Health and Diet Blog

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac. asked:




Most people don’t think twice about their morning cup of coffee; it’s a normal part of their daily routine. But if you’re battling a liver disease, you’ve probably found yourself questioning whether coffee consumption is a wise choice. Many people with Hepatitis C have likely been given a laundry list of foods and drinks to avoid due to the potentially negative effect they might have on an already weakened liver. This could mean that the number of cups of coffee they drink each day has lessened over time. However, researchers have been studying the effects of coffee on a compromised liver for a while and, while the preliminary results indicate that coffee consumption has more positive effects than negative ones, the evidence is truly inconclusive about whether someone with Hepatitis C should or should not avoid this stimulating beverage.

Study results show a noticeable decrease in the extent of liver damage in those people who consume coffee regularly, including lower enzyme levels, less severe liver damage and a reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Based on these results, it appears that the progression of liver damage is directly affected, in a positive manner, by coffee consumption.

It’s important not to misinterpret these study results; they certainly don’t insinuate that you should rush out and drink ten cups of coffee a day to try and protect your liver. That simply won’t work. Keep in mind that very few people drink their coffee black. Most people add heaping amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners to their daily cup of joe, and this poses its own set of health risks.

The bottom line is that coffee drinkers who have Hepatitis C can breathe a sigh of relief – they need not abandon their favorite morning beverage due to their condition. However, as with many things in life, moderation is the key when it comes to coffee consumption while battling a liver disease.

To earn more about the benefits of coffee drinking with Hepatitis C, visit: hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2008/11/coffee_drinkers.html.

Jon Dakins asked:




Rawhide dog toys are very popular. Found in pet stores, grocery stores, and even dollar stores, they would seem like a safe bet. But that is not the case. As the saying goes, caveat emptor (buyer beware).

Rawhide treats offer many benefits. They are relatively cheap, dogs enjoy them, and they help with overall teeth and gum health. Multiple shapes and sizes are available, so the right type can be found for any dog, toy breeds and large working dogs alike. Because of these benefits – and the relatively low number of cases where dogs have been injured – many owners often give rawhide treats to their dogs.

If you choose to give your dogs rawhide treats, you should keep in mind that there are health risks. Rawhide is dried out animal hides, typically cow, horse, or bull hide. The material is cleaned up and processed into the chunks sold as rawhide chew toys. The processing includes two industrial steps, the first being to clean off the membranes, meat, fat, muscle, etc. from the skin. The second step is to clean off the hairs on the outside. According to Dusti Summerbird-Lockey this process typically involves the use of chemical solutions, with cocktails that include Ash-Lye or Lime and then a cleaning with a bleach solution.

In addition to the chemicals themselves, another issue that emerges with rawhide treats, especially when related chewable items like pig ears and beef jerky treats are included, are bacterial infections that can be picked up from handling the items. In 1999, the FDA released a warning to consumers regarding a medical problem occurring in Canada where humans had been showing signs of illness attributed to handling these items. The FDA cautioned that “These products may pose a risk of bacterial infection such as Salmonella infantis which can cause flu-like symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea) in normally healthy people, but may cause far more serious – even life-threatening injury in immune-compromised patients.” Arsenic based preservatives are used by some manufacturers, though it is not legal to use for rawhide made within the U.S.

Assuming that the treat itself does not have any toxic chemical or bacterial traces, is it safe? Not necessarily. Rawhide treats pose a choking hazard and the risk of intestinal problems. When chewed the rawhide becomes wet and slippery, allowing the dog to gulp down more than he can swallow or digest. That creates choking risks as well as problems with GI blockage if the piece makes its way to the dog’s digestive track. GI distress is also reported both due to digestion difficulties as well as bacteria.

If you choose to give your dog rawhide treats, do so carefully. Make sure to buy products made in the US and to carefully monitor your dog’s chewing. Do not let him swallow large chunks of rawhide. Supervision of his chew time can increase his safety, but there are plenty of other toys that are just as fun and much safer, such as Kong chew toys that can be stuffed with flavorful treats even better than rawhide.

peterhutch asked:




The five major ways by which the colon can be cleansed can be named as follows, Colon Hydrotherapy which is also know as colonic irrigations, Enemas, Herbal supplements, Laxatives, Oxygen-based Cleansers

The acai berry and colon cleanse diet have both been a hot commodity to many dieters. The high antioxidant content in the acai gives you a boost of energy to the body and helps the body burn unnecessary fats. The colon cleanser removes hardened fecal matter and harmful bacteria.

There are various medicines that help your colon properly dispose of your body wastes, just like Bowtrol. Bowtrol is an herbal colon cleanser that is used to clean your colon; medicines like these can be called laxatives. Bowtrol is made up of all natural ingredients that are not harmful in the body unless you use it improperly.

Herbal colon cleansing products main purpose is to re-absorbs the water and nutrients into people’s bodies and also gets rid of the toxic wastes by means of standard bowel actions. Whilst the bowel is impacted, a number of problems show up for instance ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, constipation as well as colon cancer.

One of the things that allows the colon to do its job of eliminating waste is good bacteria.  These bacteria feed on certain things inside the body and they have created mutual working relationship with the colon.  Some supplements introduce more of these “good bacteria” into the colon. 

