Category Archives: Heartburn

Chronic Indigestion

Posted on by duran

Indigestion is a term used to describe the unpleasant or painful feeling one gets in the upper part of the abdomen or lower part of the chest. Usually experienced after eating or drinking, indigestion is more of a symptom rather than a disease. The milder form is so common that almost everyone experiences it at some point or another in their lives. It affects an estimated 20 percent of the population of the United States and roughly only half of them actually seek medical help. Doctors also give it the grander name of dyspepsia.

Dyspepsia can also be the result of other more serious medical conditions like a heart attack. These symptoms are caused when the lining of the stomach is persistently in contact with the stomach acids. The acids irritate the lining making it swell and become painful. A large number of people have indigestion when the stomach acid refluxes up into the esophagus (gullet).

Frequent episodes of indigestion should not be taken lightly, especially if they accompany other signs like abnormal bowel movement or constant fever. People who have indigestion for a week out of each month and it continues for several months successively may have chronic indigestion. While it can happen due to a number of different reasons, in many cases it can be controlled by making simple changes in eating habits. Sometimes dyspepsia is caused due to some unrelated illness and seeking professional help in such a situation is recommended. A doctor can determine the underlying cause and guide the patient more accurately.

Signs of Indigestion

A majority of the people suffering from dyspepsia experience their own pattern of symptoms. In general, they vary from mild discomfort in the upper stomach to pain that is fairly severe and times shoots to the back. In addition to this, there may be a burning sensation rising from the breastbone all the way to the throat. This happens when there is reflux of stomach materials into the esophagus. They may also experience nausea, retching or vomiting, while others just get the feeling of being very full and bloated after eating their meals.

Causes of Chronic Indigestion

Most people who have chronic indigestion normally do not have another disease that causes it, but in some cases it may be caused by some other disease. There is a very large variety of reasons for the onset of chronic indigestion, some of which include:

• Stomach fluid backtracking and flowing into the esophagus – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Stomach or the esophagus being inflamed or cancer in either of the two.

• Ulcers caused by bacteria or stomach fluids harming the lining of the stomach or intestines.

• Drinking too much caffeine, alcohol or eating spicy and fatty foods.

• Certain medications like steroids, narcotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and antibiotics.

• Not chewing food properly and rushing through the meal or eating too much in one sitting.

• Anxiety or stress

If the symptoms of chronic indigestion are accompanied with excessive fatigue or unexpected weight loss, then a doctor should be consulted.

Home Remedies & Herbal Treatments

Since indigestion is a common ailment, its treatment is fairly simple. The most common treatment for indigestion is antacids, as they are highly effective for relieving the basic symptoms. In addition, medicines for decreasing stomach acids may also be given. Prolonged use of antacid medication can disrupt the natural acid-alkaline balance of the body, which can further increase the problem. Additionally, antacids contain aluminum, which is linked to senility and Alzheimer’s disease. So a large number of people prefer to use safer time-tested natural remedies. These home remedies promote a diet including alkaline foods and some natural foods with medicinal values.

Aniseed, or anise, is known since ancient times for its digestive powers. In many Eastern cultures, a teaspoon of roasted or plain aniseed chewed after a meal helps digestion and leaves a sweet smell in the mouth as well. Conversely, one can make a light herbal tea with the seeds. However, only European anise or sweet anise should be used for making tea. Peppermint is another easily available herb that has rather strong digestive and antibacterial properties. It is helpful in treating cramps, ulcers, flatulence and stomach disorders. A teaspoon of roasted seeds of the botanical plant Carum copticumor, or the more commonly known Carom seeds, can be chewed directly or taken in the form of tea after a meal to help digestion. Cinnamon, too, aids digestion; it can be added to a number of dishes in the form of a powder for its distinctive aroma or taken as a tea. Chicory root contains endive and escarole and is a bitter herb. A tea made with the herb reduces acid reflux and heartburn or a teaspoon of it can be added to a salad.

Making alkaline foods a part of the daily diet and reducing the intake of acidic foods helps to relieve the symptoms of indigestion. Things like deep fried foods, coffee, tea, refined sugary snacks, and starch should be taken in minimum amounts. Alkaline foods like milk, papaya, grapefruit, banana, pomegranate, and vegetables should be used on a regular basis.

