The symptoms of indigestion can be a mild nausea, heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen, gas, a boated feeling, an acid taste in the mouth and a general, vague feeling of discomfort in the abdomen or chest. Indigestion happens during eating, drinking or chewing gum, or soon after. Things that worsen the symptoms of indigestion are obesity, smoking, constipation, eating food that hasn?t been properly cooked, eating fatty foods, an intolerance to gas forming foods like beans, members of the cabbage family or members of the onion family, too much red meat and too little fiber, too much alcohol, intolerance of certain foods and food allergies. Stress and fatigue can also worsen indigestion, as can overwork, as the body uses energy to deal with the stress and not digestion.

Taking drugs like antacids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, cardiac drugs and drugs to stabilize blood pressure can alter the pH of the stomach, which is normally from 1.5 to 2.5. A pH of 3.5 will interfere with the action of pepsin and hydrochloric acid, both necessary for proper digestion. An abnormal pH can also suppress helpful bacteria in the gut, and lead to the overgrowth of helicobacter pylori, which can lead to peptic ulcer. Eating in stressful conditions also badly affects enzyme production, as each food needs a certain enzyme to be properly digested.

Indigestion famously might mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, with the pain radiating up the left arm and into the jaw, but it also might mask a more serious disease of the digestive track. Symptoms shouldn’t be ignored if they persist or worsen. Diseases that have similar symptoms to indigestion and to which indigestion might be a precursor include heartburn caused by ulcers in the esophagus, gallbladder disease, ulcers, gastritis, which is an inflammation or even erosion of the stomach lining, hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach protrudes into the chest, acid reflux, where stomach acid bubbles up into the esophagus, stomach cancer, and heart attack.

The best way to avoid the symptoms of indigestion is to lower stress levels, avoid foods that cause allergies or don’t digest well, cut down on alcohol consumption, relax after meals, don?t bolt meals and eat in a calm and restful environment. Situations where air is swallowed, such as chewing gum, should also be avoided.

Herbs rich in minerals and trace minerals can help with proper digestion of food. The minerals in herbs work with enzymes in the gut to help food digest properly. Among the herbs that might work for nutrient absorption are sources of fiber like aloe vera, burdock root, slippery elm and kelp, bile stimulants like dandelion root, alkalizing agents like chlorella and peppermint, sources of chlorophyll like alfalfa, nettles and watercress, and sources of beneficial bacteria like garlic, lemon peel and miso. These herbs can be taken in the form of drinks or capsules. If ulcers have developed along with indigestion, licorice root and aloe vera are among the herbs that are good for soothing them, and ginger is well known for easing nausea.

For more information on indigestion symptoms please feel free to download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!

There are many different factors that can trigger heartburn in an individual. Some people are also more susceptible to heartburn than others. Eating foods that are acidic will likely cause heartburn in many different individuals. Those who smoke cigarettes excessively and those who drink alcohol may also suffer from heartburn more than those who do not drink or smoke. In many instances, women who are pregnant will experience more heartburn during their pregnancy then they typically would if they were not pregnant. The reason pregnant women commonly suffer from heartburn during their pregnancy is because of the added pressure. People who suffer from certain medical conditions may also be more likely to suffer from heartburn.

The best way for an individual to avoid heartburn is to prevent it. There are several ways for an individual to try to prevent heartburn. One of the most essential ways to avoid heartburn is to alter eating habits. Because foods that are acidic can cause severe heartburn, avoiding these foods can help to prevent heartburn. Foods that are greasy and fried may also contribute to heartburn. If an individual wants to work on avoiding heartburn, they should begin maintaining a much healthier diet. Carbonated beverages such as soda should also be avoided in order to prevent the heartburn.

Another way to help reduce the heartburn from occurring is to lose weight. Studies prove that individuals who are overweight are more likely to suffer from heartburn because of the extra pressure caused by the weight. By losing weight, an individual will be able to reduce their heartburn. Maintaining a healthy diet is not only good in reducing the heartburn, it is also helps the individual to shed a few pounds. Shedding just a few pounds each month can reduce the heartburn dramatically.

For women who are pregnant, it may not be feasible to lose weight in order to reduce the heartburn. However, pregnant women can work to avoid heartburn by avoiding any foods that trigger their heartburn. In many pregnant women, spicy foods may trigger severe heartburn. The best way to avoid the heartburn while pregnant is to figure out what kinds of foods trigger the heartburn and then avoid eating them all together. A pregnant woman should also be drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Eight glasses of water each day is an ideal amount of water to consume.

