Product Description
Soothing and relaxing action to the stomach, promotes good digestion, relieves indigestion, acts as an anti-acid, relieves abdominal pain and gastrointestinal tract spasms, flatulence is expelled, prevents bloating, promotes bodys digestive enzymes, prevents cramping and stomach pain, reduces inflammation and very helpful with colitis symptoms.
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Heart burn has become so usual that people no longer think of it as something really serious; but that is where they got it wrong.
Heart burn or in strict medical terms, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux in short may not cause you immediate harm but when allowed to rein free, it can cause permanent damage to your body, particularly to the esophagus. The problem is caused by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to close off and prevent the food in the stomach from coming up.
It happens due to either of these reasons: contents of the stomach is too acidic and is too much for the normal defenses of the esophagus or that the food is not cleared in the esophagus fast enough to prevent a burning sensation that is termed “heart burn.”
Heartburn is actually considered pretty normal unless it occurs for more than twice a week. In addition to heartburn, other symptoms of GERD are pains in the chest, problems swallowing food, as if there is something stuck in the throat, dry cough and bad breath.
GERD is diagnosed with upper endoscopy where in doctors will examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum with an endoscope. The instrument enables the doctors to see the walls and tissues of the digestive tract.
Another test conducted is the 24-hour Esophageal PH Monitor Examination, which tests the amount of acid in the esophagus. Barium X-rays are also used to diagnose changes and abnormalities in the upper digestive tracts.
Treating GERD is actually quite difficult as it involves a lot of changes especially in the lifestyle of the person. One will have to forego with most of what one eats and also give up many vices. Here are some ways to treat GERD and also to prevent it from ever coming back.
Change in food lifestyle
People diagnosed with GERD are asked to avoid foods that produce reflux problems in order to prevent problems in the esophagus. Examples of these foods are fried foods and fatty foods, eating citrus fruits and drinking its juices, tomato products, chocolate, caffeine, pepper and peppermint.
No smoking
GERD patients are also asked to give up smoking as smoke can inhibit the production of saliva, which neutralizes refluxed acid and protects the esophagus. Smoking also produces acid in the stomach, which can trigger an episode.
Alcohol-free
Alcohol can also increase the production of acids in the stomachs. This is why drinking alcoholic drinks is also a no-no in patients with GERD. In addition to producing acids, alcohol also relaxes the muscles of LES, so much so that food in the stomach are freely allowed to reflux back to the esophagus.
Lose weight
People who eat more than they should often have full stomachs. Because of this, foods that can no longer be accommodated in the stomach tend to go up then esophagus, irritating it in the process.
Digest food
Make sure that you are digesting properly whatever food that comes into the stomach. This can be done by eating small meals and not eating too much. You should also be drinking more water to neutralize acid and to eat slow so that food will already be digested by the time it reaches the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause many painful symptoms in a sufferer. These symptoms can include:
Let’s look at ways that this condition is diagnosed.
Most of the time a doctor will prescribe a series of acid-suppressive drugs on a trial basis to see if it does the trick. If the drugs are effective, it then it is often assumed that the diagnosis is GERD. If not, then other medical tests are required to determine the cause of the symptoms.
One of the common tests for GERD is an upper endoscopy (also referred to as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or abbreviated simply to EGD).
In an EGD the doctor uses an endoscope to take a closer look at the inner walls of the esophagus as well as the stomach and duodenum (or the beginning of the small intestine).
The endoscope resembles a thin, lighted tube that is flexible enough to move easily. Using this, the doctor can easily see both walls of the stomach and the tissue that lines the upper part of the digestive tract.
Along with the EGD, a a doctor will sometimes choose to do a biopsy of the stomach or esophagus in order to rule out cancer as a source of the heartburn.
Another procedure that is commonly ordered is the 24-hour esophageal PH monitor examination. This test can be uncomfortable for the patient, as it involved a thin tube with a sensor on the end, being sent down their nose and throat and remaining in place for the length of the examination
This procedure helps to measure the amount of acid that is being “refluxed” into the esophagus and how quickly it is rising. Let us look closer at this procedure.
To begin the procedure the doctor delicately inserts a tube through the patient’s nose and down his throat until it enters the esophagus. As its name suggests, this test spans 24-hours. The sensor tube is connected to a box resembling a Walkman which measures how long acid from the stomach takes to make its way to the esophagus, and for how long it remains there.
The patient is responsible for keeping a record of his symptoms and recording them. At the end of the 24-hour period, the recorded data is analyzed, with close attention paid to the frequency and severity of the symptoms.
The PH monitoring examination is often used for patients who have recurring heartburn symptoms but show a normal exam with the endoscopy and have not seen relief with the acid-suppressive therapy.
