Gerd

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Body Signs: From Warning Signs to False Alarms...How to Be Your Own Diagnostic Detective Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan See book keywords and concepts

In addition, sweating heavily at night can signal a number of systemic conditions, including gerd (see Excessive Burping, above), diabetes-related hypoglycemia, mononucleosis, and HIV/AIDS. Night sweats are also a classic clue to both tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Cough and fever are other frequent signs of TB, while malaria is often accompanied by nausea, headaches, and chills. Interestingly, sweating often accompanies the chills that are also common with these infections.

Bottom Line's Health Breakthroughs 2007 Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts

Probably the single most important thing we can do is lose weight, because increased abdominal weight tends to hold back the normal flow of food, and that's one thing that can create gerd," says Dr. B. Jay Brooks, Jr., chairman of hematology/oncology at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There is some evidence that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help prevent esophagus cancer from developing in patients who have Barrett's esophagus.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

Normally, the LES valve opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. gerd occurs when the valve is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the contents of the stomach to flow up into the esophagus. The severity of gerd depends on the degree of LES dysfunction, the type and amount of fluid brought up from the stomach, and the neutralizing effect of saliva. Dietary and lifestyle choices contribute to the development of gerd.

Unleash the Inner Healing Power of Foods The Editors of FC&A See book keywords and concepts

According to a new study from Europe, seltzer also "GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the most common abnormality associated with unexplained chest pain," says Dr. Philip O. Katz, chairman of the Department of Medicine at Philadelphia's Graduate Hospital. "The important thing is for sufferers to speak to their physicians at the onset of symptoms." You should be checked for gerd if you have heartburn more than twice a week, frequent coughing, difficulty swallowing, or a bad aftertaste in your mouth.

Bottom Line's Health Breakthroughs 2007 Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts

The major risk factors for this type of cancer are gerd and Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which part of the esophagus lining is replaced by tissue that is similar to what is normally found in the intestine. Each year, approximately one-half of 1% of the people who have Barrett's (one person in 200) will go on to develop adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Of all the cancers that are increasing, esophagus cancer is the most rapidly increasing. Rhonda F.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

On the other hand, a recent survey found that people who participate in little recreational activity were more likely than active people to be hospitalized for gerd.44 It makes sense for people with gerd to use exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, perhaps choosing activities that are less likely to cause reflux symptoms. Nutritional supplements that may be helpful Hydrochloric acid (page 260) and digestive enzymes (page 506) are sometimes recommended by practitioners of natural medicine in the hope improved digestion will help prevent reflux.

Bottom Line's Health Breakthroughs 2007 Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts

Symptoms of gerd include a burning sensation behind the breastbone, hoarseness, cough, asthma, belching and bloating. Medication can soothe symptoms, but it doesn't cure reflux. Here's what to do to prevent the condition in the first place... FOODS TO AVOID It's essential to limit foods that promote stomach acid, but keep in mind that what bothers one person may not bother another and that a cup of coffee may be fine in the morning but risky in the afternoon. Most common offenders...

Doctors at Philadelphia's Graduate Hospital found that people who sleep on their left sides experience gerd less frequently than those who sleep on their right sides or backs. Warning: See your doctor if you have heartburn more than twice a week. You Can Think Away Irritable Bowel Syndrome Jeffrey M. Lackner, PsyD, director, behavioral medicine clinic and assistant professor of medicine, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY. Magnus Simren, MD, PhD, associate professor and consultant, Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden.

Body Signs: From Warning Signs to False Alarms...How to Be Your Own Diagnostic Detective Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan See book keywords and concepts

As with hoarseness, it can also be an important clue that you have chronic postnasal drip or gerd. (See A Hoarse, Raspy Voice, above.) STOP SIGN When you feel the urge to clear your throat, sip water or hum instead. Sometimes persistent throat clearing is a sign of having a dry throat (which itself may be a reaction to the same drugs that cause hoarseness). It may also be due to radiation therapy. More important, it can be a warning sign of throat cancer. TREMBLY VOICE If your voice is often shaky but you feel calm and collected, it may merely be a sign of aging.

