ACID REFUX
Acid Refux is a common condition cause when the valve separating the esophagus and stomach does not close completely. The liquid content of the stomach then backs into the esophagus causing a burning sensation. A more serious condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused when you experience frequent acid reflux and the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed.

Symptoms
Symptoms include chest pains, trouble swallowing, choking sensation, bad breath, and dry cough; however the most common symptom is frequent heart burn.

Causes
Although it is still unclear what the main cause for Acid reflux, there are many factors that are known to contribute to acid reflux such as smoking, obesity and pregnancy; however foods and lifestyle also have a significant impact as well. Alcohol relaxes the lower muscle in the esophagus called the esophageal sphincter, which allows the flow or acids and liquids back in. The stomach also becomes irritated when alcohol is consumed which increases the amount of acid produced.
Drinking Coffee is also know to contribute to acid reflux. Coffee also lowers pressure in the lower Esophageal Sphincter, which as know by now allows acids back into the esophagus. It also has high acidity levels, which are known to irritate the stomach, and accelerate the process of gastric emptying. Cigarette smoking also has the same properties as alcohol and coffee; it softens the Esophageal Sphincter and increases acid levels in the stomach. Drinking milk before bed, eating chocolate, peppermint, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, and brussel sprouts all contribute to the production of acids in your stomach that can cause acid reflux.

Treatment
Diet:
About 94% of people who suffer from acid reflux link it to the types of foods they consume. A small change in your normal diet can reduce and even sometimes elimianate.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy reported to have a substantial relief for those who suffer from acid reflux. The acid in ACV may reduce the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach and by doing so will prevents acid and liquid washing back into the esophagus. ACV also helps you digest food properly which aids the burning sensation caused by Acid Reflux.
Apple cider vinegar specifically has been cited as a remedy for acid reflux, or gastroesophegeal reflux disease (GERT). The D.C. Jarvis bestselling book Folk Medicine promoted its use in 1958, and the remedy has been popular ever since.
Author: Kathryn Whittaker
http://ezinearticles.com

The older you get the more your stomach weakens which inhibits the amount of hydrochloric acid to digest protein. This undigested protein often leads to acid reflux, however Papaya digestive enzymes, which contain papain is useful for just this, protein digestion. Peppermint is also known for doing the very same thing, in addition it aids in stomach distenstion, cramps and ulcers.
Author: Rudy Silva
http://ezinearticles.com
Back to Top

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is exactly what it sounds like; persistent fatigue that is often times reversible however always devitalizing, lasting for more than 6 months. This lethargic sensation usually impairs overall physical and mental functionality and wont go away with bed rest. Persons with CFS usually worsen this condition by trying to perform physical and mental activities with out seeking treatment first.
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfsbasicfacts.htm

Symptoms
Believe it or not, CFS usually may lead to more serious health conditions. Symptoms include:

• Memory loss: Many people that suffer from CFS have trouble with simple things like remember words or names or people they know well. This is due to the fact that people who suffer from CFS have trouble focusing; attention spans shortens, and they experience impairments in short term memory.
• Trouble Sleeping
• Persistent muscle pain & joint pain (not accompanied by redness or swelling)
• Headaches of a new type, intensity or pattern
• Tender lymph nodes
• Increased fatigue or sickness following activity
• Sore throat

The above are symptoms doctors usual seek when diagnosing an individual with CFS, however the following symptoms have also been reported by people who suffer from this condition.

• Irritable bowel
• Diarrhea
• Chills and night sweats
• Trouble maintaining an upright position
• Dizziness & trouble balancing
• Allergies
• Mood swings, anxiety, or panic attacks

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/

Causes
Although there is no exact cause for CFS, many researchers believe that genetics, hormonal imbalances, infection, and chemical toxins contribute in different patients.  More common causes include food intolerance, extreme physical activity or mental stress, and lack of multiple alimentary nutrients that may lead to disease.

