Heartburn: Hints on Dealing

Acid reflux is a disease that has become more and more prevalent in American society. At least 35% of overweight people have it, making it a significant demographic that is suffering with this condition.

This article looks at five quick facts about acid reflux, in the hopes that, by knowing more about this disease, you can take specific action to avoid triggering symptoms, and arm yourself with more information for your next doctor's visit.

Fact #1: A Common Problem

Did you know that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn caused by acid reflux at least once each month? That's almost a fifth of the country suffering with heartburn!

In addition, about 1/12th the population (or about 25 million people) experience acid reflux and / or heartburn symptoms on a daily basis.

Fact #2: Causes More Than Just Heartburn

In addition to the obvious physical symptoms, acid reflux can have a negative impact on your mental health. About 80% of sufferers experience symptoms in the evening, and about 75% are woken by their heartburn, or other symptoms.

This broken sleep can cause problems including increased irritability, reduced concentration and ability to focus, and an increased risk of being in (or causing) an auto accident.

Fact #3: You Can Take Steps to Avoid Acid Reflux

While technically there is no cure, you can take steps to avoid your symptoms. If you are concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing, you should first make an appointment to see your primary care practitioner. Next, take a look at your diet. Certain foods, including those high in fat, grease, or acid, can exacerbate your symptoms.

Drinking and smoking are a no-no if you're suffering with reflux disease. Smoking increases the acidity of your stomach fluids, which simply increases the damage to your esophagus caused by reflux.

Nicotine also is responsible for relaxing the esophageal sphincter muscle. This muscle is responsible for preventing stomach acid from returning to the esophagus, and its proper functioning is vital to avoidance of acid reflux symptoms. Alcohol also relaxes the esophageal sphincter, allowing reflux into the esophagus.

Fact #4: Some People Are At Higher Risk

While anyone can be affected by acid reflux, some demographics are at a higher risk of developing the disease. People who are carrying excess weight put more pressure on their stomach while sleeping, due to the weight of their abdomen, and this can also weaken the lower esophageal sphincter to a point where reflux occurs.

Pregnant women are at risk for the same reason--the added weight of the baby can put a lot of extra pressure on the stomach.

Older people, especially those that have maintained smoking and drinking habits throughout their lives, need to take stock of their lifestyle, and make appropriate changes to ensure that they do not become afflicted with this disease.

Fact #5: Treat it Now to Avoid Later Problems

Untreated acid reflux will often lead to much more serious consequences. Because sufferers continuously have acid entering the esophagus, several related problems can develop, including erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal strictures, and in the most extreme cases, esophageal cancer.

Click here for your FREE report: Acid Reflux 101. Inside you'll learn more about acid reflux, indigestion and GERD, as well as discover several treatment options.

Sometimes when you are suffering from acid reflux, or GERD, you experience symptoms that at first appear to be simply a cold or flu. You might develop a cough, your throat may feel sore, and you may lose your voice completely.

When you have a cold, these symptoms generally last for only a few days before disappearing. However, persisting symptoms may be signs of reflux disease. In addition to losing your voice, you may experience stomachaches or headaches, or you might feel a burning sensation when eating foods high in fat, grease and acids. Acid reflux may be the cause of these symptoms and can lead to more critical problems if left untreated.

Reflux disease can cause your throat to become very sore. This pain occurs because stomach acid leaves the stomach and rises to the lungs and the esophagus. The acid can become mixed with saliva and can affect your throat, causing you to lose your voice.

This refluxing of stomach acid can also cause changes to your voice by causing shortness of breath. This reduction in air available for speaking causes your vocal chords to strain because of the extra work it takes to speak. Over time, your vocal chords can become damaged and that will often permanently affect your voice. Your voice may become deeper, or it may become thin, with little volume.

Acid reflux can hurt not only your throat and vocal chords; it can also injure your lungs and other organs--including the heart. There are many ways you can treat your acid reflux. Often, you will have to change your diet in to lessen the symptoms, and the impact, of the condition.

Avoiding highly acidic foods, like citrus fruits, is a good start. You may also have to avoid alcohol--having a glass of wine at most only occasionally. Making these dietary changes results in less acid production and can help your throat to heal.

If you are concerned that acid reflux is the cause of your vocal issues, have your vocal chords looked at by your doctor. When vocal cords are damaged, sometimes growths appear, and surgery may be required to remove them. Tiny polyps form which can make the voice scratchy and hurt when you speaks.

Don't let more than a couple days of vocal chord pain go by before your see your doctor--don't wait for the problem to worsen. If you wait too long, surgery may no longer be an option, because of the added damage surgery might cause.

Acid reflux is a common disorder and while it may not be cured, the symptoms you experience can be reduced.

Medications and diet will make a significant difference. Because your voice can be affected it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any acid reflux symptoms. Only your doctor will be able to diagnose you and determine the best treatment options.

Click here to learn more about acid reflux and indigestion, and to receive your FREE Acid Reflux 101 guide.

Those with acid reflux know that this problem is likely one that be with them for their entire life. Caused by a lack of strength in the lower esophageal sphincter, acid reflux disease causes harmful fluids to rise up from the stomach and into the esophagus, and corrosive damage is caused by the stomach acid found in these liquid.

In addition to the potential development of serious health conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer, patients afflicted with acid reflux disease deal with the agony of heartburn symptoms on a daily basis.

However, all of that may change. A new surgical procedure is becoming standard practice in clinics across the nation that may help to eliminate acid reflux symptoms in those who undergo the surgery. Called the Plicator procedure, this brief outpatient procedure takes only about twenty minutes. Though it may sound to good to be true, patients are seeing excellent results. Here is a simple explanation of the process of the Plicator procedure.

• The Plicator, a small electronic device, is placed at the end of an endoscopy tube. During the simple endoscopy procedures, the doctor in lowers a tube into the digestive tract through the mouth, during which time the patient is in a state of conscious sedation.
• The Plicator travels through the digestive tract, via the endoscopy tube, until it reaches the stomach. Once it is in place within the stomach, the surgeon maneuvers the Plicator in order to grab the tissue located between the esophagus and the stomach. The Plicator then closes its arms, crimping the grasped tissue. The fold made by the Plicator is then secured by a single suture.
• As a result, the opening between the stomach and the esophagus is now much more narrow. This aids the lower esophageal sphincter in successfully opening and closing the passageway between the stomach and the esophagus.

That is all there is to it! Patients who undergo the procedure generally don't experience any ill effects, and are often able to return to regular levels of activity the day after surgery.

After the surgery, patients are often advised to follow a soft-food diet for a few days to allow the suture to sets.

The effects of the surgery are obvious almost immediately, and within a couple days after the surgery, most patients are able to wean themselves off their heartburn medications.

Common side effects of the Plicator procedure include sore throats or abdominal pain, typically from the insertion of the endoscopy tube, and these problems typically clear up within a few days.

Research studies were begun at several institutions to determine the efficacy of the procedure in relieving heartburn.

The studies showed the procedure eliminated the need for prescription heartburn medications in 70 percent of all patients who had the surgery! In addition, 80 percent of all people undergoing the surgery saw a reduction in acid reflux symptoms post-procedure.

