Today morning I received my delivery of Gaviscon from Canada! It's called "Gaviscon Extra Strength", just like it is here. But it has no aluminum in it. Easy as that. You don't have to do anything special. They have a helluva lot more flavors than we get here, too, including butterscotch and chocolate. These are the tablets (which in the U.S. are called "chewable tablets" and in Canada are called "chewable Foamtabs".
AstraZeneca, who is the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Gaviscon, in both countries, has completely separate phone numbers and web sites for customer service in the US and in Canada. And the US people don't know anything about the Canadian products and the Canadians don't know anything about the U.S. products.
On the U.S. web site (www.gaviscon.com), in the FAQ section, there is the following question and answer:
Q. - Why was Gaviscon® Liquid changed to contain mint?
I have digestive problems and have been told to avoid mint.
A. - Gaviscon® Liquid has always had an artificial mint flavor. We added the notation "cool" to the copy a few years ago. Because Gaviscon® liquid uses artificial flavorings, it is not likely to cause reflux.
So I checked the Canadian web site (www.gaviscon.ca) which doesn't address that issue. So I called them (you can't use the 800# to call them from the U.S., so it was a royal pain in the butt to get transferred to them). Anyway, I asked them the same question and they didn't know the answer - regarding the mint flavor, as well as chocolate (neither of which we are supposed to eat when we have reflux problems). Apparently, although the U.S. version is made with artificial flavor, which they say shouldn't cause reflux, the Canadian version contains both, artificial AND natural flavors, so I don't know if the natural flavors would be a problem. I've called them three times in the past three weeks and they said they haven't gotten an answer from their medical department.
Therefore, I ordered "fruit flavor" and "butterscotch". I only take Gaviscon at bedtime, so I can't give you a flavor (or functionality) review yet.
But, for your reading pleasure, here are the ingredients of the Canadian version (in English and French, but I'll just give you the English here):
Per Tablet:
Medicinal Ingredients:
313 mg Alginic Acid (derived from brown seaweed)
63 mg Magnesium Carbonate
Non-Medicinal Ingredients:
Flavor, calcium stearate, sodium bicarbonate, sugar
And here are the ingredients of the American version:
Per Tablet:
Active Ingredients:
Aluminum hydroxide 160 mg
Magnesium carbonate 105 mg
Inactive Ingredients:
alginic acid, calcium stearate, flavor, sodium bicarbonate, and sucrose. May contain stearic acid.
Note that the U.S. version considers Alginic Acid to be an inactive ingredient, but the Canadian version considers it to be Active ("medicinal"). the U.S. version does not specify the quantity of alginic acid on the bottle. I called the US customer service number and they said each tablet contains 200 mg of Alginic Acid. I believe the alginic acid is what creates the "raft" of floaty material. The Canadian version contains a third more Alginic Acid than the US version (313mg versus 200 mg).
Also note that the U.S. version also contains almost twice as much Magnesium Carbonate as the Canadian version.
Acid Reflux: Infants Are At High Risk
Because of their diet and their living habits, infants are often at risk of suffering from acid reflux. Eating only soft foods and liquids, and being on their backs or in a supine position for majority of the time are major causes for acid reflux in infants.
Although it is not easy to diagnose whether a baby is suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), look for these following symptoms and consult your doctor immediately if there are any doubts:
Although it is not easy to diagnose whether a baby is suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), look for these following symptoms and consult your doctor immediately if there are any doubts:
- coughing
- weight loss
- lack of appetite
- bad breath
- trouble sleeping
- apnea
- frequent spitting up
Do not take acid reflux in infants lightly, as it can cause other serious diseases such as pneumonia and ulcerations on the esophageal wall.
Cough GERD
Cough GERD is a disease in which the digestive acids actually back up into the esophagus and cause burning pain that can lead to chronic GERD cough, digestive bleeding, and even cancer of the esophagus. The disease is caused by the location of the acid, not by the acid itself. In fact, the stomach acid of the cough GERD sufferer is not unusually excessive. It's just that the acid is supposed to be going down, not coming back up. Nature didn't intend for it to back up into your esophagus like water in a clogged drain.
