Migraine headaches, what causes them and how you can eliminate them permanently

What Causes Acid Reflux Disease?

 

One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach and LES move above the diaphragm, a muscle that separates your stomach from your chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid in our stomach. But if you have a hiatal hernia, acid can move up into your esophagus and cause symptoms of acid reflux disease.

These are other common risk factors for acid reflux disease:

• Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist
• Snacking close to bedtime
• Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods
• Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
• Smoking
• Being pregnant
• Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications

 

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease?

Common symptoms of acid reflux are:

• Heartburn: a burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat
• Regurgitation: a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth

Other symptoms of acid reflux disease include:

• Bloating
• Bloody or black stools or bloody vomiting
• Burping
• Dysphagia -- the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
• Hiccups that don't let up
• Nausea
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat

How Is Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosed?

It's time to see your doctor if you have acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week or if medications don't bring lasting relief. Symptoms such as heartburn are the key to the diagnosis of acid reflux disease, especially if lifestyle changes, antacids, or acid-blocking medications help reduce these symptoms.

If these steps don't help or if you have frequent or severe symptoms, your doctor may order tests to confirm a diagnosis and check for other problems. You may need one or more tests such as these:

• Barium swallow can check for ulcers or a narrowing of the esophagus. You first swallow a solution to help structures show up on an X-ray.
• Esophageal manometry can check the function and movement of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter.
• pH monitoring can check for acid in your esophagus. The doctor inserts a device into your esophagus and leaves it in place for 1 to 2 days to measure the amount of acid in your esophagus.
• Endoscopy can check for problems in your esophagus or stomach. This test involves inserting a long, flexible, lighted tube with a camera down your throat. First, the doctor will spray the back of your throat with anesthetic and give you a sedative to make you more comfortable.
• A biopsy may be taken during endoscopy to check samples of tissue under a microscope for infection or abnormalities.

Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Diet and Lifestyle Changes?

One of the most effective ways to treat acid reflux disease is to avoid the foods and beverages that trigger symptoms. Here are other steps you can take:

• Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and modify the types of foods you are eating.
• Quit smoking.
• Put blocks under the head of your bed to raise it at least 4 inches to 6 inches.
• Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.
• Try sleeping in a chair for daytime naps.
• Don't wear tight clothes or tight belts.
• If you're overweight or obese, take steps to lose weight with exercise and diet changes.
• Also, ask your doctor whether any medication could be triggering your heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease.

 

“These Three Everyday Ingredients Healed My Heartburn In The Nick Of Time (After Acid Reflux Caused This Deadly Disease)” (video)

 

Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Medications?

In many cases, lifestyle changes combined with over-the-counter medications are all you need to control the symptoms of acid reflux disease.

Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Riopan, can neutralize the acid from your stomach. But they may cause diarrhea or constipation, especially if you overuse them. It's best to use antacids that contain both magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. When combined, they may help counteract these gastrointestinal side effects.

If antacids don't help, your doctor may try other medications. Some require a prescription. Your doctor may suggest more than one type or suggest you try a combination of medications such as these:

• Foaming agents (Gaviscon) coat your stomach to prevent reflux.
• H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet) decrease acid production.
• Proton pump inhibitors (Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix) also reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.
• Prokinetics (Reglan, Urecholine) can help strengthen the LES, empty your stomach faster, and reduce acid reflux.

Don't combine more than one type of antacid or other medications without your doctor's guidance.

Is Acid Reflux Disease Ever Treated With Surgery?

If medications don't completely resolve your symptoms of acid reflux disease and the symptoms are severely interfering with your life, your doctor could recommend surgery. There are two types of surgical treatment used to relieve symptoms of GERD if daily use of medication isn't effective.

The most recently approved procedure involves surgically placing a ring known as a LINX device around the outside of the lower end of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The ring consists of magnetic titanium beads held together by titanium wires. The device helps reflux by preventing stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. In one study, patients were able to stop taking medicine or cut down the amount they took. You shouldn't get the LINX device if you're allergic to certain metals, and once you have a LINX device you shouldn't get any type of MRI test.

Another surgical procedure called a fundoplication can help prevent further acid reflux. It creates an artificial valve using the top of your stomach. The procedure involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the LES to strengthen it, prevent acid reflux, and repair a hiatal hernia. Surgeons perform this procedure through either an open incision in the abdomen or chest or with a lighted tube inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen.

These procedures are done only as a last resort for treating acid reflux disease after medical treatment has proven to be inadequate.

