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When we hear the word “DETOX” a variety of ideas (like dietary restrictions, juice fasting and  “magic” vitamins) come to mind. 

In laymen‟s terms, DETOX (cleansing) is a period in which you allow your body the time and  space to get rid of extra toxins accumulated through the previous months, years, or even a  lifetime. 

Detoxification is likely the oldest medical modality known to man. Ancient Greek,  Sumerian/Babylonian, Roman, Jewish, Native American, Asian, and East Indian traditions all  began the healing process with detoxification. 

Our bodies are incredibly and wonderfully designed. We have a connective tissue system that  acts as a “cloak” for our immune system to lay in wait for invaders. We have an amazing route  through which our blood circulates to our liver, our kidneys, to our lungs, and back through  again over and over. 

Our liver detoxifies itself and our blood detoxifies by way of oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis,  and then by way of conjugated. Our kidneys detoxify by way of filtration, reabsorption, secretion,  and they need a huge amount of water. Our lymphatic system is the sewer and drains waste away  from our cells, tissues and organs. 

The colon is our trash can and should be about 4 inches in diameter, but has the capacity to  stretch up to 4 times that size. The colon is also where we absorb most of our water. 

God has made our bodies in such a way that we all have the inmate ability to detox from the  inside out. However, we are constantly bombarded by “hidden hazards” and toxins and  chemicals (in our food, air, water, skincare products, medicines, vaccines, electronic gadgets,  you name it) as well as metal toxins (worry, stress, and negativity).

WHY DETOX? 

There are over 80,000 chemicals in our household and personal care products. 

There are millions of toxins in our water, food, and the air we breathe, as well as “hidden hazards”  like electromagnetic radiation. 

In the same way that you take a holiday from you work routine, your body also needs a break to  recharge, especially in light of the chronic exposure to these toxins and chemicals. 

A DETOX gives your body the time, space, and right conditions to deal with those toxic factors  that may keep you sick and tired. Think of a detox as a holistic and natural “pick-me-up” to kick  your natural cleansing ability into “overdrive”. 

During a DETOX, you lower the load on your digestive system and allow your intestines  (headquarters of your immune system) to flush out the toxins, refresh and regain efficiency, and  increase your innate self-healing powers while taking out the “cellular trash” 

In essence, a DETOX is really just creating the perfect conditions to support your body in doing  the job it was already made to do!

Q: Who should DETOX?
A: Almost everyone can benefit from a detox, which provides the body with a “service and  tune-up.” 

Q: When should I start a DETOX?
A: Popular times to detox include after the holidays, after a vacation, or after other periods of  overindulgence in items such as rich foods, alcohol, sweets and party snacks. 

Q: Will I lose weight during a DETOX?
A: People frequently do lose weight during a detox. Much of this is due to decrease in water  retention that can occur once sugar, food intolerances and excess carbohydrates are removed  from the diet. 

Q: Will my digestion be affected by a DETOX?
A: Almost certainly your digestion will be affected in some way, but usually for the better.  While some people experience gas, diarrhea, and a rumbling tummy, most people notice  remarkable improvements in digestion. 

Q: Is it safe to DETOX during pregnancy?
A: I would not recommend detoxing during pregnancy. In fact, I would strongly recommend  against it during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Q: Should I seek advice from my doctor before starting a DETOX?
A: Yes. You should always seek advice from your doctor before starting any detox program.

The first step of a full body detox is the colon cleanse, which can entail herbal laxatives, enemas, and water irrigation (also called “colon hydrotherapy”). The colon must be first because those toxins need to exit the body, and a backed up colon can cause them to be reintroduced into the body rather than exiting as planned.

The product that take to facilitate a gentle colon cleanse is ETERNAL GREEN D-TOXE & ETERNAL LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL.

ETERNAL GREEN D-TOXE is a natural colon cleansing which help you to remove pounds of foul-smelling food debris which may be impacted inside your colon. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health and it increases absorption of nutrients from the food we eat and helps protect against infection. It is high in fiber and nutrients.

Consumption method:

Adult： Add 2 scoops of Green D-Toxe with 2 tablespoon of Liquid Chlorophyll in 125ml of cool or lukewater. Shake well and drink it immediately. Take it in the morning before meals or before going to bed. It is important to maintain adequate liquid intake.

Children: ½ the dosage of adult.

The product that take to facilitate a gentle colon cleanse is ETERNAL  CASTOR OIL  

It is a colorless to very pale yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odor once  first ingested. It is a triglyceride in which approximately 90 percent of fatty  acid chains are ricinoleate. Oleate and linoleates are the other significant  components. Ricinoleic acid is a monounsaturated, 18-carbon fatty acid. It is  an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries  for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is believed that most of castor  oil’s benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty  acids. 

Consumption Method:  

Adult: Drink directly 1-3 tablespoon of Castor Oil each time.  

One time per week. 

Children: ½ the dosage of adult.

We can detox our lymphatic system by doing CASTOR OIL ENEMA.

This is extremely detoxifying and ‘pushing’. Do not practice or use it more than one time in 24 hours. It is generally not recommended for cancer patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy.

Preparation :

• Drink 2 tablespoons of castor oil with 1 cup of coffee. (made by boiling 1 heaped teaspoon of ETERNAL COFFEE ENEMA in 1 glass of distilled water; strain ). Sweeten with honey.
• One hour later, administer a coffee enema.
• After 4 hour followed with Castor Oil Enema.

You should focus on activating your LYMPHATIC SYSTEM every day you alive since a congested lymphatic system can lead to serious illnesses and chronic diseases. A clog in your lymphatic “drains” can lead to the accumulation of toxins. The problem is that, unlike your cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a heart or an other pumping mechanism, so it won‟s flow unless you MOVE.

The are multiple methods to effectively activate the lymph system and pump the lymph. However, my favourite exercise (by a long shot) is rebounding, which has been shown to increase the lymph flow by up to 30 times.

Rebounding on a mini-trampoline directly strengthens the immune system, increases lymph flow. And oxygenates the blod. Unlike jogging on hard surfaces which puts extreme stress on certain joints such as ankles and knees, eventually damaging them, rebounding affects every joint and cell in the body equally. Plus, there are no cars, dogs, and bad weather to worry about.

We highly recommend that you rebound daily, because this exercise is the best way for you to…..

KICK it up a notch!

KIDNEYS normally come in pairs. If you‟ve ever seen a kidney bean, then you have a pretty good idea what the kidney look like.

Blood is carried into the kidneys by the renal artery (anything in the body related to the kidneys is called “renal”). The average person has 1 to 1.5 gallons of blood circulating through his or her body. The kidneys filter that blood as many as 400 times a day and help regulate blood pressure.

