Juliet Cohen asked:


Collagenous colitis is called microscopic colitis. Collagenous colitis is a newly-recognized disease of the colon. Collagenous colitis is inflammation of the colon, the last portion of the digestive tract that ends at the rectum and anus. The most common symptom is chronic watery, non-bloody diarrhoea. Collagenous colitis is a rare condition that affects about four people in every 10,000. It tends to develop in people aged over 40 years. Women outnumber men 20 to one. There is no cure but lifestyle changes and medical treatment can manage the symptoms in most cases. Collagenous colitis affecting women more than men.
Collagenous colitis reason of chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a reason of infinitesimal colitis. Some patients’ diarrhoea improves after stopping the NSAIDs. Some folk with collagenous colitis too have new autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or Sjogren’s syndrome. The handling of infinitesimal colitis has not been standardized because there have not been sufficient big scale, potential, placebo controlled handling trials. Treatment of collagenous colitis is often challenging, and many agents have been used therapeutically.
Trial of lactose elimination (just to eliminate the possibility that intolerance to lactose in milk is aggravating the diarrhea). Anti-diarrhea agents such as Imodium or Lomotil also use this condition. 5-ASA (mesalamine) compounds such as Asacol, Pentasa, or Colazal are helpful this diease. If medications do not control the diarrhea, taking a bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate. Avoiding certain medications such as nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).In rare cases, the chronic diarrhoea cannot be brought under control and surgery is needed. Diseased sections of the colon may be removed.

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Juliet Cohen asked:


Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a problem that affects mainly the bowel. It is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It can be found in children, often is first identified in adolescence and can resolve unexpectedly for periods of time throughout an individuals lifespan, reoccurring at any age. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. The disorder accounts for more than one out of every 10 doctor visits. For most people, signs and symptoms of irritable bowel disease are mild. It is fairly common and makes up 20–50% of visits to gastroenterologists. Lower abdominal pain, and bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits and abdominal discomfort relieved with defecation are the most frequent symptoms. It is also called the large intestine. Women are affected more often than men. It’s not the same as inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. Colitis, for instance, means inflammation of the large intestine (colon). IBS, however, does not cause inflammation and should not be confused with ulcerative colitis, which is a more serious disorder.

Some people with IBS find that increasing the amount of dietary fibre and reducing caffeine helps. The word syndrome means a group of symptoms. IBS is a syndrome because it can cause several symptoms. For example, IBS causes cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress. Colon motility (contraction of intestinal muscles and movement of its contents) is controlled by nerves and hormones and by electrical activity in the colon muscle. IBS should not be confused with colitis or other inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract and IBS is not limited to the colon. In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following: fever , vomiting , acute diarrhea , positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed “post-infectious IBS” and is acute onset Rome II criteria positive. This condition is more homogenous, being mostly IBS-D and is drawing much clinical investigation.

Causes of Irritable bowel syndrome

The common causes and risk factor’s of Irritable bowel syndrome include the following:

No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome.

Factor’s that seem to produce sympatoms of IBS include diet, emotional stress and hormones.

Ordinary events such as eating and distention from gas or other material in the colon can cause an overreaction in the person with IBS.

Sometimes another illness, such as an acute episode of infectious diarrhea (gastroenteritis) can trigger IBS.

People with IBS often report that family members also have the disorder, suggesting a possible genetic cause.

Symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome

Some sign and symptoms related to Irritable bowel syndrome are as follows:

Gas.

Bloating.

Mucus in the stool.

Feeling sick with it.

Swollen or bloated abdomen.

Bloating and fullness of wind.

Alternating between one and the other.

A sensation of having to rush to the toilet.

Crampy pain in the stomach area ( abdomen ).

Diarrhea or constipation- people with IBS may also experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea.

Treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome

Here is list of the methods for treating Irritable bowel syndrome:

Fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation or medicines to decrease diarrhea, such as Lomotil or loperamide (Imodium).

An antispasmodic is commonly prescribed, which helps to control colon muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain. Antidepressants may relieve some symptoms.

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and homeopathy, are often used.

Some people find complementary treatments such as acupuncture help, although there is little scientific proof of their effectiveness.

Anti-diarrheal medications: Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhea.

Drugs which are used for diarrhoea, such as codeine, can be helpful, but are used less because they can be addictive.

When all else fails, a small dose of a medication usually used to treat depression can be effective. This seems to work in a much smaller dose than is used for depression, and may, in part, work by mimicking the nervous system to the bowel.

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Sandra Kim Leong asked:


You can expect to experience bowel obstructions and other uncomfortable symptoms when your digestive system is not working properly. These symptoms include nausea, weakness, dizziness, sweatiness and in serious cases, can also be life threatening.

