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| | | From: Rene (Original Message) | Sent: 2/15/2006 10:56 PM |
Heartburn at All-Time High
February 13, 2006:- A recent headline in the Wall Street Journal declared "Heartburn is on the rise." By some estimates, 15 million Americans, or 5.5% of the population, suffer some degree of heartburn daily. According to Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, this is a tenfold increase over the past five to 10 years. Additionally, an estimated 40 million to 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. Match this data with the fact that prescription heartburn medications (commonly known as antacids) are the second largest selling drugs of all time -- second only to the No. 1 top seller cholesterol-lowering statin drugs -- and it seems like a match made in medical heaven. When I read this information, I wonder what's really going on. Why is heartburn on the rise? Is it as simple as the high stress world we live in combined with an aging population? Given that an increasing number of children are also being given antacids, it has to be more than stress and age. TREATMENT THAT DOESN'T MAKE SCIENTIFIC SENSE, BUT MAKES DOLLARS AND CENTS FOR THE DRUG COMPANIES As a subscriber to Daily Health News, you know that I am a healthy skeptic when it comes to many pharmaceuticals. When it comes to heartburn medicines, I am especially concerned. These drugs are "dream" medications for the drug companies. Once you start on them, you may never be able to stop. They work by temporarily easing the symptoms, but in doing so, they make the cause of those symptoms worse -- so you end up in a cycle of relieving and then worsening symptoms. For the inside story on this repeating cycle of heartburn, I spoke with Dr. Rubman, who said there are four main reasons for the rise in heartburn... FACTOR # 1 -- OBESITY According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an alarming 60 million adults are considered obese in the US... and the percentage of overweight young people has more than doubled in the past 20 years. It is known that heartburn can result from weight gain from overeating. Even small changes in weight -- as little as 12 pounds -- can be associated with an increase in heartburn. So if you're carrying around excess pounds and you have chronic heartburn, losing the weight could help. FACTOR # 2 -- STRESS A survey from the National Heartburn Alliance found that 58% of heartburn sufferers identify "hectic lifestyle" as a contributing factor to their heartburn... and 52% point to work-related stress as a heartburn aggravator. While stress is a normal part of life, many people find that increased stress has an impact on their health. When under stress, stomach acid production is affected. Less acid is made with meals when it is needed, and some is produced on an empty stomach, when none is needed, leading to increased pain. Additionally, we know that stress can lead to behaviors that may trigger heartburn, such as smoking, increased alcohol consumption and overeating. FACTOR # 3 -- PAIN MEDICATIONS As the huge baby boomer population ages, along with their parents, so comes the more frequent use of medications. A number of medications can cause heartburn. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, aspirin and other pain medications (other than acetaminophen), can cause heartburn. Some antibiotics and iron supplements can also aggravate symptoms because they irritate the lining of the stomach. Aspirin, in particular, usually causes gastric bleeding, a fact sometimes ignored by many physicians. FACTOR #4 -- ANTACIDS Antacids actually increase the experience of heartburn rather than cure it. Your stomach produces acid during meals -- and that's a really good thing. Without stomach acid you cannot dissolve the food you eat -- or extract the essential nutrients you need, not only for optimal health, but just to survive. As Dr. Rubman put it, "If you want to shorten your life, neutralize or suppress your stomach acid. I know of no biochemists who would ever use proton-pump inhibitors or antacids with meals." And this is exactly what the popular heartburn medications do -- decrease or even eliminate stomach acid. What's more, Dr. Rubman says the suppression of stomach acid can cause permanent impairment of the stomach's ability to make adequate acid for digestion on an ongoing basis. Additionally, if your food is not effectively broken down by your stomach acid to be properly digested, it is more likely to weaken your lower esophageal sphincter, which makes acid reflux more likely to occur. Even the makers of these antacids recommend that people use them for only 14 days. But many doctors keep their patients on them indefinitely. The good news is that the rise in heartburn is primarily linked to causes of our own making. That means we can make more healthful choices to reduce the chances of heartburn. There are also more healthful ways to manage it when it does occur. For Dr. Rubman's all-natural suggestions for heartburn relief and prevention, see Daily Health News, August 9, 2004. Carole Jackson
Bottom Line's Daily Health News Sources: Heartburn at All-Time High: Andrew L. Rubman, ND, adjunct professor of clinical medicine, Florida College of Integrative Medicine, Orlando, and director, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, Southbury, Connecticut.
