Tag Archives: gastrointestinal issues

The ABCs of IBS

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders among both the young and the old. This condition primarily affects the large intestine (also known as the colon), and includes symptoms such as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. IBS is not life threatening, and most people find relief from their symptoms by simply learning how to manage their condition through diet, exercise, and proactive lifestyle choices. While the IBS on its own is not life threatening, the condition sometimes accompanies a dual diagnosis of a more serious problem. For this reason, any person experiencing symptoms should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

While the exact cause of IBS is not clear, many people with the condition are able to identify certain things that trigger their symptoms. For many people, these triggers include certain foods (especially high fat foods), stress, and hormones.

If your symptoms began after drinking untreated water, or during a trip to an equatorial or developing country, you may consider seeking medical assistance to ensure that you have not contracted an intestinal parasite.

Self Help

As mentioned above, IBS does not act like other intestinal diseases in that it does not cause inflammation or alter the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, IBS does not put people at risk of developing colorectal cancer. For most people suffering from IBS, symptoms can be managed effectively by making proactive lifestyle and dietary changes. It is very rare for the symptoms of this condition to become so severe that they become disabling. The following are some of the steps that you can take to better control your symptoms:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Manage stress
  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat more fiber
  • Avoid high-fat foods
  • Eat smaller meals
  • Avoid dairy
  • Consider probiotics
  • Use caution when dealing with anti-diarrheal medications and/or laxatives
  • Practice deep breathing

Luckily, IBS typically responds well to treatment. Regular exercise, dietary maintenance, and stress management are the three most important lifestyle factors to consider if your doctor diagnoses you with IBS.

Western Treatments

There are a number of tests used to detect IBS, ranging from minor to relatively invasive. Some of these tests include lactose intolerance tests, blood tests, CT scans, and colonoscopy. Once diagnosed, there are a range of western treatments available.

While most people are able to manage their symptoms through the lifestyle changes mentioned above, these treatments are used for addressing symptoms that are acute and/or especially severe. These treatments include:

  • Fiber supplements
  • Eliminating high-fat foods
  • Anti-diarrheal medications
  • Counseling for stress management

As always, you should consult your health care practitioner before taking any medications.

A Case Study in TCM Treatment

A 44-year-old nurse was diagnosed with IBS after years of assuming her symptoms were due to a bad case of “nervous stomach.” She sought assistance after noticing that her symptoms were not confined to the parameters of stressful life events—she would become bloated after meals, experience chronic fatigue, and she began having bouts of diarrhea in the morning. In addition to these symptoms, she was also experiencing PMS, nighttime urination, thirst without the desire to drink, and a bitter taste that lingered in her mouth.

Traditional Chinese diagnosis found that her pulse was thin and wiry while her tongue was pale in the center with red edges. It was recommended that she begin a regular exercise regime, and to incorporate three herbal mixtures into her daily routine. The first mixture was comprised of bovine colostrum complex. The second and third formulas were to be taken during ovulation. One contained bupleurum root, tang kuei root, white peony root, salvia root, poria sclerotium, white atractylodes rhizome, cyperus rhizome, and citrus peel. The other contained gastrodia rhizome, uncaria stem, abalone shell, gardenia fruit, scute root, leonurus herb, cyathula root, eucommia bark, loranthus stem, polygonum stem, and fu shen sclerotium.

After one month, there were complains of constipation and the bovine colostrum complex was decreased by half. After the second month, she reported no PMS symptoms, less nighttime urination, and more energy throughout the day—a definite improvement by her own standards.

Gastroparesis: Intestinal Disorders Caused By Diabetes

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Chronic diabetes can cause various forms of nerve degeneration (also known as diabetic neuropathy). The digestive tract can be negatively impacted when the nerves of the stomach become damaged from chronic diabetes, a condition known as diabetic gastroparesis. Diabetic gastroparesis is the partial or incomplete paralysis of the stomach muscles, preventing the stomach from emptying properly and from absorbing nutrients properly (also called malabsorption).

Gastroparesis is most often associated with type 1 diabetes; however, it can also occur in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of gastroparesis include:

  • Acid reflux and/or heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Feeling full quickly after eating

There are a number of complications that can be associated with gastroparesis. With food unable to travel away from the stomach, there is a possibility of a bacterial infection occurring if the food spoils. Food can also form into a hard mass, called a bezoar. Bezoars can then cause blockages and serious intestinal distress. Those with diabetic gastroparesis should always manage their blood sugar closely, as the condition can make it difficult for individuals to consistently control their blood sugar levels.

