HELP - crohn's disease

March 5, 2008

hi Andrew!

i have this friend - she is suffering from crohn's disease. i had to check out

what it is

because i have never come across it until now.

if ever you are aware of it... would

you know of an alternative method to alleviate the pain? her insurance company

has denied her medications and she is getting depressed that her relationship

with her husband is getting affected as well...

thank you in advance!

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March 6, 2008

Hi Dira,

Thank you for your post!

The term Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) is used to describe a functional

gastrointestinal disorders characterized by a variable combination of chronic

and

recurrent intestinal symptoms NOT explained by structural or biochemical

abnormalities. 10%-20% of people in Western countries suffer from this

disorder,

usually young females.

Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort relieved by defecation,

altered bowl function (hard, loose, watery), flatulence, bloating, nausea,

anorexia, anxiety or depression. Continuous symptoms for at least 3 months

duration,

passage of mucus or altered stool passage (straining, urgency, or a feeling

of incomplete evacuation) all lead to a diagnosis of exclusion.

Precipitating factors are often stress, anxiety, lactose and other sugars.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

This subdivision includes both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

*Both causes are unknown

*Often familial occurrences and hereditary predisposition

*Increased incidence in Ashkenazi Jews

*Genetic factor predispose to some forms of autoimmune reaction,

possibly triggered by some environmental agents like dietary agents

or microbial agents.

Ulcerative Colitis is a nonspecific inflammation of the terminal or sigmoid

colon of the large intestine. There are three types of colitis : mild

chronic, chronic intermittent and acute ulceration. Acute colitis is a common

disorder of the large bowel, producing discomfort and irregular bowel habits.

Mild Chronic and Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe prolonged

inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers form on the walls of

the

colon, resulting in the passing of blood stools with pus and mucus, abdominal

cramps, fecal incontinence, anorexia weakness and fatigue . Chronic forms of

colitis are the results of prolonged irritation of the delicate membrane which

lines the walls of the colon.

Normally, it is the function of the colon to store waste material until most

of the fluids have been removed to enable well-formed soft stools,

consisting of non-absorbable food materials to be passed. Persons who suffer

from an

irritable colon have irregular and erratic contractions which are specially

noticeable on the left side.

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the small intestine. Crohn's disease

usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, called the terminal

ileum, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to

the anus. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ

(fistulizing disorder). The inflammation can cause pain and can make the

intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for

diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's disease can be

difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal

disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called

ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the

top

layer of the lining of the large intestine. Crohn's disease may also be

called " ileitis " or " enteritis " .

Its cause is still unknown although it is known that certain history of food

allergies increases the risk of developing it. Eliminating allergenic foods

often relieve symptoms. Studies also have shown that free radical damage maybe

involved and that a lack of vitamin C and E may play a role.

The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, often in the

lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever and

headaches may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to

anemia.

Nutrition is probably the most important way to manage this disorder.

Symptomatic treatment IS important along with long term lifestyle changes.

For Ulcerative Colitis

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the best. 6-8

eight ounces glasses per day.

Adequate fiber intake is essential.

Diet plays an important part in the treatment of colitis. It is advisable to

observe a juice fast for five days or so in most cases of ulcerative colitis.

The bowels should be cleansed daily. The Ayurvedic herbal capsules, Triphala

are a safe and effective daily cleanser that is good for all body types and

safe for long term use.

The juices may be diluted with a little boiled water. Papaya juice, raw

cabbage and carrot juices will be especially beneficial. Citrus juices should be

avoided.

After the juice fast, the patient should gradually adopt a diet of small,

frequent meals of soft cooked or steamed vegetables, rice, dalia (coarsely

broken wheat), well ripened fruits like banana and papaya, yogurt and home-made

cottage cheese. Sprouted seeds and grains, whole meal bread and vegetables may

be added gradually to this diet after about 10 days. All food must be eaten

slowly and chewed thoroughly.

Foods which should be excluded from the diet are white sugar, white bread

and white flour products, highly seasoned foods, highly salted foods,strong tea,

coffee and alcoholic beverages and foods cooked in aluminum pans.

Ripe bananas are highly beneficial in the treatment of ulcerative colitis,

being bland, smooth, easily digested and slightly laxative. They relieve acute

symptoms and promote the healing process.

An effective remedy for ulcerative colitis is the use of butter- milk. It is

the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from yogurt by

churning.