In more severe chronic indigestion cases, a longer course of Slippery Elm Bark Power may be required. It involves taking one teaspoon of the herb mixed into a paste with cold Chamomile Tea. This should be taken daily for twelve weeks. Slippery Elm makes a protective coating along the mucosal lining of the esophagus and the stomach and in a dozen weeks it should totally heal the areas that are irritated. The benefit of the herbal treatments is that they produce no harmful side effects when taken in moderate amounts as described.

Continued well-being will require a change in lifestyle. Managing stress and better management of eating habits can help to cure the symptoms altogether. Over-indulgence, rushing through meals, comfort eating and eating when one is not hungry should be avoided.

Diagnoses of Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is normally diagnosed on the basis of the typical symptoms described by the patient. Some tests can be run that help to exclude certain gastrointestinal diseases and other tests can help to identify abnormal gastrointestinal functions. In addition to this, the patient’s detailed history and a physical examination can help to identify the cause of the dyspepsia. Routine blood tests provide clues to unsuspected diseases while stool examination can show infections and signs of inflammation.

To find out more information on causes and treatment for chronic indigestion be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at www.refluxremedy.com today.

Herbs for Heartburn

Posted on by duran

Heartburn has many causes, ranging from stomach acid bubbling up into the lower esophagus and irritating it, ulcers in the esophagus, or hiatal hernia. Other causes are the use of drugs that irritate the stomach like aspirin, stress, a bad diet, a bad combination of food, smoking, too much alcohol consumption and not enough nutrient assimilation. Foods that aren’t absorbed well will often sit in the stomach and partially ferment, which causes gas, heartburn and other discomforts. They may even put pressure on the abdomen and cause the gastric reflux, or GERD.

Often, herbs can ease heartburn by helping to stimulate and increase enzymes that are necessary for good digestion and helping nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently by the body. These herbs help keep the pH of the body balanced, and they’re better taken in combination than they are taken singly. Some herbs that are good for heartburn are:

Fennel Seed
Fennel seed can be used in a tea, as an extract, or as an oil. It’s an anti-inflammatory herb that helps with digestion. To make fennel seed oil, mash the fennel seeds finely, place in a glass container and cover with olive, safflower, or almond oil. Place in a sunny window for about a month and shake daily. Then, strain it into a dark glass container and store in a cool place away from direct light.

Licorice Root
Licorice root can be used as a tea, in capsules and as a sweetener. It’ s also an anti-inflammatory herb which also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties as well. It also heals gastrointestinal disorders and has long been taken as a remedy for peptic ulcer. However, it shouldn’t be taken if the heartburn sufferer has high blood pressure.

Ginger
Ginger can be drunk in a tea, or eaten out of hand, or used in cooking. It’s an excellent herb for indigestion and nausea and clears gas.

Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables, including kelp and hijiki are eaten as foods and are rich in minerals and pro-digestive enzymes.

Dandelion Root
Dandelion root can be taken in capsules and as a tea. It’s an excellent agent for cleansing the liver and the digestive system and prevents bowel inflammation. It also stimulates bile, which breaks down fats in the body and increases the production of enzymes.

Alfalfa
Alfalfa is rich in minerals and vitamins, chlorophyll and amino acids. It’s also been long used for indigestion, reducing blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol.

Barberry Root Bark
The bark of the root and stem can be used in a tea. It’s a bitter herb that helps the liver remove toxins from the blood and produce bile. It’s also a mild laxative.

Parsley Root and Leaf
This herb, which can be bought inexpensively at any supermarket, is a powerhouse when it comes to healing heartburn and other digestive problems. It’s full of chlorophyll, B vitamins and potassium and can be used as a diuretic.

Oregon Grape Root
This herb is a powerful blood purifier that can be used as part of a formula to improve poor digestion and relieve nausea.

Gentian
Chinese gentian can be taken as a tea and is an astringent and a blood cleanser. French gentian, which can also be taken as a tea, also fortifies the liver, increases bile production and heals sluggish digestion.

