Intro To Obsessions & Compulsives

You can start by looking into Obsessions and what they mean and how they affect people. Read more about what Pure "O" means, how everyone has Violent and/or Sexual thoughts to a certain degree and so on...

Then look at how Compulsions work.

Read more about why rituals are repeated, which actions might be repeated and so on...

Now that you understand those 2 elements of OCD, you can look at how they interact or counteract each other by looking at the OCD- Cycle.

Someone with OCD will often feel as if their obsession or ritual is different than those of others with OCD. However this isn't the case at all.

There are so many different types of OCD- Symptoms that although slight differences may occur, there most likely will be 1 you will be able to relate to. Hopefully this knowledge will lead to you feeling less alone.

OCD- Aspects got their own page, since although they are OCD- symptoms, they are also amongst the less known 1's. Most people have heard of people with OCD who wash, count or check, but there are a few aspects of OCD such as Hoarding and Hit- and- Run that could benefit from being given just that little extra attention.

SOME OCD FACTS & FIGURES.

What was once thought to be a rare mental disease is now known to be a more common 1. Approximately 2.3% of the population between ages 18- 54 suffers from OCD, which out ranks mental disorders such as: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or panic disorder.

In the U.S., approximately 3.3 million people have OCD, of which you have 0.3 to 1% of pediatric population and 2% of adult population.

So about 1 out of 200 adults have OCD and twice as many have had OCD at 1 point or another in their life.

There is no discrimination as to who has OCD, since it is found in all ethnic groups and both men and women are equally struck by the disorder, although in children OCD seems to be prevalent in boys.

Nearly 1/3 to 1/2 of all sufferers will find that their OCD has it's roots in childhood, some will even show signs in their pre-school years. Cases of OCD have been reported in children as young as 1.5, needless to say it's hard to make the diagnosis at such a young age (Lack of development of speech being 1 reason.). Around the age of 6 the linguistic abilities of the child make it easier to find out the existence of OCD, this co- relates with the age where most children show their first real signs of OCD.

In most cases however, symptoms will start to show while being a teenager or in early adulthood.

The age of onset is typically reported as 6 - 15 for males and 20 - 29 for females and is usually by the age of 40.

Although many people suffer from OCD, many are also still hiding their symptoms and surveys estimate that less than 10 % of those suffering are currently in treatment.

The presence of any aggression or oppositional defiant disorder has been said to indicate a poorer prognosis.

Typically OCD and it's symptoms will worsen due to Stress, Illnesses and Fatigue.

Treating a child with OCD is very important and all delay will only cause the child more harm and more chance of it missing out on certain aspects of her/his development and life.

Same goes for adults, the earlier professional help is sought the greater chances are that some real progress will be made.

OCD is a disorder that can be difficult to treat, but you can get your life back if you find the right help and are open to what is being suggested to you.

The longer 1 waits to act upon it and look for help, the more the system finds a place in the person's life and the harder it will be to fight it.

OCD will evolve throughout a person's life. Some will experience moments where their OCD almost disappears or becomes milder. For these people the anticipation of knowing it will or might come back is very distressing. Others will see how the OCD takes over more and more of their lives and will eventually take over completely making it impossible for them to function normally in life/society, this of course if left untreated or when no serious effort is made to fight back.

So treatment is crucial.

There have been successes that involve surgery, but this treatment is however left to those who previously were not responsive to other types of treatment that are known to work very well for people suffering from OCD.

MISUNDERSTANDINGS& MISCONCEPTIONS.

There are 2 distinctive parts to OCD: the Obsessions and the Compulsions which is explained clearly by the name Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. But it seems the clarity often stops there. While the medical world is finding out the why's and how's of OCD, there are also still many Misunderstandings. Even in this day and age of greater awareness concerning Mental Health problems, many people still aren't properly informed about the many mental disorders that exist and this leaves much room for assumptions and speculations. Both those who have OCD and those who are dealing with someone who has OCD may believe in such misunderstandings.

Misunderstandings concerning Possible Cause.

One of the first misunderstandings research has been able to take care of is the 1 where people assume that a neglecting or unbalanced upbringing was possibly at the basis of OCD behavior. With the use of PET- scans (Positron Emission Tomography) experts were able to find clear evidence that the brain of someone with OCD does function differently than that of a person without OCD.

With these finding a great deal of shame and guilt has been taken off the shoulders of the parents who felt they were directly to blame for their child's suffering.

This is not to say that certain events in a person's upbringing/life may not have contributed to the onset of the OCD, just that OCD is now considered to be triggered by a biochemical disbalance in the brain.

Read more about the Possible Causes of OCD or on how the brain or Serotonin work.

General Misunderstandings Within Society.

By far one of the most painful misunderstandings for a person with OCD are the ones they encounter in their direct surrounding and society in general.

Who should be held responsible for informing the world about OCD? Partly the medical world and the media who should actively be trying to bring the facts to the public and partly the general public itself. But the public's fear of the unknown, their intolerance and lack of understanding, which still exist when it comes to mental disorders, make OCD yet another one surrounded by its share of misunderstandings.

This is why talking about the disorder is so helpful since it will actively and constructively add to the acceptance of a common yet misunderstood disorder.

However as someone who might have OCD you aren't free of part of the responsibility either. Stop feeling ashamed for having a disorder that isn't a weakness, but as true and real as having a Heart condition.

If you can't show acceptance and understanding to yourself, how can you expect others to do so? Start with yourself and lead by example.

Thinking That Having OCD Is a Character Flaw or an Excuse.

Some people might assume OCD is simply being used as an excuse for not having to do certain things, that character flaws such as laziness or weakness are what are really causing this behavior, but this is yet another misunderstanding. Just look into all the things the individual with OCD isn't able to do that would possible provide them with possible.

Besides, it is always easier to motivate yourself to do things you like doing. Having to deal with the counting (or the not counting) will seem more worthwhile with things that give a greater sense of satisfaction or pleasure. Motivation is the key, accusing and personal critisicsm aren't.