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| | | From: Rene | Sent: 11/21/2006 4:23 PM |
Digest This!
by author Lucretia Schanfarber The next time your tummy starts gurgling, burbling, or emitting other embarrassing sounds, reach for a natural digestive remedy available at your local health food store. Unlike the vast array of over-the-counter antacids and prescription medications, natural source digestive products are specifically formulated to support the process of healthy digestion. Most digestion problems are a result of our eating habits and can be remedied by making dietary and lifestyle changes. But for those times when we need the support of a natural digestive aid, it’s a good idea to keep a few of these tried and true tummy tamers in your medicine chest. 1. Acidophilus and other probiotics contain friendly, beneficial bacteria that are an integral part of digestive and immune health. Probiotics are highly recommended for all digestive disorders and are an absolute must for anyone with a history of antibiotic or birth control pill use. Probiotics are one of the most important factors for building and maintaining a healthy digestive system. A wide variety of potencies, dosage forms, and sources are available. Ask your qualified natural health professional to help you determine which one is best for you. 2. Bitters are the foundation of European herbal digestives. The tradition of using bitter herbs and plant foods to stimulate and tone the digestive system is also an Asian tradition. Mixtures of bitters are readily available in powdered and liquid form. Most commonly used for sluggish digestion, poor appetite, or flatulence, these mixtures often include gentian, dandelion, and artichoke. Follow the directions for use on the product label. 3. Calcium and magnesium chewable tablets. Calcium carbonate is a natural antacid that helps to neutralize stomach acidity. Magnesium can have a mild laxative effect and is essential for relaxation of smooth muscles, including the large intestine. Chew two tablets containing at least 200 mg calcium and 100 mg magnesium. Chewable cal-mag tablets provide almost instant relief from indigestion caused by overacidity. 4. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) in chewable tablet or powder form is used effectively to soothe and protect the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Those with hypertension should be certain that the product is free of glycyrrhizinic acid. Start by chewing two tablets or take half a teaspoon of powder before or between meals and at bedtime. Over time, as symptoms subside, reduce the dose according to your needs. 5. Digestive enzymes are readily available at your health food store. They are derived from a wide variety of sources including animal, plant, microbial fermentations (also called plant-derived), and concentrated food or plant extracts. There are three major categories of digestive enzymes, one category for each of the three macronutrients we eat �?/FONT>protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Some enzymes, such as pancreatin overlap into all three categories. Choosing the most appropriate digestive enzymes depends largely on the types of foods that cause digestive difficulties, but most people find multiple enzyme formulations most helpful. 6. Fermented foods are an integral part of many cultures renowned for their good health and longevity. Regularly eating naturally fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogourt, kefir, miso, tempeh, and pickled vegetables provides friendly lactobacilli bacteria and encourages the production of a variety of beneficial enzymes that promote the growth of healthy flora throughout the digestive tract. 7. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a remarkably simple and effective spice used worldwide for treating and preventing digestive difficulties. Finely grated and made into a tea, fresh ginger root almost instantly alleviates indigestion and nausea. Added to meals, ginger enhances the flavour and digestibility of the meal. Ginger is also available in capsule form. 8. Homeopathic remedies offer gentle, yet effective, relief for digestive difficulties. Commonly recommended remedies include: Arsenicum album for burning pain that feels better with warmth; Carbo vegatabilis for bloating and indigestion that is worse when lying down, especially with flatulence and fatigue; Lycopodium for heartburn that feels worse with eating; and Nux vomica for heartburn with cramping and constipation. Ideally, consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner to determine your most appropriate remedies. 9. Peppermint oil in enteric-coated form has been found effective in the treatment of inflammation of the digestive tract. It calms the stomach and reduces gas and bloating. (Note that peppermint oil is not recommended for those with acid reflux, also known as gastrointestinal reflux disease or heartburn.) 10. Slippery elm powder (Ulmus rubra) is a traditional European and North American remedy. Made from the inner bark of the red elm tree, slippery elm provides an immediately soothing effect and promotes healing of irritated digestive tract tissues. The traditional method of preparation is to make a thick paste stirring together one teaspoon slippery elm powder and one teaspoon honey. Pour one to two cups of boiling water over this paste and stir until well dissolved. Drink one or two cups daily. All natural health experts emphatically advise that we look to our diets first and foremost in our quest for better health. These ten natural digestive support products will undoubtedly offer the relief and comfort we sometimes need as we make necessary dietary changes. Whatever the source of your tummy upset, there is a natural remedy for you. Lucretia Schanfarber is a writer and editor who lives simply and gardens organically on Quadra and Cortes Islands in BC. Source: alive #278, December 2005, www.Alive.com |
