Archive for November, 2009

Relief For Heartburn That Gets Results Naturally

Jeff Martin asked:


Heartburn is a phenomenon that is very difficult to control and for that reason strikes fear into many people. The highly painful feeling in the chest can make people panic and have them running after prescription medicaments in an attempt to get short-term alleviation. Conventional medicine is seldom any real good for fixing heartburn. Instead of insisting on a solution that does not get you the improvement you want, then changing for heartburn natural relief will be a much better move. This is because conventional medication does nothing to alleviate the effects of heartburn in the long term. As soon as it wears off, heartburn comes back with a vengeance. For real long-term solutions the solution lies elsewhere in alternative ways of cure the problem. The easiest and the most effective is heartburn natural relief.

Heartburn natural relief-what does this do?

Using herbs and natural medicines that make positive contributions without any undesirable side effects, natural heartburn medicine draws on natural substances and other medicinal plants including neem and aloe vera. These medicines are freely available where you live. Heartburn natural relief is in this sense a new answer to the problem of heartburn and related matters. Using a holism program, heartburn natural relief allows you to banish this problem by acting on and removing the causal agents. And as a bonus, heartburn natural relief can also be used immediately on any symptoms. If you like, make your own pulp version for heartburn natural relief from the natural substances indicated. An alternative treatments specialist will also be able to inform you about the logic and the optimal effectiveness of heartburn natural relief.

Should I use Heartburn Natural Relief?

Heartburn natural relief is very effective in relieving all kinds of cases of heartburn. It is however most effective if taken regularly over time rather than just on those occasions when heartburn attacks. The effectiveness of Natural heartburn relief also depends on the reason behind the heartburn and the intensity. Mild cases of heartburn can get almost instantaneous relief. The natural relief means a high chance of eliminating mild heartburn completely.

In other cases heartburn may be the external face of otherwise hidden illnesses such as GERD. If this is true, intense long-term treatment for heartburn natural relief may be required. Yet, this can be used for any kind of patient, because the solution is very safe. It can be proposed to pregnant women, and for newborn babies and children as well as other types of patient.

Because heartburn natural relief uses exclusively natural remedies to handle heartburn, there are no negative impacts on your system. This form of treatment gets results while using a gentle, but effective approach. When the natural heartburn really treatment is teamed up with a holistic approach, it works even better. This approach focuses on necessary lifestyle changes so as to fix heartburn quickly and effectively, unlike conventional medication.


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on November 13th 2009 in Diseases And Conditions

Abdominal Pain in Adults

peterhutch asked:


 

The evaluation of abdominal pain requires an understanding of the possible mechanisms responsible for pain, a broad differential of common causes, and recognition of typical patterns and clinical presentations. All patients do not have classic presentations. Thus, unusual causes of abdominal pain must also be considered, especially in elderly and immuno compromised patients.

The differential diagnosis of generalized abdominal pain in adults is entirely different from that in children, with the caveat that children gradually progress from infancy to adulthood and so an adolescent is more an adult than a child. A colicky pain comes and goes or at least fluctuates in intensity. The patient may writhe about during the pain, seeking a comfortable position. The pain of peritonitis is constant and the patient lies still as movement aggravates the pain.

Acute abdominal pain can represent a spectrum of conditions from benign and self-limited disease to surgical emergencies. Evaluating abdominal pain requires an approach that relies on the likelihood of disease, patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The location of pain is a useful starting point and will guide further evaluation. For example, right lower quadrant pain strongly suggests appendicitis.

Abdominal Pain in Adults Causes

1. Diseases people worry about most are appendicitis, gallbladder disease, ulcers, infections, and pregnancy associated problems.

2. Doctors also worry about the following conditions: ruptured blood vessels, heart attack, liver and pancreas inflammation, kidney stones, problems with the blood circulation to the intestine, diverticulitis, and other diseases.

Symptoms

The type of pain can vary greatly. When abdominal pain occurs, it can:

*Be sharp, dull, stabbing, cramp-like, twisting or fit many other descriptions

*Be brief, come and go in waves, or it can be constant

*Make you throw up (vomit)

The pain may take the form of cramps that come and go or it may be constant. It may feel like stabbing, aching, or burning in your abdomen. Pain may also spread to your back or chest. Sometimes the pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.

Abdominal Pain in Adults Treatment

Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often gets better without special treatment.

