Health and Diet Blog

Bob Bastian asked:




Heartburn is a common problem in today’s world. Acid reflux, gastric reflux, GERD, (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) are the many names heartburn has been given. Even though they all share many of the same traits, there are specific medical conditions that can be found in each. Acid reflux or acid disorder reflux is a disorder of the digestive tract.

Acid disorder reflux gives the unfortunate sufferer a burning sensation in their chest and stomach. This painful inflammation is the result of hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is used by the stomach to digest food. When the stomach and the esophagus canal is not separated by a mechanism known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, then the stomach acids backup into the esophagus. This refluxing motion causes an irritation to the sensitive tissues in the lower esophagus area.

Generally the esophageal sphincter muscle functions normally. It contracts and closes the esophagus area after you have had a meal. This closure prevents the stomach acid from rising up into the esophagus during the digestion process. However there are times when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter does not operate properly, then acid from the stomach reflux into the esophagus. This results in the condition that is medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder or acid disorder reflux.

The reasons for acid disorder reflux are varied. However they often occur with other health issues like allergies, enzyme deficiencies, gallbladder problems, hiatal hernia, stress and heartburn ulcers.

Food and beverage consumption is another possible cause. It is recommended that you avoid consumption of alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits and drinks as these are known to relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or LES as it is called. Coffee, Tea and colas which contain caffeine must be eliminated from your diet as well. These beverages contain a substance called theobromine.

Fried and fatty foods have a tendency to slow down the digestion process. Eating large amounts of food at any time of the day can put a lot of pressure on your stomach muscles. When the food is kept in your stomach for a long period, there is increased pressure to the stomach muscles. This pressure build-up can weaken the LES.

As this is the valve that protects your esophagus from the stomach you need to take care that this weakened conditioned does not allow the digested food acids to pass into your esophagus. Therefore you should eat small meals throughout the day. By consuming large amounts of food, you cause the LES to relax and reflux food into the esophagus leading to acid disorder reflux.

Tomatoes and tomato-based products like sauces and tomato juice will also cause the LES to relax. These tomato-based products lead to an increase in the production of stomach acid. When they reflux into the esophagus, the acidity levels cause acid disorder reflux.

By watching what you eat and taking care of your health, you stand a better chance of avoiding acid disorder reflux from entering your life and causing you pain, and its’ always better in the long to eat healthy anyway.

Keith George asked:




Heartburn is a common symptom caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. It is also identified as one of the causes of asthma and chronic cough. Even though heartburn is common, it is rarely life threatening. It is an unpleasant burning sensation under the breastbone that usually occurs after a meal. But a recent Gallup poll concluded that nighttime heartburn is also quite common. Although the pain of heartburn is felt in the chest, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart.

My heartburn is caused by a backup of stomach acid into my esophagus. Heartburn is a recognized medical condition – or at least some types of it are. If heartburn is a continual or severe problem, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. Clinical studies add further support to the concept that functional heartburn is not just a misdiagnosed GERD but rather a distinct entity. It is quite common, and an occasional episode is generally nothing to worry about. You may not know that chronic heartburn is linked to esophageal cancer and you may be surprised to learn that a major cause of heartburn is smoking.

Occasional acid indigestion symptoms or heartburn is common in most people. These symptoms can sometimes last up to 2 hours or longer. Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms are appearing in adulthood. While these are the main symptoms of heartburn not all GERD symptoms will be the same and the disease may be present even without apparent symptoms.

Listen in as doctors explain the symptoms of heartburn, when you can safely self-medicate, and what warning signs require medical evaluation. An estimated 7 percent to 10 percent of the adult population in the United States experience symptoms of GERD every day. One should consult a physician for persistent symptoms. The burning and pressure symptoms of heartburn can last for several hours and are often worsen after eating. Remember that if you experience the symptoms you are not alone. The symptoms of heartburn are very common and in most cases, over the counter treatments and lifestyle changes are sufficient for providing relief.

