Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

If you suffer from a burning sensation or acute discomfort that travels up from your stomach into your chest and the regurgitation of food that you recently ate along with a sharp and sour taste of acid, these symptoms are native to acid reflux. While the occasional experience of acid reflux need not worry you, if it becomes regular, more intense, and disturbs your sleep, you must visit your doctor. Food that enters the stomach is retained by means of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring, and it must close immediately as it may become weak or damaged. If it doesn’t close fully or remains open too often, it causes digestive acids to move up into the food pipe or esophagus. This causes the typical symptoms of heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation, dyspepsia or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, upset stomach, bloated feeling, difficulty swallowing, burping, dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes, the symptoms are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease. Relationship Between Food and Acid Reflux Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux. Foods that are acidic in nature contribute to the increase of acids in the stomach and there are more chances of these causing reflux through a weak or damaged LES. There are many such trigger foods, and along with the medication, exercise and lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends, avoiding such foods can help you manage and eliminate your symptoms. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime and lying down immediately after a meal can trigger an attack. Being obese or pregnant, bending over after a meal, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and blood-pressure medications can set off acid reflux symptoms.
Beneficial Home Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome

Beneficial Home Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome

If you’ve experienced the unpleasant irritation of restless leg syndrome, you know how hard it is to manage. Home remedies for restless leg syndrome are the best option to get you a good night’s sleep. Restless leg syndrome is a neurological syndrome that causes an uncontrollable and irresistible need to move the legs. It is also called Willis-Ekbom disease and the attacks usually occur while the person is trying to sleep. Occasionally, the arms may also be affected but in most cases, this syndrome affects only the legs. Restless leg syndrome can be chronic, with periods of relative ease and no symptoms. Home remedies for restless leg syndrome is a great way to manage this long-term condition. These remedies are often combined with medications and therapy for a more holistic approach to treat the chronic condition. Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome The characteristic symptom of restless leg syndrome is an urge to move the legs due to apparent feelings of discomfort or pain. The strange sensations subside when the legs are moved and resume when the legs are at rest. The sensations have been described as an ‘itch you can’t scratch’ deep in the legs. This symptom can occur with varying severity in different people, from a mild annoyance to cause major disruptions to a person’s life. This sensation is alleviated with movement and worsened with rest. Symptoms typically occur at night and not during the day. Causes Of Restless Leg Syndrome Most cases of restless leg syndrome have no discernable cause. This is known as idiopathic or primary restless leg syndrome. In 20% of cases, the condition is caused by an iron deficiency. Kidney failure is another common cause. This is called secondary restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome also tends to worsen during pregnancy. Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome The first step to treat a restless leg syndrome is to identify any underlying cause.
4 Popular Medications for Treating GERD

4 Popular Medications for Treating GERD

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health condition that occurs when the stomach contents flow upwards or reflux into the esophagus, thereby irritating it. GERD or acid reflux happens due to the weakening of muscles at the end of the esophagus. A person suffering from GERD might feel a burning sensation in the chest or throat, which is usually referred to as heartburn. They also feel the taste of stomach acid in the back of their mouth. Other symptoms that might be associated with this health condition include dry cough, difficulty in swallowing, and asthma. GERD can affect anyone, even infants and children. If not treated in due time, the symptoms can worsen and result in the narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcer, and even precancerous esophagus. Hence, apart from making lifestyle and dietary changes, GERD symptoms need to be treated with specific medications. Some medications are mentioned below: Nexium (Esomeprazole) Nexium or Esomeprazole is used for certain GERD symptoms such as ulcers and inflammation in the esophagus. It also helps in treating bacteria. Esomeprazole helps in preventing ulcers due to consuming NSAIDs. It is also more effective in controlling the amount of acid produced in the stomach compared to other proton pump inhibitors. The average retail price of the Esomeprazole is around $285, but GoodRx offers the same at $12.21, which is almost a 95% discount. And with GoodRx Gold , Esomeprazole can be bought at $10.61. Prevacid (Lansoprazole) This medicine is available in the form of a capsule and is used for treating GERD symptoms, heartburn, and gastric and duodenal ulcer. It works similarly to proton pump inhibitors by reducing the acid level in the stomach. There are dosage levels of Lansoprazole. GoodRx offers 30mg Lansoprazole capsules at the lowest price of $10.36, which is a 90% discount on its original price.
5 Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5 Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where patients experience discomfort or pain in the belly along with unusual bowel habits. For some, the bowel movements might be more or lesser than usual, and for others, they might pass a different kind of stool. Almost 25 to 45 million people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Among them, the majority are women. An individual is more likely to be affected by IBS between their late teens and early 40s. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and the passing of mucus during bowel movements. This complex motility and sensory disorder has physical as well as stress-related dimensions. Some people are able to control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, altering their lifestyle, and controlling stress. Others might need the support of medication or counseling. Here are the various treatment options for IBS: Changing the lifestyle and diet Note that your dietary intake, as well as the stress-related factors, can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Discuss measures to reduce or avoid these symptoms with your health care provider or dietitian. Sometimes, even eating smaller quantities in frequent intervals helps reduce abdominal discomfort. Avoiding caffeine and including fiber in one’s diet can help one battle the symptoms of IBS. Adequate rest and exercise reduce stress levels, stimulate the regular contractions of the intestines, and increase positivity. If followed diligently, this can be one of the best treatment options for IBS. Medication If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are numerous medications available in the market that can provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Even though antispasmodics have limited benefits, if you have the symptoms soon after eating, then such medication helps in relieving the abdominal pain. Consuming anti-diarrheal agents helps in reducing the diarrheal symptoms, but it might not be helpful for the pain associated with IBS.
5 Natural Remedies for Treating Prostate Enlargement

