Health and Diet Blog

John Cielo asked:




If you have yeast infection, and you find yourself bloated a lot, then this could be a forewarning of a more serious systemic yeast infection. Find out here what causes bloating and why you need to take this symptom seriously.

A yeast infection is caused by a yeast-like micro organism called Candida Albicans that resides in most of us, but usually without causing us any real problems. This is because your body’s beneficial bacteria keeps it in check, so that it doesn’t mutate into it’s fungal form, thus causing an infection.

But sometimes your good bacteria numbers are depleted to the extent that the Candida Albicans can ‘overgrow’ and multiply. And as is the case with any yeast, this fungus particularly likes the dark, warm, moist areas of your body, such as your intestinal tract, vagina, mouth, anus, etc.

In your intestines, a side effect of this ‘overgrow’ process is the production of gas, in the same way as gas is produced when making beer for example. It’s the production of this gas that produces your bloating feeling. So you being bloated could be a sign that you have an intestinal yeast infection.

Now, vaginal, penile and oral yeast infections, whilst serious enough, are localized, and their symptoms are mostly physical in nature, so you are aware if the problem. There are no such obvious signs with intestinal yeast infections. But if you have an infection in those other areas, you may have it internally as well, without knowing.

And the problem with intestinal yeast infections is that the Candida Albicans can start to settle in the walls and eventually perforate their way through, allowing toxins to enter your bloodstream. This is called “systemic yeast infection”, so you can now see why bloating can be a forewarning of it.

Systemic yeast infections can be quite serious because it can cause a whole range of other complications such as; irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, gout, allergies, arteriosclerosis, eczema, irritability, memory loss, learning difficulties, and many more. So the earlier your yeast infection is diagnosed and addressed, the better.

Your normal mainstream treatments typically use topical creams, pessaries, lotions, etc. But once your yeast infection has turned systemic you are likely to need intravenous injections.

The problem, that many women find, is that their vaginal yeast infection symptoms (for example) can seem to take ages to clear, or, they clear but keep returning once the medication is stopped. It is believed this happens because drug-based medications only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. In addition, the Candida Albicans can become drug-resistant. All this gives time for the possibility of a systemic yeast infection to kick-in.

So more and more women are successfully turning to totally natural remedies for fast, permanent relief from their yeast infections. There are even reports of relief in as little as 12 hours.

If you want to discover what these women know that you don’t, then go now to http://how-to-get-rid-of-a-yeast-infection.blogspot.com where you’ll get the facts on a totally natural system that guarantees to eliminate your yeast infection fast and permanently, without expensive drugs.

Elizabeth Hartley asked:




If you suffer from a bloated stomach you will easily recognize these symptoms:

* painful stomach cramps

* excessive gas/wind

* heavily bloated abdomen

* tight, uncomfortable clothes.

Many people suffer from these symptoms and although a bloated stomach can sometimes be an indication of a more serious underlying medical condition, more often than not it is simply the result of the modern day diet. In recent years as our lives have become increasingly busy, more and more people are turning to the convenience of pre-packed, ready prepared foods. Plain and simple home cooking is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Unfortunately along with these foods come an array of additives. Consumed in small quantities most of these additives are completely harmless and will cause no symptoms whatsoever.

However over a period of time our bodies can become overloaded and that is when the problems begin. We need to therefore discover which additives in particular are responsible for a bloated stomach and reduce the buildup. This can be done quite easily by following an elimination diet such as The Flat Stomach Diet. You will discover that your symptoms could be significantly reduced or even eliminated completely by removing just one common everyday ingredient from your food. The Flat Stomach Diet is an easy to follow eating plan specially created to reduce bloating and the associated symptoms in as little as 3 – 5 days.

It consists of lists of foods to be avoided; foods that may be eaten freely and other common irritants known to be responsible for abdominal bloating. Easy to follow recipes are included along with charts to help record your progress.

