Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Benefits Of A Vitamin And Crohns Supplement Program
While most Crohn’s patients don’t have to worry about the length of their life, they do have to worry about the quality of it. Crohn’s is considered to be chronic, but is not something that is fatal in most cases. It can bring about poor health if not monitored carefully, and many times you have to take medicine, watch what you eat, and take a vitamin supplement. You may find that by taking a vitamin and Crohns related medications, you are going to feel a little better each day.The digestive system is responsible for our nutritional intake, and that is where Crohn’s develops in the form of inflammation. Having inflamed intestines makes it hard for many patients to get the nutritional value they need from what they eat each day. Those with less severe cases of this condition might not have many problems in this area, but others have to closely watch what goes in and what comes out. When symptoms get bad, the body is unable to take what it needs from your foods, there may be sudden, and sometimes severe, weight loss to follow. The body reverts to survival mode, starts conserving energy and depletes your fat stores.When a patient begins to lose pounds, they also feel weak, and many find they simply cannot get out of bed. The fatigue can be overwhelming. There may be times when these patients must be admitted to the hospital for an IV drip. This bypasses the digestive system, and feeds the body the essential nutrients that it needs. After you begin to feel better, you may be told that you need to modify your diet and begin to take a vitamin of some sort to help your body function. You may not be able to take a simple multi vitamin though, as it may not have high enough levels of what you need. This is why you need to be evaluated by your doctor. It’s a fine balance ensuring you are getting the nutrients you need without taking more than is necessary, as this can bring it’s own set of complications.Any Crohn’s patient is going to benefit from a vitamin regimen. There are changes you can make to your diet to get more of what you need as well. There is no reason why you can’t do both. Your doctor should be able to guide you, but in some cases they may refer you to a nutritionist to make sure you are getting all you can get from your daily meals and snacks. You will probably have to find a whole new way of eating. There are some diet plans that are said to be great for those with Crohn’s, but it is very hard to stay on these plans, as many of your favorite foods are eliminated. However, sticking to the diet and taking vitamins, might make be the combination you need to feel good. Your success will depend on your commitment to the regimen, however.If you have found that you are taking your vitamin and Crohn’s seems to be settling down for you, you are on the right track. If symptoms are getting worse, you should probably see about making some adjustments to what you are eating and what you should be taking as far as vitamins and medications. You may even need to have an operation to get your body back on track. This condition is different for each and every person, and that means that what will work for one person will have no effect for someone else. Your doctor may need some time to find what will be your best vitamin and crohns treatment plan.
My Personal Experience With Crohn’s Disease In Children.
I was once a child not so long ago, so I know first hand what children with crohn’s disease should expect. From a parents point of view the health of their child is very important and being told your child has crohn’s disease can be a great shock. The child’s health is the main concern of all parents and the only way you can help your child is by being extremely attentive and supportive.What Is Crohn’s Disease and what are the symptoms?Symptoms of crohn’s disease in children varies from child to child but I will try and explain what it was like for me. At the age of eleven years old I complained of stomach cramps and my mother and I were continually going back and forth to the doctors surgery. Each time we were told that it was ‘growing pains’ and that they would subside as I got older. They did not subside, in fact they got steadily worse.By the age of fourteen I had lost lots of weight, I lost my appetite and the stomach cramps and diarreah were unbearable. I was then admitted to hospital for tests. This is when they told me that I had a bowel disease which affects the intestines, the digestive tract, stomach and anus.They also told me that this was an incurable disease and crohn’s disease in children was rare. Crohn’s disease in children can occur as early as seven and once treated can reoccur several times during the life span. It is not known precisely what causes Crohn’s disease in children or adults; from a weak immune system to stress are all on the list of possibilities. As my disease was not detected very early it also affected my growth.Diagnosing And Treating Crohn’s DiseaseAfter I was diagnosed I had to undergo months of steroid treatment, blood tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy and biopsy’s. Crohn’s disease in children is very upsetting and confusing. I had to have almost two years off school. Children who are diagnosed with crohn’s disease should consider a private tutor to ensure they do not fall behind in their work.Once the diagnostic is obtained the treatment can begin and depending on the diagnostic there are a few ways to approach the treatment of Crohn’s disease for children even though there is no cure achieved so far for the same. The most common approach is to control the inflammation and relieve the pain; there is no specific diet for Crohn’s disease but you can control any deficiencies found in your child’s present diet as well as the doctor can prescribe medication in case of diarrhea or other stool disorders. After the steroid treatment, I had to have part of my intestine cut out which resulted in a long stay in hospital followed by a diet of revolting tasting milkshake drink for what felt like weeks on end. I am now 34 years old and have controlled my disease by taking herbal supplements such as Aloe MP Plus. My life has changed since taking this and I would recommend it for crohn’s disease in children as it is all natural with no side effects. I just wish I had known about it when I was diagnosed as a child with crohn’s disease.
My Personal Experience With Crohn’s Disease In Children.
I was once a child not so long ago, so I know first hand what children with crohn’s disease should expect. From a parents point of view the health of their child is very important and being told your child has crohn’s disease can be a great shock. The child’s health is the main concern of all parents and the only way you can help your child is by being extremely attentive and supportive.What Is Crohn’s Disease and what are the symptoms?Symptoms of crohn’s disease in children varies from child to child but I will try and explain what it was like for me. At the age of eleven years old I complained of stomach cramps and my mother and I were continually going back and forth to the doctors surgery. Each time we were told that it was ‘growing pains’ and that they would subside as I got older. They did not subside, in fact they got steadily worse.By the age of fourteen I had lost lots of weight, I lost my appetite and the stomach cramps and diarreah were unbearable. I was then admitted to hospital for tests. This is when they told me that I had a bowel disease which affects the intestines, the digestive tract, stomach and anus.They also told me that this was an incurable disease and crohn’s disease in children was rare. Crohn’s disease in children can occur as early as seven and once treated can reoccur several times during the life span. It is not known precisely what causes Crohn’s disease in children or adults; from a weak immune system to stress are all on the list of possibilities. As my disease was not detected very early it also affected my growth.Diagnosing And Treating Crohn’s DiseaseAfter I was diagnosed I had to undergo months of steroid treatment, blood tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy and biopsy’s. Crohn’s disease in children is very upsetting and confusing. I had to have almost two years off school. Children who are diagnosed with crohn’s disease should consider a private tutor to ensure they do not fall behind in their work.Once the diagnostic is obtained the treatment can begin and depending on the diagnostic there are a few ways to approach the treatment of Crohn’s disease for children even though there is no cure achieved so far for the same. The most common approach is to control the inflammation and relieve the pain; there is no specific diet for Crohn’s disease but you can control any deficiencies found in your child’s present diet as well as the doctor can prescribe medication in case of diarrhea or other stool disorders. After the steroid treatment, I had to have part of my intestine cut out which resulted in a long stay in hospital followed by a diet of revolting tasting milkshake drink for what felt like weeks on end. I am now 34 years old and have controlled my disease by taking herbal supplements such as Aloe MP Plus. My life has changed since taking this and I would recommend it for crohn’s disease in children as it is all natural with no side effects. I just wish I had known about it when I was diagnosed as a child with crohn’s disease.
