2. Don't eat a lot of raw plant foods, especially during flare ups!
In the midst of a flare-up, it is best to eat soft, cooked plant foods, the best ones for me have been steamed vegetables, oatmeal, white rice, and potato-based soups,etc.
For some , even small amounts of raw plant foods can increase the intensity and frequency of their symptoms. Raw plant foods and their juices can be added back into the diet on a gradual basis once a flare up has subsided. During times like these I also take Nature's Sunshine's CLT-X (stock No. 1207-7)
3. Ensure an adequate blood level of Vitamin D. (Like NSP's Calcium w/Vitamin D)
Ulcerative colitis is strongly associated with immune system dysfunction. An adequate blood level of Vitamin D is necessary to optimally support a healthy immune system. Vitamin D can be obtained from healthy exposure to the sun. ( But not everyone lives in Hawaii like myself! )
4. Avoid fats and oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids--(not to be confused with healthy Omega 3)I've just gotten rid of all of them! --see below for a list.
These type fats and oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids, and since they are unbalanced, can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, including the colon. The worst offenders are oils made out of the following plants: corn oil, sunflower,sesame oil and peanut oil, and even safflower, are also high in omega-6 fatty acids ,too.
5. I regularly eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids an excellent source of the two omega-3 fatty acids - DHA and EPA . Another study from a Cleveland Clinic found that animal-based omega-3 fatty acids can help people recover from inflammatory bowel conditions, including ulcerative colitis. Although some organic flesh meats are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, I have found that many people with ulcerative colitis, especially those in the midst of a flare up, cannot tolerate such meats.
The best omega-3 fatty acids that I have found and used is Super Omega-3 (Nature's Sunshine Stock 1844-5) is a natural triglyceride fish lipid concentrate rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids are not produced by the body and can only be obtained through the diet. Super Omega-3 contains triglycerides from the flesh of cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel.
This is an excellent source (of the two omega-3 fatty acids - DHA and EPA ) that can help to decrease inflammation throughout the body and is typically well tolerated by people with ulcerative colitis. I have found that it is best for my ulcerative colitis to take approximately 1 soft gel per 40 to 50 pounds of body weight per day, before or with a meal.
6. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can take away the benefits of ingesting friendly bacteria, which we have already identified as an essential key to treating ulcerative colitis through natural means. I can really tell when I've over done it by the reaction I soon experience! Sugar and refined carbohydrates can also create an elevated blood insulin level, which in and of itself, can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, including the digestive tract.
7. Another very important factor, give careful consideration to chronic emotional stressors.
Our digestive tracts are supplied by their own nervous system, called the enteric nervous system. Our enteric nervous system is intimately interconnected with the central nervous system, an association that makes perfect sense given that the two nervous systems share a common origin. This relationship between the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system is such that emotional stress exacts a heavy toll on the digestive tract.
If you've been upset and nervous , and everything "hits you in the GUT", then you know this is true!
Yes, a real link between persons who has asked for help with ulcerative colitis-- is that almost 100% of them could identify one or more emotional triggers that either began the onset of their ulcerative colitis, or that was contributing to their symptoms in an obvious way.
Emotional stress is such a significant contributor to the pathological process of ulcerative colitis--I know this first hand, because I developed a moderate to advanced case of ulcerative colitis. I'm certain that not eliminating stress would be detremental to experiencing a full recovery.
Here's hoping if you find this information useful, that it will also be beneficial to your colitis, as well!
Q: What is the latest information on heart disease and how to over-come it? Of course,
I am over 65 with high blood pressure and could lose some weight. Is there a magic pill
from the health food store that I need to know about? Wishing in WA state
A: I haven't heard of one; and if you do it would be like the old saying, "if it is
too good to be true...it isn't (true)." Wouldn't you agree?
It is all over the news--the latest information on heart disease.
