Acid reflux is a harmful chronic disease which can be caused by many different factors. In this article, we’ll do an in-depth examination of what may be causing acid reflux disease.
One of the main reasons that people experience the caustic fluid backup that is characteristic of acid reflux is improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES muscles. These muscles are found at the base of the esophagus and provide a method of opening and closing the passageway to the stomach. When the LES muscles are weakened, they are often unable to fully close. This can result in acid from the stomach finding its way up into the esophagus.
Abnormalities of the esophagus are another reason why people are afflicted with acid reflux disease. Several different parts of the esophagus may be malformed, but two of the most common abnormalities that lead to acid reflux are peristalsis and a condition known as adult-ringed esophagus. In an adult-ringed esophagus, there are small rings in the throat which can cause an inability to swallow properly. Improper functioning of the stomach is another factor that can be responsible for acid reflux. Over fifty percent of all acid reflux sufferers have impaired stomach muscles that have difficulty responding quickly to stimuli. This can cause an extended period of time before the stomach is emptied of its contents, often leading to an acid backup in the esophagus.
Hiatal hernias are another reason that one may experience acid reflux. The hiatus is a hole that is located in the diaphragm, helping to secure the passageway between the esophagus and the stomach. The hiatus is usually tight, keeping the organs separate. However, if the hiatus is weakened, it can loosen up and lead to a small part of the stomach actually protruding through the hole. When this happens, a hiatal hernia is said to have occurred. While hiatal hernias are not fully responsible for acid reflux, they can lead to a lack of functioning in the LES muscles, which, as discussed previously, leads to acid reflux.
In addition to all of the aforementioned reasons that one may develop acid reflux, the role of certain drugs may also play a hand. NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be responsible for the development of acid reflux and a worsening of the condition in those who already have it. These drugs are quite common, and some of the most recognized brands of NSAIDs include Motrin, Nuprin, Advil, and Aleve. A recent research study showed that people who regularly took these medications were as much as two times as likely to experience some symptoms of acid reflux.
Asthma and diabetes are two other things to consider when diagnosing the cause of acid reflux. At least half of all asthma sufferers are known to experience acid reflux, and we have not yet discovered which disease may be causing the other. Diabetes sufferers need to be wary of their eating habits when it comes to acid reflux; many diabetics suffer from gastroparesis, a condition that causes a delay in the emptying of the stomach. This can cause a backup in the stomach and consequently an acid buildup in the esophagus.
Hydration is a two way street- it must be done on the outside of the body as well as the inside. Hydration is an extremely important aspect of an eczema patient’s life as they are less likely to suffer as many flare-ups if their skin is kept well moisturized. Protecting the skin is key as is making sure the body has plenty of liquids on a daily basis. Hydration or to hydrate is defined as “supplying water to (a person, for example) in order to restore or maintain fluid balance.”
To keep eczema at bay one of the most important tips is to always, always, keep the skin well hydrated (moisturized is another word for hydrated). Skin that is rich in hydration holds in natural moisture and lubrication a great deal better than does dry skin and it also supports the skin at healing at a speedy rate. Any bath or beauty product that removes natural oils from a person’s skin should be avoided at all costs. Bubble bath, scented body washes, soaps, cleansers or scented lotions must all be avoided for eczema sufferers. Look for a moisturizer that is categorized as an emollient. Keep this in mind- the flakier and drier the skin is, the thicker a moisturizer should be used on the skin’s delicate surface.
When a bath is what you long for (a quick one, not a long one!) instead of bubble bath add emollient bath oil under running water. The emollient will soothe and hydrate your skin as you enjoy your bath. Apply a moisturizer when your skin is still damp. Just towel dry a little and then apply it and then finish patting yourself dry. Always use an emollient or another form of a moisturizer such as a lotion or cream on your sensitive eczema prone skin twice a day, morning and night, and more often if necessary. Keep in mind that cream moisturizers contain a high percentage of water and ointments a lower one, therefore cream formulas must be reapplied more times a day than ointments.
