7 common signs and symptoms of acid reflux Do you ever find yourself feeling a burning or uncomfortable sensation in your stomach? Well, we all are very familiar with the condition of acid reflux. The condition is very common, and millions of people are affected by it, at least once a month. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, the discomfort caused can make it very difficult to undertake regular activities. Acid reflux is not a very serious condition; however, its symptoms should not be ignored. They indicate that the esophagus is inflamed due to excessive acid in the stomach. When this happens too often, the lining of the esophagus can be damaged by the stomach acid and there may be abnormal bleeding. Moreover, it may lead to alterations in the cells of the esophagus over time, and this can lead to the development of cancer. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms that you may experience with acid reflux: Heartburn – Heartburn feels like there is a burning sensation in the areas from the stomach to the middle of the chest. The discomfort moves upwards from the stomach, and this kind of burning can be quite severe.

Top factors that contribute to Hepatitis B Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis A, is a chronic and life-threatening infection of the liver. WHO statistics indicate that only 0.7% of the population in the country is infected, and this success has been due to vaccinations that offer 98% -100% protection against Hepatitis B. Once infected, Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. The impact of acute Hepatitis B is likely to last for less than 6 months and the infected will see improvements in their condition with medication and time. Chronic Hepatitis B can last for more than 6 months. Those affected can be young or old and are at risk of diseases like failure, cirrhosis, and cancer of the liver. Total recovery from both acute and chronic Hepatitis B is possible, but the damage caused to the liver and the impact will remain throughout one’s lifetime. Recovery for adults is near total; however, in children, it could lead to a chronic condition requiring long term treatment and in some cases, some attention even after recovery. There is no cure for Hepatitis B, and if you are infected, you must take all precautions to make sure that you do not pass on this infection to others.

ADHD and the four dietary elements ADHD experts have stated that the condition, by definition, is a developmental disorder. They further state that a person who suffers from distractibility and impulsivity was perhaps born that way. ADHD is not a behavioral choice, nor is it a result of parenting; it is completely unrelated to certain habits while growing up. It is said that people suffering from ADHD were affected by it at a very early stage in life. Recent findings reveal that ADHD is a condition that affects both children and adults. Grown-ups and growing children with ADHD have been found to be affected by the foods that they consume. The food we eat can either help achieve a positive state of mind and body or it can disrupt life. This article lists some of the best foods that people with ADHD must include in their daily intake. And it is important to note that all the below foods have to be consumed fresh and without additives. Protein-rich foods Foods with protein help keep the brain healthy. Proteins help in the production of neurotransmitters by increasing the level of tyrosine, a type of amino acid, which enables the production of norepinephrine and dopamine.

4 natural and complementary therapies for amyloidosis Chronic conditions tend to affect the way you lead your life; you need to accept the fact that the disease is a part of your life and take measures to coexist with it. One such chronic condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life is amyloidosis. It is caused by a substance called amyloid—an abnormal protein produced by your bone marrow—which gets deposited in any tissue or organ. It can affect any organ, and the most frequently affected are the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, and digestive tract. What makes this condition more formidable is the fact that there is no cure for it; the treatment methods are directed towards keeping the condition under control and managing the symptoms. Most treatments aim to limit the production of amyloid protein, and this depends on the type of amyloidosis one has. In addition to the regular treatments for amyloidosis, there are certain natural and complementary therapies you can opt for. They are listed as follows: Sleep therapy Severe fatigue and weakness are prominent symptoms of amyloidosis. Daytime fatigue can make it quite difficult for you to sleep at night, especially if you tend to take a lot of naps throughout the day.

Common triggers for non-allergic asthma Asthma can also affect people who are not allergic to any particular substance. If you have symptoms that mimic asthma and an allergy test throws up a negative, you should consult a specialist. One of the common myths of asthma is that the episodes are only caused by allergies. In fact, allergies are just one type of triggers. There are many other triggers that can cause inflammation of the airways and produce symptoms exactly like allergic asthma. Illnesses Certain illnesses or infections, particularly in the respiratory tract, can trigger an asthma attack. Common cold Sinus or throat infection, Rhinitis Pneumonia Flu Once you notice the symptoms, the doctors will examine you and will treat you on a course of corticosteroids for about 15 days. Once the symptoms improve, the medication can be stopped. Other diseases The following diseases can be asthma triggers. Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease – This condition has symptoms that are very similar to asthma. Smokers are at a high risk of asthma. It is treated with inhalers and medication and one has to stop smoking. Reflux disease GERD – It is a condition where the food and acids in our stomach enter the esophagus.

Five myths about birth control When it comes to the side effects of birth controls, there is no dearth to what people have to say. But the real question is are all those statements true? What should you be aware of? Myth 1: Birth-control pills lead to weight gain This absolutely depends from person to person. Not all women who take birth-control pills end up gaining weight. You might know someone who swears that they started putting on those extra pounds only after getting on the pill. On the contrary, weight gain is most often a result of the other changes that are taking place in the body. So, stop worrying about weight gain. Myth 2: Birth control implants also have a possibility of adding weight It is true that any form of low maintenance and long-acting birth control methods, such as hormonal IUDs, contain progestin, a hormone that plays a huge role in menstruation and pregnancy. But this doesn’t add anything to one’s weight. Weight gain and birth control pills bear no relation to each other. Myth 3: The use of Depo-Provera causes hair loss This can partially be a possibility as the very manufacturer of Depo-Provera claims that about 1%-5% of the women who take these injections have complained of hair loss or zero hair growth.

Diet and nutrition for COPD patients Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used for several progressive lung diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. COPD cannot be cured, but with the right treatment, you can control and manage it to enable yourself to lead a good life. If you are a COPD patient, it is necessary to eat healthy to keep your immunity strong and fight the symptoms. Eating right is the key to boost your energy, but you may add some comfort food to your diet if you are losing a lot of weight. Those who want to maintain or control their weight can also eat smaller portions of the nutrient-packed food. Coping with fatigue while eating If you feel fatigued while eating or have trouble breathing as you get too full, you can eat smaller quantities more often. So, you can have 4-6 small meals filled with nutrition through the day and cut out the three large meals. This will help you get the required energy from your diet while keeping the symptoms at bay. You are also advised to relax and rest before beginning your meal. Energetic breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you ought to ensure that it contains at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber.

7 foods to avoid if you have ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause chronic inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the digestive tract. The disease affects the surface of the colon and rectum, which make up for part of the large intestine. Its prevalence in the country is more than you may think with at least 40 to 250 in every 100,000 people suffering from ulcerative colitis. Bloody diarrhea, rectal pain and bleeding, and urgency of defecation are a sign of ulcerative colitis. Children might suffer from the same symptoms in addition to fatigue, fever, and inhibited growth. One of the methods to manage the condition, dietary changes are recommended to get relief from ulcerative colitis symptoms. A fiber-rich diet full of whole grains takes a longer time to digest and can worsen the symptoms of colitis. Doctors recommend excluding these foods from your daily diet to provide relief from the condition: Brown rice and whole-grain starches Whole-grain foods such as brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats, and wild rice contain a fibrous endosperm (present at the tip of the grain). This endosperm can irritate the bowel and result in pain due to abdominal inflammation.

Treating different types of dog allergies Just like humans, our furry best friends are prone to allergies. Unlike humans who can communicate their uneasiness and symptoms, you will have to depend on your pet’s behavior and physical symptoms to understand the signs of an allergic reaction. Just like in humans, an allergy in dogs is a state of hypersensitivity of the immune system to allergens like proteins in food. What are some of the symptoms you should look out for in your pet? The most common symptom of an allergy would be itchy skin. For some allergies, it could involve coughing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ensure that you visit a vet as soon as you see these symptoms. Along with the medications, here are some natural remedies that will help your dog feel better without the risk of any side effects: Food allergy remedies: Coconut oil Coconut oil has lauric acid, which helps in inhibiting yeast production in your dog, and the good fats in coconut oil are also great for your dog’s health. When incorporated in the daily diet, it increases nutrient absorption, helps with colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome, and reduces bad breath. It is important to introduce this ingredient slowly so as to make your dog’s system get used to the change.

The airways become narrower when they are inflamed, which can cause a respiratory disease called asthma. It is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases affecting both children and adults. While there are no specific factors that cause asthma, it is often linked to occupational, environmental, and genetic factors. It is challenging to treat asthma as the flare-ups of respiratory diseases are unpredictable. However, there are ways to temporarily treat the symptoms and control the condition’s flare-ups. A person suffering from asthma may produce excess mucus, experience constant wheezing, and have trouble breathing. The affected person may also experience tightness in the chest. Superfoods that can help relieve the symptoms of asthma: Honey Honey is known to treat the symptoms of asthma as it gets rid of the phlegm in the throat, thereby clearing the passage and helping the affected person breathe better. Mix a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water and drink it at least three times a day. It also prevents and treats gingivitis. Honey also reduces cholesterol levels by digesting the pre-accumulated fats. For better results, mix three tablespoons of honey, half a tablespoon of cinnamon, and one tablespoon of lemon juice into some warm water for an energizing shot.