Fasting for Optimum Health
The idea of fasting for most Americans is probably not an option most have considered. Of course most people know of the biblical reference of Jesus Christ fasting for forty days and nights. There is lots of virtue to fasting these days, not to mention many different types of fasting.
The most common fasting and widely practiced by different peoples is a water fast. The first time I fasted I did this fast for 7 days. This type of fast is difficult. One can expect to have low energy, and it is best to have a quiet environment. One can not escape the spiritual aspect of fasting and most everyone is likely to become introspective and likely find themselves thinking about their diet and better ways to eat. I for one believe it helps to establish a better relationship with God. It teaches us to be thankful for the food we are provided. I have always been struck with how a consumer or consumption based society we are, especially while fasting. It makes me want to laugh when someone misses their lunch and says they feel faint.
A water fast is also made tough because of stomach cramping, hunger pains, and somewhere around 7-9 days into the fast, many toxins are in the blood stream and can induce headaches, joint pain, and a general feeling of malaise. One thing often missed, is that it is considered a good idea to employ a daily self-administered enema while fasting. This is very important. The idea of fasting is to remove toxic material and accumulations. In lacking daily intake of fiber while fasting, matter accumulates in the intestines that needs to be evacuated. Taking a daily enema helps ensure that the toxins are being passed and helps a person realize the full benefit of a fast. Consulting with a health practitioner before embarking on a fast may be prudent as well.
Besides a water fast, there are juice fasts, fasts that involve taking a small amount of fruit, and yet others that have different daily regimens. Other types of fasting may involve taking an herbal supplement that helps detoxify bodily organs. A good example would be the use of mandrake root, said to clean every organ of the body.
From a spiritual aspect, my favorite fast would be that found in the Essene Gospel of Peace, published by The International Biogenic Society. The book tells one how to fast, while taking a daily enema, with accompanying prayers. The book teaches better eating habits, with dietary suggestions. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to address serious health concerns, or, those just wanting to accomplish a healthier digestive system.
One of the most popular fasts that I know of is found in the book 'The Master Cleanse.' Often it is referred to as the Mexican Kool-Aid Fast. Just about anyone who has been around the health food industry for any time has a familiarity with the book. Many health food stores carry it. It is referred to as the Mexican Kool-Aid Fast because it is basically a juice fast using lemons, grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Ask anyone who has tried it, it is fantastic. A person can safely go on that fast for up to 2 months without doing any damage to bodily organs. The ingredients in the fast meet the needs for B vitamins and minerals. The virtues of this fast are multi fold. Toxins and heavy metals are leached out of the bone marrow. Confirmation of this comes around the 7-9 day where almost every joint in the body aches. That soon passes to give way to a feeling of well-being and euphoria even. The first time I tried this fast I went 12 days, and felt great at the end of it. Anyone would have to be amazed at how efficiently the digestive system works after completion of such a fast.
From the day we are born, our bodies are never given a break if one never fasts. You would not leave the engine on your car running, and routine maintenance is required to keep your car working at peak performance. We should all have a similar focus for our bodies. If I had my dithers, I would recommend to most of our customers the idea of embarking on a fast. Yet, I understand that for many if not most, that is not a very attractive option. My second best recommendation would be to take a progressive Colon Cleansing product. Of course, there are many to choose from. I would not recommend many, since often they just promote loose stools or even diarrhea, and impede the absorption of essential vitamins and nutrients. We have a highly regarded product that I think is second to none. Complete Colon Care is a gentle cleansing product that promotes restoration, and vitality to colon function. Our customers rave about this product. For more information on Complete Colon Care and our other progressive health products, please visit www.westernherbal.com
The Importance of the Right Calcium Supplement
The Calcium Debate
Most everyone knows that Calcium is an important nutrient for optimum health. It is present in many foods we eat, as well as most vitamin supplements. What most people do not know, is that without taking the proper supplements, very few people get the daily requirement they need. And, there are several reasons for that.
