Diverticulosis Diet
If infection has already occurred it is recommended that a person stick to a low residue diet which will have an effect much like that of constipation. This means that bowel movements will decrease and the infection or inflammation of the diverticula can have a chance to heal.
A low residue diet is one that consists of a daily intake of no more than 10 grams of fiber. While on this diet for an extended period of time it is recommended that a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement be taken daily. This ensures that minerals and vitamins lost while on the low residue diet are made by taking supplements.
Grain products to be eaten while on the low residue diet include:
•refined white bread, buns and english muffins
•cereals including: cornflakes, rice bubbles, special K and cheerios
•biscuits including: arrowroot biscuits and water crackers
•white rice, refined pasta and noodles
•any fruit and vegetable juice excluding prune juice
•stone fruits, melons, grapes and canned fruit salad
•potatoes with no skin, alfalfa sprouts, beetroot, green beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, capsicum, squash and zucchini
•well cooked meat fish and eggs can all be eaten too
AVOID:
•whole grains
•raw and dried fruits, sultanas, raisins, berries
•broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
•all nuts and seeds
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Friday, December 4, 2009
What causes GERD or Acid Reflux?
The reason some people develop GERD is still unclear. However, research shows that in people with GERD, the LES relaxes while the rest of the esophagus is working. Anatomical abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia may also contribute to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach and the LES move above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps the LES keep acid from rising up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, acid reflux can occur more easily. A hiatal hernia can occur in people of any age and is most often a normal finding in otherwise healthy people over age 50. Most of the time, a hiatal hernia produces no symptoms.
Other factors that may contribute to GERD include
-obesity
-pregnancy
-smoking
Acid reflux diet
Common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include
-citrus fruits
-chocolate
-drinks with caffeine or alcohol
-fatty and fried foods
-garlic and onions
-mint flavorings
-spicy foods
-tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza
Other factors that may contribute to GERD include
-obesity
-pregnancy
-smoking
Acid reflux diet
Common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include
-citrus fruits
-chocolate
-drinks with caffeine or alcohol
-fatty and fried foods
-garlic and onions
-mint flavorings
-spicy foods
-tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Probiotics
Probiotics -- whether they are dietary supplements or foods that contain live, non-disease-causing bacteria normally found in the body -- have been shown to provide numerous benefits to your overall health. There is currently great enthusiasm for foods and supplements such as Bacteral that contain probiotics, and this enthusiasm is evidenced by the amount of commercials on television promoting such products. If you’re not familiar with probiotic, keep reading to find out some of the specific benefits you can gain from introducing probiotics into your diet.
Eating bacteria is good for you?
While it may sound absolutely ludicrous to purposely ingest billions of bacteria to improve your health that is exactly what researchers are recommending. Studies have been going on since the mid-1990s on this very subject.
There are about 100 trillion microorganisms that represent more than 500 different species that are in each and every healthy bowel. They are there because they help keep harmful pathogens at bay, making it difficult for them to do you harm. Let’s take a closer look at what probiotics can actually do.
Digestive Health
Numerous clinical studies have shown that probiotics can treat multiple gastrointestinal ailments such as IBS and lactose intolerance, as well as improve proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Probiotics are often used to help treat diarrhea.
Crohn’s Disease
Other studies have shown that probiotics may be beneficial in helping people with Crohn’s disease. Clinical trial results are mixed, but several small studies suggest that certain probiotics may help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis and prevent relapse of Crohn’s disease and the recurrence of pouchitis (a complication of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis). Because these disorders are so frustrating to treat, many people are giving probiotics a try. More research is needed to find out which strains work best for what conditions.
Urogenital Health
Probiotics are also beneficial in maintaining urogenital health. This is due to the fact that the vagina is like the intestinal tract, a finely balanced ecosystem. The dominant Lactobacilli strains normally make it too acidic for harmful microorganisms to survive. But the system can be thrown out of balance by a number of factors, including antibiotics, spermicides, and birth control pills. Probiotic treatment that restores the balance of microflora may be helpful for such common female urogenital problems as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection. Both Oral and vaginal administration of Lactobacilli may help in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, although there isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend it over conventional approaches.
Other Conditions
Research is still being done on the health benefits of probiotics, but early studies show that probiotics may be helpful in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, preventing colon cancer, improving immune function, improving mineral absorption and reducing inflammation. There’s indication that probiotics may even aid in weight loss. With the popularity of probiotics on the rise, it’s likely that research on these benefits will ramp up.
