If you suffer from indigestion, you’re not alone. Indigestion accounts for roughly 70% of all gastrointestinal complaints.

Every year Americans spend millions of dollars on medications for dyspepsia, a catchall term for an assortment of upper abdominal symptoms — including pain, bloating, and burping — commonly referred to as indigestion. At any given time, about one fourth of American adults suffer from some degree of indigestion. Indeed, indigestion accounts for 5% of all office visits to primary care doctors and up to 70% of all gastrointestinal complaints. Women are more vulnerable to indigestion than men, but older adults are often spared. The prevalence of indigestion appears to remain stable or even decline with age.

Although effective treatment for indigestion is available, only about one fourth of those with persistent symptoms of indigestion see a doctor for help. About 40% of those who do seek assistance for indigestion are worried that they may have a life-threatening disorder — in particular, stomach or esophageal cancer. In reality, such malignancies are the culprit in fewer than 3% of cases.

Indigestion is far more likely to be caused by one of a host of other, less serious problems. Nevertheless, these conditions should still be treated — sometimes to prevent complications, sometimes simply to relieve discomfort and improve the quality of life. Fortunately, the proper medications — often combined with lifestyle measures — are usually helpful.

Searching for the causes of indigestion

The hallmark of indigestion is persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the mid- to upper abdomen. Other symptoms of indigestion include bloating, a premature feeling of fullness after meals (early satiety), and excessive burping. Nausea and heartburn (a burning sensation just under the breastbone that sometimes radiates to the neck) may be present, but recurrent vomiting and nutritional problems are not typical.

Many underlying causes can prompt these symptoms of indigestion. Among the most common are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers. GERD is characterized by upper abdominal pain and heartburn. Stomach ulcers cause periodic episodes of upper abdominal pain that get worse with hunger and improve after eating or taking antacids. Nighttime pain is often so severe that sufferers waken frequently.

Dismotility disorders, such as esophageal spasms or weak esophageal contractions (achalasia), are another possibility. These neurologic problems are characterized by peristaltic impairment, malfunction of the involuntary muscle contractions that push food down the esophagus into the stomach. Symptoms include generalized upper abdominal pain that is usually aggravated by food and accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, early satiety, loss of appetite, nausea, retching, and occasionally vomiting. Finally, indigestion is a potential side effect of many medications. Among the more likely culprits are aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, theophylline, digitalis, corticosteroids, iron, niacin, chemotherapy drugs, and certain narcotics. No matter what the cause of indigestion, stress and other psychological factors can clearly trigger or worsen symptoms.

When to see a doctor for indigestion

Antacids and histamine (H2) blockers are the two most effective over-the-counter medications for indigestion. But they are appropriate only for occasional episodes. Antacids such as calcium carbonate (Tums and others) and magnesium salts (Mylanta and others) neutralize stomach acid, which can cause inflammation in the stomach and the esophagus, resulting in abdominal discomfort or heartburn. Antacids are intended for quick symptom relief.

H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac) suppress the production of stomach acids so that irritated tissues have a chance to heal. When these medications are effective, there is no reason to see a doctor. But recurrent or persistent symptoms require medical attention. Be specific about your symptoms. Describe the location and quality of the pain. Explain whether it is sharp or dull, concentrated or diffuse, burning or stabbing. Note whether you feel better after eating or when you are hungry; if over-the-counter medications help; if you feel very full after eating a small meal; and if you are plagued by bloating, nausea, or burping. Diagnostic studies include endoscopy (direct examination of the esophagus using a flexible, illuminated tube), certain imaging studies, blood work, and testing for Helicobacter pylori (the bacterium responsible for most stomach ulcers).

Therapeutic options for indigestion

Proper treatment of indigestion usually brings significant relief and prevents complications, such as Barrett’s esophagus (cellular changes due to persistant irritation that may lead to cancer) from GERD, and perforation of the stomach wall from stomach ulcers. If either of these disorders is suspected, a trial of therapy may be recommended based on symptoms alone. Prescription-strength H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (a potent type of acid suppressor) such as omeprazole (Prilosec) are useful for GERD. Also essential are lifestyle measures — such as not eating near bedtime (because lying down encourages partially digested food and stomach acid to flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus) and avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic beverages (which may irritate the stomach and esophageal lining).

If symptoms persist despite GERD treatment, a stomach ulcer is often suspected. H. pylori causes about 90% of all stomach ulcers; NSAID use is responsible for most of the remainder. If H. pylori is thought to be the cause, antibiotic therapy can cure it. However, many people harbor H. pylori, and yet this is not the cause of their indigestion symptoms. In such cases, antibiotic therapy is not helpful. If NSAIDs or other medications are implicated, it is necessary to stop using the offending drug. Other alternatives, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for short-term, over-the-counter pain relief, are usually available — but consult your doctor before adjusting any prescription medications.

