Monday, May 23, 2011

Video#59 – Natural Heartburn Remedies, Natural Wellness

Find out about what causes excessive stomach acid. Are the medications called proton pump inhibitors really the solution or do these drugs have potential negative side effects on one’s health?

Dr. Fritz teaches Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Academy for Oriental Medicine in Austin.
After getting undergraduate and graduate degrees in Biology from the University of Virginia, Dr. Vanessa Fritz graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) as well as a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM).
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Curing Heartburn-Acid Reflux Drugs May Increased Your Risk of Fractures – Latest Study

Acid Reflux Drugs May Increased Your Risk of Fractures - Latest Study
Recently, the Annals of Family Medicine study shows that long term regular usage of acid reflux drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix seem to have an increased risk of fractures.

The researchers found that this class of acid-suppressive drugs raises the chances of breaking a bone by nearly 30%.

PPIs work by reducing the secretion of gastric acid. They are commonly recommended for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, erosive esophagitis, and Barrett’s esophagus. Furthermore, the are easily available by prescription as well as over the counter,
For patients with potentially serious conditions, the benefits offered by PPIs often outweigh the risks associated with them, says James M. Gill, MD, MPH, president of Delaware Valley Research Outcomes in Newark, Del., and lead author of an editorial accompanying the study.

“For certain things, PPIs are clearly indicated,” he says. The problem is that “many doctors don’t follow guidelines” and prescribe PPIs “willy-nilly.”

“This study is not a game changer in terms of guidelines,” Gill continues, “but it should encourage physicians to pay closer attention and be more cautious with these medications when they prescribe them.”
Analyzing Fracture Risk

The present study, by researchers at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea, is an analysis of 11 previously published studies in which researchers examined the possible link between fracture risk and PPIs. Overall, the risk of fracture increases by 29% with the use of PPIs. Hip fracture risk rises by 31%, vertebral fractures by 54%.

The researchers also report that they were unable to find a significant association between fracture risk and histamine H2-receptor antagonists, another class of acid-suppressing drugs, marketed under brand names such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac.

The researchers explain that the increased risk of fracture likely occurs in part because PPIs interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, leading to weaker bones that are more prone to break.

Fractures are not the only risk factors associated with PPIs. PPIs may raise the risk of GI infections, while taking them for more than a year may lead to low serum magnesium levels, which can cause muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, and convulsions, according to the FDA, which issued a warning to that effect in March of this year.

“As with all medications, there are risks and benefits,” a representative for Prilosec maker Procter & Gamble write in an email. “Like other OTC PPIs, Prilosec OTC should only be used as directed for 14 days for the treatment of frequent heartburn.”

As Gill writes in his editorial, physicians should not hesitate to prescribe PPIs to treat potentially serious conditions. But for patients with uncomplicated GERD, for example, Gill holds that patients would be better off taking a PPI “on-demand,” meaning on a short-term basis to control symptoms and reduce the risk of side effects.

“The over-the-counter PPIs warn consumers not to use them for more than two weeks at a time,” he says. “That’s probably a good rule of thumb overall.”
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Review: Apple Cider Vinegar: A Modern Folk Remedy

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Modern Folk Remedy Apple Cider Vinegar: A Modern Folk Remedy
This is not only an absolute treasure trove of information about apple cider vinegar, it also makes you rethink your whole approach to health and well-being. It is well presented, well organized and reads in a casual, yet informative, style. It doesn’t pretend to be a medical journal but simply an incredible collection of home remedies featuring apple cider vinegar. The personal anecdotes will lend support to those who have been suffering ailments that traditional medicine cannot always cure. This is the kind of book that will make you want to reach out for nature’s other healing secrets.
This is an excellent book that get you to rethink your whole attitude towards health and well-being. I like its casual but yet informative style of presenting the information to readers. It has a wide collection fo home remedies using apple cider vinegar. The personal anecdotes give encouragement to those who have been suffering ailments that traditional medicine cannot always cure. This is the kind of book that will make you want to reach out for nature’s other healing secrets.
For centuries, Apple Cider Vinegar has proven to provide remedies to illness especially indigestion and acid reflux problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar can also help:
* Improve cardiovascular health and vascular function.
* Kick-start your metabolism for more and better energy.
* Improve nutritional digestion, nutrient uptake and use.
* Relieve digestive upsets.
* Trigger weight loss and reduce those constant hungry feelings.
* Naturally improve skin tone, clarity, and appearance.
* Reduce or eliminate painful symptoms and conditions of all kinds.
You can find out more about Natural Remedy For Heartburn Acid Reflux – Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar can be that simple addition to your life and diet that gets you back to the glowing health of youth.
Like me, get a copy of Apple Cider Vinegar: A Modern Folk Remedy and improve your life today.
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News: FDA Warnings on Acid Reflux Drugs—Lansoprazole

