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Entries tagged as ‘Digestion’

Constipation? Rye bread may help you go

17 February, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Rye bread and lactobacilli have both recently been looked upon as favourable alternatives to laxatives. Both rye bread and the lactobacilli modify the colonic environment and have the potential to relieve constipation according to research from the University of Helsinki.  As they are both safe and convenient and much cheaper than laxatives it is welcome news.

Chronic constipation affects up to 27% of the population of Western countries. Symptoms of constipation, such as infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, straining, cramps, abdominal bloating, flatulence, and sometimes severe abdominal pain, may affect patients’ overall quality of life. Slow colonic transit has also been connected to the development of colon cancer. In the Helsinki study, the effects of rye bread and cultured buttermilk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on bowel function and colonic metabolism were investigated and compared with laxatives in 51 constipated adults.

The conclusions of the very detailed and well controlled tests was that bowel function was significantly improved by rye bread consumption. Rye bread consumption increased the number of bowel movements compared with wheat bread after 3 weeks of the trial. The lactobacillus was not quite so effecive as the Rye bread, but the two together had good results too.

The result that constipation is alleviated by rye bread consumption is supported by the results of previous investigations too. In other trials rye bread had positive effects on bowel function in healthy as well as in constipated adults. It is thought that it is the fibre in the rye bread that makes all the difference.  This may sound obvious to us but now it has been proved, that rye bread relieves mild constipation and improves colonic metabolism compared with white wheat bread and commonly used laxatives without increasing gastrointestinal adverse effects. (Holma et al. Journal of Nutrition, online 20/01/10; doi: 10.3945/jn.109.11857). No surprise there then :)

Buy rye bread now.

Categories: Complementary Health · Diet · Digestion · Health · Vegan
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Winter Wonders!

18 March, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Winter is one of the busiest times of the year, so it makes good sense to make sure that we’re as healthy as we can be. Tackle all kinds of winter health problems… the natural way.

Feeling it in your bones?

The phrase “feeling it in your bones” is not so stupid – in fact, changes in atmospheric pressure in the autumn and winter can aggravate bone conditions, increasing inflammation and swelling. As well as good old-fashioned high strength cod liver oil, there are plenty of more modern remedies to help keep joint problems at bay. Take glucosamine sulphate, for example. You can now get it as a tablet which you drop into water or you can use gel patches. If you are choosing a supplement, remember to take at least 1500mg daily in the first three months. This is the level which has been used in research. Long term, consider a bone formulation to nutritionally support joints health. These contain minerals, and vitamin D which are important for the bone matrix.
SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) is another remedy which reduces pain, stiffness and swelling and green lipped mussel extract is also a popular anti-inflammatory, reducing joint tenderness and morning stiffness.

If you prefer herbal remedies, then there are plenty which are aimed at managing inflammation and swelling; willow, black cohosh and sarsaparilla are good examples, and there are some tailor-made herbal preparations you can try. Some even come in balm or rub-form, using strong essential oils such as the mints and ginger (which smell very Christmassy!) and soothing plant extracts like chamomile and calendula.

Strengthen Your Defences…

At this time of year, our immune systems are having to work overtime. The change towards damper weather, short sunlight hours and lethargy after nearly a full year at work can all take their toll. Coughs, colds, flu and general feelings of being under the weather can leave you feeling drained. But there are things that you can do to help…

Vitamin C, taken at 1000mg daily (sometimes recommended three times daily) will help to reduce duration of the common cold. If you have an established cold, high potency is the only way of getting research levels of nutrients, a recommended dose would be 1000mg vitamin C, with 40 to 50mg zinc. Support this with a general antioxidant formulation.

Echinacea is a highly popular remedy at this time of year. You can use it to improve the action of white blood cells – helping your body to manage any infection. At the same time, another popular remedy – ginseng – can be used to help the body adapt to physical, mental and emotional stress (prevalent at this time of the year).

