Health and Diet Blog

Ricky Lim asked:




Hemorrhoids are something awful. It is a distraction for your day to day activities since hemorrhoids cause a painful, burning and itching sensation. Imagine how you can possibly work or sleep while being constantly interfered with painful sensation.

I will discuss how you can get rids of hemorrhoids naturally but first let’s talk about an equally important thing the cause of hemorrhoids.

1. The Origin Of The Problem

Constipation is the main cause of hemorrhoids for many people. Therefore it is important to include a lot of food rich in fiber daily.

Also sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time can cause hemorrhoids. In this case you want to perform exercise at least three times a week at your local gym.

Dehydration also has been known as the cause of hemorrhoids. Avoid alcohol and caffeine since this can cause dehydration.

2. Choosing Natural Treatment

Now you have known the cause of hemorrhoids and the prevention steps to keep hemorrhoids out of your life. Let’s talk about various ways you can take to get rid of hemorrhoids.

3. Medical Versus Natural Hemorrhoids Treatment

Generally speaking there are two ways to get rid of hemorrhoids, using medical treatment and natural treatment. Medical treatment has been widely reported to give prolonged side effects and complication and also on some cases only temporary results.

On the other hand natural treatment might require some time before you start seeing some progress, but you will not get any side effects unlike medical treatment.

4. What Work For You May Not Work For Others

What work for you may not work for others, maybe because of the different cause of hemorrhoids or due to your hemorrhoids severity, you should try yourself which treatments give the best result.

The good news is because it is entirely based on natural treatment you will not get any side effect at all by trying them all.

5. Collinsonia Root Powder

Collinsonia root powder is a herbal remedy found in Canada and Florida. Many people have had good experiences with this herbal treatment, and many of them have their hemorrhoids ceased permanently.

Some advantages of collinsonia root powder are supporting blood vessel contractions and flow and reducing irritation and inflammation of veins.

There are many causes of hemorrhoids, it is important to know the cause of your hemorrhoids so you can prevent it from happen again in the future. When it comes to choosing hemorrhoids treatment, it is always best to choose for natural treatment.

Collinsonia root powder is one example of a natural hemorrhoid treatment that is effective and has no side effects.

Raj Kumar asked:


If you feel restless, irritated and painful during menstruation then that is exactly what menstrual bloating is all about. It is caused due to gas that gets accumulated in the intestines and during menstruation it becomes very frequent and common. Therefore eating a lot of fiber food and giving your body the necessary amount of fluid it requires would help in preventing constipation which makes the pain even more worse. Suffering from menstrual bloating is like a way to live for women cramps during this period is bound to happen.

The scientific reason for its occurrence is that as menstruation is what a women faces every month so due to this the lining of her uterus produces a chemical that is known as Prostaglandins, this leads to the contraction of the walls of the uterine muscles and therefore a tissue is released along with fluid which is the cause of menstruation. When the chemical called Prostaglandins is produced in huge amount then that leads to excessive contraction of the muscles and therefore causes bloating.

The notion that every woman has to face bloating during menstruation is wrong, it is not mandatory to occur you can avoid it by taking the necessary precautions. Check your diet by avoiding salty and friend junk food which would lead to cramps. Consume lots of vegetables and fruits, avoid milk products. eat fish, chicken but tied having them grilled rather than deep frying them. Take adequate amount of vitamin doses as this is very beneficial in reducing cramps during menstruation. Along with vitamin capsules every women should take some amount of calcium doses to keep her system fit.

Avoid having caffeine, too much of tea or coffee is bad for you. Even those who eat chocolate in some form everyday should check their consumption. The large amounts of caffeine would lead to excessive bloating in the intestine which would result in pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Coffee contains some amount of oils which also can cause crams  and cause gas getting accumulated in the lower abdomen.

A proper life style in one way is the remedy for all the sickness in the world. Many women are addicted to drinking alcohol, too much of it is not good for them and during menstruation it is advisable to stay away from these drinks.

The main reason that results in bloating is due to the retention of the body fluid in our body which is again caused by the changing nature of the hormones present in our body. Many women gain weight during menstruation or it is also seen that some part of the body are swollen now this is due to the retention of water in the body; the weight gain is actually the weight of water. Exercise is a good solution to check menstruation cramps.

Pre-menstrual bloating is also common and it also occurs due to the above reasons. One should also control her smoking habits in order to avoid bloating during menstruation. If the above mentioned steps are taken then bloating during menstruation can be checked.