OCD may look like laziness or just another excuse but it is a true and debilitating disorder.

Thinking That Having OCD Equals Being Crazy.

Another misunderstanding occurs when people assume, including those with OCD, that having OCD equals someone who is crazy.

So, is a person who has OCD crazy? Of course not! Someone with OCD has besides possibly strange looking rituals and disturbing obsessions also the capacity to see them as such. Maybe it is this conflict between the constant "urge" of OCD and common sense that makes people with OCD feel as if they are going crazy. The ability to see your own beliefs and actions as being unreasonable is extremely confusing but also a good sign to know you aren't crazy.

Unless we are talking about OCD with poor insight, people will at some point recognize that their obsessions are from their own mind and not excessive worries about real- life problems and that their rituals are also excessive and unreasonable.

So the answer to "Is a person suffering from OCD crazy?" is very simple: NO.

Mistaking the Obsessions With Someone Who Is Obsessed.

A man once asked a woman with OCD whether she would start focusing on him and become obsessed by him. Of course not! Although the word Obsession is for some linked to characters portrayed by "Robert De Niro" in the movie "Cape Fear" or "Glenn Close" in "Fatal Attraction", this has nothing to do with someone who suffers from OCD.

People with OCD don't have their rituals and obsessions result in the harm of others. Actually, people with OCD are said to be "perfect citizens". Which brings us to another misunderstanding but this time 1 which works in "favor" of the person having OCD. Of course this is just a generalization since having OCD doesn't take away from the fact people with OCD are all still humans and therefore will have their obvious fair share of flaws.

But it does seem that most people with OCD have a greater sense of righteousness.

Maybe it's more the fact of being afraid of doing something wrong which is making them act in the most "acceptable" way. I won't start a debate on what can be considered right or wrong, if only for the fact that this is a monologue and the debate might become really 1- sided.)

The conclusion is that it's important to see this disorder in a larger context and more importantly only form an opinion after having at least read about it in a serious way.

Please know that you can share this with anyone who you feel it may help, friends, famliy, associates. You may pass it on freely as long as this footer is left intact and the author is given proper credit. Thanks:)

Generate Stem Cells Naturally

You can generate trillions of stem cells within one month when you take glyconutrients every day, if every new-born cell is coated with them. 1 6

The cost? Between $60 - $200 a month depending on your body's health/toxic over-load, & history of nutrient deficiencies. On the other hand stem-cell transplants can cost $150,000 each, & some people receiving stem cell transplants end up with fungal/virus infections from a hospital stay.Transplanted stem cells have caused tumors & terrible health problems for the receiver.

The generating of stem cells from taking glyconutrients is automatically recognized as self, pure & simple.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells aren't "finished" or part of a tissue or organ, but have the ability to generate into any other cell in the body. So a stem cell can become a neuron, a liver cell, a brain cell, a finger-nail cell...whatever the body needs, & the body knows what to do with real nutrition!

Glyconutrients provide the ability for cells to recognize where the body needs help, to transfer the information, & to generate stem cells to repair or replace damaged cells.

JAMA's Report

On Feb. 19, 2003 the Journal of American Medical Ass'n (JAMA) reported that donor stem cells crossed the blood brain barrier and became neurons in the recipient's brain.

These People Took & Take Glyconutrients

A doctor in Texas, H. Reginald McDaniel has a science team which noted many unexplainable FUNCTIONS being restored to the central nervous system, pancreas cells, lung, kidney, and heart, after being given glyconutrients over a long period of time.

They have seen changes in people of all ages, including infants, children, teenagers, adults, and some quite elderly, who were thought to be in irreversible health situations. They also give other core nutrients to help all body systems to be self-healing.

Anecdotal Reports from Afar

The JAMA report explains these medically impossible changes Dr. McDaniel's team saw in themselves, their patients, & heard from various reports by people they didn't know were taking the supplements.

Diseases or disease processes can't be named legally, but these symptoms have been relieved:

Auto-immune disorders, psychological disorders like 'hearing voices & depression, allergies/asthma; heart disease, cholesterol, weight loss/lean-to-fat ratio. Yeast die-off occurs...the list goes on and on.

Grandmother was right: "Eat your fruits & vegetables." These days that statement should include" grown in organic soil w/out chemicals."

I have a VHS tape 4 that tells of a premie's heart which had 'incurable' health problems. The doctors kept saying "We don't understand!" why she ended up with normal health at age 5. 5 It's now out of compliance because of legal red tape. Hopefully we will soon be able to talk about the diseases that have been reversed.

What About Viruses?

Although fever is the body's way of destroying viruses please don't lower fever unless it's dangerously high, constant diet- related inflammation leads to obesity, diabetes, arthritis all kinds, brain disorders/dementia, etc.

Anti-biotic use can cause cancer 6, does not kills viruses, & consistent use will create a foundation for bacterial/joint infections, heart disease, IBS, & commonly increases allergic reactions sooner or later. 6 7

Glyconutrients help protect cells from viruses & bacteria.

These important nutrients are almost gone from our food chain. Over the past 100 years commercial farming has taken over family- grown gardens. Mostly these farms don't replinish the soil with 87 minerals or enzymes - allow friendly micro-organisms & earth worms to break down organic molecules make humus which creates nutrients for plants - control acidity - or let it rest one year out of seven 7

Humus is the basis for soil life. Synthetic fertilizers & pesticides/herbicides kill vital micro-organisms & the soil's health.

And most fruits & vegetables are harvested green. *Only vine-ripened* plants develop all the nutrients which makes them so healthful.

Let Rot Or Irradiate

Irradiation, according to HSI's panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., in 2002: "Irradiation accelerates the growth of aspergillus mold which produces the most potent natural carcinogens cancer-causing known to man, called aflotoxins." Or known as formaldehyde & benzene.

The FDA changed the process from being called radiotoxins to "unique radiolytic" & "known radiolytic." Makes the terms easier to swallow pun intended.

