What Is Ganoderma Healthy Coffee?

Not many people are aware of what ganoderma healthy coffee is exactly. This variety of coffee is an extremely healthy coffee variety that is produced expressly to treat a large range of medical conditions.

Isn't too much coffee dangerous? Not really. Coffee by itself contains a large range of beneficial compounds that can help the human body. However, excess consumption of coffee is dangerous just like the excess consumption of any other material. For example, consuming coffee in moderate amounts can soothe pain in the form of headaches and body aches. It's a great antioxidant and it can reduce the chances for cancer and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Beneficial compounds in instant coffee can also help to soothe asthma and increase bowl movement decreasing diarrhea. However, taking ordinary coffee in excess can also cause serious medical conditions like anxiety and raised blood pressure, increased artery problems and gastrointestinal disturbances. It can also exacerbate existing medical conditions like gastritis, colitis and ulcers. This is where ganodeerma healthy coffee is useful. Ganoderma healthy coffee combines the herb ganodeerma with normal coffee to potentiate the beneficial effects of coffee as well as the herb.

Why Is This Herb So Popular

Ganodeerma is a very popular herb which is commonly known as reishi. It looks like a large hard bitter mushroom that is used commonly in Chinese medicine. The herb can control fatigue, reduce cholesterol and control high blood pressure. It also has a range of other beneficial effects like increasing stamina and boosting the immune system. The mushroom is used extensively in several Asian medicinal regimes and as a result, it has become increasingly popular all over the world. Several species of the mushroom are grown and almost all are used in traditional medicine to treat the body. However, different species have different beneficial effects. Sourcing the mushroom can be quite difficult as it is a valuable species and it is cultivated mainly for commercial use. As a result, if you want ganoderma, you can find it as a coffee combination. This is a very simple way of imbibing the benefits of the mushroom directly.

Profiting From Ganoderma Healthy Coffee

Of course, Ganoderma is available in the form or supplement of liquid extracts but you cannot be really sure of how pure the extract is. However, ganoderma healthy coffee has chunks of the mushroom which have been dehydrated and added to the coffee mixture. Just as Chinese herbal green tea is made, the coffee is added to hot water and allowed to steep. The decoction is then consumed throughout the day. Ideally, the coffee powder can be reused twice or thrice to make a milder tea. There are several commercial manufacturers who will retail different brands and tastes of the coffee for use. For example, Gano Cocoa "Hot Chocolate" with Ganoederma is a chocolate-flavored coffee, Ganodeerma Hoodia Coffee is ganoderema combined with hoodia to suppress appetite while improving overall health. Make sure that you check the actual herbal content of the product before purchase.

Allergies in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Helpful Treatments

We don't always think about dogs being allergic to anything because so many humans are allergic to dogs! However, it is common for dogs to have allergies to certain substances, and it is important to keep a look out for symptoms. The most common symptoms of allergies in dogs are:

• Scratching the ears

• Licks or chewing his own feet or body

• Reddish discoloration of the hair, paws or between toes

• Rubbing head against things

• Rash, bumps, pimples, open sores on skin

• Red or watery eyes

• Reoccurring ear infections

• Consistent sneezing or runny nose

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Coughing or wheezing

Allergy causes:

Out of all of these symptoms of allergies in dogs, scratching is the most common. Dogs may have airborne, flea, food or contact allergies. If they have airborne allergies, they may be sensitive to tree, grass and weed pollens as well as molds, mildew and house dust mites. Just like in humans, these may occur seasonally or year-round. Flea allergies may cause severe reactions, leading the dog to bite its own skin. The dog becomes sensitive to even just one flea, so it is important to control. Common food allergies in dogs include beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, soy, corn and wheat. They can occur at any age and may cause itching as well as increased bowel movements. Contact allergies are the least common type and are caused by something the dog comes in contact with, such as carpet, bedding, plastic, cleaners, detergents, lawn chemicals, grasses, etc...

Treatment is going to be different for each type of allergy. For all of them, limited or no exposure to the allergen will help.

Airborne allergies:

When it comes to airborne allergies, veterinarians may recommend allergy shots if the specific allergen has been identified.

Flea allergies:

As for flea allergies, treatment includes strict flea control. You must make sure that your dog is not exposed to fleas by using medicine and home treatments.

Food allergies:

Dogs with food allergies should have a diet absent of the food they are allergic to. Seameal supports the immune system and can help prevent chewing at the feet and base of the tail, which are two of the first signs of allergies.

Contact allergies:

If he has a contact allergy, the only treatment is to remove the allergen from the home.

Other treatments for a dog with allergies include shampoo, anti-inflammatory allergy medication and antibiotics. The treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of your dog's allergies.

The diagnosis of allergies in dogs can be difficult. First off, the veterinarian will most likely make a preliminary diagnosis based on the time of the year when your dog has the most symptoms, what locations are the itchiest and response of the itch to medications. However, if the allergies do not subside and become worse, the vet may have to do more specific allergy testing. This may include a blood test or performing intradermal skin testing. Remember not to self-diagnose your pet if they are having the symptoms mentioned above-you should definitely take them to the veterinarian because they could indicate a different condition other than allergies.

7 Ways to Prevent Detoxification Symptoms

How to Avoid Bad Breath, Greasy Hair, Crankiness, and More ...

Mercury poisoning from dental fillings, chlorine hazards from the water we drink, steroid issues in the meat we eat ... it's no wonder many of us are scrambling get on a detoxification program!

There are hundreds of different ways to detoxify your body but most methods share one thing in common: detoxification symptoms. If you have ever done a detox regimen then you know all about these symptoms, which can include:

- bad breath
- skin breakouts
- greasy hair
- tiredness
- irritability
- bowel irregularities

Need we say more? Yuck. The good news is that if you do plan to do a detox regimen, there are steps you can take to prevent these symptoms from occurring, or at least lessen their effects. These steps are simple and easy to incorporate into your daily schedule.

7 Ways to Prevent Detoxification Symptoms

1. Drink Plenty of Water to Flush Toxins
As your body goes through detoxification, it uses water as one of the primary ways to move toxins through and out of your body. Therefore, when you're detoxing, you need to drink more than the usual eight glasses of water. I suggest people drink ten to twelve glasses of water. If you have difficulty drinking so much water, try adding salt, mint, or lime to your water. In addition, you can also try warming the water and adding honey or lemon to taste. Drink only non-chlorinated water, of course.

2. Take Enzymes

Enzymes help your body break down and flush toxins. People usually take enzymes with meals to aid with digestion, but if you take enzymes between meals they will actually assist your body with cleansing. They act as scavengers and trash-cleaners around the body when not needed for food digestion.

3. Avoid Stimulants

Although you may feel tired when doing a detox regimen, avoid taking stimulants like caffeine, if at all possible. Your body has to work doubly hard during a detox, and physical resources are already stretched to the limit. Stimulants like caffeine will only further overburden your system, not to mention stressing your adrenal system. In addition, although caffeine will give you an extra boost of energy, it will steal resources from your body's detox efforts to do so. If you need extra energy, turn to high-energy supplements like blue-green algae, wheat grass, or even freshly juiced apple-celery-carrot juices. You might need to visit your local juice bar for the juices.

4. Add Acidophilus and Bifidus to Your Regimen

Acidophilus and bifidus are the "friendly bacteria" in your gut that not only help you digest your food but also help your body flush toxins. To avoid any constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues during your detox, add 2-4 capsules of high quality bifidus and acidophilus to your daily regimen. Buy the kind that has to be kept refrigerated and comes in capsules. This kind tends to be more highly concentrated and powerful because it is freeze-dried. Trusting your morning yogurt to have enough of these kinds of good bacteria won't get you the quantities of acidophilus and bifidus you need.

5. Don't Overwork

Although adding many of the supplements mentioned here will help with detox symptoms, you also want to plan to take it easy while your body detoxes. Depending on how long your detoxification program lasts, you may want to rearrange your work and social schedule so you don't overwork. You may feel tired and irritable during the detox, and it can be a real struggle to work through low-energy periods. Plus, overwork has the exact opposite effect that your detoxification program is trying to achieve, which is a cleaner and healthier body.

6. Add Fermented Foods

Adding fermented foods like Japanese miso and ume plum balls (pills) to your daily diet can really help if you are doing a detox during the cold winter months. Another source of fermented food is Vegemite (sometimes called Marmite or Vegex). Fermented foods can help you feel warmer and more nourished during a detox, while not interfering with the cleansing process. Most of these products are available in your health store, although Vegemite and Marmite are international (British) products. and may have to be ordered online.

7. Sleep In

Whenever possible during the detox, sleep in. Get as much rest as your body asks for because detoxification is hard work! Sleep is one of the most nourishing acts you can do for your body. You relax body, mind, and spirit when you sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, you can try taking some valerian root herb or try the homeopathic chamomile.

Preventive And Curative Power In Taking Papaya (Pawpaw) And Pineapple

PAPAYA (PAWPAW)

A papaya is 88.8% water. 8% carbohydrates, 0.61% protein, 0.14% fats. The most notable vitamin is vitamin C and it contain 18% vitamin A. The B vitamin are also present in small amounts. It also contain high folate. The papaya is rich in potassium and significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contain 1.8% pectin a soluble vegetable fiber. Also present is an enzyme called pectin which aids the digestion of proteins. Papaya is very easy to digest and contributes to the digestion of other food. Papaya is considered a perfect breakfast. Papaya is recommended in the following cases.:-

1. Treatment of ulcer & heartburn:- Papaya helps neutralize excess gastric acid which makes it suitable for the treatment of gastro duodenal ulcer and heartburn.

2. Treatment of infection diarrhea:- the slightly green papaya is a anti bacterial in nature. It prevent the development of entropatheogen that causes intestinal infections.

3. Treatment of Skin disorder:- Papaya is a part of the suggested diet for those with skin diseases such as eczema, and acne because of its richness in provitamin A. also a paste of papaya seed is applicable for treating skin trouble like ringworm.

