June 21, 2011

Food for Heartburn

Most of the time, the potent acids within the gastrointestinal tract perform their various functions discretely. It is when they decide to trek up the esophagus that they cause that painful, annoying burning sensation behind the sternum known as heartburn. Whether a symptom by itself or the result of acid reflux disease among other problems, heartburn can be caused and prevented by certain foods. A brief review of these foods and how they can quell or excite the pain can help immensely in deterring heartburn.

Although not the sole determinant, a high acid content is frequently present in foods that cause heartburn. This means lemons, oranges, and tomatoes, three of the most acidic foods available for human consumption, are very likely to cause heartburn to anyone even slightly inclined.

Aside from acid content as a qualifier, liquor has an interesting effect on the sphincter that allows food into the stomach. Drinking any kind of cocktail, especially when combined with any of acidic foods, forces the sphincter open to allow the acidic exchange that results in the heartburn sensation. Depending on how often one gets heartburn and if it is heartburn alone or a symptom of a more serious problem, alcohol is still an option in moderation.

On the topic of the stomach’s sphincter, there are mechanical stressors to be avoided as well, more an issue of pressure and less a chemical effect. Forced burping, for whatever reason, will agitate and possibly open the sphincter as liquor does. Consuming carbonated drinks will also build pressure in the stomach, leaving it no choice but to relieve the pressure through the stomach’s sphincter.

The ever-enigmatic effects of caffeine will also catalyze heartburn. Combined with chocolate, which actually weakens the stomach sphincter, there is very little chance of not suffering heartburn after having caffeine.

As there are heartburn-causing foods in virtually every food group, the best practice for heartburn sufferers to establish a diet regiment is to learn the safe alternatives by group. Fruit, for example, is dangerous as was mentioned in the arena of lemons, oranges and tomatoes. Apples and bananas, however, do not perpetuate any heartburn.

Among safe vegetables to eat are the green vegetables like green beans and peas, as well as carrots.

Meat is best approached with fat and acid content in mind, the prevailing premise being that neither of which help. Any relatively lean cut of beef, chicken or lamb with modest seasoning and oil is best. Most other lean meats are fine for consumption as well.

Bread is generally not a cause of heartburn so long as it is not accompanying a fatty or acidic chili dog or pizza you should be fine. Tomato sauce on pasta should be avoided at all costs, replaced by an ideally low-fat alternative.

A consolidated, comprehensive detailing of information on foods for heartburn is available to anyone who downloads the Reflux Remedy Report. Feel free to do so at refluxremedy.com today!

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Heartburn Remedy

How to Get Rid of HeartburnHeartburn refers to a form of indigestion caused by acid regurgitating into the esophagus. It is identified by a painful burning sensation in the chest. Chronic heartburn can be incredibly difficult to live with and can often be solved with a change of diet and lifestyle. Taking antacids or other drugs may mask the problem but will not make the permanently heartburn go away.

One of the most important things you can do is to stop drinking alcohol, or at least cut back drastically. Alcohol not only increases the amount of acid in the stomach, it also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, causing the contents in your stomach to be regurgitated back into the esophagus. Coupled with reducing your alcohol intake, you should also try to stop ingesting things that irritate the esophagus and digestive tract, such as pain killers, energy drinks and sodas. In terms of beverages, water is really the best thing for your digestive system.

Avoiding fried food will also help to put an end to your heartburn. Heavy, deep fried foods irritate the digestive tract, causing heartburn. Eat healthy fats, such as pastured butter, coconut oil and olive oil, and bake, broil or grill your food.

Losing any extra weight you may be carrying is another way to get rid of heartburn. One fairly quick way to do this is to cut back on carbohydrates, eat lots of vegetables and get moderate exercise several times a week. Junk food needs to become a thing of the past. Even losing a small amount of weight can help reduce heartburn.

It’s crucial to know your body and learn what you may be sensitive to. Some foods can be more irritating to certain people. Some of the more irritating foods are spicy flavors and acidic vegetables and fruits. Eating large meals at night is incredibly hard on the digestive tract. It’s important to not lie down after eating. Small portions are best, also.

If you’re eating lots of healthy fats, fresh produce, and lean protein your heartburn may quickly disappear from your life. Since these remedies may take weeks to take effect, there are some home remedies you can try that will give you faster relief.

Drinking a tablespoon of baking soda mixed into a glass of water will neutralize the acid in your stomach, as will yogurt. Some teas and herbs that will relieve heartburn are chamomile, parsley, cinnamon, fennel seeds, peppermint, cumin, lemon balm and ginger. Some fruits that will help to neutralize the acid in your stomach are bananas, rhubarb and papayas, through there are some who are sensitive to papaya. Apple cider vinegar can quickly relieve heartburn pain. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar into a glass of water and drink it. The vinegar will balance the pH and reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Pickle juice also has properties that will help balance the pH in the stomach.