More than 1 million tiny filters in the kidneys (called nephrons) filter waste from the blood in the form of urine, which in turn cleans the bladder.

The kidneys also help to maintain the balance between water and minerals in the body, and when that mineral balance gets or of whack, kidney stones result.

HERBS & FOODS

During the Kidney Cleanse:

The KIDNEY cleanse lasts for three days. During this time, it is best to eliminate solid foods (other than watermelon) and drink only watermelon juice and cranberry juice and herbal teas (and plenty of pure water, of course). If you get hungry and can‟t make it 3 more days (after fasting for 2 weeks for the colon cleanse), then that‟s OK. But try to eat only small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables each day.

Why watermelon? Watermelon contains more than 90% water, providing essential fluids the body needs during a cleanse. It is also a diuretic, encouraging urine flow that aids the removal of toxins from the kidneys. The high potassium content helps break down kidney stones and also contributes to lowering blood pressure, an important aspect of kidney health.

Below are a few substances that help cleanse the kidneys and can be included in this phase of the cleanse. Adding these items to your kidney cleanse protocol will help you to …..

KICK it up a notch!

Did you know the word “LIVER” comes from an Old English word for “life”? That‟s because the length and quality of your life are linked to the healthy function of your liver.

The LIVER has two large sections, called the right and the left lobes. Interestingly, the liver is the only organ in the body that can completely regenerate. So… what does the liver do?

1. Produces bile which helps take waste and breaks fat down in the small intestine.
2. Produces proteins that are needed for the blood plasma.
3. Produces cholesterol and proteins that help carry fats through the body.
4. Converts glucose to glycogen (used for energy).
5. Regulates amino acids.
6. Processes hemoglobin (the liver stores iron).
7. Eliminates drugs and toxins from the blood.

During the Liver Cleanse:

You should eat only steamed vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, spinach, and brown rice. Each day, drink at least half a gallon of filtered or spring water, 1 pint of fresh beet juice, and taking malic acid.

Coffee enema is the most effective way to detox our liver. ETERNAL COFFEE ENEMA contains 100% organic coffee beans, carefully selected and conforms to international standards of organic practices. It has high content of caffeine and palmitic acid. Both ingredients bear the hallmark of an optimum coffee enema.

Recipe & Procedure:

• Bring to boil 1 liter (4 mugs) of distilled water.
• Add one heaped tablespoon of Eternal Coffee Enema.
• Boil for 3 more minutes.
• Simmer on very low heat for 20 minutes.
• Steep overnight (12 hours) and warm to body temperature before use.
• Sieve coffee into a container & add 1 tablespoon of Eternal Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Stir mixture and pour into Eternal Enema Bucket or bag.
• Hang bag or place bucket not more than 2 feet above self in a laying position.
• Lie on your right side, lubricate the anal tube with Eternal Aloe Soothing Gel and place anal tube 3-4 cm (for adults).
• Pull both knees forward to the chin.
• Allow the coffee solution to flow in.
• Retain coffee for 15 minutes then go to the toilet for the expulsion.

The liver gallbladder flush requires 6 days of preparations by drinking apple juice. The malic acid that is naturally present in apples softens the gallstones and makes them easier to pass.

Preparations:

1) First 6 days take 1 teaspoon of pure malic acid in 32oz of water or 4 glasses of green apple juice every day or eat 4 to 5 apples whichever is preferred.

2) On 6th day, do not take any food after 1:30pm. At 6 pm take one tablespoon of Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate) with half glass of warm water. You can take the Epsom salt cold (by keeping it refrigerated).

3) At 8pm take one tablespoon of Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate) with half glass of warm water.

4) At 10pm take 4 oz (120ml) olive oil with 6 oz (180ml) grapefruit juice. Mix it well and stand next to your bed (do not sit down) and drink it. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage.

5) Apply melatonin cream. Take 1 teaspoon of passiflora with half cup of water. Lie flat and sleep. If you still cannot sleep take 3 capsules of L-ornithine.

6) Next morning at 6am, take one tablespoon of Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate) with half glass of warm water. Stay sitting or upright position, or u may go back to sleep if you‟re tired.

7) At 8am, take one tablespoon of Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate) with half glass of warm water and go to toilet.

• Can repeat every 3 weeks, up to 8-12 flushes. Then for maintenance, repeat every 6 months.
• After flushing, do not take heavy meal immediately. Take porridge, oats, soup, no oily food, no meat and slowly back to normal diet.

During the Liver Cleanse:

ETERNAL MILK THISTLE PLUS DANDELION

Herbs are edible plants or concentrated food, that are nutrient rich with natural healing qualities. Milk Thistle is a plant with large purple thistle-like flower heads and has been valued for its medicinal properties. Its active ingredient, silymarin is a flavonoid with antioxidant ability. It is used to treat liver disease, promote the flow of bile and as a general tonic for stomach, spleen and gallbladder.

Dandelion contains mainly bioflavoids, biotin, choline, inositol. Dandelion is our blood and liver cleanser. It increases the production of bile. It is used as a diuretic. It has the ability to reduce serum cholesterol and uric acid. It improves functioning of the kidneys, pancreases, spleen and stomach.

What is the largest organ in the body. Can you guess? No, it‟s not your brain! And no, it‟s not your heart. It‟s your SKIN, which occupies over 15 square feet to cover your flesh and bones and makes up about 16% of your body weight. Your skin is constantly in contact with the elements, including pollution and toxins. Your skin is one of the major organs involved in eliminating wastes and impurities from your body, mainly through perspiration.

SKIN is also your fastest growing organ, shedding dead skin cells on daily basis and creating a new layer of skin every 28 days. It is your first line of immune defense (it produces and stores vitamin D), protects your internal organs, and it also absorbs much of what it contacts due to the fact that it is rich in receptors. Believe it or not, your skin is home to over one trillion individual bacteria and over one thousand different species of bacteria.

Skin detox is an important way for skin to release harmful toxins, eliminate damaging free radicals, and stimulate skin renewal and rejuvenation. Detoxification may seem a bit daunting, but a few small changes to your diet and your skincare routine can greatly improve the look of your skin, giving it that “soft as a baby” look, without having to rely on lathering your skin with harmful chemicals.

Cleansing the Skin

You should be continually cleansing your SKIN on a daily basis. And remember, the more you eat junk foods, the more your skin will suffer. It‟s important to AVOID “congesting” foods like white bread, fast foods, and sugar. And AVOID all the toxic cosmetic products that contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, petroleum, heavy metals, titanium dioxide, talc, and other damaging substances.