Learn To Recognize A Complication Of Crohn’s Disease When You See It
There are many different types of auto-immune diseases, and Crohn’s is just one of them. This condition is chronic, and the cause is largely unknown. The main complication of Crohn’s is the inflammation that generally occurs in the intestines, but the condition can be found almost anywhere in the digestive tract. The disease is unpredictable, and once you get over one complication of Crohn’s disease, it would seem that another appears in its place. You never know what symptom you’ll experience next, which is why it is important to understand what might happen so you can keep a good eye on your health.There are times when a patient may notice blood in their stool. This is often because tears have formed in the anus or in the lower intestinal wall. These tears are called fissures. If the fissures don’t heal, fistulas can form, leading to a huge amount pain and discomfort. These are tunnel-like growths that link the intestines and other parts of the body such as other internal organs or the skin. This is something that requires medical attention as soon as possible.One very serious complication of Crohn’s disease is when blockage occurs along in the intestines. This usually happens when there is a flare up of inflammation, or scar tissues have built up to the point where foods cannot pass through. A person who is experiencing this complication may be vomiting and having bouts of severe cramping. The lower abdominal area may be bloated as well. A doctor can prescribe something to reduce the inflammation, and that might take care of the problem. However, if this becomes a common occurrence, surgery is usually needed to correct it.All patients of Crohn’s should know that what they eat is important. One serious complication of Crohn’s disease is that they cannot get what they need from the foods that pass through their systems. A person might be eating all of the right foods, but that does not mean the intestines are in a fit state to absorb what the body needs. There are times when the intestines are so damaged that nutrients are not being absorbed, or the food is moving through so fast because of diarrhea that nutrients don’t have a chance to be taken from the food. When this happens, a person usually begins to feel very weak, and they may start to lose weight without any other explanation. A doctor might suggest altering the diet or tell a patient to begin to take certain vitamins to help boost nutrition.Any complication of Crohn’s disease will require immediate medical attention. You may feel like you are always calling your doctor for one reason or another, but with a chronic condition like Crohn’s, this can be expected. It is far better to be wrong about a problem than to ignore something that might be more serious. In extreme cases caused by complications of crohn’s, you may have to be admitted to hospital for IV fluids, or surgery might have to be done as soon as possible. Knowing what to look out for and what to do when you think there is something serious going on is always a good idea, especially if it seems that your health has been on a steady downward track.
Why Crohn’s Disease And Nutrition Go Hand In Hand
The biggest problem caused by Crohn’s disease the impaired function of the digestive system. Because most cases of this condition begin within the intestines, the body is unable, at times, to pull what it needs from the foods you eat each day. There are many times when Crohn’s disease and nutrition supplements, along with diets and stress relief go hand in hand. When the body is not getting what it needs, it begins to rely on the fat stores for what it requires. Crohn’s sufferers begin to lose weight, can feel extremely frail, and have problems with staying awake. Though for a lot of sufferers there are long periods of remission, it is a good idea to keep on top of your nutritional intake at all times.Crohn’s patients soon learn that they are going to spend a lot of time in the bathroom, and this is usually one of the reasons sufferers seek treatment in the first place. When diarrhea becomes a common occurrence, the body is not taking what it needs. The foods are simply moving through the system too fast. After a while, a patient will know what is ‘normal’ for them in terms of bowel habits, and they will know when things begin to get worse, and they may even notice blood in the stool. When that happens, medical advice is needed as soon as possible.The inflammation that occurs in the intestines leads to a series of complications. The tract may become blocked, and that means nothing is going to go through. There can be perforations that develop, which can lead to waste matter leaking out of the intestines and into the body. There are also ulcers, tears, and abscesses that can occur, and they can all lead to a rapid decline in health. When any of these things happen, a doctor will probably recommend a surgical procedure to help a patient regain good health, at least for a little while. Some fear surgery, but in these cases, it should be strongly recommended. If it is refused, the body can start to deteriorate very quickly.The Specific Carb Diet is sometimes recommended to patients who are not getting proper nutrition. This diet is very restrictive, but often helps reduce symptoms and allows the intestine time to heal. It eliminates many of the foods that might aggravate Crohn’s, and can help restore good health for some. Some people can remove just one troublesome item to begin to feel better. There are many Crohn’s patients who are also intolerant of lactose, which is found in milk and many milk products. Taking away milk can sometimes be all a patient needs to do, but they must find ways to replace that lost source of calcium and vitamin D.Many doctors are reluctant to discuss Crohn’s disease and nutrition with some patients, because they feel that a patient that limits their diet is aggravating an already tenuous situation. They know that by further restricting your diet you may eliminate many of the vital nutrients your body desperately needs. You may need to take vitamins to help replace some of the lost nutrients. However, it is essential that you talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements, or before removing food items from your diet. It’s important to find the right balance when treating your Crohn’s disease and nutrition intake.
Are You Suffering From A Crohn’s Disease Fistula?
There are many different terms you will hear from your doctor and other medical staff when you have Crohn’s, and the term crohn’s disease fistula might be one of them. This is something that happens within the body that gives no outward clue (in most cases) until an infection or problem has set in. A Crohn’s disease fistula can be described as a narrow tunnel that grows out from the small or large intestine. This then attaches to anything that it can find, such as the bladder, abdomen wall or your reproductive organs, sometimes forming a complete tunnel. For the most part, a fistula will grow from some part of your intestines. Though the bladder is a common target, these tunnels can go almost anywhere in the body, or at least, attach itself to anything nearby. If a women has problems with fistulas, they may attached to any part of the reproductive system. Even a woman who is fully aware that she has Crohn’s can mistake the pain for a reproductive problem that is not connected to the true cause of the problem or infection. It technically is a problem of the reproductive system, but treatment will be different because the root cause of the issue is Crohn’s.Infection is the biggest problem when it comes to fistulas, as you can well imagine. These carry the infection with them wherever they go. If it goes tunneling into the bladder, you are going to have to deal with a bladder infection. When this happens in regards to the reproductive system, there can be many problems that occur. When fistulas are not treated, the infection can spread in any direction. There are times when the fistulas go from one part of the intestine to the other, which in a way contains the infection, but treatment is still needed.When your doctor detects fistulas, treatment should begin at once. You may be a little freaked out, but there are many things you doctor can do. There are times when they go away on their own, but immediate treatment is always the best idea. One of the first things that can be done is to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, and something for the infection. You may need a lot of antibiotics if the infection is widespread. Your doctor can also drain the fistula, remove the connecting tunnel between organs, and the close the hole with a surgical procedure.Once you know that you have a Crohn’s disease fistula, you can ask your doctor to tell you more. You might even want to ask before you get one. If you have crohn’s you have a one in four chance of getting them at some point in your life. These might be hard for you to detect on your own, because you may notice a bladder infection before you would realize that a crohn’s disease fistula has formed. Your doctor can tell you what to look for, and give you instructions in the event that you think this might be a problem. Fistulas need to be examined immediately, and care should not follow far behind.
When Crohn’s Disease Is Affecting Your Life
One of the biggest reasons people often don’t know they have Crohn’s disease right away is because the symptoms are very common, and they can mean a variety of things. Patients are often told that they have something else, and the true diagnosis cannot happen until the lesser things are eliminated. Crohn’s disease is different for everyone, and that makes it even harder to pinpoint. There are some indications that this is a genetic condition, but even that can be very random. The reason why people develop this chronic condition is unknown, and doctors have yet to find a definitive cure. Managing the symptoms is the key to leading a normal life.There are many common symptoms that someone with Crohn’s might have to deal with during a flare up. These are occasional vomiting, cramping in the stomach and intestines, sudden weight loss, rectal bleeding, and pain in the affected areas. These are all brought about by the inflammation associated with Crohn’s. Luckily, these don’t have to be a daily occurrence, and there can be long periods of remission when the correct treatments are found. Crohn’s disease is chronic, however, and that means there is never total freedom from the condition.One of the most common ways to help control Crohn’s disease is also one of the easiest. There are many different medications that can help, though it might take some trial and error to find what works best for each individual patient. When the more serious complications of bleeding in the intestines or blockage happen, there is a good chance surgery will be needed. Some surgeries will end with the colon being removed, but you should be aware that doctors will do everything they can to avoid doing that, as this can be a very depressing thing for most patients, and can harm quality of life.Some patients don’t like taking medications, and they want to find relief in a different manner. Acupuncture is a good alternative, which is done by inserting very fine needles into specific points in the body. It is meant to promote self healing. A similar result can also be achieved using pressure, rather than needles, by a qualified chiropractor. Making alterations to your diet is another way of controlling symptoms. The Specific Carb Diet is a popular choice with many sufferers to see if the foods they eat are aggravating their symptoms. It’s a fairly strict diet that can prove too restrictive for some people, but it’s worth mentioning that a good number of people who follow this rigidly experience relief. Others believe that stress can make symptoms worse, and they employ methods to help relax when they are feeling overwhelmed. One of the most important things to remember if you are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease is that you are going to find relief if you are willing to talk to your doctor and remain open about how you feel and what you are willing to try for relief. No two cases of this condition are the same, and that means that there may be times when treatments are not working. When that happens, you just have to move on to the next. You can find a way to feel better, and you should know that remission from crohn’s disease is possible when you give treatment options a chance to work.
