Allergies - A hypersensitivity reaction to the presence of an agent (allergen) that is intrinsically harmless, such as animal hair, dust, pollen, or substances in certain foods. Symptoms vary widely but may include bronchial congestion, the appearance of a rash (often itchy), vomiting, edema, conjunctivitis, runny nose or serious systemic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock and possibly death. Allergies are very common, affecting probably more than 15% of the United States population. Allergies are diagnosed through skin tests and other laboratory procedures.
Help at Eat Complete! Are you or your children suffering from colds or are they really allergies? Find out if your allergies are airborne, environmentally induced, or food induced. Together we will find what is triggering your allergies as well as asthma. Learn a rotation diet, what minerals steroids deplete, and how to enhance your immune system for ultimate performance.
Asthma - A respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of difficulty in breathing, wheezing (especially on expiration), cough, and thick mucus production, caused by spasm or inflammation of the bronchi. Most attacks are precipitated by infection, strenuous exercise, stress,
cold temperature, or exposure to an allergen. Treatment involves the use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and elimination, if possible, of causative agents.
Help at Eat Complete! The first thing we will do for your asthma is find what is causing your symptoms. From there, we will work on eliminating the triggers and building up your immune system, along with cleaning up the environment around you. Soon you will start to have more energy than you ever thought possible.
Anxiety - A state of mild to severe apprehension, often without specific cause, resulting in body changes such as quickened heartbeat and sweat. Natural body chemicals, such as inosine, help to reduce anxiety and its effects.
Help at Eat Complete!
Together we will discuss your feelings of anxiety
and you will learn what foods have a calming effect
and what foods you should avoid. Learn which supplements will help you relax and which will excite. Lifestyle support is of the utmost importance when dealing with anxiety.
Autoimmune Diseases - Any of a large group of diseases marked by an abnormality of the functioning of the immune system that causes the production of antibodies against one's own tissues and other body materials.
- Diabetes Mellitus,
Type I - Appears in children or adolescents. A complex and chronic disorder of metabolism due either to partial or total lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas (specifically by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas) or to the inability of insulin to function normally in the body. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, and the presence of excessive sugar in the urine and the blood. The disease is common, and evidence suggests that the incidence is increasing.
Help at Eat Complete! Type I Diabetes is insulin dependent. Learn ways to decrease high blood sugar and ways to increase low blood sugar. There are many sugar substitutes; find which ones are the healthiest for you. Lifestyle and dietary changes are a must. Let’s work on a nutritional plan that best meets your needs.
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- Fibromyalgia - A syndrome of chronic pain of musculoskeletal origin but uncertain cause. Includes pain on both sides of the body, both above and below the waist, as well as in an axial distribution (cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine or anterior chest); additionally there must be point tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specified sites over a period of time.
Help at Eat Complete! This is a painful form of connective or soft tissue arthritis. Learn what a “clean” diet, stretching and exercise, stress management, and lifestyle changes you can do to help with chronic pain and fatigue.
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- Hyperthyroidism - An abnormality of the thyroid gland in which secretion of thyroid hormone is usually increased and is no longer under regulatory control of hypothalamic-pituitary centers; characterized by a hypermetabolic state, usually with weight loss, tremulousness, elevated plasma levels of thyroxin; and other manifestations of thyroid
illness; often associated with Graves disease.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn what foods help with thyroid disease and what minerals are the most important. Supplements can calm thyroid symptoms and many herbal products may be helpful. Learn what lifestyle changes need to be made to get you feeling relaxed and energized.
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- Hypothyroidism - Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to clinical manifestations of thyroid insufficiency, including low metabolic rate, tendency for weight gain, somnolence and sometimes myxedema.
Help at Eat Complete! There is a specific diet which helps those with hypothyroidism and also some supplements and herbs which are recommended. Find out the contraindications for specific medications your doctor may prescribe.
