Acid reflux Causes And Triggers

        

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Recent events happening to a dear friend led me to scour the web for more information on acid reflux causes. My friend had three major attacks of heartburn in the space of two weeks. He had thought that he was having heart attacks and had to be rushed to the hospital each time. Initially the doctors could not detect what was wrong with him. Later, he was found to be having symptoms of acid reflux. Read on for what I found out about acid reflux causes.

The most common acid reflux cause is triggered from the physical inability of the lower oesophageal sphincter to prevent the stomach acid from travelling up the oesophagus. Unfortunately because this is a physical abnormality, most medications cannot address the root cause. Thus, the only solution is surgery to strengthen the sphincter, thus enabling it to open and close properly.

A condition called adult-ringed oesophagus is another physical abnormality associated with acid reflux causes. Here the lining of the oesophagus develops hardened rings of cartilage. This makes it hard for you to swallow. Hence, peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the oesophageal walls) is not able to move the food into the stomach effectively. As a result, the sphincter remains open for longer than normal, allowing the stomach acid to escape from the stomach and travel up the oesophagus and throat.

Another very common acid reflux causes is an abnormality of the stomach muscles. When these muscles are impaired, food remains in the stomach for too long. Acid production then becomes extreme.

A more serious but less common example of the acid reflux causes is the hiatal hernia. This is where a small section of the stomach becomes trapped in a natural hole in the diaphragm. This process in itself is not one of the acid reflux causes; however, it has an impact on the lower oesophageal sphincter resulting in incomplete closure. Again, this allows stomach acid to make its way up the oesophagus and causing the damage associated with the condition.

Chemical conditions also contribute to acid reflux causes. Certain drugs such as the non-steroid and anti-inflammatory drugs are widely thought to trigger acid reflux in some people. These type of drugs are often prescribed for pain and inflammation associated with many illnesses; so acid reflux is considered a possible side effect to consuming them.

It has been found that diabetes is often diagnosed in conjunction with acid reflux. As diabetics also need to be careful of what they eat, it may be a challenging task to plan a healthy diet that does not set off either condition.

Asthma is also commonly associated with acid reflux. However, it remains rather debateable as to whether asthma causes acid reflux or whether acid reflux causes latent asthma to develop. It would appear that more research on the cause-effect relationship between these two conditions.

My friend has since felt better after his three attacks. He is convinced that his acid reflux causes are diet-triggered with some careful observation. It was quite a scare but at least now with better understanding as to acid reflux causes and triggers, he is much more able to keep his condition under control.

Acid reflux symptoms can be easily treated with diet and lifestyle changes. For more information and resource, please visit this site here at www.treat-acid-reflux.com

Insurance, Your Doctor, Diagnosing Acid Reflux and Upper Endoscopy

        

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There are a number of options that doctors will generally give to aide them in the diagnoses of gastro esophageal reflux disease, some of them have the ability to sound confusing or difficult to understand. The most popular technique for diagnosing acid reflux is the upper endoscope. Even though this is the most popular, this does not mean that it is necessarily the best for you. Following are answers to a few questions you may have about the procedure.

What is it?

The upper endoscope is a procedure allows doctors to see what is going on inside you with out the use of a scalpel. A tiny camera at the end of a small tube is guided down your throat, past the esophagus and into the stomach. The doctor watches a monitor to see about any irritations or abrasions anywhere along the path.

How do I prepare for it?

As with many medical procedures, especially the ones involving the digestive tract, it is generally recommended that you do note eat or drink for about six hours prior. Of course, the doctor will give you the detailed explanation as to how to prepare, as well as telling you about any other special circumstances. Be sure you are comfortable with the procedure and all your questions are answered before undergoing it. If there is any doubt, don?t do it. Only allow this when you are completely at ease.

What is the recovery time?

The good news about these types of tests is that there is very little recovery time. You will be given a small sedative to relax you before they begin and you need to wait for that to wear off. As it does, notes will be taken as to how your throat is feeling. A chemical gargle may be ordered if your throat is sore and swelling is painful. These side effects won?t last long and you will be back to normal in no time.

When are the results available?

Doctors will vary on how they deliver news. Some will tell you right away what they have seen when doing the upper endoscope, others will wait for official results. The ladder doctor may take up to three or four days to tell the results of the upper endoscope. Check with your insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered under your policy.

Jill Seimer discusses health issues at RefluxLife.com and reported on acid reflux disorder symptoms from her experience with acid reflux and heartburn.

The Cause Of Acid Reflux

        

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Acid Reflux disease is caused by acid from the stomach continuously being forced, or splashed back up into the esophagus tube. This reflux acid causes irritation.

