<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Latest Articles by JimMcDonald</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<item>
<title>What Are The Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/what-are-the-symptoms-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/what-are-the-symptoms-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Do you ever feel like you body is extra sensitive to certain kinds of foods? Does is seem like you eat the same foods as your friends, but you get sick and they don't? You could be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. 

Unfortunately, there is no real cure.  Before become overly concerned, you should realize that Irritable bowel syndrome will not kill you.  IBS can be very troubling to those who have it, but 60% of the people who do never seek medical care. In the United States, anywhere from 25 to 55 million people suffer from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.  IBS is ranked number two for causing missed days at work.

The symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person. The symptoms of IBS can range from very mild to almost disabling. The symptoms can also change over time.  One of the most confusing aspects of IBS is that the same treatment might work differently on different people.  Or, what worked for you once may not work again.

Irritable bowel syndrome is more likely in women than men.  Female IBS sufferers outnumber males by a factor of two to one.  The symptoms of veritable bowel syndrome most often make themselves known in late adolescence or early adulthood.  Research studies suggest that the symptoms of IBS affects about 20% of all people.

Exactly what are the symptoms of IBS?  The most common symptom of IBS is abdominal pain that occurs about 60 to 90 minutes after eating a meal.  Abdominal pains are usually sharp like cramps.  IBS sufferers also experience excess gas and bloating.

Changes in bowel movements or bowel habits often accompany the onset of irritable bowel syndrome. In most cases, these changes usually mean alternating symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Both the constipation and diarrhea are usually accompanied by pain. Individuals with IBS often report that they feel like they're bowel movements or incomplete, that there: has not been emptied.  Passing mucus along with your stools is another symptom of IBS.

What causes your IBS?  Essentially, those who study the disease had determined that IBS sufferers have: muscles that are more sensitive and react more strongly. IBS is related to problems with the way the muscles react and behave.  There is no difference or defect in the structure of the intestine. It's not known exactly why IBS occurs in some individuals and not in others.  Half of all women with irritable bowel syndrome report that their symptoms increase during their period.  This suggests that IBS may be related to reproductive hormones.  Other studies have concluded that IBS could be triggered by a lack of hormones.  Some medical researchers suspected genetic link because IBS does tend to run in families.

There is no specific medical test to determine the presence of irritable bowel syndrome. It will most likely be diagnosed by your doctor on the basis of the symptoms that you report. since the symptoms of IBS could also be indicators of other conditions, your doctor may suggest tests to rule out inflammatory diseases.  Anyone over 50 should also be screened for colon cancer.

IBS can often be made worse by high levels of stress and tension.  Those who are suffering from IBS should become well acquainted with techniques for relaxation and stress reduction.  Fatigue can also contribute to an increase in IBS symptoms.  If you struggle with irritable bowel syndrome, it's important for you to get plenty of rest.

There is no one standard treatment for IBS.  There is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, so most treatment will be focused on relieving the symptoms.  Although IBS will most likely be a lifelong, chronic condition, there are treatments that reduce the severity of the symptoms. 

Since IBS is often associated with a feeling of incomplete emptying, those who suffer from the symptoms might want to consider: cleansing.  A safe and effective natural colon cleanse would provide a much cleaner and lighter feeling.  Because IBS sufferers also must deal with your regular bowel habits, colon cleansing would be a good way to deal with constipation.  Laxatives are specifically not recommended for those with IBS because regular usage can weaken intestinal muscles. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Treat Yourself to a Colon Cleanse to Improve Your Well-being</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/treat-yourself-to-a-colon-cleanse-to-improve-your-well-being.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/treat-yourself-to-a-colon-cleanse-to-improve-your-well-being.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Do you feel as good as you want to feel?  Or perhaps would you like to feel a little better?  I think almost everyone would agree that it's possible to improve their well-being. Some can certainly benefit more than others. You may not realize it, but many of your bodily systems are affected by the health of your colon.  So if you're really looking to improve your well-being, you need to treat yourself to a colon cleanse.

Most of the disease and deterioration that we experience in our bodies is linked to the toxins that we are exposed to every day.  Some of these toxins we have no control over, but some of them we willingly put into our own bodies.  Most Western cultures eat very poorly.  We crave taste and we are attracted to clever packaging.  We end up eating high sugar, high fat and low fiber foods, which is a diet completely opposed to what our bodies were designed for.  It's only natural that such an unnatural diet would eventually take its toll.

