Archive for April, 2004

how to rate a treatment for cellulite

Friday, April 30th, 2004

How to Rate a Treatment for Cellulite

Writen by Craig Weaver

Many people are confused with the large amount of products that are on the market as a treatment for cellulite and that is completely normal to be honest. It can confuse the largest part of the population when you consider the fact that most people are not up on all the latest research. When a new product comes out there is always a lot of media attention given to it and people will usually get the full scoop about the product within a short time. But, there are those products that are released with little or no media attention and that means that the general public will not be able to get the information without a little or a lot of research. This is not something that most people would enjoy doing so they are instead going to take the product at face value. Lets take cellulite contouring cream as an example. People for the most part are not sure of what this is and it received very little in the way of information and media attention. Well the fact is that it worked very well for a lot of people until it was discovered that some of the companies that were making the product were not putting in it what they said they were. This caused a stir in the world and a lot of people were in a lot of trouble real quick. This is how a lack of consumer knowledge can really have an adverse effect on the way that a product is rated. If you are not careful and do your homework the you could end up with a treatment for cellulite that is nothing more than water and saw dust to be honest. There are several watch dog groups that seek to end this kind of fraud and they have the very best in information on how to rate a treatment for cellulite.

If you are looking for a cellulite contouring cream then you should stick with the most reputable companies that offer the best guarantee and the money back if you are not satisfied. This tells you that the treatment for cellulite is rather good and they are sure that you are going to be happy and see the results that they promise. Only through information can you protect yourself as a consumer and make sure that the frauds stay out of the way.

Craig Weaver is the editor for http://cellulitereductioninfo.blogspot.com/ the number one resource for treatment for cellulite

human growth hormone a fountain of youth

Friday, April 30th, 2004

Human Growth Hormone: A Fountain Of Youth?

Writen by Kathy Burns-Millyard

Is there really a “fountain of youth”? Some believe there is… with HGH. HGH is Human Growth Hormone. It’s produced naturally in your body, but amounts decrease as you get older. In fact, supplementing your body’s HGH levels can even help Reverse The Effects Of Aging.

Human growth hormone is known as the Master Hormone or the “Hormone of Youth”. It controls the release of many other hormones in the body and is made by the pituitary gland in the center of the brain. During childhood, HGH directs the growth of the body. In adults, HGH begins to decline steeply with age. This decline is associated with many of the effects of aging. Hundreds of studies have been done on the use of HGH in adults. It has been found to raise energy levels, enhance lean muscle, decrease body fat, strengthen the heart, improve cholesterol, fortify bones, smooth out wrinkles, sharpen memory, improve sexual function, regenerate damaged tissues, boost the immune system, and improve sleep.

HGH comes in many forms, the most potent being an injection given by authorized medical professionals. This is quite expensive however, and there are many alternative forms of HGH available on the market today.

Here are just some of the results you can get even from natural HGH sources:

* Increase Your Energy

* Reduce Your Body Fat

* Increase Sexual Potency

* Gain Lean Muscle

* Sharpen Your Memory

* Improve Sleep Quality

* Reduce Your Wrinkles

Recent studies have shown the direct impact HGH has on multiple body functions. By the time you reach 60, your natural production of HGH is most likely to be half of what it was when you were 20. This means that you will have less energy, more body fat, heal slower and have a weaker immune system.

By supplying your body with additional HGH, alternative supplements can help you fight the effects of aging and make you look young again.

This is how it works… HGH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a role in the immune system function, tissue repair, cell replacement, and bone strength. Although HGH levels decrease as you get older, you can supplement HGH naturally into your diet. So where exactly can you get HGH?

* Exercise – Exercising regularly will slowly begin to increase natural production of HGH.

* Eat Certain Foods – Certain amino acids, arginine, lysine, and ornithine can promote the body’s natural release of growth hormone.

* HGH Supplements – Some natural supplements can give you all the benefits of HGH without any side effects.

Find additional updates on this article, along with research, statistics and facts at http://www.hgh-hormone.info/

celebrity hair styles think before you copy

Friday, April 30th, 2004

Celebrity Hair Styles – Think Before You Copy!

