What is the differences Between Aspirin, Tylenol and Advil. Which is safer and better?
Aspirin
Aspirin is a pain-relief drug that is able to do several things other than relieve pain. First of all, it is an anti-inflammatory which means that it reduces swelling and inflammation in the body. This helps to cause reduction of pain when the pain is due to inflammation. Additionally, aspirin is an anti-clotting drug which means that it’s good for people who are at high risk of heart problems related to blood clotting but could be dangerous for people who already have thin blood.
Aspirin is generally considered to be the best pain relief drug for people who need to reduce their fever and get rid of aches and pains in the body particularly those that are due to inflammation. However it is considered to be the pain relief drug with some of the highest risks for long-term use (risks including stomach ulcers). At the same time, it is considered a good long-term drug for people who are trying to lower their risk of heart problems. So Aspirin is a powerful over the counter pain relief pill that may be great for some people and bad for others.
Main benefits of aspirin:
• Relief of minor aches and pains
• Reduction of fever
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-clotting
Main negative side effects of aspirin:
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Bleeding in the stomach
Tylenol
Tylenol is a brand name that people commonly refer to when they are talking about pain relievers with the main ingredient of acetaminophen. Tylenol is generally considered to be a good pain relief option for people who have muscles aches and pain but is primarily designed for people who want to get pain relief for headaches. The drug is considered to have very few side effects. However, long-term use of Tylenol or use of Tylenol while drinking alcohol can be high-risk for side effects and may even be fatal.
Main benefits of Tylenol:
• Relief of muscle aches and joint pain
• Relief for headaches
• Reduction of fever
Main negative side effects of Tylenol:
• Kidney, liver and organ damage
• Negative interactions when taken with alcohol
Advil
Advil is a common name brand for the drug that is based on ibuprofen. This drug is also good for relief of body pain and fever. However, it is milder than the other two drugs. This is good for people who are looking for a low risk of side effects but bad for people who are suffering from serious pain since the positive effects of Advil don’t last as long as those of Aspirin or Tylenol. The one thing that Advil seems much better at treating than the other two drugs are is the reduction of pain associated with menstrual cramps.
Main benefits of Advil:
• Relief of body pain especially arthritis pain
• Reduction of fever
• Anti-clotting
• Relief of pain associated with menstrual cramps
Main negative side effects of Advil:
• Nausea and dizziness
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
Saturday, February 6, 2010
How can apple cider vinegar help acid reflux?
How can apple cider vinegar help acid reflux?
Acid Reflux is the result of too much OR not enough stomach acid.
One big problem in the theory of antacids is that when the stomach runs low on acid, the body produces more of it to finish digesting the food, which is why the acid always seems to come back after taking an antacid. Now, if you took the ACV, that's adding a little more acid, so the body tries to regulate it and doesn't produce more, but will keep things moving along, which will naturally reduce that over-acidity. The acid blockers are another story and are much more dangerous in the long run than antacids, but I'll save you that story unless you'd like to hear it.
I hope that helps... some natural things are confusing until some of the background details are pointed out.
Acid Reflux is the result of too much OR not enough stomach acid.
One big problem in the theory of antacids is that when the stomach runs low on acid, the body produces more of it to finish digesting the food, which is why the acid always seems to come back after taking an antacid. Now, if you took the ACV, that's adding a little more acid, so the body tries to regulate it and doesn't produce more, but will keep things moving along, which will naturally reduce that over-acidity. The acid blockers are another story and are much more dangerous in the long run than antacids, but I'll save you that story unless you'd like to hear it.
I hope that helps... some natural things are confusing until some of the background details are pointed out.
What food to eat for Acid reflux :
What food to eat for Acid reflux :
Vegetables
With the exception of onions and (for some people) tomatoes, most vegetables pose no threat for those with reflux, and they can actually help to minimize acid production. Carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, zucchini, cucumbers and many other veggies are highly recommended. The only caution is vegetables that have been fried or prepared in a cream sauce. Vegetable oils can increase acid. When eating a salad, be aware that vinegar-based dressings can also stimulate acid production.
Fruits
Non-citrus fruits such as bananas, apples, berries, peaches, pears and melons are highly recommended and cause no problems. The group to limit or avoid is citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and pineapple.
Meats
Low-fat meats such as fish, skinless chicken or turkey are safe to eat unless they are fried, spicy or cooked in a rich sauce. Fatty meats including bacon, cold cuts, sausage, pepperoni, and the fat or skin of chicken can stimulate excess acid production. Animal fat or oil is a very poor choice for the anti-reflux diet.
Dairy
Milk, believed by many to counteract acid in the stomach, does not in fact do so (in fact, whole milk has the opposite effect). Cheeses can promote acid unless they are low-fat or fat-free. Fried eggs, like all fried foods, can cause acid problems, but eggs prepared by boiling or microwaving are safe. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cream cheese, ice cream and cottage cheese are suitable for the low-acid diet.