Are probiotics safe?
The best part of probiotic therapy is that it is generally considered safe due to the fact that they are already in the digestive system. This also means that probiotics are typically free of side effects, except for people that have an impaired immune function. This is why it is important that if you are going to “self medicate” to address any of the above conditions with probiotics, you talk with your doctor or healthcare provider so that he or she is aware of what you are doing.
This article is a reprint of
http://www.alternativehealthjournal.com/article/probiotics_what_they_are_and_why_you_need_them_part_2/2532 The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News Oct. 28
Eating bacteria is good for you?
While it may sound absolutely ludicrous to purposely ingest billions of bacteria to improve your health that is exactly what researchers are recommending. Studies have been going on since the mid-1990s on this very subject.
There are about 100 trillion microorganisms that represent more than 500 different species that are in each and every healthy bowel. They are there because they help keep harmful pathogens at bay, making it difficult for them to do you harm. Let’s take a closer look at what probiotics can actually do.
Digestive Health
Numerous clinical studies have shown that probiotics can treat multiple gastrointestinal ailments such as IBS and lactose intolerance, as well as improve proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Probiotics are often used to help treat diarrhea.
Crohn’s Disease
Other studies have shown that probiotics may be beneficial in helping people with Crohn’s disease. Clinical trial results are mixed, but several small studies suggest that certain probiotics may help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis and prevent relapse of Crohn’s disease and the recurrence of pouchitis (a complication of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis). Because these disorders are so frustrating to treat, many people are giving probiotics a try. More research is needed to find out which strains work best for what conditions.
Urogenital Health
Probiotics are also beneficial in maintaining urogenital health. This is due to the fact that the vagina is like the intestinal tract, a finely balanced ecosystem. The dominant Lactobacilli strains normally make it too acidic for harmful microorganisms to survive. But the system can be thrown out of balance by a number of factors, including antibiotics, spermicides, and birth control pills. Probiotic treatment that restores the balance of microflora may be helpful for such common female urogenital problems as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection. Both Oral and vaginal administration of Lactobacilli may help in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, although there isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend it over conventional approaches.
Other Conditions
Research is still being done on the health benefits of probiotics, but early studies show that probiotics may be helpful in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, preventing colon cancer, improving immune function, improving mineral absorption and reducing inflammation. There’s indication that probiotics may even aid in weight loss. With the popularity of probiotics on the rise, it’s likely that research on these benefits will ramp up.
Are probiotics safe?
The best part of probiotic therapy is that it is generally considered safe due to the fact that they are already in the digestive system. This also means that probiotics are typically free of side effects, except for people that have an impaired immune function. This is why it is important that if you are going to “self medicate” to address any of the above conditions with probiotics, you talk with your doctor or healthcare provider so that he or she is aware of what you are doing.
This article is a reprint of
http://www.alternativehealthjournal.com/article/probiotics_what_they_are_and_why_you_need_them_part_2/2532 The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News Oct. 28
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Ulcerative Colitis Diet
Sometimes you may feel helpless when facing ulcerative colitis. But changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.
There's no firm evidence that what you eat causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your symptoms, especially during a flare-up in your condition. It's a good idea to try eliminating from your diet anything that seems to make your signs and symptoms worse. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Limit dairy products
Like many people with inflammatory bowel disease, you may find that problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas, improve when you limit or eliminate dairy products. You may be lactose intolerant — that is, your body can't digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy foods. If so, try substituting yogurt or low-lactose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, for milk. Or use an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose. In some cases, you may need to eliminate dairy foods completely. If you need help, a registered dietitian can help you design a healthy diet that's low in lactose. Keep in mind that with limiting your dairy intake, you'll need to find other sources of calcium, such as supplements.
Experiment with fiber diet
For most people, high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, are the foundation of a healthy diet. But if you have inflammatory bowel disease, fiber may make diarrhea, pain and gas worse. If raw fruits and vegetables bother you, try steaming, baking or stewing them.You may also find that you can tolerate some fruits and vegetables, but not others. In general, you may have more problems with foods in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and with very crunchy foods such as raw apples and carrots.
Avoid problem foods
Eliminate any other foods that seem to make your symptoms worse. These may include "gassy" foods such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, raw fruit juices and fruits — especially citrus fruits — spicy food, popcorn, alcohol, caffeine, and foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and soda.