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Prashant asked:




Constipation is a condition of the digestive system in which a person faces hard fecal matters that are difficult to eject. This generally takes place because the colon soaks up too much water from the food. If the food moves too slowly through the gastro-intestinal tract, the colon may absorb huge amount of water, resulting in fecal matters that are dry and hard. Elimination of fecal waste can be tremendously painful, and in extreme cases can even lead to bowel obstruction symptoms. Diet, hormonal or structural transformation, side effect of drugs, or a sickness or disorder can eventually result in constipation. Treatments include changes in dietary and exercise habits, use of laxatives depending on the fundamental cause.

Lactulose is an artificial sugar commonly used in treating constipation. It is a double sugar formed from one molecule each of the simple sugars, fructose and galactose. Lactulose Solution is commercial syrup used for treating constipation and is coloured yellow – orange. It is produced commercially by isomerisation of lactose.

Lactulose solution is a natural laxative that regulates the bowel smoothly and is used for the treatment of constipation, including chronic or habitual constipation. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide; a sugar particle consisting of two smaller sugar particles bonded together.

Lactulose is not metabolized or absorbed by the body. Rather, the microbes in the colon or large bowel smash the lactulose down into acids. These acids drag water into the colon which in turn softens the stool. The passage of the food through the intestines is also supported through the actions of lactulose. As a result, bowel departure becomes much easier. Lactulose solution can also be used by pregnant women, children, people who faced surgery, aged people or people with strict and/or constant constipation.

Lactulose solution has a twofold mode of action- firstly it softens stools and secondly it promotes their movement through the bowel. It may take between 24 and 72 hours before normal the elimination of fecal waste occurs.

Different people react differently to medication. So, like any other medication, Lactulose can sometimes have common side effects like abdominal cramping and gas. Some of the least common side effects include nausea and vomiting. Extremely high dosage can even cause explosive and uncontrollable diarrhoea. In normal individuals, overdose is considered uncomfortable. While in sensitive individuals, such as the elderly or people with reduced kidney function, excess dosage can result in dehydration and high sodium levels.

Ibrahim asked:




As discussed previously, irritable bowel syndrome is believed to be due to the abnormal function (dysfunction) of the muscles of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract or the nerves controlling the organs. The nervous control of the gastrointestinal tract, however, is complex. A system of nerves runs the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the anus in the muscular walls of the organs. These nerves communicate with other nerves that travel to and from the spinal cord. Nerves within the spinal cord, in turn, travel to and from the brain. (The gastrointestinal tract is exceeded in the numbers of nerves it contains only by the spinal cord and brain.) Thus, the abnormal function of the nervous system in IBS may occur in a gastrointestinal muscular organ, the spinal cord, or the brain.

The nervous system that controls the gastrointestinal organs, as with most other organs, contains both sensory and motor nerves. The sensory nerves continuously sense what is happening within the organ and relay this information to nerves in the organ’s wall. From there, information can be relayed to the spinal cord and brain. The information is received and processed in the organ’s wall, the spinal cord, or the brain. Then, based on this sensory input and the way the input is processed, commands (responses) are sent to the organ over the motor nerves. Two of the most common motor responses in the intestine are contraction or relaxation of the muscle of the organ and secretion of fluid and/or mucus into the organ.

As already mentioned, abnormal function of the nerves of the gastrointestinal organs, at least theoretically, might occur in the organ, spinal cord, or brain. Moreover, the abnormalities might occur in the sensory nerves, the motor nerves, or at processing centers in the intestine, spinal cord, or brain. Some researchers argue that the cause of functional diseases is abnormalities in the function of the sensory nerves. For example, normal activities, such as stretching of the small intestine by food, may give rise to abnormal sensory signals that are sent to the spinal cord and brain, where they are perceived as pain.