According to recent reports, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on the use of TEVA-manufactured generic drug for acid reflux, lansoprazole. The FDA recommends “patients using the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) form of lansoprazole via oral syringes or feeding tubes not take the version manufactured by Israel-based Teva” due to some clogging problems.

PREVACID is a trademark registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and SoluTab is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. and used under license by Takeda PharmaceuticalsAmerica, Inc.)

People taking lansoprazole should tell their doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away

- stomach pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
- headache
- dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. Persons experiencing any of the following symptoms should call their
doctor immediately:
- rash
- blistering or peeling skin
- hives

This is not the first difficulty that has occurred with drugs prescribed for acid reflux, however. “Prokinetic drugs like metoclopramide and cisapride [have been] used in conjunction with other measures in patients suffering from nausea or bloating in addition to heartburn.” Cisapride (Propulsid) is no longer available in the U.S. due to some of its side effects and Metoclopropamide (Reglan) may cause Tardive Dyskinesia.
In fact, “Patients who have ulcers or some form of gastrointestinal bleeding should not take Reglan.

In addition, Reglan is known to aggravate symptoms associated with asthma, Parkinson’s Disease and kidney disorders. It can also raise blood pressure and have an impact on patients diagnosed with clinical depression.”
TEVA, the Israel-based pharmaceutical company, has voluntarily withdrawn the drug from the marketplace, but consumers should note there still may be product on pharmacy shelves. No difficulties have been reported in patients who have been administered or taken the drug orally (by mouth).

Lansoprazole is a generic form of Prevacid™, a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) that prevents acid reflux and treats ulcers. The PPI class of drugs, i.e. Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid are the agents of choice doctors prescribe for their patients to achieve symptom relief, improving quality of life, healing, and prevention of mucosal injury in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) patients. As a class, these drugs have been thought to be extremely safe.


Sunday, May 22, 2011

Curing Heartburn-10 Heartburn Myths

Myth #1: "I cause my heartburn."
There are many lifestyle habits and certain foods and beverages that can worsen your heartburn symptoms. However, heartburn is a medical condition with biological causes. Even with changes in lifestyle and eating habits, the condition is still there, and you may still experience heartburn. This fact makes itself known the first time you try eating that spicy food again.

Myth #2: "Heartburn can be cured with a bland diet."
A bland diet isn't bad for heartburn sufferers. In fact, it may make them feel better. But the bland diet alone will not cure heartburn caused by Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

Myth #3: "Heartburn is only caused by excess acid."
The amount of acid in the stomach of a GERD sufferer is usually normal. The problem comes from the fact that the acid is in the wrong location. Instead of staying in the stomach, it moves into the esophagus. So why do physicians give you medication to reduce stomach acid when excess acid isn't the problem? This is because there is a lack of drugs that effectively treat the underlying factors that cause the acid reflux.

Myth #4: "Acid reflux only causes problems in my esophagus."
While heartburn caused by acid reflux into the esophagus is the most well-known symptom of GERD, it isn't the only effect on the body. Another important conditions that may be caused by, or worsened by, acid reflux is asthma. Recent studies indicate that not only can GERD cause or exacerbate asthma, but that asthma and asthma medications may in return cause or aggravate GERD. Individuals may also experience hoarseness caused by irritation from acid reflux into the throat or around the vocal cords, or a chronic cough and sore throats.