Calcium is required by every cell in the body, it is essential for good digestion, and new research indicates a deficiency can lead to heart problems. Osteoporosis is at an all time epidemic in the U.S., and the medical community is at a loss to explain why that might be so. Also, I should point out that osteoporosis is not just a disease many women suffer with, more men are coming down with the disease as well. How can this be? Calcium supplements abound. Dairy products are said to be an excellent source of Calcium. Many prepared foods are Calcium fortified. So, why are so many people Calcium deficient today?
The average adult needs between 1000 and 1500mg. of daily Calcium. That many milligrams of Calcium would be hard to put into your average vitamin supplement, or at a minimum it would be some horse pill to swallow. Generally, women require more Calcium than men because of their menstrual cycle. So pharmacies, grocery stores and health food stores have shelves full of Calcium supplements. The problem is that most Calcium supplements are not formulated correctly.
Most Calcium supplements found on store shelves contain Calcium Carbonate, which is the same as chalk. The Carbonate form of Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet. It is the cheapest form of Calcium, and it part explains why so many Calcium supplements include it in their tablets. The problem starts with this; if you put a piece of chalk into a beaker of Hydrochloric acid, nothing happens. Calcium Carbonate does not react with HCL. So our stomach acid cannot begin to digest Calcium. Other forms of Calcium have been shown to be much better absorbed that Carbonate. One of the most easily absorbed forms of Calcium is Calcium Citrate. Even taking the best form is no assurance of proper absorption since there are more criteria for a good Calcium supplement. Calcium must been taken with magnesium in a 2:1 ratio for proper absorption. So if a supplement has 500mg. of Calcium per tablet, 250mg. of Magnesium needs to be present. Absorption is further enhanced by Vitamin D, and Boron being present.
I talk to many customers who suffer with Osteoporosis. I make sure to point out to all who will hear me on the importance of taking the right kind of Calcium supplement. Osteoporosis relates to a Calcium deficiency, and baring the prevalence of available Calcium in a good diet, the body goes looking for it. So starting with the extremities, the toes and finger tips, the bones develop a porous nature where the body is basically cannibalizing itself for its Calcium needs. Taking the right form of Calcium as in a good progressive Calcium tablet, the body will begin to fill in the pores in the bones where it 'borrowed' the Calcium.
Many people miss the importance of Calcium on the most basic level. Signs of a Calcium deficiency may include leg cramps, insomnia, irregular heartbeat,nervous disorders, arthritic suffering and brittle bone disease or Osteoporosis. I can not stress enough the importance of proper supplementation with this mineral. Personally, I prefer the orange flavored Calcium supplements in chewable form. I would recommend the brand name Twinlabs, or Solgar as being good Calcium supplements. I can guarantee most anyone will notice the difference in just a day or two when taking the right form of Calcium. Calcium Citrate is considered the most absorbable form of Calcium, and can even be taken on an empty stomach. There is much debate in the health industry over more progressive forms of Calcium, the elemental value and bio availability of each etc. I do not want to attempt to solve the debate here, except to say, Calcium Citrate with magnesium is probably your safest bet. And when you feel a difference in taking it, it is probably working well for you.
One more thing. While I love milk and cheese, Calcium Carbonate is the form of Calcium present in most dairy products. Without magnesium present, likely very little is absorbed. That may explain why I talk to so many people who eat lots of dairy, and still suffer with Osteoporosis. Yogurt may be the better source of Calcium since the bacteria present may help with assimilation. So, remember to take your Calcium, and pay us a visit at www.westernherbal.com with your health questions. Our customer service is always ready to help and can be reached toll free at 800-223-3036.
Most everyone knows that Calcium is an important nutrient for optimum health. It is present in many foods we eat, as well as most vitamin supplements. What most people do not know, is that without taking the proper supplements, very few people get the daily requirement they need. And, there are several reasons for that.
Calcium is required by every cell in the body, it is essential for good digestion, and new research indicates a deficiency can lead to heart problems. Osteoporosis is at an all time epidemic in the U.S., and the medical community is at a loss to explain why that might be so. Also, I should point out that osteoporosis is not just a disease many women suffer with, more men are coming down with the disease as well. How can this be? Calcium supplements abound. Dairy products are said to be an excellent source of Calcium. Many prepared foods are Calcium fortified. So, why are so many people Calcium deficient today?
