Diverticulosis: A Prevalent Disease In Older People

Diverticulosis -- Source: www.drmarkbowles.com/gi4.html

So you’ve had a colonscopy and found out you have diverticulosis. Your doctor prescribed Benefiber, then left the room and never returned. Now what? Will you have this forever? Are you unhealthy? How does one develop diverticulosis? And what is the difference between “osis” and “itis?”

By age 60, half of the people in North America will have diverticulosis. By the time they reach 80, this number mushrooms to two-thirds. A diverticulum is a bulge of the inner colon lining through the colon’s muscular wallto its outer surface. A diverticulum looks like a small soap bubble and is only 1/5 to 2/5 inches (0.5-1 cm) in diameter.

If you’ve been eating a diet devoid of fibrous foods, then someday soon you also will be welcomed to the world of diverticulosis. Too many foods today are refined – lacking enough fibre to effectively sweep out the colon and keep it clean. This is especially true of grains, where we throw away the bran – the outer coat. In countries where 100% whole grains are used, diverticulosis is a rarity.

“Diverticulosis has been considered a degenerative disorder in the past. However, there is compelling evidence that, in many patients, it develops as a result of longstanding irritable bowel syndrome: chronic constipation; alternating constipation and diarrhea; abdominal cramps and tenderness; mucus; abdominal bloating and gas; incomplete evacuation; etc. Many patients with diverticulosis have, unfortunately, been the recipients of bad advice regarding their diets. In many cases, high fiber foods have been severely restricted, only making the condition worse. I would submit that most of the symptoms of diverticulosis are actually symptoms of spastic colon/irritable bowel syndrome and are particularly aggravated by fatty foods and emotional stress. (www.drmarkbowles.com/gi4.html)

Bran and other fibre hold water in undigested food, making stools soft. Without sufficient fibre, undigested foods become hard and dry, causing the colon walls to strain to keep the matter moving. In some, the diverticulum breaks and causes a local infection in the colon. This condition is called diverticulitis, with subsequent pain in  the lower left corner of the abdomen. Sometimes there is also an accompanying fever and chills.

Source: www.drmarkbowles.com

“This picture shows small ulcerations in the colon representing inflammation. The two most common types of colitis we encounter are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The more difficult of these two to treat is Crohn’s as it may involve the small bowel as well as the large intestine.There is an increased risk of colon cancer with longstanding (10-20 years) ulcerative colitis and to a slight degree with Crohn’s.” (www.drmarkbowles.com). So practice prevention today! Eat at least 30 grams of fibre daily, consisting of fruits with edible skins, vegetables and whole grain products such as oatmeal, 100% whole grains, baked flatbreads such as Ryvita and brown rice.

Fight Cancer With These Phytochemicals

Editors Comment: below is a list of cancer fighting phytochemicals everyone would do well to keep in their daily arsenal. Disease runs rampant today because of ignorance of basic cause. This list should add to your knowledge base and help prevent disease.

——————————————————

Source: Cancer Fighting Phytochemicals
From © Sat Dharam Kaur N.D. 2007
www.healthybreastprogram.on.ca

Phytochemical: Allyl Sulfides

Effect: Increases liver enzymes to detoxify carcinogens

Food Sources: garlic, onions, leeks

———-

Phytochemical: Capsaicin

Effect: Prevents carcinogens from binding to DNA

Food Sources: Chili peppers

———-

Phytochemical: Carotenoids

Effect: Act as antioxidants, neutralize free radicals, enhance immunity; high
intake associated with low cancer rates; promote cell
differentiation

Food Sources: parsley, carrots, spinach, kale, winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, seaweed

———-

Phytochemical: Polyphenols

Effect: Act as antioxidants Reduce damaging effects of nitrosamines; kill human cancer cells

Food Sources: brocolli, carrots, green tea, cucumbers, squash,
mint, basil, citrus

———-

Phytochemical: Flavonoids

Effect: Prevent attachment of cancer-causing hormones to
cells by blocking receptor sites

Food Sources: Most fruits and vegetables, including: parsley, carrots, citrus,
broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, squash, yams, eggplant, peppers, berries

———-

Phytochemical: Curcumin

Effect: Assists the liver in detoxifying carcinogens; arrests cancer cells

Food Sources: turmeric

———-

Phytochemical: Ellagic Acid

Effect: Neutralizes carcinogens in the liver, Antioxidant
Inhibits cancer cell divisions

Food Sources: red raspberries, walnut skin

———-

Phytochemical: Isoflavones (genistein and daidzen)

Effect: Bind to estrogen receptor blocking harmful hormone disruptors; block formation of blood vessels to tumors; inhibit enzymes that might cause cancer; inhibit activation of breast cancer genes

Food Sources: Soybeans, tofu, miso, lentils, dried beans, split peas, garbanzo beans,
green beans, green peas, mung bean sprouts, red clover sprouts

