Thursday, December 17, 2009

Colon Polyps - Colon Health, part 3



Colon polyps are, a most people know, small growths in the lining inside the large intestine. They've gained a lot of attention the last decade or so, due to their relation to colon cancer.

So exactly what is a polyp? As mentioned above, it's a small growth of tissue that can be smooth/flat, saw tooth, or even look like cauliflower. The most common types are hyperplastic (saw tooth) or adenomas (cauliflower looking). The third kind is referred to as polyosis syndrome (osis meaning condition of), or having certain other hereditory conditions that cause raised or flat polyps to occur, and/or become cancerous.

Any type of polyp can become cancerous, especially if the diet is high in certain types of fat (the so called bad fats) and low in fiber. Dehydration, alcoholism, eating disorders, prolonged bouts of constipation or diarrhea, diverticulitis, Chron's, or Celiac's also stress and/or interfer with the colon's ability to function properly. Chronic stress and inflammation are influences as well.

Currently age is considered the biggest factor regarding why polyps become cancerous, mainly due to dietary and life style influences. Research has shown that the risk increases after the age of 40, which is why it's recommended for middle aged adults and seniors to have regular colonoscopies.

Inherited factors do increase the liklihood of a polyp becoming cancerous, especially if you have a "first family member" (immediate relative like parents, siblings, aunt/uncle, etc.) that has had colon cancer. Race/nationality isn't really considered important, however African Americans are slightly more at risk than other groups.

Certain medications can both increase or slow the growth of polyps. (Check with your doctor or go online to find these). Research does indicate aspirin can slow the process of a pre-cancerous polyp from turning into cancer; however, it's not a recommended therapy/treatment, due to the side effects.

Unfortunately any signs or symptoms of having colon polyps usually are so insignificant that most people don't realize they have them until it's too late. Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, narrowing of stool, bowel obstructions, etc., can be attributed to many other things, and doesn't always mean a polyp has become cancerous.

However, if any of these signs or symptoms occur for over a week, or there is blood in the stool, anemia, or unusual abdominal pain, it's highly recommended to be examined. When the colonoscopy (light tube used to examine the inside of the colon) is performed, polyps can not only be looked at, they can also be removed. This can prove to not only be an overall healthy preventative measure, it can also save lives.

Self help things are, of course, being hydrated and eating a well balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber and cruciferous vegetables. (These are cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, etc. They support the immune system, and are natural anti-inflammatories.) Other natural immune boosters and anti- inflammatories are supplements like vitamins C and E, and bioflavinoids like Quercetin or Pycnogenol. Decompressing frequently also helps, as stress increases inflammation even in polyps.

Colon cancer is preventable, and very treatable. Proper medical check ups, a healthy balanced diet, and polyp removal are all very viable ways to protect our colon, and overal health and well being.

Sources: www.wikipedia.org, www.mayoclinic.com, www.emedicine.com, www.emedicine.medscape.com, www.gihealth.com and www.uptodate.com

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure any known or unknown disease.

All rights reserved. All blogs and photos on this site are copyrighted, and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold in any form without express permission.


The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the owner of this site, the author, or editor for the use or misuse of the information contained herein.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Auto Intoxication - Colon Health, part 2



As the name implies, Auto (self) intoxication (state of toxcicity) means the body is so full of toxins that one can, and does, feel very ill.

AI can be caused by numerous things. The most common of these are: dehydration, being overly acidic, constant emotional upsets, eating too fast/much, certain medications, harsh cleanses, and Ileocecal Valve Syndrome. (Ileocecal pronounced ill e o seekal.)

Ileocecal Valve Syndrome is considered one of the biggest culprits of AI. It occurs when the valve between the end of the small intestine and beginning of the large intestine is open. This allows undigested matter and toxins to escape back into the small intestine, which is very harmful not only to the small intestine, but the whole body as well.

Symptoms of AI include: headaches, bad breath, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea, chest, arm and low back pain, allergies, ringing in the ears, itching, blood pressure changes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and dementia, plus a whole host of other imbalances. People with AI can also be as high as 80% acidic, making it very difficult to restore the ph balance of the body's fluids, especially the lymph and blood.

Treatments for AI vary from standard medical ones such as antibiotics, diuretics, anti-inflammatories,etc., to natural remedies such as homeopathy, supplements, massage, or energy work. A change in diet is also recommended to one that is well balanced and consumed in 4 - 6 smaller meals a day, with plenty of water, tea, or fresh vegetable juices. And of course, decompressing frequently can be of benefit, too.

Concerning body and energy work for AI. Chiropractic is the most recommended, then Swedish, Lymphatic, and/or Visceral massage. (Deep Tissue is not recommended to begin with, as this may cause a healing crisis by moving the toxins through the body faster than it can handle.) Visceral (abdominal) massage requires specific training, so always make sure to ask your therapist before considering this type of massage.

Almost any type of good energy work, such as Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Quantum Healing, Reflexology, and Cranial Sacral are very good for AI. And this is especially true for children or anyone who is overly sensitive or very toxic, as these modalities allow the body to gently come back to balance.

It's estimated that over 90% of the world's population has some form of AI, however it's both very preventable and treatable. Making sure your digestive tract is in good working order also ensures the rest of your body does as well.


Sources: www.wikipedia.org, www.webmd,com, www.psychcentral.com, www.healing.about.com, and www.adam.com

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure any known or unknown disease.

All rights reserved. All blogs and photos on this site are copyrighted, and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold in any form without express permission.


The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the owner of this site, the author, or editor for the use or misuse of the information contained herein.