Myth #5: "Heartburn is caused by stress."
While stress can worsen heartburn, it is rare for it to be the cause of heartburn. But extreme physical stress, such as that experienced by individuals gravely ill or severely injured, can cause ulcers to develop that's accompanied by heartburn.

Myth #6: "Nothing can be done to help my heartburn."
You can help your heartburn. Treatment can include prescription medication, over the counter remedies, lifestyle and diet changes. For further information, you can read Preventing Heartburn and Safe Foods and Foods to Avoid. You can also keep a Heartburn Record to find out what might be triggering your heartburn.

Myth #7: "I feel worse when I eat certain foods because they are acidic."
Some acidic foods, such as orange juice, do cause problems for GERD sufferers, but it isn't because of the acid content. Even nonacidic orange juice causes problems for them. Since some foods do cause heartburn for GERD sufferers, so it's important to keep a food log or diary to find out what foods trigger your heartburn.

Myth #8: "Nighttime heartburn sufferers must sleep sitting up."
A study conducted by the Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia found that sleeping on you left side is the best way to avoid nighttime heartburn. Sleeping on your right side may increase your heartburn symptoms because the acid takes longer to clear out of your esophagus when you lay on your right side. While sleeping on your back can allow acid to slip back into your esophagus more often, sleeping with your head elevated, such as on a wedge pillow, will allow gravity to keep the acid in your stomach.

Myth #9: "If I take a medication to suppress stomach acid, I won't be able to digest my food."
While our bodies produce acid to help digest food, other substances in the stomach also help to break down the food. These are called enzymes. And even if you take a medication, such as proton pump inhibitors, that works to significantly reduce the production of acid, enough acid is still produced to aid in normal food digestion.


Myth #10: "Heartburn isn't a serious condition."
While heartburn is common, with nearly 60 million American adults suffering from heartburn at least once a month, it is certainly not something to be taken lightly. Chronic heartburn can have a serious impact on an individual's life. It can be a symptom of a more serious condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Also, if chronic heartburn isn't treated, it can lead to serious complications, including Barrett's esophagus , erosive esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and even esophageal cancer.

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Video#60 – Doctors Using Endoscopic Treatment for GERD

GERD affects millions of Americans and now a surgical solution may be available that is less invasive than traditional methods.
Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acids enter the esophagus causing irritation and heartburn. Everyone experiences occasional heartburn, but when it occurs more than twice a week or begins affecting your daily life, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the problem.
GERD treatment
Traditional treatments for GERD include over the counter and prescription strength antacids as well as medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter to help block acid from going into the esophagus. However, the effectiveness of these medications are limited and the side effects make them inappropriate for some sufferers. Surgical procedures are available, but these carry serious risks and may require lengthy recovery. Physicians are working on the development of a new endoscopic procedure for GERD.
“These endoscopic techniques are very similar to a TOGA weight loss surgery procedure,” describes Dr. Gregg Kai Nishi of the Khalili Center for Bariatric Care in Beverly Hills. “The surgeon will go down and remodel the stomach to prevent heartburn and reflux.” Preventing the backward flow of acid helps patients lead fuller, more comfortable lives.

Dr. Nishi says there may be some advantages to having an endoscopic procedure over a traditional surgery. “There are different things you have to look at with these procedures. One thing I can say is that if you have an endoscopic procedure, you are not subject to the traditional risks and complications of abdominal or laparoscopic surgery, so no wound infections, no incision hernias and no injuries from the instruments going into your abdomen.”
It is important to note though that endoscopic procedures carry another set of their own risks. “As you are performing this operation down the mouth and the esophagus, you now run the risk of injuring that area. So far the trials that have been performed indicate that it seems to be extremely safe,” says Dr. Nishi.
So rather than suffer any longer, talk to your physician about the possibilities of GERD and look at your treatment options. Relief may be closer than you think.
[Source: Amercian Heatlh and Beauty]
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Video #57 – How to Improve Acid Balance

In order to improve acid balance, a person must pay attention to his diet and change what he eats. Discover why some individuals may require surgery to treat acid reflux with help from a gastroenterologist in this free video on acid balance.

Expert: Miguel J. Rodriguez
Contact: www.miamigastro.org
Bio: Dr. Miguel J. Rodriguez is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.
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