———-

Phytochemical: Indoles

Effect: Induce protective enzymes, stimulate C2 estrogen production; Decrease
estrogen that initiates breast cancer

Food Sources: raw cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale,
cauliflower, bok choy, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip

———-

Phytochemical: Isothiocyanates

Effect: Prevent DNA damage; block tumor production induced by chemicals in
environment; act as antioxidants assisting liver detoxification

Food Sources: mustard, horseradish, radishes, turnips, cabbage, broccoli,
cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, watercress, garden sorrel

———-

Phytochemical: Limonoids

Effect: Induce protective enzymes in liver and intestines that fight cancer

Food Sources: citrus fruit rind, essential oils of lemon, orange, celery, lemongrass

———-

Phytochemical: Linolenic Acid

Effect: Regulates production of prostaglandins in cells

Food Sources: flaxseeds and flaxseed oil

———-

Phytochemical: Lycopene

Effect: Protects from cell damage

Food Sources: tomato, kiwi, grapes, spinach

———-

Phytochemical: Lutein

Effect: Protects from cell damage

Food Sources: tomato, kiwi, grapes, spinach

———-

Phytochemical: Monoterpenes

Effect: Antioxidant properties, induce protective enzymes, inhibit cholesterol
production in tumors, stimulate destruction of breast cancer cells, inhibit
growth of cancer cells

Food Sources: cherries, lavender, parsley, yams, carrots, broccoli,
cabbage, basil, cucumbers, peppers, squash, eggplant,
mint, tomatoes, grapefruit

———-

Phytochemical: Phenolic Acids

Effect: Block effects of free radicals; inhibit formation of
nitrosamine (carcinogen)

Food Sources: berries, broccoli, grapes, citrus, parsley, peppers, soy, squash,
tomatoes, grains

———-

Phytochemical: Plant Sterols (beta-sitosterol)

Effect: Prevent cells from becoming cancerous; lower fat levels in body

Food Sources: broccoli, cabbage, soy, peppers, whole grains

———-

Phytochemical: Protease Inhibitors

Effect: Block the activity of enzymes involved in tumor growth

Food Sources: beans and soy products

———-

Phytochemical: Quercetin

Effect: Slows down cell division

Food Sources: onions, apples, green cabbage

———-

Phytochemical: Quinones

Effect: Neutralize carcinogens

Food Sources: rosemary, pau d’arco tea

———-

Phytochemical: Sulforaphane

Effect: Antioxidant, enhances detoxifying effect of liver’s enzymes
to remove carcinogens

Food Sources: broccoli sprouts, broccoli,
cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

What Are The Symptoms Of Appendicitis?

The primary symptom of appendicitis is an acute abdominal pain. The pain is diffused and rarely localized, i.e. If an appendicitis patient is asked to locate the pain, they will move their hand in circular motion around their abdomen to show. The pain is not localized and moves from one point of the abdomen to another. There is another very common symptom of appendicitis, is the loss of appetite characterized by nausea and vomiting. It may also occur due to blockage in the intestine as well.

As the inflammation due to appendicitis increases, it stretches itself to the external covering then to the lining around the abdomen. The thin membrane or the lining is known as peritoneum. Once the membrane (peritoneum) matures, with time, and gets inflamed, then the pain can be located to a visibly small area of the abdomen. Normally this area is around the front portion of the hip bone and that of the belly button. The special term given to this is coined after Dr. Charles Mc Burney and is called Mc Burney’s point. Just in case the appendix gets ruptured somehow, and the infection gets spread throughout, then again the pain becomes difficult to locate as the entire lining of the abdomen gets inflamed.

For correct diagnosis of appendicitis, the entire process begins with the complete history and physical examination of the patient. Based on the physical tests and the medical history of the patient appendicitis can be identified. Patients often have a high body temperature and they will experience moderate to severe tenderness when the doctors presses their abdomen. If the inflammation has already spread to the peritoneum, often there will be rebound tenderness associated with the non- localized pain. Rebound tenderness becomes a severe pain especially when the doctor presses around the tenderness gently, and quickly removes his hand from the portion of the tenderness.

For your quick view, the appendicitis symptoms are bulleted below.

• You may have appendicitis if you are having pain in your belly and the pain normally hangs around the entire belly originating from the belly button.
• Within a few hours, pain becomes severe and then moves from your belly button to the right side of your belly.
• Loss of appetite characterized by nausea is a clear symptom of appendicitis, and quite you feel like throwing up a few times.
• When you start experiencing severe constipation, back pain, minor elevation in temperature or a swollen abdomen, then know for sure that you need to see a doctor soon.
• You feel tired every now and then do not possess the energy to work.

Ken Cyrus is webmaster for SymptomsOfAppendicitis.org a free informational that deals with Symptoms Of Appendicitis

Gastrointestinal Virus: A Kick In The Gut

One of the worst sights to a parent is their child vomiting uncontrollably. It’s not a pretty picture, but guess what; you’ll probably face it sometime. It’s called Gastroenteritis and symptoms include vomiting and an initial low-grade fever (under 102 deg. F), followed by lingering diarrhea and little appetite. In most cases though, there is no danger and this highly contagious illness requires no more than the right knowledge.

