Overview of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can strike anyone at anytime. Acid reflux does not discriminate by age or whether you are a little overweight. Eating or drinking certain beverages can contribute or even bring on an attack. There is much that is still not known about why acid reflux occurs but it is believed that the varying pressures that build up in the stomach during the digesting period are the cause. Various food items will create different levels of pressure during this process that can push the stomach acid up and into the esophagus.
Acid reflux is a condition in which the stomach acid will travel backwards up the esophagus in to the base of the throat. This happens because the valve that separates the stomach and the esophagus is not operating properly. This sometimes troublesome valve in question is called the esophageal sphincter and it sits right at the point where the stomach and the esophagus join to keep the strong acids and gastric juices where they belong in the stomach to digest your food. The stomach linings are well equipped to handle these acids but unfortunately if the valve does not close properly the acid and gastric juices will back track into the esophagus where the lining is not strong enough to handle the acid. This is where you get the burning in the throat feeling which can be very painful.
It is important to remember that heart burn is normal and many people must cope with it. There is a fine line that can be crossed and severe acid reflux that occurs often will require a discussion with your doctor. Prolonged and untreated heart burn can lead to serious health problems that over time may require a surgical procedure to correct them.
Most people who suffer from acid reflux are very well aware of the trigger points that can lead to an attack. Dietary changes are the best prevention and can make all the difference when it comes to food. Foods high in fat or even spicy foods can bring on an attack. Avoid eating these foods if you can or if you must indulge try eating these meals late in the afternoon or early evening so they can digest well before bedtime. Other foods that trigger acid reflux are foods with high acid content like tomatoes, citrus, vinegar and items with garlic. Chocolate should be limited also because it produces serotonin and it is known now to cause the esophageal sphincter valve to relax and not function properly. Peppermint and spearmint even in gum also trigger the stomach to produce more acid than it needs. Coffee can really cause problems for some as it is a huge acid stimulant and caffeine is known now to open the esophageal sphincter and keep it from closing making it almost imposable to neutralize acid reflux for a long period of time.
Along with your dietary changes, exercise is quite affective in decreasing your symptoms. This can be accomplished even by simply walking after meals to burn calories to maintain or lose weight and aid in the digestive process. Your doctor can prescribe medicine or a pharmacist can give advice on the many over the counter remedies available in the pharmacy. Simple changes in your life style and eating habits will have a big impact on reducing your acid reflux symptoms.

I have suffered from acid reflux and have taken medication for years. It got to the point where I needed to do something so I committed to change my diet recently. Since changing my diet, I have not had to take any medication in over 4 months. Home remedies can also help alleviate some symptoms.

Healthy Tips to Stay Healthy and Prevent Diabetes

With the variety of lifestyles that most individuals live today, you won't be surprised to find out that more people are likely to be diabetic. Why? It is because of the prevalence of cholesterol-rich and processed food items. If you like eating lots of sweets and don't exercise, you are likely to get something like Type-2diabetes. According to the opinions of most health coaches, the main treatment for diabetes is not often done through pills or injections. It is a leading lifestyle change needs to be done. Here are five natural and proven methods for fighting diabetes.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps maintain a normal blood sugar level. When you exercise (at least for 30 minutes each day), the sugar and fats in the bloodstream are burned. It also improves blood circulation, reduces blood sugar levels, and wards of high blood pressure. You can exercise from the comforts of home or outdoors. By doing this every day, you help maintain a healthy body weight and decrease the chances of being diabetic.
Eat Fewer Sweets
Everyone loves eating chocolates and candies even if we know that eating too much of it can lead to diabetes. These staffs can increase blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar is high, you are likely a candidate for diabetes. It's vital that you prevent high blood sugar levels, so you can avoid having diabetes. In case you are a diabetic person, it's necessary to maintain a normal blood sugar level because maintaining the amount of sugar in the blood can prevent further complications, which is caused by diabetes. So, the next time you eat a chocolate, consider the amount of sugar that you're putting in your blood.
Eat More Fruits and Veggies
By eating a balanced meal, you get the right amount of vitamins, nutrients and minerals to the body. Fruits and veggies also help in expelling unwanted fats and cholesterol. However, just make sure that you stay away from fruits and veggies that are high in carbohydrates, because when digested these generate a large amount of sugar. Wheat and whole grains are also suggested food items for diabetics since these absorb the excess sugar in the blood stream.
Get a Regular Checkup
Monitoring blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are essential in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. By determining these levels, you will have a good reference point for crafting a better dietary practice. And, by checking cholesterol and blood sugar levels, you will know if you are on the borderline of diabetes or above the normal limits. Remember that knowledge is one of the keys towards fighting diabetes.
Join Diabetes Prevention/Treatment Programs
Check with your community newspaper or magazine to find out if there is local diabetes prevention and treatment programs. By joining a program organized by certified health professionals, you will get valuable information on how to deal with that disease. It would also be a powerful venue for you and other diabetes patients to gather around, and share your stories.

The latest Shrewsbury news at Community Advocate website announced the creation of Diabetes Free Zone in the area, which has provided people with diabetes a program that best deals with their condition. Visit http://www.communityadvocate.com/town-of-shrewsbury-massachusetts to read more health related news.