various anti-bacterial and antibiotic medicines are usually prescribed by a doctor. These kinds of medication and other similar types of medication have to be taken faithfully to control and prevent the symptoms of colitis.
Internal Baths

A mild case of colitis can be treated by drinking fluids for a day, getting bed rest and taking Paracetamol to ease the pain. During the 17th century, colonics where subjected to internal baths or what is commonly known as enemas. This colon irrigation was done to flush out the digestive system for detoxification purposes.

Aloe Vera Liquid for Colitis

During the olden times, remedies given to colonics composed of a mixture of different types of herbs. The mixture of herbs would depend on the health condition of the patient. Ingesting these herbal remedies was done to flush out the colon.

Natural Food Diet

Using a natural food diet composed of plant-based food can give a person's body additional nutrients. Plant-based food is easy to digest and can help detoxify the body. These attributes of plant food is especially needed by a person who is suffering from colitis.

Drinking Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is known for its healing properties. Aside from the vitamins and minerals that it contains that can give a person better health, there is another quality that makes Aloe Vera one of the best plant food for people with colitis. Aloe Vera has amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial healing properties. Research studies have shown that there was visible improvement to a percentage of those who took ingested Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera when processed properly is safe to consume and has been approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement.

Coconut Oil - A Natural Mouth Ulcer Cure

A mouth ulcer is an open wound in the mouth where tender nerve endings are exposed and can often cause extreme pain to the person who is affected with them especially when they can become irritated. Often a person suffering from mouth ulcers will find it difficult to eat, drink and sometimes even talk and unfortunately these exposed ulcers are vulnerable to infection by bacteria that is find in our mouth and unfortunately create even more pain.

Many mouth ulcers often seem to start off as a small bubble or blister which then becomes open and ulcerated and this is when the pain really starts. However, they can be caused accidentally by someone biting themselves or there lips are so dry that they crack and then the ulcers begin to form on their lips.

Normally mouth ulcers are caused by either virus, bacteria or fungus and may result in the body's own immune system attacking the mucosal lining of the mouth. In some cases people who suffer from either Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease (intestinal conditions) may find themselves suffering from mouth ulcers also.

A good way of treating mouth ulcers is with coconut oil which kills the bacteria that causes them. It is also good for treating throat infections, gum disease and cavities. Certainly the Pacific Islanders who have a coconut based diet have excellent dental health and rarely suffer from mouth ulcers even when they have never brushed their teeth or used floss or anti-bacterial mouthwash.

Certainly coconut oil is ideal for helping to relieve the pain felt from mouth ulcers instantly all you need is get a tablespoon of coconut oil and hold it for a minute on the mouth ulcer. Soon you will feel the pain going away and this relief seems to last for quite a while because of the MCFA's (medium chain fatty acids) find in coconut oil which are rapidly absorbed in to the body and thus the healing process is accelerated.

The way coconut oil works is that it has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and which can help to combat viruses, bacteria and fungus that can be found in a persons mouth and will cause ulcers. The MCFA's which are in coconut oil also help to enhance the body's own immune system and thus help it to fight viruses, fungus and bacterial problems. Also coconut oil is great for helping a person's intestinal system by killing any fungi found in the intestinal tract.

Above are a number of reasons as to why coconut oil can not only help to treat and heal mouth ulcers but also to help prevent them from forming. Also coconut oil is not messy to apply to the ulcer and is completely edible and natural.

Acne Treatment With Oral Antibiotics

Acne is inflamed because of infection by bacteria P. acnes. This bacterium infects the sebum and rapidly multiplies inside the gland. With infection, the gland gets inflamed and the infection spreads to dermis and the cells deeper in the skin. If this is left unchecked, the acne ruptures after damaging the deeper skin cells and cause scars. To stop this antibiotics are a great help.

How antibiotics work-

Antibiotics work by selectively killing the bacteria. They do not cause damage to the cells of the body. By killing the bacteria antibiotics reduce the infection and inflammation. Oral antibiotics are the fastest way to treat such infections. The common antibiotics used for this are- Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline , Clindamycin and others. Let us discuss about them.

Erythromycin-

This is a broad spectrum antibiotic. It is available in capsule, tablet, long-acting capsule, long-acting tablet forms. It is commonly prescribed to be taken two to three times a day for seven or more days. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. It can be used in pregnancy. It not only reduces infection but also reduces inflammation. Generally it is taken along with or after food. Erythromycin may cause
diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting etc. If such side effects persist, you need to consult with your doctor.

Tetracycline

This is another antibiotic that is very commonly used to treat acne. Tetracycline is commonly available as a capsule. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. Tetracycline cannot be taken during pregnancy. It should be taken on empty stomach and should not be taken with any milk products. It can cause side effects such as- sore mouth, skin redness, diarrhea, upset stomach etc.

Minocycline

Minocycline belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics. Minocycline is commonly available as a capsule or a tablet. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. Tetracycline cannot be taken during pregnancy. It should be taken on empty stomach and should not be taken with any milk products. It can cause side effects such as- sore mouth, skin redness, diarrhea, ringing in ears etc.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline also belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics. It is available as capsule or tablets. If you feel nausea with Doxyclince, take it with food or milk. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. Doxyclcline may cause dry mouth, diarrhea and sunburns.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is used as an antibiotic for acne but because it may cause colitis, it is commonly used in topical form. If your doctor has prescribed Clindamycin oral, discuss the side effects in detail.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.