For more information on heartburn and GERD, see visit Reflux Remedy at www.refluxremedy.com today.

 

Live Heartburn Free

Posted on by duran

Heartburn is normally caused by acid reflux or GERD, but anyone can feel its pain. Slow intestines, cardiac problems, and many other things can cause heartburn as well. If you suffer from heartburn, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure it is not the result of something more serious. However, if you are lucky enough to not have digestive or heart problems but still experience the pain, there is hope that you can live heartburn free. Here are just a few of the many benefits you will gain by taking a step towards health.

The most common feeling associated with heartburn is pain in the chest. It occurs just behind the breastbone and usually begins after eating. This may last for a few minutes, but it can also last for hours. Once you have your heartburn under control, you won’t have to worry about how your body will react after you eat. Instead of waiting for the pain to subside, you can get back to your normal life as soon as you clear your plate.

Sometimes the pain doesn’t hit until the person makes a move that shifts the contents of their stomach. Laying down, bending over, or even crossing your legs can bring on heartburn. The acid that should remain in the stomach can travel upwards with even the slightest movement. After feeling satisfied at the end of a delicious meal, the last thing you want is to spur heartburn as you move around to finish the dishes.

While the focal point of heartburn is in the chest, it doesn’t remain confined there. The throat often burns with a sour or salty-tasting fluid that can not be alleviated with a glass of water. This can even make it difficult to swallow the water that you think will diminish the pain. If you suffer from this feeling on a regular basis, it can even cause a chronic cough or hoarseness. While this occurs mainly in extreme cases, when heartburn is left untreated, it can easily become extreme. That is why it is important to address the issue as opposed to avoiding it.

Those who suffer from heartburn on a regular basis cannot live their lives to the fullest. They have to gauge what to eat based on their trigger foods, they have to determine what times they can eat based on when they will need to be at the top of their game, and they may even develop a sort of social anxiety as they fear going to dinner parties or out with friends. Though they may not realize it, they are limiting their lives due to something that can be remedied.

Thankfully, there is a solution and Reflux Remedy is willing to share it with anyone who is willing to take that first step. If you have ever avoided a night out with friends or ruined a romantic dinner because of your heartburn, even just once, Reflux Remedy can help you determine the cause and discover simple measures you can take to live without heartburn. Contact us at www.refluxremedy.com today!

Baking Soda and Heartburn

Posted on by duran

There is hope as close as the grocery store for the millions of Americans who suffer from acid reflux disease and related conditions like GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. These conditions are painful to those who suffer from them, and can lead to worse conditions like ulcers and some kinds of cancer. The refluxed stomach acid causes damage to the esophageal tissues. Some sufferers have bouts of vomiting as well. Acid reflux starts as a burning sensation behind the breast bone and radiates up the neck. Millions of dollars are spent every year by the over 60 million acid reflux sufferers looking for relief from the symptoms of this condition.

Understanding the disease is part of what is needed to find relief. Acid reflux and heart burn are caused by the lower esophageal sphincter being damaged, weakened orthe opening at wrong times to allow stomach acid to get into the esophagus. It is most common among older people and pregnant women, but can affect infants and others as well. Poor physical condition and stress can trigger acid reflux. Poor diets filled with junk food and colas can make the condition worse, as can overuse of alcohol. For others, eating a large meal close to bedtime can trigger acid reflux episodes. There are over the counter and prescription medications to help control the symptoms, but they can have side effects and can only be taken for a limited period of time.

Natural remedies and lifestyle changes are a safer and more successful way for many to find relief from acid reflux disease. Since different remedies work better for different people one may have to try a few to get the best one.
* Drink a tea of hot water and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda flavored with a little honey and lemon.
* Take small amounts of honey, lemon or vinegar.
* Take a small handful of natural almonds every morning, chewed well. They make the body more alkaline.
* Eat a red apple every day, drink apple juice for alkalinity.
* Try grapefruit juice–it is an acid that helps make the body alkaline.
* Drink lots of water. It helps the lower esophageal sphincter form a tight seal over stomach.
* Drink a small glass of milk when an acid reflux attack starts. It is a natural antacid.
* Go for brisk walks or exercise regularly to create alkalinity and release endorphins.
* Change eating habits so that you are eating smaller meals more often. Don’t eat within 3 hours of bed time.
* Ice cream can sooth the pain with cold and neutralize stomach acid with the cream.
* Herbal teas like chamomile, fennel and cinnamon act as natural antacids and relieve stress.
* Choose loose clothing over tight fitting, to give the body room to digest food.
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet that does not include highly processed, too spicy or highly acidic foods.