Because we don't have Drano-type medications to clear this clog and completely stop the refluxive action of the acid, physicians usually must treat cough GERD with acid component instead.
The primary symptoms of cough GERD is cough and heartburn, so most laypeople and experts use the words "heartburn", acid reflux, and GERD interchangeably - although sometimes other symptoms of cough GERD such as chest pains are far more troubling and distressing.
Because we don't have Drano-type medications to clear this clog and completely stop the refluxive action of the acid, physicians usually must treat cough GERD with acid component instead.
The primary symptoms of cough GERD is cough and heartburn, so most laypeople and experts use the words "heartburn", acid reflux, and GERD interchangeably - although sometimes other symptoms of cough GERD such as chest pains are far more troubling and distressing.
Vinegar GERD
Vinegar GERD - If you are searching for a natural, totally home remedy to treat your GERD, you can try the vinegar GERD approach. There are a lot of prescription and over-the-counter medications for GERD, but there are also associated side effects of most types of medications. The high cost of these medications also make them unappealing options for sufferers of acid reflux disease. That results in a different therapy like vinegar and GERD.
Why Vinegar and GERD Work?
One type of vinegar that works very well in relieving GERD symtoms is apple cider vinegar. You can find a lot of successful results on nearly any GERD discussion board in the internet. However, there seems to be no apparent reason why vinegar GERD should be associated in any constructive manner. Vinegar is acidic and if it is added to the stomach, it should complicate GERD symptoms rather than improve the situation.
Why Vinegar and GERD Work?
One type of vinegar that works very well in relieving GERD symtoms is apple cider vinegar. You can find a lot of successful results on nearly any GERD discussion board in the internet. However, there seems to be no apparent reason why vinegar GERD should be associated in any constructive manner. Vinegar is acidic and if it is added to the stomach, it should complicate GERD symptoms rather than improve the situation.
Newborn Reflux Solution - Gripe Water (No side effect)
Newborn Reflux Basic
Experts believe that nearly all newborn reflux infant outgrow the problem by the age of twelve to eighteen months. Physicians rarely diagnose the illness in children older than eighteen months, except in those who have other serious problems such as asthma, cerebral palsy, or development delays. A few studies indicate, however, that newborn who are considered normal may experience acid reflux, possibly to a greater extent than realized by most physicians to date. It is possible that acid reflux could be underdiagnosed in newborn, perhaps for the same reason that many adults are not diagnosed: heartburn is not taken seriously.
Newborn Reflux Symptoms
In general, symptoms of acid reflux among newborn and adolescents who do not have other serious medical problems and who are not neurologically impaired are:
Newborn Reflux Natural Treatment
Colic newborn who is suffering from acid reflux disease (also known as newborn GERD) can be naturally treated with certain gripe water, such as Colic Calm.
Gripe water is a natural product that originally came from Europe and it is now being manufactured in the United States. It is often given to newborn or infant who is colicky in order to soothe their stomachs. It contains ginger and fennel. Ginger and fennel have been shown to be beneficial for easing nausea and pain due to stomach upset, even in adults. This product contains no fillers, binders, artificial flavors, artificial color yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, or starch. Therefore, many experts and physicians will recommend it over some of other products that are manufactured for the same purposes because there is no side effect. A popular example of gripe water is Colic Calm.
Experts believe that nearly all newborn reflux infant outgrow the problem by the age of twelve to eighteen months. Physicians rarely diagnose the illness in children older than eighteen months, except in those who have other serious problems such as asthma, cerebral palsy, or development delays. A few studies indicate, however, that newborn who are considered normal may experience acid reflux, possibly to a greater extent than realized by most physicians to date. It is possible that acid reflux could be underdiagnosed in newborn, perhaps for the same reason that many adults are not diagnosed: heartburn is not taken seriously.
