Crohn's Disease - What Should I Eat ?

CROHN’S DISEASE
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder that responds very well to nutritional therapy. A few factors should be considered. Sensitivity to certain foods, most commonly gluten (the protein found in wheat, oats, rye and barley) and milk can aggravate Crohn’s, so avoiding them can help. The amount of good bacteria in the gut is likely to be low, so restore the balance with a probiotic supplement such as acidophilus. Taking some Omega 3-rich fish or flax oil, which contain Omega 3 fats, helps calm the inflammation. Certain herbs such as slippery elm or marshmallow are very soothing to the gut lining, while others such as boswellia and curcumin can reduce inflammation. The amino acid glutamine, 5 to 10 grams taken as a powder in water last thing at night, also helps to repair the gut.

Most people with Crohn’s are allergic to certain foods, most commonly gluten, and also have raised homocysteine levels. It is well worth working with a nutritional therapist, who can test for these factors and help you find your perfect diet and supplement programme.

You can’t avoid fibre completely and wouldn’t want to. Fibre is a natural constituent of a healthy diet high in fruit, vegetables, lentils, beans and wholegrains and by eating such a diet you have less risk of bowel cancer, diabetes or diverticular disease, and are unlikely to suffer from constipation. However, be really careful with insoluble fibre found in bran and wholegrains. It’s harsh on the bowel and doesn’t suit a sensitive or inflamed digestive system. There are, however, many different kinds of fibre. Soluble fibres, found in oats, lentils, beans, fruit, vegetables and flax seeds or linseeds (which you should continue to eat plenty of) are a whole other story. Soluble fibre-rich foods contain many other nutrients as well, so are an important part of any healthy diet, including the diets of Crohn’s sufferers.

Diet advice
Avoid coffee, alcohol and sugar, drink 1.5 litres of water daily and eat fresh wholefoods that are naturally high in soluble fibre, such as lentils, beans, ground seeds, fruit and lightly cooked vegetables. Have ground flax seeds or soaked flax seeds.

Supplements
• 2 x Multivitamin and mineral
• 1 x Vitamin C 1,000mg (less if irritating)
• 3 x Omega 3-rich fish oils (providing EPA 1200mg)
• L-glutamine powder, 5g, twice a day

Want Glowing Skin? Want To Look Younger And Fresher?

Looking After Your Skin

Stay hydrated. We have had it drummed into us for years that we need to be drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. This is especially necessary if you want clear, vibrant-looking skin. Staying hydrated is important to skin health for two main reasons. Firstly, hydrated skin has fewer fine lines, better elasticity, and looks generally brighter. Secondly, drinking plenty of water helps to flush out water-soluble toxins from the kidneys. Remember that the skin will be used as a fast and convenient waste removal if any of the other modes of elimination are in any way inhibited. This can lead to skin breakouts and lesions. However, don't overdo it and drink excessive amounts of water. That can be potentially dangerous and even lead to death.
Get the best skin care possible. A good skincare regime is essential for anyone, especially those with skin complaints. Such a regime can work wonders for the skin, and how it functions and thrives as an organ. Choose a range of products with the minimum amount of harsh chemicals. Get advice from a highly trained beauty therapist or skincare expert to find products that are best for you.
Reduce sugar intake. Ok , I know this is a hugely debated area. Many "experts" will tell you that there is no link between sugary foods and skin conditions. I beg to differ, and here is my reasoning. When we eat sugar, we get a very sudden rise in blood sugar. When this happens, our body initially releases adrenalin. After a while of surging adrenalin in circulation, the skin is affected. Adrenalin directly stimulates the sebaceous glands in the skin. This will cause a drastic increase in the production of sebum, and increase the likelihood of developing skin 'break outs'.

Fill up on good fats, omega 3,6 and 9. These fats are vital for skin health. They help to condition the skin and help to control inflammation. Plus, many of the food sources of these fats are very rich in other important nutrients such as zinc and vitamin E. Reach for sources such as hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, algae(spirulina) and oily fish.