If we can visualize the stomach as jelly bean shape or J shape with a 10? tube attached to the top. At the lower end of this tube is a ring of tissue or smooth muscle called a esophageal sphincter (LES). At the lower end of the stomach is another sphincter muscle valve.

Acid reflux disease has to do with this sphincter muscle between the lower esophagus and upper stomach. How it opens and close, and the strength or weakness of this valve is involved. The normal position of this valve is closed position. This is to keep stomach acid, food, and drink from being regurgitated back up into the esophageal tube.

The whole digestive system begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. When food is swallowed and enters into the esophagus, it takes only a few seconds for the food to be moved down into the stomach. There are smooth muscles all along the esophagus that quickly moves the food down. The one way valve at the bottom automatically opens to allow the food into the stomach. This valve is to instantly open and close tight behind the exodus of food.

There are certain foods, situations, and stresses that can cause this valve to weaken to allow a back splash of stomach acid, food, and drink to be forced back up into the esophagus tube.

Peoples esophageal sphincter valve will relax at different times to allow a small amount of acid reflux or splash into the esophagus. This is called a physiologic reflux. Most people and children do not have this problem.

For some people, this sphincter valve is weak - it either does not contract properly, or may relax too long or too frequently. Acid reflux disease occurs when the esophageal sphincter valve either does not close at all or relaxes to often.

It is possible that the acid can be thrown so high with such force, that it ends up in your throat, vocal cords and breathed down into your bronchial tubes, causing loss of voice or hoarseness and asthma.

Many things can cause the acid to be forced back up and out of the stomach. Different foods and medications can relax the LES valve, such as hard coughing, bending over, being overweight, lying down after eating or drinking, smoking, tight clothing like belts and girdles and vigorous exercise of different kinds.

When overweight, this fat around the midsection can also cause acid reflux disease. This is because the excess fat that you carry puts pressure on the inner organs. All the organs are effected because of the restrictions of space, including your stomach.

Once you know the things that cause or contributes to acid reflux disease, then you can take steps to ease and heal the problem. By educating yourself, eliminating the causative factor from your lives, using natural healing methods such as probiotics, correct eating, internal cleansing, and taking control of your stresses then you will begin to turn your acid reflux disease around.
Article by Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. Grab your free report on Acid Reflux and learn what to do about Acid Reflux Disease naturally.

Say No to Acid Reflux

        

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Many of you might be suffering from acid reflux to some extent or the other. When it happens during night hours, then the stomach gas and fluids disturb the sleeping pattern.

Acid reflux or GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) occurs when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes and gives way to fluids and gases in the stomach to move upwards into the esophagus. LES opens up so as to allow the food enter into the stomach and then closes but it is when this LES is too relaxed or damaged then it causes acid reflux.

Poor eating habits could be a major cause for acid reflux. Eatables such as sauce, raw onion or garlic, coffee or alcohol when remain indigested, leads to acid reflux. Certain natural herbs and supplements and even medicines help in getting rid of the problem.

Chronic indigestion can be caused by a lack of hydrochloric acid. Some people produce insufficient amounts of stomach acid as they grow older. Besides the proper digestion of food, hydrochloric acid is necessary to keep harmful bacteria.

Medicines such as nexium are quite effective in treating GERD because it contains esomeprazole as the active ingredient which is a proton pump inhibitor. It works while inhibiting the action of proton pumps and thereby reducing the production of the stomach acid.

Since it relieves the symptoms of stomach cancer, it could be advised to go for a proper examination before starting the treatment if your doctor suspects a stomach ulcer. Moreover, it should not be used for children, women who are breast-feeding and some other cases of intolerance to fructose or absorbing glucose in the diet.

There could be certain side effects of the medicines such as headaches, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting or abdominal pain, formation of excess gas in the stomach, skin allergies, dry mouth, joint or muscle pains, depression, dizziness, swelling of the legs, confusion, or insomnia.

You can visit our website http://www.benzer11.com/nexium.html for more information.

Olivia Andrews, writing for http://www.benzer11.com/nexium.html is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.

Acid Reflux and the Risk of Ulcers

        

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You probably spend more time thinking about your stomach -- what to feed it, when to feed it, how to keep it from sticking out so much -- than any other organ. A minor problem with another part of your body might go unnoticed, but when there?s something wrong with your stomach, you know it immediately.

Consequently, ailments like acid reflux and ulcers get a lot of attention. They?re sort of ?Everyman? diseases, striking old and young, rich and poor, many times regardless of lifestyle (though some lifestyle choices can make them worse). Since both acid reflux and ulcers are caused by acid, it?s natural to think one will inevitably lead to the other. But that?s not necessarily the case.