Self Help

Ultimately, the best self-care that you can practice if you are diagnosed with gastroparesis is to vary how and when you eat your meals. By experimenting with different portions and meal times, you can learn to better understand your body and to fine tune your meal plan to fit within your spectrum of treatment. As with most gastrointestinal ailments, food that is high in fat content should be avoided as high-fat foods are more difficult to digest.

Also if you are diagnosed with gastroparesis due to your type 1 or 2 diabetes, you should work with your health care practitioner to educate yourself on proper insulin administration and blood sugar maintenance. By addressing the underlying cause of your intestinal issues, you can begin to heal more effectively.

Western Treatments

There is a common pharmaceutical that is often administered to those suffering from diabetic gastroparesis. The name of the drug is Metoclopramide and its function is to increase gastric emptying and to alleviate nausea. Unfortunately, Metoclopramide does not work for all patients, leading many to seek out alternative treatments. If the patient develops a bacterial overgrowth, antibiotics are commonly administered on a cyclical basis in order to control diarrhea. There are a slew of other pharmaceuticals that can be prescribed, but as always, they all come with their own set of possible detrimental side effects.

Western medical procedures that help treat gastroparesis include gastric electrical stimulation for symptoms of nausea and vomiting and gastrostomy-tube decompression (also known as PEJ/PEG feeding), for symptoms associated with malabsorption and malnourishment.

A Case in TCM Treatment

There are a few ways that an individual can address their most acute symptoms. Based on the individual’s symptoms and constitution, treatment based in traditional Chinese medicine can be applied to help relieve many of the painful side effects.

  • Diarrhea can be treated using an herbal mixture containing bovine colostrum complex.
  • Tonify the blood by seeking an herbal formula with potential antibiotic properties containing isatis extract leaf & root, astragalus root, bupleurum root, laminaria leaf, codonopsis root, epimedium leaf, lycium fruit, and dioscorea root.
  • Help break down food by taking a mixture containing poria sclerotium, coix seed, barley shen qu, magnolia bark, angelica root, pueraria root, red atractylodes rhizome, vladimiria souliei root, and pogostemon herb before every meal.
  • Kidney tonics can be made from a combination of astragalus root & seed, ligustrum fruit, ho-shou-wu root, lycium fruit, cooked rehmannia root, eucommia bark, cuscuta seed, and ginseng root.
  • Circulate blood with a mixture of pueraria root, ilex root, salvia root, lonicera flower, eucommia bark, acorus rhizome, cistanche salsa herb, ho-shou-wu root, morus fruit, rose fruit, lycium bark, and zizyphus seed.

Examining Gallstones

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The gallbladder is a small organ located just under the liver. The normal function of the gallbladder is to store the bile created in the liver until it is needed to aid the digestion of fats in the small intestine. When there is an over production of cholesterol in the bile that cannot be dissolved, gallstones can form. Gallstones can range in size, some being as small as a grain of sand, with others growing to roughly the size of a golf ball. People can develop one or several gallstones at a time.

Gallstones can remain in a person without any obvious symptoms. However, if the stones lodge in an internal duct, symptoms can appear quite rapidly. Symptoms that result from a blockage caused by gallstones include sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen, center abdomen, and/or shoulders. The pain can last anywhere between a few minutes to several hours. Individuals experiencing symptoms of gallstones should seek immediate medical attention if the pain becomes so bad that one cannot find a comfortable resting position, or if one develops a fever or yellowing of the skin. A diagnosis of gallstones is typically preceded by years of symptoms of indigestion. Being female, overweight, and over 40 years of age are all potential risk factors for developing gallstones. Some cholesterol-lowering medications can also cause gallstones. After treating the acute symptoms, your physician can then better address the underlying cause of the stones.

Self Help

You can help reduce your risk of developing gallstones by eating healthfully and practicing good self-care.

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk of gallstones. For this reason, reducing the number of daily calories consumed may be the best option for those struggling with weight issues.
  • Avoid  yo-yo dieting. Fad diets may hurt you more than help you. Losing weight at a rapid pace may increase your risk of developing gallstones. The Mayo Clinic recommends losing no more than 1-2 pounds (or 0.5 to 1 kilogram) per week.
  • Eat regular meals. Skipping meals may increase your risk of developing gallstones. For this reason, it’s recommended to eat at regular intervals every day.
  • Manage your cholesterol. Gallstones can develop from an overproduction of cholesterol. This cholesterol is unable to be dissolved, causing blockages and painful symptoms. You can better manage your cholesterol through a healthy diet, exercise, and advice from your health care practitioner.