Common, chronic bacterial infections, including lung and urinary tract infections, as well as gum disease, may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries that could lead to heart attack, study findings suggest?
But what are the tests proving ?
I've read that during one 5-year study, people with chronic bacterial infections were nearly three times more likely to develop new plaques in carotid arteries, which are the large arteries in the neck that deliver blood to the brain. And that a buildup of fat in the neck arteries can increase the risk of stroke, and is a sign that heart arteries may be clogged as well.
During this study, I also read that a whopping 41% of participants developed new plaques in their carotid arteries! Shocking, to say the least!
Add to that these people who had chronic infections were 2.78 times more likely to develop new plaques than people who did not have any infections.
Researchers suspect that infection-related inflammation may play a role in the increased risk. Patients with infections who had high levels of inflammation tended to have a greater risk of arteriosclerosis.
Another possible explanation, according to the authors, is that bacterial infections may trigger the immune system to turn against itself. This so-called autoimmune response may damage vessels, making it easier for fatty deposits to accumulate.
References : Mayr M, Kiechl S, Willeit J, Wick G, Xu Q. Infections, immunity, and atherosclerosis: associations of antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and cytomegalovirus with immune reactions to heat-shock protein 60 and carotid or femoral atherosclerosis. Circulation. 2000 Aug 22;102(8):833-9.
Kiechl S, Egger G, Mayr M, Wiedermann CJ, Bonora E, Oberhollenzer F, Muggeo M, Xu Q, Wick G, Poewe W, Willeit J. Chronic infections and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis: prospective results from a large population study. Circulation. 2001 Feb 27;103(8):1064-70
Mayr M, Kiechl S, Mendall MA, Willeit J, Wick G, Xu Q. Increased risk of atherosclerosis is confined to CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains: prospective results from the Bruneck study. Stroke. 2003 Mar;34(3):610-5. Epub 2003 Feb 13.
Not long ago, Nature's Sunshine released a new product IF Relief ( stock No. 1175-4 )
contains a combination of herbal extracts that may support the body's natural process for muscle pain and inflammation relief following exercise and massage.
But upon looking at this formula and doing personal research, I noticed IF Relief contains compounds that may help the body achieve homeostasis, or balance. This formula has a very high ORAC value. IF Relief contains turmeric root extract along with mangosteen pericarp extract?a source of potent antioxidants called xanthones. The xanthone gammamangostin appears to partially modulate the production of prostaglandins.
IF Relief also contains Andrographis paniculata to help modulate certain undesirable responses; boswellia gum extract, which appears to modulate an enzyme that catalyzes leukotriene formation; and white willow bark extract, which contains salicin and appears to modulate the production of prostaglandins.
I can't help but think I'm going to use this product, not only for it's intended usage, but I intend to use it as a preventive for inflammation which might lead to heart disease and for preventative measures! My Dad died at age 71 from a stroke and my Mom from congestive heart failure. Makes me think, to say the least!
The roots of the turmeric plant are used as an herb in Asian cooking such as curries. I began thinking since curcumin is found in this product, and the spice turmeric root, contains curcumunoids (including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxy-curcumin) which are powerful antioxidants, and I've learned that curcumin is the major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa).
I knew extensive scientific research on curcumin has demonstrated its potent antioxidant properties, through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
In addition, it has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of jaundice and other liver ailments, ulcers, parasitic infections, various skin diseases, sprains, strains, bruises, inflammation of the joints, cold and flu symptoms, and prevents blood platelet aggregation that can lead to dangerous blood clots.
Women also appreciate its calming benefits during periods of monthly discomfort. It has also been suggested that Turmeric lowers blood cholesterol and helps with weight loss. Recent investigations suggest that curcuminoids may be active in the external treatment of certain cancerous conditions, this is presumably connected with the cytotoxicity of these substances, which has been demonstrated on cell cultures, including tumor cells. Past topical applications of this herb include its use as a poultice for athlete's foot, bruises, psoriasis, swellings, and wounds.