Drinks
Drinking large quantities of sugared soft drinks is an invitation for your stomach to produce huge amounts of acid. Alcohol in any form, whether beer, wine or spirits, can trigger a lot of stomach acid, as can the caffeine in coffee or tea (especially mint tea). Non-citrus fruit juices such as apple, grape or prune juice are recommended, as are water and caffeine-free teas or soft drinks. However, no liquids should be consumed in quantity after meals, as this mixes with foods to produce acid which can slosh around.
Considerations
According to the Mayo Clinic, smaller meals eaten more frequently are better for reflux than three large meals each day, since the stomach produces less acid when there is less food to digest. Meals should include bread, pasta or rice to help soak up acid. It is also important not to lie down or slump in a nearly horizontal position for an hour or two following a meal. Fast food, with its high fat content that generates more acid, should be avoided as much as possible. Desserts to stay away from include chocolate, mints and treats made with oils and/or fats.
Acid-Absorbing Snack
Crackers absorb excess acid without generating more of it. They can be a good snack before bedtime, but not with milk.
Vegetables
With the exception of onions and (for some people) tomatoes, most vegetables pose no threat for those with reflux, and they can actually help to minimize acid production. Carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, zucchini, cucumbers and many other veggies are highly recommended. The only caution is vegetables that have been fried or prepared in a cream sauce. Vegetable oils can increase acid. When eating a salad, be aware that vinegar-based dressings can also stimulate acid production.
Fruits
Non-citrus fruits such as bananas, apples, berries, peaches, pears and melons are highly recommended and cause no problems. The group to limit or avoid is citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and pineapple.
Meats
Low-fat meats such as fish, skinless chicken or turkey are safe to eat unless they are fried, spicy or cooked in a rich sauce. Fatty meats including bacon, cold cuts, sausage, pepperoni, and the fat or skin of chicken can stimulate excess acid production. Animal fat or oil is a very poor choice for the anti-reflux diet.
Dairy
Milk, believed by many to counteract acid in the stomach, does not in fact do so (in fact, whole milk has the opposite effect). Cheeses can promote acid unless they are low-fat or fat-free. Fried eggs, like all fried foods, can cause acid problems, but eggs prepared by boiling or microwaving are safe. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cream cheese, ice cream and cottage cheese are suitable for the low-acid diet.
Drinks
Drinking large quantities of sugared soft drinks is an invitation for your stomach to produce huge amounts of acid. Alcohol in any form, whether beer, wine or spirits, can trigger a lot of stomach acid, as can the caffeine in coffee or tea (especially mint tea). Non-citrus fruit juices such as apple, grape or prune juice are recommended, as are water and caffeine-free teas or soft drinks. However, no liquids should be consumed in quantity after meals, as this mixes with foods to produce acid which can slosh around.
Considerations
According to the Mayo Clinic, smaller meals eaten more frequently are better for reflux than three large meals each day, since the stomach produces less acid when there is less food to digest. Meals should include bread, pasta or rice to help soak up acid. It is also important not to lie down or slump in a nearly horizontal position for an hour or two following a meal. Fast food, with its high fat content that generates more acid, should be avoided as much as possible. Desserts to stay away from include chocolate, mints and treats made with oils and/or fats.
Acid-Absorbing Snack
Crackers absorb excess acid without generating more of it. They can be a good snack before bedtime, but not with milk.
Food to avoid if you have acid reflux
Fast Foods
Most of what you will get at a fast food place is not too good for your acid reflux. However, the most inappropriate choices are French fries and greasy burgers. In addition, fried chicken is not that great for you as well. When you do have to eat at a fast food joint, consider eating their grilled options. Most places will offer at least one grilled chicken sandwich on their menu.
Fruits & Vegetables
As far as vegetables go, potatoes and onions are basically the biggest culprits for acid reflux and heart burn. In fact, most doctors suggest you avoid both at all costs. Mashed potatoes seem as if they would be harmless, but they cause a lot of problems when eaten by those who often suffer. Fruits are more expected with their high content of acid. Tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and cranberries have the highest acid content and should be avoided by anyone with digestive problems.
Dairy
There are many people who think drinking milk when they have indigestion is a good idea. But, there are dairy products that can aggravate your indigestion and acid reflux. Sour cream and ice cream are two of the biggest problem foods in the dairy category. Cottage cheese is another thing that may hurt your stomach.
Drinks
There are a few drinks that can also cause problems when you have severe indigestion. You should certainly stay away from alcohol. You can indulge every now and then, but only in small amounts. Liquor and wine are the worst forms you can drink. In addition, coffee and tea are also seen to be triggers for acid reflux.
Desserts
There are not too many desserts that aren’t seen as being bad for acid reflux sufferers. Chocolate is one of the worst ingredients however to eat. So, chocolate cakes or brownies can be very harmful to the digestive system. In addition, anything with a high content of butter is not good for you as well.
Most of what you will get at a fast food place is not too good for your acid reflux. However, the most inappropriate choices are French fries and greasy burgers. In addition, fried chicken is not that great for you as well. When you do have to eat at a fast food joint, consider eating their grilled options. Most places will offer at least one grilled chicken sandwich on their menu.