Western Treatments

Western treatments for gallstones range in scope from minor to extremely invasive. As always, the treatment plan that is followed depends on the severity and progression of the illness. There are a variety of ways that your doctor can test for gallstones. Blood tests may reveal some of the complications caused by gallstones (such as infection or pancreatitis), while a CT scan and/or an ultrasound may allow your doctor to view the obstruction better. There are also tests that can be done to assess the functionality of your bile ducts. These tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), or a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan.

While surgery is the most extreme medical intervention taken for individuals with gallstones, there are medications that your doctor can prescribe that may help dissolve the stones for easier passage. As always, these medications carry the risk of side effects.

A Case Study in TCM Treatment

An overweight, 40-year-old woman informed her physician of radiating pain in the upper abdomen, prompting him to conduct an ultrasound. The determination was that she had eight gallstones, averaging about four millimeters each. When examined, it was found that her pulse was a bit wiry, and her tongue had a yellowish coating. She was given a combination of two herbal mixtures and within four month reported that the stones had all reduced in size by approximately 50 percent.

The first mixture included curcuma tuber, corydalis rhizome, taraxacum herb, melia fruit, ji nei jin, and salvia root. The second mixture contained eclipta herb concentrate, milk thistle 80% extract, curcuma tuber, salvia root, lycium fruit, ligustrum fruit, bupleurum root, and schizandra fruit.

Healing Gastritis Effectively

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Gastritis is a group of symptoms and conditions that stem from inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis has many different causes, and the symptoms of the illness can vary in degree and expression. The most common symptom of gastritis is discomfort in the upper abdominal area, oftentimes accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Gastritis can be acute (occurring suddenly and for a relatively short duration of time), or chronic (appearing gradually over time, with symptoms that last indefinitely). Gastritis is rarely fatal, generally improving quickly and without any medical intervention. However, persistent symptoms that are left untreated can sometimes result in gastric bleeding—a very serious condition that requires immediate hospitalization. Gastric bleeding can be identified by blood in vomit or stool.

The causes of gastritis are varied, affecting different people in different ways. A weakening of the mucus-lined barrier that protects the stomach wall can cause stomach acid and other digestive juices to damage the stomach lining, making it inflamed and irritated. This type of inflammation can be caused by trauma, burns, shock, or even poor circulation due to surgery. It can also be caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Certain lifestyle choices can increase the chances of gastritis–such as the regular use of alcohol and/or pain relievers. Regular use of either of these substances can cause the lining of the stomach to become irritated and damaged.

Self Help

Once the underlying cause of gastritis is determined, your doctor(s) can develop a treatment option that is best suited to your unique needs. However, there are steps you can take to achieve relief from some of the signs and symptoms that come with this condition.

  • Abstain from alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing inflammation and pain.
  • Switch pain medicine. For those living with chronic pain, switching to a pain reliever that won’t aggravate the lining of the stomach (such as acetaminophen) may help.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Foods that are greasy, fatty, spicy, or acidic should be avoided, as they can exacerbate the symptoms of gastritis.
  • Lower your stress levels.  Stress can often cause the symptoms of gastritis to linger or worsen. Practicing meditative techniques may help some people find relief.

Gastritis caused by H. Pylori is slightly more complicated, as it is caused by a bacterial infection—the exact mode of which is not well known. Preventative measures include frequently washing your hands with soap and water, and always ensuring that food is completely cooked before consumption.

Western Treatments

Gastritis is relatively easy to diagnose, and tests to identify the underlying cause can be administered. These tests include endoscopy, x-ray, and tests to detect the bacteria H. pylori. Once the cause of the inflammation is acknowledged, your medical practitioner can take steps to organize an effective treatment plan. Sometimes treatment is as easy as eliminating alcohol consumption or ceasing to use risky pain medications. Other times, antibiotics for bacterial infection or medications to manage the production of stomach acid may be administered. As with many pharmaceuticals, there comes the risk of various side effects—many of which prove problematic for some patients.

Treatments Based in TCM Practices

There are a few herbal mixtures that can be taken to alleviate some of the symptoms of gastritis. To help decrease the inflammation and encourage proper healing, a mixture containing isatis extract leaf & root, codonopsis root, oyster shell, bupleurum root, smilax rhizome, gardenia fruit, moutan root bark, and tang kuei root can be taken

To help restore the alkaline/acid balance in the stomach, one can take a mixture containing poria sclerotium, coix seed, barley shen qu, magnolia bark, angelica root, pueraria root, red atractylodes rhizome, vladimiria souliei root, and pogostemon herb.

Finally, to help decrease the inflammation in the stomach and to help generate fluids, one can consume a mixture containing louts seed , ophiopogon tuber, poria sclerotium, white ginseng root, plantago seed, scute root, smilax rhizome, and astragalus root.

