As a sufferer of acid reflux, you may have already heard several facts and myths about it. Even though there are a few facts about the condition, there are also a few myths about it as well.

Here are some of the more common misconceptions about acid reflux.

One of the biggest myths about acid reflux is that there is nothing you can do about it. You can take control of it by including some lifestyle changes and trying the different medications that are available to you. Talk to your doctor about your acid reflux and how often and severe your symptoms are, as well as possibilities for treatment.

Some people so not realize the seriousness of acid reflux and just deal with it without treatment. Unfortunately, when you allow acid reflux to continue to bother you, your esophagus will weaken over time. This weakening can result in a much higher risk of cancer of the esophagus. Asthma, as well as other health concerns, will worsen during acid reflux in individuals with these conditions.

Some believe that acid reflux is also caused by stress. Even though stress can lead to a few ailments in some such as headaches and stomach aches, this is not the case with acid reflux. Some individuals have a tendency to eat more in times of stress; which may trigger the symptoms of acid reflux. This is especially true if the eating is done right before bedtime. However, many people that suffer may overeat and eat before bedtime but are not suffering from high amounts of stress.

Another common myth about acid reflux is that people who suffer from it do not take care of themselves. Even though it is true that they may have to make some lifestyle changes, such as not overeating as well as changing what they eat, acid reflux is a medical concern. Internal factors such as ulcers, hernia, and a weak esophagus can result in acid reflux.

Even though acid reflux is the result of the body making too much acid in some people, it is not the case for everyone who has it. Some people may reach for medications that reduce acid but may still suffer from acid reflux. However, the acid may be getting into regions of the body where it shouldn’t be. Instead of reducing the amount of acid, some need to work to resolve stomach acid moving into the esophagus.

Some people my hear that the intake of proteins have to be reduced in order to relieve acid reflux. However, if protein gets cut from your diet, you will deprive your body of an important nutrient. Instead of reducing your protein intake, or cutting it out completely, try changing your protein intake from fatty foods to more lean meats.

You may have also heard that you should avoid all caffeine when you are treating acid reflux. Caffeine, if consumed in moderation, can be helpful with reducing acids in some people. Green and herbal teas have plenty of helpful ingredients and you may want to replace your consumption of sugary sodas with them.

There are several options that are available to you when it comes to acid reflux relief; from lifestyle changes to medications that are over the counter and prescription to surgery. Talk to your physician about a treatment that is right for you.

Are you, or someone you know, facing surgery for ulcerative colitis? Surgery can be a life altering experience for many people and it is often a positive one because they no longer will have to deal with the debilitating symptoms of their disease.

Today, there are three different options for people facing surgery for ulcerative colitis. However, sufferers of the disease should consult their physician and do their research to decide which option is the best for them. The surgical options available are a Proctocolectomy with Ileostomy, a Restorative Proctocolectomy and a Koch Pouch procedure.

The procedures

The most known of the procedures that is still widely used today is the Proctocolectomy with Ileostomy procedure. In this operation, the entire colon, rectum and the anus are removed, and the end of the small intestine is brought out through a hole in the abdomen. This hole (called a Stoma) is usually on the right side just below the belt line. Through this hole, the waste is drained out of the body and into a specially made, lightweight bag that is discreet under clothing (unless the bag gets too full). The bag is attached to the body with a special adhesive and paste. These bags are emptied several times a day and changed by the patient every 3-5 days. Only one surgery is required for this procedure and the recovery time for the patient is basically quicker. This surgery is also used as a as a back up procedure when complications with the other two procedures develop as well as emergency situations. Possible complications of having an ileostomy may include peristomal hernia, parastomal fistulization, skin irritation, a prolapsed stoma, high stoma output (ileostomy flux) and ileostomy retraction.

