Acid reflux or GERD is a major health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes incompetent acid reflux will result. This is called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
So can you cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. You will need maintenance treatment with acid suppressants like omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical surgical intervention with fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.
There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on GERD before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. A change in lifestyle is sometimes all you need.
Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. It is more likely in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. Losing weight is an important aspect of acid reflux treatment.
Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may trigger back flow into the gullet. Your symptoms will improve if you wear loose clothes.
A large meal entering the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. The large volume also increases gastric clearance time increasing the risk for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.
Certain foods can affect GERD. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.
The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and result in acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.
Acid reflux is affected by female hormones. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.
If you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.
Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. Acid Reflux symptoms improve when you give up smoking.
Acid Reflux risk is increased by certain exercises. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. Joggers can develop GERD symptoms.
If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.
Filed under Fitness by on Feb 9th, 2010. 1 Comment. 
According to past analysis and studies, nearly eighty% of all Americans can expertise some kind of back pain in their lives. The Yankee Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons believes this moreover, as they say eighty% folks out there will encounter some type of drawback with our back before we die.
Traditionally, the treatment for lower back pain is increasing core strength to extend flexibility on muscles that are tight, that can give higher stabilization of the spine and exercises to correct the imbalances of the muscles. The muscles that surround the spine will provide stability and support of the spinal column.
Each muscle between the hips and shoulders are included also, as these muscles are known as the core muscles. Back pain can be a result of muscle imbalances caused by any of these core muscles. If the back of your thighs are weaker than the front of your thighs, there will be an uneven pull on the front of your spinal column.
There are some effective ways in which that you’ll integrate core strength training exercises into all of the exercises you perform, instead of doing simply the traditional crunches and sit-ups. One such approach is by respiration effectively. Deep respiratory can utilize your diaphragm muscles which can facilitate support the spinal column and lengthen the spine, which is nice for your lower back and supporting you once you walk or run.
The tummy tuck and bridge lift will additionally facilitate your to scale back back pain and strengthen the core muscles as well. The tummy tuck exercise may be a easy pelvic tilt that pulls the abdominal muscles off from the floor. Do perform a tummy tuck, simply lie face down on the ground and squeeze your glutes to strengthen your spine.
Instead of pressing into your thighs, you must instead reach your tailbone down towards your heels. Perform fifteen reps of every exercise and alternate them till you have got completed a few sets.
For the bridge, place your feet on a bench or on the ground and scoop your pelvis upward, as your rib cage should keep low to scale back any irritation to your spinal muscles. The bridge will facilitate to alleviate stress on your back and focus the muscle contractions into the glutes and the hamstrings.
Alternative exercises for lower back pain are the lumbar facet stretch, hip flexor stretch, and calf stretches, as all three can facilitate to alleviate pull on your spinal column.
Hip flexor stretch When doing a hip flexor stretch, bring one foot forward in a very bent knee, ninety degree angle, whereas your other leg is on the floor behind you together with your foot pointed upwards toward the ceiling. The hip flexor stretch will facilitate to open up the muscles of your back on the facet of the spine near your hips. You’ll be able to conjointly squeeze your glutes similarly to deepen the stretch with every breath you exhale. You ought to begin to feel a stretch in your back leg, in the thigh front and the hamstrings on your front leg.
Lumbar side stretch This stretch will bring your legs wide together with your knees bent whereas you sit or stand. Simply bring one hand down towards your foot on the inside of the thighs and your different hand behind your head.
The last stretch can open up your Achilles tendon, that is the most distant pull on the spine. For this, place an object underneath your foot and lean the burden of your body forwards. Maintain a fluid breath while you hold stretches for 30 seconds or so. Once a whereas, you should begin to feel a stretch behind your knee and shin.
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Filed under Fitness by on Feb 3rd, 2010. 4 Comments.
Its important to view this, realistically. Solely the data, no deliberate scare tactics~No need to scare the public, the facts speak for themselves}. Just the facts!
MRSA Staph is a Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria. This micro-organism is known for causing skin infections, in addition to, many other types of ailments. There are other designations in the scientific literature for this bacteria based on where the bacteria is acquired by patients. The two main origins of STAPH are hospitals or epidemic MRSA (EMRSA) and community acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA).
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
MRSA Staph presents as a small, red and tender area of skin that is similar to a bug bite or pimple. When the bacterial infection disperses, the skin swells and festers. This expands to become a carbuncle, more serious than an abscess with the wound exposed, or pus filled, ready to burst.