Buttermilk twice a week is also soothing and helps in re-installing a

healthy flora in the colon.

Another valuable remedy for colitis is tender coconut water, it is soothing

to the soft mucosa of the colon. Cooked apple also aids the healing of

ulcerative conditions because of its ample concentration of iron and

phosphorous.

Acidophilus supplement can help the healthy gut bacteria grow, while

reducing the harmful bacteria. Be certain that there are 'live organisms' in the

pills. Another source of healthy bacteria is yogurt (make sure the container

says 'contains live cultures'). Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may be added to

acidophilus pills. FOS are carbohydrates that are not digestible by humans, but

serve to help the beneficial bacteria to grow.

Psyllium should be added to the diet gradually by beginning with a few

teaspoons and slowly increasing the dosage over a week's time. Taken with at

least

eight glasses of water a day, psyllium can help with the symptoms of

constipation or diarrhea. Discontinue use if either condition worsens.

Evening Primrose Oil has many women with IBS report that symptoms are worse

during their menstrual period. Evening primrose oil may help to improve

symptoms.

For Crohn's Disease

These supplements are essential in assisting in Crohn's disease:

Omega 3 fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, salmon oil are all good

sources) taken 3 times daily. Need for repair of the digestive tract and it

reduces the inflammatory process.

Pancreatin and Bromelain, taken with meals 2-3 times daily. This is to

breakdown protein and assist in digestion.

Vitamin C, 1000 mgs 3 times daily. Prevents inflammation and improves

immunity.

Vitamin K, 300 mcg daily. Vital to colon health. Helpful for those with

malabsoprtion or diarrhea.

Zinc, 50 mgs daily needed for the immune system and healing.

Vitamin E up to 800 IU daily, antioxidant that helps in controlling

infection and repair of the intestinal tract.

Acidophilus supplement can help the healthy gut bacteria grow, while

reducing the harmful bacteria. Be certain that there are 'live organisms' in the

pills. Another source of healthy bacteria is yogurt (make sure the container

says 'contains live cultures'). Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may be added to

acidophilus pills. FOS are carbohydrates that are not digestible by humans, but

serve to help the beneficial bacteria to grow.

Psyllium should be added to the diet gradually by beginning with a few

teaspoons and slowly increasing the dosage over a week's time. Taken with at

least

eight glasses of water a day, psyllium can help with the symptoms of

constipation or diarrhea. Discontinue use if either condition worsens.

Evening Primrose Oil has many women with IBS report that symptoms are worse

during their menstrual period. Evening primrose oil may help to improve

symptoms.

Herbally, consider Peppermint, Chamomile, Lemon, Burdock Root, Sheep Sorrel,

Slippery Elm Bark, Turkey Rhubarb Root. These herbs stimulates the immune

system and purifies the blood. Helps with many bowel disorders. Helps to sooth

inflamed mucous membranes of the bowels, stomach, and urinary tract by

cooling, reducing irritation and cramping.

Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm; thus,

hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and

sprains, muscular fatigue, and backache. Heat is often used in conjunction with

massage or other manipulative or stimulative treatments, such as the

whirlpool bath. Sitz baths (sitting in hot water) are effective in the

treatment of

many disorders. Water is also useful in physical therapy because patients who

exercise in a buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without

contending with the strong force of gravity.

Taking a warm sitz bath. Fill bath tub to 1/3 to 1/2 of the way full. As the

tub fills with water add 2 spoons of sea salts to the bath water. Soak for

15-20 minutes. As the water gets cool, replace the bath with warm water.

Repeat once or twice a day until symptoms subside.

Homeopathic remedies are based on patterns of symptoms. They tend to be a

diagnosis for particular personality types as well:

Argentum nitricum: Digestive upsets accompanied by nervousness and anxiety

suggest the use of this remedy. Bloating, rumbling flatulence, nausea, and

greenish diarrhea can be sudden and intense. Diarrhea may come on immediately

after drinking water. Eating too much sweet or salty food (which the person

often craves) may also lead to problems. A person who needs this remedy tends to

be expressive, impulsive, and claustrophobic, and may have blood sugar

problems.

Asafoetida: A feeling of constriction all along the digestive tract (e

specially if muscular contractions in the intestines and esophagus seem to be

moving in the wrong direction) strongly indicates this remedy. The person may

have

a feeling that a bubble is stuck in the throat, or that a lump is moving up

from the stomach. The abdomen feels inflated, but the person finds it hard to

pass gas in either direction to get relief. Constipation brings on griping

pains. Diarrhea can be explosive, and the person may even regurgitate food in

small amounts.The person may exhibit a strong emotional or â€œhystericalâ€

element when this remedy is needed.