4. When the fresh leave of pawpaw, lemon grass and guava is cooked it can use in the treatment of Malaria.

5. Milky secretion of raw pawpaw leaves expels worms like tape worm from the digestive track. Dilute about 2 spoonful of the white secretion of pawpaw leaves in a glass of water. Take over empty stomach.

6. Treatment of liver Diseases:- Eating the black seed of pawpaw is good in the treatment of liver related diseases. It helps to detoxify the liver. Eating of pawpaw fruit is highly recommended for cases of hepatitis. The seed can granded and diluted in water

7. Corrects stomach and intestinal disorder:- Chewing a mouthful of the fresh green leaves of pawpaw once a day corrects habitual bleeding, piles and chronic diarrhea.

PINEAPPLE

Pineapple contains 11% carbohydrate. Their fat and protein content are insignificant. The prevalent vitamins in pineapple are C,B1 and B6. It is also a good source of folates. Among the mineral are manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium and iron. Pineapple also contain citric and malic acid which are responsible for its acidic taste. It also contains Bromelin which aid the breaking down of protein and facilitate digestion of other food particularly when the stomach is somehow weakened. Pineapple only ripens properly on the plant. If it is harvested early, it is very acidic and poor in nutrients. Pineapple is recommended in the following areas:-

1. Improves fertility:- Pineapple is one of the richest in manganese a trace element actively involved in the formation of reproductive cells, both males and females. It is therefore recommended for those suffering from infertility due to insufficient production of germinal cells, sperm in men and ova in women.

2. Treatment of stomach Cancer:- it has been shown that pineapple is a powerful inhibitor of the formation of nitrosamines. These carcinogenic substance are formed in the stomach as a chemical reaction between nitrites and certain proteins contained in food.

3. Aids food digestion and prevent intestine damage.

4. Obesity Control:- Pineapple or fresh pineapple juice consumed before meals appetite and constitutes a good complement to weight loss diet. It also facilities urine production.

5. Regulates blood pressure and protect the body against radical which damage the cells.

6. It enhances proper functioning of the kidney, it contains chlorine to which helps the functioning of the kidney.

7. Pineapple is an ideal desert, improving digestion. It also an excellent aperitif, preparing the stomach for a meal. Note that pineapple juice drunk slowly because of its acidity.

8. Pineapple also helps in case of scanty gastric juice which is manifested by slow digestion and a sense of heaviness in the stomach. Also in case whereby the stomach is unable to empty itself. In both cases, pineapple must be eaten fresh.

A papaya is 88.8% water. 8% carbohydrates, 0.61% protein, 0.14% fats. The most notable vitamin is vitamin C and it contain 18% vitamin A. The B vitamin are also present in small amounts. It also contain high folate. The papaya is rich in potassium and significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contain 1.8% pectin a soluble vegetable fiber. Also present is an enzyme called pectin which aids the digestion of proteins. Papaya is very easy to digest and contributes to the digestion of other food. Papaya is considered a perfect breakfast.

Pineapple contains 11% carbohydrate. Their fat and protein content are insignificant. The prevalent vitamins in pineapple are C,B1 and B6. It is also a good source of folates. Among the mineral are manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium and iron. Pineapple also contain citric and malic acid which are responsible for its acidic taste. It also contains Bromelin which aid the breaking down of protein and facilitate digestion of other food particularly when the stomach is somehow weakened. Pineapple only ripens properly on the plant. If it is harvested early, it is very acidic and poor in nutrients.

Giving Your Dog an Enema

There are several reasons why you may need to give your dog an enema and they include to help rehydrate dogs that are vomiting or have severe diarrhea, to administer medications to your dog or to relieve a dog that is suffering from constipation. It is important to only use an enema when you are sure what they condition is, using an enema can be problematic under some situations as it may mask the real problems so always have your dog checked by a vet if you have any concerns at all before giving an enema.

Depending on the size of your dog there are two different types of products that can be used to give an enema. For small and toy breeds a plastic syringe that holds approximately 2-3 tablespoons of liquid is all that is required but for medium to large breeds an enema bag with a rubber nozzle will be required. Remember that it is not just the volume of liquid introduced to the body at one time that is important; it is the routine introduction of liquids that helps, especially in cases of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.

Start with 2-3 tablespoons of warm but not hot water for small dogs or up to one pint of warm but not hot water for larger breeds. To this water add a few drops of lemon juice and a few grains of sea salt and a pinch of potassium chloride to help with rehydration. If you are only trying to relieve constipation, the salt and potassium chloride will not be necessary. In most dehydration situations this process will need to be repeated every 4 hours, but only make up enough for a single use at a time.

Start by mixing the liquid and testing to make sure it is warm but not hot. Add the liquid to the syringe or enema bag, then lubricate the nozzle or end with vegetable oil. Since the dog will have a bowel movement within a few minutes of the procedure and their may be some leakage, this should be completed outdoors or in a bathtub or sink. A partner is essential to help you hold the dog facing away from you. Grasp the tail and gently lift, then insert the syringe or enema nozzle into the rectum until the end is completely inserted. Gently depress the plunger or squeeze the enema bag until all liquid is in the dog's rectum. Remove the nozzle and allow the dog to move about. In severely dehydrated dogs the liquid will actually be absorbed by the colon, which is exactly what you want to have happen.

Detox Symptoms - How to Cope With Them

Detox symptoms are said to be a sign that your body is cleansing but they are more likely to be a sign that your body is releasing toxins faster than you can get rid of them. A detox diet that is properly prepared for and supported with foods and nutrients that rev up the detox pathways should not result in many detox symptoms at all.  

The fear of detox symptoms can put people off or make them quit too soon. But it does not have to be like that if you prepare well and follow a good program.  Knowing what to expect and what do if you get some mild cleansing reactions can help you through the process more easily.

It's easy to confuse withdrawal symptoms with detox symptoms. Detox diets exclude coffee and regular tea. If you normally drink a lot then you could get a bad headache if you suddenly stop caffeine. The best plan is to take time to gradually reduce the number of cups you drink to avoid this rather than go cold turkey.

True detox symptoms are numerous and can include:

Fatigue  - a lot of energy goes into the detox process so you could feel more tired and listless than usual. Its' best to listen to your body and rest as much as possible so your body can put all its effort into detoxifying those poisons.

Feeling achy or flu like symptoms - once again rest and keep warm. Try some dry skin brushing to stimulate the lymph circulation. Add a couple of cups of Epsom Salts to a hot bath and soak in it for 20 minutes. Wrap yourself in a large cotton towel and lie down for a couple hours. Make sure you are drinking 6 - 8 glasses of pure water a day.

Bowel changes - the combination of changing your diet and the toxins from the liver being dumped through the bile into the digestive system can cause various bowel detox symptoms from loose stools and excessive gas to constipation and even cramps. It is essential to make sure the bowels are moving well before you attempt any detox program. Most detox diets include foods such as linseeds or fiber supplements that help normalize the bowels.  A bowl of very well cooked, watery brown rice can help mop up toxins in the bowel and stop diarrhea.

Skin eruptions, itches or rashes - the skin is one way the body gets rid of toxins.  Avoid blocking the pores with lotions or creams.  Try skin brushing with a natural bristle brush or have a sauna or steam bath to increase skin detox. Use a natural organic soap and a shower filter.  

Cravings and hunger - many detox diets exclude foods that people are commonly sensitive to or eat a lot of and it is common to start craving them. Drinking a green smoothie, fresh vegetable juice or eating a piece of fruit can help here. Once your body is fed good nutrition it will not crave anything. You can also go for a walk or do something to distract yourself like reading a book or calling a friend.

Emotional upset or depression - it can be a surprise if you are not prepared for it that a detox symptom could be feeling weepy or depressed.  Its not unusual to release old memories and feelings. Just let them out. If you get very upset try relax and  to do some deep breathing until it passes.

Remember that if you properly prepare for a detox diet and follow a plan that includes foods and supplements that are known to support liver detox you are unlikely to get any detox symptoms. If you do they will be mild and disappear in a day or two. You should soon feel brighter and more energized and you will think that it was all worthwhile.

The Hunt for the Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that is relatively prevalent among people aged 20 years and above. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed syndromes yet one of the issues that people tend not to talk about.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by frequent cramping of the stomach, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. These cause a great deal of distress and discomfort but will never lead to more aggravated condition since it does not cause permanent harm on the sufferer. While there is a common pattern for most patients, still the symptoms vary from patients to patients.

Some may experience single symptoms, say constipation. Many people though report of having cramping or straining without any or minimal release of stool. These people experience mucus release along with their bowel too. Mucus is a fluid-form lubricant that helps moisten the digestive passages for easier release of digested materials.

Some patients, on the other hand, undergo diarrhea, which is characterized with frequent release of uncontrollable watery stools. But some endure alternate constipation and diarrhea. The ceasing of symptoms does not imply the stoppage of the syndrome all together though. Many people find it more difficult to deal with irritable bowel syndrome after a few months of subsided syndromes.

While many cases of this syndrome are regularly reported worldwide, there are still no known causes that would determine the proper treatments. Many researchers agree that this may have a relation on the colon or the large bowel that is especially reactive to specific stresses and food elements. Others argue that this is largely affected by the efficiency of the immune system.

Persons with this condition are known to have irregular motility or movement of the large colon. This is termed to as spasmodic but other patients display temporary cessation of intestinal movement.

IBS is frequently linked with bacterial infection found in the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers observed that people who have developed gastroenteritis have greater likelihood of also developing IBS. In addition, it is found that irritable bowel syndrome heightens once susceptibility over anxiety and stress which in return aggravate the condition. Similarly, many symptoms of IBS cause depression and anxiety.

Other patients projected links with irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, which is the inability of a person to digest gluten. Gluten is the substance found in wheat, barley, eye and flour that basically help in the coagulation of the bread. Patients of celiac disease have immune systems that respond to gluten by damaging the small intestine. The presence of celiac disease along with IBS can be checked through blood tests.

