Colon Cleansing:

The history of colon cleansing dates back to ancient Greek civilization. The practice found resurgence in the 1920’s and 1930’s but fall apart due to lack of any scientific studies. Recently idea of colon cleansing has gathered momentum. Colon is the part of the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) and is commonly called large intestine. It is responsible for digestion. The food that we eat stays in these twisted pipes for 1-2 days in a healthy body. There are millions of useful bacteria that inhabit both the small and large intestines. If the bacteria of the colon enter in the small intestine, symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea and constipation is observed. Not only the innate bacteria but foreign toxins and parasites may also invade colon. Colon cleansing aims to cleanse this organ from leftover feces and toxins.
There are two methods by which colon cleansing can be performed:
1.    At personal level: Use of powdered or liquid supplements through mouth or rectum is essentially a simple method to cleanse the colon. Enemas, laxatives, enzymes and magnesium is used for this purpose.
2.    At professional level: In this method, one has to visit the specialist who pumps several gallons of water into the colon through rectum. He then massages the abdomen and let the water remove by normal bowel movement. The process can be repeated and may last for an hour.

Combating Constipation- Effectiveness of Colon Cleansing:
Constipation gives sustained pain both physical and mental to the patients. Those suffering from constipation rely heavily on laxatives. Though laxatives are useful in managing constipation, they are not without side-effects. Regular use of laxatives can cause increased peristalsis and reduced intestinal-muscle tone. It also is believed to decline the levels of electrolytes such as potassium. In such patients, colon cleansing can be a good idea. Fiber-based cleansing is believed to maintain the healthy levels of electrolytes that the body desires.
If there is a parasite is found in the stool sample, one needs to inform the doctor who can then analyze the sample and prepare the management strategy accordingly.

The hindsight of Colon Cleansing:
No specific scientific study has been conducted to determine the efficacy of colon cleansing. It is believed to have some side-effects on the patient. Since this involves an invasive method, one is exposing oneself to several infections. Moreover there can be nausea and dehydration due to the pumping of large quantities of water to the colon. Alteration of electrolyte content is another trouble that the patient may encounter.

Balancing the Diet:
Colon is the waste manager of the body. A clean colon gives a healthy body. Eating a balanced diet with fibers can keep the colon effective. Stress and unhealthy life style take a toll on the colon. Below are some recommended food items which maintain functioning of the colon:
1.    Fibers: High fiber content of vegetables and fruits helps erode the debris of the colon. It also stimulates peristalsis, the activity on which colon heavily relies to perform its function.
2.    Green Foods: Foods rich in chlorophyll, the green pigment of the plants, helps to soothe, cleanse and heal the damaged tissues of the colon.
3.    Fermented foods: The fermented foods are rich source of the useful bacteria of the colon and can be helpful in maintaing the colon ecosystem.
4.    Water: Water is an excellent solvent and it helps in patients with constipation immensely. Most people do not drink sufficient water. Always remember that balanced diet is incomplete without water.

Cleanse the Culprit

Liver is the seat of metabolism. It detoxifies the toxins that are created by the body. However, cleansing the liver of these toxins is an up-hill task, especially for a foodie. Liver can be cleansed with proper diet. There are definite dos and don’ts as far as the menu for liver is concerned. In this article, we will focus on the cleansing diet that is suggested to have a healthy and functional liver.

What not to Eat?
Alcohol abuse is the number one cause of liver failure. Amount of alcohol consumption is crucial. Heavy alcohol consumption for a prolonged period of time can lead to symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and general weakness. If not treated on time, liver failure can lead to coma and eventually death. Fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis and hepatic cirrhosis are the three classified diseases that can be caused by heavy alcohol consumption. Fatty and processed food, food with high levels of glucose, caffeine, and red meat can all take toll on the liver. Hence such food must be avoided. As alcohol and fats is metabolized in liver, large amounts can cause liver to overwork, thereby compromising its health.