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- Lupus, Systemic Erythematosus - An inflammatory connective tissue disease with variable features, frequently including fever, weakness and fatigability, joint pains or arthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis, diffuse erythematosus skin lesions on the face, neck, or upper extremities, with degeneration of the basal layer and epidermal atrophy, lymphadenopathy (disease affecting lymph nodes), pleurisy, (inflammation of the membrane enveloping the lungs and lining the walls of the lung cavity) or pericarditis (inflammation of the membranes covering the heart), glomerular lesions (affecting the capillaries at the beginning of each tubule in the kidney), anemia, hyperglobulinemia (an abnormally high concentration of certain proteins in the circulating blood plasma), and a positive LE cell test, with serum antibodies to nuclear protein and sometimes to double-stranded DNA and other substances.
Help at Eat Complete! A natural approach to diet which avoids chemicals and pollutants is a key component to Lupus. Supplements to build the immune system and lifestyle changes are very important in healing, along with good sleep and stress reduction.
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- Raynaud's Disease - Affects the circulatory system and results in hands and feet that are hypersensitive to the cold; small arteries that supply the toes and fingers become very sensitive to cold and suddenly contract; lack of oxygenated blood cause the fingers or toes to become a whitish or bluish hue; ulcers may form damaging the tissues and resulting in chronic infection. Prolonged contraction of the arteries may result in gangrene.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn which supplements improve tissue oxygenation and improve circulation and what foods to eliminate from your diet. Avoidance of medications and smoking which constrict blood vessels is recommended.
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- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Type of inflammatory arthritis that attacks the synovial membranes surrounding the lubricating fluid in the joints; the cartilage and tissues in and around the joints and often the bone surfaces are destroyed; the body replaces this with scar tissue causing the spaces between the joints to become narrow and/or fuse together; the entire body is affected, creating stiffness, swelling, fatigue; onset is often associated with physical or emotional stress, poor nutrition or bacterial infection.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn which foods fight inflammation and which foods destroy free radical damage. Supplements are available to help control pain, lubricate joints, and rebuilt cartilage. There are many good exercises which will help with this disease. Lifestyle changes are a must.
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- Sjogren's Disease - The body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture producing glands; symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth; may also cause dryness of the skin, nose, and vagina; may affect other organs, such as the kidney, GI tract, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system; many experience debilitating fatigue and joint pain; nine out of ten patients are women.
Help at Eat Complete! With this disease comes dryness of all mucous membranes, often accompanying other autoimmune disorders. We can check out the many causes for this syndrome, along with dietary changes, herbs and/or vitamins, and exercise to improve the function of your immune system.
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Bone / Joint Disorders
- Hypercalcemia - Abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood, usually the result of excessive bone reabsorption in hyperparathyroidism, Paget's disease, or other disorders of bone and calcium function; also caused by certain drugs. Symptoms include muscle pain and weakness, loss of appetite, and if severe, kidney failure.
Help at Eat Complete! A diet to help rebuild bones is important, along with foods, supplements, and herbs to ease the bone pain. Gentle exercise plans are available.
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- Osteoarthritis - The most common form of arthritis, occurring mostly in the elderly, characterized by degenerative changes in the joints. Symptoms of pain after exercise or use, joint stiffness, and swelling develop, causing more disability when they affect the hip, spine, or knee. The cause is unknown but may involve many factors, sometimes aggravated by stress.
Help at Eat Complete!
This is the most common form of
arthritis. Learn what foods help
with inflammation and pain; what
supplements and herbs will be
helpful in rebuilding cartilage
and inhibit the formation of
free radicals which can damage
the joint further. Lifestyle
changes are necessary.
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- Osteoporosis - An abnormal loss of bony tissue, causing fragile bones that fracture easily; pain (especially in the back); and loss of stature. The condition is common in postmenopausal women and also occurs in those immobilized or given steroid therapy for a long period and as a result of some endocrine disorders.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn what foods are high in calcium and magnesium, what medications and minerals can interfere with calcium absorption, and what lifestyle changes can increase bone density. It is never too late nor too early to increase bone density.
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- Osteopenia - A decreased calcification or density of bone; a descriptive term applicable to all skeletal systems in which such a condition is noted; reduced bone mass due to inadequate osteoid synthesis.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn what forms of calcium are the most easily broken down and absorbed
by the body. Dietary support and exercise are crucial in helping this disorder.