The average adult needs between 1000 and 1500mg. of daily Calcium. That many milligrams of Calcium would be hard to put into your average vitamin supplement, or at a minimum it would be some horse pill to swallow. Generally, women require more Calcium than men because of their menstrual cycle. So pharmacies, grocery stores and health food stores have shelves full of Calcium supplements. The problem is that most Calcium supplements are not formulated correctly.
Most Calcium supplements found on store shelves contain Calcium Carbonate, which is the same as chalk. The Carbonate form of Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet. It is the cheapest form of Calcium, and it part explains why so many Calcium supplements include it in their tablets. The problem starts with this; if you put a piece of chalk into a beaker of Hydrochloric acid, nothing happens. Calcium Carbonate does not react with HCL. So our stomach acid cannot begin to digest Calcium. Other forms of Calcium have been shown to be much better absorbed that Carbonate. One of the most easily absorbed forms of Calcium is Calcium Citrate. Even taking the best form is no assurance of proper absorption since there are more criteria for a good Calcium supplement. Calcium must been taken with magnesium in a 2:1 ratio for proper absorption. So if a supplement has 500mg. of Calcium per tablet, 250mg. of Magnesium needs to be present. Absorption is further enhanced by Vitamin D, and Boron being present.
I talk to many customers who suffer with Osteoporosis. I make sure to point out to all who will hear me on the importance of taking the right kind of Calcium supplement. Osteoporosis relates to a Calcium deficiency, and baring the prevalence of available Calcium in a good diet, the body goes looking for it. So starting with the extremities, the toes and finger tips, the bones develop a porous nature where the body is basically cannibalizing itself for its Calcium needs. Taking the right form of Calcium as in a good progressive Calcium tablet, the body will begin to fill in the pores in the bones where it 'borrowed' the Calcium.
Many people miss the importance of Calcium on the most basic level. Signs of a Calcium deficiency may include leg cramps, insomnia, irregular heartbeat,nervous disorders, arthritic suffering and brittle bone disease or Osteoporosis. I can not stress enough the importance of proper supplementation with this mineral. Personally, I prefer the orange flavored Calcium supplements in chewable form. I would recommend the brand name Twinlabs, or Solgar as being good Calcium supplements. I can guarantee most anyone will notice the difference in just a day or two when taking the right form of Calcium. Calcium Citrate is considered the most absorbable form of Calcium, and can even be taken on an empty stomach. There is much debate in the health industry over more progressive forms of Calcium, the elemental value and bio availability of each etc. I do not want to attempt to solve the debate here, except to say, Calcium Citrate with magnesium is probably your safest bet. And when you feel a difference in taking it, it is probably working well for you.
One more thing. While I love milk and cheese, Calcium Carbonate is the form of Calcium present in most dairy products. Without magnesium present, likely very little is absorbed. That may explain why I talk to so many people who eat lots of dairy, and still suffer with Osteoporosis. Yogurt may be the better source of Calcium since the bacteria present may help with assimilation. So, remember to take your Calcium, and pay us a visit at www.westernherbal.com with your health questions. Our customer service is always ready to help and can be reached toll free at 800-223-3036.
The Best Cooking Oils for Better Health
An Examination of Vegetable Oils and Overall Health
Something that is not touched on enough regarding health is the use of oils for optimum health. I have been enlightened on the virtues of good vs. bad cooking oils. In the health food industry, coconut oil has surged in popularity. And, it seems for good reason. The saturated vs. unsaturated debate has been around for some time now. Also, many people are now aware that hydrogenated oils are not good for cholesterol or arterial health. In fact, research shows that hydrogenated oils may be quite artery clogging. I never really embraced the margarine kick and have always preferred the taste of butter over margarine. As a vegetarian, cholesterol does not present a problem for me, and so I enjoy butter with my cooking and on bread and toast. But, for years I used olive oil in the mistaken belief that cooking with it was guilt-free. Not so it turns out.
