Friday, December 16, 2011

Bloated After Meals? Why You Get Bloating and Gas After Eating Food

Acid Reflux Symptom

Do you frequently experience bloating and gas after meals? If so then you may very well be battling a condition that up to 90% of the population is estimated to have. The only difference is that your body has become unable to properly deal with this condition and now its gotten out of hand. Find out why you often feel bloated after meals and why you might feel gas and bloating after eating food for no obvious reason.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Why you are constantly experiencing bloating

Acid Reflux Symptom

The condition I mentioned above is known as candida which is a yeast that the majority of the population have it in their bodies. The only difference is that some people have it affect their digestive abilities through 3 main factors that I'll list below:

Acid Reflux Symptom

Candida negatively affects the following;

Digestive Enzymes: These enzymes are what ensure you properly break down and assimilate the nutrients from your food. If you are suffering from candida then a great deal of these digestive enzymes will be inhibited. Very commonly the production of lactase which helps to break down lactose in dairy products is one of the first enzyme productions destroyed by candida. The only solution is to eliminate the cause of your candida overgrowth.

Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that control a great deal of digestion that occurs in the intestines. When you have a low amount of these bacteria in your intestine you will experience anything from gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, inflammation and pain in your digestive tract and much more. Candida suppresses the growth of these bacteria and until you eliminate the cause of your candida overgrowth these bacteria will not be able to re-develop.

Acid Production: Candida actually inhibits acid production in many cases. Low stomach acid is actually the cause of GERD or acid reflux in over 80% of cases. If you have trouble digesting food in your stomach then it is extremely likely that candida plays a role in this.

The best thing for you to do is to take an online candida test and determine for yourself if you seem to have a candida overgrowth. What the general public doesn't understand is that this condition is much more common than most people realize and in fact is now being studied as a #1 link to cancer development in the body.

Bloated After Meals? Why You Get Bloating and Gas After Eating Food

Acid Reflux Symptom

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Dangers of Drugs Prescribed For Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

Drug Companies and Quick Fixes for Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

Many times, we have problems, especially a health related problem, we want relief, and we want it now. The drug companies are quite aware of this impatience. Therefore, they introduce drugs on the market that seem to give a quick fix solution. The problem is that in most of the cases they do not tell you the long-term side effects of that quick relief.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Let us look at some of the workings and side effect of some of the common drugs we take to get immediate relief from Acid Reflux Disease.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Symptoms are our Body Crying out for Help

Our body has evolved in such a way that it can tell us that something is wrong. Our intestinal tract tells us that something is wrong when we get nausea, heartburn, acid indigestion, excessive intestinal gas and bloating, uncontrollable burping, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, blood, mucus. The symptoms are not the problem, but the body saying, 'Hey, I need some attention here!' However, what do we do? We focus not on finding what is causing the problem but we find medication to quiet that voice which is crying out for help. The problem remains, and the drug companies make billions because we do not treat the root of the problem but the symptoms.

Like other ailments, many people treat the symptom of the acid reflux problem and continue to have the problem and then treat the symptoms again and again and again. However, what makes this even more dangerous, is that the treatments for reflux acid that are used are also the seed to even greater health risk than the ailment itself.

Let us look at some of the more popular over the counter treatments for acid reflux disease, what it is that they do and some of their side effects.

Antacids

This kind of treatment depletes the acid that promotes digestion and prevents the absorption of mineral. Without a sufficient quantity of minerals, we are vulnerable to many diseases, from depression to cancer. In addition, antacids often contain aluminum, which, collects in the brain and can contribute to early senility and memory loss. Using antacids that relieve the symptoms also causes a false sense of security ignoring the real cause of the distress, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

H2-Blockers

These drugs actually stop the stomach from producing acid, or reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces. This has to raise eyebrows because these drugs actually prevent a natural bodily function, which the body saw a need to evolve over countless eons.

Another problem with H2-Blockers is that they compete with the body for the same detoxification enzyme. This means that the body cannot get rid of poisons that might have invaded its system, so these poisons will accumulate and eventually destroy or damage vital organs.

A very important consideration is that these drugs do not affect everyone the same way and while some people will get away without much worry for quite a long time some of us are quite susceptible to the side effects of these drugs quite soon.