Newborn Reflux Symptoms
In general, symptoms of acid reflux among newborn and adolescents who do not have other serious medical problems and who are not neurologically impaired are:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- foul taste in the mouth
- heartburn
- vomiting (In adolescents, the child should be evaluated for a possible eating disorder
- asthma
Newborn Reflux Natural Treatment
Colic newborn who is suffering from acid reflux disease (also known as newborn GERD) can be naturally treated with certain gripe water, such as Colic Calm.
Gripe water is a natural product that originally came from Europe and it is now being manufactured in the United States. It is often given to newborn or infant who is colicky in order to soothe their stomachs. It contains ginger and fennel. Ginger and fennel have been shown to be beneficial for easing nausea and pain due to stomach upset, even in adults. This product contains no fillers, binders, artificial flavors, artificial color yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, or starch. Therefore, many experts and physicians will recommend it over some of other products that are manufactured for the same purposes because there is no side effect. A popular example of gripe water is Colic Calm.
Acid Reflux Pregnancy
Acid reflux pregnancy - How Acid Reflux Is Diagnosed
If the doctor believes a pregnant woman has a serious case of GERD that may warrant treatment, he may first offer lifestyle suggestions to see if she improves. The doctor may also decide to prescribe medication and follow up the acid reflux pregnancy woman to see if the medicine has helped.
Another diagnostic choice is for the doctor to perform an endoscopy, although this is rarely necessary. One procedure that normally may be performed, the barium swallow, is not done during pregnancy because X-rays would be dangerous to the acid reflux pregnancy women.
If the doctor decides that an endoscopy is necessary because of the clinical situation in an otherwise routine pregnancy, one of the difficult issues he must decide upon is what medication to use to sedate the pregnant patient during the procedure. For the non pregnant woman, a sedating medication such as Versed can be used; however, doctors generally avoid prescribing these particular medications for pregnant women. Why? Because Bersed is a Category D medication.
For the treatment of acid reflux pregnancy, check out GERD pregnancy treatment
If the doctor believes a pregnant woman has a serious case of GERD that may warrant treatment, he may first offer lifestyle suggestions to see if she improves. The doctor may also decide to prescribe medication and follow up the acid reflux pregnancy woman to see if the medicine has helped.
Another diagnostic choice is for the doctor to perform an endoscopy, although this is rarely necessary. One procedure that normally may be performed, the barium swallow, is not done during pregnancy because X-rays would be dangerous to the acid reflux pregnancy women.
If the doctor decides that an endoscopy is necessary because of the clinical situation in an otherwise routine pregnancy, one of the difficult issues he must decide upon is what medication to use to sedate the pregnant patient during the procedure. For the non pregnant woman, a sedating medication such as Versed can be used; however, doctors generally avoid prescribing these particular medications for pregnant women. Why? Because Bersed is a Category D medication.
For the treatment of acid reflux pregnancy, check out GERD pregnancy treatment
Hot and Sour Salmon with Greens
Since salmon is a slightly oily fish, it plays beautifully against the clean flavors of ginger, scallion, and bok choy. For me, there is nothing more soothing than tender, cooked cabbage; it is often prescribed in CHina for relieving stomach pain.
Dressing
- 2 1/2 pounds baby bok choy or bok choy, stem ends and leaf tips trimmed
- 8 to 9 whole scallions, ends trimmed, cut into thin julienne slices on the diagonal
- 3 heaping tablespoons fresh ginger cut into very thin julienne shreds
- 6 salmon steaks, about 6 ounces each
Dressing
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 1/2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Trim the tough outer leaves from the bok choy and discard. Rinse the stalks and leaves and drain. Cut the stalks in half lengthwise. Cut the halves diagonally into 2-inch sections. In a bowl, toss the scallions and ginger with the bok choy sections. Arrange on a heatproof platter
- Mix the ingredients of the Dressing, and pour into a serving bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 450'F. Place the salmon steaks on top of the greens. Pour into a roasting pan several inches of water and heat until bolling. Carefully place the platter of salmon and vegetables on top of a rack or steamer tray in the roasting pan. Cover the top of the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 7 to 9 minutes, or until the fish is cooked.
