Health and Nutrition Exchange

Top Ten Reasons For Colon Cleansing

2009-07-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Reasons to Take Complete Colon Care

Western Herbal and Nutrition carries a product called Complete Colon Care. This should be viewed as a stand-alone product. Many Colon Cleansing products can be found at your health food store or on the Internet, yet few come close to being as effective and broad in its' scope for treating a variety of digestive, health and colon problems. Besides containing three progressive natural fiber sources, Complete Colon Care also has an additional 19 herbs to help rejuvenate, and restore colon health and vitality. In our opinion, it has no equal. Customers rave about this product, and so we thought we would compile a 'Top Ten List' for why someone could benefit from this progressive fiber/herbal blend.

#1 Candida
Candida is by far and away the number one reason for most issues of digestive or colon disorders. Candida is very hard to cure, yet the Complete Colon Care is a giant step in the right direction for solving all digestive and colon health problems related to Candida. Several of the herbal ingredients are strongly anti-yeast and anyone can appreciate a difference in the first day or two of taking this supplement which also works well as a maintenance formula for colon health.

#2 Constipation/ Diarrhea
Complete Colon care easily solves problems of irregularity, hard stools, loose stools and diarrhea. All of the herbal and fiber ingredients were chosen to for restoring regularity to bowel movements. Through its' bulking and cleansing action, C.C.C. makes difficult bathroom visits a thing of the past. Impaired colon function can be avoided by achieving better bowel movements through using Complete Colon Care.

#3 Hemorrhoids
For Hemorrhoids sufferers with a stubborn case of Hemorrhoids, or especially the internal variety, they would be well served by adding the Complete Colon Care to their regimen. Most often Candida is at the root cause of Hemorrhoids, and the fiber/ herbal blend addresses the Candida by destroying yeast cells in the colon, in addition to adding herbal support for the healing of Hemorrhoids. Additionally, Complete Colon Care works to achieve a good bacterial balance in the colon.

#4 I.B.S.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or I.B.S. tends to be a generic term doctors use to describe advanced symptoms of constipation and diarrhea, and commonly alternating bouts of both. For hard stools,constipation, loose stools or diarrhea, if left untreated, may progress to the more serious problem of I.B.S. or even Crohns' disease. Complete Colon Care may be unsurpassed in its' ability to help alleviate the symptoms of suffering and over time restore the colon to optimum digestive function. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive regarding using Complete Colon Care to chase away all the symptoms of I.B.S.

#5 Gastritis/ Acid Reflux
I used to suffer in the extreme with both of these issues. Trips to the emergency room, stomach x-rays, multiple antacid products brought me no relief. Colon Care may be one of the most effective products for addressing gastric pain and upset. Some of the key herbs for helping to solve digestive upset begin with the fiber blend present which works quickly to absorb excess stomach acid. Some of the important herbs for further helping with acid stomach are ginger root, catnip (natures alka-selzer), myrrh, Oregon grape, and rhubarb root.

#6 Cleansing
Many cultures and medical practitioners embrace the idea of cleansing through fasting, diet, colonics, or products such a Colon Cleansing product as with Complete Colon Care. Many studies confirm that essential fiber uptake in the U.S. is below the essential minimum for the average American. Many countries and other cultures have a higher intake of fiber than we do. Fiber is essential through cleansing the digestive system as it passes much the way a broom cleans a sidewalk. Cleansing through taking a quality product like C.C.C. helps to shift accumulated waste and matter that sometimes adheres to the intestinal walls. Confirmation of cleansing taking place is manifest in the first or second bowel movement after beginning the cleansing regimen with Complete Colon Care.

#7 Weight Loss
With efficient digestion and essential fiber supplementation, weight loss can be a beneficial result. Chickweed, psyllium husks, and cascara sagrada, are just a few of the ingredients that help with weight loss. Additionally, Aloe Leaf and and Rhubarb root help to work with balancing sugar levels. Many customers have reported significant weight loss in just a few weeks of starting on the Complete Colon Care.

#8 Cholesterol
Cholesterol or high levels of bad cholesterol can be addressed through natural means. Oat bran is a fiber shown to help establish healthy levels of cholesterol. Flaxseed and psyllium may also help in this department.

#9 Bacterial Balance
Complete Colon Care has Acidopholus as an ingredient to help establish proper bacterial balance also known as intestinal flora. It is important to note that taking the best probiotic or acidopholus supplement may be a waste if an hospitable environment does not exist. Good bacteria need a good home if they are going to stick around. Using a product like Complete Colon Care helps to establish a positive environment for good bacteria to flourish. One of the key ingredients is Slippery Elm, which coats the entire digestive tract with a mucilage that protects the colon and helps support good bacterial colonies.

#10 Anal Fissures
Anal Fissures can represent suffering in the extreme, and are sometimes mistaken for Hemorrhoids. Candida can often be the root cause of anal fissures, and many have had success with Complete Colon Care and helping to address this serious problem. Constipation can often lead to anal fissures, and Complete Colon Care was formulated to help solve this problem.

So there is more than one reason to start taking Complete Colon Care. Customers rave about this product, and it is worth noting that it helps support liver function, kidney and urinary tract health, arthritis, gout, any digestive or colon problems and much more. Should you have questions, call the folks at Western Herbal toll free, 800-223-3036.

Heart Health and Bleeding Gums

2009-04-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Link Between Heart Health and Bleeding Gums

It was many years ago that I heard of a study suggesting that statistically a person who suffers with bleeding gums is at substantially higher risk for heart disease and heart attack risk. As best I recall, that original study goes back some 8 or 10 years ago. I remember thinking over the years that the link was likely more than coincidence and came to the reasoning that perhaps bleeding gums allowed for pathogens to freely enter the blood stream through the mouth for someone suffering with Gingivitis or bleeding gums. Of course it is well known that the human mouth is a dirty place, and plays host to a plethora of bad bacteria and probably yeasts.

Of course no one would argue the importance of good oral health, but daily brushing 3 x daily may not be enough to retard a problem with bleeding gums. So every grocery store and pharmacy now carries a host of mouthwash products to kill germs. Problem is, most mouthwashes contain a form of alcohol. A news piece I heard on the radio a few weeks ago was based on a new study suggesting mouthwashes that contain alcohol may cause cancer. So what to do now? Yes there are many more natural mouthwashes at the health food store level that are minus the alcohol, and probably help with oral health, in some cases even helping support the health of gum tissue. The problem as I see it is that alcohol is better at sterilization or killing germs than most other organic and 'safe' compounds.