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Children's Health
- Cystic Fibrosis - An inherited disease, usually recognized in infancy or early childhood, in which the glands, especially those of the pancreas, lungs, and intestines, become clogged with thick mucus. The sweat is typically salty, containing high levels of sodium and chloride. Respiratory infections are common and can lead to death.
Help at Eat Complete! This disease is accompanied by severe malnutrition from lack of nutrient absorption. Diet, supplements, and herbs are very important. Low levels of one vitamin and one mineral are linked with this disease. Learn what foods help this condition and what foods you or your child should avoid.
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- Hyperactivity - A condition characterized by excessive movement and restlessness, seen especially in children. See also ADHD (attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder).
Help at Eat Complete! This behavior may result from hypoglycemia, food allergies, or a combination of both. Nutritional improvement and calming herbs may lead to the successful treatment of this condition.
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- Learning Disorders
- ADHD - A syndrome affecting mostly males, characterized by learning and behavioral problems. These include short attention span, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and impairments in perceptual, language, and motor skills.
Help at Eat Complete! This disorder is becoming more prominent and could be linked to diet and the environment. Learn to make changes early in your child's life to help him/her understand how to bring out their positives and limit their negatives. Prescription drugs have many side effects; try dietary improvement and calming herbs first.
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- Autism - Abnormally withdrawn into oneself, marked by severe communication problems, short attention span, inability to interact socially, and extreme resistance to change. Treatment usually involves specialized education and the use of drugs to control behavior problems and anxiety.
Help at Eat Complete! Dietary changes can drastically help those with this condition. Detoxing and keeping an environmental friendly home will be very beneficial. The younger one is, the more impact diet and environmental changes will have on the autistic child.
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- Down's Syndrome - A congenital defect, usually caused by the presence of an extra # 21 chromosome and characterized by mental retardation (I.Q. averages 50 - 60); oblique placement of the eyes; a small head flattened at the back; a large, furrowed tongue; short stature; bowel defects; and heart abnormalities. Care involves both the prevention of physical problems (e.g., respiratory infections, to which these children are especially prone) and long-range programs to promote mental and motor skills.
- Help at Eat Complete! Studies have proven immune deficiencies are greatly accelerated by free-radical damage. Learn about nutrient dense foods and how to limit free-radical damage. Down’s Syndrome is a typical “leaky gut” syndrome. Learn now dietary intervention will help.
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Depression - A dejected state of mind with feelings of sadness, discouragement, and hopelessness, often accompanied by reduced activity and ability to function, unresponsiveness, apathy, and sleep disturbances. Evidence indicates that a tendency toward some forms of depression may be inherited.
Help at Eat Complete! Determining the underlying cause of depression is important. Learn which foods help produce a calming effect and which promote alertness. A nutritionally deficient diet may lead to chemical imbalances in the brain. Find out which is the most powerful vitamin in treating depression.
Geriatric Ailments
- Alzheimer's Disease - A progressive loss of mental ability and function, often accompanied by personality changes and emotional instability. A common disorder affecting both men and women, it usually begins between ages 50 and 60, often with memory lapses and changes in behavior; it progresses to include symptoms of confusion, restlessness, inability to plan and carry out activities and sometimes hallucinations and loss of bladder control. Plaques and neuro-fibrillary tangles are commonly found in the brain tissue.
Help at Eat Complete! Natural therapies have been successful in slowing the deterioration of brain function. As people are growing older, this is becoming more prevalent. We will look into increasing circulation though the use of whole foods, supplements, herbs and lifestyle techniques which will help the brain retain and increase cellular memory.
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- Atherosclerosis - A common disorder of the arteries in which plaques consisting mostly of cholesterol and lipids form on the inner arterial wall. As a result, the vessels become nonelastic and the lumen is narrowed, leading to decreased blood flow. Also associated with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and some hereditary metabolic disorders.
Help at Eat Complete! Blockage of blood flow from the arteries to the heart is not only preventable, but reversible. Learn how fats and cholesterol can affect your diet, which supplements you could be deficient in,
necessary essential herbs, and lifestyle support.
