Home Remedies for Heartburn: Treat Retrosternal Burning Naturally

All individuals at some point in their life suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion. There are a host of dietary and environmental factors that can contribute to the development of the condition. The condition is often transient and associated with mild to moderate distress, however prolonged cases can get complicated into peptic ulcers or even gastric cancers. Home remedies and dietary tips can be beneficial in the management of the condition.

Heartburn affects almost
everyone

Heartburn Causes: Understanding Restrosternal burning

Though inappropriate diet contributes to the most frequent cause of heartburn, there are a host of other factors responsible for restrosternal burning,

• Consuming excessive amounts of carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, fried foods, and refined foods and hydrogentated fats is the most common and significant cause of restro-sternal burning.
• Faulty dietary practices like Lying down immediately after a heavy meal, having too long gaps between two meals also cause heartburn.
• Smoking is responsible for heartburn. Alcohol consumption is also linked with Heartburns
• Pregnant females often suffer from heartburn due to the compression of the stomach by the growing fetus
• Certain medications including NSAIDs are responsible for heartburn. Most over the counter medications are also considered to be associated with the risk of heartburn and retrosternal burning

Repeated heartburn episodes can be indicative of gastro-esophagal reflux disease. It is extremely vital that you treat the condition immediately and prevent a progression of the disorder; an aggravation can result in gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and even cancer.

Home Remedy for Heartburn: Natural Remedies for Restrosternal Burning

Heart burn can be effectively managed by making lifestyle alterations and adhering to a wholesome and nutritious diet. Acid reflux tends to occur when acid from the stomach comes up in to the esophagus. This sets off heart burn. It is very essential that you alleviate the symptoms quickly, so that you can prevent complications such as, excessive acidity and gassy stomach, peptic ulceration, gastritis, etc. These home remedies help allay heart burn promptly:

Dried Figs are beneficial
to treat Heartburn

•  Cold milk helps relieve acidity and restro-sternal burning almost immediately.
• Yogurt is another excellent food remedy. Have a bowl of yogurt with lunch everyday.
• Cabbage juice is another effective remedy. Have 1 ounce of the juice daily.
• Start your day with dry fruits like Dates or Prunes or Dried figs. These leave an alkaline ash; and thereby, check acid reflux and acidity. These foods are alkaline foods and help manage most gastric complaints
• Ginger and jaggery after every meal is recommended by most experts. Grate a small piece of ginger and blend with some jaggery. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and an antacid.

Natural Treatment for Retrosternal Burning: Tips to prevent Heartburn
Heart burn is an outcome of GI malfunctioning. Unbalanced and lopsided diets, heavy and greasy meals, and staying hungry for extended periods of time causes dyspepsia. Make sure you follow these guidelines:

•  Do not eat your food hurriedly; always eat at a relaxed pace. 
• Never eat heavy and big meals. Eat small, frequent meals.
• Never lie down after meals at least for about 45 minutes. Dont have meals late at night.
• Quit smoking and consuming alcohol.
• Mint tea is an instant quick-fix for heart burn. Boil a handful of mint in a bowl of water. Have this decoction once daily for a fortnight; thereafter, have it at least thrice a week.

An Excellent Home Remedy for Heartburn: Vinger

Though antacids are recommended for management of heartburn, prolonged use of antacids is harmful to health.Vinegar, however, has proved to be definitely effectual in the quick management of retro-sternal burning. Consume two spoons of unfiltered apple cider vinegar before a meal; this prevents gastric acid from regurgitating into the esophagus. A convenient substitute is taking apple cider vinegar capsules.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea: Diarrhea Diet to Manage Symptoms Naturally

Diarrhea, one of the most common gastro-intestinal ailments is associated with a variety of causes. By and large, diarrhea is a self limiting symptom, however in some cases it may lead to severe dehydration. Treatment regimen focuses on preventing dehydration and restoring the bulk of the stools. Here are some home remedies and diet tips that can help in the management of diarrhea successfully.

What is Diarrhea? Diarrhea Causes and Symptoms

Red Wine is Beneficial
in Diarrhea Management

Diarrhea is a natural way in which the body tries to flush out harmful toxins accumulated in the gastro-intestinal system. Diarrhea is primarily caused due to inflammation and irritation of the mucosal lining of the intestine. There are several factors that can result in intestinal inflammation,

• Bacterial or parasitic infections: The most common cause of diarrhea, bacterial infections by E. Coli and Salmonella can result in diarrhea. Travelers Diarrhea caused due to contaminated food and water is a common cause of diarrhea among tourists
• Consuming raw foods in higher proportion than usually acceptable by the body can also lead to diarrhea. Excessive consumption of fruits, especially citrus fruits like lemon and oranges can cause diarrhea. Excessive consumption of food sweeteners can also lead to diarrhea
• High dosage of Vitamin C supplements or Magnesium Supplements can also result in diarrhea. In such event it is recommended to immediately reduce the dosage
• Higher generation antibiotics also tend to destroy the ‘ friendly bacteria’ in the intestine and can result in diarrhea.In most cases diarrhea stops after the antibiotics are stopped
• Diarrhea is also a symptom of irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s Disease, Gluten Intolerance syndrome, Colitis, etc

Diarrhea is often associated with symptoms like frequent loose and watery stools, abdominal cramp, gassy stomach with abdominal distension. In cases associated with infection, symptoms like nausea and fever may also be observed.

