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) Gut wrenching
Of all the symptoms identified, indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, bloating and passing gas were among the most prevalent (of nine categories used in the test, gastrointestinal symptoms were second only to emotional health concerns among both men and women).People tend to assume these problems are just part of the aging process, or maybe the result of last night's spicy meal. But that's a mistake, says Dr. Elaine Chin, co-founder and chief medical officer at Scienta Health. “Your gastric system is your input. It's the first line of bringing nutrients into your body," which is critical to the immune system, she says. “When the conveyor belt is screwed up, that's where other problems start." It's not just a quality of life issue. An upset stomach can be a red flag for anything from poor diet to a heart attack. More>>
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) Dr. Mayer Eisenstein Finds New Paradigm for Heartburn, Acid Reflux
Having come to the that heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion are not being treated properly his the United States, Dr. Eisenstein believes that a new paradigm has to be considered: “Not to treat the acid, but to find a way to digest the food better." Doing just that with his Betten Aid digestive aid, he has taken thousands of patients off of their Tums, Rolaids, Zantac, Nexium and medicines mentioned above.
He formulated Betten Aid with a chewable digestive enzyme and probiotics. Containing only natural products, this digestive aid tastes good and has proven its worth over and over again to people all over the country. Digestive enzymes are vital because, for every ten years of life, one loses 13% of enzyme potential, thus requiring people to supplement that by taking in digestive enzymes. More>> - (
) James LeFanu: Doctor's diary
There is a possible link with the acid reflux that may occur when lying flat at night and usually causes heartburn but may, for some obscure reason, also precipitate disturbances of heart rhythm. Theoretically, then, these nocturnal attacks might be prevented by taking an acid suppressant drug before retiring.As reported in the Telegraph on Saturday, the Health Secretary Alan Johnson is preparing to announce next month that so-called top-up payments will be allowed in future. This reverses his previous opposition to NHS patients paying for private drugs, which had led to some being penalised after purchasing medicines that were not available on the health service.
Problem solved? There is, however, rather more to this issue. The drug companies will have no incentive, if this becomes widespread, to reduce the scandalously inflated price of drugs – knowing that patients are willing to pay vast sums for the hope of even a modest improvement in their prospects. More>>
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) News to Take to Heart
The question about medicine used to block stomach acid in patients with heartburn, reflux, and ulcers may warrant further study, according to Steven Dunn, a pharmacist at UK and assistant professor at the UK College of Pharmacy. Dunn will present a substudy of research from the CREDO trial, which involved a study of the antiplatelet "blood thinner" clopidogrel in procedures such as stenting and angioplasty to open blocked heart vessels. . More>> - (
) Self help for the treatment of heartburn
Extra pounds increase pressure on the stomach and can push acid into the esophagus. Also avoid tight belts and waistbands.If you keep having acid reflux during your sleep, elevate the head of your bed or place a wedge under your upper body. (You can buy one at a bedding store, maternity shop or medical supply store.) Sleeping on an incline will prevent gastric acids from rising up. But don't make the mistake of relying on extra pillows—they elevate only your head and may even make things worse by putting pressure on your stomach. Most people with GERD have mild symptoms that clear up in response to these simple measures. Over-the-counter antacids and pills that cut down on acid production can also help. But if these measures don't take care of the problem, be sure to see your doctor. He or she will review your medical history and come up with a program to put out heartburn's fire. More>>