To learn more about acid reflux, and to sign up for your FREE Acid Reflux 101 report, click here

Research proves that there are several factors that contribute to this condition which directly affects the esophagus. Unfortunately, no one person is really aware that they have developed the condition. Fortunately, researchers have brilliantly discovered how to cure acid reflux.

Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) affects 1 of 10 adults in their lifetime; which makes life unbearable. The condition is generally diagnosed by licensed healthcare professionals. The practitioners make such diagnosis when the symptoms are frequent or particularly severe.

Acid reflux is developed when the gastric juices of the stomach consistently travels back into the esophagus. Eventually, the liquid content builds- up in the esophagus and attack its lining. The lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat.

Initially, the symptoms may appear to be simple heartburn which is often treated with over-the-counter medications. Although these drugs suggest minor benefits, they are also temporary. The disease may worsen despite your efforts. More over, after the healthcare professionals diagnose GERD, they will offer prescription medications.

Again, these medications are to be used for short- term in order to at least ease the pain and frequency. Still, it may worsen as you are simply concealing the symptoms, not eliminating the problem.

It is imperative to restore overall health that you self-educate on how to cure acid reflux. Even with the temporary use of medications, the condition can lead to more serious health problems. To note, long- term use of the medications can also cause major health problems.

First, you must be aware if you are at risk. GERD contributing factors include obesity, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and pregnancy. Avoiding these factors will significantly lower the risk of you developing acid reflux. A few prominent symptoms to be aware of are heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, hoarseness, chest pain, belching, dental erosion, and asthma.

There are several ways to cure acid reflux. These cures have proven to be both effective and rewarding. The most important factor to remember is lifestyle changes. The key is to treat GERD depending upon the severity of the condition. Therefore, treatment may involve one or more of the following lifestyle change to avoid medication and/or surgery.

Lifestyle modifications include:

1. Exercise
2. Eating healthy Acid Reflux Diet
3. Eating small meals
4. Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal
5. Raise the head of the bed 6- 8 inches

Learning how to cure acid reflux will save you time, money, and heartache. This would end the era of long sleepless nights, ongoing medication management, and persistent pain.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and acid reflux cure. Discover how you can get rid of your acid reflux for good using proven home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now for more useful articles such as: Natural Cures for Acid Reflux

Candida overgrowth can be hard to diagnose, because it can give you signs and symptoms that are easily mistaken for other diseases and ailments. Once you diagnose it correctly you can cure and eliminate it quite easily if you know what you're doing.

You and I both have Candida in our bodies, it is only when it turns into a fungal form and gets out of control that it starts causing harm. A Candida yeast infection can be caused by many different things ranging from antibiotics to the substances in the food you eat every day.

Before you learn what you can do to take care of your Candida fungus let us look at some common symptoms.

Candida Symptoms and Signs
Common Candida symptoms include itching, depression, dry skin, flaky skin, anxiety, unexplained irritability, mood swings, heartburn, fatigue, allergies, joint pain, chest pain, skin problems, recurring vaginal or penile infections or menstrual problems.

Candida can be extremely difficult to remove from your body if you don't know what you're doing. That is why many who are suffering from Candida haven't been able to get rid of it for several years, some have even been searching for a cure for over 10 years.

It doesn't have to be like that, there are some excellent remedies that cleanse, detox and eliminate the Candida fungus from your system.

How to Cure Candida Forever
Eliminating Candida from your life can be easy if you're determined to follow simple guidelines. If you're sick of Candida overgrowth then I am sure you're ready to commit yourself to the best Candida program and get rid of it forever.

If you've tried everything out there and aren't getting results, it is because you are not addressing the underlying cause of Candida overgrowth. You cannot use anti-fungal medication or ointments to get rid of it, it will just reoccur.

The best way to cure Candida is naturally and through eating a specific diet. Some foods are increase Candida growth, while others can inhibit it and sometimes even fight the Candida.

I recently reviewed the most popular Candida programs out there. If you're interested in learning how to cure Candida fast I think you would benefit from reading my review. Are you sick of Candida overgrowth? Learn how you can find the best Candida program out there and start getting better within 12 hours. Start now and enjoy a healthier and more vibrant life.

Many people start up on a weight loss diet program and are at first seeing good success; the pounds are coming off, they're looking thinner in the mirror, and their energy levels are staying strong.

But a few weeks later, after making the full switch over to more weight loss friendly foods, they start noticing their stomach appears to be getting larger. What's going on?

In two words, stomach bloat.

It's the downside to many diets as they tend to be a bit higher in fiber, which is something the body isn't used to. Because of this, it causes stomach distention and you're left with that bloated, puffy feeling in your lower abdomen.

Luckily, if you make an extra effort to eat certain foods, you can help keep this bloat down while on your weight loss diet.

Here are the foods to consider.

Asparagus

Not only is asparagus a great, low-calorie side-dish for your meals, it also works well to stop the bloat. There are certain compounds in the vegetable that promote the growth of certain bacteria in the intestines, which will then serve to increase the movement of food through the colon. Good ways to cook this vegetable include grilling or boiling it.

Papaya

While you might commonly reach for an apple when on a diet, a better fruit to consider is papaya. Loaded with plenty of antioxidants and low in calories as well, it has a digestive enzyme called papain in it, which aids with the digestion and breakdown of protein by the body. Since excess protein does tend to cause gas and bloat, eating a bit more papaya when you boost your protein intake on a diet is a terrific idea.

Pineapple

Many people will be avoiding this fruit as it is typically a bit higher in calories but if you make room to have even half a cup it can help you out (and half a cup only has about 40-50 calories anyway). Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme that helps to promote proper digestion and will help to relive stomach upset and heartburn. In addition to this, the sweet taste of it may just help fend off any other cravings you may be experiencing while on your weight loss diet.

Water With Mint Leaves

Another great way to put a stop to the bloated feeling is eater drink water that contains peppermint or drink some peppermint tea. This will help to relieve any gas you presently have in the stomach, which will make the entire weight loss process more comfortable for not only yourself, but for those around you as well.

Celery

Finally, the last food that you should consider that will help to prevent the bloated feeling you get while on a weight loss diet is celery. Most diets will contain celery already since it is such a low cal option, but for those who don't, try and add it in. Even a small amount can really help to flush out the system and remove unwanted water weight.

Tired of the endless loop of Yo-Yo diets? Click here to know why your last diet didn't work.

Also, check out our website for more information about diets.

If you would like to make your email marketing FAR more responsive and profitable, then this article contains a simple tip that will show you how.

Here's the story:

This past weekend I apparently offended someone with one of my daily email tips. In this case a single word bothered her.

The word?

"Suck"

Which was found in the subject line of the offending email ("Why Most Sales Pitches Suck"). It gave her heartburn because she said it's offensive to the gay community. And that it's an ugly, dirty "bash" word that she is surprised hasn't been banned from public use yet.

Wowzers!

I have never heard of that and, considering the subject of the email was selling, I'm pretty sure most people will let me off the hook for using it.

Whatever the case, I'm GLAD she said something because it makes for an important email lesson.

In my (humble) opinion, when writing emails, you have an ethical, professional and... yes... MORAL duty to be yourself -- "warts" and all.

I'm talking about showing the real YOU.

