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Malignancies of the digestive tract have already been described in previous blog post. Stomach cancers, common in Oriental nations, are fortunately decreasing in frequency in the United States. Difficult to diagnose and cure, this particular malignancy requires careful observation of the people at risk with periodic screening tests to detect early signs or risk factors. A diet free of extremely hot foods, spices, or fermented soy preparations (commonly used in Korea and Japan) will help to reduce the incidence of this dreaded condition.

Far more common in this country is cancer of the colon. Eighty percent of these lesions are within sight of the sigmoidoscope for early diagnosis. This simple procedure, sigmoidoscopy, is recommended for individuals above the age of 40, every other year or so, at the physical examination. Any rectal bleeding should be investigated with appropriate studies to exclude malignancy. Screening tests with the stool guiac or Hemoccult paper may detect trace amounts of occult bleeding. Keep in mind, however, that a meat diet can produce small amounts of blood in the stool, not related to any disorder in the body itself.

The presence of black tarry stools in the absence of charcoal or iron ingestion should alert one to the possibility of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This may be caused by ulcers, diverticulitis, and other conditions, including cancer. In the event of severe hemorrhage prompt medical diagnosis is imperative to determine the cause.

The recognition of cancer in the colon in its early stages mandates prompt surgery. After appropriate preparation, the tumor should be completely removed, if possible. When this is done early the colon is usually reconnected (called anastomosis), permitting bowel function to restore normally.

Extensive lesions or obstruction may require a temporary or permanent colostomy. This is an opening in the abdominal wall that permits the fecal waste to empty into a bag. After removal of the obstructing tumor, the bowel may be reunited. In cases of abdominal-perineal resection for cancers low in the rectum, the colostomy remains the permanent site for evacuation of feces. When this unfortunate procedure is necessary, a positive outlook is exceedingly important to recover the confidence to function normally, and care for the appliance at home. Descriptive brochures with instructions are available from most colostomy equipment manufacturers.

As we look at most of the gastrointestinal problems mentioned above, it becomes apparent that true preventive answers lie principally in proper diet. The lifestyle, including daily exercise, relaxation, adequate fiber, thorough mastication and regularity in elimination can prevent many troublesome conditions that affect the digestive system. Frank discussion with your family physician will help uncover symptoms previously unrecognized, while in unusual situations the medical practitioner can do additional tests, finally arriving at the proper diagnosis.

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Although I discussed the treatment of hemorrhoids in previous blog posts ,additional comments are appropriate here. This painful condition is common in our “constipated” Western culture. Millions of dollars spent on laxatives hardly substitute for a natural diet that could nearly eliminate the problem. The total vegetarian diet has plenty of fiber. It is likewise helpful in reducing irritation from hemorrhoids. Your intestinal transit times move more quickly, keeping the entire body in better health.

Regular bowel habits are important. Thorough cleansing of the anal area using warm soapy water after each bowel movement aids in the elimination of offending bacteria. This extra hygienic measure is important to allow the rectal area to heal. Various over-the counter suppositories can be used to relieve itching, but are not routinely needed.

The most helpful simple treatment for hemorrhoids is the hot and cold contrast sitz bath. Take the treatment three times daily. It will both improve the circulation and bring relief of pain. Physical activity, with the avoidance of prolonged sitting, will improve the abdominal circulation, avoiding congestion in the sensitive region. Prolonged or more serious cases may need the rubber band ligation or surgical procedures described in previous blogpost.

Many people erroneously conclude that all bright red rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Every person with rectal bleeding should be investigated to exclude cancer or ulcerative conditions. Rectal pain can also be caused by disorders other than inflamed hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are particularly painful, usually aggravated by the passage of stool. Infections and abscesses may also develop in the anal region and should be excluded by a careful examination.

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A much more common and often confused condition is the irritable colon syndrome or spastic colitis. I prefer the term “irritated” colon for reasons described below. The symptoms usually occur in episodes. Watery diarrhea alternates with periods of painful constipation. There is extreme spasm in the colon, most often on the left side. The colon may become tender, but fever and inflammation are not striking. Excessive mucous production may produce an alteration in the color of the stool. Most typically the irritated colon syndrome is seen in individuals who are always “on the go,” tense, anxious, and often too hurried to regularly move their bowels. The diet in such patients is frequently refined, with inadequate fiber to give good intestinal tone.

One most important measure in treating the irritated colon is reassurance concerning its benign nature. Sigmoidoscopic examination and a barium enema x-ray are needed to be sure that there is no cancer or other disease. Negative diagnostic findings and a typical history makes the diagnosis likely. The diet should be high in fiber, with the addition of one or two tablespoons of bran daily. An abundant use of fruit and vegetables will improve the bowel habits and normalize the transit time, reducing the frequency of both diarrhea and constipation. Adequate fluid intake and a more relaxed attitude toward life are quite beneficial. Hot packs over the abdomen should be used to relieve spasm. Stimulants and condiments should be avoided. Drugs that alter the intestinal tone, tranquilizers, and laxatives should also be eliminated, as they tend to perpetuate the situation. Usually, with appropriate remedial measures, this condition can be stabilized, It is compatible with a normal life span.

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A more common inflammation of the bowel is ulcerative colitis. Affecting children, as well as adults, this inflammatory change involves the colon, with gradual development of shallow ulcers and episodes of cramping pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. As in gastric ulcer, association with stress has been prominent, and the disease termed a psychosomatic one. We do not know whether use of antibiotics or other drugs and chemicals are involved in the production of colitis, though this is often suggested. The disease tends to run a chronic recurring course with diarrhea predominating. A change of occupation may become necessary. Modern drug therapy for this condition is rarely curative. Cortisone steroids in particular tend to borrow upon the body’s reserves elsewhere to control the symptoms. Specific causative factors should always be investigated and dietary measures strictly followed to control this disease.

Treatment requires a tranquil, peaceful lifestyle in order to effectuate a complete cure. Adequate dietary fiber should be encouraged, with the avoidance of irritating foods such as spices and seeds which might be sharp or erosive. Avoid any food to which the individual shows sensitivity. Thoroughly chew the food, and use fruits at one meal and vegetables at the next. Cultivate a tendency toward simplicity in the diet. It will usually prove most rewarding.

Hydrotherapeutic measures are indispensable to control the pain. Prolonging the colitis beyond eight or ten years has been shown to increase the risk of cancer in the colon. Preventive care may rarely require a colectomy. For this and other reasons, medical consultation should be periodically sought during the chronic bout with colitis.

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Crohn’s disease, or regional enteritis, affects primarily young adults. Characterized clinically by episodes of diarrhea, cramps, and occasional intestinal bleeding, this problem resists most attempts with natural therapy. The cause is unknown. A granuloma formation gradually develops in the small intestine, occasionally producing obstruction. Numerous operations may be required to relieve the obstruction and remove involved portions of the small intestine. A relationship to stress and emotional tension has been seen in many of these patients.

I have observed beneficial results on numerous occasions with the prolonged use of hydrotherapy treatments, using hot and cold contrast over the abdomen. Careful elimination diets select out any foods to which the individual is sensitive. Persistence in adhering to a strict pattern of eating, eliminating allergenic foods, spices, and undesirable foreign chemicals may arrest the progress, or at least control the symptoms.

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