Uncooked vegetable oils have distinct health benefits, including a good source of natural Vitamin E, some are high in the essential fatty acids. Olive oil has been shown through studies to benefit cholesterol, and an essential ingredient of the seeming healthy Mediterranean diet. While all the oils have some benefit when used in salad dressing or as condiment ingredient, prevailing wisdom now has it that all vegetable and nut oils turn bad when cooked.
Cooked vegetable and nut oils all break down with even low heat to form powerful carcinogens and toxic compounds. Using vegetable and nut oils in cooking may significantly contribute to ill health by promoting exposure to toxic compounds. The only oils that do not break down with heat are Coconut oil, Palm Kernel oil, animal fat such as lard, and butter, (clarified butter is best where the solids are separated from the oil.) Of course, nothing makes me happier than the evidence supporting the use of butter for its' health giving properties. Starting with Coconut oil, these fats do not break down with heat, and additionally food cooked in Coconut oil will preserve longer in the refrigerator than food cooked in vegetable oil.
A trip to your local health food store will reveal that there are ever more emerging brands of coconut oil on store shelves. Cooking with coconut oil is just about as guilt free as you can get. It is not a long chain fatty acid as with other vegetable oils. Coconut oil is an MCT or medium chain triglyceride. It does not go to fat storage and only goes to producing energy. Also, Coconut oil may possess anti-carcinogenic properties, may help with cholesterol, and has an anti-yeast compound called caprylic acid.
So, these days when I cook and fry food, I use a teaspoon of coconut oil and a pat of butter. Less coconut taste is imparted to the food to be cooked, and more of the buttery flavor comes through. Something also I should impart here. In India, the word for butter is 'Ghee', which means life force. Ghee in India is considered an essential ingredient for optimum health and is believed to have medicinal properties. Clarifying butter by lightly heating it and letting the milk solids settle before spooning off the oil may be a healthier way to consume butter by removing some of the sodium content, and some of the inherent negatives present in milk solids. I have recommended the book before, 'The Coconut Oil Miracle', widely available in health food stores and through Amazon.com and other online resources.
A toast to your health. Please call us or contact us with your health concerns. We have a very knowledgeable customer care department at Western Herbal. Please visit our website at www.westernherbal.com for more information on health. Also note we have terrific remedies for Hemorrhoids, Gout, I.B.S., and constipation.
Something that is not touched on enough regarding health is the use of oils for optimum health. I have been enlightened on the virtues of good vs. bad cooking oils. In the health food industry, coconut oil has surged in popularity. And, it seems for good reason. The saturated vs. unsaturated debate has been around for some time now. Also, many people are now aware that hydrogenated oils are not good for cholesterol or arterial health. In fact, research shows that hydrogenated oils may be quite artery clogging. I never really embraced the margarine kick and have always preferred the taste of butter over margarine. As a vegetarian, cholesterol does not present a problem for me, and so I enjoy butter with my cooking and on bread and toast. But, for years I used olive oil in the mistaken belief that cooking with it was guilt-free. Not so it turns out.
Uncooked vegetable oils have distinct health benefits, including a good source of natural Vitamin E, some are high in the essential fatty acids. Olive oil has been shown through studies to benefit cholesterol, and an essential ingredient of the seeming healthy Mediterranean diet. While all the oils have some benefit when used in salad dressing or as condiment ingredient, prevailing wisdom now has it that all vegetable and nut oils turn bad when cooked.
Cooked vegetable and nut oils all break down with even low heat to form powerful carcinogens and toxic compounds. Using vegetable and nut oils in cooking may significantly contribute to ill health by promoting exposure to toxic compounds. The only oils that do not break down with heat are Coconut oil, Palm Kernel oil, animal fat such as lard, and butter, (clarified butter is best where the solids are separated from the oil.) Of course, nothing makes me happier than the evidence supporting the use of butter for its' health giving properties. Starting with Coconut oil, these fats do not break down with heat, and additionally food cooked in Coconut oil will preserve longer in the refrigerator than food cooked in vegetable oil.
