Nutrition Month

Showing posts with label constipation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label constipation. Show all posts

Monday, November 19, 2012

Natural calcium for your bones

Foods that naturally contain calcium also supply other minerals which direct the calcium into bone rather than soft tissues like arteries, kidneys and eyes. A food source of calcium from an ocean algae is a safer choice than rock calcium because it is a natural balance of nutrients. Food calcium is also safer because it is effective at a lower dose. Less calcium means less arterial plaque. With AlgaeCal you can do more with less...and that is safer. Products like AlgaeCal Plus, Source of Life Garden Calcium, and Garden of Life Vitamin Code Grow Bones contain this type of natural calcium.


The calcium complex in Bone Strength Take Care is derived from a specific plant form called Lithothamnion Calcareum, sustainably harvested from pristine shores along the Icelandic coastline. Much like organic vegetables, this sea plant is allowed to mature naturally and then sustainably harvested to deliver its optimal nutritional value.

Either way, natural calcium seems to be a less constipating option, and can be considered as an option for patients with a history of kidney stones.






These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Omega supplementation



 I usually recommend Omega supplementation to almost everyone, but especially people with Hypertension, Cholesterol, Diabetes, Thyroid disease, Constipation, IBS, Eczema, Psoriasis and Depression

Some people avoid fish because they don't like the taste or because of the potential for mercury contamination. If this is your situation, then you can do one of two things. You can increase your intake of plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, or you can take omega-3 supplements.
Cold-water oily fish, like salmon, herring and tuna, are good sources for the omega-3 fatty acids, but there are plenty of plant-based sources of omega-3s you can eat if you don't want to consume fish. Plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, canola oil, soy, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. Research suggests eating flax seeds may help to prevent cardiovascular disease, but the evidence is not as strong for flax as it is for fish oil and fish oil supplements.

Dietary modification to increase the consumption of cold-water fish (eg, salmon) rich in polyunsaturated fats may help to raise HDL-C. Capsules containing omega-3 fatty acids (1.48 g of docosahexaenoic acid + 1.88 g of eicosapentaenoic acid) have been formulated and are commercially available in some parts of the world (as Omacor). In a recent small study in patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia, treatment with this formulation for 8 weeks increased HDL-C by 8%, particularly the more buoyant HDL2 subfraction.
The Studies Look Promising…

The usual dose used in these studies ranges between 900 mg and 5 grams a day of a combination of EPA and DHA. In order to achieve this amount, one would need to consume a lot of fish. Therefore, supplements are typically used. Ingesting 900 mg of omega-3 fatty acids each day resulted in a 4-percent decrease in triglyceride levels after six months. The average effective dose used in most studies was between 2 to 4 grams, and this resulted in an average drop in triglycerides between 25 to 45 percent. The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids on triglycerides is dose-dependent, meaning that the more omega-3 fatty acids ingested, the lower your triglyceride levels will fall. This works best when following a healthy diet. Omega-3 fatty acids seemed to affect recently ingested triglycerides more. Additionally, individuals with extremely high triglyceride levels (greater than 500 mg/dL) seem to derive the most benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.




Also see my Niacin Blog for suggestions on increasing HDL.


You will notice that one of the supplements have CoQ10. It has been studied for congestive heart failure and I have recommended that people at future risk of heart disease add this to their regimen. You will need two of these to approach the content of the other products on this page. CoQ10 is known to be highly concentrated in heart muscle cells due to the high energy requirements of this cell type. For the past 14 years, the great bulk of clinical work with CoQ10 has focused on heart disease. Specifically, congestive heart failure (from a wide variety of causes) has been strongly correlated with significantly low blood and tissue levels of CoQ10. The severity of heart failure correlates with the severity of CoQ10 deficiency. It is naturally present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods but is particularly high in organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney, as well as beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel, and peanuts. To put dietary CoQ10 intake into perspective, one pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two and one half pounds of peanuts, provide 30 mg of CoQ10.
Testing is available. http://www.gdx.net/core/one-page-test-descriptions/Essential-Metabolic-Fatty-Acids-Test-Description.pdf http://www.metametrix.com/files/test-menu/sample-reports/Fatty-Acids-Bloodspot-SR.pdf
FDA Disclaimer

The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified integrative physician prior to using our products if possible.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Natural Hemorrhoid relief

A hemorrhoid is a swollen or inflamed vein in the rectum and anus. They are similar to varicose veins you might see on a person's legs.