Writen by Michael Barrows

Ever turn on the television and become instantly infatuated with the latest celebrity hair style sported by Jennifer Aniston or other highly-emulated celebrities? If so, you are not alone. In fact, most fashion trends actually begin after a celebrity has worn them and the same is true when it comes to celebrity hair styles.

Just think of Ashton Kutcher and how many men now wear his tousled celebrity hair style. How about Kate Winslet and all of her manifestations? The truth is that styling your tresses similar to a celebrity hair style is hot. But should you always turn to celebrities to find your latest style, and how can you mirror the celebrity hair style when celebrities have a staff of professionals catering to their every hair whim?

There are good reasons on both sides of the equation when it comes to choosing a celebrity hair style. For some, a celebrity hair style can be the perfect answer when they find themselves in a style slump. For others, choosing a celebrity hair style can be a big mistake. Here are just a few of the pros and cons when it comes to celebrity hair styles.

Why you should copy

1. Celebrities have access to some of the most talented and highest paid beauty professionals in the industry. While you may not be able to afford a consult with one of these style legends yourself, you have the perfect opportunity to see and emulate their work with a celebrity hair style.

2. For the most part, celebrities are on the cutting edge of fashion. When you choose a celebrity hair style, you do not have to worry about looking dated or being out of style.

3. C’mon let’s face it. We look up to celebrities because they always look fashionable and beautiful. If you are looking for a celebrity hair style to pull your look together, then there is no better place to look than to the stars.

Why not to copy

1. Celebrities are seen by virtually everybody, and when a new celebrity hair style causes a sensation, you can be sure that everyone will be trying to emulate it. So, while you may be thinking that you are going to look sensational with your new celebrity hair style, you may end up looking like a copy cat.

2. Celebrities do not have to choose easy styles because they have hair stylists and make-up artists solely dedicated to making them look beautiful. On the other hand, you probably do not. So, be careful not to choose a celebrity hair style that will have you pulling out your hair when you have to spend hours keeping it up.

3. Stylists to the stars choose particular celebrity hair styles for their clients because they are perfect for their face shape and type and texture of hair. Not everybody can pull off every style. Be careful not to choose a celebrity hair style that makes you look ridiculous.

While there are pros and cons to everything, choosing a celebrity hair style should be something that you give some thought to before making a final decision. Not everyone is worth millions, but you can look like you are if you choose your celebrity hair styles wisely.

Michael Barrows’ website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit the great hair styles website

inflammation of the colon what to do

Thursday, April 29th, 2004

Inflammation of the Colon – What to Do?

Writen by Ben Lynch

QUESTION:

I was wondering if Boswelya plus is any good for inflammation of the colon? I have a digestive situation with colitis and a bad taste in my mouth that comes and goes that no tests have solved…all normal…except for colitis found in colonoscopy, a return from more than ten years without it brought on by a bad combination of western drugs that affected my nervous system and smooth muscles. (I rarely take medicine and am rarely sick, until one bad doc basically poisoned me)…I cannot tolerate Asacol, which worked just fine ten years ago, or any of the other meds they have tried. I’m currently on B complex, SeaCure, MSM, glutamine, probiotics and I’ve recently added Phosphatidyl Choline for colon. Now they’re suggested BosWelya Plus, which I’ve been on for a week, but when I just read up on it, it seemed to be for inflammation of the joints more than the stomach/colon lining. Does it also work on the digestive system? If not, is there an anti-inflammatory natural version of Asacol that at might work? Any other suggestions?

ANSWER:

First, taking so many single various supplements is a tough task. It is best to try and find a couple things which will take care of it, such as an excellent formulation specifically designed for a condition. This makes your day easier and your pocketbook more relaxed.

BosWelya Plus is a great joint product. It is useful for joints if taken away from food. Useful for the digestive system when taken with food. However, as it contains joint nutrients, it is mainly for joint use.

However, my opinion, the more superior products for your condition are BioInflammatory Plus powder taken with Intestinal Repair Complex. Add EPA/DHA and you may be set with only taking 3 supplements.

Something that they have been taking in Europe for 100’s of years is Herbal Melange herbal drink of moor mud and may be of benefit.