Other researchers argue that the cause of functional diseases is abnormalities in the function of the motor nerves. For example, abnormal commands through the motor nerves might produce a painful spasm (contraction) of the muscles. Still others argue that abnormally functioning processing centers are responsible for functional diseases because they misinterpret normal sensations or send abnormal commands to the organ. In fact, some functional diseases may be due to sensory dysfunction, motor dysfunction, or both sensory and motor dysfunction. Still others may be due to abnormalities within the processing centers One area that is receiving a great deal of scientific attention is the potential role of gas produced by intestinal bacteria in patients with IBS. Studies have demonstrated that patients with IBS produce larger amounts of gas than individuals without IBS, and the gas may be retained longer in the small intestine. Among patients with IBS, abdominal size increases over the day, reaching a maximum in the evening and returning to baseline by the following morning. In individuals without IBS, there is no increase in abdominal size during the day.

There has been a great deal of controversy over the role that poor digestion and/or absorption of dietary sugars may play in aggravating the symptoms of IBS. Poor digestion of lactose, the sugar in milk, is very common as is poor absorption of fructose, a sweetener found in many processed foods. Poor digestion or absorption of these sugars could aggravate the symptoms of IBS since unabsorbed sugars often cause increased formation of gas.

Although these abnormalities in production and transport of gas could give rise to some of the symptoms of IBS, much more work will need to be done before the role of intestinal gas in IBS is clear.

Dietary fat in healthy individuals causes food as well as gas to move more slowly through the stomach and small intestine. Some patients with IBS may even respond to dietary fat in an exaggerated fashion with greater slowing. Thus, dietary fat could–and probably does–aggravate the symptoms of IBS.

Kiran Tamada asked:




Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is very prevalent and common disorder characterized by abdominal pain, stomach discomfort and changes in bowel movements. Bowel changes may be either in form of constipation, diarrhoea or both. Additional symptoms include general malaise, loss of appetite and bloating of stomach. Research suggests that IBS is more prevalent in women compared to men. In United States around 15-20% population suffer from this disease.

One of the major causes of IBS has been attributed to stress and anxiety and is psychosomatic disorder, but latest research reveals that it is caused due to changes in sensation of muscles and nerves which affect the motility of the bowel. Research also reveals people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) have high level of sensitivity of the intestine compared to people who do not suffer. Neurochemical imbalance of Serotonin, a neurotransmitter which is responsible for GI motility is also one factor responsible for IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not life threatening disease but it can severely impact the daily quality life. In children abdominal pain can cause absentee from school. Patients suffering from severe symptoms have greater impairments in their lives.

IBS is more prevalent in Caucasian race (whites) compared to Hispanic or Asian population; hence IBS is not well characterized beyond western countries. IBS is more prevalent in whites than black.

To dismay, till date there is no complete cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and it is a chronic illness. Treatment is based on symptoms. It can be frustrating for the patient as well as the doctor to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is very important for the doctor to establish good relationship with the patient, reassurance is the key for treatment along with proper counseling, change in dietary habits and lifestyle changes can help a lot for IBS patients. People suffering from moderate symptoms can go ahead with their daily lives without much impact.

Dietary change in habits can go long way in helping IBS patients. Elimination of foods like sorbitol, fructose, and gas forming legumes can help in alleviating IBS and bring relief to the patients. Foods favoring flatulence like onions, carrots, bananas and wheat germ if avoided may help to cure IBS to a certain extent.

High fiber diets also help IBS patients who suffer from constipation as fiber helps in retention of water, and helps in colonal exit. Calculation of fiber in diet/day in children is done by adding 5 to the age of the child.

Juliet Cohen asked:




Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. Connective tissue is not a single entity, but a catch-all term for everything in your body that keeps you from falling apart. The familiar tendons and ligaments keep bones and muscles together, but other connective tissue is more obscure, like the elastic fibers in the aorta that keep it soft and rubbery. Marfan syndrome is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene on chromosome 15. People have a pair of FBN1 genes. Because it is dominant, people who have inherited one affected FBN1 gene from either parent will have Marfan’s.

Marfan syndrome affects all of these structures. It only happens to about 1 in every 5,000 people. People with Marfan syndrome have loose tendons and ligaments, less elasticity in the aorta, and longer arms and legs. In the Marfan syndrome, the walls of the major arteries are weakened. The aorta, the main artery that leaves the heart, often is affected. When this occurs, it gets bigger, which can weaken the inner aortic wall. Under strenuous exertion, the aorta wall can tear. Blood can leak through these tears into the aortic wall, separating its layers a process called aortic dissection.