For female sufferers however, findings have suggested that many have worsened symptoms during their menstrual period. These are basically the commonly observed "supposed causes" of internal bowel movements. The scientific and the medical communities are continually working on resolving the causes so as to create feasible treatment options that would help ease out the condition.

Nevertheless, people have already practiced a number of things to help provide temporary treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Many of which entail the avoidance towards foods that normally cause the symptoms to reappear. Many activities are also suggested to be avoided to limit the appearance of the symptoms. Such include large meals, caffeine from teas, colas and chocolates and abstention from alcohol and wheat-based products.

Deviated Septum Surgery: Side Effects, Complications and Improvements

The deviated septum surgery is the surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum. In layman's terms, the septum is the wall that separates the nasal airways and a deviated nasal septum is an off-centered nose cartilage or crooked noses. This condition creates inequality of the nostrils. Though only a small percentage of humanity have perfectly centered septum, the deviation is invariably very slight that it's unnoticeable and relatively harmless.

However, a severely deviated nasal septum would result to a host of grave health issues. Deviated septum and sleep apnea as well as snoring have long been associated. An off-centered septum would result to bigger and smaller nostrils. Breathing might appear normal with the bigger airway, but it also not so with the other side. The deviated septum will press on the turbinate of the smaller nostril and stress the mucosa or the skin covering of the other side.

Left untreated, this could profoundly affect the overall quality of a person's life. This condition could lead to chronic nasal congestion due to rhinitis, sinusitis and even bronchitis. Headaches, nosebleeds, snoring, constant sneezing and other sleep apnea symptoms like breath gaps and pauses, gasping and choking while asleep and daytime sleepiness can also result from having a deviated septum.

The deviated septum surgery aims to address the condition by straightening the septum. This is an outpatient procedure, lasting for an hour or two, using either local or general anesthesia. Patients usually don't need to stay overnight in the hospital as doctors just need to assure that the risk of infection is cleared. In doing so, it will effectively reduce or eliminate the inherent symptoms of having a deviated septum and sleep apnea. However, undergoing the surgical procedure also has several side effects or complications.

1. Nasal obstructions - these results from failure to successfully set the septum correctly creating further obstruction.

2. Infection - This includes prolonged pain, swelling and bleeding. Infections also develop fever and chills. Contracting infection will ultimately prolong the healing and recovery period. Avoiding any kind of infection should be the top priority of the patient. This can easily be done by taking antibiotics prescribed before and after the surgery. Proper rest should also be observed so as not to put undue stress to wounds.

3. Bleeding - Although slight bleeding can be expected for the first day or two, it should only be in drips and do not soak up the packing. Excessive bleeding should be reported immediately.

4. Diarrhea and vomiting - This could be an offshoot from the anesthesia used in the deviated septum surgery. Patients can avoid vomiting and infecting the wounds thereof by fasting at least a day before the operation.

5. Headaches, dizziness - Unstable blood pressure could act up during the operation resulting to dizziness and headaches. Patients should avoid too much moving around and jerky movements. Proper rest should be observed.

6. Chronic nasal congestion

7. Altered sense of smell and taste

8. Numbness on the operated adjacent areas

A successful deviated septum surgery will afford the patient an easy and regular breathing whether awake or asleep. It also relieves the sleep apnea and other accompanying symptoms.

Could Your Dog Have Whipworm? How to Detect and Treat Whipworm in Your Dog

When it comes to keeping your canine companion healthy both inside and out, it's important for owners to know which parasites see your dog as the perfect host.

One of the lesser-known parasites that poses a danger to dogs is the whipworm. Whipworms, like most parasites, are resilient. In egg form, their hard shells allow them to survive outdoors in the soil for years in the time. In many ways, whipworms are like hookworms, but instead of ending in a hook shape, one end of this worm tapers to a narrow, whip-like point.

Unlike hookworms, whipworms can't enter the body through the skin. The only way for your dog to contract them is by eating the eggs. Whipworms exist throughout North America, and transmission is easy if your dog has any contact with other dogs. The long-lived eggs can show up in the soil, dog toys, discarded bones and water dishes. Once eaten, whipworms then grow to maturity inside your dog's digestive system.

When they reach maturity, the adult worms fasten themselves to the large intestine and the cecum, a transitional pouch between the large and small intestine. Here, these nasty little parasites slash and puncture the intestinal walls in order to feed. The female starts to lay her eggs, which the dog excretes through the feces.

Symptoms for whipworm resemble those for other worms, such as hookworm. Many dogs can carry a certain number of whipworms without showing distress, but past a certain point, your dog may begin to exhibit signs such as a dull coat, anemia, rapid weight loss, and a loose and bloody stool. He may also begin vomiting up a yellow-green substance. In very severe cases, the worms may begin to puncture the intestinal wall, to the degree that the intestine begins to stick to the body wall. In this case, you might see your dog licking and worrying his right flank.

When you take your dog to the vet, it may take some time to diagnose him with whipworm. Whipworms lay eggs only intermittently, and even when they're actively releasing eggs, any diarrhea in your dog can make the eggs hard to find. Typically, vets will perform four stool samples over four days before ruling out whipworm.

If your vet finds whipworm eggs, she'll administer a potent dewormer. But the dewormers are only effective against whipworms in their adult form. As a result, you'll probably need to re-treat your dog.

There are no simple, foolproof ways of removing whipworm eggs from the soil around your house. However, a contaminated environment can infect your dog over and over again. The best way to combat reinfestation is to make sure your dog's quarters are sunny and dry, since whipworm eggs require moisture. Try to place him in an area of fresh new gravel, pavement or soil.

Yorkshire Terriers - How To Care For Your Yorkie While She Is In Heat

When your Yorkshire terrier goes into heat, you will need to give her some special attention. She will display a change in temperament during this time and will not seem like the sweet and loving Yorkie you know and adore. Here are some tips on how to care for your dog while she is in heat.

• During the time your Yorkshire terrier is in heat, give her some extra care and attention. Especially if you have other pets, make sure that you spend some time every day alone with her, even if it is only for five or ten minutes.


• Your Yorkie will have some days when she doesn't feel well during this period. She may vomit or have diarrhea and may also feel more tired. Make sure that she does not receive any table food during this time. You may want to reduce the amount of food you give her and increase the amount of water. Also, make sure she has a quiet place to sleep that is away from any other animals, children or other distractions.


• Your dog may also exhibit aggressive behavior during this time, especially if there is a male dog that has not been neutered also living in your home. If she continues to be out of sorts, call or visit your veterinarian.


• If you do not plan on breeding your Yorkshire terrier, you may want to consider having her spayed once she is no longer in heat. Consult your veterinarian about the best time to have this procedure done.

These are some tips on how to care for your Yorkie while she is in heat. If you need more information on training and caring for your small dog I encourage you to find out more.

How To Detect Arsenic Poisoning Symptoms

Arsenic has been a known substance for centuries and more so for being a lethal toxin present in items we use and consume on a daily basis. Arsenic poisoning symptoms can be difficult to detect since the symptoms are usually associated with other illnesses. Some of the early stage symptoms of arsenic poisoning include drowsiness, headaches or confusion, which all can be associated with a list of other illnesses. Since arsenic can be found in almost everything we use and consume, including our food and water, it is virtually impossible to avoid ingesting small quantities of arsenic.

Prolonged exposure and intake of arsenic can have lethal and irreversible side-effects on humans. People that work in industries closely associated with arsenic increase their risk of ingesting toxic levels of arsenic elevating the chances of long term illness and premature death.
Farmers or people that use pesticides frequently are at high risk with long term exposure. Miners or people that work in smelting or any of the metal industries often accumulate arsenic in their systems at levels many times higher then the general population. Many different forms of cancer are caused by long term exposure to arsenic including, liver cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer and cancer of the lymphatic system.

Arsenic poisoning symptoms as stated are difficult to detect given their commonality with symptoms of other illnesses. As the symptoms develop over time, they become more pronounced and severe. Changes in fingernail pigmentation, vomiting and diarrhea, hair loss, stomach pain, blood in the urine and convulsions, with most of the major organs eventually showing signs of disease from arsenic poisoning.

However, there are preventative measures that can be taken to prevent over exposure and detoxify our bodies and purge toxins and impurities from our system, including arsenic. Foods we eat are a source for arsenic removal, those that are sulfur based. These foods include onions, garlic, eggs, legumes and beans. Herbal teas are another great source for detoxification and removal of toxins. High in anti-oxidants, herbal teas such as holy thistle tea and green tea are excellent choices for removal of heavy metals in the body, including arsenic. Herbal teas not only remove toxins but also aid in cleansing the digestive tract of parasites and the impacted waste matter that is a source of food for these parasites.

Symptoms of arsenic poison can be difficult to detect and usually cannot be diagnosed without testing hair follicles for the toxin. Exposure to arsenic will reside in the hair follicles for years, making hair analysis the best source for detection. Arsenic exposure should be a concern for everyone as matter of general overall health with all seriousness. However, we should not live in fear since education and preventative measures can be taken to avoid arsenic poisoning symptoms, including awareness of our surroundings, diet and herbal remedies.

Dog Vomiting - Yuck! My Dog Just Threw Up

Just about everyone who has, or has had, a dog, has either thought or said that or something close to it. Over the years every dog I've had has thrown up at one time or another. For some it was a weekly thing and others hardlly ever. We had one dog, Shelly, who threw up only once, that we know of, in all the years we had her. Right on the new couch.

A dog vomiting is a pretty common occurrence. Most of the time it's caused by eating something they shouldn't have. As they walk around the yard, or even while you're out walking them their nose is to the ground and anything that looks interesting like a leaf, a pebble, paper or plastic wrappers, sticks, I could go on and on, they have to check it out and put it in their mouth. It can also be caused by overfeeding, which can also cause diarrhea. It is amazing the things dogs will eat.

Why Is My Dog Vomiting?

Diet Change - changes in their diet like new dog food

Eating Too Rapidly - What dog hasn't

Food Allergy - Food allergies in dogs usually show as itchy skin. If the GI tract is affected it is much more likely to cause diarrhea.