You see, acid reflux is the result of acid from the stomach rising up into the esophagus. This can happen because the stomach is over-full and the acid is forced upward, or because there?s been some damage to the sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus. Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux does NOT happen because the stomach has produced too much acid. The amount of acid is irrelevant. It?s the fact that the acid is bubbling up into the esophagus, where it doesn?t belong, that?s the problem.

Ulcers, on the other hand, are usually caused by infection from a bacterium called H. pylori. It?s commonly believed that ulcers are the product of stress, but that?s a myth. Stress can make the symptoms worse, or make the sufferer more aware of the symptoms, but stress does not cause the ulcer out of nowhere. You could be the most stressed-out person in the world and you?d never get an ulcer if it weren?t for that H. pylori bacterium or some other specific ulcer-causing substance.

So while ulcers and acid reflux both involve stomach acid, their causes -- and thus their treatments -- are very different. Having acid reflux will not cause you to get an ulcer, too. If you have both, treating the ulcer infection will take care of that problem, but it will do nothing for the acid reflux. That?ll require its own separate treatment.

As with so many health problems, both ulcers and acid reflux can often be prevented through healthy diet and exercise. For acid reflux, it?s important to avoid over-eating and eating fatty foods. Don?t lie down right after a big meal, so eat meals early in the evening to give your food a chance to digest before bedtime. Remember that chocolate and peppermint (among other foods) can trigger reflux, as can alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Losing excess weight and exercising regularly can also do wonders for preventing reflux.

Most of those precautions work for ulcers, too. In addition, aspirin and ibuprofen can cause ulcers, so taking those drugs as sparingly as possible may help prevent them. And get this: People with type O blood are 35 percent more likely to get ulcers than people with other types. So if you?re an O, you would do well to take extra precautions.

Ultimately, there is little connection between ulcers and acid reflux other than the fact that they both have to do with stomach acid. Luckily, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of getting either ailment, and there are adequate treatments available in case your precautions fail. For the most part, if you take care of your stomach, your stomach will take care of you.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Acid Reflux. For further information on Acid Reflux please visit Acid Reflux or Acid Reflux Symptoms

Seven Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux

        

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Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is the pain and burning sensation that occurs after a meal. It is sometimes accompanied by gas, bloating and nausea.

Several commercial products will reduce the acid in your stomach and provide relief. Many people find a reduction in their symptoms when they determine what foods cause them discomfort, and avoid that food.

The first step in discovering what foods you should avoid is to keep a food diary. Simply keeping track of what you eat and when you have acid reflux will show you the likely irritant. There are foods that are commonly known to cause excess stomach acid, but each person has different triggers. You might find that you are only sensitive to a few foods, or to all the foods on the list.

Acid reflux can also be a side effect of some common medications. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your medications could be causing your heartburn.

The top seven foods to avoid with acid reflux are:
Coffee,
Alcohol,
Spices used in foods,
Citrus fruit,
Fried and fatty foods,
Tomatoes,
Chocolate,

If you are prone to acid reflux, you should also avoid after dinner drinks, smoking, having a nap after eating, and any heavy lifting after a meal, such as taking out the garbage. By eliminating these foods and keeping a diary to discover your personal triggers, you will easily be able to find the foods to avoid to prevent acid reflux.

Gerri Stone.Find out why you have digestive problems,and how to cure them http://www.AcidsRefluxSolution.com.

Acid Reflux Disease - Bubbling Stomach Acid

        

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Heartburn on overdrive!

Acid reflux disease is a result of stomach acid that simply doesn?t stay where it is supposed to... in the stomach. Instead of staying in the stomach the wayward gastric acid decides to back flow up the esophagus and back into the mouth.

Yuck!

Leaving a wickedly bitter taste, this stomach acid on a reverse course can actually leaves pockets of erosive destruction in its wake. Erosive esophagitis is a result of the destruction of the lining of the esophagus.

At least three months of painful, persistent and frequent heartburn, can earn you a diagnosis of acid reflux disease.

Heartburn is the quiet gentle cousin of its more aggressive and destructive family member acid reflux disease. Bubbling stomach acid regurgitates from the stomach sending the gastric juices back into the throat via the esophagus. It is the bubbling stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus that causes the characteristic burn of acid reflux disease.

The lower esophageal sphincter, LES, is the valve separating the esophagus and the stomach, is designed to be the gatekeeper of the stomach and is meant to keep the stomach acids in the stomach where they belong.