Another more recent look at tumeric revealed more interesting features, in light of the fact, that doctors have been testing turmeric and some have expressed to wondering if high doses of curcumin might be the natural antidote to breast cancer. This really got my attention, as my Mom had her breast removed a few years before she died.
By surfing the net I've kept up with scientists in England who have carried out preliminary tests on mice. Among a control group who were not treated, 96 per cent went on to develop visible signs of lung cancer, while treatment with the chemotherapy drug Taxol, ?modestly reduced? the incidence. But those given curcumin alone or curcumin plus Taxol had far fewer signs of the disease. That interested me also, because I've been to the Hoxey Clinic in Mexico where they suggest herbs and Taxol, as well.
One scientific consultant at the International Cancer Research told a British newspaper, The Independent, their finding that curcumin can decrease the spread of cancer when it is treated with Taxol is really interesting and potentially very important.
I've read that Curcumin works by shutting down a protein active in the spread of breast cancer. It also appears to reverse a side-effect of commonly prescribed chemotherapy, whose prolonged use may actually help to spread the disease. Curcumin breaks down the dose, making the therapy less toxic, but the drug stays just as powerful in fighting cancer.
Another component of IF Relief we should know about is mangosteen. ( You are probably familiar with Nature's Sunshine Thai-Go. Mangosteen juice is the main ingredient)--if not see more below.
Mangosteen has compounds with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor activity. Laboratory testing thus far indicates that extracts of mangosteen have activity against several cancer cell lines including breast, liver, and leukemia. Mangosteen also appears to have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the studies regarding mangosteen's anti-cancer potential are intriguing and certainly worthwhile to further explore. Several compounds found in mangosteen may have potential health benefits.
Just on the strength of this research, I feel it is something my husband and I should use everyday!
You might do some similar research yourself and see what you think about such natural products...remembering if it is too good to be true, it might not be!
References: Ramachandran C, Rodriguez S, Ramachandran R, Raveendran Nair PK, Fonseca H, Khatib Z, Escalon E, Melnick SJ. Expression profiles of apoptotic genes induced by curcumin in human breast cancer and mammary epithelial cell lines. Anticancer Res. 2005 Sep-Oct;25(5):3293-302.
Antiproliferation, antioxidation and induction of apoptosis by Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) on SKBR3 human breast cancer cell line. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jan;90(1):161-6.
Moongkarndi P, Kosem N, Kaslungka S, Luanratana O, Pongpan N, Neungton N.Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Sri Ayudthaya Road, Rajdhevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. These investigators found that an extract from the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells. They also showed that the extract had potent antioxidant and cancer cell death properties. They concluded that the extract from the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit has potential for chemoprevention.
Induction of apoptosis by xanthones from mangosteen in human leukemia cell lines. Matsumoto K, Akao Y,Kobayashi E, Ohguchi K, Ito T, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Nozawa Y. Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology, 1-1 Naka-Fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, Gifu 504-0838, Japan. These authors examined the effects of six xanthones extracted from the pericarps of the mangosteen fruit, Garcinia mangostana, on the cell growth inhibition of human leukemia cell line HL60. All xanthones displayed growth inhibitory effects. Among them, alpha-mangostin (a xanthone) showed the most potent ability to cause the cancer cells death.
Q: What is all the fuss over Mangosteen juice? It taste pretty good, but WOW! is it ever expensive! What's up with that? -- Mark in NM
A: Dear Mark, thanks for a great question! Mangosteen ,is indeed a tasty fruit found in eastern tropical nations, such as Thailand. Mangosteen contains the greatest known supply of compounds called xanthones. Xanthones offer powerful immune and cardiovascular support. And people have been drinking it forever! But it is lately they have "caught on" to the benefits.