Colocynthis: This remedy is indicated when cutting pains and cramping occur,

making the person bend double or need to lie down and press on the abdomen.

Cramps may be felt in the area of the pubic bone. Pain is likely to be worse

just before the diarrhea passes, and after eating fruit or drinking water.

Problems tend to be aggravated by emotions, especially if indignation or anger

has been felt but not expressed. Back pain, leg pain, and gall bladder

problems are sometimes seen when this remedy is needed.

Lilium tigrinum: When this remedy is indicated, the person may make frequent

unsuccessful efforts to move the bowels all day and have sudden diarrhea the

following morning. A feeling of a lump in the rectum, worse when standing

up, is common. Hemorrhoids may develop. Constricting feelings are often felt in

the chest. The person is likely to be worse from excitement and strong

emotions, and may tend toward irritability or even rage.

Lycopodium: This remedy is often indicated for people with chronic digestive

discomforts and bowel problems. Bloating and a feeling of fullness come on

early in a meal or shortly after, and a large amount of gas is usually

produced. Heartburn and stomach pain are common, and the person may feel better

from

rubbing the abdomen. Things are typically worse between four and eight p.m.

Despite so many digestive troubles, the person can have a ravenous appetite,

and may even get up in the middle of the night to eat. Problems with

self-confidence, a worried facial expression, a craving for sweets, and a

preference

for warm drinks are other indications for Lycopodium.

Natrum carbonicum: This remedy is often indicated for mild people who have

trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to stay on restricted

diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcers may occur if offending foods are

eaten. The person often is intolerant of milk, and drinking it or eating

dairy products can lead to gas and sputtery diarrhea with an empty feeling in

the stomach. The person may have cravings for potatoes and for sweets (and

sometimes also milk, but has learned to avoid it). A person who needs this

remedy

usually makes an effort to be cheerful and considerate, but, when feeling

weak and sensitive wants to be alone to rest.

Nux vomica: Abdominal pains and bowel problems accompanied by tension,

constricting sensations, chilliness, and irritability can indicate a need for

this

remedy. Soreness in the muscles of the abdominal wall, as well as painful

gas and cramps are common. Firm pressure on the abdomen brings some relief. When

constipated, the person has an urge to move the bowels, but only small

amounts come out. The person may experience a constant feeling of uneasiness in

the rectum. After diarrhea has passed, the pain may be eased for a little

while. A person who needs this remedy often craves strong spicy foods, alcohol,

tobacco, coffee, and other stimulantsâ€”and usually feels worse from having

them.

Podophyllum: This remedy is indicated when abdominal pain and cramping with

a gurgling, sinking, empty feeling are followed by watery, offensive-smelling

diarrheaâ€”alternating with constipation, or pasty yellow bowel movements

containing mucus. Things tend to be worse in the very early morning, and the

person may feel weak and faint or have a headache afterward. Rubbing the abdomen

(especially on the right) may help relieve discomfort. A person who needs this

remedy may also experience stiffness in the joints and muscles.

Sulphur: This remedy is often indicated when a sudden urge toward diarrhea

wakes the person early in the morning (typically five a.m.) and makes them

hurry to the bathroom. Diarrhea can come on several times a day. The person

may,

at other times, be constipated and have gas with an offensive and pervasive

smell. Oozing around the rectum, as well as itching, burning, and red

irritation may also be experienced. A person who needs this remedy may tend to

have

poor posture and back pain, and feel worse from standing up too long.

The emotional component to this disorder is extremely important. Many

patient's I treat for this can eventually get a handle on their emotional

connection to this disorder while others may need psychological therapies and/or

cognitive therapies to help them to manage their emotions.

Stress management is a major treatment in this disorder. There is an

emotional aspect to every illness. Reassurance is the important psycho-spiritual

component that must also be addressed, here. Often times, it is the emotional

thoughts or " excess emotions " that will lead to illness. The following therapies

are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on

our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional,

mental, physical and spiritual self is up to you.

Here are some suggestions:

Treating IBS in children has been a disorder that I have had the privilege

of seeing in my clinic for many years. There is a strong psychological

connection to IBS. Especially in teens who may not be able to express their

feelings

in ways they know how, yet.