Think holistically too – looking at your diet. Include more garlic (or take a supplement) as this herbs is naturally antimicrobial. Fortify your diet with dried fruits and vegetables, immune-strengthening shiitake mushrooms, no-caffeine drinks, green tea, fruit juices and other nonalcoholic drinks (some naturopaths argue that alcohol depresses the immune system’s ability to fight infection). If your diet is poor, take a high potency multinutrient, PLUS a combination formula of essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6for at least 3 months.

Don’t forget that stress affects immune function. Unwind using essential oils which are good for immune function and act as decongestants such as Eucalyptus, peppermint, cajuput.

Saving Face

With our immune systems being under pressure from stress, lack of antioxidant nutrients from fresh produce and a barrage of seasonal infections, it’s hardly surprising that some people become more susceptible to bad skin and cold sores. There are all kinds of lip balms that you can recommend for general lip (and mouth) health, preventing cracking and soreness, but to tackle cold sores head on, recommend one to three grams of lysine, a powerful antioxidant formulation, and plenty of products to manage stress, such as CDs, candles and essential oils (lavender, mandarin).

For general skin care, recommend a skin formula (including B vitamins, vitamin C) and a supplement of essential fatty acids including fish oils and evening primrose oil. Herbals which are good for the skin include: echinacea, ginkgo biloba, pine bark, milk thistle (there are many to choose from, so refer to a herbalist if the problem is very person-specific).

Tackle coughs and colds head on.

If you do get a cough or a cold, then herbal remedies are for you. There are all kinds of products which are tailor-made for various symptoms; marshmallow and slippery elm are mucilage and can soothe a sore throat, goldenseal (which contains berberine and canadine) is antimicrobial and has immune-stimulating components), and there are other herbs for tickly coughs, headaches, runny noses, blocked sinuses and barking coughs and phlegm.

Beating the Christmas Stodge

If there’s one time of year when digestive problems such as bloating, wind and acid indigestion are on the up, it’s Christmas. People tend to eat heavier foods, so a supplement of betaine hydrochloride (which adds stomach acid, assisting softening and breakdown of food in the stomach) can be useful to many. This is often found as an inherent part of a digestive enzyme supplement, most often made using plant-source enzymes to break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins (great when any rich, or hard-to digest food is eaten). Herbals are useful, including chamomile, fennel, peppermint, turmeric to calm the stomach, and artichoke, devil’s claw and boldo to stimulate the digestive system.

Senna, aloe vera and fruit cubes are great for constipation, which is common when a lot of refined foods are being eaten. Essential oils, applied using massage to the stomach can be great for crampy and bloated (windy) stomachs, using coriander, dill, clove or peppermint.

Natural Lifestyle © Natural Lifestyle in connection with Natural Health Week

Categories: Health
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Holiday Travel Bag

11 March, 2009 · 1 Comment

Going on holiday is an exciting time – once everything is packed! Our healthy holiday checklist will help you have a holiday with a difference…

Everyone looks forward to a well-deserved holiday. Have you been holding onto the hope of some time relaxing, away from the humdrum of home, being in a new environment, and seeing some new sights? It’s hardly surprising, then, that we want our holidays to go without any hiccups, which is why it’s so important to do plenty of preparation….And there are some wonderful alternatives to conventional products.

Get your gut prepared!

If you want to avoid a dodgy digestive system while you’re away, you should take time to build up good levels of friendly bacteria in your digestive system. The easy way is to take a supplement including acidophilus and bifidobacteria, in the weeks leading up to your holiday. There is no reason why you shouldn’t take a probiotic drink or yoghurt in addition.

Building up levels of good bacteria will increase resistance to the effects of a change in diet, stress (leading up to a holiday) and drinking water supply. On this note, always make sure that you take a couple of bottles of drinking water in your luggage – just in case the water is foul when you get there. Don’t forget to pack your favourite drink. We’re renowned for complaining about a lack of decent tea, so take a box of organic breakfast tea with you! This should be permitted in most countries, but if you’re unsure, contact your travel agent.

Sick of travelling?