Bringing the best fruits together for protecting your health, Nature's Sunshine always the leader in nutritional products, has given us : Thai-Go which is a blend of the most healthful fruits and nutritional supplements from all over the world. Thai-Go is replete with xanthones, bioflavonoids and powerful antioxidants. Bioflavonoids give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. In the body, bioflavonoids enhance vitamin C absorption and help maintain collagen and capillary walls. They also aid in the body?s immune?defense system.
Antioxidants scavenge the free radicals that the body accumulates as a byproduct of energy production as well as through pollution, tobacco smoke, ultraviolet light and radiation. Antioxidants benefit virtually every organ and body system because they mop up damaging free radicals. Thai-Go delivers a punch of antioxidant protection with a very high ORAC value.
Among Thai-Go?s key ingredients is mangosteen, but other ingredients in this nutritious juice include wolfberry, sea buckthorn, red grapes, grape seeds, grape skins, raspberries, blueberries, apple extract and green tea.
And beside supporting the immune and cardio-vascular systems many find it increases their energy levels, too! It tastes delicious, and even my husband likes it!
If you go to our on-line store check out the Fact Sheet and compare the other manufactors products and the xanthones levels in their products and you will see why I take pride in ours! And Mark, the member price is about half what the others are asking for their products! Thanks for your great question!
Q: I live in the Ohio Valley and it is peek allergy season. My head feels like it is about to explode; sinus, pressure, headache, YOU NAME it; I've got it. -- I'm Gail, but sign me 'Miserable'.
A: Oh, Gail...been there, don't that, girl! And it ain't funny, is it?
We have a great product: Hista-Block , which supports the body in times of respiratory discomfort brought on by changing seasons, airborne particles, environmental conditions and a host of other causes.
It is a powerful combination of stinging nettle, quercetin, bromelain and immature orange peel (which contains synephrine), Hista-Block provides nutritional support in the fight against seasonal respiratory distress. In addition, this formula provides antioxidant strength to maintain stable mast cells and supports the body?s efforts to maintain normal mucous membranes, keeping nasal passages open.
I'd add to that, Enviro-Detox which is just vital nutrition. Environmental pollutants and toxins can build up in the body, slowing the body?s natural cleansing processes. Enviro-Detox is a combination of 13 nutrients selected for their ability to provide ongoing support to the body?s five main detoxifying organs: liver, kidneys, lungs, bowels and skin. It contains, among others:Fenugreek seed, Pepsin, Red clover flowers, Yellow dock root,Echinacea purpurea root,Lactobacillus sporogenes, and Milk thistle concentrate.
All ingredients have a long history of folk use. Each nutrient in this exclusive formula has been carefully selected to provide maximum nutrition for individual body systems and the body as a whole.
The beneficial intestinal flora helps populate the intestinal tract as cleansing may cause a flushing of friendly flora. Unlike other strains of the organism, it does not need to be refrigerated to maintain viability, either.
And one other thing you should consider for allergies: Vitamin C Ascorbates it's GREAT! America?s favorite vitamin is available in a convenient powdered, non-acidic form from Nature?s Sunshine. Unsweetened Vitamin C Ascorbates may be mixed with water or other beverages for a pleasant-tasting, easy-to-prepare beverage. Each 1-teaspoon serving contains 2,000 mg vitamin C with three types of ascorbates: calcium, potassium and magnesium. Plus, the non-acidic, sugar-free formula is easy on the stomach.
When our grandson, stayed with us in Kentucky (in the Ohio river Valley!) This was one of his favorite remedies for his allergies. His were awful, and I think these same things might assist you on your quest to feel better this allergy season, too!
NOTE:
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You will automatically become my new member when you fill out the form and order $40 product from our vast store/selection, and it's easy.Just go to the link "Visit our Store" and make your $40 order. After your first order order any amount you wish, any time!
And I will email you my SAGE ADvice, etc.,when I see you've done this. Later, if you prefer not to get the email--just let me know! And I hope I?ve helped each of you who have inquired, in some way !
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