Your digestive system is made up of a digestive tract and other organs that aid in breaking down your food for absorption and the remaining to be removed as waste. Your digestive system extends from your mouth to your anus and includes all the organs in between; such as your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.

Here are 10 digestive diseases that can affect your bowels with an improperly functioning digestive system:

1. Fecal Compaction is also known as impaction. It occurs whenever hardened waste matter obstructs your natural bowel function. This condition occurs for numerous reasons, but an unhealthy diet is the biggest cause of this disease.

2. Viral Gastroenteritis results from a viral infection that also leads to vomiting or diarrhea. Viral gastroenteritis is often called the “stomach flu,” although it is not caused by the influenza viruses.

It is a disease that most people can recover from without any major problems. However, if you get viral gastroenteritis, you must drink enough fluids to replace what is lost through vomiting and diarrhea. If not enough fluids are replaced, serious complications can arise. There are also some complications that can occur from vomiting, even if you are healthy.

3. Appendicitis happens with an inflamed appendix. It develops when the lumen of the appendix becomes obstructed, usually by fecal waste, a foreign invader or hyperplasia of lymphatic tissue that is normally present in the wall of the appendix. Your appendix is a small pouch that is attached to the area where your kidney starts on your lower right side.

An inflamed appendix can burst and cause infection and possibly death. This is a condition that can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common in people who are between the age of 10 and 30.

4. Rapid Gastric Emptying is also known as dumping syndrome. It develops when the lower end of your small intestine fills up too rapidly with undigested food from your stomach. This causes nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and shortness of breath.

5. Late Dumping happens between 1 to 3 hours after a meal. Late dumping is normally caused by an insulin response to the ingested food. You may feel flushed, fatigued, sweaty, dizzy and experience all the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with late dumping.

6. Short Bowel Syndrome is a group of problems that can affect you if you have had at least half of your small intestine removed.

7. Mucoid Plaque is used to describe a harmful coating of mucus-like material that exists in your colon. Its presence reduces the absorption of nutrients, impairs digestion, provides a breeding ground for parasite microorganisms and reduces bowel transit time.

It should be pointed out that scientific or medical studies do not support the existence of mucoid plaque. Yet there are countless photo evidence published by many on mucoid plaque removed from their bodies through colon cleansing.

8. Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis are both inflammatory bowel diseases that cause inflammation in your intestines. These are 2 types of bowel inflammation that affect the colon, which is also known as your large intestine.

9. Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, is also known as false blockage. It is a condition with symptoms that are similar to those of a bowel obstruction, which is also known as blockage. However, for this condition, no obstructions are observed when your intestines are examined. In fact, this disease is caused by problems in how the muscles and nerves in your intestines work.

Some of these symptoms include cramps, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, fewer bowel movements than usual and loose stools. Over the course of time, pseudo-obstruction can lead to bacterial infections, malnutrition and muscle problems in other parts of your body. Some people also experience bladder problems.

10. Ulcerative Colitis is a disease arising from inflammation and sores, or ulcers, in the lining of your large intestine. With this disease, an inflammation will usually occur in your rectum and the lower part of your colon. However, it is also possible that this disease can affect your entire colon. Still, it is rare that this disease will affect your small intestines. If such an instance should happen, it is called terminal ileum.

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David Cowley asked:


To those who suffer from colitis, they know that this condition is painful and nearly debilitating, not to mention embarrassing as well.  There are many different forms of the disease but it involves an inflammation of the colon.  Colitis should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome which does not involve an inflammation.  While it’s a very difficult and painful disease, it can be treated naturally by those who suffer from it.
The many signs and symptoms of colitis include pain and tenderness in the midsection, increased frequency of one’s bowel habits, bloody stools, rapid weight loss, fever, mucus in the stool, and digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux disease, and chronic cramps.  While some who have colitis may have diarrhea, many have constipation or no change in their stools.
Changing your eating plans is one of the best treatment options for colitis.  Foods that typically produce gas can bring on attacks; these include beans, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and corn.  High fiber foods can also trigger an attack, and these include raw vegetables and whole grains.  Those with a high concentration of fat can also trigger an attack, such as fried chicken, French fries, peanut butter, ice cream, and red meat.
Sometimes it is very hard to identify the specific food or foods that can bring on an attack.  I knew one person that had an attack every Wednesday after her girls night out.  She did not eat anything or drink alcohol and only drank cola at these weekly events.  She also drank cola during the rest of the week so cola was eliminated as the source of her problem.  As it turned out a single cherry supplied with her drink gave her a violent attack within the next 8 to 24 hours.
When you have colitis you may also have a hard time digesting foods in general.  Drinking plenty of water is necessary so that foods can break down much easier in your system and so that your body can work it through the digestive tract.  Eating smaller meals is also important; try to have four or five modest meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.  Since colitis means that you also have a hard time absorbing vitamins and minerals, it’s important to take a multi-vitamin every day to compensate for this.
One caution about trying to control your colitis by controlling your diet is that many sufferers wind up eating the same types of bland foods every day, such as pasta or soup.  This too contributes to the fact that a patient is not getting the nutrition they need.  It’s important to realize that while some raw fruits and vegetables may trigger an attack, you can cook those foods and still get the nutrition you need.  For example, if raw broccoli and cauliflower causes an attack of colitis, try instead steaming them.  Learn new ways of cooking so that you can have a variety of foods in your diet without bringing on an episode.
Regular exercise also helps many with colitis as exercise helps to increase your blood circulation, which helps with digestion.  It also helps your muscles to relax and can alleviate the pain you may feel.
If you absolutely cannot control the symptoms of your colitis then it’s time to talk to your doctor.  There are many treatment options today, from anti-inflammatory medicines to even surgery if necessary.  While perhaps no one looks forward to taking medications every day, knowing that you can be free from the pain and embarrassment of this condition should be enough to convince you to talk to a physician.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