Our bodies actually have a wonderful capacity for self repair.  In normal situations, bodily systems can work together to remove most toxins.  Many of our human organs are actually designed specifically for the purpose of transporting poisonous waste materials out of our body.  But unhealthy habits overload the system to the point where wastes begin to accumulate and damage eventually results. Even those who've chosen to follow a healthy lifestyle can't avoid some of the environmental sources of toxins and disease.

A colon cleanse is an excellent way to help our body systems cope with the overload.  Not only is your colon one of the most critical areas of your body's waste management system, it also happens to be the best starting point any time you wish to remove toxins from your body.

The function of the colon is to remove liquid and minerals from waste matter and then to eliminate what's left from the body.  However, when you don't drink enough water or eat enough fiber, then the colon can't do its job effectively. The whole process begins to slow down and become inefficient.  Waste matter begins to accumulate in the nooks and crannies of your large intestine.  Unhealthy bacteria begins to grow.  The colon begins to become obstructed, which makes the problem even worse.

An effective colon cleanse, along with an improvement in your diet and lifestyle, can have a dramatic effect on your well-being. It helps your body remove the accumulated waste and stops the reabsorption of toxins that are making you feel so bad. When fecal matter accumulates in your colon, toxins that should normally be eliminated in a bowel movement remain inside your body and are reabsorbed into your bloodstream. This is certainly not how your body was intended to work, so your overall well-being is severely affected.

Severe fatigue and a feeling of lethargy often indicate the need for a colon cleanse.  But a whole host of other symptoms could result as well, from hemorrhoids to bad breath.  Which means your body's well-being is affected from one end to the 
other.

A colon cleanse may be something that you've never done before, and everyone is naturally suspicious of new things.  This is probably especially true when it comes to colon health.  However, just exactly how bad are you willing to feel before you try a colon cleanse?

You'll experience the benefits of a colon cleanse throughout your entire body.  When you restore your colon to natural functioning and good health, you remove a great deal of stress from your other bodily systems.  Even parts of your body that you didn't realize were affected will improve.  

There are several different varieties of colon cleansing products available on the market today.  Many of these are safe, effective and easy to use.  If you just feel "down" overall and you haven't been able to put your finger on a specific ailment, what would it hurt to try a colon cleanse?  If you don't feel an improvement, then at least you will know that your colon is functioning healthfully and is not a fault.  But you may find out that a colon cleanse was exactly what you needed. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>There Are Many Colon Cleaners That Will Give You a Great Result</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/there-are-many-colon-cleaners-that-will-give-you-a-great-result.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/there-are-many-colon-cleaners-that-will-give-you-a-great-result.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Have you ever considered trying a colon cleanse? It's probably not something you think about like trying a new restaurant or trying to get to Disneyworld this year. But the truth is that you should spend more time thinking about the topics of colon cleaners and colon health. If you've never tried a natural colon cleanse, you'll be amazed at how much better you feel afterwards. The good news is that there are many colon cleaners that will give you a great result.

A poorly functioning colon is a fairly widespread condition in many developed countries like the United States. People tend to eat way too many processed foods and don't include enough natural choices in their diet. In addition, most people don't get enough fiber, nor do they drink enough water. The consequence is usually a sluggish colon lined with old fecal matter. A natural colon cleanse can remove this left behind waste and restore your digestive system to complete effectiveness.

Several different types of products are available for a natural colon cleanse. If you're lucky enough to have a local alternative health care or natural foods store, they will probably carry many of these natural colon cleaners. You may wish to shop online for colon cleaners, either for the sake of convenience or because you're embarrassed to purchase products connected with your colon and bowel movements. Although there's really no need for embarrassment, it's perfectly understandable. Just make sure that you purchase your natural colon cleaners from a reputable Internet company. You don't want to make your health worse by purchasing substandard products.

Colon cleaners that will give you a great result include oxygen-based products and herbal products. Another choice for colon cleansing is the use of colon hydrotherapy or colonics. The alternative health community often recommends the use of oxygen-based colon cleaners because they are capable of removing unwanted bacteria without harming the good bacteria that you need in your colon. Oxygen-based colon cleaners work throughout your entire digestive tract, not just your colon.

