E. coli Bacteria is in the news again, only this time, the words “virulent,” “lethal,” “vicious,” “deadly,” “nasty,” “dangerous,” and “new strain” have been used to describe this recent E. coli outbreak.

In less than a week, this infection struck 1,500 people.  It mystified public health officials in its European epicenter, Hamburg, Germany.   Earlier reports sourced Spain as the origin and that news decimated Spain’s agriculture, igniting a worldwide panic.  At least 16 people died and what particularly alarmed officials is the surprisingly high proportion of those infected also exhibited kidney complications.

This E. coli strain attacks the kidneys in a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome which often leads to comas, seizures and strokes.

As of this writing, four cases of E.coli have surfaced in the United States from Americans returning from Germany. Officials at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta indicate that this level of acute kidney failure is unprecedented, stating that, “This makes it an extraordinary large and severe event.”  Other cases have already been reported in every corner of Germany.  Consumers have stopped buying vegetables and fruits across the board in spite of the fact that only cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes have been mentioned as sources of infection.  This little known strain, identified as E. coli 0104:H4 continues to puzzle scientists as to its extreme virulence.

Mention E. coli bacteria 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 caused three deaths. An episode in Scotland killed seven people and infected several hundred others. What makes E. coli so alarming is its invisibility.  It has no offending taste or smell. The contaminated food can even look wholesome, such as that bagged baby spinach.

E. coli (Escherichia coli) are bacteria named after a German pediatrician and bacteriologist, Theodor Escherich (pictured on right), who discovered this bacterium in 1885. Coli are a reference to bacteria which grows in the colon. There are many different types of E. coli. Harmless E. coli are 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.

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.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection?

Symptoms of E.coli often start about seven days after the bacteria has entered your system. Suddenly, you may come down with severe abdominal cramps, followed 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. This may last anywhere from two to five days. There may be ten bowel movements a day, and people say they consist blood. Along with these symptoms, you may run a slight fever, feel nauseous, and perhaps vomit. 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 usually don’t 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,

© H.I.C. Digestive Health

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

Constipation is common in children and may be related to any of the causes noted in the previous section. In a small number of children, constipation may be the result of physical problems. Children with such defects as the absence of normal nerve endings in portions of the bowel, abnormalities of the spinal cord, thyroid deficiency, mental retardation, and certain other inherited metabolic disorders often suffer symptoms of constipation. Constipation in children, however, usually is due to poor bowel habits.

Studies show that many children who suffer from constipation when they are older have a history of passing stools that are firmer than average in their early weeks of life. Because this occurs before there are significant variations in diet, habits, or attitudes, it suggests children who develop constipation have a normal tendency to have firmer stools. Such children suffer little from the tendency unless it is aggravated by poor bowel habits or poor diet.

Constipation may result in pain when the child has bowel movements. Cracks in the skin, called fissures, may develop in the anus. These fissures can bleed or increase pain, causing a child to withhold his or her stool. Children may withhold their stools for other reasons as well. Some find it inconvenient to use toilets outside of the home. Also, severe emotional stress caused by family crises or difficulties at school may cause children to withhold their stools. In these instances, the periods between bowel movements may become quite long, in some cases lasting longer than one or two weeks. These children may develop fecal impaction’s, a situation where the stool is packed so tightly in the bowel that the normal pushing action of the bowel is not enough to expel the stool spontaneously.

