The Significance of Intestinal Bacteria

By Richard Bell

Intestinal Bacteria, commonly called Gut Flora are organisms that live in our intestines and keep us healthy by performing numerous significant tasks. On an average a human is known to have about thirty trillion microorganisms in their stomach, with more than five hundred types. They are as responsible for performing work as any of our main organs, but are never mentioned as something we need in order to stay healthy.

Our feces are about sixty percent bacteria, which is why doctors ask for a sample when we have an intestinal problem. This is the most non-invasive manner in which tests could be done to find the reason of the upset stomach.

When babies are born they have no bacteria in their system, however their body quickly picks up bacteria from the mother and surrounding environment, and within a few months their body builds up the healthy bacteria. Babies born by cesarean deliveries are likely to take a longer period of time to build up these bacteria as compared to babies born normally.

The bacteria in our stomach perform various different roles such as fermenting, maintaining a healthy resistance level, fighting the harmful bacteria, creating vitamins, and helping us store fat. Firstly they break down carbohydrates; as a result our body can absorb the nutrients from it. With no bacteria in our intestines, we would not have been able to break down a lot of food that we eat, and therefore would need to eat more to remain healthy.

These bacteria also stop the dangerous bacteria to grow in our digestive tract. Due to the struggle in the tract between different types of bacteria for room, the bad bacteria are unable to grow up because the helpful bacteria do not allow them to have any space. Humans with no any intestinal bacteria could to get sick more often when compared to those with normal levels.

These bacteria are also helpful in building up our immune system so we dont fall sick. Due to a tolerance for healthy bacteria that we develop in our childhood, the immune system is proficient to battle the bad bacteria, therefore leaving behind only the good bacteria. These bacteria are also helpful in preventing from all sorts of allergies and inflammatory bowel disease.

However, nowadays the use of antibiotics and other drugs is increasingly upsetting our digestive system, as the medicines are not able to differentiate between the several forms of bacteria in our body and wipe out the bad bacteria and the good. This is the main cause of diarrhoea and other sicknesses of the bowel. Although we may not be consuming antibiotics intentionally, a lot of the dairy and meat we consume nowadays is said to have the antibiotics, which are given to the animals to prevent them from several diseases. The use of Probiotics is now popular to help the good bacteria thrive in the gut, as probiotics are helpful for the bacteria to perform their functions by helping fight harmful bacteria and improving the resistance level of the body

It is important to know that not all bacteria are bad for us, and that our body has many millions of bacteria in it that are actually helping it stay healthy.

About the Author:

Richard is an alternative health professional and has many years experience in natural health remedies. He is an advocate of intestinal health as a foundation for overall health. Probiotics such as fivelac have been made to maximise the amount of healthy bacteria in your gut. Healthy intestines a knock on effect on your overall health.

The Largest Benefit of Probiotics

Most consumers constantly try to keep their world sterile. Such harmful microscopic germs and viruses as influenza and pneumonia keep parents on constant guard. Few parents are informed of the benefits of probiotic bacteria to their babies and children. These friendly organisms help before, during and after any illness or medication regimen.

Probiotics play an important role in baby's life even as they develop in the womb. Babies receive a natural boost of them into their own bodies as they pass through the birth canal. These friendly organisms help babies in the same ways they help adults. It is important for parents to understand that nature has already placed hundreds of similar microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of all mammals. This is a natural defense against pathogens or harmful bacteria.

These defense bacteria create a barrier along the lining of the tract. This helps prevent harmful invaders from lodging themselves. Probiotics also stimulate the existing immune system. They help the body by stimulating production of various B vitamins as well as vitamin K. These organisms go even further by producing enzymes necessary for a healthy digestive system.

Probiotics are reported to help baby deal with common allergens and allergic reactions such as hay fever, eczema, and asthma. Breast-fed babies receive a natural boost from mother's milk. The rates of colic and other digestive problems are less in babies who have been breast-fed. There are existing formulas that contain additives with these bacteria. Parents should consult with their pediatrician before changing formulas.

These naturally occurring microorganisms are commonly found in yogurt. They can also be used in:

* Cottage cheeses

* Aged cheeses

* Certain pickles

* Some fruit juices

Probiotics are easily purchased in supplemental forms as well. They are currently available in health food stores as chewable tablets, powders, capsules, or in granulated forms. They are all taken orally and the majority work just as effectively when mixed with food or liquid.

One large benefit these helpful microorganisms have on babies is the replenishment of helpful bacteria lost from diarrhea. There are already a host of natural helpful organisms in a baby's digestive system. This delicate balance may become unbalanced from a variety of reasons.

Antibiotics help the body to fight off infections and illness. The antibiotics themselves will not distinguish between good and bad bacteria. Your baby can lose a number of the good one in their system. Common colds and the stomach flu also lessen the number of helpful organisms in a baby's system.

A supplement may help regulate your baby's body after these health problems. Probiotics have also been reported to lessen lactose intolerance in babies who have allergies. They may enhance your baby's immune system and boost their current levels of antioxidants.