Typically, you should do the Master Cleanse for at least 10 days to get full benefits. As a form of modified fast, the 10 days will give your body plenty of time to detoxify itself while it’s taking a rest from all of the digestive work that’s required when you are eating regular food. For these 10 days, the lemonade and maple syrup drink should provide some nutritional support to your fast and that can certainly help make sure you stick to it.

The benefits of a hydro colonic cleanse are well known, but man they are a pain in the butt to receive. In fact most people consider them downright embarrassing. After all who wants to have a hose shoved up their butt and then have liquid pumped in it to perform the cleansing? Definitely not the majority of people. The good news is that there are much easier and less embarrassing ways to perform a colonic cleanse without having to visit a specialist office, have something shoved up your butt, and a liquid pumped inside of you.

There exist a large number of herbal supplements that are useful in colon cleansing. However, it is important to be aware of product that purport to be herbal but are otherwise. A large number of manufacturers know “herbal” sells and are labeling everything as herbal. Herbal supplements are either administered orally or introduced into the colon through the anus through enema. In enema water mixed with herbal supplements is introduced into the colon using an enema kit.

Janie Knetzer asked:




If you’re a dog owner, no doubt your dog is part of the family. As your dog gets older, he or she may have needs that were not present when younger. Old dog care is an important part of your dog’s life as he or she approaches the senior years.

Different breeds of dogs age at different rates, and oftentimes, those who are “mutts” are in general hardier than purebred breeds. However, no matter the breed, at some point, a dog is going to exhibit signs of aging, and you have to be ready for this so that your beloved pet can receive the care required for an older dog.

Just like human medicine, veterinary medicine has made great strides in geriatric care, so that our pets can live longer than they ever have before. With a little bit of effort, you can provide your old dog care suitable for your faithful companion, so that he or she has a comfortable and pleasant old age.

The Aging Process

Some signs you may notice that show Fido is showing his age may include: sleeping more; eating less; being startled by noises, bright lights, or lots of activity; not coming immediately when you call (may indicate hearing loss or physical difficulties such as arthritis); a duller coat; skin with less elasticity; eyes that are not as bright or may be clouded (including the possibility of cataracts); or loss of bladder or bowel control in a dog that was previously well housetrained.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfy

You can provide proper old dog care so that your senior dog remains comfortable in his or her old age.

First, most dogs know, for example, that they should not be having accidents in the house. Therefore, make sure that you are soothing and comforting if your geriatric dog should happen to have an accident in the house. This is not a time to punish, because the dog is already going to feel that he or she did something very wrong. Instead, provide a comfortable spot for your old dog to lie on that’s easily washable, such as a bed or comfortable rug. That way, if an accident happens, it’s easily cleaned up. If your dog must stay out of places, such as a favorite room, where accidents simply can’t happen, use a baby gate to keep him out of that particular spot.

Second, old dog care should include regular veterinary visits to make sure your dog is up on his or her shots, and that everything is being done to make sure he or she remains healthy. One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to make sure that his or her teeth are clean and healthy. Get your dog’s teeth cleaned on a regular basis if necessary. Not only does an unhealthy mouth cause things like gingivitis, soreness, or tooth loss, but it can actually also cause other systemic problems like heart problems and arthritis.

Third, make sure you provide the proper diet for your dog. Your veterinarian can give you proper foods that are more appropriate for older digestive systems, as well as for dogs with such problems as kidney failure, heart failure, or for those who have trouble chewing.

Fourth, make sure your dog stays safe. As hearing and eyesight fail, and as coordination becomes less trustworthy, your pet may have trouble with things like stairs, and can actually fall and injure himself. Strategically placed baby gates by stairs can help ensure that your dog doesn’t take a tumble.

Fifth and finally, make sure you provide lots and lots of love to your aging pet as part of your old dog care. Remember that your pet is the same loving dog he or she always has been, with just a little more gray hair and a little less agility. Shower him or her with lots of attention just as you always have, so that he or she still feels like part of the family.

Tim J. asked:




Constant heartburn is a painful feeling in your chest. Commonly, this burning could last for hours. Many people especially pregnancy woman will experience this condition and many of them believe that this is the most terrible part of pregnancy. There are many heartburn treatments ;however, most of them can only temporarily stop the symptoms. After  a while, it will return. That’s why so many people out there still have to live with heartburn.

Constant heartburn is commonly caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. It could occur several times a week. Some patients have to wake up at night because of the pain.This is because acid in your stomach flows back into esophagus. By using conventional drugs for treatment, there are many side effects you could get. Sometimes, it can also make your condition worsen. The holistic method to cure heartburn is to know the cause and cure it.

The pain can be healed by changing your lifestyle. This may include smoking, alcohol consumption, heavy meal, eating too fat, and eating then go to bed immediately. Other triggers are coffee, carbonated beverage, chocolate and many more. Triggers for each people are different. You could start by avoiding these triggers and see if your condition is caused by any trigger. For example, if you’re smoking, you could reduce it and see if your condition gets better.

Another option to heal constant heartburn is by learning from the experienced who has already cured it. This way  you won’t have to go through the wrong path and see the pain coming back again after some time.