Health and Diet Blog

Darren W. - asked:




Colon cleansing is becoming popular as a method of detoxification with more and more people taking natural methods to clean colon in order to lead healthier lives. There are many benefits of colon cleansing and most of us can take advantage of various natural methods in order to get rid of illness causing toxins that hamper our body’s day to day functions. Some of the major benefits of colon cleansing are as discussed below:

1. Overall Cleansing and Detoxification

Most of us know that we are overloading our body with toxins acquired from the environment and from food that is processed or grown in soil that is already polluted by toxic waste. Due to the large amount of toxin intake, our body is generally unable to get rid of all these harmful materials while performing its normal functioning and this leads to an accumulation of toxic waste in our organs, especially in the liver, lungs, skin, lymph nodes, kidney and colon. Some major side effects of toxin accumulation are lowered immunity, gastro intestinal problems, bad looking skin, headaches and sluggishness and irregular bowel movements or constipation. Therefore, it is necessary to perform internal cleansing of these organs especially the colon so that we can get rid of toxins and their side effects.

2. Freedom from Digestive Tract Problems

The most common and easily identifiable symptom of an unhealthy colon is constipation and irregular bowel movements. Stomach pains, heartburn, acidity, gastritis, flatulence and bloating are other major symptoms that point towards an unhealthy and clogged up colon. When you clean up your colon using natural methods, then all the waste and toxins clogging up the colon are flushed out, which helps your digestive system resume its normal functioning, thus making you healthy and free from all GI tract related problems.

3. Greater Energy and Vitality

As you keep stuffing your body with toxins contained in processed and overcooked foods and drinks, excessive alcohol, caffeine and nicotine as well as drugs and medications for all kinds of ailments, the organs in your body, especially your digestive tract, liver, kidneys and colon start requiring more and more energy in order to fight this waste and get rid of it. While your organs which are already weakened by all the trash that you consume and expose yourself to fail in performing their tasks properly, more and more energy is diverted towards getting rid of all the waste that is clogging them. As a result, you start feeling drained and sluggish right from the moment you wake up till the end of the day. When you clean your colon and other internal organs, then you can feel a considerable increase in your energy levels because of two reasons. Firstly, your GI tract starts performing better, leading to better digestion and absorption of the energy from your food. Secondly, lesser energy is involved in digesting food, thus leaving more energy to be spent on external tasks.

Some other benefits of colon cleansing that you get as a result of the effective cleaning of your colon are a better looking and problem free skin as well as an increased immunity and resistance to diseases. Most people also end up losing weight as a result of better digestion and lower rate of water and waste retention. These are only some benefits and you can definitely count on becoming healthier if you start following a regular colon cleansing regime.

peterhutch asked:

Pineapple is a tropical fruit, it contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which helps in the digestion of protein. Pineapple can prevent blood clot formation because of its bromelain content.

Pineapple is one of those foods that is heaven to eat. A good, juicy ripe pineapple can satisfy a sweet craving as well as any chocolate bar. In addition to being a delicious food, there are many health benefits of pineapple.

A cup of fresh pineapple chunks contains 73% of the manganese the body needs for the day. Manganese, a trace mineral, is needed to build bone and connective tissues. A recent study found that a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and manganese offered significant improvement of symptoms for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.

Nutritional Value:

Pineapple’s nutrients include calcium, potassium, fiber ,and vitamin c It is low in fat and cholesterol. Vitamin c is the body’s primary water soluble antioxidant, against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. It is also a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, copper and dietary fiber.

Pineapple juice also relives sore throats and bronchitis. However, it should not be used by those with Hemophilia or by those with diseases of the kidneys and liver. It can be useful for heart patients but it seems to reduce the time taken to coagulate the blood which is not good for those with kidney and liver disease.

Pineapples provide an ample supply of vitamin C too, a commonly known antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound healing. The body uses vitamin C to help metabolize fats and cholesterol, absorb iron, and synthesize amino acids and collagen. Collagen is one of the primary building blocks of skin, cartilage and bones. Vitamin C also decreases the severity of colds and infections.