However, when the LES fails at its ever so well designed job, the stomach acids back flow.

The LES can fail through a couple of different ways, such as through relaxation of the sphincter, often associated with a hiatal hernia, and through incomplete closing of the sphincter.

The body is so perfectly designed that the LES is a working valve that opens to let food into the stomach and is meant to close to keep the acids out of the esophagus.

It just happens that when it fails, acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, can be the result. So basically if the LES would do its job and keep the valve open when it?s supposed to be open and closed when it?s supposed to be closed then acid reflux disease would really be a thing of the past!

The good news is that you don?t have to put up with heartburn on overdrive. There are many treatment options available for the relief of this pestering and chronic disease.

Acid reflux disease doesn?t have to control your life! Talk with your healthcare provider today and get started on the road to better health.

Show that heartburn just who?s the boss!

For more important information on stomach pain be sure to visit a-stomach-pain.com where you will find advice and tips on common stomach pain causes such as acid reflux, ulcers, and other articles that you can view at http://www.a-stomach-pain.com

Acid Reflux

        

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Acid Reflux And Bad Breath

        

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Say you are at a party and all of a sudden you get that stinging feeling in your throat. You scrunch up your face, look around the room and walk to a place where nobody can see you as you try to swallow away that biting liquid. Your loosen your collar, swallow some more of your wine, and try to get back into the conversation. Yet, when you do get a circle and join in the conversation, people start to back away from you, pretend to scratch their nose, and claim to be needed elsewhere. You can?t help but wonder if your recent bout of heartburn is related to your recent unpopularity?

One way that you can check if you have bad breath (if your best friend isn?t at the ready), is to lick the inside of your wrist and let it dry for a few seconds and then smell it. If there is an odor, then your breath isn?t as fresh as it should be.

If you are experiencing bad breath, or halitosis, then part of your problem might be either related to, or a direct result of acid reflux/GERD.

Most experts, medical and naturopathic alike will tell you that bad breath is caused by what you eat, lack of saliva swishing around in your mouth, stress, dehydration, and stomach activity, i.e. acid indigestion. Since many people experience acid reflux in their sleep, chances are good that morning breath isn?t just a lack of saliva activity, but is related to GERD.

Most commentators speaking on bad breath list acid reflux as a major cause, in addition to the items mentioned above. It makes sense really. It stands to reason that acidic liquid rising up from your stomach is not going to smell pretty, and if that is getting up to your throat, through a loosening in the collapsible valve at the tip of your stomach, it?s going to make your breath smell pretty foul.

Not only that, but many of the factors that contribute to bad breath, are also causal factors for acid reflux. The foods that you eat are a major contributor to bad breath, like spicy or garlicky foods, which are also a major contributor to acid reflux. Stress is also a cause for both upsets.

It stands to reason then, that by counteracting the causal factors of GERD, you will also reduce your chances of having bad breath, not only in striking what may be the heart of your problem, but you?ll combat one or both of these ailments as well.

Contrary to popular belief, making changes to your diet and stress levels aren?t as difficult as some of the makers of pharmaceuticals would like you to believe. They would prefer you to think that a few changes in your diet, or a simple exercise plan will mean re-vamping your life entirely, but this is simply not the case.

Long term solutions are just that?long term. So, make the changes, but make them slowly, incorporating them into your life in small steps so that the changes don?t seem too drastic, making them easier to swallow (so to speak) and more likely steps that you will stick with.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Acid Reflux. For further information on Acid Reflux please visit http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/acidreflux.html or http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/blog/2006/09/27/acid-reflux-and-bad-breath/ .

Asthma As Related To Acid Reflux

        

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Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is characterized by breathing difficulties. People who suffer from asthma have air passages that are extra sensitive or hyper-responsive. In the course of an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constricting, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstruction of the flow of air through the air passages to and from the lungs.

There is research to indicate that the symptoms of asthma may worsen when stomach acid rises in your throat. This condition is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It is commonly referred to as acid reflux. One result of acid reflux is painful heartburn which can be relieved with the administration of antacid medicines. These are special medications which neutralize stomach acids. Acid reflux commonly affects older and overweight people. However, it can also occur in children and people of all types.

There have been studies in which researchers have injected acid into the stomachs of asthma sufferers and it had a significant impact on their asthma resulting in worsened asthma symptoms. Evidence also suggest that asthma sufferers get acid reflux with greater frequency than people who do not suffer from asthma. This is probably due to great pressure changes present in the chest of people with asthma during the course of breathing. This high pressure could cause liquid to travel up the esophagus from the stomach.

