Peppermint

Peppermint is a potent herb that is a good source of Vitamin A, Manganese and Vitamin C. Clinical research shows that is can be used as a digestive aid. The compounds in peppermint have a calming effect on smooth muscles such as the intestines, which can sooth spasms that aggravate Irritable Bowel Syndrome and cause indigestion. The phytonutrients have also been shown to inhibit cancer growth in pancreatic, mammary, and liver cells. Peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties that can be used to fight bacteria strains such as salmonella and MRSA. It is best to consume mint leaves fresh from the plant. Skip the dry form of the herb such as those found in teas, and instead choose fresh sprigs from the local farmers market or your own garden that are vivid green with no yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To incorporate more peppermint in your diet:

• sip hot tea made from the leaves
• add a few sprigs to your sun tea or seltzer water
• freeze into ice cubes to add flavor to your water
• enhance your fresh fruit salads with crushed mint
• add to soups or gazpachos
• chew on the leaves like gum
• make some homemade peppermint ice cream

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References

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)

The dainty yellow flowers of Greater Celandine (aka "swallow") bloom when swallows return from winter nesting and die when the birds head south again. A member of the Poppy family, the medicinal use of the plant dates back to ancient Greece. It has been widely used in European herbal medicine through modern time for treatment of gallbladder disease and liver conditions.

As a homeopathic remedy, Chelidonium has produced favorable results for treating liver disorders. It has also been used with health conditions such as indigestion, heartburn, IBS, gout, osteoarthritis, warts and other skin diseases.

Greater Celandine is often prepared as an extract or tincture, depending upon the intended use. If extracts are not properly prepared and preserved, it can render the herb less effective or cause side effects. Also, if you don't use the appropriate dose of this herb for your particular health concern you could experience side effects ranging from rash to upset stomach and serious illness. Chelidonium is not appropriate for everyone. It is important that a healthcare practitioner provide you with the appropriate dose and quality of this herb.

Recent debate about the liver-protective versus potential toxic effects of Chelidonium majus has renewed the medical community's interest in this plant. Interactions have been found when Chelidonium is taken with Tylenol or Erythromycin or other drugs that stress the liver.

Image Attribution: Bogdana_Severyn/bigstockphoto.com
References

Tumeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root portion of the Curcuma longa plant, and has been used medicinally throughout the world. It is what gives mustard its yellow color, and is one of the star ingredients in curry. Turmeric has many cancer-fighting properties, making it a great addition to anyone concerned about skin cancer. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties that help with conditions like IBS and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It also has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and is especially effective for breast, prostate, lung, colon, and prostate cancer. This super food also helps lower the risk of leukemia, improves liver function, boosts the cardiovascular system, helps lower cholesterol, and may offer protection against Alzheimer's Disease. Everyone can benefit from having more Turmeric in their diet. Try adding it to egg salad and deviled eggs for a brilliant yellow color, use it to flavor rice and soups, add it to salad dressings, or season steamed veggies with it. Be careful, its potent yellow color can stain!

References

• "Turmeric" World's Healthiest Foods.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78
• Aggarwal B. Paper presented at the U.S. Defense Department's 'Era of Hope' Breast Cancer Research Program meeting in Philadelphia, PA, October 5, 2005,. reported in NUTRAingredients.com/Europe "Turmeric slows breast cancer spread in mice."
• Balasubramanian K. Molecular Orbital Basis for Yellow Curry Spice Curcumin's Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. J. Agric. Food Chem., 54 (10), 3512 -3520, 2006. 10.1021/jf0603533 S0021-8561(06)00353-0, Web Release Date: April 20, 2006. 2006.

