Top Tips To Treat And Prevent Diverticulosis

Submitted by: Raymond Geok Seng Lee

If your diet has come up short in the roughage department over the years, you may notice the effects sometime after your 60th birthday. That is usually about the time pea-size pouches called diverticula start to form in the walls of the intestines, most often in the lower of the digestive tract. Sixty-five percent of us will have developed diverticula, a condition called diverticulosis by the time we turn 85. Like gray hair, diverticula come with age. Diverticulosis usually does not hurt. In fact, most people don’t even know they have it until the telltale pouches show up on an x-ray or during an intestinal exam.

For an unlucky 10 to 25 percent of those with diverticulosis, though, the condition worsens to diverticulitis. This means that the usually benign pouches become infected and inflamed, causing rectal bleeding, constipation, and severe abdominal pain. Between 15 and 30 percent of people with acute diverticulitis require surgery.

Clearly, diverticulitis is serious business. However you can try out these tips and suggestions to treat and prevent it.

Feast on fiber. Diverticula are usually a by-product of eating too much highly processed, low-fiber fare. Getting more fiber in your diet minimizes the likelihood that diverticula will form in the first place. Even if you already have diverticulosis, eating fiber-rich foods can help by relieving the constipation that is often a symptom of the condition. Fiber dilates the colon and reduces the pressure inside it. Among the best food sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Add these to your diet slowly to minimize the gas pain that often accompanies an increase in fiber intake. Any discomfort that you do notice should only be temporary. You should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day. Do not get hung up on numbers, though. Just eat a whole-grain bread at lunch and add fresh fruits and vegetables to each meal.

Do not be seedy. Stay away from foods that contain small seeds, including tomatoes and popcorn, and dishes prepared with whole-seed spices such as cumin and sesame. The seeds can lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation.

Banish red meat from your plate. It was found that the higher the intake of red meat, the greater the risk of diverticular disease. Neither chicken nor fish appears to produce a similar increase in risk.

Drink plenty of water. Fluid makes the contents of the gut moister and lessens the pressure inside the colon, which may be responsible for the formation of diverticula. Try to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Get moving. The more active you are, the less likely you are to develop diverticular disease. It was found that there is a link between the exercise and diverticular disease. The best results, in terms of reduced risk, were associated with vigorous activities such as jogging and racquet sports.

Try tranquillity. When it comes to your digestive health, it is not only what you eat but how you eat that is important. Take meals without stress or distraction, never eat while standing up, and observe a moment of silence before eating – say a prayer or just close your eyes for a moment.

About the Author: Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.

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Acid Reflux - Heartburn

Submitted by: Amanda Baker

Everytime you turn on the television these days, there is a downpour of over-the-counter and prescription medications for the relief and prevention of acid reflux. As with medications for any ailment, there are theories regarding the disease and how well the medications work.

From a medical point of view, acid reflux is a condition caused by acidic contents from the stomach moving upward into the esophagus, which results in a burning sensation. When the valve found at the lower end of the esophagus is dysfunctional, it allows the acidic content of the stomach to be regurgitated, where it would block this behavior when functional.

Another belief is that acid reflux is caused by an individual's eating habits. As the civilized world eats more and more junk and processed foods, the majority of the food ends up in the stomach undigested. This undigested material turns into acidic waste, which causes stomach spasms. These spasms create stomach gas which pops open the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing the acidic content to return to the esophagus.

Others believe that acid reflux is related to aging. As we age, the activity of the stomach is reduced. This also reduces the ability to produce hydrochloric acid. The result is the stomach turning into a breeding ground for infection which can cause stomach pain and acid waste irritation.

Whatever the cause behind acid reflux, it is often a chronic disease. Therefore, most medications for the disease merely relieve the burning and other symptoms and cannot actually cure the condition. As medications relieve the symptoms caused by acid reflux, they can cause several undesirable side effects due to the fact that they cut down the acid production in the stomach, leading to a reduction in ability to digest food. These medications can make you more susceptible to diseases and microbes transmitted through food. This may increase your risk for food poisoning and a host of other problems.

