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Showing posts with label Diarrhea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diarrhea. Show all posts

Monday, 14 November 2016

Dr Mercola's Disease Directory

What to Do If You Have Any of These Conditions


I believe that virtually anyone can achieve good health and longevity by following holistic lifestyle strategies. Consuming a balanced, whole food diet, getting enough high-quality sleep, including a well-rounded exercise routine in your daily schedule, and effectively managing your stress – all these can help you stay physically and mentally healthy.
But there are instances when you just cannot avoid falling victim to certain illnesses. A malfunctioning immune system, hormone imbalances, genetic and/or environmental factors, and exposure to harmful organisms can subject you to health problems.
However, there’s a lot of information (and misinformation) out there on different ailments, and many people often become confused on which advice they should follow.
This is why I created this directory of some of the most prevalent illnesses that affect people today. Get to know their symptoms, causes and risk factors, natural treatment and pain relief options, and how you can protect yourself from these diseases.
I invite you to browse these articles, so that you may safeguard your well-being and stay disease-free. Get informed today!
(Please note that these articles are meant simply for information purposes. To ensure a proper diagnosis, it is still important to consult a qualified physician.)

Source:  http://articles.mercola.com/diseases.aspx
Cellulitis
Cellulitis
Don't confuse it with cellulites, which are the unsightly, dimple-like fat deposits that form on your buttocks and thighs. Cellulitis is actually a more dangerous condition that requires your immediate attention. But how exactly does it start and what can you do to avoid it? Read these articles and discover everything you need to know about cellulitis.
Read more >
Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both males and females. Common symptoms for both sexes include a burning feeling while urinating, rectal pain, and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse). Read here to learn the best methods to treat chlamydia symptoms, and prevent it from spreading to others.
Read more >
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s Disease
An inflammatory bowel disease that wreaks havoc on your gastrointestinal tract, Crohn’s disease can lead to unpleasant symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Although it’s a chronic condition that you’ll have to deal with throughout your life, there are ways to effectively manage Crohn’s disease flare-ups. Read these articles to learn how you can deal with this illness.
Read more >
Sugar level test
Diabetes
Find out what fuels the diabetes epidemic today – and simple diet and lifestyle strategies for diabetes type 2 treatment and prevention.
Read more >
Diarrhea
Diarrhea
When harmful bacteria and viruses enter your digestive system, you become predisposed to digestive problems, and diarrhea is one of the most common types. This occurs when the foods you consume pass too quickly through your colon. It usually goes away on its own, but be careful – there are instances when diarrhea can be harmful. Read important facts about diarrhea in these articles, so you’ll know what to do once it strikes.
Read more >
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis
Old age can predispose you to many health problems, and diverticulitis is one of them. Known as a "Western disease," this painful ailment mainly affects your colon and, if not treated, may lead to complications. Learn everything you need to know about diverticulitis and how you can prevent it from affecting you during your senior years.
Read more >
Eczema
Eczema
The skin is the largest and fastest growing organ in the body, with numerous functions. But what happens when it becomes predisposed to skin disorders? One common example is eczema, which affects more than 30 million Americans today. However, you can manage and treat it naturally. Read these articles and learn everything you need to know about eczema.
Read more >
Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Two to 10 percent of American women suffer from endometriosis, a condition that affects the tissue lining in the uterus. It causes debilitating pain and discomfort, and unfortunately, it cannot be completely prevented. The good news is there are natural ways to relieve this illness. Read these articles and find out everything you need to learn about endometriosis.
Read more >
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
Constant pain and fatigue, trouble sleeping, and cognitive problems – these are all hallmark symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that affects 1 in 50 Americans today. If not addressed, fibromyalgia can cause extreme discomfort and hinder with your everyday activities. Read here how you can deal with and control this illness before it throws your life off balance.
Read more >
Gout
Gout
Known as a “disease of kings” because it was usually seen in members of the aristocracy during the early times, gout is now a prevalent and complex disorder today, mostly affecting men. Immediate treatment is crucial, or else it may lead to severe and painful complications. Read these articles and find out what you should do if you become afflicted with this ailment.
Read more >
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids form because of increased pressure in your lower rectum, and while they're not exactly life-threatening, they are most definitely (and literally) a pain in the backside. Here's everything you need to know about hemorrhoids – how to treat them, symptoms to watch out for and the ideal diet that can help prevent them from affecting you.
Read more >
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a dangerous liver infection that can spread through blood-to-blood contact. The good news is, it’s preventable and, if you have it, completely manageable. Read these important facts about hepatitis C and find out what you can do to prevent this illness.
