Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized as abdominal pain and discomfort, gas and bloating, loose and frequent bowel movements, or constipation. Naturopaths for years have observed beneficial effects of acidophilus on IBS. Now there are clinical controlled studies to back up what the naturopaths have been saying for years. Acidophilus can boost intestinal flora (probiotics) and stabilize the intestines helping people get relief from IBS.
You may be wondering what is a probiotic? The term probiotic comes from ‘pro’, which means ‘for’, and ‘bios’, which means ‘life’. So probiotic means ‘for life’. Probiotic is a term used to describe nutritional supplements that contain live bacteria. Almost every brand of supplements out there has its own form of probiotic supplement.
Two of the most abundant and best known probiotics in the intestines are Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. These probiotics adhere to the intestinal walls and multiply helping keep our bodies healthy. Probiotics help keep fungus and yeast cells at bay. Probiotics help keep your stool soft, well formed, and aids in bowel movements. Probiotics can manufacture B vitamins and vitamin K; they also make lactase the enzyme that digests milk, and dairy products like cheese. Probiotics can help prevent cholesterol from entering the blood stream which means it can lower your total blood level cholesterol. Probiotics can bring balance to the immune system. Probiotics can also reduce dental cavities, aid in weight loss, make our bones strong and healthy, help control acne and help prevent illness such as cancer and autism. They help prevent Gastro intestinal (GI) infections in children who attend day care and elderly who live in a nursing home. Its not a well known fact, almost 70 percent of the body’s immune system is actually located inside the GI tract. (1)
It’s clear that probiotics are essential for proper intestinal health and over all health of the body. These probiotics will grow and multiple in the intestines all your life. It’s easy for the probiotic balance to change and stop multiplying; it’s as simple as getting the flue or traveling to a distant land or if one develops an infection and needs antibiotics. Antibiotics can devastate the probiotic colony in the intestines. The colony of probiotics can easily be overwhelmed so daily supplementation is something everybody should consider for optimal health.
One double blind, placebo controlled study tested over 350 women with IBS. They consumed 1 billion Bifidobacterium each day for four weeks. The women consuming the probiotic experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of IBS. Higher and lower doses were also tried with little added benefit. (2) Another study conducted administered 450 billion cells daily for eight weeks. This study combined Bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and streptococcus blend of probiotics. Patients reported significant improvement in bowel control and less abdominal pain and bloating after 8 weeks. (3)
Choosing the right probiotic is very important. At a minimum, look for a probiotic that is enteric coated. Stomach acid will destroy these live bacteria and enteric coated capsules can help preserve these beneficial bacteria for where they are needed, the intestinal tract.
Probiotics are very vulnerable to the elements. Probiotics are anaerobic organisms so oxygen can kill them. Sunlight or artificial light can kill probiotics; they love the dark and thrive in the lightlessness of the intestines. Make sure you keep your bottle sealed because probiotics do not like moisture either.
You man be thinking why should I buy a probiotic supplement when I can just eat yogurt? This is a good question! Take a look at your yogurt label or better yet look at what’s not on the label. No matter how many lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were present at the time of manufacturing, there’s no telling how many bacteria is left at the time you eat the yogurt, there is no probiotic potency guarantee. Look for a guarantee with x amount of probiotics on the label per serving. When you eat yogurt there is nothing protecting the probiotics from harsh stomach acids so the amounts that actually make it down to the intestinal tract is very little.
Almost all health problems experienced today are related in some way to the process of digestion. Keep your digestive tract as healthy as possible by taking a high quality probiotic that are viable and robust, that has a guarantee of potency and that is enteric coated. Make sure you take it daily for optimal health.
References:
1. Porth CM. Principles of digestion. In: Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 2002:136-145.
2. Whorwell PJ, et al. Efficiency of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol, 2006; 101(7): 1581-90.
3. Kim HJ, et al. A randomized controlled trial of probiotic, VSL#3, on guy transit and symptoms in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003; 17(7) 895-904.
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Medicinal Herbs – Curative Agents Used in Traditional Medicine for Ages
Herbal medicine, also known under the names of phytotherapy and herbalism, is a well-defined branch of the ancient alternative medicinal system that involves the use of plants and plant extracts to cure diseases and alleviate symptoms. The great healing powers of many medicinal herbs and herbal supplements can never be contested – for thousands of years plants have been successfully used to fight against a wide spectrum of diseases and disorders, and many of these ancient natural cures are still being used today, sometimes in combination with modern medical treatments.
According to recent archeological findings, herbal medicine dates back ever since man had first walked on this earth, more than 60,000 years ago. For ages, man has continued to perfect the ways of herbal medicine and has been permanently looking for new medicinal herbs with strong curative effects.