In these cases, it would seem that people who have asthma lose out twice: they suffer from asthma and they may suffer from acid reflux more often than people who do not suffer from asthma. However, there is more to this story. If acid reflux was an genuine and important cause of increase in asthma severity, then acid reflux treatments should make the asthma better, however, this is generally not the case.

In the meantime, if you suffer from both asthma and acid reflux, it could just be that careful management of your reflux will ease your breathing. If your asthma is severe and the cause is unknown, some doctors might test to see whether you have or had acid reflux by conducting tests to measure your stomach acidity. If the result showed acid reflux tendencies, then your doctor would most likely attempt to improve your lungs by treating your stomach.
David Brown writes for several popular online magazines, on wellness and diet and health and fitness subjects.

Acid Reflux Recovery Diet and Recipes Presents the Perfect Cold Weather Dinner

        

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As the leaves start to turn to fall colors and in the evenings we are tempted to sit by a warm fire, hearty food comes to mind. The fall and winter bring a host of root vegetables, squashes greens and fruit from which hearty meals can be easily made. The challenge is to keep these dishes healthy ? that means keeping them as alkaline as possible.

When attempting to reverse the symptoms of acid reflux, diet is probably the most important consideration. That old clich?, ?You are what you eat?, has never been more true. If you eat food and drink beverages which are acidic in nature, then it follows, that you will be acidic in nature, as well. If you eat a diet which mainly consists of so called ?convenience food?, you don?t stand a chance of being alkaline.

In order to defeat the acid reflux condition, one must strive to correct the pH factor of the body. 7.5 pH is the ideal alkaline body level. You can test the pH level of your saliva with pH paper, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. Some medical authorities claim that all illness, including cancer, cannot exist in an alkaline environment. If that is true, it is certainly food for thought!

It is important to remember that the acid reflux condition could not perpetuate itself without a damaged esophagus. In order to heal this affliction, the esophagus must be allowed to repair. This can be accomplished by eliminating food and drink that are irritants and, or acidic. Avoiding anything which relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is another important consideration. The LES is the muscular valve which separates the esophagus and the stomach. It is when this valve relaxes, that acid and pepsin splash up from the stomach into the esophagus and throat, causing acid reflux.

The hydrochloric acid in the stomach has been compared in strength, to the acid in a car battery. With acid reflux, the constant assault of acid causes little lacerations to develop on the lining of the esophagus. Until these lacerations have had a chance to heal, spicy foods, such as acidic tomato products, hot peppers, raw garlic and raw onions should also be eliminated from the diet. They just further irritate the condition. Smoking, drinking alcohol and eating chocolate also relax the LES, thus impeding the healing process.

The key to acid reflux recovery is to eat alkaline, easy to digest nourishing food until the esophagus has healed. Eating early, allowing at least three hours before lying down is an essential habit to develop. Eating slowly and chewing food completely in a relaxed, pleasant and stress free environment is of paramount importance, as well.

I have listed a few of my favorite hearty fall and winter recipes that I enjoyed during my own recovery period. Cooking meat, vegetables, fruit and shellfish in liquids produce delicious dishes which can be made quickly and easily. I have employed a technique called ?braising? for the main dish below. It is one of my favorite cooking methods, because it concentrates flavor in a one pot dinner. I have also included a seasonal soup starter and a special desert to complete the perfect cold weather dinner.

Try doubling the main dish and desert recipes so that you can have them later in the week?..less time in the kitchen. Remember, that cooking from scratch instead of relying on convenience foods is a better approach to good health, in general. It?s also nice to know what you?re really eating.

I hope that you enjoy the following seasonal recipes. Even though I have cured myself of acid reflux, I still serve these wonderful hearty dishes on a regular basis. The entire family should enjoy these, too. Well, the children might not like the oysters, but you certainly will. This menu is great for entertaining, as the main and last courses are made in advance and the first course is a breeze. For those of you who live in warmer climes, remember that winter is a state of mind.

Bon appetite!


BRAISED CHICKEN WITH TURNIPS AND ONIONS

This is a rustic country-style dinner dish which truly embodies the concept of ?Comfort Food?. Unlike thick cuts of meat, braising chicken takes a fraction of the time and the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the vegetables and liquids. Mashed potatoes are a perfect accompaniment. This is a serving for four and requires about an hour to prepare.