Related Articles:

Top Rated IBS Treatments

Bloating Treatment – Do it Yourself! -> Bloating Treatment

Drrao asked:


Abdominal pain is one of the common ill health that is found. But it should not be neglected as it may be dangerous to us in the future. This abdominal pain may be for a while or it may last long for some hours or days also.

More info meets: dr jack

Abdominal pain is the illness that is found in all. Sometimes this may cause due to the disorder of food or it may be any other cause also. But though this is a common one but it should be taken seriously as it may cause some threatening situations in the future. This is the pain that you suffer you may feel between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly. As there are different kinds of organs in this abdominal region the pain in any part of it can be called as abdominal pain. Sometimes the pain may occur severely that can be psychosomatic in nature that is it may be due to psychological reasons. Some patients who have this abdominal pain refer as stomach pain when they visit the physicians.

This abdominal pain is known with different names such as pain in abdomen, belly ache, abdominal cramps, acute abdomen, appendicitis, the pain which occurs during the menstrual time, epigastria pain, per umbilical pain, pelvic region pain, lower abdominal pain, right abdominal pain and many. It is cure with herbal and natural supplements

There are many organisms in the abdominal region. So pain from any part of it can occur and it includes the regions or organs like the stomach, the end of the esophagus, the small and the large intestine, the liver, the gallbladder, the pancreas, the aorta, the appendix, the kidneys. But the pain may originate in any part of the body from chest to the pelvic regions in this abdominal pain.

The intensity of the pain does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition causing the pain. The abdominal pain can be from mild conditions which may be the gas or the cramping of viral gastroenteritis

Jim Kesel asked:


There are more than 45 million people in the USA alone that suffer from heartburn at least once a week. Every day you see an add for acid reflux and heartburn medicines on your television. Almost all the information is about treating the symptoms of heartburn after you have already developed the problem. However you very seldom see any information about the prevention of heartburn.

It is surprising that most people do not even consider taking the necessary steps to prevent heartburn. About 90 percent of all heartburn and acid reflux is preventable. Remember it is far easier to prevent heartburn than to cure it. Why suffer the pain and discomfort of this disorder when you do not have to. In addition you may increase your risk of related heartburn illnesses like Gastoresophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or even cancer.

Not everyone will get heartburn or acid reflux disease. Genetics does play a role in determining who is at risk. If you look into your family background and see several relatives with heartburn related problems then you can assume that you are at increased risk for getting this disorder. In addition if you are on the heavy side, eat large meals to the point of discomfort, take in large amounts of caffiene or frequently eat spicy foods then your risk is further increased. Living in a stressful environment is also considered a factor in developing heartburn related conditions.

The first and probably the easiest method of reducing your heartburn risk is to change how and when you eat your meals. You need to become a grazer , that is to eat several smaller meats each day. You should eat these meals at about the same time each day as well. Never eat until you feel full, but just enough as to not feel hungry, To do this effectively you must become more aware of your body and what it is telling you. In addition try to eat in a stress free environment. This may not be totally possible but if you can eat away from point cause of stress such as your place of work you will be more relaxed. Remember no spicy foods and cut back on your coffee or tea intake. Caffeine free coffee is a good alternative.

Stop or greatly reduce your use of alcohol and intake of acidic liquids. This will have an immediate effect of reducing your risk of getting heartburn and acid reflux disease. If you are a smoker you have another reason beside cancer to quit . This is probably the toughest change in your life style that you will undertake. Stopping the use of nicotine, caffeine and alcohol are the big three in preventing heartburn before it starts.

If you have the opportunity, a short period of exercise prior to eating will also reduce your heartburn risk. This can be in the form of walking up or down several flights of stars or walking several block to where you are going to eat your meal. This will reduce your appetite and stress. It is never a good idea to exercise after you have eaten. You should wait at least 2 hours if you are going to do an intense workout. Also whenever possible you should wear loose fitting clothing as this will reduce the pressure and discomfort associated with heartburn.

Most people who have pre-heartburn symptoms will have trouble getting a good nights sleep. Acid reflux and heartburn symptoms are usually to blame. Not getting enough sleep will increase your stress and thus your risk as well. A couple of things that you can do to prevent these symptoms is to first not eat for at least four hour prior to laying down. In addition you can prevent the acid reflux that is associated with heartburn by raising the head of the bed. This can be easily done with books, bricks and/or wooden blocks. You only need to raise it 2 to 3 inches to keep acid from flowing upward to your esophagus. The use of a firm pillow or a wedge pillow will also help in preventing acid reflux.