From the book "Science or Miracle," Excerpt pages 28 - 29:

"Food is exposed to extremely high doses of radiation to kill bacteria, parasites, & fungi that may cause spoilage. Gamma rays...like Cobalt-60 in doses of 100,000 to 3 million rads are used. A dose of 10 thousand rads will totally destroy any living tissue. ...done to our fruits, vegetables, flour,

nuts, chicken, & other foods." 4

Buy The Best - Don't Cheat Yourself

When you buy glyconutrients the company should have saccharides to protect others during digestion, to make the IMMEASURABLE & irreplaceable chains they need to make, in nano- to ... seconds. Only the body completely knows how to make them.

See Proevity.com for Continuing Education CE Credits for doctors & other health professionals.

References:

1 "The Missing Nutrients," by Dr. Steve Nugent

2 StemCellFunction.org - Licensed health professionals can register & click on "Email" to receive protocol.

3 FisherInstitute.org , DrReg.net/ - SYLLABI studies for sale.

4 "Science or Miracle," by George V. Dubouch, Ph.D. - book 147 pages - Excerpt pages 28 - 29

5 GlycoTools.com - Glyconutrient/health CD's, books, Results Project ADD/HD, and certified nutrition course from the University of Miami - See "Training" link.

6 - National Cancer Institute - Dr. Roberta Ness of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

7 - KnowTheCause.com/

8 PubMed: 15618138: Noverr MC, Falkowski NR, McDonald RA, McKenzie AN, Huffnagle GB

Dangerous Laxatives - Simple Rules For Choosing Safe Laxatives and Relieving Constipation Naturally

Laxatives are supposed to be the solution to constipation. Constipation is usually caused by the kinds of foods eat, therefore the most common way to prevent the problem is to actually ensure you have a good diet. But there are plenty of cases where constipation does not depend on diet alone. Natural treatment methods include eating roughage and drinking a lot of water. You can also cure constipation by using natural laxatives. Getting the best laxatives will give you a solution that will be fast and effective.

There are some laxatives that will give you very serious side effects. The most common side effects of the laxatives will include having thirst that is excessive, muscle cramps, pain when urinating, breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, rashes that will scotch the skin, irritability, tiredness, irregular heartbeats and many others. This is usually the result of pharmaceutical grade and/or synthetic laxatives.

The best laxatives are actually all natural and herbal. Some minor side effects may include gas or irritation of the skin and being thirsty. But nothing serious or complicated, and these of course are minor effects that are tolerable. They sure beat the side effects of synthetic laxatives (like intestinal blockage or even appendicitis). Some people, including pregnant women, infants, the elderly, toddlers, and breastfeeding mothers should always consult a doctor before taking any type of laxative. The safest type of natural laxative for all ages comes from stabilized Aloe Vera Gel or Aloe Vera Juice.

Should You Be Consuming Coconut Charcoal?

If you're a middle-aged man, you've probable felt the pain of eating too much fast food, drinking too much, or dealing with naturally occurring stomach acid imbalances. Believe it or not, the answer could be a unique solution called coconut charcoal.

The fact that coconut charcoal could be beneficial to health should not be that much of a surprise. If you're an outdoorsman, or even just a weekend warrior, you probably know how to filter water using charcoal from your fire. Those same detoxifying features that go into that process could also be used to detox your body and settle your digestive system, if you use the right type of charcoal, of course.

It turns out that the "right type of charcoal" is coconut charcoal.

Before I explain how it works, let's go over just a few of the benefits that coconut charcoal can provide you with.

The Benefits of Coconut Charcoal

Detoxify Your Body

Your body is constantly being assaulted with a variety of unwanted toxins that come from both your food and your environment. This constant bombardment can lead to many unhealthy side effects, including cellular damage, digestive issues, and decreases in energy. Coconut charcoal acts as a natural cleanser, ridding your body of unwanted chemicals and toxins.

Enhanced Digestive Health

Activated charcoal has been a remedy for digestive issues for thousands of years. It's use has been traced back to ancient Chinese medicine as a solution for bloating and stomach discomfort. Charcoal is the healthiest way to utilize the beneficial effects of activated charcoal to soak up unwanted stomach toxins.

Anti-Aging Benefits

As with any process of detoxification, charcoal can rid the body of toxins that prematurely age your internal organs. As we age there is an increasing sensitivity to harmful chemicals which can affect your hormone producing organs. By bolstering the health of these organs by eliminating toxins, your body will feel the effect of the years more slowly.

How Coconut Charcoal Works

The material contains microscopic pores that capture harmful elements like chemicals, metals, poisons, and even intestinal gases. Due to the unique chemical properties found in coconut charcoal, it is capable of capturing a lot of unwanted gas and toxins in your body, allowing you to pass them before they do damage.

Other Digestive Health Supplements

While charcoal is an excellent way to detoxify your body and improve digestive health, it's in no way the only name in the game. Here is a list of other supplements that can improve your health:

• 
  L-Glutamine (also helpful for nootropic supplements )


• 
  Chamomile


• 
  Ginger


• 
  Peppermint Oil


• 
  Licorice

Top Rated Probiotics - Primal Defense and Bio-K Plus

Researchers emphasize the importance of taking care of our digestive health. What we put in our mouths truly matters. One of the ways to maintain a good digestive health is by taking probiotics. They are beneficial bacteria that live naturally and over centuries they were used to preserve and prepare our food that provided raised immunity response. When taken internally they help 400 other species of bacteria living in the intestinal flora do their job. Probiotics solve digestive problems naturally and without side effects. There are so many probiotic products on the market and you have to do some research to find the best ones. This article will show the benefits of taking probiotics and what are the top rated probiotics on market today.

Benefits of taking probiotics:

• Aid digestion through production of enzymes.

• Support normal gastrointestinal balance of good and potentially harmful bacteria. Compete against harmful microorganisms -- deterring pathogenic invasion and growth. Help fortify the population of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Support healthy lactic acid bacteria count and healthy pH levels in the gut.

• Maximize the benefits of a healthy diet by supporting normal absorption and assimilation of nutrients in the gut.

