Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
Because prescription medications can sometimes have unwanted side effects, many people look for natural cures for acid reflux. In addition, most prescription medications were not designed to be taken for long periods of time, possibly while a person makes dietary and lifestyle changes which can be natural remedies for acid reflux. Herbal remedies for acid reflux are based on what herbalists know of traditional medicine and traditional medicinal plants. Some of these are common food herbs, which pose no danger for long-term use, but their effectiveness as natural cures for acid reflux has not been proven.
If you have been diagnosed with acid reflux, it is important to see your doctor regularly, even if you feel that your symptoms are under control. And you should let your doctor know about any botanical or herbal remedies for acid reflux that you may be using. It is important to see your doctor regularly, because stomach acid can damage the esophagus and lead to more serious conditions including cancer of the esophagus. If you are relying on natural cures for acid reflux and you become hoarse in the morning, develop a cough, or feel a need to clear your throat frequently, these may be symptoms of silent acid reflux. Silent acid reflux is the term used to describe acid reflux that affects the voice box and the vocal cords, but does not cause heartburn symptoms. So even if natural remedies for acid reflux keep your heartburn under control, you should still see your doctor regularly and report new or different symptoms.
Herbal remedies for acid reflux include chamomile, meadowsweet, slippery elm, cancer bush, fennel, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root and other botanicals, including aloe. Slippery elm was used historically by native peoples to treat stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and other digestive complaints. Fennel and gingerroot were also common “folk remedies” for the relief of indigestion. Modern herbalists have found that a combination of several of the herbs that had been used for indigestion could be effective natural remedies for acid reflux. Some may call them natural “cures” for acid reflux, but long-term relief of acid reflux is best accomplished by changes in lifestyle and eating habits.
For example smoking relaxes the sphincter muscles that normally prevent stomach acid from reaching the esophagus. It also dries out saliva in the mouth and throat, which normally would neutralize some of the stomach acid and begin the digestive process. If you use herbal remedies for acid reflux and you do not stop using tobacco products, then you may still have acid reflux and you are still at risk of developing esophageal cancer. The major risk factors for developing esophageal cancer include acid reflux, smoking and alcoholism.
This brings up another lifestyle change that is recommended for long-term control and relief of acid reflux. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can reduce acid reflux. In particular, alcohol consumption in the evening is believed to lead to more symptoms of night time acid reflux, as well as other health problems. While some argue that a glass of red wine has many health benefits, this is a 4 ounce glass, before a meal, and for those who suffer from acid reflux, even this may be a problem. Alcohol increases stomach acid. Prescription and natural remedies for acid reflux are geared towards reducing or preventing excess stomach acid. It just does not make sense to continue to drink alcohol when you have been diagnosed with acid reflux.
Changing your eating habits may be natural cures for acid reflux. If you normally eat a large meal late in the evening, less than three hours before bedtime, then you are more likely to suffer from nighttime heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms like coughing. This is because acid is traveling up out of the stomach and into the throat. Raising the head of the bed is also considered one of the natural remedies for acid reflux symptoms that occur at night. Gravity helps keep the acid in the stomach, but eating your last meal earlier and making it a smaller meal may prevent nighttime acid reflux.
Finally, weight loss should be mentioned as one of the natural cures for acid reflux. If you are currently at your ideal weight then you may not need to read this section. Overweight and obese people are much more likely to suffer from acid reflux, including nighttime acid reflux. Trying herbal remedies for acid reflux control and making no effort to lose the extra pounds will undoubtedly be disappointing. Using prescription and/or natural remedies for acid reflux while you are trying to lose weight makes sense. Avoiding fried and fatty foods is often recommended for people who suffer acid reflux. If you avoid these and eat several small meals during the day then you may naturally lose weight and naturally cure acid reflux. Eating several small meals every couple of hours is often recommended by diet doctors, because it increases your metabolism and keeps blood sugar levels stable, so you don’t feel sleepy after a meal, don’t feel a need to lie down and stomach acid is less likely to travel back up into the esophagus.
These are only some of the possible natural cures for acid reflux. Your doctor, naturopath of herbalist may have more suggestions. For more information about acid reflux and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
How Caffeine Can Affect Your Health
In a regular cup of coffee there are about 170 mg of caffeine and in decaffeinated coffee there are about 30/40 mg of caffeine.