written by Joy Seeman

© 2009 HIC Digestive Health

The symptoms of a Prolapsed hemorrhoids are as follows: a second degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid retracts of its own accord, a third degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid is one that can be manually reinserted, while a fourth degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid is one that remains externalized and cannot be reinserted.  In the most extreme cases, a fourth degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid becomes either Strangulated or Thrombosed, in addition to its resistance to being manually reinserted into the anus, after which it spontaneously remerges.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Symptoms may include mild itching or burning, slight to temperate bleeding, or in more extreme cases, produce severe pain by virtue of its becoming an inflamed mass of externalized tissue.  Other common prolapsed hemorrhoid symptoms include either red blood in the stool or residual red blood on toilet paper, or an inability to complete a bowel movement.  It should be noted that blackened stool or actual pain caused by the act of defecating is not typically symptomatic of a hemorrhoidal condition.  In the presence of these last two symptoms, a doctor should examine the individual suffering the symptoms forthwith.  Essentially, all masses of tissue that are externalized outside of the anus are regarded as external hemorrhoids, with the exception being the prolapsed hemorrhoid, which originate as an internal condition but extend outside of the rectum as they progress.  Prolapsed Hemorrhoids have a variety of causes.  Straining during bowel movements (caused by either diarrhea or constipation) is a typical culprit, as is hypertension, obesity,  pregnancy, and cigarette smoking.  Each of the foregoing causes has specific explanations, which are as follows:

Straining during a bowel movement places pressure on the walls of the anus, thereby weakening the rectal tissue of the anus and making it susceptible to a hemorrhoidal breach.

Constipation during pregnancy is often the result of water retention, which can induce strenuous bowel movements and thus weaken the walls of the anus, in addition to causing hypertension, which is not an uncommon condition during pregnancy.

Obesity can be a factor in causing Hemorrhoids due to an increase in the amount of pressure exerted on rectal veins, in addition to attending symptoms such as reduced muscle tone and poor posture, all of which also put additional stress on rectal veins.

Cigarette smoking during bowel movements have been linked to not only an increased risk in producing Hemorrhoids, but are also believed to be responsible for causing severe bleeding of the veins in the anus and the rectal area.

Causes and Prevention of Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids are caused by a myriad of reasons, and thus their prevention varies.  However, there are standard preventative measures that are typically suggested as a means for either reducing the risk of developing them, or treating them should they occur.  These measures include consuming more fluids and dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, cereals or muffins that are high in fiber, in addition to taking fiber supplements).  The consumption of fiber and fluids reduces the strain that occurs during bowel movements, which in turn act as agitating factors that can either cause or prolong the condition.  Reducing the time and duration of a bowel movement is also a means of reducing the risk of developing Prolapsed Hemorrhoids, and is a practice that can also assist in the healing process.  Elsewhere it has been suggested by doctors, and reported by patients, that tight undergarments can be a contributing factor to irritating the condition, as can the presence of weak muscle tone in the anal region.  Additionally, women frequently report an increase in the development of Hemorrhoids, or Hemorrhoidal irritation during periods of menstruation, which may be alleviated by washing the affected area with cool or warm soapy water, which can also assist in reducing itching and irritation, and possibly stave off a general worsening of symptoms.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Treatment

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids, which are distinguished by an external lump of inflamed tissue protruding from the anus, can be treated with a variety of interventions, depending on their severity.  Inflammation can be reduced by bathing in warm water, which assists the blood vessels in the rectal area to relax.  Steady use of medicated ointments and creams during the initial onset of symptoms can also achieve some relief, and may be a deterrent against increased inflammation or a worsening of the condition.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Treatment is typically handled surgically because of the inherent severity of the condition and the nature of its symptoms. In such cases, where the hemorrhoid has externalized, a Hemorroidectomy may be performed.  The procedure consists of surgically excising, or removing, the hemorrhoid, and is noted for the long duration of its recovery time and the severity of pain that accompanies it.  The hemorroidectomy is only recommended for grade IV Hemorrhoids, and has been linked with cases of incontinence later in life.  A Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure whose objective is to resect the tissue that is in proximity to what is referred to as the dentate line (the dentate line is the region in the anal canal  that resides above the area where an individual experiences pain).  The Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed tissue, thereby starving the hemorrhoid.  It is a less painful procedure than a Hemorrhoidectomy, and is favored treatment by doctors and patients because of the shorter recovery time that is necessary to otherwise treat a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid.