Obstructing objects - Anything that blocks the exit from the stomach to the intestines will eventually cause vomiting. Sticks, stones, too big a piece from their bones or rubber toys.

However, there are a many other causes that can be from either the gastrointestinal system itself or a disease somewhere else in the body.

What Else Could Be Causing Doggie To Throw Up?

Parasites - Young dogs and puppies that have large numbers of roundworms or hookworms may vomit. These puppies usually have as large potbelly.

Heat Stroke - Heat stroke is common in dogs if they are left out in the sun too long in the hot summer months.

Liver Disease - Your vet can check their blood enzymes. A high enzyme level could mean liver disease.

Motion Sickness - Many dogs get sick their first few times in a car, but after a while they usually get over it.

Pancreatitis - If their pancreas become inflammed that could cause frequent vomiting.

Middle and Inner Ear Disease - If they get an ear infection that gets to the inner ear, that can affect the organs of balance and can cause vomiting. Dogs will tilt or shake their heads or scratch their ear.

What Did They Throw Up?

- If what they threw up is high in mucus it indicates that the stomach or high intestine is inflamed.
- Undigested food can indicate food poisoning, anxiety, or simply over eating.
- Bile is often present when vomiting is caused by inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis.
- Flecks of bright blood could mean that they have an open sore in their stomach.
- If there is brown specs that look like coffee grounds, that could be dried blood which could mean the problem is farther down the intestine.
- Strong digestive odors suggests intestinal blockage.
- Garbage type things like paper wrappers, food containers, bits of aluminum foil, etc. then this is probably from eating crap that will be easy to manage.

Many objects that initially cause vomiting are eventually passed in the stool. I've seen a full size superball in the poop of a Lab. Throwing up can empty the stomach of things that could be the cause like spoiled food, leaves etc.

How To Treat Your Dogs Vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, it is not a disease. So the cause will determine the treatment. If the dog is only vomiting occasionally, and otherwise normal then treatment is probably not necessary. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs will vomit once or twice a month regardless of any treatment, and if they are otherwise normal then treatment probably isn't necessary.

For acute vomiting cases, the first thing is to not feed them for 24 hrs. but keep plenty of water available. After that time, only give them small portions of a very bland food, such as chicken and boiled rice, for a few days. Instead of a big meal, give them little meals several times a day.

Dehydration is a concern for any animal that is vomiting. If your dog is contiually throwing up, and can't even hold down water, you should take them to the vet immediately. This could be a severe problem, like an obstruction, that could possibly need surgery. If they can hold down water and are only vomiting occasionally, then you can try the home remedies of smaller meals of the bland diet.

Though treating the symptom itself will often improve their comfort, if you believe the problem may be serious it is better to be safe than sorry and get your dog to your veteranarian for the correct diagnosis of the underlying cause.

Rectal Polyps - Diseases

What is this condition?

Rectal polyps are masses of tissue that erupt through the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum and protrude into the digestive tract. Types of polyps include common polypoid adenomas, villous adenomas, hereditary polyposis, focal polypoid hyperplasia, and juvenile polyps (hamartomas). Most rectal polyps are benign. However, villous and hereditary polyps are likely to become malignant.

What causes it?

Formation of polyps results from unrestrained cell growth in the upper layer of the intestinal wall. Predisposing factors include heredity, age, infection, and diet. Men over age 55 are the most likely to develop villous adenomas. Women between ages 45 and 60 develop common polypoid adenomas. The incidence of rectal polyps rises in both sexes after age 70. Juvenile polyps occur most frequently among children under age 10.

What are its symptoms?

Because rectal polyps don't generally cause symptoms, they're usually discovered incidentally during a digital exam or a colonoscopic exam. Rectal bleeding is a common sign, and can vary according to the lesion's location in the colon or rectum. High rectal polyps leave a streak of blood on stools. Low rectal polyps bleed more freely. Villous adenomas may grow large and cause painful bowel movements, bur, because they are soft, they rarely cause an obstruction. Hereditary polyposis can cause diarrhea, bloody stools, and secondary anemia. In people with this type, a change in bowel habits with abdominal pain usually signals rectosigmoid cancer.

Juvenile polyps are large, inflammatory lesions, often without an epithelial covering, and focal polypoid hyperplasia produces small grainy growths.

How is it diagnosed?

To get a firm diagnosis of rectal polyps, the doctor will identify them by looking through a colonoscope or similar instrument and by analyzing a biopsy specimen. A barium enema test can help identify polyps that are located high in the colon. Supportive lab findings include traces of blood in the stools, blood studies showing low hemoglobin and hematocrit (with anemia) and, possibly, electrolyte imbalances in people with villous adenomas.

How is it treated?

Treatment varies according to the type and size of the polyps and their location in the colon or rectum. Common polypoid adenomas less than 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter require removal, frequently by fulguration (destruction by high-frequency electricity). For common polypoid adenomas over 1½ inches (4 centimeters) in diameter and all invasive villous adenomas, the surgeon will remove part of the intestine.

Focal polypoid hyperplasia can be removed by biopsy. Depending on digestive tract involvement, hereditary polyps require total removal of the affected section. Juvenile polyps are prone to shearing off on their own. If that doesn't happen, removal with a snare during colonoscopy is the treatment of choice.

Rome III Criteria and IBS Symptoms

Every one of us at some point of time has experienced intestinal disorders like diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating and gas. But when all these irritations overwhelm a person continuously, it may refer to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS symptoms should be properly diagnosed to warrant appropriate treatment.

Primarily diagnosed as functional disorder, IBS does not tend to exhibit any kind of noticeable sickness. In order to distinguish that a particular person is suffering of usually passing digestive disorders, from IBS, medical profession have now fallen back on what is known as Rome III criteria. This criterion when adopted for diagnosing a person as indeed having IBS, mandatory associates the following IBS symptoms with the disorder:

a) That the digestive disorders mentioned above must have been present in the patient for a minimum period of six months,

b) That these disorders must have manifested at least on three days during the last three months.

c) The IBS symptoms should include constant recurring pain or discomfort in the abdominal area, associated with the following two or more factors:

• Bowel movement usually relieves pain.


• Pain begins with the change in composition of stool - soft, or harder.


• Pain begins with the change in the regular cycle of bowel movement.

IBS symptoms can be medically diagnosed only on the basis of continuous pain in the abdominal area, combined with a noticeable change in your bowel movement habits. IBS in the context of an individual patient might mean a combination of the symptoms including abdominal pain, which is relieved after a bowel movement; Constipation - strained movement of bowels, with fewer than three bowel movements a day, or hard/dry stools; diarrhea - feeling of urgency for bowel movement, with more than three bowel movement per day, or watery loose stools; feeling of incomplete evacuation, passage of mucus or gas and bloating. IBS symptoms can be broadly classified into three types, one with predominant constipation, second - predominant diarrhea, and third kind with symptoms alternating between diarrhea and constipation.

There are certain IBS symptoms which are usually of serious and upsetting nature, leaving the people wonder whether there has been wrong diagnosis and whether the attending medical people have not been able to consider a more serious disorder in their health. Given below are the symptoms which are not associated with IBS, and therefore which should be investigated further to know the reasons for their manifestation.

a) nausea;

b) fever;

c) significant and unexplained weight loss

d) fatigue

e) presence of blood in the stool due to hemorrhoids, which should be immediately brought to doctor's notice

f) Anemic conditions, bloodlessness in the body;

g) Pain in the abdomen which isn't relieved by bowel movement

h) Pain in the abdomen which disturbs sleeps and awakens the patient.

i) Decrease in food intake/Loss of appetite

Feline Panleukopenia Or Distemper

Feline Panleukopenia or distemper attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal tract causing ulcers. Panleukopenia is caused by a 'parvovirus,' and is a life-threatening disease. The virus is considered to be everywhere, meaning it can be found in just about every place that is not disinfected on a regular basis.

The infection is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats, usually kittens and young adult cats living in groups. It can lie dormant in the environment for many months before infecting an unvaccinated cat or kitten.

How it is spread

Feline panleukopenia is mainly spread through contact with an infected cat's bodily fluids, feces, or from its fleas. It can also be spread through contact with an infected cats food dishes or bedding. Infection occurs when the virus enters the body through the mouth or nose of the unvaccinated cat or kitten. Indoor cats can be at risk as owners can carry the virus on their shoes or clothing.

Symptoms

There are a few things to watch out for if you think your cat or kitten has feline panleukopenia. If you notice fever, loss of appetite, vomiting or bloody diarrhea along with lethargy, depression or loss of skin elasticity, a trip to the vet is advised. As the virus causes a decrease in the cat's white blood cell count, it compromises the immune system. A fecal sample and blood test will be done by your vet to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Feline panleukopenia can kill your cat in less than 24 hours, so aggressive treatment is necessary. This can include a whole blood transfusion as well as intravenous fluids to reverse the dehydration normally associated with feline panleukopenia. Injection of vitamins A, B and C will be necessary as well as antibiotics to prevent septicaemia.

Recovery

Cats who have been treated are able to recover from feline panleukopenia and usually there is no permanent damage. However, the majority of very young kittens, under eight weeks old, will die. With treatment, kittens older than eight weeks have a 30% to 40% chance of living and adult cats have an 80% to 90% chance. Of course without treatment, the chances of the cat dying are greatly increased.

Prevention

It is possible to vaccinate against feline panleukopenia. I suggest speaking to your vet about having your kitten vaccinated at eight and twelve weeks. A booster shot 12 months later is also a good idea with followup shots every three years. Place all bedding and food dishes in a solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water for 10 minutes.

Negative Isagenix Side Effects When Cleansing

If you're thinking of doing an Isagenix cleanse or are just starting, it's a good thing to know about potential Isagenix side effects you may experience.

I've been using Isagenix cleansing products for 2 years now and have coached nearly 100 people on the systems. I was fairly lucky that I didn't experience many of these Isagenix side effects, but I have coached many people who have.

Some of the more common Isagenix side effects you may experience and the suggestions for alleviating them are:

Headaches

Your body is releasing toxins at a much quicker rate than normal and your body is going through withdrawal. As with any addictive substance when you stop putting it in your body, your body reacts in ways that aren't always positive. This can feel quite unpleasant but should pass within a few days.