If the pain persists or if the patient believes the pain may represent a serious problem, they should see their healthcare provider.

A heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water may ease the patient’s pain.

Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismol, also can reduce some types of abdominal pain. Activated charcoal capsules also may help.

Pain relief – your pain may not go away fully with painkillers but it should ease.

Fluids – you may have fluids given into a vein to correct fluid loss and rest your bowel.

Medicines – for example, you may be given something to stop you vomiting.

 


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on November 12th 2009 in Alternative Medicine

Can a Hemroid Cream Heal Your Hemroids?

Marie P. asked:




Hemroid cream can be used to relieve the severe symptoms that external hemroids cause. Most people suffering from the problem want something fast and to stop the discomfort and pain. A hemroid cream can be used to ease symptoms such as itching and burning. This is all they will do. They only provide relief, they are not a cure.

Hemroid cream can either be prescribed or purchased over the counter. They can be homeopathic, herbal, analgesic, anesthetic or hydrocortisone and you can get them in either a foam or cream form.

Before applying the hemroid cream you want to be sure you fully cleanse the affected area by blotting it with a clean tissue or wipe.

What are the benefits to using a hemroid cream?

It can ease the swelling to the irritated tissues. You can get immediate and temporary relief to the burning, itching and constant scratching that hemroids causes.

One of the herbal extracts found in some creams is Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel has several beneficial uses. It has been known to help with insect bites, poison oak, eczema and inflammation of the skin. In the form of a tea it can help relieve a sore throat and help with diarrhea. It can be used to clean your face, treat boils and even help clear up pimples.

In addition to using a hemroid cream to help alleviate the pain you should drink plenty of water to help flush your system and eat lots of fruits, veggies and foods high in fiber. One of the main causes for hemroids is constipation and straining during bowel movements. Eating a healthy diet and drinking water will help in relieving the symptoms.

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on November 11th 2009 in Alternative Medicine

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Janet Rusky asked:


People who encounter the term “irritable bowel syndrome” are often confused as to what that illness is. Many wonder about the various symptoms associated with the term. What is irritable bowel syndrome? In order to properly understand this illness, a person should learn about these factors:

1) Symptoms – These are the common manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome in human beings. In a sense, the symptoms tell what irritable bowel syndrome is by telling you how it affects your body. In the past, it was actually quite difficult to answer the question of “what is irritable bowel syndrome?” by looking at the symptoms.

You see, irritable bowel syndrome is not really a disease. It is a “syndrome” mainly because it is a group of symptoms.

This is because of the fact that some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome contradict each other. For instance, some people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome experience diarrhea while some people experience constipation.

2) Causes – As said before, irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease. It is actually a disorder. It is important to know this in order to understand what irritable bowel syndrome is. Many people misunderstand irritable bowel syndrome because they do not really understand its causes. Some people may think that irritable bowel syndrome is caused by eating some sort of food that does not agree with one’s digestion. Others may think that irritable bowel syndrome is caused by a virus or bacteria of some sort.

However, one thing you need to understand about irritable bowel syndrome is the fact that it is not really “caused” by anything. Irritable bowel syndrome is a state in which your bowels do not function properly. This condition then leads to the various symptoms that people experience.

3) Triggers – In order to truly know what irritable bowel syndrome is, people should be able to understand the different things that trigger its symptoms. There are two main triggers of irritable bowel syndrome:

a) Stress – Studies have shown that stress can have a huge impact on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In fact, the stress caused by knowing that a person has irritable bowel syndrome can trigger that person’s symptoms. This is the reason why counseling is part of the treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

This is also the reason why people today turn to alternative therapies for their treatment. Some people take up yoga or go through the process of acupuncture to help them relieve stress.

b) Food – Eating the wrong type of food can definitely trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Foods that have a high fat content should be avoided by people with IBS. Alcohol should also be avoided as it is a known trigger of the symptoms of IBS.

c) Treatments- Knowing what irritable bowel disease is also involves knowing about the various treatments that are used to relieve the symptoms of it. There are various drugs that are in use today to help stop one or more of its symptoms. However, since irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease, it is also incurable.

What a person suffering from this illness can do is to try and keep the symptoms at bay by using different treatments like specialized diets and relaxation techniques.