Fruits & Vegetables
As far as vegetables go, potatoes and onions are basically the biggest culprits for acid reflux and heart burn. In fact, most doctors suggest you avoid both at all costs. Mashed potatoes seem as if they would be harmless, but they cause a lot of problems when eaten by those who often suffer. Fruits are more expected with their high content of acid. Tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and cranberries have the highest acid content and should be avoided by anyone with digestive problems.
Dairy
There are many people who think drinking milk when they have indigestion is a good idea. But, there are dairy products that can aggravate your indigestion and acid reflux. Sour cream and ice cream are two of the biggest problem foods in the dairy category. Cottage cheese is another thing that may hurt your stomach.
Drinks
There are a few drinks that can also cause problems when you have severe indigestion. You should certainly stay away from alcohol. You can indulge every now and then, but only in small amounts. Liquor and wine are the worst forms you can drink. In addition, coffee and tea are also seen to be triggers for acid reflux.
Desserts
There are not too many desserts that aren’t seen as being bad for acid reflux sufferers. Chocolate is one of the worst ingredients however to eat. So, chocolate cakes or brownies can be very harmful to the digestive system. In addition, anything with a high content of butter is not good for you as well.
Living with GERD
Living with GERD
GERD - Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease
Gerd is also known as a 'hiatal hernia'. The round muscle at the diaphragm under the lungs, where the esophagus passes between the lungs, through the diaphragm, and into the stomach, is the sphincter muscle that is the center of the problem known as reflux disease.
The first problem is the guck in the stomach. The sphincter muscle fails to keep all that food-being-digested in the stomach, letting it burble and rush back up the esophagus (heart burn), into the throat, into the sinuses (sinus infection), and occasionally to be ejected from the mouth as vomit. Occasionally particles will be aspirated down into the lungs.
Acid burns inside the body
Heart burn. It has come to be known as primarily a marketing slogan for Tums, Rolaids, and Alka-Selzer, a common discomfort that is very minor. Acid Burn. There, does that make more sense? You chew your food and it mixes with saliva which contains some mild acids and enzymes to begin breaking down the food. Then you swallow. That mixture of food enters the stomach and gets mixed with some serious acids. The stomach agitates and mixes the food until it is all an expected consistency, then gradually released into the small intestine. This is normal, and required for good health. When you get heartburn, or reflux, some of that acid and food washes back up the throat, damaging the esophagus and any other place the acid contacts. Because so many reflux episodes happen at night in your sleep, many people are only aware of waking at night or in the morning with a sore throat, or painful sinuses. More severe episodes will wake most people - vomiting or choking.
Diagnosis - The Endoscopy
Your doctor will perform an endoscopy to pass a tube with a camera down your throat to look for evidence in the throat and stomach of a hiatal hernia (the sphincter doesn't keep food in your stomach) and reflux damage. Note that this may or may not be a pleasant experience but can be a lifesaver. See, the stomach acids over time will damage the throat. It can cause sections of the esophagus to constrict or partially close off -- causing choke, or inability to swallow for periods of time. I have sat at my plate with a mouthful of food, and unable to get anything down for up to ten (10) minutes, before I got treatment. After repeated stomach acid injury, some of the throat cells will become similar to stomach cells to try tolerating the acids. Some cells will further change, after more reflux episodes, to Barrett's cells (Barrett's syndrome), then to an intermediate stage, before becoming cancerous. That's right -- your heartburn is not minor. Left untreated you can risk cancer.
Chronic sinus infection, ear infection, unexplained sore throat, repeated night time vomiting and choking. These are powerful reasons to see your doctor and ask about reflux. Stomach cramps from ulcers, spasms of the diaphragm, and discomfort in the chest or abdomen can mean many things, and should be understood with your doctor.
GERD - Now What?
Your doctor will have some things to tell you. This may include:
* Elevate your bed. A 4-6 inch lift of the head of the bed may help reduce pressure on the sphincter at the top of the stomach, and may reduce number of reflux episodes at night.
* Avoid caffeine. Avoid alchohol, onions, chocolate. These things relax the sphincter, which is the cause of reflux episodes.
* Smaller meals. Big meals cause the stomach to fill -- putting pressure on the sphincter that should be containing the stomach contents inside the stomach.
* Fatty foods. Avoid these, because they are harder to digest, remaining in the stomach longer. That means you are more likely to eat something else, or drink something, before the fatty foods are digested and passed on to the intestines. Adding more liquids or fluids increases the volume of stuff in the stomach, and increases chance of a reflux episode.
Additional things I have found or been told.
* Small drinks. A big drink of water, or Gatorade, or milk, is the same as a big meal - a big volume of stuff in the stomach. Get a small glass, and use it more often.