The guy or gal who is NOT perfect. Who is not always "politically correct." And who has a view point uniquely YOURS, communicated in the exact same way you would say it were you talking to someone face to face.

Now before anyone gets any funny ideas... I'm NOT saying to go crazy cussing and swearing.

For one thing, the spam filters will zap your emails. And for another, it could have some pretty nasty unintended consequences. (My own standard is never to say something I wouldn't say to my grandma. But that's just my opinion.)

But this isn't just about language, it's also about being genuine.

About showing the REAL you by writing just like you talk -- with YOUR particular colloquialisms, quirks, mannerisms and personality.

And if someone's offended?

Hey, that's their problem.

You're not in business to not offend people, are you?

I hope not. Because if your marketing isn't turning OFF those who aren't your ideal customers, then chances are you're not turning ON those who are.

So if you offend somebody, then too bad for them. They can delete your email or leave your list.

While everyone else will respect you all the more.

For more email marketing tips like this, check out http://bensettle.com/blog/9-dumb-dumb-email-mistakes

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) causes many painful symptoms in sufferers. These symptoms can include:

• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing
• a feeling of food trapped in your throat
• hoarseness upon rising
• a sensation of choking,
• bad breath that you can not eliminate no matter what you do
• a persistent dry, hacking cough

Let's look at a few ways that GERD is diagnosed.

Usually, your doctor will start by prescribing a series of acid-suppressive drugs on a trial basis to see if they do 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 more common tests for GERD is an upper endoscopy (also referred to as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or, more simply, as an 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 duodenum--the beginning of the small intestine--and the stomach.

The endoscope resembles a thin, lighted tube, flexible enough to move easily. Using this, the doctor can easily see both the walls of the stomach and the tissue lining the upper part of the digestive tract.

Along with the EGD, a a doctor will sometimes do a biopsy of the stomach or esophagus in order to rule out cancer as a cause of the heartburn.

Another procedure that is commonly ordered is the . This test is fairly 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's take a closer look 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 device 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 typically used with patients that experience recurring heartburn symptoms but the endoscopy results are normal and they have not seen relief with the acid-suppressive therapy.

Barium x-rays are sometimes used to diagnose heartburn sufferers with certain symptoms. The patient is given a barium-laced drink to ingest, and the liquid coats the the stomach walls and the esophagus. X-rays are then taken to help identify hiatus hernias, erosions or strictures, and ulcers.

Sometimes it is also possible to watch as the esophagus empties itself of food and liquids on a barium x-ray. Even so, barium x-rays are not very effective at diagnosing GERD on their own, and because of this they are often combined with other diagnostic procedures to obtain a proper diagnosis.

Click here to learn more about GERD, acid reflux and indigestion, and to sign up for the OurGoodHealth acid reflux newsletter.

If you have been diagnosed with Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), getting the right kind of treatment can be frustrating. Treatment for Gerd starts with a visit to your doctors. Most doctors will prescribe a certain type of medication; however other doctors might consider acid reflux natural remedies instead. Due to the fact that certain medications come with unwanted side effects, you might want to consider the latter and discuss this option with your doctor.

Prescription drugs for this condition were not intended to be taken for long periods of time. Take for example, the over the counter medication, antacids. Antacids are very popular and widely used worldwide for the temporary relief of stomach acid. They are quick and simple and that is why people like them, however they do absolutely nothing in the treatment for Gerd.

On the other hand, acid reflux natural remedies are used to cure Gastroesophageal Reflux disease and have been tested by natural health doctors. These natural treatments work to heal damage and strengthen the esophagus, because letting stomach acid go can lead to more serious conditions including cancer of the esophagus. With that being said, let's explore some of the more natural ways to fight this condition and get rid of it before it turns into a life threatening problem.

Tested Acid Reflux Natural Remedies

1. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol increases stomach acid. Reducing your alcohol intake, especially if you have Gerd, will reduce they symptoms of this condition. Also, consuming alcohol in the evening is believed to produce night time symptoms as well as other health problems.

2. Change your diet. You do not have to go on a diet; however limit your food intake. Also, do not eat large meals just before bed as this triggers heartburn and other symptoms such as coughing. Reason being is because acid travels up out of the stomach and into the throat. Raise your head up about 6 to 8 inches. Also, eating your meals 3 to 4 hours before bedtime is a good way of preventing unwanted symptoms.

3. Apples are a natural treatment for Gerd. They are nutritious and work wonders on fighting acid reflux. If you feel a sudden attack, eat an apple (preferably a red one).

4. Drink plenty of water, especially after every meal. Water seals the sphincter more tight preventing acid to be refluxed.

5. Eat a teaspoon of honey before bed. Honey is a natural healer of tissue and will actually speed up the healing process of the sphincter.

When dealing with finding a treatment for Gerd, always be seeking knowledge. Include acid reflux natural remedies in your healing process. Be sure to always talk with your doctor before trying any type of natural treatment and avoid the things that are big triggers to the Gerd disease. Keeping yourself healthy is top priority, so be sure to equip yourself with all the knowledge you can on this disease and stay consistent with treatment.

Are you sick and tired of that nagging feeling burning a hole through your chest? If you're really sick & tired of debilitating acid reflux, heartburn or GERD effecting your life, then this may be the most critically important website you will visit - get acid reflux remedies

The common dandelion (taraxacum officinale, also known as Lion's tooth, priest's crown, and swine's snout) is a tough little plant that reproduces itself with the slightest puff of wind. While this may be good for perpetuating the species, it also means the dandelion can take over your yard... and your neighbor's yard... and perhaps the whole world... in just a couple of seasons.

Like most herbal remedies, you will not experience miraculous results from one dose. Small amounts consumed over a period of weeks can produce astounding effects, however.

The leaves, roots and flowers of this plant are all useful to the herbalist in different ways.

Leaves: The leaves are extremely high in potassium and Vitamin C, and contain significant levels of iron, zinc, and Vitamins A, B, and D. This makes one cup of the greens pack the punch of two cups of spinach, and completely wipes the floor with iceberg lettuce, which has little nutritional value. The leaves of dandelion create a diuretic effect, drawing toxins into the urine to be expelled from the body.

Use the very young leaves early in the spring; older leaves are far more bitter. Eat raw as a leafy green, well mixed with other types of greens to make them more palatable. Use on sandwiches instead of iceberg lettuce. Cooking the leaves releases some of their bitterness, so treat dandelion greens as you would spinach. Make a concoction of the leaves and drink as tea to calm the stomach. (Simmer 1 cup of greens in 1 quart of water for 10 minutes; cool, strain, and drink a sip at a time throughout the day.)

Flowers: The flowers contain trace antioxidants and may be eaten, too. They make a pretty decoration on fancy cakes and pastries. Rinse well under cold running water and dry thoroughly. For the best recipe ever created on how to make dandelion wine, check out the Ray Bradbury book by that title, "Dandelion Wine." (This is the best novel ever written in English, so read the whole book.)

Roots: The root acts as an antiviral, appetite stimulant, and helps the digestion. Fresh dandelion root can be used to make tea. Add 1/4 cup shaved or finely chopped root to 1 quart of water and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to steep and cool for 20 more minutes. Strain, add some sweetener, and drink. You may also roast or dry the roots and use these in the same way. Make a paste of ground dried root and use as a poultice on itchy skin or eczema. (Make sure the person is not allergic to flowers before trying this.) If you don't want to fuss with drying your own root, you may purchase it by mail order.