Hemorrhoids are typically caused by an increase of pressure in the veins of the lower rectum.

Types Of Hemorrhoids

There are two types of hemorrhoids that you should be aware of, they are...

Internal hemorrhoids are characterized by the bulging out of veins from the anus and by a bloodstained stool.
External hemorrhoids are characterized by an abnormal growth around the rectal region. This growth may be accompanied by irritation, itching and a burning sensation around the affected area - and sometimes blood alongside the stool.
Hemorrhoid Causes

Here are some of the most common causes of hemorrhoids...

Standing or sitting for long periods of time
Straining with bowel movements - Usually caused by constipation or hard stools
Sitting on the toilet for a long time
Diarrhea
Heavy Lifting
Insufficient intake of fluids
Severe coughing
Pregnancy or childbirth
Obesity
Genetics
Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of hemorrhoids is the first step towards properly treating and preventing them. Here are some of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids...

Irritation and/or itching in the rectal area
Swelling in the anus or internal anal area
Difficulty or obstruction in passing stool
Formation of blood clots inside the anus
Lumps hanging from the anus - Noticed in more advanced stages of hemorrhoids
Prevention Of Hemorrhoids

There are several preventive steps you can take to help relieve some of the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. By following these steps, you will find relief from existing hemorrhoids - and help prevent future hemorrhoids from occurring.

When you have the urge for a bowel movement, do not delay - Go immediately
Follow a high fiber diet - Take fiber supplements if needed
Increase fluid intake - Drink plenty of pure drinking water to help soften the stool
Perform a colon cleansing program to help empty the large intestines and regulate your bowel movements
Exercise on a regular basis - This will help regulate bowel movements
Keep your anal area dry and clean
Following these preventive steps will help reduce and prevent the build up of waste materials in the large intestine. By doing this, you are reducing your chances of becoming constipated or straining to have bowel movements.

Treating Hemorrhoids

When treating hemorrhoids, the main objective is to relieve the pain and discomfort. Typically, one or more of the following treatments should be used, depending on the severity of the hemorrhoids.

Sitz Bath - Soaking the rectal area in hot water
Pain medications, creams, ointments and suppositories (Tucks, Dermoplast, Preparation H, ProctofoamAnusol) Topical medications are used to help shrink the hemorrhoids
Cleansing the entire rectal area with warm water after each bowel movement
Fiber supplements or laxatives to help soften the stool
If you suffer from hemorrhoids and are experiencing the symptoms listed earlier, these treatment recommendations should help you tremendously. It is always recommended to consult with your medical practitioner first.

Colon Cleansing To Prevent Hemorrhoids

The hemorrhoid information I mentioned in the prevention section, shows that performing a colon cleansing program is an effective way to prevent hemorrhoids.

Colon cleansing is a process of clearing out all of the accumulated fecal matter, toxins and other impurities from inside the colon. This accumulated waste material often leads to serious health conditions and diseases - including hemorrhoids.

By combining colon cleansing with the prevention tips listed above, you will be taking safe and effective steps towards preventing and treating your hemorrhoids.




















Topical essential oils are also useful with soothing hemorrhoids.

Sexibalm

The safest and most effective home remedies for painful hemorrhoids are the natural oils or essential oils. As opposed to dry herbs, which require more preparations before they can be used as cold compress or poultice, natural oils are easier and less messy to apply on the affected parts.

Tea tree oil which comes abundantly from Australia is one of the most traditionally proven as effective treatment for inflammations or swelling common to burns, acne and painful hemorrhoids. Studies have shown that its efficiency as natural treatment comes from its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial ingredients that help strengthen the immune system and thus, prevent infection. It also has mild antiseptic ingredients that can cure the inflamed anal area.