Before you choose a medication or a natural method to rid yourself of the burning that accompanies acid reflux, you should first make a thorough assessment of the food you eat and your lifestyle. Studies show that foods such as citrus, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy, fried and fatty foods all contribute to and can aggravate acid reflux. Limiting your intake or avoiding such foods as much as possible is a good first line of defense against future acid reflux bouts.

Lifestyle modification, such as losing weight, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, sleeping with your head raised six to eight inches, and waiting three hours after eating before going to bed can assist in reducing the number of acid reflux episodes you may have.

Though you should discuss your options with your physician, something as simple as lifestyle improvements and dietary changes can help to keep you from adding an acid blocker or acid reflux medication to your daily diet.

This article is for information purposes only. If you have or think you might have a health condition, consult your primary care physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

About the Author: Amanda Baker writes for To Be Informed: http://tobeinformed.com - a site for health, fitness and wellness. She also writes for http://allthingspondered.com - All Things Pondered.

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What Is Crohn’s Disease – An Explanation

Submitted by: Sharon Dobson

Crohn’s disease is very perplexing to those who have it, and also to those who treat it. There is no known cause, and there seems to be no cure. It is also hard to diagnose, as it is often confused with other problematic conditions that happen in the digestive system. Most cases are diagnosed long after the condition has gotten to severe stages, and that means a person is already pretty frustrated once they know what is really going on. When someone asks, “What is Crohn’s disease,” they should be ready to hear a different answer from each different person. It is something that is most commonly first diagnosed after age ten and before age twenty, but any adult might get it as well.

This condition attacks the digestive system. Most cases appear in the intestinal tract, but it can happen along any part of this system. This is considered to be an auto-immunity problem. That means the body is misinterpreting data and mistakenly attacking itself, and that leads to inflammation and damage to the area. This damage leads to the troubling symptoms that most Crohn’s patients have to contend with on a regular basis.

Though there is no cure for the condition, there are many treatment options patients can embark upon. There are many medicines that have some helpful qualities, and diet changes can help, at times surgery will be needed. Some think that stress relief plays a part in recovery, and others like to try herbal and other natural courses of treatment when medications fail.

Crohn’s disease is hard to diagnose because it mimics other less-serious conditions. A doctor may at first think a person has IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and is then sent home with simple remedies. The most common symptoms are loose stools on a regular basis, occasional vomiting, pain and cramping throughout the digestive system, weight loss, and fatigue. These can all lead to a loss of quality of life. The symptoms each patient has will be different from everyone else. No two cases seem to be identical, though there are similarities in all of them. This is a chronic disease, which means it will be for a lifetime, but there are times when it can go into remission.

In advanced stages, the inflammation will do many different things to the digestive tract. This leads to a host of problems. Blockage can occur, and on the flip side, food may move through the system so quickly that the body cannot take the nutrients that it needs to function. There are intestinal tears that can happens, and sometimes holes or perforations occur, and that can lead to waste leaking into the abdominal and pelvic region of the body. When these things happen, the patient will begin to weaken, and the body will begin to draw what it needs from the fat that is stored. Surgery will likely be needed to stop this from continuing and may also bring much relief to a patient.

What considering what is Crohn’s disease, you should think about what it means to you. You will not know what to expect until you experience it in most cases, and your course of treatment will not be like anyone else’s. Even in the cases where this condition is genetic, the symptoms of the parents might not be what you will experience. Treatment can bring about a better quality of life, but you should know there is not yet any known cure. Communications with your medical professionals is one of the most important things you can have. When you experience changes, or even new symptoms, you should make sure you report them to your doctor, and to follow whatever advice they have to give.

About the Author: Grab your free copy of Sharon Dobson's brand new Crohn's Disease Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement tips to help you discover what is crohn’s disease.

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What is Lactose Intolerance?

Submitted by: Kya Grace

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which a person is unable to assimilate lactose, a sugar present in milk and milk products. A lack of the enzyme lactase (involved in the digestion of lactose) brings about this condition. Lactose intolerance makes it difficult for the person to consume dairy products. It occurs for a variety of reasons, the most common being the slowing of lactase production by the body.