This progression is serious and life-threatening. A practitioner assessment is critical. Additional signs that an infection is developing include the following:
- Fever
- Yellow/white or greenish drainage that may have a foul odor
- Tender red/dark pink area on the surface of the skin that is growing in size
The following symptoms may indicate the infection has spread:
- Shortness of breath (concern for pneumonia)
- Shaking chills (infection of the blood or heart valves)
- Severe headache that is different from your normal headache patterns
- Extreme weakness and low blood pressure
- Joint pains accompanying any of the above symptoms
As many as 1.2 million U.S. hospital patients are infected with Staph MRSA each year, nearly 10 times as many as previously estimated. According to APIC officials, 1,237 hospitals and nursing homes responded to the survey, or about 21% of U.S. inpatient health care facilities (Stobbe, AP/Houston Chronicle, 6/07). William Jarvis, former acting director of the hospital infections program at CDC — found that 34 of 1,000 patients had active MRSA infections, and 12 of 1,000 patients were colonized with MRSA, which amounts to an MRSA incidence rate of 46 per 1,000 patients. (Chicago Tribune, 6/07). More info available at
Go to this ARTICLE for more information on STAPH MRSA
- the current status of the condition-the facts
- Signs and characteristics of MRSA STAPH
- Food Therapy to eradicate MRSA – STAPH
- Chinese herbs for STAPH MRSA that 99.99% of Americans are not aware of
- Recipes for STAPH MRSA
- Current News, Videos and Research on STAPH MRSA
Source: Longevity Mountain, Chinese herbs for STAPH
Filed under Fitness by on Jan 17th, 2010.
‘The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants aren’t enough,’ believes Amy Weintraub. Do not get caught in the conundrum of to buy or not to buy. A yoga prop is like a good pair of shoes, if its premium quality and the right size it would take you a long way. www.yogasuppliesonline.com is a treasure trove for yogins. A good yoga mat would not just protect your knees but lend you that extra grip. A poor one however, would just be a waste of money and a constant distraction while you stretch. Taking care of the basics, like acquiring a sturdy yoga mat, must be dealt with sooner then later.
There are all kinds of yoga mats available at www.yogasuppliesonline.com to help you make that perfect choice which not just fulfills your requirement, and provides that extra comfort that yoga promises but also lasts you a lifetime. The Black Pro or the Black Mat is the finest example. It is thick and supportive with a non-slip fabric finish and it comes in standard and extra long length to serve your needs better. Another example is the Cotton Yoga mat, which is a favorite with Bikram yogins who love to sweat. These mats are made of soft chemical free cotton, absorb sweat readily and are washable. Like the Black Pro, the Cotton Yoga Mat comes in different sizes, depending upon the size, the weight varies. So, if you are planning to buy a cotton mat, buy one that is not too heavy to lug around.
For a luxurious yoga experience, opt for the Premium Yoga mat. The Premium yoga mat is for yogins who want that extra grip for more advanced poses of yoga. The mat varies in thickness and textures. It is a great buy, durable and something, which comes with a resale value. Other mats available are designed according to preferences; they include the Rubber Mat, Sticky Yoga mat and the Thick Yoga mat.
Rubber mats are made of natural rubber and are free from polymerization. The Jade Yoga Range boasts a splendid collection of Rubber mats. They work as shock absorbents, and almost never tear. Another popular choice is Sticky mats, which sadly are not eco friendly. So, if you want something that is PVC free, the Clean PVC mat is just the thing for you. Made of Polymer Environmental Resin it carries no toxins.
Remember, before taking your pick consider the style of yoga you practise. Another factor that Yoginis weigh carefully is the thickness of the mat, the Thick Yoga mat is suitable for those who like an extra cushioning under them while they meditate. It is about 1/4th of an inch or 6.4mm in thickness and comes in a variety of colours. Last but not the least is the Manduka mat, which is unrivalled in its glory. It is manufactured on the principles of yoga. This ultimate yoga mat is made from biodegradable rubber and is designed for the perfect yoga experience. So, if you too are seeking that perfect experience, visit ‘www.yogasuppliesonline.com’ for yoga essentials and so much more!
Filed under Fitness by on Jan 12th, 2010. 4 Comments.
A weightlifting bench is a regular piece of gym equipment that resembles regular benches but serves for the specific purpose of weight training. The weightlifting bench serves for the performance of special exercises meant to strengthen the pectorals, and the equipment also gives the name of the exercises: bench presses. The device is available in multiple designs: some are fixed in a folded position with an adjustable part, others are fixed and inclined or horizontal. Most benches also carry racks for holding the bars. All sorts of additional features can also be present depending on the manufacturer, but these are not necessity per se.
The flat and sit-up weightlifting bench definitely deserves our attention. When working with dumbbells or performing light bench presses, this kind of bench will be more than comfortable. It has the advantage of being less heavy as compared to other benches providing a superior comfort level during exercises. As for the classic design of the weightlifting bench: it is simple and flat. Normal chest workout and good dumbbell exercises can be very well performed on this item of equipment. The inclined bench, the adjustable weightlifting bench or the Olympic version are other models intensely advertised on the market.
Weightlifting bench models sell well given the preponderance of usage and the presence in all gyms. The high costs are probably the main inconvenience for the matter, and sometime the expense is not justified by quality. Think well and analyze the product on all sides before taking 0 out of the pocket. For gym usage, the most advantageous idea is to buy one of the three best rated items available on the market. The build quality, the ergonomics, the durability and the adjustability represent the criteria that should help a shopper choose wise.
You are more likely to find fair prices, if you have a look over reviews and see which brands provide real quality. The weight lifting bench makes an essential item of weightlifting equipment, and here we have the explanation for the often exaggerated prices. Investments should therefore be made after careful reading, investigating and testing. One final mention is to adapt the choice of the product to the training objectives, since a weightlifting bench used at home will not have the same quality features as one designed for gym work.
Filed under Fitness by on Jan 12th, 2010.