Health and Diet Blog

Juliet Cohen asked:


Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a problem that affects mainly the bowel. It is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It can be found in children, often is first identified in adolescence and can resolve unexpectedly for periods of time throughout an individuals lifespan, reoccurring at any age. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. The disorder accounts for more than one out of every 10 doctor visits. For most people, signs and symptoms of irritable bowel disease are mild. It is fairly common and makes up 20–50% of visits to gastroenterologists. Lower abdominal pain, and bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits and abdominal discomfort relieved with ********** are the most frequent symptoms. It is also called the large intestine. Women are affected more often than men. It’s not the same as inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. Colitis, for instance, means inflammation of the large intestine (colon). IBS, however, does not cause inflammation and should not be confused with ulcerative colitis, which is a more serious disorder.

Some people with IBS find that increasing the amount of dietary fibre and reducing caffeine helps. The word syndrome means a group of symptoms. IBS is a syndrome because it can cause several symptoms. For example, IBS causes cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress. Colon motility (contraction of intestinal muscles and movement of its contents) is controlled by nerves and hormones and by electrical activity in the colon muscle. IBS should not be confused with colitis or other inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract and IBS is not limited to the colon. In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following: fever , vomiting , acute diarrhea , positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed “post-infectious IBS” and is acute onset Rome II criteria positive. This condition is more homogenous, being mostly IBS-D and is drawing much clinical investigation.

Causes of Irritable bowel syndrome

The common causes and risk factor’s of Irritable bowel syndrome include the following:

No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome.

Factor’s that seem to produce sympatoms of IBS include diet, emotional stress and hormones.

Ordinary events such as eating and distention from gas or other material in the colon can cause an overreaction in the person with IBS.

Sometimes another illness, such as an acute episode of infectious diarrhea (gastroenteritis) can trigger IBS.

People with IBS often report that family members also have the disorder, suggesting a possible genetic cause.

Symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome

Some sign and symptoms related to Irritable bowel syndrome are as follows:

Gas.

Bloating.

Mucus in the stool.

Feeling sick with it.

Swollen or bloated abdomen.

Bloating and fullness of wind.

Alternating between one and the other.

A sensation of having to rush to the toilet.

Crampy pain in the stomach area ( abdomen ).

Diarrhea or constipation- people with IBS may also experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea.

Treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome

Here is list of the methods for treating Irritable bowel syndrome:

Fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation or medicines to decrease diarrhea, such as Lomotil or loperamide (Imodium).

An antispasmodic is commonly prescribed, which helps to control colon muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain. Antidepressants may relieve some symptoms.

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and homeopathy, are often used.

Some people find complementary treatments such as acupuncture help, although there is little scientific proof of their effectiveness.

Anti-diarrheal medications: Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhea.

Drugs which are used for diarrhoea, such as codeine, can be helpful, but are used less because they can be addictive.

When all else fails, a small dose of a medication usually used to treat depression can be effective. This seems to work in a much smaller dose than is used for depression, and may, in part, work by mimicking the nervous system to the bowel.

Timothy Madigan asked:




So, bodybuilding is something you like and you want to be able to gain muscle mass. You have given it some time and you are beginning to see some results. The nice part is you have lost some of the flab that you had a year ago, your body is getting hard, you are gaining some muscle weight and loseing fat weight, but your muscles are not getting as big as you want them to be. What you want are muscles that are big, maybe sculpted muscles with definition, or if you can get those muscles big, you would like to maybe get in a body building competition. What you have found is your bodybuilding workouts are getting easy and you want to challenge yourself with a different workout.

How to gain muscle fast using advanced bodybuilding training and exercise techniques have been used by many different types of people and professions.

Some of those people are:

professional athletes

wrestlers

security personnel

bouncers

male bodybuilding models

femal bodybuilding models

and most definetly the military.

Now here is the nice part, you can be one of them too. If you have been working out and building up your body’s strength, and you are eating the right types of foods (protein laden meals), you have gotten rid of all of the junk food and you have the patience, then you are ready to learn the best way to build muscle by using some of these advanced bodybuilding routines / training / exercise techniques.

This is what you need to keep in mind

Have you been bodybuilding for a while, like I think you have, you know that there are many different bodybuilding training styles, bodybuilding routines. These programs can be for the beginner bodybuilder, a person who has been doing this for a while (intermediate bodybuilder) and of course for the advanced person as well.