• They produce antimicrobial substances like hydrogen peroxide.

• Protect from bacterial infections, yeast and fungal.

• Detoxification and protection from toxins. (In the beginning of starting a regimen with probiotics detoxification might cause some discomfort which will improve with time).

• Promote regular bowel function by establishing healthy intestinal elimination regularity and consistency.

• Prevent gastro-intestinal afflictions, such as gas, bloating and intestinal cramps, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome, colitis, colon cancer and Crohn's disease.

• Reduce or completely eliminate allergic reactions and food intolerances.

• Help to balance cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

• Stimulate the immune system which is beneficial to overall health. Experts say that 70% of our body immune response originates in the intestines.

Many consumers (including me) and Natural Health professionals give high ranking to Primal Defense and Bio-K Plus probiotics. Both Primal Defense and Bio-K Plus contain live cultures of probiotics, with the emphasis on word "live". So many products on the market are low potency probiotics because those microorganisms are barely alive.

Primal Defense maybe ideal for the both colon (large intestine) and small intestine, however Bio-K Plus has larger number of probiotic species for the balance and health of small intestine. The small intestine is where sugar and carbohydrates are processed and absorbed. This product is a live culture that helps the body process sugar and simple carbohydrates and guarantees the population number of those organisms in counts of billions. This is a unique property of Bio-K and it stands alone to be superior to all probiotics for the small intestine.

Neither Primal Defense nor Bio-K Plus has sugar or artificial flavors added which puts their ranking high above other probiotics.

Primal Defense is produced in US and Bio-K Plus in Canada. These are top rated probiotics available on the market today.

EndoBarrier, a Non-Surgical Alternative to Bariatric Surgery

If you're interested in bariatric surgery but are uncomfortable with the surgical aspect, consider endoluminal sleeve. Endoluminal Sleeve, or EndoBarrier, is a brand-new non-surgical procedure that hopes to give patients suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes a different treatment. Similar to bariatric surgery, EndoBarrier's goal is to reduce excess weight and correct type 2 diabetes. This revolutionary procedure takes roughly 30 minutes to complete without any incisions, allowing patients to lose weight quickly without the risks of bariatric surgery.

The EndoBarrier, or the Endoluminal Sleeve, is a device specifically designed for type 2 diabetes and weight-loss. The procedure is classified as a non-surgical therapeutics, because it bridges the gap between surgery and prescription drugs.

How the EndoBarrier Works

The Endobarrier works by providing a barrier in a person's gastrointestinal tract, where food is absorbed. The barrier will limit about of digestive enzymes the food will absorb and thus the amount of nutrients the body will absorb The procedure takes roughly 30 minutes to preform and doesn't call for incisions, surgery or cutting. The Endobarrier is put into place via the mouth, providing a quick non-invasive procedure.

The Idea was to mimic the effect gastric bypass surgery does to one's gastrointestinal tract, and the resulting effect gastric bypass has on the remission and correction of type 2 diabetes. Because EndoBarrier only mimics one part, of gastric bypass's two part surgery, there are questions about its efficacy. But preliminary studies show that patients can lose twenty percent of their excess weight in three months.

The Feasibility of the EndoBarrier

The Endobarrier is a new procedure, receiving approval by the European CE in December 2009. The availability of the EndBarrier is growing with the approval in Australia, and also includes Chile, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The FDA has not yety approved the GI sleeve, but preliminary studies suggest that the GI tract could produce expected weight loss similar to bariatric surgeries.

Already approved in other countries the EndoBarrier is a completely new way to manage obesity and type 2 diabetes without any surgery. The procedure was developed by GI Dynamics, with capital investors like Johnson & Johnson Developed, Polaris and ATV Associates. The patented device was designed to mimic gastric bypass surgery.

EndoBarrier Cost

The cost of the EndoBarrier is not yet certain. Currently in the U.S. there are clinical trails and studies ongoing. But assuming the procedure is FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, the company expects the cost to be roughly half of the gastric banding procedure or about $12,000.

Home Health Coding - History of Pressure Ulcers

Question: Should we go for V67.x (Follow-up examination following surgery) rather than a condition code for a healed stage 2 ulcer that we're following for observation owing to newly healed status but are recertifying for observation? Should we make use of the follow-up code in lieu of the actual condition that now is resolved?

Answer: According to Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, consultant and principle of Selman-Holman & Associates in Denton, Texas, A V67.x code for following surgery would not be correct in this case.

Here's why: The patient didn't have surgery for the stage 2 ulcer. The only code from the category that you might think about of using is V67.09. That's quite a non-specific code. You can't code the stage 2 ulcer once it's resolved.

The next issue at hand is whether the care you're providing (observation and assessment) would be included, says Selman-Holman. Consider the time span from healing to the end of the previous episode.

Is there a probable fluctuation in the patient's condition? Has the patient had repeated skin integrity problems or changes in caregivers that lead you to think that the patient is at increased risk of developing more ulcers? What other diagnoses does the patient have that show an increased risk for skin breakdown? Your answers to these queries must support the need for skilled care in home health coding.

Code V13.3 (Personal history of diseases of skin and subcutaneous tissue) is the apt history code for a patient who has a history of ulcers.

Sign up for a newsletter to get more insight on pressure ulcer coding.

Probiotics to Treat Mood Disorders

According to A. Venket Rao of the University of Toronto, a recent study conducted on the impact of probiotics has opened the door to a whole new field of study between the relationship of gut micro flora and many disorders, including mental disorders. This is great news for people who would rather not take medicines that can create unwanted side effects and instead be able to manage symptoms with easy and safe probiotics. Commercially available probiotics include RGarden's L. Salivarius and Inner Garden Flora.

Fueled by years of treatment by doctors who routinely prescribe antibiotics as treatments for far too many illnesses, the average person usually only associates internal bacteria as a bad thing, but that is not the case. Our bodies - like our planet - are living, finely balanced eco-systems that have been structured by nature with self regulating systems and one of them is the necessary presence of good bacteria to ward off the more toxic and harmful bacteria that can build up and cause illness.