Below are our “Terrific 3 Activities for Detoxifying the Skin if you want to…

PARASITES are organisms that feed on a host, and they are commonplace, but certainly not pleasant. They typically reside in the gastrointestinal tract and are normally acquired from consuming contaminated food or water, so everyone is vulnerable. However, people with an imbalanced micro biome or a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to parasites.

As uncomfortable as it may be to consider parasites and worms living inside you and leeching precious nutrients from your body, there are options available to cleanse your body of these nasty predators.

Below are our “Super 7” herbs and foods that have known anti-parasitic attributes:

1) BLACK WALNUTS

2) CLOVES

3) COCONUT OIL

4) OREGANO

5) PAPAYA JUICE & SEEDS

6) PUMPKIN SEEDS

7) WORMWOOD (ARTEMISININ)

Remember to AVOID pork (which typically contains parasites and worms) and sugar (which feeds parasites and lowers immune function).

Physiologically compatible ozonides are long-chained, oxygen-rich oils. They are water-free and viscous and formed from natural fatty oils such as olive oil or castor oil and oxygen in the form of ozone. By exchanging three oxygen atoms for the double bond in unsaturated fatty acids, a bactericidal and fungicidal substance is produced. Ozonide which can obviously also attack parasites. Mixed with water, ozonides produce emulsions that can be taken internally.

What about HEAVY METAL exposure? No, I‟m not talking about listening to hard rock music!

High levels of exposure to almost two dozen environmental metals considered “heavy metals” such as mercury, lead, aluminum, and arsenic can cause acute or chronic toxicity. This can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function and damage to vital organs. Long term exposure may lead to neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer‟s disease, Parkinson‟s diseases, multiple sclerosis and even Cancer.

What is the best way to detox heavy metals? One word: CHELATE. The word “chelate” itself is derived from the Greek word “chela” which refers to the pincer-like claw of a crustacean or arachnid (such as a lobster, crab, or scorpion). The term chelate, then, suggests the way in which an organic compound grabs heavy metals and carries them to the liver for processing and out of the body through the urine or feces.

Strawberries and grapefruit are both effective at chelating heavy metals, as are cilantro and chlorella. Another substance that is effective to remove heavy metals (and poison, drugs, and bacteria) is activated charcoal.

ETERNAL INTRAVENOUS EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid)

It works by binding with lead and a number of other heavy metals allowing them to leave the body in the urine

Since we‟re on the topic of protecting your home environment, there are a few other practical steps you can take to ensure that your home truly is your safe refuge.

Make sure you have a clean WATER supply, since water is possible the most valuable tool for detoxifying your body (which is between 50% and 65% water). If you are on a municipal water supply, you need a whole house water filter to get rid of the chorine and fluoride. There are many excellent home house filters on the market.

NO SHOES in the house, since most household dirt, pesticides, and lead come in on your shoes. If you must wear shoes, be sure to place floor mats by your entryways to wipe your shoes off before entering the house.

Keep the AIR clean by leaving windows open as often as possible for ventilation. Use green pants as natural air detoxifiers and use baking soda to remove odors. Use essential oils, fresh flowers and bowls of herbs like rosemary and sage to add a pleasant fragrance to rooms. Do NOT use scented air fresheners!

Switch from the standard household CLEANING PRODUCTS to cleaner and greener ones. Use vinegar in place of bleach, and use baking soda to scrub your tiles and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. Tea tree essential oil and lemon essential oil are excellent household cleaners.

Replace you SKIN CARE products with less toxic and chemical free options. Deodorant, toothpaste, cosmetics, hair products, nail polish and perfumes are often loaded with toxins and dozens of carcinogenic chemicals.

Avoid NONSTICK pot, pans, bakeware and utensils. Teflon contains perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) which have been linked to cancer and developmental problems.

FLUORIDE is getting a lot of bad press these days, and for good reason; it is a TOXIC molecule that wreaks havoc on the body. The thyroid is particularly affected by fluoride exposure because its store of iodine is depleted. You see, FLUORIDE and IODINE are both HALOGENS, and all the halogens use the same receptors in the body. Because it is much and smaller, fluoride easily displaces iodine in the body.

In August 2006, a Chinese study found that fluoride damages children‟s liver and kidney functions. But unlike iodine (which the body cannot store long-term), fluoride is a persistent TOXIN. As a result, the body develops iodine deficiency, which shuts down production of thyroxine, the thyroid prohormone that controls metabolism, and, in one way or another, impacts every aspect of health. This, in turn, can lead to thyroid disease, infertility, mental retardation, early mortally, and a host of other illnesses.

Because of this, it is important to regularly supplement with a high-quality iodine supplement and drink water that is free from fluoride. Taking iodine in its nascent form is the best way to increase iodine levels in the safest and most effective way possible for adults and children whose thyroids are already compromised. It will also greatly aid in ridding the body of fluoride, chlorine, perchlorates, and heavy metals.

Oral hygiene is an important factor to our health that we should be aware and work to maintain. Eternal Sodium Bicarbonate Toothpaste does not contain fluoride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), any artificial preservative, stabilizers or flavouring agent.

Another reason is that regular toothpaste contains ingredients like SLS, polyethylene glycols, triclosan, strontium, benzene, and tin, which are all potentially harmful to human health. Regular toothpaste also contains high levels of glycerin. When there is high level of glycerin left on our teeth, it takes quite a long time before it wears off and our enamel can properly strengthen again. This leaves teeth susceptible to cavities.

Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate Toothpaste:

• It acts as a plaque-buster to remove plaque.
• It has anti-bacterial properties.
• Whiten our teeth.
• Overcomes tooth decay, gum diseases, ulcers and bad breath.

Active Ingredient: Sodium bicarbonate Toothpaste (100g/tube)

So, there you have it! DETOXING is not nearly as confusing or difficult as you thought, is it? Hopefully this brief (but informative) manual has been helpful in providing you with the essential information needed to DETOX your body and provide massive health benefits such as increased energy, reduced cravings, and lowered stress levels.

The truth of the matter is that no matter how healthy you may eat, we are all exposed to toxins on a daily basis. Our bodies were not meant to cope with such excess of toxins, and it‟s vital to do regular detoxing to remove these sometimes deadly, disease-causing pollutants.

Knowledge is power, but if you don‟t ACT on the knowledge you have, then it‟s useless. Baby steps are fine… small changes eventually become massive changes. DO NOT let yourself become overwhelmed or discouraged. Do what you can today and continue building on your progress.

And remember, the mark of a truly successful detox is that you are set on the path of positive and long term change.

There are many varieties of hormonal birth control available. Long before “the pill,” prevention  of pregnancy was a hot button topic and continues to be so today. 