On the stock market, Coffee is a 90 billion dollar industry but what is significant is that just in North America 85%+ drink 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day. A huge number of people are at risk for many of the issues surrounding coffee consumption.
Top Ten Reasons why you should consider switching to a “Healthy Coffee”
Top 10 Caffeine-Related Health Problems
Cardiovascular Problems
Caffeine increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure, and can contribute to the development of heart disease. Both decaf and regular coffee increase your cholesterol and homocysteine, the biochemical that science has linked to increased risk for heart attack. Caffeine is also linked to coronary vasospasms, the cause for 20% of all fatal heart attacks which kill otherwise perfectly healthy people.
Stress
Caffeine stimulates the excretion of stress hormones which can produce increased levels of anxiety, irritability, muscular tension and pain, indigestion, insomnia, and decreased immunity. Increased levels of stress from caffeine can keep you from being able to make healthy responses to the normal daily stress everyone is subjected to in their lives.
Emotional Disturbances
Anxiety and irritability are hallmark mood disturbances associated with caffeine consumption, but equally important is depression and attention disorders. Depression may occur as part of the let down after the stimulant effects of caffeine wears off. It may also appear during the recovery period after quitting caffeine while the brain’s chemistry is readjusted. Caffeine rather than increasing mental activity actually decreases blood flow to the brain by as much as 30% and negatively effects memory and mental performance.
Blood Sugar Swings
Diabetics and hypoglycemics should avoid caffeine because it stimulates a temporary surge in blood sugar which is then followed by an overproduction of insulin that causes a blood sugar crash within hours. If you’re trying to loose weight, this rollercoaster will actually cause weight gain since insulin’s message to the body is to store excess sugar as fat.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Many people experience a burning sensation in their stomach after drinking coffee because coffee increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid leading to an increased risk for ulcers. Coffee, including decaf, reduces the pressure on the valve between the esophagus and the stomach so that the highly acidic contents of the stomach pass up to the esophagus leading to heartburn and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. With America ‘s high consumption of coffee, its no wonder the best selling over-the-counter drugs are the so-called antacids.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Caffeine inhibits the absorption of some nutrients and causes the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals, all essential elements necessary for good health.
Male Health Problems
Male Health Issues
Coffee is an irritant to the urinary tract and bladder. It is also a diuretic that aggravates conditions associated with frequent urination. Eliminating coffee and caffeine often relieves symptoms associated with frequent urination due to enlarged prostate glands.
Dr. Milton Krisiloff, M.D. has found that in the majority of cases, men can significantly reduce their risk for urinary and prostate problems by making dietary changes which include eliminating coffee and caffeine.
Female Health Problems
Fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, osteoporosis, infertility problems, miscarriage, low birth weight infants, and menopausal problems such as hot flashes are all exacerbated by caffeine consumption. Women on birth control pills are particularly at risk since they have a decreased ability to detoxify caffeine.
Adrenal Exhaustion
Caffeine consumption leads to eventual adrenal exhaustion which can leave you vulnerable to a variety of health disorders related to inflammation, autoimmunity, and fatigue.
Aging
Many people find in their forties that they can no longer tolerate the same level of caffeine consumption as they could in their twenties and thirties. The production of DHEA, melatonin, and other vital hormones start to decline and caffeine speeds up that downhill drop. Caffeine dehydrates the body and contributes to the aging of the skin and kidneys. It has been shown to inhibit DNA repair and slow the ability of the liver to detoxify foreign toxins.
Exhausted Adrenal Glands
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It causes the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline, the hormone your body depends on in emergencies to elevate your heart rate, increase your respiration and blood pressure for a rapid flight-or-fight response. When you overuse stimulants, the adrenals become exhausted. If your caffeine sensitivity has diminished or you’re one of those who claims you can drink 3 shots of espresso and go right to sleep, guess what? Your adrenals have given up responding. This means you have less resistance to stress, which leaves you vulnerable to health hazards such as environmental pollutants and disease pathogens
Severe Blood Sugar Swings
Caffeine forces the liver to release glycogen into the blood stream. The pancreas responds to the sudden rise in blood sugar by releasing insulin, the hormone which causes excess carbohydrates to be stored as fat. Within the span of an hour or two, the result is a sharp blood sugar drop resulting in a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). That’s when you think it’s time for another cup of coffee and the whole cycle starts up again.