- Serve the salmon from the heatproof platter or arrange the steamed vegetables and salmon on serving plates. Spoon some of the dressing on top and serve with steamed rice.
Best Acid Reflux Home Remedy - Ginger
Ginger is a very popular folk remedy in many cultures. As a child in China, I was given ginger in a variety of forms, including tea for coughs and colds. Ginger is said to take up and absorb stomach acid and soothe the nerves.
The active constituents of the plant stimulate digestion and absorption but also exert a calming effect on the digestive tract. Ginger relieves constipation, cramps, and flatulence by gently increasing muscular activity in the digestive tract. Regular consumption has been proved to prevent gastritis.
Ginger has a well-documented healing action on nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness of pregnancy, postoperative vomiting, and drug-induced nausea. Unlike other antinausea preparations, which are mainly antihistamines, ginger acts directly on the digestive tract, relaxing its smooth muscles and relieving cramps and tension in the muscles of the gastric capillaries. This facilitates relaxation of the stomach, stimulates circulation to it, improves digestive activity, and prevents gastric irritation.
In one study on motion sickness, 36 volunteer subjects were divided into a placebo group, an antihistamine group, and a ginger group. They were then spun around in a swived chair. The average times that subjects could remain in the chair were 90 seconds for the placebo group. 216 seconds for the antihistamine group, and 336 seconds for the ginger group. Clearly, ginger won the seasick remedy contest. Other studies have backed up these findings, including some using seasick Marine cadets and others.
Researches at the University of Minnesota reported that an enzyme found in papaya eased gas pain by improving the body's ability to digest protein. In additional, they studied the impact of zingibain, the enzyme found in ginger, which appears to promote digestion. Both worked well, although it took 180 times more papain to equal the impact of the ginger enzyme.
Here is one simple remedy to alleviate acid reflux using ginger: take two gingerroot capsules available commercially. Or drink as tea. Add one-half to one teaspoon of shredded ginger to a cup of boiling water. Strain after ten minutes and drink. Or instead of ginger, substitute two teaspoons of anise, fennel, or dill seeds to make tea.
The active constituents of the plant stimulate digestion and absorption but also exert a calming effect on the digestive tract. Ginger relieves constipation, cramps, and flatulence by gently increasing muscular activity in the digestive tract. Regular consumption has been proved to prevent gastritis.
Ginger has a well-documented healing action on nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness of pregnancy, postoperative vomiting, and drug-induced nausea. Unlike other antinausea preparations, which are mainly antihistamines, ginger acts directly on the digestive tract, relaxing its smooth muscles and relieving cramps and tension in the muscles of the gastric capillaries. This facilitates relaxation of the stomach, stimulates circulation to it, improves digestive activity, and prevents gastric irritation.
In one study on motion sickness, 36 volunteer subjects were divided into a placebo group, an antihistamine group, and a ginger group. They were then spun around in a swived chair. The average times that subjects could remain in the chair were 90 seconds for the placebo group. 216 seconds for the antihistamine group, and 336 seconds for the ginger group. Clearly, ginger won the seasick remedy contest. Other studies have backed up these findings, including some using seasick Marine cadets and others.
Researches at the University of Minnesota reported that an enzyme found in papaya eased gas pain by improving the body's ability to digest protein. In additional, they studied the impact of zingibain, the enzyme found in ginger, which appears to promote digestion. Both worked well, although it took 180 times more papain to equal the impact of the ginger enzyme.
Here is one simple remedy to alleviate acid reflux using ginger: take two gingerroot capsules available commercially. Or drink as tea. Add one-half to one teaspoon of shredded ginger to a cup of boiling water. Strain after ten minutes and drink. Or instead of ginger, substitute two teaspoons of anise, fennel, or dill seeds to make tea.