Image Attribution: LotusHead/freeimages.com

What Your Bowel Movements Reveal About Your Health

Unless you're the parent of a toddler who has just mastered "going potty," poop is probably not a hot topic in your household. But the composition of what you deposit into the toilet has important implications for health. Did you know the features of fecal matter--such as the size, color, shape, odor, and consistency indicate how well the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is functioning? Those same features also provide clues about how your body is (or isn't) faring against threats of infection and more serious diseases like celiac disease, hepatitis, urinary tract infections, malabsorption disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and cancer.

To give you an idea of what healthy, normal stool looks like, check out the Bristol Stool Chart. The healthy range for fecal matter is of a consistency that is not too hard, not too soft, and mostly solid--as opposed to lumpy, pellet-like, or liquid. Normal stool color is in the light-to-medium brown range and is not offensively odorous. Also, bowel movements (BMs) should pass easily from your body to the toilet.

5 BMs that Require Medical Attention
Unless you are aware of dietary changes or a medication that could produce the following types of stool, it's advisable to seek medical attention if you observe the following changes in BMs.

1. Stool that is hard to pass, requires straining, or is accompanied by abdominal pain.
2. Black, tarry stool might indicate infection or GI bleeding, while bright red stool could indicate infection and/or bleeding in the GI tract or anus. Seek immediate medical attention.
3. White, pale, or grey stool could indicate problems with the liver, bile ducts, or pancreas.
4. Yellow stool could indicate serious infection or gallbladder problems.
5. Mucus in the stool can indicate inflammation, infection, or even cancer.

How Often Should You Go?
How frequently you have a BM is important, too. And, what's typical for you may be different for other people in your family. For most people, from 1-2 daily BMs are considered the norm. No matter how often you poop, you should not have to strain or experience pain while excreting. Additionally, be aware that the appearance and frequency of BMs will vary based on what's in your diet, sleep and exercise patterns, hormonal changes, travel, stress, hydration level, medications or supplements you are taking, and exposure to toxins (from nicotine to industrial toxins).

How Low Should You Go?
There's also evidence that the position you take to evacuate the bowels has health implications for the physical structures of the GI tract. So much so that some scientists indicate sitting to poop is a contributing factor in the development of colon and pelvic diseases. Before potty training, young children squat to poop in their diapers--they don't sit. Yes, there's a difference between squatting and sitting. The modern toilet places the thighs at a 90-degree angle to the abdomen, whereas squatting has a much deeper angle that gives more motility to the intestinal muscles and organs. Evacuating the bowels is much easier on the body in the squatting versus seated position. Toilet position should be a consideration for everyone over the age of five, but is especially important for the elderly, the disabled, and individuals with compromised mobility.

You can learn more about proper toilet position in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P8L0r4JVpo

Resources

• Mercola, J. "What You See in the Toilet Can Give You Valuable Insights into Your Health." Accessed February 2015.
• Monastyrsky, K. "Gut Sense: What Exactly Are Normal Stools?" Accessed February 2015.
• Sikirov, D. "Comparison of Straining During Defecation in Three Positions: Results and Implications for Human Health." Abstract. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 48, no. 7 (July 2003): 1201-5.
• Step and Go. "Step and Go Ergonomically Correct Toilet Position." Accessed February 2015.

Image Attribution: JavierBrosch/bigstock.com

Image Attribution: Kyle Thompson [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Probiotics

With 80% of your immune system located in your gut, having balanced intestinal flora is a major factor in defending your body against disease. Balanced gastrointestinal (GI) flora is critical to the functioning of the immune system, synthesis of nutrients, and detoxification. Balanced GI flora is also necessary for regular and normal bowel movements.

Flora imbalances can be caused by poor diet, illness, use of antibiotics, and stress.  Symptoms can include persistent gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. To maintain or rebalance GI flora, consider adding probiotics to your diet.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms naturally found in your GI tract. The most common probiotic bacteria come from two groups, lactobacillus or bifidobacterium, although many other types of bacteria are also classified as probiotics. Scientific evidence shows these probiotics

• boost the immune system by enhancing the production of antibodies;
• support the synthesis of vitamins and other nutrients;
• relieve the effects of, and treat, intestinal illness (diarrhea, constipation, IBS);
• prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections; and
• may reduce the risk of colon or bladder cancer.