Tropical Sprue: Far From Paradise

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Tropical sprue is a mysterious condition endemic to the tropics. The disease causes symptoms that include a sore tongue, diarrhea, malabsorption, weight loss, and sometimes anemia. When one contracts tropical sprue, there is a characteristic flattening of the intestinal villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine, causing pain and discomfort for those afflicted. When the villi are flattened, there is less surface area to the intestinal wall, resulting in problems properly absorbing nutrients from food. Scientists speculate that the cause of tropical sprue could be viral, amoebal, bacterial, parasitic in nature. Another possible cause for the disease could be due to a deficiency of folic acid. Not to be confused with coeliac disease (an autoimmune disorder with similar symptoms), tropical sprue is limited to regions within 30 degrees north and south of the equator, affecting only people native to the area and those visiting. Tropical sprue can lay dormant in the body for years after a person has contracted the disease, but symptoms can develop much sooner for some.

Symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Steatorrhea
  • Malabsorption
  • Indigestion
  • Cramps
  • Severe weight loss
  • Fatigue

If a diagnosis of tropical sprue goes untreated, malabsorption can lead to vitamin deficiencies that can have very serious consequences. With treatment, the prognosis for tropical sprue is very good, with most making a full recovery. That being said, vitamin deficiencies can cause a whole range of additional symptoms. These include:

  • Hyperkeratosis (skin scales from a lack of vitamin A)
  • Folic acid deficiencies can cause anemia
  • Spasms, bone pain, tingling, and numbness can all stem from vitamin D and calcium deficiencies
  • Bruises can develop due to a vitamin K deficiency

Self Help

If one is traveling to a tropical region of the globe, there are steps that one can take to lower their risk of contracting this unique disease. The main plan of action that you should adopt when traveling to the tropics is to only use bottled water for tasks such as washing hands or face, brushing teeth, drinking, and washing food. Tap water should not be used for these purposes.

Western Treatments

Once identified, tropical sprue can be treated by a round of antibiotics for a duration lasting anywhere from three to six months. Often, vitamins B-12 and folic acid are incorporated into the treatment plan. With treatment, the prognosis for tropical sprue is very good. Once cured, there is an extremely low recurrence rate. This recurrence rate is even lower for those individuals who contracted the disease while traveling—those who hail from the tropics have a recurrence rate of around 20%.

Treatments Based in TCM Practices

There are a number of herbal mixtures that can help alleviate some of the symptoms and/or underlying causes of tropical sprue. To address the symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss, a mixture containing bovine colostrum complex can be taken. For gastric upset, a combination of poria sclerotium, coix seed, barley shen qu, magnolia bark, angelica root, pueraria root, red atractylodes rhizome, vladimiria souliei root, and pogostemon herb may help settle the stomach.

If the cause of the tropical sprue is thought to be due to parasitic infection, two herbal mixtures can be combined to help cleanse the body. The first mixture contains black walnut hulls, terminalia fruit, ginger rhizome, mume fruit, codonopsis root, poria sclerotium, white atractylodes rhizome, quisqualis, omphalia fruit, vladimiria souliei root, torreya seed, and pomegranate rind. The second mixture contains artemisia anua concentrate, dichroa root, brucea fruit, pulsatilla root, magnolia bark, pinellia rhizome, pogostemon herb, dolichos seed, and citrus peel.

Alternately, if the underlying cause of the tropic sprue is thought to be viral or bacterial, an herbal mixture containing isatis extract leaf & root, astragalus root, bupleurum root, laminaria leaf, codonopsis root, epimedium leaf, lycium fruit, and dioscorea root may help address infection and alleviate symptoms.

A Closer Look at Scleroderma

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Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissues of the body. This disease can affect multiple different parts of the body, resulting in different symptomology and, sometimes, different approaches to treatment. Scleroderma results from an overproduction and accumulation of collagen in the body’s tissues. This accumulation hardens and tightens the skin and connective tissues, oftentimes causing a loss of flexibility, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Generally, scleroderma only affects the skin, but it can affect internal structures such as blood vessels, the digestive tract, and other internal organs. The damage caused by internal scleroderma is often has more serious complications than if the disease is concentrated to the external skin. Scleroderma typically affects women more often than men, and affects individuals of African American or Choctaw Native Americans more than Americans of European descent.

While the signs and symptoms of scleroderma vary depending on which parts of the body are impacted, there are a few areas that are more commonly affected than others.