Precautions: People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies or iodine may experience side effects from dandelion such as itching, red skin, or even mouth sores if it's used too much. Some people experience heartburn and increased stomach acid after consuming dandelion; if you're taking antacids, there may be an interaction. People who have been diagnosed with gallstones or other gallbladder problems should ask their health care provider's advice. Pregnant women should probably not eat or drink anything at all while pregnant, but there have been no reported side effects in pregnant women other than those who are allergic to flowers in the first place.

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Want all the benefits and enjoyment of herbal tea, green tea, and black tea without a huge shopping hassle? Take your mind and body on a Tea Adventure and see how far you can go. Each month, the unique delivery program from http://www.10000Seeds.com sends you a new tea in a logical, enjoyable series--except you only order once! No surprises in the mailbox, or on your credit card. No long term commitments. This comfortable pace gives you the freedom to enjoy your tea completely. Explore all your Tea Adventure options today.

Do you know types of heart disease? Heart sickness is not one certain kind of problem. It is a problem of the circulatory system chiefly, the heart. Each of countless it can be referring to damage to the heart's muscle, valves, lining, arteries, or electrical system.

People may have only one or more than one type of heart ailment. It can be something that the individual is born with, for instance a heart abnormality, or something that increases over time, like blockage of the arteries.

A number of things that effect heart sickness can be controlled by the individual. The things are, for example whether or not they smoke or get exercise and what kinds of diets they consume. Nonetheless, other things are uncontrollable, such as gender, ethnicity, and age.

Types of Heart Disease - A Quick Overview

When most of us think of heart sickness, these kinds we see are Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Angina is a main symptom of CAD. Angina is heaviness or squeezing in the chest. Yet, it can also be felt in other ways. The angina is by far mistaken for heartburn or indigestion.

Myocardial Infarction (MI) generally recognized as a Heart Attack is one among types of heart disease. The symptoms are akin to those of CAD, but increase significantly. The MI can be mild. However, it step by step increases.

Then there is also full-on Heart Failure, which is one also one among a lot of these kinds. In this illness, the symptoms will approximate the above, but also can include a cough with white mucus. Nausea, swelling dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations are also general to feel by people with heart failure.

Pericarditis is also one among types of heart disease that is diverse from CAD. It can give someone a spiky chest pain.

Don't make yourself in doubt, see more on types of heart disease.

Did you find these tips on heart disease useful? You can learn a lot more here, Heart Disease Doctors.

Alternative medicines for depression are growing in popularity in part because people are sick and tired of all the pharmaceuticals being prescribed for them and are looking for healthier alternatives. Of course, if you have severe depression with suicidal thoughts you will need to see a physician. But for the thousands of people with a feeling of being down, or sad or working through a life experience that has you feeling depressed, alternative depression medications may be your answer.

Europeans have been using St. John's Wart for many years and is now a top US seller. Many clinical studies prove that St. John's Wart is more effective as an alternative medicine for depression. It may take up to six weeks for full results to be noticed for mild or moderate depression. And, although safe, in some people it can cause stomach upsets such as heartburn, so take with plenty of water or food and if symptoms continue to persist, quit taking the herb. Others side effects are dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth. St. John's Wart can interfere with some prescriptions and over the counter drugs like HIV drugs, organ rejection drugs, oral contraceptives and antidepressants. Photosensitivity is a rare result, but usually only if taking high doses and if you have fair skin. Stick with the recommended dose and you should not have any problems. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you are taking any other drug to learn more about interactions.

Alternative medicine for depression might include SAM-e. This is a chemical found in the body and thought to increase serotonin and dopamine levels which regulate moods. Another chemical produced by our body is 5-HTP to make serotonin. This can be purchased as a supplement but the facts in studies are conclusive if it actually boosts serotonin levels. This supplement should not be taken with antidepressants.

Sometimes a change in diet can turn around a mild depression. Constant up and down blood sugar levels can play havoc on your endocrine system. Studies show that some nutrients have been found to be deficient in depressed people. These are;

The good fat of omega-3 fatty acids needed for normal brain function. Our bodies can't make omega-3s you have to add them to your diet. Low intake of these good fats has been linked to depression. Also, using antidepressants with omega-3 might be more effective than using antidepressants alone according to some studies. Rich supplies of omega-3 are in salmon and sardines, but can also be taken in capsule forms which have filtered out the chemicals making them a good resource if you do not eat these types of fish. If you take capsules look for EPA and DHA in the ingredients as these are the best for depression. Some drugs such as Warfarin and aspirin can interact with fish oil so be sure and let your physician know if you are planning on taking them.

The B vitamins, especially folic acid or folate and B6 help to produce serotonin and dopamine which influences depressive tendencies. Again your diet can reflect this deficiency. Are you eating enough green leafy veggies, fruits and beans which all have high levels of folic acid? Certain medications like contraceptives and aspirin can cause a deficiency. Taking a multiple B is an excellent addition to your vitamin regime.

Other diet modifications that can affect mood that you may want to change are consumption of caffeine and alcohol. If you are prone to mood swings, anxiety and depression both can cause ups and downs that only worsen feelings after the initial effects have worn off.

Exercise has been proven in many studies as more than a stress or mood elevating benefit. Exercise decreases stress and chemicals in the brain are released which can lift your mood and improve brain function, strength and even memory. These and other health benefits of exercise are well documented. You don't have to be a marathon runner, just get out and walk every day for half an hour, take stairs, park further away from your destination; you get the idea.

Alternative depression medications have been proven to work for some people. Your body could be more sensitive than most and a natural medication may be all that is needed. Pharmaceuticals can sometimes make your imbalance more pronounced. Any of these suggestions are worth a try. Use prescription drugs as a last resort.

R. Shelly is a health practitioner researching natural remedies to achieve wellness. Find out more about some of the most effective natural treatments for health conditions such as depression A free E Book is available; Help for Depression.

Allergy: Your immune system defends the body against infections, injuries, cancer and damaging substances. Sometime however, it can overreact attacking a foreign substance that is normally harmless. When the body comes into contact with an allergen it releases histamine in an attempt to fight off the allergen. This release due to the allergy will cause symptoms common to allergies like inflammation, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. This response is an allergy. An allergy response can vary from mild conditions to life-threatening disorders.

One out of every five Americans suffers from an allergy. Some of the most common causes of allergy symptoms can be:

*Food Allergy - most commonly nuts, seafood, eggs, and milk.

*Seasonal Allergy - most commonly tree pollen, grass and various molds.

*Pet Allergy - most commonly from animal fur or skin flakes (dander).

Conventional Allergy Relief: The most common over the counter allergy medications are antihistamines and decongestants.

*Antihistamine causes allergy relief by blocking the release of histamine, histamine when released is what causes the common allergy symptoms such as redness, swelling, and inching. Most common side effect for antihistamines is drowsiness.

*Decongestants will help with allergy relief be shrinking swollen nasal tissue and blood vessels helping with nasal swelling, congestion, mucus secretion and redness relief. Most common side effects for decongestants are insomnia, irritability, restricted urinary flow, and high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are not recommended to take decongestants.
Some of the most common prescription medications for allergy relief include steroids, bronchodilators, mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene modifiers.