Pineapple is high in anti-oxidants. A very good source of vitamin C, pineapple offers your body an excellent protection against free-radicals, substances that attack healthy cells. A build up of free-radicals can lead to atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, an increase in asthma attacks and an increased risk of developing certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Free-radicals have also been shown to accentuate the problems associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.This fruits if high in fibre content which helps in easy bowel movement.Pineapple helps in curing stomach problems as diarrhoea.It is used in beauty industry to remove warts.

Pineapple has been thought good for heart conditions and indeed should not be used by people with haemophilia or by those with diseases of the kidneys and liver. This is because it seems to reduce the time taken to coagulate the blood – which is why it can be useful for heart patients.

Pineapple is good for your gums: Furthermore, due to its high vitamin C content, pineapples are good for your oral health as well. Vitamin C can reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Besides increasing the ability of connective tissue to repair itself, vitamin C also increases the body’s ability to fight invading bacteria and other toxins that contribute to gum disease. Periodontal disease, which destroys gum tissue and underlying jaw bones, has been linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre asked:




Natural posture is inevitably influenced by the distribution of weight across the body and so where large, heavy breasts are concerned, an imbalance in weight in the upper region can result in the development of back and neck pain. Often the individual suffering from the discomfort of large breasts can be limited in their ability to perform normal functions such as physical sporting activities and find themselves feeling increasingly self conscious and inhibited by their shape.

Breast reduction surgery, known as reduction mammaplasty, is the effective procedure of reducing breasts which are causing pain and discomfort to the individual under the expert guidance and handling of your breast reduction surgeon.

Under general anaesthesia, the breast reduction procedure involves the removal of excess breast tissue and the recontouring and repositioning of the nipples in order to leave you with the breasts you want to feel happy and confident in both their shape, size and appearance and ultimately provide you with the increased comfort you need in order to engage in normal activities.

After surgery has taken place it is important that post operative care is dealt with in a careful and sensitive way in order to minimise complications and as such, hospitalisation normal occurs for around four days depending on the individual case. The appearance of breast reduction scars can be an inevitable result of breast reduction surgery and the level of scarring can vary from individual to individual, however, the vast majority of women feel that the ultimate goal in relieving the pain, discomfort and displeasure of large breasts involves little is overwhelmingly successful.

Frank Miller asked:




Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a very common occurrence in people of almost all age groups. The symptomatic treatment may vary with age of the patient as well as the severity of the problem. General GERD treatments for relief from the symptoms include drug therapy, lifestyle modification and dietary changes. Drug therapy includes administration of antacids, acid suppressants or acid blockers. Nexium acid reflux relief is highly recognized by the medical fraternity throughout the world, with most physicians prescribing this proton pump inhibitor drug to patients not only for obtaining relief from acid reflux and the consequent heartburn problem, but also for healing erosive esophagitis, relieving heartburn related chest pain and chronic laryngitis, which is caused due to prolonged period of suffering caused due to GERD. Other proton pump inhibitors such as aciphex, nexium, prevacid, prilosec, and protonix are also found to be equally effective in treating the problem of acid reflux.

Other GERD treatments for symptomatic relief include the use of antacids (such as tums and rolaids, which aid in neutralizing the excess acids present in the stomach) and histamine antagonists such as axid, pepcid, tagamet, or zantac, which suppress the excessive production of digestive acids in the stomach. Because of acid reflux mucus lining in the esophagus gets badly corroded, as a result of which the esophagus may develop ulcerations and sores. However, Nexium heals the painful ulcers that develop in the esophagus due to frequent episodes of acid reflux. It is because of this reason that Nexium acid reflux relief is considered better than the relief obtained from other drugs. None of the antacids or H2 receptors are capable of providing relief from acid reflux mucus layer damage and in healing the inner mucosal lining of the esophagus.

There are several heartburn home remedies, though, which provide complete cure from acid reflux disease. Few of these heartburn home remedies include using apple cider vinegar or using aloe vera, which also has great healing power to heal the painful ulcers that develop in the esophageal area, due to frequent episodes of acid reflux.