One solution for this side effect is to increase your water intake. Be sure to only drink purified spring water if you can. Most other waters are either full of toxins or dead. By dead I mean lacking any good nutrients. You can also drink green or herbals teas.

When you are dehydrated, you can get headaches easily. Also, if you do get a headache, refrain from taking any form of pharmaceutical pain relievers. You are trying to release your body of chemical toxins and taking pain medication doesn't make sense.

Cold Extremities

Your body is in major cleansing mode because it's releasing toxins. Your body heat will gravitate towards your internal organs for protection. Your body is using energy internally to cleanse and it takes heat from the other areas of your body to do this.

A simple solution to this Isagenix side effect is to put on some extra clothing. It too will pass within a few days.

Constipation

Toxins are flooding your colon and in some cases where people have a higher toxic load, it can be difficult for the colon to keep up. It can become blocked and you may experience bloating. It's best to ensure that before you start cleansing, you are having regular bowel movements. By regular I mean a minimum of one a day, but two or three is actually ideal.

To ensure you're regular and stay regular you may want to include a magnesium supplement in your daily routine, or add ground flax seed to some of your meals. A few prunes or prune juice usually does the trick as well.

Nausea, Dizzy or Upset Stomach

The body is either alkaline or acidic and is always striving for balance. If your body is more acidic then putting something very alkaline into it will cause upset. This is to be expected.

Caffeine, soda, alcohol, meat, dairy are all known to cause a more acidic state in our bodies. It's is recommended to have a diet high in fruits & vegetables and to drink lots of alkaline water.

Taking one of the snacks that comes with your Isagenix program along with a large glass of water will help with the nausea. If you feel the most nausea when drinking the cleanse juice, then dilute it in water until it no longer causes the side effect.

Not everyone experiences these Isagenix side effects, but if you do, rest assured, that they only last a couple days. And that if you persevere you will be thankful you did. Cleansing toxins and putting greater amounts of nutrition into your body are big changes for some people. It could be that the more toxic load your body has, the more you'll experience these Isagenix side effects.

Oh and another really BIG Isagenix side effect is weight loss. But I'll save that for another article where I talk about the positive side effects of Isagenix.

Baby Dehydration Symptoms - How to Rehydrate the Baby Again

What are the common baby dehydration symptoms? How can you recognize these symptoms and what steps to take urgently?

Dehydration of baby means that your baby does not have sufficient fluids in the body. Babies are more prone than adults to dehydration. Babies lose fluids from body through vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweating, stools or urine. If the baby loses more fluid than he is taking in, then dehydration is the result.

Baby Dehydration Symptoms

Some of the signals to identify dehydration in babies are:

1. 6+ hours pass without a wet diaper

2. Urine smells stronger than normal and/or looks darker in the diaper

3. dry and parched lips

4. sunken eyes

5. excessive sleeping

Steps to Take If You Notice Baby Dehydration Symptoms

Take the baby immediately to a doctor. Do not delay unnecessarily because babies can quickly become seriously dehydrated. Your baby may even need to be given liquids through intravenous tube (IV tube) so that he is re-hydrated.

If the baby is only mildly dehydrated, then the doctor might give instructions about giving special liquid to restore the body's lost salt and water. There are many such infant electrolyte liquids available in leading pharmacies. But you should not give these on your own without consulting a doctor first.

Reasons for Baby Dehydration

Some of the common reasons for baby dehydration are - hot weather, fever, asthma, allergy, infections, not drinking enough fluids on regular basis, diarrhea etc. Among all these reasons, the most common one is fever accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.

In such cases, babies lose a lot of fluids from the body rapidly. Due to this the condition of dehydration occurs. Dehydration may be severe or mild. Whatever the case, do not delay in seeking medical assistance as this is a serious situation which should not be taken lightly.

Re-Hydrating the Baby

Remember that dehydration means not only loss of water but also essential minerals, sugar and electrolytes from the body. If the baby is only mildly dehydrated, then take steps to re-hydrate.

These steps include giving lots of fluids to the baby. A few sips might not prove sufficient. Tr to give something to drink every 15 minutes or so. You might want to set a timer for this. If the baby is only taking a tablespoonful of liquids at a time and refuses to take more, then try giving fluids every 5 minutes instead of 15. You can mix little bit of salt or sugar like diluted juice in order to add little bit of taste so that the baby drinks it up.

Continue this till the baby recovers sufficiently and feels better. Then you can increase the time duration of giving fluids. The best thing you can do to rehydrate your baby quickly is to continue breastfeeding him or her. Breast-milk is excellent for the baby as it also contains water. It is very helpful in overcoming baby dehydration symptoms as the breast-milk contains everything the baby requires, including things which will help in boosting the baby's immune system.

For older infants who eat solids, give lots of fluids as well as small amounts of food which contain fiber and fat as these will bulk up the stools and help in reducing diarrhea symptoms. Giving yogurt is also a good idea as it is good for digestion. It is better to avoid anti-diarrhea medicines for babies less than a year old because they can hinder the body's natural process of eliminating bacteria and virus.

How to Overcome Ulcerative Colitis and Regain Your Life Again

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large intestine. This illness is classified as an autoimmune disorder disrupting the digestive and immune systems of the body. The immune system becomes confused by attacking the microorganisms in the digestive tract that aid the digestion process causing severe inflammation that is mainly restricted to the colon itself. This inflammation begins in the mucous lining of the large intestines leaving ulcers that become infected over time. If left untreated, these ulcers can become abscessed and rupture requiring the need for emergency surgery of a colectomy.

One must understand the symptoms of ulcerative colitis to develop a better prognosis of the disease in question. The illness begins as inflammations lining the inside of the colon that develop into ulcers which can lead to explosive diarrhea and intestinal bleeding. Several stages of abdominal pain that may include mild to severe stomach cramps also accompany this disorder. Fatigue, fever and extreme weight loss are also complicated by a weakened immune system that has been compromised.

The length of the area involved will also dictate the treatment remedies available. Ulcerative colitis' severity depends mainly on the patients bowel movements which can range from four stools per day to ten and beyond. Some affected regions are limited to the rectum, while others extend to the ileum which may require surgery. Persons with ulcerative colitis usually have periods with no flare ups. Usually this depends heavily on the extent and location of the disease. This illness has been known to adversely affect the persons quality of life with the constant flare ups of diarrhea and abdominal pain leaving many to seek remedies for their disease.

Standard treatment options for ulcerative colitis vary depending on the severity and location of the illness at hand. The main objective is to induce remission without harm to the patient. Modern medicine uses many different drugs for this task that have altering side effects. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce swelling inside the mucous lining while antibiotics control and relieve infections and keep them from spreading to other parts of the colon. Other drugs used in this treatment are known as immunosuppressives. They function by limiting the operation of the immune system, which in turn poses great health risk to the patient by exposing them to possible infections putting other organs and systems in danger. Anti-inflammatory drugs have mild to severe side effects such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and a lower white blood cell count.

If drugs are not successful in treating extreme cases then removal of the large intestine is generally considered a last resort. In view of all the standard treatment options proposed by hospitals and cancer centers alike, one must also consider the use of natural therapies, sometimes referred as alternative therapies. There are other alternative therapies that have been shown to produce major improvements in symptoms with no dangerous side effects. Some of these remedies are diets based on natural foods and simply require proper food combining of certain high fiber raw fruits, vegetables and whole grains cereals.

These diets also prohibit the intake of processed junk food that is loaded with chemical toxins that can upset the colons chemical balance. Along with the diet treatment, herbal plants and probiotic cultures are taken as well to provide correct balance in the intestinal flora to help rebuild the immune system and aid proper digestion.

To eliminate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, one must understand the full treatment options and take a proactive approach to finding alternative remedies that are safe and effective.

What You Should Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea

In return for all the love and loyalty our best friend gives us, we want to take care of him in the best way possible. And a big part of taking care of our four-legged friend is to understand and take care of any health problems he may experience.

Just like people, dogs can experience a number of health problems throughout their lifetime. One of the worst afflictions that dogs can have is chronic diarrhea.

Symptoms

The signs that your dog is having diarrhea problems are pretty obvious: runny or soft stools, different colored watery stools, having a hard time defecating, or trying to defecate several times with nothing coming out. You will also be warned that he has diarrhea by the urgency of his barking at the back door to get outside to go potty.

He may also play less and be less active if he's bothered by diarrhea, or he may even be eating grass, which is typically a sign that he could have a stomach ache or other digestive irritations.

What Should You Do?

The first thing you want to do if your pet is suffering from diarrhea is to make sure that his water is clean and fresh at all times. Watery stools will make the dog dehydrated so an ample amount of water is vital to keep him healthy

A home remedy that can be very effective in treating dog diarrhea is to add probiotics to his food. Frequent loose stools or diarrhea and gas are both indications of a bacteria imbalance. Probiotics help build a healthy population of bacteria in your dog's digestive system, improve his digestive processes and firm up his stools.

There are also remedies at pet supply stores and on the internet to alleviate the condition.

To help if he appears to be having stomach-aches, try giving him foods that are high in fiber as that will give more substance to his bowel movements. Feed him boiled chicken and rice for a few days until the diarrhea starts to subside; then you can begin feeding him more solid foods.

One idea that many pet owners don't think of using for their pet's diarrhea is over the counter remedies made for humans. Some people have success using Pepto Bismol, either liquid or chewable pills. Pepto Bismol works to soothe the stomach and the intestinal lining and it can help relieve diarrhea when the problem is caused by something your dog has eaten.

If you go the pills route, you can coat them in peanut butter or some of his soft dog food. Generally, the advised dosage is 0.5-1ml of Pepto Bismol per pound of weight. It should be administered every 6-8 hours. If you're using the tablets, that is equal to 翹 tablet per 20 pounds of weight every 6-8 hours.