5 Natural Remedies for Treating Prostate Enlargement

The gland wrapped around the urethra is known as the prostate gland. The shape of this gland is pretty similar to a walnut, and it is an integral part of man’s reproductive system. The main responsibility of this gland is to add fluid known as semen to the sperm. This gland is very small in the case of a child and it gets bigger as the male ages. If the prostate gland grows disproportionately and becomes excessively large, you would have to deal with a disease called BPH also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate blocks or restricts the urine flow from the bladder. This results in problems like urinary tract infections and frequent urination. Prostate enlargement treatment options There are different types of prostate enlargement treatments options available. You can take alpha-blocker drugs to control the growth and the most common alpha-blocker drug is Terazosin also known as Hytrin. This medication relaxes the prostate muscles. If you are suffering from chronic prostatitis, you need to consult your doctor who may recommend antibiotics. Medications, such as dutasteride or finasteride, can also be taken to reduce the symptoms of BPH. Surgery is an option for removing the extra prostate tissue. The most common surgical procedure is called transurethral resection. Natural remedies as an option for prostate enlargement treatment You can find a lot of natural remedies as an option for prostate enlargement treatment. Although they may not offer a complete cure, you can take them to control and symptoms and arrest the growth. Beta-sitosterol: Many people are using Beta-Sitosterol to as a prostate enlargement treatment option. It is a mixture collected from various plants and contains cholesterol-like substances known as Sitosterols. A good number of research studies have shown that Beta-Sitosterol is capable of relieving urinary symptoms involved with BPH and it strengthens the urine flow effectively.
Everything You Need to Know about Diabetic Neuropathy

Everything You Need to Know about Diabetic Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a nerve damage condition that can be triggered by a number of reasons. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that results in nerve damage because of diabetes. Diabetes is caused by consistently high blood sugar levels. This results in your body’s ability to process it, release, and utilize insulin, taking a massive hit. Diabetes also often results in damage to the nerve fibers, especially in your hands and legs. There are four types of diabetic neuropathy symptoms, each with their own set of unique diabetic neuropathy symptoms. Understanding them will help you better understand the diabetic neuropathy symptoms and how to proceed. Diabetic neuropathy symptoms & types Peripheral neuropathy : The first type of diabetic neuropathy symptom called is peripheral neuropathy. This is because it results in pain in your feet and legs first, gradually spreading to your arms and hands. A person with diabetes tends to experience leg pain from diabetic neuropathy, as the legs are usually the first part of the body to suffer nerve damage. The symptoms of peripheral diabetic neuropathy are: A tingling sensation in your feet and legs Sudden pain with a rise in blood sugar or blood glucose levels More serious foot problems, arising from the inadequate blood supply, blood flow, and the weakening of the muscles. However, peripheral neuropathy can be treated with consistent care and attention. If you take gradual steps like moisturizing your legs and keeping them clean and healthy, it may help prevent potential nerve damage. Try to massage your feet regularly, but not vigorously as this could probably damage some affected nerves. Autonomic neuropathy : Autonomic nerves regulate the body’s survival functions, including your heart rate, blood pressure, your digestive system function, and breathing. Any nerve damage to these essential functions or organs could be because of the damage to the autonomic nervous system.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Abdominal Pain