Alternative Treatments for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids can also be treated with a variety of alternative remedies, which include both preventative practices (usually dietary), as well as medicinally holistic treatment measures.  For example, consuming bulk fiber products like psyllium seed husk and plantain is believed to produce softer stool, which is easier to pass and thus less likely to induce new Hemorrhoids or inflame preexisting ones.  Adopting a squatting position when making a bowel movement is thought to ease stress to the anal walls and aid in easier defecation.  For Individuals whose poor circulation is the cause of their hemorrhoids, doctors sometimes recommend using a pillow to raise the legs while sleeping to assist in eliminating altogether the presence of external hemorrhoids. The use of soothing compounds and substances such as Witch hazel, Cranesbill, Aloe Vera and honey are advocated and favored by some patients because they are regarded as natural or more organic than compounds such as Preparation H, and provide relief for some of the symptoms associated with the condition.  Prolapsed Hemorrhoids have also been reported to respond to certain dietary interventions, such as Butcher’s Broom, Horse-Chestnut, as well as bioflavanoids.  Because compounds such as Butcher’s Broom contain naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents such as ruscogenins, they are often sought out by patients who wish to try an organic approach to addressing the symptoms that attend Prolapsed Hemorrhoids.

Written by, David Gilbert

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

Diabetes can produce a lot of serious medical complications, and some of these short-term complications include hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Both medical conditions are dangerous and are caused by abnormal glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is an important ingredient for normal body functioning. They are the body’s main source of energy, and controlling proper levels is essential for a healthy body.

People with diabetes have a problem maintaining normal levels of glucose. When glucose levels are abnormally high, they are said to be suffering from hyperglycemia. However, diabetics may also suffer from low-blood glucose levels, or what is termed as hypoglycemia.

What is Hypoglycemia?

A few hours after taking your insulin, you feel weak, dizzy and your skin feels cool and clammy. You might also feel lightheaded and short of breath even after a few minutes of walking. If you are a diabetic and you feel these symptoms, then you might be suffering from a medical condition called hypoglycemia.

Also called low-blood sugar, hypoglycemia is a medical condition wherein a person is found to be suffering from abnormally low levels of glucose in the body. Glucose is the product of carbohydrates; the higher the amount of carbohydrates found in food, the greater the amount of glucose in your blood. The amount and type of food taken directly affects blood glucose levels. This is especially true for diabetics who have a hard time maintaining proper levels because of insufficient amounts of insulin

People who have hypoglycemia have low-blood glucose levels and as a result suffer from fatigue and hunger. Glucose is needed by the body for energy and fatigue sets in when there are not enough sources of energy. Hunger is the body’s natural reaction when energy levels are low, and food is eaten to compensate for the body’s energy needs.

Glucose

Glucose is like fuel which powers the cells of your body. Without it, cells starve and eventually weaken the body. Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose, and they come from a wide variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, sugars and grains. Depending on what type or amount of food eaten, the levels of carbohydrates directly affect the amount of glucose found in the body.

Are you at risk?

Hypoglycemia is not only found in people with diabetes, this is also a symptom of other digestive and metabolic disorders. This condition is commonly found in people with diabetes and could easily be treated or managed. Knowing the early signs of hypoglycemia is important to avoid its many complications and long-term effects.

People with poor-eating habits and unhealthy diets are also prone to episodes of hypoglycemia. When the body is starved of its energy requirements, this causes hypoglycemic episodes. Patients who secrete abnormally high amounts of insulin also cause glucose levels to drop. This depletes reserve levels of glucose leaving them with inadequate sources of energy. Tumors in the pancreas where insulin is produce may also cause high secretion of insulin to be released in the bloodstream.

What happens if I have low-blood sugar levels?

Of all the major organs in the body, the brain is most susceptible to low-glucose levels. Glucose is the brain’s only source of energy and long-term effects of low-glucose levels may cause permanent brain defects. The brain depends exclusively on this sugar and cannot produce its own glucose. When blood-sugar levels fall below normal, the senses also drop.

When blood-sugar levels drop below 50-60 mg/dl patients may experience most of these symptoms:

• Irritability
• Intense hunger
• Cold clammy skin
• Severe sweating
• Weakness
• Rapid heart beat
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Tremors
• Blurring of vision

It can lead to drowsiness, coma and seizures if you do not do something to raise your blood sugar.