Do take this information to your doctor and see what they think. I have worked with the physician who designed these Biogenesis products and patients have had tremendous success.

One extremely important thing – need to figure out what is causing your colitis. Colitis simply means inflammation of the colon. Is this colitis due to interstitial colitis – from stress or food allergy? Crohns due to similar issues? Celiac from a gluten sensitivity – so simply remove wheat. Is it a food allergy? Is it a genetic disposition to a wheat allergy – celiac disease? Is it crohns disease? Numerous people have crohns or celiac that is undiagnosed. You must first determine the cause of your problem.

An easy test – remove wheat from your diet for 3 days. All of it. no soy sauce, no prepared foods, no eating out. Eat rice and salmon, steamed veggies for dinner. Eat salad and chicken for lunch. Breakfast have a smoothie with protein powder, berries and yogurt. You may get bored with the menu but I bet if you felt much better by the 3rd day, it would be worth it. The other main allergies are due to dairy products. You may try and eliminate those at another time. Do one at a time – make it easier. No wheat. None. Give it a shot. Tell your doc about this. You may also do a gliadin antibody test – tells if you have celiac.

I found an awesome website for dieatary issues: Living Without

Spending money on supplements is not wise unless you know what you are trying to overcome. Cannot simply run blindfolded – one must know if there are trees or holes in the way first. If you took the best eye supplements it wouldn’t help. Removing the blindfold would help or having someone guide you through the field.

To locate a qualified naturopathic doctor in your area – you may go to MedND.

Faster healing is accomplished when the cause of the problem is removed. Now go and try to determine what that is. Any trained naturopathic doctor should be able to nail it. A MD should as well but for some reason, doesn’t seem that they do it. Steroids seem to be their first line of action after they run a few tests. Blood tests do not always show the problem. This is why food elimination diets are essential in digestive issues. Food allergy testing by blood is not always useful. You may let your doctor know about the Great Smokies Lab test on Food Allergy. Most insurance policies cover food allergy testing.

You’ll get better! ;)

Digestive issues are excellent to treat as they are so rewarding. Do be aware though that it takes time to heal inflammation of the colon.

Again – this is only information. I am not giving treatment advice. Your doctor is the one for that – if you are not getting the results you want, try a different doctor. Health is a tough field as no doctor can know everything.

In health,

Ben

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease.

(c) 2005 Benjamin Lynch of HealthE Goods

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. His online health site, HealthE Goods, http://www.healthegoods.com offers a free health information service where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Blog and submit your health question. Our blog can be found via our homepage. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products. To submit your own health questions, please navigate to the Ask the Med Student link on our site.

how can you control your acne

Thursday, April 29th, 2004

How Can You Control Your Acne?

Writen by Mark Gardner

Do you feel awkward when you get new spots? Just how are you supposed to control this acne? A good many people either smother themselves in makeup or go into hiding for a little while! But what causes these spots to appear?

Basically, you’ll find acne is established around the tiny hair follicles that are around your face. Inside these hair follicles, you’ll find an oil gland, commonly known as the sebaceous gland. Now and again, you’ll get dead cells that will clog up your hair follicles and this will cause the bacteria on your face to multiply and feed off these oils, called sebum, and the dead cells. This results in the swelling of your hair follicle, which sees infection set in and the bacteria reproducing. All this leads to that little red spot that is the bane of a teenager’s existence!

All this takes place deep within your hair follicle, therefore surface acne treatments can only help so much in averting these clogs. Actually, if you wash with acne treatments that utilize harsh chemicals and abrasives, then this can lead to your skin producing even more oil, and as it is dried out, this could result in you having worse acne than you began with!

Hair follicles that are functioning normally and skin that is being looked after by a good care schedule will usually need no treatment at all. But there are occasions during our lives that may set off acne; first of all, the cycling of our hormones can lead to plenty of oil on our skin, for guys this usually takes place during puberty and then diminishes. For the gals, this also starts during puberty, however many ladies can also experience problems through their monthly cycles. Pregnancy is a period of intense hormonal changes, and many women turn to acne treatment throughout this period too.