  • External skin: Almost all cases of scleroderma involve the patient reporting a hardening and/or tightening of patches of skin. The severity of the condition will determine the quantity and appearance of affected areas. The tightening of the skin can cause the skin to appear shiny and irritated, while movement may be restricted.
  • Digestive system: Individuals with scleroderma that reaches their digestive system will report issues with acid reflux, indicating that the tissues of the esophagus nearest the stomach are being damaged. Additionally, problems with nutrient absorption (AKA malabsorption) can result from intestinal muscles that are impaired and unable to properly pass food through the digestive tract.
  • Fingers and toes: One early indicator of scleroderma is the intensified response to cold temperatures and/or emotional stress. The hands and feet will sometimes become numb, with a noticeable change to the coloration of affected areas. Occasionally, ulcers can develop on the hands and feet of individuals with scleroderma.
  • Lungs, heart, and kidneys: It’s rare when scleroderma affects the tissues and functions of the heart, lungs, or kidneys. However, if the disease does progress to these areas, the condition can become life threatening and immediate medical assistance may be necessary.

The overproduction of collagen seems to be associated with the body’s own immune system, but the exact cause of the condition is currently unknown. While there is no definite cure for scleroderma, there are various methods and treatments that can help individuals better cope with the symptoms that may arise. The symptoms of scleroderma can range from mild to severe, with the potential to affect the fingertips, lungs, kidneys, heart, teeth, digestive system, and reproductive system. Occasionally, the symptoms associated with scleroderma fade away on their own after two to five years. However, if an individual has the type of scleroderma that affects an internal organ system, symptoms typically worsen with time rather than fading away.

If you or someone you know notices that they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it may be necessary to acquire a referral to a rheumatologist. However, because of the versatile nature of scleroderma, more than one kind of treatment may be necessary to address all the symptoms and underlying causes.

Self Help

While one cannot control whether or not they have scleroderma, there are lifestyle choices and home remedies that can help alleviate or better manage symptoms.

  • Staying active: Keeping the body flexible and ensuring good circulation can relieve the stiffness and joint immobility that can come with scleroderma. Regular exercise can help one remain fit and, in some cases, more comfortable.
  • Treat your heartburn. Constant heartburn and acid reflux can cause serious damage to the lining of the esophagus. Avoid foods that aggravate symptoms of heartburn or indigestion. If the heartburn is especially severe, elevating the head of the bed while sleeping may keep stomach acid from making its way into your esophagus.
  • Protect yourself from the cold. Scleroderma often affects the fingers and toes, making them especially vulnerable to cold temperatures. Wear mittens to protect your hands from cold weather exposure. If the symptoms of scleroderma are especially acute, it may be advisable to wear protection on the hands when reaching into the freezer.
  • Quit smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products causes the blood vessels to contract, making the damage done to the extremities more severe. Nicotine may also permanently contract the blood vessels. Quitting a nicotine habit can be the first proactive step one can take to help manage their symptoms.

Western Treatments

Currently, no single medication or treatment exists to treat the overproduction of collagen—the underlying cause of scleroderma. For this reason, it’s common for practitioners in the Western world to prescribe different medications to address the different symptoms that a patient may be experiencing. These medications can include drugs that dilate blood vessels, suppress the immune system, reduce stomach acid, prevent infection, and alleviate pain. While surgery is only needed in the most extreme cases, other types of Western therapies include occupational or physical approaches to help increase overall mobility and manage pain.

Treatments based in TCM Practices

A 39-year-old African American woman with a diagnosis of scleroderma and issues with her digestive system and colon, suspected of being Crohn’s disease, was looking for complimentary treatment options to address her more severe symptoms. She complained of arthritis in the knees, pain in her left abdomen, and the feeling of constantly having to use the restroom. Traditional Chinese diagnosis revealed that her pulse was fast and her tongue red. She was given two herbal mixtures—one including red peony root, tang kuei root, ligusticum root, cooked rehmannia root, persica kernel, white atractylodes rhizome, poria sclerotium, citrus peel, silver root, and vitex fruit. The other mixture contained isatis extract leaf & root, oldenlandia herb, lonicera flower, prunella herb, andrographis root, and laminaria leaf. When combined, these herbal mixtures helped clear toxins, tonify the kidney, and alleviate pain. After one week, the patient reported having more energy, less pain, and less urgency to go to the restroom.

Viral and Bacterial Infections of the GI Tract

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There are varying types of infections that can be caused by a virus or by bacteria. When it comes to viral or bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, common symptomology may present itself. Gastroenteritis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the GI tract, involving both the small intestine and the stomach. The symptoms of gastroenteritis include cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Left untreated, the symptoms of gastroenteritis can cause severe dehydration and, in some cases, death. According to the World Health Organization, complications from gastrointestinal infections kill approximately 2.2 million people each year worldwide, mostly young children in countries with poor or limited access to essential health and sanitation resources.