A trip to your local health food store will reveal that there are ever more emerging brands of coconut oil on store shelves. Cooking with coconut oil is just about as guilt free as you can get. It is not a long chain fatty acid as with other vegetable oils. Coconut oil is an MCT or medium chain triglyceride. It does not go to fat storage and only goes to producing energy. Also, Coconut oil may possess anti-carcinogenic properties, may help with cholesterol, and has an anti-yeast compound called caprylic acid.
So, these days when I cook and fry food, I use a teaspoon of coconut oil and a pat of butter. Less coconut taste is imparted to the food to be cooked, and more of the buttery flavor comes through. Something also I should impart here. In India, the word for butter is 'Ghee', which means life force. Ghee in India is considered an essential ingredient for optimum health and is believed to have medicinal properties. Clarifying butter by lightly heating it and letting the milk solids settle before spooning off the oil may be a healthier way to consume butter by removing some of the sodium content, and some of the inherent negatives present in milk solids. I have recommended the book before, 'The Coconut Oil Miracle', widely available in health food stores and through Amazon.com and other online resources.
A toast to your health. Please call us or contact us with your health concerns. We have a very knowledgeable customer care department at Western Herbal. Please visit our website at www.westernherbal.com for more information on health. Also note we have terrific remedies for Hemorrhoids, Gout, I.B.S., and constipation.
Alkaline Water for Better Colon Health
Neutralizing an Acid Colon
There is a now famous doctor on T.V. that has an infomercial about colon health and our toxic bodies. He is not the lone voice or authority on the subject these days. Our typical American diets are very acid producing, and I have written previous articles on the subject. An acid colon is does not happen easily. Many years of eating the wrong foods bring on the impaired colon function and digestive issues that may eventually bring on additional health problems and disease. I remember reading from a political science text book that if health is a measure of wealth, then we Americans are a poor lot.
I talk to people daily who assure me they eat very well, but by what measure? Compared with many of our European counterparts, we probably do not measure up very well. Decade by decade, we have become more obese, more prone to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. So what is the reason? More processed foods, and a predominantly acid diet promote many negative health issues. In fact most disease has its' roots in poor colon health. It is arguably the most important organ in the body, and certainly affects the health of other organs.
An acid diet will encourage the growth of bad bacteria, and allow accumulations of toxic material to pocket in the intestinal tract. Over time, the colon can become diseased, and many common colon problems relate to an acid colon including, constipation, diarrhea, hard stools, and I.B.S. just to name a few. Many of our customers come to us with Hemorrhoids, Gout, or mild to severe colon or digestive problems. But all those problems have their roots in Candida, which is promoted and fed by an acid colon environment. Shifting to an Alkaline foods diet can have distinct bearing on colon health and begin to turn around years of abuse to the digestive tract. Most of the foods we like to eat in this country are on the acid producing side of alkaline vs. acid food picture. Please visit a previous article written about some of the acid and alkaline foods if you would like to learn more.
So, eating more alkaline foods can only be good for your health, but it may take a long-term focus to undo years of poor eating habits. If you suffer with disease, diabetes, Gout pain, colon problems, or Hemorrhoid symptoms, figure you probably have less than perfect colon health. Shifting to a alkaline diet would be my recommendation. But, there is a way to fast track your colon health. There are machines available now that generate alkalized water from tap water. I have recommended this to several of our customers, and some have taken me up on my suggestion to purchase one of these machines. Entering 'alkaline water' in the Google search bar will bring up many different companies selling these machines. I do recommend doing your homework by researching the products carefully and buyer beware, at least one of the companies selling these machines is network marketing. Yet I have done my own research, and through feedback from our customers, I am convinced there is a lot of merit to drinking alkaline generated water in your home for daily consumption. These machines do have a significant price tag, with base models starting at around $600. The upscale models designed for commercial use such as restaurants approach $6,000.