In some cases, despite the use of appropriate antacids and acid levels controlling drugs, such as Nexium acid reflux controlling drugs, the person continues to suffer from frequent episodes of reflux. In such cases, it becomes necessary for the patient to ascertain whether or not the reflux is being caused by the digestive acids that leak in from the stomach. In case the reflux is not caused by the digestive acids of the stomach, but because of some other agents produced from other organs, related to the alimentary tract, then such a condition is referred to as non acid reflux. This condition occurs when instead of the digestive juices, other substances such as the bile get refluxed into the esophagus. Proton pump inhibitor drugs, histamine antagonists or antacids will not be able to provide any relief in the case of non acid reflux. Even the very versatile Nexium will not be able to provide any relief in the case of non acid reflux. However, anti spasm medicines such as baclofen, are highly effective in preventing non acid reflux.

Jamie Staggs asked:


Opiates are often referred to as narcotics and have been used medically to relieve pain for centuries. In the early 19th century, pure morphine extract was suitable for solution, and with the advent of the hypodermic needle in the mid-19th century, injection of morphine became a common method of pain relief. In 1898, heroin was introduced into the medical community as a remedy for addiction to morphine. However, it was soon revealed that heroin was even more likely to produce addiction than morphine. While opiates began their start in the medical community, they have quickly become one of the most commonly abused drug groups. Today, only codeine and morphine are still used in the clinical setting for pain management. The opiates drug group includes opium, morphine, codeine and heroin, among other synthetic opiates such as Demerol.

Short-term and Long-term Effects of Opiates

Opiates can cause serious health complications, such as fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, particularly in users who inject opiates.

Opiates have short-term effects that appear quite soon after a dose and last a few hours. After injection of opiates, the user typically reports feeling a rush of euphoria, an increase in body temperature, dry mouth, and a heavy feeling in their limbs. The user then spends the next few hours alternating from a wakeful to a drowsy state until the drug wears off.

Regular use of opiates leads to a buildup of a user’s tolerance. This means that the user must increase their subsequent dose of opiates to achieve the same effect as before. As the user increases their dose over time, they develop physical dependency and addiction. Their body has acclimated to the drug use, and has grown to depend on the presence of drugs in order to function properly. If an opiate user stops the intake of that drug, uncomfortable and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms may occur. Death from a opiate overdoese often occurs when a user who has been off opiates for some time resumes taking the same amount of drug they are used to. Because the body’s tolerance has decreased during this time off period, the resulting effect is a drug overdose.

After repeated opiate use over a long peroid of time, long term side effects will begin to appear. Addicts who have been using for a long peroid of time often ignore their health because the only thing that matters is getting more of that drug. This self neglect can take the form of not eating and ignoring personal hygiene, which makes the user more susceptible to disease. Longtime users may develop collapsed veins, infections in their heart and valves, and liver disease. Because opiates depress respiration, pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia, may occur in longtime users due to respiratory depression and the poor health of the drug user.

Opiate Withdrawal

Opiate withdrawal can be incredibly painful, and in some case very dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms may occur as soon as a few hours after the last dose in users who have been regularly abusing opiates. Withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings for opiates, restlessness, body pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes among other symptoms. In longtime, heavy users who are in poor health, withdrawal can occasionally be fatal. Withdrawal symptoms for most users typically subside within a week.

Susan Reynolds asked:


Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder, which can be eased by keeping certain factors in mind. We have tried to list out few things that would be helpful to you in overcoming the problems like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. We have a newsletter that gives a more comprehensive overview about the disorder and irritable bowel syndrome remedy options. But, here we suggest some of the basic irritable bowel syndrome treatments that would not only be helpful in helping ease the problem but also for leading a healthier life.

Most people will have experienced the feeling “butterflies” in the stomach when they are anxious. There is a proven nervous reaction in the gut that can cause a number of digestive related problems.

So, to help overcome digestive health problems and specially that of irritable bowel you need to overcome the stress, tension and problems of your life. Therefore, you need to learn a few stress management techniques, which once you start practicing should lead to a marked improvement in the IBS symptoms.

Continue reading to discover how to sign up for our Free Relieving IBS newsletter, and discover natural methods to relieve IBS.

One of the best ways to overcome stress and improve your health is to exercise regularly. Exercise boosts the metabolism, help strengthen the immune system, and also releases “happy” hormones and pain relief hormones, all of which can be helpful in treating this disorder.