Home treatment, such as lifestyle changes and nonprescription medicines, may be all that is needed to treat mild to moderate heartburn. Zanprol Tablets are a short course of 2 to 4 weeks of treatment that can stop recurrent heartburn for weeks at a time. New minimally invasive treatment for reflux stops heartburn. Natural herbal indigestion remedy and acid reflux treatment for natural acid reflux gives relief. The two most commonly used drugs for treatment of heartburn are H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). NEXIUM is for the treatment of frequent and persistent heartburn symptoms. But, prevention and treatment of heartburn starts with lifestyle changes.

However, heartburn is a medical condition with biological causes and it is an unpleasant burning sensation under the breastbone. It is also much more than an annoyance and you should treat it. Fortunately, it is usually very simple to treat and even to avoid. It is a more common problem in todays world and although it is not a condition itself – it is a symptom and a pain in the butt, especially at night when it can keep you from sleeping.

Kiran Tamada asked:




Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is very prevalent and common disorder characterized by abdominal pain, stomach discomfort and changes in bowel movements. Bowel changes may be either in form of constipation, diarrhoea or both. Additional symptoms include general malaise, loss of appetite and bloating of stomach. Research suggests that IBS is more prevalent in women compared to men. In United States around 15-20% population suffer from this disease.

One of the major causes of IBS has been attributed to stress and anxiety and is psychosomatic disorder, but latest research reveals that it is caused due to changes in sensation of muscles and nerves which affect the motility of the bowel. Research also reveals people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) have high level of sensitivity of the intestine compared to people who do not suffer. Neurochemical imbalance of Serotonin, a neurotransmitter which is responsible for GI motility is also one factor responsible for IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not life threatening disease but it can severely impact the daily quality life. In children abdominal pain can cause absentee from school. Patients suffering from severe symptoms have greater impairments in their lives.

IBS is more prevalent in Caucasian race (whites) compared to Hispanic or Asian population; hence IBS is not well characterized beyond western countries. IBS is more prevalent in whites than black.

To dismay, till date there is no complete cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and it is a chronic illness. Treatment is based on symptoms. It can be frustrating for the patient as well as the doctor to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is very important for the doctor to establish good relationship with the patient, reassurance is the key for treatment along with proper counseling, change in dietary habits and lifestyle changes can help a lot for IBS patients. People suffering from moderate symptoms can go ahead with their daily lives without much impact.

Dietary change in habits can go long way in helping IBS patients. Elimination of foods like sorbitol, fructose, and gas forming legumes can help in alleviating IBS and bring relief to the patients. Foods favoring flatulence like onions, carrots, bananas and wheat germ if avoided may help to cure IBS to a certain extent.

High fiber diets also help IBS patients who suffer from constipation as fiber helps in retention of water, and helps in colonal exit. Calculation of fiber in diet/day in children is done by adding 5 to the age of the child.

Mike Lee asked:




Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is generally classified as a “functional” disorder. A functional disorder refers to a disorder or disease where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable structural or biochemical cause. It characterizes a disorder that generally can not be diagnosed in a traditional way; that is, as an inflammatory, infectious, or structural abnormality that can be seen by commonly used examination, x-ray, or blood test.

Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon.

Most individuals are surprised to learn they are not alone with symptoms of IBS. In fact, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 10-20% of the general population. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in medical treatment of disorders of the stomach and intestines) and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.

Not surprisingly, the IBS symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating and constipation (and many times diarrhea as well) are associated with impaired quality of life and are the second most common cause of work-related absenteeism, behind the common cold. Consistent treatment of irritable bowel syndrome IBS helps improve quality of life, cuts worker absenteeism, and improves work productivity.

There are several treatments available for IBS. Several prescription medications are available, including Dicyclomine (a muscle relaxant) and Lomotil. Unfortunately, the FDA approved applications of these prescriptions are incredibly limited and there are many associated risks and side effects associated with their use. Common side effects common to both medications include dehydration, dry mouth, dizziness, and tiredness. Lomotil, in particular, acts like a narcotic- so care should be taken with its use, particularly for children.

A popular alternative solution is natural herbal remedies (such as Bowtrol) and diet management. This combination allows an individual to treat the underlying potential triggers of the condition and not just the symptoms. As an individual learns to identify various foods that may trigger or aggravate the IBS symptoms, they can then move to eliminate or reduce the consumption of those foods. At the same time, the herbal remedy is working to restore natural order to the digestive tract. This is a very effective combination.