When Crohn’s Disease Surgery Is Needed.
It’s a worrying statistic that for people with crohn’s three-fourths of sufferers wil have to undergo crohn’s disease surgery at some point in their life. Most medical professionals will try to control Crohn’s with medications and lifestyle changes before they suggest this, but there are times when it just has to be done for the sake of saving the life of the patient. When this condition strikes in the intestinal area, which it often does, there are complications that can arise that require Crohn’s disease surgery, and even though it is not a cure, it can help make a patient feel much better. Because Crohn’s disease causes moderate to severe inflammation in the intestines, complications can occur. There are medications that can help with many of the symptoms, but there are times when the inflammation that is the root cause of Crohn’s will reek havoc on the system as a whole, or just a small part of it. Most doctors will not rush a patient into Crohn’s disease surgery unless they think it is absolutely necessary as some of the procedures are rather complicated, carry risk and can change a person’s life forever.For some crohn’s sufferers there are times when the intestines become blocked. This means that foods cannot pass through the system, and the patient will become unable to absorb nutrition nor will they be able to have a bowel movement. Alternatively, abscess can occur or tears in the intestinal walls will begin to bleed. The blood will exit through the rectum, alerting the patient that something is wrong. Surgery will be necessary if the wall of the intestine is perforated, as that might mean waste is leaking into the body.One type of surgical procedure commonly performed is strictureplasty. This is done when there is a blockage or problem in the small intestine. When the problem is minor, the surgeons look to fix the problem but if the situation has gone past the point of repair a small section of the intestine will be removed and the ends will be connected. Occassionlly there are times when the problems in the colon are so bad that it must be removed completely. When this happens, the small intestine is rerouted though the front of the abdominal wall. This is called a proctocolectomy. The waste then leaves the body and empties into a small bag that is changed by the patient. Doctors will do everything they can to avoid the latter from happening.If you are one of the lucky ones, you will never have to have Crohn’s disease surgery, but many patients are faced with it. Though the thought of surgery is a scary one, you should take some times to think about it before you decide that you don’t want to do it. Have a conversation - or many conversations - with your doctor to talk about what is bothering you and what might happen if you don’t have the operation. Understanding the risks involved by not having the crohn’s disease surgery can help you make a clear choice.
Five Natural Cures For Crohns Disease
When looking for natural cures for Crohn s disease, you should know that there is no known cure yet, but you can use natural remedies to help lessen or eliminate some of your symptoms. If you see something that claims it is a cure, you might want to skip it. Instead, look for things that can help with your symptoms, but make sure your doctor knows what you are doing. Some of these natural remedies can help you put your Crohn’s into remission, and that may seem like a cure, but it is likely that this chronic condition will flare up at one point or another in your life until a true cure is one day found.One of the first natural remedies you can try to help reduce symptoms would be to alter what you eat by following the Specific Carb diet. It is important that you talk to your doctor before you start this, as you may already be having problems with getting nutrients from your food, and this can make that worse. This diet asks you to give up vegetables, foods with preservatives, milk and related milk products, most oats and grains, and sugar. This leaves you with little choice, but you can have fresh cuts of meats and you can have many fruits. It is a lot to give up, but if it works for you, you may be happy to do it.Another of the natural cures is to take specific herbs to reduce inflammation. These can be dangerous if mixed with some prescriptions, so talk to your doctor before you take anything. If these can succeed in reducing your inflammation, you might find many of your symptoms are going to go away. Another natural option you can try is acupuncture. The main mission behind acupuncture for Crohn’s is to stimulate the points on the body that relate to the digestive system to promote self healing along with the points related to immunity to give your immune system a boost.Two other types of natural remedies are stress relief and help with depression. Though stress is not a cause of Crohn’s, it can be a trigger for a flare up. You can learn many approaches to help you relax, and these things might help improve quality of life. Activities such as yoga are great at encouraging relaxtion, and you can also employ many different breathing techniques when you are feeling under pressure. Depression is a common problem when flare-ups are bad, as they can make life difficult. You can find someone to talk to about your feelings, and you can also begin an exercise program that might also help alleviate depression.Just because there are no natural cures for Crohn’s disease does not mean there won’t be one some time in the future. There might also be a medical cure, but for the time being, you can only control the root problem of inflammation, and try to lessen the severity of the symptoms that come with it. No matter what you want to try, natural or not, you should always make sure your medical doctor knows what you are doing so that they can keep an eye on your level of nutrition. This is already a problem for Crohn’s patients, and could be made worse with some of these natural cures for Crohn s disease. Find a doctor that will work with you when you want to try natural remedies, and keep up with your medical treatments as well.
Interested In Botanical Crohns Relief?
Botanical crohns treatment is often used as an alternative or complimentary treatment to medications. Since ancient times, plants have been used for their healing properties. However, not all plants provide the same relief or can be used as a remedy for any health problem. With that in mind, the following are the botanical treatments most used by Crohn’s sufferers for relief of symptoms.Aloe Vera Juice – aloe vera juice, which comes from the aloe vera plant, has natural healing abilities and also acts as a detoxifier. Aloe vera juice is ingested and works to gently and thoroughly cleanse the bowel. The juice goes through the intestinal tract and works to break apart food residues that are impacted within the intestines.Aloe vera juice is a good botanical crohn’s remedy because it helps to alleviate constipation, prevents recurrent diarrhea, reduces bloating and discomfort, and promotes regular bowel movements. It is considered a safe treatment to use for those who monitor their diets, and can be used for the long term. It has no known negative side effects.Slippery Elm Bark – slippery elm bark comes from the slippery elm tree, and can be dried and ground into a powder or ground into gruel. It is usually made into a tea or added to porridge. It is considered an effective herb for soothing the entire digestive tract. This is because the bark has anti-inflammatory properties as one of its ingredients is mucilage, which resists digestion and hydrolysis via enzymes and stomach acids.Therefore, slippery elm bark sooths the digestive system and also acts as an antioxidant. It helps the body recover its vital hormone balance that is needed to maintain basic health. It is considered safe, but should be ingested with plenty of water to prevent an impacted bowel situation from occurring (difficulty passing dry hardened feces from the bowel).Chamomile – Chamomile is a flower and can be used for botanical crohns relief. It is often dried and prepared in a tea. It helps to aid in digestion, and has sedative properties. Moreover, chamomile can alleviate gastrointestinal spasms and other common symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases that affect the gastrointestinal track such as Crohn’s disease. This is because Chamomile works as an anti-inflammatory agent.Chamomile is considered safe, but should not be taken by a person who has an allergy to any flower in the daisy family.Peppermint – Peppermint is a plant, and its leaves are often dried and used in the form of tea as an herbal remedy. Peppermint has been used for centuries to treat common digestive problems such as reducing gas production within the intestines.However, another way of taking peppermint is peppermint oil (oil that has been infused with peppermint properties which it takes from the leaves). Studies have found that peppermint oil in coated capsules is exceptionally effective for relieving painful symptoms, distention and frequent bowel movement for those who suffer from Irritable bowel syndrome. Crohn’s sufferers may also receive the same relief, but more information is needed to see how effective peppermint oil would be as a botanical Crohn’s treatment.Peppermint tea is considered safe, but peppermint oil can have adverse side effects such as a burning sensation in the stomach or rectum if not taken as advised.All of these herbs can be found in local herbal and health stores. You should read and follow the instructions as directed on the bottle. In addition, keep in mind that you should exercise caution if you are using botanical remedies as a form of crohn’s disease treatment. Although the herbs may indeed provide you some relief of your symptoms, herbs have not been regulated to the same degree as medications, nor has their effectiveness for treating Crohn’s Disease been thoroughly studied.Furthermore, if you are taking medications to treat your condition, be advised that some herbal remedies may interact with certain medications and not be compatible. Thus, it’s a good idea for you to first speak to your doctor about botanical crohns treatments if you plan on taking them, especially if you are already using medication.
