Exhausted, achy, brain fog and insomnia? Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) and its painful cousin fibromyalgia(FMS) can be devastating! I had CFS/FMS in 1975. It knocked me out of medical school and left me homeless. It also taught me how to effectively treat fatigue-even CFS/FMS!

Ready to Get Well?

Our placebo controlled study titled “Effective Treatment of CFS and Fibromyalgia” showed that 91% of patients improved with treatment, with an average improvement in quality of life of 90 percent. Many patients no longer even qualified for the diagnosis of CFS or fibromyalgia after treatment!

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

1-Sleep.

2-Hormonal deficiencies– despite normal labs!

3-Infections.

4-Nutritional support.

5-Exercise as able.

Turbo Charge Your Energy with Ribose!

Overall treatments to optimize energy (discussed in my best-selling book “From Fatigued to Fantastic!”) and cutting back on sugar (see my new book “Beat Sugar Addiction –NOW!”) are important.  In over 30 years of treating Fatigue, CFS and Fibromyalgia, the most powerful single treatment we have found, however, is a special nutrient called Ribose. Ribose is the backbone of energy production in your body. We have done 2 studies of ~ 300 people with CFS/Fibromyalgia, done at over 50 different medical offices. Patients treated with Ribose showed an AVERAGE increase in energy of ~ 60% in only 3 weeks, also improving mental clarity, sleep, pain and overall well being dramatically. Many had a “WOW!” effect.

Would You Like 60% More Energy?

The 2 research studies suggest that this is the average effect from the ribose (Corvalen). Take 5 grams 3x a day for 3 weeks and then it can often be decreased to once each morning–and prepare to be amazed!

For those with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, our free online “Symptom Analysis Program” will analyze your symptoms (and even pertinent labs if available) to determine the likely causes contributing to your illness. It will tailor a detailed treatment protocol to your case, which will offer both natural and prescription options that can help you recover.

It’s time for you to get well- and optimize your vitality- now!

© 2010 H.I.C.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is Medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers nationally.  Having suffered with and overcome these illnesses in 1975, he spent the next 30 years creating, researching, and teaching about effective therapies for fatigue, CFS, Fibromyalgia, and pain. He is also author of the popular free iPhone application “Cures A-Z”.

http://www.endfatigue.com/treatment_options/Online_program.html

Alternative and conventional medical professionals have long debated about the use of detoxification diets. Conventional medicine has contested that the body possesses an excellent elimination system and does not require outside intervention for detoxifying itself. However, alternative medicine and some nutritionists contend that this system may have been adequate in the past but with today’s unhealthy habits and less than perfect environment, relying solely on the body’s elimination system may not be enough.

Both parties have a point. It’s true that the body possesses a powerful elimination system. The respiratory system serves to filter the air we breathe removing impurities in the air and supplying oxygen to the body. It is also able to expel minerals and impurities from the body thru the urinary and excretory system. The intestines for example contain colonies of bacteria that neutralize harmful toxins. The body could also expel toxins by simply sweating them out.

Bifidobacterium is just one strain of bacteria found in our intestines which help us with bowel health.

The human body however can only take so much and with todays barrage of toxins and pollution it is better to take precautions rather than pay the price of expensive medical treatments. People often consult with their doctors when toxicity levels have reached their maximum and have already shown signs of illnesses. Dialysis machines are used to replace failing kidneys and chelation therapies to remove toxins in the blood. Alternative and holistic medicine professionals support detoxification diets as a method of supporting the body’s natural elimination system. Definitely, the human body has been designed to handle toxins and eliminate them naturally from our systems. However, the major concern is that are they able to handle the ever growing amount of toxins that enter our bodies every day. Detoxification programs were developed to complement the body’s elimination system and not take over their functions.

Some of the most popular methods of detoxification could only be described as extreme. Detox programs often go overboard instructing people to avoid food for days making them ineffective but more importantly counterproductive in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Doing a moderate detoxification program is still the best way to proceed. Moderate detox programs involves taking in whole based food with natural supplements making them safe and less likely to negatively affect normal metabolism.

Not as quick as some of the more popular detox programs these usually take weeks or months but offer users a more long lasting improvement in terms of their health and vitality. Moderate programs also help people develop a healthier eating habit which gives them a sustainable weight loss solution.

The promise of a better looking body in just a couple of days has made quick-fix detox programs more alluring and exciting to many people. Most of this has just been a mere marketing ploy tricking people into shelling their hard earned money on such gimmickry. Some of these methods even border on the silly to the bizarre. Spas and health salons offer their customers foot baths which they say siphon off the toxins in the body. The general rule is that if it’s too good to be true then more likely than not it’s just a plain advertising strategy.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C.