For more helpful information and ideas on living with and curing acid reflux disease visit Reflux Remedy at www.refluxremedy.com.

Neutralize Frequent Heartburn

Posted on by jose

Neutralize Frequent Heartburn Millions of Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a week. Some have occasional bouts of heartburn while others experience it chronically. There are doctor-prescribed medications for heartburn but a lot of people still find the pain coming back after taking their meds. The truth is not all pharmaceutical drugs are effective in taking out health problems. Has your grandmother ever told you the best medicines are always those that come from Mother Nature? In the case of heartburn, and probably in almost all other cases, your grandma was right.
1. Apples

The old saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away may be old, but it still rings true. Apples are jam-packed with nutrients that keep away health problems, including heartburn. History shows that our ancestors ate apples to relieve the discomfort of heartburn. This evidence is parallel with the findings of modern scientific research that Granny Smith and Braeburn varieties can relieve heartburn because they contain malic and tartaric acids that neutralize the acids in your stomach.

2. Aloe Vera Juice

Many people swear by aloe vera juice, saying it has kept the acid reflux completely in neutral mode. Aloe vera is more popular for its moisturizing effects on the skin, but the juice of this fleshy plant has anti-inflammatory properties and coats the lining of the esophagus to keep the acid reflux down. Take two cups of aloe vera juice everyday. It’s not easy to grow fond of its taste but you can always remedy this problem by mixing in some apple juice. Aloe vera juice taken with mint tea is also a good alternative for those who suffer from diarrhea taking it alone.

3. Honey

Did you know the ancient Egyptians used honey to heal cuts and wounds? This is because this naturally sweet treatment protects skin infections from further damage. Honey can also alleviate heartburn, which is usually caused by a damaged lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that acts as a valve to let food into the stomach and keep it there. Three spoonfuls of honey a day is powerful enough to neutralize frequent heartburn. You can also add honey to water and apple cider vinegar, a rather nasty-tasting remedy that is otherwise also very effective in relieving heartburn.

4. Bananas

This fruit is loaded with nutrients and will surely provide a multitude of health benefits for anyone who makes eating a banana a daily habit. Not surprisingly, bananas are also known to be a cheap and easy treatment for heartburn. Doctors say bananas have natural antacid properties and stimulate the production of mucus in your stomach to prevent the gastric acid from coating the stomach lining and traveling up the esophagus. Some people, however, say bananas give them heartburn instead of keeping it away. This does actually happen when they eat unripe bananas, especially those that still have green patches on them. Unripe bananas have high acid content and starches that are difficult to digest, causing the stomach to produce more acid that can worsen the situation. So if you go for a banana, go for a ripe one.

There are so many ways to neutralize frequent heartburn and you just might be surprised to know that most of these can be found right inside your kitchen. To find out more about how you can relieve heartburn the safe and natural way, visit Reflux Remedy today.

 

Stress And Heartburn

Posted on by jose

Heartburn is a condition that afflicts millions of Americans every day. Medically speaking, it is a condition where stomach acid escapes the stomach and reaches up throughout the esophagus. Typically, the esophagus and stomach are separated by mucus covered tissue that seals up the stomach so acid cannot escape. With heartburn, some factor is able to relax or stop the nerves or muscles associated with this tissue from effectively closing the stomach from the esophagus. The result is the “burning” sensation a person will feel around their chest (often people may mistake severe heartburn as a sign of a heart attack) and as far up as their throats. The stomach acid’s corrosive nature dissolves and damages the esophagus tissue and long term bouts of heartburn can harm throat and chest health.