In Summary:

10 tips to help prevent Acid Reflux symptoms:

1. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
2. Eat small, frequent meals rather than huge amounts a few times a day.
3. Reduce fat by decreasing the amount of butter, oils, salad dressings, gravy, fatty meats and full-fat dairy products such as sour cream, cheese and whole milk.
4. Sit upright while eating and stay upright (sitting or standing) for 45 to 60 minutes afterward.
5. Avoid eating before bedtime. Wait at least three hours after eating to go to bed.
6. Try not to wear clothes that are tight in the belly area. They can squeeze your stomach and push acid up into the esophagus.
7. When sleeping, raise the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches, using wooden blocks under the bedposts. Extra pillows don’t work.
8. Stop smoking.
9. Your healthcare provider may prescribe acid-reducing medications. Be sure to take them as directed.
10. Cut out possible trigger foods.

“These Three Everyday Ingredients Healed My Heartburn In The Nick Of Time (After Acid Reflux Caused This Deadly Disease)” (video)

What foods should you avoid:

Adjusting your diet and eating habits play a key role in controlling the symptoms of GERD. Try to avoid the trigger foods that keep giving you heartburn.

For example, many people get heartburn from:

• Spicy foods.
• Fried foods.
• Fatty (including dairy) foods.
• Chocolate.
• Tomato sauces.
• Garlic and onions.
• Alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks.
• Citrus fruits.

Keep a record of the trigger foods that give you trouble. Talk with your doctor to get help with this. They’ll have suggestions about how to log foods and times of day you should eat.

What is Acid Reflux and how to cure it, Gerd explained and cure offered

Insomnia Explained

 

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. If you have it, you may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. As a result, you may get too little sleep or have poor-quality sleep. You may not feel refreshed when you wake up.

What are the types of insomnia?

Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing). Acute insomnia is common. Common causes include stress at work, family pressures, or a traumatic event. It usually lasts for days or weeks.

Chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer. Most cases of chronic insomnia are secondary. This means they are the symptom or side effect of some other problem, such as certain medical conditions, medicines, and other sleep disorders. Substances such as caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can also be a cause.

Sometimes chronic insomnia is the primary problem. This means that it is not caused by something else. Its cause is not well understood, but long-lasting stress, emotional upset, travel and shift work can be factors. Primary insomnia usually lasts more than one month.

Who is at risk for insomnia?

Insomnia is common. It affects women more often than men. You can get it at any age, but older adults are more likely to have it. You are also at higher risk of insomnia if you

•      Have a lot of stress
•      Are depressed or have other emotional distress, such as divorce or death of a spouse
•      Have a lower income
•      Work at night or have frequent major shifts in your work hours
•     Travel long distances with time changes
•      Have an inactive lifestyle

·    

 What are the symptoms of insomnia?

• Symptoms of insomnia include:
•  Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep
•  Sleeping for only short periods
•  Being awake for much of the night
•  Feeling as if you haven't slept at all
•  Waking up too early

 

What other problems can insomnia cause?

Insomnia can cause daytime sleepiness and a lack of energy. It also can make you feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. You may have trouble focusing on tasks, paying attention, learning, and remembering. Insomnia also can cause other serious problems. For example, it could make you may feel drowsy while driving. This could cause you get into a car accident.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

• To diagnose insomnia, your health care provider
• Takes your medical history
•  Asks for your sleep history. Your provider will ask you for details about your sleep habits.
•  Does a physical exam, to rule out other medical problems that might cause insomnia
•  May recommend a sleep study. A sleep study measures how well you sleep and how your body responds to sleep problems.

 You are left to struggle with insomnia all alone. Feeling powerless over your own body 

and mind. (Click Here)

Home care strategies

A number of remedies and tips can help manage insomnia. They involve changes to:

Sleeping habits

When possible, it can help to:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same times, establishing a routine.
• Avoid using any device with a screen right before bed.
• Start winding down an hour before bedtime, for example, by taking a bath.
• Keep telephones and other devices outside of the bedroom.
• Ensure that the room is a comfortable temperature before bedtime.
• Use blackout blinds or curtains to darken the room.

Dietary habits

• Avoid going to bed hungry. Have a healthy snack before bed, if necessary.
• However, avoid eating a heavy meal within 2–3 hours of going to bed.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially at night.
• Have a healthful, varied diet to boost overall well-being.

Other health issues

Anyone with acid reflux or a cough might benefit from raising their upper body with one or more extra pillows.

 

Ask a doctor about ways of managing a cough, pain, and any other symptoms that are affecting sleep.

 

Insomnia isn’t just a nuisance or a small inconvenience. It’s a real sleep disorder, and it can be treated.

 

If you think you have insomnia, talk to your doctor. They can help explore possible causes and develop a safe and appropriate treatment plan based on your healthcare needs.

Well-being and relaxation

• Exercise regularly, but not within 4 hours of bedtime.
• Do breathing and relaxation exercises, especially before sleeping.
• Find something that helps you sleep, such as soothing music or reading.
• Try not to nap during the day, even if you feel sleepy.
• Receive medical attention for any mental health issues, such as anxiety.