Herbal-based colon cleaners tend to be a little gentler on your system and a little slower to work. But the end result is still just as beneficial. Most natural herbal colon cleaners include high-quality natural fiber to accomplish the removal of old fecal matter from your colon walls. Most formulations also have herbs to attack parasites, just in case you happen to be harboring any intestinal worms or parasites in your colon. This may not be a problem if you haven't traveled extensively, but you never know what you can pick up sometimes.

Colon hydrotherapy is preferred by some. It's actually like an enema, but uses purified water or other natural liquids. Although there is certainly more to colon hydrotherapy than taking some pills, but it's not harsh in any way and many patients swear by the results.

Colon cleaners can give you a great result, but if you don't change your lifestyle and diet, the benefits of a colon cleanse won't last forever. You should eliminate as many processed foods as possible. Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water and juices. The trick is to increase your fiber as much as possible and also make the nutrients in your food more accessible to your body. Natural, raw food is much better suited to your digestive system. This means that when the food passes from the small intestine to the colon, it will be well-digested and much less likely to clog things up.

Your colon is a key part of your body's solid waste elimination system. Any difficulties, diseases or disorders of the colon will almost always have consequences elsewhere in your body. New research suggests that colon health is even related to liver function and brain function. Who would have thought that an unhealthy colon could actually cause cloudy thinking?

Colon cancer is a dreaded disease that also happens to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. A regular colon cleanse and a fiber-rich diet can help to prevent colon cancer. However, even though you'll be preventing a serious illness, if you try colon cleaners just once, you'll be doing it regularly just for how good it makes you feel. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Is an Unhealthy Colon Genetic, Or a Result Of a Poor Diet?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/is-an-unhealthy-colon-genetic-or-a-result-of-a-poor-diet.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/is-an-unhealthy-colon-genetic-or-a-result-of-a-poor-diet.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Did you realize that the colon is the body's main channel for eliminating solid waste? If there's a problem with your colon, what option does your body have? That's right, none. That's why an unhealthy colon has such widespread effects throughout your body. Any slowdowns or stoppages in your colon have both short-term and long-term negative health consequences for a wide variety of other bodily systems. Is an unhealthy colon genetic or a result of poor diet?

We're beginning to rediscover just how important genetics can be to our health. Remember your last visit to the doctor? He probably spent more time asking about your parents and your grandparents than he did asking about you and your symptoms. There's a good reason for this. Many of the diseases that we suffer from today have genetic links. That means that if someone in your family had a particular condition, then there's a good chance that you have inherited a higher risk for that same condition.

It would be great if we could blame all of our problems on someone else, but the truth is that an unhealthy colon is probably the result of a poor diet, not genetics. Poor colon function is most likely caused by choices we are making when we eat. When you consider that most bad colon health is concentrated in the developed nations of the world, you begin to understand what's going on.

You see, the best diet for our colon is a natural diet. Natural food is most easily digested by our bodies. The more you add manmade ingredients and the more you process food products, the more difficult food is to digest. This means that when the food is passed to the colon from the small intestine (where most of the digestion is supposed to take place), what remains is not fully digested. Therefore, the colon has more difficulty dealing with it.

Another cause of an unhealthy colon is the higher level of toxins in our modern environment. Many people in today's world live a comfortable life made possible by technology and industrialization. Unfortunately, the price of this comfort is an increased level of toxins created by manmade products and industrial processes. These toxins are absorbed by the body as we breathe, through our skin, and in the foods we eat. Our physical bodies are well-designed and flexible, but they were not meant to deal with level of toxins we face today.

If an unhealthy colon is the result of a poor diet, then what's the best diet for a healthy colon? The two words that are best to remember are fiber and water. Getting more fiber really means adding more plant-based foods to your diet. Eat more vegetables, whole grains, fruits and nuts. Fiber is non-digestible, so it will still be in the digested waste matter that passes to the colon. The fiber will help to retain water, making your stools softer. The fiber also provides roughage for the colon to "grab." Waste is moved through the colon by a muscular action called peristalsis. Fiber helps to stimulate and strengthen these wave-like muscular contractions that move waste matter through the colon.

A great way to improve the health of your colon and to get your new healthy diet off to a clean start is to perform a colon cleanse. Many natural colon cleaners are available in health food stores, vitamin stores and online. These products provide colon cleansing that removes old fecal matter and helps to restore your colon to more efficient functioning.