Hydrating on the inside is so important as well. Water is vital to good health. The human body is made up of sixty to seventy percent water (our blood being eight-three percent, and the brain a whopping seventy-four percent) but every day we lose water naturally from breathing, sweating and waste, as well as a result of exercise and environmental considerations such as heat and humidity. Aim to drink anywhere from six to eight glasses of purified water a day. Not only will this aid in the digestive process, but it will also help to detoxify your liver and kidneys and help to improve your sensitive skin. As well adequate hydration helps in the absorption of nutrients and carries waster material away as easily as can be. Once you become thirsty you are already dehydrated so you should try to never get to that point. Even if you are not thirsty, drink up anyway! Hydration is key and water is sometimes referred to as “Mother Nature’s healthy cocktail.”
You can identify whether a person has cellulite by pinching an area of skin tissue. If the skin dimples or has a rippling appearance similar to orange peel, then they probably have it. Cellulite is also a lot more noticeable when the skin is cold.
The build-up of cellulite can be reduced by a healthy diet and exercise. Keeping the body well hydrated and avoiding an excess of alcohol and coffee are a strong recommendation as these are among the worst offenders for causing cellulite.
Smoking and diuretic pills, laxative and diet pills also enhance the likelihood of developing cellulite when taken on a regular basis. Salt should also be kept to a bare minimum due to the fact it causes water retention. Exercise is also the key for good condition and the fight against cellulite problems. A good exercise regime is probably half the battle when fighting cellulite.
Most topical applications obtainable on the market do not exclusively treat cellulite although they create a smoother texture by making the skin look plumper and smoother. This effect is only temporary however and it will require you to use constant applications of creams and potions to keep up the effects. This can prove costly and time consuming.
The dimpling effect of cellulite can be reduced by using creams which contain Aminophylline. This is a bronchodilator that causes a chemical reaction which enables the fat cells to be changed into fatty acids which are able to slide through the walls of the cells into the bloodstream. These creams should be used quickly and sparingly and also kept away from heat.
The skin’s quality can also be improved by retinols and Alpha Hydroxy Acids which are found in some lotions. The elimination of the surface layer of dead skin cells can be speeded up by using cellulite lotions containing lactic acid and glycolic acid. This method is increasingly being used to fight cellulite problems in many beauty salons, however they come at a price!
Creams to treat cellulite also contain Vitamin A derivatives or Retinoids which are applied at night time since daylight destroys Retinol. Although it is debated whether Retinol is efficient at removing cellulite, it is also used to improve the skin’s circulation and softness. Certain anti cellulite lotions contain caffeine and some now also contain herbs which improve the skin’s texture and tone.
Some beauty salons advise their customers to wear a particular line of pantyhose and panties made from an unusual mesh fabric. These products are also supposed to provide a flattering exercise to the skin and adipose tissue by complimenting the body’s movements. This exercise is supposed to stimulate microcirculation allowing the fluids in the tissue to be drained. However this can be open to some interpretation.
There are also massage and rollers available that use the same principle. Although these methods do not remedy the underlying cause of cellulite, they reduce the appearance of it for cosmetic relief. However you should always bear in mind that excessive massage on areas that are affected by cellulite can cause breakage in the tiny capillaries under the skin.
If your eczema is in remission then good for you! Now it is time to take steps to ensure that it won’t be coming back anytime soon. But how do you do that? First, relax and take time out for yourself whenever you can. Stress plays a huge role in the incidence of eczema flare-ups so the more you can do to calm yourself and enjoy life the better! Enjoy quality time with family and friends, participate in activities you enjoy and pursue hobbies that make you happy. Laughter goes along with having a good time and laughing is akin to a mini-workout according to researchers. US cardiologist Dr. William Fry says that, “100 to 200 laughs are equivalent to ten minutes of jogging or rowing.” Not only that but laughter lowers an individual’s blood pressure as well as the level of stress hormones and it encourages the work of the immune system. Laughing is really good for you so do it as often as possible to keep stress at bay and therefore eczema flare-ups as well.