Now, a new relationship between the presence of good bacteria supported by Probiotic supplementation and a decrease in the symptoms of depression, anxiety and associated mental disorders is seen as "Huge" by the University research team. Good bacteria "produce compounds that get to the brain and help the brain to manage problems associated with behavioral and mood problems, such as anxiety and depression. It's breakthrough news for sufferers of C.F.S., who in addition to persistent fatigue also often suffer from debilitating problems like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and cognitive dysfunction. In fact, the results to date of this research which show that digestive bacteria levels may be linked to depression and anxiety indicate a possible source of new safe, help for millions of sufferers.

In this study, the team gave 39 CFS patients either Lactobacillus casei or a placebo on a daily basis over a two month period. They found that 73 per cent of those given the probiotic experienced an increase in levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in their gut, and also experienced a significant decrease in their anxiety symptoms. Only 37.5 per cent of the placebo group showed any increase of Bifidobacteria, while less than 44% showed an increase in Lactobacillus bacteria. And there was no significant change in anxiety symptoms among the placebo group.

Not at all surprising was the finding that the Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients in this study who received daily probiotics supplements also showed big improvements in their gastrointestinal systems. Since many patients with CFS also suffer from these disorders including such problems as irritable bowel syndrome, improvements in inflammation, bloating and gas are helpful results of taking probiotics.

Things We Need To Know About Absorption And The Taking Of Nutrients

Presently, we are witnessing new breakthroughs in helping people to keep and protect their vision. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently doing a study on over 4,600 people to follow the effect that nutritional supplementation can have in relation to cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. This study includes the importance of not only what nutritional supplements to take, but how these nutrients should be taken.

The following is a chart that compares the absorption rates of different delivery systems:

Delivery System............Rate of Absorption

Pills or tablets..............10% absorption

Capsules.....................20% absorption

Transdermal Patch........45%

Sublingual (droppers).....50%

Intramuscular...............90%

Intraoral Spray (under the tongue)...95% absorption

Intravenous.................100% absorption

* Refer to most recent Physician Desk Reference NPPDR #18

One way around this problem is to take the most important nutrients orally (under the tongue) if available. Again, it's not how much you take but how much your body tissues absorb that is important. Intraoral and sublingual absorption has become a viable solution with the introduction of liposomes. Liposomes are little fat containers that can hold nutrients, and provide an efficient transport system that allows for maximum absorption by the body. These fat containers bypass the stomach and take a quicker route by slipping through the sub-mucosal membrane under the tongue and directly into the bloodstream. With a greater concentration of nutrients in the blood, more nutrients reach their intended destination, thereby requiring a lower dosage intake.

The intraoral spray or sublingual method of delivery is also very helpful for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules, and is also cost effective since a lower dosage of nutrients is needed.

Remember, more nutrients in a pill or capsule is not necessarily better. What is important is how accurately can we best insure the intake of "therapeutic dosages," recommended in many Other variables affect the absorption rates as well including: 1) the quality of the nutrients, 2) whether they are buffered and time-released, and 3) how the nutrients are combined with other nutrients..

Often times we know how much nutrients we want patients to take therapeutically for patients conditions, but what we do not know is how much of the nutrients prescribed are absorbed into the patients bloodstream through their digestive tracts. We do know that as one gets older, one's absorption rate through the intestinal tract reduces, sometimes significantly, particularly when combined with serious health conditions, or particular digestive disorders such as ulcers, diverticulitis, gastric problems, acid reflux, etc.

Other factors that affect absorption include the following:

1. Stress restricts the flow of blood in the body by tightening muscles, and restricting the free flow of fluids. Meditation, yoga, tai chi or even daily walks in nature can all help reduce stress significantly.

2. Eating slowly. We should be eating our food slowly and thoughtfully. Try never to eat on the run, and don't eat while conversing, writing, doing work, etc. Make eating a special time for yourself.

3. Exercise helps the body rid itself of harmful toxins that build-up daily. Numerous studies have shown that even a brisk walk of 20 minutes per day can have a major impact in reducing development of disease such as heart disease, and has even been shown to reduce high eye pressures in cases of glaucoma.

4. Positive thinking. In Chinese medicine, excessive thoughts of anger, worry, resentment, grief and fear all have significant effects on the free flow of "energy" in our body.

5. Eating healthy food. Our bodies crave fresh food, particularly fruits, vegetables and grains. These foods provide energy to our bodes in the form of vitamins, minerals, and natural enzymes. Excessive intake of "dead" food such as fast foods, or highly processed foods, requires our bodies to use its own enzymes and energy to digest food in an attempt to separate whatever limited nutrients may be available.

Tips for Taking Vitamins and Maintaining Good Digestion

1. If possible take vitamins with food. Digestive enzymes are stimulated when eating and aid in nutrient absorption.

2. Limit fluids during meals to improve digestion. Especially avoid cold or iced drinks when eating.

3. If possible, use liquid and/or sublingual vitamins. They are the most easily assimilated by the body. Capsules are the next best choice.

4. If vitamin capsules cannot be swallowed, open up the capsule and mix the contents with juice or yogurt.

A small amount of apple cider vinegar, taken just prior to a meal, will stimulate production of digestive juices.

5. If taking antibiotics, take acidophilus supplements between dosages. This will help build up the good bacteria in the digestive tract destroyed by the antibiotics. It is especially important for elderly patients to take acidophilus on a regular basis.

5. Vitamin A and Lutein compete for absorption, so take separately.

References:

- Scientific America 1987;256(1):103-111 - for more information on liposomes

- Physician Desk Reference NPPDR #18

How Naturally Increase Production of Pancreatic Enzymes

Unfortunately, most people know next to nothing about the pancreas or pancreatic enzymes, and are unaware of their importance in digestion and the maintenance of health. The liver and the gallbladder are given a lot of attention - the pancreatic gland is a forgotten organ.