What to Eat?
Nature has provided abundance of food that is both healthy and tasty. Cleansing diet for liver must include fresh vegetables and fruits. High fiber content and essential vitamins-C and E in these groups of food bring relief to the liver. Hence always try to include a cabbage or that apple in your diet and see the benefits that it reaps.

Important component of the food that protects and promotes liver function is mentioned below:
1. Sulphur: It activates liver enzymes. It is readily available in garlic; hence it must be incorporated in the diet. Garlic is also an excellent source of allicin and selenium that can protect liver from damage.
2. Vitamin C: This vitamin cleanses the liver. It is available in citrus fruits like oranges and lemon.
3. Naringenin and catechins: Grapefruit is an excellent source of this flavanoid that is believed to promote burning of the fat. Green tea has catechins which also help to eliminate fat accumulation.
4. Glutathione: Avocadoes are the rich of glutathione. Liver damage can be prevented by reducing toxic overload by avocado. It is also believed to repair the damaged hepatic cells. Hence, it is advisable to include avocado in the diet. Walnuts also have good amounts of glutathione.
5. l-arginine: This amino-acid is readily available in walnuts. Ammonia is a disease causing by product found in liver during metabolism. Walnuts help to eliminate the same and further oxygenate the blood.

Making up for the health-loss with turmeric and green leafy vegetables:
1. Turmeric: This is avant-garde item for maintaining the healthy liver. Apart from protecting the liver cells from damage and regeneration of the damaged ones, it aids in production of bile, the secretion of liver and improves functioning of the gall-bladder.
2. Green leafy vegetables: The heavy metals in the food are neutralized by the green leafy vegetables. These include bitter gourd, dandelion greens, spinach, and mustard greens

Many people take food supplements, believing that they can get the nutrients their bodies need. However, this is not necessarily true. It is necessary to take food supplements if you have a deficiency of a particular nutrient which the body cannot produce, process, or absorb from food. These usually happen during diseases, such as enzyme deficiency. But if you do not have any disorder, you can usually get all the nutrients you need from eating different kinds of food.

You can still be healthy without taking any food supplement if you eat a balanced diet. You can get carbohydrates from grains and cereals. Meat, fish and legumes can provide you adequate amounts of protein and fat. Different kinds of fruits and vegetables give you a lot of vitamins and minerals. Eating these regularly can maintain a healthy body without the help of any food supplements.

Another idea that people usually believe about food supplements is protection against diseases. Some antioxidant supplements claim that they can prevent cancer. However, new researches say that some supplements do not really help in preventing cancer. Some can cause even more risks. Experts say that the best way to prevent cancer is to eat foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants, such as citrus fruits and green vegetables.

Other antioxidant supplements say that they can prevent heart disease. Researchers say that antioxidant supplements do not show any protective property against heart disease. These supplements are also not helpful in people who already have heart disease.

Taking calcium supplements for osteoporosis may not be true for everyone. The cause of osteoporosis is multifactorial. It occurs due to lack of calcium, low estrogen levels, and varies according to gender, weight, genetic factors, and race. Therefore, it cannot be treated with only taking calcium supplements. In addition, milk and dairy products are still the best sources of calcium.

Another reason not to take supplements when not needed is that it can be dangerous to your health. Supplements contain more than the recommended amounts of nutrients, and may be potentially dangerous to your health if taken in excessive amounts. Overdose of supplements can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and at worse, kidney and liver damage. In addition, food supplements may be dangerous when taken during certain conditions. For instance, vitamin E can make the blood thinner; therefore, it must not be taken before undergoing any surgery.

Taking food supplements is only for certain people. Those who need to take supplements are people who have diseases causing difficulty in meeting their nutritional needs, elderly, and infants. Specific food supplements such as iron and folic acid should also be given to pregnant women.

If you still want to take food supplements, you may want to consult your doctor first. There may be dietary alternatives which can be more beneficial than taking any food supplement.

In choosing a food supplement, you must be always cautious. Make sure that you read the labels. As much as possible, avoid supplements that have very high doses of nutrients. Do not also easily believe supplements that claim that they can cure all types of diseases. Remember that food supplements only help in managing the disease, not curing it. Always remember that food supplements are not alternatives to medicines.

