Thursday, August 30, 2007
Heartburn or GERD
Here are 3 great videos that will teach you how to identify and differentiate Heartburn and GERD. Learn what are the symptoms and some important prevention methods.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
How Do Probiotics Help With Acid Reflux?
Many people who are lactose intolerant are being treated by the ingestion of probiotics to introduce beneficial yeast and bacteria into the digestive tract. A connection between probiotics and acid reflux relief is thought to be exist for people suffering from helicobacter pylori infection, a known cause of acid reflux. However, there remains dispute that a connection between probiotics and acid reflux relief when it is caused by other issues.
There have been patients using probiotics following a bout of food poisoning or other stomach disorder claim that the symptoms of acid reflux disappeared. The link between probiotics and acid reflux is not confirmed by any medical studies, but research has shown that probiotics are very effective in treating indigestion. Lactic acid bacteria is one of the most common in use and has been utilized in the food industry for years for added shelf life and making it less likely that spoilage-causing bacteria can survive in the food product.
Doctors, and more recently nutritionists, have used probiotics to rebalance the natural bacteria in the event of alcohol poisoning, stress, disease or other substances that may kill the healthy bacteria produced naturally by the body. By getting the digestive system back on track using probiotics, acid reflux seems to be minimized.
Probiotics Acid Reflux Debate Continues To Rage:
As more studies are conducted on the effects of probiotics on intestinal disorders, there are more indications that suggest the connection between probiotics and acid reflux reduction. When a person is taking antibiotics, for example, the drugs cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria, which can result in stomach disorders such as gas and diarrhea. By replacing the good bacteria through the use of probiotics, these symptoms disappear. It also argued that gas and diarrhea can also lead to indigestion, further supporting the argument linking probiotics and acid reflux relief.
However, studies will continue to see if different types of bacteria used as probiotics can have a positive effect on acid reflux sufferers. Until solid evidence is presented it is being presumed that probiotics and acid reflux relief is an individual benefit.
There have been patients using probiotics following a bout of food poisoning or other stomach disorder claim that the symptoms of acid reflux disappeared. The link between probiotics and acid reflux is not confirmed by any medical studies, but research has shown that probiotics are very effective in treating indigestion. Lactic acid bacteria is one of the most common in use and has been utilized in the food industry for years for added shelf life and making it less likely that spoilage-causing bacteria can survive in the food product.
Doctors, and more recently nutritionists, have used probiotics to rebalance the natural bacteria in the event of alcohol poisoning, stress, disease or other substances that may kill the healthy bacteria produced naturally by the body. By getting the digestive system back on track using probiotics, acid reflux seems to be minimized.
Probiotics Acid Reflux Debate Continues To Rage:
As more studies are conducted on the effects of probiotics on intestinal disorders, there are more indications that suggest the connection between probiotics and acid reflux reduction. When a person is taking antibiotics, for example, the drugs cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria, which can result in stomach disorders such as gas and diarrhea. By replacing the good bacteria through the use of probiotics, these symptoms disappear. It also argued that gas and diarrhea can also lead to indigestion, further supporting the argument linking probiotics and acid reflux relief.
However, studies will continue to see if different types of bacteria used as probiotics can have a positive effect on acid reflux sufferers. Until solid evidence is presented it is being presumed that probiotics and acid reflux relief is an individual benefit.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Acid Reflux And Alkaline Diet
Alkaline Diet Can Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms
Many people suffering from acid indigestion may have a high level of acid in their body due to their diet. One method of improving the pH level is by altering the way they eat. When looking to treat acid reflux, alkaline diet foods are very important as they can offer great help. Practically everyone has a pH factor of 7.4 in their saliva, in their spinal fluid and their blood.
The test to determine the pH level in the saliva is quite simple. Simply wait at least two hours after eating and allow the mouth to fill saliva, swallowing two times. Allow the mouth to fill with saliva a third time and then spit it onto pH paper. Compare the color of the paper with the chart to determine the acidity of the saliva. An increase in acid level in the saliva is an indication that more alkaline foods in the diet are needed.