In our modern world, birth control is prescribed for more than contraceptive use. Women who  experience the following issues may also receive a prescription for birth control: 

• severe menstrual cycles or chronic acne 
• a history of endometriosis (excessive growth of uterine tissue) 
• a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (a disorder that causes cyst growth on the  ovaries, unusual hair growth, severe acne, and disrupts menstrual cycles) 

Hormonal birth control that is delivered via a pill, injection, patch, or delayed release mechanism  (usually implanted beneath the skin) is currently the subject of an intense debate. While your  choice of birth control is an intensely personal choice, it is important to know all the facts.

Hormonal Birth Control and Cancer: Is There a Connection? 

The messages within the health community are decidedly mixed. 

While pro-hormonal contraceptive experts have stated that birth control “lowers cancer risk” – there is a caveat. It has been proven that while these pharmaceutical versions may lower ovarian  cancer risk, they raise your risk of liver, breast, and gynecologic (cervical, uterine, ovarian,  vaginal, and vulvar) cancers overall. 

There are two forms of hormonal birth control: progestin-only and combination: progestin-only  pills contain the synthetic version of the progesterone hormone, and combination pills contain  synthesized progesterone and estrogen. Hormonal contraceptives are made from artificial  hormone-like substances that attempt to mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the  body. Synthetic progesterone and estrogens have been linked to a greater risk of breast and  other cancers. 

The Research on Hormonal Birth Control 

In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that “estrogen-progestin oral  contraceptives” (combination pills) could cause cervical, liver, and breast cancer. 

Researchers have found that progesterone and estrogen, two naturally occurring female  hormones, affect the growth of some types of cancer cells. Since birth control pills contain  female hormones, scientists are investigating the plausible links between cancer and oral  contraceptives. However, it is important to understand that naturally occurring progesterone is  cancer-preventive. Only the synthetic versions are an issue. Naturally occurring estrogens can be  preventive or problematic, but the latter is only the case when there is insufficient progesterone. 

There are several contributing factors for the development of breast cancer, which include a  woman’s natural reproductive hormones. Some factors could increase the risk of cancer, such as  exposure of the breast tissues to the estrogen hormones for longer periods of time. During  specific stages in a woman’s life, reproductive hormones change in intensity. These factors seem  to influence the development of breast cancer. 

For example, women who started menstruating at an early age or entered menopause at a later  age had longer exposure to estrogen. According to Mayo Clinic’s medical journal, women who  took hormonal birth control before their first pregnancy have a higher risk of contracting  breast cancer. Women using the Pill after the age of 45 have seen a 144% greater risk of  developing breast cancer than women who have never used it. 

Over 50 studies gathered by the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer  indicated that women using contraceptive pills are more susceptible to breast cancer than women  who don’t take contraceptives. Research published in 2011 in the journal Cancer  Researchsignificantly linked breast cancer to taking the pill. Logically they found that the  high dose estrogen pills resulted in greater risk than lose-dose, but regardless, both increased the  risk of breast cancer.

In The Breast Cancer Prevention Program, Sam Epstein, MD, writes, “more than 20 well controlled studies have demonstrated the clear risk of premenopausal breast cancer with the use  of oral contraceptives. These estimates indicate that a young woman who uses oral  contraceptives has up to ten times the risk for developing breast cancer as does a non-user,  particularly if she uses the Pill during her teens or early twenties; if she uses the Pill for two  years or more; if she uses the Pill before her first full-term pregnancy; if she has a family history  of breast cancer.” 

One study showed that if you stop using hormonal birth control for 10 years or more, your body  reverts to the state prior to the birth control, as if it was never used. Conversely, Iranian research  in 2011 showed that the longer the women were on the pill, the greater the risk for breast and  cervical cancer. They found that the use of oral contraceptives can double the incidence of  breast cancer and triple the risk for cervical cancer. Importantly, however, they found no  significant relationship between the age at discontinuation, patterns of use and intervals from last use with respect to risk reduction.

At the end of the day, any benefits a woman might gain from taking the pill are greatly  diminished by the risks to her health. 

Choosing Your Contraceptives 

It is essential to monitor your health at all times and in all aspects of your life, including in the  choice of your contraceptives. 

Cancer isn’t the only health risk of hormonal birth control. These contraceptive methods have  also been linked to other health issues such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke,  and blood clots. In fact, one study found that women who use low-dose oral contraceptive pills  have a two-fold increased risk of a fatal heart attack compared to non-users. Women over the age  of 35 who smoke are usually not prescribed hormonal birth control due to increased stroke risk. 

There are non-hormonal options available for women who’d rather not take the risk of putting  excess hormones into their bodies. These options are for those who use birth control solely for  pregnancy prevention and include the intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD), the contraceptive  sponge, Lea’s Shield contraceptives, calendar-based methods, condoms, cervical caps,  diaphragms, as well as permanent options such as tubal ligation. 

The right contraceptive for you is the one that works best with your lifestyle and level of health.  Talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of hormonal and non-hormonal forms  of birth control so that you can make an informed decision.

Diabetes, especially lifestyle and diet-related Type 2 Diabetes, has reached epidemic proportions  in the United States. And sadly not just for adults, but for children and teens as well. This is not  breaking news. 

Still, the statistics can be scary. Close to 10% of the U.S population have been diagnosed with  the disease and an estimated additional 8.1 million Americans went undiagnosed in 2014,  according to the Centers for Disease Control. This includes close to 4,000 new cases of  Childhood Type 2 Diabetes each year (something that was unheard of just 15 years ago). And  these statistics do not even include the 40% of Americans who, according to the CDC, may be  deemed pre-diabetic. 

The Connection Between Diabetes and Cancer Is Real 

A study of close to one million people registered with the national Diabetes Service Scheme  (NDSS) in Australia who were diagnosed between the years 1997 to 2008 discovered that there  were high correlations was between Type 2 Diabetes and cancer. Specifically, these include  pancreatic, liver, endometrium, kidney, thyroid and gallbladder cancer as well as certain kinds of  leukemia. A 2014 report by the World Journal of Diabetes found that high correlation also  existed between Type 2 Diabetes and breast cancer as well. 

Increasing rates of both diabetes and cancer over the last decade has led scientists to try to  determine the specific chemical and biological connections between the two diseases. For years,  conventional wisdom stated that obesity was the common cause. Now more evidence points to  factors related to insulin instead. 

There are a few connections between insulin levels and cancer. First of all, studies have shown  that tumors have a high number of insulin receptors. This makes sense since cancer loves  sugar. In fact, sugar is often called “white death” since it and its toxic byproducts are cancer’s  main source of fuel. 