Zinc is an important mineral that must be included in your diet. It helps in maintaining a healthy immune system, helping you cope with stress and protecting you from diseases. It also helps in maintaining the nervous system, leading to good mental and emotional health. It is also essential in building up proteins, enzymes, and DNA materials, and in strengthening the teeth and bones. It also prevents the development of degenerative diseases by reducing the blood concentration levels of homocysteine.

Another reason why zinc must be included in the diet is because its deficiency may lead to a variety of medical conditions, such as poor appetite, stunted growth, slow wound healing, severe and chronic diarrhea, skin rashes, and hair loss. Thus the proper amount of zinc must be included in the diet. Depending on age, the normal amount of zinc is around 2-15mg. In women, greater amounts of zinc must be consumed during pregnancy and lactation. Here are the foods that contain high amounts of zinc.

One of the richest sources of zinc is meat. It is more abundant in red meat than in white meat. Examples are roast beef, containing 10mg zinc per 100g, and lamb meat, containing 4-9mg of zinc per 100g. Other meats include ham, pork, chicken, and turkey, which contain around 2-3mg of zinc per 100g. Although zinc cannot be seen on the nutrition facts on the label of these food products, do not worry, because they still contain zinc.

To get the most amount of zinc, cook the meat in a little amount of water within a short time. Overcooking cause the zinc in the meat to become depleted.

Animal livers also contain high amounts of zinc, and the veal liver contains the greatest amount. Each 100g serving of veal liver contains 12 mg of zinc. Livers can be steamed or cooked with herbs and onions.

Another source of zinc is seafood. Oysters contain the highest amount of zinc. For every 100g of oysters, 16-182 mg of zinc is provided, depending on the type of oyster. Crabs also contain high amounts of zinc. The Alaska King crab provides 7.6mg of zinc per 100g serving. Other seafood rich in zinc includes fish, lobsters, and scallops.

Peanuts are also a good source of zinc. Oil roasted peanuts are better because these provide twice the amount of zinc than the dry roasted peanuts.

For vegetarians, seeds can be included in the diet because these also contain high amounts of zinc. Examples are watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Milk, cheese and yogurt are also good options for vegetarians.

For dessert, dark chocolate can be consumed, as this contains around 10mg of zinc for every 100 g of chocolate serving. The unsweetened type gives the most amount of zinc.

Although consuming foods with high amounts of zinc is good for your health, excessive amounts can still be dangerous to your health. It causes zinc poisoning, which causes diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Remember to consume only the right amounts that you need.

Liver-The seat of well-being:
Liver, the largest organ of the body, is the seat of metabolism. Considering our body as a jigsaw, liver forms the most important block. Since its birth in the body, liver gets little rest. Though it is a vital organ, maintaining a healthy liver is often neglected. More emphasis is given to heart and even the knees but we forget that if liver fails, life fails. Among the many activities of liver, detoxification is the most unique and crucial one. Since it is cleansing the body of toxins, it is more prone to becoming toxic, however it doesn’t complain and keeps on doing its work. As the owner of this precious organ, it is our duty to keep it detoxified. Liver cleansing is the method adopted.

Heard about liver cleansing:
In recent times, the significance of this vital organ is established and the general population now appreciates it. So, it is not “liver cleansing” is not an uncommon word anymore. Scientifically, toxins in liver relate to the altered levels of the enzymes-thousands of them that are present in the liver. After the performance of the blood-test, the sign of healthy liver is revealed if the enzymes are in the normal range. Interestingly, if you get an annual health check-up, an alteration of these levels is captured before it manifests as a disease.
Do not confuse liver cleansing and liver flushing. Liver-flushing is a harsh method to cleanse the liver of toxins with the use of insane amounts of Epsom salts and olive oil. In liver-cleansing, the body’s detoxification system is boosted with the natural and therapeutic properties of a variety of herbs and vitamins.