Eat small meals
You may find you feel better eating five or six small meals rather than two or three larger ones.
Drink plenty of liquids
Try to drink plenty of fluids daily. Water is best. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.
Ask about multivitamins
Because ulcerative colitis can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients and because your diet may be limited, vitamin and mineral supplements can play a key role in supplying missing nutrients. They don't provide essential protein and calories, however, and shouldn't be a substitute for meals.
There's no firm evidence that what you eat causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your symptoms, especially during a flare-up in your condition. It's a good idea to try eliminating from your diet anything that seems to make your signs and symptoms worse. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Limit dairy products
Like many people with inflammatory bowel disease, you may find that problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas, improve when you limit or eliminate dairy products. You may be lactose intolerant — that is, your body can't digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy foods. If so, try substituting yogurt or low-lactose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, for milk. Or use an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose. In some cases, you may need to eliminate dairy foods completely. If you need help, a registered dietitian can help you design a healthy diet that's low in lactose. Keep in mind that with limiting your dairy intake, you'll need to find other sources of calcium, such as supplements.
Experiment with fiber diet
For most people, high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, are the foundation of a healthy diet. But if you have inflammatory bowel disease, fiber may make diarrhea, pain and gas worse. If raw fruits and vegetables bother you, try steaming, baking or stewing them.You may also find that you can tolerate some fruits and vegetables, but not others. In general, you may have more problems with foods in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and with very crunchy foods such as raw apples and carrots.
Avoid problem foods
Eliminate any other foods that seem to make your symptoms worse. These may include "gassy" foods such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, raw fruit juices and fruits — especially citrus fruits — spicy food, popcorn, alcohol, caffeine, and foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and soda.
Eat small meals
You may find you feel better eating five or six small meals rather than two or three larger ones.
Drink plenty of liquids
Try to drink plenty of fluids daily. Water is best. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.
Ask about multivitamins
Because ulcerative colitis can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients and because your diet may be limited, vitamin and mineral supplements can play a key role in supplying missing nutrients. They don't provide essential protein and calories, however, and shouldn't be a substitute for meals.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Colon polyps
What are colon polyps?
Colon polyps are small clumps of extra tissue that grow inside the large intestine, also called the colon. Most polyps are benign, which means they are not cancer. But over time, some large polyps can become cancerous.
Who gets colon polyps?
Anyone can get polyps, but you may be more likely to get them if
•you are over 50
•you have had polyps before
•someone in your family has had polyps or colon cancer
•you eat a lot of fatty foods
•you smoke or drink alcohol
•you don’t exercise
•you are overweight
How will I know if I have colon polyps?
Most small polyps don’t cause symptoms. You may not know you have polyps until your doctor checks for them.
But some people do have symptoms, like
•bleeding from the anus, which can leave blood on underwear or toilet paper
•constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a week
•blood in the stool
Should I be tested for colon polyps?
Talk with your doctor about getting tested for polyps if
•you have symptoms
•you are 50 years old or older
•someone in your family has had polyps or colon cancer
How are colon polyps treated?
Doctors can usually remove polyps during a colonoscopy—the procedure used to check for colon polyps. Sometimes, polyps are removed through an operation.
Colon polyps are small clumps of extra tissue that grow inside the large intestine, also called the colon. Most polyps are benign, which means they are not cancer. But over time, some large polyps can become cancerous.
Who gets colon polyps?
Anyone can get polyps, but you may be more likely to get them if
•you are over 50
•you have had polyps before
•someone in your family has had polyps or colon cancer
•you eat a lot of fatty foods
•you smoke or drink alcohol
•you don’t exercise
•you are overweight
How will I know if I have colon polyps?
Most small polyps don’t cause symptoms. You may not know you have polyps until your doctor checks for them.
But some people do have symptoms, like
•bleeding from the anus, which can leave blood on underwear or toilet paper
•constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a week
•blood in the stool
Should I be tested for colon polyps?
Talk with your doctor about getting tested for polyps if
•you have symptoms
•you are 50 years old or older
•someone in your family has had polyps or colon cancer
How are colon polyps treated?