Acid Imbalance
Over 208 acids in coffee can contribute to indigestion and a wide variety of health problems resulting from over-acidity associated with arthritic, rheumatic and skin irritations. Many people experience a burning sensation in their stomach after drinking coffee because coffee increases the secretion of acid in the stomach. Optimal health calls for an alkaline pH balance in the body.
Essential Mineral Depletion
Coffee inhibits the absorption of some nutrients and causes the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals, all essential elements necessary for good health. Women need to be concerned about osteoporosis as menopause sets in. Studies show that women who drink coffee have an increased incidence of osteoporosis compared to non-coffee drinkers. Men are not immune to osteoporosis either.
These are a number of health conditions for which doctors advise their patients to eliminate coffee and all caffeine from their diet.
Acid indigestion
Anxiety, irritability and nervousness
Candida or yeast problems
Colitis, diverticulitis, diarrhea and other irritable bowel symptoms
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other auto-immune disorders
Diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Dizziness, Meniere’s syndrome or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Gout (Elevated Uric Acid levels)
Heart disease or heart palpitations
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Insomnia and interrupted or poor quality sleep
Liver disease and gallbladder problems such as gallstones
Kidney or bladder problems including kidney stones
Migraines or other vascular headaches
Osteoporosis
Skin irritations, rashes and dryness
Ulcers, heartburn, and stomach problems such as hiatal hernias
Urinary tract irritation
IS THERE A HEALTHY COFFEE, BECAUSE I LIKE MY COFFEE?!?
Gano Healthy Coffee Products reduce the caffeine to about 7 or 8 mg per cup and give you the same energy boost without the health risks. De-caf Gano Cafe, Cafe Mocha and Tea, all blended with Ganoderma Mushroom extract, are available online at www.Healthy-Coffee-Shop.com. Ask for a free sample and try it for yourself.
Burning For Two – Acid Reflux And Indigestion While Pregnant
If you sit and talk to any group of pregnant women anywhere in the world about
the various discomforts they must endure during pregnancy they will all likely
agree on one that is worst than most. What is it? Acid reflux. Many years ago
there was an old wives tale that women who suffered from heartburn would give
birth to a child with a full head of hair. This, of course, is purely mythical.
That aside acid reflux is still a hugely annoying thing to have to endure while
you are pregnant.
Reasons For Acid Reflux In Pregnant Women There are several reasons why pregnant
women are more likely to experience heartburn:
1. Hormone levels in a pregnant woman are far higher than a woman who is not
pregnant. This dramatic increase in hormone levels can have a huge effect on
every aspect of your body and especially your digestive system. The most common
effect is that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can loosen up a bit. This is
a type of valve which typically holds the food in your stomach. If this valve is
loose then acid can flow back upwards into your gullet (esophagus). You will then
experience heartburn to a varying degree.
2. During pregnancy your body will change shape. This normally does not happen
until later in pregnancy. When these changes do happen your stomach area will
keep expanding and this expansion is what can lead to acid reflux. Your stomach
enlarging in this way puts far more pressure on the esophagus which can then
lead to indigestion and acid reflux in general.
Is There Anything You Can Do?
There is always something you can do to help
yourself! Firstly watch what you eat. Citrus foods, mint, spicy foods, fried
foods, and chocolate should all be avoided as much as possible.
Eat smaller meals too.
This will help a lot if you experience a lot of
morning (and daytime, evening and nighttime) sickness too. If you eat several
small meals throughout the day you are far less likely to experience heartburn.
Your body will be able to process those small meals far easier than 2 or 3 large
ones.
Correct Your Posture
Believe it or not practicing correct posture can help an
awful lot with acid reflux. Be especially careful of how you bend. While
pregnant you should always bend down at the knees – although later you will have
no choice but to do so as your stomach expands. However earlier on in your
pregnancy bending down at the knees will put far less pressure on your stomach
and therefore your esophagus. This can and will help you with the discomforts of
indigestion.
You can fight back against acid reflux during your pregnancy. You simply have to
choose to. Do not suffer in silence however and do not ever be afraid to consult
with your doctor for medication if the heartburn becomes too painful to bear.