Types of Lactose Intolerance

1) Congenital Lactase Deficiency: This condition is genetic. It prevents the production of lactase in the body. It is present from birth and is usually diagnosed during early infancy. It is reasonably rare compared to the other two types.

2) Primary Lactose Intolerance: This is the most common type of lactose intolerance. It manifests due to the slowing of lactase production. It is common in adults, as the rate of enzyme production declines with age. It can also arise in prematurely born babies.

3) Secondary Lactose Intolerance: This type of intolerance comes about due to an intestinal disease or injury. It can be temporary or permanent. For example, the disease Gastroenteritis often causes temporary lactose intolerance.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance usually results in a rejection of milk products by the body. Depending on the degree of intolerance and the amount consumed, the symptoms can be mild to severe. They include abdominal pain & bloating, gas, diarrhoea and nausea.

Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can’t be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms alone as other digestion related afflictions also produce the same symptoms. Two tests are commonly used for this purpose.

• Hydrogen Breath test: A person drinks a fluid containing a large amount of lactose. If it is not being digested, a large amount of hydrogen will be present in the person’s breath.

• Stool Acidity test: This is used on younger patients. The amount of acid in the stools is measured, indicating the state of lactose digestion. Acidic stools generally indicate lactose intolerance.

Avoiding Lactose

Lactose intolerance can be a troublesome condition in societies that consume large amounts of dairy products. There is no medical solution to induce lactase production in the body, although many people report that their degree of intolerance varies with time.

The most basic solution is to avoid products containing lactose. It is present in all milk based products, including:

• Milk (this includes human milk and bovine milk)
• Butter
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Sour Cream

Non dairy products also contain some amounts of lactose. It is used as an additive in processed foods for its flavour, texture and adhesive qualities. These products include baked goods (like bread and cake), waffles & pancakes, potato chips, processed meats, salad dressings and breakfast cereals.

Prescription medicines including birth control pills and medicines to treat stomach acid might also contain lactose. However it is usually a small amount, and will only affect people with severe lactose intolerance.

Substitutes

Plant based milks are a good substitute for animal based milks. They are lactose free and are recommended by doctors. Soy milk and almond milk are the most popular. Low lactose dairy products have also been developed for people with such a condition.

Enzymatic lactase supplements can also be used if the intake of lactose containing products is unavoidable.

About the Author: If you want to sign up for a free trial with a Personal Trainer in Sydney or to hire a personal trainer, visit Sydney Personal Trainer.

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Top 20 Rich in Fibers Foods to Relieve Your Constipation Fast

Submitted by: John Darton

It is perfectly normal to obtain one or two tender, well-formed feces that is very easily to exude, bowel motions each day, with no energy of pushing way too hard. It's not typical to miss moving one’s bowel every day.

A person is constipated if the feces is dried up and hard, encounters difficulty and pushing on passing out feces and had unpredictable bowel motions.

One of the several elements influencing bowel motions is soluble fiber consumption. If there's sufficient dietary fiber in the diet, the dietary fiber combines and provides mass to the feces.

Every small particle of the dietary fiber takes up obtainable fluid and grows into a minute gel bead. These very small particles give the feces size, shape and moisture content, which can make it easy for the colon to maneuver along and discharge the feces.

To attain healthy and balanced bowel motion, enough water must also be determined. There should be sufficient water for consumption and sufficient lubrication on the lining of the colon.

With reduced dietary fiber within the diet plan, constipation is likely to take place. Dietary fiber may be soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber melts in water and develops a gel-like material that decelerates digestion.

It can help hold off the draining of the stomach and tends to make one sense to be full that at some point regulates rise in weight. Insoluble fiber, in contrast, is regarded as gut-healthy roughage because of its laxative effect. It provides a bulk to the diet. Therefore, blocking constipation.