Thrush is a common worry for parents. This is a form of yeast infection that is also known as Candida. There is a natural presence of Candida in the body that is kept regulated by natural probiotics. The use of bottles and pacifiers creates a perfect environment for this type of yeast infection. Antibiotics may also increase baby's risk for developing thrush. A good supplement from a trusted company may be the best advantage you can give your growing baby.

Billy Kite is a researcher writing on behalf of http://www.ganedenlabs.com/

The Absolute Best Canker Sore Remedies You Don't Know About

By Janet Malley

If you suffer from canker sores, then you know how painful and irritating these recurring ulcerated mouth sores can be. They appear on the inside of your mouth - on the tongue, soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks, and are round, white, or gray in color, with a red edge or border.

There seems to be a controversy on the cause of canker sores, and even exactly what they are - a bacterial or viral infection? An allergic reaction to certain food, or a vitamin deficiency?

It appears the answer is this - the cause is different from person to person. To find an effective treatment, it's important to be mindful when you get a canker sore of what food you ate, if something painful occurred in the mouth, such as dental work or biting the inside of your cheek, if you are under a lot of emotional stress, or not getting adequate sleep.

IS IT A VIRAL INFECTION? If your canker sores occur after a dental procedure or other painful experience in the mouth area, for example, biting the inside of your cheek, or when you are experiencing stress, are over-tired, or receiving chemo therapy or radiation treatments, consider a virus as the culprit.

Items that Contain Anti-viral Properties:

Propolis - Produced by bees, propolis is used as a construction material in bee hives, comprised of a complex of chemicals (especially flavonoids), which play a role as an antiviral agent. Some individuals have allergic reactions to Propolis, and for them, this would not be a good choice.

Slippery Elm - Make a paste by mixing this herbal powder and water. Smear the paste directly on your canker sores as often as you feel you need to. This mixture has been found to completely heal canker sores in some people.

Canker Sores Begone - My clients, readers, and others I've recommended it to rave about this topical, multi-herb product, which is packaged in a small pocket-sized bottle, convenient for throwing in your purse, backpack or gear for application wherever you happen to be.

PERHAPS A FOOD ALLERGY? If you've noticed a canker sore after eating acidic foods such as citrus fruit or a tomato, or other foods such as chocolate, grapes, strawberries, certain nuts, sugar, coffee, spicy or salty foods, you may be close to solving the puzzle.

To determine if a specific food, or more than one food, is causing your problem, do something called "food elimination". For a few weeks, eliminate the suspected foods. If there have been no canker sores during that time, reintroduce them one at a time for a week or so to see which one, or more than one, triggers a canker.

If you prefer an approach that doesn't involve food elimination, try nutritional supplementation. On a daily basis, take 1,000-1,200 milligrams of buffered vitamin C. This will help reduce the level of histamines in your body. You can enhance the effectiveness of the vitamin C by taking 1,000 milligrams of quercetin which by inhibiting histamine release, will reduce inflammation, allowing for a quicker healing of an existing canker sore.

A THIAMIN DEFICIENCY? Research shows that a deficiency of thiamin can lead to recurrent mouth ulcers. Take 100 milligrams of thiamin daily as a preventative.

A High-Potency Multivitamin - If purchased at a health food store, it should give you the nutrients necessary to prevent canker sores. Take 800 micrograms of folic acid, 500-1,000 micrograms of vitamin B12, 10 milligrams of iron, and 20 milligrams of zinc. If your multivitamin doesn't include all you need, add what's needed to make up the difference.

If you don't find that the causes above apply to your situation, don't despair. Here are two remedies that just may provide the relief you're looking for:

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) - There's an herb known as licorice, which has anti-inflammatory properties, decreases healing time, and soothes canker sore pain. Chew one or two 200-milligram tablets two or three times a day until the sore heals. In addition, you can empty the powder from a capsule into one half cup of lukewarm water, dissolve the DGL, and swish the solution around in your mouth. Repeat this at least two or three times a day until the sore has healed.

Tea Bag - Tannin from tea may relieve the pain almost instantly. Hold a used tea bag against the sore for a few minutes. Repeat a few times daily until healed.

In deciding upon which of these options to try, be patient and persistent. If one remedy doesn't seem to work, try another. Finding a solution will be worth it, wouldn't you agree?

About the Author:

The nutritional products are available in health food stores. Canker Sores Begone is available online at http://www.csbegone.com/canker.html, (888) 877-6315. Author: Janet Malley is a natural healing consultant and writer living and working in Southern California. Contact her at janetmalley@gmail.com.

Does colon cleansing really work?

By Alexa Shepherd

Many of us are guilty of leading sedentary lives and cultivating unsavoury lifestyle habits like overeating, consuming copious amounts of junk food, indulging in smoking and drinking. This can result in a poorly functioning digestive system and the need for colon cleansing. Often, people refuse to undertake this medical procedure until they get assurance that is colon cleansing really safe and effective.