Understand that this is going to cost you some money and will probably take up more of your time while learning how to build muscles and muscle mass. One of the main points too and not to be over looked is you have to eat those small meals all day long. If you are about to imbark on some intense bodybuilding workouts, then you should go see your doctor before you start to make sure your body is able to handle these extreme workouts.

There could be different circumstances for each bodybuilder. Some can workout the arms and legs while the back is not going to be able to take much. But don’t fear, there are still some extreme bodybuilding training techniques that you are going to be able to do.

So if you are ready for the challenge of your life, then watch and learn the fastest way to build muscle using some advanced bodybuilding techniques. Below you are going to find some bodybuilding routines that will increase muscle mass, tone, define your muscles and make them big.

5 Advanced Bodybuilding techniques to Build Muscles Quickly

Forced Reps:

What you are going to do here is to lift the weight over and over, quicker and quicker, but the key is that you have helper “spotter” to “force the rep by helping you lift the barbell. What I mean by this is for every ten (10) lifts, you are going to get some help on the eleventh (11). What is going to happen is the barbell is going to get heavier and heavier. This is for sure going to help you build some muscle mass over time.

Partials:

This one can be a lot of fun. What you want to do is instead of doing a normal lift by moving the weight all the way, you are going to only move the weight half way and then hold it for 10-20 seconds, and do it again. You are going to feel some pain with this one, so make sure that you stretch after each one of the sets to help minimize the pain you are going to feel.

Pre Exhaust Training:

This one is for when one specific area is what you want to work on. Say you are going to work on the triceps. You start by doing your favorite routine for your triceps, like lifting the dumbbell over your head. This is the intense part. When you are resting inbetween switching weights or lifts, you are going to skip the rest part and just begin the new exercise. Some people have called this “supersetting”, and man does this get those muscles working and burning. This is a great one for building muscle fast.

Giant Sets:

This one is going to be similar to the pre exhausting exercise. But here is the difference, you are not going to rest at all for an entire series of exercises of a specific muscle group. Talk about burning, this one will do that. So if you are going to work those biceps and you have several exercises you do, there is no rest for that entire group of exercises for thos biceps.

Strip Sets:

You are going to need some help for this one, so get two of your buddies at the gym to help you with this one. Time is everything with this strip sets. What you are going to do is start bench pressing with the most weight on it you usually use and then have the spotters start to lower the weight. Now there is no rest inbetween the weight changes, and you should be used to that by now. The speed is what is going to build the muscles on this one. Try it you will see what I mean.

As you can see, these advanced bodybuilding training / routines are really going to give you a workout. Give this a try for a few months and watch how fast your muscles grow. You will gain muscles, muscle mass, definition and be proud to show that body off.

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:


Loniten users have found that one of the associated side effects of use of this medicine is that they can become constipated during their treatment. Because Loniten can cause constipation, it’s important to treat for constipation while taking this medication.

One of the main factors of this medication is blood pressure. High blood pressure is extremely dangerous to your health so taking medication to lower your blood pressure is important. While constipation is uncomfortable, it can be managed and tolerated when the benefits are life saving. Because this medication is generally not a short-term medication, it’s also possible that users will face on-going problems with Loniten related side effects. While this can be a bit frustrating, again, the benefits of this medication make it worthwhile to find ways to manage the side effects.

Your doctor may recommend that you take a laxative while you are taking Loniten. Using harsh laxatives will not only be rough on your system but can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and even medications so it’s important to treat your constipation in such a way that relieves you of the symptoms and allows you to have regular bowel movements without lowering the effectiveness of any medication you are taking. Over the counter laxatives can not only harshly induce bowel movements but they can have a negative impact on your overall health, should they be used long term.

Loniten, also known as Minoxidil was initially used as a blood pressure lowering medication. This drug is a vasodilator drug, which means that it helps to open (or dilate) the blood vessels. One of the positive side effects of Loniten that was discovered was that it caused excessive hair growth on people who were taking it. This was considered serendipity for those suffering from hair loss or male pattern baldness and it resulted in Loniten being used as a treatment for baldness. Many people began taking Minoxidil to treat baldness. While their hair grew and their blood pressure was lowered, they did have to face a few unwanted side effects.

Those using Loniten for hair loss need to closely monitor their blood pressure due to the lowering effect of the medication. Anyone who doesn’t have high blood pressure but is taking this product for hair growth could take a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Loniten can also blur your vision or cause acne and headaches. Sometimes these effects are simply a result of your dose of Loniten or Minoxidil being too high.