1 (3 ? lb.) chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
? cup flour for dredging
Olive oil
2 medium sweet onions roughly chopped
4 medium turnips peeled and sliced into ?? pieces *
3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups white wine or dry vermouth
2 sprigs of thyme or ? tsp. dried
1 tbsp. parsley, chopped

Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour and set aside.
Heat a heavy skillet to medium high and add enough olive oil to coat well
Brown chicken pieces skin side down and turn over in about 7 minutes (This can be done in two batches, if necessary)
Transfer browned chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm
Pour off all but 2 tbsp. of the fat and lower heat to medium low
Add onions and cook covered, stirring occasionally until soft and lightly golden
Add turnips and garlic and cook uncovered for five minutes stirring occasionally to keep onions from burning
Return browned chicken to skillet and mix with vegetables to coat both sides, arranging chicken skin side up
Pour stock and wine over chicken mixture
Sprinkle with thyme
Cover and lower heat to gently simmer until chicken is cooked through and turnips are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes
Transfer chicken and vegetables onto a serving dish
Reduce sauce over high heat, if needed, to thicken
Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste and pour over chicken and vegetables
Sprinkle with parsley

*Parsnips may be substituted for the turnips, or a mixture of the two.


CREAMY NEW ENGLAND STYLE OYSTER STEW

I have heard rumors that oysters are a bit acidic; however, they have never given me indigestion. I confess that this is a rather rich dish, but a small serving will give you more pleasure than pain. One has to spoil themselves occasionally.

1 ? tbsps. unsalted butter
I dozen freshly opened oysters (or the freshest you can find) with liquid
1/8 tsp. celery salt
1 ? ounces sherry
Splash of Worcestershire sauce to taste
Cayenne pepper
1 ? cups whole milk with a little cream added
Chives, chopped
Oyster crackers

Into a double boiler place butter, oysters with liquid, celery salt, sherry and Worcestershire sauce (water in the bottom pan should not touch the top pan)
With a wooden spoon, stir until the oysters are just curling on the edges (do not overcook), about a minute
Pour in milk mixture and continue stirring
Remove from heat just before the boil and serve immediately
Sprinkle each serving with a little cayenne pepper
Garnish with chives
Offer oyster crackers on the side


POACHED ANJOU PEARS IN RED WINE

You have to plan a little ahead for this dish. The pears should be ripe, but still springy to the touch. Buy them a week ahead and place in a paper bag with a banana. Don?t ask me why, but this works. Choose pears with the stem in tact.

8 smallish red Anjou pears
Juice of one lemon
1 cup extra fine granulated sugar
2 cups red wine
? tsp. vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick

Carefully peel pears to the stem (the stem comes in handy for turning and for presentation)
Coat each peeled pear with lemon juice and set aside
Into a saucepan place the sugar, wine, vanilla and cinnamon
Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved
Add pears and reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covered
Poach pears until they are just tender, about 10 to 20 minutes, depending upon the size of the pears, turning once
Remove from heat and allow pears to sit in liquid, turning again so that color is even, another 20 minutes
Remove pears from liquid to desert plates
Reduce liquid over medium high heat to a syrupy consistency and pour over pears
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint

? 2006 Wind Publishing

For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com
Charles Stewart Richey is a former chef and self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease by natural means. He has written an extensive report entitled, REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux Remedies. For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

Acid Reflux and Looking Younger!

        

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Many people suffer daily from the effects of acid reflux, to one degree or another. Unfortunately, the constant strain of this condition on the body can lead to premature aging.

The reflux of stomach gas and fluids during the night, even on a modest level, inhibit proper sleep patterns. It is a known fact that sleep is the most important factor affecting the aging process. If you do not get enough quality sleep at the r.e.m. level, you face each day with low energy, which can be described as a form of chronic fatigue. This syndrome will eventually drag you down and make you feel and look older than you should. It may even shorten your life. Many people are not even aware that they suffer from this condition.

Acid reflux or gerd (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes and allows gas and fluids from the stomach to move upward into the esophagus. The LES is a ringed muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. It opens in order to allow food to enter the stomach, and then closes in order to keep the digestive fluids where they belong. It is when this muscle is too relaxed or damaged, that the contents of the stomach can escape up into the esophagus thereby causing acid reflux.

The medical community would have us to believe that drugs are the only answer to the problem of gerd. Of course this is not true. Antacids are, at best, a temporary fix and are loaded with harmful ingredients such as sodium and aluminum. PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors) like Nexium and Prilosec should only be used for eight weeks, at most. It says so right on the label. Furthermore, these drugs only mask and hide the symptoms and they have hundreds of harmful side effects.

The acid reflux condition can be the result of poor eating habits or even the aging process itself. We all know that certain foods can trigger indigestion; tomato sauce, raw garlic and onions, chocolate, coffee and alcohol. The ingestion of these foods can make you acidic in nature, resulting in acid reflux. Yet most of us can?t resist one or more of these items on a daily basis. Besides eliminating ?trigger? foods from our diets, there are many natural herbs and supplements that can be helpful in staving off this malady.