5 Nutritious Add-ins For Your Crohns Recipes
Crohns recipes can play an important role in preventing Crohn’s symptoms or flare ups, regardless if a person suffers from Crohn’s ileitis or another form. It is no secret that the food a person ingests can have positive or negative affects on their digestive system and gastrointestinal tract. However, just because a person with Crohn’s has to watch what they eat, and omit various food products from their diet, doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the foods they eat. The following are five foods that are generally considered safe for a Crohns recipes diet and can provide extra nutrition and/or flavour.1. Honey – Honey is a natural sweetener that has healing properties. It is a good source of antioxidants and is ideal for treating diarrhea, as it encourages rehydration in the body and soothes the stomach. In addition, honey has free sugar molecules which actually improves brain function and reduces fatigue.It is imperative that you purchase local raw honey to ensure you are receiving all of its nutrients and enzymes in your crohns recipes. The best place to look for this honey is in health stores.Recipe tips – Honey is perfect for sweetening your tea and other beverages. Also consider using honey as spread for your bread, and as an alternative to sugar required in certain recipes. 2. Coconut oil – Coconut oil contains a significant amount of lauric acid. This acid is easy to digest, and also works to strengthen the immune system, allowing protection against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. In addition, Coconut oil detoxifies the liver, and aids in building fats, lipoproteins, bile and hormones which are needed for digestion; thus creating a healthy digestive tract. Coconut oil encourages the absorption of food nutrients, and speeds up metabolism.Recipe tips: Use coconut oil for cooking. Use coconut oil as the substitute in crohns recipes that call for margarine, butter or other unhealthy oils. In addition, when left in room temperature, virgin coconut oil solidifies and can be used as a spread for bread in place of butter or margarine.3. Soy Products – Soy products such as soy milk, soy burgers, soy meats, and soy cheese, tempeh and tofu, are excellent sources of protein and are ideal replacements for dairy. Some believe soy helps to reduce bowel inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease.Recipe tips: Soy products come in many forms such as meats, burgers, cheese and milk. By substituting regular meat and dairy products for soy, and including dark leafy green vegetables, you can enjoy the meals you’ve always liked, and still obtain the nutrients you need. Try adding soy milk or soy vanilla milk to cereal, in tea or fruit smoothies, and top off your salad with soy cheese. 4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Extra virgin olive oil is vegetable based and an excellent addition to crohns recipes. This oil helps to protect your intestines as it contains potent antioxidants. Olive oil also increases the body’s absorption of a number of vitamins including A, D, E, and K. Furthermore, it encourages faster healing and increases metabolism.Recipe tips: Olive oil is a flavor enhancer and is a fantastic alternative to margarine or butter for recipes and as condiment. For instance, you can use it as a salad dressing. 5. Essential Fatty Acid Foods – Be sure to spice up your recipes with foods that are high in essential fatty acids, as they are known to prevent inflammation within the bowel. Good sources of such foods include dark green leafy vegetables, rapeseed, walnuts and flaxseed.Recipe tips: Introduce salad to your diet, and don’t be afraid to add nuts and seeds to recipes. For instance, if you have a cookie recipe you love, add some walnuts.Remember, not everyone’s Crohn’s symptoms are triggered by the same foods. Therefore, make sure you find out what foods aggravate your condition, so you can avoid them. If you are having a difficult time finding crohns recipes that work for you, it’s a good idea to take your concerns and questions to a qualified dietitian who can help you find answers, and start you on a diet that works for you.
Various types of Pain Disorders
Pain Disorder is a somatoform disorder in which the predominant area of focus is painful bodily complaints in which psychological factors are determined to be central to the onset, severity, exacerbation or maintenance of the complaint. Pain disorders are classified into several categories based upon their cause. Neuropathic pain is a particularly severe pain disorder that results from damage to the central and peripheral nervous system. Ion channels play an important role in the detection, transmission and cognitive recognition of pain signals. Ion channels are critical at each step in the pain pathway, including the detection of local stimuli, the transmission of the electrical impulses to the brain and the interpretation of electrical impulses as pain signals. Pain Disorder (like conversion disorder) is a form of somatoform disorder. Pain Disorder does not mean that the person has no biological reason for pain. It suggests that there are psychological factors that appear to have contributed to the onset, severity, maintenance or exacerbation of the pain. In pain disorder, it is important that the patient be assisted in determining what factors play a role in the experience of the pain.Pain disorder may come after surgery, hospitalization, or injury; when the wound heals, the pain doesn’t go away. It sometimes comes in conjunction with an addiction as well, and may be a symptom of hypochondrism or another depressive disorder. Pain disorder is marked by the presence of severe pain. Pain disorder is relatively common in the general population especially amongolder adults; the sex ratio is more nearly equal. It appears to affect men and women with equalfrequency. Inflammatory pain results from the effects of inflammatory mediators and cellular debris that are released into surrounding tissues as the immune system is activated, whether appropriately to fight infection, or inappropriately, such as in auto-immune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with body dysmorphic disorder often try to have plasticsurgery or other procedures to repair or treat the supposed defect. Both neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain are types of chronic pain. Because of the many different reasons pain disorder manifests, it may or may not be successfully treatable. If it comes in conjunction with another mental illness, it should be treatable and the patient should recover fully.Symptoms of Pain Disorders:1. Lightheadedness or dizziness. 2. Skipping heartbeat. 3. Chest pain.4. Excessive sweating 5. Nausea or stomach problems. 6. Feelings of unreality. Treatment of Pain Disorders:Surgical complications and addictions to prescription pain medications can develop if used inappropriately to treat this condition. Psychiatric referrals may be helpful, though many people with this disorder resist psychiatric interventions. Pain Disorder associated with a General Medical Condition may be treated with a course of general pain killers. This term is used for any patient who has pain that is mainly caused, worsened or maintained by a general medical condition, so long as any psychological factors play at most a minor role. Prescription and non-prescription pain medications are usually not effective and can make matters worse due to potentially serious side effects
Stroke - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Stroke is a disease that affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Without blood to supply oxygen and nutrients and to remove waste products, brain cells quickly begin to die. Stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. Stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. It is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and industrialized European nations. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. Stroke kills about 150, 000 Americans each year, or almost one out of three stroke victims. Strokes affect blacks more often than whites, and are more likely to be fatal among blacks. Men have more strokes than women. But, women have a risk of stroke during pregnancy and the weeks immediately after pregnancy. The cause of stroke is an interruption in the blood supply, with a resulting depletion of oxygen and glucose in the affected area. This immediately reduces or abolishes neuronal function, and also initiates an ischemic cascade which causes neurons to die or be seriously damaged, further impairing brain function. Risk factors for stroke include advanced age, hypertension (high blood pressure), previous stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack), diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, atrial fibrillation, migraine with aura, and thrombophilia. Practice blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of stroke. Many other risk factors, such as cigarette smoking cessation and treatment of atrial fibrillation with anticoagulant drugs, are important. There are two main types of stroke. One (ischemic stroke) is caused by blockage of a blood vessel. Usually this type of stroke results from clogged arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Fatty deposits collect on the wall of the arteries, forming a sticky substance called plaque. Other (hemorrhagic stroke) is caused by bleeding. Bleeding strokes have a much higher fatality rate than strokes caused by clots. Some people have defects in the blood vessels of the brain that make this more likely. The flow of blood after the blood vessel ruptures damages brain cells. Hemorrhage (or bleeding) from an artery in the brain can be caused by a head injury or a burst aneurysm. Aneurysms are blood-filled pouches that balloon out from weak spots in the artery wall. They're often caused or made worse by high blood pressure. Aneurysms aren't always dangerous, but if one bursts in the brain, they cause a hemorrhagic stroke.Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination and sudden severe headache. There are several available treatments for Stroke. Oxygen may be given to be sure that your brain is getting the maximal amount. Taking birth control pills is generally safe for young, healthy women. Treatment of blood pressure that is too high or too low may be necessary in treating a stroke. Ischemic stroke is treated by removing obstruction and restoring blood flow to the brain. A patient is given antiplatelet medication (aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole), or anticoagulant medication (warfarin), dependent on the cause, when this type of stroke has been found. TPA is most important new treatments over the last few years for the immediate treatment of a stroke is a medicine called tPA(Tissue Plasminogen Activator). use of Heparin and Aspirin drugs to thin the blood (anticoagulation; for example, heparin) are also sometimes used in treating stroke patients in the hopes of improving the patient's recovery. Rehabilitation can also take place at a nursing facility. The rehabilitation process can include some or all of the following: (1) speech therapy to relearn talking and swallowing; (2) occupational therapy to regain dexterity in the arms and hands; (3) physical therapy to improve strength and walking; and (4) family education to orient them in caring for their loved one at home and the challenges they will face.