Extreme stress is another possible trigger for acne; it increases your blood pressure and the oil production upon your face. Recent studies have shown that non-organic milk can lead to our growth hormones soaring; this can easily see the onset of acne. Another possible cause of acne is if you have a food allergy. If you do suspect a food can be the responsible for your acne, then simply try cutting it out for 2 weeks and observe if your acne fades away. If so, you have found an effective treatment for your acne!

For more information and resources on the subject, please visit http://www.my-acne.com/Acne_Control.html

bird flu how to build your immune defenses for healing your body

Thursday, April 29th, 2004

Bird Flu: How to Build Your Immune Defenses for Healing Your Body

Writen by Christopher Stewart

The Virus The H5N1 strain of avian influenza (Flu) is considered by the World Health Organization and other health experts to be the biggest single disease threat to the world. Since starting in Hong Kong in 1997, it has spread in flocks of poultry across Asia and is now in western Europe.

This virus does not move easily from birds to humans. World Health Organization data shows that is has infected 117 in Asia, and killed 60. WHO has stated the H5N1 strain will in time have the ability to move with ease from human to human. When this occurs this will be a pandemic that will travel the world, infecting and killing millions of people.

Recent research studies published in the journal Nature, have shown that the first line of defense against the H5N1 bird flu strain, a drug known as tamiflu is not as effective as originally thought. First line treatments will need a combination of drugs such as tamiflu zanamivir and other anti-virals.

Ultimately, until the bird flu H5N1 strain does pass easily to humans, it will not be possible to develop a vaccine against it. Any vaccine would need to have the identical strain of virus that is circulating.

How to protect yourself and others: The human immune system is your first line of defense against the H5N1 bird flu. Your immune system is compromised daily by chemical exposure due to air, water, ground pollution, and by stress. Additionally the overuse of immunosuppressive drugs such as steroid creams reduces your body’s ability to defend itself against a viral inflection. The bird flu is a virus, and antibiotics would not have any effect against it.

To help to protect yourself and others from the Bird Flu, your immune system response can be raised to a significantly higher level by the use of the following over-the-counter, immune enhancing substances:

Beta 1,3-D Glucan 1000 mg per day 30 minutes before a meal Beta 1,3-D Glucan is a highly purified and patented carbohydrate extracted from the cell walls of Baker’s yeast. Numerous scientific studies have shown that it dramatically increases phagocytic capacitythe ability of your innate immune cells to eat and destroy foreign intruders.

Thymic Protein A 4mcg per day Protects against immune system deficencies. Thymic Protein A is a polypeptide which is made by your thymus gland. It is a chain of 500 amino acids. .

Immune Advantage (Formerly ImmunoLin) 2 tablets per day Accoding to the manufacturer Now Foods, “Immune Advantage is a new Immunoglobulin supplement derived from bovine serum. It contains high levels of a mixture of Immunoglobulin classes, including IgG1, IgG2, IgM and IgA factors shown to support healthy immune functions.” I have had many good reports from clients using this product. .

Additionally, taking vitamin C, 1-3 grams per day and a bioflavonoid mixture containing Rutin, Hesperidin, and Quercetin, will also help to build your immune system.

Nanomask Having a biofilter mask that will block the H5N1 bird flu virus and kill it, would be handy to have in your home in case of a real outbreak. The best option is called the Nanomask and they are available online for about $10 per mask. The mask has a shelf life of 1 year and comes with 10 filters.

This is not a time to panic, however it is a time to take stock of your own immune system’s strength, and how that strength may be increased. You will reap many other benefits from this as well, such as fewer colds and other illnesses, and a general increase in your well being. Preparation and forethought make wonderful additions to your daily health and wellness routine. The more you know, the better prepared you truly are.