Drinking an appropriate amount of water not only provides more moisture for your body, it also helps to flush out toxins. The general rule of thumb is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. But a better rule that helps you come up with a specific, personalized amount is this: divide your body weight in half, then drink that many ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink 70 ounces of water per day (140 divided by 2 equals 70).

Fluids can include herbal tea and some fruit juices in addition to water. But drinks with caffeine actually have a dehydrating effect, so you can't count them in your daily total. And you should avoid any drinks with sugar, especially those with high fructose corn syrup.

Doctors continue to discover links between colon health and overall health every day. Numerous colon-related diseases, especially colon cancer, have been connected with an unhealthy colon. Research support is growing every day for links to other diseases in the body, including breast cancer, liver problems and brain function. Considering how serious and life-threatening these consequences can be, you should put a high priority on taking responsibility for your own colon health. There are many natural alternative foods available, so begin to change your diet and improve your colon health. There's a very high likelihood it will help you live longer and live better. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Can Polyps Be Cancerous?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/can-polyps-be-cancerous.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/can-polyps-be-cancerous.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You probably already know that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer.  But do you know what type of cancer is number two?  It's colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer causes more than 650,000 deaths worldwide every year. You might find this hard to believe, but colon cancer actually starts from very tiny and humble beginnings.  Small masses of cells called polyps begin to grow in your colon.  By themselves, they represent no real danger.  But over a period of five to 10 years, it's possible for these polyps to become cancerous. So you can begin to see why colon health is so important.

Cancer is the result when the normal growth and division of cells in your body gets out of control. When you think about it, the cells are really quite miraculous.  Your entire body is made up of cells, and they tend to grow, divide and generally take care of themselves without any conscious input from you.  But sometimes things go awry. Instead of growing new cells as and when needed, cancerous growth continues when there is no need for new cells.  

In your colon, this extra growth may initially take the form of small polyps.  The mere existence of polyps in your colon does not mean that you have colon cancer.  But there is a very good chance that over a period of years, one or more of these polyps could become cancerous.  Because there are no symptoms at the beginning, the only way to detect polyps is with a test called a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy uses a tiny camera on a flexible fiber-optic cable.  After some sedation and some lubrication, the camera is inserted into your rectum and threaded up through your lower intestine. The colonoscopy operator and the doctor were able to view the inside of your intestine in real time and search for any abnormalities. The process sounds both embarrassing and painful, but colonoscopy is absolutely essential to maintain good colon health, especially if you are at risk for colorectal cancer.  Age is the greatest risk factor.  About 90% of all cases of colorectal cancer occur in people over the age of 50.

During the colonoscopy, if your doctor discovers any polyps in your colon, he may take a small sample to determine if they are cancerous.  In some cases, your doctor may remove the entire polyp during the colonoscopy.  There's no cause for immediate alarm even if your doctor does discover polyps in your colon.  There are actually several different kinds of polyps and not all of them are at risk for becoming cancerous.  Adenomas are the polyps with the greatest risk for becoming cancerous and are often removed as soon as they are found. Once again, if you have a colonoscopy and your doctor discovers the presence of polyps, stay calm.  Polyps in the colon, even adenomas, are actually quite common and are routinely found and removed in colonoscopies.

Can a regular colon detox prevent the formation of precancerous polyps?  Although no definitive link is been established by clinical research, regular colon cleansing could help you avoid development of polyps.  One of the risk factors for colorectal cancer is incomplete emptying of your colon.  By paying more attention to colon health and performing a regular colon detox, it's possible for you to be lower your risk of developing dangerous precancerous polyps.

Another risk factor for colorectal cancer is inactivity. When your lifestyle is characterized by lack of activity, waste actually stays in your colon longer.  The slow movement and build up of waste in your colon could lead to negative colon health outcomes.

Low fiber, high fat diets have also been implicated in the development of polyps and subsequent growth of colon cancer.  Changing your diet and lifestyle could lead to a dramatic improvement in your colon health.  By filling your diet with fiber-rich foods and cutting back on fatty foods, you will be greatly lowering your risk for the development of colon cancer.  As you start out on this new diet and lifestyle, you may wish to try a colon cleanse and complete colon detox.  This will facilitate the emptying of your colon and accelerate your progress toward overall wellness. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Avoid Constipation with a Colon Cleanse</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/avoid-constipation-with-a-colon-cleanse.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/avoid-constipation-with-a-colon-cleanse.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Everyone has experienced constipation at one time or another.  The technical definition of constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Constipation also involves the passing of hard stools and extra physical straining, which can also aggravate hemorrhoids and anal fissures.  Just because constipation is common doesn't mean that you have to live with it.  It's actually quite possible to avoid constipation with a colon cleanse.