* Warm and hot drinks. Until you can go a month without a reflux episode you don't have it under control. Until then, consider ice cubes a very dangerous item on the table. Don't. Your stomach is temperature sensitive - when the temperature of the food is lower than body temperature everything will sit taking up space in the stomach until it all gets warmed up to body temp. That is, a dish of ice cream, a cold drink (even ice water) will stop your food from being digested. Increasing the risk that that stuff will still be there hours later when you sit down to your next snack or meal. Getting the 'freeze' under control was one of my bigger problems. Instead, drink water, decaffeinated green tea. It may look strange, but water can be more interesting if you nuke it in the microwave. Whether you heat to warm or coffee-hot, it helps speed digestion. Part of what makes soup a 'comfort food' is the warmth. Use that; you can use the comforting in your life!
* Healthy Choice meals. A balance of real food, reasonable portion size, and reduced fat. I *like* the vanilla ice cream - a small dish, and not with meals. This is not really diet food, and can be an introduction to simple, GERD friendly meals. I am sure there are other brands that work as well.
* Keep the stomach warm. Like cold foods, letting my abdomen get chilled stops digestion.
* Cough drops. Use cough drops for soreness in the throat. Wal-Mart and other stores sell store-brand mentho-lyptus drops in big bags. Keep them handy.
* Antacids. At every episode take four -- one every one to two minutes. Remember, this is an acid burn, whether you feel pain or just a taste or pressure. The antacid treats the burn in the throat. You are probably taking other stuff to weaken the stomach acid. Get the store brand, keep them handy -- a jar of at least 30 in the car, bathroom, by the bed, in your desk or shop, in your locker or bag at the club. In a pinch, frequent small sips of water can help dilute and wash the acid in the throat. Beware of drinking a lot of water, since you want the stuff in the stomach to stay there, not float it all back up your throat on a glass of water!
* Saline nasal mist. Buy this at the drug store or grocery store nose drugs shelf. Two squirts in each side and blow, once and hour, for sinus infection. Look into a Neti-wash or other sinus irrigation for nasty night-time episodes where everything burns. Then get the saline mist because acid in the sinuses will be a sinus infection. Really.
* Aloe Vera juice. Aloe Vera is good for burns. Reflux is an acid burn. Drink a couple of ounces two or three times a day, to soothe and heal your throat and stomach. Also good to wipe on your skin for poison oak/poison ivy (after washing first with soap and water!). This is one of those tree-hugger, back-to-earth, organic Mother Earth News wacko things that works. Works well even with modern medicine. Albertson's charged $11 for a gallon, Wal-Mart $7, it keeps really well in the refrigerator (several months for me). It helps heal ulcers and lesions in the esophagus and stomach. Also remember the Aloe Vera Juice -- many small sips -- with a nasty reflux episode.
* Graham crackers. They soak up liquids in the stomach, can help calm things. One or two is a snack, a box is a problem -- too much stuff in the stomach!
* Alka-Selzer. This works, and is a Bigger Gun to use for more severe episodes. Keep some in the bathroom.
* Chiropractor. Be sure your back is aligned -- especially around the nerve that activates the stomach (slows digestion), the diaphragm and the esophageal sphincter (spasms and weakened function). Ask about the 'soft tissue adjustment for a hiatal hernia'. This soft tissue (no bones involved) is something you can learn to do to help align the esophagus, the diaphragm, and the stomach to reduce the likelihood of reflux.
* Watered juice. Orange and grape juice were too acid for me. I avoid orange juice, and mix grape juice or peach-grape juice with water, about 1/4th glass of juice and fill with water. The juice goes further, I get more water and less reflux.
* Catsup, ketchup, and other spicy tomato sauces do not work. Honey, mustard, rosemary, and mayonaisse, in moderation, make acceptable condiments.
* Aspirin. Aspirin is a frequent cause of heartburn. Learn to take one tablet one or two times a day instead of two or three tablets every 3 to 4 hours. And accept that a day with aspirin is a day with heartburn. Moderation, get it? Aspirin does some good things for the body that tylenol doesn't, besides block pain. But there are consequences.
Health Considerations
OK, you raised your bed, you take your meds and Aloe Vera juice. You are eating less food at more frequent intervals, you avoid ice, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, you are having very few episodes, none of them severe (taste, pain, or vomit). You now have to deal with the next two problems -- that weakened sphincter muscle, and your meds.
The weakened sphincter is the simpler problem to solve -- exercise. Walking is good, you will want to work with your doctor or chiropractor about exercises to strengthen the abdomen. Overall activity improves health, speeds digestion, and reduces volume of stagnant stuff in the stomach.
The other problem is the meds for reflux. They take various ways and times to reduce the injury that stomach acid causes when reflux happens. That means that your food is not being digested by the intended acid. Talk to your doctor about this -- mine recommended a Vitamin B complex to compensate for the inability of the body to any longer utilize some of the nutrients in your food. Spring Valley 'Natural B' (at Wal-Mart for me) seems to be a good daily choice for me. Depending on your diet and preference, a can of live-culture yogurt each week or more often, or daily acidophilous. I found a pleasant chewable acidophilous tablet that is strawberry flavored, and enjoy the odd yogurt.