Chronic indigestion can also be caused by a lack of hydrochloric acid. Some people produce insufficient amounts of stomach acid as they grow older. Besides the proper digestion of food, hydrochloric acid is necessary to keep harmful bacteria, which are found in the digestive track, in check. Without this defense, infections can develop which make the acid reflux condition even worse. This particular condition can be improved with hydrochloric acid supplements, or even ingesting small amounts of apple cider vinegar. Although these conditions are different in nature, they both cause acid reflux and can result in premature aging.

Other things that should be considered in dealing with this condition are:

* Smoking cessation (Smoking creates an acidic body)
* Loosing weight
* Eating small portions of food throughout the day
* Chewing food well and eating slowly
* Eating at least three hours before retiring

There are many subtle changes in lifestyle which can remove the threat of the acid reflux condition. By eliminating this unnecessary and harmful strain on the body, one can live a more healthy life. Getting better quality sleep will increase your chances of retaining life-force, which means living a longer and more youthful existence.

? 2006 Wind Publishing

For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

Charles Stewart Richey is a self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease by natural means and has written an extensive report entitled, REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux Remedies. For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

GERD - The Acid Reflux Disease

        

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The term GERD is a acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a very glorified term for heartburn. Frequent, persistent heartburn is the primary symptom associated with acid reflux disease or GERD. With GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube leading from the throat to the stomach. If you suffer from persistent heartburn two or more days a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though heartburn is the most common of the acid reflux disease symptoms, other signs may also manifest themselves.

For these individuals, acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may be at the heart of their burn. Prevacid is a prescription drug that helps GERD-sufferers prevent the acid that causes heartburn pain associated with acid reflux disease.

Pain

Besides the discomfort of heartburn, reflux results in symptoms of oesophageal inflammation, such as odynophagia (pain on swallowing) and dysphagia (difficult swallowing). Remarkably, the frequency of severe heartburn seems to decline with age, possibly due to a decrease in esophageal pain perception and atrophic gastritis. Although elderly patients may have fewer complaints of heartburn, their disease is usually more severe and has more complications. The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours and is often worse after eating; and, can include very unpleasant symptoms, such as heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, throat irritation and bad breath. However, some people with GERD may not experience heartburn, but instead feel a pain in the chest, hoarseness, or problems swallowing. The feeling of heartburn my be similar to heart pain, but in actuality a heartburn has nothing whatsoever to do with the heart. Never assume that chest pain is heartburn or ingestion. GERD Symptoms Heartburn is described as a burning pain in the stomach that rises up towards the chest or towards the neck. A positive Bernstein test is considered if the patient experiences heartburn or chest pain. The acid perfusion test may have its utility more in explaining reflux as the cause of atypical chest pain. Potentially dangerous confusion can arise when someone neglects their heart pain believing it to be heartburn.

Gerd

Only 2 to 3 percent of acid reflux events reach the conscious level and are perceived by patients with GERD. Abnormalities that make it dysfunctional promote acid reflux and the constellation of GERD problems. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Most cases of acid reflux respond to lifestyle changes and prescription medication. Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD.

Susanne Garris is a stay at home mom. But that doesn't mean she isn't at work. Susanne works as a research assistant and freelance writer on a variety of subjects. Her private research is devoted to blogs you can find at: http://www.acid-reflux-disease-diet.blogspot.com

Acid Reflux - Part 1 - Introduction

        

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Acid reflux occurs when one of two closures, or "sphincters," in the esophagus fail to remain sealed after food and/or liquid pass through them on the way to one's stomach. The two sphincters are located at each end of the esophagus. The first one is at the top, directly behind the larynx and pharynx. The second one is at the bottom, directly above the stomach.

There are two forms of acid reflux - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Either form can cause serious and permanent damage, including some forms of cancer, if not diagnosed and treated on a timely basis. Please read further in Parts 2 and 3 for some of the symptoms, tests for diagnosis and evaluation, and treatments commonly used to control this potentially devastating disease.

Should you discover that you have any of the symptoms, please seek medical help quickly so that you can minimize the risks of permanent damage.