By keeping these various factors in mind, a person can answer the question of “what is irritable bowel syndrome?”


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on November 11th 2009 in Health

Abdominal Pain In Children – 4 Important Things To Learn

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Stomach aches, cramping, sharp abdominal pain; these are the cause of most visits to see the doctor in children. Depending on the age of the child, it is difficult for either parent or physician to discover the main cause. Sometimes, in the case of an emergency, the pain requires attention as soon as possible. The abdominal pain in children could result from foods, poisons, viruses or bee stings and insect bites.

1. Abdominal Pain from Infections

Infections most often occur, do to contact of virus’ or bacterial substances. These infections can cause abdominal pain through stomach flu or Gastroenteritis. The later being the inflammation and irritation of the intestines and bowel track. When traveling, with or without children, special care must be taken because the foods and drinks may become contaminated; this will possibly lead to abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Most abdominal pain caused by viral infections can be warded off quickly; however, if the abdominal pain is bacterial, medication may be in demand. Occasionally, in both cases, if children experience vomiting and diarrhea, the recovery time may be quicker than those who don’t. If diarrhea comes into play, the distribution of fluids is essential so the child avoids dehydration.

2. What to look for when food poisoning is the factor of abdominal pain.

There is a number of abdominal pains related to or caused by food; gas production, poisoning, extreme foor ingestion or allergies. Out of these, food poisoning is usually temporary and connected to the discomfort of bloating. Symptoms to look for are vomiting, nausea, fever, chills, stomach cramps and diarrhea; these sighns of food poisoning will appear up to two days after eating the contaminated food.

The nervous system can be affected depending on how severe the case is. Outbreaks are known to occur when several jpeople come down with the same symptoms after eating the same contaminated food. More than two hundred diseases are found to be connected to food. Either toxic or infective agents can cause food to become poisoned. Parasites, bacteria, and viruses are classified as infective agents. Uncooked food, poisonous mushrooms and exotic food would be classified as toxic agents. Yet another way food becomes contaminated would be through unclean workers preparing the food.

Food allergies will cause abdominal pain as well as vomiting, nausea and skin rash or diarrhea. Most allergic reactions are called hypersensitivity to certain foods; whereas most circumstances they are harmless, others can be very life threatening and are referred to as anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis.

Other poisons that can attribute to abdominal pain would include insect bites, such as the Black Widow Spider. Even an overdose of medicines and consuming not-food items will cause stomach cramping. Each of these will contribute to abdominal pain, nausea, tremor and vomiting. Sever cases will include dizziness, respiratory problems, chest pain, also heart rate and blood pressure may increase.

Diabetes will also cause abdominal pain in children. Appendicitis is also a rare but likely cause of abdominal pain. This is caused from a blockage and inflammation of tissues. Symptoms of appendicitis start as a small pain near the belly button. The pain will shift slowly to the right side of the lower abdominal within twenty four hours. Other symptoms involve vomiting, nausea, fever, and loss of appetite.

3. What to look for

Young children curl up, cry, and position their hands around the cause of distress. Even though some children don’t wish to talk during their time of discomfort, it is important for the parent to get them to explain what they are feeling, the best they can. The parent should monitor the signs and area of pain, as well as, how long it lasts. This will allow the parent to get a good handle on the situation before contacting the pediatric doctor. It is important to try to get the child to relax until help can be obtained.

4. Small steps to take

One can relieve abdominal pain caused from gas by lying with the child’s face in a downward direction. If vomiting and diarrhea are the course of abdominal pain; it is essential to provide fluids constantly and solid foods only if the child feels he or she can handle it.


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on November 11th 2009 in Babies

Stomach Bloating. the Causes and the Cures

Elizabeth Hartley asked:


Stomach bloating is a common complaint suffered by millions of people of both sexes and all ages. But why do we get it?

What causes bloating in some people more than in others and what can we do to get rid of it?

Well generally speaking, bloating is that uncomfortable overstuffed feeling that most of us have experienced at one time or another. Usually after overindulging at the dinner table or maybe after a bout of excessive drinking. However for some people bloating is an every day occurrence that can make meal times a constant battle.

