When the cells lining the colon and/or rectum begin to grow out of control, they can form a polyp that may or may not become cancerous.
The most common types of polyp that occur in the colon are hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and inflammatory polyps. Adenomas and inflammatory polyps have the potential to form cancer and are typically removed during screenings.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer can remain asymptomatic during the early stages. As the cancer progresses, changes in the consistency or timing of bowel movements may occur, along with seeing blood in the stool.
Other symptoms of colorectal cancer include the feeling that evacuation is incomplete after using the bathroom, abdominal pain, gas and cramps. As with most cancers, weight loss, muscle weakness and fatigue can also take place.
Continue reading: “Are You At Risk For Colorectal Cancer?”
What Are Probiotics?
Repeatedly demonstrated to aid gastrointestinal health in the human body, acidophilus and other probiotics are key elements of our overall health and well being. This is particularly true when we consider that many of our common-day chronic ailments begin in the digestive system. It is also true when we consider the sheer number of people that suffer from poor gastrointestinal health, a condition which lowers the overall level of good bacteria in the body.
Before we go into the multi-fold benefits of taking probiotics, let’s define what probiotics are. The Joint FAO/WHO Working Group defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”
In plain English, probiotics are a type of living bacteria that actually benefit your health when taken in the appropriate amounts. This friendly bacteria, located in the gastrointestinal tract, comes in a variety of forms. With more than 400 different bacteria living in the human gastrointestinal tract, the most common forms of intestinal probiotics are L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum.
These bacteria act as balancing agents for non-friendly, pathogenic, gut-bacteria such as Candida or E. coli. When the “good-guys” are not present enough, a number of bacteria-related health problems such as digestive upset, headaches, sluggishness, irritability, cadidiasis (an overgrowth of the bacteria Candida albicans), and even anxiety can ensue.
Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Probiotics”