Lyme- Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Lyme disease (Borreliosis) is a bacterial infection. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by the bite of a deer tick.Deer ticks can be so small that they are almost impossible to see. Therefore, many people with Lyme disease never even saw a tick. These people are more likely to develop symptoms because the tick remained on their body longer. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. There are more than 16,000 cases of Lyme disease per year in the United States. Humans are infected by ticks in the nymph stage 85% of the time (spring to summer) and the adult stage 15% of the time (fall). Infection is often contracted during warm-weather months when ticks are active. The spirochete enters the skin at the site of the tick bite. After incubating for 3-30 days, the bacteria migrate through the skin and may spread to lymph nodes or disseminate through the bloodstream to organs or distant skin sites. Risk factors for Lyme disease include walking in high grasses, other activities that increase tick exposure, and having a pet that may carry ticks home. Lyme disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Black-legged ticks ( Ixodes scapularis) are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease bacteria to humans. A tick must be attached to a person for 2-3 days to pass on the infection. This is due to the life cycle of B burgdorferi in ticks. In previously infected ticks, only small numbers of bacteria are present until the tick feeds. Once feeding begins, the bacteria then multiply in the gut of the tick. The bacteria then migrate to the salivary glands of the tick after 2-3 days. There, they are injected into the animal by the tick as it ends its feeding. Until this multiplication occurs, ticks are rarely able to pass on the infection. Ticks are actually a type of mite. Ticks vary in size and colour; blacklegged ticks are very small. Before feeding, adult females are approximately 3-5 mm in length and red and dark brown in colour; following a blood-meal, females can be as large as a grape.LD is transmitted to humans by ticks. Larval and nymphal stages feed on infected reservoir hosts, acquire the organism and then, after moulting to the next life stage (nymphs and adults respectively), pass on the infection to humans and other animals.Lyme Disease ( commonly misspelled as Lime or Lymes ) symptoms may show up fast, with a bang, or very slowly and innocuously. Patients may have an expanding rash, which may appear 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. This rash, called erythema migrans. There may be initial flu-like symptoms with fever, headache, nausea, jaw pain, light sensitivity, red eyes, muscle ache and stiff neck. Many write this off as a flu and because the nymph stage of the tick is so tiny many do not recall a tick bite. The late symptoms of Lyme disease can appear months after initial infection and often progress in cumulative fashion over time. Neuro-psychiatric symptoms often develop much later in disease sequence, much like tertiary neurosyphilis.Lyme disease spirochetes disseminate from the site of the tick bite by cutaneous, lymphatic and blood borne routes. The signs of early disseminated infection usually occur days to weeks after the appearance of a solitary erythema migrans lesion. Cats do contract Lyme Disease but very uncommonly. The Ixodes tick is often called the deer tick because the adult stage of the tick prefers to feed on deer. However, it will feed on other creatures such as skunks, birds, canines and people.There are several available treatments for Stroke. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are sometimes prescribed to relieve joint stiffness. In most cases, 14 to 30 days of treatment with an antibiotic kills the bacteria. Prompt treatment with drugs, such as tetracycline, can quickly clear up the early symptoms and prevent serious complications. Even in the late stages, penicillin and other drugs are still effective in most cases. The immunomodulating, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of minocycline may be helpful in late/chronic Lyme disease with neurological or other inflammatory manifestations. Minocycline is used in other neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons, Huntingtons disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (which is used conventionally to treat a number of other conditions), as an adjunct to antibiotics for Lyme has been discussed. Alternative medicine approaches include bee venom because it contains the peptide melittin, which has been shown to exert profound inhibitory effects on lyme bacteria in vitro.Wash affected area with soap and water or disinfect (with alcohol or household disinfectant) after removing ticks. Use insect repellants that effectively repel ticks (such as those containing DEET). Apply the repellent to pant legs, socks, shoes, and the skin
A Brief Overview Of Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract - from the mouth all the way through to the anus. As a disease, it can be difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to other inflammatory disorders such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Crohn’s Disease usually causes inflammation in the lower small intestine, known as the ileum. The inflammation goes deep into the wall of the intestine causing pain and diarrhea.It is not known what causes Crohn’s disease, although it is thought that it may be heredity in nature or the result of a virus or bacterium invading the body. To date no definitive answer has been provided. It effects both males and females and people suffering with this disease also tend to have immune system abnormalities, although whether this is a cause or a result of the disease is unknown. One thing that has been established is that Crohn’s Disease is not caused by stress, although emotional distress can exacerbate the symptoms.Symptoms most commonly experienced by sufferers are severe abdominal pain, accompanied by diarrhea. Some also report bleeding from the rectum, weight loss and fevers. Children who suffer with Crohn’s may experience some developmental and growth delays due to the lack of essential determining if a patient is actually suffering with Crohn’s disease requires a thorough physical exam and a number of tests to be carried out. These can include blood tests tominevitamins and rals absorbed into the body.Due to it’s similarity to other inflammatory diseases and syndromes check for anemia and providing stool samples to check for blood which could indicate an infection or bleeding in the intestines. Further, more invasive tests can also be required, for example drinking a barium liquid and having a series of x-rays taken which will highlight any inflammation or abnormalities. A colonoscopy may be required to confirm the diagnosis as Crohn’s disease. In this case an endoscope is inserted into the anus and up into the large intestine to look for bleeding or inflammation. A small sample of tissue may be taken at this point for further analysis. Once Crohn’s disease has been confirmed further tests may be needed to determine the extent of the inflammation.There is no actual cure for Crohn’s disease, although some people, through proper management, can be free of symptoms for extended periods. The treatment for Crohn’s disease varies from person to person as it depends on the severity of the disease and the area effected. Typically, all treatments aim to reduce the inflammation, relieve the pain, diarrhea and bleeding and ensure that the sufferer has the correct nutritional intake. There are three main ways of achieving these goals, medication, surgery or dietary changes
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Liver Damage and Lindsay Lohan: A Warning Signal for Teens and Twenty-Somethings
News reports that actress-singer Lindsay Lohan may have liver damage will probably come as a surprise to many people in their teens and 20’s. Many young people think liver damage only happens to middle-aged people who have abused alcohol for years or even decades."Whether the reports about Ms. Lohan are true or not, people in their teens and 20’s should be made aware that liver damage, even cirrhosis, can happen to them," according to Dr.Ratnakar Kini of the Department of Digestive Health and Diseases, Chennai, India.According to the reports, Lohan has liver damage caused by too much drinking. The ‘National Enquirer’ claims that the problems were discovered during Lohan’s recent stint in hospital to have her appendix removed. "Lindsay’s liver panel shows her drinking is taking a terrible toll on her health. Her liver enzymes are extremely elevated, and doctors warned her if she doesn’t quit boozing she could die."Lohan, who is 20 years old and not yet of legal drinking age, is famous for her excessive partying. According to ABC News, her representative, Lesley Sloan-Zelnik, has confirmed that Lohan has checked into a rehabilitation program following months of speculation about her overuse of alcohol.Dr. Kini adds, "It doesn’t take 20 or 30 years of alcohol abuse to cause liver damage or cirrhosis of the liver. If you drink too much and too often, it might only take a few years before long term liver damage begins to appear. So it can certainly happen to people in their 20’s. It can even happen to people in their teens if they start drinking young enough."Dr. Kini also notes that the livers of young woman are more at risk than livers of young men."Alcoholic liver disease develops in women after a shorter duration of drinking than men and with a lower daily alcohol intake. 40-80 g of alcohol daily in men and 20-40 g of alcohol daily in women for 10-12 years can cause significant damage to the liver. But even a shorter duration of alcohol intake can cause at least some damage to the liver. And even teenagers are susceptable to liver damage if they do not abstain from taking alcohol."Dr. Kini recently authored a series of articles related to the human liver and liver problems. The articles have been published on the Internet at www.myliver.biz. Topics covered by the site include liver damage, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cysts, fatty liver disease, liver detoxification, liver cleansing and liver cancer.Dr.Kini is a Gastroenterology resident at the Department of Digestive Health and Diseases, Chennai, India (formerly known as "Madras"). He is a Graduate in Pediatrics from The Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children in Chennai
Liver Disease: Dangerous and Possibly Deadly
There are dozens of diseases that affect the liver. The two most common causes of liver diseases are viral infections and drugs. Though there are different causes of liver diseases, the clinical signs and symptoms are divided in to two categories. Due to liver cell damage Due to obstruction to bile flow
Signs and symptoms due to liver cell damage:
In liver cell damage there is defective synthesis of proteins and defective detoxification. The signs and symptoms include Jaundice Dark urine Vague abdominal pain Loss of appetite Fever occasionally Bleeding Fluid collection - Late manifestation Brain, lung and kidney dysfunction in the final stages
Signs and symptoms due to obstruction to bile flow:
In bile flow obstruction there is defective excretion from the liver and defective absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins from the intestines. The signs and symptoms include Jaundice Itching Bleeding Pale stools Dark urine Vitamin A,D,E and K deficiency
Common Liver Diseases:
Viral hepatitis:Among the different viruses that affect the liver, the most significant ones are the hepatitis viruses. The types of hepatitis viruses affecting the liver are Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Of these, the Hepatitis B infection is the most dangerous. Hepatitis B virus infection is acquired by sexual contact and by blood transfusion. It damages the liver cells and causes minimal bile flow obstruction. There are a few drugs which can control the disease to a certain extent, including lamivudine and interferon. The complications of a hepatitis B infection include cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are however, vaccines available to prevent Hepatitis B and A infections.