© 2005 Christopher Stewart

Christopher Stewart B.A. M.S. is a Medical Intuitive. His work is the healing of heart, mind, body and spirit. You may visit Christopher’s website at http://www.clairvoyantguide.com for further information and to schedule a private consultation. You also may look for frequent updates to his blog at: http://intuitiveliving.blogspot.com/

He is the featured author of the weekly column “Ask a Medical Intuitive” at http://healing.about.com/b/a/201292.htm

Publisher’s Guidelines: You may freely publish this article online, in email newsletters, or in print so long as the resource box and byline are in tact. Author would appreciate a notification, however that is optional.

ingrown pubic hair 7 basic and essential tips you need to know

Wednesday, April 28th, 2004

Ingrown Pubic Hair – 7 Basic and Essential Tips You Need to Know

Writen by Irene Chew

#1 Treatment ingrown pubic hair especially along bikini line, using a hot compress against ingrown spots at least 10 minutes thrice daily for the purpose of soften the skin and improve the hair properly. This process is essential and shall not be missed.

#2 To prevent friction, it is recommended loose-fitting underwear and clothing to be worn at all time. Not tight underwear or undergarment is allowed until the bumps are gone.

#3 It is a good practice to exfoliate the location prior waxing. During this process, certain quantity of top layer dead skin cells that has the effect of trapping the hairs will be removed. Exfoliating treatment not limited to lotions, creams or body gels, a hard-type of washcloth or glove is used for this exfoliation purpose. It can be purchased at the beauty service counter or beauty salon at your city or department stores.

#4 It is not advisable to exfoliate the skin further to avoid skin irritation if there is a ingrown pubic hair. In the event of any irritation is occurred, please seek medical advice immediately.

#5 Whenever performing the waxing process, make sure the roots of hairs to be pulled out completely. It is a wrong practice to allow the hair to be broken below the skin surface.

#6 Making the right selection of Ingrown Hair Treatment product is an important process shall not be neglected.

#7 Utilize the Ingrown Hair Treatment correctly, it is not only to prevent pubic ingrown hair but also to get rid of existing ingrown hair within days. The process is easy to use and easy to apply.

Recommendation: Use Ingrown Hair Treatment – click here for details http://www.getbulkleads.com/Ingrown_Pubic_Hair.php

Irene Chew, an Editor with a Woman Magazine. She recommends to use Ingrown Hair Treatment at http://www.getbulkleads.com/Ingrown_Pubic_Hair.php, it is easy to apply and easy to use. She has been benefit for this product.

Attention Ezine Editors: Click here to see how you could be earning money with this http://tinyurl.com/a5nhu

fitness training the importance of correct warming up

Wednesday, April 28th, 2004

Fitness Training – The Importance of Correct Warming Up

Writen by Gaby Munteanu

All types of physical practice, in fitness or any other sport, must begin with correct warming up. This activity, together with relaxation and the main stage, are the three essential parts of the training.

The types of warming up can vary a lot in length, intensity and structure of exercises, according to the sport or the training you want to start. Although there are many kinds of warming up, all of them have in common two distinct stages.

The first stage concerns general warming up, whose purpose is to gradually prepare the whole body for the effort which will follow. The body temperature also increases. At this stage, the inertia of the body is easily removed through aerobic exercises (running, cycling, jump rope, etc.). This stage should not take more than 5-10 minutes; otherwise it will change into a real aerobic training. It is well known that during aerobic effort the body consumes a lot of glycogen, so, especially before force training (anaerobic), there is the risk of running out of energy.

The second stage of warming up is specific to each sport. This stage aims to warm up the main muscles and joints involved in the effort, but also to anticipate, by simulation, some movements from the main part of the training. This stage can be longer than the first one and includes different types of gymnastics for the joints, jumping, exercises at greater speed, stretching, etc. However, this stage shouldn’t be very long either, because the sportsman needs to save physical energy and to avoid mental stress. In many sports (target shooting, fencing, tennis, etc.), mental stress can be bigger than physical effort.

These two stages of warming up must come one after the other very strictly. It is forbidden to switch their order, and also to skip one of them. Unfortunately, it is common in sport to skip the first stage and do just specific warming up, which is considered more important.

This is a big mistake, because this type of exercises does not rise the body temperature as much as the ones involving minimum aerobic effort. The result is that the body will be much more rigid and a lot less prepared for the main part of the training. There are cases, especially in sport games, when both stages of warming up are abandoned. Kicking the ball or passing a few times are supposed to replace a thorough, but boring warming up.