This fiber doesn't break up in water, but it has a tendency to go through the digestive tract to accelerate the passage of food and waste materials through the bowel. Inadequate fiber in the diet regime certainly leads to constipation.

Minimal fiber diet also takes on a significant part in constipation, particularly among the aging adults. Older adults frequently lack fascination with eating and have a tendency to pick junk foods that are reduced fiber.

Some elements, such as lack of teeth could also push older people to consume much softer foods that happen to be highly processed and lacking in dietary fiber.

A nutritional program needs to include sufficient fiber, amounting to 20 to 35 grams daily. This quantity can assist to develop soft, bulky feces. A physician or dietitian is capable of doing great assistance in preparing a suitable high-fiber diet.

It is advisable to seek advice from them for well-balanced food. Foods that are full of fiber consist of whole grains, bran cereals, beans, fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, asparagus, apple, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, grapes and prunes.

If someone has already been struggling with constipation, he should restrict on the consumption of highly processed foods and dairy foods such as milk, cheese and ice cream.

These food types comprise high-fat but minimal fiber. These are the basic top twenty foods that are known in high dietary fiber content.

1. Bran cereals
2. Dried beans, legumes and peas
3. Fresh and frozen green peas
4. Dried figs, apricot and dates
5. Raspberries, blackberries and strawberries
6. Fresh of frozen lima beans
7. Sweet corn
8. Whole wheat and whole-grain cereal products
9. Broccoli
10. Bananas
11. Coconut
12. Brussels sprouts
13. Cherries
14. Baked potato with skin
15. Green snap beans, pole beans and broad beans
16. Plums, pears and apples
17. Prunes and raisins
18. Spinach, kale, and turnip greens
19. Nuts, including peanuts and walnuts
20. Carrots

These food types could be merged in a diet plan to guarantee ample intake of fiber. Sufficient dietary fiber in the diet plan minimizes the chance of experiencing constipation.

About the Author: And finally, if you are interested in more natural remedies for constipation, please check out our Natural Remedies For Constipation site

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Antibiotic for Treatment of IBS

Antibiotic for Treatment of IBS
By Dr. Scot Lewey

Based on theory that there might be overgrowth of bacteria in the small bowel (SBO) in patients with IBS antibiotics have been tried as a treatment. Antibiotics have helped some suffering with IBS, especially, those with complaints of diarrhea, excess bloating and gas, and abdominal pain.

Without well-designed scientific studies showing clear cut effectiveness, the use of antibiotics has been somewhat empiric and the questions have continued to be which antibiotic, for how long and how often? Furthermore, the role of SBO has been over stated in past, with an estimate of only 5-10% of IBS patients having confirmed bacterial overgrowth. However, more recently the role of post-infectious IBS and altered gut flora in IBS as well as the availability of non-absorbed antibiotics like Rifaximin and high quality probiotics such as VSL#3 has led to increased interest in antibiotic and probiotic therapy.

Two recent multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, TARGET 1 and TARGET 2, involving over a thousand patients who were given either Rifaximin or placebo have shown favorable though not "earth shattering" results. The dose of Rifaximin was 550 mg 2-3 times a day versus placebo, for two weeks followed by another 10 weeks of follow-up. Constipated IBS patients were excluded. Bloating and a global assessment of IBS symptoms by a standardized scale were the primary endpoints whereas abdominal pain and stool frequency were secondary endpoints.

Abdominal pain, bloating and stool symptoms were all better following treatment with Rifaximin. When data from both studies were combined it was noted that 41% of those receiving Rifaximin versus 32% in placebo group (30% placebo response rate typical in most treatment studies). Though this achieved statistical significance, it isn't a great response rate, significantly less than 50% noting response. There was a statistically significant improvement noted over the three month study period.

Limitations to the study from my stand are that markers for leaky gut and IBD serology were not checked nor were stains for mast cells done on these patients. Patients did not receive probiotics either.

