Herbal Nutrition Chronicle

Endometriosis is when the cells that normally lines the inside of the uterus, the endometrium, also grow elsewhere in the abdominal cavity; such as the appendix, bladder and bowel, cervix, fallopian tubes and cervix.

The affected areas respond to the hormonal changes just as the regular lining of the uterus and may bleed in the same manner as well as begin hurting 2 weeks before the bleeding from menstruation begins. This bleeding causes pools of blood to form that are trapped and unable to leave the body.

Eventually, cysts or scar tissue, inflammation, and harm to tissues and organs can result. Many women fail to seek medical help because they simply mistake the symptoms of the disease for normal menstruation discomfort.

Symptoms include abdominal or back pain, pelvic pain, pain in the rectum or bleeding, painful intercourse, abnormal menstrual cycles, anxiety, bleeding between periods, chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia, depression, headaches, inability to become pregnant, blood in urine during menstruation, frequent urination, excessive flow during period, fever, nausea, vomiting and constipation.

There is debate in the medical community over the causes of endometriosis: whether endometriosis causes infertility or whether delaying childbearing results in endometriosis. However, it tends to run in families; often passed from mother to daughter.

Recommendations outlined below may help to keep endometriosis under control if it is diagnosed in the early stages.

As with all nutritional supplements they should only be used in amounts typically recommended for nutritional purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.

Nutritional Supplements:

Vitamin B Complex. Each B vitamin has a different role that makes it useful for treating the symptoms of gynecologic problems. For instance - vitamin B6 is critical in the formation of hemoglobin and is useful in treating anemia that may follow heavy bleeding. Vitamin B2 is involved in hormone production. Together, the B vitamins maintain the health of the liver; which helps regulate estrogen. Take as directed on label.

Vitamin E supplements may reduce the production of certain prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that promote inflammation and aids in hormonal balance. Start with 400 IU daily and increase slowly to 1,000 IU daily.

Calcium. Some nutrition researchers have theorized that endometriosis is related to an inability to absorb calcium properly. Take 1,500 milligrams daily using chelate form.

Iron. A deficiency is common in those with this disorder. Use ferrous fumarate form. DO NOT take iron supplements unless anemia is diagnosed. Take as directed by physician.

Magnesium is one of the most important dietary minerals in the body and is present in large amounts in the liver, which helps regulate estrogen. Use chelate form. Take 1,000 milligrams daily at bedtime.

Herbal Supplements:

Flaxseed oil contains two essential fatty acids that reduce symptoms associated with endometriosis and menstrual problems. Take as directed on label.

Wild Yam. The root of this vine contains an alkaloid that relaxes the muscles of the abdomen. In addition, it contains anti-inflammatory saponins. It is also believed to have progesterone-like action, which may provide some mild pain relief.

Chaste berry (aka: Vitex) is an herb that fortifies a women's reproductive system and can help control endometriosis and alleviate some of its side effects. It contains glycosides and flavonoids which are probably responsible for its stimulating effects on the pituitary gland, which in turn, signals the production of progesterone. Studies have shown that chaste berry helps to normalize the balance of female hormones, especially when too much estrogen is circulating.

Milk thistle is particularly effective for balancing the female menstrual cycle and supporting liver health.

Alfalfa is a good source of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and healing. It is also a good source of needed minerals, including iron.

Kelp supplies needed dietary minerals.

Astragalus, garlic, goldenseal, myrrh gum, pau d'arco and red clover have antibiotic and anti-tumor actions.

Burdock root and red raspberry leaf help to balance hormones.

Siberian ginseng can be used to treat some cases of endometriosis. Use capsules, tablets or an extract according to the directions on the label. Be sure to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment with your doctor.

Stinging nettle is rich in iron.

Passion flower relaxes the smooth muscles that line the uterus making it helpful with controlling menstrual discomfort and back pain associated with endometriosis.

Black cohosh dried root and rhizome contain glycosides, isoflavones, isoferulic acid and tannins. This powerful combination promotes menstruation, relaxes uterine muscle spasms and relieves muscle related pain. Research indicates that black cohosh has an estrogen-like action, so its health benefits may also be related to a hormonal effect. DO NOT take if you are pregnant.

Dong quai has the abilities of maintaining healthy menstrual cycles, especially useful in maintaining regular periods and balanced estrogen levels.

Other herbs that may be helpful in relieving menstrual discomforts include balm, chamomile, dandelion, mint, rosemary, thyme, valerian and white willow.

Do you have any recommendations?