Psyllium husk. That is, Metamucil without the sugar and flavors -- the 'active' part. Psyllium husk does a couple of good things for the body, a couple of which are becoming real important for you. First is mucous. Mucous is a general lubricant in the body, not just a leak from your nose. The body's natural cycle is to dispose of mucous throught the intestines and rectum, but that route can be overloaded -- plugged up. Leading to constipation and hard stools. And slowed digestion. Remember, we want to speed up digestion so stuff doesn't sit in the stomach longer than really needed. The body has use for two different 'kinds' of fiber in the diet -- soluble fiber that dissolves into the blood, circulates through the cells and lymph system and helps carry wastes back to the intestines for disposal, and insoluble or bulk fiber that stays in the intestine and moves food and stuff along. Psyllium husk is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, and helps reduce 'transit time' -- the time it takes from when you eat food until you pass the residue as stools. Ideally this should be 24-36 hours, often it is over 48-72 (with constipation and hard stools). You will need lots of water to make the psyllium husk work for you, at least another full glass of water each day. Oatmeal is good for 'roughage' or insoluble fiber, stewed prunes are good, but neither is as efficient as psyllium husk. Because psyllium husk is inert (not a chemical) it is not habit forming, at least no more so than washing your hands. Think of Psyllium husk or even metamucil with your next mucous episode, uhh, I mean, next cold, flu, or allergy attack. Surprisingly, psyllium husk can also be very comforting with diarrhea, at least the week long bout I had with food poisoning.
Water. Drink lots. Drink mostly warm water, room temp is fine (unless you are ice fishing ;-). Water, like exercise, helps lubricate the body and keeps all the systems running smoothly. My rule of thumb is to drink enough water that my urine is clear. Unless I just had my Vitamin B with all it's colored components flushing through.
Night time meals. This is a serious problem for those of us prone to reflux. I skip supper if it gets to be later than 6 pm, or plan on staying up 4-6 hours after I eat. Really. My mother introduced me to 'nuked dogs' -- microwaved hot dogs -- that I can usually get away with when I need something to eat at night. I split a piece of single-serving cheese, lay it on a hot dog bun, sprinkle some rosemary, lay on a hot dog, wrap in a paper towel, and nuke for 45 seconds. I actually prefer 'Bar S' brand smoked sausage links, and nuke for 55 seconds, and often skip the paper towel (the bun is a bit less consistent). Popcorn usually works for me, I air-pop the corn, melt a tablespoon of butter or oil in the microwave, and sprinkle over the popped corn, then lightly sprinkle with popcorn salt. Morton makes Popcorn Salt by grinding the crystals smaller -- a small sprinkle gives more salt taste. As I mentioned above, graham crackers.
A matter of time
I imagine if you were to light a match to your finger several times a day, your finger would develop sores, the sores would get worse, and your finger would take longer to heal the longer you kept on lighting those matches.
Well, that is what is happening in your throat with each reflux episode/heartburn. The key for me was to take every single occurence very seriously. That includes avoiding problem foods, the timed sequence of antacids to support my throat, and cough drops to soothe and heal.
Once you start managing the problems that are most likely to trigger a reflux episode you should see less direct heartburn and reflux pain. It will take time, a lot of time, to repair all those acid burns. Consider these suggestions and advice to be life changes, not just therapy for the heartburn. Hopefully after a couple of clean annual endoscopy exams you can get off the meds, which will help restore your body's ability to utilize the micronutrients in your food.
GERD - Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease
Gerd is also known as a 'hiatal hernia'. The round muscle at the diaphragm under the lungs, where the esophagus passes between the lungs, through the diaphragm, and into the stomach, is the sphincter muscle that is the center of the problem known as reflux disease.
The first problem is the guck in the stomach. The sphincter muscle fails to keep all that food-being-digested in the stomach, letting it burble and rush back up the esophagus (heart burn), into the throat, into the sinuses (sinus infection), and occasionally to be ejected from the mouth as vomit. Occasionally particles will be aspirated down into the lungs.
Acid burns inside the body
Heart burn. It has come to be known as primarily a marketing slogan for Tums, Rolaids, and Alka-Selzer, a common discomfort that is very minor. Acid Burn. There, does that make more sense? You chew your food and it mixes with saliva which contains some mild acids and enzymes to begin breaking down the food. Then you swallow. That mixture of food enters the stomach and gets mixed with some serious acids. The stomach agitates and mixes the food until it is all an expected consistency, then gradually released into the small intestine. This is normal, and required for good health. When you get heartburn, or reflux, some of that acid and food washes back up the throat, damaging the esophagus and any other place the acid contacts. Because so many reflux episodes happen at night in your sleep, many people are only aware of waking at night or in the morning with a sore throat, or painful sinuses. More severe episodes will wake most people - vomiting or choking.