Management and Immediate Treatment of Hypoglycemia

Emergency treatment of hypoglycemia includes restoring normal glucose levels in patients. This could be done by consuming four teaspoons of sugar which could be readily absorbed by the body. Patients are also advised to drink half a can of any juice or soda. Sports drinks like Gatorade could also be a good source of emergency sugars and can help restore glucose levels faster.

Eating cookies or other sweet pastries does not help in cases of hypoglycemia. These takes a long time before the body can convert the sugar and fats into glucose. Bouts of hypoglycemia require quick and immediate supplies of glucose.

When the episode has been controlled, a long-acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich is recommended.  This will maintain the body’s normal blood sugar levels.

In emergency cases where for some reason you can’t take anything by mouth, injection with glucagon is advised. If a glucagon injection is not available, patient should be immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for an intravenous administration of glucose.

When you have diabetes, you should always carry an identification bracelet or information in your wallet informing people about your condition. When you feel the early symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is recommended that you immediately consume emergency sources of glucose. Carrying a glucose source with you at all times can save your life. Diabetics are advised to manage their diet and medication in preparation for physical activity in order to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia.

Regular visits to a doctor are highly recommended, so that changes to diet and insulin adjustments can be made if you are experiencing recurrent hypoglycemia.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

Sources:

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 11, 2009 from MedicineNet.com:http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 13, 2009 from MedlinePlus:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hypoglycemia.html

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 13, 2009 from MayoClinic.com:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoglycemia/DS00198

What is Hyperglycemia ?

Hyperglycemia comes from the Greek words “hyper” or a high state, “glykys” or sweets and “haemia” or blood. This medical condition refers to the abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. This is a result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to utilize or store glucose. Diabetic patients are unable to produce enough insulin because of a dysfunctional pancreas.

What is Fasting Hyperglycemia ?

This is a medical condition wherein a patient is diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels after 8 hours of fasting. Normal blood sugar levels are within 90—130 mg/dl, when patients are diagnosed with hyperglycemia their blood sugar is found to be above these levels.

Patients are asked to fast for 8 hours to check if their bodies are able to regulate blood glucose levels. Glucose serves as energy for body functioning, and is utilized by the cells and converted into energy. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is also done by storing excess glucose. If a person is found to be suffering from elevated blood sugar levels even after 8 hours of fasting, they are found to be suffering from hyperglycemia or are candidates for diabetes.

After-meal Hyperglycemia

This medical condition is defined as abnormally high blood sugar levels 2 hours after a meal; blood glucose levels are found to be above 180 mg/dl. This is unusually high as normal blood sugar levels drop down to 140 mg/dl levels after meals.

It is not uncommon for people to register high blood sugar levels after eating heavy meals, but this condition is dangerous when patients are found to suffer from consistent high blood sugar levels. Patients found to be suffering from consistent high levels could indicate that they are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

How can Hyperglycemia occur?

Maintaining normal blood glucose levels is important for people suffering from diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurs when diabetes is not managed properly. Here are some factors which can cause episodes of hyperglycemia in diabetic patient:

• You forgot to take your hypoglycemic medications or insulin. Taking medications at prescribed times is important in helping your body break down glucose and maintaining normal levels. Skipping medications leaves you with insufficient levels of insulin increasing the levels of glucose in blood.

• You had too much food that the insulin was not enough to control your blood sugar. Doctors prescribe insulin to facilitate the breakdown of glucose and lower blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. Depending on the prescription, patients take specific amounts at different times to control blood sugar levels. If insulin medications are followed, patients may find themselves with high levels of blood sugar because the medication was not sufficient in controlling blood glucose.

• Too much physical activity forces the body to release glucose. This is done as a result of the body’s increased requirement for energy. Glucose provides the body with energy and insulin breaks this down into materials which the body’s tissues and cell could use. When there is insufficient level of insulin available to transform this glucose, patients are left with elevated blood sugar levels.