Whether you’re using Loniten for blood pressure or Minoxidil for hair loss, be sure to proactively work to ensure that you can continue to have regular bowel movements and stay under the care of a physician.

Taking extra fiber and drinking plenty of water will help. Taking a bulk laxative such as Psyllium can also be beneficial when taking any medications that slow down your bowel functions as well as eating fiber rich foods.

Loniten or Minoxidil users can use a product called Oxy Powder safely while they are medicated. Oxy Powder promotes regular bowel activity, which can be very beneficial when taking medication that can cause constipation. It also works in harmony with your body’s healthy bacteria (or flora) so that your system doesn’t face the harsh effects of loss of healthy bacterium. Many people who are on medications that cause constipation want the benefits of their medication, and in some cases it’s vital for their survival. Constipation can completely drain you of energy and leave you feeling bloated, cramped and sluggish. Using a product like Oxy Powder when taking a medication with this side effect can help you function without contraindicating your medicine and without having a harsh effect on your body.

Many Oxy Powder users rave about how well it works in relieving constipation, bloating and about the fact that it doesn’t chain you to your toilet like some laxatives or bulky food will. Oxy Powder gradually works over a twelve-hour period so that you aren’t rushing to the bathroom the moment that you take it. The benefits to using this product go above and beyond simply relieving you from Loniten induced constipation. This product is even used as a colon cleanser. It can have a positive impact on your overall health.

Whether you are taking Loniten or Minoxidil for blood pressure or for hair loss, you want to ensure that your bowels are running at peak efficiency. Constipation not only makes you miserable but also on a long-term basis will have negative health impacts. Because these medications are not short-term products, rather something that only works if they are being consistently taken, you will likely need to manage your constipation on an on-going basis. Using a harsh product long term can have some ill effects on your health. Using a natural and proven product that not only cleanses your bowels but has a positive impact on your colon health makes sense.

Juliet Cohen asked:




Corneal ulcers are a often problem in veterinary medicine. A corneal ulcer is a spilt in the outer layer or epithelium of the cornea. Corneal ulcers are most usually due to infection, which may include bacteria, viruses, fungi, or amoebas. It is a familier condition in humans particularly in the tropics and the agrarian societies. In developing countries, corneal ulcer is frequently the cause of great morbidity as well as economic loss to the person and family. There are many causes of corneal ulcers such as injuries, abnormal eyelashes that irritate the surface, lack of tear production and infections.

Extra causes of ulcers involve herpes simplex viral infections, inflammatory diseases, corneal abrasions or injuries, and additional systemic diseases. Corneal ulcers are characterized according to location, depth, related diseases, and cause. Improper use of contact lenses has become a common cause of corneal injury. Eyelid or tear function failure is the other way to make the eye vulnerable to infection. The early signs of a corneal ulcer include discomfort and irritation of the eyes. This can quickly lead to watering of the eyes, a discharge forming, pain and sensitivity to light. Treatment of corneal ulcer depends on causes or symptoms.

Some times anti-inflammatory medicines will be offered and steroidal preparations to help decrease the irritation and inflammation of the cornea. Medications may then be changed to more specifically target the cause of the infection. A combination of medications may be necessary. Corneal transplantation may be necessary to restore vision. If the corneal ulcer is large, hospitalization may be necessary. Steroid medications are avoided in cases of infectious ulcers. In infection by fungi, treatment is topical instillation of natamycin for Fusarium, Cephalosporium, and Candida.

In infection by varicella-zoster virus, topical sulfonamide ointment is applied three or 4 times everyday to cure infection. In infection by fungi, treatment is topical implantion of natamycin for Fusarium, Cephalosporium, and Candida. In many other cases, antibacterial eye drops are utilized every 15 minutes. Self-Care treatment is also important corneal ulcer. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately. Do not handle or rub your eye with your fingers and restrict spread of infection by washing your hands often and drying them with a clean towel. Apply cool compresses to the affected eye.

Brenda Watson asked:




Tired? Irritable? Overweight? Has your health and general feeling of well-being diminished over the years? A colon cleansing program may be the first step to improving how you feel by eliminating the toxins that could be the source of your problem.

Digestive experts are often quoted saying, “Death begins in the colon.” Could they be right? According to a discussion of 57 leading physicians held before the Royal Society of Medicine of Great Britain, it is true. Their conclusion was that nearly every known chronic disease is either directly or indirectly linked to the more than 35 bacterial poisons absorbed through the intestines. Technically called alimentary toxemia, it is also referred to as a toxic colon.