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Reply
| | | From: Rene | Sent: 11/21/2006 4:39 PM |
| Heartburn
Symptoms Heartburn is an uncomfortable, burning *pain in the mid- to lower-chest area, close to the region of the heart. Although it can be mistaken for a heart problem, the condition is not related to *heart disease, but rather to digestive trouble. Heartburn typically occurs following a meal and becomes worse when lying down. It is often accompanied by *belching and a feeling of fullness in the stomach, though this is not always present. Heartburn can also be directly associated with *anxiety and *stress
Causes Heartburn is a digestive disorder associated with high stomach acidity and a disturbed acid-alkali balance. Often, this is due to an overstimulation of the stomach glands, which produce hydrochloric acid as a result of poor eating habits and the consumption of acid-causing foods. Overfilling the stomach, especially with rich, fried foods high in fat content which lie in the stomach longer than other foods, can cause heartburn. Swallowing air while eating too quickly, or when upset, is another common problem. Stress and eating under stress are other major causes of stomach acidity. All these habits cause the stomach to expand upwards, carrying stomach acid which then irritates the esophagus. Heartburn can also be caused by reflux esophagitis, which occurs if the sphincter muscle, responsible for closing the stomach from the esophagus, is relaxed. Fats, alcohol, chocolate and coffee relax the sphincter muscle. Heartburn is a very common problem during *pregnancy, probably due to hormonal changes combined with pressure that the child exerts on the stomach. Another cause of heartburn is *indigestion that stems from lack of bile or insufficient pancreatic enzymes, or as a result of *allergies to certain foods. Even too little stomach acid will hinder digestion and cause fullness and burning. The possibility of a *hiatal hernia should be investigated if the problem is definitely worse when bending over or lying down. Heartburn can also be a precursor to an *ulcer.
Nutrition As a first aid for heartburn, eat a handful of blanched almonds or a piece of dry bread, chew on a handful of uncooked oat flakes or drink a little milk to soothe the mucous membrane of the stomach. The old remedy of taking a teaspoon of baking soda is harmful because it builds *gases and increases the acidity of the stomach. To prevent heartburn, enjoy your food, eating slowly to avoid swallowing air. A very effective natural remedy is to drink freshly made cabbage or potato juice (do not store), which dilutes stomach acid and flushes it through the duodenum. Both reduce pain and lead to faster healing. Aloe vera juice with a high MPS (mucopolysaccharide) count can also help heal hyperacidity and peptic ulcers. A good count for an effective aloe vera juice is at least 15,000 MPS per liter.
Do not drink milk. Although milk neutralizes stomach acid, the calcium and protein in milk stimulates the production of more acid. Cow’s milk creates a rebound effect and makes acidity worse in the long run. Almond milk, raw goat’s milk, rice milk or soy milk are good substitutes provided you are not allergic to any of these foods.
Chocolate, alcohol and saturated fats relax the lower esophagal sphincter so that food is more likely to be regurgitated from the stomach into the esophagus.
To test whether heartburn is due to insufficient stomach acid, take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar; relief indicates insufficient stomach acid. In the case of heartburn due to excess stomach acidity, avoid foods which trigger the production of acid like fried meat, salty meat, salted fish, smoked foods, meat broth, hot spices and coffee.
In some people, sugar and honey trigger heartburn and should be avoided.
Nutritional Supplements Calcium and magnesium are both natural antacid supplements. They can be used, as necessary, to temporarily bind stomach acid, but should be used sparingly. All antacids can cause rebounding, an effect which causes more stomach acid to be produced to counteract the antacid. Stomach acid is also an integral part of digestion and if it is lacking, food cannot be fully assimilated. L-glutamine is an amino acid which is important in the healing of hyperacidity. Vitamins A, B 6, E, K, chelated zinc, unsaturated fatty acids (found in primrose, flax seed and fish oils) as well as sodium ascorbate (buffered vitamin C) have all been shown to promote faster healing. Digestive enzyme supplements will also help digestion. Charcoal tablets mixed with half a cup of warm water also neutralize stomach acid and absorb toxins.
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium are bacterial cultures available as supplements that balance the gastrointestinal flora.