Treatment
There are many options or different ways of treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to improve the quality of life and health. Cognitive- behavioral therapy, emotional support, in some cases even medications. Sleep management relieves the sleep disorder aspect, while exercising helps the restore energy. More people that are suffering from this condition lack many essential nutrients most likely due to mal- absorption. Detoxifying the body has become a very popular natural alternative to aid in chronic fatigue syndrome.  Our internal organs can hold a substantial amount of toxins, however sometimes it is extremely difficult for the body to eliminate this waste, so our bodies begin to feel run-down and tired. By cleansing or detoxifying your body you are enabling your body to properly absorb vital vitamins and nutrients, which increases energy levels and vitality.
Back to Top

CONSTIPATION
Constipation means different things for different people, however many people recognize it as infrequent bowel movements. For other people constipation means hard stool, or difficultly passing stool. Medically speaking constipation is defined as having less than 3 bowel movements a week and have dry stool that are small in size.
Author: Jay W. Marks, M.D.
http://www.medicinenet.com

• Infrequent bowel movements which are hard and dry.
• Bloating

Causes
Holding off on bowel movements - Sometimes people avoid a bowel movement because sometimes a bathroom isn't always available. What usually ends up happening is that the urge goes away. This will often lead to constipation.

Not Enough Fiber in your diet  - The most common cause of constipation is often poor diet. People who have a high fiber diet normally suffer from constipation a lot less than those who have very little fiber in their diet. Both soluble and insoluble fiber which can be found in many fruits and vegetable help prevent hard, dry stool that many be very hard to pass.

Dehydration - Not enough liquids in a persons diet also play a factor in constipation. Research shows that a number of people found some relief in increasing the amount of fluids they drink such as juices and waters. People who have problems with constipation should try and drink liquids everyday however should gear away from liquids that contain caffeine of alcohol, as these tend to worsen the condition.

Use of Medications - Medications often cause constipation including:

• Pain killers
• Antacids that have aluminum and calcium
• Blood pressure medications
• Anti parkinson drugs
• Antidepressants
• Iron supplements
• Anticonvulsants

Treatment
Since constipation is caused by different things, treatment varies from person to person.
Diet - A diet with enough fiber allows you to pass softer and gentler stools.

Life Style Changes - Eliminating junk food, the use of caffeine and alcohol and drinking enough fluids can reduce constipation. In addition, passing stool whenever you have the urge and not ignoring it.

Cutting back or discontinuing some medications.

Exercising

Colon Cleansing - Colon cleansers that usually contain ingredients like cascara sagrada, senna extract, oat fiber, yellow dock among many more all act work to assist the body in the proper elimination of backed up toxic waste in the colon. Fenugreek seed works by triggering contractions on the intestinal muscle while other ingredients like aloe vera work to sooth and gently push waste out.
Back to Top

INDIGESTION
Indigestion can be triggered by a number of things such as a disease or ulcer in the digestive tract. Often times eating spicy of fatty foods too quickly also contributes to indigestion. Smoking, use of certain medications or drinking too much alcohol sometimes irritates the stomach making indigestion worst.. Other common causes for indigestion include:

• Cholecystitis- which is the inflammation of the gallbladder
• Gastric Ulcer
• Antibiotics
• Chronic or acute pancreatitis
• Helicobacter Pylori - Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium which is found in the mucus layer of the stomach that often times causes irritation. Although it is reported that most of the population carry this bug, a small portion of the people who are affected by it will possibly develop stomach cancer.

Treatment
Some people can eat anything and never have an upset stomach or indigestion, however avoiding fast foods and processed foods will definitely alleviate any discomfort you might experiencing.

Smoking - Nicotine in tobacco relaxes the esophageal sphincter who enables acid getting back into the esophagus, so by cutting back or eliminating it completely you are preventing heartburn and acid reflux that tend to cause indigestion.