One major advantage of Rifaximin is that is not absorbed from the GI tract so there are no systemic side effects. It also tends to quickly if it works and has been documented to last up to three months. The disadvantage is that it is expensive, often not covered by insurance and doesn't work in more than half of those trying it. Addition of a probiotic may help though there are limited studies to support this as a formal recommendation. A theoretical disadvantage is possible selecting out more resistant bacteria in the gut.

It is a regimen that may be worth a try if your insurance covers the antibiotic. I would recommend that Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), and microscopic colitides (lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis and mastocytic enterocolitis) be excluded by blood tests and endoscopies with biopsies.

The Food Doc is Dr. Scot M. Lewey, DO, FACG, FACP, FAAP, FACOP. Dr. Lewey is a board certified gastroenterologist (digestive disease specialist) who with distinguished honors in several professional organizations including being elected as a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology (FACG). Dr. Lewey is also a teacher and medical educator and holds the academic rank of Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Colorado's newest medical school, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado.

Dr. Lewey has authored articles for peers and the lay community on a variety of food allergy and digestion related health issues, and is considered an expert in Celiac Sprue, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, Colitis and Crohn's disease, food allergy and intolerance, mastocytic enterocolitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBD), eosinophilic esophagitis and acid reflux.

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When Good Bugs Go Bad

When Good Bugs Go Bad
By Robert Lee Lawrence

When Good Bugs Go Bad

Small bowel overgrowth (SBO) is a condition of the small intestine that allows too many bacteria, typically Lactobacillus, to develop and thrive. "So what", you ask? Well the "so what" is that Lactobacillus bacteria are not welcome in that area. They compete with the host (that would be you) for food and the bacteria typically win the fight. Remember that bully in grade school who would always swipe your PB&J from you? You got pretty hungry by the end of the day didn't you? It's like that with SBO because if the bacteria eat your lunch repeatedly you run the risk of malnutrition and a host of unpleasant symptoms.

The small intestine is where the digestion and absorption of your food occurs. Digestion breaks down your meals into the basic carbohydrate, fat and protein macronutrients that a healthy body needs to function at optimum efficiency. As food moves from the early part of the small intestine (duodenum) through the middle (jejunum) and latter parts of the small intestine (ileum), the bacteria increase from relatively small numbers until they reach their highest levels in the large intestine, the colon. In the small intestine, enzymes, acids, hormones and other chemicals manufactured by the body are added to the food mixture (now called chyme) and are there to help digestion and absorption. The presence of these digestive juices, especially the acid, is why only a few bacteria would be expected to be found in a healthy small intestine.

The colon is where all the unusable material from your food is collected and where the bacteria are most numerous. The water content of this material is about ¾ of the total mass. Of the remaining ¼, approximately 30% is bacteria by weight. The bacteria would include the lactobacillus and other probiotic species as well as approximately 400 other species. The weight of all the bacteria in the gut is about 15 pounds. The large intestine is where the bacteria belong.

The beneficial effects of this large biomass on human health cannot be underestimated. The bacteria promote a cleaning of the intestinal cells, manufacture some vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, B-12, and, perhaps most importantly, produce vitamin K, which is important in blood clotting and bone formation. Short chain fatty acids (used as a fuel for colonic cells) are also produced. The downside of all this bacterial activity is the amount of toxic waste produced while the bacteria work for us. If the toxins build up, it definitely would qualify as a Superfund site.

In a normally healthy gut, when intestinal cells are functioning in an optimal fashion, the cells are able to absorb the bacterial toxins and neutralize them directly or pass them on to other sites in the body for detoxification. We get sick when the cells and body can no longer neutralize the poisons such as when pathogenic bacteria are present in overwhelming numbers (Montezuma's Revenge) or when the normal ratio of "good versus bad" bacteria is altered (dysbiosis). If the toxins accumulate without control, and the acid/base balance in the colon is significantly altered and disrupted, serious diseases like cancer can result.