Below are some of the most common viral and bacterial infections of the GI tract:

  • Rotavirus: One of the most common viruses, especially in children under 2 years old. It is easily spread through direct contact, and it typically occurs most often during the winter. It has an incubation period of 1-3 days, and symptoms can range from diarrhea, vomiting, to low-grade fever.
  • Norovirus: Affecting both children and adults, it is perhaps the most common foodborne illness. This virus is especially likely to spread through direct contact, so individuals in confined spaces are extremely susceptible. While you can contract this illness through contaminated food or water, person-to-person contact is also possible.
  • Campylobacter: This infection affects mostly children and young adults during the summer and fall months. Milk and poultry are the most common contagions, as it is easy for the bacteria that cause the illness to grow in and/or on these foodstuffs. There is an incubation period of approximately 4-7 hours.
  • Salmonella: This may be the foodborne bacterium that is most widely known. It can be found in meats, poultry, eggs, egg products, non-pasteurized cheese, milk, and other foods. Salmonella typically appears in the meat of animals that have been treated with antibiotics for growth promotion. You can also contract this illness from fecal-oral contact (e.g., when you change a baby’s diaper and forget to wash your hands). This infection presents the greatest risk to infants and seniors.
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli.): This bacteria is normally found in the intestinal tract. The primary mode of contraction is spread through the fecal-oral route, prompting many Americans to question our food handling processes. This illness can cause cramping, diarrhea, and can even go on to infect the blood. If the infection spreads to the blood, the individual must seek immediate medical attention.

Self Help

When symptoms of a viral or bacterial infection of the GI tract become difficult to manage, many patients will seek out some form of relief. There are a multitude of self-care measures than an individual can take in order to alleviate some of the more acute manifestations of the illness.

  • Bed rest: If you are feeling weak or tired, retreating to bed may be the best way to avoid upsetting a sore stomach.
  • Hydrate: Viral and bacterial infections of the GI tract will cause a body to lose fluids at an alarming pace. Be sure to stay hydrated by continuously drinking small sips of water, or by sucking on ice chips.
  • Avoid medications: If you have to take pharmaceuticals or over the counter medicines to achieve quick relief, be sure to avoid any medications with ibuprofen, as it can make symptoms worse. Similarly, medicines with aspirin can sometimes cause liver toxicity, especially in children.
  • Avoid certain foods and drinks: Products like dairy, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other substances high in grease or fat content should be avoided until symptoms begin to cease. These substances will most likely aggravate symptoms and cause undue harm.
  • Ease back into eating: If you’re experiencing difficulty keeping food in your system, perhaps the best action plan that you can take is to very gradually reintroduce foods into your diet. This way, you will be able to better identify those foods and drink that are more likely to intensify symptoms.
  • Avoid anti-diarrheal drugs: Drugs like these can sometimes be detrimental for individuals experiencing symptoms of a viral infection (especially children). Anti-diarrheal medications may interfere with elimination of the virus through the feces.

Western Treatments

While viral and bacterial infections of the GI tract are still relatively prevalent in the United States, there is no singular medical treatment that can be used to rid patients of their symptoms. While antibiotics are simply not effective against viruses, overuse or misuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of highly evolved, antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in some patients.

Most clinicians will simply recommend bed rest and proper self-care. Oftentimes, the body’s natural defenses will rid the virus or bacteria from the system. However, if the individual’s immune system is in any way compromised, infections of the GI tract can become much more serious, requiring hospitalization and reintroduction of fluids back into the body intravenously.

A Case Study in TCM Treatment

A man in his early 40’s was diagnosed with HIV. This HIV positive status weakened his immune system and caused him to have symptoms that included fatigue, abdominal cramping, retinitis, and severe diarrhea. At the time of treatment, his CD4 (or T-cell) count gravitated between 50 and 100. Although this patient was seeing multiple specialists and had been prescribed several pharmaceuticals to help alleviate his discomfort, he was still experiencing many of these painful symptoms on a regular basis. A Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis found that his pulse was slightly rapid and sinking, and his tongue was thin and dry with a coating around the edge.