Daily Dosages Magnesium, 500 mg Calcium, 1,200 mg Vitamin E, 400-800 IU Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy) Vitamin B6, 50 mg Zinc, 15 mg, with 3 mg copper L-glutamine, 500 mg twice daily Charcoal tablets, as recommended on the label Digestive enzymes, such as bromelain, 1,000 mg three times daily Herbal Remedies Whether heartburn is caused by excess or inadequate stomach acid, medicinal herbs can provide soothing relief. Additional remedies that have traditionally enjoyed success in healing sensitive stomachs include slippery elm, bentonite, comfrey, goldenseal, ginger root, angelica, fennel, yarrow, hypericum (St. John’s wort) and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). The latter is licorice minus the portion that can affect adrenal hormones and raise blood pressure. Yarrow juice restores the normal acidity of the stomach. Take 1 tbsp. of yarrow juice in water before bedtime for three weeks. Wormwood juice is an old home remedy recommended in cases of heartburn and indigestion. Take 1 tbsp. of wormwood juice with 1 cup of peppermint tea three times daily before meals. To heal the digestive and intestinal tract, take 1 tbsp. of aloe vera juice daily for two weeks. To soothe the membranes of the digestive tract, drink meadowsweet tea. Pour 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water over 1 tsp. of the dry herb, steep for fifteen minutes, strain and drink three times daily. See herbal tea formulas for digestive problems in Section 7, Healing Herbs. Take 3 cups of tea daily from ginger root, parsley, camomile and slippery elm. Liquid whey helps regulate the secretion of gastric acid. The herbal combination of slippery elm, burdock, Turkish rhubarb and sorrel can also help reduce stomach acidity. Homeopathy Homeopathic remedies can quickly soothe troubling heartburn, though they should not be substituted for a good diet. Take one of the below in a 6c strength, placing 2 tbsp. under the tongue every fifteen minutes for three doses, then three times daily if necessary for up to one week. Nux vomica is excellent for heartburn due to an overindulgence in food, alcohol or spices. Hurried eating and irritability are often associated problems. Arsenicum is used when the intense burning is particularly bad at night. Sipping warm drinks or applying warm pads to the stomach brings relief. The person will often feel compelled to move around with the pain. Another frequently applied remedy for heartburn is Lycopodium. In this case the heartburn is associated with gas and bloating from the least bit of food. Loosening the belt is usually necessary, as the person cannot stand anything tight around the waist. Carbo vegetabilis is used for similar symptoms of heartburn and bloating, but belching brings relief. There is a great need for more air, and food causes great sleepiness. Tissue Salts Take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily. Nat phos is an excellent remedy for heartburn due to an overacidity of the stomach with belching sour liquid. Kali phos is a good alternative, particularly useful when worries have affected the stomach and caused heartburn. If the pain is cramping and hot drinks help, Mag phos will bring relief. Ferr phos helps acute pain and burning soon after eating. The face is typically hot and flushed. External/Physical Therapies Get regular exercise to aid digestion, but not immediately after eating. Do not lie down right after eating. Avoid prolonged stressful situations. Learn how to react positively to stressful situations. Acupressure Press the point on the outside of the elbow crease on both arms. Other Suggestions Over the past two decades, researchers have found that a significant number of gastritis and ulcer sufferers have an allergy or hypersensitivity to cow’s milk. These people may be perpetuating their stomach problem simply because they drink milk on a regular basis. Most people who have food allergies crave the foods to which they are allergic. If you crave milk, you are probably allergic to it. If you have not already done so, have food allergy testing done, eliminate the reactive foods from your diet, and discuss some of the natural remedies outlined here with your naturopath or doctor. Available Brand Name Products: Nutritional Supplements - Molkosan (Bioforce)
- Frutin Antacid (Flora)
- L-Glutamine (Klaire Laboratories)
- Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)
- Ester C (Natural Factors)
- Bio K (Greens+)
- Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)
- Megazyme (Natural Factors)
Available Brand Name Products: Other Nutritional Supplements - Aloe Vera Gel (Nature’s Herbs)
- Aloe Vera Inner Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)
- Aloe Vera Gel (The Real Aloe Co.)
Available Brand Name Products: Herbal Remedies - Salus Gallexier Herbal Bitters (Flora)
- Green Magma (Green Foods)
- Chamomile Flowers (Nature’s Herbs)
- Fennel Seed (Nature’s Herbs)
- Ginger-Peppermint Combination (Nature’s Herbs)
- Golden Seal Root (Nature’s Herbs)
- Licorice Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)
- Parsley Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)
- Red Raspberry Combination (Nature’s Herbs)
- Slippery Elm Bark (Nature’s Herbs)
- St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)
- Yarrow Flowers (Nature’s Herbs)
<DIR></DIR> <DIR></DIR> Available Brand Name Products: Homeopathy (Nelsons Homeopathy) Lycopodium (Nelsons Homeopathy) Nux Vomica (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona, www.Alive.com |
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