Another popular choice among people facing surgery for ulcerative colitis is a procedure known as a Restorative Proctocolectomy aka. Ileoanal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (IPAA). This newer operation allows the patient to eliminate waste through the anus; making the use of a bag for waste disposal unnecessary. The Restorative Proctocolectomy operation is carried out in two stages. This first stage consists of the removal of the colon and rectum while the sphincter muscles of the anus are preserved. The ileum (the end of the small intestine) is made into a pouch and pulled down and connected to the preserved anus. To allow this new pouch time to heal, a temporary ileostomy is also performed. After the first stage of the procedure, the patient waits on average of about ten to twelve weeks before the second stage is performed. After the waiting period, another surgery is scheduled to close the temporary ileostomy and to make the new pouch operational. After the operation, the new pouch serves as a reservoir for the waste. Possible complications for people who have this procedure done might include Pouchitis (inflammation of the pouch), pouch malfunction and bowel obstruction due to adhesions or scar tissue from the surgery. Removal of the pouch and the construction of a permanent ileostomy may be required when these complications do arise.

The third and the least known of the surgical options for ulcerative colitis is called a continent ileostomy aka a Koch Pouch. This procedure includes constructing a pouch out the small intestine to store the waste; much like the Restorative Proctocolectomy. However the difference between the Koch Pouch and the Restorative Proctocolectomy is the means of the waste disposal itself. Unlike the Restorative Proctocolectomy, the Koch Pouch is emptied by the patient using a thin tube inserted into stoma to drain the contents a few times a day. In order to stop the waste from coming out, a one-way nipple valve sitting flush with the skin is put into place. To protect the stoma, the patient wears a Band Aid, gauze or a stoma cap. Nipple valve slippage, which makes it difficult to irrigate or stop the stool coming out at odd times, is a complication of the Koch pouch procedure. To remedy this complication, either the removal of the pouch and a permanent ileostomy or revision surgery with re-fixation of the nipple valve may be required.

Surgery for ulcerative colitis is a health restoring and life changing event for many people with the disease. After the removal of the diseased colon, they can go on to live healthy, productive and happy lives. It is also a body altering experience as well and the psychological implications of the change in body image might be a challenge to some. However, online and offline support groups are available so the patient can meet others who have gone through the same operations.

Did you know that there is a connection between digestive disorders and pH balance? An unbalanced pH level can increase the acid level in your body; therefore increasing your chances of suffering from acid indigestion, acid reflux or other ailments. High acid level in your upper digestive tract also indicates high acid level throughout the rest of your body. This increased level of acid will also make you more susceptible to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis. Because of the risks involved with increased acid levels, it is important that you take measures to balance your pH levels.

A Word About Acid Reflux And Other Ailments

In acid reflux disease, acid flows into the throat and creates a burning sensation during the digestive process. This acid flow is caused by a breakdown of the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus; resulting from a disrupted acid-alkaline balance in the digestive tract. The accumulation of acid in the digestive tract is often the result of the sufferer eating the wrong types of food. Excessive consumption of junk food is not the only cause of acid reflux in some people; other foods, such as those containing excess additives, processed foods or other types of food may trigger symptoms as well.

Stress may also trigger symptoms of acid reflux in other people. When a person experiences stress, the blood is diverted away from the stomach to the lungs, heart and muscles for the response of fight of flight. With this diversion, the stomach is deprived of the needed oxygen and nutrients and cannot form sufficient enzymes for proper digestion.

Acid reflux disrupts the digestive process by irritating and swelling the mucous lining in the stomach, throat and esophagus. An unbalanced acid-alkaline level in the digestive tract can also lead to further accumulation of acid; which can lead to ulcers. Intestinal digestive process is meant to be alkaline, not acidic; therefore, the intestines are more adversely affected by acid than the stomach. Intestinal walls help absorb nutrients into the bloodstream and do not have the thick mucous lining that the stomach has. Acid also kills of the friendly bacteria that aid in digestion.

The liver and gallbladder are also affected by an unbalanced acid-alkaline level. The liver crystallizes bile and acid waste into gallstones because it becomes so overloaded with acidic waste that it cannot eliminate. If acid levels continue to rise, the liver will become damaged and all other body organs will be prone to deterioration.