The other connection has to do with a little-known protein whose structure is similar to insulin  called Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is produced by the liver as a hormone; its  main job is to promote cell growth. IGF-1 is essential for the developing bodies of children but  becomes problematic for adults. IGF-1 can cause cancerous cells to become “immortal” and,  as we shall see below, the causal factors for its overgrowth are exactly the same as that for  diabetes. 

Women with High Levels of IGF-1 are More Likely to Get Breast Cancer 

High blood sugar levels (i.e. diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions) as well as high IGF-1  levels have been linked to higher breast cancer risk and mortality in several recent studies: 

• A 2014 study conducted by the German Cancer Research Center and published in the  International Journal of Cancer found a distinct correlation between high amounts of IGF-1 proteins and increased risk of ER-positive breast cancer. Specifically, they  discovered that there is a noticeable communication between IGF-1, estrogen hormones,  and their receptor sites in mammary tissue; 
• A study published in a 2013 edition of the European medical journal Tumori found that  IGF-1 activates other proteins that may, in turn, stimulate mammary tumors;
• A 2014 Russian study found that IGF-1 further suppresses the immune systems of  postmenopausal breast cancer patients;
• IGF-1 has been linked to “dense breast syndrome” in several studies. Women with  excessive tissue in the mammary glands are at higher risk for breast cancer;

Finally, there is a connection between insulin levels themselves and breast cancer. One of the  largest studies to make this connection was a joint effort conducted by the Cancer Prevention  Research Unit at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, the University of Massachusetts  Medical School, and the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. 

Researchers examined insulin levels for over 600 postmenopausal breast cancer patients at the  time of diagnosis and then 10 years later. The team found a definite correlation between the  highest amounts of insulin in the blood and increased risk of breast cancer. They also made the  connection between obesity and higher risk of breast cancer recurrence. 

2 Things You Can Do NOW to Prevent Diabetes and Breast Cancer 

There is no doubt that insulin imbalance, high amounts of IGF-1, and breast cancer risk are  intricately linked. What is the common factor between all three? You guessed it: lifestyle and  diet. This is good news if you are diabetic or are suffering from a pre-diabetic condition because  it means there is something you can do about your condition and your cancer risk NOW: 

1. Lower your consumption of commercial meat proteins. A study published in the  journal Cell Metabolism found that adults in their middle years who have a high rate of  commercial meat consumption also had high levels of IGF-1 in their system. Interestingly,  those between the ages of 45 and 64 are most likely to be diagnosed with Type 2  Diabetes, according to the CDC. If you eat meat, your portion should be the size of a  deck of cards. And be sure to eat organic, free-range meats only! 

2. Lower or eliminate your sugar intake. Refined carbohydrates (including commercially produced refined wheat breads and pastas) can overstimulate production of IG-1 proteins.  The correlation between reduced sugar intake and improvement in diabetic conditions is  well documented. And according to a study done through the UCSD Cancer Center,  reducing your carb intake may also reduce your risk of breast cancer recurrence too. In this study, the amount of IGF-1 protein expression was the common factor between sugar  intake and cancer recurrence.

If you are an adult 45 years or older, high levels of IGF-1 caused by eating the Standard  American Diet (SAD) will eventually lead to diabetes. It will also lower your immune system  function and raise your risk of breast cancer, breast cancer recurrence, and other cancers as well.  Research has proven that this is the case whether or not you are obese.

Most Americans, including doctors, are victims of a mass campaign against a substance produced by our own bodies. Cholesterol is a steroid that is essential for the maintenance of the body’s cells. It is not necessarily the monster we have been led to believe that it is. It helps the liver digest fats and works with protein and lecithin to transport fats through our blood. Not only that, but cholesterol helps manufacture important male and female sex hormones. In addition, cholesterol helps keep skin moist. Cholesterol is so important that if not enough comes from food, the liver manufactures it. It is so essential that, unless it is oxidized, it is produced daily to build the membranes of new cells that must be formed in place of dead and dying cells.

Most of us think of cholesterol as a type of fat, but, as mentioned above, it is really a special kind of alcohol, called a steroid alcohol or sterol. Normally, most cholesterol is found in cells, and only a small amount is found in the blood. Doctors do not worry about cholesterol in the cells, but when levels in the blood get high, the substance can clog arteries and put a strain on the heart.

Actually, the cholesterol number alone is not enough to say that a poten­tially dangerous situation exists. It is also important to test triglyceride and lipoprotein levels (as part of a regular SMA-24 blood test). An elevated triglyc­eride level indicates a poorly functioning liver or pancreas. This is dangerous because triglycerides are blood fats and may play a part in clogging the arteries with harmful plaque. Lipoproteins are compounds composed of fat and protein, and of particular interest to the health-conscious are high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). HDLs are low in cholesterol and high in phospholipids, and are considered the “good guys” by heart specialists because they lessen the chance of heart disease. Having too many LDLS, on the other hand, are what doctors worry about. LDLs contain high levels of cholesterol and have a tendency to stick to the walls of arteries and build up as plaque. Too many LDLs, therefore, increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a con-
dition in which the arterial walls are damaged by cholesterol and result in normal blood flow being blocked. An important factor to consider when testing cholesterol is the ratio of HDL versus the total serum cholesterol level. Ratios of 4:1 or better (i.e., the first number is lower than the four) are desirable.

Once you have taken steps to reduce homocysteine and enhance methylation, do you even need to worry about cholesterol levels? While the correlation between high cholesterol and heart disease is not as strong as we once thought, I won’t go so far as to say that cholesterol doesn’t matter at all. Very high (or very low) cholesterol is an indication that the body is out of balance. A holistic approach to health seeks to bring every part of the body’s chemistry, including cholesterol levels, into optimal balance.

Many people have come to believe that the less cholesterol in your blood, the better off you are. But, in fact, cholesterol is an important and necessary substance. It is the basic material used for the synthesis of all the steroid hormones, including DHEA and testosterone. (The term steroid is, in fact, derived from cholesterol.) Cholesterol provides lipids needed to build healthy cell membranes. It also helps the body produce bile, which is needed for proper digestion of fats.

Cholesterol is not the enemy. You need a healthy amount of cholesterol in your body in order to function well and be healthy. Very low cholesterol levels can actually increase your risk of cancer, stroke, respiratory and digestive diseases. So with cholesterol, as with everything else, optimal health is a question of balance.

An ideal range for total cholesterol is between 160 and 180 mg/dL. If you are taking measures to lower cholesterol (whether pharmaceutical or the nutrient protocols outlined below), and you find that your cholesterol has dipped below 140 mg/dL, it may be a sign that you are overdoing it. I recommend that you discuss with your doctor whether to reduce your dosage slightly, allowing cholesterol levels to recover into the ideal range.