There are several factors that contribute to stomach bloating and most of them are food or drink related.  If you are a sufferer you need to find out what is your ‘bloat trigger’ in order to help you deal with the problem and treat it properly. The four most common culprits are:

Fluid Rentention

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Stress

Food intolerance

Fluid Retention

For many women, bloating may be hormone related and the result of a build up of fluid especially in the week prior to menstruation. When an imbalance occurs in the body, excess fluid can build up in spaces between cells. Quite often a bloated abdomen may be accompanied by puffy eyes and swollen ankles.

A quick way to test for yourself if you suspect you may be suffering from fluid retention is to press your thumb onto your lower leg for a couple of seconds. When you release the pressure gently feel to see if the skin has sprung back or if you have been left with an indentation. If you can feel a dent this may be a sign of fluid retention.If you suspect you are suffering from fluid retention you should consult your doctor.

Many over the counter remedies for milder occasional cases are available. Diuretics (water tablets) can provide temporary relief but are not always the best solution as these can lead to dehydration and dizziness. A better solution is to cut down on salt and alcohol intake and increase potassium levels. Good natural sources of potassium include fruit (especially bananas), vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, milk, fish, shellfish, beef and poultry. If you are in the habit of adding salt to meals try switching to low sodium alternatives such as LoSalt which is high in natural potassium and contains 66% less sodium than regular salts.

Irritable bowel syndrome

This is a common cause abdominal bloating.  Treating ibs and digestive problems can be difficult and treatments should be discussed with your GP. However many home remedies and over the counter treatments are available and well worth trying.If you suffer from ibs you will more than likely also have additional symptoms such as:

1: constipation

2: abdominal pain

3: diarrhoea

Some of the more common remedies you may be prescribed include anti-spasmodic tablets such as Spasmonal, Colofac and Buscopan. As the title suggests these work by acting directly on the smooth muscle in the gut, causing it to relax. This relieves painful muscle spasms of the gut, without affecting it’s normal motility.

Over the counter remedies such as peppermint oil capsules and peppermint tea are also useful for soothing the symptoms. Charcoal products which are available from most health food shops are a popular choice for bloating and excess wind in the lower abdomen. Other popular products such as Gas X containing Simethicone, can be extremely helpful in dispersing excess gas and are available in a variety of forms including strips,softgels and chewable tablets.

Beano is a natural food enzyme dietary supplement that can help prevent gas before it starts. It’s available in either tablet or liquid form and works on neutralising the gases caused by a variety of foods including beans, vegetables and whole grains.

Probiotic drinks and yoghurts may also be helpful by encouraging good bacteria and helping to maintain a healthy gut. It’s worth incorporating these into your daily diet to assist digestion and keep ‘everything moving’. Activia is currently one of the market leaders and is available from all leading stores and supermarkets. The recommendation is to consume one or two pots per day for at least a fortnight. After this time the manufacturers are confident you will feel better with a noticable reduction in bloating.

Stress

This too can be a factor in abdominal bloating. The link between the digestive system and emotions is well documented. Many people suffer from a ‘nervous tummy’ and most of us are familiar with that stomach lurching feeling or that urgent need to rush to the toilet when we are anxious or under pressure.

Gulping food down too quickly can also create bloating by allowing too much air to be swallowed. Remember how you have to ‘burp’ a baby when he guzzles down the contents of his bottle?

Chewing gum and drinking fizzy drinks can all cause the same problem. Taking time to eat slowly and chewing food properly can be helpful. Try eating smaller portions and putting the fork down between mouthfuls. You should also avoid drinking through straws.

Relaxation techniques or hypnosis may be the best long term solutions to help to deal with bloating caused by stress. When we are under severe stress the brain releases hormones that put an enormous burden on our digestive systems. But different people may react in completely different ways and while some may be unable to eat a single morsel others won’t be able to stop themselves raiding the fridge and gorging on comfort foods. It’s no wonder that stress has been implicated in digestive disorders including cramps, diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating.

Probably the most common cause of stomach bloating is food intolerance.Not to be confused with Food Allergy which is a more serious condition where the immune system responds disproportionately to a certain normally harmless food, provoking in some cases, a severe and occasionally life threatening reaction.

Food intolerance on the other hand is the inability of the body to properly break down and digest certain foods and ingredients.

One common cause of food intolerance is lactose found in cow’s milk. This occurs in some people who have a shortage of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is needed to break down milk sugar and allow it to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be mild or severe and include nausea, cramps, diarrhoea and bloating. A range of tests are available through your doctor to detect lactose intolerance.