Try These 7 Proven Remedies for Relieving Indigestion & Heartburn
Who hasn’t bolted upright in the night, awakened by a sudden and
terrible burning sensation in the pit of their stomach? Whether
you indulged in some overly spicy chili, or overdid it on those
late-night leftovers, these quick heartburn remedies will soothe
your fiery stomach and help you get back to sleep!
1. The first thing you’ll want to do when you’re awakened by
heartburn pain, is to stand up. This helps keep the acid at bay
while you go and get a full glass of cool water.
2. Drink the whole glass of water, and follow it with a mixture
of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and half a glass of water. Be
careful though, if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant,
this can cause water retention or increase your blood pressure.
3. DON’T drink milk or suck on mints to relieve heartburn. Milk
might feel nice and cool going down, but it actually contains
fats and proteins that cause your stomach to secrete MORE acid
and make your heartburn worse! Mints, while they may feel
soothing, actually relax the small valve between your esophagus
and stomach, whose purpose it is to actually KEEP acid at bay!
When this valve is relaxed, more acid can seep up and aggravate
heartburn symptoms!
4. This is going to sound strange, but downing a teaspoon of
vinegar can help soothe heartburn immediately! Why give your
stomach MORE acid when it already seems to have enough, you ask?
Sometimes, heartburn is caused as a result of too little acid,
and vinegar helps quell indigestion by giving your stomach a
little extra “juice” (no pun intended!) to do its job!
5. Certain foods can cause nighttime heartburn, including: soda
pop or beverages with caffeine (which you shouldn’t be drinking
before bed anyway!), alcohol, garlic, chocolate (sorry!), citrus
fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products. Avoiding these types
of food can help ease your indigestion if you frequently find
yourself awakened with that intolerable burning!
6. Eating a banana each day works like an antacid to soothe
heartburn. If you’re already stricken with indigestion, eating
pineapple or papaya (or drinking the juice) can help settle your
stomach naturally. Some people also claim that eating a teaspoon
of mustard (yuck!) can work immediately.
7. Avoid eating at least two hours before you go to sleep. Those
late night snacks can keep your stomach busy all night and
prevent you from easing into a deep, restful sleep. You may also
find that sleeping on your left side or sleeping at a somewhat
upright angle can keep acid down where it belongs.
If you are awakened by heartburn on a regular basis, or the pain
is severe, or if you have heartburn with vomiting, you’ll want to
consult your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of a more
serious condition such as an ulcer. Above all, avoid spicy,
fatty and caffeine-containing foods before bed, and you should be
able to drift off to sleep easily.
Sweet dreams!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
Chronic Sore Throat – Causes and Natural Treatment
Some people pick up a recurring sore throat, whilst others rarely or never succumb to this condition. Let’s have a look at some of the common causes of a persistent sore throat:
Low immunity
The resistance of your body to disease, can determine how often you get a recurring sore throat. If you have poor immunity you are more likely to pick up infections and their accompanying symptoms. Your immune system can be suppressed by a poor diet, stress, smoking, an underlying disease or a genetic weakness.
Chronic viral infection
Some viruses are latent viruses that remain in the body for life, and can be reactivated when you are run down or under stress. Examples are the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever, and the herpes virus that causes recurrent cold sores and ulcers. When these viruses recur infective symptoms like a painful throat, fever and malaise are common.
Chronic bacterial infection
Bacteria like Chlamydia pneumonia, mycoplasma and Rickettsia can cause low grade infections which last for years. These bacteria live inside your cells and are difficult to eradicate from the body. A combination of conventional and natural medicine is the best approach.
Chronic fungal infection
A persistent sore throat can be triggered by a thrush or Candida. These infections are characterized by white patches on the inside of the mouth and throat. Candida infections are common in those with suppressed immunity.
Allergy
Food and environmental allergens like pollen, mold, dust mite and animal dander are common throat irritants that can trigger throat pain and inflammation.
Food and chemical sensitivities
Sensitivities to particular foods and chemicals are well known causes of respiratory symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and an irritated throat. Chemicals like chlorine, cleaning agents, nail polish, pesticides, glues, petrol and aerosol sprays are common triggers.
Reflux
If your throat is worse in the morning it may be due to reflux. Acid travels up from the stomach into the esophagus, and if the esophageal valve is weak, the acid can irritate the back of the throat.