Apply generous amounts of the coconut oil with aromatherapy (Sexibalm) to the affected area at least twice daily for at least 3 days. Whenever you use the bathroom (or at least twice daily), reapply the oil to make sure the area is covered. You should see substantial shrinking (if not the disappearance) of your hemorrhoids within the 3 days.

I have lavender and tea tree with coconut oil available in a topical balm (Sexibalm) and suppositories in the office. Applying essential oils directly to an inflamed area without a carrier substance can be painful and is not recommended.

You could also put lavender and tea tree oils in a Sitz Bath . You could also use herbs.

Chai Yok We have an herbal vaginal detox steam in the office that can also be used for hemorrhoids. The concoction of herbs used in the steam bath could be the main reason why most women experience its health benefits. Mugwort is brewed with other herbs like wormwood. Mugwort helps in detoxification and an antiseptic. It has also an ability to stimulate hormones and keep the uterus healthy. It’s also used for nausea, fatigue and headaches.

Wormwood, on the other hand, helps in treating bladder infections, constipation, fever and induces uterine contractions. The combination of these two powerful herbs will help ease hemorrhoid symptoms like inflammation and pain.

All of the herbs in the tea are antifungal and antibacterial. They help rid your body of toxins and pesticides, fight infections and even help clear up hemorrhoids. There are also some cases where people use the steam bath before they undergo hemorrhoid surgery.  You could also buy the herbs and put them in a Sitz Bath.  Call 832-237-4200 to purchase.




 FDA Disclaimer The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). Products are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician. The information provided by myself or this website is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with your physician, and should not be construed as individual medical advice. The testimonials on this website are individual cases and do not guarantee that you will get the same results.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Constipation ideas... and increase your vitamin intake also

Often, pregnancy constipation can be managed with lifestyle changes. Consider these steps:

Drink plenty of fluids. Aim for eight 8-ounce (237-milliliter) glasses of water a day. Fruit juice — especially prune juice — also can help.

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Daily walks and other aerobic activities can help prevent and treat pregnancy constipation.

Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. With your health care provider's OK, try fiber supplements, such as Metamucil.

Many constipation remedies also have extra vitamins and minerals

Colon maintainence in pregnancy

can be used to relieve constipation, and may help with water retention and weight maintainence

Magnesium Oxide (tablets, gelcaps, or powder)

One should strive for a dosage which will stimulate two to three bowel motions per day. This dosage may be as much as two heaped teaspoons a day or as little as one half teaspoon daily. Remember to listen to your body.
The magnesium oxide should come in white powder form and is generally mixed in half a glass of water. Substances which are mildly acidic, such as lemon juice or apple cider can be added or follow the ingestion of magnesium oxide. These mildly acidic substances enhance the digestion of the magnesium oxide.
Magnesium oxide should not be taken with meals. That is, at least an hour before or after eating. Since magnesium oxide liquefies toxic matter, it can be expected that the bowel motions will be loose. This is not diarrhea but the result of the hydrating effect of magnesium oxide. After the initial intensive or gradual cleansing period, some people will find it beneficial to use magnesium oxide on a regular basis. A general principle is to take enough so as to stimulate regularity. Because magnesium oxide produces water and oxygen it is safe to use on a regular basis.

Benefiber with calcium
3g fiber and 30% daily calcium
can be used regularly

Benefiber plus heart health
An excellent source of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid (33-35%)


Fiber choice with antioxidants
The main source of fiber in FiberChoice® is inulin, the same kind of fiber you'll find in fruits and vegetables.
just two tablets provides 45% of your Daily Value of Vitamin C* and Vitamin E*, and 40% of your Daily Value of Beta Carotene.*
This can be used daily.