Anyone found to be intolerant to lactose will need to modify their diet and reduce their intake of milk and other dairy products. Nowadays, lactose reduced milk and other products are available at most supermarkets. For those whose symptoms are more severe, lactase enzyme may be prescribed in liquid or tablet form to aid digestion.

Certain other types of food are well known to cause excess gas, for example: onions; broccoli; cabbage and beans etc.There are also a number of ‘hidden’ foods and food additives can also contribute to bloating and the best way of isolating those responsible is to follow a careful elimination diet for 3 – 7 days.


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on November 10th 2009 in Health

Cavus Foot: A Symptom of Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

kent B Smith asked:




Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary disorder that affects the nervous system.  It is also known as Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy (HMSN), Hereditary Sensorimotor Neuropathy (HSMAN) and Peroneal Muscular Atrophy.  With 37 out of every 100,000 infants born with the disorder, Charcot Marie Tooth disease is one of the most common neurological disorders passed down by genetics.  It is an autosomal dominant condition, and so if a human being has the disorder roughly fifty percent of his or her offspring will inherit it.

One of the most common symptoms of Charcot Marie Tooth disease is Cavus Foot, a condition characterized by high, rigid arches.  The absence of crucial proteins in people affected by Charcot Marie Tooth disease negatively affects the muscles and nerves of the leg and foot.  Certain muscles in the foot become very weak.  The result is a combination of deformities where the foot drops but the arches remain high.  

Cavus foot brings with it its own host of problems.  An excessive amount of weight is placed on the ball and heel of the foot, which can lead to instability and soreness.  Calluses often form where the foot is exposed to extra friction or pressure.  Other foot deformities develop such as hammertoes and claw toes.  

(Hammertoe is a condition where the second joint of the second, third or fourth toe remains permanently bent.  It is usually caused by cramming toes into ill-fitting shoes. Claw toe is a foot deformity where the toes are permanently clenched like a fist. Both of these foot deformities can be attributed to high arches which increase pressure on the tips of the toes and force them into a bent position.)

Cavus foot can be treated non-surgically with orthotics (padding and protection designed for the foot) and proper footwear.  Podiatrists often recommend high-topped shoes so that the ankle receives extra support.  Braces may be necessary to help promote balance and to keep the foot and ankle in proper alignment.  Callus pads can help reduce local pain, and calluses can be kept under control with the help of a physician who can safely remove hard and thick foot tissue (a process known as debridement).  Surgery is necessary in situations where the symptoms are likely to get worse over time, or when pain and instability cannot be corrected with external, orthopedic devices.  Fully correcting Cavus foot may require several surgeries with mixed results.

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on November 9th 2009 in Flashlights

Abdominal pain causes and treatment

Vinay Gupta asked:


There are many organs in the abdomen. Pain in the abdomen can originate from any one of them, including Organs related to digestion the end of the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, the liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas. The aorta, a large blood vessel that runs straight down the inside of the abdomen. The appendix, an organ in the lower right abdomen that no longer serves much function, the kidneys, two bean shaped organs that lie deep within the abdominal cavity, the spleen, an organ involved in blood maintenance and infection control.

However, one may have referred pain to the abdomen i.e. the pain may start from somewhere else, like your chest or pelvic area. You may also have a generalized infection, such as the flu or strep throat, that affects many parts of your body. So, keeping in mind the various organs in the abdomen, the possible causes include appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), bowel obstruction, Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) with or without gallstones, Chronic constipation, Dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm, Diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, Early-stage shingles (a viral infection where pain begins before the appearance of a rash), Excessive gas, Food allergy, Food poisoning (salmonella, shigella), Gastroesophageal reflux, Heartburn or indigestion, Obstructed Hernia, Infectious mononucleosis, Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), Intussusception — while uncommon, this is a serious possible cause of pain in an infant who may be bringing the knees to the chest and crying, Irritable bowel syndrome, Kidney stones, Lactose intolerance, Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), Parasitic infections (Giardia), Sickle cell crisis, Spinal fracture, Ulcers, Urinary tract infections, Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) etc.

The treatment depends on the whether there is mild inflammation, infection or involvement of the intestines etc requiring surgery. Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often gets better without special treatment. Taking rest, light home diet, fluids and anti-inflammatories like Tylenol/ibuprofen, antacids are treatment enough in such cases. In severe pain not improving with time and home care, a doctor evaluation is needed. Then depending on the cause, appropriate antibiotics or intravenous fluids/injections can be given. In cases like appendicitis, intestinal obstruction etc, immediate surgery is needed.