Allowing a child (or an adult) to express their feelings without judgement

is EXTREMELY important. Children, as well as adults, must know that they are

supported in every way.

I hope this helps.

In Happiness,

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

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March 7, 2008

I'm sure you've heard these statements from folk medicine

practitioners - " Stomach problems are the cause of all ills " or " Death

begins in the colon. " They are absolutely right. Today, through the

efforts of many scientists and medical doctors, we have hundreds of

clinical studies and pieces of scientific research that confirm what

these folk medicine practitioners have been saying for many generations.

Jeffrey Anderson, M.D., wrote an article titled " How Problems with

Digestion Can Cause Illness Anywhere " , and in this article he explains

why you should address the health of the gastrointestinal tract first,

no matter what the name of the degenerative disease. He explains that

new information on the dynamics of the body make it clear that

conditions in the digestive tract affect the all systems. The

degradation of the gastrointestinal environment is one of the primary

points at which health is lost. What we now know is that the same

toxins associated with GI dysfunction are frequently absorbed and

distributed to other parts of the body. First they place a burden on

the liver and the immune system. If liver overload occurs, there will

be spill over, and some of the toxins will be passed on to other

organs or tissues.

Often, it's a weak link in the system that will be hit by the damage -

an organ that can be anywhere in the body that is most likely to be

vulnerable. The vulnerability may be inherited, caused by physical

injury, toxic exposure, or poor diet. For example, if the sensitive

system is the lungs, toxins that originate in the gut and circulate in

the bloodstream may manifest as asthma or allergies.

Len Saputo, M.D., in his article, " Harmful Flora " , also believes that

if the gastrointestinal tract goes out of balance and the liver

detoxification system breaks down, our entire immune system can

malfunction in three ways. First, it can be weakened and the result

called an immune suppression disease, such as cancer and AIDS.

Second, it can overreact and become hyperresponsive to normal stimuli;

this occurs in asthma, migraine, and food allergies. Third, a

malfunctioning immune system can cause auto immune reactions, where

antibodies target our own tissues, as in rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Dr. Saputo explains that the gastrointestinal tract is the largest

immune organ in our body. Eighty percent of all our protective immune

globulins are produced in the digestive tract. It doesn't take a

rocket scientist to see that when this large, strategically placed

immune system member isn't working well, our defenses are lowered and

once our barriers are down, it can become much more difficult to

defend against invaders.

Therefore, this article helps you understand that in practicing

prevention, keeping your digestive system in the best possible shape

is the most important preventative step you can do on a daily basis.

The Introduction piece comes from an article that I've kept in my

files for many years because I loved the analogy that the author used

between the earth atmosphere and its role in protecting our

environment and the intestine's role in protecting our overall health.

Unfortunately I don't know who the author of this article is.

Please read this article carefully and read it more than once. I hope

that you find many of the nutritional tips that I list for you to be

helpful in regaining the health of your digestive system or as Henry

G. Bieler, M.D., said: " Your first line of defense against disease. "

INTESTINAL HEALTH

The gastrointestinal tract is routinely defined as " a tube

approximately 15 feet long, running through the body from mouth to

anus. " The World Book Dictionary adds that the intestine is " the lower

part of the alimentary canal... food from the stomach passes into the

intestine for further digestion and for absorption. " This boringly

simplistic concept of intestinal function, combined with its

indisputable lack of glamour, is reason enough for most people to

never give the importance of intestinal health a second thought. This

is unfortunate, possibly even dangerous, and needs to change. The

reality is that healthy intestinal function is critically important to

overall health. This realization makes it incumbent upon all those

desiring good health to understand the importance of optimal

intestinal health and adjust their habits into alignment with that

knowledge.

The Intestine as a Protective Barrier

Consider as an analogy the atmosphere surrounding the earth and its

role in protecting our environment. It parallels the function of the

intestine and its role in protecting our overall health. The earth's

atmosphere provides a protective barrier to support and sustain the

abundant variety of life found here. But it is important to note that

balance is the key! The atmosphere is composed of a critical balance

of different gases that enable it to provide the earth with important

filter-like protection, selectively screening out anything that could

be damaging to, or allowing the penetration of anything that would be

necessary for the life of its 30 million different species of inhabitants.