Hemorrhoids are dilated and congested vascular complex at the lower end of the anal canal, Think of them as varicose veins. They are highly vascular “cushions” or “pads” consisting of discrete masses of thick sub mucosa which contain blood vessels, smooth muscle, and elastic and connective tissues. Such cushions are present in everyone and the term “hemorrhoids” is confined to situations in which these cushions are enlarged, inflamed and cause symptoms.

The Rectum is the 10-15 cm of the lower colon above the dentate line. In the rectal ampulla, a space above the dentate line, there are three vascular hemorrhoidal cushions which help the muscles to maintain continence. No pain fibers here. The dentate line separates the zone of internal hemorrhoids above from the zone of external hemorrhoids below.  The anal canal is the 3-4 cm between the dentate line and anal verge. The nerves in this area help us with continence to discriminate between gas, fluid and solid waste.  Anus or anal verge is the outlet covered by true skin rich in nerve endings.  Internal hemorrhoids are above the dentate line and covered with insensitive mucosa while externals are below the dentate line and covered by sensitive skin-like cells.  If the outer aspect of a hemorrhoid is covered with skin but the inner side is mucosa

Over half the population will have some occurrence of hemorrhoid symptoms by age 50 and the incidence peaks between 45 and 65. Men and women affected equally, but men are more likely to seek treatment.  Ten to twenty million Americans have active hemorrhoids and as many as 5 million seek medical help each year. We spend over 250 million dollars each year on hemorrhoid products. 1.5 million Prescriptions.  More than 120,000 surgical hemorrhoidectomies are done each year.  Most are unnecessary. 1.5 million Colonoscopies are done each year.

The causes of hemorrhoids is a lack of soluble fiber and enough water in the diet, straining, and sitting longer than 2 minutes on the toilet which promotes prolapse of the anal cushions. Hemorrhoids may be inherited, but it may only be the behaviors and diet habits that are passed along. Increase in abdominal pressure e.g. pregnancy, obesity, pelvic tumors, lifting, sitting, coughing, constipation, diarrhea, anal intercourse and aging are among the causes of developing hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be exacerbated by excessive cleaning, rubbing, steroids, and hemorrhoid creams. Enlargement comes from the dragging of the hemorrhoids downward, weakened supporting tissue.

There are many risk factors that promote hemorrhoids, from these factors; Past history of hemorrhoid symptoms or anal fissure,  Age 30-65, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, constipation/Diarrhea, pregnancy, failure to eat breakfast, spicy food, fats, alcohol, smoking, low water intake, obesity and spinal cord injuries.

Hemorrhoid Grades:

The severity is graded by the degree of prolapse

• Grade 1 hemorrhoid -no prolapse and cause painless bleeding.
• Grade 2 hemorrhoid – prolapse on defecation, go back spontaneously. Seen on straining.
• Grade 3 hemorrhoid – prolapse and have to be pushed back leading to bleeding and aching pain.
• Grade 4 hemorrhoid – Can’t be pushed back leading to mucous discharge, bleeding, pain and necrosis.

Typical Hemorrhoids Symptoms:

1. Chronic intermittent bright red bleeding with bowel movements, on tissue, in commode, or streaked on stool surface.
2. Feeling of fullness, swelling, extra tissue and incomplete BM.
3. Irritation or itching from seepage of mucus, fecal soiling or dermatitis from hemorrhoid creams causes rash.
4. Pain may occur with prolapse, associated external hemorrhoids or anal fissure.
5. Bulge of tissue on anal skin
6. Blood on toilet tissue.
7. Thrombosis of external hemorrhoids leading to a hard painful lump.
8. Skin tags left over after dilated external hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidectomy, or resolved thrombosis. Can trap stool and cause dermatitis and itching.

Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids:

1. History and physical exam including peril- anal inspection and digital rectal exam. Done in left lateral position. Side viewing anoscopy. Significant pain suggests thrombosis, fissure, spasm, proctitis or abscess.

2. Sigmoidoscopy to rule out tumors of lower colon

3. Manometry/endorectal ultrasound-incontinence study

4. Colonoscopy for persistent bleeding

Prevention of Hemorrhoids:

1-      Eat foods high in fibers such as fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Eat additional fiber supplement available over the counter. Drink plenty of water and fluids, at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. Changing your eating and drinking lifestyle, avoid constipation and helps in passing the stool out easily.

2-      Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time. Use the toilet only whenever you feel the urge to have bowel movement. Prolonged sitting on the toilet as well as forcing out the stool causes the hemorrhoids to get worse.

3-      Observe proper anal hygiene. Keep the area clean and dry at all times. Avoid scrubbing the area, for this further aggravates the hemorrhoids and causes irritation. When wiping, use a gentle and slow motion.

4-      Using water to clean the area is the best, but if this is not possible, use a moist toilet paper or baby wipes.

5-      Reduce your weight. Losing weight significantly decreases the pressure on the lower part of your body specifically the rectum area. Maintain a healthy weight for your height to get rid of hemorrhoids.

6-      Avoid lifting heavy objects or other form of activity where you do excessive straining. Ask someone else to help you out.

