QUESTIONS FROM A NURSE

 In 2021 a lady who had been a nurse for 13 years wrote an article on facebook. She questioned why doctors don't do certain things for their patients. Following are a couple of the questions she asked that I believe are worthwhile to the public. 

• Why don't doctors tell patients to take magnesium instead of stool softeners (Which dehydrate the bowel)?
• Why don't doctors tell you to change your diet when you have heart burn and indigestion, instead of giving you Prilosec (this causes more heartburn, colon cancer & osteoporosis and leaves food fermenting in your body)?

I am not a nurse or doctor, just a patient. I admit I have never had to deal with either of the problems mentioned above so I am not giving my opinion on any of them. I am just sharing some thoughts some of you may find interesting.

file photo

LESSEN HEARTBURN

 If you suffer from occasional heartburn you might want to try these diet fixes:

• Barbara Wendland, RD, author of Chronic Heartburn: Managing Acid Reflux and GERD Through Understanding, Diet and Lifestyle, says that keeping portions in check is a simple way for most people to lessen or avoid acid reflux.  She says that eating too much can overfill your stomach and cause discomfort, as can eating too close to bedtime. Did you know it is harder for your body to digest food when you are lying down?
• Lawrence Taw, MD, a UCLA clinical professor, has said that some herbs can lessen heartburn and suggests drinking a cup of chamomile, ginger or licorice tea with your meal.  He went on to say that cold foods and drinks can make the muscles tighten and cause backup that leads to reflux. He suggests that those having a problem with reflux or heartburn avoid things like ice water and frozen yogurt.
• David C. Metz, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital suggests that GERD smokers should quit smoking and those who are overweight should lose weight.  He says that over-the-counter antacids to neutralize stomach acid can help but if symptoms continue for a couple of weeks, you should see your doctor.
• The professionals say fatty foods such as fried foods, full-fat cheeses, and veggies in lots of oil should be avoided in those who have heartburn. High fat foods are digested more slowly causing the stomach to produce more acid which is the culprit.
• The following acidic culprits should be avoided while suffering with heartburn: chocolate, peppermint, coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages, tomato sauces, and citrus fruits and juices.

 

HEARTBURN AND VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY

If you have a lot of heartburn that you choose to treat yourself with OTC antacids, you should pay a visit to your doctor, especially if you are feeling tired.  Did you know that chewing a lot of antacids can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency?  Antacids interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.  The occasional antacids are not what we are talking about here.  This is referring to those who are continually chewing antacids and not checking in with their doctors. 

A deficiency of vitamin B12 causes fatigue and according to Danine Gruge, MD, associate medical director of the Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa in Miami, Florida, this deficiency is often found in persons who don't eat much animal protein.

 vitamin B12