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Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also identified as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma. Despite its name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is so called because of a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located although some heart problems do have a similar sensation to heartburn. Compounding the confusion is the fact that hydrochloric acid from the stomach comes back up the esophagus because of a problem with the cardiac sphincter, a valve which misleadingly contains the word "cardiac" (an adjective referring to the heart) in its name.
2009-07-18

5 Important Facts About Acid Reflux  

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.



Autor: Elizabeth Radisson Elizabeth Radisson
Level: Platinum
I've been interested in the field of health and wellness for many years. My mom was a nurse, before she retired, and she always instilled ... ...

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.


Added: July 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-16

Is Acid Reflux Causing Your Voice to Change?  

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.



Autor: Elizabeth Radisson Elizabeth Radisson
Level: Platinum
I've been interested in the field of health and wellness for many years. My mom was a nurse, before she retired, and she always instilled ... ...

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


Added: July 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-14

Surgical Options For Acid Reflux Sufferers  

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.



Autor: Elizabeth Radisson Elizabeth Radisson
Level: Platinum
I've been interested in the field of health and wellness for many years. My mom was a nurse, before she retired, and she always instilled ... ...

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


Added: July 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-13

How to Cure Acid Reflux - Effective Tips For the GERD Victim  

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.



Autor: Alvin Hopkinson

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


Added: July 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-12

Candida Overgrowth - Learn How to Cure and Eliminate it Now  

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.



Autor: Henri Junttila Henri Junttila
Level: Platinum
At the moment I live in Northern Finland where I enjoy the cold winters and semi-warm summers :-) I make my living playing online poker ... ...

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.


Added: July 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-10

Top Five Foods to Reduce Stomach Bloat on a Weight Loss Diet  

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.



Autor: Cindy Chung

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.


Added: July 11, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-09

Dirty Talk in Email Marketing - Does it Work?  

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.



Autor: Ben Settle Ben Settle
Level: Platinum
Ben Settle is a direct response copywriter and author of "The Copywriting Grab Bag" and "Crackerjack Selling Secrets". Although Ben almost never accepts clients anymore, ... ...

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


Added: July 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-07

GERD - Obtaining a Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease  

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.



Autor: Elizabeth Radisson Elizabeth Radisson
Level: Platinum
I've been interested in the field of health and wellness for many years. My mom was a nurse, before she retired, and she always instilled ... ...

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


Added: July 7, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-06

Acid Reflux Natural Remedies - Effective Treatment For Gerd  

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.



Autor: Nicha Testler

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


Added: July 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-04

Eating and Drinking Dandelions  

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.



Autor: Evelyn Fielding Evelyn Fielding
Level: Platinum
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Added: July 4, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-03

A Quick Review in Knowing Better About Types of Heart Disease  

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.



Autor: Barbara Steingart

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


Added: July 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2009-07-01

What Types of Alternative Medicines For Depression Are There?  

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.



Autor: R. T. Shelly

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.


Added: July 1, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/