For your convenience, see the following pronunciation key and a few definitions to assist with some of the terminology in the three parts provided:

Pronunciations:

Bronchi - bron'-ki
Dysphagia - diss-fay'-gee-ah
Endoscopy - en-dos'-cop-ee
Gastroesophageal - gas'-tro-ess-off'-ah-gee'-al
Gingivitis - jin'-jiv-eye'-tiss
Halitosis - hal'-ih-toe'-siss
Hiatal Hernia - hi-ay'-tal her'-nee-ah
Laryngitis - lair'-in-ji'-tiss
Laryngopharengeal - lair-in'-go-fair'-in-gee'-al
Laryngoscopy - lair'-in-goss'-cop-ee
Larynx - lair'-innks
Odynophagia - oh-din'-oh-fay'-gee-ah
Pharynx - fair'-innks
Trachea - tray'-key-ah

Definitions:

Bronchi - large tubes between the trachea and the lungs
Dysphagia - dysfunctional swallowing (see article 3 for further explanation)
Dysphonia - change in, weakness of, or cracking of one's voice when speaking or singing
Endoscopy - a procedure in which a tube containing fiber optic filaments and a microscopic lens is inserted into one's esophagus to assess and diagnose GERD
Gingivitis - a form of gum disease
Halitosis - chronic bad breath, frequently caused by illness and/or disease
Laryngoscopy - similar to the endoscopy, except that this is used to assess the condition of one's larynx and pharynx
Larynx - voice box
Pharynx - throat
Odynophagia - pain when swallowing (see article 3 for further information)
Sphincter - a band of muscle tissue which closes to prevent involuntary evacuation of material(s) from one's body

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux-cause and natural remedies

        

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Natural stomach acid is in your stomach for a reason. The actual acid is not the cause of acid reflux disease. It is not a nasty poison that someone put there. The acid breaks down foods and sorts them out into the right department so to speak. Proper digestion depends on the presence of adequate stomach acid while you are eating.

When you eat, food moves from the mouth through the esophagus and into the stomach to be digested. At the end of the esophagus, there is a band of muscles that open and allow the food to go into the stomach. It then closes to prevent the food and acid from coming back up into the esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux when foods or digestive juices escape the stomach and come back up through the esophagus.

To make sure your stomach has enough acid at mealtimes, make sure you chew your food thoroughly. Getting saliva mixed into the food as you chew will get the digestion process off to a good start.

Snacking throughout the day causes the stomach to pump out acid gradually instead of saving it for mealtimes when it is needed the most. It is best to not eating closer than three hours apart. For example - if you eat breakfast at six a.m. and lunch at twelve p.m. then a snack at nine a.m. would be fine.

Next, make sure you do not drink too much liquid while eating a meal. Too much liquid dilutes the necessary acid in the stomach. The best policy is to drink a glass of water 30 minutes to one hour before or after your meal, with only a few ounces consumed during the meal. After you have eaten, one hour or two feel free to guzzle down all the pure natural water you want.

Another cause of acid reflux comes from eating large meals. This increases pressure on the stomach causing the stomach contents to be forced out and up into the esophagus. You will need to give your body at least two hours to digest your food properly. In addition, never ever lie down immediately after eating a large meal.

To avoid overproduction of acid eat smaller portions of food at each meal. It would also help a lot to eliminate any fried food or food that contains refined sugar, or caffeine.

Obesity can also increase abdominal pressure, and your risk of suffering from acid reflux as well. If you are overweight, cutting back on the amounts of food that you eat at each meal, and exercising daily should put you on the right path to helping you shed a few pounds.

Acid reflux is caused in some people when the sphincter muscle at the end of the esophagus becomes weak or does not close correctly. Prescription drugs, certain foods, alcohol, and smoking have been known to weaken the sphincter muscles.

Try not to use antacids since they cut down the acids you will need when you eat. Without enough acid, your stomach is unable to do its job of breaking down the food into the various nutrient components.

Inadequate digestion of proteins can cause the liver to increase production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol that does the most damage to your body.

Instead of taking antacids, try the following natural approach. If you still have sour stomach in between meals try eating something that will settle it without triggering more acid production such as sauerkraut. Your stomach should relax after eating sauerkraut in five to ten minutes.

The benefits of natural solutions are they normally cost a lot less, but even more important is the fact that natural solutions are a healthier alternative. They tend to reduce the possibility of becoming dependant on addictive chemical drugs.

There are also three herbs that are well known for soothing stomach muscles, which are chamomile, gentian, and ginger. If your problem does not respond successfully to natural remedies within a few days, please see your health care provider.

For more information about acid reflux disease and remedies, visit http://www.acidrefluxguide.com and http://www.herbsinfocenter.com

David Chandler For your FREE Stock Market Trading Mini Course: "What The Wall Street Hot Shots Won't Tell You!" go to: http://www.stockmarketgenie.com