Having a diet, which is high in fiber which, can prevent worsening of bloating and gassiness. Avoid having cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels, cabbage, sprouts, beans and cauliflower, dairy products, fried and junk food, smoking and alcohol, caffeine products, sucrose, citrus fruits, wheat products and carbonated drinks.

As food intolerance has been shown to play a vital role in irritable bowel syndrome by triggering the hyperactive response in the gut, it is suggested to make a list of food you are intolerant to and those foods that trigger the IBS symptoms.

Also, some of the following natural remedies may help ease the symptoms:

1) Peppermint oil – Peppermint Oil is one of the commonly used remedies for treating irritable bowel syndrome. It helps in eliminating the excess gas in the intestines. But keep in mind that the excessive dose of peppermint can result in loss of appetite and nausea, and in more extreme cases nervous system disorders, heart problems, and kidney failure. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking peppermint oil, especially if other mediation is being taken.

2) Probotics – Probotics are friendly bacteria present in the digestive system, which act as a protective barrier for the digestive tract. They improve the immune function and help by producing Vitamin K, which is thought to help with IBS symptoms. Various studies have suggested that irritable bowel syndrome causes imbalances in the intestinal flora resulting in an over growth of gas producing bacteria. Therefore supplementing with probiotics can help restore balance.

3) Partially hydrolyzed guar gum ((PHGG)- PHGG is non gelling fiber which can be effective in reducing constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Various studies reveal that PHGG also increases the amount of beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the intestines that help in relieving irritable bowel syndrome.

Although this article only covers a few of the best irritable bowel syndrome remedy options, we hope it has helped to clarify some of the options available.

Chetak Lama asked:




If you are interested in trying out a colon cleanse you may notice many options to choose from. There is pill form, rectal form to flush your body out immediately, or even home colon cleanse recipes. Whichever you feel is necessary make sure to check with your physician before trying anything and make sure to see what they feel is necessary for your issues you have been noticing. If you feel that you know your body enough that you would like to try something which is a homemade colon cleanse this article will advise you what is needed to clean your body out of harmful toxins and parasites.

Homemade colon cleansing has been around for quite some time. Back in the 1920’s and 1930’s they did not have their local drug store who offered pill form of colon cleansers so they were always making their own. This was quite common back in the day more than what it is now a days. Many do not speak about homemade colon cleansings as openly as they once did. So what is necessary when choosing a home colon cleanse? All you have to loose when choosing a homemade colon cleanse is bloating and constipation!

The one type of homemade colon cleanse would be use of pineapple juice. If you are a large pineapple lover you will not have any problem with this recipe which is quite easy. By taking a half a glass of pineapple juice after each meal will cleanse your colon but also help with indigestion. This will make your body feel great after every mean rather than feeling stuffed and bloated as many meals do to individuals every day.

Another great homemade colon cleanse would be the use of lemon juice. Two tablespoons of lemon juice, one tablespoon of ginger juice, and two tablespoons of honey mixed in a glass with lukewarm water. Yes it may seem quite nasty but it will do the job. Make sure to drink it immediately instead of trying to have it cooled. It will be easier to have it go down with the lukewarm water rather than having it sit for quite some time.

If you are not a person who is into any type of juice mixes you may want to try the last liquid form of a homemade colon cleanse. This does have a bit of lemon juice, one tablespoon to be exact, but also has a pinch of pepper to hide the tangy flavor. It may sound quite gross but a tablespoon is nothing compared to popping pills or using the best colon cleanse products each day to do the same thing. Mix with lukewarm water, tilt your head back, and hold your nose! It is the best way to get it done quickly without tasting it.

If you are not looking to drink anything which does not sound tasty with these homemade colon cleansings you may want to just try eating grapes. Yes, in fact grapes being all natural have been used for many centuries to cleanse the colon of these harmful toxins and parasites. Eat many grapes for a few days at a time and you will notice a significant difference in your bowel movements. If you get tired of eating grapes then switch to oranges. Oranges will clear your colon as well as getting your gastrointestinal track back into the condition it once was.

So which will work for you?