How Can I Restore A Proper pH Balance?

Identifying and eliminating foods that cause acid reflux and allergic responses is the best way to restore the pH balance in your system. You can also include raw foods as well as vegetable juices in your diet to help heal the lining of your digestive tract as well as eliminating further accumulation of acid wastes. Supplements will also help replace the destroyed enzymes and friendly bacteria to the system.

Since Ulcerative Colitis is a digestive disease, you may wonder if there are any changes in diet that you have to take to relieve symptoms. Just like Crohn’s disease, people with inflammatory bowel diseases find it difficult to get the necessary nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals. This is due to the fact that their intestines may not be able to take all the nutrients from the food they eat. Therefore these nutrients may be lost through diarrhea.

As a result, the patient may have low levels of vitamins in their blood stream, such as B12 and folic acid and/ or may have anemia. Often, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease become worse after eating. As with any other chronic disease, good nutrition is important in the medical management of ulcerative colitis. Even though diet is not a contributing factor in the cause of ulcerative colitis or other types of IBD, special attention to diet may help replace lost nutrients, reduce symptoms and promote healing. However, certain foods may aggravate symptoms if the disease is active.

What Foods Can I Eat When My Colitis Is Active?

While dietary needs might vary with each case, a low residue diet might be prescribed to some people to help regain nutrients, reduce symptoms and promote healing. by doing so, the diet restricts or eliminates foods that increase bowel activity; such as prune juice or milk product and milk. It is also designed to reduce the amount and frequency of fecal output as well as prolonging digestive transit time. Guidelines for a low residue diet include foods to eat and foods to avoid. People who have ulcerative colitis may also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to get the nutrients they need.

Low Residue Diet

Foods to include:

• Pulp free juices
• Limited servings of canned or well cooked vegetables that do not include skins, seeds, or pulp
• Tender, ground, and well cooked meat, fish, and poultry
• White bread, refined pasta and cereals, and white rice
• Broth and strained soups from allowed foods
• Milk and yogurt (usually limited to 2 cups per day), mild cheese, cottage cheese
• Margarine, butter, vegetable oil, mayo, plain gravies and dressings

Foods to avoid:

• Crunchy peanut butter
• Dried beans, peas, and legumes
• Raw vegetables
• Strong cheeses, yogurt containing fruit skins or seeds
• Whole grain breads and pastas, corn bread or muffins, products made with whole grain products, bran, seeds, or nuts
• Tough meat, meat with gristle
• Highly spiced food and dressings, pepper, hot sauces
• Caffeine
• Food containing chocolate, coconut
• Juices with pulp
• Millet, buckwheat, flax, oatmeal
• Dried fruits, berries, other fruits with pulp or seeds

Occasionally, some patients with ulcerative colitis will be fed intravenously if the symptoms are so severe that they cannot absorb any nutrients from food. This feeding, called TPN (total parenteral nutrition), bypasses the process of eating and digesting food while the patient receives important nutrients such as salts, glucose, amino acids, lipids and added vitamins. This feeding is used when the patient in is the hospital and the feeding process gives the bowel a chance to heal.

• Pain in the lower left part of the abdomen. Depending on the severity, this pain can be from mild to severe, with occasional cramping.
• Fever and chills. These occur because of the body’s reaction to the infection.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Rectal bleeding.

• Perforation of the pouch, which will cause intestinal waste to leak into the abdominal cavity.
• Abcesses can be formed because of the infected contents of the pouch.
• Peritonitis can occur if the infection spreads to the peritoneal cavity.
• Fistulas may occur
• Intestinal obstruction.

If you suffer from acid reflux disease, you may have to make a few changes to control your symptoms. Among the most common treatments for acid reflux is changes in diet. Keeping a food diary is a good way to determine which foods aggravate your reflux symptoms. It is important to know not only take note of the foods you eat, but at what time you eat them and how much.

In General, What Are The Basic Guidelines For An Acid Reflux Diet?