Aiming a common goal-Liver Cleansing:
The proponents of liver cleansing are divided on the technique one should adopt to clean the liver. The methodology of the different school-of-thought is mentioned below:
1.    Method 1: In this process, the person should fast for 2 days. In this method, one can choose from the two set of items:
Item set1: Water, fresh juices and salads
Item set 2: Apple juice, olive oil, Epsom salt and lemon juice.
After these 2 days of fasting, on should gradually introduce solid foods starting with raw vegetables and fruits and then eating cooked food once a day. It is advisable, however to drink herbal tea daily.
2.    Method 2: This process combines acupuncture with essential oils. These oils can be added to the drink (tea) or can be used during massage.

Summing up:
Liver is over-burdened with toxins after each unhealthy diet whether it’s a cheese-burst pizza or a glucose-bar. Over many years, the techniques to maintain a healthy liver have been understood. Percolation of this knowledge to the general population can aid in a healthy society. If our liver is healthy, most of the diseases can be managed. Awareness about liver cleansing is important. The method used to cleanse or detoxify the liver is simple and inexpensive which can be practiced by one and all. Always remember being aware is the first step to being alert.

Candida is a type of yeast normally found in the body. It can be found on the mouth, skin, gastrointestinal tract, vagina and rectum. However, excessive proliferation of Candida albicans can cause a condition called Candidiasis. In this disease, diet modification is a must because some food may worsen the infection, while some food can improve your condition.

The foods that must be eaten during Candidiasis should help restoring the normal amounts of Candida in the body. The diet must be high in fiber. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber. Asparagus, radishes, celeries and cabbages are the best choices for Candidiasis.

Garlic and onion is also essential, because they have powerful antifungal properties. Garlic can also stimulate the liver to help purify the body from the infectious agents. This can be eaten raw, around 2-4 cloves in a day. However, it must not be taken on an empty stomach as this may cause ulcers or stomach injuries. Onions, on the other hand, are a great antibacterial and antifungal food. They also remove excess water in the body, since people with Candidiasis tend to accumulate more water. The only problem with onions and garlic is the smell, so you can mix it with herbs such as parsley.

Ginger is also helpful for Candidiasis. It is a good detoxifying agent, and it stimulates the immune system to combat the infection. It can also soothe inflammations caused by the Candida infection. It is best served as a tea with lemon.

Pumpkin seeds are also a good option to add in the diet. This contains omega-3 fatty acids that also act as an antifungal agent aside from having healthy benefits for the heart. Like ginger, it can also alleviate the inflammation caused by Candida. These seeds can be added to food such as salads and cereals.

Since Candidiasis patients also experience hypothyroidism, seaweeds can also be good for them. Seaweeds contain high amounts of iodine, which aid in the balance of the levels of thyroid hormones. It also helps in cleansing the body, especially the gastrointestinal tract. The best example of seaweed is kelp, which has very high amounts of iodine.

Plant oils, such as coconut and olive oils, must also be added to food to combat Candidiasis. Coconut oil is a potent antifungal because it contains caprylic acid and lauric acid. These fatty acids also stimulate the immune system. Olive oil, on the other hand, contains oleuropein, which also has great antifungal properties. It can also help lower the blood sugar levels in the body, which is good because this prevents Candida from feeding and getting their nutrients from the blood sugar. Coconut oil can be used for cooking food, while olive oil can be added in salads.

Aside from fiber, a healthy diet for Candidiasis includes high amounts of protein and complex carbohydrates. Protein can be obtained from chicken, fish, duck, eggs and nuts. Complex carbohydrates can be sourced from oats and rice.

Foods that must be avoided include sweet foods, including naturally and artificially sweet foods. Pastas, breads, and other baked goods should also be avoided. For beverages, avoid drinking coffee, alcohol and sodas.