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Kathy Hassed asked:


Agave is a large cactus plant originally from Mexico but is grown widely around the world in suitable climates. It has many varieties and is grown in home gardens as an ornamental plant and also for its medicinal properties. It has edible flowers, leaves, stalk and of course the sap, used the procurement of tequila. The sap is steamed and distilled to make Mexico’s favourite drink but Agave can give you the same benefits of Tequila without the hangover.

The leaf tea of the Agave is said to be useful for constipation, excess gas and can be useful as a diuretic. Tea derived from the root is said to be good for arthritis.

There have been some tests done which show that a derivative of the blue agave plant is effective in delivering drugs to the colon which could help in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel and Crohn’s disease.

The Agave nectar or syrup can be used as a natural sweetener without damaging the properties of other ingredients, thus making it a great additive to liquid nutrient supplements while enhancing the properties of those ingredients with its natural sweetness. Because it is naturally occurring it does not cause an insulin reaction, having no sugar, making it a great alternative for diabetics. It is also a great alternative for those watching their weight which is all of us.

Agave is also a great source of soluble fiber.

Agave nectar does not need any intervention such as heat or distillation as it is naturally occurring nectar which remains in state through hot or cold temperatures. This makes it another great choice for liquid nutrition as it has its own preservation built in.

It has been recommended as the only sweetener for raw foodists as its rich taste goes a long way without other harmful effects on the body’s metabolism. Its taste has been compared to that of treacle so think of it as maple syrup without the calories, sugars or human intervention of boiling to enhance its properties.

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samnickel2 asked:


Stomach PainSometimes, people see their doctors for stomach pain that they think is caused by an ulcer, but it isn’t. Although you may have gnawing upper abdominal pain, diagnostic tests don’t reveal an ulcer or other digestive problem.As the name suggests, upper stomach pain is a pain experienced in the upper portion of the belly region. There can be a number of reasons for the occurrence of this type of pain. It can be quite severe, long-lasting and chronic at times, while at other times it can be merely a short lived condition. However, the exact location of the pain determines its root cause. What is abdominal pain?Ordinarily, we are unaware of any of the actions of the organs in the abdomen or any discomfort from activities such as eating, movement of food through the intestines, or bowel movements. Nerves are constantly monitoring activities in the body, and when those messages are transmitted to the brain and come into consciousness as unpleasant sensations, we may sense pain or discomfort.Causes and Symptoms Of Upper Stomach PainAbdominal pain is caused by inflammation (for example, appendicitis, diverticulitis, colitis ), by stretching or distention of an organ (for example, obstruction of the intestine, blockage of a bile duct by gallstones, swelling of the liver with hepatitis), or by loss of the supply of blood to an organ (for example, ischemic colitis).Respiratory symptomsIn over 90% of patients with sarcoidosis, whether or not they show outward signs of the disease, abnormalities almost always show up on a chest x-ray. These include swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) in the chest and, less commonly, a mottled (having colored spots and blotches) appearance to the lungs.Stomach UlcerStomach ulcer, also called gastric ulcer literally to an ulcer occurring in the wall of the stomach. This often happens due to erosion of the lining of the wall of the stomach and the formation of an ulcer crater.Swollen lymph nodes (adenopathy)There are two sets of thoracic lymph nodes that are commonly affected: the hilar (where the bronchial tubes enter the lungs) and mediastinal (the region in the center of the chest just outside of the lungs).GastritisGastritis is inflammation of the wall of the stomach. This causes irritation and mild erosion, but no ulcer. It often follows period of stress, or excessive consumption of alcohol or binge drink.Treatments Of upper Stomach painSurgeryThe extent of surgery depends on the extent of the disease. Endoscopic mucosal resection may be used to treat early stomach cancer (i.e., tumor smaller than 3 cm that has not invaded beyond the innermost layer of the stomach lining [submucosa]). This procedure involves removing only the tumor and surrounding tissue.ChemotherapyChemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells. This treatment may be used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence (adjuvant treatment). Chemotherapy drugs may be administered orally or through an IV (i.e., through a vein) and treatment often is administered on an outpatient basis.Natural Backache RemedyTrigger points should be at the top of the list during any examination for back pain. When healthcare practitioners have had adequate training and experience, trigger points are easy to locate and treat. In fact, there are ways to treat them yourself quite efficiently and effectively.Self-applied trigger point massage is an appropriate and unusually effective remedy for back pain, because it goes to the source of the problem. It’s only a matter of knowing where to look for the right trigger points and knowing the right techniques to use.