Don’t slack off with your moisturizing regime just because your eczema has gone into remission. Remember that it could turn on a dime so keep up your excellent hydration rules. Moisturizing often is such an essential part of living with eczema, regardless of who you are, your age or how often it does, or doesn’t flare up. Skin that is well hydrated on a daily basis is healthier skin than dry skin. It holds in natural oils very well and its healing capacities are greater. Use emollient oil in the bathtub when you are taking one of your quick power baths or showers (with lukewarm water, not hot or scalding!). Apply your moisturizing cream, lotion or ointment immediately after exiting the bath or shower, when your skin is still damp and more responsive to the replenishment of moisture. Always read the ingredients on labels for skin care products carefully and avoid any products that contain alcohol or any form of scent as these can serve to irritate and dry out your skin worse. Some of the best choices for all around moisturizers for eczema skin include Vaseline, Alpha Keri, Aquaphor, Curel, Eucerin, Moisturel, and Lubriderm.
Avoid common irritants that could cause your eczema to show itself again. Don’t wear scratchy material such as wool, and don’t wear clothes that are restrictive or don’t fit your body properly. Stay away from harsh soaps, cleansers, detergents and air sprays that might put your eczema problems back into circulation. Avoid chemicals and solvents (such as paint thinner and turpentine) and do your best to keep your home as free of pet hair, dust and mold as possible.
Keep in mind that extremes of temperature, whether they be high or low can aggravate eczema, even when it is lying dormant. Stay inside on these kind of days, or at least for a portion of the day and plan your outdoor physical activities when the weather is mild and more “middle of the road.” As well when you do exert yourself, either through work or through physical activity such as exercise, don’t allow yourself to become overheated or to sweat excessively. This could possibly signal your eczema to come out of hiding.
Herbs can do much more than add much needed spice to the foods you cook. Herbs also have important health benefits, and many herbs have been shown to have remarkable healing properties.
Growing your own herbs
Fortunately, herbs are very easy to grow in your own home herb garden. They are also easy and quite inexpensive to buy, either fresh or in their dried varieties. When buying herbs, whether they are dried or fresh, however, it is important to exercise caution and to buy only the freshest herbs, or those dried herbs made by quality, reputable companies.
The best choice for many people, however, is to grow your own herbs in an herb garden. Unlike many other forms of gardening, an herb garden takes up almost no space. Most herb gardens can be grown using the smallest flower pots set in a sunny windowsill. There are every kits which allow the cook to grow a variety of herbs directly from seed, all in one handy container.
There are as many ways to use herbs in cooking and in healing as there are herbs. For instance, meats, stews and pasta dishes can all be enhanced with basil, garlic, oregano and rosemary. Foods that are naturally sweet can be further enhanced through the addition of herbs like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, while extra heat can be added to many foods by adding a dash of white, black or red pepper.
Herbs and dieting
Dieters often appreciate the ability of herbs to add flavor and variety to food without adding extra calories. When adding fresh herbs to a recipe, the best technique is to gently crush the herbs in your hand in order to fully release their flavor. It is best to add the herbs near the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor and nutritional value. A few of the most commonly grown herbs for the home garden are:
? Sweet basil – Sweet basil (ocimum basilicum), in both the dark opal and the green variety are quite easy to grow from seed, and they generally germinate at 7 to 10 days. Basil can grow to a height of 18 inches, and it provides excellent flavor to tomato paste, pastas, soups and stews.
? Chives – Chives (allium scboenoprasum) is a perennial plant which is popular in both herb gardens and more traditional garden patches. These tiny plants resemble spears of grass when they first sprout, but they can grow to a height of 12 inches. Chives are great in salads, sauces and all kinds of egg dishes.
? Dill – Dill (anethum graveolens) is another easily grown herb, and it makes an excellent flavoring for meats. Dill is also excellent for use in pickling.
? Lavender – Lavender (lavandula) is easy to grow as well, and it provides a fresh scent indoors and out. While not traditionally eaten, lavender is important in aromatherapy, and the dried leaves of the plant make excellent sachets for sprucing up closets.
? Mint – Mint (menthe spicat) is also quite easy to grow and it can easily be grown indoors as part of an herb garden. Mint is an excellent accompaniment to fruit drinks and lemonade, and we all know how well mint jelly goes with lamb dishes.
? Sage – Sage (saivia officinalis) is another perennial plant that is grown indoors and out. This popular herb is excellent for use in chicken, turkey and pork, and it is often used for flavoring sausage as well.