If you decide one of these machines might be right for you, you might be making one of the soundest decisions for your family. A recent customer told me her sons asthma has disappeared, her colon problems have dissipated, and daily she can notice the health benefits with more energy, vitality, and better skin quality. Also, as a professional athlete, she is able to see more endurance for her work out routine. If you would like more info on health issues, please visit us at www.westernherbal.com
There is a now famous doctor on T.V. that has an infomercial about colon health and our toxic bodies. He is not the lone voice or authority on the subject these days. Our typical American diets are very acid producing, and I have written previous articles on the subject. An acid colon is does not happen easily. Many years of eating the wrong foods bring on the impaired colon function and digestive issues that may eventually bring on additional health problems and disease. I remember reading from a political science text book that if health is a measure of wealth, then we Americans are a poor lot.
I talk to people daily who assure me they eat very well, but by what measure? Compared with many of our European counterparts, we probably do not measure up very well. Decade by decade, we have become more obese, more prone to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. So what is the reason? More processed foods, and a predominantly acid diet promote many negative health issues. In fact most disease has its' roots in poor colon health. It is arguably the most important organ in the body, and certainly affects the health of other organs.
An acid diet will encourage the growth of bad bacteria, and allow accumulations of toxic material to pocket in the intestinal tract. Over time, the colon can become diseased, and many common colon problems relate to an acid colon including, constipation, diarrhea, hard stools, and I.B.S. just to name a few. Many of our customers come to us with Hemorrhoids, Gout, or mild to severe colon or digestive problems. But all those problems have their roots in Candida, which is promoted and fed by an acid colon environment. Shifting to an Alkaline foods diet can have distinct bearing on colon health and begin to turn around years of abuse to the digestive tract. Most of the foods we like to eat in this country are on the acid producing side of alkaline vs. acid food picture. Please visit a previous article written about some of the acid and alkaline foods if you would like to learn more.
So, eating more alkaline foods can only be good for your health, but it may take a long-term focus to undo years of poor eating habits. If you suffer with disease, diabetes, Gout pain, colon problems, or Hemorrhoid symptoms, figure you probably have less than perfect colon health. Shifting to a alkaline diet would be my recommendation. But, there is a way to fast track your colon health. There are machines available now that generate alkalized water from tap water. I have recommended this to several of our customers, and some have taken me up on my suggestion to purchase one of these machines. Entering 'alkaline water' in the Google search bar will bring up many different companies selling these machines. I do recommend doing your homework by researching the products carefully and buyer beware, at least one of the companies selling these machines is network marketing. Yet I have done my own research, and through feedback from our customers, I am convinced there is a lot of merit to drinking alkaline generated water in your home for daily consumption. These machines do have a significant price tag, with base models starting at around $600. The upscale models designed for commercial use such as restaurants approach $6,000.
If you decide one of these machines might be right for you, you might be making one of the soundest decisions for your family. A recent customer told me her sons asthma has disappeared, her colon problems have dissipated, and daily she can notice the health benefits with more energy, vitality, and better skin quality. Also, as a professional athlete, she is able to see more endurance for her work out routine. If you would like more info on health issues, please visit us at www.westernherbal.com
Colon Health, Candida and C. Diff.
Candida and C.Diff. and the Importance of Colon Health
I was living in England in 1990, and caught an interesting documentary on BBC TV entitled, 'Superbugs.' The documentary was presented by a team of doctors, and top medical experts in England. The jist of the message was aimed at the concern of over-prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics and the danger of creating Superbugs. The definition of a superbug would be a bacteria, perhaps even a common cold bacteria made resistant through the use of antibiotics. The fear of this panel of doctors was that killer bacteria could develop, a result of mankind's making through the use of antibiotics. The concern the documentary presented then, was that at the turn of the century, certain bacteria were likely to develop that modern science and medicine was powerless to stop. Furthermore, they predicted that even the strongest antibiotics known to man could do little to stop a virulent bacteria made stronger over time through becoming resistant to multiple antibiotics. An epidemic or even multiple outbreaks were considered by this panel of doctors to become a distinct possibility. While there have been some issues of bacteria that have become antibiotic resistant, (an example of this would be the 'flesh eating' bacteria which is basically a strong staff bacteria), the gloomy scenario has not so far played out, at least not on a Global scale. However, there is concern over something called c.diff.