Cindy Heller asked:


Otherwise healthy people often wonder what the causes for heartburn are when burning sensations are felt in the chest area; especially when lying down or bending forward. This sensation starts from the breastbone and seems to travel up along the neck and throat. Often times, sufferers will complain that the contents of the stomach – food and liquids – seem to be heading back up. They may also report a sour or bitter aftertaste in the mouth during a heartburn episode.

The most likely causes for heartburn are the foods and drinks taken during a meal. Over 90% of heartburn or acid reflux sufferers can attest to this fact. Understanding which types of foods or drinks have a higher likelihood of contributing to heartburn goes a long way to either minimizing or avoiding the pain and discomfort. Controlling the intake of these foods and drinks may prevent the painful conditions from recurring in the future.

The LES’ (lower esophageal sphincter) function is to keep the stomach’s contents out of the esophagus. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea tend to relax the LES. When the LES is relaxed, it fails to keep all of the stomach’s contents intact. Some of the acidic contents push back into the esophagus leading to the burning sensation of heartburn.

Apart from caffeinated drinks; alcoholic drinks and foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products are also main causes for heartburn. They similarly relax the LES and the resultant acid reflux sears the esophageal walls causing heartburn. In addition, fatty foods and the effects of smoking weaken the LES and the loss of pressure causes some of the acidic contents to escape into the esophagus – again causing heartburn.

Heartburn: A Medical Perspective

The LES is a critical factor in the discussion regarding the causes for heartburn. When the LES is functioning properly, the valve opens up momentarily when food and drink arrive from the esophagus above. When the LES is impaired it fails to keep all of the contents of the stomach in. This condition is referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) by doctors. People who suffer from GERD may experience varying levels of discomfort. Although there are several factors that may trigger heartburn, these same factors may contribute to the excessive production of acids in the stomach. Coupled with a weak LES and subjecting the stomach to additional stresses – dressing in tight clothes or lying down right after heavy meals – may bring on heartburn. In summary, the causes of heartburn are largely dependent on one’s dietary and lifestyle choices.

Many Cures For Heartburn Are Readily Available

Humans have been searching for a cure for heartburn since ancient times. This common malady has been often treated with natural remedies passed down the generations. Sensible lifestyle choices regarding food and drink selections and combinations and when heavy meals are taken can reduce the onset of heartburn. Although the occasional heartburn is discomforting and largely harmless, chronic sufferers will need to seek medical attention.

A common and natural cure for heartburn is fennel tea. The relief from heartburn by consuming fennel tea should be rather quick. Fennel is also a key ingredient in many medications developed to treat heartburn.

No single cure for heartburn is effective for all patients. Patients tend to react differently to a variety of medications – some medications work for some and not for others. Some experimentation under medical guidance might be necessary to find a cure for heartburn. While medical options are being considered, it would be sensible to make some lifestyle changes. These changes will not cure heartburn, but they will minimize their onset and intensity of heartburn.

Discovering a cure for heartburn may involve understanding the triggers that cause heartburn and making an effort to avoid those triggers. After ensuring that one is not allergic to acid reduction medicaments, taking an antacid may be a simple cure for heartburn.

What the typical American consumes today are foods laden in unhealthy fats and low in plant fiber. A diet rich in leafy vegetables and avoiding tomatoes which are highly acidic, may be a simple cure for heartburn. Dietary changes have proven to be useful in the treatment of heartburn. In conjunction with suitable medications relief from heartburn can be achieved.

Mary Ruff-King asked:




The nursing shortage and Catman Cohen: What do these two have to do with each other? The answer is this: The nursing shortage in America has been memorialized by an unlikely hero named Catman Cohen whose song and video, Prayer For America, has struck a raw nerve in this country. The seriousness of the nursing shortage and aging workforce has been recognized by this artist who prefers not to call attention to himself but instead wants Americans to understand and fully appreciate the dire future that awaits this country if the nursing shortage crisis in our health care system is not addressed immediately.

Unfortunately the nursing shortage will be with us for decades to come. How will we Americans deal with it and what will be the repercussions if we do not? Currently, changes are taking place behind the scenes, but will it be enough and will it happen soon enough? Only time will tell. Those who are in a state of denial, thinking that all is well with our health care system, will soon be pushed out of their comfort zone when the full impact of the nursing shortage really hits home.

