ACID REFLUX TIP

If you suffer with acid reflux, the experts at John Hopkins University have a simple way to pinpoint the problem. They suggest that every time you experience acid reflux, you should log what you ate into a journal. You may be able to find a or some food items that trigger the reflux. If so, you will know what foods to avoid.

There are many different foods that can cause acid reflux such as spicy foods, fried foods, and chocolate. Yes, even chocolate can be a trigger. 

If you have acid reflux often, you should see a doctor. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid rises through the esophagus into the throat. If this becomes a common thing for you, it can cause damage to the esophagus when left untreated.

There are ways to naturally treat occasional heartburn. I will list them in the next post.

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HEARTBURN/ACID REFLUX

Up to 1 in 5 people experience acid reflux every week and we are often confused about what does or does not cause heartburn and/or acid reflux.  If you are one of those who feels you need to avoid spices to prevent such problems, you may be wrong.  According to Dr. Douglas Adler, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Utah, "Seasonings won't necessarily cause acid reflux. The real culprits are usually acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, which are used in spicy meals." Sometimes we become confused and eliminate the wrong foods.  Try eliminating the acidic foods before the spices.  Sometimes the spices are actually helpful.  And remember that caffeine and peppermint can also be culprits.

Dr. Vivek Kaul, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center said that, "Difficulty swallowing, a cough and a hoarse voice are other signs of acid reflux.  If your throat feels funny after eating acidic foods, try antacids, not cough drops."

It is recommended that anyone using over-the-counter meds more than twice a week or for more than two weeks in a row, visit their doctor.  Untreated, chronic heartburn may damage your throat and eventually lead to esophageal cancer.

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SPICE RACK REMEDIES

 Have you ever considered your spice rack as a medicine cabinet? As strange as that may sound, it is a good idea. To enlighten us all, I have decided to do a 'spice rack remedies' post from time to time. If you have taking medications, as many do, try using more spices to help with your health situations. Below are the first two I will post.

• Ginger - Ginger relieves inflammation associated with arthritic conditions, soothes nausea and indigestion, and helps fight colds and flu. I can personally say I have used ginger for years and it has helped my inflammation and stomach issues. According to Andrew Weil, MD, a graduate of Harvard Medical School and a leading proponent of Natural Healing, ginger can reduce joint stiffness and swelling as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. One possible risk is that excessive use by pregnant women may cause miscarriage and/or heartburn.
• Caraway - Aids digestion. Also acts as an antispasmodic which can be helpful in treating menstrual cramps. No known risks.

These are just brief points on these spices. You can look them up online for more details if you are interested in a particular one.

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CHEWING GUM FOR HEARTBURN?

According to Kings College of London researchers, chewing gum can reduce heartburn-related symptoms.  Chewing gum (sugar-free!) boosts the production of saliva which is an alkaline that helps neutralize stomach acid.   More saliva also means more swallowing.  More swallowing stimulates the muscle contractions that help digest food, according to the researchers.  Also, a piece of hard candy or a lozenge may have the same effect.

Note: This is in reference to mild and occasional heartburn. Severe or constant heartburn is a reason to see your doctor.

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