For more information about abdominal pain causes visit

http://www.simplyanswer.com


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on November 7th 2009 in Diseases And Conditions

Heartburn Relief Without Drugs

Anna Hart asked:


Millions of people worldwide suffer an occasional bout of heartburn. Many of those suffer frequently, and try one product after another to gain heartburn relief. Products range from simple over-the-counter indigestion relievers to prescription drugs for heartburn relief. But is heartburn relief possible without drugs of any kind?

It has been said that only about 1 out of 100 people who take drugs for heartburn relief really need them. Heartburn, like every other pain in your body, is a warning signal. It is telling you that something must be changed.

If the warning light in your car tells you to check your engine, you do not ask a mechanic to disconnect the light so it will not bother you. That is asking for a bigger problem! You ask the mechanic to check the engine, and correct the root problem that causes the light to come on.

Heartburn relief should not be a matter of turning off the “warning light” so you don’t see it. Heartburn relief should address the root cause of the warning light.

Cause of Heartburn

In simple terms, heartburn is a muscular problem.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a specialized ring of muscle located at the end of the esophagus, opens when you swallow to let food pass into the stomach. It then closes quickly to keep things in the stomach. When the LES doesn’t close quickly enough, or reopens at the wrong time, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The acid on the sensitive lining of the lower esophagus causes a burning sensation.

True heartburn relief must make the LES operate properly. It must keep the LES from relaxing inappropriately, or it must strengthen the LES. How can that be done?

How can you get true heart relief without drugs?

1. Diet

Heartburn relief must obviously pay attention to the food that is moving from the esophagus into the stomach. We are all different. Our stomachs produce differing amounts of gastric juices, with differing degrees of acidity. The food you eat must be digestible by your individual system.

Returning to our vehicle illustration, what happens when you use improper fuel? It isn’t long until the engine lets you know! If the fuel contains water or sediment, or if the octane level is wrong, you will know. All you have to do is listen to your engine.

Heartburn relief requires listening to your body. The next time you have heartburn, think back to what “fuel” you just put into your body. What did you eat? Write it down and forget it for now. Do this each time you have heartburn. After a month, look over the list. Does the same “fuel” always demand heartburn relief? Avoiding that fuel may be your answer.

2. Actions

The failure of your muscle to keep the door closed between stomach and esophagus may be as simple a matter as your actions. You may be doing things that make the door open.

Eating too fast, eating too much, or not chewing food well can all contribute to heartburn. Bending at the waist after eating is commonly connected to heartburn, as is tight clothing. Allowing yourself to become overweight puts undue pressure on that area of the body, an action best corrected by losing weight. Going to bed on a full stomach or exercising too soon after eating will also call for heartburn relief.

Your heartburn relief may be as simple as changing your actions. Try eating more slowly, and chewing every bite thoroughly before swallowing. This incorporates more saliva, which helps the stomach digest the food. Stop eating before you are too full. Wait at least 2 hours after eating before exercising – at least 3 hours before going to bed. Addressing other actions that put pressure on the lower esophagus may also bring heartburn relief.

3. Water

Another factor in heartburn relief is the consumption of adequate amounts of clean water. If you suffer heartburn during or after exercise, you may simply be dehydrated. Every muscle, including the LES that prevents backflow of stomach juices, needs sufficient water to function well. Be sure you drink plenty of water daily, with extra when exercising.

4. Garlic

Garlic provides heartburn relief for many, especially those who have H. Pylori. H. pylori is a bacterium found in the stomach. It works with acid secretion to damage stomach tissue, causing inflammation and contributing to heartburn. For heartburn relief, try eating 1 or 2 cloves of fresh, raw garlic daily until the H. pylori is eliminated.

5. Oxygen

Have you considered whether you are breathing deeply and regularly? As noted above, the root cause of heartburn is muscular. Muscles demand oxygen for efficient functioning. If, because of stress or poor habits, you fail to breathe deeply and regularly, you deprive the LES of the oxygen it needs to be strong and operate properly.

Heartburn relief for you may be as simple as deep, regular breathing during and after eating. It will help you relax, and will send adequate oxygen to the sphincter muscle that prevents or permits heartburn.