 

Diagnosing insomnia

A sleep specialist can help Source and treat sleep problems. They may:

• ask the person about their medical history, sleep patterns, and use of drugs and alcohol
• do a physical examination
• test for underlying conditions
• request an overnight sleep test to record sleep patterns
• suggest wearing a device that tracks movement and sleep-wake patterns

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, a doctor may diagnose insomnia if:

• A person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• This happens at least three nights a week for 3 months, despite sufficient opportunities for sleep.
• There is a negative impact on daily life.
• No other issue can explain it.

It can help to record sleep patterns in a diary and show the results to the doctor.

 

Risk factors

Insomnia can occur at any age, but some factors Trusted Source increase the risk. These include:

• traveling across time zones
• working in shifts
• being older
• using caffeine, medications, drugs, or alcohol
• having a family history of insomnia
• experiencing significant life events
• being pregnant
• going through menopause
• having certain physical or mental health conditions
• being female 

 You are left to struggle with insomnia all alone. Feeling powerless over your own body 

and mind. (Click Here)

Summary

Insomnia is a common problem. It can result from a range of issues, which may involve physical or mental health. In some cases, they are environmental or relate to lifestyle factors, such as shift work and caffeine or alcohol use.

A lack of sleep can lead to a variety of problems, ranging from mild tiredness to chronic illness.

Anyone who experiences ongoing trouble sleeping and feels that it is affecting their daily life should see a doctor, who can help identify the cause and recommend a solution.

 

What is Gout?

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when there are no symptoms, known as remission. Repeated bouts of gout can lead to gouty arthritis, a worsening form of arthritis.

There is no cure for gout, but you can effectively treat and manage the condition with medication and self-management strategies.

What are the signs and symptoms of gout?

Gout flares start suddenly and can last days or weeks. These flares are followed by long periods of remission—weeks, months, or years—without symptoms before another flare begins. Gout usually occurs in only one joint at a time. It is often found in the big toe. Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee.

Symptoms in the affected joint(s) may include:

• Pain, usually intense

• Swelling

• Redness

• Heat

 

Researchers from the US and Europe have worked out what causes gout.  In fact, they've known for some years now. Click here.

What causes gout?

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues within the body. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout, and hyperuricemia without gout symptoms does not need to be treated.

What increases your chances for gout?

The following make it more likely that you will develop hyperuricemia, which causes gout:

• Being male

• Being obese

• Having certain health conditions, including:

• Congestive heart failure

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Insulin resistance

• Metabolic syndrome

• Diabetes

• Poor kidney function

• Using certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills).

• Drinking alcohol. The risk of gout is greater as alcohol intake goes up.

• Eating or drinking food and drinks high in fructose (a type of sugar).

• Having a diet high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. Purine-rich foods include red meat, organ meat, and some kinds of seafood, such as anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna.

 

How is gout diagnosed?

A medical doctor diagnoses gout by assessing your symptoms and the results of your physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests. Gout can only be diagnosed during a flare when a joint is hot, swollen, and painful and when a lab test finds uric acid crystals in the affected joint.

How is gout treated?

Gout can be effectively treated and managed with medical treatment and self-management strategies. Your health care provider may recommend a medical treatment plan to

• Manage the pain of a flare. Treatment for flares consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, steroids, and the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine.

• Prevent future flares. Making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as losing weight, limiting alcohol, eating less purine-rich food (like red meat or organ meat), may help prevent future attacks. Changing or stopping medications associated with hyperuricemia (like diuretics) may also help.

• Prevent tophi and kidney stones from forming as a result of chronic high levels of uric acid. Tophi are hard, uric acid deposits under the skin. For people with frequent acute flares or chronic gout, doctors may recommend preventive therapy to lower uric acid levels in the blood using drugs like allopurinol, febuxostat, and pegloticase.

In addition to medical treatment, you can manage your gout with self-management strategies. Self-management is what you do day to day to manage your condition and stay healthy, like making healthy lifestyle choices. The self-management strategies described below are proven to reduce pain and disability, so you can pursue the activities important to you. 

 

Researchers from the US and Europe have worked out what causes gout.  In fact, they've known for some years now. Click here.

Summary

 

Gout is a common form of arthritis that affects the joints. It can lead to intense pain, swelling, and stiffness. The condition affects more than 3 million Americans and is more prevalent in males than females.

Hyperuricemia — when too much uric acid is present in a person’s blood — is the leading cause of gout.

Individuals may experience hyperuricemia if their body overproduces uric acid or if their kidneys do not excrete the substance adequately.

 

A doctor will typically recommend prescription medications to treat gout. This may include treatments to reduce inflammation in the affected joints and drugs to help regulate uric acid levels.

 

People can help reduce their risk of developing gout by avoiding foods high in purines that the body converts into uric acid, keeping adequately hydrated, and avoiding alcohol.