7-      Refrain from prolonged sitting for extended periods of time. This will limit the pressure being exerted on your bottom.

8-      When your work requires you to be seated most of the time, take a break every now and then and walk around for few minutes

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids:

Apply ice pack to the affected area. It will give a quick relief from the pain and swelling by shrinking the veins. Be careful not to insert the ice directly into the rectum because it will burn your skin

Soak yourself in a warm tub or sitz bath several times a day for about 10 minutes. The warm water will ease the swelling and alleviate the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Make sure to use clean water free from any bath products.

Anorectal preparations may temporarily help relieve anal itching or irritation, but will not cure the problem of rectal bleeding and prolapse. Patients prefer creams over suppositories.

None surgical RBL of hemorrhoids:

1999- Dr. Patrick O’Regan develops a disposable ligation system featuring gentle suction instead of metal grasper.

2006- 2008 Centers for Colo Rectal Health opened in Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver and New Orleans.

Ligator has now been proven safe and reliable in over 15,000 applications.

Banding normalized the size of hemorrhoidal cushions.

Inflammation reattaches tissue to surrounding muscles.

External disease improves but skin tags may be left behind.

Banding may be done via side viewing anoscope. Band is placed 1.5 to 2 cm above dentate line to decrease pain. After band is applied it is digitally checked for position and comfort.

Who can be banded?

1. Patients may resume normal activities after the banding but should avoid strenuous activities until next day.
2. There may be a feeling of heaviness or fullness for 1-2 days.
3. Avoid constipation. Continue with fiber and fluids.
4. Bleeding may occur which may be from associated fissure or other hemorrhoids. Lie down on side, drink fluids, apply ice to anal area, and if persists call physician.
5. Call physician for urinary retention, fever, myalgia, flu like symptoms.
6. The band will fall off and pass in 1-7 days.

Contraindication to banding:

Anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin are a relative contraindication to hemorrhoid treatment and if possible it is best to stop them for 5 days before and after banding.

In portal hypertension the rectal varices are treated by treating the portal hypertension.

In pregnancy try to avoid rectal procedures to avoid the rare complication of pelvic sepsis or the liability of abortion. Anal fissures may be treated with Nitroglycerin.

Not capable of tolerating office procedure

Large external hemorrhoid disease?

Grade IV hemorrhoidal disease not responding to banding?

Other hemorrhoid treatment modalities:

Anti-inflammatory Cortisone preparation, reduce itching and swelling.

OTC products containing hydrocortisone are not FDA approved for internal anorectal use.

Prolonged use can weaken tissue, promote infection, and cause allergic reaction

Surgical treatment:

Prevention is the best line of treatment

Conservative treatment offer symptomatic relief but does not treat the cause

Rubber band ligation is a none surgical, safe, and painless, in – office treatment. This is the most recommended and effective first choice treatment

Surgical procedures are reserved for large external hemorrhoids and for internal hemorrhoids not responding to rubber band ligation.

Dr. Mando is the Medical Director of the Center for Colorectal Health in Louisiana.

Did you know that you can easily manage your diabetes just by engaging in exercise? There are exercises that have a good effect on the glucose levels of those suffering from type 2 diabetes. When you engage in exercise, you expend a lot of energy from the glucose found in your muscles. At first, the body simply uses up the glucose which is traced from your muscles’ glycogen. It is in your bloodstream where this glucose is found. Engaging in exercise means your blood glucose levels will not get lower. Additionally, your body also releases additional glucagon and hormones. These are important because they break down your liver’s stored fats, turning it into more glucose you can expend. Engaging in exercise means your body improves; it develops a better sensitivity when it comes to insulin, as well as allowing you to be more in control of your glycemic index.

Exercise indeed has a good effect on a patient’s glucose level. This is good news for people who have type 2 diabetes. A lot of research indicates that patients of diabetes gain more control over their glycemic as soon as they get used to a regular exercise program. On the other hand, people who do not engage in exercise find no improvement on their glycemic control. Since exercise improves your insulin sensitivity, you will also need less medicines in order to control the levels of your blood sugar.

There are, of course, people who become at risk for hypoglycemia due to the combined effects of their diabetes and engaging in high stress exercise. This happens during exercise and after it, too. If you think about it though, people can also be at risk for hyperglycemia simply for having poor control over their diabetes. Therefore, the leaders in this field recommend engaging in moderate exercise for a minimum of 2 hours and 30 minutes, or 90 minutes if they want to do vigorous exercise.

In light of this, the frequency of the routine is more important that the kinds of exercise one engages in. There are many researches wherein an abundance of benefits result from both weight training as well as aerobic activity.

Of course, sometimes patients should not engage in vigorous exercise especially when they have cardiac conditions or they are more prone to developing injuries as a result. It is better if they start of slow and get used to a light intensity program instead.

written by,  Sue R. Rollins (guest author)