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- Cancer - Abnormal, malignant growth of cells that invade nearby tissues and often spread (or metastasize) to other sites in the body, interfering with the normal function of the affected sites. Most forms of cancer can be traced to a specific causal or precipitating factor (e.g., cigarette smoking, exposure to cancer-producing chemicals or ionizing radiation, or overexposure to the sun); viruses are associated with some cancers and genetic (familial) susceptibility plays a role in certain forms of the disease. The major signs of cancer include a change in bladder or bowel habits; a sore that does not heal; a persistent cough or hoarseness; unusual bleeding or discharge; thickening or lump in the breast or other part of the body; indigestion or difficulty in swallowing; unexplained loss of weight; and change in a wart or mole.
Help at Eat Complete! There are 200 different diseases classified as cancer, yet most cancers are preventable. Through proper nutrition, a healthy immune system, exercise and lifestyle change, most people can stay free of cancer. Knowledge is valuable.
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- Circulatory Problems - There are many disorders associated with circulatory problems. High blood pressure or hypertension results when cholesterol plaque deposits along the walls of the arteries and causes them to harden and constrict. Atherosclerosis is associated with lack of circulation due to narrowing of the arteries from fatty deposits as well. Circulatory problems can lead to stroke and angina pectoris (chest pain). Chronic inflammation of the veins and arteries in the lower parts of the body is Buerger's disease, most prevalent amount people who smoke. Early signs are a tingling sensation and a burning sensation in the fingers and toes. See also Raynaud's disease.
Help at Eat Complete! Nutrition plays a large part in all circulatory problems and in the illnesses that can precede them. Knowing what foods and supplements enhance circulation and help build healthy cells are essential. A lifestyle change including exercise and stress reduction is very important.
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- Diabetes, Type II - This is a complex and chronic disorder of metabolism due either to partial or total lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas or to the inability of insulin to function normally in the body. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, and the presence of excessive sugar in the urine and the blood. The disease is common and evidence suggests that the incidence is increasing. Adult-onset diabetes may be precipitated by obesity, severe stress, pregnancy, menopause, or other factors. Treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Severe and/or untreated cases frequently lead to serious complications including premature atherosclerosis, affecting the legs and leading to ulcers of the feet; early coronary artery disease; kidney disorders; eye disorders, and nerve problems.
Help at Eat Complete! Together we will plan a diet that will stabilize your blood sugar, decrease LDL (bad cholesterol), increase HDL (good cholesterol), decrease your triglycerides, and work toward maintaining a healthy, energy-filled lifestyle.
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- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Common disorder, often with no symptoms, in which the blood pressure is persistently above 140 / 90 mg Hg. Causes of hypertension include adrenal and kidney disorders, toxemia of pregnancy, thyroid disorders, and emotional stress, but in most cases, essential hypertension, the cause is unknown, though obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and high sodium levels are predisposing factors. Symptoms, when present, include headache, palpitations, and easy fatiguability. Severe hypertension damages the cardiovascular system and frequently results in heart disorders or cardiovascular accidents.
Help at Eat Complete! High blood pressure may be genetic. Whether it is or not, a healthy nutrition plan including supplementation and exercise is important. Lifestyle changes and stress reduction is essential.
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- High Cholesterol - Cholesterol is a complex chemical present in all animal fats and widespread in the body, especially in bile, the brain, blood, adrenal glands, and nerve-fiber sheaths. It also forms deposits in blood vessels and forms gallstones. In the body, cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of certain hormones - cortisone, and estrogen - and vitamin D and in the absorption of fatty acids. Many studies indicate that excessive cholesterol levels in the blood can clog arteries and predispose to heart attacks and strokes or cardiovascular accidents. Cholesterol attaches to liproproteins
in the blood.
Low-density
lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol that build up plaque, so LDL-cholesterol is considered "bad" cholesterol. High-density liproproteins (HDL)
carry
cholesterol to
the liver, where
the body can get
rid of it and
are considered "good" cholesterol.
Help at Eat Complete! High cholesterol foods lead to deposits in arterial linings and to gallstones. Learn about the different lipids found in the body, including HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, and which need to be lowered or elevated. Through a healthy nutrition plan and exercise, this can easily be accomplished.
