Gastrointestinal Well-being and Natural Laxatives

By Morris Townsend

For idiopathic constipation, there are a handful of FDA approved medications available by prescription. Sufferers may also turn to conventional high fiber therapy.

There is a final therapeutic possibility known as home-based or natural remedies to treat the condition. It is important that note that although they are not classified as medications, improper use can lead to dangerous health effects. Furthermore, before taking any herbal or natural treatments, the user would be well-advised to investigate claims as to their efficacy.

As is usual, consult your physician before embarking on any type of treatment, even if they are deemed natural laxatives. This article is meant to be merely informative, and cannot possibly give diagnosis or advice to your particular condition. In addition, none of the products that are mentioned are endorsed in any way.

The class of constipation known as chronic idiopathic constipation is somewhat mysterious because it is only defined in terms of its symptoms, but the causes are, by definition, unknown. If the cause can be found, then it would lose the idiopathic label and become one of several classes of diseases, e.g. rectal prolapse, dyssynergia.

Even so, chronic idiopathic constipation is a condition that is quite difficult to define. The reason is because there is such a wide population variance of hat constitutes regular gastrointestinal activity. For some people, defecating once a day is perfectly normal. For others, defecating once every three days is a fact of life. Physicians have debated this thoroughly and a consensus known as the Rome Criteria was reached. The Rome Criteria defines constipation as a constellation of symptoms, including one or less bowel movements every three days.

In recent years, the number of treatment choices for idiopathic constipation has increased. Upon diagnosis, the doctor may offer the patient one of three possibilities. The first possibility is to elect to undergo high fiber therapy, consisting of consuming increased insoluble fiber. Successful therapy also implies correct diagnosis. If this fails, the second possibility is to try one of the many federally approved laxatives and constipation medications. There is also a third possibility for the patient to take up a natural, non-FDA approved laxative.

Although the third choice is deemed a "natural therapy", it can be no less dangerous than taking one of the FDA approved medications. Indeed, it may be more dangerous to take non-FDA approved but "natural medications" as proper dosing and purity of production is not well established. For example, aspirin is a natural molecule derived from the bark of the Willow tree, but it is safe only because of extensive testing in dosage and production.

Given these caveats, there are indeed some remedies which are based on either common ingredients (such as mineral oil) or herbs that have a long history of being used for treatment in constipation (such as senna). The natural treatments can roughly be divided into kinds. One kind belongs to what are known as stimulant laxatives. These natural laxatives chemically induce motion in the colon, as well as retain water to help propel the contents to expulsion. Examples of these include the senna laxative, derived from the senna plant. Previously the cascara plant was used as a natural laxative, but its dangers became known to the FDA and it was banned entirely.

What about the other kind of natural laxatives? These broadly include mineral and castor oil, as well as prunes or prune juice. In all of them, ingestion is thought to lead to water retention, either by coating and protecting the bowel matter (the oils) or by increasing indigestible bulk (prunes). Increased water content has been associated with better transit through the colonic space.

The availability of natural laxatives to the general public does not imply safety of such products. Use of any is best done with the advice and guidance of a doctor. If a patient and his doctor is able to come to some efficacious natural treatment, then indeed it may be a victory in the battle against constipation. - 30193

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Ongoing Issues in Accurate Diagnosis of Constipation

By Yuri Kakharov

(Foreword/Disclaimer: All writing here is supplied on an informational basis, with no endorsement of any of the particular products that may be mentioned. In addition, any interested party should seek the knowledge of a board-certified physician. The writer here is not and does not represent himself as a physician. All research provided here has been gathered from other written sources.)

Various surveys report the incidence of constipation to range from 2 to 30%, with one large international survey pegging the number at 12% worldwide. The numbers encompass a wide range and probably reflect fundamental problems in the survey method itself. However, the bottom line is that constipation is a common condition that afflicts a substantial fraction of the population.

One explanation for why the statistics are so inconsistent is that constipation has historically been a poorly-defined condition. The poor definitions are due the fact that constipation varies quite a bit between patients. Frequency of bowel movements, time spent straining at the toilet and hardness of feces are but three examples of patient-reported symptoms that vary wildly from person-to-person. Some attempt has been made by both U.S. national agencies and private groups (such as the Rome Foundation) in unifying our definition of constipation. Nevertheless, diagnosis is made difficult by such variations.

The causes of constipation are also numerous. Certain poorly understood but well-defined chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome can lead to constipation. As there is no treatment for the underlying condition, alleviation of symptoms is the only therapeutic route. Physiological and anatomical defects can also give rise to constipation. These include muscle or nerve damage from or sports-related injuries. Finally, a very broad class of patients have no identifiable cause: these patients have what is termed idiopathic constipation.