It is likely that most people wouldn’t connect their headaches, depression, or heart trouble to a toxic colon, but in fact, this is exactly what the statement by the Royal Society of Medicine suggests. In order to appreciate this connection, and see why constipation is such a dangerous condition, it is important to understand how the colon works.

The colon, also known as the large intestine or lower bowel, is an approximately five-foot long tube that is found at the final portion of our digestive tract. By the time food wastes reach the large intestine, the majority of nutrients have been absorbed, and what is left is primarily fibrous waste and toxins destined for elimination. The colon is benefited by the fiber in our diet, and we are encouraged by digestive experts to eat between 20-35 grams of it per day. Unfortunately, most Americans get about half of that, and the regularity of their bowels is suffering.

We can view the colon as the sewer system of the body, as it effectively ‘flushes’ waste from our system at an optimal rate of 2-3 times every day. Most naturopathic physicians define constipation as fewer than 2 bowel movements per day. When we are constipated, wastes are able to stick around longer than necessary and be acted upon by pathogenic bacteria. The Royal Society of Medicine refers to the byproducts of this interaction as bacterial poisons. When putrefied material stays in the colon longer than it should, these toxins have more time to enter the bloodstream through the intestinal cells that line the colon.

When digestion is poor and bowel movements are infrequent, toxins can enter the bloodstream and settle into the tissues, causing a wide range of complaints, from headaches to fatigue. Additionally, constipation can lead to a build-up of toxic material on the intestinal walls, resulting in reduced nutrient absorption or malabsorption, which deprives the body of nutrients needed to create energy and vitality.

Fortunately, you have the power to improve the health of your intestinal tract through colon cleansing. Working with your body’s own natural elimination processes, you can promote the detoxification of your bowel, and achieve 2-3 bowel movements per day. One of the easiest options we have to promote this process is through increased consumption of high fiber foods.

Fiber is the indigestible parts of plants. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is found in foods such as fruit pectin. It dissolves in water, forming a gel, and absorbs water soluble materials such as cholesterol and excess toxins. It also provides food for intestinal flora, promoting a healthy intestinal environment. By absorbing liquids, soluble fiber can also help form our stool. Insoluble fiber is also known as roughage. This is found in foods such as bran and fibrous fruits and vegetables. This type of fiber provides bulk to the bowel, sweeping clean the intestinal wall, and helping to promote regularity.

Experts everywhere are calling on us to eat more fiber so we can begin to receive the benefits to a healthy digestive system. By increasing our fiber consumption, we can promote a healthy colon and the elimination of toxins. With the small amount of fiber people consume every day, supplementation is an easy and convenient solution.

peterhutch asked:


 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Some go back and forth between constipation and diarrhea. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.

 

What causes IBS?

 

Doctors are not sure what causes IBS. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when you eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves may react when the bowel stretches, causing cramping or pain.

 

The lining of the colon called the epithelium, which is affected by the immune and nervous systems, regulates the flow of fluids in and out of the colon. In IBS, the epithelium appears to work properly. However, when the contents inside the colon move too quickly, the colon loses its ability to absorb fluids. The result is too much fluid in the stool. In other people, the movement inside the colon is too slow, which causes extra fluid to be absorbed. As a result, a person develops constipation.

 

IBS can be classified as either diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) or IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A or pain-predominant[6]). In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed “post-infectious IBS” (IBS-PI).

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

 

Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes these problems can be disabling, however. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don’t respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be present with other diseases, it’s best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

 

Abdominal cramping and pain that are relieved after bowel movements

 

Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation

 

Change in the stool frequency or consistency

 

Other symptoms sometimes occur and include: nausea (feeling sick), headache, belching, poor appetite, tiredness, backache, muscle pains, feeling quickly ‘full’ after eating, heartburn, and bladder symptoms (an associated ‘irritable bladder’).

 

How is IBS diagnosed?

 

Your doctor may start by asking you questions about your symptoms. If your symptoms have had a pattern over time, the pattern may make it clear to your doctor that IBS is the cause.