This country is also in desperate need of nurse educators to train the next generation of nurses who will take care of the next generation of patients. But when a nurse educator makes less than a nurse who works on the floor of a hospital we lose that critical link that creates the continuum of education and care that is so vital to our health care system.

Nurses and nurse educators have known for some time that the nursing shortage would reach the crisis stage. Nurses and nurse educators are trying to come up with creative ways to address this, including a petition to Congress asking that the position of Office of a National Nurse be created. If created, this position would draw the public’s attention to the nursing profession, helping to raise awareness as well as the level of professionalism within the field. The benefit of this awareness would hopefully encourage more women and men to become nurses, helping to ease the nursing shortage.

The nursing shortage and Catman Cohen’s ability to expose what is wrong with priorities in America is done with surgical precision. He cuts right to the heart of the problem and correctly identifies that this country needs to focus and work on important issues and resources. He gives a poignant and spot-on assessment of the disturbing trend that the ranks of teachers all across this country, but especially the nurse educators in our health care system, are being decimated due to overwhelming and dangerous work conditions, job burnout, and lack of true compensation for the invaluable contribution these heroes make.

With regard to the nursing shortage and Catman Cohen, the message is clear: Priorities in this country need to be changed right now so we can deal with important issues, especially the nursing shortage in this country.

Elizabeth Radisson asked:




From time to time, everyone experiences symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. Often, these symptoms occur following a big meal. An estimate five million men in the United States alone are affected by indigestion at one time or another. However, some people experience more frequent digestive problems.

There are a number of steps you can take to improve your digestive health and reduce the chance of indigestion. Here are five specific things that can help.

1. Eat a Diet High in Fiber

Not only will adding plenty of fiber to your diet prevent indigestion, it will also improve your overall digestive health. The modern person eats a diet made up of too much junk food and fast food. In addition, most people eat high-fat meals made of mostly meat. These types of foods only help to worsen episodes of indigestion.

In addition to improving digestion, a high-fiber diet can also aid in preventing heart disease, diabetes, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and a host of other diseases. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, add more fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals.

For those that suffer with frequent indigestion, it may also be wise to avoid food that can give you gas, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, baked beans, and carbonated drinks and sodas. Drinking enough water is also a good idea, as it helps to lubricate the food within the digestive tract, and helps dissolve minerals, vitamins and other nutrients so they are more easily absorbed by your body.

2. Chew your Food

Proper chewing may be one of the most forgotten of all the habits for good digestion. Chewing helps to break down your food, and the motion signals the body to begin to release digestive enzymes. Take the time to ensure that you chew each bite well.

In addition, make sure you don’t overeat. It can be an easy thing to do, especially with the portion sizes doled out in many restaurants. The larger your meal is, the more acid your stomach needs to produce to properly digest the food. In turn, this extra acid can increase the your chances of developing heartburn or indigestion.

3. Exercise Regularly and Avoid Stress

Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, while improving your digestive health. Regular exercise can help to avoid obesity, which can lead to such digestive problems as diarrhea, stomach pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Excess stress can also have a negative effect on your digestion. Stress reduces blood flow to the abdomen. It also can reduce the production of digestive enzymes, which in turn slows the digestive process and can lead to indigestion and heartburn.

4. Don’t Overuse Antacids

When trying to rid yourself of heartburn or indigestion symptoms, you may be tempted to take more than the recommended dose of your favorite anatacid. Stomach acids can sometime reflux, or back up, into the esophagus which causes the burning sensation of indigestion.

Over-the-counter antacids usually work to neutralize stomach acid, but overuse can cause more harm than good. Too much antacid can cause your stomach to lose acidity, which will impair its ability to properly digest your food, and leave you susceptible to bacterial infections.

5. Supplement your Digestive System

Digestive enzyme supplements can be a great way to decrease the occurrence of heartburn. These enzymes are source from plant fiber, and help to enhance your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.

If you are in poor health, or have an unhealthy diet, you likely do not have adequate amounts of digestive enzymes. Even otherwise healthy people can benefit from digestive supplements, especially if they are experiencing heartburn or indigestion.

While there are certainly other things you can do to reduce your chances of experiencing indigestion, these five will get you well on your way, not only to eliminating your symptoms, but to an overall healthier body.