Dependence on cholesterol-lowering medications is unnecessary and unsafe. Plus, many have toxic side effects. Unless a person suffers from a rare genetic disorder called hypercholesterolemia, where high blood cholesterol levels begin at birth, there are safer, more natural ways to keep cholesterol levels down.

Eating less cholesterol-containing food would seem to be a good approach, and indeed the goal of lowering high dietary cholesterol intake has received much publicity in recent years. The problem is that cutting out eggs, steak and diary products does not necessarily correct high blood cholesterol. While cut-
ting down on fatty foods is an excellent suggestion for most Americans who eat far more fat than they need, this approach alone may not be sufficient for lowering cholesterol because cholesterol is produced by the body. The body may respond to a sharp reduction in cholesterol by manufacturing more on its own. The body can make as much as 1500 mg of cholesterol a day, more than six times the amount normally eaten!

It is interesting to note that certain ethnic groups, such as the Masai tribes of Africa and the Eskimos, have high-cholesterol diets and yet have low levels of serum cholesterol and few incidences of heart disease. So, factors other than cholesterol intake must obviously come into play. Some of these factors are genetics, nutritional status, stress, exercise, age and blood triglyceride levels.

Diet

Instead of cutting out cholesterol-rich foods completely, a better approach might be to add more fiber. Roughage increases the speed at which the body eliminates cholesterol. Pectin, found in apples, is especially good for this. Also, eating old-fashioned hot grain cereal, such as rolled oats, oat bran, barley or buckwheat, is helpful in this regard. Adding pectin-rich apples to the cereal doubles the benefit. It is especially important to have 4-6 g of soluble fiber such as pectin, guar gum or psyllium before eating any meal high in fat.

Caution: Do not take psyllium if you already take the prescription drug nitrofurantoin or digitalis.

Artichoke leaf extract has impressive cholesterol-lowering advantages. In a number of studies, artichoke leaf extract has been shown to actually restrict cholesterol synthesis, an effect that persists for hours following initial exposure. As a supplement, 300 mg of artichoke leaf extract can be taken three times a day.

The benefits of garlic are undeniable. Studies have shown that liquid garlic extract inspires cholesterol reduction and protects the arterial lining from damage caused by oxidation. But most importantly, garlic prevents thrombosis, the cause of arterial blood clots and the main reason for strokes and heart attacks. In supplement form, garlic is beneficial for this condition in doses of 900-8000 mg per day.

Incorporate curcumin, otherwise known as turmeric root, into your diet. This ancient spice has been proven to cause significant cholesterol drops in a mere matter of days. Like garlic, turmeric also helps to inhibit the formation of abnormal blood clots. To receive its full benefits, take 900-1800 mg of curcumin daily.

Another ancient remedy that has recently been revived in the West is Gugulipid is derived from the resin of a certain type of north Indian tree. It should be taken in 140-mg doses once or twice per day.

Green tea will also lower undesirable forms of cholesterol. Drink one to three cups of green or black tea, or take one 350-mg capsule of 95-percent green tea every day.

Fish oil can reduce triglycerides by more than a third, on average, and is es pecially beneficial when taken in conjunction with garlic. If the fish oil causes stomach upset, perilla oil may be substituted. Perilla oil is a relatively new essential fatty acid source and is much easier on the gastrointestinal tract. Fish oil is preferable, however, if triglyceride levels are especially high.

Foods high in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) are helpful. As this water-soluble vitamin tends to get lost in cooking, it is best to include plenty of raw fruits anti vegetables in the diet. Leafy green vegetables are especially high in B6.

Lecithin-rich soy products, such as tofu and tempeh, are also important, Numerous studies have shown that soy protein plays a beneficial role in cat dinvascular health. The phytochemicals in soy appear responsible not only for reduced incidences of heart disease, but for fewer cancers as well. Taking 5-6 g (about 2 teaspoons) of soy powder or a 135-mg capsule of 40-percent soy extract twice daily may be helpful.

The omega-3 fish oils, which contain EPA and DHA, have also been shown to reduce risk of heart disease. So too has eating fish. If you’ve had a heart attack and start eating omega-3-rich fish three times a week, you could halve your risk of a further heart attack. Other trials giving people omega-3 fish oils have found that they do indeed confer protection from heart disease.” Exactly how they work is still under investigation. Omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory, and artery damage involves inflammation. They also thin the blood and, in combination with vitamin E, are much more effective and considerably safer than aspirin.

Supplements

Many people are deficient in vitamins and minerals that keep cholesterol levels under control. Niacin (vitamin 133) is important for cholesterol control and can be found in a variety of foods, including leafy greens, wheat germ, beans, peas, salmon and tuna. It can also be taken as a supplement, though most individuals cannot handle the 1000 to 3000-mg dose needed for cholesterol-level suppression. Niacin helps to lower triglycerides as well as cholesterol and to raise beneficial HDL levels. Note that niacin should be used cautiously by those with a history of gout, liver dysfunction or diabetes. In high levels, niacin can cause liver toxicity. People with hepatitis should not take niacin. When taking niacin in dosages exceeding 1000 mg per day, liver enzymes should be monitored every six months. The effects of niacin are enhanced by vitamin C. Flush,free niacin (to prevent a reddened face) should be used.

One of vitamin Cs many wonders is that it helps to lower cholesterol; at y-where from 1000 to 10,000 mg are needed each day (requirements increase in colder months and during periods of illness and stress). Vitamin C is best used in combination with biof12tvonoids, especially rutin and quercetin. When combined with lecithin, it helps to dissolve arterial plaque. (Encapsulated liquid lecithin should have a phospholipid-choline content of at least 35 percent, and should deliver a minimum potency of 51.5-percent phosphatides. Granulated lecithin should be labeled 25-percent phosphatidyl choline, and should not have soy flower added to it.)

Vitamin E (400-800 1U daily) should not be overlooked. Vitamin E slows aging, and it is a known protector against several dozens of disease& It will also improve circulation to the heart.

Vitatnins B6 and methionine balance triglyceride levels, and ultimately help to normalize cholesterol.

Studies reveal the best cholesterol-lowering minerals to be chromiumcum, magnesium, zinc and selenium Selenium may be taken in the amouni of 200-600 mcg per day.

Warning: monitor the use of supplements to reduce cholesterol. Have a cholestorol blood test 45 to 60 days after beginning the regimen. If suppletents fall, drugs may be considered.