Drug induced hepatitis:Some drugs can cause liver damage either in the normal doses or in higher than normal doses. These drugs can cause liver cell damage or bile flow obstruction, depending on the medication. Some of the common drugs implicated in liver damage are Anti TB drugs like INH, rifampicin and pyrizinamide Antibiotics like erythromycin Anesthetic drugs like halothane Anti pyretics like paracetamol ( in high doses)
Cirrhosis:Cirrhosis is condition characterized by irreversible damage to liver cells. The cells are destroyed and are replaced by non-functioning nodules. Some of the causes of cirrhosis are chronic alcohol intake, hepatitis B and C infection, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease and alpha 1 anti trypsin deficiency. Cirrhosis later leads to cancer liver.
Liver Cancer:Cancer liver is fatal condition affecting the liver. There are different types of liver cancer. The most common one being the HCC or the hepatocellular carcinoma. HCC is a final complication of cirrhosis.
Some of the other diseases affecting liver are Tuberculosis Connective tissue disorders Blood malignancies Malaria
Evaluation of patients with liver disease should be directed at (1) Establishing the etiologic diagnosis(2) Estimating the disease severity (grading)(3) Establishing the disease stage (staging). Diagnosis should focus on the category of liver disease, such as hepatocellular versus bile flow obstruction injury, as well as on the specific etiologic diagnosis. Grading refers to assessing the severity or activity of disease - active or inactive, and mild, moderate, or severe. Staging refers to estimating the place in the course of the natural history of the disease, whether acute or chronic; early or late; pre-cirrhotic, cirrhotic, or end-stage.
For more information, click on Liver Health and Wellness. George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host
Signs and symptoms due to liver cell damage:
In liver cell damage there is defective synthesis of proteins and defective detoxification. The signs and symptoms include Jaundice Dark urine Vague abdominal pain Loss of appetite Fever occasionally Bleeding Fluid collection - Late manifestation Brain, lung and kidney dysfunction in the final stages
Signs and symptoms due to obstruction to bile flow:
In bile flow obstruction there is defective excretion from the liver and defective absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins from the intestines. The signs and symptoms include Jaundice Itching Bleeding Pale stools Dark urine Vitamin A,D,E and K deficiency
Common Liver Diseases:
Viral hepatitis:Among the different viruses that affect the liver, the most significant ones are the hepatitis viruses. The types of hepatitis viruses affecting the liver are Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Of these, the Hepatitis B infection is the most dangerous. Hepatitis B virus infection is acquired by sexual contact and by blood transfusion. It damages the liver cells and causes minimal bile flow obstruction. There are a few drugs which can control the disease to a certain extent, including lamivudine and interferon. The complications of a hepatitis B infection include cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are however, vaccines available to prevent Hepatitis B and A infections.
Drug induced hepatitis:Some drugs can cause liver damage either in the normal doses or in higher than normal doses. These drugs can cause liver cell damage or bile flow obstruction, depending on the medication. Some of the common drugs implicated in liver damage are Anti TB drugs like INH, rifampicin and pyrizinamide Antibiotics like erythromycin Anesthetic drugs like halothane Anti pyretics like paracetamol ( in high doses)
Cirrhosis:Cirrhosis is condition characterized by irreversible damage to liver cells. The cells are destroyed and are replaced by non-functioning nodules. Some of the causes of cirrhosis are chronic alcohol intake, hepatitis B and C infection, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease and alpha 1 anti trypsin deficiency. Cirrhosis later leads to cancer liver.
Liver Cancer:Cancer liver is fatal condition affecting the liver. There are different types of liver cancer. The most common one being the HCC or the hepatocellular carcinoma. HCC is a final complication of cirrhosis.
Some of the other diseases affecting liver are Tuberculosis Connective tissue disorders Blood malignancies Malaria
Evaluation of patients with liver disease should be directed at (1) Establishing the etiologic diagnosis(2) Estimating the disease severity (grading)(3) Establishing the disease stage (staging). Diagnosis should focus on the category of liver disease, such as hepatocellular versus bile flow obstruction injury, as well as on the specific etiologic diagnosis. Grading refers to assessing the severity or activity of disease - active or inactive, and mild, moderate, or severe. Staging refers to estimating the place in the course of the natural history of the disease, whether acute or chronic; early or late; pre-cirrhotic, cirrhotic, or end-stage.
For more information, click on Liver Health and Wellness. George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host
Liver Enzymes: What Are they, Why Are they Important?
Liver enzymes are proteins which help maintain a variety of chemical and metabolic processes that occur in the liver. The human liver contains thousands of these enzymes, and elevated liver enzymes may indicate damage to the liver cells or an obstruction to the biliary tract. Elevated liver enzymes don’t often indicate a specific liver disease, but elevated liver enzymes are probably the result of some form of liver disorder, even if you don’t have any symptoms of liver problems.These enzymes are also found in other parts of the body, including cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, pancreas and lungs and both white and red blood cells.It can be fairly common to get laboratory report of elevated liver enzymes. . To determine the underlying cause of elevated liver enzymes, your doctor may recommend additional tests. Tests might include a direct physical examination by the doctor, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, biopsy, and liver blood tests. There are few outward symptoms of severe liver disease. Possible symptoms, however, include pain in the lower right chest region, a noticeable size increase of the liver below the rib cage on the right, and visible jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes).The causes of elevated liver enzymes vary widely depending upon the level and duration liver problems as well as the overall comparison of many other blood test indications. Common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:Autoimmune disorders of the liver and bile ducts, such as autoimmune hepatitis. Diabetes Drinking too much alcohol Elevated triglycerides Excessive use of certain herbal supplements, such as kava, comfrey, pennyroyal and skullcap Infections such as viral hepatitis and mononucleosis Medications, including certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, antibiotics and anti-seizure medications Metabolic liver disease, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease Obesity Tumors of the liver or bile ducts.Treatment of elevated liver enzymes depends on the cause. It is especially important for you to talk to your doctor about any nutritional or herbal supplements you are taking. Many Chinese herbal preparations have been found to be extremely damaging to the liver and should be avoided as well as high doses of vitamin A and high doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol), especially if taken with alcohol. Sedatives and all unnecessary medications should also be avoided. Anyone who is overweight or obese should work with their doctor to try to take off some pounds. High fat diets can be stressful to the liver and cause injury. Most of all, it’s extremely important for anyone with elevated liver enzymes to avoid alcohol in all forms.