 

Medical history — The diagnosis of IBS begins with a comprehensive medical history. The medical history will include a discussion of the nature, duration, and severity of gastrointestinal and other symptoms. Sometimes a medical history reveals that dietary factors or drugs are actually causing a person’s symptoms. Clinicians routinely ask about past and present physical or sexual abuse and stress because these factors may have a role in IBS.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

 

Treatment for IBS depends on the severity of the disease. It can often be controlled by changes in diet and stress management. Other cases warrant medication — over-the-counter or prescription. For some people IBS can be disabling and for others it is chronic and fluctuates in severity, disappearing temporarily or completely.

 

Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) can be used for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, it should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.

 

IBS is a non-life threatening illness. It does not progress or increase your risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Cancer. Treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms so you can live your life as normally as possible.

 

Tim J. asked:




GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease  is a condition that is caused by acid reflux that rise up to your food tract and cause serious pain in your chest. Sometimes, it’s also called Heartburn. The common question that most people with this condition are looking for answer is How to cure GERD?  

Firstly, the PH of your stomach should be controlled. Alcohol drinks, large amount of foods can affect your stomach and increase acid which cause reflux. You can also avoid this by taking some substances such as magnesium and water a lot during a day. Other drinks that can also increase acid are orange juice, lemon juice and carbonated beverages such as cola drinks. Besides, you should give your stomach a time to digest foods after each meal. You should keep at least 3 hours between diet and your bedtime. This prevention keeps the refluxs to happen during bedtime.

Secondly, spicy food should be avoided as much as possible. Acid can increase sharply after a spicy meal you take and cause painful heartburn. If you want to be free from GERD, you have to adjust your daily diet to fit with your condition.

Besides, you also have to quit. Normally, your body can naturally get recovered from acid reflux. However, you should stop the consumption of tobacco and caffeine that can also increase the acid. This quit includes smoking, and coffee.

Whenever you sleep at night, you should always try to put your head higher than your body. By having an extra pillow on your head will help your stomach to be where it belongs and prevent the cause of acid reflux.

Kathryn Whittaker asked:




Living with acid reflux can be hard enough, but when you add other problems to that, it can be downright life altering. There are some reflux sufferers who also have problems with gas and indigestion, and those problems mixed with acid reflux are enough to make anyone miserable. You may not think they are related, but there are times when gas indigestion problems are directly linked to your acid reflux, or are aggravating your condition.

In the case of gas, it might be making your reflux worse, or might even be the cause of it. When food sits in the stomach for too long, it begins to break down but does not necessarily move through the digestion tract quickly enough. That creates gas in the stomach and can put undo pressure on the muscle between your stomach and your esophagus that is meant to stay closed to prevent reflux. When opened, or even pushed open repeatedly by excess gas, you run the risk of having acid splash up into your esophagus.

When it come to indigestion, you may think it is just a natural part of acid reflux, but that might be related to the gas problem you are experiencing. Gas indigestion problems can feel much like acid reflux symptoms, but are more likely the cause of your reflux. All of these things go together to make you feel very uncomfortable.

Some sufferers think that they are producing too much stomach acid and that is the root of all of their problems. However, what most people don’t realize is that as you age, you actually produce lower amounts of stomach acid, and that may be what is at the root of your gas indigestion problems. When there is not enough acid, food is not digested as quickly and can not move through your system. Instead, it sits in the stomach producing excess gas as a result. It’s a vicious circle.

If you think that gas indigestion problems might be what a concern for you, there are a few things you can do. One is to take a digestive enzyme supplement. Digestive enzymes aid digestion and can help food move through your system in a timely manner. That can help eliminate many of the problems associated with gas building up in your stomach that makes acid reflux worse. Some acid reflux sufferers suggest having apple cider vinegar diluted in water fifteen to thirty minutes before a meal as a way of balancing out your digestive system.

You can talk with your doctor about digestive enzymes, and modifications to your meals to see if slow digestion might be the root of your gas indigestion problems.

Davion W asked:


Natural heartburn treatments have been gaining momentum as the choice heartburn treatments in many households. Though there are a number of over-the-counter and prescribed medications and drugs to treat heartburn, most are non-curative unlike natural heartburn treatments. People are also increasingly concerned about the harmful side-effects of such medicines. Folks are now more willing and ready to learn about heartburn, its preventive measures and natural heartburn treatments.