Herbs

Ginger and cayenne decrease liver production of cholesterol and triglyoelides, according to studies. In addition, plenty of garlic should be eaten, as it lowers cholesterol and thins the blood, lessening the chances of dangerous blood clots. Raw garlic is most effective, but even-cooked, this herb has a therapeutic effect. Deodorized capsules and pills are least effective, though, because it is the allicin, the smelly part of the garlic, that makes it useful. The ganoderma moshroom helps reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and total .nber of fats in the bloodstream

Exercise

Exercise seems to help raise HDL and lower LDL levels, although it may take several months before there is a noticeable change.

The Many Benefits of Exercise

You probably know that exercise helps you increase your muscle mass and reduce your body fat levels. Aerobic exercise in particular helps you improve your cardiovascular health. As you learned, another of benefit of exercise is that it aids in your whole body detox and cleansing program.

In addition to all of these benefits, exercise also helps you increase your HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL cholesterol – the very goal we are trying to accomplish in your cholesterol treatment plan. Getting 20 – 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day is sufficient to better balance your HDL and LDL cholesterol. What is even more amazing is that the benefit to helping you achieve normal cholesterol levels is gained even if this exercise is broken down into smaller events – such as walking for 15 minutes in the morning and another 15 minutes at lunch time. I started walking my dog once a day for about 30 minutes – fortunately, my dog likes brisk walks. The pros and cons of various types of aerobic exercises that should be part of your cholesterol treatment plan are provided in exercise benefits .

What to Avoid

Many people replace cholesterol-rich foods with artificial ones—fake eggs, margarine, imitation bacon, nondairy cream, etc. But there is no evidence supporting that these fake foods prevent heart trouble, and they are associated with a higher incidence of cancer.

Foods containing refined sugars lead to an unhealthy buildup of fats in the liver and tissues. They also lower the level of healthy HDLs and increase the unwanted LDLs. Refined foods should be replaced with complex carbohydrates—fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Note that alcohol is high in refined sugar and should be avoided.

Many medications, including steroids and contraceptives, can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels and destroy the nutrients needed for maintaining normal levels. In fact, studies reveal that people on steroid medications have a 50 percent increase in blood cholesterol levels. Excessive amounts of protein and cooked foods can also destroy cholesterol-controlling nutrients. Another factor that tends to raise cholesterol levels is stress, which is one of the reasons that stress avoidance — or management — is so important.

Liver Cleanse

A liver cleanse is an important part of a natural cholesterol treatment plan. Your liver creates 3 to 8 times the cholesterol that a normal diet contains. If you cut your cholesterol intake completely, you would still be getting 75% to 95% of the cholesterol you are getting today. Performing a liver cleanse will make your liver more efficient and effective at performing all its functions, including making cholesterol. Therefore,
cleansing your liver is one of the best things you can do to regain balance of your cholesterol. With one liver cleanse, I was able to lower my LDL cholesterol by 10 mg/dL (in addition to what I was able to accomplish with all of the other steps). By lowering your LDL cholesterol level, a liver cleanse helps you achieve one of the goals of your cholesterol treatment plan.

Blood Sugar Changes and LDL Cholesterol

Controlling your blood sugar is increasingly recognized as a key element in a cholesterol treatment plan. Rapid changes in your blood sugar and the presence of excess insulin in your blood increase the LDL cholesterol levels in your blood.

Foods such as simple sugars that rapidly raise your blood sugar are said to have a high glycemic index. Foods such as complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest, and thus do not as quickly affect your blood sugar level, are said to have a low glycemic index.

Recent studies have found that high glycemic index foods tend to raise your LDL cholesterol level. High glycemic index foods cause your body to generate excess insulin. This excess insulin causes your cells to generate cholesterol, rather than consume it from your bloodstream. This leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol in your blood.

Therefore, eating low glycemic index foods is a key part of a cholesterol treatment plan.

Food to Lower Cholesterol

Avoiding high cholesterol food completely will likely not be an effective cholesterol treatment plan to lowering cholesterol levels. Remember, your liver makes far more cholesterol than you induce in your diet. Moreover, so-called high cholesterol foods contain nutrients that help you fight other ailments. Completely eliminating these foods deprives you of these essential nutrients. Therefore, eating certain high cholesterol foods in moderation is good for you and will not adversely affect your cholesterol levels.

Instead of avoiding high cholesterol foods completely, a better alternative for your cholesterol treatment plan is to eat foods that lower cholesterol. Certain foods, such as soluble fiber, have properties that have been proven to increase your HDL cholesterol and also lower your LDL cholesterol. For example, I recently ran across a fiber supplement that has been clinically trialed and proven to lower LDL cholesterol twice as effectively as oat fiber (25 mg / dL vs. 11 mg / dL). It also helped control blood sugar spikes in Type 2 diabetics. If you do nothing else recommended on this page, I suggest that consider this product and the science behind it.

What is Crohn’s disease?  

Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract,  also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any area of  the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the  affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty  frequently, resulting in diarrheas. 

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that  cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to  other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can  be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer  of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be  involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.  

Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.  About 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have a blood relative with some form of  inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or  child. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often  diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an  increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and African Americans are at decreased  risk for developing Crohn’s disease.  

Crohn’s disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis. 

What causes Crohn’s disease?  

Several theories exist about what causes Crohn’s disease, but none have been proven.  The human immune system is made from cells and different proteins that protect people  from infection. The most popular theory is that the body’s immune system reacts  abnormally in people with Crohn’s disease, mistaking bacteria, foods, and other  substances for being foreign. The immune system’s response is to attack these  “invaders.” During this process, white blood cells accumulate in the lining of the  intestines, producing chronic inflammation, which leads to ulcerations and bowel injury.  

Scientists do not know if the abnormality in the functioning of the immune system in  people with Crohn’s disease is a cause, or a result, of the disease. Research shows that the  inflammation seen in the GI tract of people with Crohn’s disease involves several factors:  the genes the patient has inherited, the immune system itself, and the environment.  Foreign substances, also referred to as antigens, are found in the environment. One  possible cause for inflammation may be the body’s reaction to these antigens, or that the  antigens themselves are the cause for the inflammation. Scientists have found that high  levels of a protein produced by the immune system, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF),  are present in people with Crohn’s disease.  

What are the symptoms?  

The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower  right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems, and fever  may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with  Crohn’s disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth. The range and  severity of symptoms varies.  

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?  

A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn’s  disease.  

Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the  intestines. Blood tests may also uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of  inflammation somewhere in the body. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if  there is bleeding or infection in the intestines.  

The doctor may do an upper GI series to look at the small intestine. For this test, the  person drinks barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before  x rays are taken. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, revealing inflammation or  other abnormalities in the intestine. If these tests show Crohn’s disease, more x rays of  both the upper and lower digestive tract may be necessary to see how much of the GI  tract is affected by the disease. 