The important thing is that if your dog has diarrhea, you need to keep a close eye on it so that it doesn't lead to more serious internal problems. Most of the time, the diarrhea is not much more serious than being somewhat messy and not much fun to deal with; if you take the right steps, it can be resolved quickly and easily.

If the diarrhea is caused by something your dog ate that he shouldn't have - like the food from your cat's bowl - or some strange thing that he finds on your nightly walk - the condition may clear up within a day or two, once whatever he ate that is upsetting him runs through his system.

However, if the condition does not clear up quickly and you fail to treat it, it could definitely get worse. If the condition persists, be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian. The vet may put the dog on stomach medication to help with digestion and processing the foods he eats, or he may suggest changes to his diet. Dog diarrhea can be a life-threatening affliction; if it's not treated it could end your pet's life.

What Does Crohn's Ileitis Mean?

Crohn's disease is always found in the digestive system, but it is usually found in the intestines. The common type of this condition is called Crohn's Ileitis because it is found at the end of the small intestines in an area referred to as the terminal ileum. Most of the cases of this condition reported are in this area, and this is also a place where many problems can erupt. If your doctor tells you this is what you have, they will want to keep a very close eye on the many things that can happen in the intestines, but the entire digestive tract can be affected.

It is most common to find out you have Crohn's Ileitis during your teenage years or early twenties. It is often mistaken for something else, and sometimes the symptoms are shrugged off as something less serious like a bad diet or too much stress. It is hard to diagnose at first, so this happens more often than not. The inflammation might be hard to spot at first, but once things get to the point where the health is being affected, the inflammation should become more apparent.

Inflammation is the root cause of Crohn's disease symptoms although the cause of the inflammation is not always clear. There is no cure, and there is no known reason that has been proven to be the cause of this condition. It affects about half a million people in the US, and can lead to a host of problems if left untreated.

Once the inflammation in the small intestines gets out of control, the entire systems starts to shut down. Bleeding tears can occur, and in some cases, the intestines become blocked. When this happens, surgery is almost always a certainty.

Crohns' disease can be considered an autoimmune problems for those afflicted. Some research has suggested that the inflammation is something that happens when the body begins to attack itself, but no one is quite sure why that happens. Though some say stress and lifestyle may contribute to cases of Crohn's Ileitis, there is no evidence that this is the case. However, change in diet and reduction of stress can help a patient feel better when combined with medical care and intervention. Treatment is for some people a life long struggle, but quality of life can be greatly improved.

The most troubling symptoms of Crohn's are bloody and frequent diarrhea, weight loss, pain and cramping, and extreme fatigue accompanied by weakness. Medical treatment can consist of surgery, medications, lifestyle change, and herbal remedies, but these are not meant to be a cure. They are a way of putting the condition into remission if at all possible.

Keep reading and discover ways of combating crohn's ileitis by signing up for the free crohn's disease newsletter below.

Those with some of the more Crohn's Ileitis severe symptoms often need to have emergency care. When it is apparent that someone is losing weight and their bodies are struggling to get nutrition, IV fluids can be administered, and operations are done to fix the more immediate issues such as blockage or even fissures in the intestines.

Tips on How to Control Ferret Diarrhea

Ferrets are very active, agile and exploratory by nature and are awake for a maximum of seven or eight hours in a day. They are extremely boisterous and active while they are awake. During their waking hours they are liable to be mischievous and tend to chew up and swallow anything they find like rubber, furniture, cloth and so on. No wonder they are susceptible to indigestion and diarrhea. Ferret diarrhea brings stomach pain, vomiting and fever which can be hard to handle. Here is how to manage it.

Diarrhea is caused due to mal-absorption of content in the intestines, which can occur due to intestinal blockage, food poisoning or some stress that the ferret undergoes.

Moreover, as diarrhea is only a symptom of internal disorder it may also be a manifestation of some gastrointestinal infection which is caused by parasites, virus or bacteria. Diarrhea is the passing of liquid stools frequently. If it is an occasional manifestation, it may well be normal requiring no medical attention. However, if persistent and recurrent it requires the attention of the vet.

You can work out a plan to treat your ferret diarrhea by examining its stools, blood, and conducting radiography, biopsy and/or exploratory surgery. You can treat viral infections by supporting methods such as feeding it by tube or syringe and fluid therapy. If there are any alternative bacterial infections antibiotics may be given.

Some effective antibiotics include amoxicillin, bismuth subsalicylate, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfa. If symptoms are due to eosinophilic gastroenteritis or proliferative colitis, steroids like metronidazole and prednisone are used supported by anti-inflammatory drugs.

Contaminations that are protozoa are usually treated with sulfadimethoxine and giardia treated with metronidazole. However, if diarrhea is caused due to Cryptosporidium parvum and Lymphosarcoma, there is no available treatment for these. If there are changes in the diet of the ferret or intake of a high protein diet, these can also cause diarrhea. To treat the infection, make changes in the nutrition and diet of your pet.

If it is a case of dehydration, it can also result in the death of the ferret if not immediately hospitalized. To give first aid, feed the ferret with plenty of fresh water to replace the loss of fluids as well as restore its electrolytes.

Health and Beauty Benefits of Clay

Clay has long been recognized by many ancient civilizations not just for its usefulness in pottery and ceramics, but also for its healing and restorative powers. The material derived from earth is made of inorganic and organic microscopic particles that impart its variable properties, usually making clay an essential medical and beauty tool. Nowadays, clay masks are popular in the cosmetic industry for its beauty enhancing properties.

There are many types of clay beneficial to human health. A popular example of healing clay is Bentonite (Montmorillonite) which comes from volcanic ash and is ingested to prevent absorption of toxins in the alimentary tract, such as in cases of mercury poisoning. Bentonite is also said to contain over 70 trace minerals, making it a dietary supplement for people with mineral deficiency. It is also used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, anemia, and other intestinal problems. French Green Clay or Illite is another example of clay used for its medicinal and skin rejuvenating properties.

Like Bentonite, Illite contains many trace minerals in addition to organic matter. Trace minerals include calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zinc, selenium, aluminium, magnesium, silicon, manganese, and copper among others; illite's organic composition is phytonutrients from kelp and microscopic algae. Illite is used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic value, treating muscle aches and rheumatism; aesthetically, French Green Clay is a popular clay mask, known for its ability to absorb toxins from the skin and improve circulation.

Aside from those mentioned above, clays are known to have the following properties that deem them useful in maintaining a healthy, as well as beautiful, well-being:

Cleanses and detoxifies - a certain study found that French Green Clay is not only a valuable revitalizing beauty mask, but is also an effective and cheap wastewater cleaner. Similarly, this can be ingested, like Bentonite, to rid the body of heavy metal and other toxins. Just mix the clay powder with about 8 ounces of water and drink in an empty stomach. For a beautifying treatment, clay has a negative electrical charge that allows prodigious absorption of toxins from the skin. Fuller's Earth Clay and Rhassoul clay are used as clay masks to absorb excess oil from the skin.

Exfoliates - Clay masks like those made from French Green Clay, Kaolin (White Cosmetic Clay), Rhassoul, and Fuller's Earth Clay are naturally grainy, thus allowing them to gently slough away the upper layer of dead skin cells. Exfoliation is an important step in skin care regimens as it removes dead skin that can potentially clog the pores, while revealing the smooth, healthy layer. This is recommended once or twice a week.

Improves Circulation - clays are known to draw out toxins from the bloodstream, thus improving circulation. Bentonite, Kaolin, and Green clays are used as beauty masks to tone and smoothen the skin as well as improve circulation. Some recommend calcium Bentonite for treating spider veins and varicose veins.

Provides essential trace minerals - as mentioned earlier, clays have variable mineral content, and many types have been found to provide the adequate amount of trace minerals needed by the body. Green clay and Bentonite may be ingested to supply the body of its copper and manganese requirement, minerals that are scarce in food but are needed by the body in small amounts.

Travel Inoculation - Know The Facts Before You Travel

There is nothing like the thrill of exploring and discovering other peoples and cultures as we travel the world. However, there is a serious side to travel. Visiting a foreign country also means that we are exposed to bacterias and viruses that we may otherwise not come into contact with in our own country. This is why travel inoculation is so important. In many cases, it can save our lives.

The subject of travel inoculation causes great amounts of confusion and anxiety in many travelers. The type of travel inoculation required will greatly depend on the time of the year that you will be traveling and the geography of the destination that you will be traveling to (e.g. rural, urban or forested areas). Nevertheless, it's extremely important to be aware of what can be contracted in different parts of the world.

Cholera can be caught from contaminated food, particularly shellfish and water. Symptoms include severe diahrrea and vomiting. Cholera immunisation is no longer necessary for international travelers. However immunisation against Cholera for aid workers staying for long periods in known high risk areas, or those who have an underlying gastro-intestinal condition, is highly recommended. Countries: African, Indian, Far East, Central and South American subcontinents, and parts of Eastern Europe

Hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food, water and personal contact. It is associated with poor hygiene and sanitation. Symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea. Travel inoculation of combined Hepatitis A and B, or Hepatitis A and Typhoid, should be given 2 weeks prior to departure. Countries: African, Indian, Far East, Central and South American subcontinents, and parts of Eastern Europe

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver which can be fatal. This disease can be contracted through contact with infected blood (e.g. in drug transfusion), bodily fluids (e.g. in sexual intercourse), blood-to-blood contact (e.g. sharing of contaminated needles), or by a human bite from an infected person. Hepatitis B is easier to catch than HIV as it is more concentrated in the infected person's bloodstream and can exist on surfaces outside the body. Travel inoculation is administered in 3 doses, the second dose administered one month after the first, and the third dose administered five months later. Once a blood test proves your immunity, you will be protected for life. A combined Hepatitis A and B inoculation is available. Countries: Sub-Saharan Africa, most of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the Amazon:

Japanese Encephalitis is a disease that is passed on to humans through bites from infected mosquitos normally in tropical surroundings. The symptoms are mild, although in severe cases, the disease can cause brain inflammation. Travel inoculation should be administered one month prior to travel in 3 doses. Countries: Far East, South-East Asia, tropical North-East Australia