Fluids You Should Avoid
In one study of a variety of beverages, researchers found that the following beverages were most likely to cause heartburn symptoms (in this descending order, with grapefruit juice causing the highest heartburn score):
Especially avoid what I call the double whammy drinks, which combine two or more GERD-irritants in one. A few examples are:
- grapefruit juice
- orange juice
- red wine
- white wine
- coffee
- V8 juice tomato juice
- pineapple juice
- beer
- Pepsi-Cola
- Coca-Cola
- Dr Pepper
- Diet Pepsi
- Diet Coke
- tea
- carbonate beverages
Especially avoid what I call the double whammy drinks, which combine two or more GERD-irritants in one. A few examples are:
- Bloody mary (tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, hot pepper, and vodka)
- mimosa (orange juice and champagne)
- egg nog with rum (high dairy/fat content and alcohol)
- grasshopper (creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and light cream)
- sangria (red wine, orange juice, lime juice, and sugar)
Ginger May Help
One food that is often ignored and yet may bring relief to people with chronic heartburn, as well as constipation and other gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and seasickness, is ginger. That's right, the spice that's in gingerbread, gingersnaps, and other foods. Some studies from other countries indicate that ginger can be effective at enhancing peristalsis, the wavelike contractions that move food down the esophagus and into the stomach.
Ginger has many other beneficial properties. For example, it has been used for centuries to control nausea and vomiting, and is still recommended in mainstream medical literature to reduce the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Because ginger acts directly on the gastrointestinal system, you should avoid interactions with other medications.
Ginger is also used to decrease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is available in powder, pressed juice, oil, and capsules. When taken for seasickness, the recommended dose for adults and children over age sic is 0.5 to 2g of ginger rhizome for a half hour before traveling and then 0.5 to 2g every four hours thereafter.
Ginger has also been studied for its impact on arthritic pain and even ulcers. For some people, ginger can alleviate diarrhea - or its opposite, constipation. It brings the system back into balance.
Ginger can be consumed in a tea or can be taken as a powder either before or after mealtimes. Do not assume that more is necessarily better.
Also, check with your doctor first before adding ginger to your dietary regimen! You may be taking other medications or may be suffering conditions that would make it inadvisable to try this.
Ginger has many other beneficial properties. For example, it has been used for centuries to control nausea and vomiting, and is still recommended in mainstream medical literature to reduce the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Because ginger acts directly on the gastrointestinal system, you should avoid interactions with other medications.
Ginger is also used to decrease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is available in powder, pressed juice, oil, and capsules. When taken for seasickness, the recommended dose for adults and children over age sic is 0.5 to 2g of ginger rhizome for a half hour before traveling and then 0.5 to 2g every four hours thereafter.
Ginger has also been studied for its impact on arthritic pain and even ulcers. For some people, ginger can alleviate diarrhea - or its opposite, constipation. It brings the system back into balance.
Ginger can be consumed in a tea or can be taken as a powder either before or after mealtimes. Do not assume that more is necessarily better.
Also, check with your doctor first before adding ginger to your dietary regimen! You may be taking other medications or may be suffering conditions that would make it inadvisable to try this.
Cautionary Notes Before You Buy Medications For Treating GERD
Patient with kidney problems should be sure to check with their doctor before taking antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum. In addition, patients who are taking prescription medications like Coumadin, dilantin, or theophylline should check with their doctor or pharmacist or check the drug interaction profile of the H2 blocker before taking it.
Patients on sodium-restricted diets should take low sodium antacids such as Riopan
Some people may think that Tums is an adequate calcium supplement for those who need it, but it is not. For those patients who are advised that they need calcium supplements, such as some women, elderly people, and patients on prednisone, or those with osteoporosis, just one or two Tums a day taken as an antacid is not adequate for calcium needs. They would be better served taking a calcium supplement based on advice from their doctors
Patients on sodium-restricted diets should take low sodium antacids such as Riopan
Some people may think that Tums is an adequate calcium supplement for those who need it, but it is not. For those patients who are advised that they need calcium supplements, such as some women, elderly people, and patients on prednisone, or those with osteoporosis, just one or two Tums a day taken as an antacid is not adequate for calcium needs. They would be better served taking a calcium supplement based on advice from their doctors
Over-the-Counter H2 Blockers
The H2 blocker is another type of medicine that can help people with GERD, although it is not as powerful or effective as the proton pump inhibitor for patients with cases.