It’s Not the Flu, But a Virus

Although everyone refers to vomiting and diarrhea as stomach flu, these problems are usually caused by a gastrointestinal virus (a true “flu” is influenza, a respiratory infection). Stomach flu usually strikes first between 6 and 24 months, when the immune system has not yet fully build up its defenses. That means the first infection will probably be the most (tongue in cheek) fun. By age three, almost all kids will have had at least one run-in with this contagion.

Many different viruses can cause this condition, including rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses, type 40 or 41, sapoviruses, and astroviruses. (www.cdc.gov) Interestingly, many parents do not know that the virus is passed through saliva or feces. Make sure that sanitary practices are covered thoroughly with children and that they don’t put their mouth on objects (such as shopping cart handles) or put objects in their mouth (such as pens from school). It’s amazing what a breeding ground of unsanitary germs exist at school, birthday parties or other gatherings where children use the bathroom and do not wash their hands.

The “24-Hour Bug” Is a Myth

Some children may feel nauseated for 2-3 days, and then have diarrhea for another week, which sort of throws hot water on the 24 hour theory. This is no reason to panic. How long each bout lasts depends on the particular virus and on how your child’s intestines react to it. But when your child is vomiting, there is a concern about dehydration.

Signs of dehydration in babies can include tearless crying, dark urine and sunken eyes, says William Cochran, vice chairman of pediatrics at the Geisinger Clinic in Danville, Pa. “A small infant with profuse diarrhea and vomiting could become dehydrated in six to 12 hours” without otherwise appearing dramatically ill, he says. “When an infant starts to look really sick, you are late in the game.”

A baby or toddler vomiting green bile should be seen immediately, he adds. And, in anyone, sudden bruising and broken blood vessels (except in the face, where the strain of vomiting may be to blame) could signal a breakdown in blood platelets, seen in infections with the dangerous E. coli 0157:H7 strain. (www.usatoday.com)

But absent of such signs, give babies and toddlers a teaspoonful of electrolyte solution every twenty minutes or so to replace the nutrients they’ve lost. It contains a proper mixture of sugars and minerals to help their delicate intestines absorb liquid. Bigger children should take an ounce of electrolyte solution in the same time period. If that stays down for fifteen minutes, then give another ounce, rehydrating the child over hours. At this point, don’t worry about getting them to eat anything.

If you are still breastfeeding a baby, continue to nurse right through the illness, because mother’s milk has protective antibodies. With bigger children, other liquids can be substituted. (Surprising Facts About Stomach Flu, Sarah McCraw Crow, December 2002 issue of Parents Magazine)

Medication Overreaction

It may be tempting at this point to reach for over-the-counter anti-diarrhea or upset-stomach remedies. I advise against them because they don’t actually cure anything, they just slow things down in the intestines, leading to an overgrowth of harmful gut bacteria.

As well, Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates, an aspirin-like compound that can lead to a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in younger children.

Antibiotics won’t do much to treat a stomach flu. If anything, they will make it worse because they kill the good bacteria in your intestinal tract, making you more susceptible to severe abdominal cramps.

Cause for Concern

If vomiting lasts more than three days, diarrhea lasts more than seven days, or if fever lasts more than two days, then go see a health specialist. Vomiting and diarrhea combined, or a prolonged fever may cause severe dehydration with various symptoms:

• excessive thirst
• dry mouth
• little or no urine or dark yellow urine
• decreased tears
• severe weakness or lethargy
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• markedly sunken fontanelles (the soft spot on the top of the head) in an infant

Source: www.nlm.nih.gov

Is The Illness Contagious? How Are These Viruses Spread?

People who no longer have symptoms may still be contagious, since the virus can be found in their stool for up to two weeks after they recover from their illness. Also, people can become infected without having symptoms and they can still spread the infection.

Sanitary hygiene is a major way to cut down on the number of infections your child gets. Regular hand washing should be taught and practiced, especially after using the bathroom. Try to keep utensils, cups, towels and food separate from each other at this time and disinfect contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners. Also make sure to wash soiled articles of clothing. (www.cdc.gov)

Relieving Symptoms

The following steps may help relieve the symptoms of Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis).

• Take a high quality probiotic every 30 to 60 minutes until you feel better.
• Try adding raw honey (to calm the inflammation) if the symptoms persist more than a few hours after starting the probiotics.
• Allow your gastrointestinal tract to settle by not eating for a few hours.
• Sip small amounts of clear liquids or suck on ice chips if vomiting is still a problem.
• Give infants and children oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids and lost electrolytes.
• Gradually reintroduce food, starting with bland, easy-to-digest food, like toast, broth, apples, bananas, and rice.
• Avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol until recovery is complete.
• Get plenty of rest.

Source: heartspring.net