*Steroids will help with allergy relief by reducing the inflammation associated with allergies. Steroids need to be taken daily in order to get the full benefit. Common side effects of steroids are weight gain, fluid retention, and high blood pressure. Long term effects can be things such as diabetes, growth suppression, bone thinning, and muscle weakness.

*Bronchodilators help with allergy relief by controlling asthma symptoms. There is short-acting which provides quick relief, and long-acting which can provide relief for up to 12 hours. Common side effect can be high blood pressure and fast heartbeat.

*Mast cell stabilizers relieve allergy symptoms by reducing the inflammation in the bronchial tubes and can also be used to relieve asthma symptoms during exercise. Common side effects of mast cell stabilizers are throat irritation, coughing, skin rashes, and decreased taste.

*Leukotriene modifiers can relief allergy symptoms, treating asthma and nasal allergy symptoms by blocking leukotrienes, chemicals produced in the body in response to an allergy. Most common side effects are stomach pain or upset stomach, heartburn, fever, stuffy nose, cough, rash, and headaches.

Natural Allergy Relief: OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) have shown to help with allergy relief in three natural ways with no side effects.

1. Professor Sharma from the department of pharmacology of the University of Dublin has shown that OPCs inhibit the natural secretion of histamine by specialized white blood cells called mast cells. This is action mediated through the natural free-radical scavenging properties of OPCs.

2. OPCs appear to help with natural allergy relief by increasing the uptake and re-uptake of histamine into histamine's own storage granules, where it's out of the way and can't cause allergy misery.

3. Dr. David White of the University of Nottingham in England reports from his studies that OPC will help control natural allergy relief by blocking the action of an enzyme called histamine decarboxylase, which forms histamine from the amino acid histidine.

OPCs can be effective for natural allergy relief without producing the common side effects of conventional allergy relief medications such as drowsiness and dry mucous membranes.

Best Source of OPCs: A natural supplement Isotonix OPC-3 (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be potent antioxidants. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol in the world.

Richard Bonney is a Nutraceutical Consultant with NutraMetrix providing Advanced Nutraceuticals, Gene SNP DNA Analysis and Patient Wellness Education in Medical offices. For further information on Isotonix OPC-3 visit http://naturaltreatment.isotonix.com/

Some managed hosting providers boast of their ability to provide automatic software patching inclusive of the server management services they provide. Clients do like this concept: all they have to do is rely on their service provider to do all the dirty work.

But behind the scenes, it becomes important to consider just how the automated patches are applied. Some managed hosting companies like to use the yum update feature. Granted this is an efficient method of patching. However, let's consider a case study:

An intense database/feed driven website that used basic PHP and MySQL as the underlying engine. The lacky at the managed hosting company on patching night thought "easy I'll use yum update". Little did he consider that PHP 4 and MySQL 4 have significant issues that need to be planned before updating these. When PHP was automatically upgraded to v5, the register_globals behaviour was altered breaking significant parts of the code. Additionally the my.cnf file was overwritten with a default configuration that bound the MySQL service to a different port breaking connection from the PHP pages.

Hosting providers operators need to have a defined change management process. Whilst these problems were easily corrected once identified, it was a nuisance for the client to suffer the heartburn knowing their web business was offline all night. Be sure to ask your managed hosting provider how they apply patches and what preventative measures they take before doing so.

Critical Ops as a managed hosting provider has the complete facility to snapshot a hosting environment before applying patches and rollback should the patch not be successful.

Critical Ops is Australia's leading managed hosting and SaaS applications provider. The company is committed to education and information sharing and maintains knowledge base for providers and consumers.

Fortunately for those who suffer from different types of heartburn or acid reflux, there are many types of cures available. Most of the time an acid reflux cure involves nothing more than being willing to make a few changes to your lifestyle, even trying some alternative solutions as well. There are, of course, those prescription medications that you can take but I personally always try to find a natural way to cure anything that ails me.

It is hard to tell every single person to try just one acid reflux cure as the symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. So depending on the person, there are many different things that you can try to help you overcome your acid reflux. As I said before, one of the major steps to being able to overcome acid reflux is just being will to accept that you will need to possibly change some things and if you do, then change them.

1. There are actually some foods that can lead to heartburn. Some of the major contributors are coffee, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and juices and some of the processed meats. Eating large quantities of any one of these foods will no doubt lead to heartburn. Actually, eating large meals is a bad idea if you have acid reflux. Eating a few small meals spread throughout the day will be a lot easier on you rather than eating two or three large meals. It will add less pressure to your stomach, making the acid less likely to come back up.

2. You might have noticed that your symptoms are worse at night. That is mainly because of your sleeping position. Most people will just use one pillow when they sleep and that is a bad idea if you have heartburn. Elevating your upper body can help with eliminating that problem. There are even some pillows created to help as an acid reflux cure. If you don't want to buy one of those special pillows then I suggest elevating your upper body by sleeping on a folded up blanket or something. Whatever it takes so that your head is about eight inches above the rest of you.

3. There are also some herbs that can act as natural heartburn remedies. Ones that you can try to help you find an acid reflux cure would be chicory root tea, herbal tea, and cinnamon. There are some that say that you can try taking a little vinegar each day. Might sound insane but the reason that vinegar can be good is because some people have heartburn mainly because they have an acid imbalance. By drinking the vinegar, which is generally no more than two teaspoons in a glass of water, you are working to improve the acid balance in your stomach.

These are just a few things that you can try to help you find an acid reflux cure that works for you. Keep in mind though that just because something works wonderful your friend doesn't mean that it will have the same effect with you. You might need to tweak it a little to fit you just right.

Henry Bratton was diagnosed with heartburn early in his 50s but has been naturally free from heartburn symptoms for the past 7 years. Visit his website, http://www.curemyheartburnnow.com to discover the holistic treatment Henry used to cure heartburn naturally without antacids or medications.

Heartburn or acid reflux is an annoying condition which affects a large number of people. Occasional heartburn is quite common but if you suffer from heartburn more than twice a week then it would be wise to consult a doctor especially if the pain is so bad that you are taking a large number of heartburn medications such as antacids. Heartburn is commonly caused the gastric acid which refluxes back into the esophagus. It is characterized by a burning or painful sensation behind the breastbone. It is noted to be one of the causes of mimic asthma and chronic cough.

Here are a couple of the more common things known to cause heartburn.

Certain foods such as chocolate, spicy foods, garlic, tomato based sauces and peanuts can cause heartburn. While drinks such as citric fruit juices, carbonated or fizzy drinks, wine, caffeine and alcohol also can contribute to the condition. Other factors such as fatigue and stress as well as smoking and being overweight can also cause heartburn.

As shown above, heartburn is generally linked to poor lifestyle habits and eating the incorrect foods. If you are able to audit your eating and lifestyle habits and make the necessary changes to avoid acid reflux triggers you should see a marked improvement in the condition.

Treating heartburn need not be an expensive exercise. Many natural remedies can be found in your home. Here are a couple:

Apples - Experts say that apples effectively neutralize the acid inside your body so eat as many apples as you like. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals that help keep the body in tip top shape.