Often first line therapy for people diagnosed with chronic idiopathic constipation is introduction of high fiber into diet. Recent studies show that fiber and fluids are effective in only a small fraction of patients. Because of the ease and accessibility of high fiber treatment, it is quite popular with physicians and patients. Response is expected within two weeks, at which time both parties may decide whether the diagnosis and therapy were successful.

Other types of natural treatments include both lubricant laxatives and herbal supplements such as senna. Herbal and natural supplements are not always safe. The FDA has banned some natural supplements, namely aloe vera and cascara recently, for failure on the part of manufacturers to provide sufficient safety data. However, some other over-the-counter treatments remain available.

There are also a number of prescription-only constipation medications available. Some of these act as laxatives, whereas others are special compounds that modulate the functional properties of the gastrointestinal tract. In recent times, exciting therapies such as biofeedback have also risen to prominence. Expect treatments for constipation to advanced greatly in the next few years. - 30193

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The Best Diet to Follow After Colon Cancer Surgery

By Christine W. Palmerson

Colon cancer surgery is of course considered to be a major operation, and once the procedure has been carried out, a patient has several options regarding a suitable diet in order to prevent the reoccurrence of the disease, bearing in mind that dietary fat is a huge contributor to the condition in the first place.

Diets which are high in fat tend to increases the amount of bile acids being released into the digestive tract. These acids then become secondary bile acids when they enter the colon, and in turn they encourage the growth of a tumor. For this reason it's imperative to eat a diet that is low in fat after having colon cancer surgery in order to prevent reoccurrence.

Another way to minimize your chances of getting colon cancer, or the reoccurrence of it, is to adopt a diet rich in antioxidants, bearing in mind that antioxidants are well known for their ability to fight colorectal cancer, as well as many other types of cancer. Essentially, this is because antioxidants are highly effective at boosting the immune system, thus offering extra protection against free radicals.

Almost all vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants. Beta-carotene and selenium are of particular importance in that they have the ability to repair the damage which results from free radicals. With that said, doctors recommend eating foods that are rich in antioxidants rather than depending on supplements.

Vitamin D, calcium and folic acid are also crucial in term of preventing and fighting colon cancer. Folic acid for example is vital for the production of tissues and cells, and it's necessary for maintaining healthy red blood cells. Most citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables are rich in folic acid. According to some recent studies, vitamin D and calcium are of extreme importance in terms of preventing colon cancer, hence the reason why it's crucial to include plenty of foods which are rich in these in your diet. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D include: dark green leafy vegetables, yogurt, cheese, milk, mustard, sardines and salmon.

Following colon cancer surgery, patients are advised to also increase their fiber intake. This is simply because fiber helps to move waste through the digestive tract more efficiently. Fortunately there are several foods which are rich in fiber, such as brown rice, beans, berries, prunes, fresh fruits, vegetables, and of course, whole grain cereals.

It's always beneficial to eat foods derived from natural plant sources, but this is even more important following colon cancer surgery. Likewise, intake of high-fat foods should also be limited, as should the consumption of alcohol. Exercise, preferably on a regular basis is also highly recommended in order to maintain a healthy weight. - 30193

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Don't Die From This Disease! - Colon Cancer is Preventable

By Veronica Carrillo

Colon cancer staging is a careful effort to ascertain whether the cancer has dispersed, and if it has, to what additional regions of the body it has spread to. Staging is really significant as it helps to show which sorts of treatment may be suitable in opposing the cancer.

When you are having any of these symptoms that could mean that you have parasites, Colonic Polyps, Ulcertaive Colitis, Diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome. These are diseases that should not be avoided at all, I will go into more detail about each one in a little bit, but just understand that these could escalate to even more problems if action is not taking to make you colon healthy again.

Now you already know what parasites are and you know that they are not friendly. The parasites enter you body from different types of ways, the most common is from eating uncooked food and drinking unfiltered water. Parasites eat up your nutrients from your food that is needed for your body also leaving behind a toxin that leaves the part of your intestines that absorbs the nutrient weak. When this happens your digestive system wont do what its suppose to do. Parasites could disguise themselves as healthy sells or they could be like a tapeworm type living in your system for years.

In this stage it has dispersed more profoundly into or through the colon or rectum. Potentially it might have affected additional tissue also. In this stage it has not arrived at the Lymph nodes (bean-sized structures which can be found in the entire body that assists in combatting all forms of infections and diseases. Stage 2 is also known as Duke B.

Once you're in this stage it has now spread to the Lymph nodes though it has not spread to nearby regions of the body. Stage 3 is also known as Duke C. In this stage the illness has spread through the Lymph node system to additional nearby tissue. This is most commonly known as metastasis. The organs that are most probably affected are the lungs and liver. Stage 4 is also known as Duke D.