Have you ever sat in a car, on a train, on a boat or a plane feeling really, really sick? This awful feeling is caused by conflicting messages being sent to the brain by the eyes, stomach and the organs of balance in the ears.

If you are prone to travel sickness, eat a light carbohydrate meal before travelling (such as cereal, toast, rice cakes or pasta), avoid greasy food and alcohol and before travelling take anti-motion sickness remedies according to the instructions. There are a number of natural remedies available such as ginger, (as capsules or tablets) or peppermint capsules. Products which work on acupressure points (often as a wrist band) are popular, and work by nerves carrying pressure messages which reach the brain faster than other messages such as pain or nausea.

You clot!

It might be quiet in the media, but Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is still a concern for people with any risk of blood clotting. Taking a low dose aspirin before the flight can help, as can graduated flight socks which compress the foot, ankle and calf (otherwise, wear loose clothing). Think ahead and, if you need to, book an aisle seat in advance so you have room to move. Three months before you go away, consider supplementing with 800iu daily of vitamin E, to help thin the blood (check with your GP first if you are on anticoagulant medication).

Irritating insects!

Here we have it… the downside to exotic places. Malaria is a risk in more than 100 countries, and other flying insects (which can be really irritating) are almost everywhere on the planet. The solution? repellents – which include agents that insects find repulsive. Naturopaths have been recommending natural remedies for years. Vitamin B1, in high intakes of around 80-100mg daily (for at least a month), makes the blood distasteful. Natural insect repellents don’t contain any harsh chemical ingredients which could irritate sensitive skin. Instead, they might use essential oils such as mint, basil, thyme and a lemon (or include citridiol) or eucalyptus. Some are suitable for babies (but check the product labels to make sure). If you do get bitten, use calamine lotion and ice. Menthol spray reduces itching and arnica reduces inflammation. Pyrethrum is also a homeopathic remedy which can be used to relieve insect bites and stings (pain and inflammation).

Sun-worshippers survival kit

If you love the sun on your skin, it’s vital that you apply sun lotions to prevent skin damage – especially between 11am and 3pm.

30 days before you go away, supplement with a carotenoid formula (look for the word Betatene). This can give your skin a natural sun protection factor (SPF) of between 2 and 4. Don’t forget to use high quality sun lotions – with an SPF of at least 15. Health stores stock sun lotions which are organically made. These are ideal for people who have highly sensitive skin, or who want to use more natural ingredients. Don’t forget to protect your lips! Some balms found in health stores now also have an SPF of 15 to 18 and could even be tinted so you wear it like a lipstick!

Cool it!

It takes, on average, three days for people to relax when they go on holiday. It seems that many of us are so held together with pent-up stress, that it takes a while to downshift our bodies and our minds. It’s time for action!

To calm: Mandarin essential oil is a very safe oil and can be used for children, the elderly and pregnant women (use two to three drops on a handkerchief). With Ginger, it’s great for travel sickness.

To relax: Salt brush with Dead Sea salts. This will help to give you healthy, glowing skin and will help your muscles to relax.

For muscle tension: There are all kinds of natural muscle rubs, including warming essential oils, menthol and conditioning oils. Not to be missed!

Don’t forget…

Refresh!… Don’t forget your crystal-based deodorant, or those enhanced with essential oils. Lemon ones are good, as they are naturally insect-repellent! Take a couple of natural face packs with you for a relaxing afternoon in.

Have a great drink… Make the most of the hot weather by drinking lots of cordials, squashes and flavoured waters. Avoid carbonated drinks (high sugar, high acid). Try to drink at least 10 glasses of water-based drinks each day.

On the move munchies… Healthy snacks just can’t be beaten. Go for packaged cereal bars, nut bars, low salt crisps or vegetable chips. Rice cakes and crackers are great too. Some countries/airlines are very fussy about open packets of food, so finish them before you leave the UK.

A new start?… Why not have a holiday with a difference. Without the hassles of being at home, it’s a great opportunity to resolve to eat better, drink more water, eat simple and easy to digest foods and even, perhaps, do a detox. Take a 3 day detox kit with you – which will make it easy to implement.