Some H2 Blockers are sold over the counter; stronger dosages must be prescribed. Tagamet, Zantac, Pepxid, and Axid Pulvules are all examples of H2 blocker that are available both as over-the-counter medications and at higher dosages when prescribed by your doctor.
Combined antacid and H2 blocker medications provide immediate acid neutralization via the antacid component and suppression of further acid secretion by the H2 blocker. If you anticipate a heartburn attack after a heavy meal or exercise, take an over-the-counter H2 blocker, perferably before the event. Prescription strength is usually twice the dosage available as an over-the-counter dormulation.
Some H2 Blockers are sold over the counter; stronger dosages must be prescribed. Tagamet, Zantac, Pepxid, and Axid Pulvules are all examples of H2 blocker that are available both as over-the-counter medications and at higher dosages when prescribed by your doctor.
Combined antacid and H2 blocker medications provide immediate acid neutralization via the antacid component and suppression of further acid secretion by the H2 blocker. If you anticipate a heartburn attack after a heavy meal or exercise, take an over-the-counter H2 blocker, perferably before the event. Prescription strength is usually twice the dosage available as an over-the-counter dormulation.
Antacids
Antacids are the mainstays for someone with occasional or minor heartburn problems. AlternaGel is an example of an aluminum-ladan antacid, while MagOx is an example of an aluminum can cause constipation in many people, and if it does, they should choose a different antacid.
Other antacids, such as Mag-Ox and Milk of Magnesia, can cause the opposite problem, diarrhea. Antacid combination like Maalox tablets and Mylanta gelcaps contain ingredients that counter each other's effect on the bowels
Calcium-based antacids may result in rebound acid production. That means that after the drug wears off, it creates the problem that you are trying to solve-high acidity in your stomach
Maalox Plus and Mylanta II have simethicone in addition to their antacid ingredients. Simethicone helps with gas and bloating symptoms. Gaviscon is an antacid-alginate combination that not only is useful to buffer acid but also coats and soothes the gastric lining, It may thus be superior to other antacids.
Other antacids, such as Mag-Ox and Milk of Magnesia, can cause the opposite problem, diarrhea. Antacid combination like Maalox tablets and Mylanta gelcaps contain ingredients that counter each other's effect on the bowels
Calcium-based antacids may result in rebound acid production. That means that after the drug wears off, it creates the problem that you are trying to solve-high acidity in your stomach
Maalox Plus and Mylanta II have simethicone in addition to their antacid ingredients. Simethicone helps with gas and bloating symptoms. Gaviscon is an antacid-alginate combination that not only is useful to buffer acid but also coats and soothes the gastric lining, It may thus be superior to other antacids.
Tattoos For The Lower Stomach
Would getting a tattoo for the lower stomach hurt?
The answer is 'Yes', tattoos for the lower stomach will hurt. When I got my tattoo, the outline was the worst thing to work with. The only way that I know how to describe it is to compare it to other dragging a safety pin across the skin, pressing deeper as its go. When the worker fills in, it's much easier. He will use a needle made to cover a larger area at one time, so it's not that pain.Below is my tattoo for the lower stomach.
However, not every tattoo design is good for the lower stomach. Chopper Tattoo provides you with the largest collection of award winning tattoo designs. Search through their database to find thousands of tattoo designs which is best suited for the lower stomach. Click here for more design of tattoos for the lower stomach
Cure Heartburn In Children
Lifestyle Care Changes and Treatments That May Cure Heartburn In Children
Many doctors recommend that parents take certain actions to help their children who have heartburn. Also, there are medications available to help treat your children, and surgery can be considered as well if needed.