Survival rates for early stage detection is approximately 5 times that of late stage cancers. Staging is crucial because the spread of infection at diagnosis is the most potent predictor of survival, and treatments are frequently altered based on the stage. - 30193

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Find The Best Colon Cleansers

By Bart Icles

Colon cleanse reviews serve a very important role when you are looking into a detoxification program for you or an important person in your life. Through a colon cleansing procedure, you could make your body healthier and functioning better because you could get rid of the toxins which have been trapped in your body for a time longer than normal. If you are already experiencing various kinds of symptoms like unusual bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea or perhaps you are already gaining weight, you might probably need a colon cleanse pronto! If you ignore these signs, the waste or toxins that have been causing all these irritating symptoms could do more damage to your body faster than you think.

Colon cleansing is important because it can definitely help you live a healthier life. A lot of people have also recognized this importance which is why, as of this moment, there are plenty of products made especially to aid us in cleansing our colons. Since there a lot of methods and products or other supplements anyone could get their hands on to get on with their cleansing, you have to browse through a colon cleanse reviews to know which brands, or methods would work best for you.

With all the commercialized colon cleansers companies have made, perhaps you are someone who would prefer something natural. Well, there are actually plenty of ways in which you can do this. There are natural colon cleansers which use organic herbs which also has the same effect with the commercialized products. Not only do they come cheaper, but you can also control the herbs to use to aid you in your cleansing and the healing of your colon. You can review the various functions of each herb you want to incorporate in your natural colon cleanser and control the quantity that you want to use. Usually, natural colon cleansers do not have any side effects which is why most medical experts approve of using this method.

Though natural colon cleansers seem promising, there are also some commercialized colon cleansers that could also cleanse the colon. One example of this is a laxative. They contain chemicals and could also provide relief from constipation in a short time. Even if this is really effective, doctors do not recommend using this regularly. In fact, it is advised that before trying out anything, try to consult a doctor so that you are guaranteed of its safety.

Cleansing the colon is really necessary because we acquire toxins daily through the food that we eat every day. This is why you need to find the best colon cleanse method that would work best for you. It should not only guarantee effectiveness, but most especially, your safety.

Read more colon cleanse reviews to find testimonials from people who have a lot of experience and knowledge when it comes to the colon's health and colon cleansing. - 30193

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Lung Cancer! Can It be Beaten Using Traditional Herbal Remedies?

By Grahaam A. E. Maartin

Lung Cancer! Graviola and N-Tense are said to be very effective fighting this. Are they? Many people have, and still are using them. The results appear to say a big yes!

Are you frightened by the thought of getting Lung cancer? Does the words "lung cancer" worry you? The words are very emotive aren't they? Well now it appears that there is some very good 'natural' help available to you Graviola and N-Tense!

Traditionally, the large majority of medical practitioners and doctors (though not all), frown on the use of herbal remedies like Graviola and N-Tense for 'Lung Cancer', often describing them as 'quack' or 'fringe' medicines, simply because they are outside the range of subjects taught in medical school.

The fact that many of these herbal remedies may really be quite beneficial to you is now supported by growing evidence. N-Tense and Graviola are two in particular that are showing promising results in patients with Lung Cancer, sometimes in case where traditional chemotherapy doesn't work. Would you use it?

In 2001 The Health Sciences Institute (HSI) featured an article, headlined "Billion-dollar Drug Company nearly squashes astounding research on natural cancer killer". It says. "Cancer conquered with miracle tree from the Amazon found to be 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy". Can you believe that! 10.000 times stronger and yet some greedy pharmaceutical company tried to squash it because they couldn't patent a plant that just might stop Lung Cancer! Disgusting! That tree was Graviola! . So what exactly is Graviola?

Graviola is a tree that is indigenous to the Amazon Rainforests and some other parts of South America. It's not really a huge rainforest tree, in fact it is a relatively small evergreen "shrub" (in Rainforest terms) growing to only 5 to 6 metres tall. But in terms of having cancer cell fighting properties, it's an absolute giant!

Much of the research already completed has found that plenty of the annonaceous acetogenins or phytochemicals (chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants) found in the seeds, stem and leaves of Graviola tree are cytotoxic against various cancer cells and tumour cells. In herbal medicine, all these plant parts are used.

That is the very good because, quote:- (Cytotoxic: Toxic to cells, cell-toxic, cell-killing. Any agent or process that kills cells. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are forms of cytotoxic therapy.) The HSI article says the tree has been studied in over 20 laboratory tests since the 1970s, and it has shown to: Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 different types of cancer, including pancreatic, lung, colon, prostate and breast cancer. Be 10,000 times stronger in killing colon cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. Selectively hunt down and kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells, unlike chemotherapy.