We see a decrease in the numbers of the good bacteria, and the development of dysbiosis, in those cases where there is an overuse of antibiotics, antacids, NSAIDs, poor diet, lack of proper nutrition, stress, or in association with hidden food allergies. When colonic dysbiosis occurs, the symptoms you see would include the typical non-specific bloating, gas, diarrhea (sometimes constipation), nausea, and general malaise. There are instances in gut ecology where, because of changes in the intestinal environment, bacterial populations, especially the probiotic Lactobacillus, can migrate into the small intestine. Environmental changes in the gut can happen because of aging when gastric acid production is in decline. As the stomach acid reduces more Lactobacillus survive the journey through the stomach and into the upper gut and it is easier for them to thrive there. The elderly are more prone to SBO than a younger population and, as a result, develop more issues with nutritional deficiencies. Environmental changes can also happen in cases of pancreatic insufficiency with diseases like pancreatitis or liver diseases like hepatitis. Diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, intestinal surgeries and Scleroderma are also suspected of contributing to SBO.

When SBO occurs, the symptoms would include the typical non-specific findings of bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and general malaise. Sound familiar? The symptoms are pretty much the same as you would see in colonic dysbiosis and even in Irritable Bowel Syndrome or a Candida overgrowth. In addition, severe cases of SBO can lead indirectly to malnutrition by decreasing the intestine's ability to digest fats and, ultimately, proteins and carbohydrates. With severe, chronic SBO we also see weight loss, B-12 deficiency induced anemia, bone softening, and impaired night vision as the body fails to absorb vitamins because of the diarrhea. In fact chronic diarrhea is considered to be the hallmark of SBO. A recent study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology show SBO to be the causative factor of chronic diarrhea in up to 67% of reported cases. In another study in the same journal 48% of cases were diagnosed with SBO. A separate study showed that up to 83% of patients diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome had SBO instead. SBO is definitely good bugs gone bad.

So how do you know if you have SBO? How is it diagnosed? More importantly, if you have it what do you do about it? If you have the symptoms described above and these symptoms have persisted for more than several weeks you should see a physician who is familiar with functional testing. As its name implies, functional testing refers to lab testing that helps determine the function and interplay of a total organ system rather than an isolated portion of that system. Functional tests ask the question "Why"! Traditional testing asks "What"! When you ask "what" is wrong, it only allows for symptom management. If you ask "why" it's wrong, it allows for the complete management of the cause of the symptoms.

There are several types of functional tests important in SBO. One invasive procedure cultures a bacterial sample taken directly from the contents of the duodenum. Stool microbiology offered by some labs identifies an overgrowth of bacteria by direct observation of the bacteria cultured from a stool sample. There is also a breath test that identifies, indirectly, the metabolic waste of the bacteria. Lastly, your doctor can order an evaluation of your urine collected first thing in the morning. This test looks directly at the waste products given off by the bacteria. If SBO is present, several of these waste products will be elevated.

Once diagnosed, your physician can then determine the next steps to take. You certainly don't want to take Lactobacillus containing probiotic supplements until the overgrowth is controlled. You're simply feeding the fire if you do. In some severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary to control SBO. In less severe cases the natural compound approach may be best. This could include various bactericidal herbs like Oregano, Goldenseal, and Garlic. Adding digestive aids like proteolytics, pancreatic enzymes as well as Betaine HCl may be of benefit. Changing your diet to exclude Lacto-fermented and "aged" foods temporarily as well as reducing high glycemic carbohydrates would be advised. It would be important to resolve the underlying cause for the overgrowth if possible. If the condition that allowed the overgrowth to occur in the first place is not considered then the above dietary changes will only offer temporary relief. After the overgrowth is reduced to normal and the causative factors are controlled, it's OK, and advisable, to return the fermented foods and probiotics back into your diet.

So while you may not have heard a lot about SBO, it does mask itself as several other conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida, contributes to the symptom picture in many other conditions, and its proper control can certainly make your life a lot easier.