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- Parkinson's Disease - A slowly progressive neurological disorder characterized by resting tremor, shuffling gait, stooped posture, rolling motions in the fingers, drooling, and muscle weakness, sometimes with emotional instability. It most often occurs after the age of 60 and then its cause is unknown but may occur in young people as a result of encephalitis, syphilis, or certain other diseases.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn the healthy way to eat and live for this disease. This includes timing protein consumption and vitamins so as not to interfere with medications, what chemicals to avoid that are toxic to the brain and central nervous system, and what lifestyle changes may be beneficial to you.
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- Prostrate Disorders - A large number of men suffer from enlargement and inflammation of the prostrate. Disorders usually begin after age 35 and by age 50, over 25 percent of all men have an enlarged prostate. By 70, it's over 50 percent. Symptoms include inflamed, swollen, infected prostate gland, under the scrotum and testes; frequent, painful desire to urinate with reduced flow of urine; incontinence in severe cases; fever, lower back and leg pains; impotence and loss of libido, and/or painful ejaculation; reduced immune response; unusual insomnia and fatigue. Causes may be a high fat diet, too little fiber, overly acidic foods; too much alcohol and caffeine; EFA and prostaglandin depletion; exhausted lymph system from too many over-the-counter antihistamines; internal congestion and poor circulation; lack of exercise; zinc deficiency; venereal disease.
Help at Eat Complete! Prostrate enlargement and / or prostititis: Learn the many causes of prostrate disease from a dietary standpoint and what dietary planning can do to help. There are vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements that are valuable in reducing inflammation.
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Immune System
- Immune Response - Defense reaction of the body whereby an invading substance--an antigen, such as grafted tissue, a transplanted organ, bacteria, virus, or fungus--is recognized as foreign and antibodies specifc against the antigen are produced to neutralize and/or destroy it. There are two basic kinds of immune response: humoral, medicated by B lymphocytes or B cells (chiefly against bacterial invasion), and cell-mediated, involving T cells (chiefly against viral and fungal invasion and transplanted tissue).
Help at Eat Complete! There are a handful of vitamins and minerals that help the immune system in various ways, and many of these can be found in fruits and vegetables. In the last 30 years, studies have uncovered that nutrient deficiencies (even when the deficiencies are mild) do, in fact, impair the immune response and lead to frequent, severe infections.
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- Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (Environmental Toxicity) - Foreign matter that threatens the body causing the body's defense mechanism to respond by forming protective antibodies. Certain minerals like copper, lead, aluminum, cadmium, mercury pervade our environment; pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fumigants and fertilizers, and food additives, preservatives, and artificial coloring pervade our supermarkets; toxic fumes, chemical and radioactive waste contaminate the air and water supply. All of these threaten our health and impair the function of our organs. Symptoms include reactions such as watery eyes, diarrhea, nausea,
upset stomach, ringing of the
ears, asthma, bronchitis,
stuffy nose, arthritis, fatigue,
headache, eczema, depression,
and can lead to autoimmune
diseases.
Help at Eat Complete! Are you being bombarded with chemicals, pesticides, fungicides at home, outdoors, and at work? Learn what you can do to make your own environment a safe one
in which to live and how to cope
with chemicals around you.
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Insomnia - A condition characterized by difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep or by seriously disturbed sleep, i.e., frequent short awakenings. It may result from a variety of psychological and physical causes due to stress, tension, depression and anxiety, too much caffeine, and other physical factors.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn what foods and supplements will help you get to sleep quicker and sleep deeper. There are many lifestyle changes which can affect the way you sleep. Let’s take a look and determine what changes need to be made.
Intestinal Disorders
- Celiac Disease
- A common genetic autoimmune
disorder that presents itself as
an intolerance to gluten (the
protein in wheat, barley and
rye). Recent studies indicate as
many as one in 133 people, many with no symptoms, have this disease. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, and many other symptoms, including headaches, infertility, anemia/fatigue, ADD/ADHD-type behaviors, depression and joint and muscle pain.
Help at Eat Complete! A gluten-free diet is the only cure for this disease. There may be many allergies to look into besides gluten intolerance. Learning to read labels and shopping is extremely important, as well as asking many questions while dining out. Lifestyle changes are a must.