Read more >
Herpes
Herpes
One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) not only in the U.S. but also worldwide, herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Beware: not only is this disease extremely uncomfortable, but it's highly contagious as well. If you or someone you know suffers from herpes, check out these articles and learn how you can effectively manage it.
Read more >
Lupus
Lupus
Your immune system efficiently protects you from viruses, bacteria and other harmful organisms – but what happens if it does the opposite? Such is the case when you have lupus. There's a lot of misconception about this autoimmune disease, but don't fret – there are ways to avoid lupus or live with this condition.
Read more >
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease
If you live in a tick-infested area, beware: you may be at risk of Lyme disease. Often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, this potentially dangerous illness causes vague dispersed pain, as well as other symptoms. You can easily avoid it by staying away from tick-infested areas – but what if you or a loved one is already infected? Read these articles to learn how to cope with Lyme disease.
Read more >
Meningitis
Meningitis
Meningitis targets the meninges, a group of three important membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. But beware: conventional meningitis treatments may actually lead to more severe side effects. Find out everything you need to know about meningitis, including safe remedies, how to ease the symptoms and how avoid falling victim to it.
Read more >
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis
The pancreas plays an important role in your digestive system, but when it becomes swollen or inflamed, it can cause debilitating pain and other symptoms, and may even result in complications. Here are important facts about pancreatitis and what you can do to help ease, prevent or treat this condition.
Read more >
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes, and is considered the largest ligament in the human body. It supports the arch of your foot and helps you walk – so just imagine how painful and debilitating it is when it becomes inflamed. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. There are certain factors that put you at risk of plantar fasciitis, but the good news is effective exercises and natural remedies are available to help you alleviate it. Learn more about this illness by reading these articles.
Read more >
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Millions of Americans (adults and children alike) develop pneumonia every year, and some of them unfortunately succumb to this condition. The good news is that pneumonia is treatable and avoidable, if you take the necessary precautions. Read these articles and find out how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from pneumonia.
Read more >
rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Painful, debilitating, and absolutely damaging, rheumatoid arthritis is now a common condition that plagues millions of people today. But what exactly causes it, and what are the symptoms you should watch out for? Get all facts about rheumatoid arthritis and find out how you can avoid – or even treat – this illness once and for all.
Read more >
Psoriasis
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune disease, psoriasis occurs when skin cells tend to build up quickly, leading to scaling and inflammation. But its effects can go beyond skin deep, as people who have it may develop low self-esteem and even depression. Discover everything you need to know about psoriasis, how it can be prevented and what can be done to ease its symptoms.
Read more >
Ringworm
Ringworm
There is an old belief that ringworm is caused by worms. In reality, this itchy and annoying skin disease is caused by fungi, and if you have it – and fail to treat it – chances are you may spread it to other people. Read up on ringworm, particularly its symptoms, the body parts commonly affected and how to get rid of it once and for all.
Read more >
Scabies
Scabies
Most people refer to it an "infection," but scabies should actually be called an "infestation." It occurs when Sarcoptes scabiei mites invade your skin. This highly contagious illness can be passed on via skin-to-skin contact, causing extreme itchiness, rashes and other uncomfortable symptoms. Discover everything you need to know about scabies by reading these articles.
Read more >
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is probably one of the most misunderstood mental disorders today, due to its negative portrayal in films and TV shows. This illness affects the way a person perceives reality, which then causes behavioral changes. Hallucinations, delusions and disorganized behavior are just some of the hallmark symptoms of schizophrenia. However, you should know that schizophrenia can be managed. Read these articles about schizophrenia so you’ll know how to deal with this disorder.
Read more >
Shingles Infection
Shingles
Learn more about shingles, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment, and how you can build natural resistance to it without getting the shingles vaccine.
Read more >
Strep throat
Strep Throat
Often mistaken for or confused with sore throat, strep throat is a contagious disease that can affect people of all ages. While many simply ignore it, and wait for it to "go away" on its own, strep throat can actually lead to devastating complications if not properly treated. Learn the important facts about this condition, and what to do if you or a loved one becomes infected.
Read more >

Monday, 1 August 2016

What You See in the Toilet Can Give You Valuable Insights into Your Health

What’s normal and what’s not when you look into the toilet after using it? You can learn a great deal about your overall health by taking a look at your stool and noting its color, size, shape, consistency, odor and other features