Understanding the Reasons Behind Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons associated with diverse illnesses and medical conditions. Many people suffer from this condition several times in their lifetimes, and it can be for various reasons. Read further to understand why abdomen pain symptoms occur. Constipation The normal cycle of bowel movements per week is from 5 to 15 times. If you have less stool than this in a week, then it means that you’re suffering from constipation. The easiest way to tell if you have constipation is by checking the number of bowel movements you have in a week. Other than this, you can even experience abdominal pain symptoms along with hard stools, bleeding from your rectum, straining during bowel movements, etc. Diarrhea Unlike constipation, diarrhea is a condition where you have bowel movements in excess and have relatively loose and watery stools. This is caused due to increased fluid secretion from your intestines. In worse case scenarios, you can experience extreme dehydration as this condition affects the amount of water that’s absorbed by the body. It generally accompanies extreme abdominal pain symptoms. Other symptoms depend on the cause of diarrhea. It can be both acute and chronic, and the treatment for each of these depends on the nature or type of infection. Irritable bowel syndrome This is another type of gastrointestinal disorder where you have irregular bowel movements. You can either have constant diarrhea, constipation, or both. You can recognize this condition after you experience abdominal pain symptoms along with other symptoms like growling stomach, increased gas in the belly, food intolerance, stomach cramps, etc. There is no exact reason as to why this occurs because it is a functional disorder of the digestive system. This means that there is no change in the form of the stomach or the intestinal lining.
Tips to Buy the Right Nasal Spray for Dust Allergies

Tips to Buy the Right Nasal Spray for Dust Allergies

Children are more vulnerable to dust mite allergies as compared to adults. Dust mites are a classification of arachnids which are not visible to the naked eye. These are most likely to thrive in environments which are as follows: Warm Humid Dark Dust mites form a large section of house dust allergens. Some other places where dust mites are likely to live are as follows: Mattresses Pillows Carpets Upholstered furniture Dust mites are present in homes all through the year. However, their numbers are higher during days with higher humidity. Dust mites feed on dander. Dander is the flaking of an animal’s skin. Therefore, if you have a pet animal, you are more likely to have to deal with dust mites. When dust mites are in the bedroom, it does not indicate a lack of cleanliness. It’s simply bad ventilation and high humidity which creates this environment. This environment is perfect for dust mites to thrive. Symptoms of a dust mite allergy Dust mites have over a dozen allergens. This makes the likelihood of an allergy caused by dust mites, fairly high. Symptoms are often the worst during mornings and at night when you come across dust mites in bed. Dust mite allergies are at the highest during the latter months of summer and spring. However, they prevail all around the year. Some of the symptoms associated with dust mite allergies are as follows: Itchy eyes Eczema Sneezing Colds and coughs Congestion Treating a dust mite allergy For treating dust mite allergies, over-the-counter medicines could be very effective. A nasal spray for dust allergy could be useful for helping you get over symptoms such as follows: Running nose Cold and cough Congestion Some common queries people have before they decide which nasal spray to opt for are as follows: Does one need a prescription for the nasal spray?
How to Treat Tinnitus – Medications and Lifestyle Changes

How to Treat Tinnitus – Medications and Lifestyle Changes

Tinnitus, the constant buzzing, ringing, hissing, or whistling sound that only you can hear, is a bothersome health condition to live with. Caused primarily by continuous exposure to loud noises, tinnitus may also occur owing to injuries to the head, consumption of ototoxic drugs, certain underlying health problems, and stress. Quite often, the condition leads to physical, attentional, and psychological side effects. Although no unfailing cure for tinnitus is available at present, there are a number of treatment options that effectively diminish the intensity and burden of the health condition. Here is a quick look at how to treat tinnitus using the following therapies. Addressing Underlying Health Issues As a first step to treating tinnitus, your physician will attempt to diagnose any existing, treatable health problems that might be causing the symptoms associated with the condition. Some such treatable health issues include: Removal of any obstructions in the ear canal. These include excessively accumulated earwax or any loose strand of hair that is impacting against the eardrum. Treating a vascular problem through drugs or surgery. Treating injuries to the neck and head via medications, surgery, chiropractic treatment, osteopathy, and physical therapies. These treatments help alleviate symptoms caused due to improper flow of blood or nerve and muscle damage. If tinnitus occurs owing to a dysfunctional joint in the jaw, a dentist may realign your bite or provide other suitable dental treatments to ease the symptoms. At times, ototoxic drugs may induce temporary tinnitus. In such cases, although symptoms disappear once the drugs are fully metabolized, doctors may prescribe other medications to provide interim relief. Using Medications Medications prescribed for tinnitus help decrease the severity of its symptoms. Normally, psychoactive medications are recommended as they relieve depression, stress, and anxiety related to the condition. Antidepressant drugs such as clomipramine and desipramine and anti-anxiety drugs such as alprazolam and clonazepam enable the patient to better handle its emotional impacts.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Parkinson’s Disease