Many doctors recommend that parents take certain actions to help their children who have heartburn. Also, there are medications available to help treat your children, and surgery can be considered as well if needed.
- Give your children more frequent and smaller feedings.
- Hold the children upright for at least half an hour after feeding, so that the milk has a chance to go down with the help of gravity
- Thicken formula or breast milk with rice cereal. The thickened formula helps the feeding stay down.
- If you are breast feeding, consult with a lactation specialist for suggestions
- Make sure you don't give your children certain foods.
Cookbook For Hiatal Hernia
Cookbook for hiatal hernia - Why and How Certain Foods Affect Your hiatal hernia?
It's odd that some foods make you feel better, some don't affect you much at all, and others greatly exacerbate your hiatal hernia or the conditions caused by it, such as esophagitis. One reason this happens is that some foods are highly acidic and make a bad condition worse.
Another reason is that some foods, such as those high in fats, onions, or sugars, tend to decrease the pressure in the lower esophageal sprinter. This diminished pressure makes it more likely that reflux will occur, particularly in a person who has hiatal hernia symptoms.
One more reason is that some foods, including chocolate, coffee, tea, and many soft drinks, contain a lot of caffeine, which can increase acid reflux.
You can find many cookbook for hiatal hernia in this blog.
It's odd that some foods make you feel better, some don't affect you much at all, and others greatly exacerbate your hiatal hernia or the conditions caused by it, such as esophagitis. One reason this happens is that some foods are highly acidic and make a bad condition worse.
Another reason is that some foods, such as those high in fats, onions, or sugars, tend to decrease the pressure in the lower esophageal sprinter. This diminished pressure makes it more likely that reflux will occur, particularly in a person who has hiatal hernia symptoms.
One more reason is that some foods, including chocolate, coffee, tea, and many soft drinks, contain a lot of caffeine, which can increase acid reflux.
You can find many cookbook for hiatal hernia in this blog.
When Good Esophagi Go Bad
Although GERD has a variety of causes, the common denominator is that some function of the upper digestive system has a problem. The heartburn might stem from overall poor digestive muscle tone, or sluggish muscles of the esophagus that are too weak to quickly clear away food or acid. Sometimes the stomach muscles aren't working at their peak. In the case of acid reflux, often a combination of several factors is at work.
If the esophagus becomes damaged from the acid reflux, this condition is called esophagitis. The damaged esophagus can contribute to the continuation or worsening of the GERD problem. Because treatment will improve this condition, taking action by following your physician's advice is very important and should be done at once. Read about diagnoses and treatment in the chapters that follows.
Not all people who suffer from GERD experience esophagitis. Approximately half the people diagnosed with GERD do not have esophagitis; some doctors call this condition noneroive reflux disease, or NERD. The patients have symptoms of GERD, but on endoscopy, the esophagus is normal.
When the food reaches the stomach entry point, the lower esophageal sphincter opens. The LES is a sort of one-way valve that functions as a door into the stomach. The pulsation pushes food through that door, and the door closes - until it's time to move more food into the stomach all over again
If the esophagus becomes damaged from the acid reflux, this condition is called esophagitis. The damaged esophagus can contribute to the continuation or worsening of the GERD problem. Because treatment will improve this condition, taking action by following your physician's advice is very important and should be done at once. Read about diagnoses and treatment in the chapters that follows.
Not all people who suffer from GERD experience esophagitis. Approximately half the people diagnosed with GERD do not have esophagitis; some doctors call this condition noneroive reflux disease, or NERD. The patients have symptoms of GERD, but on endoscopy, the esophagus is normal.
When the food reaches the stomach entry point, the lower esophageal sphincter opens. The LES is a sort of one-way valve that functions as a door into the stomach. The pulsation pushes food through that door, and the door closes - until it's time to move more food into the stomach all over again
Acidity and Alkalinity
One term that doctors throw around a lot when they talk about GERD is "pH". This is used to express the acidity or alkalinity of a solution according to a 14-point scale. Acidity starts at 1, on the lower end of the scale, and can be as high as 6.9. A neutral pH is 7.0. Alkalinity starts above 7.0 and ends at 14.0, the most alkaline.