So, I have some awesome suggestions for promoting good oral health, and diminishing the problem with bleeding gums. Let me start with a supplement called CoQ 10 available at any health food store or natural section of your pharmacy. It is quite a popular supplement these days. CoQ 10 exists naturally in leafy greens such as spinach, kale, etc. However it is naturally occurring in very small amounts. The Japanese were the first to isolate and produce this supplement in caplet form for human consumption. In Japan, CoQ 10 is the #1 doctor prescribed supplement for heart disease. It nourishes the heart and oxygenates the blood. Turns out the heart muscle in a healthy person has a high concentration of CoQ 10. The most interesting thing here in my mind is that CoQ 10 also is very helpful with bleeding gums, and that is information that has been known for years, and brought me to my own early conclusion of a direct connection between bleeding gums and heart attack risk. So the CoQ 10 is an excellent supplement for anyone who suffers with bleeding gums and is worried about their risk for heart problems.

In addition to recommending the supplement CoQ 10, I have some additional awesome remedies for establishing good oral health. Hydrogen Peroxide is an excellent gargle and kills most germs on contact. Be careful not to swallow any and rinse thoroughly with a cup of water after using it. Adding baking soda to promote oral hygiene is useful also. These days, I put toothpaste on my brush, dip it in baking soda, pour a cupful of Hydrogen Peroxide in my mouth and begin to brush. Peroxide does promote a lot of foaming action so be prepared to spit frequently and do not forget to rinse thoroughly after using Hydrogen Peroxide.

One more awesome recommendation for bleeding gums. There are some natural toothpastes that offer some help. But, the best thing I know of is something called 'Peelu' dental fibers. I first heard of Peelu through a radio talk show where a dentist was a guest caller, and described a patient with advanced gum disease was scheduled for gum surgery. She showed up for her scheduled surgery, the dentist examined her and noticed regenerated gum tissue, minus bleeding gums, and the patient no longer required surgery. The only thing the patient had done is brush her teeth with Peelu for several weeks. I have been using it for years now. Peelu comes from a tree in Africa where the locals chew the bark. All enjoy few to no dental carries, and pearly white teeth. Peelu whitens teeth, is very beneficial for gum health, and it reduces cavities. Try this, put toothpaste on your brush, add the Peelu fibers by dipping in the Peelu container, and after brushing with it you will notice a clean feeling that I have never been able to achieve with just toothpaste alone. Peelu is also non-abrasive. One last thing; several years ago I had some kind of swelling on my gum line. I made a poultice of Peelu or just a paste with water if you like and placed it between my cheek and gum. After just a few hours the swelling and discomfort was completely gone. I also sometimes dip chewing gum in the Peelu fibers and chew the gum and find it very cleansing and helpful for oral health.

Please visit us at www.westernherbal.com for more health information, or feel free to contact our knowledgeable customer care department with your questions. Our toll free number is 800-223-3036.

A Thank You to Our Customers

2009-04-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

We wanted to take time out to say a heart-felt thank you to all our valued customers. In the last 6 years of business, we have worked to help many with their health issues and questions. Many people come to us through a referral from a friend or family member. But others merely find us on the Internet, and may or may not call to place their order. For the customers that do call us directly, many are in severe distress, and only daring to hope that we have a product that might help with their Hemorrhoids, Gout, or other digestive or colon problems.

So for our customers who showed the faith to try our products, we would like to say thank you for your trust, and your patronage. If you know us at all, then you know we have an excellent customer care staff, and are only too willing to help with your questions or health problems. So to all our customers, past, present, and future, thank you, thank you, and thanks again for everything!! We value your unsolicited testimonials to our products, especially Hem-Relief, Gout-Relief, and Complete Colon Care. Thank you also for your kind words and encouragement, and the loyalty you have shown to our business. We thank you and we remain at your service!

Fasting for Health

2009-03-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

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.

The Best Cooking Oils for Better Health

2009-03-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Alkaline Water for Better Colon Health

2009-03-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

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

Colon Health, Candida and C. Diff.

2009-03-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

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

More Information on Minerals and Health

2009-02-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

More on Minerals for Health

The importance of minerals and trace elements can not be overstated when it comes to health and disease. Many afflictions have their roots in a mineral imbalance, or a deficiency. Or, just having a certain disease or health issue may deplete the body of certain essential minerals or vitamins. I have touched on this theme before, and feel it should be an important part of everyone's focus for optimum nutrition. A good progressive multivitamin should include a broad selection of trace minerals. For some of these minerals, an RDA has not been established. Some minerals are essential for optimum health, but required at very minute levels. The true picture is a complex one and no one person could possibly catalogue all the bodily processes that take place. The importance of minerals to our health is a topic that is very important, one which I have touched before, and I have more to add that can't be covered in this one article.

I wanted to touch on some deficiencies and corresponding health issues or illness. Rickets is related to a Calcium deficiency. My mom suffered with it as a baby during World War II. Scurvy was a disease affecting early travelers to North America and related to a Vitamin c deficiency and was overcome in later years by crews of ships eating limes while crossing the Atlantic to ensure Vitamin C uptake. Zinc deficiency can relate to many illnesses starting with Prostate Cancer and extending to impaired immune function and the common cold. Iron deficiency can lead to Anemia and death. Hemorrhoid sufferers have a deficiency of Vitamin K, Magnesium deficiency may lead to the disease of Gout. Alzheimer's disease research has shown a relation to too much Aluminium but may ultimately be caused by a mineral imbalance allowing Aluminium to accumulate in the brain. Calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D deficiencies may contribute to Osteoporosis.

Supplements and herbs that are recommended for establishing mineral balance are Kelp, Alfalfa, Irish Moss, Icelandic moss, spirulina, blue green algae, barley greens, and wheat grass juice just to name a few. Also, one of the main virtues of juicing, may be not so much the vitamin content of juiced vegetables and fruit, but likely the trace minerals provided for easy absorption. Most minerals are best taken from vegetable and fruit sources and many minerals sourced through other means may not be very well absorbed in the human digestive tract.

So take your vitamins, but do not forget your minerals as well to establish a healthy you. If you suffer with Gout, Hemorrhoids symptoms, or would like additional suggestions for herbs for Gout or Hemorrhoids, please visit www.westernherbal.com

The Importance of Diet, Nutrition, and Farming in the U.S.

2009-02-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

More On Diet Relating to Gout Suffering, and Hemorrhoid Symptoms

You have heard it said before, 'we are what we eat.' I would like someone to show me how that may be an inaccurate statement. I'll do my own self correcting; add-in some water, air (oxygen) and sunshine and season to taste. Diet is so important for optimum health, and it has to be a focal point for dealing with people's health issues. Supplementing our diet with vitamins, and key supplements is made necessary by our poor diets and nutrient poor food and produce. In a perfect world, all essential nutrition would be in the food we eat. Many places in the world have food that offers better nutrition than here in America by virtue of farming in better soil or better farming practices. I visit Germany on a fairly regular basis, and most anything you eat there has more flavor. Tomatoes, onions, apples, wheat, and most produce is farmed on a scale that differs from the type of farming and distribution in the U.S. Also, many places in the world practice crop rotation, which can actually put goodness and nutrients back into the soil. In Germany, often local produce ends up in the local markets and grocery stores, less time in transit, fresher produce. The use of fertilizer can force out maximum crop yields per acre, but farming the same land, with the same crop year after year has left many of our soils nutrient poor and hence the need for supplementation. Furthermore, the use of fertilizer year after year can degrade the quality of the soil, and has now reached a plateau in the U.S. where a given acre of crop no longer will give up extra yield for more fertilizer applied.