Overuse of the voice
Strain of the vocal chords can result in a persistent painful throat. This is commonly seen in teachers, singers and presenters. Voice training can reduce this condition.
Tumors
A recurrent sore throat which is accompanied by weight loss, a lump in the throat, blood in the phlegm and voice hoarseness may point to a throat tumor. Excess alcohol and smoking can contribute to throat cancers.
Mouth breathing
People who breathe through their mouth or those with sleep apnea often complain of a constant sore throat.
Dry air
Dry air like that found in heated homes or offices can dry out the mucous membranes of the throat, leaving it prone to irritation. A humidifier or some natural plants can help maintain a good moisture content of the air and minimize throat soreness.
Drug reactions
Certain medications can trigger adverse side effects in some people. If you suspect your medication may be causing your chronic sore throat then discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Emotional blocks
Recently there has been a resurgence in the belief that our emotions can trigger recurrent health problems. In the case of a constant sore throat, there may be a block in the ability to stand up for oneself, express thoughts and to reveal true emotions. If you think there may be an emotional component in your health problems it is worth chatting to a counselor or NLP practitioner.
Chronic sore throat treatment
Fortunately, through general lifestyle practices like a healthy diet, stress reduction, regular exercise, pinpointing allergens and sensitivities and boosting immunity through nutrients, herbs and emotional support, most of these triggers for chronic sore throats can be eliminated.
What You Should Know About Calcium Chloride
When you hear the word “calcium chloride” what comes into your mind? Probably, you will say that just like other calcium compounds, it is used as an active ingredient on dietary supplements.
However, it is wrong.
It is not advisable to be used as an active ingredient in dietary supplements because of the presence of the element chlorine, which is one of the integral parts of the chemical compound apart from calcium. Instead, it is used on other applications that will be discussed on the later part of this article. But for the mean time, let us first discuss how it is prepared.
Preparation of Calcium Chloride
This chemical compound is a by-product of the so-called Solvay process, or also known as the ammonia-soda process. It is a major industrial process employed in producing calcium carbonate wherein the calcium carbonate is reacted with hydrochloric acid, thus producing calcium chloride.
Application
There are millions of tonnes that are produced in United States alone. It has different applications which are as follows:
o Since it is hygroscopic (substances that readily absorbs water from its environment), it can be utilized to dry air and other gases as well. The process involves the conversion into brine as it absorbs either water or water vapor from the gases that need to be dried.
o Because of the extreme heat involved during the compound’s dissolution, it also acts as an ice-melting compound. It is quite harmless on soil and plants compared to sodium chloride. When used for this purpose, it is now of small white balls which are of few millimeters in diameter which is known as prills.
o It is also mixed up with concrete in order to strengthen its mixture as well as to help fast track the initial settings. However, it is not advisable to be used on reinforced concrete since the compound contains chloride ion which is corrosive to steel bars.
o It is also employed on minimizing dust on several highways. Its hydroscopic characteristic keeps the liquid layer on the highway’s surface, which in return holds the dust.
o It is also act as an additive in manufacturing of plastics.
o It is also employed for waste water treatment as a drainage aid.
o Its aqueous form is utilized on the cell’s genetic transformation by enhancing the permeability of the cell membrane. Such process permits DNA fragments to enter the cell.
There are several precautions with regards to exposure. Since it also contains acidic properties, you must always use goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Avoid inhaling it or taking it directly into your mouth. Once reacted with water, it can burn your mouth as well as your esophagus.
Symptoms of Hyperacidity
Hydrochloric acid is very essential and helps in the digestion process. When the amount of hydrochloric acid increases in its level, it leads to acidity problems. This will subsequently gives rise to the inflammation of the mucus membrane. Further, people might be affected with duodenal, peptic and gastric ulcers. The symptoms of all these disorders can be quite confusing.
Acidity will give a burning sensation and can also cause pain in the abdominal region. This can be accompanied by constipation in the advanced stages. If disorder is not treated well the patient can suffer from mental irritation, insomnia and the health will gradually decline. The burning sensation is due to the flow of gastric contents in to the esophagus. The gastric ulcer will erode the segments the GI mucosa. Swallowing becomes difficult in the earlier stages accompanied by a sour taste. The mouth will be often filled with bitter fluid. Asthma, sneezing, wheezing are some of the common disorders associated with hyper acidity. People from all parts of the world are being affected and there is no age limit as it can attack every single individual. The conditions might get worse if wrong food items are included in daily diet.