Not doing the warming up correctly or, worse, not doing it at all increases the risk of having accidents during training or competing. Possible accidents range from simple ones, like pulling a muscle or cramps, to some really bad ones (ruptured muscles, hernia, sprains, dislocations, etc.). Even if, luckily, such accidents do not happen, the body will experience a dramatic decrease of efficiency in performing the exercises.

It is very important for beginners to do the warming up. If they do not ignore it when they take up sport, they will form a habit of warming up and will, hopefully, keep this habit as long as they do sport. They must not assume the false idea that, being beginners, they shouldn’t exercise so intensely.

All these problems are traps that correct warming up can definitely avoid.

Gaby Munteanu is a fitness trainer, with over 15 years experience, and editor at http://www.healthfitnessworld.com HealthFitnessWorld.com – Health, Fitness, Body Building, Weight Loss, Nutrition – Articles and Resources.

HealthFitnessWorld.com is dedicated to providing high-quality, free advices, tips and resources on health, fitness, body building, supplements, nutrition, weight loss, beauty, massage, acne, medicine, depression, massage.

This article may be reprinted or published without the author’s consent as long as the “About” and “weblinks” are kept intact and active.

hair removal options permanent and temporary

Wednesday, April 28th, 2004

Hair Removal Options – Permanent and Temporary

Writen by Michael Russell

Many consider the removal of unwanted hair to be merely a cosmetic concern. However, the effects of having unwanted or unsightly facial or body hair can result in far reaching emotional and/or social problems. Here we will look at several different methods of hair removal, both temporary and permanent.

Hair can be removed temporarily by either depilation or epilation. Depilation removes the hair above the skin’s surface, whereas epilation removes the entire hair including that which is below the skin’s surface.

The most notable methods of depilation are shaving, depilatories and friction. Shaving is done manually with either a manual razor or electric shaver. Depilatories are creams or lotions which dissolve hair through the use of chemicals. Friction uses a rough surfaced tool to buff hair off of the skin.

Epilation is longer lasting than depilation and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Epilation is done by tweezing, waxing, sugaring, threading or rotary epilators. Tweezing is performed manually and consists of pulling individual hairs out by the root. In waxing, a layer of either hot or cold wax is applied to the skin and then quickly pulled off with strips of cloth. Sugaring is similar to waxing, but uses a “sugary”, sticky substance instead of wax. Threading is a method of removing hair by using a twisted thread which catches hairs as it is rolled back and forth on the skin. Rotary epilators are implements which grab hairs and pull them out by the roots. Rotary epilators are often electric or battery-powered and are more efficient than tweezers because they remove many hairs at a time.

In searching for more permanent hair removal, there are several options which have varying degrees of success. There are a number of methods available which use chemicals, electricity or both.

The most highly regarded of these permanent methods is electrolysis. It is the most “permanent” of all the methods when executed properly. A hair-thin metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle without puncturing the skin. Then an electric pulse is sent through the probe to the follicle, which in effect kills the follicle so that it can no longer produce hair.

The next most successful method of hair removal is done with lasers. While some people have reported permanent hair reduction, there isn’t much known about how long the reduction typically lasts or how often the reduction truly is permanent.

In laser hair removal or reduction, a specific wavelength of light is transferred from a hand-held wand into the skin. The dark pigment in the hair attracts the laser light. This causes damage to the hair follicle so that new hair growth is diminished or non-existent. There is no damage to the surrounding skin. Dark hair seems to have the higher success rate in removal. Lighter hair does not have as much pigment to attract the light.

There are also various methods of restricting hair growth through the use of prescription medications. These methods need to be discussed with a physician and most require a doctor’s prescription. There are a variety of oral medications as well as topical medications which can be used with varying degrees of success in eliminating unwanted hair.

If a person chooses the more permanent routes of electrolysis or laser treatment, he or she should spend some time researching the availability of each in their area. They should then contact several different clinics and gather as much information as possible. It is always a good idea to check out the office or clinic for cleanliness of the establishment and staff. The staff should be friendly and welcome questions.