How does this relate to your health? Let me make a broad statement; we Americans are a nutritionally deficient lot. In 1980, the FDA commissioned a small study with some 200+ people in the study group. The purpose of the study was to determine what percentage of Americans received the minimum nutrition, or the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) a standard established by the government just after World War II to address malnutrition in school age children. To the surprise of the FDA, not one person in their study received the minimum daily nutrition. Nobody, Nada. The reason? We all lack perfect digestion, our food is poor in nutrients and nobody has 100% perfect absorption. The importance of all this is that for the average American, there is a strong need for supplementing our diet with vitamins, minerals, and additional supplements to compensate for our ultimate nutritional needs.

Food grown in your own garden likely has higher nutritional value than that purchased at your grocery store. If you add your own compost to your vegetable patch so much the better. Try to focus on buying food of higher nutritional content. Sometimes organic food may be a better choice but a person needs to be discerning. Some organic produce is not worth the extra money. Many vegetables and fruit have few natural predators and require no weedkillers or pesticides to produce a healthy crop.

Gravitating towards a whole foods diet, focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables and mineral rich foods will translate into better health. Eating healthy, and including more vegetables does not have to mean boring mealtimes. There are more online resources offering free recipes, more cook books in publication than at any time in history. Many people become stayed in their weekly menu, not really venturing beyond the food they grew up with, or the meals typically prepared at home. Try preparing a totally unique dish once a week to expand your menu options. Eating a diverse variety of foods is probably a person's best hedge on malnutrition or a deficiency. Pick your foods well, and spend more time shopping in the produce section of your grocery store. Try to focus on the Green stuff as well, spinach, kale, cabbage, and you are sure to help your suffering with Gout, Hemorrhoids or other health problems.

For more health information, and especially if you suffer with Hemorrhoids, Gout or digestive problems, please visit www.westernherbal.com

Alkalize for Gout and Hemorrhoid Symptoms

2009-02-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

The Need to Alkalize for Gout Symptoms and Hemorrhoids

I talk to many people weekly, daily regarding health issues. Many of the fine folks I talk with tell me they eat healthy. Probably the truth be known, some do in fact eat well, and many probably do not. What we Americans consider to be a healthy diet, may be considered by others as less than healthy. I have published articles previously on the need to Alkalize our bodies and more specifically our colon.

As food is digested, the net result of the by-products given off have a PH that is either acid or alkaline. Water has a neutral PH of 7.0. Some foods may be extremely acid with a PH approaching 1. Alkaline foods have a PH value of between 7 and 14. Nothing we ingest would have a PH as high as 1 or at the other end of the scale of a PH value of 14. Things which are that acid or alkaline would be extremely caustic such as Lye or Sodium Hydroxide, with a PH approaching 14, or extremely acid such as Hydrochloric Acid with a PH approaching 1 depending on the strength. Many foods may be almost neutral at around 7.0 PH, or fall into the category of being only slightly alkaline or slightly acid.

In the Health food industry, the need to Alkalize or bodies and diet has become a subject much in vogue. Yet the concept is not a novel one. Chinese traditional medicine is based on thousands of years of wisdom and holds that all foods can be classified as either yin or yang, corresponding to acid producing or alkaline. Which is better you may be asking? The average American diet is extremely acid producing. An acid colon environment will encourage the growth of bad bacteria, impede elimination of toxins and waste, and interfere with the bodies ability to absorb vital nutrients. Also, an acid environment in the colon will promote the accumulation of pockets of fecal matter and lead to serious health issues.

Focusing on trying to include more alkalizing foods in one's diet will promote better colon health, better elimination, and less health issues. Consider this, one can of Coca-Cola has an acid PH of around 2.5. It takes somewhere around 25 glasses of water to neutralize that acid to a PH close to 7.0. Viewed in that light, perhaps it is no wonder that so many Americans suffer from so many health issues related to an acid colon environment. Current wisdom has it that a good thing to aim for is a diet of 60% alkaline foods, and 40% acid foods. If a person is looking to overcome serious or multiple issues, shooting for a diet of 80% alkaline foods would be recommended.

Previous articles I have published outline a partial list of Acid and Alkaline foods. Even trying to include just a few more of the known alkaline producing foods has to have merit for promoting health, especially for our customers suffering with Gout pain or symptoms, Hemorrhoids, or Colon health problems such as constipation, I.B.S., diarrhea, or digestive problems. For more information on Western Herbal or any of our products, please visit www.westernherbal.com

Hemorrhoids and More on Candida

2009-02-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

Hemorrhoid Symptoms and the Link to Candida

If you suffer with Hemorrhoids, you have my sympathy. I am just such an animal myself. Understand that Hemorrhoids did not just happen without an underlying cause. They are a manifestation of something health related. Yes they can come about through exercise, heavy-lifting, pregnancy and childbirth, use of pain killers, other prescription medications, liver disease, just to mention a few of the contributory factors. Yet for most people who suffer, the root cause rests with the Candida yeast allergy. Painted yet another way; the same thing that brings on a baby's diaper rash, is likely the root cause of your Hemorrhoid pain and discomfort.

The trouble with trying to solve your problem with Hemorrhoids through addressing Candida is that oftentimes it may compound the Hemorrhoid pain, swelling, bleeding and itching. The reasoning behind that statement is because trying to eradicate Candida is not usually successful. Many things are known to help deal with the issue such as Garlic, Caprylic Acid, Oregano Oil, Colloidal Silver etc. The problem is that individually or even in combination, those supplements will only offer some marginal benefit without fully killing of Candida. Oftentimes, Candida is merely shifted to the lower colon where Hemorrhoid symptoms become more pronounced because of more yeast present. I have had this confirmed many times through my own experience and through talking with many customers over the years.