Some people might get confused the symptoms reflux disease with the symptoms heart diseases. Here are certain methods to distinguish between the two.
o Heartache will occur generally after the meals and heart attacks will occur while performing any kinds of activities.
o Hyperacidity is the condition due to the excessive flow of hydrochloric acid but the Heart attack will exert some pressure on the walls of the heart which can cause squeezing sensation with shortness of breath.
It is always good to differentiate the symptoms and treat them accordingly. A thorough understanding of this type of disorder will make the treatment process easier.
Top Tips To Treat Chest Pain
Chest pain is a serious symptom meaning “heart attack” to most people. Serious chest discomfort should usually be evaluated by a physician right now. On the way to the emergency room or while waiting for the ambulance, take two aspirin tablets. While pain from the heart may sometimes be mild, it is usually intense. Sometimes a feeling of pressure or squeezing on the chest is more prominent than actual pain. Almost always the pain or discomfort will be felt in part below the breastbone. It may also be felt in the jaw or down the inner part of either arm. There may be nausea and sweating. If dizziness, shortness of breath, or irregularity of the pulse is present, it is particularly important that a physician be seen immediately.
A related form of heart pain is not a heart attack but is termed “angina pectoris” or “angina.” These pains also can occur in the upper arms or the jaw, but usually involve part of the breastbone. Angina pains occur with exercise and sometimes with stress, and they go away with rest and relaxation. They are a result of narrowed arteries to the heart that are unable to supply enough blood when the heart is working hard. In a heart attack, one of these same arteries has actually become totally blocked. However, all chest pain does not come from the heart. Pain can also come from the chest wall, the lungs, the outside covering of the lungs, the outside covering of the heart, the esophagus, the diaphragm, the spine, the skin, or the organs in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. Often it is difficult even for a physician to determine the precise origin of the pain. Therefore there are no absolute rules that enable you to determine which pains may be treated at home. The following guidelines usually work and are used by doctors, but there are occasional exceptions.
A shooting pain lasting a few seconds is common and means nothing. A sensation of a “catch” at the end of a deep breath is also trivial and does not need attention. Chest wall pain can be demonstrated by pressing a finger on the chest at the spot of discomfort and reproducing or aggravating the pain by this maneuver. Pleurisy gets worse with a deep breath, heart pain does not. When pericarditis is present, the pain may throb with each heartbeat. Ulcer pain burns with an empty stomach and gets better with food, gallbladder pain often becomes more intense after a meal. Each of these four conditions, when suspected, should be evaluated by a physician.
Spasm of the esophagus can cause severe pain mimicking a heart attack and is quite different from the acid-burning that we called heartburn. This spasm pain feels as if it is expanding from inside the chest rather than squeezing from the outside as does heart pain. And it is often relieved by a drink of water, while heart pain is not.
If your chest pain is a new sensation and you are not sure what is going on, you should be evaluated promptly in an emergency medical facility. This is a complaint for which it is better to be conservative. See a doctor. Exceptions are chest wall pain, particularly if you had unusual exertion a day or so before, or pain that you are sure is coming from the esophagus. These you can treat with rest and acetaminophen, in the case of chest wall pain, and water and antacids, in the case of pain coming from the esophagus.
Diet Control for Hiatus Hernia
When the esophageal opening, also called diaphragmatic hiatus, becomes weaker, the upper part of the stomach is allowed to push through and reach the chest cavity. This type of condition is called hiatus hernia and one can live with it for a long time if the diet and life-style is controlled and no possible complications like the gastroesophageal reflux disease occur.
Gastroesophageal reflux appears when the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened by the action of the hiatus hernia. In normal conditions, the diaphragmatic hiatus and the lower sphincter of the esophagus work together to maintain the physiological position of the stomach inside the abdomen. The low esophageal sphincter is meant to connect the stomach with the esophagus and in case of a hiatus hernia, a gastric reflux can occur.
Hiatus hernia causes gastric acid and other stomach contents to remain above the esophageal opening and easily reflux into the esophagus causing heartburn.
Heartburn is the main symptom of a hiatus hernia as about 50% of the patients diagnosed show no other signs of the condition. Therefore, knowing how to control the symptoms of a gastric reflux through the diet might be very useful in keeping the disease under control.