The problem of constipation can often be traced back to your diet.  The key ingredient that you may be missing is fiber. As waste matter passes through your colon, your body works to extract water. If the colon extracts too much water from the waste matter, it becomes hard and more difficult to pass. But when there's more fiber passing through your system, the fiber retains water and adds bulk to your stools, making them much easier to pass.

You may be wondering why you should be concerned about constipation at all. By itself, constipation is not really a disease. But constipation is a symptom that indicates your digestive and waste elimination systems are not exactly functioning as they should be. The straining that is usually associated with constipation can be painful, and it can result in hemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal bleeding

In addition to the pain and external damage, it's not healthy for waste matter to spend any longer than necessary in your digestive tract. The slow movement of waste and a poor, low-fiber diet will cause waste and bacteria to start building up on the colon walls. As a reaction to this, the body starts to produce mucus and sludge to protect itself. Parasites find these elements to be a perfect breeding ground. Toxins from this unnatural buildup of waste begin to enter the bloodstream, affecting your body's overall health.

What is the solution to all of this? A healthier diet is a good start. But to restore your colon to peak operating efficiency, you should consider a colon cleanse. The idea of a colon cleanse may conjure up images you would prefer not to think about. However, colon cleansing should be associated with feelings of getting a fresh start, of purity and of healthy, normal functioning.

Keeping your colon clean is an excellent way to help prevent constipation. Regular colon cleansing is much better than resorting to laxatives. The problem with laxatives is that regular use can train your body to become dependent on them. Instead of using natural processes to keep your colon clean, laxatives can actually damage your colon's muscles over time, making it impossible to have a normal bowel movement without laxatives.

Constipation may not be the only symptom you're experiencing that could be relieved with colon cleansing. Hemorrhoids, often associated with constipation, will be much more likely to heal after a colon cleanse. Keeping your colon clean can also reduce feelings of bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Not only will you be able to avoid constipation with a colon cleanse, you're much more likely to experience greater vitality and overall body health. The colon is a major part of the body's waste management and elimination symptom. If it's not functioning at optimum efficiency, it tends to affect systems throughout your body. That's why the benefits of a colon cleanse are so widespread. Some things about your body will begin to feel better, even if you didn't realize they had deteriorated.

A colon cleanse usually reduces allergic reactions. That's because your immune system is no longer struggling to keep up with the toxins from accumulated waste. It's able to focus on its primary task of fighting off external enemies to the body. Keeping your colon clean will help your colon function more effectively, which may even help you lose weight. Many people who undertake a colon cleanse also report an improvement in the appearance of their skin.

Once you've tried colon cleansing and experienced the benefits, chances are you'll start a regular routine for keeping your colon clean. With a combination of regular colon cleansing and a healthy, high-fiber diet, you should be able to completely avoid constipation and the poor health outcomes that come with it. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Natural Colon Cleanse Will Assist With Weight Loss</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/a-natural-colon-cleanse-will-assist-with-weight-loss.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/a-natural-colon-cleanse-will-assist-with-weight-loss.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Have you ever struggled with weight loss? It seems like there are two kinds of people in the world--those who don't even have to worry about weight loss and those who struggle just to shed a few pounds. There is an endless variety of diets that claim to help you lose weight. Choosing the best one comes down to finding out which one works for you. But did you realize that if your digestive system isn't functioning at peak efficiency, it may not matter what kind of diet you try?

You colon health has a significant effect on most of your body's systems. The best way to maintain good colon health is to eat a diet rich in fiber. The highly-processed foods of the developed world are filled with manmade ingredients, and these foods are absolutely terrible for your digestive system. It's never too late to improve your diet and start encouraging good colon health, but you may have accumulated a buildup of fecal matter that needs to be cleansed.