Barium x-rays are sometimes used for heartburn sufferers with certain symptoms. The patient is given a barium-laced drink to ingest, and the liquid coats the walls of both the stomach and the esophagus. X-rays are then taken to help identify hiatus hernias, ulcers, erosions or strictures.
Sometimes it is also easy to see how the esophagus empties itself of food and liquids on a barium x-ray. Be aware that barium x-rays are not very effective at diagnosing GERD on their own, and because of this they are often combined with other types of medical procedures to obtain a proper diagnosis.
Indigestion often causes a vague feeling of discomfort and pain in the upper region of your abdomen and chest. You may have a feeling of fullness or bloating that is usually accompanied by belching and nausea. Heartburn is often a symptom of indigestion.
Indigestion is a very common problem that can be caused by several things. Before you can properly treat your indigestion, you need to know what causes it. Eating particular foods, drinking alcoholic or carbonated beverages and other health factors may cause indigestion and heartburn.
With so many causes and possible treatments available today you often need help in determining what to do. The best way to find this information is by going on the internet to find help. Many sites out there will help you to determine what causes your indigestion or heartburn. There are just as many if not more sites that will tell you how you can treat or prevent heartburn and indigestion.
Some of the top sites to help give you the best information for your heartburn and indigestion needs as well as the latest news and information can be found at the following sites.
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders is a good site with information on diagnosis, treatment options and tips for those living with gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a good site with information about the symptoms, causes and treatment options for those with GERD.
The Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association has good information and support services for those parents who are raising children with GERD.
Kid’s Acid Reflux is an interactive site to help teach children about acid reflux disease and provide a lighter approach to the problem.
KidsHealth.org has a site for parents that will help them to determine if their child is suffering from GERD.
About Kids from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders allows you to learn about the treatment options available for children who have GERD.
Making Life Better for a Baby with Acid Reflux is a great site with a lot of information pertaining to acid reflux in infants.
InfantRefluxDisease.com contains information and support services for infant acid reflux and parents dealing with the condition in their children.
TeensHealth.org is a site specifically for teenagers who need help coping with GERD. Teenagers can go to this site for information, advice and support.
If you suffer from GERD or frequent heartburn and indigestion then you may want to find someone who understands what you are feeling and going through. However, you may have trouble finding someone who knows specifically what you are going through.
A good idea would be to join an online support group who can provide you a listening ear and helpful tips to living with your condition. The following is four sites that have good support groups.
IFFGD Heartburn Helpline provides you links to finding the education and support you will need to deal with GERD.
GERD Town is a place to ask your questions about your condition and to share you stories with others who suffer from the same condition.
InfantRefluxDisease.com is a site for parents who need a help guide and support from other parents who have infants that suffer from GERD.
PAGER Forums is another site for parents to meet others who are raising children with GERD. It is also a place to go where you can learn more about acid reflux in children.
Doctors say acid reflux is affecting so many lives today because of the way people are choosing to eat. People are on the run all of the time and simply eating things for convenience. Fast food and unhealthy snacks are easy to scarf down and get on with the day, so that is what people are choosing to eat. Not only are they full of unhealthy sugars and calories, they are also not good for your digestive system.
In fact, some people are so sensitive to these unhealthy foods that they will have severe acid reflux or indigestion just because of their choice of diet. If you suffer from these discomforts, there are certain foods you should avoid. Check out these five foods to avoid when you suffer with acid reflux and get on your way to a better life.
Many people think you should only avoid fast food and spicy foods; however, there are many other foods to avoid, and they may surprise you. In fact, many of these foods are considered healthy for a balanced diet. Nevertheless, if you are sensitive to them and suffer often from indigestion and acid reflux, they are not the healthiest choice for you.
Most of what you will get at a fast food place is not good for your acid reflux. However, the most inappropriate choices are French fries and greasy burgers. In addition, fried chicken is also not a wise choice.
When you do have to eat at a fast food joint, consider choosing their grilled options. Most places will offer at least one grilled chicken sandwich on their menu.
As far as vegetables go, potatoes and onions are the biggest culprits for acid reflux and heartburn. In fact, most doctors suggest you avoid both at all costs. Mashed potatoes seem as if they would be harmless, but they cause many problems when eaten by those who often suffer.
Fruits are more expected with their high content of acid. Tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and cranberries have the highest acid content and should be avoided by anyone with digestive problems.
Many people think drinking milk when they have indigestion is a good idea. However, there are dairy products that can aggravate your indigestion and acid reflux. Sour cream and ice cream are two of the biggest problem foods in the dairy category. Cottage cheese is another thing that may hurt your stomach.
A few drinks can also cause problems when you have severe indigestion. You should certainly stay away from alcohol. You can indulge every now and then, but only in small amounts. Liquor and wine are the worst forms you can drink. In addition, coffee and tea are also seen to be triggers for acid reflux.