Fiber can also be quite helpful to individuals that suffer from IBS. There are two main types of fiber that can be used to treat the different symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The first type of fiber is called soluble fiber. This helps with both diarrhea and constipation. Some of the foods that contain soluble fiber are apples, beans, citrus fruits, and many garden vegetables. You can also buy supplements to enhance your intake of soluble fiber. Some popular brands are Fiberall, Metamucil, and Perdiem.

The second type of fiber is called insoluble fiber. This helps with constipation by bulking up the stool and adding more material to allow for easier passage through the digestive tract. You can find soluble fiber in many whole grain and wheat based products, as well as many vegetables.

Try to increase your daily fiber intake very slowly so to make sure your system can adjust. You will notice gas and bloating gradually decrease as you make these dietary changes. Try to eat a wide variety of foods so you can sample how each affects your symptoms.

Sandra Kim Leong asked:




Most people suffer from symptoms of leaky gut syndrome without realizing it. While the symptoms are pretty common, the condition is not commonly known under conventional medicine. According to naturopathic experts, leaky gut syndrome is a condition that can possibly cause symptoms such as pain, digestive disorders, frequent infections, and skin disorders. However, most conventional treatments fail to address this condition as they are more focused on treating the symptoms, rather than the underlying problem.

Leaky gut syndrome simply means increased permeability of the intestinal lining which has become leaky due to damages to the lining of the bowel. Naturopathic experts cite reasons such as an overuse of antibiotics, dietary problems, toxins, or infection as possibly causing a leaky gut. Increased permeability means that the lining does not absorb nutrients selectively, but material can leak through the wall. Toxins, waste, undigested food and other material pass through the intestinal lining, causing inflammation and affecting the functionality of the digestive tract.

Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome include:

- Gas

- Indigestion

- Abdominal pain

- Chronic pain in joints and/or muscles

- Poor immune system

- Diarrhea

- Constipation

- Foggy thinking, anxiety, mood issues, and/or memory problems

- Fatigue

- Respiratory problems such as asthma or wheezing

Still, you may find it hard to believe that such a condition exists. Fortunately, there is a test to help determine if you are having leaky gut syndrome symptoms. There are two chemicals that are both soluble in water and unused by the body. Mannitol is easily absorbed by a healthy intestinal lining. Lactulose is a large molecule and can only be slightly absorbed by healthy intestines.

To perform this test, you would need to drink a solution containing both these chemicals. You would then need to collect urine for six hours. The amount of each chemical in the urine is used to calculate the amount absorbed by your body. How well your intestines is functioning is determined by how much of each substance was absorbed. A healthy test shows high levels of mannitol and low levels of lactulose. If high levels of both molecules are found, it indicates a leaky gut syndrome. If low levels of both molecules are found in the urine, it is a sign of a general malabsorption of all nutrients.

Since damage is already done, it is important not to worsen the problem of increased permeability. Ways to help include:

1. Removing any infections and parasites

Many sources agree that leaky gut syndrome is caused by candida yeast infections. There are several natural treatments available to control candida including acidophilus, fresh garlic cloves, and dietary changes.

2. Adopting a healthy diet

You should take a high fiber diet, in addition to eliminating foods that are high in starch and sugar. It is also important to limit fungal foods such as mushrooms and cheese. Also avoid foods with yeast such as bread, alcohol, soy sauce, and vinegar.

3. Using nutritional supplements and digestive aids

There are many supplements that aid in digestive health. For example, essential oils like fish oil and flax seed oil may be beneficial and can be safely taken over time.

You also need to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your body to keep the unfriendly bacteria from getting out of balance with the good bacteria. Probiotics are supplements that support the proper balance of bacteria in your system.

Very often, the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome are not dealt with at the root. Hence, you would find that even after taking years of medications for them, you never quite cured yourself. It is important to find ways to fight the problem at he source, rather than finding ways to cope with your symptoms. Luckily, there are measures that can help you minimise the damage done and to help your leaky gut heal.