The patient was given six doses per day of a formula containing natural eggshell membrane in order to reduce the chronic diarrheal symptoms of his condition. In addition to this formula, the patient was also prescribed two doses per day of a mixture that included poria sclerotium, coix seed, barley shen qu, magnolia bark, angelica root, pueraria root, red atractylodes rhizome, vladimiria souliei root, amongst a handful of other choice ingredients. This last formula was used to address the abdominal cramping. After a couple weeks, the chronic bouts of diarrhea began to cease, allowing the patient to reduce the first formula. At this point, a third formula containing red ganoderma fruiting body, isatis extract leaf and root, spatholobus stem, astragalus root, tremella fruiting body, andrographis herb, and lonicera flower was administered. This mixture has been taken by other individuals with HIV, with largely positive results. After a couple months, the patient’s symptoms had been greatly reduced.

Parasites: A Closer Look

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A parasite is relatively easy to define—it is any living organism that lives on or in a host organism, receiving nutrients at the expense of the host organism. Parasites in humans can cause devastating damage to internal organ systems and, if left untreated, can result in fatality. While parasitic infection is generally more common in communities in tropic and sub-tropic areas, inhabitants in more Westernized areas are also susceptible to these unique and dangerous organisms. With increased air travel and untreated water contamination, parasites have been able to gain a foothold in nearly every faction of society. However, while parasitic contamination has remained extremely prevalent worldwide, many practitioners—especially those trained in the ways of traditional Western medicine—are more likely to misdiagnose the symptoms of a true parasitic infection.

One major indicator of a parasitic infection is the development of a chronic digestive condition that has resisted traditional medical treatment upon the return to the United States from such continents as Asia, South America, and Africa. Poor governmental regulation of water sewer, and garbage systems all contribute to the high prevalence in these topic and subtopic areas. Those with compromised immune systems are also more likely to contract a parasitic infection. The unfortunate truth is that many nations who are unable to acquire basic healthcare and successfully perpetuate the knowledge of preventative medicine oftentimes allow for the overall persistence of the parasitic infection in human populations.

Before discussing the basics behind self help, let us first explore some of the most common parasitic infections known to medicine:

  • Giardia: Intestinal protozoa stemming from contaminated food, water, or soil.
  • Cryptosporidium: Gastrointestinal protozoa resulting in serious and potentially chronic gastrointestinal distress.
  • Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic protozoa generally contracted through contact with cat litter or cat feces.
  • Malaria: An infectious parasitic disease caused by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which carries the infection in its saliva.

Self Help

These are just a few of the parasitic infections that can ultimately lead to hospitalization or death if left untreated. However, there are multiple measures that can be taken in the prevention of parasites, both at home and abroad. Many of these precautions can be taken to avoid serious negative consequences in the future.

  • Filter water. This step proves to be the most beneficial for both international travelers and those who have compromised immune systems. If you are traveling, be sure to bring a water sterilization kit with you—available at most outdoor and camping supply stores.
  • Be wise about your restaurant choices. Be sure that all food is cooked thoroughly and ensure that all fruits and vegetables are cleaned and peeled.
  • Separate the cutting boards. Make sure to designate which cutting board is used for meat products only so as to avoid cross contamination during meal preparation.
  • Manage your pet’s cleanliness. Be sure to get your four legged friends checked regularly for parasites, ensuring that the pet never licks your face or attempts to sleep in the family bed.
  • Immune Compromised Individuals. Should never handle cat litter directly. Always use sterile gloves and a face mask, keeping the litter as far away from the body as possible.
  • Children. Should, at all times, be protected from any and all animal droppings.
  • Preparing meats before cooking. To ensure that all parasitic larvae are killed before consumption, be sure to freeze fish for 48 hours and beef and pork for 24 hours.
  • Preparing vegetables before consumption. Try a chlorine food bath of ½ tsp Clorox bleach to 1 gallon of water. Leafy veggies, thin-skinned fruits, and all meats should be placed in the bath for 20 minutes before being transferred to a bath of clean water for 10 minutes. Thoroughly clean and dry all food before consumption. This method is especially effective for individuals living in areas where infestation and contamination are known dangers.
  • Thoroughly cook all meat products. Thoroughly cooked meat should have no pink showing. At home, meats should be cooked at a minimum of 325 degrees Fahrenheit, while fish should be cooked at no lower than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef, lamb, veal, and pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while fish should be cooked at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 minutes.

Western Treatments

Flagyl (metronidazole) is perhaps the most commonly prescribed drug used in Western treatment of parasitic infection in the US. Unfortunately, this drug comes with many negative side effects. This inevitability leads many patients struggling with parasites to seek out alternative methods of treatment for their unique conditions.

Depending on the type and severity of the parasitic infection, there are different Western approaches to each sort of infection that is known to medical science. The CDC provides an extensive list of Western treatments for parasitic and fungal infections, available for public viewing. The unfortunate truth is that many—if not all—of these various pharmaceuticals come with their own assortment of side effects that may result in both temporary and permanent damage to the health and well being of the patient.