Essential Fats Are Required For Improve Mood And Concentration

Essential fats are important in our diet. They help maintain a healthy heart and arteries, supporting brain function, sustain flexible joints, support hormones and keeps the blood vessels healthy. Sixty percent of the brain is made up of fat, nearly half of which is DHA, an omega-3 fat found primarily in fish.  Omega-3s are required for a brain’s growth and development.  They help keep the outside layer of the brain cell (the membrane) more fluid.  Most of the brain’s functions occur within the membrane.  A more fluid membrane means better communication and responsiveness between brain cells.  Omega-3s can reduce the risk of blood clotting which could affect blood flow to the brain.  They fight inflammation and preserve nerve cell function.

If a pregnant woman is deficient in these good fats then may feel forgetful and low mood, therefore, the lower the intake of omega-3s the higher their chances of becoming depressed. A lack of fish or fish oil is also linked to increasing hostility and aggression.

Although you can get a type of omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid in vegetation, such as flax and pumpkin seeds, by far the most potent omega-3 fat is EPA (the best source of which is oily fish) which turns into DPA then DHA. The higher your blood levels of omega-3 fats, the higher your levels of serotonin are likely to be, which is known as the 'happy hormone'. It is really important to eat oily fish at least three times a week. One should supplement omega-3 and 6 oils twice daily, providing around 250mg of EPA+DPA. When your mood is particularly low on a certain day then supplement an additional EPA-rich omega-3 fish-oil capsule. This will lift your mood and improve your memory try it!!

Vegetarians and Vegans Should Ensure They Get Enough Vitamin B 12 In Their Diet

Vitamin B12 is needed for blood formation and for cell division. Neither plants nor animals make vitamin B12. Bacteria are responsible for producing vitamin B12. Animals get their vitamin B12 from eating foods contaminated with vitamin B12 and then the animal becomes a source of vitamin B12. Plant foods do not contain vitamin B12 except when they are contaminated by microorganisms or have vitamin B12 added to them. Therefore, vegans need to look to fortified foods or supplements to get vitamin B12 in their diet. Although recommendations for vitamin B12 are very small, a vitamin B12 deficiency is a very serious problem leading ultimately to anaemia and irreversible nerve damage. Vegans will include sources of vitamin B12 in their diets.Tempeh, miso, sea vegetables, and other plant foods are sometimes reported to contain vitamin B12. These products, however, are not reliable sources of the vitamin B12. Vegans should use a vitamin B12 supplement, either as a single supplement or in a multivitamin should use supplements regularly.

All about eyes

What can we tell from the condition of our eyes?

Dark circles or ongoing fatigue indicates low iron levels but can also be genetic.
Puffiness under eyes indicates our kidneys are not working properly.
Yellow lumpy deposits may possibly a fatty build up in internal organs, possible high cholesterol.

Concerned about your losing eyesight, perhaps due to long sightedness, macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts?

Many nutrients are highly concentrated in the eye, including vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants such as lutein which is found in greens. The blood supply to the eyes is essential and many of the same factors that lead to cardiovascular risk may actually in fact worsen eye health. Lack of blood sugar control leads to diabetes and this is one of the major promoters of losing eyesight.

As we age our sight may deteriorate. To prevent this from happening what can we do to correct these common eye problems and how can we keep them healthy throughout our lives.?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is happening to people as early as in their forties and fifties. Researchers have found that certain supplements and lifestyle changes can stop this common, debilitating disease and many other eye diseases in order to keep your sight sharp through old age.

Over 30 million worldwide have Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly of European descent. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can develop very slowly. The cells in the macula at the back of the eye wear out and become damaged, leaving a blank area of vision. This can lead on to a faster-developing ‘wet’ AMD, where the body starts to grow new, abnormal blood vessels underneath the damaged macula. These can lead to bleeding and scarring and permanent sight loss. A common, early sign of dry AMD is yellow deposits under the retina and is often found in older people.

Risk factors for AMD include smoking, obesity, high caffeine intake, poor insulin control and oxidative stress. Passive smoking almost doubles the risk of degenerative eye diseases. Having immediate family members with AMD also raises your risk of developing the disease. The macula is sensitive to damage from UV, sunlight thus people with paler colour eyes are more prone.