Another important step in preventing heartburn is to talk to your family physician. Specifically ask him or her what medications are putting you at risk for heartburn. Aspirin related pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are especially hard on the stomach and can increase your heartburn risk. Ask your doctor for alternatives that do not cause indigestion. In addition you should ask him or her what over the counter antacids they recommend.

Preventing heartburn is always more preferable to curing it. Design a plan for changing your lifestyle and stick to it. It will require discipline and help from family and friends. Make sure they know what your goals are and ask them to help and support you in your endeavor to be heartburn free.

Doug Pare asked:




There are millions of people around the globe taking treatment for bad circulation, and there are many others who suffer from bad circulation, but not aware of that. Most people ignore the symptoms or take it lightly and hence fail to diagnose it in time. When the person dies all of a sudden, then only others realize that he/she was suffering from bad circulation. This is why bad circulation is sometimes referred as a silent killer.

Bad circulation, in medical terminology Peripheral Vascular Disease PVD, is a medical condition which is somewhat similar to carotid artery disease and coronary artery disease. Bad circulation is caused when fatty deposits are accumulated in the inner linings of the artery wall. This accumulation results in the blockage of blood circulation. Bad circulation in arteries leads to the kidneys, arms, hand, legs, and feet. Most people who suffer from bad circulation may have fatty deposits in the arteries of brain and heart. This can cause the death of the patient from heart attack and stroke.

Bad circulation is considered as a serious condition and can result in heart attacks, loss of limbs, stroke, and in many cases even death. However if found in the early stages, bad circulation may be prevented or treated in the early stages with meditation, drug treatment, surgery, life style changes, or mostly a combination of all these treatments.

Some of the main symptoms of bad circulation are legs and or feet falling to sleep, cramping of the buttocks, legs, or feet, pain in the legs, swelling of the legs, tired aching feet; and very low temperature in your hands, arms, legs, or feet. If you feel that you have some or most of the symptoms then you may have been suffering from bad circulation. It is better to visit your family doctor and take a complete check up. Bad circulation can be diagnosed by a physical examination, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging angiography MRA, and X-ray angiography.

Some lifestyle changes which can help you to lower your risk include controlling diabetes, quit smoking, controlling blood pressure, and consuming low cholesterol diet. Bad circulation can be prevented to some extend by taking healthy fat free diet and regular exercises.

All we have to do is take a good look at the lifestyle we are living and it should be quite obvious to everyone why this is happening. First of all most people do not get enough exercise which is a crucial factor in allowing our blood to circulate properly. Bad circulation can lead to heart attack and strokes and if that is not enough all the fast food and fatty foods most people eat, only add to the problem.

Jerry White asked:


Diarrhea (in American English) or diarrhoea (in British English) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements. Person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than three times a day. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without special treatment. Prolonged diarrhea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration. Chronic diarrhea may be a feature of a chronic disease. Acute infectious diarrhea is a common cause of death in developing countries (particularly among infants), accounting for 5 to 8 million deaths annually. Electrolytes (minerals) also are lost with water when diarrhea is prolonged or severe, and electrolyte deficiencies may occur.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and older people. Acute diarrhea is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.Several types of bacteria consumed through contaminated food or water can cause diarrhea. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Many viruses cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis. Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system. Parasites that cause diarrhea include Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.

Diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or an urgent need to use the bathroom. Depending on the cause, a person may have a fever or bloody stools. Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants, leading to dehydration in just a day or two. A child can die from dehydration within a few days. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and in older adults and must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. Children can have acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. Most common cause of acute childhood diarrhea. Rotavirus diarrhea usually resolves in 3 to 9 days. Children who are 6 to 32 weeks old can be vaccinated against the virus with a vaccine called Rotateq.

Home Remedies and Treatment Tips of Diarrhea

1. Fresh juice of Indian gooseberry (Amla) taken with lemon juice and sugar is beneficial.

2. One teaspoonful of ginger juice in half of cup of boiling water and drink hot after every one-hour.

3. Intake of curd with mango juice and one teaspoon ginger helpful in diarrhea cure.

4.Banana taken along with curd is useful for the treatment of loose motions.