Candida is a monster. I tell customers that there is not a one-bullet approach to the issue. There are countless books and websites devoted to the issue and a million products that purport to deal with the yeast allergy, yet most I feel fall short of the mark. In fact, I talk to doctors, biochemists, formulators and manufacturers, none of whom I feel have a complete handle on the subject. The reason? Candida is a very complex organism. Perhaps we would not say that if we had a better way of treating it. The problem as I see it with most any product out there that targets Candida overgrowth, is that most only have marginal benefit. A person could have 99.9% success in eradicating Candida, but without getting to 100% they may have not bothered. Candida comes raging back. Also, there is a term called the 'die-off' that describes symptoms that come with trying to kill off the Candida organism. The die-off is a painful process that produces extreme fatigue, digestive upset, loose stools, kidney and liver pain, and sometimes rashes as well. Talk to anyone who has been through it and they may say that living with Candida is less painful that the symptoms of the die-off. As the yeast cells are killed, body organs can become congested with the dead yeast cells thus taxing the immune system, and leading to a feeling of being ill. Not fun, I know.

We do not address the issue head-on through our website, it is just too complex. And, without being able to offer something that delivers 100% results, we are not interested in carrying a product that might offer marginal benefit. I do have a good handle on the subject of Candida, and I hope to bring a product to the marketplace that really is effective, and beneficial to all who suffer.

For Hemorrhoid symptoms we do have a great product called Hem-Relief that very successfully chases away all the discomfort and suffering in just a few days. Relief for most starts to come in the first few hours of taking the capsules. For help with the broader problem of Candida, please refer to previous articles I have authored on dealing with Candida. I invite customers and blog readers to call our customer service if they need help with their questions relating to Candida and Hemorrhoids. I am also obligated to point out that we have an awesome product that does help with Candida in the colon, especially as it applies to Hemorrhoid problems. Complete Colon Care helps to address diarrhea, constipation, I.B.S., Gout, gastritis, and Hemorrhoids. It was designed for the Hemorrhoid sufferer who has what I call a primary issue such as those just mentioned, or a pronounced Candida issue. In such cases, Complete Colon Care would be recommended as an addition to the Hem-Relief product for Hemorrhoids. The Complete Colon Care may be thought of as a boost to our Hem-Relief product, or for anyone that acknowledges a Candida problem and is hoping for help with that. Further good news is that Complete Colon Care is a fiber herbal blend that seems to spare the painful issue of 'die-off.' I believe it accomplishes this through the type of fiber blend in addition to some 18 herbs present that work to restore, rebuild and rejuvenate the entire intestinal tract.

Western Herbal and Nutrition offers fine products for Gout, Hemorrhoids, Candida as it applies to colon health, and any digestive issues. Please visit our website at www.westernherbal.com or call our toll free number at 800-223-3036.

Gout Treatement for Pain

2009-02-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

Rout the Gout

I have complete empathy for anyone who suffers with Gout and the pain and suffering that goes with it. Many customers have tried to share with me how bad the suffering is and I often hear, "I would not wish this on my worst enemy." I shared with a recent customer how I have been told that smashing your foot repeatedly with a sledge hammer may come close to describing the constant pain some people endure with Gout. A recent customer corrected me by sharing his description. He rides Motocross motorcycles, and had a severe accident while riding in the dessert. He had multiple injuries to the ball of his foot, and spent a good deal of time in hospital and then recovery. At the same time he had the motorcycle accident, he also ended up suffering concurrently with an episode of Gout. He told me that the pain of Gout suffering dwarfed all the pain of his foot injuries from the accident. It is safe to say that Gout can affect more nerve endings than other types of trauma or injury.

There are prescription medications taken orally for Gout. They all have side effects, many serious, and almost without exception they take a heavy toll on liver, and sometimes kidney health as well. One of the most widely prescribed drugs for Gout is Allopurinol. I am told that one out of three patients can not tolerate the drug, and for many it can make the symptoms of Gout worse. More than one customer of ours has shared with me that they started with Gout in their big toe, went on Allopurinol, and now have Gout in every joint in their body. Also, another complaint that repeats itself is where a customer shares with me they have been taking a prescription that used to work, but has become less and less effective at treating the pain for Gout over time. Figure that if you are taking something that only treats the symptoms, but further degrades the health of the liver or kidneys, you may be better served by seeking a natural approach to the disease of Gout.

There is really good news here. There are some traditional herbs known to be very helpful for Gout. Taken individually, they may not bring much relief for Gout pain and swelling of the joints and surrounding epidermis. There also exist some cutting edge supplements that have shown merit for some of the symptoms and suffering of Gout. There is a product that has brought many of the best herbs and supplements together in one product for Gout. You really owe it to yourself to check it out. Gout-Relief is one of the safest, and most effective natural supplements using a broad spectrum approach to treat the condition. Gout-Relief is available through the website www.westernherbal.com or call toll free 800-223-3036.

The Art of Formulating Nutritional Supplements

2009-02-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

A Product Formulator's Perspective on Nutritional Supplements

The Nutritional supplement marketplace can be a confusing place to visit. A visit to the vitamin section of your pharmacy or health food store may leave you befuddled as to what to buy, and which supplement is best. I work in the industry and often face similar confusion. Every manufacturer makes their claims, and it is sometimes hard to sort fact from fiction. Perhaps that is where brand loyalty comes in, going with a company that has shown to have effective products, and I can name many that I have respect for.

Every year, new products appear on the market, many with promising claims, sometimes backed by science or studies. At the same time, there is an atrophy of existing herbs that seem to drop off in popularity. That is a topic I have touched on before, and a fact that I sometimes lament. More to this; could there have been a time in history where an herbal remedy was used to treat certain cancers? I know in my heart the answer to be yes. I guess that it bothers me that wisdom is sometimes lost, and only should ever be compounded on. An example, (I have many,) would be Devils Claw. Twenty years ago, most every health food store stocked that single herbal supplement. One of my top five supplements for Arthritic pain and joint swelling. Today it is hard to find. There are no negatives to its' use, it is very effective for Arthritis, Gout, Kidney issues, and helps with arterial plaque. Somehow, people just started forgetting about it.

Perhaps the responsibility should be shared with supplement manufacturers, who tend to look at the competition, and say, "We should be doing something similar." Perhaps in doing so they are doing themselves and their customers a disservice, and missing the wisdom of tried and true herbs that sometimes have centuries of use. I use this to my advantage when putting together herbal supplements. I like to use what is cutting edge, and backed by science. But also, I like to look to herbs that have a strong history of use. The wisdom of our ancestors should not be diminished, since they were quite dependent on natural remedies and did not always have access to a medical professional.

Furthermore, I believe that the responsibility of any manufacturer is to produce the most progressive product possible. If a complex formula is expensive to produce, the idea is not to take out ingredients to make it more cost effective, but produce it anyway. And, if it is expensive to produce, pass the cost on to the end consumer, but do not miss out on the opportunity to make the very best product possible for your customers. Such a basic business practice, and one that I believe has served us well, but how many companies miss that by a mile only ever focusing on the bottom line.