Robert L. Lawrence, MEd, DC, DACBN

Dr. Lawrence maintains a nutrition practice in Lake Worth, Florida. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Garden of Life whole food supplements. A former instructor at the National University of Health Sciences, he has also served as a consultant in Functional Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory Testing. Dr. Lawrence has completed an extensive post-doctoral course of study on "Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice" through The Institute of Functional Medicine. He holds degrees in Science Education, Chiropractic Medicine, Clinical Nutrition and is a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.

http://foundationsclinic.com

[email protected]

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by

Joseph

Fiber can do some amazing things for the body, but it can't prevent diverticulosis. According to research published in the journal Gastroenterology, people who eat lots of fiber may still be susceptible to this common gastrointestinal disease.

Medical scientists from the University of South Carolina at Chapel Hill made the discovery when they investigated whether diets and sedentary lifestyle increased the risk for diverticulosis. They selected 2104 volunteers who underwent outpatient colonoscopies between 1998 - 2010. The test subjects, who ranged from 30 years - 80 years of age, were interviewed to assess their diet and physical activity levels.

The researchers looked at low fiber and high fat diets as well as levels of physical activity. The data was validated instrumentality so as to minimize the likelihood of inaccurate results.

Through the assessment, the team learned that high fiber diets didn't provide any extra benefit against diverticulosis. The number of people with the condition was correlated with age i.e. the older the volunteers, greater were the chances they had diverticulosis.

Investigators also noted that volunteers who had more than 15 bowel movements per week were 70% more likely to suffer from diverticulosis. In fact, the more fiber the volunteers consumed, the greater the risk for the disease.

On the other hand, found no relationship between either physical inactivity or consumption of red meat and diverticulosis. In other words, sedentary people who liked to eat a lot of red meat were not at significant risk for developing diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis is a medical condition characterized by weakening of the muscles in the large intestine. Structural changes to the colon causes pouches to form and affected individuals will pass stool more frequently than normal. Thus it shouldn't really come as a suprise that high fiber diets would only aggravate diverticulosis. (By the way, diverticulosis shouldn't be confused with "diverticulitis" which is the result of inflamed pouches in the large intestine).  

Based on the evidence, lead researcher Robert S. Sandler and his colleagues concluded:"A high fiber diet and increased frequency of bowel movements are associated with greater, not lower, prevalence of diverticulosis."

This makes sense if you think about it: Insoluble fiber, or "roughage", helps the body to pass stool more easily. Therefore people who are suffering from a condition that increases the frequency of their bowel movements, eating foods that are known to facilitate the passage of bowel, would seem to only make the problem worse.

 

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Article Sources 

Peery, A., Barrett, P., Park, D., Rogers, A., Galanko, J., Martin, C., & Sandler, R. (2011). A High-Fiber Diet Does Not Protect Against Asymptomatic Diverticulosis Gastroenterology DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.10.035

Diverticulosis - wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diverticulosis

Diverticulitis - wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diverticulitis

 

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Acid Reflux Linked to Weight Gain
By Adrianna Notton

Heartburn is a very irritating and uncomfortable condition
affecting millions of people. Heartburn is one of the symptoms
of acid reflux. If you suffer from frequent heartburn, and have
been diagnosed as having acid reflux, you should know that there
have been a number of studies in recent years that have shown
that there is a link between acid reflux and weight gain, even
if the person was not originally overweight. As well, there have
been studies that have shown that women who gained a few extra
pounds were at risk of developing frequent heartburn.

Acid reflux is a medical condition in which the gastric or
stomach acids rise up in the esophagus and the esophageal lining
becomes damaged due to the high acidity. Even a moderate weight
gain increases the risking of developing gastric reflux. The
surplus fat builds up in the abdominal region resulting in an
increase in stomach pressure. This pressure forces the sphincter
muscle that is located between the stomach and esophagus to open
which results in acid being able to move upward to the
esophagus. It has been found that patients who lose more than 25
pounds of weight will minimize or stop instances of heartburn.
Even a small weight decrease can relieve acid reflux symptoms.

The overweight and obese are at a higher risk of developing
heartburn. Patients who want to lose weight and reduce acid
reflux need to adopt a special acid reflux diet. This includes
avoiding whole milk, fatty or fried foods, oils, chocolate,
coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, fast foods, citrus fruits and
juices, creamed foods, and tea. As well, avoid chewing gum, hard
candy, late evening snacks, and eat small portions.