Here are a few things to consider when controlling acid reflux:

• A lot of acid reflux symptoms stem from eating too much at dinnertime which causes excess stomach acid production. With this in mind, it is advisable to adjust your diet so you eat a small meal at dinnertime and perhaps a small snack before bedtime.
• Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates and are included in each meal seem to help those with acid reflux. These foods are often easy on the stomach and are able to tie up excess stomach acid. These foods include brown rice, whole grain bread and whole grain pasta.
• When lying down, try to elevate head of bed six to eight inches. This will help the acid stay down where it belongs.
• It is helpful to maintain an upright position for at least 45 minutes after eating a meal.
• Do not overeat! Overeating will stimulate the stomach to secret more acids for digestion, as well as filling the stomach, and pushing acid into the esophagus.
• Try to avoid high fat foods because they will remain in your stomach longer.

Foods that trigger acid reflux in some individuals might not trigger the same symptoms on others. For example, an individual who eats spicy foods might have severe reflux symptoms from it while another individual who suffers from acid reflux might not get any kind of reaction at all from it. Reflux triggers vary from person to person, however the most common acid reflux triggers include the following.

• Alcohol
• Foods that are high in fat or fried
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Spicy food
• Caffeine beverages such as coffee or tea
• Sodas
• Chocolate
• Peppermint
• Onions and garlic
• Tomatoes and tomato-based foods.

How Do Some Foods Trigger The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux?

Foods that trigger acid reflux do so by one of either two ways. Some food triggers increase acid production and therefore excess acid leaks into the esophagus. Other foods that trigger acid reflux do so by relaxing the lower esophagus sphincter (LES); a ring of muscle separating the esophagus from the stomach. In normal digestion, this muscle only opens when food passes from the esophagus into the stomach.

Is It True That Milk Helps Relieve Acid Reflux Symptoms?

Even though it is said that milk is used as a quick fix to reflux symptoms, it is also said to cause acid reflux during sleep in some individuals. Milk is a trigger beverage due to the rebound action it has that encourages secretion of more stomach acid eventually.

“Food For Thought”

It is known that diet is not one of the causes for acid reflux; however, some foods might make an individual’s acid reflux worse or trigger reflux symptoms. Dietary guidelines for acid reflux does not cure the disease, but it can reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. The success of dietary changes depends on the individual’s willingness to stick to them, the severity of the acid reflux, as well as any trigger foods. Other individuals might require additional treatments for complete relief if diet changes alone do not help.

Acid Reflux Disease is a common ailment in which acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus; a tube that is made of muscle that connects the mouth and the stomach. This occurrence is often known as heartburn because the backing of the acids produce a burning sensation that is located behind the breastbone. Symptoms of heartburn often mimic those of heart disease; therefore, it is advised that you consult a physician if you have persistent or long term symptoms.

A wide variety of treatments are available for acid reflux. Over the counter medications that are developed to reduce stomach acid are often prescribed by doctors. If the symptoms do not respond to over the counter medicines, prescription antacids, surgery or both are recommended.

Simptomes

However, many patients are able to control their symptoms by simply making certain lifestyle changes. Alternative therapies include changing your diet, limiting the intake of caffeine beverages, managing your stress level.

Dietary changes to control symptoms of acid reflux is perhaps the most important lifestyle change. All you have to do is to avoid the foods and beverages that trigger your symptoms. However, making dietary changes may not come easy to a lot a sufferers because changes include replacing fatty and deep-fried foods with healthier options such as tasty steamed vegetables or a salad. Limiting the intake of caffeine beverages and opting for decaffeinated tea and coffee will also relieve symptoms since caffeine is known to contribute to GERD.

It is known that when a person is under stress, their body manufactures more stomach acid. With this in mind, one of the key ways of managing acid reflux disease is the management of stress. Meditation as well as yoga two times a day have been proven to be very useful tools for keeping stress levels under control.