Fiber Choice plus Calcium

50% of your daily recommended calcium in each dose
Equal to as much calcium as 14 oz. of milk
More calcium per dose than other fiber supplements
Inulin - fiber to help boost calcium absorption**
Vitamin D added





















Fiber Choice with chromium

Fiber Choice weight management contains chromium picolinate, a naturally occurring compound that aids in metabolism. Each 2-tablet dose contains 200mcg of chromium (167% of daily recommended value.)
can be used regularly




Psyllium Fiber (Metamucil, Konsyl)
can be used regularly
Metamucil can be found with calcium added




Bran cereal or a fiber Cereal (at least 6 grams of fiber daily)

The regular consumption of prune juice or plumsmart
The regular consumption of oatmeal



Miralax one week course
rare use in case other regimens are not effective

be sure to drink 2 liters of fluid (preferably water) daily


If you use splenda, do you know that it comes with added fiber (1 gram)?

Splenda with fiber


Saturday, February 26, 2011

Probiotics, a comparison and shopping guide



 A probiotic is an organism which contributes to the health and balance of the intestinal tract. A probiotic is also referred to as the "friendly", "beneficial", or "good" bacteria which when ingested acts to maintain a healthy intestinal tract and help fight illness and disease.

You can add probiotics to your diet through nutritional supplements or foods such as yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, and some juices and soy drinks. Read product labels carefully, looking for a statement that the product contains "live and active cultures," such as lactobacillus.

Although more research is needed, there's encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:

Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Speed treatment of certain intestinal infections
Prevent and treat eczema in children
Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu
Some researchers believe probiotics may improve general health.

Most people can safely add probiotic foods to a healthy diet. If you're considering taking probiotic supplements, check with your doctor to make sure the supplements are right for you.Align and Culturelle are probably the two most commonly know probiotic supplements so it is important to understand the differences between them.

The most important point to remember is that each of these supplements contain a different probiotic.

Align Probiotic Bifidobacterium Bifantis)
CFU in one capsule/tablet/dose 1 billion

Culturelle Lactobacillus GG, Inulin (prebiotic)
CFU in one capsule/tablet/dose 10 billion

Do they contain lactose? No
Do they contain milk proteins? Trace amounts
Do they contain gluten? No
Are they proven to survive stomach acid? Yes
Are they proven to adhere? Yes
Are there any possible side effects? Mild short term bloating or gas


Green Cell Therapy has different kind of probiotics, plus digestive enzymes and nutrients. Green Cell Therapy helps repair the body at the cellular level. Each and every cell benefits from the 32 extraordinary ingredients in this superior nutritional formula. The potent natural supplements in this formula improves, digestion, immune function, metabolism, pH balance, cell repair, brain/cognitive function, and has antioxidant ability, scavenging free radicals out of the body.

Contains multiple probiotics Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Casei,& Lactobacillus Rhamnonsus

Wheatgrass and barley grass offer raw energy. Contains billions of beneficial gut organisms. The highest quality green supplement. No artificial colouring, flavouring or preservatives.
It also contains lactase (for those who are lactose intolerant) amylase, lipase,& protease (helps digest food, which is hard work for your colon)
spinach, blue green algae, chlorella, and many other nutrients
Some of my patients have traded their prescription and over the counter heartburn medication for this supplement

Monday, August 2, 2010

Constipation and the Beta HCG diet

Since you are not eating 25-35 grams of fiber daily, you may notice that your bowel movements are not regular on the beta HCG diet. I have some strategies that may help, although you may not still be as before.

First, I urge people to do a colon cleanse prior to the diet, especially if they are constipated, because it can cause great discomfort if stool is sitting there for a month with nothing coming along to push it out.

Make sure you are drinking your two liters of water daily, more if possible.

During the diet, some herbal teas (like senna tea) will help with moving waste along. A magnesium supplement will also be of benefit.

During the maintanence phase, the Acai Ultimate product, can provide additional support while you try to incorporate your new eating habits into your diet. This product can also be used as a gentle colon cleanse before the diet.


Acai Berry supplements can aid in weight loss, especially when paired with the Official HCG Diet Plan. It helps boost your metabolism, the engine that drives calorie burning. The ingredients within this Acai Berry Detox blend were selected specifically for use before, during, or even after the HCG diet.