In principal, the intestine provides a very similar protective

barrier. The healthy intestinal wall is coated with hundreds of

different species of microorganisms, both healthful and unhealthful

bacteria numbering in the billions. This rich, protective coating of

microorganisms acts in concert with the physical barrier provided by

the cells lining the intestinal tract and other factors, to provide

the body with important filter-like protection. Damaging substances

like unhealthy bacteria, toxins, chemicals and wastes are filtered out

and eliminated. Simultaneously, the critical factors needed for life,

such as nutrients and water, are absorbed into circulation and made

available to the billions of cells in the body that need them.

The atmosphere acts as a selective barrier making sunlight available

for life-sustaining photosynthesis, while simultaneously preventing

the sun's disease-causing ultraviolet light from penetrating. It is

screened out by a protective portion called the ozone layer. The

selective barrier function of the intestine is equally profound. In

the healthy state, the absorption of small sugars, fats and proteins

proceed through the intestinal wall and circulate throughout the body.

They are required for a myriad of essential reactions. Simultaneously,

damaging substances from unhealthful bacteria, incompletely digested

food, toxins, or chemicals, are largely prevented from being absorbed

and transported throughout the body. We are continually and

unknowingly protected from the ill effects of these damaging substances.

Bad Habits That Negatively Impact Intestinal Health

Unfortunately human beings have developed bad habits that promote

imbalance in both the atmosphere and the intestinal tract. For

example, pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFO) have punctured

holes in our ozone shield. The ozone hole has widened and deepened

every year since scientists began measuring ozone levels in 1985.

Scientists feel that the continual depletion of the ozone layer will

cause greater amounts of ultraviolet radiation to reach earth,

resulting in greater cancer risk, as well as other health problems.

In a remarkable parallel, other bad habits in our society in general

have contributed to an imbalance of intestinal protective factors in

an alarming percentage of the population. These bad habits include

wide spread consumption of a diet high in refined, simple sugars and

deficient in nutritious, whole, unprocessed foods and fiber. The type

of diet could potentially tip the intestinal balance toward overgrowth

of unhealthful bacteria and the proliferation of yeast fungal

organisms. It is also associated with less frequent bowel movements

and a number of forms of chronic intestinal dysfunction.

Other bad habits include the excess consumption of alcohol and use of

antacids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. These may

contribute to a breakdown or deterioration in the physical integrity

of the intestinal wall, much like CFC's have punctured the ozone

layer, creating holes for ultraviolet radiation to enter the

atmosphere. Scientists describe this state of intestinal breakdown as

" leaky gut syndrome " and feel it may contribute to intestinal

dysfunction. A stressful lifestyle combined with a bad diet, deficient

in important nutrients such as L-glutamine, pantothenic acid, zinc,

folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin A and others, may impair the healing

of the intestine and lead to it's deterioration. Another bad habit is

the over use of broad spectrum antibiotics. Researchers have

acknowledged that virtually every antibiotic taken orally causes

alterations in the balance of the bacteria in the intestine. Even as

little as one course of antibiotics can deteriorate that rich,

protective coating of micro-organisms and upset the balance between

healthful and unhealthful bacteria, reducing resistance to intestinal

and systemic ill health.

Helpful Suggestions for Achieving Optimal Intestinal Health

Short term relief:

• Drink a glass of water flavored with fresh organic lemon juice

one half-hour before meals. Fresh lemon juice is a traditional tonic

for stimulating the appetite and increasing salivary and gastric

secretions for better digestion of foods.

• Use peppermint oil to bring relief from pain caused by gas.

Most pharmacies sell peppermint oil. Put a few drops of the oil in

water and drink for instant relief. Peppermint oil is known to relax

the muscle at the top of the stomach, letting stomach acid leak.

• Stock up on ginger root, anise, fennel and caraway seeds. Buy

fresh organic ginger and put a few thinly sliced pieces in water mixed

with a tablespoon of fennel, anise and caraway. Boil for five minutes

and drink this healing tea. Ginger contains a carminative that

protects the stomach. Ginger increases circulation so it helps effect

a systemic cleansing through the bowels. Fennel treats indigestion,

gas and spasms of the digestive tract and increases peristalsis.

Caraway and anise are stimulants that reduce spasms in the

gastrointestinal tract.

• Take some activated charcoal. Charcoal will absorb gas and

toxins and remove them quickly from your system. Activated charcoal

can be bought from any health food store. However, activated charcoal

is indiscriminate in what it absorbs. Therefore, it should not be

taken with food or medicines as it would absorb them, too, and it

should not be taken over long periods of time. It is, however, good

for instant relief of gas and toxins. Keep activated charcoal in your

medicine cabinet for emergencies.