Aloe Vera Juice - This is one of the most common natural remedies for heartburn and is widely available at local supermarkets.

Distilled White Vinegar - As soon as you feel that a bout of heartburn may be rearing its ugly head try taking a tablespoon of this vinegar. Many people swear that it is a great natural cure for heartburn.

Probably the best, and easiest, way to avoid heartburn attacks is to simple avoid eating the foods that are known to trigger heartburn. By maintaining a healthy diet as well as eating in moderation should help you avoid a lot of the pain you experience.

For more information on how to treat and cure your acid reflux, please visit http://www.acidreflux-heartburn-treatment.info now!

Could it actually be the opposite?

Also known as GERD, gastroesopageal reflux disease can be the most excoriating thirty minutes of your life if you can get it to go away in that amount if time. It can literally feel like you are having a heart attack and when it finally does subside, it can leave your entire body feeling like it just was ran over by a truck.

It is estimated that about 15 percent of Americans and about 20 percent of the population world wide will suffer from this condition at least once a week. Another 10 percent suffer from it daily. And several of the experts that discuss it will give you every reason under the sun for the cause, but there is no single cause as it affects people in different ways.

What is it?

Acid reflex disease is different than heartburn, which can and does affect almost everyone at some time, usually after a very large or a very spicy meal. But GERD happens much more frequently and in some cases it can be almost continual.

When it does strike what is happening is that esophageal sphincter, which is a circular band of muscle that closes the very small spaces of the esophagus and helps to prevent the backward flow of stomach contents, does not function properly. As a result, the pressure between the stomach and the esophagus becomes uneven.

When it is functioning properly, this band of muscles react with gravity to create just enough pressure to push food that we have eaten back down into our stomach. However, if the pressure is either too high or too low, this stomach acid flow backward or essentially splashes back up. A similar reaction to this condition is belching.

Why it happens:

Unlike the stomach which is heavily protected by thick layers of mucus, the esophagus is much more vulnerable, and is subject to this reverse flowing process. The lower esophageal sphincter remains closed most of the time and only opens to allow swallowed food or liquid to pass through it.

It acts like a one way control mechanism, but if it becomes weakened, it loses its control, and what should have been flowing down into the stomach does not. It has to go somewhere, so it comes back up. Again, exactly the same as when we belch, the air pressure is too strong and forces its way past this valve.

Symptoms:

There are a myriad of symptoms that you may face with acid reflex disease, and none of them are good. If fact they can be down right nasty in some cases. The initial symptoms may be irritations to the throat and difficulty in swallowing because of the reverse effects. You may also experience coughing spells or even a chronic cough, again because of the reverse effects. You may than get some belching associated with an acid taste in your mouth.

Than it really hits you with a burning pain in your chest that will start down low and works it way up. This is common to most everyone that has experienced it, and following an attack you may hurt for several days.

What causes it?

There are several experts that believe that acid reflex disease is caused by too much acid, but it in all likelihood it is just the opposite. Healthy digestive processes occur when your stomach uses hydrochloric acid and pepsin, a very strong digestive enzyme, to break down the food that you eat into nutrients for your body.

Pepsin must have a very high level of acids to perform its job properly, and when the hydrochloric acids in your body are too low, it does not do its job. But your stomach still wants to get its job done, so it responds to these low acid levels by releasing more gastric acids and as a result, acid rebound.
Effects of antacids:

Antacid medications such as Tums will help to neutralize this effect and return your stomach acids back to normal. However, although these antacids work initially, over a long period of time they can cause a condition known as hypochlorhydria. When this occurs, it develops a chronic low acid problem and intensifies the cycle of indigestion.

But what most people are not aware of is that these antacid products also deplete your body of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron and Zinc. Think for a minute why some brands advertise so heavily that their product is a supply of calcium.

Underlying causes:

There may be several underlying causes of this condition such as a Hiatal hernia that affects this valve causing it to open to wide, hypochlorhydria, which is a chronic form of low stomach acid, or food allergies or intolerances and as a result cause your stomach acids have difficulty in breaking the food down. Other underlying causes may be age that causes the muscles to weaken, pregnancy which forces pressure on the stomach, and obesity, which puts a tremendous amount of pressure on these functions. Smoking puts a lot of pressure on the sphincter as well as reducing salivary secretion.

Foods that may cause it:

Although everyone is unique, there are common food and beverages that may be causing acid reflex disease:
Coffee, Tea and chocolate are very common, as well as fried or fatty foods. Tomatoes and tomato juice, citrus fruits and juices, as well as onions, especially raw, may be the cause. Alcohol, French fries, and potato chips are also very common.

However, by far and away the largest cause will be soft drinks. Carbonation irritates your stomach; it does not help your stomach. Just think of what happens when you drink it; you belch. The stomach cures this irritation the only way it knows how to, it reacts.

Remedies:

There are several remedies, depending on what the causes are, but a lot of them will be lifestyle changes. Weight reduction can immediately reduce the pressure on the stomach, and quitting smoking will also immediately increase your salivary secretion.

Eliminating fatty foods and drinks, especially soda, will help return the stomach acids back to normal. Reducing the size of meals and increasing the frequency will also help the digestive acids. But perhaps the best lifestyle change may be to formulate a better upper body elevation, especially when you sleep. Elevating the entire upper body will naturally help your stomach do its job.

Some natural remedies will include licorice, natural honey, and Aloe Vera Juice, as they all help to sooth the esophagus and the digestive processes.

Summary:

Acid reflex disease is very common but can become very serious. Over time it erodes the delicate tissues and causes inflammation as well as scaring. Only you know what affects your body, but taking action will help you in defeating this very painful and dangerous condition.

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field. He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds. After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process.

Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website;

Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

Most people will experience occasional heartburn but millions experience a more serious condition often referred to as GERD, an acronym for gastro esophageal reflux disease. What is GERD and is it the same as Acid Reflux? The answer is "yes". Typically GERD and Acid Reflux refer to the same problem where liquid contents in the stomach regurgitate (or refluxes upward into the esophagus).

The most common symptom of GERD is a burning sensation that radiates up from the stomach and into the chest and throat. Other symptoms may include cramps, difficulty or pain when swallowing. A patient may experience pain behind or below the breastbone. They may have vomiting at night and liquid may be inhaled into the lungs. Excess saliva, bad breath, sore throat, hoarseness, coughing (sometimes excessively), shortness of breath or any combination of these symptoms may occur. Acid in the mouth can also cause erosion of tooth enamel on the surface of teeth.

One study revealed that nearly three-quarters of patients with frequent GERD problems experience their worst symptoms at night. To fully understand GERD one must realize that the main problem stems from eating too much in the evening. To solve the problem, diet can be adjusted to substitute a lighter meal at dinner and a small snack later, as opposed to one large meal in the evening. Typically one should not eat two to three hours before bedtime and it's best not to lie down immediately after eating.

Additional factors that may contribute to GERD include smoking, being overweight, pregnant, use of certain medications and eating foods that aggravate the condition but that varies with each individual. Certain types of foods are bad for GERD. It's best to avoid high-fat meals and to eat foods high in complex carbohydrates instead. One should also avoid clothing that fits too tight across the midsection of the body.