The high occurrence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome could be due to the highly competitive and highly innovative way of life in the world today. To be able to cope up with this fast phase way of living, the body needs to be reinforced with supplements to keep it going in a physiologic way and to shield it from certain diseases. Vitamin deficiency has been linked to the occurrence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is because there are a number of vitamins that play specific roles in the production of energy and in maintaining the homeostasis in the body. There are also some vitamins which plays major roles in the prevention and treatment of CFS. The proper diet, right nutrition and the right supplements will make the body endure the everyday stress that results from this complicated way of life.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid and Vitamin E are both antioxidants. They protect the body from oxidative stress brought about by the free radicals emitted in the process of oxidation. Ascorbic acid is the major component of commercialized and synthetic anti-stress supplements that are available in the market today. Vitamin E usually comes in tablets combined with ginseng. It maintains collagen and increase sexuality in both males and females. Their antioxidant effect is an essential component why they are effective in combating fatigue.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be cause by hormonal imbalance most commonly seen in women with excessive concentration of estrogen or estradiol. Vitamin E helps skew the progesterone/estrogen ratio towards progesterone minimizing the effects of estrogen in the body system thus, preventing Chronic Fatigue System. Vitamin E also neutralizes the effect of histamine to the body. Histamine is the sole culprit of body’s reaction to allergens.

Vitamin A and its pre-cursor which is beta carotene promote strengthening of the immune system and provide protection to the heart as well. It is found in fruits and vegetables. It is a water soluble vitamin so high doses are non toxic. Vitamin A is also an essential component for maintain good eye function.

Vitamin B complex like Vitamin B6 and B12 controls and regulate the formation of Prostaglandins. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Depression may sometimes be caused by excessive of deficiency of prostaglandins in the brain causing adverse effects to mood and sensory. Vitamin B6 is also a regulator of glucose metabolism. Another importance of Vitamin B12, especially in women, is its function in Iron metabolism. Women are prone to anemia because of their monthly menstrual cycles. Anemia in severe for may result in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The body’s major source of energy is glucose. Vitamin B- complex are found in wheat and grains. It is marketed as capsules and soft gels combined with other vitamins as one multivitamin supplement.

Vitamin K is also an essential vitamin promoting proper blood perfusion to tissues in the body most especially the brain and promoting faster recovery to injury.

It is very important to take supplements everyday to be fill up the body’s nutritional needs that food can’t provide. Processed foods have less vitamins and minerals compared to the fresh and natural food. Nutritionist and dietician now a days always remind the population to eat natural and healthy food to prevent diseases and increase the body’s tolerance to stress and fatigue.

In one time of their busy lives, people had been through fatigue. There is this feeling like it is such a burden to get out of the bed and just sleeping off the whole day or two. The human body needs to rest in one time or another. Physiologically, prolonged activity and stress will burn out the body’s energy supply. When this happens, the body shuts down in order to regain the lost energy. Fatigue is a normal reaction of the body to intense activity and repeated stress. An example of this can be observed at work. When we are chasing the deadline for a project of a report, we are forcing our body to work 3 or 4 times the usual load. In response, the body produces adrenaline that pushes the body to the limit. When all the work has been done, we can feel the relaxation of our muscles, from the lower extremities up to the head. The feeling of calmness then overtakes the feeling of fear in the mind. Then, after a moment, we without noticing it, we fell asleep. This is fatigue.

Fatigue may last for 1-3 days. As the body and mind are rejuvenating, feelings of light headedness, body malaise, and intermittent somnolence can be observed. However, when fatigue continues for more than 2 weeks, this becomes pathologic. This is now referred to as the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is condition consisting of physical, mental, emotional and hormonal imbalances brought about by too much exposure to stress. A number of cases were also linked to tumors and autoimmune diseases. The most common symptoms ranged from severe headaches, depression, loss of appetite or too much appetite, paranoia, anxiety, inability to concentrate, and poor decision making.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a major disability and sadly, those who are affected are the working population and college students. Here are the risk factors for CFS.