Natural Lifestyle © Natural Lifestyle June 2005 in connection with Natural Health Week

Categories: Lifestyle
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Coeliac Disease

4 March, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Eileen is a memeber of the Health Sciences Institute. She was having digestive difficulties herself, so she did some research to find out why. Eileen writes: “I figured out that the gluten in certain foods was the culprit. This is called coeliac disease. The gluten flattens out the villi in the small intestine and prevents the normally secreted digestive juices in the samll intestine from being able to help. I ceased my intake of gluten foods; no wheat, rye, oats, barley, modified foood starch, or spelt for me. This in effect took care of the triglycerides. I am 99.99% rid of the problem. I can always tell when an offender sneaks into my food”

Developing Sensitivity

To understand coeliac disease, first we need to look at gluten.

Gluten is a typical component of several different grains. As a primary ingredient of flour, gluten delivers protein and gives bread a higher rise. The problem with gluten is that many people don’t tolerate it well – complicated by the fact that a good number of these people aren’t even aware of their sensitivity.

I asked HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., for his insights on gluten basics, and here’s what he had to say:

“The high-gluten grains are within the mnemonic BROW (Barley, Rye, Oat, Wheat). When completely unrefined, these grains in and of themselves are not the problem. It’s when sensitive individuals run into them that trouble can occur (not counting the dangers of refining them into low-nutrient, low-fiber, high-starch blood sugar stressors). Most often, reactions can involve swings in blood sugar, which can manifest as irritability, headache, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, increased appetite, and subsequently weight problems.

“Constant exposure to one food can cause a person to become ’sensitized.’ This is most common in the case of wheat, since wheat is absolutely everywhere. If a person craves grains, cereals, breads, etc., or eats them every day, I often test them by avoiding the potential offending agent for 7 days (21 for dairy). Sometimes the results are remarkable.”

An under estimated disease

Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disorder in which gluten creates an obstruction to the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. When CD goes untreated, malnutrition develops, followed by a chronic condition that may trigger other dangerous ailments, including gastrointestinal cancer.

Last year, the Archives of Internal Medicine published a report of a large coeliac disease study conducted in several different medical centers throughout the U.S. Knowing that CD is often genetically inherited, the researchers set out to compare the prevalence of CD in an at-risk group to a not- at-risk group.

The scientists took blood samples from more than 13,000 adults and children. Almost 75 percent of the subjects were thought to be at risk for CD because of family history or prior symptoms. In this at-risk group, coeliac disease proved to be present in almost 4 of every 100 subjects. In the not- at-risk group, one in every 133 subjects was shown to have CD.

These results suggest the possibility that more than one and a half million people in the U.S. have coeliac disease – far more than previously believed. Given the knowledge that this is not as rare a disease as previously thought, the researchers hope that doctors will be more inclined to test for it, increasing the possibility that a greater number of cases will be caught in the early stages.

Lessons from history

The problem with diagnosis of coeliac disease is that the symptoms are sometimes directly related to digestion (as with abdominal cramping, unexplained weight loss, and chronic diarrhea), but sometimes not (as with osteoporosis, joint pain, and depression). If any of these symptoms occur in a patient with family history of coeliac disease, this should stand out as a red flag for any physician.

The primary treatment for coeliac disease is adherence to a strict non-gluten diet – but this is easier said than done. As Dr. Spreen has pointed out, refined “BROW” grains are the primary culprits and should be completely avoided. But gluten may be hidden in some foods such as soups, soy sauce, low-fat or non-fat products, and even in candies such as jelly beans. Some common food ingredients that may contain gluten include: modified food starch, hydrolyzed vegetable or plant protein, and some binders and fillers, as well as malt and natural flavorings.

Fortunately, if diagnosed early and addressed before it has a chance to do serious damage, coeliac disease is relatively easy to treat. If you believe that you may be experiencing symptoms of coeliac disease (especially if the family history is there), ask your doctor or dietician to provide you with specific strategies for recognizing and avoiding hidden gluten in your diet.