How are symptoms of GERD diagnosed? A physician can take a complete medical history and review symptoms. A visit with a specialist may be recommended to evaluate symptoms in greater depth and likely order test. To determine a GERD diagnosis one test includes x-rays after the patient drinks a solution of barium. In addition an Esophagoscopy may be ordered. An Esophagoscopy is a test where a flexible tube is inserted so the Gastroenterologist can have a better view of the esophagus. If a problem is detected the physician will determine the best form of treatment for symptoms of Acid Reflux.

In the past I had a problem with Acid Reflux. Besides not feeling well it concerned me that I could be damaging my esophagus. I also recently heard a news report that stated bone loss may be associated with the use of traditional medications for GERD. I was pleased that there is a natural alternative available. You can learn more about it here: WHAT IS GERD?

Fish oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids that your body needs to function properly. The benefits are many but, as with all things moderation is probably the best advice. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease by preventing plaque on the inside lining of the arteries, relief from arthritis, among other things.

Can there be too much of a good thing?

Some side effects of too much Omega3 are:

• Thin blood - the reason essential fatty acid is good for the heart is because it thins the blood, if you are already taking blood thinners you should consult your physician before taking fish oil.
• Allergic reactions - Individuals allergic to fish should not take these oil supplements except on the advice of their doctor. Quality fish oil are made from the oil of tuna, salmon, anchovies and sardines, although recently there have been studies showing that green lipped mussel gives an even better result.
• Loss of blood clotting ability - Fish oil thins your blood so you may have a problem healing after a cut or other injury where your blood needs to clot. If you are taking 4000mg or more per day that is an extremely high dose and you need to realize that there is a danger of bleeding heavily after a cut or injury.

Low blood pressure - essential fatty acids will lower your blood pressure, so if you are taking blood pressure medication, it will drop even more. Low blood pressure is good, but you don't want it too low, either.

Other symptoms are nausea, heartburn and bad breath may all be signs that you are taking too much fish oil.

If you are having any of these symptoms, lower your dose until they disappear.

The recommended dosage of Omega 3 is no more than 4 grams per day. If you have any medical conditions or are on any prescribed medication, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Learn more at benefitsomega3fattyacids.com and find out which supplements will give you the best results.

It's probably safe to say that heartburn remedies have been around as long as heartburn, which is probably as long as over eating has been around. It is after all one of the causes of heartburn.

First of all let's clear up the difference between indigestion and heartburn. Although people often interchange the terms, indigestion (medical term Dyspepsia) is a general feeling in the chest or upper abdomen of fullness, bloating and discomfort. It may also be accompanied by belching. Heartburn is usually meant to be the burning sensation in the upper chest caused by acid reflux, that is when acid from the stomach leaks up into the esophagus.

Probably one of the most common remedies is good old fashioned baking soda stirred into a glass of water. Makes me shudder just to think of it! Ginger is often used either as tea made from dried or fresh ginger root, or crystallised ginger which is nibbled. Sounds more pleasant anyway. various other herbs flowers or barks are used as teas or infusions such as camomile, calendula (marigold), slippery elm, which contains a substance called mucilage which when mixed with water forms a glutinous substance which seems to form a soothing protective coating for your throat esophagus and stomach.

Peppermint is sometimes recommended though it's also recognized as one of the foods which can relax the sphincter or valve which closes the esophagus or gullet from the stomach along with alcohol. Other culprits are chocolate, and perhaps more obviously, fatty foods, spices and possibly citrus fruits, acidic carbonated drinks. These are best avoided which may help in stopping your heartburn.

Aloe Vera is another plant based remedy that seems to be widely recommended. However it should be said that you have to take it about 20 minutes before your meal and it should be a properly prepared extract of the plant juice as Aloe Vera also contains powerful laxatives.

If your heartburn or acid reflux regularly wakes you in the night then try not to eat for at least a couple of hours before bedtime, and sleep with the head end of your mattress raised or on a pile of pillows so that you don't lie flat.

If acid reflux is causing you misery and you've tried all the common home remedies for heartburn with no relief, find out how a fellow sufferer cured his heartburn after eleven years of research to stop his own suffering. He'll tell you exactly which foods you shouldn't eat as well as which ones you definitely should. Also learn why regular use of over the counter antacids can cause long term damage. For a simple holistic natural way to stop your suffering go to Heartburn Away

Acid Reflux is also known as heartburn and can cause problems for you over time if its not treated. There are some things that you probably never think about acid reflux causing.

Having Acid Reflux can change the sound of your voice. The acid from your stomach can back up into your throat and can cause your vocal cords to swell and over time can change the sound of your voice and make your voice sound hoarse. This is done by the acid irritating the vocal cords and keeping them irritated.

You may not have even known that you had this disease till people start telling you that you sound sick and that your voice is hoarse. Usually other people will be the first ones to tell you that your voice sounds hoarse, you are so used to the way your voice sounds to yourself that you will not even notice. It will come across as raspy and scratchy yet may not even hurt you to talk.

There may be other signs that your vocal cords are being irritated, you may feel like there is a lump in your throat and you may have some problems swallowing, but these symptoms can be minor except that feeling of the thickness in your throat. This may feel worse after eating really spicy foods but won't usually last long. But overtime it can gradually happen and you may not really be aware of it.

If you have people starting to tell you that your voice sounds different or feel a thickness in your throat you may have acid reflux disease and should see a physician to have it checked out as soon as possible.

There are many treatment programs that you can try to control acid reflux. There are natural cures for Acid Reflux, as well as medications that your doctor can prescribe for you to treat this disease. It can be cause by weight, and eating habits. If you have this Acid Reflux, you owe it to yourself to learn about it and the treatments available.

I come from a long line of people who only go to the doctor when it is absolutely necessary. Aches and pains are ignored. If you had a cold, you could expect to have one day in bed to rest, and then it was time to be up with the rest of the world. If you have heartburn. You take Tums.

If I could turn the hands of time back, there are some things I would change. My father's constant heartburn for example. He was stubborn, didn't see a doctor, and it turned out to be something more serious than it needed to be. Had he sought medical attention when the symptoms were minor, I would have someone to call on Father's Day.

Of course, not every symptom leads to something that dramatic, but ignoring early warning symptoms of some things can, well, make your life much more difficult than it needs to be. Let's take a common condition that strikes people between ages 35 and 55. Let's consider Tennis Elbow.

Earlier today, you reached out to get a cup of coffee, and you felt a twinge on the outer arm, close to your elbow. Of course you shrug it off and figure, well I'm getting old, and aches and pains are part of it. Now let us fast forward in time, and all of a sudden, when you wake up, you can't straighten your arm completely. Heck the door is giving you issues, and forget about even trying to shake hands. Obviously, this is not the work of aging.

When you finally seek medical attention at this point, you are told you have tennis elbow. Now you have a long, hard road to recovery that can last two years, not to mention the financial ramifications.

I'm not suggesting running to a doctor every single time you get a little twinge, but if you notice that the symptoms are still there, even worsening, this is the time to make an appointment. First your elbow feels sore and tender, then the muscles on your arm start to feel tight, and so on. These are signs that you may have tennis elbow, and it is much easier to fix it in the earlier stages.