A natural colon cleanse provides numerous benefits throughout your body. It can give you a great jumpstart on improving your colon health. A regular program of colon cleansing would be good for anyone trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But what about weight loss? Let's look at some of the ways that a natural colon cleanse will assist with weight loss.

The cleansing action of a colon cleanse will result in more efficient digestion. The colon's job is to eliminate solid waste from the body. But when the colon is lined with old waste matter, the whole process becomes sluggish. Since there are no alternative ways for the body to rid itself of solid waste, everything just backs up and slows down. A colon cleanser will assist with weight loss by restoring your colon to full and effective functioning.

The colon moves waste matter from the small intestine to the anus by a process called peristalsis. The muscles of the colon move in a wave-like manner. But if the colon is lined with hardened fecal matter, this muscle action is hindered. A natural colon cleanse will assist with weight loss by improving your colon mobility. The muscles will work better and move waste more quickly through your system. Some believe that laxatives may accomplish the same thing, but in reality laxatives can be damaging to the muscles of the colon.

A colon cleanse will give you increased energy and endurance. When old fecal matter is lodged in your colon, one of the consequences is persistent fatigue and lack of vitality. This constant feeling of listlessness can make it almost impossible to get the activity and exercise you need to assist with weight loss. After performing a natural colon cleanse, you're almost certain to feel more energetic, lighter and better able to exercise. Regardless of the type of exercise you prefer to do, you'll feel like doing more of it at a higher level after a colon clean.

You may not have realized that there was a connection, but you can probably expect clearer thinking and an improved mental attitude after a natural colon cleanse. When the movement of waste matter through your colon is slowed by the accumulation of fecal matter, you body starts to reabsorb toxins that should be eliminated from the body. These toxins often have an effect on other body systems, including your mental state. After a colon cleanse and the restoration of colon health, you can probably expect to experience fewer bouts of depression and fewer days of clouded thinking. Again, you'll feel more like exercising and being active, which will assist with weight loss.

One positive result you can definitely expect from a natural colon cleanse is relief from constipation. Constipation affects most people at one time or another, and chronic constipation affects one in ten people. Constipation can make you feel lethargic and fatigued, and may lead to other complications like abdominal pain. Nothing can short-circuit your weight loss program quicker than pain and fatigue. A colon clean will relieve your constipation and return your bowel movements to a natural, regular schedule. As your body systems return to normal, weight loss will become much easier for you.

To sum up, a natural colon cleanse will assist with weight loss by improving your overall health, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of your digestive system, improving colon health and providing a lift in your energy and mood. Look for a colon cleanse product today and get started on your journey back to health. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>What Are The Causes Of Bloody Stool?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/what-are-the-causes-of-bloody-stool.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/what-are-the-causes-of-bloody-stool.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Finding blood in your stool can be an alarming experience.  Regardless of how much you know about health care, everybody knows that bloody stool is simply not right.  The appearance of bloody stool causes a whole range of possibilities to race through your mind, none of them good.  What are the causes of bloody stool?  What are the most likely possibilities and what should you do about it?

In very general terms, bloody stool means that there's some sort of injury or disorder located somewhere in your digestive tract. Unfortunately, that doesn't narrow things down very much, because your digestive tract can refer to almost any location between your mouth and your anus.  One of the ways that you and your doctor can start to zero in on the likely location of the problem is by the color of the blood.

As a rule, the closer the source of bleeding is to the anus, the brighter red the blood will be. This is because the bacteria in your digestive system works to break down the blood as it passes through. So the longer blood stays in your digestive tract, the darker it will become. The color of the bloody stool can range from bright red through maroon and black, all the way to occult (or hidden).

There is a great deal of emphasis on the color because this is how your doctor will begin to diagnose the causes of bloody stool. If the bloody stool is bright red, then there's a good chance the blood was essentially added on the way out by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Obviously, although these causes of bloody stool can be uncomfortable, they are relatively minor and easily treated. You might want to try a natural colon cleanse. Regular cleansing can practically eliminate constipation that lead to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Even a one-time colon cleanse can help.

The causes of bloody stool that is more maroon in color lie farther up the digestive tract. If you have intestinal polyps, these may sometimes bleed and cause maroon-colored stool. The most serious possibility is that some of these polyps have begun to develop into colon cancer. That's why you should never delay contacting your doctor if you're concerned about the causes of bloody stool. Early action could conceivably save your life. Bloody stool that is maroon in color could also be caused by inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulosis. However, most doctors agree that diverticulosis causes significant bleeding and is therefore relatively easy to diagnose.