Diarrhea, yes diarrhea is another side effect of acid blockers. If you are taking drugs like Tagamet (cimetidine), Zantac (ranitidine), Axid (nizatidine), Pepcid, (fanotidine) or Mylanta AR Acid Reducer (famotidine) and other acid blocker including some of the newer acid blockers on the market.

Another side effect is that they can intensify the blood alcohol level making it higher than normal, making one alcohol drink seem like two or three depending on the individual physical tolerance.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors

Prilosec (generic name, omeprazole): This is a much stronger type of Acid-Blocker but it cannot be sold over the counter without a prescription, in other words, it must be doctor recommended. Proton-pump Inhibitors actually stop the stomach from producing acid.

Its side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gas, constipation, reflux acid, and the development of cancerous tumors in the gut.
However, it does not stop there. Prilosec can cause fatal liver rot (necrosis), fatal pancreatitis, headache, back pain, hair loss, toxic epidermal necrolysis (a condition where your skin becomes red and scaly, then finally, painfully oozes and peels off), or it can stop the production of blood cells. Like Tagamet, Prilosec can severely distort or compromise the detoxification of other drugs.

However, Prilosec and similar drugs, which include Prevacid (lansoprazole), reach further into the workings of the cell to stop more normal function than other acid blockers. As proton-pump inhibitors, Prilosec-type drugs stop the stomach cells from producing acid altogether, curtailing normal stomach function.

Prilosec type drugs can also turn off other important stomach functions, which controls the absorption of B12 vitamin, which, in effect, can accelerate arteriosclerosis, depression, or fatigue to undiagnosable numbness, tingling and other nerve dysfunctions. If you happen to be a person with chronic disease, like diabetes or arteriosclerosis, you accelerate the side effects of that disease. Early aging, cataracts, painful neuropathy, even early death from heart attack, are only some of the side effects you may encounter. Why use these drugs when there are natural treatments for heartburn.

Research Findings

Another side effect from the use of artificial prevention of reflux acid is the reduction of the body's ability to absorb calcium efficiently. Imbalance of calcium in the body can lead to osteoporosis because of incorrect mineral bone density. UK research showed a 44% greater chance of breaking a hip, for sufferers over the age of 50 who had been using Proton-Pump Inhibitors for over a year, compared to acid reflux sufferers not using Proton-Pump Inhibitors. The types of Proton-Pump Inhibitors referred to included Medium, Prilosec, Cipher, Proton and Prefaced

Please remember that some of the many functions of the stomach acid include killing fungi, viruses, and bacteria also to provide a medium for initiating the absorption of minerals, digestion of food, and regulation of body pH, balance - functions we need to stay healthy.

In conclusion, there are too many ways to beat acid reflux naturally than to risk our good health with quick fixes.

Dangers of Drugs Prescribed For Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

You are sweating. You feel nauseous. Your lips are dry. Your tongue tastes bitter. There is pain in your chest and throat. No, you are not on a horror movie set, nor watching one. You may have acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition wherein digestive tract juices or gastric juices with acid go back to the esophagus from the stomach. This condition is commonly called "heartburn". However, acid reflux is just a cause of heartburn.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux is a complex disease that also gives a strong feeling of burning sensation and discomfort from between the stomach to the neck. Because it is a complex disease, this should not be treated lightly. Patients with this condition are often disturbed by the discomfort thus affecting their usual daily routine such as work.

Acid Reflux Symptom

It is important to take note that the gastric juices are meant only to stay in the stomach lining because the stomach lining is tough. The esophageal lining however is not as tough as the stomach lining. In simpler sense, these gastric acids can literally burn the muscles and lining in the esophagus.

There are some cases wherein the acids tear down the lining of the esophagus. When healed, the tear turns into scars. These scar tissues can cause food to get stuck in the esophageal passage.

So what causes acid reflux? Acid reflux is caused by irregularities in the esophageal sphincter. This is the valve which prevents the contents of the stomach from reversing or returning to the swallowing tube or esophagus. This usually happens to people who generally eat too fast and too much. This also usually happens to people who hit the sack right after eating.

Other causes are smoking, obesity and stress. The nicotine in the cigarettes irritates the esophageal sphincter and even the stomach lining. Lack of exercise makes digesting difficult. However, it is not advisable to exercise right after meals. Stress on the other hand increases the secretion of gastric juices in the stomach, thereby exceeding the needed amount to digest the food. These excess gastric acids have nowhere to go but up north.

