June 17, 2011
Symptoms of Indigestion and Possible Treatments
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!
Filed under Indigestion by admin
February 10, 2011
Home Treatment for Acid Reflux
Home treatment for acid reflux is easy to address and can be a very effective way to handle the problem.
Acid reflux can be debilitating and painful, especially if it occurs frequently. Obviously, don’t immediately turn to home treatment for acid reflux before consulting your physician. It’s best to work in tandem with your doctor and find a solution that works best for you.
Acid reflux occurs when too much acid builds in the stomach and some if it is allowed up into the esophagus. Once there, it wreaks havoc on sensitive esophageal tissues, and may even make its way all the way up to your mouth on the backs of hiccups or burps, making itself known by leaving a sour or bitter taste behind. Acid reflux can be a very uncomfortable and embarrassing condition in public situations, but is surprisingly easy to deal with if you know what steps to take.
Probably the most common cause of acid reflux is food: how much you eat, what you eat and when you eat all factor in to your acid reflux.
- Keep tabs on how much you’re eating. Often smaller meals consumed more frequently across a longer period of time often help to prevent acid reflux from getting started. This is because smaller amounts of food prompt a proportionally appropriate amount of acid to be produced. Large meals spur an overproduction of acid which results in reflux.
- Foods like garlic, caffeine, highly acidic fruits and alcohol are all known to cause reflux and should be avoided, or at least consumed in moderation. Be diligent about your food consumption and keep track of what you’re eating so that you can understand what specifically causes reflux for you, and then modify your diet accordingly.
- You should also take care not to eat right before you go to bed. Eating before bed doesn’t allow the food to move out of your stomach, which means acid has free reign over your esophagus and upper digestive tract. That adds up to a painful night for you.
Stress is also a major instigator for acid reflux. Do you tend to pop a few Tums before that big presentation? Do you find that you’re hiccupping more after getting yelled at for missing a deadline? Burping excessively while pouring over your budget? The problem with constant stress is that the body doesn’t know how to respond. Sporadic stress is good, and helps us to stay focused and productive. But chronic stress causes health problems like high blood pressure, ulcers and reflux. To avoid or eliminate these problems take steps to better handle the stresses in your life. It’s nearly impossible to remove stress entirely. There will always be a deadline, a bill, a death in the family, a rowdy child, a disrespectful boss, or a guy that wasn’t paying attention on your way home from work. The key is to handle these scenarios without getting too worked up. Maintain a peaceful attitude by breathing deeply, meditating, exercising regularly, getting a massage, or taking up a hobby. That can do wonders when it comes to your battle against reflux.
Home treatment for acid reflux is a great way to battle the condition. For more tips and tricks to naturally be acid reflux free, visit refluxremedy.com today.
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin