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.

Ryan C. Nagy, M.A. asked:




It is important to remember that kidney pain and back pain can have similar symptoms that have entirely different causes. You can have back pain symptoms that are caused by a kidney infection, while another person could have the exact same symptoms caused by a back problem.

When lower back pain is caused by a kidney problem.

Your kidneys are located to the left and right side of your spine directly above your hips. Pain from a kidney infection will usually occur near this same general area, although it can radiate outwards thus complicating diagnosis. Many people describe the symptoms as a general tenderness or ache and not “pain.” A strong, stabbing pain may be related to back problems and not the kidneys. The pain or tenderness can be due to a kidney infection or it could be related to some type of injury to the kidneys themselves. For instance, an injury caused by a fall could compress one kidney impacting and damaging it.

In addition to kidney pain caused by accident or injury there are also symptoms that are associated with a kidney infection. Pain caused by kidney infection is much more common than that caused by physical trauma. In addition, with kidney infection there will often be other symptoms such as a fever, pain while urinating or blood in the urine.

How to tell if you have a kidney infection and what to do about it.

If you have a kidney infection, you will likely have some of the following symptoms: fever, chills, backache and pain. Nausea and tenderness near the infected kidney can also occur. Your doctor will diagnose the condition through tests of kidney functioning or by a bacterial test. Why two types of tests? Because there are two common types of kidney disorders, each with a different cause. Treatment and pain relief will likely include rest and antibiotics for any bacterial infections. Usually the treatment will last for several weeks, but certain people may have structural issues and require longer-term treatment.

The bottom line is that you want to get the right information about what might be creating your pain symptoms – do not self-diagnose. A kidney infection left untreated for many years can have catastrophic implications for your health. If there is a history of kidney infection in your family, or you have recently been in a fall or car wreck or had some other trauma that could have damaged your kidneys, you should consider seeing a doctor. The treatment for low back pain caused by poor posture or over exertion is different than the treatment for low back pain caused by a kidney infection. You want to treat the right condition.

Matthew Hick asked:




If you find yourself suffering from acne, there are several paths you can take. Getting an over-the-counter treatment is one path; however, if your acne is severe enough, it is best to see a qualified dermatologist. This doctor can give you a prescription medication to treat your condition.

Drugs will be prescribed in topical form applied to the skin in mild to moderate cases. These are either antibiotics or retinoids. For moderate to severe cases, which are resistant to other treatment, systematic antibiotic prescriptions taken orally are prescribed. Sometimes there will be a need to combine the two therapies. If you are struggling with acne, this may be an option you will need.

Antibiotics have been the core acne treatment for years. They combat different factors contributing to acne by reducing the number of bacteria present, as well as, reducing inflammation. Topical antibiotics deal with acne by inhibiting the skin bacteria, Propionibacterim, commonly referred to as P. acne population. The treatment plan consists of a six month or less period.

The most frequently used topical antibiotic is clindamycin. This is available in a gel or lotion. There are certain conditions such as, ulcerative colitis and antibiotic induced colitis, which will prohibit a person from using this treatment. The second most commonly used topical antibiotic is erythromycin. This is available in a solution, gel or an ointment of 2% strength. Similar to clindamycin, it is well tolerated, but may cause some irritation. It is also safe for pregnant women to take. Tetracycline is a topical antibiotic, which is not commonly used since it can cause allergic reactions. It is sold as an ointment in different strengths. Metromidazole is used to treat acne that is a result of rosacea. It can be used once or twice daily, and is available as a gel at .75% strength. This is also a well-tolerated treatment.

Oral antibiotics work by reducing the P. acne population, which is what causes inflammation. The treatment usually starts with a high dosage, which is gradually reduced as the condition begins to improve. These may need to be taken weeks, months and even years to prevent reoccurrence.

Erythromycin is a common oral antibiotic. It has anti-inflammatory properties, kills bacteria and reduces redness and lesions. It should be taken with food and can cause stomach upset and nausea. This antibiotic is safe for pregnant women. Tetracycline is also widely prescribed but must be taken on an empty stomach for it to be effective. It is not safe for pregnant women or children under 9 years of age. Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative, which is useful with acne lesions that contain pus and water. There are many side effects including dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, skin pigmentation change and tooth discoloration. Doxycycline is prescribed for individuals who cannot tolerate erythromycin or tetracycline. It must be taken with food to avoid nausea and can increase skin sensitivity. Clindamycin is another useful oral antibiotic, but is usually prescribed in its topical form. It can cause serious intestinal infection.