Colon Cleansing - Peppermint is found to be effective in decreasing upper intestinal spasms, stimulating bile flow, alleviate stomach inflammation, and contributing to stomach secretions. Slippery Elm Bark helps form a protective layer in the stomach, relieving gas or stomach cramps from indigestion. Apple cider vinegar helps lower stomach acid, and aid in stomach irritation. Other ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Acidophilus, and Garlic, just to name a few also aid in alleviating or even preventing symptoms of indigestion.
http://www.healthychoicenatural.com/productDetail.aspx?ProductID=5
Back to Top

DIVERTICULITIS & DIVERTICULOSIS
Diverticulitis is developed from a preexisting condition called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is when you have small protruding pouches in your digestive tract. Research shows that about 50% of the population in the United States older than 60 have this condition, however it remains unnoticed because it does not cause any discomfort. If one of the pouches becomes inflamed or infected, this is known as Diverticuliltis causing abdominal pain, fever, nausea or a significant change in your bowel movements.
http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms
Most people with Diverticulosis usually don't experience any symptoms, in fact in many cases, people who suffer from this condition find out by undergoing test for other intestinal problems. Someone suffering from Diverticulitis will however experience abdominal pain on the left side, nausea, abdominal tenerderness, fever, and diarrhea or constipation. Less common symptoms include:

• bloating
• Rectal Bleeding
• Vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Pain or difficulty while urinating

Causes
Most doctors believe that a low-fiber is the primary cause for both of these conditions which is also known as Diverticular Disease. This disease was first noticed in the United States around the early 1900's; around the same time processed foods were brought to your average American. These foods were very low in fiber and had little nutritional value. Constipation causes muscle strains which increases pressure on the colon. This pressure causes vulnerable spots in the colon to bulge outward and become diverticula.
http://healthlink.mcw.edu

Treatment
Doctors often recommend a clear liquid or low-fiber diet. This helps the infected area to heal. However the best remedy for this condition is to prevent it in the first place.
By adding more fiber to your diet, you reducing pressure on your colon and preventing diverticula to form.  Usually people who cannot remember to add the necessary amount to fiber to their diet, prefer a colon cleanse.  Colon cleansing adds fiber to your diet, and softens stool to facilitate any strain you might be experiencing. Supplements that include psyllium husk are commonly recommended.
http://www.mayoclinic.com
Back to Top

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel is not functioning properly or correctly. It is most commonly characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.  It causes a lot of discomfort, however does not harm the intestines permanently.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/

Symptoms
Common Symptoms include, abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort in the digestive system, however symptoms vary from person to person. Some suffer from constipation, while others from diarrhea. Some have a difficult time passing stools, while others experience mild to severe cramping. Other less common symptoms include vomiting, fever, backache, dizziness, wind, and/ or noisy tummy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

Causes
Although there is no primary cause for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, researchers have found that people who suffer from IBS have a sensitive colon. Their intestines are more likely to react strongly to factors that contribute to Irritable Bowel Syndrome such as:

• Overeating
• Too much stress - Added stress may affect bowel movements
  and the way a person feels pain.
• Unreleased gas that causes bloating
• Some antibiotics
• Genetics - People who have a family history of IBS usually are more prone to experience this condition. Others believe that IBS is closely related to defective communication between the brain and the intestinal tract.

Treatment
Treatment for IBS vary from Physical therapy to antibiotics, however many physicians and Doctors are now recommending supplements or medications to help cope and deal with IBS. Co-Clean is powered with powerful ingredients to address need of most IBS sufferers. Fiber intake allows you to pass stools easier, relieving IBS symptoms. Cascara sagrada also found in Co-Clean cleansing system works as a natural laxative which promote regular bowel movements, and alleviates bloating and constipation.
A change in diet also promotes better functionality in the digestive system. Increasing the amount of clear fluids you take in, and staying away from alcoholic beverages is shown to reduce many of the symptoms. Staying away from over processed food as well will reduce discomfort, and incorporating fruits and vegetables to your diet may also promote regularity.
Back to Top