Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone that occurs in waves, rising towards the neck. Sometimes this is accompanied by fluid reaching the mouth, known as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD.
Many of us experience heartburn after eating a large meal or something spicy. I experienced reflux each time I was pregnant. My it was horrible at times! When I would complain about having heartburn or reflux during my pregnancies, my mother would always say that my baby was going to be born with lots of hair! An old wives tale, but her saying that made the burning reflux a little easier to withstand. In fact it was because my belly was so big, the same effect as obesity.
My mother herself had heartburn for many years only to discover that she had a Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, and the muscle wall that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity. In a way it can cause reflux. Many healthy people over 50 have a small one. She had a large one, which gave her a reason to eat lots of "Tums", so much so that they were at her bedside, in her purse, and coat pockets. Everywhere.
Recently my daughter was experiencing major heartburn. She even went to the doctors, (she thought that it could be her heart" since I had a heart attack when I was 39), to have it checked out, only to be prescribed Prilosec, to be taken twice a day. After a few months of no relief, she called her doctor again, went in for another check up. At this time her primary care doctor started asking her a few questions. The next option was to have a procedure to check her esophagus, invasive. After asking some questions it was determined that my daughter was taking her vitamins and minerals without water or juice, just by swallowing them! I could never do that..she was doing this because she would forget to take her pills and then took them in the car on the QT!
My point is that there are many reasons to have heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. 10%-48% of Western countries show the prevalence of these symptoms. Since there is a high rate of obesity in Western countries, it only makes sense that a diet high in fat, and overeating can certainly be the cause of some of these symptoms. Adding more pills to take can only make symptom worse. Try to manage your symptoms by the tips I have prepared below.
By the way, these symptoms can be the sign of a heart attack, so listen carefully to your body! If severe, see a doctor.
Here are some tips to help in keeping your heartburn, GERD and acid reflux in check:
1-Avoid overeating by eating slower and feeling the fullness in your stomach. Just take a few breaks and put your fork down.
2-Drink water with your meals, this helps with digestion.
3-Avoid Coffee, chocolate, alcohol, smoking and peppermint which will increase GERD
4-Prescription drugs can also cause GERD.
5-Reduce the consumption of fried foods and red meat. These foods increase stomach acid for the proper digestion, you don't want that!
6-Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime. You can also elevate the head at bedtime with a thick firm pillow.
7-Avoid stress develop coping skills to minimize stressful situations, especially when eating.
As we get older we lack the stomach acids that we need to aid in proper digestion of some foods, like the ones I mentioned above, so it is important to avoid them as much as you can. Replace these foods with fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, raw nuts, legumes, and fish. Your digestive system will love you for it! And think about the fact that you can bend over without that awful feeling of vomiting a hot burning liquid!!! Yuck.
Following an Acid Alkaline Diet will help get you back on tract. walnutsnwallpaper@gmail.com for more information on this diet and more.
The Color Green
The color green can be introduced to our lives in many ways, including with flowers, accessories, paint, clothing, and lighting. Green
Meaning: The Ray of Harmony
Affects: The heart center
Uses: It strengthens with out over stimulating and is useful for: heart troubles, low blood pressure(dark green), neuralgic headaches, ulcers, influenza, head colds, croup, wound healing, and breasts.
Create a comfortable relaxing environment by de-cluttering. As an Interior Designer, I know the importance of creating an environment that provides a comforting, relaxing, atmosphere that is free of clutter. This is so important when dealing with stress in our lives. Find a space and make it your own. Treat yourself well, you deserve it!
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Remember …."don't apologize for who you are, and make a memory every day"….
Rebecca
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Walnuts & Wallpaper 