Some people have black and tarry stools with an especially foul odor. If the blood in your stool has turned black, that means it has spent a longer time passing through your digestive tract. The causes of bloody stool that is black and tarry (or sticky) may lie not in your colon, but rather in your stomach or small intestines. The blood has been turned black by the action of bacteria in your system. Doctors refer to black bloody stool as "melena."

There is a possibility that the appearance of your stool was changed by something in your diet. Some foods, supplements and medicines have a tendency to turn your stool black. Licorice, iron pills, Pepto-Bismol and blueberries can result in black-colored stools. Beets and tomatoes, on the other hand, have a tendency to turn your stools reddish on some occasions. However, this doesn't occur all the time and not everyone experiences this symptom. Most of the time when you see red, you should assume it's blood and act accordingly.

Although not all of the causes of bloody stool are serious, there's only one safe course of action if you spot bloody stool in your toilet. See a doctor. There's a good chance that the causes of bloody stool are relatively minor and easily treated. However, you should allow a health professional to make that determination. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, especially when there could be more serious causes of bloody stool. Colon cancer causes the second highest number of cancer deaths in the United States, but up to 90 percent of cases could be prevented with early detection and treatment.

Calling your doctor and discussing the color of your stool is not something that you would normally look forward to doing. However, don't let embarrassment keep you from doing the right thing. Don't take chances with your health. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>I Have Blood In My Poop!</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/i-have-blood-in-my-poop.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/i-have-blood-in-my-poop.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You probably don't want to yell "I have blood in my poop!" when you're standing in a crowd. However, if you turn around one day and see bloody stools in the toilet, it's certainly something you might be screaming inside your head. Seeing blood is bad enough, seeing your own blood is worse. When you start seeing blood in your poop, that's gone too far. If you've just exclaimed to yourself, "I have blood in my poop!", what could be the problem? What should you do?

There are actually quite a few reasons why you might have blood in your poop. Some of them could be serious. Most of them are not. The first thing you need to ask yourself is, "How do I know it's blood?" You may not have realized this before, but there are actually several foods that can make your poop look bloody. Tomatoes and beets can turn your stools red. That makes sense now that you think about it, doesn't it? Other possibilities include blueberries, licorice, iron supplements, Pepto-Bismol--all of these can turn your stools black, which looks a lot like blood in your poop. So the first thing you need to eliminate as a cause is your diet. Have you eaten any of these foods or taken any of these substances in the last 18 hours?

If food is not the cause of your strange-looking stools, then you probably should accept the likelihood that you actually do have blood in your poop. By itself, this certainly isn't the end of the world. But here's the thing--you need to call up your doctor and tell him, "I have blood in my poop!" Or, you might want to wait until you're back in one of those private exam room. It's your decision. But don't delay making an appointment to see your doctor. Most causes of blood in your poop are minor. But it's important for you to know for sure.

The very first thing that your doctor will want to know is what color your stools were. The obvious answer is "red," but not all bloody poop is red. The actual color depends on where the problem is. The farther up your digestive tract the bleeding is occurring, the darker the blood will be. You see, as blood passes through your intestines, bacteria works to digest it like food. The chemical changes that bacteria cause darkens the color of the blood. The longer it stays inside your body, the darker it gets.

So what does this all mean? Well, bright red blood in your stool most likely was added just before exiting your body. The most common causes of bright red blood in your poop are hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Hemorrhoids can begin to bleed when you strain during a bowel movement or even when you wipe a little too roughly. Anal fissures are also quite sensitive to straining and may cause you to have bloody poop. If this is the cause of your problem, the doctor will probably encourage you to drink more fluids and deal with any possible causes of constipation. Another remedy that will provide great results is a colon cleanse. Natural colon cleaners help to remove old waste matter that may be contributing to your constipation.

Darker blood in your stools means that the cause is more likely in your stomach or small intestine. One of the most common causes of blood from your stomach is a bleeding ulcer. Although this sounds dangerous, it's often a result of taking medication. Even over-the-counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen can lead to ulcers that cause no pain but that bleed into your digestive tract. If your doctor believes that this is a likely cause, he may recommend a change in medications.