You may know the colon as the large intestine or as the bowel. They essentially refer to the same body part. This 1 to 2 meter long part acts to help the body get rid of the undigested waste left over from the food we ingest. After all the necessary nutrients have been taken into our bodies, what remains passes through the colon to be eradicated. These remains can be water, undigested fiber or a type of bacteria called probiotics, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, lifestyle and a poor diet can weaken the function of the colon. Digestive problems can stem from stress, a high intake of saturated fats, sugars and excessive salt, lack of fiber, lack of fluids, lack of exercise, too much alcohol and smoking, amongst many other factors. These create an unfriendly environment for the bacteria needed for a colon to function normally. There enters a process called colon cleansing.

Colon cleansing aims to revive a colon that is not functioning properly. When a colon does not work as well as it should, waste materials are processed more slowly than normal. Much of the food we consume these days contain toxins and when these pass through our digestive system slowly, the more of these toxins are absorbed into our blood stream. These extra toxins may overwhelm and eventually cause damage to our kidneys, liver as well as other areas of the body.

Unwanted pollutants that are found in our digestive systems must be gotten rid of by colon detox in order to help restore the colon to its normal, healthy functioning state. Many, however, are concerned that is colon cleansing really safe and effective? While any form of medical treatment will have both their advantages and disadvantages, it is important to weigh these out before you make the decision to detox in this way.

Evaluate your lifestyle and your health as you find out more about colon cleansing procedures. You will undoubtedly find a range of options available to you, from the clinical approach to the cheaper alternative - home remedies.

It is important to treat a poorly functioning colon because if it is allowed to remain untreated, many other serious clinical conditions can develop. That is why it is important, when seeking for colon cleansing treatment, to find a professional therapist who is up-to-date with the latest knowledge, information and machines to carry out the procedure for you.

While most colon therapists will answer the question, is colon cleansing really safe and effective with a resounding YES, overusing this approach can cause a negative effect on the health of your bowel movements. In additional, your colon area could be damaged if the enema used in your procedure is applied incorrectly. The exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses can also pose a real threat.

While many undertake cleansing their colon to treat a serious condition, there are others who look to colon cleansing as a solution to weight loss because this procedure does tend to remove excess body weight. Whatever your reason for going through this detoxification process, you must ask, is colon cleansing really safe and effective, and be comfortable with your final decision.

About the Author:

Any medical treatment, whether it is performed by a trained professional or at home, involves some level of risk. Gathering as much information as you can about treating your colon with colon cleaning can help you find out if is colon cleansing really safe and effective and decide whether it's really for you.

Sinusitis Treatments: Chronic vs. Acute

By Paul Tamens

Sinusitis occurs as a result of the sinus membranes in the nasal passages swelling up as a result of a variety of different factors. A sinusitis condition can develop as a result of two reasons. The first reason is a reaction to an allergenic. The second reason is a reaction to contracting a virus or bacteria.

There are two types of sinusitis that can develop. The first type of sinusitis that can develop is referred to as acute sinusitis. This type is the lesser of the two as only lasts a few days or a few weeks. Acute sinusitis occurs from either allergies or an infection of viruses or bacteria. The second type of sinusitis that can develop is referred to as chronic sinusitis. It comes from the same places as the acute version but lasts longer. It can last for several weeks or even several months.

The treatment for acute sinusitis depends on the root cause of the condition. Treatment of the symptoms is universal regardless of the cause of the condition. However, depending on what the cause of the condition is, you will also have to treat the trigger of the condition. For example, if acute sinusitis is being caused by an allergic reaction, then it makes sense to limit or eliminate exposure to whatever is causing the reaction. If acute sinusitis is being caused by exposure to bacteria or viruses then it makes sense to eliminate the bacterial or viruses that trigger the condition.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by many of the same sources as acute sinusitis. Prolonged exposure to the causes can result in this condition. In addition, there are several other causes above and beyond the root causes identified for acute sinusitis that can trigger a chronic sinusitis condition. A really bad common cold can cause a respiratory tract infection, resulting in chronic sinusitis. Other causes include injury to the face, airborne fungi exposure or other medical conditions.

Acute sinusitis can be treated using several different methods. Over the counter medicine is one way you can treat it. There are many medications that you can purchase at your local pharmacy or drug start to treat sinusitis. Some examples include Claritin OTC, Dayquil, Nyquil, Actifed and Sudafed. Drinking hot soup or tea, doing a nasal rinse and inhaling hot steam are also ways you can help treat acute sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis should be treated by seeking out a medical professional. There are several treatments that a medical professional can recommend that you personally cannot engage in on your own. For example, chronic sinusitis may require access to medications that are not available over the counter. There are drugs such as Flonase and Prednisone that can reduce inflammation of the sinuses directly. Sometimes a medical procedure is needed in order to treat chronic sinusitis. A doctor can recommend procedures such as a ballon rhinoplasty as well as an endoscopic sinus surgery. This is why it is important that you seek out a doctor to treat chronic sinusitis. Otherwise you will simply suffer through the symptoms indefinitely.

About the Author:

Visit Paul Tamens' Website to *Completely* Get Rid Of Your Painful Sinus Infection, Quickly and Easily, Using a Time-Tested at Home Remedy!