Before You Take that Pill: Why the Drug Industry May Be Bad for Your Health J. Douglas Bremner See book keywords and concepts

THE HISTORY OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS The original medications for the treatment of both gerd and ulcers were the histamine-2 (H2) blockers, like cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid). These worked by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach, thereby promoting the healing of ulcers and reducing gastric reflux. Patients with reduced kidney or liver function can experience confusion as a side effect with H2 blockers. Other side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Tagamet can also impair sexual function.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Other Recommendations Cigarette smoking and use of other tobacco products is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing NUD and gerd, so don't smoke. Elevating the head of the bed on six-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge (not propped up on pillows) reduces heartburn by allowing gravity to minimize reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules have been shown to be of benefit in NUD and gerd (see page 493 for more information).

Food Prescriptions In most cases, simply eliminating or reducing the causative food(s) or beverage(s) is all that is necessary to relieve NUD and gerd. Other tips include decreasing the size of portions at mealtime, chewing food thoroughly and eating in a leisurely manner in a calm, relaxed atmosphere, and not eating within two hours of bedtime. Other Recommendations Cigarette smoking and use of other tobacco products is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing NUD and gerd, so don't smoke.

Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes to Treat Everything from Digestive Problems and Allergies to Migraines and Arthritis Tom Bohager See book keywords and concepts

For people with gerd, it is important to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress; stopping smoking; losing weight and getting regular exercise; eating smaller, more frequent meals; chewing food thoroughly; and avoiding lying down for three hours after eating. Enzymes should be used to improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients, soothe the digestive tract, and balance the pH in the body, reducing excessive stomach acid if that is a contributing problem.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

The other causes of NUD and gerd included factors that decrease the tone of the esophageal sphincter, such as smoking, hiatal hernia, and consumption of chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages (soft drinks), tomatoes, mints, alcohol, and coffee. Food Prescriptions In most cases, simply eliminating or reducing the causative food(s) or beverage(s) is all that is necessary to relieve NUD and gerd. Other tips include decreasing the size of portions at mealtime, chewing food thoroughly and eating in a leisurely manner in a calm, relaxed atmosphere, and not eating within two hours of bedtime.

The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

It's also a symptom of another common condition called gastrointestinal reflux disease, also called gerd, or acid reflux. In addition to heartburn, symptoms of acid reflux may include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heartlike chest pain, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Natural Prescription for Heartburn Digestive enzymes or digestive enzymes with hydrochloric acid: (take with every meal, dose dependent on improvement) Note: if you have an ulcer, work with a health professional. Don't self-treat. Probiotics: 10 billion. Keep refrigerated.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Causes NUD and gerd are caused by factors that increase intraabdominal pressure, thereby causing the gastric contents to flow upward. Factors that increase intraabdominal pressure include obesity and overeating. The other causes of NUD and gerd included factors that decrease the tone of the esophageal sphincter, such as smoking, hiatal hernia, and consumption of chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages (soft drinks), tomatoes, mints, alcohol, and coffee.

The Side Effects Bible: The Dietary Solution to Unwanted Side Effects of Common Medications Frederic Vagnini, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

The treatment for gerd usually starts with a medicine such as pantopra-zole, which reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach after you eat by blocking the biochemical acid "switches" in the lining of the stomach. Pantoprazole is used to treat the esophageal inflammation seen in gerd and to reduce heartburn and associated problems. Possible Side Effects The drug's side effects include chest pain, migraine headaches, dizziness, and urinary tract infections.

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey See book keywords and concepts

Jejunostomy tubes may be indicated in patients with severe GERD; use of predigested or elemental formula may be needed with jejunostomy feeding. Standard enteral feeding formulas (complete protein, long-chain fat) are typically well tolerated. Calorie-dense formulas (1.5-2.0 kcal/ml) are usually required to provide adequate energy. Nocturnal infusion is encouraged to promote normal eating patterns during the day. Initially, 30-50% of estimated energy requirement may be provided overnight.

Our Daily Meds: How the Pharmaceutical Companies Transformed Themselves into Slick Marketing Machines and Hooked the Nation on Prescription Drugs Melody Petersen See book keywords and concepts

That same year Glaxo recruited the actress Nancy Walker, whom Americans knew better as the mother of Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, to tell the public about her longtime personal struggle with gerd. In interviews with journalists, Ms. Walker recounted how she had helped solve her acid reflux by visiting her doctor for a prescription of Zantac. Even after paying to have a Hollywood star add life to the campaign, Glaxo's marketers had money to spend. They decided to devise an appeal that appeared scholarly and scientific and had the feel of independent medical education.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