Liver Function Tests: So Mysterious, Yet So Important
The liver is the second largest organ in the human body (only the skin is bigger). The liver is also one of the most important organs, because it performs dozens of tasks that are critical to human health. Since most liver diseases cause only mild symptoms in the early stages, it’s vital to detect these diseases early. Basically, liver function tests, which are also routinely called "LFTs," assess the overall health and the anatomical integrity of liver. LFTs include measurements of albumin, various liver enzymes, bilirubin, cholesterol and total protein. All of these tests can be performed at the same time.Liver function tests are generally divided into four categories.1) Tests based on the detoxification and excretory functions. The serum bilirubin test is typical. Bilirubin is an orange-colored substance in bile produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. When bilirubin levels are high, a condition called jaundice occurs. Too much bilirubin is usually due to increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) or because the liver can no longer remove bilirubin in a timely manner. 2) Tests that detect damage to the liver structure. There are a number of enzymes in the liver. Elevated liver enzymes indicate that there is damage to the liver cells, or that there is an obstruction to bile flow.3) Tests based on bio-synthetic functions. These liver function tests typically include the serum albumin test and the serum globulin test. Serum albumin is the main protein in blood plasma. A decrease in the serum albumin level may indicate chronic liver disease. Serum albumin can also be decreased in other conditions like kidney disorders and malnutrition. The serum globulin test measures the three types of globulins (globulins contain most of the antibodies of the blood): alpha, beta and gamma. The liver synthesizes the first two and the cells of the immune system synthesize the gamma globulin. In liver disorders, the alpha and the beta globulin are decreased and the gamma globulin levels are significantly increased. The normal albumin globulin ratio is reversed.4) Other tests might include ultrasonography and biopsy. Ultrasonography is done as the first test for diagnosing obstructive jaundice. It is also done in cases of gall stone disease and detecting lesions in the liver. Along with Doppler, it is used to assess the condition of the blood vessels. Biopsy is done through the skin (sometimes with the ultrasonographic guidance) in cases of liver disease of uncertain cause. Biopsy can also uncover suspected cancers, enlarged liver and enlarged spleen.In summary, liver function tests evaluate a wide range of normal tasks performed by the liver. But a reliable diagnosis also depends on a complete history and complete physical examination in addition to the test themselves.
7 Tips for Exercise When You Have Diabetes
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to understand that while there is a change in lifestyle, it is not the end of the world! There are plenty of tips and tricks to managing your diabetes, and just by keeping them in mind, you can make sure that your life runs as smoothly as ever. Take a look at a few exercise tips that were made for people with diabetes.1. Check with a doctor.If you have not exercised in a long time, or you are just not sure where to start, begin by going to the doctor! They can suggest some ways for you to ease into the process without getting frustrated. Remember that exercise is cumulative and the more you do, the more you'll be able to do.2. Start slow!Don't worry about hitting the gym and being a star. If you've been out of the game for a while, start with something simple. Remember that you can always speed things up, but that if you pull something and are laid up for a while, you'll be even further behind.3. Explore low-impact alternativesMany people feel that they can't exercise due to the fact that they have weak or troubled joints. Actually, with activities like swimming or underwater aerobics, you'll find that you're in a great situation to have your joints supported while still getting a workout that will make you sweat!4. Stretch!This is all information we learn when we're taking grade school gym, but in many ways, a good warm up session will make make the whole workout more enjoyable for you. You can ease into the harder stuff without fear of straining anything and you'll be able to avoid some of the most common workout problems.5. Beware of high blood pressureIf you have diabetes, your blood pressure is going to be one of your serious concerns, so be aware of it. Be careful of lifting heavy weights and if necessary, speak with your doctor about where you should start, where you want to be, and what is safe when it comes to weight lifting.6. Safety first.Whether you work out at gym, in your home or you simply take long walks, it is imperative that you wear an ID bracelet or dog tag stating that you have diabetes. If you have an injury or develop a problem while working out, this is the best way to alert any rescuers to your needs.7. Be patient with yourselfIf you have a health issue like diabetes, don't be surprised if you find that your workout progression is slower than that of other people. Take your time and remember that every little bit of improvement is significant
7 Tips for Exercise When You Have Diabetes
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to understand that while there is a change in lifestyle, it is not the end of the world! There are plenty of tips and tricks to managing your diabetes, and just by keeping them in mind, you can make sure that your life runs as smoothly as ever. Take a look at a few exercise tips that were made for people with diabetes.1. Check with a doctor.If you have not exercised in a long time, or you are just not sure where to start, begin by going to the doctor! They can suggest some ways for you to ease into the process without getting frustrated. Remember that exercise is cumulative and the more you do, the more you'll be able to do.2. Start slow!Don't worry about hitting the gym and being a star. If you've been out of the game for a while, start with something simple. Remember that you can always speed things up, but that if you pull something and are laid up for a while, you'll be even further behind.3. Explore low-impact alternativesMany people feel that they can't exercise due to the fact that they have weak or troubled joints. Actually, with activities like swimming or underwater aerobics, you'll find that you're in a great situation to have your joints supported while still getting a workout that will make you sweat!4. Stretch!This is all information we learn when we're taking grade school gym, but in many ways, a good warm up session will make make the whole workout more enjoyable for you. You can ease into the harder stuff without fear of straining anything and you'll be able to avoid some of the most common workout problems.5. Beware of high blood pressureIf you have diabetes, your blood pressure is going to be one of your serious concerns, so be aware of it. Be careful of lifting heavy weights and if necessary, speak with your doctor about where you should start, where you want to be, and what is safe when it comes to weight lifting.6. Safety first.Whether you work out at gym, in your home or you simply take long walks, it is imperative that you wear an ID bracelet or dog tag stating that you have diabetes. If you have an injury or develop a problem while working out, this is the best way to alert any rescuers to your needs.7. Be patient with yourselfIf you have a health issue like diabetes, don't be surprised if you find that your workout progression is slower than that of other people. Take your time and remember that every little bit of improvement is significant
Amazon Superfruit Kills Cancer Cells in the Lab
A recently completed University of Florida study has added to the buzz surrounding the Brazilian acai berry which is sold in many health stores as an antioxidant supplement. The study is, hopefully, one of the first of many to research the many claims attributed to the acai fruit.In it's study, six different chemical extracts were made from acai berry pulp, and each extract was prepared in seven concentrations.At least 4 of the extracts killed a great many cancer cells when applied for 24 hours or more. Anywhere from 35 percent to 86 percent of the cancer cells were destroyed, depending on the particular extract and concentration. According to Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the study showed extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response (apoptosis) in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells testedTalcott, however, cautioned against reading too much into the results, noting that the tests were run against cancer cell cultures and not on human test subjects.Still, the results are exciting. In the last year, the Brazilian berry has really taken off in the United States. It has also caught the attention of many companies who are now creating products that include the acai berry.Although, acai berries are thought to be one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants, other fruits that are rich in antioxidants such as mangoes, grapes, have been shown to kill cancer cells in similar studies.Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage is theorized to be one of the main causes of cancer. A sufficient amount of antioxidants are thought by many to short-circuit this process by interacting with and stabilizing the free radicals and may stopping the damage that they do to healthy cells.Experts are divided on just what effect antioxidants have on cancer cells in the human body, because of the many other lifestyle factors that have to be factored into the equation. There is much evidence that antioxidants may slow or even prevent the development of cancer cells. On the other hand, many double blind studies have not been conclusive -with some seeming to indicate that antioxidants retard cancer cell growth and others indicating that it has no effect.There have been many anecdotal claims made for the Amazon acai berry fruit. And traditionally Indians in the Brazilian rain forest have used it in ways as diverse as food, house thatching, drink, diarrhea, jaundice, fevers, and as treatment for many other health diseases.The University of Florida study as well as others are a welcome step towards getting away from some of the claims of acai and subjecting it to controlled studies in the laboratory. "A lot of claims are being made, but most of them haven't been tested scientifically," Talcott said. "We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the acai berry and its health-promoting effects."