Ask for rates and payment options. Get a written copy of any guarantee the clinic may make in regards to results and always get a copy of your consultation form. Visit several places offering either electrolysis or laser before making your decision. Doctors are essentially salespeople, too, and they want your business. Make sure you are familiar and comfortable with everything involved before going forward with your treatment.

——————————————————-
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Hair Removal
——————————————————-

chrons disease

Tuesday, April 27th, 2004

Chron’s Disease

Writen by Dr. Rita Louise

Crohn’s disease is often confused with other inflammatory bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, thus making it difficult to diagnose. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is characterized by an inflammatory reaction throughout the entire thickness of the colon and bowel wall. This inflammation can penetrate deeply into the affected organ, causing pain and diarrhea.

Symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding (which may lead to anemia), weight loss, malabsorption syndrome and nutritional deficiencies. The onset of Crohn’s disease is typically between the ages of fourteen and thirty. Cases of this disorder tend to be 2-4 times more common in Caucasian whites than non-Caucasian, and 4 times more common in Jews than non-Jews.

Crohn’s disease is typically experienced as flair-up, with attacks occurring every few months to every few years. Over time, if the disease is active, bowel function can gradually deteriorate, with the risk of cancer increasing by 20 fold.

Scientists believe that chronic imbalances in the intestinal flora set off a chain of events that, in the end, damages the intestinal mucosa. This theory is strongly supported by the parallel in the number of cases of Crohn’s and other inflammatory bowel disorders and use of antibiotics over the last 50 years. In turn, it has also been found that the incidence of Crohn’s disease is higher in cultures consuming a “western diet”, while it is virtually non-existent in cultures consuming a more primitive diet. Studies also reveal that patients with Crohn’s disease were found to be individuals who habitually ate, prior to the onset of symptoms, more refined sugar, less raw fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber when compared to their healthy counterparts.

While the exact causes of Crohn’s disease is still unclear, there is much that can be done to lessen symptoms and even put this disorder into remission. The goal for treatment of this disorder is to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies and relieve symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.

Recommendations for Wellness

1) An elimination diet, such as Gottschall’s Specific Carbohydrate Diet have been shown to reduce the symptoms experienced within 3 – 12 weeks.

2) Avoid sugar, both white sugars, and the sugars contained in white flower, white rice etc.

3) Keep a food/flair-up journal. Identify foods you are eating, or your emotional state just before and during a “flair-up”. In time, you may find a pattern forming

4) To reduce intestinal inflammation and begin the healing process, try products such as UltraInflamx – by Metagenics, Robert’s formula – by Phytophamric, or aloe vera juice.

5) Flax seed or fish oils (Omega 3 Oils) have been known to greatly reduce the inflammatory process. If you find you have a hard time digesting them, try freezing the gel caps before taking them.

6) Extra vitamins and minerals are important at this time, especially if you are not absorbing nutrients correctly. Incorporate a liquid meal replacement (one that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein, and low on sugar!) into your diet as well as taking a high quality vitamin and minerals supplement. Try to find one that is in a gel casing or capsule.

7) Find a good mineral supplement such as Alfalfa, barley greens, liquid chlorophyll or colloidal minerals. Many of these come in a powdered form that you can mix with water or juice.

8) Because of blood loss due to rectal bleeding, and the anemia associated with it, incorporation of additional iron is important. Look to find an herbal iron alternative, especially one that comes in liquid form for better/easier assimilation. If you decide to look to a single herb, Yellow Dock would be my choice. (Consult with your health care provider before introducing additional iron into your diet.)

9) Starting a program of re-inoculating the intestinal tract with Friendly Bacteria, namely lactoacidopholis can enhance recovery and restore bowel function to normal.

© Copyright 2001 Body, Mind & SoulHealer, All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Dr. Rita Louise of Body, Mind & SoulHealer helps people rediscover their wholeness by working with individuals on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The author of the book entitled “The Power Within” and editor or the SoulHealer newsletter, Dr. Louise is a Naturopath, Medical Intuitive, Clairvoyant, Vibrational Healer, teacher and Lecturer. She can be reached by calling (972) 475-3393 or you can visit her web page at http://www.soulhealer.com