Malaria is a tropical disease that is passed on to humans by mosquitos carrying this virus. Symptoms appear 10 days to 4 weeks after infection and include fever, chills, flu-like symptoms of muscular aches and headaches, diarrhea and nausea. A course of anti-malarial tablets must be started up to 3 weeks prior to departure, should continue to be taken abroad, and taken for a further 4 weeks after return. Extra precautions such as mosquito nets and insect repellants must be used as the tablets are not 100% effective. Countries: Africa, South and Central America, Asia and Middle East

Typhoid fever is the result of a bacteria contracted from contaminated food, water and person to person contact in areas where hygiene is poor. Causing fever, diarrhoea, and serious illness, Typhoid can be fatal. The inoculation should be administered one month prior to departure. However, care should still be taken with food (e.g. do not eat fruit unless you have pealed it yourself), water(e.g. drinking only bottled water with seal intact) and personal hygiene as the travel inoculation is not 100% effective. A combined Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccine is available. Countries: Africa, South and Central America, Asia and Middle East

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease that is found only in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa and is also spread by mosquito bites. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, jaundice and bleeding. This disease can be fatal, and some countries, particularly East Africa, require a certificate of vaccination prior to entry. The travel inoculation should be administered 10 days prior to departure date and lasts for 10 years. Countries: Africa, South and Central America, Asia and Middle East

Meningococcal Meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis that affects the brain membrane. This infection can be spread by direct close contact with nose and throat discharge (e.g. through sneezing) of an infected person. Symptoms include high fevers, severe headaches, discomfort when looking at bright lights, purple bruising, vomiting and sometimes chills or fever. There are 3 strains of the disease that are not covered in the common preventative immunisations commonly vaccinated for in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. These uncommon strains, A, W, and Y, can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia requires vaccination of pilgrims to Mecca during the Hajj. Travel Inoculation should be administered 3 weeks prior to trip. Countries: Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia

Poliomyelitis (Polio) is caused by a virus that can be contracted from contaminated food and water and person to person contact. Particularly common in Indian subcontinents and sub-Saharan Africa, those infected are often unaware of that they have the disease. In severe cases, it can cause paralysis and difficulty in breathing. Polio is immunised against in countries like the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. However, as a preventative measure, check with your doctor prior to your trip for a booster dose. Countries: Indian subcontinents and sub-Saharan Africa

Tick-borne encephalitis is a disease that is passed on to humans from bites of infected ticks (e.g. while hiking or camping in Spring or Summer). This disease causes brain inflammation, and can at times even be contracted through unpasteurised milk. The symptoms are flu-like. Short term travel incoculation against this disease is available from your doctor. Countries: Heavily forested areas of Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, parts of China

Rabies is a virus that is spread by the bite of an infected animal, most commonly a dog, and it commonly fatal. A dog with rabies can be recognised by foaming or drooling from the mouth and highly aggressive behaviour. Symptoms include extreme thirst, spasms, fear of water and paralysis. Doctors recommend preventative travel inoculation against this disease when traveling to areas where medical attention may not be readily available. Countries: All regions of the world where medical attention not available.

All travelers should assess their own risk by considering the nature of their travel, and while travel inoculations work, travelers must never assume that they are 100% effective all the time. That is why every health and hygiene precaution must still be taken in preventing the illness. A successful trip depends equally on the preparation we make ahead of the trip and the precautions that we take while we are on our journey.

When to See the Vet!

There comes a time in your dog's life, just as it does it does in your life when it is necessary to see the doctor. We as humans, generally put it off as often as we can, but many of us wonder "how will I know when my dog needs to see the vet."

Naturally we all know if there has been an accident or your dog is bleeding or has been bit by another animal these emergencies require seeing the vet at once. It is those other times when you think he/she is not feeling well, but don't want to spend the time or money to just take them to see your veterinarian on what might be a wild goose chase.

In the following paragraphs I am going to try and give you a "bird's eye" view of what symptoms to look for in your dog that might require a trip to the vet for its health's sake.

Puppies, those wonderful full of mischief creatures are always into something. The most common problem is they have chewed and swallowed something they should not have. With the holiday approaching and treats are everywhere, puppies are great candidates for indigestion and toxic poisoning. Simple things like grapes, raisins, onions, macadamia nuts, avocados and chocolate can be deadly to a puppy. Tulip bulbs, antifreeze and alcohol also rank high in toxic poisoning. Feeding a puppy alcohol is often thought of as something funny to do, but that can create serious harm in a puppy's internal system. If your puppy has ingested any of these items call your vet at once.

It is also a good idea to have your vet's number taped near the phone in case of an emergency along with the telephone number of the ASPCA's animal poison control center (888) 426-4435 (it is toll free.)

Puppies love to chew anything they can get into their mouths, things like holiday tinsel, pieces of clothing, Christmas ornaments, socks and even pieces of old shoes can get stuck in their intestines and throats and need medical treatment at once.

If you puppy is choking, check his mouth for the cause of choking, if you cannot find anything try the Heimlich maneuver on the puppy.

For a small puppy, sit on the floor and place the puppy face down on your knee so that your kneecap is just behind its ribcage. Gently but firmly push him down on your knee several times in a thrusting motion, checking to see if the object has popped out. Repeat if necessary!

For a larger puppy, from the rear wrap your arms around the puppy at its waist and lift it slightly to raise its hind quarters, place a fist behind its ribs and give it several quick pushes. Check to see if the object has been removed. Repeat if necessary!

Even if you have removed the object call your vet at once and take the puppy there.

Adult dogs can also need attention especially if they are breathing rapidly, have bleeding that cannot be stopped, vomiting, have diarrhea or are acting very lethargic.

Wounds that will not stop bleeding or are larger in size than a quarter should be attended to by your veterinarian.

Your vet should also attend to any type of breathing problems, there

are many problems that can cause difficulty in a dog's breathing that you as a novice would not be able to diagnose?

Occasional vomiting and diarrhea are fairly normal in a dog's life as they are always finding wonderful things to get into. However, if the vomit or diarrhea has blood in it or your dog is not vomiting food or anything else it might have digested a quick trip to the vet is suggested. If your dog is vomiting and its stomach is bloated it could be gastric dilatation volvulus commonly known as bloat and is a serious condition requiring your vet's attention.

A dog that is disinterested in what is going on around him/her and just lies on its bed barely lifting its head to acknowledge your presence requires a trip to the vet as it can be a sign of an underlying disease.

Other signs that may need a veterinarian's attention is coughing, a sudden change in its normal behavior, increased water drinking, which can be a sign of kidney problems or diabetes.

Anytime your dog begins acting in an unusual way is a sign something is amiss and should be looked into.

Senior dogs age gracefully for the most part, and suffer the usual aches and pains that come with older age. Like their human counterparts with age comes a little pain.

However, if your senior dog suddenly starts limping or crying in pain a trip to the vet is needed. A dog that cannot walk or use its back legs may have a spinal disk problem and require emergency care.

If your dog suddenly becomes a picky or non-eater that can be a sign that something is not right internally. It is possible, like we humans, to have a bad day and not want to eat for one reason or another, but if it goes on for more than a day, something serious could be wrong.

Sudden or unexplained weight gain is also a sign that need attention, as it could be a sign of hypothyroidism or other underlying diseases.

While fading vision is a problem we all face as we age, the appearance of redness in the eye, puffiness, cloudiness, excessive squinting, or tearing could indicate a problem that needs medical attention.

I hope this little "bird's eye" view of a few of the medical problems your dog may face has helped you become more alert and mindful.

Since our pets are a precious commodity and fill our lives with love and affection, they in turn deserve the best care we can give them. Care being our love and attention and when necessary the proper medical help to make their lives more pleasant and healthy.

Baby Weaning Guidelines

The decision about when to wean your precious baby is yours.

The advice from medical authorities is after 6 months, but experience and the baby's health factors showed it's no problem to introduce solids to your infant as early as 4 months.

Weaning rules

A baby who is introduced solid foods in his diet must be in a perfect state of health;
The introduction of new food will be gradually and progressively;
Solid foods are fed with a baby spoon;
Introduced new food will be proposed and not imposed, if the baby will refuse a specific food, you shouldn't insist, not trigger a psychogenic anorexia;

You will not introduce two new foods at the same time for two reasons: on one side the baby may not like one of them, or it may cause the baby health issues like allergies or diarrhea, and you won't know which was.

At first, solid meals will consist in some amount of breastmilk or formula, which the baby is used to;
The foods should not be spicy or contain concentrated sweets, bottled juices, puddings, the best would be to only prepare everything yourself;

Until the age of one year will not give honey to your baby;
Up to one year also avoid foods that can create allergy such as cocoa, chocolate, raspberries, strawberries;

If you use commercial preparations especially made for infants, they should be used within 24 hours of opening;
At age of 7-8 months you may encourage baby led weaning and finger foods;

BLW (Baby Led Weaning) is an alternative to the "traditional" weaning process, an extension of breastfeeding on demand, which implies, as a concept, to trust that your child knows what, when and how much she needs to eat. The child is left free to eat solid foods at first, choosing what and how she wishes, it is given control (almost) exclusively of her food, is left to experiment, to discover flavors and textures, to play with cuts of food... Of course, the parent is the one who decides what will put on the baby's plate.

Thus, babies who are given control of - and satisfaction - to feed themselves, eating a greater variety of foods,have the digestion improved by mixing food with saliva during chewing, quickly develop hand control and seem to avoid foods that later would create intolerance.

Parvovirus in Dogs - How to Cure It

One of the deadliest diseases to strike at pet health, especially in the winter months, is the parvovirus. Parvo is a fairly recent disease, discovered in the late '70s. Canine parvovirus is similar to feline distemper. Actually, they are both in the parvovirus family. Since its discovery in 1978, parvo has surfaced as the foremost health risk for our dogs. Millions of dogs will die each year of this terrible disease. This is a very regrettable fact since parvo is so easy to vaccinate against. This means that the responsibility falls upon us, the pet owners.

