Unresolved inflammation is associated with several widely occurring chronic diseases including arthritis, autoimmune disease, cancer, obesity, dementia, periodontal disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. These chronic diseases affect 125 million Americans. The presence of inflammation is what makes most people aware that something is wrong in their body. Anyone who has had a rash, sore throat or… Read more »
With the New Year upon us, we make our yearly resolution to shed excess weight, get a handle on our sugar intake and curb unhealthy cravings. Looking for a fast solution, most are drawn to the “quick fix” programs that are pervasive throughout the internet. The countless choices are overwhelming. The popular choice is often… Read more »
“What are you writing about next?” This frequently asked question is inspiring and always met with great enthusiasm. But leading up to this issue when I proudly proclaimed “body bugs,” the most frequent response was “eww!” So in the name of science (and in hopes of getting you through this article), let’s address our subject… Read more »
As of 2012, half of all adults in the U.S. reported one or more chronic health conditions. Approximately 117 million adults (one in four) had two or more chronic health conditions with heart disease and cancer at the top of the list.1 It is also reported that over 50 million Americans suffer from multiple autoimmune… Read more »
As discussed in this issue, the bacteria in our gut are essential to our health. They perform important functions and even have a compelling impact on our mental health and general brain function. And they are normally present in our gut throughout the large and small intestine, but in very different amounts. The large intestine… Read more »
The majority of Americans experience heartburn at one time or another, leading to the real question, “When should you see a health care professional for this condition?” Heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion are all interchangeable words describing acid entering the esophagus and causing a burning sensation or pain. Another commonly used term for heartburn is… Read more »
It’s a fact that the brain controls the body, but what controls the brain? In his new book, Brain Maker, David Perlmutter, MD, describes an emerging field of science that contends that the gut controls the health of the body, including the health of the brain. As you may recall from Dr. Perlmutter’s first book… Read more »
Autoimmune disease is an emerging health concern for millions of people. Autoimmunity results when components of the body’s immune system target one or more of a person’s own bodily tissues instead of attacking foreign bacteria or viruses. More than 40 autoimmune conditions have been identified, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimotos… Read more »
Dr. Johnson, I have had GERD for twenty years and have taken PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) for many of those years. However, last year my symptoms returned and my physician doubled my dose. I’m still having issues today and think it might be time to consider surgery on my valve. I would really like to… Read more »
Over and over again I see men, typically over 55, complaining of symptoms that frighten them: difficulty swallowing, food sticking in their throat, feeling as if they are suffocating due to regurgitation. They often confess to ten or more years of increasingly severe symptoms, typically starting with heartburn and/or chest pain. These are symptoms of… Read more »
As a physician, I was very skeptical when pharmaceutical manufacturers began to promote prescription medications – which can have very serious side effects – on TV. As an expert on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), I am shocked at the frequency of the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPIs) commercials – even Larry the Cable Guy is now… Read more »
By the time the paramedics got to me I thought I was dying of a heart attack, so imagine my relief when I found out it was only heartburn. When the doctor sent me home with a prescription I had not a care in the world; I was confident that the prescribed medicine would cure… Read more »
If only life could be as portrayed on television…Good conquers evil, the hero wins the girl, and indigestion is cured with a simple pill. In reality, life isn’t so simple…and neither is heartburn! The heartburn medication industry has exploded in the past decade. In 2007 and 2008, two of the top five prescription sales in… Read more »
I have been brushing my teeth for some sixty years, so it’s not a stretch for me to believe in the value of a clean colon. But still, when asked if I would try Desert Colon Hydrotherapy and then write a review, I was a little apprehensive. I’ve been married for over twenty years and… Read more »
I realize that talking about hemorrhoids is not polite cocktail conversation. With that in mind, I use every other opportunity I have to educate the public on this too-often embarrassing subject. My 30 years as a board certified colon and rectal surgeon qualifies me to speak on the subject. Hopefully I will demystify some of… Read more »
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition in this country, estimated at 10-15 % of the population, with a 2:1 female predominance. IBS is a group of symptoms without a known cause. The current medical criteria are chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, lasting at least three months, without a… Read more »
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition, most often diagnosed when all other probable conditions have been ruled out. This means, it is a clinical diagnosis based on eliminating the possibility of more serious disease when uncomfortable GI symptoms still remain present without serious progression. The most frustrating aspect of IBS is that… Read more »
Spring symbolizes rebirth and change. As we reflect on new beginnings, we are motivated to restore and refresh our own lives. Spring cleaning around the house or garage creates a sense of satisfaction, and a fresh start to the new season. Similarly, a colon hydrotherapy cleanse gives our bodies a fresh start, creating that same… Read more »
The Fever Fallacy Contrary to popular belief, fevers are GOOD and a positive indicator that your body has the strength to fight off pathogens. A fever is part of your body’s defense mechanism and actually kills off bacteria and viruses that can’t live in higher temperatures. Fevers up to 104ºF are benign and of short… Read more »
Yeast has the reputation for causing infection, so the notion of taking a few billion a day to be healthy may be difficult to swallow. One yeast in particular, Saccharomyces boulardii, has an indisputable role in the health of the digestive tract in mammals. This yeast is considered a probiotic. “Pro-biotic” literally means “for life.”… Read more »