Doctors can usually remove polyps during a colonoscopy—the procedure used to check for colon polyps. Sometimes, polyps are removed through an operation.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Colon cancer risks: High-fat diet, family history play role
Cancers of the colon and rectum will affect one of 17 people. These cancers of the lower digestive tract are the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and Europe. Colorectal cancers are treatable if detected in the early stages. Experts recommend screening for colon cancer beginning at age 50 and screening by age 45 for those with a family history of cancer or those of African-American heritage.
Current screening tests include annual testing of the stool for blood and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy involves using a scope with a tiny camera to look at the lining of the large intestine.
Researchers in Germany are also working on a new blood test that may help find colon cancer. The lining of the intestinal tract can develop small pre-cancerous growths called polyps which can usually be removed during a screening colonoscopy. If these polyps are not removed, they can become cancerous.
Risk factors for developing colon cancer are:
•Family history of colon cancer or colon polyps.
•Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colorectal cancers are associated with a diet high in fat and calories that lacks enough fiber or roughage. Add more fruits and vegetables and whole grains to your daily diet. Limit fried and fatty foods. Cut back on added fats such as butter, margarine, salad dressing, mayonnaise, gravies and sauces.
•A sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk for colon cancer. Experts recommend daily activity of at least one hour. Walking, biking, swimming, chair aerobics and most sports are great.
•Diabetes and obesity. Insulin resistance and excess weight increase the risk of developing colon cancer and the risk of death from it.
•Smoking and alcohol use.
•Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic intestinal problems like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can increase risk.
•Older age. About 90 percent of all colon cancer occurs in people over age 50.
Many people do not experience any unusual symptoms. Make an appointment to see your health care provider if you notice any change in your bowel habits that lasts more than two weeks, blood in your stool or persistent abdominal cramping or gas. If you have any unplanned weight loss, weakness or fatigue, get a checkup.
This article is a reprint of
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090929/COL0803/909290355/1292/health/Colon-cancer-risks--High-fat-diet--family-history-play-role The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News Sep. 29
Current screening tests include annual testing of the stool for blood and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy involves using a scope with a tiny camera to look at the lining of the large intestine.
Researchers in Germany are also working on a new blood test that may help find colon cancer. The lining of the intestinal tract can develop small pre-cancerous growths called polyps which can usually be removed during a screening colonoscopy. If these polyps are not removed, they can become cancerous.
Risk factors for developing colon cancer are:
•Family history of colon cancer or colon polyps.
•Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colorectal cancers are associated with a diet high in fat and calories that lacks enough fiber or roughage. Add more fruits and vegetables and whole grains to your daily diet. Limit fried and fatty foods. Cut back on added fats such as butter, margarine, salad dressing, mayonnaise, gravies and sauces.
•A sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk for colon cancer. Experts recommend daily activity of at least one hour. Walking, biking, swimming, chair aerobics and most sports are great.
•Diabetes and obesity. Insulin resistance and excess weight increase the risk of developing colon cancer and the risk of death from it.
•Smoking and alcohol use.
•Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic intestinal problems like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can increase risk.
•Older age. About 90 percent of all colon cancer occurs in people over age 50.
Many people do not experience any unusual symptoms. Make an appointment to see your health care provider if you notice any change in your bowel habits that lasts more than two weeks, blood in your stool or persistent abdominal cramping or gas. If you have any unplanned weight loss, weakness or fatigue, get a checkup.
This article is a reprint of
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090929/COL0803/909290355/1292/health/Colon-cancer-risks--High-fat-diet--family-history-play-role The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News Sep. 29
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Colon and raw food diet
The raw and living food diet is about eating whatever you want, whenever you want!
You can lose weight, start to heal your body, increase your energy, and look and feel younger within days of eating raw.
There are numerous benefits to eating a raw and living food diet.
Some of these benefits include helping people who are challenged with diabetes, fibromyalgia, acne, migraines, back pain, neck and joint pain, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypoglycemia, colitis, diverticulitis, candida, arthritis, allergies, depression, anxiety, mood swings, heartburn, gas, bloating, skin diseases, obesity, chronic fatigue, cancers and many more.
You can lose weight, start to heal your body, increase your energy, and look and feel younger within days of eating raw.
There are numerous benefits to eating a raw and living food diet.
Some of these benefits include helping people who are challenged with diabetes, fibromyalgia, acne, migraines, back pain, neck and joint pain, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypoglycemia, colitis, diverticulitis, candida, arthritis, allergies, depression, anxiety, mood swings, heartburn, gas, bloating, skin diseases, obesity, chronic fatigue, cancers and many more.
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