GoodnessDirect have compiled a very comprehensive list of Gluten-Free Foods to help you select safe products for your new gluten-free diet.

Jenny Thompson © HSI 2004

Categories: Coeliac (Gluten-Free) · Diet
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Chlorella

5 November, 2008 · 4 Comments

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a single celled fresh-water, microscopic algae, measuring between 2 and 8 micons in diameter. It is one of the oldest forms of plant life on the planet.

Fossils of chlorella have been found that are over 3 billions years old. It has the highest chlorophyll content of any known plant and this gives it its characteristic emerald green colour. The name chlorella is derived from the Latin for leaf (green) and small. Discovered in 1890 by Beyerinck, chlorella was not studied closely until the 1940s.

Nowadays, chlorella is cultivated in man-made filtered fresh water ponds. With the favourable conditions of strong sunlight, pure water, clean air, the remarkable algae multiplies at an incredible rate, reproducing four times in twenty-four hours.

Chlorella is one of the most scientifically researched foods and has many clinically attested health benefits. Although it has yet to gain popularity in the UK, it is claimed that in Japan chlorella is taken regularly by 30% of the population. There it is regarded as a functional whole food, rather than a dietary supplement.

Nutritional profile

Chlorella consists of approximately 60% protein in the form of amino acids. It is superior to animal proteins such as meat and eggs, because the body has to break these down into their component amino acids before it can utilise them for its own particular types of protein. Chlorella is considered a complete protein because it contains all 8 essential amino acids

Chlorella is a perfect food that provides nearly all of the body’s nutritional needs. A single gram typically contains the following nutrients:

Beta Carotene 1.8mg Calcium 9.76mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 15µg Copper 0.8µg
Riboflavin Vitamin B2) 0.048mg Iron 1.08mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 0.26mg Magnesium 3.99mg
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 17µg Manganese 19.4µg
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) 17µg Phosphorus 0.22mg
Vitamin B12 1.26µg Potassium 9.27mg
Vitamin C 0.15mg Selenium 7µg
Vitamin E 0.09mg Sodium 0.3mg
Biotin 1.91µg Zinc 11.2µg

Health Benefits

Cancer – Chlorella contains beta-carotene, which has been shown to destroy cancer cells. It also provides antioxidant vitamins C and E and selenium. Chlorella increases levels of inteferon, one of the body’s greatest natural cancer defences, which in turn stimulates the activity of T-cells and macrophages, thus enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat bacteria, viruses, chemicals and foreign proteins.

Cardiovascular health – Chlorella is the richest natural source of chlorophyll, which has a structure almost identical to that of haemoglobin. Chlorophyll cells have a magnesium molecule at the centre and this mineral is essential for the heart to function properly. Chlorella is also a good source of Omega-3 oils, which are known to protect against heart disease. Research programs have indicated that regular use of chlorella helps guard against heart disease, reduce high blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels.

Anaemia – Chlorophyll stimulates the production of red blood cells and is effective against anaemia.

Digestion – Chlorella contains digestive enzymes. It also causes the friendly lactic bacteria in the gut to multiply at four times the usual rate, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. The indigestible shell acts as a bowel fibre, stimulating peristalsis. Chlorella also strengthens the intestine and relieves chronic constipation.

Detoxification – The indigestible outer shell of chlorella binds with heavy metals and other toxins in the body and removes them. This cleansing of the blood, bowel and liver begins after chlorella has been taken regularly for 3 months or more depending on the amount taken.

Alzheimers – The use of aluminium in deodorants and cooking utensils has been incriminated in Alzheimers disease. Regular long term use of chlorella cleanses the system from such heavy metals. A greater supply of oxygen to the brain aids alertness and mental focus in Alzheimers’ patients and those suffering from dementia and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Immunity – Chlorella induces higher levels of interferon and stimulates macrophages, cells that actively protect against disease by digesting foreign substances in the body. Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) unique to chlorella stimulates healing and replacement of cell tissue.