5.Intake of mango nut powder with water cures diarrhea.

6.In case of acute diarrhea, oral rehydration therapy is the best way to deal with acute diarrhea.

7.During diarrhea plenty of fluids should be given to the patient to maintain water balance in body.

8.Roast fennel and white cumin seeds in equal amounts and take it in a dose of 3 grams after every three hours with water.

9.Make a powder of 10-15 grams of dry fruit of Indian gooseberry (Amla) and 5 grams of black Chebulic myrobalan (Haritaki). Take one grams of this mixture twice in a day.

10.Mix powder of 12 grams of fennel and 6 grams of white cumin seeds and then add 12 grams of unrefined sugar and store it. Take one gram of this mixture in every morning and evening for 15 days.

11.Add some Spiegel seeds in 125 grams of curd and take it twice during day.

12.Drink 200 grams of buttermilk with roasted cumin seeds along with half gram of black salt.

13.Chewing roasted cumin seeds mixed in curd after meals increases the digestive power and prevents diarrhea.

14.Application of ginger juice on the umbilicus helps in diarrhea cure

15.Boil the milk for 10-15 minutes. Remove the skin that forms on the milk. Add hot chocolate to the milk and drink this mixture.

16.Starchy liquids like arrowroot water, barley water, rice gruel and coconut water are very beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea.

17.popular diarrhea home remedy treatment is to consume a paste made of 15-20 fresh curry leaves mixed with 1 tsp honey.

18.Water boiled with holy basil could be taken as a drink and also could be used as gargle.

19.Grate one raw papaya. Add 3 cups water, boil for 10 mins, strain and finish the water in one day.

Dr John Anne asked:




Amla also know as amalaki, dhatriphala and in Sanskrit and Emblica officinalis scientifically, is the most widely used herb in the ayurvedic system of medicine. it maintains balance amongst three Doshas of wind, bile and phelgm (Vayu, Pitta and Cough) and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, builds up and sustains defence mechanism, improves eye sight, imparts a anatural glow to hair and body and a store house of Vitamin C.

The English name of amla: Indian gooseberry, denotes that it is indigenous to India. Though all parts of the tree have medicinal value, it is the fruit which constitutes the main drug. Charaka has specifically mentioned it as a great rasayana that helps protect people from disease and keeps away the manifestations of premature ageing.

Amla fruit is acrid, cooling, refrigerant, diuretic, laxative, alexeteric, antipyretic, aphrodisiac alterant, tonic and trichogeneous. It is the richest natural source of Vitamin C. 100 gm. of Amla contains about 700 mg. of vitamin C, which is thirty times the amount found in oranges.In adition to Vitamin C, it also contains calcium, iron, protein, garlic and tannic acids, sugar, phosphorus, carbohydrates etc. The juice of fresh amla fruit is given as tonic, diuretic and anti-bilious remedy. It is also helpful in burning sensation, over thirst, dyspepsia and other complaints of digestive system.

Amla Health Benefits:

The powder of the dried amla fruit is an effective remedy of hyperacidity, ulcers and blood impurities. It is also used both internally and externally as a decoction and paste. Some of the common uses of amla fruit are as under:

Amla strengthens the body, expel toxins from the body and improves defense mechanism of the body.

It is an essential vitamin to improve eye sight

Weakness of body, heart and mind shall be dispelled by taking frsh amla juice in betwen meals.

Massaging the head with amla oil, induces sound sleep and is good for hair. prevents premature graying of hair.

Wash eyes daily, in the morning with amla water, soaked in water and drink the water to improve the eyesight and remove constipation.

Insert 2-4 amla juice drops into each nostril to cure bleeding for nose.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb.

A wonderful antioxidant and a natural Source of Vitamin C. Amla helps scavenge free radicals.

Amla is powerful food for the brain.

Studies show that Amla helps lower cholesterol

Amla also helps maintain the functioning of the liver

Increases Hemoglobin, Red blood cell count

Useful for Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma

Amla cleanses the mouth, strengthens the teeth

Its decoction is used in hyperacidity and with honey as an anthelmintic. The presence of Amla resulted in an enhanced cell survival, decreased free radical production and higher antioxidant levels similar to that of control cells.