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- Colitis - Inflammation of the colon, either an episodic and functional condition (irritable bowel syndrome) or, more serious, chronic and progressive bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). Irritable bowel attacks often precipitated by stress are characterized by colicky pain and constipation or diarrhea; they are treated by stress avoidance and a bland diet. Chronic diseases lead to ulceration of intestinal tissue, bleeding, severe diarrhea, and other complications.
Help at Eat Complete! Food allergies tend to play a role in this disease. Learn what to do during the acute stage and what nutritional plan helps after the acute stage. Balancing minerals and vitamins is important to assure adequate intake. Lifestyle support is helpful.
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- Crohn's Disease - Chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon and/or terminal part of the small intestine and producing frequent episodes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, weakness, and weight loss. Treatment is by anti-inflammatory agents; antibiotics to control infection, and adequate nutrition.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn which foods are alkaline vs. acid and which will help with this disease. Consuming nutrient dense foods will help, along with eliminating multiple food intolerances. Lifestyle changes are essential.
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- Diverticulitis - Inflammation of an abnormal sac (diverticulum) at a weakened point in the digestive tract, especially the colon. Symptoms include cramp-like abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea or constipation. Treatment is by rest and antibiotics; severe cases may require surgery.
Help at Eat Complete! Most dietary changes include increased fiber, but not with this disease. Learn what foods to avoid in order to reduce fiber intake and what other necessary nutritional information is needed to help with inflammation and pain.
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- Diverticulosis - The presence of abnormal pouch-like sacs (diverticula) through the muscular layers of the colon. The condition, increasingly common in persons over the age of 50, produces few or no symptoms, except occasional rectal bleeding.
Help at Eat Complete! A change in nutritional plan is recommended with this disease. Eliminating foods which lead to weakening of the colon walls and including easily digestible foods is important. Active people are less prone to this disease.
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- Irritable Bowel Syndrome - A condition characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, usually cramping in nature, and diarrhea, often alternating with periods of constipation. Occurring most often in young adults, it has no known organic cause and is often associated with emotional stress. Also called spastic colon or mucous colitis.
Help at Eat Complete! This is the leading intestinal condition being diagnosed today, but is it really an accurate one? The foods you consume, the quantity, and stressful situations can all cause overlapping symptoms. Keeping a daily food and routine summary may help to pinpoint an accurate diagnoses for adequate help.
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- Malabsorption Syndrome - A complexity
of symptoms, including loss of
appetite, bloating, weight loss,
muscle pain, and stools with
high fat content, resulting from abnormal intestinal absorption and occurring in celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and certain other disorders.
Help at Eat Complete! Any malabsorption affects the body's ability to absorb macro and micro nutrients, as well as fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Many diseases can cause malabsorption, but our goal is to find the right type foods and supplements your body can tolerate to get you back to optimum performance.
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- Ulcerative Colitis - Serious and chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fever, chills, and profuse diarrhea, with stools containing pus, blood, and mucus. Often affecting children, it interferes with their normal growth; and young adults, often prevents many normal life activities. Treatment consists of anti-inflammatory agents, including corticosteroids; severe cases may require surgery with removal of parts of the intestinal tract. Complications include arthritis, kidney and liver disease, inflammation of other mucous membranes, and increased risk of developing cancer of the colon.
Help at Eat Complete! A clean, healthy diet is essential for one with this disease. Anti-inflammatory supplements and herbs are helpful. Elimination of foods and beverages which trigger inflammation is necessary. Foods and supplements to enhance your immune system are beneficial.
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Liver Health - The health and vitality of all body systems depend to a large extent on the liver. It manufacturers bile to digest fats and prevent constipation; it metabolizes proteins and carbohydrates and secretes hormones and enzymes. Causes of poor liver health include too much alcohol and/or drugs; poor nutrition; exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and pollutants; stress; hepatitis virus; long-term use of prescription drugs. Symptoms include general depression and melancholy; unexplained weight gain and tiredness; poor digestion; food and chemical sensitivities; PMS; constipation and congestion; nausea and shakes; dizziness; dry tongue and mouth; jaundiced skin and/or liver spots; skin itching.