C.Diff. is abbreviated for Clostridium Difficile, a particularly virulent bacterium. It was first brought to my attention through talking with a customer almost two years ago. He explained his struggle with the issue, and the life threatening experience of in and out of the hospital for months. Doctors tried multiple antibiotics to wrestle control of his suffering, released him from hospital, only to see a relapse and needing more treatment. I was horrified by his story, especially when he shared with me he almost died from the infection, and it can still come back anytime. I have done my research on this topic, and by now have talked to 5 different customers who have all contracted c.diff. with similar harrowing stories of suffering. At least 4 of the 5 customers I spoke with contracted c.diff. in a Canadian hospital.
Currently, it is considered only a Canadian health crisis, yet the only available statistics I have found, is that in 2005, some 4,000 people died from the infection here in the U.S. This is no small issue, and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta say they are very concerned with the possibility of an epidemic and are watching it closely. Throwing the most potent antibiotics at the bacteria merely creates the distinct possibility and probability for ever more resistant antibiotic strains that may become unstoppable. As it stands now, medical professionals acknowledge that once infected, a person may relapse because the bacteria may never be fully eradicated.
Hospitals in Canada are struggling with the issue. A person is most likely to contract the bacteria through visiting or a stay in hospital. After a course of antibiotic treatment, all good and bad bacteria are killed off in the gut, and that seems to be key in allowing c.diff to take hold and infect the colon. The symptoms mimic those of Candida in some respects, just multiplied in severity. Cramping, digestive upset, extreme diarrhea causing perhaps 50 visits to the bathroom are just some of the symptoms. Besides the extreme pain and discomfort, the infection can be deadly. I have heard the details of suffering from some customers, and it would make your head spin. When a patient in Canada is diagnosed with an infection, they are quarantined and begin a course of powerful antibiotics such as Flgyl, or Vancomycin. The battle is touch and go, but part of the problem is that c.diff is extremely contagious. Also, bacterial soaps do not kill the bacteria. Only bleach has been shown to be effective. But it is quite impractical to bleach every surface in a hospital to include bed rails, phone, remote control, and every door nob and toilet seat after use.
And here is the reason that I am so focused on the Candida issue and touch on it in more than one article. If someone has Candida, relating to an imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria in the gut, they are more likely by far to be a candidate for a c.diff infection. The reverse applies also. If someone has c.diff, they become a strong candidate for contracting Candida as well. The good news is if someone has optimal colon function and a healthy balance of good vs. bad bacteria, meaning a predominance of good bacteria, they are almost certain to be resistant to a c.diff infection through exposure to the bacteria. By estimates, some 80% of Americans suffer with Candida. In my opinion, that makes us ripe for a big problem and possibility exists for the spread of this infectious organism.
For the customers I have worked with that have contracted c.diff, hemorrhoids were caused through all the digestive and colon suffering brought on through the infection. Our Hem-Relief product for hemorrhoid pain and suffering has helped all of them overcome that problem. The broader issue of c.diff is best addressed through working to achieve optimum colon health. Our Complete Colon Care product is an awesome step in the right direction to help deal with any issues of the colon. It helps to restore, rejuvenate and revitalize colon health. It may not be a cure for c.diff, but with the right focus on diet, probiotic supplementation, and fiber, anyone can begin to move their colon health in a positive direction. Working towards better colon health may be the #1 thing a person can do to insulate themselves from the possibility of contracting c.diff, or Candida.
