Exhausted, achy, brain fog and insomnia? Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) and its painful cousin fibromyalgia(FMS) can be devastating! I had CFS/FMS in 1975. It knocked me out of medical school and left me homeless. It also taught me how to effectively treat fatigue-even CFS/FMS!

Ready to Get Well?

Our placebo controlled study titled “Effective Treatment of CFS and Fibromyalgia” showed that 91% of patients improved with treatment, with an average improvement in quality of life of 90 percent. Many patients no longer even qualified for the diagnosis of CFS or fibromyalgia after treatment!

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

1-Sleep.

2-Hormonal deficiencies– despite normal labs!

3-Infections.

4-Nutritional support.

5-Exercise as able.

Turbo Charge Your Energy with Ribose!

Overall treatments to optimize energy (discussed in my best-selling book “From Fatigued to Fantastic!”) and cutting back on sugar (see my new book “Beat Sugar Addiction –NOW!”) are important.  In over 30 years of treating Fatigue, CFS and Fibromyalgia, the most powerful single treatment we have found, however, is a special nutrient called Ribose. Ribose is the backbone of energy production in your body. We have done 2 studies of ~ 300 people with CFS/Fibromyalgia, done at over 50 different medical offices. Patients treated with Ribose showed an AVERAGE increase in energy of ~ 60% in only 3 weeks, also improving mental clarity, sleep, pain and overall well being dramatically. Many had a “WOW!” effect.

Would You Like 60% More Energy?

The 2 research studies suggest that this is the average effect from the ribose (Corvalen). Take 5 grams 3x a day for 3 weeks and then it can often be decreased to once each morning–and prepare to be amazed!

For those with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, our free online “Symptom Analysis Program” will analyze your symptoms (and even pertinent labs if available) to determine the likely causes contributing to your illness. It will tailor a detailed treatment protocol to your case, which will offer both natural and prescription options that can help you recover.

It’s time for you to get well- and optimize your vitality- now!

© 2010 H.I.C.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is Medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers nationally.  Having suffered with and overcome these illnesses in 1975, he spent the next 30 years creating, researching, and teaching about effective therapies for fatigue, CFS, Fibromyalgia, and pain. He is also author of the popular free iPhone application “Cures A-Z”.

http://www.endfatigue.com/treatment_options/Online_program.html

Alternative and conventional medical professionals have long debated about the use of detoxification diets. Conventional medicine has contested that the body possesses an excellent elimination system and does not require outside intervention for detoxifying itself. However, alternative medicine and some nutritionists contend that this system may have been adequate in the past but with today’s unhealthy habits and less than perfect environment, relying solely on the body’s elimination system may not be enough.

Both parties have a point. It’s true that the body possesses a powerful elimination system. The respiratory system serves to filter the air we breathe removing impurities in the air and supplying oxygen to the body. It is also able to expel minerals and impurities from the body thru the urinary and excretory system. The intestines for example contain colonies of bacteria that neutralize harmful toxins. The body could also expel toxins by simply sweating them out.

Bifidobacterium is just one strain of bacteria found in our intestines which help us with bowel health.

The human body however can only take so much and with todays barrage of toxins and pollution it is better to take precautions rather than pay the price of expensive medical treatments. People often consult with their doctors when toxicity levels have reached their maximum and have already shown signs of illnesses. Dialysis machines are used to replace failing kidneys and chelation therapies to remove toxins in the blood. Alternative and holistic medicine professionals support detoxification diets as a method of supporting the body’s natural elimination system. Definitely, the human body has been designed to handle toxins and eliminate them naturally from our systems. However, the major concern is that are they able to handle the ever growing amount of toxins that enter our bodies every day. Detoxification programs were developed to complement the body’s elimination system and not take over their functions.

Some of the most popular methods of detoxification could only be described as extreme. Detox programs often go overboard instructing people to avoid food for days making them ineffective but more importantly counterproductive in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Doing a moderate detoxification program is still the best way to proceed. Moderate detox programs involves taking in whole based food with natural supplements making them safe and less likely to negatively affect normal metabolism.

Not as quick as some of the more popular detox programs these usually take weeks or months but offer users a more long lasting improvement in terms of their health and vitality. Moderate programs also help people develop a healthier eating habit which gives them a sustainable weight loss solution.