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18 Nutritional Remedies For Diarrhea

Posted On 2011-06-15 , 11:00 AM

Diarrhea can exist alone or as a symptom of another underlying condition. It is characterized by frequent, loose or watery stools and may be accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever, thirst and vomiting. When the digestive system is confronted with a toxin it shifts into overdrive and simply clears itself of everything in the way.

Most bouts of diarrhea clear up in 24 to 48 hours. This type is most often due to the effects of a bacterium (E. coli or salmonella), also referred to as a stomach virus. But, there are many other causes of diarrhea which include stress, incomplete digestion of food, food poisoning, contaminated water, the use of certain drugs, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic disease, cancer or dietary imbalances such as too much fiber.

Food allergies are most often the cause of diarrhea. Acute diarrhea; characterized by fever and mucus or blood in the stool, can be a sign of the presence of parasites or infection. Prolonged or severe diarrhea can result in dehydration and become life threatening - especially in the young and the elderly.

Diarrhea flushes water soluble vitamins and minerals out of the body and allows little nutrient assimilation from foods. For adults multi-vitamin-mineral supplements plus additional supplements may help speed recovery time and avoid a wiped-out aftermath.

Because diarrhea causes the body to lose water and essential nutrients, individuals should replace them by drinking lots of herbal tea, vegetable juices, vegetable broth or electrolyte replacement drinks that supply chloride, potassium and sodium. You also need to be on the look out for the signs of dehydration; symptoms include, infrequent urination, dark or concentrated urine, loss of skin elasticity and lack of energy.

Deficiencies of folic acid and zinc has been linked with bouts of diarrhea, as has too much magnesium or vitamin C. Foods that contain the natural sweetener called sorbitol is also known to cause diarrhea.

1. Folic acid heals the intestinal walls and reduces recovery time. Take 50 milligrams daily.

2. Zinc aids in repair of damaged tissue of the digestive tract and enhances immune response. Take 50 milligrams daily (do not exceed 100 milligrams daily from all supplements).

3. Garlic kills parasites and bacteria that cause some cases of diarrhea. Take 2 capsules three times daily.

4. Acidophilus replaces the good bacteria in the digestive tract. Take 1 teaspoon powder in distilled water twice daily. Use a non-dairy powder form.

5. Essential fatty acids aids in forming stools. Take as directed on label.

6. Vitamin A resists bacteria that may cause diarrhea. Take 25,000 IU daily.

7. B complex - one tablet daily, plus 50 milligrams each B1 and B6, 100 milligrams each niacinamide (B3) and pantothenic acid (B5) and 400 micrograms of folic acid. This combination has produced rapid improvement in acute attacks and cleared some long standing case of chronic diarrhea.

8. The BRATT diet - consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea - is surefire relief for a bout of diarrhea. The bananas provide nutritional supplies of potassium and sodium. The rice and toast contain fiber. The applesauce provides pectin and the tannins in tea reduces intestinal inflammation. Stay on the diet until diarrhea symptoms subside.

9. Brewer's yeast relieves infectious diarrhea. Take capsules or tablets three times daily for two weeks.

10. Charcoal - activated charcoal tablets or capsules effectively mop up diarrhea causing toxins but are not advised for constant use because they also absorb essential vitamins and minerals.

11. Rice water. Drink 3 cups of rice water daily. Boil 1/2 cup of brown rice in 3 cups of water for forty-five minutes. Strain and drink the water. Eat the rice as well. Rice helps to form stools and supplies needed B vitamins.

12. Blackberries are held to be a powerful antidote to diarrhea. Take a heaped teaspoon of blackberry jam or make an infusion from the berries and leaves: steep 3 ounces of blackberry fruit and leaves in 1 pint of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes.

13. Carob powder is high in protein and helps halt diarrhea. Take as directed on label.

14. The herbs cayenne, yellow dock and ginger tea is good for cramps and abdominal pain.

15. Kelp replaces dietary minerals lost through diarrhea. Take 1,000 milligrams daily.

16. Goldenseal helps cure cases caused by parasites. Take 4 to 6 grams powdered root capsules daily or 4 to 6 milliliters liquid extract daily.

17. Dill not only has preservative actions; it also has the natural ability to inhibit the growth of several bacteria and is gentle enough for infants. Use 2 teaspoons of mashed dill seeds per cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, drink up to 3 cups per day OR take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon tincture up to 3 times daily. In children under the age of two - give small amounts of a weak tea.

18. Herbal remedies that have health enhancing benefits for those who suffer with bouts of diarrhea include astragalus, cinnamon, dandelion, meadowsweet, psyllium, red raspberry, rhubarb, shepherd's purse and tea.

What nutritional remedies do you use?

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June 2011

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