Help at Eat Complete! Consuming foods and alcohol which are toxic to the body may damage the liver. As this is a main organ for a healthy body, it is essential to consume a healthy diet high in nutrients. Learn how to rebuild and to detox the liver. Good lifestyle practices are imperative.
Lung Disorders
- Asthma
- see asthma in index.
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- Cystic Fibrosis - An inherited disease, usually recognized in infancy or early childhood, in which the glands, especially those of the pancreas, lungs, and intestines, become clogged with thick mucus. The sweat is typically salty, containing high levels of sodium and chloride. Respiratory infections are common and can lead to death.
Help at Eat Complete! This disease is accompanied by severe malnutrition from lack of nutrient absorption. Diet, supplements, and herbs are very important. Learn what foods help this disease and what foods you should avoid.
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- Emphysema - Abnormal condition of the lungs in which there is over-inflation of the air sacs of the lungs, leading to a breakdown of their walls, a decrease in respiratory function, and, in severe cases, increasing breathlessness. Emphysema appears to be associated with chronic bronchitis, smoking, and advancing age; one form that occurs early in life is related to a hereditary lack of an enzyme. Early symptoms of emphysema include dyspnea, cough, rapid heart rate; advanced cases are marked by signs of oxygen insufficiency (restlessness, weakness, confusion) and frequently by complications of pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Breathing exercises, drugs such as bronchodilators, and the prevention of respiratory infection may be helpful; severe cases may require oxygen.
Help at Eat Complete! Eliminating food allergens and inhaled allergens is crucial. Learn what foods to eliminate and what foods, supplements, and herbal therapies will alleviate the restricted breathing. Lifestyle changes are necessary.
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- Tuberculosis - Chronic infection with bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of droplets; it usually affects the lungs but may also affect other organs. Early symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and vague chest pain; later, night sweats, difficulty in breathing, production of purulent sputum, and signs of severe lung involvement occur. Treatment is by antituberculosis drugs, rest and proper nutrition.
Help at Eat Complete!
The immune system is the main
target for any nutritional plan with this disease. Supplements and herbal therapies which enhance the immune system are imperative. A detox plan is crucial.
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Skin Disorders
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis - A skin condition that causes intense itchy, blistering outbreaks, usually on the elbows, knees and feet. Closely related to Celiac Disease, 80 percent of those with dermatitis herpetiformis
have the same intestinal
sensitivity to gluten. This
condition can be determined only
by a biopsy and helped by following a strict gluten-free diet.
Help at Eat Complete!
A strict gluten-free diet is
required for this skin disorder.
Label reading to determine
hidden sources of gluten is
essential. See Celiac Disease in
index.
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- Eczema - An inflammation of the skin that usually produces itching and the development of small blister-like formations that release fluid and then form a crust. It may be caused by contact with a specific irritant or occur without apparent cause.
Help at Eat Complete!
This disease can result from an
essential fatty acid deficiency.
Learn what foods to consume on
an alkaline diet and what vitamin will help in healing and construction of new skin tissue. Stress reduction is recommended.
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- Psoriasis - A chronic skin disorder characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation of dry, scale-covered red patches, especially on the scalp, ears, genitalia, and skin over bony prominences; a type of arthritis may occur with the skin disorder.
Help at Eat Complete! There have been no clinical studies which show a particular diet helps with this skin disorder; however, many have eliminated symptoms by having a clean, healthy diet in addition to increasing certain vitamins and minerals.
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Stomach Disorders
- Acid Reflux - Backflow of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, usually caused by malfunction of the sphincter muscle between the two organs; symptoms include burning pain in the esophagus, commonly known as heartburn.
Help at Eat Complete! There are many causes for this disease including excess weight, stress, and an acidic diet. Learn which foods are alkaline, if you have any food allergies, and if you have an enzyme deficiency. Learn how antacids may be causing you to produce more stomach acid.
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- Hiatal Hernia - Protrusion of the part of the stomach through the diaphragm. It is a common disorder and in many cases produces no symptoms. Symptoms, when present, include gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), the flow of stomach acid contents into the esophagus.
Help at Eat Complete! An alkaline diet is very important to combat excess acid in the stomach. Food allergies need to be addresses, along with enzyme deficiencies. Learn how antacids may be causing you to produce more stomach acid.