There are various classic ayurvedic preparations, such as chyawanprash in which amla is used as a chief ingredient. It help improve intelligence and memory power. Triphala and Brahmrasayana are other classic medicine in which amla is being used since time immemorial.

samnickel6 asked:


Bloating is any abnormal general swelling, or increase in diameter of the abdominal area. As a symptom, the patient feels a full and tight abdomen, which may cause abdominal pain sometimes accompanied by borborygmus.

Bloating Causes

Some foods are also known to cause bloating so you might want to eat fewer of these. Typical culprits include beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, onions and garlic – however, remember these are good sources of fibre and you should eat five portions of fruit and veg a day.

Partial bowel obstruction

Constipation

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth

Overeating

Partial bowel obstruction

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth

There are three ways in which abdominal distention can arise. The causes are an increase in air, fluid, or tissue within the abdomen. The diseases or conditions that cause an increase of any of these three factors are very different from one anther. Therefore, it is important to determine which of them is distending the abdomen.

Constipation: This disorders is characterised by a reduction in the frequency of bowel motions and may cause bloating.

Menstruation: Bloating is common in women at the time of menstruation or as part of a premenstrual stress disorder.

Symptoms of Bloating

Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea

Mucus in the stool

The symptoms may get worse when you’re under stress, such as when you travel, attend social events or change your daily routine. Your symptoms may also get worse if you don’t eat enough healthy foods or after you’ve eaten a big meal. Some people are bothered by certain foods.

Bloating Treatment

If you experience excessive amounts of bloating you may want to consider changing your diet.

Conservative treatment of mild IBS involves changing the person’s diet and alleviating stress. For some, but not all patients, a high-fiber, low fat diet is recommended. Fat strongly stimulates contractions of the colon and fiber keeps the colon mildly distended, which may help prevent spasms. Foods such as whole grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber. Some doctors may suggest using an over-the-counter fiber supplement.

Avoid chewing gum or eating hard candy.

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.

If you wear dentures, check with a dentist to make sure they fit properly.

Keep calm. Tension and anxiety can cause you to swallow air.

Breathing Devices

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults. A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and nose, or just over your nose. The machine gently blows air into your throat.

Natural Remedies For Bloating

Boiled water with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (sweetened with honey, if desired)

Probiotics: Acidophilus and Bifidus

Detox Bath: The daily routine of the Detox Bath activates bowel movement, easing blockages due to waste accumulation in the intestines. These accumulations are a breeding ground for bacteria that causes the discomfort of gas and bloating etc

Key word’s- what is bloating, causes of bloating, symptoms of bloating, treatment of bloating

Brenda Skidmore asked:




Many medical health care professionals claim antibiotics to be ‘the lifesaving drugs’ of the twentieth century. No doubt, antibiotics are the most widely used and the most talked about class of drugs ever used, on the vast majority of people and animals, across the globe. What does the term antibiotics actually mean though?

Here is Wikipedia’s definition of the word term meaning for antibiotic. An antibiotic is a chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits or abolishes the growth of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. Antibiotic is now used to refer to substances with anti-bacterial, anti-fungi, or anti-parasitical activity.

Antibiotic’s widespread overuse has recently been questioned over the last decade, by many concerned health care experts, due to their apparent, and oftentimes, ineffectiveness. And, many health care scientists are also beginning to recognize the fact that, unfortunately, not all the bacteria that dwells inside our bodies aim to harm us.

Antibiotics do perform a sometimes useful function in killing off large numbers of harmful bacteria in our bodies that can lead to life threatening infections. It is a self sacrificing trade-off, however, as there is no discrimination between the chemotherapeutic killing off of all bacteria, whether it be good or bad germs, in the gastrointestinal tract.

Since the 1940′s, modern medicine has mainly focused on the killing off of harmful disease causing bacteria via newly discovered antibiotics. This practice came about with not much understanding of the role, in the advantages, that good micro-organisms (bacteria) played in maintaining good health.

Good bacteria (probiotics), is a modern new term used to describe live, beneficial organisms (bacteria) which, when taken in adequate and consistent amounts, offers many different health benefits to the host. Two very subtle improvements are often noticed right away, in a stronger immune system and a healthier digestive tract.

“Probiotics is not a fad,” says Gary Huffnagle, an immunologist at the University of Michigan and author of “The Probiotics Revolution.” It is really is a new scientific understanding about how the body works.”

Do an internet search on the word term ‘probiotics’ and you will find that there has definitely been a shift, now days, in the way medical scientists think about bacteria (germs). It is finally getting a much deserved, more focused awareness and attention than ever before.