Diagnosis - The Endoscopy
Your doctor will perform an endoscopy to pass a tube with a camera down your throat to look for evidence in the throat and stomach of a hiatal hernia (the sphincter doesn't keep food in your stomach) and reflux damage. Note that this may or may not be a pleasant experience but can be a lifesaver. See, the stomach acids over time will damage the throat. It can cause sections of the esophagus to constrict or partially close off -- causing choke, or inability to swallow for periods of time. I have sat at my plate with a mouthful of food, and unable to get anything down for up to ten (10) minutes, before I got treatment. After repeated stomach acid injury, some of the throat cells will become similar to stomach cells to try tolerating the acids. Some cells will further change, after more reflux episodes, to Barrett's cells (Barrett's syndrome), then to an intermediate stage, before becoming cancerous. That's right -- your heartburn is not minor. Left untreated you can risk cancer.
Chronic sinus infection, ear infection, unexplained sore throat, repeated night time vomiting and choking. These are powerful reasons to see your doctor and ask about reflux. Stomach cramps from ulcers, spasms of the diaphragm, and discomfort in the chest or abdomen can mean many things, and should be understood with your doctor.
GERD - Now What?
Your doctor will have some things to tell you. This may include:
* Elevate your bed. A 4-6 inch lift of the head of the bed may help reduce pressure on the sphincter at the top of the stomach, and may reduce number of reflux episodes at night.
* Avoid caffeine. Avoid alchohol, onions, chocolate. These things relax the sphincter, which is the cause of reflux episodes.
* Smaller meals. Big meals cause the stomach to fill -- putting pressure on the sphincter that should be containing the stomach contents inside the stomach.
* Fatty foods. Avoid these, because they are harder to digest, remaining in the stomach longer. That means you are more likely to eat something else, or drink something, before the fatty foods are digested and passed on to the intestines. Adding more liquids or fluids increases the volume of stuff in the stomach, and increases chance of a reflux episode.
Additional things I have found or been told.
* Small drinks. A big drink of water, or Gatorade, or milk, is the same as a big meal - a big volume of stuff in the stomach. Get a small glass, and use it more often.
* Warm and hot drinks. Until you can go a month without a reflux episode you don't have it under control. Until then, consider ice cubes a very dangerous item on the table. Don't. Your stomach is temperature sensitive - when the temperature of the food is lower than body temperature everything will sit taking up space in the stomach until it all gets warmed up to body temp. That is, a dish of ice cream, a cold drink (even ice water) will stop your food from being digested. Increasing the risk that that stuff will still be there hours later when you sit down to your next snack or meal. Getting the 'freeze' under control was one of my bigger problems. Instead, drink water, decaffeinated green tea. It may look strange, but water can be more interesting if you nuke it in the microwave. Whether you heat to warm or coffee-hot, it helps speed digestion. Part of what makes soup a 'comfort food' is the warmth. Use that; you can use the comforting in your life!
* Healthy Choice meals. A balance of real food, reasonable portion size, and reduced fat. I *like* the vanilla ice cream - a small dish, and not with meals. This is not really diet food, and can be an introduction to simple, GERD friendly meals. I am sure there are other brands that work as well.
* Keep the stomach warm. Like cold foods, letting my abdomen get chilled stops digestion.
* Cough drops. Use cough drops for soreness in the throat. Wal-Mart and other stores sell store-brand mentho-lyptus drops in big bags. Keep them handy.
* Antacids. At every episode take four -- one every one to two minutes. Remember, this is an acid burn, whether you feel pain or just a taste or pressure. The antacid treats the burn in the throat. You are probably taking other stuff to weaken the stomach acid. Get the store brand, keep them handy -- a jar of at least 30 in the car, bathroom, by the bed, in your desk or shop, in your locker or bag at the club. In a pinch, frequent small sips of water can help dilute and wash the acid in the throat. Beware of drinking a lot of water, since you want the stuff in the stomach to stay there, not float it all back up your throat on a glass of water!
* Saline nasal mist. Buy this at the drug store or grocery store nose drugs shelf. Two squirts in each side and blow, once and hour, for sinus infection. Look into a Neti-wash or other sinus irrigation for nasty night-time episodes where everything burns. Then get the saline mist because acid in the sinuses will be a sinus infection. Really.
* Aloe Vera juice. Aloe Vera is good for burns. Reflux is an acid burn. Drink a couple of ounces two or three times a day, to soothe and heal your throat and stomach. Also good to wipe on your skin for poison oak/poison ivy (after washing first with soap and water!). This is one of those tree-hugger, back-to-earth, organic Mother Earth News wacko things that works. Works well even with modern medicine. Albertson's charged $11 for a gallon, Wal-Mart $7, it keeps really well in the refrigerator (several months for me). It helps heal ulcers and lesions in the esophagus and stomach. Also remember the Aloe Vera Juice -- many small sips -- with a nasty reflux episode.
* Graham crackers. They soak up liquids in the stomach, can help calm things. One or two is a snack, a box is a problem -- too much stuff in the stomach!
* Alka-Selzer. This works, and is a Bigger Gun to use for more severe episodes. Keep some in the bathroom.
* Chiropractor. Be sure your back is aligned -- especially around the nerve that activates the stomach (slows digestion), the diaphragm and the esophageal sphincter (spasms and weakened function). Ask about the 'soft tissue adjustment for a hiatal hernia'. This soft tissue (no bones involved) is something you can learn to do to help align the esophagus, the diaphragm, and the stomach to reduce the likelihood of reflux.