The promise of a better looking body in just a couple of days has made quick-fix detox programs more alluring and exciting to many people. Most of this has just been a mere marketing ploy tricking people into shelling their hard earned money on such gimmickry. Some of these methods even border on the silly to the bizarre. Spas and health salons offer their customers foot baths which they say siphon off the toxins in the body. The general rule is that if it’s too good to be true then more likely than not it’s just a plain advertising strategy.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C.

Mention E. coli in a roomful of people, and you will see fear and concern on many faces. Public awareness of this lowly bacterium has risen dramatically in the last few years. This interest springs from E. coli outbreaks that have happened too frequently around the globe. In 2006, an E. coli outbreak originated when baby spinach sickened 204 people in 26 states and involved three deaths. An episode in Scotland killed seven people and infected several hundred others. What makes it so alarming is its invisibility, since E. coli has no offending taste or smell. Also, the contaminated food doesn’t give any hint to the eye that it has been tainted and can even look wholesome, such as that bagged baby spinach.

What is E. coli?

E. coli (Escherichia coli) are named after a German pediatrician and bacteriologist, Theodor Escherich, who discovered it in 1885. Coli are a reference to bacteria which grows in the colon, and there are many different types of E. coli. Harmless E. coli is present in the intestines of people and animals. However, three strains of the bacteria create potentially lethal toxins, 0157:H7, 0121, and 0104:H21. The bacteria are often used in experiments because they survive well outside the body, and they grow easily in a laboratory. In addition, their genetics are simple and easily manipulated.

How do you get E. coli?

E. coli infections usually originate from the following sources:

• Drinking water which is contaminated
• Drinking unpasteurized milk, apple juice, or apple cider
• Eating ground beef that’s undercooked
• Working around cattle
• Person to person contact often in day care centers or nursing homes
• Swimming in contaminated water

Ground beef should always be cooked thoroughly and never contain any pink color inside where the bacteria can survive. People who are infected with E. coli are highly contagious and need to take precautions not to infect others.

Eating meat that's not cooked thoroughly is a major cause of getting E. Coli

Symptoms of an E. coli infection?

Symptoms of E.coli often start about seven days after the bacteria have entered your system. Suddenly, you may come down with severe abdominal cramps, followed in a few hours by watery diarrhea. Your body will become dehydrated from the loss of fluids. After a day, the watery diarrhea becomes bloody from sores in the intestine, and this may last from two to five days. There may be ten bowel movements a day, and people often say they consist mostly of blood. Along with these symptoms, you may run a slight fever, feel nauseous, and have vomiting. It is important to consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms because life-threatening complications can develop. Diagnosis can be made from a stool culture.

E. coli Treatment

Your body needs to rid itself of the invading bacteria naturally, so don’t take medicines to stop the diarrhea, unless your doctor has prescribed them. Drink a lot of water to keep hydrated and help flush the bacteria from your system. Antibiotics don’t often work against E. coli infections because some strains are resistant to them. Be alert to complications which can develop from an infection.

What are the complications of the E. coli infection?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the most common complication and is often found in children with E. coli. It can lead to acute renal failure. It usually begins about five to ten days after the start of the diarrhea. Patients develop a low red blood cell and platelet count, and kidney damage. The patient needs immediate medical care and hospitalization.

Prevention Measures against E. Coli

• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing a diaper
• Wash your hands after handling animals, or any material which may contain animal feces.
• Thoroughly cook ground beef, pork, sausage, and other meats to 155° F.
• Always keep raw meat separate from other foods to prevent cross contamination
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk
• Thoroughly was fresh fruits and vegetables before eating
• Wash hands, cutting boards, counters, and utensils after contact with raw meat
• Don’t taste ground beef as you are cooking
• Refrigerate leftovers immediately or throw them away

Written by Joy Seeman,

© Hemorrhoid Information Center

Sources:

E. Coli. (2009, July 28). Retrieved January 27, 2010, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/e-coli/DS01007

E. Coli Infections. (2010, January 21). Retrieved January 27, 2010, from Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ecoliinfections.html

What is Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is one of the most prevalent Irritable Bowel Syndromes (or IBSs) diagnosed today amongst adults in the United States.  The disorder occurs when the lining of the colon becomes compromised due to persistent inflammation, thus breaking down the cells in the colon wall and thereby forming lesions or sores in the anus, also known as ulcers.