Alkaline foods such as green beans, celery, broccoli and others can help to neutralize acid in our body. Alkaline diet is proven to be effective in keeping acid reflux at bay. You should aim to eat 75-80% alkaline foods and a maximum of 20-25% acid forming foods.
Click here to see a complete list of Alkaline and Acid Foods.
Lifestyle Change Needed To Reduce Acid Reflux
As a general rule, dairy products and red meats such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, pork, lamb, beef, etc. should be avoided to reduce acid reflux. Instead, consume more vegetables and fruits such as asparagus, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, avocado, tomato, grapefruits, etc.
Alkaline diet not only can reduce acid reflux but it can also result in weight loss, increased stamina and strength, a stronger immune system and a greater sense of wellbeing.
Tobacco, beer and coffee all these will leave an acid ash in our body hence should be avoided. Many believe that milk can help indigestion, in fact milk is high in acid and can add more problem to acid reflux. It’s best to avoid it if you suffer from acid reflux.
Here is the general guidance for acid reflux and alkaline diet: “stick to salads, fresh vegetables and healthy nuts and grains. Try to consume plenty of raw foods and at least 2-3 litres of clean, pure water daily”.
Many people suffering from acid indigestion may have a high level of acid in their body due to their diet. One method of improving the pH level is by altering the way they eat. When looking to treat acid reflux, alkaline diet foods are very important as they can offer great help. Practically everyone has a pH factor of 7.4 in their saliva, in their spinal fluid and their blood.
The test to determine the pH level in the saliva is quite simple. Simply wait at least two hours after eating and allow the mouth to fill saliva, swallowing two times. Allow the mouth to fill with saliva a third time and then spit it onto pH paper. Compare the color of the paper with the chart to determine the acidity of the saliva. An increase in acid level in the saliva is an indication that more alkaline foods in the diet are needed.
Alkaline foods such as green beans, celery, broccoli and others can help to neutralize acid in our body. Alkaline diet is proven to be effective in keeping acid reflux at bay. You should aim to eat 75-80% alkaline foods and a maximum of 20-25% acid forming foods.
Click here to see a complete list of Alkaline and Acid Foods.
Lifestyle Change Needed To Reduce Acid Reflux
As a general rule, dairy products and red meats such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, pork, lamb, beef, etc. should be avoided to reduce acid reflux. Instead, consume more vegetables and fruits such as asparagus, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, avocado, tomato, grapefruits, etc.
Alkaline diet not only can reduce acid reflux but it can also result in weight loss, increased stamina and strength, a stronger immune system and a greater sense of wellbeing.
Tobacco, beer and coffee all these will leave an acid ash in our body hence should be avoided. Many believe that milk can help indigestion, in fact milk is high in acid and can add more problem to acid reflux. It’s best to avoid it if you suffer from acid reflux.
Here is the general guidance for acid reflux and alkaline diet: “stick to salads, fresh vegetables and healthy nuts and grains. Try to consume plenty of raw foods and at least 2-3 litres of clean, pure water daily”.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Acid Reflux in Children
What Are the Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children?
Acid reflux affects many adults and it can affect children too. And the problem is that children don’t know how to tell you what’s wrong. When this happens, there’s no way to go about fixing the problem which in turn can further aggravate the acid reflux and make it worse.
It’s important to know the acid reflux symptoms in children that are recognizable, so you can help your child deal with the disease. There are a few clues to look for, and ways to teach your child how to help you understand what’s going on with them.
What to Look Out For?
When trying to look for acid reflux symptoms in children, you’ll want to pay close attention at meal time. This is when you may notice your child slow down after having a few bites, or looking uncomfortable when swallowing their foods. They may be experiencing heartburn but they aren’t quite sure what’s going on.
In order to try and get your children to tell you their acid reflux symptoms, you’ll have to do a little poking and prodding. Let them know what heartburn feels like and ask them if they have any feelings like it at all. If they insist they don’t, it’s best to get them checked by a doctor just to make sure.
Excessive burping is another acid reflux symptom in children that you should be aware of. If an over-the-counter indigestion medication helps with the burping, chances are that you’ve found a symptom of acid reflux in your child. It’s a good sign to let you know that you should take your child to the doctor.
Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children Aren’t Always Proof
Just because a child may display acid reflux symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have the disease. A doctor is always your best bet to make sure thing is under control.
Changing your child’s diet and having a healthier diet is a good way to determine whether these kinds of things will cure your child’s symptoms. Over-the-counter medications are fine to try but don’t use them excessively. Again, if you’re unsure, see the doctor.
Acid reflux affects many adults and it can affect children too. And the problem is that children don’t know how to tell you what’s wrong. When this happens, there’s no way to go about fixing the problem which in turn can further aggravate the acid reflux and make it worse.
It’s important to know the acid reflux symptoms in children that are recognizable, so you can help your child deal with the disease. There are a few clues to look for, and ways to teach your child how to help you understand what’s going on with them.
What to Look Out For?
When trying to look for acid reflux symptoms in children, you’ll want to pay close attention at meal time. This is when you may notice your child slow down after having a few bites, or looking uncomfortable when swallowing their foods. They may be experiencing heartburn but they aren’t quite sure what’s going on.
In order to try and get your children to tell you their acid reflux symptoms, you’ll have to do a little poking and prodding. Let them know what heartburn feels like and ask them if they have any feelings like it at all. If they insist they don’t, it’s best to get them checked by a doctor just to make sure.
Excessive burping is another acid reflux symptom in children that you should be aware of. If an over-the-counter indigestion medication helps with the burping, chances are that you’ve found a symptom of acid reflux in your child. It’s a good sign to let you know that you should take your child to the doctor.
Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children Aren’t Always Proof
Just because a child may display acid reflux symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have the disease. A doctor is always your best bet to make sure thing is under control.
Changing your child’s diet and having a healthier diet is a good way to determine whether these kinds of things will cure your child’s symptoms. Over-the-counter medications are fine to try but don’t use them excessively. Again, if you’re unsure, see the doctor.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Digestive Enzymes Acid Reflux
Digestive enzymes are essential to our body’s digestive system because they break down food particles. Digestive enzymes need to be continually produced by eating the right sorts of foods or by consuming supplements which contain these enzymes. Deficiency of digestive enzymes can result in a multitude of problems such as gas, bloating and weight gain. Another problem that can occur due to a deficiency in digestive enzymes is acid reflux.
Many foods contain natural digestive enzymes when raw but these can be destroyed during the cooking process. As a result, the production of digestive enzymes does not reach its full potential and it becomes scarce, leaving us susceptible to acid reflux problem. Acid reflux results when stomach acids creep back into the esophagus and throat causing heartburn, uncomfortable pains and burning sensations.
Preventing Acid Reflux Using Digestive Enzymes
Acid reflux is a very irritating problem that is often due to a lack of digestive enzymes in the body. Acid reflux itself can lead to further problems but it could potentially be avoided. If acid reflux is resulting from low amounts of digestive enzymes in the body, then the logical solution is to consume a larger amount of raw or lightly cooked foods which contain the vital enzymes.
Cooked foods have little or no digestive enzymes so it is no surprise that many people suffer from acid reflux. Food needs to be broken down by enzymes in the stomach so they can be digested efficiently. When people do not consume rich-enzymes foods, the body itself is put under pressure to produce enzymes and in cases where foods are not sufficiently broken down, acids reflux can occur.
Consuming foods that are rich in digestive enzymes will have a less chance of acid reflux occurring. Eating raw or steamed vegetables and fruits are the best options as well as avoiding cooking meat for too long. Digestive enzyme capsules can also be taken before meals so that the body can absorb enough enzymes.
Many foods contain natural digestive enzymes when raw but these can be destroyed during the cooking process. As a result, the production of digestive enzymes does not reach its full potential and it becomes scarce, leaving us susceptible to acid reflux problem. Acid reflux results when stomach acids creep back into the esophagus and throat causing heartburn, uncomfortable pains and burning sensations.
Preventing Acid Reflux Using Digestive Enzymes
Acid reflux is a very irritating problem that is often due to a lack of digestive enzymes in the body. Acid reflux itself can lead to further problems but it could potentially be avoided. If acid reflux is resulting from low amounts of digestive enzymes in the body, then the logical solution is to consume a larger amount of raw or lightly cooked foods which contain the vital enzymes.