They reported that "carbohydrates may be a precipitating factor for gerd symptoms and that other classic exacerbating foods such as coffee and fat may be less pertinent when a low-carbohydrate diet is followed."386 Follow-up research has produced more provocative data suggesting that a low-carb approach reduces acid splash-back into the esophagus and eases gerd symptoms for overweight patients.387 Treating Heartburn The saying goes that when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Our Daily Meds: How the Pharmaceutical Companies Transformed Themselves into Slick Marketing Machines and Hooked the Nation on Prescription Drugs Melody Petersen See book keywords and concepts

In marketing brochures and press releases, Glaxo marketers began referring to heartburn as the more worrisome-sounding gastroesophageal reflux disease, which they reduced simply to gerd. The four-letter acronym was easily promoted to consumers in advertisements and became like a password between patients and physicians. Girolami then worked to convince America that nearly half the country was needlessly suffering from heartburn when an effective treatment was available. In 1988 Glaxo paid the Gallup Organization to survey Americans about their heartburn.

Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes to Treat Everything from Digestive Problems and Allergies to Migraines and Arthritis Tom Bohager See book keywords and concepts

Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach flows up into the esophagus. gerd is caused when the opening between the stomach and the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) weakens or relaxes at the wrong time. (See also indigestion.) The purpose of the LES is to prevent gastric contents from backing up into the esophagus. Normally, the LES creates pressure, closing the lower end of the esophagus, but relaxes after each swallow to allow food into the stomach.

Before You Take that Pill: Why the Drug Industry May Be Bad for Your Health J. Douglas Bremner See book keywords and concepts

The PPIs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in promoting the healing of ulcers and decreasing the symptoms of gerd.1 Compared to the older H2-blocker medication ranitidine, PPIs have shown a 33% improvement in ulcer healing. The PPIs decrease acid secretion to a greater degree than H2 blockers and are more effective in treatment, although most of them cost more than the older drugs because they are only available by prescription.

S o i u 11 o n s The first-line treatment of gerd is with over-the-counter antacids like aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel, Maalox), or magnesium combinations, including Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, Gaviscon, and Riopan. Aluminum can cause constipation, and magnesium can cause diarrhea. These compounds work by coating the stomach and provide protection against the corrosive effects of stomach acid. Ulcers need more aggressive treatment, since bleeding from ulcers can be life threatening.

Although alcohol, smoking, and caffeine can exacerbate ulcers or gerd, they don't have a specific relationship to functional dyspepsia. Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs (see page 159), have not been shown to be effective treatments for functional dyspepsia. Cisapride (Propulsid), used in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, is a medication that stimulates release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

For those of you with gerd and ulcers I recommend that you stop taking arthritis medications, cut down on excessive alcohol, quit smoking, and, if needed, take an antacid. If this doesn't help, take H2 blockers, and next PPIs.

Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutrition Hyla Cass See book keywords and concepts

Now let's take a look at the medicines used to treat a common gastrointestinal condition referred to as heartburn, acid reflux, or gerd (gastroesophageal reflux) and the nutrients it can deplete. Throughout the chapter, I will outline the possible causes of these conditions, and how diet and natural remedies can be used instead of OTC and prescription drugs. HEARTBURN AND ACID REFLUX: ACID GONE WILD? Corinne was one of the 15 million Americans—that's one in eighteen?who had an episode or more of heartburn every day. (Over 60 million Americans are believed to have it at least once a month.

He warned her that untreated gerd could lead to permanent damage, and maybe even to a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus. She left with a prescription for another acid-lowering drug called Prevacid that, according to her doctor, she would probably have to take for the rest of her life. Corinne wasn't too thrilled about this. Her family was on a fixed income and didn't have health insurance. This really set her stomach acid churning—but, as it turned out, she didn't have much of it to churn.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

However, gerd is both more common and, usually, less serious than a peptic ulcer. (See heartburn/gastroesophageal reflux disease [gerd] in Part Two.) Q Many experts believe that food allergies may be a cause of ulcers. See allergies in Part Two and follow the self-test program to identify possible problem foods. PERIODONTAL DISEASE Periodontal disease is second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infectious ailment in the United States. It affects 75 percent of Americans over the age of thirty-five and is the major cause of adult tooth loss.

GERD can scar the esophagus, and if stomach acids make their way into the lungs, it can cause asthma-like symptoms. gerd can also lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which is characterized by changes in the cells lining the esophagus that can induce cancer. People with hiatal hernia often experience heartburn. It can also be triggered by certain foods. Common trigger foods include alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and products, fats and fatty or fried foods, peppermint, spicy foods, and tomatoes and tomato-based foods.

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