• No exercise leads to higher glucose levels. The body has less energy requirements in a sedentary lifestyle. This means that the glucose contained in your blood is not utilized, leaving patients with hyperglycemia.

Early Signs of Hyperglycemic Episodes

The body can use proteins and fats as a source of energy; the brain, however, only uses glucose as a source of energy. Without sufficient levels of insulin the brain is unable to use this energy source, and normal brain function is affected. Patients with hyperglycemia may also suffer from difficulties with vision, as blood circulation in the eyes is affected.

• Thirstier than usual
• Weakness
• Urinating more than usual
• Headache
• Confusion
• Blurring of vision

Long-term Effects of Hyperglycemia

• Slow healing of wounds
• Decreased vision
• Sensory destruction
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Erectile dysfunction
• Skin infections

Managing Hyperglycemic Episodes

While it is important that you recognize the early signs of hyperglycemia, testing your daily blood sugar levels daily is the most important thing to remember. When you find readings to be consistently high, always remember to consult your doctor as this may be early symptoms of hyperglycemia.

• Increase water intake. Thirst is a normal reaction that helps in getting rid of excess blood sugar through urination and to keeps you hydrated.
• Exercise. Physical activities help in decreasing the levels of glucose as this is transformed into energy which your body can use. However, if your blood glucose is beyond 240 mg/dL with ketones in your urine, do not exercise.  If you have type 2 diabetes and blood levels go beyond 300 mg/dL, discontinue physical activities.
• Follow your recommended diet. You should not ignore what your nutritionist has given you as a guide.  It will dramatically help you control your hyperglycemic episodes.
• Consult your health care provider. Adjusting medications by yourself is never recommended. Only a doctor can do this, and if necessary, he may change your prescription and dosage.

What can happen if Hyperglycemia is ignored?

When hyperglycemia is not treated immediately, patients may go into coma as a result of ketoacidosis.  This results when fats and protein are used for energy production producing large amounts of ketones. This is can lead to dangerous medical conditions. Below are signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis:

• Fruity breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Rapid and deep breathing

Simple steps in managing and avoiding Hyperglycemia

• Check your diet
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Check your blood glucose regularly
• Contact your doctor when your blood glucose readings are beyond normal levels

Modern medical science has yet to find a cure for diabetes. However, treating and managing the symptoms associated with diabetes is easy. Lifestyle changes and proper medication is important in managing and avoiding serious medical complications of diabetes. It is also important to remember that diabetics should always wear bracelets or identification cards to inform people that they are suffering from diabetes, and help emergency medical professionals give proper treatment.

written by Ronald Uy, RN

Sources:

What are the Causes of Hyperglycemia? Retrieved December 8, 2009 from LIVESTRONG.COM:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/16476-causes-hyperglycemia/

Living with Diabetes. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from American Diabetes Association:

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html

Definition of Hyperglycemia. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from MedicineNet.com:

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3836

What Is Your Stool Telling You about your health? Nobody likes to talk about bowel movements. As a Clinical Nutritionist in practice for over 15 years I was taught many years ago that your stool can be an invaluable source of information about what may be going on in the body. It’s a standard question in my initial consultation with every client and I usually have to come right out and ask as most people leave that section of the health history form blank. It’s not the easiest subject to bring up and I wasn’t crazy about asking my clients in the early years but I quickly learned how important it is diagnostically. Many poor health conditions stem from poor elimination in some way.

Since checking out your stool is a free and easy way for a person to figure out what may be going on with their digestive health – and most people do take a peek and probably are wondering what it means, for example, when they have a greasy yellowish stool. Well, it can be a sign of pancreas dysfunction, pancreatitis or an inability to absorb the nutrients in your foods.  I decided to write an article on stool testing to educate the public and to take the “weirdness” out of it, replaced, with the ” importance” of  it.

First of all, for healthy digestion and elimination a person should have a bowel movement 1-3 times a day. Yes, a day. I’ve had clients come to me and say that they have “normal” digestion and that they go 2 times a week regularly. That is not normal under any circumstances. It’s constipation. Some people say they go every hour and that isn’t normal either, it’s diarrhea. Ideally a person should have a bowel movement shortly after each meal. Normal transit time is about 12 hours. Most Americans don’t eliminate as often as they should.