Another problem that may occur if the aortic wall weakens is that an aneurysm may form. Marfan syndrome can be mild to harsh, and the symptoms can vary. People with Marfan syndrome are frequently very tall, thin and loose jointed. Most people with Marfan syndrome have heart and blood vessel problems, such as a weakness in the aorta or heart valves that leak. They may also have problems with their bones, eyes, skin, nervous system and lungs. Different people may need different types of treatment. Some people may not require treatment, but others may need drugs that lower heart rate, blood pressure or both.

If dural ectasia (swelling of the covering of the spinal cord) develops, medication may help minimize any associated pain. Anticoagulant medications such as warfarin are needed after artificial heart-valve placement. Genetic counseling and specialized clinics are available at many academic medical centers for affected persons and family members. Annual evaluations are important to detect any changes in the spine or sternum. This is particularly important in times of rapid growth, such as adolescence. A serious deformity can not only be disfiguring but can also prevent the heart and lungs from functioning properly.

adrianna smith asked:




The digestive and urinary systems are the body’s behavior and treatment plant residues and its mechanism. The digestive system (also called the bowel) begins in the mouth and ends at the anus. At the top, food come into the mouth where it is chewed and combined with saliva, which has enzymes to begin the breakdown of food into useful components. He goes into the digestive tract, where it juices breaks the food into proteins, fats and carbohydrates and get ahead of and pass it to the stomach.

Diet and Nutrition Research shows that eating more fiber in the form of oats, dried beans, peas, fruits and vegetables can greatly reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but improvement may take months, not weeks. Also, keep in mind that wheat bran, often prescribed as the standard treatment for IBS, can actually make the condition worse for some patients. Eat plenty of natural resources, live unsweetened yogurt or taking daily supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus to increase levels of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Some substances (water, salts, glucose, alcohol and some drugs) are absorbed directly into the system from the stomach. Most foods, however, is transformed by gastric juices of the stomach acid into a substance called chyme. Chyme passes from the stomach through the duodenum into the small intestine, where it is bathed in bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic juices. Powerful muscular contractions (peristalsis) to push the chyme along the small intestine, and to the extent that revenue more digestive juices and enzymes break it down into fats, carbohydrates and proteins. These are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. A pass from the blood to the liver, which is very important in the digestive process, the storage of sugar, fats and proteins, and creates bile. The liver is also responsible for neutralizing toxins such as alcohol and drugs.

By the time the chyme reaches the colon (large intestine), all that is left is indigestible roughage and water. The water is absorbed into the blood back through the intestinal walls. The main function of the great and large intestine is to recover the water supply. The bulky remains are passed as feces in the rectum and from here are expelled as a bowel movement.

The function of the urinary system, which consists of the kidneys and bladder, together with its connecting tubes, is to keep the internal balance of body water and salts. It is also responsible for filtering the blood and expels excess and waste products. The kidneys also beach vital role in the elimination of toxins and secrete important hormones. The kidneys are made up of enthrones, which are responsible for filtering the smallest molecules from the blood, including water, glucose, and waste products. The kidneys have a striking blood supply – more than 300pt/150l blood passes through them every day to form the 2pt/1l of urine the body produces daily. Urine is formed in the kidneys down the urethras and is stored in the bladder until it is convenient to empty it. The bladder drainage through the urethra. In females, the urethra is about 1 1/2in/4cm long, but it 10in/25cm long in males. The bladder is a fibrous organ that expands and extends from filling with urine. When it reaches its capacity it sends a message to the brain, which recognizes that water should be approved.

Jean Morgan asked:




bloating

weight gain

menstrual cramps

breast tenderness

fatigue

hot flashes

depression and mood swings

foggy thinking

hair loss

fibroid tumors

endometriosis

loss of sex drive

hormone dependent cancers

migraines

Do any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you?

Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night only to find your clothing and even your bedding soaking wet with sweat? Do you find that you just never seem to have enough energy, in spite of getting what is considered to be normal or sufficient amounts of rest? Has your husband or “significant other” begun dropping not-so-subtle hints about your lack of interest in sex?

Have you ever visited your doctor and complained of weight gain, breast tenderness or cramps, only to be told your experiences are “normal”? Have you experienced migraine headaches, mood swings or increasing bouts of depression with no real relief? Have you suffered with a combination of the above symptoms for a considerable amount of time, but never considered that they all may be indications of one, single underlying problem?

If any of the above is true, it’s quite possible that you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Your hormones control and affect a number of bodily systems that rely on and impact one another. When any one of those hormones, or a group of them, become imbalanced in relation to each another, that imbalance may cause a number of problems. Your body was designed to work as a system. Just as the system in your automobile or your computer has different parts that are required to work together for optimum performance, so does your body. And, in order for your body to maintain its best condition and operate most beneficially, your hormones need to work in balance.

The level of natural progesterone and hormonal imbalance are intricately related to one another. When natural progesterone is not present in your body in sufficient amounts to counterbalance the amounts of estrogen present, the condition can manifest in the symptoms previously described. The addition of natural progesterone can help you to restore the balance of hormones in your body. Many of the symptoms described above can be the result of one hormone’s (estrogen) disproportionate presence in your body.

Suffering from a deficiency of natural progesterone and hormonal imbalance is no way to live. Happy hormones make happier and healthier people. By adding natural progesterone back into your body’s chemistry, you can elevate your body’s overall progesterone level and bring it back into balance with the levels of estrogen, and return your body’s hormonal system to a normal state of being.

Jeff Foster asked:




A chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed, Ulcerative colitis is a serious disorder which is characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fever, chills and profuse diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis causes both inflammation and sores, also called ulcers, in the lining of the colon and rectum. The ulcerated areas occur in the areas where inflammation has killed off the protective cells that usually line the colon. The inflammation and ulcers lead to pain, bleeding, and the hallmark symptom of profuse and nearly uncontrollable diarrhea.

The inflammation of Ulcerative colitis typically begins in the rectum and the sigmoid or lower colon. It may then spreads upward throughout the entire colon. However, except for the lower section, call the ileum, this disease rarely invades the small intestine. Other names for ulcerative colitis include proctitis, enteritis, ileitis and colitis.

Currently the cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, although many theories exist. Some researchers believe that it is hereditary; others believe that it is due to a bacteria or viral invasion, and still others believe it is a defect in the immune system in which the body’s antibodies actually attack the colon.

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody or pus-filled diarrhea.

Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, loss of body fluids and nutrients and fever.

Patients may also experience joint pain, rashes, skin lesions, and abscesses. Typically the onset of ulcerative colitis is gradual. However, in some cases the onset can be rather severe with the diarrhea and bleeding being much more significant. Because many of these symptoms can mimic other disorders it is important to see your physician so that an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can begin.

There is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis except for removal of the colon.

Some helpful treatments include medications such as steroids designed to control or lessen the inflammation of the colon can help to improve the diarrhea and cramping. Antibiotics may also be used to help control the disorder.

Other medications may be used to control the pain and diarrhea of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes can also help. For example, during an acute attack of ulcerative colitis, your physician may suggest that you avoid milk, milk products and bulky, heavy fiber foods.

A healthy diet with sufficient calories and adequate protein will help in overall well being. Hospitalization may be necessary in order to correct malnutrition, dehydration or mineral imbalances and to stop the diarrhea.

Surgery may also be required for difficult cases of ulcerative colitis. In cases of excessive bleeding, a perforation of the colon or even a debilitating lifestyle impact from the disease may all be appropriate reasons for surgery to remove the colon. Surgery is generally looked to as a last resort option after all other treatment options have failed.