Many know about the role of the pancreas in developing diabetes, but don't have a clue that the pancreas and pancreatic enzymes break down food products into an absorbable, usable form for the body. Without adequate digestion, good health is impossible. Even the healthiest diet will be of little value if the pancreas cannot produce the correct amount of high-quality digestive enzymes to break down the food for optimal bodily function.

No matter what we eat, we consume mostly proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In order to convert these basic food groups into material our body can use, we need to have three types of enzymes present in our bodies. They are:

o Lipase-which breaks down fat

o Protease- which breaks down protein

o Amylase-which breaks down starch.

The pancreas is of primary importance to our digestive system as it secretes lipase, amylase and protease. To do this, the pancreas needs minerals, trace elements, bicarbonates and vitamins to function properly. On the other hand, deficiency of these vital nutrients leads to pancreatic insufficiency, causing a vicious cycle. The utilization of minerals and vitamins depends upon enzymes, and enzymes are dependent on the presence of minerals and vitamins.

If the pancreatic output of enzymes is hindered, the whole body is affected. Life could not exist without digestive enzymes and proper digestion.

The pancreas is regulated in two ways.

First, by the nervous system.

Secondly, by digestive hormones called secretin and cholecystokinin.

Like Pavlov's salivating dogs reacting to the dinner bell, the pancreas is affected and activated by what we see, hear, smell and touch with our tongues. The partially digested food (chyme) moving from the stomach to the duodenum (beginning of the small intestine) activates the formation of two hormones, secretin and cholecystokinin. These hormones are carried by the bloodstream to the pancreas, the liver and gallbladder. The function of secretin and cholecystokinin is to carry information regarding the amount of undigested protein, carbohydrate and fat that is in the partially digested food, as well as the amount of bicarbonate that is needed to neutralize the acid from the stomach. The healthy pancreas then provides the exact amount of its own digestive enzymes needed to finish the job.

The pancreatic enzymes work only when the pH of the intestine is slightly on the alkaline side. The food coming from the stomach has been acidified, so the body must also provide enough alkalinity for the enzymes to work. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, some medications, Candida-yeast overgrowth and toxic, aggressive bile suppress the pancreatic cells and keep them from producing the needed amount of quality digestive enzymes.

In summary, the conditions that make the pancreas work improperly are:

o Disorders of the nervous system, stress and anxiety, "eating on the go", etc.

o Problems with the manufacture and release of the digestive hormones secretin and cholecystokinin

o Deficiency of minerals, microelements, bicarbonates and vitamins

o Severe acidosis - whole body acidity

o Toxic substances inside and outside the body

o Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

o Fatty pancreas

o Back-up of the pancreatic juice after blockage of the pancreatic duct (gall stones, inflammation, cancer, parasites)

o Trauma, surgery, cancer, etc.

Many of these problems overlap with each other and can cause anything from hidden pancreatic insufficiency to a complete shut - down of the functions of this vital organ. That's why the symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency are so varied. Millions of Americans suffer from a variety of gastro-intestinal disorders including abdominal pain, cramps, gas, bloating, malnutrition, alteration in bowel habits, foul-smelling stool, etc. Many of them have pancreatic insufficiency and don't realize it. Those suffering from this malady can eat a healthy diet, but the nutrients from the food will not be utilized by the body-their organisms are literally starving. Without the proper amount of high quality digestive pancreatic enzymes people suffer from a deficiency of essential minerals, trace elements and vitamins. They are continually tired, develop chronic diseases, and age prematurely. In the worse case scenario, they develop pancreatic cancer.

For today in United States there is only one way to help people with pancreatic insufficiency by giving them artificial for their body's enzymes prepared from plants, fungi or animals.

There is, however, an additional treatment modality that promotes proper function of the peoples' own pancreas, even in cases of severe pancreatic insufficiency.

Many European physicians send their patients with chronic pancreatic disorders to healing mineral spas or sanatoriums. Balneotherapy (treatment with mineral water) is the medical science that is taught in European medical schools and medical doctors there are very familiar with it. There are numerous healing mineral spas all over Europe and every year thousands of ill people spend their vacations in resorts with access to mineral springs. Some insurance companies even cover this procedure.

The most popular European mineral spa for pancreatic insufficiency is the Czech town of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). It has been a well-known international healing resort since the 1700s. Patients call the Karlovy Vary mineral water the "healing gift from the earth" or the "miracle mineral water." People from all over the globe have traveled to Karlovy Vary and stay there for one to six months to drink the Karlovy Vary healing mineral water for various kinds of chronic gastro-intestinal, liver, and metabolic conditions.

A hundred years ago, Karlovy Vary spring water was carried by barrels and bottles all over Europe for those who could not afford the treatment abroad. In 1764, European doctors realized that this water's mineral content was its most beneficial property. Karlovy Vary began to produce the salt from the evaporated thermal spring water which made it possible to distribute the Karlovy Vary thermal spring salt all over the world for treatment at home. Czech doctors determined that the water manufactured from the genuine Karlovy Vary thermal spring salt had the same healing actions as at the spring.

Karlovy Vary healing mineral water is among the world's best-studied remedies. Hundreds of clinical texts, articles, dissertations and books have been published that document the positive effects of the water on both animals and humans. Most of them were published in Czech, German, Russian, thus they are unknown by American medical professionals and public.

Researchers have concluded that this water may reduce the symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency by improving the function of the pancreas. Clinical and experimental findings found that the water:

o Promotes the manufacture and release of digestive hormones in the duodenum and naturally regulates the digestive process in the whole gastro-intestinal tract

o Restores the deficiency of essential minerals and microelements such as magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, etc, and bicarbonates

o Promotes secretion and elimination of pancreatic juices

o Increases the activity of pancreatic enzymes in the duodenum

o Normalizes the body's and the pancreas' acid-alkaline balance for the secretion of alkaline pancreatic juices

o Improves the digestion and absorption of food

o Decreases inflammation and swelling of the pancreas

These effects are caused by the unique and beneficial complex composition of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfates, bicarbonates, chlorides and trace minerals such as zinc, cobalt, selenium, lithium, copper, in ionic, easy digestible form.