Tennis elbow is just a name. It is not solely a tennis player's burden to bear. In all actuality, 95% of all cases are non tennis players.

So the next time you feel a little twinge here, or a little tender there, pay attention. If it persists or worsens, see a doctor. It is better to be safe than sorry.

You can Treat Tennis Elbow quicker than you ever thought possible!

Check out the Cure Tennis Elbow website and get back on the tennis court fast!

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Acid reflux or GERD (gastoesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the liquid, mainly acid, that is in the stomach backs up into the oesophagus. It usually manifests itself as a burning, stinging or even ripping type of pain around the breastbone area which we commonly called heartburn. Acid reflux can have many causes. These are a couple of the most common ones:

1. The lower oesophageal sphincter or LES is a muscle ring that circles the end of the oesophagus where it meets the stomach. The LES acts as a one way valve which allows food and drink to pass through into the stomach and then closes so that the stomach contents does not move back into the oesophagus. Sometimes the valve does not work properly and acid is allowed to move back up into the oesophagus.
2. Hiatal Hernias can also contribute to heartburn. It has been found that a large number of people who have Hiatal hernias are also heartburn sufferers. A hiatal hernia tends moves the LES out of place (it is usually level with the diaphragm but due to the hiatal hernia the LES is pushed up and lies in the chest). Because the LES is out of place the LES and Diaphragm are not able to work together as a unit to prevent acid refluxing back into the oesophagus.
3. The second way a hiatal hernia can contribute to heartburn is due to the hernial sac which is located near the oesophagus. Acid tends to get trapped in the sac and because the sac is so close to the oesophagus when the LES relaxes the acid may be refluxed into the oesophagus.
4. The hiatal hernia can also lead to acid reflux in a third way. Normally the oesophagus connects to the stomach at an angle creating a tissue flap. When a hiatal hernia is present this flap tends to become warped and distorted and is therefore not able to stop acid moving back into the oesophagus.
5. People who suffer from heartburn sometimes have a problem with the contractions of the oesophageal muscles when they swallow. Usually the contractions of these muscles push the contents in the oesophagus into the stomach. If the contractions are not strong enough then the acid does not get pushed back and remains in the oesophagus which causes pain.
6. Clearing the oesophagus is really important if you want to prevent acid reflux. Unfortunately if you are a smoker it is that much more difficult as cigarettes have a direct effect on the normal functioning of the oesophagus. It can take up to six hours from your last cigarette for the effect on the oesophagus to wear off.
7. Acid reflux and heartburn is most common after meals. This is especially true if you lie down after a meal. Gravity is then not able to pull the acid down into the stomach. It is therefore recommended that you remain in a vertical position after a meal. Also try to avoid large meals as they can also contribute to acid reflux.

There are many different reasons people may have acid reflux. Theses are just a couple of the more common ones to help you in your quest to relieve some of the discomfort you feel.

For more information on how to treat and cure your acid reflux, visit http://www.acidreflux-heartburn-treatment.info now for a FREE mini course to help you!

The common dandelion (taraxacum officinale, also known as Lion's tooth, priest's crown, and swine's snout) is a tough little plant that reproduces itself with the slightest puff of wind. While this may be good for perpetuating the species, it also means the dandelion can take over your yard... and your neighbor's yard... and perhaps the whole world... in just a couple of seasons.

History and Description

The Celts and Romans cultivated dandelions on purpose, making them a cornerstone of their kitchen gardens. Arabian herbalists first wrote about dandelion in 900 CE, and the Welsh used it extensively in the 1200s. In India, the plant has been used for centuries for liver complaints. There are more than 600 species of dandelions the world over, but in Northern Minnesota we typically see the common dandelion, and we don't have to cultivate it on purpose.

Dandelion's happy yellow flowers are very responsive to the sun, opening early in the morning and shutting down when it's gloomy and in the evening. The deeply-notched leaves funnel rainwater down to the root, and if a plant is allowed to grow it can send up flower stems 12 inches or more in height and attain a circumference of 18 inches, depending on how much rain has fallen.

Mrs. Grieve, one of the most detailed herbalists to put pen to paper, observed that dandelions have no less than 93 different kinds of insects in the habit of frequenting it. She must have had some time on her hands to observe that detail, but it is true that these plants attract bees and butterlies in addition to many other flying insects because of their high pollen content.

Medicinal Uses

Practically everybody's grandmother knows from herbal lore that dandelions must be eaten every spring as a tonic. Their bitter taste certainly seems cleansing, all right!

The liver and gallbladder especially benefit from the medicinal value of dandelions, and this has been their main use through the centuries. There are rumors that gout and eczema sufferers may benefit, too. Breastfeeding women may find dandelion tea helps the milk let down more easily, and relieves swelling.

As if its other herbal properties weren't enough to sing its praises, dandelion juice has been rumored to remove warts, too. Pick a flower, break open the stem and rub the milk on the wart. It takes several weeks of consistent use to get rid of the warts, but try it for those really stubborn ones you can't remove any other way.

Precautions: People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies or iodine may experience side effects from dandelion such as itching, red skin, or even mouth sores if it's used too much. Some people experience heartburn and increased stomach acid after consuming dandelion; if you're taking antacids, there may be an interaction. People who have been diagnosed with gallstones or other gallbladder problems should ask their health care provider's advice. Pregnant women should probably not eat or drink anything at all while pregnant, but there have been no reported side effects in pregnant women other than those who are allergic to flowers in the first place.

Now that you know how good dandelions are for people, you can still declare war on the ones growing in your yard, but remember they are one of the first flowers to open in spring, and isn't that nice? Herbal supplements containing dried dandelion are readily available, and it is often included in teas, so order supplements and keep your yard weed-free.

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Heartburn is very uncomfortable. During pregnancy it can be most frustrating, causing a lot of discomfort. Ask any woman who has gone through nine months of carrying a baby. Most of them will tell you heartburn is no picnic. It is a known fact most heartburn treatments will only temporarily lessen the symptoms. But they cannot cure heartburn. Most heartburn treatments will give you minimal relief for a very small period of time. This is just not good enough for the countless individuals whose lives are being impaired by this condition.

Constant heartburn is a dreaded experience and many people suffer from acid reflux. There are many factors and causes that lead to this condition. Treatments usually fail to achieve the anticipated relief. Medication such as prescription pills or antacids will only target one of the symptoms. You will feel the burn a mere two hours after dutifully taking medication. Sufferers of heartburn are in desperate need of permanent relief.

Conventional drugs are also known to have numerous amounts of side effects. Medication can also worsen the situation over a period of time. This condition can be permanently treated. The holistic way of healing heartburn is getting to the core of the problem and healing it.

Constant heartburn can hardly ever be treated by a general practitioner. He or she can only alleviate the symptoms. The best way to cure heartburn is to get help from an individual who has knowledge of the holistic approach. It is pointless alleviating the symptoms with OTC medicines. The goal should be to heal you from constant heartburn to constant relief. There is nothing worse than enduring the burn and the burping that goes with it. Find a maverick that has gone further and done more than the practices of conventional medicine.

Vince Peterson is an expert on constant heartburn and the director of the HeartBurnReliefFast.Com blog. For tons of fantastic information about constant heartburn, you should definitely check out his blog.