The Acai Berry formula is also a smart choice because it contains polyphenols, antioxidant compounds that have the capacity to neutralize free radicals produced by regular exercise. And that's important when you are trying to get in shape.

Take the Acai Berry Cleanse with or without the HCG Diet Plan. Feel free to start taking at anytime before, during, or after the HCG Diet. While regular exercise is good for your figure and your health, it can generate free radicals in your body, which are damaging compounds that cause harmful oxidative stress. Acai has powerful antioxidant activity that can help your body stand up to these free radicals, with or without exercise.

There are also ingredients that aid in constipation in this formula.

Acai is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods. Further, Acai has a high ORAC value (oxygen-radical absorbance capacity). ORAC is the new measurement of antioxidant potential.



Sunday, July 18, 2010

Green Cell for healing

Who Needs Green Supplements?

Super green supplements are safe for almost everyone because there is nothing in them that you wouldn’t find in natural foods. They are all natural and have no chemicals. Because of this, they do not interact with medications in the way some herbal supplements do. However, it is always wise to let your doctor know everything you are taking. Still, are they right for you?

Here are people most likely to benefit from taking these supplements:

People who want to lose weight. Though super green supplements are not magic, they can increase your energy level which gives you more energy to get your daily workout in.

People on a juice fast or colon cleanse. Detoxifying the body is important for weight loss as well and these aid in ridding the body of toxins.

People suffering from fatigue. Anyone who wants to increase their energy level. Dragging at work or school is not productive. Adding super green supplements to your daily diet can help give you the boost of energy you need to accomplish many things.

People recovering from a health ailment If you just had the flu or took antibiotics, you can benefit from a super green supplement. Since the ingredients can aid in the repairing of damage to the body and even reverse the affects of some symptoms, they are a good choice for someone recovering from an illness or surgery.

People who don’t eat enough vegetables. Though parents should continue to offer children a variety of vegetables, putting a super green supplement into a glass of juice or sprinkling it into a meal can help get those much needed nutrients into little bodies.

People who suffer digestive complaints This product contains lactobacillus. Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a type of "friendly bacteria" that resides in a healthy colon. This important bacteria should always be present for optimal intestinal health and function.

When there is an imbalance of bacteria in the colon, you may notice symptoms such as:

Gas
Bloating
Constipation
Malsbsorbtion of Nutrients

People who suffer from anemia People who suffer from anemia are advised to eat green leafy vegetables. This supplement contains spinach, kale, spirulina, wheat grass, and chlorophyll. It is a good alternative for people unable to tolerate iron.

People who eat too much acid and need to balance their pH. Excess acid can cause low energy, fatigue, excess weight, poor digestion, aches, pains, and even more serious disorders. It’s not easy to get enough alkalizing foods in your diet, so this supplement will help tip the scales in your favor.

Your first line of defense and prevention should be a well balanced diet. If your life makes that challenging, then a healthy and natural substitute might make sense. Green supplements are getting positive attention because they can increase health and reduce disease, are considered safe, and can increase nutrition and energy. Adding a green supplement once a day has numerous health benefits that can balance the body and the mind.
The world is becoming more health conscious, which means the market for healthy foods and supplements is growing. Green supplements are coming of age in this time and offer their own special benefits for consumers like you.
As you try to improve your health, you may feel bombarded with all the different miracle supplements on the market. Not all supplements are created equally and it will take a bit of research to decide which supplements are appropriate for you. Take a few moments to read on about green supplements to see if they are the health supplement you are looking for.
In general, any one at any age and in any sort of physical condition could benefit from taking super green supplements. There are, however, some specific health problems that can be aided by the taking of super green supplements.

Though this is not an exhaustive list, if you suffer from any of the following you may greatly benefit from taking green supplements:

Asthma
Depression
Diabetes
Digestive problems
Heart Disease (like stroke)
Prostate problems
Skin disorders
Ulcers

You must keep in mind that green supplements are not considered a cure for any of these health problems. There is simply laboratory evidence that the ingredients in super green supplements can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of these health problems.



This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.