What could cause such a bodily reaction? There are a number of factors, but stress is a major variable to heartburn. Stress influences every person’s body systems, and the digestive system is no exception. Stress can either directly cause heartburn to occur or influences people to make unhealthy lifestyle choices that heighten their chances for heartburn.

Stress can directly cause heartburn by lowering the amount of endorphins in the body. Endorphins help create a level of homeostasis in the body. When that homeostasis is interrupted, the human body and many organs tend to be disrupted in their proper functions. With low endorphins, the digestive system tends to be quick and unable to process complex foods well. As a direct result, the stomach and esophagus tissue may be more relaxed and cause acid to rise up. Stress is also related to the amount of sleep one gets. Sleep is the most effective tool to creating a level of homeostasis for the body. If a person is stressed, they may not receive a good nights sleep or they may sleep less, such as below 8 hours of sleep. The result are strained organs and tissue that may increase the amount of acid in the stomach and its ease of escaping the stomach walls.

Indirectly, stress usually causes people to choose riskier lifestyle choices, usually to calm themselves. For example, ingesting high amounts of alcohol or caffeine, smoking, eating high sugar or fatty foods, tends to cause a disruption in the bio-chemicals in the digestive system. The food especially tends to increase stomach acid or are harder to digest. Caffeinated products and alcohol disrupts the stomach’s acidic environment and will often increase the amount of stomach acid. These factors, supplementing the already high stress a person’s body is going through, causes stomach acid to rise.

Long term damage from heartburn is nothing to scoff at. People who chronically or regularly experience heartburn may permanently damage their esophagus and the quality of life for these people is severely diminished due to pain and difficulty digesting food. Please, if there are any daily symptoms of heartburn, contacting a doctor should be done as soon as possible. Contact  Reflux Remedy for more important information concerning heartburn, its consequences, and how one can effectively treat it.

Signs of Heartburn

Posted on by jose

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is an extremely common complaint. In fact, studies have shown that 10 percent of adults suffer from heartburn on a weekly basis. Heartburn is a condition that causes discomfort and burning in the chest area. Even though this condition is referred to as “heartburn”, it actually has nothing to do with the heart. During the process of digestion, the stomach produces acid. Sometimes, this acid flows into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of heartburn?

The most common symptom associated with heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs after eating. The person may also notice that the pain worsens when he or she lies down or bends over.

What can trigger heartburn?

Anyone can develop heartburn, but people who drink coffee, alcohol and eat spicy and fatty foods are more likely to develop it.

How can heartburn be treated naturally?

In many cases, making small changes in one’s lifestyle will relieve a person of heartburn. Eating a healthier diet can relieve people a person of heartburn. Overeating can also trigger heartburn so a person should try to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Additionally, losing weight can also help relieve heartburn.

Are there any serious complications associated with heartburn?

Most people will experience heartburn at some point in their lives and it is usually not a call for concern. However, those who experience heartburn more than twice a week need to consult with their doctors. Frequent heartburn can be an indication of a condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Over time, GERD can erode the esophagus.

How does a doctor diagnose GERD?

There are numerous tests available to diagnose GERD. A physician may order an X-ray of the digestive system. He or she may also perform an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure where the physician inserts a light down the patients throat to get a better viewing of the stomach and the esophagus. The doctor may also perform a test that measures the amount of acid in the esophagus. In many cases, the patient will be referred to a specialist for a second opinion.

What is a treatment that a doctor may prescribe?

There are several medications that have been approved to treat heartburn. A doctor may recommend an antacid such as Maalox or Mylanta. Antacids work by neutralizing the stomach acid. These medications do provide relief for heartburn, but they cannot repair a damaged esophagus. That is why a doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor. A proton pump inhibitor works by blocking the production of acid and healing the esophagus. It is important to note that medications may come with undesirable side effects.

If a patient’s esophagus has been severely damaged by GERD, the doctor may elect to perform laparoscopic surgery. This surgery helps relieve symptoms of GERD by repairing the damaged esophagus.

Where can I find more information about heartburn and GERD?

People who are interested in learning more about these conditions should refer Reflux Remedy today.