The mineral content of Karlovy Vary mineral water manufactured from the genuine Karlovy Vary thermal spring salt is close to the mineral content of human plasma. Fortunately, this mineral water, compared with other mineral waters, does not contain toxic heavy metals.

To successfully treat pancreatic insufficiency using Karlovy Vary mineral water, one needs to follow particular instructions pertaining to temperature, amount of drinking water, frequency and time of consumption.

Despite its popularity among patients in Europe, this therapy is still basically unknown in the United States. Treatment with Karlovy Vary mineral water makes it beneficial to many different health professionals: medical doctors, naturopathic physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, colon hydro-therapists and hundreds of thousands of people with pancreatic insufficiency.

The information on this article is presented for educational, informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a qualified licensed professional.

How to Increase Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes Naturally

The main sign of deficiency of the pancreatic digestive enzymes is indigestion.

The gastrointestinal tract is a tube that goes from the mouth to the anus where digestion occurs. Digestion means that everything that we eat such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, etc., turn into our cells and tissues. The process of digestion largely depends on the pancreatic enzymes that split proteins, fats and carbohydrates into small particles - molecules, which can go through the gut's wall into the blood and lymph. Our body uses these small particles to build its own cells and tissues.

The first part of the small intestine called duodenum is the most important place where 50% proteins, 90% of the fat and carbohydrates are digested. Digestion in the duodenum mostly depends upon the actions of the pancreatic enzymes and bile.

When the food is not digested properly the gut's microorganisms tend to ferment it with releasing a lot of gas and many toxic irritated substances. Our body has only two openings to release these not properly digested food particles, gas and toxic materials: the mouth and anus.

Therefore it is easy understand the causes of the symptoms of the indigestion such as gas, bloating, belching, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and pains. This is an attempt of the body to get rid of the toxic stuff through the mouth.

On the other hand, lower abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea are the reactions of the body on the not properly digested food and using another way to move the gas and toxic materials throughout the anus.

Many people suffer from the symptoms of indigestion and do not know that increasing pancreatic digestive enzymes can improve the digestion and alleviate their symptoms.

Numerous people have never heard about the work of the pancreas or about pancreatic digestive enzymes. Humans could not survive without the digestive enzymes and the proper pancreatic function.

The pancreas and also the liver are two major digestive alkaline glands. They manufacture alkaline pancreatic juice and alkaline bile. Alkalinity of these glands is the core for the proper digestion.

Unfortunately, most of us have acidic life style. Stress, sedentary life style and acid-forming food such as processed products, sugars, white flour and a lot of meats make our body very acidic. Alcohol, drugs, some medications, Candida-yeast overgrowth can cause whole body acidity as well.

It is easy to prove if you are acidic or not by finding the measurement of the saliva and urine pH by litmus paper at home. Saliva and urine pH less than 6.6, shows that the person is in acidic condition.

Acidity kills the pancreas and liver and badly influences in the digestion by many ways.

Acidity change biochemistry of the bile and pancreatic juice making them very aggressive and irritated. It causes the inflammation, ulcers and possible cancers of the liver, pancreas, duodenum, stomach and colon. Aggressive acidic pancreatic juice and bile lead to spasms of many ducts, especially sphincter of Oddi - the central gate between the bile, pancreatic duct and duodenum. Spasms of the sphincter of Oddi is a common reason for the abdominal pain and pancreatitis; inflammation of the pancreas.

Acidity decreases activity of the pancreatic digestive enzymes. People can be on a healthy diet, but suffer of indigestion that means starvation between the abundance of the foods. Pancreatic digestive enzymes work only in the alkaline milieu.

The first, very important action in any kind of GI tract disorders with symptoms of indigestion is normalizing the proper, slightly alkaline acid-alkaline balance.

Only supplying the body with minerals and bicarbonates can naturally restore normal acid-alkaline balance. People can get them from alkaline-formed foods such as vegetables and non sweet fruits, healing mineral water such as Karlovy Vary mineral water, supplementation with minerals such as cellular magnesium-potassium, etc.

If many people know about alkaline-formed foods, or alkaline actions of supplemental minerals, drinking the healing mineral water is sound as something new. Drinking the healing Karlovy Vary mineral water has 500 years of history of healing variety of the digestive and liver disorders in Europe.

The small town in Czech Republic; Karlovy Vary is a famous world-class health mineral spa from the 16th century. From that time, hot spring water from the geyser Vridlo was vaporized to make genuine Karlovy Vary thermal spring salt. By the opinions of the European doctors, mineral water that is prepared by dissolving this salt in the water at home has the same healing benefits as the water from the spring.

Mineral content of the Karlovy Vary healing mineral water is close to the content of the human plasma but has more bicarbonates and essential trace elements such as cobalt, zinc, selenium, etc. Millions sick and healthy people have safely drunk Karlovy Vary mineral water for healing, rejuvenation and cleansing for the centuries.

This water provides the body with vital minerals and bicarbonate, which are essential parts of the pancreatic juice and bile, and water makes these fluids alkaline. The European doctors found that Karlovy Vary healing mineral water enhances work of the pancreas. The pancreas produces more pancreatic enzymes. Water makes alkaline environment in the duodenum for proper function of the pancreatic digestive enzymes. It is known that pancreatic digestive enzymes can work only in the pH 7.5 and above that means truly alkaline environment.

Most nutrient digestion and absorption take place in the small intestine and really depend upon the proper amount and good quality of the pancreatic digestive enzymes. Epidemic of the digestive disorders has right connection to the decreasing of the pancreatic digestive enzymes. This is a price for ignoring biological law and abusing the pancreas; the vital alkaline digestive gland.

The information on this article is presented for educational, informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a qualified licensed professional.