Such is the business premise behind this company. Cutting edge products at a reasonable price, backed superior customer service. If you are interested in health products or need help with Hemorrhoids, Gout, or have colon issues that need addressing, please pay us a visit at www.westernherbal.com or call us toll free at 800-223-3036.

A Vegetarian Perspective

2009-02-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

How I Became a Vegetarian

I have been a vegetarian now for some 22 years. A personal choice for me and one that has served me well. I am not out to convert the world to a vegetarian lifestyle, in fact I believe that many people thrive on a meat (carnivore) diet. In fact, I encourage my kids to eat meat, and having worked in the restaurant business for some 10 years, one of my favorite pastimes is cooking steaks, kabobs, burgers and chicken for family and friends on the barbecue. Yin-yang theory holds the view that some people thrive on meat eating according to their ancestral traditions. I do eat dairy products including eggs. Vegetarians who do not include dairy must have much more focus on balancing their diet, and I think can tend towards deficiencies if not very careful.

In my early twenties, I developed a severe case of gastritis. Not knowing how to treat it as I do now, I went to the hospital emergency room more that once, swallowed the Barium and stood in front of an x-ray machine, only to be told I suffered with severe gastritis, not an ulcer and not to worry to much. A lot of help that was. Back then, I did not make the connection between severe gastritis, Hemorrhoid episodes and the link to Candida. In desperation I went to a natural practitioner. He was pretty helpful, but also gave me a couple of books for suggested reading. One of the most influential books I have ever read was 'The Essene Gospel of Peace' which chronicles a period in the life of Jesus Christ not found in the Bible Scriptures. In this book, Jesus appears to a whole group of sick and dying on the bank of a river. He starts by saying, "Listen to me and I will tell you all how to cure your ills." He goes on to tell everyone in a sermon-on-the-mount style of speaking that all should fast seven days and nights to cure all their ills. Several prayers are here as well as dietary recommendations that are being borne out today as sound practices for health. Doing a search for the title on line will probably lead you to the Biogenic Society that publishes and sells the book and others at non-profit prices. I bought my last copy for $1. I have had many over the years but they have a tendency to wander off. I highly recommend the reading for anyone wanting to get a grip on their health issues.

So after reading this amazing book, I took a week off from work, jumped on my motorcycle and rode a few hundred miles into the Colorado Mountains. I found a wilderness area where I camped, fasted and prayed for a week. I had to do something to address my terrible suffering with stomach issues. I emerged one week later as a vegetarian, and confident that I had the ability to solve my own health issues. These days, I go out of my way to avoid much discussion on the virtues of being a vegetarian, except that I love it and rarely miss meat. More often that not someone wants to raise the issue at the Thanksgiving dinner table and my short pat answer is that it is a personal preference for me, and I run better on 'unleaded.' My gastric issues did improve with a vegetarian diet, and yearly health check-ups come back normal for blood pressure and everything else. Not bad for just having turned 50. Please check out The International Biogenic Society if you are so inclined. I support everything they stand for and support.

Please feel free to contact me at service@westernherbal.com or visit our website at www.westernherbal.com for information on Health or if you suffer with Gout symptoms, Hemorrhoids, poor digestion or colon problems.

Health Tips for Gout or Hemorrhoids in a Tough Economy

2009-02-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Health Tips in a Down Economy

I am an optimist. While I fully acknowledge some hard times are upon us, I am optimistic that the economy will rebound, and perhaps quicker than anyone thought. That is my hope, and my prayers will help make it so God willing. We Americans are a resilient lot, resourceful, and innovative. That said, we could be facing food shortages this coming summer. Not so much due to the economy, but the 3 year drought that California is dealing with has already led to many farmers not planting their usual early crops. At the time of this article, California snow pack in the Sierra Mountains is at 61% of normal levels, and we are already in a drought with many state reservoirs at one-third of normal levels. By estimates California supplies 80% of U.S. produce. Given the impending water rationing state officials say will be coming later this year, it may be prudent to take a look at the practical aspect of either expanding or starting a vegetable garden. I am certain we will see at least some food items simply unavailable, or at a minimum being offered at higher, even exorbitant prices. One more thing that I really do not have an answer for. I saw a news piece the other night on dairy farming. Since the price of milk has fallen, at least what a farmer is paid for per gallon, a lot of dairy farms are struggling, selling off cows at a loss, or simply going out of business. That may bring milk shortages that take a year or two to normalize. Soy milk may be a good alternative for many.

What to plant? I published an earlier article discussing the virtue of alkalizing foods. This blog is focused on helping our current or future customers to better health, especially those who suffer with colon issues, Gout or Hemorrhoids. So the foods I recommend are from the alkaline side of the food spectrum and will promote optimum colon health while helping with any of the conditions I have mentioned here. A short list of alkaline fruits and vegetables that may supplement possible shortages at your grocery store include:
Apples, beets, broccoli, garlic, celery, endive, melons, spinach, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, watermelon, fresh green beans, parsley, mustard greens, radishes, watercress. turnips, millet, and mint. As a lover of herbs and their medicinal uses, I would recommend basil, fennel, oregano, thyme, and most anything else that can be used for cooking, or for their medicinal properties.

Lest I forget, I really believe that for Hemorrhoids pain and Gout symptoms can be helped by eating cabbage daily, in any of its' forms, cooked, pickled, or eaten fresh. Feel free to check out our products at www.westernherbal.com

Can Hemorrhoids Be Deadly?

2009-02-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

Deadly Hemorrhoids?

If you have ever suffered with Hemorrhoids, then perhaps you may have wondered how serious the pain and suffering can become. In my late twenties, the thought came to me often. I had the very worst form, internal, external, thrombosed, with extreme pain and bleeding. Sometimes I would wonder if a person could die of Hemorrhoids. Not trying to be too graphic here but there really were times that the toilet water had turned bright crimson from loss of blood after a particularly painful bowel movement. I found myself wondering if a person could die of Hemorrhoids. By now, I know the answer to be yes. In over 5 years of working with customers and our Hem-Relief product for Hemorrhoid symptoms, I have had 2 customers now share with me that they almost died from Hemorrhoids. In both cases they were women who told me that the extreme loss of blood from Hemorrhoids dictated the need for blood transfusions in the emergency room. I know that to be an extremely small percentage of Hemorrhoid sufferers, and I for one am glad I did not have to go through that kind of a procedure, though I think I was at times on the brink.

Many Hemorrhoid sufferers probably start with a trip to their practitioner for a diagnosis. I did so initially, but I was also frustrated by his seeming lack of empathy. I do not think most doctors appreciate how extremely painful and debilitating the problem is. Furthermore, bleeding in that area can not help immune function, and always left me with a feeling of nausea and malaise. So glad those days are over for me. I also believe that the use of suppositories and topical creams promoted my pain and suffering with Hemorrhoids. Topically, I have found not much really works outside of Witchazel extract applied to the area. Internally though, I have found Hem-Relief to be the most effective thing for chasing away the bleeding, pain and swelling to being symptom free in 48 hours.