Recommended foods for an acid reflux diet include: vegetables,
low-fat milk, fat free yogurt, non citrus fruits, bread, grains,
low fat meat such as fish, chicken, and turkey. Avoid sausage,
cold cuts, fatty red meats, bacon, and chicken skin and fat.

As you can see, adopting an acid reflux diet is very healthy
and will help you lose weight. Because there have been a number
of studies indicating that there is a link between acid reflux
diet and one’s Body mass Index (BMI), people can now reduce or
eliminate acid reflux and lose weight at the same time
naturally. As well, because the stomach acids work their way up
into the esophagus and erodes the esophagus lining, if left
untreated, over time one could possibly develop cancer.

If you are one of the many people who have difficulty sticking
to a diet on your own, there are specialized weight loss clinics
that can provide support and monitor your weight loss and health
while you lose the weight naturally. When you lose weight the
natural way, you will discover that your overall health and well
being are improved. Due to its many health benefits, it just
makes sense to lose weight the natural way. Losing weight the
natural way is quite easy when you make the commitment to live a
healthier life.

About the Author: Dr. Bernstein Diet & Health Clinics provide
medically supervised weight loss healthy programs. Guaranteed
natural weight loss programs. 77 Adelaide St. West, Toronto, ON
M5X 1E1. (416) 869-3118 http://www.drbdiet.com

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Crohn’s Or Colitis?
By Sharon Dobson

In the realm of disorders that affect the digestive tract there
is often some confusion over diagnosing specific conditions.
Many of these disorders tend to overlap in terms of symptoms and
signs. Since it is often difficult to distinguish one form of
irritable bowel disease (IBD) from another, diagnosis is often a
time-consuming procedure wrought with the painstaking approach
of trial-and-error.

Two forms of IBD that are frequently confused are Crohn’s
Disease and colitis. Each of these diseases is strikingly
similar in symptomology. Each condition can result in severe
diarrhea, extensive episodes of abdominal cramping, loss of
energy, fever, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Each of these
diseases is caused by tissue inflammation. According to current
data up to two million people in the United States have either
Crohn’s Disease or colitis.

Crohn’s Disease usually affects the small intestine, however,
it can manifest in other places throughout the body including
the esophagus, stomach, appendix, anus, duodenum, and large
intestine, colitis, on the other hand, strictly affects the
colon.

Sufferers of both Crohn’s Disease and colitis experience
periods where the respective diseases fade into remission. Each,
however, is marked by the tendency to experience sudden
flare-ups which can drastically reduce quality of life. While
the physical symptoms are similar, the psychological effects
from the diseases also mimic one another. Many sufferers fall
into depression and withdraw from social situations due to the
fear of sudden flare-ups. Surprisingly, one of the most commonly
prescribed medications for Crohn’s and colitis is
antidepressants.

Treatment, disregarding the emotional impact of these forms of
IBD, is also similar. Drugs are generally the first option. The
classes of these drugs include antibiotics, immune suppressants,
biologic therapy, immunomodulators, and corticosteroids.

Drugs will not cure either disease. Colitis can be cured, but
surgery to remove the colon is required. Since Crohn’s can
affect a wider region of the body, surgery can alleviate some of
the more severe symptoms, but this does not mean that the
disease cannot spring up in other places, thus it remains
incurable.

Experts on IBDs recommend similar methods of approaching the
maintenance of each disease on a daily basis. Exercise, reducing
stress levels, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain
foods, taking various vitamins and supplements, and keeping a
food diary can all be excellent ways of keeping the diseases in
check. With either condition it is important to schedule regular
medical check ups to ensure serious damage to the digestive
tract is avoided.

About the Author: Sharon Dobson has an interest in Health
related topics. For further information on Crohn's Disease
please visit
http://www.natural-crohns-disease-relief.com/crohnsdisease.html
or on
http://natural-crohns-disease-relief.com/blog/2006/08/04/crohn%e2%80%99s-or-colitis/
.

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