Other topical prescription drugs are retinoids including tretinoin(Retin-A), adapalene(Differin) and Tazarotene(Tazorac). Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A, and are effective with whitehead and blackhead cases of acne. Tretinoin is the most common retinoid. It is available as a cream, but cannot be used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide. It is known to produce a high occurrence of skin irritation. Adapalene comes in a gel or cream at .1% strength. It, however, can be used with benzoyl peroxide treatment and is less likely to produce skin irriation. Tazarotene is the most expensive retinoid and is a gel at either .05 or .1% strength. This is probably the most skin irritating retinoid.

There are many prescription treatments available for acne conditions that are resistant to over the counter remedies. Depending on your type of acne and its extent, your doctor will prescribe either an antibiotic or a retinoid. These should be able to help you win the battle against acne.

Cindy Heller asked:


There are several ways to stop heartburn with the use of natural and pharmaceutical products. The ultimate goal to stop heartburn should be from temporary episodes to permanent relief. Natural methods to stop heartburn include making dietary and lifestyle changes and taking natural products to relieve the symptoms. The most common method today is to pop a couple of antacid tablets to quickly dilute the acids regurgitated from the stomach. Antacids have been found to work best for stress-related heartburns.

For people who suffer from frequent heartburn, they need to transition their treatment from using antacids and other medications to making the necessary changes to eventually stop heartburn. Ninety percent of heartburn episodes are triggered by the foods and drinks one consumes during a meal; especially the last meal before bedtime.

The first dietary step to stop heartburn is to control the amount of food consumed. The intake of fats in large meals is high. These remain in the bloated stomach for a long time to be digested. The stomach is unable to contain its acidic contents and some escape as acid reflux. This acid burns the sensitive inside walls of the esophagus resulting in the heartburn symptoms. Since these symptoms are felt in the chest area, many people are frightened that they may be feeling the onset of a heart attack. In summary, take smaller sized meals up to five times a day, rather than the traditional three larger ones.

Foods To Avoid To Stop Heartburn

Knowing which foods and drinks to avoid help one from future episodes of heartburn. If this is done consistently, it may be possible to completely stop heartburn.

The common foods and drinks to avoid include the following:

1. Spicy dishes like those found in Indian and Mexican diets

2. Tomato rich dishes like those found in Italian pastas and pizzas

3. Chocolates, Donuts, Creamy desserts

4. Citrus based fruits and desserts; containing oranges and lemons

5. Certain forms of potatoes: mashed potatoes and French fries

6. Raw Onions

7. Caffeinated drinks, Alcoholic beverages

8. Some dairy products: sour cream, ice cream and cottage cheese

Smoking has been found to weaken the esophageal sphincter muscle that keeps a lid on the stomach’s caustic contents. Smoking is key risk factor that causes acid reflux.

There are several steps that can be taken to put a stop to heartburn. Sensible lifestyle and dietary changes can be made to reduce heartburn symptoms. Some medications like antacids can bring about quick heartburn relief. A consistent treatment plan will help the sufferer put a stop to heartburn.

Vitamins For Heartburn

There are certain vitamins and minerals if taken may help the body recover from heartburn. However, the use of vitamins for heartburn treatment would only be effective if other essential lifestyle and dietary changes are made.

Seek Medical Advice Before Using Vitamins for Heartburn

In general, taking vitamins to supplement heartburn treatments should not require prior medical advice. However, to ensure that the right vitamins are being considered in the right doses, discuss these with your doctor. In rare cases, some vitamins taken in the wrong doses may result in adverse reactions and aggravate heartburn.

If one is looking for a vitamin for heartburn, then Vitamin C is a good candidate. Vitamin C taken twice daily of between 250 milligrams to 500 milligrams each time has been found to keep stomach acidity in check and therefore heartburn.

The body’s ability to maintain optimum pH levels in the stomach allows the effective digestion of food consumed and readily releases vitamins from food sources. Vitamins like B-12 prevent and remove bacterial outbreaks in the stomach. The optimum pH level of 3.0 or less stimulates the release of vitamins for heartburn relief.