Wound healing – The high amount of chlorophyll accelerates wound and burn healing when applied topically. Chlorella also promotes the healing of diabetic skin ulcers, which can lead to amputation if they become infected. This is thought to be due to an increased production of TNF which promotes fibroblasts, the cells the body uses to repair wounds. Taking chlorella on a regular basis over a long period of time will increase the body’s ability to heal itself of cuts, scrapes, rashes and more serious wounds without the need to apply it externally.

Arthritis – Because chlorella is very alkaline, it helps to neutralise the body’s pH, which is frequently too acidic as a result of consuming too many processed foods and fizzy soft drinks. Arthritis is one condition associated with an acidic constitution. Chlorella also contains vitamins A C and E and Selenium, which together combat arthritis. Chlorella’s outer wall contains glucosamine, which cartilage, tendons and ligaments rely on for constant renewal.

Promotes growth in children – CGF stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete hormones for growth.

Anti-ageing – Not only does it contain powerful antioxidants, chlorella has an abundance of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which are associated with anti-aging.

Culinary Use – Chlorella extract can be added to dough to improve the appearance and flavour of bread and to keep it fresher for longer. It can also improve the flavour of other foods, such as wine, cakes, biscuits, pasta, rice.

Dosage

For general maintenance, a daily dose of 3-4 grams is recommended. If it is being taken to relieve actual symptoms, the dosage should be increased to 5-6 grams. It is best taken about half an hour before meals for the optimum digestive benefits.

Conclusion

Chlorella can safely be taken by adults, the elderly and children aged over two years. It contains all the components essential to life, making it the most nutritionally potent wholefood available. Because it is a whole food, rather than a concentrated extract it can be taken in large amounts with no unpleasant side effects. In fact, chlorella has not been found to have a single detrimental affect on human health.

Jemma Morriss

Categories: General
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Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases

4 November, 2008 · 1 Comment

What are EGIDs?

EGIDs are caused by having too many Eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the Esophagus (Eosinophilic Esophagitis), in the stomach (Eosinophilic Gastritis), in the intestine (Eosinophilic Enteritis) and in the large intestine (Eosinophilic Colitis). Eosinophils do occur in small numbers naturally in everybody and they help fight infections caused by parasites and play a role inallergic response. A normal range of eosinophils in the blood is between 0% and 5% of the total white blood count. Eosinophils are normally absent in the esophagus, and very low in the rest of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When there are too many eosinohphils, inflammation and tissue damage can occur.

Patients with EGID may experience a variety of symptoms including nausea, chest pain, heartburn, food impaction, poor appetite, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, weight loss, regurgitation, vomiting, inadequate weight gain, and diarrhea.

The effects of this disease can be huge. Some patients (at the present time, mostly children) can manage their illness on a restricted diet, omitting just a few foods to handle their symptoms, but others have so many triggers to their illness that they are forced to omit vast numbers of foods from their diet, leaving out whole foods groups. Sometimes, patients can tolerate so few types of food that they need to receive an elemental formula, not unlike baby milk in its appearance. If they are unable to consume enough formula orally they are fed via tubes placed surgically in their stomachs or through their noses. Many EGID patients also need medication to control the disease and these can range from antihistamines to steroids, some of which bring with them their own side effects.

EGID is not just a physical illness it is also an emotional one. Unless you know someone with this illness it is difficult to understand the emotional roller coaster that patients and families find themselves on. Symptoms can flare up provoked by necessary medications for other common ailments (such as antibiotics) causing pain and suffering for the patient. Children have to live among their peers and families watching them eat while they sit with them (sometimes receiving their meals via a feeding tube). Imagine your own birthday party, but not being able to eat your cake with the other children. Children with EGID are different and the problems they face with the stigma of this illness, particularly when they have obvious signs of the illness such as feeding tubes, can be as difficult as dealing with the illness itself. Other children’s lack of understanding of the condition can mean a lack of empathy and even cruelty.