When the cause of indigestion is elusive

In at least 25% of cases, no underlying cause of indigestion can be found. Yet, certain abnormalities are prevalent in these patients. In about one third, solids leave the stomach more slowly than normal, a condition called impaired gastric emptying. In some, the amount of food the stomach can comfortably hold may be limited, a condition called postprandial accommodation impairment. Finally, the stomach may be unusually sensitive to stimulation, a condition called gastric hypersensitivity. Exactly what causes these abnormalities, how they contribute to dyspepsia, and whether or how they should be treated is unknown.

When symptoms persist and the known causes of indigestion have been ruled out, the lifestyle measures used for GERD are sometimes effective. Some people find that keeping a diary of symptoms, foods, and emotions helps them identify and control factors that trigger symptoms of indigestion. If symptoms continue, antianxiety medications, dismotility drugs, or antidepressants (especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may be helpful.

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. You may visit and read more post about health on Health Guide. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plant foods. Although fiber isn’t an essential nutrient, a high-fiber diet keeps your digestive system running smoothly, cancer free, and can help you lose weight and may lower your risk of heart disease. The two types of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble, both contribute to health in different ways.

Soluble fiber such as pectins and gums dissolve in fluids in the large intestine and forms a gel. A diet high in soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels because it binds intestinal bile acids that contain fat and cholesterol, which are removed in the stools instead of being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber also reduces the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems by helping to regulate both constipation and diarrhea, and slows the absorption of simple sugars, which helps control the rise in blood sugar after eating.

Soluble fiber can also feed friendly bacteria which help keep the pH in the intestines in balance as well as digest foods and manufacture b vitamins which are important for the body.  Good sources of soluble fiber include legumes (beans), oats, barley, fruit (apples, for example) and psyllium seed (used to make Metamucil and similar products).

The new recommendations from the Institute of Medicine state that women age 50 and younger eat at least 25 to 35 grams of total fiber per day, and men in the same age group at least 30 to 40 grams of total fiber per day. Women over age 50 should eat a minimum of 25 grams per day, and men over 50 should eat a minimum of 30 grams per day to maintain good intestinal health.

Other sources of insoluble fiber are whole grains and beans are perhaps the most often overlooked terrific sources of fiber. Fruits and vegetables are also great choices when trying to increase your fiber fill. Keep in mind that animal foods, for the most part, are devoid of any fiber.

Fiber is only found in whole foods that come from plant sources. There is “no fiber” in meat or fat. Man made and processed foods have less fiber.  To get some ideas for good high-fiber foods, go to your grocery store and look at the labels for highest fiber count before purchasing processed foods.

For those who find it impossible to get the recommended fiber from the foods they eat, there are alternatives.{Fibers in both insoluble and soluble forms are also available in powder, tablet or capsule}.  Those looking for fiber supplements should stop into their local or internet health food store and shop around for the fiber supplement that best fits their daily needs.

* Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Fiber is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

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Most people fail realize that water is extremely essential to their weight loss program. In fact even if you are not trying to lose weight; you should still be drinking at least eight glasses per day.

Our bodies can not live without water; as a matter of fact we can go longer without eating than we can without air and water. So why is water so important and how does water weight loss determine whether I will actually lose weight? Well our bodies are composed of about 60-70% of water.

Without drinking the proper amounts of water; our bodies will not be able to digest the foods and rid of the waste in our bodies. All the foods that we eat consume some sort of toxins and just by drinking the proper amounts of water; out bodies will help flush those toxins out of our bodies.

Not to mention that when we drink water before we sit down to eat our meals; then we have less of a chance of overeating and gaining excess weight.

It helps our bodies regulate temperature and helps keep us cool when we are hot. If you fail to drink the proper amount of water you can compromise the evaporation process that your body goes through and this will put your kidneys under unnecessary stress.

Regardless of what you choose to believe the truth is that losing weight and drinking water go hand in hand. If you really want to lose weight; then it is time to begin drinking the proper amounts of water and leaving the soft drinks and other sugar drinks at home.

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Halifax’s annual pocket money survey has revealed that kids in UK are getting rather adroit than their adult counterparts when it comes to saving money. Particularly boys, who are showing an increased bent towards managing their savings in the best possible manner than the girls.

Mike Regnier, head of savings at Halifax, said “It is great to see that children have a positive attitude towards saving and are starting to get into the savings habit at a very young age.”

Going by the figures, 64 per cent of boys save more money than they spend, compared with 52 per cent of girls.

It is indeed worth appreciating that the efforts of inculcating the habit of saving on the part of parents are finally showing its effects.
But, this is just half the battle won, the next step should be to tell the kids to put the savings to the best of use rather than spending it either on expensive toys or going for parties. Rather, they should be encouraged to invest the savings in a proper channel and bring gains out of it.