The diaphragmatic opening and its membranes is believed to act as an additional sphincter, controlling together with the lower esophageal sphincter the position of the stomach. In case of hiatus hernia, acid and gastric contents are retained above the hiatus and can easily get back into the esophagus causing the principal symptom of the condition, heartburns.
Patients suffering from hiatus hernia must necessarily change their eating habits and replace large meals with more frequent but smaller content meals. A condition of avoiding heartburn during sleep is to have the last meal at least two hours before lying down. Bending over right is strictly forbidden after eating as it can easily provoke a stomach reflux. Persons with hiatus hernia must learn to stay up and move around about one hour after meal in order to stimulate nutrients to get into the stomach and be more rapidly digested.
All persons with hiatus hernia have observed in time the bad influence of some foods that act as triggers of heartburn; such food might be alcohol, vinegar, fruits and others. Smoking is also one of the most dangerous actions for a hiatus hernia patient. A list should be available to you so you can see what you should eat, what you should avoid and what you must moderately consume. The best advice is the one coming from your own body as you may be sensible to products that other patients with the same condition. The reverse situation is also possible and you might be able to eat some foods without sharing the symptoms with other patients. A planning diary with foods you eat and symptoms you experience could be helpful to direct you to the appropriate diet.
Are You Suffering From LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux Or LPR?
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or LPR is a little known but common disorder that can cause major problems if left untreated. LPR is caused by the backflow of stomach acids and food particles up through the esophagus all the way to the voice box or larynx/pharynx. LPR may not be associated with eating and can occur at any time of day or night. If you suffer from acid reflux heartburn it does not mean that you are subject to LPR. The difference being the extent of the reflux travels in the esophagus. Acid reflux heartburn in most cases only affects the lower portion of the esophagus.
It is an interesting fact that many people who do suffer from Laryngopharyngeal Reflux may not even suffer from the effects of heartburn at all. The reason for this is that the refluxed material does not stay in the esophagus long enough to cause the pain and symptoms of classic acid reflux. A major portion of the acid reflux ends up in the throat where due to its sensitive nature extensive damage can occur.
The symptoms of LPR include chronic hoarseness, throat clearing and coughing. Many people also describe the feeling of a constant lump or obstruction in their throat. In addition you may also have the classic symptoms of acid reflux heartburn as well. Another symptom comes in the form of chronic nasal drainage into the throat which causes a cough or constant throat clearing. If you have these symptoms then you should contact an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor also called an Otolaryngologist. Ignoring these symptoms especially if you are a smoker can lead to a serious medical condition.
The doctor will conduct an exam and may require some additional tests to determine if you indeed have LPR. The two most common tests used to diagnose LPR include a Barium swallow and a 24 hour esophageal PH test. You may find that your ENT will schedule you for both tests since the result provide different information. The Barium swallow is normally done as an outpatient procedure at the local hospital. Basically you will be required to swallow a chalky solution while standing in front of an x-ray machine. This test will tell the doctor how you are swallowing and if there is any abnormality in throat area.
The second test is called a Ph-metry test and it basically will monitor the Ph levels in your esophagus over a 24 hour period. The test is begun in either the doctor’s office or the local hospital. Many people find the testing procedure either annoying or uncomfortable but it is critical for a proper diagnosis of LPR. The test is begun by inserting a small soft inflatable tube into your nose and down in to the esophagus. Once inserted it is attached to a belt held computer that is worn around your waist. You will be required to wear these devices for a 24 hour period.
Once the doctor has reviewed the data and made his or her diagnosis you will be given a number of treatment options. In almost all case it will require a lifestyle changes in order to be effective. This especially true if you are a smoker continuing to smoke while suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux disorder can in many cases lead to serious consequences including cancer of the throat. Many people will be asked to change their diet and add exercise to their daily routine. Specific medications may be prescribed to temporarily reduce stomach acid until the lifestyle changes are completed. In rare cases surgery to repair the lower sphincter muscle or LES may be necessary to prevent acid reflux heartburn and LPR.
As stated before ignoring LPR can lead to serious problems. These include noisy breathing, choking episodes, breathing problems like asthma or bronchitis as well as cancer of the esophagus, voice box and throat.