If you experience heartburn on a frequent basis, please contact your physician to be sure other underlying causes are not involved. Once you have ruled out more serious concerns, try the above tips for heartburn relief.

Disclaimer: The author is not a professional health care provider, and intends the above for educational purposes only.


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on November 7th 2009 in Medicine

Effects of Constipation on the Heart

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:


Have you ever been constipated to the point that you were sure you were going to have a heart attack? All the straining and forcing can definitely put a strain on your entire body, but does constipation itself have any adverse effects on the heart?

First off, it’s important to know the signs of constipation and understand what it is. Constipation is not so much a condition as it is a symptom of a much larger issue. The larger issue could be something as simple as a side effect of a prescription medicine or as complex as a health risk, such as diabetes. Constipation can have nearly infinite causes, so it pays to know your body and how it works.

Constipation can be diagnosed when the following occurs:

No bowel movements for 3 consecutive daysHard stools 25% of the timeStraining and/or incomplete bowel movements 25% of the timeTwo or fewer bowel movements within a week’s time

As you can see, being diagnosed as constipated doesn’t always mean that you cannot have a bowel movement. Many people have bowel movements and are still considered constipated. It’s a matter of the quality, and not just the quantity, of the bowel movements that count.

The Heart of the Matter

Many of the same things that cause constipation can also be detrimental to your heart’s health. For example, high blood sugar causes constipation and can also cause heart problems. Just as a high fiber diet can dramatically help constipation; it can also reduce your chances of a heart attack.

In a study of French adults, it was proven that the higher the fiber intake, the lower the chances of high cholesterol and blood pressure or of being over-weight. All of which affect both the heart and constipation. High fiber diets also show to lower abdominal obesity as well as blood sugar levels. The recommended amount of daily fiber is between 25 and 35 grams. The average American eats about 15 grams per day.

The proper amount of daily water soluble dietary fiber can help control diabetes, hemorrhoids, constipation, intestinal polyps, diverticulosis and even reduce the risk of colon cancer. It can even significantly reduce cholesterol within 4 weeks. Fiber has scientifically been shown to be a valuable ally in the war against many cancers, stroke, hypertension and coronary heart disease.

Virtually every one of the most notorious health killers can be impacted by eating a diet that’s high in fiber. So, it’s plain to see how constipation can affect the heart. When you’re constipated, it can be a warning sign that something is wrong with your body internally.

While low fiber intake can certainly be a reason for constipation, it’s important to remember that there is always a possibility of an underlying reason for your constipation and many of these reasons can also affect your heart.

Give Your Heart a Break!

Many health experts agree that the best thing you can do for your body is a periodical colon cleanse. It rids your body of years of built-up sludge and mucous that sticks to the inside of your intestines. When your intestines get clogged with all that matter and debris, it makes it extremely difficult for your body to absorb nutrients that are needed for it to function properly.

Everything starts with the colon. If your colon is clogged and dirty, your immune system will suffer, your risk of cancer is higher, your heart works harder and you are actually self-poisoning yourself since toxins are being re-absorbed into the body instead of being expelled. A clean colon will increase your metabolism, allowing you to lose weight easier and give you a sense of overall well-being.

Oxy-Powder is a product that can cleanse the colon as well as build a healthy environment for good bacteria to grow within your intestines. Oxy-Powder is an all-natural solution that can help constipated sufferers on their first step to a healthier lifestyle.

Oxy-Powder uses a unique combination of oxygenated magnesium, germanium and citric acid to leave your colon clean and fresh. And that’s exactly how you’ll feel too! If your colon is clogged and sluggish, you feel and act like it. Likewise, when you colon’s clean, you’ll feel lighter and experience energy like never before.

Use Oxy-Powder to clean out all of the deep down sludge and grime that’s been collecting in your colon over the years. Restore your vitality and actually receive the nutrients from the foods you eat. Your heart will work more efficiently and many of the dangers that can affect your heart can be alleviated before they have a chance to do any real damage.

By using Oxy-Powder, you can treat the constipation and in turn be doing your body a world of good. The tips for a heart healthy lifestyle? Increase your fiber intake, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and periodically cleanse your system with a product like Oxy-Powder. It’s as easy as that.

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on November 7th 2009 in Health

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