Two ways to boost healthy GI flora are to take a probiotic supplement or add probiotic-containing foods to your diet. Probiotic supplements come in liquid and capsule forms and many are sold refrigerated. Check with your Dr. Bossio to be sure you select a product that meets your personal health needs. It is important to follow the storage instructions for your supplement--failure to do so could kill off the live, healthy bacteria it contains.

Probiotic-boosting foods include fermented foods and cultured dairy products. Be sure the food labels state "fermented" or, for dairy, "live and active bacterial cultures."

Resources

• American Gastroenterological Association. "Probiotics: What They Are and What They Can Do for You." Revised May 2013.
• Kiani, L. "Bugs in Our Gut: How Probiotics Keep Us Healthy." Cambridge Scientific Abstracts: Discovery Guide (October 2006).
• Mayo Clinic. "Do I Need to Include Probiotics and Prebiotics in My Diet?" October 15, 2014. 

Image Attribution: B-D-S/bigstock.com

Colonic Irrigation

Colonic irrigation, also known as "colon hydrotherapy," is the use of clean, temperature- and pressure-regulated water to flush out the lower intestines. This gentle flushing can aid in the elimination of toxin-containing waste in the colon, and relieve constipation by reestablishing regular bowel movements.

While the use of enemas is ancient, this particular therapy dates back to the early 1900s and has a long history of clinical evidence from physicians who routinely saw the difference it made in their patients' symptoms. It is also surrounded in controversy, as many alternative healers make wild and fantastical claims of its benefits.

Colon hydrotherapy is so gentle and effective that it is frequently used as an alternative to oral laxatives before a colonoscopy. In addition, this therapy is used to treat people who suffer from fecal incontinence, children with chronic constipation, and those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Finally, it is used to relieve the multitude of physical and emotional symptoms that frequently accompany chronic constipation, poor elimination, and various bowel diseases such as IBS.

As with any health procedure, it is important to work with a trained and certified colon hydrotherapist. When this procedure is done by a trained professional with proper equipment, the rate of adverse reactions is extremely low. This is a helpful and scientifically supported therapy used by all different types of physicians around the world.

Resource for finding a certified therapist:
http://www.i-act.org/IACTSearch.HTM

Resources

• Christensen, P., and K. Krogh. "Transanal Irrigation for Disordered Defecation: A Systematic Review." Abstract. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 45, no. 5 (May 2010).
• Mooventhan, A., and N.L. Nivethitha. "Scientific Evidence-based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body." Abstract. North American Journal of Medical Sciences 6, no. 5 (May 2014):199-209. 
• Pizzorno, J., and M. Murray, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Seattle: John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine: 1985.
• Preziosi, G., et al. "Transanal Irrigation for Bowel Symptoms in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis." Abstract. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 55, no. 10 (October 2012).
• Richards, D.G., D.L. McMillin, E.A. Mein, and C.D. Nelson. "Colonic Irrigations: A Review of the Historical Controversy and the Potential for Adverse Effects." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 12, no. 4 (May 2006): 389-93.

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At Home Enemas

Enemas have been used for centuries to cleanse the colon. Simply an injection of liquid via the anus, enemas may help relieve constipation, gas and bloating, cleanse the colon and reduce the body's toxic load. While the idea of giving yourself an at-home enema may seem like a daunting and uncomfortable task, it's actually a very simple process that often feels more awkward than uncomfortable. Enema solutions can help with a variety of symptoms, using one of a variety of recipes.