Why is it so important to tell your doctor about blood in your poop? The problem could be caused by bleeding from intestinal polyps. Polyps are not that dangerous by themselves, but there is a possibility that polyps could develop into colon cancer. This type of cancer is much more likely in people over age 50. If that describes you, then you should not hesitate to get screened for colon cancer. Although colon cancer is one of the major cancer killers, it's also very easy to prevent. By discovering and removing polyps before they turn cancerous, colon cancer can be completely prevented. Whenever you notice anything that might indicate digestive tract bleeding, call your doctor immediately and tell him, "I have blood in my poop!" ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Stop Suffering from Chronic Bad Breath or Halitosis</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Alternative_Medicine/stop-suffering-from-chronic-bad-breath-or-halitosis.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Alternative_Medicine/stop-suffering-from-chronic-bad-breath-or-halitosis.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Do you suffer from chronic bad breath? Chronic halitosis (the medical term for bad breath) is a more than just the temporary halitosis odors caused by eating garlic or other pungent foods--the embarrassing condition stays with you long after the foods are swallowed and digested. Chronic bad breath can't be fixed by breath mints. As soon as the mint is gone, the halitosis returns. Chronic halitosis has a deeper cause and will require a little more effort. But it is very possible to cure chronic bad breath with some fairly simple remedies. Let's take a look at what causes chronic halitosis and what steps you can take to rid yourself of it quickly.

The build-up of bacteria and decaying food particles is almost always the culprit behind chronic bad breath. Your mouth is an excellent environment for bacteria--it's usually dark, warm and moist. Your tongue provides a rough surface for bacteria to grow and multiply on. If you have some plaque building up between your teeth, it also provides hand holds for bacteria and small bits of leftover food. As the bacteria thrives, it gives off odors that most people find unattractive. The best cures for chronic halitosis are cures that attack the bacterial growth in your mouth.

Now, you may be saying "Wait a minute, I brush my teeth all the time--why do I have chronic halitosis?" It's true, even though poor oral hygiene is the overwhelming top cause for chronic halitosis, there are other reasons by you might have a reputation for unkissability. Some people suffer from xerostomia, a chronically dry mouth. Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications, especially treatments for asthma and bronchitis. Having a dry mouth often leads to chronic bad breath. Other possible causes of chronic halitosis include some respiratory diseases and even diabetes.

The quickest and surest help for chronic halitosis is brushing and flossing along with cleaning your tongue. Many people tend to forget their tongue during their dental hygiene activities. Many new toothbrush designs are incorporating tongue cleaning tools, but it's also okay to just brush your tongue. Separate tongue cleaners are also available. In a pinch, you can use the edge of a spoon.

Saliva has been referred to by some as the greatest secret weapon against chronic halitosis. Adequate saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria. In addition to the physical cleansing action, saliva also has antibacterial properties. Chewing gum is an excellent way to promote the greater production of saliva in your mouth.

Recent studies have highlighted the surprising effectiveness of cinnamon in the battle against chronic bad breath. Of course you're probably well aware of the pleasing aroma of cinnamon. But this spice has also been found to have ingredients that help lower the levels of bacteria in your mouth. Combining the anti-bacterial properties of cinnamon with the saliva-promoting action of chewing gum will help rid you of chronic halitosis. Make sure you stick with sugar-free gum so you can avoid cavities.

Drinking water can have a positive effect on chronic bad breath. Sometimes you can get dehydrated without really feeling thirsty. So don't wait until you feel the need for water--drink it as a habit. This will help you avoid dehydration that could lower your saliva production. Drinking water also helps to flush away some bacteria and food particles.

If you're on a no-carb or low-carb diet, it could actually be contributing to chronic halitosis. Wouldn't that be ironic--losing weight to be attractive leads to chronic halitosis? When you burn fat on a big scale, your body produces ketones. And ketones in your blood can lead to a distinctive sort of bad breath. So, do yourself and your date a favor--have a few carbs to help your breath.

Everyone suffers from halitosis at one time or another. But chronic bad breath needs a little extra action. Since most chronic halitosis results from bacteria growth and decaying food particles, start by paying a little more attention to your oral hygiene. If that doesn't work pretty quickly, then you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Not only will your dentist be able to provide a thorough cleaning, he's also the right doctor to discuss other options if cleaning doesn't do the job. ]]></description>
</item>

</channel>
</rss>