[Source:ilovemybaby] 

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Ear Infections and the consequent pain is the most common illness among children and the pediatricians all over the world depend upon nature to treat the pain among kids over 2 years.

In kids older than 2 years, most of the ear infections clear up themselves…there’s no need of giving any antibiotics, advice the experts.

Your little one has some infection in his ear if:

1. He displays some kind of unusual irritability.
2. It is difficult for you to put him to sleep because of the pain.
3. Repeatedly tugs and pulls at one or both the ears.
4. Has mild fever as well.
5. You can see some fluid draining out of his ear.
6. He/She does not respond to quiet sounds and displays hearing inability.
7. Does not react to sounds.

Since the doctors advice no medicine, so here are certain natural things that you can do to make your kid feel comfortable in case of ear infection:

1. Give him warm baths to comfort him and divert his attention towards something else.
2. In case of fever continuing over certain days, visit the doctor.
3. Never try to remove wax at any cost. Let the doctor do it.

[Source:ilovemybaby] 

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Now single women and lesbians can get IVF under Government plans rejecting the prerequisite for doctors to consider a child’s ‘need for a father’.

Presently doctors can only give fertility treatment if they believe their patient has taken into account a child’s need for a father figure.

However, the ministers are likely to drop the case, as it would entail them up to allegations of unfair discrimination. In addition, ethical activists termed it as ‘gender correctness at its most ridiculous’.

The 1990 Human Fertilization and Embryology Act sets out current rules on research and treatment using human embryos. And ministers want to reform the act by introducing recent scientific advances. On 9th of December, it surfaced that, the ‘need for a father’ was part of the old Act, moreover, ministers are set to back embryo screening to weed out genetic defects or to create a ’savor sibling’ for a sick child.

However, families won’t be allowed to choose the gender of their baby.

There are chances that it would certainly also bring controversial internet sperm suppliers under regulation for the first time.

As it is, the work has created some sparks from ethical campaigners also the government is saying that the donor fathers would be informed when the offspring take up a right to access about their information.

Some clinics will now provide IVF to single women and lesbians as long as they are happy the women have considered the child’s need to have a male role model in its life.

However many others refuse to treat women who have no male partner because of the child’s ‘need for a father.’

[Source:ilovemybaby] 

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There cannot be a better way to beginning the rocking Christmas season than with cakes and cookies…and best when kids can cook them on their own in their own oven.
Own Oven? Yes, check out the Easy- Bake Oven and you’ll know what are we talking about.

This one is designed specially for kids, wherein they can make mini-cakes ad cookies on their own and enjoy the Christmas to the hilt with their friends and pals.

The chic oven comes with a functional oven, a working burner to warm up the toppings and a magicool pan, which tell kids the safe time to remove them from the oven.

Isn’t awesome? Yes, it is…just buy this for your little princess and see the million dollar smile running across her lips.
Price: $39.99

[Source:ilovemybaby] 

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Mom Heidi Klum’s reaction to her having three kids in past three years shows that the lady is pretty happy and has no regrets about the fact. It was with the birth of third kid Johan, Last month that she said “Everyone had the biggest smiles on their faces once Johan arrived.”

Heidi already has a two-year-old daughter Leni and 15-month-old son Henry who are pretty happy after having a bro junior.

As far as dad Seal is concerned, he has a different reason to feel happy…he had always wanted a home filled with children’s laughter and “We love that they will grow up close in age. Now, is this indeed a reason to be happy or just a condolence that the father is offering himself?

[Source:ilovemybaby] 

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Wanna give a sound sleep to your baby with some of the most soothing and serene lullabies. Not the usual monotonous ones but some real funky and rocking numbers that will give him a calm sleep all through the night. Heck them out:

1. The “Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions” for $16.98

2. “Mary Had a Little Amp” for $11.98

3. CribRock’s “Full Metal Diaper” for $16.99

4. “Sing-A-Longs from the Film Curious George” for13.98.

5. “Catch That Train,” for $16.98

6. “Silly Reflection” for $12

7. “Jazz For Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake” for $11.98)

[Source:ilovemybaby] 

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If you too are one of those Christmas enthusiasts who make it a point not to miss even the slightest of preparations as far as celebrating Christmas is concerned, here is some thing for you.

If taking care of everything, right from the Star at the top of your Christmas tree to the Lionel tree running at the bottom is one of your interests, then here is something that you will love to get home this Christmas.

The special Christmas themed Santa Express from the house of Lionel Marketing. This 10-inches tall wonder brings along a lot more along with it including chic Christmas lights, chugging sound effects and a cute little fat Santa hanging at the back…so what are you waiting for? Add some more excitement to your kids’ Christmas with Lionel Santa Express.

[Source:ilovemybaby] 

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