Toilet Habits

February 14, 2013

Story at-a-glance

  • What’s normal and what’s not when you look into the toilet after using it? You can learn a great deal about your overall health by taking a look at your stool and noting its color, size, shape, consistency, odor and other features
  • Your toileting habits, such as your frequency of elimination and the ease with which you move your bowels, can provide additional clues to your health status
  • If you know what to look for, you may be able to detect health problems early enough to stop them in their tracks, including serious diseases like celiac disease, hepatitis, urinary tract infections and stones, malabsorption disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cancer and others
  • Suggestions are given for optimizing your gastrointestinal function, including how to build healthy gut flora, and what things to avoid due to their potential adverse effects on your GI system, which is crucial to your immune health
By Dr. Mercola
When it comes to toileting habits, the topic is not exactly a favorite among Americans – at least for those above the age of four. Mention poop and you can easily clear a room – or at the least, generate some unusual facial expressions, nervous laughter, and wisecracks about "too much information."
But your bodily emissions are an important health topic that deserves serious attention, regardless of the "ick factor." In fact, if you ignore what you deposit in your toilet, you could be flushing your health down the drain!
Did you know the average person generates about five TONS of stool in his or her lifetime? Turns out, there is much to be learned from this mountain of poop.
The shape, size, color, and other fecal features can tell you a great deal about your overall health, how your gastrointestinal tract is functioning, and even give you clues about serious disease processes that could be occurring, like infections, digestive problems, and even cancer. Poop comes in just about all the colors of the rainbow... and please forgive me for using the words poop and rainbow in the same sentence.
Although there is a certainly a wide variety of stool colors, textures and forms that are considered "normal," there are definitely things that, if seen or experienced, warrant immediate medical attention. With this in mind, the overview that follows covers what you need to know about what's normal and not normal in the bathroom department.

What is Normal Stool?

Your stool is about 75 percent water. The rest is a fetid combination of fiber, live and dead bacteria, miscellaneous cells and mucus.12 The characteristics of your stool will tell you a good deal about how happy and healthy your digestive tract is – the color, odor, shape, size, and even the sound it makes when it hits the water and whether it's a "sinker" or a "floater" are all relevant information.


The Bristol Stool Chart is a handy tool that may help you learn what you're going for. Ideally, your stool should approximate Types 3, 4 and 5, "like a sausage or a snake, smooth and soft" to "soft blobs that pass easily." Type 4 is the Holy Grail.3


Fiber tends to bulk up your stool and acts like glue to keep the stool stuck together, instead of in pieces. If your stool is on the softer side, short of diarrhea ("soft serve," as some call it), it could be related to lactose intolerance, artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and Splenda), or a reaction to fructose or gluten.

Look, Listen and Smell Before You Flush

What's normal and what's not when you look into the toilet? The following table will help you narrow down what to look for, so that you aren't needlessly alarmed. Of course, there are a few signs that ARE cause for concern, and those are listed too. If you have a change in stools accompanied by abdominal pain, please report this to your physician.4
Healthy StoolUnhealthy Stool
Medium to light brownStool that is hard to pass, painful, or requires straining
Smooth and soft, formed into one long shape and not a bunch of piecesHard lumps and pieces, or mushy and watery, or even pasty and difficult to clean off
About one to two inches in diameter and up to 18 inches longNarrow, pencil-like or ribbon-like stools: can indicate a bowel obstruction or tumor – or worst case, colon cancer; narrow stools on an infrequent basis are not so concerning, but if they persist, definitely warrant a call to your physician
S-shaped, which comes from the shape of your lower intestineBlack, tarry stools or bright red stools may indicate bleeding in the GI tract; black stools can also come from certain medications, supplements or consuming black licorice; if you have black, tarry stools, it's best to be evaluated by your healthcare provider
Quiet and gentle dive into the water...it should fall into the bowl with the slightest little "whoosh" sound – not a loud, wet cannonball splash that leaves your toosh in need of a showerWhite, pale or gray stools may indicate a lack of bile, which may suggest a serious problem (hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatic disorders, or possibly a blocked bile duct), so this warrants a call to your physician; antacids may also produce white stool
Natural smell, not repulsive (I'm not saying it will smell good)Presence of undigested food (more of a concern if accompanied by diarrhea, weight loss, or other changes in bowel habits)
Uniform textureFloaters or splashers
Increased mucus in stool: This can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, or even colon cancer, especially if accompanied by blood or abdominal pain

Does Your Stool Have a Really Bad Odor?

If your stool has an extraordinarily bad odor, it should not be ignored. I am referring to an odor above and beyond the normally objectionable stool odor. Stinky stool can be associated with a number of health problems, such as:7
  • A malabsorptive disorder
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn's disease
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease caused by a defective gene that causes your body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which builds up and causes life-threatening lung infections and serious digestive problems. Most cases of CF are diagnosed before the age of 2, so this is more of a concern with infants and toddlers.
Speaking of malodorous things, what about gas? Passing gas (flatulence) is normal. Not only is it normal, it's a good sign that trillions of hard working gut bacteria are doing their jobs. People pass gas an average 14 times per day – anywhere from one to four pints of it!8 Ninety nine percent of gas is odorless, so you may even be unaware you're passing it. Think about it – were it not for an exit, we'd all blow up like balloons!

How Often Should You Move Your Bowels?