Cooked foods have little or no digestive enzymes so it is no surprise that many people suffer from acid reflux. Food needs to be broken down by enzymes in the stomach so they can be digested efficiently. When people do not consume rich-enzymes foods, the body itself is put under pressure to produce enzymes and in cases where foods are not sufficiently broken down, acids reflux can occur.
Consuming foods that are rich in digestive enzymes will have a less chance of acid reflux occurring. Eating raw or steamed vegetables and fruits are the best options as well as avoiding cooking meat for too long. Digestive enzyme capsules can also be taken before meals so that the body can absorb enough enzymes.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Pregnancy Acid Reflux - Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Why Acid Reflux Can Appear During Pregnancy:
Many women experience heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy for the first time in their lives. This is generally due to the extra weight the women put on during pregnancy, as the stomach grows, there is more pressure and acid reflux can occur. Other reasons can be the change of hormones level in a pregnant body. They can soften the ligaments that prevent acid from creeping back up into the esophagus.
Preventing Acid Reflux in Pregnancy:
It is difficult to eliminate acid reflux entirely during pregnancy but there are measures that can be taken which will alleviate the condition. Spicy foods should be avoided as much as possible to minimize the chances of acid reflux occurring. Caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided as both can weaken the ligaments, which mean acid has the opportunity to reflux back into the esophagus and throat. Eating several smaller meals rather than two or three large ones can also help, as can eating slowly and chewing foods properly.
Fluids such as milk and water can help to soothe the discomfort caused by acid reflux as well as helping to prevent future occurrences. Lying down immediately after a meal is a bad idea and while sleeping, the head and shoulders should be propped up by pillows which help to keep acids in the stomach.
Wearing tight clothes around the waist and stomach can put too much pressure on the area and force acids to reflux. Loose clothing is best during pregnancy to avoid acid reflux. It is also a good idea to note how you bend to pick up objects. By bending at the waist, pressure is again put on the stomach so a good alternative would be to bend at the knees instead.
Good posture and gaining the recommended amount of weight is also necessary to prevent acid reflux in pregnancy. Smoking must be avoided and check with a doctor before taking over the counter antacids and acid reflux remedies as they may contain ingredients that are not suitable for pregnant women. There are enough discomforts in pregnancy without adding acid reflux to the list so follow these tips to make the hassle of heartburn as minimal as possible.
Many women experience heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy for the first time in their lives. This is generally due to the extra weight the women put on during pregnancy, as the stomach grows, there is more pressure and acid reflux can occur. Other reasons can be the change of hormones level in a pregnant body. They can soften the ligaments that prevent acid from creeping back up into the esophagus.
Preventing Acid Reflux in Pregnancy:
It is difficult to eliminate acid reflux entirely during pregnancy but there are measures that can be taken which will alleviate the condition. Spicy foods should be avoided as much as possible to minimize the chances of acid reflux occurring. Caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided as both can weaken the ligaments, which mean acid has the opportunity to reflux back into the esophagus and throat. Eating several smaller meals rather than two or three large ones can also help, as can eating slowly and chewing foods properly.
Fluids such as milk and water can help to soothe the discomfort caused by acid reflux as well as helping to prevent future occurrences. Lying down immediately after a meal is a bad idea and while sleeping, the head and shoulders should be propped up by pillows which help to keep acids in the stomach.
Wearing tight clothes around the waist and stomach can put too much pressure on the area and force acids to reflux. Loose clothing is best during pregnancy to avoid acid reflux. It is also a good idea to note how you bend to pick up objects. By bending at the waist, pressure is again put on the stomach so a good alternative would be to bend at the knees instead.
Good posture and gaining the recommended amount of weight is also necessary to prevent acid reflux in pregnancy. Smoking must be avoided and check with a doctor before taking over the counter antacids and acid reflux remedies as they may contain ingredients that are not suitable for pregnant women. There are enough discomforts in pregnancy without adding acid reflux to the list so follow these tips to make the hassle of heartburn as minimal as possible.
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