The doctor may also do a visual exam of the colon by performing either a sigmoidoscopy  or a colonoscopy. For both of these tests, the doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube  linked to a computer and TV monitor into the anus. A sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to  examine the lining of the lower part of the large intestine, while a colonoscopy allows the  doctor to examine the lining of the entire large intestine. The doctor will be able to see  any inflammation or bleeding during either of these exams, although a colonoscopy is  usually a better test because the doctor can see the entire large intestine. The doctor may  also do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine  to view with a microscope.  

What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?  

The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the  disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the  passage. Crohn’s disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected  area into surrounding tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the  anus and rectum are often involved. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common  complication and often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with  medicine, but in some cases they may require surgery. In addition to fistulas, small tears  called fissures may develop in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.  

Nutritional complications are common in Crohn’s disease. Deficiencies of proteins,  calories, and vitamins are well documented. These deficiencies may be caused by  inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of protein, or poor absorption, also referred to as  malabsorption.  

Other complications associated with Crohn’s disease include arthritis, skin problems,  inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the  liver and biliary system. Some of these problems resolve during treatment for disease in  the digestive system, but some must be treated separately.  

Which foods should I avoid with a Crohn’s disease diet plan?  

The foods that trigger symptoms differ for each person with Crohn’s disease. To know  which foods to leave out of your diet plan, you’ll need to determine which foods trigger  yours. Many people with Crohn’s disease find that the foods on the following list  aggravate symptoms during disease flares. So it’s likely that at least some of these listed  foods will trigger your symptoms:  

• alcohol (mixed drinks, beer, wine)  
• butter, mayonnaise, margarine, oils  
• carbonated beverages  
• coffee, tea, chocolate  
• corn husks  
• dairy products (if lactose intolerant)  
• fatty foods (fried foods) 
• foods high in fiber  
• gas-producing foods (lentils, beans, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, onions)  • nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other nut butters)  
• raw fruits  
• raw vegetables  
• red meat and pork  
• spicy foods  
• whole grains and bran  

Once you’ve identified foods that cause your symptoms to flare, you can choose either to  avoid them or to learn new ways of preparing them that will make them tolerable. To do  that, you’ll need to experiment with various foods and methods of preparation to see what  works best for you. For instance, if certain raw vegetables trigger a flare, you don’t  necessarily need to give them up. You may find that steaming them, boiling them, or  stewing will allow you to eat them without increased GI symptoms. If red meat increases  fat in the stools, you could try eating ground sirloin or ground round to see if you can  tolerate a leaner cut of beef. Or you might decide to rely on low-fat poultry without skin  and fish as your main sources of protein.  

Crohn’s Diet & Nutritional Supplements  

For some it may be as simple as a change in diet, while for others it may require surgery.  Nevertheless, expanding your understanding of this disease is the first step in over  coming it. Throughout this article, you will find mentions of Eternal products as dietary  supplements that has been included by many individuals as one of their standard  treatment options for Crohn’s disease.  

Suggested Approach to Crohn’s Diet  

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD, including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, is an  inflammation of the intestines. These diseases cause the intestines to form ulcers and  become inflamed, scarred and easy to bleed. The most common symptoms are diarrhea,  acute abdominal pain, cramping, fever and fatigue. A special diet is very important in  exercising IBD management to prevent malnutrition and extreme weight loss.  

Nutritional Diet for Crohn’s Disease & Colitis  

• Drink lots of fluid (8 – 10 servings daily) to keep body hydrated and prevent  constipation.  
• Your doctor or your registered dietitian may recommend a daily multivitamin mineral supplement (Wholefood according to blood group) to replace lost  nutrients. 
• Eat a high fiber diet when IBD is under control. Some patients find cooking and  steaming the vegetables more tolerable than eating them raw.  
• During a flare up, however, limit high fiber foods and follow a low fiber diet or  even a low residue diet to give the bowel a rest and minimize symptoms.  • Avoid lactose-containing foods such as dairy if you are lactose intolerant.  Otherwise, you may use lactase enzymes and lactase pretreated foods.  • It is very important to continue nourishing your body even during a flare-up. Try  small frequent meals. Eating a high protein diet with lean meats, fish and eggs,  may help relieve symptoms of IBD. Your registered dietitian may recommend  pre-digested nutritional drinks (elemental diet) to give your bowel a rest and  replenish lost nutrients so that your body can repair itself.  
• Limit caffeine, alcohol and sorbitol (a type of sweetener) as these may exacerbate  IBD symptoms.  
• Limit gas-producing foods such as cabbage-family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage,  cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives,  peppers and carbonated drinks.  
• Reduce fat intake if part of the intestines has been surgically removed. High fat  foods usually cause diarrhea and gas for this group of patients.  
• If the ileum (part of the small intestines) has been resected, a Vitamin B12  injection may be required.  
• Some studies found that fish oil (Man Yoo) helpful in managing IBD. Some also  suggested the role of prebiotics such as psyllium in the healing process.  Furthermore, probiotics (E-Probiotics) may also be helpful in aiding recovery of  the intestines.  

Eating right  

Eating right is the key to good health for everyone. But it is especially important for  people with Crohn’s, since the disease can deplete their bodies of essential nutrients. Just  like everyone else, people with Crohn’s need to take in enough protein, calories, vitamins  (A, D, C, B-12, and folic acid), minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc), and other nutrients to  stay healthy.  

To ensure that you are getting a sufficient amount of nutrients from your diet, it’s best to  eat a balance of foods from the four food groups:  

• Meat (or alternative sources of protein)  
• Dairy  
• Cereal and grains  
• Fruits and vegetables 

The key to formulating a diet that is right for you is paying attention to the way certain  foods affect your body. If they seem to worsen your Crohn’s symptoms, eliminate them  from your diet.  

Vitamins and minerals  

A person with Crohn’s may not get enough nutrients because the disease causes poor  digestion and malabsorption of dietary protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, and essential  vitamins and minerals. Your gastroenterologist or nutritionist may recommend adding a  multivitamin or other dietary supplement, such as vitamin B-12 or folic acid, to protect  against nutritional deficiencies and round out your diet. Crohn’s causes certain symptoms  in your body that may deplete your body of essential nutrients.  

The most commonly recommended vitamin supplements include vitamins B-12 and D  and folic acid, while the recommended mineral supplements include calcium and iron.  However, most people with Crohn’s benefit from simply taking a multivitamin regularly.  

It is important to note that supplements should not take the place of food — they contain  no calories — and that you should consult with your gastroenterologist before you begin  taking any supplements.  

The following table shows sources of important vitamins and minerals, though some  foods may not be right for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor about a diet that is suitable  for you.