 Home Remedies for Diarrhea Treatment: Natural Cures for Diarrhea

• Carob powder is considered to be one of the oldest remedies for the management of diarrhea. Consuming one teaspoon of mixed carob powder with grated apples, about three times a day is considered to be beneficial
• Some research studies have found that wine can help combat diarrhea. Both white and red wine can be more effective than over the counter anti diarrheal products and can get rid of bacterial infections caused due to Salmonella and E coli
• Some research studies have shown that Mango is beneficial in the management of traveler’s diarrhea.
• Yoghurt and Brewer’s Yeast are considered beneficial in management of diarrheal disorders. Both these foods contain Acidophilus, which helps restore adequate levels of healthy bacteria in the intestine, which can be beneficial in the management of diarrhea



Raspberry Leaves are beneficial
in Treatment of Diarrhea

• In some cases, Psyllium is recommended. Though more frequently recommended for the management of constipation, psyllium can absorb extra fluids from the intestine and also help reduce the frequency of the stools.
• Tea made of blackberry leaves or Raspberry leaves is also beneficial. These teas contain tannins, which are chemicals that bind with the mucous membrane of the intestine and absorb excess fluids. Further, they can also replenish fluid loss and prevent dehydration

Diarrhea Diet : Foods for Diarrhea 

• Remain well hydrated at all times. Dry lips, sunken eyes and persistent thirst are signals of dehydration. Ensure that you add a pinch of salt and a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon to a glass of water. This helps restore electrolyte balance.
• During an episode of diarrhea consume only soft and easily digestable foods. Boiled Vegetables, fresh fruit juices, etc are recommended during diarrhea.
• Avoid milk, citrus fruits and high fibre diet for a few days after diarrhea. Instead eat bland food comprising of bananas and rice
• When travelling avoid eating raw food. Only consume cooked food. Avoid ice cubes and prefer only bottled water.
• Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before consuming. Maintain utmost hygiene while preparing food to reduce the risk of food poisoning or infections. 

Prognosis for Liver Cirrhosis and Natural Treatment: Home Remedies and Diet to Treat Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic Liver disease affects 2 million people in the United States alone. Large Scale Histopathological studies of liver biopsies are suggestive that alcoholic hepatitis is widely prevalent in the Western World, though most of the individuals remain asymptomatic. Prevalence of alcoholic hepatitis in the western world is estimated to be in the range of 25-30%. The prognosis of the condition depends upon a host of factors however; simple dietary measures and home remedies have been found to be effective in treating the condition naturally. These home remedies are meant to improve liver health and promote regeneration of destroyed liver tissue.

Biliary and Liver System

Liver Cirrhosis: Prognosis of Liver Disease

Alcoholic Hepatitis refers to a syndrome characterized by progressive liver injury and severe inflammation associated with long term and heavy consumption of ethanol.

Prognosis of liver disease associated with consumption of alcohol depends upon several factors. Studies have shown that abstinence from the consumption of alcohol can result in limiting the progression of the disease and improve liver function within a few months.

Mortality rates in individuals Hospitalized for alcoholic liver disorder was about 15% (within 30 days following hospitalization) and increased to 40% (in one year following hospitalization). In patients with severe symptoms of coagulopathy, jaundice and encephalopathy, the mortality rate was as high as 50%.

Another study conducted indicated that age, low white blood cell count, high prothrombin time and females are at a greater risk of mortality due to alcoholic liver disease.

Home Remedies to Treat Liver Disorders: Dietary Guidelines for Alcoholic Hepatitis

Nutrients and Vitamins are crucial in initiating convalescence and hastening recovery in patients with alcoholic liver disease. There are three vegetables which should be included in regular diet to improve liver functions and treat hepatitis,

Beet Root is beneficial
in management of liver
disorders

• Artichoke: This vegetable, especially its leaves, contains caffeoylquinic acids which have demonstrated significant liver tissue regeneration and protective properties. Caffeoylquinic acid has choleretic effect which promotes the flow of bile from the liver. Hepatitis is often caused due to accumulation of bile salts in the liver, which cause irritation of the biliary system and subsequent inflammation.
• Beet Root: Another useful vegetable, beet root contains betacyanin, which helps in detoxification of the liver and helps eliminate wastes and toxins including heavy metals and derbies accumulated in the hepatic system and promotes healing
• Dandelion Roots: Regarded as the finest liver remedy, these roots are loaded with Vitamin A, pectin, proteins and Vitamin C along with iron and thiamine. This food reduces congestion and boosts the functional capacity of the liver and hastens the recovery process.