Most desserts are seen as being bad for acid reflux sufferers. Chocolate is one of the worst ingredients however to eat. Chocolate cakes or brownies can be very harmful to the digestive system. In addition, nothing with a high content of butter is good for you as well.
Once you have been diagnosed with acid reflux, it is important to find out how you can control your symptoms so you can live a more comfortable life. You will always have the acid reflux disease but you can at least reduce and in many cases prevent the symptoms of acid reflux by making several lifestyle changes.
Consider eating six small meals a day rather than the average three large meals. This will prevent your stomach from getting overfull. This will help reduce the amount of gastric pressure in your stomach. Along these lines, it is a good idea to eat slowly.
For at least two hours before going to bed, do not eat or drink anything. If you like to take naps during the day then perhaps you can consider sleeping in a chair. If you lay down on a full stomach, the contents in your stomach will press against the lower esophagus, which will increase your chances of acid reflux.
Quite a few foods and drinks can trigger acid reflux either through the increased production of acid and gastric pressure or by loosening up the lower esophagus muscle. Foods that trigger heartburn should be avoided.
Food that can irritate the lining of the esophagus such as spicy foods, coffee, citrus fruit and juices should be eaten in moderation. You should avoid eating these types of food altogether at dinner so you don’t get nighttime heartburn as a result.
If you do not know which foods are going to trigger you heartburn, try keeping a heartburn record for a week to determine what foods you need to stay away from.
Another thing to do is to avoid alcohol consumption. The alcohol will cause an increase in stomach acid while it relaxes the lower esophagus muscle. This allows the stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus.
However, you can still consume alcohol but you should do some in extreme moderation. If you notice complications from the intake of alcohol then you should discontinue drinking altogether.
You can also try sleeping with your head and shoulder on an incline. By sleeping with your head slightly higher than your stomach, you will help reduce the pressure and keep your stomach contents in the stomach. You can place either bricks or blocks under the legs at the head of your bed or you can purchase a wedge-shaped pillow that can elevate your head.
Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing that constricts the area around the stomach. Tight fitting clothing will squeeze the stomach which forces food up against the lower esophagus and can cause food to reflux into the esophagus.
Along the lines of no alcohol, it is a good idea to quit smoking. Smoking stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can lead to an increase of acid reflux symptoms.
Another idea is to relax. While stress has not been specifically linked to heartburn, stress has been known to lead to the behaviors that can trigger your acid reflux symptoms. Develop some good relaxation tips to help alleviate stress and make stress-related heartburn behaviors less likely.
If you suffer from chronic indigestion, you may get tired of taking medication continuously and would like to find a way to control your indigestion so you do not have to take so much medication.
There are several natural home remedies you can try to help reduce the effects and possibly treat the effects of acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion. These remedies can be used in place of antacids and do not have the unwanted side effects of medications. They also do not contain aluminum like some products, which is known to cause senility and Alzheimer’s disease.
is a powerful herb that will help your digestive conditions and at the same time has several other benefits for your body. You should use only the ash-colored anise that is referred to as green anise, European anise or sweet anise. The two other types of anise are star anise and caraway, which should not be used to help indigestion.
is another natural remedy for indigestion. It helps your digestion system, stomach problems, cramps, ulcers and gas.
is also known for great healing activity in the body. It can be a great aid for the stomach and is useful in the process of reducing the acid in the stomach.
contains the digestive enzyme papain, which is excellent for protein digestion, and you can eat it with every meal. You should use 500mg or more of papaya enzymes per meal.
have numerous enzymes including bromelain, which reduces protein. Pineapples can help support digestion, reduce inflammation caused by indigestion and support wound healing of a damaged esophagus.
Fresh pineapple juice has a high level of enzymes to help stop your indigestion. Bromelain can also be purchased as a tablet and you can take 200 to 500mg per meal.
is a bitter herb that contains endive and escarole. If you boil one and half cup of chicory root for five to ten minutes and allow it to cool then you can drink it as a tea to help correct indigestion, acid reflux or heartburn. Adding this to your salad can also be a benefit to helping your indigestion.
The best way to avoid acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion is to eat alkaline foods. The foods listed above will help provide relief. However, it is important to add a salad to your diet everyday to help reduce the amount of indigestion you suffer from.
Additional options include cinnamon, which has an antiseptic effect and has the ability to settle acidic stomachs. Cinnamon is a good option since it can be added to several foods and be eaten with your meal while giving you food a great and unique taste.
Another option is to grate the entire outer skin of a grapefruit and then allow the shavings to dry. Once they dry, you can store them away. Then whenever you suffer from indigestion, you can crew on them as a snack and they will help settle your stomach. Eat just a few at a time to determine how many shavings you need to eat to settle your stomach.