Appendicitis
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- What is appendicitis?
- Symptoms of appendicitis
- Causes of appendicitis
- Prevention of appendicitis
- Risk factors for appendicitis
- Complications of appendicitis
- When to see a doctor about appendicitis
- Diagnosis of appendicitis
- Conventional treatment of appendicitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of appendicitis
- Living with appendicitis
- Caring for someone with appendicitis
Alternative / complementary treatment of appendicitis
Appendicitis can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition which requires urgent medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Do not try to treat suspected appendicitis with any alternative / complementary therapy - seek urgent medical advice.
The information contained within this section is to be used only in cases of very mild appendicitis or to support healing after an appendectomy. Always seek medical advice to ensure it is safe to take these supplements.
Herbs:
- Aloe vera - the cold pressed juice of the whole leaf of the aloe vera plant, has a number of beneficial properties for the gastrointestinal system, including limiting "bad" bacteria in the colon, increasing conditions for "good" bacteria, reducing risk of infection and improving colon health in general
- Echinacea purpurea - this herb has immune enhancing properties for the whole of the immune system. Echinacea has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which means it may be able to prevent infection by these pathogens
- Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) - the herb slippery elm has mucilaginous properties, which means it coats the gastrointestinal tract with its soothing properties and relieves any inflammation. Some studies suggest that slippery elm may also contain some antioxidants, which help to boost the function of the immune system. People with any type of bowel blockage need to seek medical advice prior to trying slippery elm, as it could make their condition worse
Vitamins:
- Betacarotene - the antioxidant vitamin betacarotene greatly enhances immunity and protects against further infection
- Vitamin A - the potent antioxidant vitamin A supports the immune system and protects against further infection
- Vitamin B - a vitamin B complex is recommended as it supports the immune system, supports the function of the antioxidant vitamins and helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively
- Vitamin C - the potent antioxidant vitamin C helps to boost the function of the immune system and helps to protect the body against infection. Vitamin C also helps to detoxify the system by allowing them to be removed through the liver
- Vitamin E - the potent antioxidant vitamin E helps to greatly boost the function of the immune system and white blood cells. Vitamin E promotes healing of all body tissues and cells
Minerals:
- Zinc - the mineral zinc is an excellent antioxidant which greatly boosts the immune system and promotes healing of all body tissues and cells to occur more quickly
Other supplements:
- Chlorophyll - this is the substance which gives plants their green colouring and also makes food for the plant. Chlorophyll may assist with clearing the blood of toxins and may help speed up healing. Try to get chlorophyll in its liquid form, as it is more effective
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Dietary modifications:
- Add more fibre - fibre is necessary in our diet, to help the colon function more effectively. Many studies show that people who have a fibre-rich diet have less incidence of appendicitis
- Reduce processed foods - food which is natural and unprocessed tends to be more richer in nutrients, have higher levels of fibre and is better for you
Lifestyle modifications:
There are no lifestyle modifications recommended for appendicitis.
Alternative treatments:
There are no other alternative treatments recommended for appendicitis.
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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