How You Can Tell If You Have a Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies do not always show up as major health problems. This is because most of us are not deficient in one single nutrient. So we don't have diseases such as scurvy (which results from a severe lack of Vitamin C). What we are more likely to have is what is called a 'subclinical' or marginal deficiencies. These marginal vitamin and mineral deficiencies are likely to be the cause for minor symptoms such as headaches, difficulty in sleeping or skin problems. These minor problems is left untreated are likely to become more serious which is why it is important to deal with the vitamin and mineral deficiencies as soon as possible.

Vitamin deficiency signs and symptoms

Our bodies make it clear when we have minor deficiencies. The following is a list of the symptoms and the vitamin and minerals that may be deficient.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are you tired a lot of the time?

2. Is your ability to keep going noticeably decreasing?

3. Are you having a hard time keeping your weight stable?

4. Do you often experience physical pain - arthritis, muscle aches, migraines?

5. Do you often get colds?

6. Is your eyesight deteriorating?

7. Is your mental clarity or concentration decreasing?

8. Is your memory on the decline?

9. Are you experiencing more sleeping problems?

10. Are you often depressed?

11. Are you often anxious, nervous or irritable?

12. Do you have difficulty with your bowels either constipation or diarrhea?

13. Is your skin dry and scaly?

14. Do you have problems with pimples and blackheads?

1. If you checked yes to any of these then you could be suffering from vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Have a look at the list below to see what vitamins and minerals may be deficient in your diet.

1. Hair problems - Vitamin B12, B6, Selenium

2. Eye problems - Vitamins A, C

3. Nervousness - B6, B12, B3, B5, Magnesium, Vitamin C

4. Infections - Vitamin A, B-complex, C, Biotin, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc

5. Fatigue - Zinc, Iron, Vitamins A,B,C,D

6. Constipation - Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin C

7. Diarrhea - Vitamins A, Niacin (B3), B12,K

8. Muscle cramps - Vitamins B1 and D, Biotin, Sodium, Magnesium and Calcium

9. Skin problems - Vitamins A and B-complex, Biotin and copper.

The initial vitamin and mineral deficiencies may only lead to minor problems but they can lead to dangerous problems. The lack of antioxidant nutrients can lead to high levels of free radical toxins in our bodies. An example of this is a toxic substance called acetaldehyde that is produced by the liver in detoxification. These are dealt with by antioxidants. However in the absence of sufficient antioxidant nutrients or in deficiency states these substances have been linked to the development of diseases such as Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease.

If you have signs and symptoms associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies then you need to review what you are eating to improve your diet, cleanse your system so that you can make the most of the nutrients that you have and take a vitamin and mineral supplement.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.

Supplements For Better Pet Health

Dietary, health and fitness supplements have become a huge business as people have become more health conscious. But as the science of health and nutrition increases, so have the beneficiaries including Fido and Whiskers. That's right, your pet now has his own line of health supplements.

Whether it be for digestive health, joint health or even weight loss, there is a supplement available for many things to benefit your pet's health. There are eye drops to cleanse the tear ducts as well as ear washes for both cats and dogs. If Fido needs a multivitamin, there are many available. If Whiskers has a weight problem, perhaps a green tea diet pill is in order. If Spot is looking a bit ragged, a supplement to make his coat more healthy is available.

But all pet lovers know that their loved ones can suffer from some much more serious conditions that do need ongoing care. For instance, bladder problems can often afflict both cats and dogs. Supplements are available to both promote bladder function as well as control.

Many pets also suffer from hip and joint pain. Supplements containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been shown to be very effective in both eliminating pain and promoting better joint function. Also, a pet's digestive health can be improved through a variety of supplements containing certain enzymes.

Available without a veterinarian, these supplements have become very popular and readily available online. Companies such as Halo, Pet Naturals and PetLabs360 have developed strong reputations for both innovation and purity.

Treatment Of Gastrointestinal Problems

The common causes of getting gastrointestinal problems are food-borne illness, viruses, side effects or reactions to the medications or the new foods. According to the doctors and the scientists, their problems sometimes may last for one week and more, depending on the reason. But the treatment of gastrointestinal problems can be done at home. Sometimes, if the patient does not take care of the gastrointestinal problems properly, it may lead to the Colon colorectal cancer. This cancer generally takes place in the colon, appendix or rectum due to the uncontrolled growth of cell.

Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Problems:

If you are having a chronic pain in the abdomen, or having bouts of nausea frequently, you can visit a gastroenterologist, to get an endoscopy done. The upper endoscopy is one of the common procedures to diagnose any kind of gastrointestinal. Another process to diagnose the gastrointestinal problem is to go through the colonoscopy process. This process offers a visual diagnosis and can also remove polyps from the large or the small bowl.

How To Treat The Gastrointestinal Problems:

• If you are having gastrointestinal problems, proper health care is essential to get rid of such health problems. Stop eating and drinking for few hours. It is the first step to treat all gastrointestinal problems, as it allows the stomach to rest.

• Avoid any kind of dehydration. During this health problem, the vomiting and diarrhea can result in rapid dehydration. Intake of water or oral hydration solutions is advised. In severe cases, if you are unable to have any drink, then nibbling on the ice chips or taking frequent sips of water can proved to be beneficial.

• Change the food habit for a certain period of time. Have those foods which are bland as well as easy to digest. The diet of banana, rice, applesauce and toast diet are good while having the problems. One can also have soda crackers, chicken broth, and gelatin. All the foods are very simple and easy to digest. Avoid dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, nicotine and the highly seasoned food to stay out of any painful experiences.

• Take proper rest as gastroenteritis problems can make you feel tired and weak. So, for an optimal healing, proper rest is necessary. Have acetaminophen to get rid of the discomfort, especially if you are having fever. The medicine leaves gentle effects on the digestive tract as well as allows a better quality sleep.

• Do not take any antibiotics to reduce the pain, and never ever count on any kind of over the counter drugs to heal the problems. The gastroenteritis is viral and the antibiotics do not work against it and also irritates the digestive tract. Always take medicines according to the prescription of the doctors.

When you get healed from the problem, prevent any kind of further infection.