Who Does Ulcerative Colitis effect

Ulcerative Colitis affects individuals differently, depending on a variety of considerations, including the status of one’s health, in addition to their family history and hereditary factors.  Because cases are not identical regarding exact causes and symptoms, no two treatments are identical.  However, because causal similarities are consistent amongst sufferers, in addition to the presence of fairly predictable symptoms, remedy options tend to follow certain trends.  Typically drug treatment options are the first measures advised.  Three drugs that are frequently prescribed to help alleviate symptoms are a) Aminosalicylates, b) Corticosteroids, and c) Immunomodulators.  Compounds that include what are called 5-aminosalicylates help to reduce symptoms of inflammation.  An example of a 5-aminosalicylate is a drug composed of two agents, respectively Sulfasalazine and sulfapyridine.  Because one or more of these chemicals is known to induce unpleasant side-effects such as nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, indigestion and migraines, 5-ASA compounds will often be augmented with other agents such as olsalazine or balsalazide, which carry fewer side-effects.  5-ASAs can be administered rectally, through an enema or suppositories, or taken orally.  In mild or moderate cases the condition is often first combated with one or more combinations of these of substances.

Ulcerative Colitis and Steroids

Ulcerative Colitis treatment also responds favorably to the use of Corticosteroids (or steroids), of which hydrocortisone and prednisone are two examples.  These agents also possess anti-inflammatory properties, and are frequently turned to for relief when individuals with moderate to severe colitis do not respond favorable to 5-ASAs.  Like 5-ASAs, corticosteroids can be taken orally or employed rectally, but can also be administered intravenously.  Side-effects from using steroids can be severe, and may include changes in skin composition resulting in acne, weight gain, in women the development of facial hair, reduction of bone mass, and a heightened vulnerability to infection.  In rarer cases diabetes can develop, which is why the use corticosteroids must be closely supervised by a doctor.  Immunomodulators, of which azathioprine is an example, lessen inflammation by acting on the immune system.  Immunomodulators such as azathioprine and 6-mercapto-purine (or, 6-MP) can be administered in cases where individuals have not responded to either 5-ASAs or to corticosteroids.  Drawbacks of taking Immunomodulators include complications regarding hepatitis, a heightened risk for developing infections, a heightened risk of succumbing to pancreatitis, and also the fact that benefits derived from the drug can take six to nine months to develop.  In addition to these treatment options, one’s physician can also prescribe medications to address issues of infection or nausea, in addition to medications that combat symptoms of diarrhea or pain.

Ulcerative Colitis in very severe and rare cases may require hospitalization.  In the event an individual experiences copious bleeding or diarrhea that is intense enough to generate dehydration, it might become necessary to rehydrate the body of its fluids or undergo transfusion treatment to address the loss of blood.  In these cases dietary needs may necessitate intravenous feeding for a period of time during recovery, administering specific medications or even surgery.  It has been estimated that approximately one quarter to forty percent of individuals suffering from severe and prolonged Ulcerative Colitis will eventually have to undergo surgery to have their colons removed.  If this becomes a necessity it is the result of massive hemorrhaging, rupturing of the colon itself, or in cases where the risk of cancer is either high or malignant polyps have already developed.  There are two procedures that are performed in such cases: an Ileostomy and an Ileoanal Anastomosis.  Respectively, an ileostomy involves making a small incision in the abdomen, through which a small section of the intestine, or ileum, is drawn.  In this way solid waste bypasses the rectum and is eliminated instead into a small pouch to which the section of intestine is fastened, where the stool then collects and can be emptied as necessary.  In contrast to the ileostomy, ileoanal anastomosis provides for the individual to maintain normalized bowel movements.  This procedure involves removal of the colon, while leaving intact the rectal muscles.  The surgeon creates a small pouch with material from the ileum in rectum in which waste is stored, and in this way allows for normal elimination of stool from the body.  Not every surgical procedure or medication regiment is appropriate for every person.  The procedure or drug therapy regiment one opts for should take into account what stage the disease is in, the severity of its symptoms, the individual’s genetic make-up, hereditary factors, and the general state of their health.  If faced with this decision one should acquire as much information as possible by consulting their physicians to best ensure they have explored and decided upon the appropriate treatment course to effectively resolve their specific case of Ulcerative Colitis.

David Gilbert received his BA from U.C.L.A. He is currently doing graduate work in psychology at California Graduate Institute, in Los Angeles, CA. Throughout his career in the mental health field he has worked clinically with several populations, and also contributed to academic works whose topics address both health and mental health issues.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – H.I.C ©