Parvovirus hits the cells in the intestines, causing ruthless damage to the intestinal lining. The virus is ingested through the mouth and takes three days to two weeks to show up as physical symptoms. Due to damage to the intestinal lining, severe watery/bloody diarrhea occurs with vomiting. There are three main causes of death from this virus. The most frequent cause of death is dehydration. Secondly, since puppies have little fat storage, they have a hard time maintaining their blood sugar. Finally, bacterial infections can affect pet health and other organs causing sepsis. When the animal shows physical symptoms is when it is contagious to others and sheds the virus in its feces. The virus is very hardy; it can live in the environment for well over two years. This means that a puppy visiting the outdoors could have parvo and then two years later a puppy playing in the same place could catch the disease. So, if parvo lasts this long in the environment, there really is nowhere safe from this silent killer. Also, because of the shape of the virus particle it is considered sticky. This stickiness helps spread the virus by clinging to puppies' legs or even our shoes. Later puppies would groom their fur or play with our shoes and get infected. These facts go to show no puppy that is unvaccinated is safe from this disease no matter how clean you keep the environment.

Where pet health is concerned, parvo is an easy disease to vaccinate against. A series of two to three vaccines makes it virtually impossible to get the virus. Another way to keep your puppies safe is to make sure that the mother of the puppies is vaccinated before she gets pregnant. Usually the Parvovirus vaccine is just one part of a combination vaccine usually consisting of distemper virus, parainfluenza virus, Corona virus, adenovirus virus, and different strains of leptosporosis. These vaccines can be given at any veterinary office. When you get a puppy from somebody, it is very important to ask if they have been vaccinated yet. If they said yes, ask if the breeder gave the vaccine or if it was given at a veterinary office and how the vaccine was stored. Many breeders do a great job vaccinating but fail to store the vaccine correctly. If the puppy is unvaccinated, get the vaccine process started quickly.

Unfortunately, sometimes even with the best of pet health plans our pets contract this virus. Early diagnosis and treatment is key. Unfortunately, even with the best care the parvo disease can be up to fifty percent fatal. Survivability increases with age. The pet health of an eight-month-old dog has a much better chance to surviving the virus than a three-month-old. In closing, early vaccinations are inexpensive and necessary to prevent this disease. There is no simpler way to keep this virus from your home. If you have had an animal with parvovirus and you are looking for a new puppy, make sure it has had at least two vaccinations before bringing her into your home. If you take on the responsibility of dog ownership, you should also take the responsibility of proper care, which includes vaccinations.

Causes of Green Bowel Movements - What Causes Green Stools & Colored Bowel Related Complications?

The color of your bowel movement depends primarily on the color of the food items eaten. It also depends on the state of the bile which is produced by your liver. Bile is green in color and changes to brown only through the proper digestive process. Now this process takes some time. If the food is moving really fast through your intestines, bile does not get the time to be changed chemically. So, it remains green until it is removed from the body.

If you experience a green bowel movement, it is not that major issue. There are basically two main causes of green bowel movement

· It might be due to something that you have consumed like huge amounts of leafy vegetables like lettuce or broccoli or eating large amounts of artificial coloring that is found in processed foods. It may be due to the iron supplements too.

· The other reason is that there is now a difference in the gut transit time.

Here are some other causes of green bowel movements and other colored bowel related complications:

· You may have green bowel movement caused due to diarrhea.

· Another factor may be mucus. It is present in intestines and may lead to the change in color of the stool. Excessive amount of mucus tends to change the color of your normal bowel movement.

· You have brought some changes in your diet recently this might happen. If you have had large amount of sugary foods or have experienced constipation, you may pass green colored stool for some time before returning to the normal one.

Besides the above mentioned causes of green bowel movement, if you have this sort of stool encountered with some other symptoms, you must consult your doctor. Though green colored stool is not considered abnormal, but any serious or chronic changes may call for some concern. A change in the bowel habits at times can lead to several digestive & abdominal disorders and diseases. So, you may not be too worried due to few changes but consistent changes must also not be ignored.

How to Use Senna For Constipation Relief

It is known that Egyptians used senna tea to relieve constipation. This tea is used for medium and chronic conditions of constipation. It is the chemicals anthraquinones that provide its strong action on your colon walls. Senna is the second best herb to use for chronic constipation because it creates strong peristalic action. It is readily available in health food stores or on the Internet.

Only use senna for a short time, 1- 1½ week. It is not healthy to use it for a long time, since its action moves fecal matter through your colon quickly. This quick action prevents absorption of nutrients by your colon depriving you of necessary minerals and vitamins.

Use senna only in amounts that produce the required bowel movement and stool softness to relieve your constipation. Start with small amounts and increase your amount slowly.

Senna is sold Over-the-Counter under the name Correctol®, ExLax®, Senokot®, and Smooth Move. Senokot also contain docusate sodium - a stool softener - an added benefit when hard, dry stools may cause discomfort.

Senna Tea with Potato peels

You can also prepare senna tea as follows:

Buy some senna tea at a health food. Place a tea bag into 1 ½ cups of distilled water and steep. Then, add the peel of a whole red potato. Also, add a couple slices of potato meat. Add to this, a teaspoon of wheat or oat bran and flax seed.

Simmer this combination, strain it and drink the liquid. This will give constipation relief for some of the more difficult cases of constipation. Remember the longer you simmer this combination the stronger the tea will be. Start with a 5-10 minutes and then work up to 15-20 minutes but you need to experiment with the time.

When you drink senna tea, drink only 2-3 oz. at a time and drink it only after it has cooled down. It has less of a cramping action when you drink it cool.

Senna Tea with Peppermint

Here is another senna tea you can prepare.

1 teaspoon of senna tea leaves
½ teaspoon of peppermint leaves.

Boil 8 oz of distilled water, turn the heat off, stir in the herbs. Turn the heat off and cover the glass container. Let tea simmer for 3-10 minutes.

Add honey to improve taste and some powered vitamin C if you have it.

Look for formulas that have a small amount, 1/10 of a part, of fennel, anise, or ginger to reduce any cramping that might occur with senna.

Do not drink seena tea or capsule if you have any type of colon disease, stomach pain, diarrhea, or are pregnant.

Senna Pod Tea with Prunes.

Senna Pods are milder than the leaves since the do not contain the resin. It is the resin in the senna leaves that causes griping in your colon.

If available, use around 8 pods. Heat some distilled water. Place the pods into the water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and add 3-4 dried prunes or chopped prunes. Let cool and eat the prunes during the day or drink and eat a few prunes just before you go to bed. Drink only a couple ounces of the senna liquid at one time. If cramping or griping occurs, reduce the amount of tea you drink.

There you have it. You can get constipation relief with senna herb by using it in different ways.

The Colon: What It Does and What Can Go Wrong

Consisting of the large intestine, the rectum, and the anus, the colon is quite possibly one of the most important organs in your body. It is part of a complex system designed to eliminate food waste and the waste generated by your body as effectively as possible and is the part of the body where bowel movements are created out of digestive matter for excretion.

Aside from water and sodium, the colon is usually not associated with the absorption of food nutrients which is technically the job of the small intestines. However, the colon plays an extremely important role in overall health. It is the site of the fermentation of food materials that the small intestines cannot absorb (i.e., soluble and insoluble fibre) by bacterial flora. This is the reason why dietary probiotics have started to gain popularity in recent years. Bacterial flora in the colon are responsible for producing vitamin K-2 which has been shown to aid in proper blood clotting and the formation of strong bones. As a matter of fact, it is believed that one of the reasons why Japanese woman from Okinawa (an area famous for it's high number of centenarians and high average life-span) have much lower incidences of osteoporosis is that they consume healthy bacteria in their diets which increases the amount of vitamin K-2 that their colons absorb.

Evidently, the colon is an important organ for overall health, however things can go wrong. Like most bodily organs and tissues, the colon is susceptible to infection, inflammation, and cancer. There are a variety common conditions that can affect your colon:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition in which the muscles of the colon contract abnormally, causing diarrhea, constipation, cramps in the abdomen, bloating, and gas. It can be managed through dietary changes/food avoidance and medications.

Colitis

Colitis is an umbrella term referring to several conditions characterized by inflammation of the large bowel. The different types of colitis include ulcerative colitis (cause unknown), Crohn's disease (cause unknown), ischemic colitis (when there is a lack of blood going to the colon), infectious colitis (the result of infections of the large bowel), and radiation colitis (caused by radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer).

Symptoms often depend on the cause of the colitis but common symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, bloody stools, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and a constant urgency to go to the bathroom.

Much like the symptoms, treatments also depend on the cause of the colitis but may include immune moderating medications, antibiotics to target infections, dietary changes, and possibly surgery if necessary.

Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease consists of diverticulosis (where small pouches form in the colon when it is pushed through small openings in surrounding muscle walls) and diverticulitis (when these little pouches become inflamed). There is no official cause but it is believed that a diet low in fiber can lead to diverituclar disease.

Symptoms include cramping, bloating, and constipation if only diverticulosis is present but can include lower abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting if it becomes diverticulitis.

Surgery, medications, and dietary changes are usually the only common treatments for diverticular disease.

Cancer of the Colon and Rectum

Cancer of the colon and rectum occurs when the cells that make up the lining of the colon begin to reproduce uncontrollably. This leads to the formation of tumours which can ultimately be fatal. The first sign of cancer of the colon or rectum are pre-cancerous polyps, or small protruding growths on the tissues of the colon. These in themselves are not yet actually cancer but can develop into a serious cancerous growth.

There usually no symptoms associated with pre-cancerous polyps but once cancer of the colon or rectum occurs, symptoms may include blood in the stool, bowel obstruction, anaemia, and abdominal pains.

Treatment for cancer of the colon or rectum resembles the treatment of many other cancers and involves either chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or some combination of the three.

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended that you advise your doctor so that together, you can rule out any of the above conditions. You may also like to look into some medical diagnostic tests such as the common colonoscopy or a small bowel follow through procedure, as they are the ideal way to catch any problems early before they worsen.