Appendicitis: Cause and Natural Treatment

Often we hear of people who have to have their appendix removed. This is caused by a condition known as appendicitis.

The appendix is a closed end tube that is several inches long. It is attached to the colon. The inner lining of the appendix produces small amounts of mucus that flows into the colon. The wall of the appendix contains lymphatic tissue that makes antibodies for the immune system.

In Appendicitis and Appendectomy doctors Dennis Lee and Jay W. Marks discusses how Appendicitis affects the appendix. It occurs when the opening of the appendix is blocked. The blockage is due to a build up of thick mucus within the appendix or a stool from the colon enters the appendix. The mucus and stool become hard like a rock. Appendicitis can also occur when the lymphatic tissue in the appendix swells and blocks the appendix.(1)

When the appendix is blocked with mucus, stool, or tissue, the appendix becomes inflamed. Inflamation results when the bacteria normally found in the appendix infects the walls of the appendix. When the appendix becomes inflamed it may even rupture. Sometimes the body can heal itself. When it cannot surgery must be done.(1)

As a result a collection of infected pus accumulates in the abdomen and pelvis. The intestines become blocked, preventing intestinal contents from passing. Blockage in the intestines fills the intestines with liquid, causing the person to become nauseous.(1)

Symptoms

The symptoms of appendicitis are the following:

early on is aching pain around the navel and lower right abdomen

inflammation spreads and pain increase

nausea, vomiting

loss of appetite

a low fever

constipation

inability to pass gas

diarrhea

abdominal swelling

Appendix Care

The best way to prevent appendicitis is to keep the colon clean. Because the appendix is apart of the colon it is important to keep the colon clean. The colon is apart of the digestive system. It stores solid waste, which is the food we have eaten after all the nutrients have been extracted during the digestive process. When the colon is filled with waste and is unable to clear itself of the waste, which results in constipation, pieces of stool, as stated earlier, can get into the appendix causing a blockage. Also because of constipation the mucus produced in the appendix cannot secret into the colon. As a result the mucus hardens into a blockage, appendicitis occurs.

Food

The best way to maintain a clean healthy colon is to eat the kind of food that can do colon cleansing. The best kinds of food to eat to help the colon cleanse itself is food high in fiber. Each day eat whole grain and bran cereals. Also add flaxseed to your diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and berries. Drink fruit juice and vegetable juices, eat plenty of fresh vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, cabbages, cauliflower, peas, beans, Brussel sprouts, and tomatoes. Also drink plenty of water.

Nutritional Supplement for the Colon

The following nutritional supplements can be taken to promote good colon health:

Bran capsules. Take daily.

Colon cleansing herbs:

Pysylium- high in fiber; act as a lubricant for the colon

Dandalion- cleanses the colon and liver. Eat fresh dandalion greens cooked or made in salads.

If you have an appendicitis attack do not massage the spot of pain. The massaging can increase the inflammatory pain.

Appendicitis is a serious condition. If one is experiencing any symptoms of appendicitis, seek professional medical attention immediately. Before attempting to treat the condition yourself using natural health means, have a discussion with your doctor.

(1) Dennis Lee, M.D. ,Jay W. Marks, M.D., Appendicitis and Appendectomy, http://www.medicinenet.com/appendicitis/article.htm