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Sharon Dobson asked:


Before we get into detail about whether self healing colitis and crohns is possible some background on the two conditions is needed.

Those who have Crohn’s disease or Colitis often don’t know it right away. These two conditions are often confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome because the early symptoms are quite similar. Both conditions usually start out with diarrhea and abdominal pains, and that can indeed mimic IBS.

However, things can get much more serious, and bleeding from the rectum can occur. Both Colitis and Crohn’s are caused by inflammation in the digestive system, though Colitis is always in the rectum or colon only. This inflammation can be very severe, and can lead to bleeding, among other symptoms.

For many with these conditions it means taking drugs for the rest of their lives, and even surgery is a very real possibility. This leads many to wonder self healing colitis and crohns is a reality.

If you are lucky, you will have a mild case of Crohn’s or Colitis, and the symptoms will come and go. There may even be times when you are in remission, feeling perfectly healthy. When symptoms do come on, they may be mild and easily managed. However, some sufferers have symptoms so bad that their lives are altered completely, and they can no longer do the things they used to do. When that happens, a whole new way of living, and eating must be learned. These patients often have to take medications to help manage their pain and other complication.

No matter how severe or how infrequent your symptoms might be, you might ne interested if there is anything you can do to heal yourself. Your doctor might want you to have an operation, and that might clear up some of the problems, but it is rarely a cure-all for these conditions. You can a self healing colitis and crohns approach, but you should know that it might not work for everyone, and there are many different variables that you have to consider. For some, the path to healing lies with the foods that you eat, and even more importantly, the ones you don’t eat.

The belief behind self healing for these two conditions is that our bodies are fighting back against the over-processed foods that are so common today. In order to encourage healing and combat the cause of the condition a vegan diet is recommended. This means eliminating all meats, and focuses on eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. It is thought that once your body is getting the foods it was built do handle, it can work more effectively, and the problems with inflammation will melt away.

If you are interested in trying this, you can go out and find the book Self Healing Colitis And Crohns to see if it will work for you. There are many who say it helped them, and some that say they were completely healed after a few years. Your results will depend on how well you can stick to the program and the severity of your condition. You should always remain under physician care while you are doing anything like this, and remember to continue your medications if your doctor insists that you do so.

Hopefully, there may come a day when your self healing colitis and crohns regime has been successful and you can finally throw the drugs away for good.

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peterhutch asked:


The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp (say “pahl-ip”). At first, a polyp is a small, harmless growth in the wall of the colon. However, as a polyp gets larger, it can develop into a cancer that grows and spreads.

Common Causes of Colon Cancer

Most colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps—clusters of abnormal cells in the glands covering the inner wall of the colon. Over time, these abnormal growths enlarge and ultimately degenerate to become adenocarcinomas.

Adenomas: These polyps have the potential to become cancerous and are usually removed during screening tests such as flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Alcohol: Research has indicated that alcohol increases colorectal cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you’re drinking.

Inflammatory polyps: These polyps may follow a bout of ulcerative colitis. Some inflammatory polyps may become cancerous, so having ulcerative colitis increases your overall risk of colon cancer.

Age: About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.

Environment: Research has shown that environment can play a big part in colon cancer development. Where you live, who’s around you, your occupation, and even when you work may all influence your risk of developing colon cancer.

Diets high in fat are believed to predispose humans to colorectal cancer. In countries with high colorectal cancer rates, the fat intake by the population is much higher than in countries with low cancer rates. It is believed that the breakdown products of fat metabolism lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Diets high in vegetables and high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals may rid the bowel of these carcinogens and help reduce the risk of cancer.

Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by early-onset colorectal cancer (i.e., develops before age 50) and multiple colorectal cancers. This syndrome also may be associated with other cancers (e.g., cancer of the small intestine, endometrium, stomach, and renal pelvis).

Smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer by as much as 40%. Smokers may swallow some of the cancer-causing chemicals and this may be an explanation for the increased risk of colorectal cancer in smokers. Some of these substances are also absorbed into the bloodstream thus causing increased risk of many cancers.

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