If you are looking for a natural remedy for Hemorrhoids and want to see all of it gone in just a couple of days, look no further. Visit www.westernherbal.com

Levels of Hemorrhoid Suffering

2009-02-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

Levels of Hemorrhoid Suffering

There are different levels of Hemorrhoid suffering. Hem-Relief is a natural herbal supplement designed to bring complete relief to any type of Hemorrhoids pain or discomfort. Customers ask me all the time how long they may need to take the Hem-Relief as a preventative. The answer to the question really depends on a persons' level of suffering. Experience has shown me that some people have only ever suffered with the mildest of symptoms, never seeming to move beyond mild discomfort. And that can apply to both internal and external Hemorrhoid symptoms. But still for many, the pain and discomfort can be unbearable.

The first category would be the once in a lifetime Hemorrhoid sufferers. By estimates some 80% of Americans will suffer with Hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime. Probably several thousand of our customers could probably shout that they had Hemorrhoids one time, ordered Hem-Relief, and 'cured' themselves. I must acknowledge that some of those success stories may be the once in a lifetime type of sufferers.

The second category of suffering is probably where most people fall into. For many, Hemorrhoids tend to recur several times a year. That certainly is my story. Many in this category have found that Hemorrhoids surgery is not the answer. I have talked to many that have had surgical techniques performed multiple times. In one case, our customer care department talked to a gentleman who had surgery for Hemorrhoids on 10 occasions! Ouch!

While I have complete empathy for each and every customer who comes to us, I feel particularly bad for those who have endured 20 or 30 years of continual suffering. This group is certainly in the minority of average Hemorrhoid cases. But, by now I have talked to many who have endured decades of suffering where nothing has helped.... until Hem-Relief. One of my recent testimonials came from a man I have spoken to at length, and suffered daily for 31 years and tried everything with no results until he ordered Hem-Relief. For anyone reading this and on the brink of needing Hemorrhoid surgery, help is here in a natural, safe, herbal supplement.

Hem-Relief comes in a safety sealed 90 capsule bottle. It can be purchased online through the website at www.westernherbal.com or by calling customer care toll free at
800-223-3036. Check out our testimonials from satisfied customers who rave about all our products. If you suffer with IBS, Colon issues, Gout, or Hemorrhoids, you need to check us out.

Hemorrhoids Help with Herbal Solutions

2009-02-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Herbs for Hemorrhoid Pain

There are a few herbs that are helpful for Hemorrhoid pain and suffering. Bistwort is one that I like and used to be taken as an emergency food. It has moved into obscurity and not usually found on Health Food store shelves but has a tradition of use. I am always amazed how certain herbs or foods simply fade from popularity. The best success for taking herbs for Hemorrhoid symptoms is likely to come in a combination. My own experience with Hemorrhoid issues and experimentation with different remedies brought me to the formula currently available in the Hem-Relief 90 capsule supplement. I believe that the formula is exactly right in this supplement and as a Hemorrhoid sufferer myself, I have tried most everything out there in one form or another. I really believe there is nothing more effective on the planet or anything else that brings quicker results.

Withazel, Horse Chestnut leaf, and Ginger are the magic ingredients in the Hem-Relief that make it such a successful product. I tell everyone who wants to know that it has never failed to bring me complete relief in 48 hours or less. Without it, I should have had Hemorrhoids surgery at least 3 or 4 times by now. Customers tell me all the time, thank God I found your website. Figure that if you are suffering badly, have tried this and that with just marginal results; there is a product called Hem-Relief that really does work. Doctors, Chiropractors and clinics order the product wholesale and often prescribe it for their patients.

For a natural Hemorrhoids remedy please check out www.westernherbal.com and see over 5 years of testimonials from satisfied customers. Or check out other products at www.medgrades.com to see which is right for you.

More Probiotic Info on Gout and Hemorrhoids

2009-02-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Healthy Eating for Gout or Hemorrhoid Suffering

2009-02-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

Needing Help with Hemorrhoids or Gout Suffering?

If you are suffering with one of these two health issues, figure there is relief out there to ease your Gout pain or Hemorrhoid symptoms. But, for any health issue I like to start with this question. Are you eating healthy? I talk to many customers daily who assure me their diet is pretty good. What is the standard for healthy eating? I think one needs to look far beyond the average American diet. I would like to share with you an idea that got me into the health and nutrition field many years ago. There is an organization called the Biogenic Society and the link to their website is http://www.communityofpeace.net/Britxt/Binternat.htm It is a faith-based affiliation that believes in eating as much 'live' food as possible. Live food would be food not cooked, frozen, our altered from its' fresh picked or harvested state. There is virtue in that reasoning. Vital enzymes needed for optimum health are destroyed through cooking, freezing or processing. A key part of the aging process may be in the bodys' inablility to easily manufacture enzymes as we grow older. Supplementation of enzymes can be achieved by eating raw fresh product.

The Biogenic Society believes in growing your own produce as much as possible. The orgainzation also sells non-profit religious books which may be of great interest to many people. I absolutely concur with the idea of consuming raw food as much as possible for optimum health. If you need more help with Gout symptoms or Hemorrhoid pain, try visiting www.westernherbal.com or www.medgrades.com toll free number 800-223-3036.

Essential Mineral Balance for Health

2009-02-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

The Essentials of Essentials

I used to work as a nutritional consultant for a large health chain. I have said before that often I learn as much from customers as perhaps they learn from me. I remember serving a customer who shared with me his ignorance of nutrition but went on to say he was a structural engineer. He told me that the future of supplements and the key to health had to rest more with mineral supplements than vitamins. Furthermore, he imparted to me that the strength of a steel bridge comes through the minerals added to iron. He embellished on that notion some more but his point has never been lost on me.

If you suffer from a health affliction such as Hemorrhoids, Gout, or issues of the colon, figure that you may be deficient in some minerals. Actually, probably most everyone is deficient in something or another. And... the human body is a complex picture of chemical reactions taking place every second of our lives. I think everyone should strive for balance in their mineral uptake. Easier said than done. For most every supplement taken such as Calcium, an imbalance can be created elsewhere. Calcium supplementation takes Vitamin C out of the body and vice versa. A hair or finger nail lab analysis can give a breakdown of mineral content in the body and suggest deficiencies or toxic levels of elements such as Mercury or Cadnium. One tip I have for addressing that balance is the addition of a Kelp supplement in tablet or capsule form. Kelp is a sea vegetable and a broad spectrum of trace minerals present that are known to help balance the essential minerals needed for optimum health. I will expand on this topic in future blogs.