Acid is not "bad" and alkaline is not good. We all need some acid in our stomachs to break down foods and kill bacteria, and acid blockers don't halt all production of acid forever. But when you have GERD, it's best if you can reach the ideal level of acidity in the esophagus.
Most gasroenterologists hope that their GERD patients will eventually have a pH of 4.0 in the esophagus. Levels lower than 4.0 can be very damaging to your esophagus when you have GERD
There are several aspects of the concept of pH that can be a little confusing for many people. A tricky part to keep in mind is that a lower pH is equal to more acid. When it comes to acidity, less is mmore.
Acid is not "bad" and alkaline is not good. We all need some acid in our stomachs to break down foods and kill bacteria, and acid blockers don't halt all production of acid forever. But when you have GERD, it's best if you can reach the ideal level of acidity in the esophagus.
Most gasroenterologists hope that their GERD patients will eventually have a pH of 4.0 in the esophagus. Levels lower than 4.0 can be very damaging to your esophagus when you have GERD
There are several aspects of the concept of pH that can be a little confusing for many people. A tricky part to keep in mind is that a lower pH is equal to more acid. When it comes to acidity, less is mmore.
Basics on How Acid Reflux Medication Works
You don't need a heavily scientific or chemical explanation of how all the various GERD medications work in your system, but it's good to have a basic understanding.
Antacid drugs work to neutralize the level of already existing acid in your stomach. These medications don't prevent stomach acid from backing up when you have GERD, but they make what does reflux up into your esophagus a lot less acidic than what backed up before you took the antacid. imagine a five-alarm fire, with fire trucks rushing forward to put out the flames. You, on the other hand, have a fire in your belly that is backing up into your esophagus. You douse your acidic "flames" with antacids.
Antacids are good for occasional bouts of heartburn, but they are not very good for healing esophagitis.
Some prescribed drugs, such as acid blockers, cut back on the production of acid in your stomach; in that sense, they go one step farther back than do the antacids. In fact, acid blockers prevent the fire in your stomach from happening in the first place. And by diminishing acid production, acid blockers give your esophagus a chance to heal from any erosion or damage that has occurred during your previous GERD episodes and that added to your pain. Thus, acid blockers are usually more effective than antacids for people who have GERD. Pepcid Complete is a unique formulation combining antacids plus an H2 blocker in a single chewable tablet.
There are two primary types of acid blockers, which I will discuss later in this blog: H2 blockers and PPIs. Of the two categories, PPIs are stronger.
Other drugs work on other functions, such as speeding up stomach emptying or improving the strength of the LES. They are called prokinetic drugs.
Antacid drugs work to neutralize the level of already existing acid in your stomach. These medications don't prevent stomach acid from backing up when you have GERD, but they make what does reflux up into your esophagus a lot less acidic than what backed up before you took the antacid. imagine a five-alarm fire, with fire trucks rushing forward to put out the flames. You, on the other hand, have a fire in your belly that is backing up into your esophagus. You douse your acidic "flames" with antacids.
Antacids are good for occasional bouts of heartburn, but they are not very good for healing esophagitis.
Some prescribed drugs, such as acid blockers, cut back on the production of acid in your stomach; in that sense, they go one step farther back than do the antacids. In fact, acid blockers prevent the fire in your stomach from happening in the first place. And by diminishing acid production, acid blockers give your esophagus a chance to heal from any erosion or damage that has occurred during your previous GERD episodes and that added to your pain. Thus, acid blockers are usually more effective than antacids for people who have GERD. Pepcid Complete is a unique formulation combining antacids plus an H2 blocker in a single chewable tablet.
There are two primary types of acid blockers, which I will discuss later in this blog: H2 blockers and PPIs. Of the two categories, PPIs are stronger.
Other drugs work on other functions, such as speeding up stomach emptying or improving the strength of the LES. They are called prokinetic drugs.