People who are stressed on a daily basis are also more likely to suffer from heartburn than others. In instances such as these, the individual should work on healthier ways to manage the stress. There are always stressful situations that will occur during a lifetime. Many people cope with stress by binging on greasy comfort foods and also by smoking cigarettes. Both cigarettes and greasy foods can make heartburn worse. These are not healthy solutions to dealing with stress. There are much healthier coping methods for stress that include exercise and meditation. For additional help with heartburn, download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!

Ulcers are a highly painful condition. They can cause eating to become a chore as foods you previously enjoyed suddenly seem to have turned on you, creating misery and discomfort. You don’t have to live with the pain and discomfort of ulcers. Simple nutrition principles can help remove the burning pain of ulcers and leave you free to enjoy your life.

Tips for Eating

Some important steps to take to calm ulcers begin before you even pick up a fork. Before you begin eating it is important to try to relax. Meals that are eaten slowly and calmly will help. Rushing through a meal will increase ulcer pain. Take care to chew your food thoroughly and enjoy it.

Eat small and frequent meals evenly spaced throughout the day. Avoid overloading your stomach with a large meal; a smaller meal is more easily digested. Aim for about three small meals and three snacks. Try to avoid eating in the three-hour period before you go to bed as going to bed with a full stomach will increase acid secretions overnight, which will result in ulcer pain that can wake you up in the night.

Eat at the table and sit up straight. Do not lie down immediately following a meal as this can cause stomach acid to leak into your esophagus, creating the painful, burning sensation commonly called “heartburn.”

Foods to Avoid

Some foods should be avoided, as they are more likely to irritate an ulcer. This doesn’t mean that they should never be consumed, but consuming them infrequently will increase your comfort and help heal the ulcer. This list includes:

• foods and beverages that contain caffeine, like coffee and chocolate
• tomato products, including spaghetti sauces
• citrus foods like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit
• high-fat foods, especially those that have been fried
• spicy foods

Foods to Include

Certain foods are very helpful for a person who is suffering from ulcers and should be included frequently.

• Foods that are high in protein should be included in every meal and snack. This includes lean meats, low-fat dairy and eggs. Other great protein options are nut butters and tofu.
• Fiber is also very beneficial, as it keeps the digestive system working efficiently. Foods that are high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and pastas should be on your plate regularly.
• Fresh, frozen or canned fruit is good, as are fresh, frozen or canned vegetables.
• Fish is a good choice if you have an ulcer, regardless of whether it is fresh, frozen or packed like tuna or salmon.
• Soups, whether broth based or cream based are excellent, as long as they are mildly spiced.
• Good snacks to eat while on an ulcer diet include sherbet, frozen juice bars, flavored gelatin, graham crackers, angel food cake, pretzels and hard candies.
• Seasonings and flavorings are fine also, such as salt and pepper, most herbs, ketchup and mustard as tolerated.

For more information on the ulcer diet, feel free to download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!

Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not completely close, allowing stomach acid to travel up and into the esophagus. If this occurs more than twice a week, you are considered to have acid reflux disease (ARD). Fortunately, there are many things you can do to alleviate or even prevent the symptoms of acid reflux that you can incorporate into your lifestyle.

Medications

Antacids such as popular over-the-counter drugs like Maalox, Tums, Mylanta and Rolaids have been known to ease the symptoms of acid reflux. These medications neutralize your stomach acids and provide fast-acting relief in instances when acid reflux is mild or an isolated incidence. Many antacids come in liquid form and coat the lining of the esophagus. This helps to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.

Diet

With a bit of trial and error, acid reflux sufferers can figure out their dietary triggers. Common foods that cause acid reflux are:

• Dairy
• Carbonated beverages
• Citrus fruits
• Chocolate
• Snack foods like potato chips and corn chips
• Tomatoes and tomato sauces
• Ground beef, chicken nuggets and chicken wings
• Some pasta dishes

Keep a dietary journal for a couple of weeks. See if you can figure out what foods are causing your symptoms and comprise a list of foods you should avoid. Because large meals stay in the stomach for a longer period of time, eating smaller, more frequent meals can also be beneficial.

Sleep

Many sufferers find that sleeping with their head higher than their torso can alleviate night time symptoms of ARD. You can do this by either elevating the head of your bed or sleeping with several pillows under your head, neck and shoulders. Other night time tips include wearing loose fitting pajamas, sleeping on your left side and eating your last meal no later than at least two hours before you lay down for the night.

General Tips

• Smoking can exacerbate symptoms, if you smoke, try to quit.
• Stress can be a trigger for ARD, try to relax with deep breathing exercises.
• People that are heavier tend to suffer with ARD more than others. If you are overweight, try shedding a few pounds.
• Exercise can help. Not only will it help you lose weight but it will help you relax and unwind.
• Avoid aspirin which can irritate the stomach and cause reflux.

Many people with ARD have found that with just a bit of persistence and a few lifestyle changes, they can easily manage their symptoms.

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