Ulcerative colitis mimics several other bowel disorders and must be aggressively managed in order to avoid long term damage to the colon and a significant impact on the overall health of the sufferer.

Talk with your physician today and determine the best and most aggressive course of treatment for your disease.

cristi ion asked:




The bilberry bush is a well ramified bush with a 10-15 cm height. The parts used in phytotherapy: the leaves and the fruit.

Pharmacologic action: hypoglycaemic, diuretic and disinfectant for the urinary tubule, anti-diarrhea, anti-hemorrhagic.

The bilberry bush is generally a bush that grows in the wild and the attempts of cultivating it that have been undertaken for its remarkable qualities have not taken the shape of vast plantations due to profitability reasons.

The active principle, that is myrtilline, also called vegetal insulin, makes sugar decrease from the blood. In order to enhance the efficiency of the tea, bilberry leaves may be associated bean pods and mulberry tree leaves. Our recommendation is that the tea should be drunk sugar-free or saccharin sweetened.

Diabetes treatment is not possible without this plant!

The compositional structure of the bilberries provides them with anti-infectious properties. They are recommended for curing enteritis, cystitis and the circulatory disorders. They are anti-diabetic and have got effects upon the visual acuity.

The tannin content provides an astringent action and rushes the proteins contained in the cells of the digestive tract mucus; it rushes even the proteins of the pathogen flora, thus diminishing the action of the toxic and irritating substances.

Jams, fine jams, wine; liquor can be made from bilberries in the house pharmacy, as they are both food and medicines:

* the jams and the marmalades for curing chronic diarrhea. The recommended administration is one tea-spoon three times a day. Bilberries are also recommended to children in order to get rid of rickets.

* the bilberry wine � one tea-spoon shall be given to children and one small glass to grown-ups three times a day. It should be taken before the main meals.

1. As for convalescent people, a minimum 10 day cure with fresh bilberries or with any of the available fruit preparations is recommended.

2. As for low immunity individuals, a 20 day cure with bilberry fruit or with a tincture from its leaves is recommended.

3. As far as pulmonary tuberculosis is concerned, consuming 150-200 grams of bilberry fruit three times a day within a 30 day cure will help for a quick recovery, as this cure is associated to the drug treatment.

Synthetically speaking one may say that the bilberry bush as a medicine plant is useful and efficient in treating the following illnesses: diabetes, oral pharyngeal diseases, anorexia, burns, bronchitis, diarrhea, eczemas, oedemas, and podagra.

Natural treatments and application procedures:

1. The bilberry leaves tea:

The infusion is made from 1 tea-spoon of bilberry leaves scalded in 250 ml of boiling water. 2-3 mugs a day should be drunk. The tea must not be sweetened in case of diabetes people.

2. The tea made from bilberry fruit:

It is an anti-diarrhea tea, being made from 2 tea-spoons of dry fruit boiled in 250 ml of water for 5 minutes. The tea should be left for 10-15 minutes in order to become an infusion. 2-3 teas a day should be drunk.

3. The bilberry tincture:

100 grams of bilberries shall be macerated in 1000 ml of alcohol for 15 days. One tea-spoon of tincture diluted in a small glass of water should be taken before each main meal. It is recommended for treating diarrhea and scorbutus.

4. The tincture made from bilberry leaves:

This one is recommended to diabetes people. It is made from 20 grams of broken up and mashed bilberry leaves, which shall then be macerated in 100 ml of 70 degree alcohol.

5. The powder made from dry leaves:

It is made from ground dried up fruit. One knife pitch should be taken 3 times a day. It should be kept under the tongue for a while and then swallowed with a bit of water.

6. The tea used in external treatments:

It is made from a handful of bilberries boiled in one litre of water until its volume drops to half of it. This tea is recommended for rinsing one�s mouth in case of pharyngitis, stomatitis and aphtae, for washing eczemas, in compresses for treating hemorrhoids.

7. The wine:

It is made from 1 litre of wine where 50 grams of mashed bilberries will have been macerated for 8 days. The recommended treatment is to have it before the main meals.