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- Lactose Intolerance - Disorder, due to deficiency of the enzyme lactase, resulting in an inability to digest lactose. Symptoms include bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea on ingestion of milk and milk products.
Help at Eat Complete! A healthy diet with the goal of improving the immune system is necessary for this disease. Label reading to determine hidden sources of lactose in purchased foods in very important. Taking digestive enzymes is a must.
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- Ulcers - Circumscribed lesion of the skin or mucous membrane of an organ formed by necrosis of tissue resulting from an infectious, malignant, or inflammatory process. There are two types of ulcers, decubitus ulcers (bedsores) and peptic ulcers.
Help at Eat Complete! A clean, nutritional diet, void of acid-causing foods, will help in the healing process of an ulcer. Determining supplemental and herbal therapies to calm and rebuild nerve structures, soothe and heal tissues, and to aid in inflammation are necessary.
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Women's Special Health Concerns
- Candidiasis - Infection caused by a Candida species of fungus (e.g., Candida albicans), affecting most often the skin, mouth, and vagina, and causing itching, peeling, whitish exudate, and sometimes easy bleeding. Common forms of candidiasis include thrush and some types of vaginitis and diaper rash.
Help at Eat Complete! This is caused by an imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria. A strict initial diet to control candida yeast proliferation to normal levels is essential. Learn what supplements and herbs will restore the body to homeostasis.
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- Fibrocystic Breasts - A common condition among women characterized by the presence of one or more cysts in the breast. The cysts are benign but should be watched carefully for any changes in size or consistency; women with fibrocystic breast disease have a higher-than-average likelihood of developing breast cancer later in life. In many cases no treatment is necessary, in other cases aspiration of the cyst with or without biopsy is performed.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn the five food areas that contain caffeine which should be avoided. Knowledge of dietary prevention can help, along with liver involvement. Good immune-enhancing foods and supplements are important.
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- Menopause - Cessation of menstruation, usually occuring naturally between the ages of 45 and 55. The term is also used to refer to that stage of a woman's life during which gradual hormonal changes, sometimes accompanied by vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, and other signs (e.g., dryness of vaginal membranes and palpitations), lead to the cessation of menstrual periods. The production of gonadotropins
from the pituitary and estrogens
from the ovaries gradually
decrease; ovulation ceases, and
menstrual periods stop. The
periods may become scanty and
irregular in occurrence, or
there may be episodes of heavy
bleeding or abrupt cessation.
Emotional disturbances may
result from hormonal imbalances.
Help at Eat Complete! Maintaining a high level of nutrition will help to reduce unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Find out how certain foods, vitamins and minerals play a part in menopause. Lifestyle therapies are very important.
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- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Hormonal imbalance resulting in tension, irritability, edema, headache, mastalgia (breast tenderness), bloating, appetite changes, and changes in muscular coordination occuring in many women several days before the onset of the menstrual flow.
Help at Eat Complete! Learn what every woman should know about PMS: dietary changes, exercise, relaxation and herbal supplements that will tame mood swings and help you to feel back to normal again. Find out what supplements relieve cramping, backache, and nervousness and which herbs relieve pain and depression.
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- Prenatal and Pregnancy - Prenatal, a time occurring or existing before birth; used in reference to the pregnant woman or the growth and development of the fetus. Pregnancy, the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Obtaining essential nutrients for both prenatal and pregnancy periods is crucial.
Help at Eat Complete!
Before becoming pregnant, get
your body healthy on a good
nutritional plan and in shape
with an exercise routine
designed just for you. The
nutrients or lack of nutrients
put into your body will transfer
to the fetus. Remember, you are
eating for two.
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- Vaginitis - Inflammation of the vagina, often producing pain, itchiness, burning on urination, and increased, sometimes foul-smelling discharge. It may be caused by infection (e.g., candidiasis), poor hygiene, dietary deficiency, or local irritation.
Help at Eat Complete! There are three general categories of vaginitis: hormonal, irritant and infectious. Diagnosis is very important as well as becoming aware of underlying metabolic and immune incompetence problems. Tips on prevention, nutrition and herbal supplements will be looked into.
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