* Watered juice. Orange and grape juice were too acid for me. I avoid orange juice, and mix grape juice or peach-grape juice with water, about 1/4th glass of juice and fill with water. The juice goes further, I get more water and less reflux.
* Catsup, ketchup, and other spicy tomato sauces do not work. Honey, mustard, rosemary, and mayonaisse, in moderation, make acceptable condiments.
* Aspirin. Aspirin is a frequent cause of heartburn. Learn to take one tablet one or two times a day instead of two or three tablets every 3 to 4 hours. And accept that a day with aspirin is a day with heartburn. Moderation, get it? Aspirin does some good things for the body that tylenol doesn't, besides block pain. But there are consequences.
Health Considerations
OK, you raised your bed, you take your meds and Aloe Vera juice. You are eating less food at more frequent intervals, you avoid ice, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, you are having very few episodes, none of them severe (taste, pain, or vomit). You now have to deal with the next two problems -- that weakened sphincter muscle, and your meds.
The weakened sphincter is the simpler problem to solve -- exercise. Walking is good, you will want to work with your doctor or chiropractor about exercises to strengthen the abdomen. Overall activity improves health, speeds digestion, and reduces volume of stagnant stuff in the stomach.
The other problem is the meds for reflux. They take various ways and times to reduce the injury that stomach acid causes when reflux happens. That means that your food is not being digested by the intended acid. Talk to your doctor about this -- mine recommended a Vitamin B complex to compensate for the inability of the body to any longer utilize some of the nutrients in your food. Spring Valley 'Natural B' (at Wal-Mart for me) seems to be a good daily choice for me. Depending on your diet and preference, a can of live-culture yogurt each week or more often, or daily acidophilous. I found a pleasant chewable acidophilous tablet that is strawberry flavored, and enjoy the odd yogurt.
Psyllium husk. That is, Metamucil without the sugar and flavors -- the 'active' part. Psyllium husk does a couple of good things for the body, a couple of which are becoming real important for you. First is mucous. Mucous is a general lubricant in the body, not just a leak from your nose. The body's natural cycle is to dispose of mucous throught the intestines and rectum, but that route can be overloaded -- plugged up. Leading to constipation and hard stools. And slowed digestion. Remember, we want to speed up digestion so stuff doesn't sit in the stomach longer than really needed. The body has use for two different 'kinds' of fiber in the diet -- soluble fiber that dissolves into the blood, circulates through the cells and lymph system and helps carry wastes back to the intestines for disposal, and insoluble or bulk fiber that stays in the intestine and moves food and stuff along. Psyllium husk is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, and helps reduce 'transit time' -- the time it takes from when you eat food until you pass the residue as stools. Ideally this should be 24-36 hours, often it is over 48-72 (with constipation and hard stools). You will need lots of water to make the psyllium husk work for you, at least another full glass of water each day. Oatmeal is good for 'roughage' or insoluble fiber, stewed prunes are good, but neither is as efficient as psyllium husk. Because psyllium husk is inert (not a chemical) it is not habit forming, at least no more so than washing your hands. Think of Psyllium husk or even metamucil with your next mucous episode, uhh, I mean, next cold, flu, or allergy attack. Surprisingly, psyllium husk can also be very comforting with diarrhea, at least the week long bout I had with food poisoning.
Water. Drink lots. Drink mostly warm water, room temp is fine (unless you are ice fishing ;-). Water, like exercise, helps lubricate the body and keeps all the systems running smoothly. My rule of thumb is to drink enough water that my urine is clear. Unless I just had my Vitamin B with all it's colored components flushing through.
Night time meals. This is a serious problem for those of us prone to reflux. I skip supper if it gets to be later than 6 pm, or plan on staying up 4-6 hours after I eat. Really. My mother introduced me to 'nuked dogs' -- microwaved hot dogs -- that I can usually get away with when I need something to eat at night. I split a piece of single-serving cheese, lay it on a hot dog bun, sprinkle some rosemary, lay on a hot dog, wrap in a paper towel, and nuke for 45 seconds. I actually prefer 'Bar S' brand smoked sausage links, and nuke for 55 seconds, and often skip the paper towel (the bun is a bit less consistent). Popcorn usually works for me, I air-pop the corn, melt a tablespoon of butter or oil in the microwave, and sprinkle over the popped corn, then lightly sprinkle with popcorn salt. Morton makes Popcorn Salt by grinding the crystals smaller -- a small sprinkle gives more salt taste. As I mentioned above, graham crackers.
A matter of time
I imagine if you were to light a match to your finger several times a day, your finger would develop sores, the sores would get worse, and your finger would take longer to heal the longer you kept on lighting those matches.
Well, that is what is happening in your throat with each reflux episode/heartburn. The key for me was to take every single occurence very seriously. That includes avoiding problem foods, the timed sequence of antacids to support my throat, and cough drops to soothe and heal.