 Treating Liver Cirrhosis Naturally: Diet Recommendations for improving Liver Functions

Though there are a wide range of factors that are responsible for liver cirrhosis and liver damage, ethanol metabolism in the liver acts as one of the most primary factors responsible for liver cirrhosis and liver damage. In addition to incorporating the aforementioned foods, there are some special dietary recommendations,

• Liver disorder and excessive alcohol consumption is associated with nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Increase the intake of citrus fruits (lemon, lime, oranges), apple, strawberries, etc along with vegetables like spinach, turnip, capsicum, carrots, etc. Increase the intake of low fat diary products like milk and yoghurt
• Vitamin B complex and Vitamin K supplements play a crucial role in improving liver functions. Vitamin K improves the clotting time and prothrombin time, which in turn is associated with better prognosis
• Avoid foods high in fats and oils. Excessive fatty food tends to increase the demand for bile which in turn may further result in increased strain on the liver. Avoid processed and packed foods. 

Treating IBS with Probiotics: Mint for Natural Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In a study published in the Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, it was noted that the Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects approximately 14.1% of the population of United States. The study indicated that approximately 75% of the estimated population suffering from the condition, remained undiagnoized of IBS, though they manifested clincial symptoms of the condition. A similar study conducted across eight countries in Europe had similar findings. Irritable bowel syndrome has signficiant impact on the social and economic performane of an individiual. Probiotics and Mint has shown to have a significant action on improving the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. David Williams probiotics are considered to be the best probiotics with advantage of vitamins and minerals.


Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Causes and Symptoms of IBS

One of the most common digestive tract disorders, irritable bowel syndrome is considered to affect one in five adults in the United States. Though this condition is not associated with any form of structural disorders, the functional symptoms associated with the condition include,

• Abdominal pain and discomfort, which is the most commonly observed symptom
• Severe cramps with changes in normal bowel functions
• Excessive bloating, and gassy stomach
• Diarrheoa or Constipation 

Irritable bowel syndorme is classified into different catagories depending upon the predominant symptom that is manifested namely constipation predominant, diarrhea predominant or pain predominant, which is associated with alternating symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.

Though the underlying factors responsible for IBS are not known, studies have shown a high risk of irritable bowel disease especially after a gastrointestinal infection. However psychological factors like depression and anxiety are also closely linked with the condtion. As per a study published in Journal of Clincial Gastroentrology, the derailment of the brain gut axis results in the symptoms associated with IBS

Probiotics helps
in IBS Management

IBS and Probiotics

Unfortunately, there is little research information available about the role of probiotics in aiding the improvement of symptoms associated with IBS. Probiotics have been proven to be effective in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea, but studies have not shown their effectiveness in improving symptoms associated with IBS.

However, considering the facts that IBS is attributed to inflammatory disease which in turn results in bloating, abdominal pain and other symptoms, the role of probiotics in management of IBS cant be underestimated. Ready natural mixture of probiotics and vitamins like Dr David Williams probiotics are considered very beneficial.

Mint for Irritable Bowel
Syndrome

   

Action of Mint for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  

The mint family is one of the most valuable medicinal and gastronomic herb families. It is highly effective in the management of Irritable bowel Syndrome

• The principal application of this herb is as a strong carminative and digestive. It reduces flatulence, relieves wind and almost instantaneously alleviates spasms of the colon. Mint relaxes the muscles of the colon, thus checking spasms and excessive colonic contractions successfully.
• It helps detoxify the colon and regularizes bowel movement. It eliminates toxic wastes from the bowels, as well as from the blood stream.
• The presence of Menthol in mint is the chief element that exerts a bowel comforting effect.
• Research also states that mint has the potential to ward off colo-rectal cancers.

Quick Serve Ideas for Mint : Natural Therapies to Treat IBS

Drinking mint tea everyday has proved to be highly beneficial.
To make mint tea, add ¼ bowl of fresh or dried mint leaves to a cup of water, and boil for 10 minutes. 1 cup of fresh mint tea eases stomach disorders, detoxifies your body, and soothes your nerves as well.

Meditation technqiues have been found beneficial in the management of stress, while Yoga is an ancient system which helps stimulate all the organs of the body and aids in normalizing gastro-intestinal disorders including IBS.