A healthy bowel movement should be light to medium brown, shaped like a small banana but without the curve, light enough to float and not drop to the bottom of the toilet bowl, it should be formed (not liquid or runny) and easy to pass with no pain or straining. If this sounds like your stools, you are doing well. If not, maybe you recognize some of the issues below.

• Stools that are too large can be a sign of lactose or casein intolerance. Both casein and lactose are found in dairy products like cheese and milk and can cause digestive pain and symptoms in many people.
• Stools that are hard and pebble like can be a sign of poor liver and gallbladder function and or a lack of digestive enzymes. Both large and hard stools as well as diarrhea can lead to straining and possibly hemorrhoids.
• Thin stringy or flattened looking stools can be a sign of a polyp or other obstruction that causes a narrowing of the elimination pathway. This is also present with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.) and spastic colon.
• Stools that are greasy, fatty and messy and leave a film or grease in the toilet can be a sign of pancreas dysfunction, pancreatitis or an inability to absorb the nutrients in your foods.
• Pale, grayish or light yellow colored stools can indicate liver and gallbladder problems.
• Dark black stools could mean bleeding in the digestive track. Stools with blood or mucous can be sign of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids or even colon cancer.

See your physician right away if there’s blood in your stool. While some of these issues are diet related and should be discussed with an experienced nutritionist, many more could be serious health concerns and you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Make that priority number one.

A healthy stool should not be extremely strong and foul smelling. The worse it smells the higher degree of bowel toxicity is present. Poor diet alone can cause odor problems but other health issues can contribute. The odor may signal a lack of the healthy bacteria like acidophilus and bifidobacterium (also called probiotics) your gut needs to stay balanced and to assist in the digestion and assimilation of the foods you eat, or you may have an overgrowth of unhealthy yeast or bacteria such as Candida Albicans. If you are having an issue with serious odor or chronic diarrhea or constipation a stool test from a specialty lab like Genova Diagnostics can give you a credible report of what is going on in your gut. Your Physician or Nutritionist should be able to get the testing done and interpret the results for you. Either way – take a look at what’s going on, and if you have one of the on the list go see a health specialist and get it checked out.

If you would like me to perform your stool test follow the directions below. Until next time…best of health to all and remember to listen to “What Your Stool Is Telling You.”   – Juli !

E-mail me at jknutrition@earthlink.net or juli@julikeene.com letting me know you are interested in testing. I will e-mail you a health history and symptom assessment to help determine which test would be most helpful for you.

I will have you pay by check or credit card using Paypal. See each test for prices.

I will have the test kit and instructions sent directly to you.

When you receive the test kit, you will follow instructions to collect the stool sample/s.  You will FedEx it to the lab via the pre paid envelope. Be sure to keep your testing box as it will be sent back to the lab with the samples inside of it. Write your name and Juli Keene on the test kit box somewhere on the top of the outside.

The lab will analyze your stool specimens and send the results to the office. The results are sent to me and we will schedule your 30- minute phone or e-mail consult with Juli Keene, CN to review the results and your options. You will receive a copy of test results and a printed summary of your consultation.

The testing takes about 14-21 business days from the day the lab receives your sample kit for us to receive the results and contact you for a consultation.

The complete costs are listed next to each test. Cost includes the test kit, lab services, a printed copy of lab results and interpretation, and a 30- minute review of findings with Juli Keene, Licensed Clinical Nutritionist and a printed summary of our consult and your plan.

Juli Keene B.Sc, CN is not a physician.  She does not diagnose or treat disease. This information is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to provide medical advice.  For medical advice, always seek a physician. This information is intended solely as a sharing of knowledge and information based upon the experience and research of Juli Keene, CN and Nutrition Solutions

by Juli Keene, B.S.c, CN,
Licensed Clinical Nutritionist

julikeene@earthlink.net

Juli Keene, B.S.c, CN

© Hemorrhoid Information Center  2009