Probiotics have been found to aid with the absorption of nutrients, production of vitamin K, and helps with the necessary and balanced maintenance of good bacteria in the intestines. They are also believed to inhibit the overgrowth of disease causing harmful bacteria, by crowding them out. Probiotics can be the most helpful to those who have just recently taken antibiotics, by re-establishing colonies of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract which, sometimes, can be quite difficult to do.

The best sources of good bacteria (probiotics) comes from fermented foods, beverages, or supplements. Probiotic supplements are available in many health food stores either in capsules, powders, or liquid forms. And, while many nutritional experts agree that most of us would benefit in some way from a daily dose of probiotics, learning how to ferment your own foods or beverages at home is a more superior source of good bacteria nutrition. Not all probiotic supplements can necessarily be trusted to deliver what they say they can.

Besides, learning to ferment your own food and beverages at home can be a healthy, fun, and nutritious hobby. Most experts on this subject will agree, that anything you can easily make at home is far better for you than any commercialized product that you could buy. The reasoning behind this idea, is that you will have more control over the whole process in what you are ingesting, and you also have the option of buying the most natural ingredients to use for the end product.

Here is a small list (there are many more that are not listed) of different types of fermented foods and beverages:

1.yogurt

2.aged cheeses

3.kefir

4.kombucha

5.pickles and olives

6.sauerkraut

7.sourdough bread

8.soy sauce

9.vinegar

Studies have shown that good bacteria can help protect us from diarrhea, colitis, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and Chron’s disease. Probiotics may also help treat kidney infections and stones, ulcers, and allergies. Some even argue that good bacteria can help protect us from cancer, colds and flu, and help lower cholesterol.

All-in-all, probiotics have been reported to help many different health conditions, from diabetes to migraine headaches. And to think, that as a culture, we have been overly obsessed with killing germs all around us by bleaching and soap washing everything in sight.

We are just now beginning to understand that there are certain types of germs, or bacteria, that are actually good for us, and they are our friends. Will our awareness of this knowledge benefit human health in the long term, I believe so.

Amanda Too asked:




The main course of heartburn for most people occurs is when many of us suddenly get a burning sensation that starts in the chest. This is always happened when we have eaten. After our stomachs have digested the food, the stomach juices can sometimes flow into the gullet,

or we called the esophagus. When that happens the esophagus lining gets irritated and a burning sensation can felt be especially near the heart.

The part of the body that is responsible for heartburn occurring is the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, or LES as it is sometimes called. This valve is responsible for holding the stomach juices inside our stomachs. The intestines of the stomach are capable of dealing with the stomach acids. Still if for any reason the LES relaxes then the stomach juices can flow into the esophagus and begin causing heartburn.

The walls or the skin of the esophagus are very thin, hence the esophagus can get irritated by the acidity of the stomach juices. There are a few factors for the cause of heartburn to occur. Here is a list of what is reasoned to be some of the top reasons for heartburn.

Coffee, tea, and other drinks that contain caffeine can relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, thus allowing the stomach juices to flow into the esophagus. Chocolate contains certain amounts of a substance named theobromine.

This compound is found naturally in many caffeine bearing plants. The theobromine relaxes the LES muscle and causes the stomach acid to shoot up into the esophagus leading to heartburn.

Fried and fatty foods have a tendency to slow down the digestion process. This leads to the food being kept in the stomach for a long time. This results in increased pressure to the stomach. This pressure build-up weakens the LES allowing stomach acid to pass into the esophagus.

Tomatoes and tomato-based products, and alcohol also cause the LES to relax. These foods lead to an increase in the production of more stomach acid. This is another heartburn factor.

The tobacco chemicals in cigarettes weaken the LES, as the chemicals pass from the lungs into your blood.

Eating large amounts of food any time of the day puts extra pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter. Hence there is a chance that some of this digested food will end up in the esophagus. This is especially true in the night as having a large dinner just before you go to sleep leads to the digesting food to press harder against your LES.

Drinking and eating lots of citrus fruits and juices also causes the LES to become relaxed. This is another cause of heartburn.

The last cause of heartburn, is clothing that restricts your stomach. As the clothes press against the stomach walls they force the food up against the LES.

In order to prevent heartburn to occur, the best is to change your lifestyle to avoid many of the factors discussed in the above that are causing the heartburn.