Persistent acid reflux after continuous medication and moderation may be a symptom of a more serious disease. It can be a symptom of ulcer in the stomach or cancer or in some rare cases, chronic heart disease. Experts advise patients not to play experts but see the doctors immediately.

Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Some Guidelines On Proper Acid Reflux Diets

Acid Reflux Symptom

Before taking medication, most doctors will advise that the person with acid reflux disease make some changes to his/her diet, i.e. have a proper acid reflux diet plan. It is an easy and useful change that one can make. A proper diet for acid reflux could make a huge difference to the health and comfort of many people. With a proper diet for acid reflux, it could remove all of the symptoms attributed to this condition and provide for more undisturbed sleep.

Acid Reflux Symptom

An effective and proper acid reflux diet plan includes knowing what food to avoid, what food to consume and good eating habits. In this short article, we shall go through some important guidelines that you can take away.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Appropriate Foods For The Acid Reflux Diet (The Do's List)

Acid Reflux Symptom

Consume food that is rich with complex carbohydrates

Foods that are good for an acid reflux diet are foods that contain complex carbohydrates. Foods such as bread, pasta, and rice tend to absorb the acid and prevent it from backing up in the esophagus. Since these foods tend to put on weight, it is best to eat smaller portions of them. If you drink milk, switch to a milk that is lower in fat.

Bake or Broil Food

Avoid frying foods whenever possible. Baked or broiled will serve two purposes; it will help control acid reflux symptoms and help to maintain a lower weight. Do not drink alcohol in excess, especially fruit wines. Having a small glass of wine with dinner will probably be ok but keep it to a minimum of one to two times a week.

Stick to non carbonated drinks

Switch to drinks without carbonation. Decaf tea or coffee is a good choice but water is better. There are many flavored waters that are quiet good and good for you. Herbal tea is another good choice. You can experiment with the foods you eat to determine which foods cause you the most trouble. Everybody reacts to foods differently. By controlling your portions and eating high acid foods in moderation, you should be able to stick to an acid reflux diet without a lot of difficulty.

Use nutritious meat

There are some excellent meats to include in this diet that are nutritious and delicious. Extra lean ground beef, steak and chicken are usually great for a main course when on the best diet for acid reflux. Most fish is also very nutritious and safe for those with acid reflux. All of these are acceptable in the best diet for acid reflux, but these should not be cooked with a lot of grease. Those who want to avoid the symptoms of acid reflux might want to grill or broil the dishes.

Use wheat based food items

Most bread, cereal and graham crackers should not produce the symptoms of acid reflux. Corn bread and pretzels are good additions to the best diet fiber acid reflux. The best diet for acid reflux will eliminate some desserts, but other desserts should be fine for those with this condition.

Use cheese

Cheese often makes a good dessert, and there are some cheeses that will be an important part of the best diet for acid reflux. Fat free cookies are usually fine for those with acid reflux. People with acid reflux should avoid rich, creamy cakes and most ice creams.

Use ginger

Gingers have some healing qualities, and those with acid reflux might try adding ginger to some of their food and beverages. Fresh ginger is available in the grocery stores, and this can be ground up and added to meals. Some dishes call for this in the recipe, but it can be added to other dishes. Ginger can also be added to tea. There are some cuisines that include ginger in many dishes such as Chinese cuisine. Those with acid reflux might patronize the Chinese restaurants and look for those dishes with ginger.

Drink Tea

People with acid reflux should try to add green tea to their diet as this beverage is known to help the body digest other food and beverages. Herbal teas contain substances such as chamomile and licorice root provide a repair mechanism for the stomach so those with acid reflux should consume these teas if possible. People with acid reflux should try to drink plenty of water which will help the body excrete the excess acid more efficiently.

(The Don'ts List)

Avoid Spicy food

Stay away from spicy foods. Even foods you don't think taste spicy can play a big role in creating acid reflux, so knowing what's in your food and knowing to stay away from food with spices in them is a great way to naturally remedy acid reflux. This isn't to say you are limited to nothing but bland foods now, it just means be as liberal as possible when eating spices that can irritate your stomach to the point of being in pain.