Once you start managing the problems that are most likely to trigger a reflux episode you should see less direct heartburn and reflux pain. It will take time, a lot of time, to repair all those acid burns. Consider these suggestions and advice to be life changes, not just therapy for the heartburn. Hopefully after a couple of clean annual endoscopy exams you can get off the meds, which will help restore your body's ability to utilize the micronutrients in your food.
Can vitamins make Acid Reflux and Heartburn worse?
Can vitamins make Acid Reflux and Heartburn worse?
It depend on you. Always take a food journal and thus you can see the cause of the problem.
I take vitamins/supplements (and a few additional ones). Try taking them twice a day or even three times a day. It helps if you take them with food. Another option is not taking them at all. If you are in good health and eat a well-balanced diet, you should be getting enough nutrients.
Your heartburn might have been caused by something you ate that day that did not agree with you. Happens to me sometimes.
If the Calcium you are taking is a solid pill, it might not be desolving quickly. Maybe a chewable Calcium would be better.
Asiprin in high doses can cause GERD.
One thing is suggested is that : As soon as you feel heartburn coming on....then start drink plenty of water.
Try taking your supplements on a full, rather then empty stomach and like one poster said, spreading it out during the day.
Maybe some at breakfast and some at lunchtime.
Note: It has been suggested that taking Vitimin C can inhibit the absorbtion of calcium.
Maybe take a chewable calcium before beditme.
It depend on you. Always take a food journal and thus you can see the cause of the problem.
I take vitamins/supplements (and a few additional ones). Try taking them twice a day or even three times a day. It helps if you take them with food. Another option is not taking them at all. If you are in good health and eat a well-balanced diet, you should be getting enough nutrients.
Your heartburn might have been caused by something you ate that day that did not agree with you. Happens to me sometimes.
If the Calcium you are taking is a solid pill, it might not be desolving quickly. Maybe a chewable Calcium would be better.
Asiprin in high doses can cause GERD.
One thing is suggested is that : As soon as you feel heartburn coming on....then start drink plenty of water.
Try taking your supplements on a full, rather then empty stomach and like one poster said, spreading it out during the day.
Maybe some at breakfast and some at lunchtime.
Note: It has been suggested that taking Vitimin C can inhibit the absorbtion of calcium.
Maybe take a chewable calcium before beditme.
What to eat for Acid reflux : Best Fast Food Picks for Those With GERD
What to eat for Acid reflux : Best Fast Food Picks for Acid reflux or gerd.
Book mark this now.
My friend has acid reflux and he watches his food. At that time in the beginning, Ben's food allergies and acid reflux were so bad, we didn't know what to order. Ben just doent know what to eat while all of us are enjoying our meal at the restaurant.
If you have acid reflux,this are the best foods to order while eating out. This works for him and his enjoying eating out. This is what he does. He also eat this while his out on vacation.
1. McDonalds. I order, "Grilled chicken, plain, with a small order of fries."
2. Chinese Take Out. "Steamed chicken, no sauce, and steamed white rice."
3. Smoothie Shops. "Banana/honey smoothie and do you mind using this milk?" (I provide the rice milk in a small carton).
4. Food Court at the Mall - the Japanese place. "Large bowl of steamed rice with duck sauce on the side."
5. Kentucky Fried Chicken. "Chicken breast." (I remove the coating).
6. Snow Cone Stands. "Just the snow." (I put Ben's juice on top).
7. Pizza shops. (We bring our own for Ben wrapped in foil, and ask if they would mind putting it in their oven when they put ours in. They have always said, "no problem.")
8. Convenient stores such as Wawa or Royal Farms. "Turkey from the deli, Lays potato chips, a banana from the stand of fruit and a bottle of water."
9. Subway. "Just turkey, no bread, potato chips, and water."
Book mark this now.
My friend has acid reflux and he watches his food. At that time in the beginning, Ben's food allergies and acid reflux were so bad, we didn't know what to order. Ben just doent know what to eat while all of us are enjoying our meal at the restaurant.
If you have acid reflux,this are the best foods to order while eating out. This works for him and his enjoying eating out. This is what he does. He also eat this while his out on vacation.
1. McDonalds. I order, "Grilled chicken, plain, with a small order of fries."
2. Chinese Take Out. "Steamed chicken, no sauce, and steamed white rice."
3. Smoothie Shops. "Banana/honey smoothie and do you mind using this milk?" (I provide the rice milk in a small carton).
4. Food Court at the Mall - the Japanese place. "Large bowl of steamed rice with duck sauce on the side."
5. Kentucky Fried Chicken. "Chicken breast." (I remove the coating).
6. Snow Cone Stands. "Just the snow." (I put Ben's juice on top).
7. Pizza shops. (We bring our own for Ben wrapped in foil, and ask if they would mind putting it in their oven when they put ours in. They have always said, "no problem.")
8. Convenient stores such as Wawa or Royal Farms. "Turkey from the deli, Lays potato chips, a banana from the stand of fruit and a bottle of water."
9. Subway. "Just turkey, no bread, potato chips, and water."
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