Unfortunately the knowledge and treatment of this illness in the United Kingdom is severely lacking. Much of the advice and support and research into the disease happens in the United States. Diagnosis of this illness is a huge part of the battle as many family doctors are unaware of the disease and diagnosis can sometimes take years putting an immeasurable amount of stress on the family of the patient and can leave the patient suffering with debilitating and painful symptoms for a long time. Because the symptoms of EGID can mimic other illnesses, and can sometimes just be a natural part of growing up, patients often have to fight for their diagnosis as doctors are reluctant to perform the necessary tests to diagnose the disease (which can really only be diagnosed by taking biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract). Some doctors may not even consider EGIDs as possible diagnosis. Patients can be sent away with their parents being told that “it is nothing, they will grow out of it”, they can be given incorrect (and potentially damaging) treatments through mis-diagnosis, and even told that the parents are “being neurotic, mentally unstable and even suffering from Munchausen’s by Proxy” (and in these cases Social Services are sometimes involved).

We feel this cannot be allowed to continue and this is why TEDS has been formed. We hope to offer advice and support to patients and families on their road to diagnosis and then dealing with the disease after diagnosis by offering practical advice on tips when dealing with the disease and emotional support at difficult times. We aim to do this via our website (currently under construction), help line and the introduction of local support groups.

At the present time we are working towards gaining charitable status to allow us to make a real impact on this illness by raising awareness of the disease, providing assistance to those families in need and hopefully funding research. With the support from experts in the field of study.

With your help we can make a difference to this illness. As yet there is no cure for EGID but we live in hope everyday, and until that day comes with your help we can make a real difference to people living with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease.

EGIDs – Information from T.E.D.S

© T.E.D.S

Categories: Digestion
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Stomach acid

28 October, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Going home from work in the car the other night Rachel our product adviser was having a touch of an “acid attack”. With it being Rachel, who knows her Onions, the rest of us took particular interest in what she did to relieve her acid symptoms. Rachel’s remedy is to open up an acidophilus capsule or two and ingest the contents there and then. If this is a regular occurrence she recommends taking them as directed on the pack regularly in any case.

I attended a seminar years ago in which Sky Linenger of FSC was speaking. One of his pet subjects at the time was “Ban the Anti-Acid” which he pronounced in his fascinating American accent. He then went on to explain how reflux was caused by the need for more acid in the stomach, not less, and that taking anti-acids, in the long run, compound the problem. He went on to introduce me to the notion of taking more HCL to strengthen what was going on in the gut. I found it fascinating and have been hiding my Dads “Settlers” ever since.

Here is the official statement from Amanda Ross of Nutrition & Healing (www.wrightnewsletter.com)
Many expensive, high-tech patent medications have been designed to eliminate heartburn pain by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. There are also many low-tech, over-the-counter remedies. The theory that underlies all of these treatments is that acid reflux is caused by too much acid in our stomachs. The problem is, that theory is almost always wrong. Heartburn almost never signals too much acid, and it may often be associated with producing too little. That means, for many people with acid reflux, the best treatment may not be less acid, but more. This may sound like throwing gasoline on smoldering embers, but many knowledgeable physicians have successfully treated tens of thousands of people with natural, inexpensive acid supplements (along with various other natural remedies) for the better part of a century. The first step to eliminating the pain of heartburn is to have your stomach function tested. If the test results indicate low levels of stomach acid, you might want to consider working with a natural medicine physician on supplementing with either betaine hydrochloride-pepsin or glutamic-acid hydrochloride-pepsin before meals. I usually recommend taking one caps (5, 7 1/2, or 10 grains) before each meal. After two or three days, if there are no problems, use two capsules in the early part of the meal, then three capsules several days later. The dose is gradually increased in this steplike fashion until it equals 40 to 70 grains per meal. Please keep in mind that treatment with hydrochloric acid can be dangerous and should be used only when testing indicates a need. If this is the case, the process should be carefully monitored by a physician. Though problems occur rarely, they can be severe.

Hydrochloric acid should never be used at the same time as aspirin, Butazolidin, Inodicin, Motrin, or any other anti-inflammatory medications.

What is stomach acid?

Stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid, is secreted by cells lining the stomach to help break down food as part of the digestive process and to ward off infection. Mucus coats the cells of the stomach lining to protect them from being damaged by acid and enzymes. Any disruption in the layer of mucus can result in damage that leads to a stomach ulcer.

Categories: Digestion
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Digestive Health

27 October, 2008 · 1 Comment

Digestive problems are on the up. Constipation, IBS, food intolerances… the list goes on and on. Rather than struggle, why not take a look at natural approaches to gut health?

One Step Ahead…

If you’ve been visiting health stores for more than 10 years, you’ll know that these shops have been stocking specialist digestive health products for decades. Just think back to the 1980s -where else could you buy specialist dietary products such as wheat-free products or nondairy foods? Nowadays these foods are more widely available, but it’s still worth taking a look at what your health store offers – you’re bound to find something different from the mainstream – especially when it takes months, if not years – for a proper diagnosis to be made about what digestive problem you might have…

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Categories: Digestion
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Combat Candida

27 October, 2008 · 2 Comments

Candida Albicans is just another name for yeast, and this exists naturally in every healthy digestive system. Yeast is ok in it’s place but when it begins to take control of the digestive system, the likelihood is that nothing short of nutritional warfare will put it back where it belongs. For this reason it is best to seek the diagnosis and advise of a qualified nutritionist before you set out.

Canny stuff this Candida. Did you know, for instance, that left unchecked – a local infection of Candida Albicans can spread to a systemic invasion in which the Candida cells convert to an invasive fungal form sprouting roots and branches? Armed in this way it can penetrate the digestive tract causing more serious damage leading to an increased array of symptoms such as Chronic Fatigue, poor digestion, severe itching, poor concentration, feeling sick all over, headaches, reactions to strong aromas and depression. Not pleasant.

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Categories: Anti-Candida · Digestion
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Acidophilus and Rhamnosus reduces infection

21 October, 2008 · Leave a Comment

A new study, from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children has found that a combination of Acidophilus Rosell-52 and Rhamnosus Rosell-11 (ie: Lifeplan Acidophilus and Rhamnosus) halved the risks of Helicobacter Pylori colonisation of the digestive tract in preliminary tests.

Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium which weakens the gastric mucous layer of the stomach and is one of the major risk factors in the development of stomach ulcers and also some gastric carcinomas.

Researchers suggested that the way in which the lactic acid bacteria reduced H.Pylori infection was either by “simple competitive interaction between probiotics and H.Pylori on gastric mucosa or the possible suppression of H.Pylori urease, which is a crucial enzyme for H.Pylori viability”.

Current treatment for stomach ulcers include antibiotic double or triple therapies, which can have side effects such as diarrhoea, poor compliance and an increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance.

Also, there has been a pilot study carried out in Poland by Dr. Bielanski which shows that Acidophilus and Rhamnosus enhances the eradication of H.Pylori in patients under conventional treatment, while considerably reducing treatment associated side effects.

Therefore there is increasing evidence to suggest that Acidophilus and Rhamnosus should be used alongside or as a replacement for conventional medication for stomach ulcers to improve the eradication of H. Pylori and to reduce the risk of infection, which may lead to gastric cancer.

Institut Rosell has pioneered the development of probiotics since 1932 and their supplements are supported by clinical studies.

  • They can specifically help to:
  • Restore and maintain intestinal microflora balance which can be disturbed (changes in dietary habits, travel, stress, age, antibiotics)
  • Enhance intestinal transit
  • Modulate the immune system
  • Restore vaginal microflora balance
  • Enhance lactose tolerance (dairy)

Why not try Lifeplan Acidophilus and Rhamnosus, which contains the two lactobacilli strains, Acidophilus Rosell-52 and Rhamnosus Rosell-11.
This product contains 4 billion bacteria and is now in a vegetarian capsule.

For more information please contact Julie Lamble, Nutritionist by
TEL: 01455 556281 or email at nutrition@lifeplan.co.uk.

Julie Lamble of Lifeplan
© Lifeplan Products

Categories: Digestion
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