The ancient character of herbal medicine is also revealed in the Bible, which suggests the strong relation between man and nature, as well as man’s timely preoccupation with herbalism: “…Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine…” – Ezekiel 47:12. Another Scriptural view on herbal medicine can be found in Ecclesiasticus, chapter 38: “…Honor the healer for his services, for the Lord created him. His skill comes from the Most High, and he is rewarded by kings. The healer’s knowledge gives him high standing and wins him the admiration of the great. The Lord has created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man will not disparage them…”
Anthropologists speculate that over the ages, early tribal communities had acquired a good level of knowledge on herbal supplements and medicinal herbs through simple processes of trial and error. This accumulated knowledge was passed from one generation to the other and has been gradually expanded and polished, carrying the print of many distinctive cultural influences: Western, based on Greek and Roman medicinal wisdom, the Ayurvedic from India and Oriental, particularly Chinese influences. Unfortunately, many secrets of the ancient herbal medicine had been lost, and nowadays herbalists are constantly aiming to recover reminiscences of our ancestors’ medicinal wisdom. At present, herbalists, botanists, pharmacologists and microbiologists from many corners of the world have joined forces in an attempt to discover lost medicinal herbs and herbal supplements, as well as new specimens of plants which could be developed for treatment of various diseases in the near future.
In recent years, herbal supplements and medicinal herbs have been extensively used for treating diseases in non-industrialized societies of the world, but also in well developed urban societies. Many people have realized the great efficiency of herbal supplements and medicinal herbs and have decided to use them as substitutes for synthetic drugs or as enhancements for modern medication treatments.
Used wisely and with care, the right herbal supplements and medicinal herbs can successfully protect against diseases and help in curing already existent health problems. Nature has supplied us with so many natural ingredients with great curative effects, and it would be foolishness not to take full advantage of its offerings. We should make efforts to discover nature’s mysteries and use its provided ingredients to create efficient, safe cures and remedies.
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Tattoos as Art
There are no doubt a range of different perspectives when it comes to tattoos. Many people get tattoos to express how they are feeling, or what they care about. Others use them to make statements, whether it be political, religious, or just about anything. However, you’ll also get people who are completely against tattoos and couldn’t imagine who in their right mind would allow something to be permanently inked on their skin. Some even believe that you are desecrating your body by getting tattoos.
Tattooing, the process of embedding ink under the skin to produce a permanent design, has been around since virtually the dawn of man. Many indiginious cultures practiced tattooing for both adornment, status and spiritual renderings. Though there has been a recent resurgence in native and tribal tattooing, most tattoos today are done strictly as a way of decorating one's self in an artistically expressive manner.
Do you have a tattoo? Are you wondering if you should get one? Of course there is no such answer that can be given that fit everyone, but regardless of who you are there are a few things to consider. Answering these questions honestly and openly will help you realize whether or not tattooing is right for you. Remember, short of getting expensive and painful laser removal, they will be with you forever.
First of all, are there any images that holds significant meaning in your life? If so then be sure if this will be something that is important to you in the years to come. Most people who are satisfied with their tattoos years on down the road are happy because they have chosen images or text that is meaningful to them and that they will be attatched to for the rest of their lives.
By the same token, many of the people that want to get them removed are the ones that put very little thought into getting them in the first place and now are stuck with tattoos that they do not like and no longer want. Before you get something inked on your skin permanently, think about if you’ll still like the image ten, twenty, or thirty years down the road. Can you see yourself with the same tattoo when your seventy-five years old? I hope so because you will own it forever.
Since a tattoo is permanent, don’t just waltz into the nearest tattoo parlor, take a quick look at their offerings and decided what you like. Though this can be a good technique for getting ideas for you tattoo, there’s no rush to get inked. But some serious thought into it. Choose an image you like and think about it for a few weeks or perhaps even months before making your final decision.
Now you need to make the decision of where on your body you want your tattoo to go. Most people who get tattooed, even those with large tattoos covering their arms, legs, or back, will avoid getting tattoos on their hands, neck, or face, due to the fact that many employers frown on tattooing and because tattoos which are always visible can make it tougher to get hired at certain jobs. You may want to give serious consideration of placing your tattoo of a place that can easily be covered up.
Finally, make sure you get tattooed at a respectable tattoo parlor. Disease and infection are very real risks of getting a tattoo. All of the needles should be sterile, as should the general working conditions. When you choose your tattoo artist be sure to choose one that you have seen their work. Take a good luck at their portfolio and see a sketch of your design before getting inked, because you want to be completely satisfied with your tattoo and not take any unnecessary chances.
About The Author:
Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of art. You can get interesting and informative information here at Tattoos as Art