Normal bowel habits vary. When we talk about regularity, what we're really talking about is what's regular for you. Three bowel movements per day to three per week is considered the normal range.
What's more important than frequency is the ease with which you move your bowels. If you need to push or strain, something is off – moving your bowels should take no more effort than urinating or passing gas. The thing to watch for is a sudden change in your bowel habits. Many factors can affect regularity, such as diet, travel, medications, hormonal fluctuations, sleep patterns, exercise, illness, surgery, childbirth, stress and a whole host of other things.9

Constipation and Diarrhea


The average body takes between 18 and 72 hours to convert food into poop and pass it on out. When this time is significantly shortened, the result is diarrhea because your intestine doesn't have time to absorb all of the water. Conversely, when transit time is lengthened, you may end up constipated because too much water has been absorbed, resulting in hard, dry stools.

Constipation is defined as passing hard, dry stools that you have to strain to move, and it's typically accompanied by decreased frequency of defecation. Straining is not normal, nor are experiencing feelings of incomplete elimination, bloating, crampiness, or sluggishness after going number two. If you're over the age of 65, your risk of becoming constipated increases significantly.
Chronic, untreated constipation can lead to fecal impaction,10 which can be a serious medical condition. Laxatives should be avoided at all cost and used only as a last resort. If you absolutely must use a laxative, make sure it is used for only a very short period of time.
Common Causes of INCREASED Bowel Frequency/Diarrhea11
LifestyleDiseases and Conditions
Eating more fruits and vegetables (increased fiber)Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Increased exerciseCrohn's disease
Drinking more waterUlcerative colitis
Emotional stressCeliac disease
Food allergiesIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Medication side effects
Gastrointestinal infection
Common Causes of DECREASED Bowel Frequency/Constipation1213
LifestyleDiseases and Conditions
Change in diet, less fiber, less fruits and vegetablesPregnancy, childbirth, or hormonal disturbances
Emotional stressProblems with the muscles or nerve in the intestine, rectum or anus
Ignoring the urge to "go," travel and scheduling factors that cause you to hold itIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Insufficient exerciseDiabetes
Inadequate hydrationHypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Calcium or iron supplementsLocal pain or discomfort around the anus, such as from fissures or hemorrhoids
Drugs such as narcotic painkillers (codeine, for example), diuretics, antacids, antidepressants, and excess or overused laxativesLess often: diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, colorectal cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury
Food allergies

How to Score a Home Run with Your Bowel Movements

Most gastrointestinal problems can be prevented or resolved by making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. If you aren't achieving poo perfection, or if you don't feel right, then look at the following factors and consider making a few changes. These strategies will help reverse constipation or diarrhea, in addition to helping prevent recurrences.
  • Remove all sources of gluten from your diet (the most common sources are wheat, barley, rye, spelt and other grains)
  • Eat a diet that includes whole foods, rich in fresh, organic vegetables and fruits that provide good nutrients and fiber; most of your fiber should come from vegetables, not from grains
  • Avoid artificial sweeteners, excess sugar (especially fructose), chemical additives, MSG, excessive amounts of caffeine, and processed foods as they are all detrimental to your gastrointestinal (and immune) function
  • Boost your intestinal flora by adding naturally fermented foods into your diet, such as sauerkraut, pickles, and kefir (if you tolerate dairy); add a probiotic supplement if you suspect you're not getting enough beneficial bacteria from your diet alone
  • Try increasing your fiber intake; good options include psyllium and freshly ground organic flax seed (shoot for 50 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories consumed).
  • Make sure you stay well hydrated with fresh, pure water
  • Get plenty of exercise daily
  • Avoid pharmaceutical drugs, such as pain killers like codeine or hydrocodone which will slow your bowel function, Antidepressants, and antibiotics can cause a variety of GI disruptions
  • Address emotional challenges with tools like EFT
  • Consider squatting instead of sitting to move your bowels; squatting straightens your rectum, relaxes your puborectalis muscle and encourages the complete emptying of your bowel without straining, and has been scientifically shown to relieve constipation and hemorrhoids

Consider a Bidet

As a practical and affordable alternative to toilet paper, you might want to try a bidet. Bidets are the norm in Europe—no bathroom is found without one. Once you experience a bidet, you'll probably never go back to toilet paper! A bidet is refreshing in a way toilet paper will never be, is gentler and less irritating than wiping with paper, and reduces hand contamination. Whenever I travel it is one of the items that I miss most from my home. Nearly everyone that I know has received one just loves them.
The bidets pay for themselves in no time with the money saved on toilet paper, as well as helping save valuable environmental resources. You still need a sheet or two of toilet paper to dry yourself, but that is a tiny fraction of what you would need to clean yourself. But more importantly they clean your bottom far more effectively than simply using dry toilet paper. They are easy to install, as no plumber is required. I've made my favorite bidet available in the Mercola store.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/02/14/normal-stool.aspx