Long term remedies:

• Maintain a healthy population of microorganisms in your

intestinal tract. It is important to be aware that your intestinal

tract may be harboring excessive populations of unfriendly

microorganisms such as candida albicans, bacteria, viruses and

parasites. Therefore, you should take large amounts of friendly

bacteria supplements daily as listed below:

1. Lactobacillus acidophilus - http://tinyurl.com/24ajq - helps

the body remove the food that is stuck to the sides of your intestinal

walls. It is the small intestine's cleaning crew, taking away the

breeding ground of bad bacteria and parasites. When the acidophilus

has been fully reestablished in the small intestine, it will prevent

toxic waste from sticking to the sides of the walls so that the food

can be absorbed.

2. Bifidus - http://tinyurl.com/26rur - helps to clean the sides

of the walls of your large intestine. It draws fluid into the waste

material to enable the movement of waste out of your body. It is your

large intestine's cleaning crew.

3. L. Bulgaricus, L. salivarius and other friendly bacteria taken

in supplemental form every day can help fight and overpower bad

bacteria in the large and small intestines. One of the best friendly

bacteria products in the market today is a wide-spectrum friendly

bacteria supplement micro-blended with fructo-oligosaccharides -

http://tinyurl.com/6gzqa. Following are its ingredients:

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Bifidobacterium bifidum,

Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus

plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus faecium,

Streptococcus thermophilus, Acerola and Rose Hips blend, wild blue

green algae, Jerusalem artichoke, Lipase, Amylase, Protease, and

Cellulase.

• There may not be sufficient hydrochloric acid. Friendly

bacteria will help balance stomach acid. Also, a useful technique to

increase stomach acidity during a meal is to sip a little bit of water

mixed with 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar and the juice

of half a lemon. Some people find that this practice improves their

digestion and reduces gas and abdominal bloating.

• It is important to take digestive enzymes with any cooked meal.

Lack of enzymes due to cooking (heating) our foods make it impossible

to fully breakdown proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The pancreas

becomes stressed in the process of taking over the burden of producing

extra digestive enzymes for all cooked meals. Taking plant based

enzymes as a digestive aid helps break down any cooked meal without

stressing your pancreas. Enzyme supplements can make a huge

improvement to your digestive system. Do not purchase any digestive

enzymes that are not microblended with whole foods. Enzymes need

minerals to work and whole foods like the mineral rich blue green

algae will make enzymes work better in the intestinal tract -

http://tinyurl.com/mkwo.

• Fiber is essential for digestive system health. High quality

fiber is important in the fight against candida. Research has shown

the health benefits of a diet high in fiber. They include regularity,

lower cholesterol, protection against certain forms of cancer, and

stabilized blood sugar levels.

To maintain intestinal hygiene, you need about 35 to 40 grams of

different fiber sources everyday (e.g., bran, cellulose, lignin,

pectin, etc.), all found in different organically grown, ripe seasonal

fruit, whole grains, and colorful vegetables. Eating these foods

provides the added fiber that will bulk up in your intestines, gently

sweeping the colon clean of extra estrogen, hormones, toxins, waste

debris of cellular metabolism and soak up excess cholesterol. Do not

try to " mega-dose " on one type of fiber, like oat bran, as you need

each (all) of the different basic fibers for proper bowel cleansing.

The following foods are particularly known to add to the healthy

condition of your intestine, specifically because of their fiber

content: Flax seed, also known for its anti- harmful bacteria

properties, prunes, apples and mangoes.

How do you eat your flax seeds? Eat two tablespoons of brown or even

better yet, gold flax seeds. Grind the seeds with a coffee grinder

and sprinkle on foods, salads, or juices. Do not store any ground

seeds as they will go rancid quickly.

It's very important to grind the seeds before eating them. If you

swallow flax seeds whole, your body will not get the nutrients they

contain, because they are protected by a tough seed coat. Believe it

or not, after the seeds go through you, you could plant them and they

would still grow! To break the seed coating and make the nutrients

available for digestion, grind whole flax seeds in a small grinder or

blender cup. In this way, you get the freshest, best-tasting, least

spoiled oil possible, plus all of the other nutrients and fiber

contained in flax.

• Avoid coffee, which can cause symptoms of indigestion. Both

regular and decaffeinated coffee should be eliminated.