Here’s What You Need to Know about Parkinson’s Disease

According to a report by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, nearly 1 million people living in the country suffer from Parkinson’s disease. This association plans to educate people about this condition as well as the various problems that accompany it. What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is an ailment that has a negative impact on the functioning of the human brain. It spreads slowly because of which an early diagnosis becomes nearly impossible. It comes gradually with a mild disturbance in movements, and slowly it starts impacting other activities like sleep, speech, and even the ability to think. Its other symptoms like the rigidity of muscles, problems with digestions are too vague because of which patients may get an inaccurate diagnosis in the early stages. Impact of Parkinson’s disease on the human body The main effect of Parkinson’s disease is the way it decreases the amount of dopamine in the body. Dopamine is a hormone that helps in the controlling motor and non-motor functions in our body. If the body has a dopamine deficiency, it leads to stilted walking, movements that are uncontrollable as well as tremors. There are many other symptoms that are less noticeable like loss of smell and constipation. Let’s have a look at a few details regarding the life expectancy of patients who have Parkinson’s disease. Appearance of symptoms According to medical studies, by the time a patient begins to exhibit the key symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, almost 60 to 70 percent of the body’s dopamine will be gone. This lack of dopamine will hamper all kinds of functions in the body. However, just because a patient starts exhibiting the symptoms of this condition doesn’t mean that they are out of all options. At such times, a patient’s mental strength matters a lot. Patients with Parkinson’s disease must try to stay positive, regardless of the circumstances.
Foods to Avoid if You Have Eczema

Foods to Avoid if You Have Eczema

Eczema is a skin disease that is usually caused by allergies, mostly due to certain food items. The foods to avoid mentioned here can trigger eczema and cause itching and other symptoms. These foods must be strictly avoided. The primary symptom of eczema is itching. Some food products can be allergens and worsen by the symptoms of eczema if consumed. Foods that Trigger Eczema The foods you need to avoid if you have eczema is something you need to identify. The help of a dermatologist or immunologist can be taken to understand what triggers asthma symptoms. Once identified, you need to strictly avoid these items. There are several that may need to be avoided by those having eczema. However, it must be noted that not all people are allergic to all these food items mentioned herein. You need to avoid only those items that cause you problems. Elimination Diet You can use the elimination diet to find out if you are allergic to any of these food items. When you eat any of these food items, a reaction may occur between 6 and 24 hours. You need to include these food items in your diet under the supervision of a doctor and try it out for a month. If you face problems, then that particular food needs to be eliminated from your diet, else you can continue to eat it safely. Foods that You Should Avoid Following are foods that generally cause allergic skin reactions. If any of these foods affect you, stop consuming them immediately. Grapes Grapes and wine contain salicylates. They also have high levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and amines. These three substances can increase eczema symptoms and, hence, need to be avoided. Citrus Products Citrus fruits and foods containing citrus are similar in chemical composition to grapes.
4 Foods to Eat for Migraine

4 Foods to Eat for Migraine

The severity and duration of a migraine attack tend to vary from person to person. For some individuals, the pain may subside within a few hours, while it may last for a couple of days for others. Coping with debilitating pain and constant nausea can be extremely challenging. The diet you follow can either help you get relief from the symptoms or worsen the condition. Read on to know about the food items you should consume when you have a migraine to help you deal with the symptoms: Magnesium-rich food As per clinical studies, magnesium plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of migraines. It has been reported that most people who are prone to attacks have low magnesium levels. Increasing the intake of magnesium can yield positive results in such individuals. By including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, you can lower the likelihood of an attack and also get relief from the pain during a migraine episode. Increase your intake of food items like brown rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts and grains, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried apricot, and avocado to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine. Ginger Since time immemorial, people have used ginger for migraine treatment. Ginger is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory components, and as per clinical studies, it can exert abortive and prophylactic effects that can reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with migraine. There are various ways to include ginger in the diet to alleviate pain associated with migraines. You can either mix ginger root powder with water and consume it once a day or brew a cup of herbal tea with ginger and honey. However, it is important to maintain caution while taking ginger, as overconsumption may lead to side effects like abdominal discomfort. Fatty fish Fatty fish like trout and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).