- pushing the body too much under strenuous conditions
- “ more work, no play” attitude
- The use of stimulants to prolong work tolerance,
- The repeated exposure to traumatic experiences, emotional stress and material problems
- the loner type of people
- Presence of certain diseases affecting the neuroendocrine system.
- Out of control weight loosing tactics
- Excessive use of exogenous steroids
- Presence of thyroid problems
- malnutrition
- the children of high expectant parents
- college students of high standard universities
- stressful working environment
- a family history of psychiatric illness and mental illness
- people taking antidepressants or stimulants
- dysfunctional family
- elderly
- history of substance abuse
- alcoholism

People often take the signs and symptoms of CFS for granted. Most of them only seek professional help in the worst stages. Some were not that lucky, ended up committing suicide, having cardiopulmonary failure or metabolic imbalance. The most important factor in order to avoid fatigue is learning how to balance life. Treating ourselves after a hard day’s work is just fair. We must always keep the mind and the body one.

Grapefruit Seed Extract is exactly what is said, they squeeze the liquid substance out of the seeds of Grapefruits. There is a lot of controversy over the health benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract. Some claim it’s one of the best foods in the world for you while others claim it is a placebo. From what I have seen the benefits of Grape Fruit Seed extract are substantial and it is a very powerful antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial. Grapefruit Seed Extract can be used for anything from a cleaner to medicine that you consume.

According to Global Healing Center http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/benefits-of/grapefruit-seed-extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract is the most powerful naturally occurring antimicrobial in the planet, killing over 800 bacteria and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus and multi celled parasites. It has a variety of uses and can just naturally strengthen your immune system.

There are different directions of using Grapefruit Seed Extract than what is listed on the bottle, but it would not hurt to stick to the same instructions. The main difference is how you take it. There are pills that you can take, but I personally find the liquid drops to be the best. It has shown that it works for me, and that is reason enough for me not to decide to switch. I just make sure I mix the correct amount in juice as the extract tastes quite bad. If I was to mix it in water, I would probably not be able to drink it. It is imperative that you stir the extract as it has a tendency to go towards the bottom leaving you unable to finish it.

Many people would tend to mix up Depression and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. First, the two conditions manifest more or less the same signs and symptoms. Second, they share relatively similar etiologies and scope in the medical history. When you try to do research on the two diseases, you will find a lot of blogs that talk about their experiences on having been misdiagnosed as a case of depression rather that the more complicated counterpart which is CFS.

This article will try to enumerate the similarities between CFS and Depression and then differentiate the two as the most distinctive features present in each of them. It is only through this thorough investigation that allows people to come up with an exact diagnosis and to be able to completely understand what they are going through..

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Depression are both triggered by stress. They share similar symptoms like insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, palpitations, uncontrolled emotional breakdown and social withdrawal. The two conditions can also be a result of diseases that destroys the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis that cause hormonal imbalance. Both conditions are linked to neurological suppression of the brain. They are both acquired and not congenital in nature. Lastly, they usually affect people with a common factor which is the way a person reacts with stress.

However, most cases of depression are triggered by massive emotional stress or life-turning experiences. It is clinically caused by the excessive accumulation of Serotonin in the brain. The hormone in pharmacologic amounts induces sleep and relaxation in the apneustic center of the brain, the center for sleep. In depression, mental changes are more predominant that the physical changes. Suicidal tendencies are most often seen in depression rather than in CFS.

In CFS, metabolic changes coexist with the other symptoms. In depression there is mild to absent evidence of metabolic changes. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is consists of a number of conditions which includes depression. Hormonal abnormalities are clearly manifested in this syndrome and more often it is precipitated by autoimmune diseases or neuroendocrine tumors. Diagnostic tests are critical in confirming CFS. More commonly tested is the Thyroid panel, ACTH saliva determination and the Dexamethasone suppression test. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would favor a more Medical Etiology rather than Psychiatric.

The management of the two conditions also differs. It is very important to be précised in the medications to be given because giving the wrong drugs or hormonal replacements will result into severity or even mortality. Management of CFS is pointed towards correcting the root of the hormonal and metabolic imbalance. Hormonal replacement and hormonal inhibition would be best. In the management of Depression, the treatment is directed towards repairing and minimizing the damage that the brain acquired. Antidepressant medications together with a strong peer and social support will be helpful in the treatment. Patients suffering from Depression should have regular counseling and talks about the wonderful things in life to give them a more positive outlook about life. They must be always given the assurance that they are not alone and they are being cared for.