Remedy for Gallstones-Keep Your Gallbladder and Avoid Colon Cancer with 7 Tips
Did you know that approximately 500,000 persons will undergo surgery to remove their gallbladder this year simply because of gallstones? And this is considerably low, considering that between 10-15 percent of Americans have been diagnosed with gallstones sometime in their lifetime.
But unfortunately, removing your body's organ (the gallbladder) is not a cure-all solution to gallstones. Because without your gallbladder, bile will drip continuously into your digestive system. The constant dripping will cause nausea and diarrhea in some people. And far worse, removal of the organ drastically increases your risk of colon cancer, bowel cancer and may lead to higher levels of blood cholesterol because of the dripping bile. And as you know, cholesterol is a leading cause of heart attacks.
Are you considering gallbladder surgery for your gallstone treatment? Would you consider a remedy for gallstones which uses healthy living tips to dissolve and flush your gallstones naturally if it was guaranteed? Keep reading!
Why You Need Your Gallbladder?
In a recent study, researchers from the UK found that gallbladder surgery may increase your risk of developing colon cancer because of bile excretion problems. Though the risk is low, researchers have discovered a noticeable amount of cancer cases resulting from the surgery.
Should you be concerned? I would contend 'yes'. Specifically, because your gallbladder was designed with a purpose and losing your gallbladder could be disastrous to your body. And in some cases, fatal!
The gallbladder's job results from blood. Blood flows to every part of the body to bring nutrients and waste to and from every single cell in the body. The liver's (the gallbladder's neighbor) job is to filter the blood and eliminate the waste/impurities/toxins in the blood. This waste produced by the liver is called bile. The gallbladder then uses the bile to break down fats and cholesterol that you digest.
With the missing organ, the dripping bile can cause serious problems including: leaving cholesterol to build up in your arteries, colon cancer, bowel cancer and body malfunctions including consistent nausea and diarrhea. Is this worth paying thousands of dollars for all of these possible complications? Of course, not!
Remedy for Gallstones- 7 'Doctor-Approved' Natural Health Tips
Our company specializes in 'doctor-approved' natural health tips to treat common ailments. And with gallstones, a natural remedy for gallstones deals 90% with prevention and 10% with a simple dissolve and flush. Here are 7 tips natural health tips we recommend in our Dissolve and Flush Remedy for Gallstones Report. To learn our about our step-by-step remedy please visit our website.
1. Flush! In a gross way, you can sometimes think of your body as a toilet; it annually needs a flush to eliminate toxins, cholesterol, pollutants and even gallstones. There are numerous ways to naturally flush your body. We recommend a 2 day flush explained step-by-step in our remedy report.
2. Water! Drink half your weight in ounces every day! Read that over if you didn't understand but a 200 lb. person should be drinking 100 ounces of water per day. That is about 12 cups of water per day. This alone will allow your body to work extra efficiently.
3. Avoid extreme fats and cholesterol! You should avoid foods that are high fats and high cholesterol. These foods pump tons of toxins into the liver and are one of the causes of cholesterol based gallstones. You should aim to avoid these foods for about one month and gradually reintroduce them to your diet.
4. Fiber! Educate yourself on high fiber foods and especially water-soluble fiber foods (fruits and vegetables). These foods will keep you healthy and with continually keeping you regular and flushed.
5. Vitamin C! Vitamin C can allow the body to convert cholesterol to bile acids. With less cholesterol and more ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), the gallstone risk is drastically decreased. And your immunity will be heightened for better overall health.
6. Be Active! Our bodies and brains can become naturally addicted to things. Including activity and staying healthy. The best way to stay healthy is to stay active and keep your body running efficiently by regular exercise. Start working out at least 3-4 times per week.
7. Your diet! You should be eating a well-balanced diet. Avoid fast food, processed foods, and canned/packaged foods. These foods have a tendency to be high fat and high cholesterol.
Are You Ready to Pass and Flush Your Stones Today?
Imagine being gallstone-free in less than 24 hours! If you would like to learn more about our natural remedy for gallstones, please visit our website today. Our company's personal natural health doctor devised a simple yet effective, step-by-step cleanse that will pass your gallstones in the first day of treatment. He has also written up a prevention plan that has left some of our customers gallstone-free for 4+ years now.
These 7 tips are the tip of the iceberg, to discover how you can be gallstone-free please visit our natural health website today! We guarantee your satisfaction!
But unfortunately, removing your body's organ (the gallbladder) is not a cure-all solution to gallstones. Because without your gallbladder, bile will drip continuously into your digestive system. The constant dripping will cause nausea and diarrhea in some people. And far worse, removal of the organ drastically increases your risk of colon cancer, bowel cancer and may lead to higher levels of blood cholesterol because of the dripping bile. And as you know, cholesterol is a leading cause of heart attacks.
Are you considering gallbladder surgery for your gallstone treatment? Would you consider a remedy for gallstones which uses healthy living tips to dissolve and flush your gallstones naturally if it was guaranteed? Keep reading!
Why You Need Your Gallbladder?
In a recent study, researchers from the UK found that gallbladder surgery may increase your risk of developing colon cancer because of bile excretion problems. Though the risk is low, researchers have discovered a noticeable amount of cancer cases resulting from the surgery.
Should you be concerned? I would contend 'yes'. Specifically, because your gallbladder was designed with a purpose and losing your gallbladder could be disastrous to your body. And in some cases, fatal!
The gallbladder's job results from blood. Blood flows to every part of the body to bring nutrients and waste to and from every single cell in the body. The liver's (the gallbladder's neighbor) job is to filter the blood and eliminate the waste/impurities/toxins in the blood. This waste produced by the liver is called bile. The gallbladder then uses the bile to break down fats and cholesterol that you digest.
With the missing organ, the dripping bile can cause serious problems including: leaving cholesterol to build up in your arteries, colon cancer, bowel cancer and body malfunctions including consistent nausea and diarrhea. Is this worth paying thousands of dollars for all of these possible complications? Of course, not!
Remedy for Gallstones- 7 'Doctor-Approved' Natural Health Tips
Our company specializes in 'doctor-approved' natural health tips to treat common ailments. And with gallstones, a natural remedy for gallstones deals 90% with prevention and 10% with a simple dissolve and flush. Here are 7 tips natural health tips we recommend in our Dissolve and Flush Remedy for Gallstones Report. To learn our about our step-by-step remedy please visit our website.
1. Flush! In a gross way, you can sometimes think of your body as a toilet; it annually needs a flush to eliminate toxins, cholesterol, pollutants and even gallstones. There are numerous ways to naturally flush your body. We recommend a 2 day flush explained step-by-step in our remedy report.
2. Water! Drink half your weight in ounces every day! Read that over if you didn't understand but a 200 lb. person should be drinking 100 ounces of water per day. That is about 12 cups of water per day. This alone will allow your body to work extra efficiently.
3. Avoid extreme fats and cholesterol! You should avoid foods that are high fats and high cholesterol. These foods pump tons of toxins into the liver and are one of the causes of cholesterol based gallstones. You should aim to avoid these foods for about one month and gradually reintroduce them to your diet.
4. Fiber! Educate yourself on high fiber foods and especially water-soluble fiber foods (fruits and vegetables). These foods will keep you healthy and with continually keeping you regular and flushed.
5. Vitamin C! Vitamin C can allow the body to convert cholesterol to bile acids. With less cholesterol and more ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), the gallstone risk is drastically decreased. And your immunity will be heightened for better overall health.
6. Be Active! Our bodies and brains can become naturally addicted to things. Including activity and staying healthy. The best way to stay healthy is to stay active and keep your body running efficiently by regular exercise. Start working out at least 3-4 times per week.
7. Your diet! You should be eating a well-balanced diet. Avoid fast food, processed foods, and canned/packaged foods. These foods have a tendency to be high fat and high cholesterol.
Are You Ready to Pass and Flush Your Stones Today?
Imagine being gallstone-free in less than 24 hours! If you would like to learn more about our natural remedy for gallstones, please visit our website today. Our company's personal natural health doctor devised a simple yet effective, step-by-step cleanse that will pass your gallstones in the first day of treatment. He has also written up a prevention plan that has left some of our customers gallstone-free for 4+ years now.
These 7 tips are the tip of the iceberg, to discover how you can be gallstone-free please visit our natural health website today! We guarantee your satisfaction!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)