Cut down on Large Meals

A recommended choice of acid reflux diets plan always include eating several small meals everyday instead of three large meals as what most people do. This is a good eating habit for everyone, even if you don't experience from acid reflux disease. This is to let the stomach to have sufficient capacity for proper digestion.

Avoid Any Meal Just Before Bedtime

Consuming just before bedtime, especially heavy meal, is prone to cause reflux problems. This is because the stomach has to produce great amounts of acid in order to digest the food. The excessive acid tends to back up into the esophagus when you lie down. Generally, a good practice is to eat your last meal before 8pm daily.

Avoid Fast Foods

Fast food are high in fat and will cause your stomach to produce more acid. Fast foods can also lead to weight gain, which will add to the problem of acid reflux.

Limit Or Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol will add to the secretion of acid in the stomach. It may also curb the contraction of esophageal sphincter. It is the failure of the sphincter muscle to contract tightly that leads to acid reflux.

Avoid Foods That Stimulate Acid Production

Last but not least, an acid reflux diet should avoid foods that increase the secretion of acid in the stomach. These foods include coffee, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate, and alcohol.

Some Guidelines On Proper Acid Reflux Diets

Acid Reflux Symptom

Monday, December 12, 2011

Acid Reflux, Sleep Apnea and Heart Palpitations

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart palpitations are serious problems that people have to look after; otherwise, problems that are more serious could result in untreated symptoms.
A person who suffers from sleep apnea may also complain of frequent headaches, dry mouth, and a sore throat in the morning, heart palpitations, urinating throughout the night, falling asleep while working or driving, and chronic fatigue and memory problems.
People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease and accidents while driving or working.

Acid Reflux Symptom

If suffering from acid reflux, sleep apnea and or heart palpitations, you are strongly recommended to consult a doctor. It is common for people to have an occasional sleepless night but a lack of sleep on a regular basis is cause for concern. Insomnia can be the result of sleep apnea or even nighttime acid reflux. Insomnia will leave you feeling tired throughout the entire day. It will also cause psychological and physiological damage to your body.

Acid Reflux Symptom

When underlying ailments such as sleep apnea, lung disease, hot flashes and diabetes are treated the insomnia may be treated as well. Natural remedies available for insomnia include a change in lifestyle such as a better diet. Much of the food we eat is made up of toxins, which cause an imbalance in the body. The alkaline imbalance may be what triggers insomnia in some people.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart palpitations can all be traced in some way to the food we eat. Hydrogenated fat, refined table salt, mono sodium glutamate, sugar, chocolate, corn syrup, refined oils, baking powder, fried foods, junk foods, carbonated soda and alcohol are all toxins that will cause problems in the human body. Replace these poor health choices with natural foods and you may begin to notice a change in your overall health and you may be able to sleep better at night. Fruits and vegetables have plenty of fiber and natural enzymes that balance the acid-alkaline ratio in the body.

Acid reflux can cause chest pain because stomach acid causes the esophagus to become enflamed and can lead to chest pain. This pain may feel quite similar to pain associated with angina, which is felt by people with coronary heart disease. Acid reflux does not directly cause heart palpitations but it may cause a person to feel extremely anxious which in turn may cause palpitations. Another scenario may be that the person may actually be experiencing a heart related attack of pain of some sort. In this case, the palpitations may be the result of a heart attack. Other symptoms of heart disease that could rule out acid reflux include nausea and shortness of breath.

Acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart palpitations are serious ailments that are linked to our lifestyle. If you are someone who is at risk for heart disease, it is important to rule out acid reflux disease before assuming it is responsible for the chest pains and heart palpitations. Even something that feels like a typical case of heartburn could be a sign of heart disease, so a careful history and evaluation of the patient is required.

Acid Reflux, Sleep Apnea and Heart Palpitations

Acid Reflux Symptom

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Your Eating Habits and Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid
reflux is a digestive disorder in which the liquid contents of
the stomach are regurgitated into the esophagus. This liquid,
since it has come from the stomach, contains acids that are used
in digestion, even bile. When this liquid is sent back up to the
esophagus, these acids injure, inflame, and damage that organ.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Also known as heartburn, acid reflux is a chronic condition. Once
it has begun, it will usually last for an entire person's life.
Most people who are afflicted with serious heartburn symptoms
will need to seek treatment for their esophagus. However, future
acid reflux attacks will continue to damage the organ, thereby
precipitating the need for further treatment.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Treatment for acid reflux is usually conducted on an ongoing
basis.