Simple lifestyle changes will not only help you manage symptoms of acid reflux, it will also enhance your overall health and quality of your life.

It is a known fact among those who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, their loved ones and doctors there is no known cause for the disease. However, there are several theories as to how the disease is triggered even though none of them have been proven adequately.

One of the most popular theories as to the cause of Crohn’s Disease is the reaction of the body’s immune system to a virus within the digestive system or a systemic reaction to bacterium within it. There is some evidence that it is the body protecting itself from a perceived threat to the digestive system by inflaming the intestines. People who suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, have a high instance of abnormalities in their immune systems. However, there is no confirmation from doctors as to whether the abnormality is the cause of the diseases or the result of them.

The Crohn’s disease

There are also a number of predisposing factors that figure in the role in the development of Crohn’s disease; and they are infection, family history and genetics, diet, immunological factors, measles and MMR vaccine, and psychological factors.

Even though some people have developed Crohn’s disease after a bout of gastroenteritis, infection itself is not regarded as a major concern as for the cause of it.

Studies have shown that genetics do play a role in the cause of Crohn’s Disease. According to statistics, if one member of the family sufferers from it, there is an increased chance for family members to develop the disease as well. First degree relatives, such as a sibling, child or parent of a patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease will have an even higher risk of developing the diseases. Crohn’s Disease is further increased with identical twins.

Diet is often an inexpensive way in which patents address their symptoms and therefore it is a popular area for experimentation. Diet related treatments vary in results; however, there is a consensus among people with the disease that certain foods should be avoided. Even though diet itself does not cause Crohn’s disease, diet in some people can trigger some symptoms or make symptoms worse when the disease is active.

Vaccines, especially measles and MMR vaccines, have been getting a lot of publicity lately in regards to a link with them and various diseases and disabilities including Crohn’s disease. However there is not enough evidence that clearly states weather or not children should be vaccinated for measles.

Psychological factors are not the cause of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s disease and that there is no hard proof to support the link between those factors and the disease itself. However, the stress of living with such a disease can make the symptoms worse.

• Abdominal pain that is located first around the area of the belly button and moves to the lower right side. Pain may intensify when the patient is moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing and the area may become tender.
• inability to pass gas
• constipation or diarrheal
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal swelling
• low fever that begins after other symptoms

Note that some people may also experience an urge for a bowel movement and not everyone with the condition would have all the symptoms that are listed above. Other people with special conditions may simply experience a general feeling of being unwell. Among those include:

• obese people
• diabetics
• cancer patients or those receiving chemotherapy
• people with HIV
• transplanted organ recipients
• people who use steroids or other immunosuppressive therapy
• people who are elderly
• infants and young children
• women who are pregnant

How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

Appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose because conditions such as
ectopic pregnancies, kidney stones, ovarian cysts and Crohn’s disease
have similar symptoms; however, several tests can be done to rule those conditions out. The physician will examine the abdomen by feeling the tender area for abdominal rigidity as well as stiffened abdominal muscles in response to pressure over the inflamed appendix. Other tests in the diagnosis are also added and include blood and urine tests as well as imaging tests. These imaging tests include an ultrasound scan or an abdominal x-ray to help confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis or find other causes for the pain.

How Is Appendicitis Treated?

Once a diagnosis of Appendicitis has been made, surgery is necessary to remove the inflamed organ. The surgery, called an appendectomy, has two options that are available. One of the options consists of an
incision that is made in the right lower part of the abdomen while the other option uses a laparoscope, which requires three to four smaller incisions. The recovery time is anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks and is generally very easy.

Even though Appendicitis is a common ailment, it is also considered a medical emergency and fatal if it is not treated. If you experience any of the symptoms that was mentioned in this article, please see your physician immediately to get an adequate diagnosis and treatment. Even though there is no way to prevent appendicitis, it is found that people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are less likely to develop the disease.

• A tender and swollen abdomen
• Rapid pulse
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration (in severe cases)
• Low Blood Pressure (in severe cases)