• Aloe vera enemas: soothe and heal hemorrhoids and IBS.
• Burdock root enemas: help remove calcium deposits, improving function of kidneys and bladder.
• Catnip enemas: ease pain and cramping.
• Slippery elm enemas: help correct both constipation and diarrhea, as well as help heal hemorrhoids and inflammatory conditions of the bowel.
• Coffee enemas are highly regarded for their use in detoxifying the liver, intestinal walls and colon, and encouraging the release of toxic bile from the system.
• Epsom salt enemas: increase the amount of water in the intestine and colon, stimulating a more thorough cleansing of the intestinal tract.
• Lemon juice enemas: help rid the colon of excess feces and balance pH levels in the colon.
• Salt water enemas: most comfortable and easiest for first time users.

Getting Started:

No matter which solution you choose, you'll need to do a few things to get started.
 
1. Your enema toolbox should include an enema bag with a clamp on the end of the tube to help control the flow and to prevent fluid from leaking out. You'll also want to make sure that the rectal tube is smooth, so as to avoid damage to the rectal lining.

2. You should be near a toilet and near a place to hang the enema bag, such as as a door handle or towel bar positioned between 1.5 and 3 feet above the floor.

3. Lay a few old towels and a pillow on the floor for comfort and cleanliness.

4. Heat your enema solution to between 98 and 104 F (37 to 40 C).

5. Ensure the tubing on your enema bag is secure, close the clamp and fill the bag with the warmed solution.

6. With your enema tools in place, lie down on your left side, with left leg straight and bend your right knee toward your chest, resting it on the floor. This will allow for the best reach and easiest enema application.

7. Before beginning, make sure there is no air in the tubing, then test the flow of the solution for a steady stream.

8. Lubricate the nozzle and your anus using a natural oil, then insert the nozzle a few inches into your anus, unclamp the tube and relax. If the solution doesn't start to flow, you may have inserted the nozzle a bit too far.

9. When you have finished emptying the enema or have taken in as much solution that you can comfortably hold, remove the nozzle and continue to lie on the floor, slightly clenching your anus to keep solution from leaking and try to hold the enema for 10 to 15 minutes.

10. Massage your abdomen in a counter-clockwise direction to assist the water to flow into the entire colon. When you're ready to evacuate, get up and move to the toilet. You'll want to stay close to a toilet for the next 30 to 60 minutes, as evacuating happens in stages.

11. After your enema, clean and sanitize your enema equipment thoroughly by boiling. Hang the bag and tubes to dry and never store enema equipment while it's still wet as it could grow mold. It is also important to reserve your enema equipment for your personal use only and never share it with anyone else.

As easy as at-home enemas are, it is not something that should be done when you have a list of things to accomplish during the same day. You'll want to rest after your enema, drink plenty of hydrating fluids and maintain a diet of light meals that include nourishing, cooked foods, such as steamed vegetables, for the rest of the day. For general maintenance and colon health it is recommended that you give yourself an enema once a month. And although enemas are generally safe and complications are very rare in healthy adults, it is still recommended that you discuss appropriate enema solutions, precautions and even procedures with Dr. Bossio before trying this at home.

Resources

Photo credit. Free Digital Photos.
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/barium-enema-of-a-man-show-the-normal-cecum-photo-p250560.

Lindlahr, Henry, and Victor Hugo Lindlahr. 1931. The practice of nature cure. New York city: The Nature cure library, Inc.

"Colonic Enemas - A Naturopathic Treatment". 1998. TOWNSEND LETTER FOR DOCTORS AND PATIENTS. (180): 100.

7 Natural Enema Solutions You Can Use at Home. Flowing Free.
http://flowingfree.org/7-natural-enema-solutions-you-can-use-at-home/.

Herbal Enemas for a Happy and Healthy Colon. Flowing Free.
http://flowingfree.org/herbal-enemas-for-a-happy-and-healthy-colon/.

Everything you ever wanted to know about giving yourself an enema and were afraid to ask. Flowing Free.
http://flowingfree.org/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-giving-yourself-an-enema-and-were-afraid-to-ask/.

Image Attribution: Praisaeng/shutterstock.com