Despite its misleading name, heartburn is not a cardiovascular
condition - it's a digestive disorder. Therefore, it stands to
sense that what you eat has a significant effect on the onset and
seriousness of heartburn symptoms. The cardinal rule in
preventing heartburn, then, is to watch what you eat.

Watch What You Eat

Certain foods are prone to trigger an attack, while others will
carry less risk. In your quest to prevent acid reflux and
alleviate its symptoms, you must understand the effects that
different foods have on your condition.

Safe Foods

Foods that have very little potential in terms of causing
heartburn. These food items include fruits like apples and
bananas, vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and peas, meat like
lean ground beef, chicken breast, egg whites, dairy products such
as cheese (provided that they are fat-free), and grains such as
oatmeal and bran. Generally, all foods that are high in fat and
acidic content should be avoided. Whenever in doubt, stick to the
low-fat varieties of food.

Moderate Foods

These foods may or may not cause acid reflux. However, it is
better to consume these items in moderation - it really is a
small sacrifice to make, if it can prevent an attack from
occurring. Eat these foods occasionally; never often. Moderate
foods include fruits like peaches, blueberries, strawberries, and
raspberries.

Meanwhile, vegetables like onions (cooked), garlic, scallions,
sauerkraut, and leeks. Fried eggs, fried fish, hot dogs, and ham
have the potential to cause acid reflux, but not excessively so.
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese varieties such as
cheddar and mozzarella should also be enjoyed in moderation.

Unsafe Foods

These foods, when eaten, carry with them an increased risk of an acid reflux attack. As such, these food items should be eaten
sparingly. These include fruits such as lemons, oranges, and
grapefruits, which are fruits that are high in acidic content.

Vegetables like onions (raw) are traditional culprits. Portions
of meat that have high-fat content should also be avoided. So
should ice cream, chocolates, brownies, doughnuts, potato chips,
and high-fat salad dressings. Beverages like wine, coffee, and
tea should be taken sparingly, if at all. You can see that
there's practical value in learning more about acid reflux.

For more information about acid reflux, visit my website and
read 58 fresh Article"s on Acid Reflux

Your Eating Habits and Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Symptoms Of Heartburn Acid Reflux Disease

Acid Reflux Symptom

The most common symptom of acid reflux disease is heartburn. Heartburn is experienced by most people at some time or another. It requires evaluation by a specialist only when it is experienced repeatedly, when it persists despite over-the-counter remedies, or when it is accompanied by more alarming symptoms such as weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Normally, thirty to forty-five minutes after a heavy meal, you feel heartburn inside your body, a feeling of burning discomfort right behind the heart area of the body, moving up toward the neck and throat. Heartburn releases when excessive amounts of acid reflux into the lower esophagus. It can last for a few hours and is often the worst after meals. Having heartburn is not necessarily acid reflux or a health problem, but when heartburn is frequent, two or more times in a week, or accompanied by other symptoms, that is when acid reflux becomes the diagnosis.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Some people use antacids to relieve heartburn. They can rapidly relieve heartburn symptoms. They work directly in the stomach to decrease the acidity of the reflux liquid irritating the esophagus. They also help neutralize the area inside the esophagus. When antacids and a foaming agent are combined, they produce a foam barrier in the stomach, which floats over the contents of the stomach, preventing acid from splashing up into the esophagus.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Another common symptom of acid reflux is acid regurgitation, which occurs when acid travels all the way up from the stomach, past both the lower and upper esophageal sphincters, into the mouth. Some people even taste the sour acid in the back of the throat.

If you are still unsure whether you have acid reflux disease, try to ask yourself the following questions:Do I often have bad-tasting foam in my mouth? Do I often have bad breath?Do I need to clear my throat few times a day?Do I cough a lot?Do I frequently hoarse?Do I have heartburn more than twice a week?

If you have more than one of the above symptoms, you may want to try some over-the-counter acid reflux products to relieve the pain.

Symptoms Of Heartburn Acid Reflux Disease

Acid Reflux Symptom