For more information on health issues such as colon impairment, natural remedies for Hemorrhoids pain or Gout information, please visit www.westernherbal.com or www.medgrades.com

Hemorrhoid Relief Testimonial

2009-02-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

Another Satisfied Customer Who Suffered With Hemorrhoids

I spoke with a customer this morning who was quite emotional from the onset. She told me she was holding back tears but wanted to thank me and reminded me that we spoke last week when she placed an order for our Hem-Relief. Her order was shipped out that day and expedited as Next Day Air with UPS. She went on to share with me that she received it the following morning around 10:00 a.m. Her Hemorrhoids pain was greater than that of pain she had following two back surgeries. She said that she believed God led her to our website and to call me on that day. Marg is now just one of our many satisfied customers who have submitted testimonials to us attributing to the success of Hem-Relief as a natural herbal remedy for Hemorrhoid symptoms. Relief from Hemorrhoids came in less than 48 hours for Marg as it does for most. No messy creams that don't work anyway, just a Hemorrhoid Relief product that truly works.

To learn more about Hem-Relief, an herbal supplement taken in capsule form please visit www.medgrades.com or www.westernherbal.com Please also feel free to contact our customer service department online at www.service@westernherbal.com or our customer care center toll free at 800-223-3036.

2009-01-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

Some Additional Tips for Hemorrhoid Pain

I have suffered with Hemorrhoids since I was in my mid-twenties. As a long distance runner the manifestation of the problem made my life pretty uncomfortable at times. Since then, I do not think I have had a single year of my life pass without having Hemorrhoid symptoms at least a couple of times a year. I probably should have had Hemorrhoid surgery 3 or 4 times by now at a minimum, but thankfully I have found a natural remedy for Hemorrhoids that saved me from needing surgery.

The natural remedy I use is an herbal supplement in capsule form which has thankfully always brought me complete relief in 48 hours or less. I also take it as a Hemorrhoid preventative and it has diminished the frequency and severity of episodes over the years. Now, I am at a point where I still suffer 3 or 4 times a year, and at the first tinge of impending Hemorrhoid pain or symptoms, I grab my Hem-Relief bottle and down some capsules. Relief comes in the first few hours. Of course there is no cure for Hemorrhoids, but I really believe that Hem-Relief is the next best thing. I never travel anywhere without bringing a bottle along. And, if I do forget as with a couple of occasions, I panic a little. I think the Hem-Relief is the most awesome thing on the planet for chasing away Hemorrhoid symptoms.

If you suffer with Hemorrhoids pain or you are considering Hemorrhoid surgery, I would urge you to check out the Hem-Relief product at www.medgrades.com or www.westernherbal.com Take note the Hem-Relief product is backed by a money back guarantee. Western Herbal has a very supportive customer service department and their toll free number is 800-223-3036.

2009-01-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hemmorrhoid Treatment

If you are one of the thousands of Americans who find themselves on the brink of needing surgery for Hemorrhoids, I would ask you to reconsider. It never occurs to most people that a natural Hemorrhoids Remedy exists that can be the answer to avoiding surgery. Most of the topical creams or ointments simply do not work. Doctors have shared with me that almost nothing exists in the topical realm for Hemorrhoids remedy.

It stands to reason that many illnesses can only be addressed internally. I am of the opinion that for the majority of afflictions we humans face, a natural alternative has been provided for through the miracle of nature. I think nature may in fact be more perfect than any of us can imagine. Plant life including roots, leaves, bark, and grains have been used the world over by indigineous people probably since the dawn of man. I do regret that some of the wisdom of our ancestors regarding herbal use has been lost through the ages. I feel safe in saying that some diseases that we today consider incurable may have been treated routinely with herbal combinations on a routine basis. Part of the reason why deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has such painful implication for those who understand that only a small percentage of plant life there has been catologed. Perhaps the plants ploughed under in the next acre held the secret to a cure for cancer, aids treatment or some other miracle of nature.

So I say let's at least capitalize on the herbs and remedies that exist naturally today which have medicinal benifit. In a lecture on herbal remedies I attended, the group in attendance was told that mummyfied remains of a man was discovered in a cave in Egypt. Carbon dating placed the age of the man at some 5.000 years ago. He carried a sachet of some 20 different herbs attached by string or leather around his neck. Of the 20 or so herbs he carried, 8 were still commonly used today for their medicinal value. I figure if something has a long tradition of use over the ages, it must hold virtue. I fully believe in the virtue of natural supplements, as nature and her wisdom intended.

For more information on Hemorrhoid treatment, Gout pain, or issues of colon health please visit www.medgrades.com or www.westernherbal.com or we have a very well trained customer care department at our toll free number 800 223-3036.

2009-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

Focal Points for Hemorrhoid Suffering

Here I have outlined 5 focus points to help bring colon health and ease long term Hemorrhoid suffering. If you have looked into Hemorrhoid treatments, consider the following as natural alternatives to improve your condition.
1/ Diet: Minimize alcohol intake or eliminate altogether. Sugar, high carbs such as white rice, white bread, potatoes, should be eliminated from the diet. Instead focus on including whole grains, steamed vegetables and whole foods. Try to avoid fermented foods which have vinegar, or soy sauce.
2/ Fiber: Numerous studies confirm Americans are deficient in their fiber intake. Quality fibers are Oat bran, Fresh ground Flaxseed, and Psyllium Husks.
3/ Probiotics: A good quality yogurt can help address an imbalance of intestinal bacteria or flora. Activa is a good yogurt that can be useful for suffering.
4/ Candida destroying foods: Candida is often the cause of Hemorrhoid suffering. Garlic, Oregano Oil, Capryllic Acid supplements (extract from Coconut), and colloidal silver are things known to help destroy Candida yeast cells in the intestines.
5/ Alkaline Foods: Alfalfa sprouts, almonds, apples, bananas, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, coconut, dates, endive lettuce, figs, garlic, grapes, lemons, lima beans, melons, millet, olives and olive oil, onions, pineapple, romaine lettuce, soy beans, spinach, strawberries, and watermelon are just a cross section of suggested foods.

These five categories can help over time to help with diminishing long term suffering and help circumvent the need for Hemorrhoid surgery. A Hemorrhoids cure does not really exist, yet there are oral supplements known to be very effective at alleviating all symptoms of suffering. For a natural Hemorrhoids solution, you may want to check out www.westernherbal.com and the top selling Hem-Relief product for quick, effective Hemorrhoid relief. You may also wish to check out a product comparison at www.medgrades.com Our customer service care specialists are available through our toll free number at 1-800 223-3036.