A plant screening program back in 1976 by the National Cancer Institute also demonstrated that Graviola showed active cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Many researchers who have been following up on this research have also found that Graviola was a cancer killing turbine. The use of herbal products worldwide has been there almost since the time when man first walked on the earth, well for a few thousands of years at least. So, If you or your loved ones suffer from cancer, then I would recommend that you read the Graviola and N-Tense article by the HSI in full here. It's mind blowing!

It has been shown that taking additional herbal products in addition to the above, such as "Lung Support to help the lungs and also Immune Support" to boost the immune system could be of help!

So, could Graviola and N-tense help you in the fight against Lung Cancer? It appears that the answer is a resounding yes!

Health Disclaimer! The information provided here must NOT be taken as professional or personal medical advice or instruction. You should 'always consult with a professional health practitioner' on important matters relating to your own health and well-being. The opinions given here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment and information available to the author at the time. Please Note. Any reader, who fails to consult with the appropriate medical and health authorities, "assumes ALL responsibility of any resulting injuries". The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. - 30193

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Can You beat Breast Cancer and using Traditional Herbal Remedies and Alternative Medicine?

By Grahaam A. E. Maartin

Breast Cancer! Do herbal products like Graviola and Graviola Max actually work? That is the issue I am going to look at. But the initial results seem to say an emphatic yes!

Many people are worried at the thought of developing Breast Cancer! Does the phrase "Breast Cancer" worry you? Powerful words are they not? Graviola and Graviola Max both seem to be very good herbal products, and they are available to youNow!

Usually, the large majority of doctors and medical practitioners although to be fair, not all, do not support the use of natural products like Graviola and Graviola Max in treating "Breast Cancer". Often calling them "fringe or quack" remedies, simply because the medical institutions don't teach the students about them.

Evidence is growing however, in support of the fact that many of these botanicals may be really quite beneficial. Two of these herbal remedies in particularly, 'Graviola' and 'Graviola Max are showing some quite remarkable results in "Breast Cancer" patients. Often in cases where chemotherapy and traditional treatment didn't work. Would you use it?

In 2001 The Health Sciences Institute (HSI) featured an article, headlined "Billion-dollar Drug Company nearly squashes astounding research on natural cancer killer". It says. "Cancer conquered with miracle tree from the Amazon found to be 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy". Can you believe that! 10.000 times stronger and yet some greedy pharmaceutical company tried to squash it because they couldn't patent a plant that just might stop Breast Cancer! Disgusting! That tree was Graviola! . So what exactly is Graviola?

Graviola is a tree that is indigenous to the Amazon Rainforests and some other parts of South America. It's not really a huge rainforest tree, in fact it is a relatively small evergreen "shrub" (in Rainforest terms) growing to only 5 to 6 metres tall. But in terms of having cancer cell fighting properties, it's an absolute giant!

Lots of research has already been completed. It's been found that a lot of the phytochemicals or annonaceous acetogenins (the chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants) found in the stem, leaves, and seeds of the Graviola tree are cytotoxic against many cancer cells and tumours. These plant parts are all used in herbal medicine.

This is the really good news because, quote:- (Cytotoxic: Toxic to cells, cell-toxic, cell-killing. Any agent or process that kills cells. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are forms of cytotoxic therapy.) According to the HSI article the 'Graviola' tree has been studied in more than 20 laboratory tests since the 1970s, where it's been shown to: Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 different types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Be 10,000 times stronger in killing colon cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. Selectively hunt down and kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells, unlike chemotherapy.

Back in 1976 a plant screening program by the National Cancer Institute also showed that Graviola displayed active cytotoxicity against cancer cells and various researchers have been following up on this research ever since and have found that Graviola was a cancer killing powerhouse. These Herbal products have been in use worldwide almost since the time when man first walked on the earth. If you or your loved ones suffer from this terrible ailment, then I would strongly recommend that you read the HSI article about Graviola Max and Graviola here. It really is staggering!

Other Herbal products that could also be used help assist the above are "Immune Support" to boost the immune system. Both have shown to be off great help!

Well can Graviola and Graviola Max help you in your fight against Breast Cancer? It seems that the answer is yes, absolutely!

Health Disclaimer! This information must not be taken as professional or personal medical advice or instruction. Never take action based solely on this article's contents. You should 'always' consult with a professional health practitioner on important matters relating to your own health and well-being. The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be sound and accurate, based on the author's best information available at the time. Any reader, who fails to consult with the appropriate medical and health authorities, "assumes ALL responsibility of any resulting injuries". The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. - 30193

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