Before we head to the local pharmacy for quick fixes with over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, we need to be aware of the different self care tips we can use to reduce the occurrences of heartburns and prevent them from happening in the first place. A lot has to do with our diet. It is common knowledge that consuming certain foods could trigger heartburns. We also do know that eating right before bedtime is not a good idea at all. Yet, we simply ignore these warnings and stick to our unhealthy eating habits. When the pains of heartburns strike at us, we reach out quickly for our heartburn medication. Unfortunately, in the long run, this quick fix loses its effectiveness and not only so, your heartburn condition can be aggravated.

What are possible harmful side effects of OTC and prescribed medicines and drugs?

You may not be aware but heartburn medicines such as antacids are acid blockers and in the process of offering heartburn relief by blocking stomach acids, they also block nutrients adsorption and hinder digestion. So you may end up in a worst condition. Besides this, since a number of medicines contain trace elements such as aluminum, magnesium, calcium and sodium bicarbonate, patients may suffer from constipation, stomach bloating, excessive gas, stomach upset, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea and excessive after-effect acid production.

Enough is said about the possible risks. We will take a look at how natural heartburn treatments can help to arrest heartburns without causing repercussions in our health.

1. Diet

There are some foods that trigger heartburns. You need to also keep track of foods that can cause you to develop heartburns. Avoid them at all cost.

a. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like tomatoes, grapefruit and oranges increase the stomach acidity, and irritate the esophagus.

b. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods are difficult to digest and tend to stay in our stomach longer, giving it a greater chance of escaping to the esophagus.

c. Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages

Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages. These drinks increase stomach acidity. Carbonated drinks like soda promote production of gases.

d. Alcohol, Peppermint, Spearmint and Chocolate

These foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. Stomach acids could then escape to the esophagus, inducing heartburns. Alcohol can also affect muscle contractions which indirectly affect swallowing of food into the stomach, and irritate the esophagus.

e. Foods that Irritate the Esophagus

Other foods include raw onions, garlic, pepper, vinegar and other spices.

2. Home Remedies as Natural Heartburn Treatments

There are a number of home remedies which make excellent natural heartburn treatments. Here is a list you can try:

a. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera juices have been widely used in European countries as natural heartburn treatments. They are soothing to the esophagus.

b. Ginger

Ginger can be prepared with fresh foods or, sliced or powdered and prepared as ginger tea. In both ways, they are good for digestion and are known to aid in suppressing heartburn.

c. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is excellent for treating heartburns.

d. Licorice

It has been reported that licorice is one of the best natural heartburn treatments. DGL, acronym for deglycyrrhizinated licorice is readily available at any health and lifestyle shops in the form of chewing gums and tablets. Daily consumption would effectively suppress the recurrence of heartburns.

e. Fibrous Foods

Eating more fibrous foods like cereals, fruits and vegetables are useful for our digestive systems. A medical research study found that those who stick to a high-fiber diet are 20 percent less likely to suffer from acid reflux heartburns. Fruits like cantaloupe, bananas and apple and vegetables like peas, celery, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower are packed with fibers.

Find out more at my blog about effective natural heartburn treatments that have set many heartburn victims free from this nagging problem.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

JP Richardson asked:




Let’s face it, the topic of colon cleansing can be embarrassing to many so the idea of effective home remedies for colon cleansing is one that is quite popular today. Fortunately, undergoing a colon cleanse can be an easy, painless process that one can accomplish in the comfort of their own home.

There are various programs for home colon cleansing that you can use. Some are more inexpensive than others, and some are certainly more effective. The key is to find one that works well and is affordable to you.

As far as enemas go, home enema kits are pretty inexpensive and readily available. Any local drug store will have several to choose from and they can be effective.

Using a home enema kit is fairly straight forward. After pumping liquid into the rectum, you drain it. The liquid breaks down any plaque and waste that lines the walls of your intestine, and is flushed out of your system during the draining process.

While an enema can provide temporary relief, it really isn’t addressing the real issue. Your diet plays a large part in overall colon health and it’s important to make sure that you’re consuming enough fiber each day to keep things running smoothly. Dietary fiber is one of the best things that you can add to your diet to improve bowel function, but you can take it one step further with supplementation.

There are excellent diet supplements available which are designed to improve intestinal function. Colon buildup and blockage can occur as a result of several different things, and these supplements can help to get things back on track. If you’re prone to having intestinal issues, you may want to consider supplementing your diet with herbal pills as a preventative measure.

The best way home remedies for maintaining a healthy colon are preventative in nature. Don’t wait until you have a serious problem to start to cleansing your colon. Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fiber and be sure to drink plenty of water each day. Most of all, remember that consistency is key to any health-related treatment.