Hemorrhoids Pain

2009-01-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

Just Say No to Hemorrhoid Surgery

Over the years, a few hundred of our customers have heard some portion of my story regarding my personal battle with Hemorrhoids suffering. So, after with over five years of business history helping customers overcome suffering with different health issues, I felt it timely to tell my own story of suffering with Hemorrhoids:In my late 20’s, I was living in Europe and working in sales, while often traveling the length and breadth of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Sweden. Being on the road sometimes for a week or more had me traveling by plane, train and automobile. That busy lifestyle combined with a less than perfect diet which often included fast food, helped to bring on a terrible case of Hemorrhoids. I had internal, external, thrombosed and bleeding Hemorrhoids and the excruciating pain along with it. Not a lot of sympathy from my doctor who advised me that I probably needed surgery. I was determined not to go down that road since I had seen my father try to recover from anal fissure surgery when I was a kid around 7 years old. I still remember his screams of agony weeks after his surgery when using the bathroom. It really did leave me traumatized.

After the first visit to my doctor for a diagnosis of Hemorrhoids, he did give me a prescription for Preparation-H which really did nothing to help my suffering save for easing my next bowel movement. But, the pain and bleeding persisted. Still, I kept using the Prep-H for some 3 months, determined that things had to get better. I remember attending a business dinner at a very expensive restaurant with several business CEO’s present. I had to excuse myself to use the restroom. In the bathroom I had tears rolling down my face, sweat on my forehead, and bleeding so bad the toilet water turned blood red. It took me 45 minutes to make it back to the restaurant table, walking at the pace of a 70 year old man who really needed a walker. The embarrassment of coming back to a large table of sympathetic faces, where no words were needed to explain my extensive absence from the dinner table is a memory etched in my mind, and an episode of suffering I hope never to revisit.

Meantime, I was moving closer to the need for surgery. In desperation, and with a good background in herbs and nutrition, I put together some herbal ingredients and put them in capsules myself. I got my life back and chased away all the pain, swelling, itching and discomfort. Amazingly, total relief came in less than forty eight hours. I continued to take the capsules for months as a preventative, but if I forgot to take them for a while, my Hemorrhoids would return. So I learned to always keep my Hemorrhoid remedy close, just in case and especially when travelling. Over the years, my handy little herbal remedy helped friends and family members, and I would still capsule the same remedy myself for others that needed it. I had so many people tell me over the years that “This stuff works great you should sell it.” Well my friend, the rest is history. I did eventually start a business producing herbal and nutritional supplements and we have been in business now since 2003. We are no longer just a Hemorrhoid supplement company, but our Hemorrhoid solution is still one of our better selling products.

Feel free to contact us through our website at www.westernherbal.com by live chat or e-mail. Or, simply call us toll free at 1-800-223-3036. You might also reference some additional info on Hemorrhoids info at www.medgrades.com Note that all our products are backed by a money back guarantee.

Hemorrhoids Tips for the Holidays

2008-11-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

We at Western Herbal would like to take time out to wish you and your family a happy holiday season. In that same vein, and wishing you the best of health, we thought that we would share with you that our busiest days for our Hemorrhoid product, Hem-Relief, come right after a major holiday. As a courtesy, we thought we would share with you a quick list of Hemorrhoids tips for the 2008 holiday season.

Tips for avoiding Hemorrhoids this season:
Overindulgence is often the culprit for Hemorrhoid suffering. We have experience in this area, and have assembled a list of the usual suspects. If you currently are experiencing a bout with Hemorrhoids, the following foods are a no-no. If you are currently Hemmy-Free, perhaps a little indulgence is O.K.

1) Alcohol - Probably most of us are aware of the link between alcohol and Hemorrhoids, but year after year, the busiest day for Hem-Relief sales is the Monday following Super Bowl Sunday. Yes, beer. The devil may actually be in the brewers yeast and not so much the alcohol itself. Moderation is the key. If you are currently suffering with Hemorrhoids, we recommend total avoidance of Alcoholic Beverages.

2) Potatoes - We all love them, most of us anyway, but it has a high glycemic index. Meaning: if sugar is 100 on the scale, potatoes are around 90, depending on the other ingredients in the salad. Many Hemorrhoid sufferers have already made that connection to diet and Hemorrhoids. Potato salad or scalloped potatoes are a guaranteed episode for some people. Additional things to avoid in large amounts when suffering.

3) Nuts - Say nuts to nuts if you are suffering with Hemorrhoids. Probably one of the best recipes for Hemorrhoids is too many beers and nuts at the ballgame. Again, moderation is the key, and total avoidance if you feel the tinge that tells you your Hemorrhoids may be right around the corner.

4) Candy, sweets, and chocolate - A trip to the local market or fair may be just the ticket for you and your family, but, try to avoid too much sugar and junk food. Many Hemorrhoid sufferers are able to make the obvious connection between too much sugar and their problem.

5) Whole foods, yogurt, fresh fruit and veggies will probably serve you best this season.

We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season, where sitting down presents you with zero discomfort.Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Causes of Hemorrhoids

2008-11-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

There are several causes that can contribute to Hemorrhoids and it is quite common that those afflicted can suffer from more than one cause. Combined factors can increase the intensity or frequency of occurrences.
Most causes are related to circulatory and colon health. Proper diet and exercise is the best preventative and long term solution. However, here is no cure for Hemorrhoids. Surgery is definitely not a cure. But, with the right supplementation, exercise and nutrition, the frequency and severity of future outbreaks can be diminished.

Common Hemorrhoid Causes

Physical
· Sitting for Long Periods
· Office Work
· Driving
· Straining / Pressure
· Pregnancy / Childbirth
· Straining during bowel movements
· Weightlifting
· Obesity
· Friction
· Distance Running
· Bicycling
· Exercise
· Heredity
· Genetic Factors

Circulatory Disorders
· Diabetes
· Arterial sclerosis
· Varicose Veins
· Parasites

Impaired Colon Function
· Poor Flora (Bacteria) Balance
· Candida (Yeast Allergy)
· I.B.S.
· Chronic Diarrhea
· Chronic Constipation
· Digestive Disorders
· Parasites
· Former Colon Surgery

Poor Diet
· Alcohol Consumption
· High Carbohydrate Diet
· Insufficient Dietary Fiber
· Ethnic Foods

Prescription Drugs
· Stool Softeners
· Antibiotics
· Certain Medications
· Overuse of Laxatives

We do not recommend surgery except as an option of last resort. Many sufferers have had surgical techniques performed only to see their Hemorrhoids return time and time again. Also, many of the popular creams, ointments and suppositories only offer temporary relief and many actually prolong the agony of Hemorrhoids.

Good News!
There are several effective natural treatments available today that are significantly less expensive options to perscriptions and will provide long term relief.

We are always interested in learning about the latest progressive natural and herbal products and would love to hear your thoughts and comments on this "painful" subject.