A Case Study in TCM Treatment

A young female health professional developed symptoms of what appeared to be a parasitic infection after a vacation in Mexico four years prior. She had had a thorough biomedical evaluation and the chronic gastrointestinal symptoms persisted regardless of the treatment program that she was given. Aside from violent bouts of gastrointestinal distress, the patient also displayed symptoms of fatigue, headaches, and joint pain. Her tongue was pale and swollen, and her pulse was relatively weak. Tired of trying traditional Western remedies, the patient opted to try an herbal mixture to help alleviate her symptoms.

Initially, this patient was prescribed a mix of Ailanthus cortex, baked astragalus root, white Ginseng root, white and red atractylodes rhizome, among other ingredients. This mixture was combined with a combination of Artemisia anua concentrate, dichroa root, brucea fruit, pulsatilla root, magnolia bark, pinellia rhizome, pogostemon herb, dolichos seed, and a few other choice herbs. After several weeks, the patient claimed that some, but not all, of her symptoms where alleviated. The patient later tested positive for the presence of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. The dosage of the second combination of herbs was recommended. Approximately three months later, all of the patient’s symptoms had essentially disappeared and the parasite tests began to come up negative.

The Truth Behind Ulcers

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There are several different types of ulcers known in medicine. Ulcers are painful, open sores that can develop on the insides of your intestines, from the esophagus to the lower intestine. Ulcers are grouped into different categories, depending on their location. Gastric ulcers occur inside the stomach, esophageal ulcers occur inside the esophagus, and duodenal ulcers occur inside the duodenum—the top portion of the small intestine. Ulcers result when the lining in the stomach and intestines are in some way compromised or deficient. The symptoms that are associated with ulcers can vary in intensity, but in general, there is a burning and/or aching sensation at the locus of the affected area. Left untreated, ulcers can have extremely detrimental consequences. Perforation is when the ulcer penetrates through the entire organ wall and into the abdominal cavity, resulting in internal bleeding.

While it is known that some medications can put an individual at risk, there is more than one way to develop an ulcer. A bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori can initiate mucosal damage and result in an ulcer. This bacterium is present in the majority of ulcer cases, now being recognized as one of the primary causes of ulcers in humans.

Sometimes symptoms that may appear to be the result of ulcer formation are actually signs of a less serious and more manageable ailment. Dyspepsia is when there is low grade gastric or duodenal inflammation, often resulting in burning pain, bloating, and belching. With dyspepsia, X-ray and endoscopy results show no ulceration. Individuals with dyspepsia oftentimes benefit the most from proactive self help.

Self Help

There are a few things that you can do in order to prevent the negative symptoms associates with ulcers:

  • Quit smoking
  • Reduce alcohol intake
  • Avoid milk and dairy products
  • Include cruciferous vegetables into your diet
  • Effectively manage general stress level
  • Avoid excess protein and fat in your diet
  • Consider switching pain medications, if possible
  • Protect yourself from infections

Western Treatments

With regard to the Western approach for treating and preventing ulcers, there are a number of interventions that can be taken for acute cases. Antacids are at the frontline of the market for addressing ulcer symptoms. These antacids allow the affected area time to heal by decreasing, blocking, or neutralizing the secretion of acid in the stomach.

Antibiotics have also been used in the treatment of ulcers resulting from Helicobacter pylori. Multiple antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor and work together to kill the bacterium. Individuals taking antibiotics should be aware of the potential consequences, (e.g., stomach upset, diarrhea, and even drug resistance).

A Case Study in TCM Treatment

A 40-year-old man presented with a diagnosis of H. pylori from his gastroenterologist. The symptoms that this patient felt were the most acute were the chronic gastric burning, indigestion, and occasional headaches. This patient also displayed sensitivity to antibiotics, ultimately deciding to take a more natural approach to ulcer treatment. Traditional Chinese diagnosis found his tongue red with a yellow coating. This patient’s pulse was also found to be rapid and choppy. He was prescribed an herbal formula containing Isatis extract leaf and root, Codonopsis root, oyster shell, Bupleurum root, Smilax rhizome, and gardenia fruit. A secondary herbal formula was combined including, among others, Poria sclerotium, coix seed, Barley Shen Qu, Magnolia bark, Angelica root and Pueraria root. This patient was also instructed to reduce or eliminate dairy products, soft drinks, and citrus drinks. Light exercise was also recommended, with a reduction in overall fat intake. This patient showed remarkable results within two weeks. Within a month, this patient was claiming that his symptoms were 90 percent under control.