For more information on colon health, please visit us at www.westernherbal.com
I was living in England in 1990, and caught an interesting documentary on BBC TV entitled, 'Superbugs.' The documentary was presented by a team of doctors, and top medical experts in England. The jist of the message was aimed at the concern of over-prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics and the danger of creating Superbugs. The definition of a superbug would be a bacteria, perhaps even a common cold bacteria made resistant through the use of antibiotics. The fear of this panel of doctors was that killer bacteria could develop, a result of mankind's making through the use of antibiotics. The concern the documentary presented then, was that at the turn of the century, certain bacteria were likely to develop that modern science and medicine was powerless to stop. Furthermore, they predicted that even the strongest antibiotics known to man could do little to stop a virulent bacteria made stronger over time through becoming resistant to multiple antibiotics. An epidemic or even multiple outbreaks were considered by this panel of doctors to become a distinct possibility. While there have been some issues of bacteria that have become antibiotic resistant, (an example of this would be the 'flesh eating' bacteria which is basically a strong staff bacteria), the gloomy scenario has not so far played out, at least not on a Global scale. However, there is concern over something called c.diff.
C.Diff. is abbreviated for Clostridium Difficile, a particularly virulent bacterium. It was first brought to my attention through talking with a customer almost two years ago. He explained his struggle with the issue, and the life threatening experience of in and out of the hospital for months. Doctors tried multiple antibiotics to wrestle control of his suffering, released him from hospital, only to see a relapse and needing more treatment. I was horrified by his story, especially when he shared with me he almost died from the infection, and it can still come back anytime. I have done my research on this topic, and by now have talked to 5 different customers who have all contracted c.diff. with similar harrowing stories of suffering. At least 4 of the 5 customers I spoke with contracted c.diff. in a Canadian hospital.
Currently, it is considered only a Canadian health crisis, yet the only available statistics I have found, is that in 2005, some 4,000 people died from the infection here in the U.S. This is no small issue, and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta say they are very concerned with the possibility of an epidemic and are watching it closely. Throwing the most potent antibiotics at the bacteria merely creates the distinct possibility and probability for ever more resistant antibiotic strains that may become unstoppable. As it stands now, medical professionals acknowledge that once infected, a person may relapse because the bacteria may never be fully eradicated.
Hospitals in Canada are struggling with the issue. A person is most likely to contract the bacteria through visiting or a stay in hospital. After a course of antibiotic treatment, all good and bad bacteria are killed off in the gut, and that seems to be key in allowing c.diff to take hold and infect the colon. The symptoms mimic those of Candida in some respects, just multiplied in severity. Cramping, digestive upset, extreme diarrhea causing perhaps 50 visits to the bathroom are just some of the symptoms. Besides the extreme pain and discomfort, the infection can be deadly. I have heard the details of suffering from some customers, and it would make your head spin. When a patient in Canada is diagnosed with an infection, they are quarantined and begin a course of powerful antibiotics such as Flgyl, or Vancomycin. The battle is touch and go, but part of the problem is that c.diff is extremely contagious. Also, bacterial soaps do not kill the bacteria. Only bleach has been shown to be effective. But it is quite impractical to bleach every surface in a hospital to include bed rails, phone, remote control, and every door nob and toilet seat after use.
And here is the reason that I am so focused on the Candida issue and touch on it in more than one article. If someone has Candida, relating to an imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria in the gut, they are more likely by far to be a candidate for a c.diff infection. The reverse applies also. If someone has c.diff, they become a strong candidate for contracting Candida as well. The good news is if someone has optimal colon function and a healthy balance of good vs. bad bacteria, meaning a predominance of good bacteria, they are almost certain to be resistant to a c.diff infection through exposure to the bacteria. By estimates, some 80% of Americans suffer with Candida. In my opinion, that makes us ripe for a big problem and possibility exists for the spread of this infectious organism.
For the customers I have worked with that have contracted c.diff, hemorrhoids were caused through all the digestive and colon suffering brought on through the infection. Our Hem-Relief product for hemorrhoid pain and suffering has helped all of them overcome that problem. The broader issue of c.diff is best addressed through working to achieve optimum colon health. Our Complete Colon Care product is an awesome step in the right direction to help deal with any issues of the colon. It helps to restore, rejuvenate and revitalize colon health. It may not be a cure for c.diff, but with the right focus on diet, probiotic supplementation, and fiber, anyone can begin to move their colon health in a positive direction. Working towards better colon health may be the #1 thing a person can do to insulate themselves from the possibility of contracting c.diff, or Candida.
For more information on colon health, please visit us at www.westernherbal.com
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