If a health supplement containing vitamin B, choline, thiamin and pantothenic acid is taken regularly, heartburn may be cured within a month and the painful symptoms are likely to disappear gradually.

If 500 milligrams of vitamin B1, known also as thiamin, is taken in the morning before breakfast, heartburn symptoms may be relieved. For chronic cases, the combination of vitamins B1, B5 and choline will aid in heartburn relief. In summary, there are vitamins for heartburn that can be taken to rid of the painful and discomforting symptoms.

Cindy Heller asked:


Heartburn relief is sought by the millions of people worldwide who experience the pain and discomfort of acid reflux. For the occasional and mild cases of heartburn, over the counter antacids may be sufficient to bring rapid relief. In severe cases, these antacids may be insufficient.

After dismissing the first few episodes of heartburn, all sufferers will consider the various heartburn remedies available. These can range from simple lifestyle and dietary changes to natural remedies to advanced pharmaceutical options. Information about these options can help one make the appropriate choices to get prompt relief.

Simple Heartburn Remedies

For the occasional heartburn episode, simple remedies will suffice. Understanding what triggers and why heartburns occur is the first step. The simple treatment plan for heartburn remedies involves a lot of common sense.

Since acid reflux is the main issue, attempts to dilute the acids should be taken first. This can be as simple as drinking a glass of water. Another simple thing to do is to chew gum. Chewing gum stimulates the generation of saliva which helps to neutralize the gastric acids.

The next most important step is to avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn. The common foods and drinks to avoid include the following:

1. Spicy dishes like those found in Indian and Mexican diets

2. Tomato rich dishes like those found in Italian pastas and pizzas

3. Chocolates, Donuts, Creamy desserts

4. Citrus based fruits and desserts; containing oranges and lemons

5. Certain forms of potatoes: mashed potatoes and French fries

6. Raw Onions

7. Caffeinated drinks, Alcoholic beverages

8. Some dairy products: sour cream, ice cream and cottage cheese

This is a common option to consider amongst the various heartburn remedies.

The pain of heartburn is usually at its worst when a sufferer lies down to sleep. The acid reflux unimpeded by gravity since the body is prone, regurgitates more caustic acids from the stomach thereby burning the esophagus and possibly the throat. The first thing to note is to avoid eating just before bedtime. As part of the common heartburn remedies to consider, have a reasonable sized meal avoiding the aforementioned foods and drinks at least two hours before bedtime. Next sleep with the head and upper torso raised – use additional pillows or raise the headboard. These two suggestions should help the heartburn sufferer get a more restful night’s sleep.

Heartburn Remedies: The Pharmaceutical Options

In the case of people who suffer from chronic or a severe form of heartburn, medical practitioners will be able to suggest a course of treatment to bring about heartburn relief. Apart from lifestyle changes, certain medications may be part of the treatment plan.

H2-Receptor Blockers is a class of heartburn relief medication that reduces the secretion of acids in the stomach largely by blocking the actions of histamines. This type of medication has been around from the 1960s and was developed to bring relief for various ailments like heartburn, stomach ulcers and dyspepsia.

A distinct advantage of using H2-receptor blockers is that it can be taken before a meal to suppress the buildup of stomach acids and brings about heartburn relief for a chronic sufferer. An additional advantage is that the palliative impact of the medication lasts for than 6 hours. The heartburn symptoms are avoided and the singed esophagus gets an opportunity to gradually heal; especially in the case of chronic heartburn patients.

Currently, the most preferred medication; beating H2 receptor blockers, is another class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors work in a similar way to bring about heartburn relief but only more effectively. These drugs halt the secretion of enzyme generation in the gastric cells, instead of merely inhibiting the catalysts that cause the generation.

The inert inhibitors only become active when they enter the stomach. They block the generation of the caustic stomach acids and help the sufferer begin his or her road to heartburn relief. The proton pump inhibitors continue to work for more than two days.

Before any drugs are taken for heartburn relief, it is important to seek medical help to confirm the symptoms and the right dosages. While several options are available, it would be useful to note that the use of proton pump inhibitors have largely over taken the use of h2-receptor blockers in the treatment of chronic heartburn.

Cindy Heller asked:


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

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

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

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

Heartburn: A Medical Perspective

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

Many Cures For Heartburn Are Readily Available

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

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

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

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

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