Some supplements that will treat heartburn are the B vitamins, folic acid and the amino acid l-tryptophan. For more information on remedies for heartburn be sure to visit refluxremedy.com today!

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Inflammation of the Stomach

Inflammation of the stomach, sometimes known by the medical term of gastritis, is a medical condition with a variety of causes. Some surgeries, particularly weight loss surgeries, can cause inflammation, along with drinking too much alcohol, taking certain medications such as over the counter pain relievers, and bacterial infections. Even having too much stress in one’s life can increase the chance of developing an inflamed stomach, perhaps due to the reduction in immune defenses that which leaves the stomach open to infection.

Sometimes, inflammation of the stomach can occur without symptoms, but more likely severe abdominal pain is the first sign of this inflammation for many people. This pain usually occurs in the upper central abdomen, but can actually occur anywhere in the abdomen, and may take many different forms, from a burning pain, to a sharp, stabbing feeling. Many other symptoms can occur, including nausea and vomiting, to the point that vomit may even include blood, bloating, burping that does not make the pain go away, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, and dangerous weight loss.

Acute inflammation is usually due to losing the mucous that normally protects the stomach from its own acid, and often occurs after drinking too much or taking certain medications, including Tylenol and Aspirin. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is due to the destruction of the stomach lining, and can occur from bacterial infection, autoimmune diseases, and bile released into the stomach from other medical conditions. Over time, chronic gastritis can result in the death of cells needed to create the protective mucousal lining.

Expensive surgeries and prescription drugs used to treat inflammation of the stomach are not always the best options for treatment, since they can have unintended side effects, and medications may actually make the situation worse when they wear off, forcing a person to take them continuously for long periods of time. A variety of home remedies exist that can not only treat stomach inflammation symptoms, but actually cure the underlying problem as well.

Generally, a person with an inflamed stomach should avoid all dairy products such as milk, since these can make the problem worse. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will also help to flush out any toxins in the stomach and promote healing. Taking vitamin E can help to reduce inflammation, but also taking two chlorophyll capsules each day can help to treat anemia, which can sometimes be the underlying cause of inflammation. Licorice can help treat inflammation as well as the ulcers that result from it; for best results, 300 to 600 mg should be chewed one half hour before eating a meal. Ginger can help with most symptoms of inflammation when it is taken on a daily basis, reducing inflammation, nausea, and gas, and killing bacteria that might be causing the inflammation.

If you suffer from stomach inflammation, you can get more information here. Download the Reflux Remedy Report at reluxremedy.com to learn more about curing inflammation safely and quickly using healthy, natural remedies.

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June 17, 2011

Side Effects of Protonix

Protonix is a medication used to treat acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when acids from the stomach go into the esophagus. This can sometimes cause heartburn, which is the burning feeling in the chest that happens when acid arises from the stomach into the esophagus. Protonix treats acid reflux by reducing how much acid is created in the stomach. With any medication, however, there are risks, and Protonix has many side effects.

It is common for users to have different side effects and experiences when taking a medication. Some individuals will have very minor, if any, reactions to a medication, while another person might have a severe response. While drug companies list potential side effects of their drug, it is important to know that an individual may experience a side effect not listed. The most common minor side effects of Protonix are nausea, dizziness, gas, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting.

The following are more serious side effects that have been reported by users taking Protonix: swelling of the face, mouth, lips, eyes, hands, tongue, or throat; major allergic reactions like hives or difficulty breathing; chest pain; bone pain; irregular or fast heartbeat; dark-tinged urine; fever, chills, and sore throat; unexpected bleeding or bruising; yellowing of the skin or eyes; blistered, peeling, red, or swollen skin; abnormal fatigue; and visual changes.
In addition to the potential side effects, there are other unusual ways that Protonix can possibly affect the user. When given to animals in research trials, Protonix has produced stomach cancer. At this time, no one knows if this medication will create the same result in humans. Another problem with this medication is that with the long-term use of Protonix, the body can find it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12. This can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

The severity of many of the side effects will depend on the demographic of the person taking the drug. For example, fractures to hips, spine, and wrists will be more prevalent in Protonix users who are 50 years of age and older or who take the medication for more than a year. The risks associated with Protonix will increase the longer you take the medication. For instance, individuals who are on Protonix long-term can have the lining of their stomach weaken.

While Protonix was created to help treat acid reflux and its associated symptoms, the long list of potential side effects can be intimidating. Many of the side effects are serious and increase in severity the longer a person uses the medication. There are some potential side effects that are even life-threatening. If you have reservations about taking Protonix due to its side effects but want to ease troubling acid reflux symptoms, compare some therapeutic alternatives and download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!

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