• If you suspect that you may have intestinal yeasts, bacteria and

parasites, raw garlic is the best natural antibiotic substance. Slice

one to 2 cloves and swallow at night with a glass of water (not

chewing helps to avoid the odor). Garlic is able to kill bacteria,

parasites and yeasts. If you suspect you have a large overgrowth,

even higher doses of garlic may be required. However, do not continue

to use raw garlic long term. Use raw garlic for short periods of

times, 2-4 weeks at most.

• Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates as this is fuel for

harmful microorganisms especially yeasts.

• Use turmeric daily (can be taken with garlic at night) which is

known as an aid for digestion and a liver tonic.

• Drink spring water between your meals. Drinking spring water

between your meals helps to soften the food in your intestinal tract

and helps the friendly bacteria clean the intestinal walls.

All the former instructions should bring encouraging results but you

have to be patient because cleansing must come first, then and only

then, the rebuilding of healthy new tissue takes place leading to a

healthy digestive system.

References:

The Healthy Liver & Bowel Book. Sandra Cabot, M.D.

Optimal Digestion. Trent Nichols, M.D.

Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management. Bernard Jensen, D.C.

March 7, 2008

One piece of advice I would give her is to only make one change at a

time to her life style, otherwise, how will she know what's working?

I had to learn this one the hard way. When something goes wrong, my

tendancy is to try to do as much as possible to get things back to

the way they should be. So I changed my diet, my supplements, my

exercise regimen. When I started feeling better, I had no idea which

of my changes were beneficial and which weren't.

I have had bowel problems for some time myself. I recently started a

Chi Kung practice and noticed immediate results. Your friend may

wish to try this as it only takes 20-30 minutes a day. But she either

needs to get instruction from a Chi Kung Master or find a book for

beginners (which there really aren't many).

A really good book for beginners which happens to be the one I am

reading and practicing right now is:

" The Way of Energy " by Master Lam Kam Chuen. She should follow the

instructions exactly as detailed in his book.

Maybe she wishes to attack the problem from a dietary aspect rather

than through exercise?. I would then go to a nutrionist, get checked

for various food allergies, and possibly try an elimination diet

after that. Grain and Dairy tend to wreak havoc on the digestive

tracks of people that are sensitive.

, DIRA <dira13 wrote:

>

> hi Andrew!

>

> i have this friend - she is suffering from crohn's disease. i had

to check out what it is

> because i have never come across it until now.

> if ever you are aware of it... would

> you know of an alternative method to alleviate the pain? her

insurance company

> has denied her medications and she is getting depressed that her

relationship

> with her husband is getting affected as well...

> thank you in advance!

>

____________________

______________

> Be a better friend, newshound, and

> know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

>

March 8, 2008

, DIRA <dira13 wrote:

>

> hi Andrew!

>

> i have this friend - she is suffering from crohn's disease. i had

to check out what it is

> because i have never come across it until now.

> if ever you are aware of it... would

> you know of an alternative method to alleviate the pain? her

insurance company

> has denied her medications and she is getting depressed that her

relationship

> with her husband is getting affected as well...

> thank you in advance!

>

Hi Dira,

Being denied symptom-masking drugs might be a blessing in disguise

for your friend.

Now she will have to tackle the root causes of her problem!

Would your friend be willing to experiment with a gluten-free diet?

It is a bit of hassle, but with all the information these days it is

not nearly as hard as it used to be.

A friend of mine and her mother started doing it, and they finally

feel well after years of struggle with bowel issues.

Google Gluten-free and have some fun.

I agree with everything Andrew and Carol were suggesting, and I'd

like to add this:

STRESS is a major factor in IBS/ Crohn's. We talk about " gut

feelings " for good reason.

Emotional Freedom Technique can be really helpful here. So can

meditation, if

she is so inclined, and if her husband is willing they could do the

15 minute meridian clearing on each other. It is deeply relaxing and

harmonizing.

Andrew, if I send you the instructions, could you add them to the

group files?

EFT can be learned from the website.

http://www.emofree.com/a/?875/1

put Crohn's in the search engine at the website and you'll find a

bunch of case histories.

Finally, some herbal hints:

I know no better herbs for the gut than Sangre de Drago and Una de

Gato.

Slippery elm, peppermint and ginger are all nice, and they do the

job, great.

But if your friend is still in distress try

the powerful herbal heros from the Amazon.

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HELP - crohn's disease

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