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Heartburn Remedies during Pregnancy

After having suffered through all those weeks of ‘morning sickness,’ the last thing any pregnant woman wants to go through is another several months of heartburn. Unfortunately, heartburn is common in pregnancy because of all that extra weight you are carrying up front. That tiny baby is causing an upwards pressure on your stomach which may then cause the contents up into the esophagus. Although there are a number of medications on the market, most women try to treat heartburn naturally. Here are some suggestions which have been found effective as well as safe for many pregnant mothers.

Avoid Spicy and Fatty Foods

Although we know that spicy or fatty foods tend to cause heartburn, what many women don’t know is that they also weaken the esophageal sphincter. This allows for foods to come back up more readily, but spicy and fatty foods also tend to be more acidic. Since it is acid that causes the discomfort, you want to avoid foods that cause an excess of stomach acids.

Sleep with Your Head Elevated

Anyone suffering from heartburn should make every effort to sleep with the head elevated. This is true during pregnancy as well. When looking at natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy give this remedy some serious thought. There are wedge-shaped pillows on the market for just this purpose and as you progress through your trimesters you will find that it helps keep you more comfortable as well!

Smaller Meals More Often

Keep in mind that your baby is taking up a lot of room in your midsection so you should try to avoid overeating. Most obstetricians suggest that you eat smaller meals more often throughout the day. This is good, sound advice for anyone suffering from heartburn but it is also an effective remedy during pregnancy as well. Besides helping to relieve heartburn you will feel so much more comfortable not being overly full.

Don’t Nap Directly After Eating

Whether or not you choose to sleep with your head elevated, the worst thing you can do is take a nap directly after eating. Give your stomach time to begin digesting some of that food so that it can work its way down instead of back up again. It is suggested that you try to walk around a bit after eating and wait at least an hour before taking that much needed nap.

Eat Yogurt for Dessert

In recent years there has been a great deal of information in regards to something called probiotics. Yogurt culture is naturally high in probiotics which aid in digestion and keep friendly bacteria at healthy levels in your intestinal tract. Instead of eating a piece of pie or a dish of ice cream for dessert (with or without pickles!) try a nice tasty portion of yogurt. This will go a long way in relieving heartburn during pregnancy.

Papaya and Ginger

One of the oldest Chinese heartburn remedies during pregnancy is ginger, believe it or not! Chinese women have added fresh ginger root to soups and teas for thousands of years and to this day it is one of the most common remedies for heartburn. A nice portion of papaya can help as well since papayas are naturally high in digestive enzymes. The key is to keep foods moving through your digestive system so they aren’t sitting in your stomach waiting to back up into your esophagus. Both ginger and papaya are wonder workers in this regard.

If you are like so many women who would rather go au natural at this happy time, try some of these natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy. You would be surprised at just how far a few lifestyle and dietary changes can go in remedying heartburn. Of course you should discuss any changes with your doctor, but you will find that these suggestions are safe and effective. Give them a try!

November 13th, 2011 | Tags: , , | Category: Heartburn | Leave a comment

Heartburn Treatment at Home

There are a greater number of people than ever before looking for home remedies for everything from simple heartburn to colorectal cancer. While there are many medications on the market which can effectively treat acid reflux, there are just as many heartburn treatment home remedies, if not more. Some methods of heartburn treatment at home involve lifestyle changes while others are dietary and yet others are homeopathic supplements and formulas. Finding one that works for you may be a matter of trial and error, but always discuss treatments with your doctor first to make sure heartburn isn’t symptomatic of some more serious underlying illness or disease.

Natural Heartburn Treatment for Kids

For many years parents have been giving their children Milk of Magnesia or Pepto-Bismol for heartburn but there is more than one natural heartburn treatment for kids. Perhaps the oldest ‘trick in the book’ is a nice glass of warm milk. Cold milk can shock the stomach so heartburn treatment milk remedies should always be at room temperature or warmer. Milk is alkaline and can quickly neutralize stomach acid before it refluxes with that horrible burning sensation. However, be aware of the fact that if the child is experiencing heartburn because he or she is running a fever and nauseous, milk can promote vomiting. If your child has repeated bouts of heartburn, talk to your pediatrician so that a proper diagnosis can be made.

Looking for the Best Heartburn Treatment Home Remedy

One thing to keep in mind is that what works for one person may be totally ineffective for another. For example, anyone who is lactose intolerant wouldn’t benefit from heartburn treatment milk remedies. On the other hand, there are others who swear by baking soda mixed with water but this is unpalatable to others. Oddly enough, there are homeopathic heartburn remedies that suggest drinking a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Proponents of taking vinegar believe that heartburn isn’t the result of excess acid but rather too little acid which doesn’t allow for adequate digestion of foods. In any case, it is important to try home remedies that are suitable for you. No two people are the same and what works for you may not work for your children or your spouse.

Heartburn Treatment at Home Lifestyle Changes

Whether you are being treated by a physician for acid reflux or are trying to remedy heartburn at home with natural methods, be aware of basic lifestyle changes that can provide significant relief. It is recommended that you never wear tight fitting clothing after eating to allow for better digestion and movement of food through the digestive tract. Also, eat lighter and more often. Large meals promote heartburn even in those not prone to it. Avoid fatty foods, an excess of refined sugar and of course caffeinated beverages. Those who cannot refrain from their coffee find that placing a teaspoon of baking soda in the grounds when brewing it can help reduce the acidity in the coffee. Finally, try sleeping with your upper body elevated at least six to eight inches. This can be accomplished by putting risers under the legs at the head or with a wedge shaped pillow.

Looking for the best heartburn treatment at home can be time consuming as you may need to experiment a bit, but once you find an effective remedy you will be able to keep it close at hand. Try not to use acid reducers or antacids during your quest for a home remedy as you will not know if it is the medication providing the relief or the natural remedy. And as always, if you experience heartburn more than twice a week over an extended period of time you should consult with your physician to rule out more serious conditions.

September 11th, 2011 | Tags: , , | Category: Heartburn Treatment | Leave a comment

Understanding Heartburn and Heartburn Relief Remedies

There probably isn’t a person on earth who hasn’t had, at one time or another, an episode of heartburn severe enough to reach for the good old fashioned chalky mint flavored antacids. However, some people are more prone to it than others, which is why there are a million and one heartburn relief remedies. The trick is to find heartburn relief that is safe and effective for you. But, first you need to know what is causing that sour stomach that repeats on you.

What Causes Heartburn?

In order to find effective heartburn relief, it is important to understand the triggers that cause it. Heartburn is named as such because of the burning sensation experienced in the chest when stomach acid comes up backwards through the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). At this point the acid irritates the delicate lining of the esophagus causing that painful burning we have come to know as heartburn and why we are so intent on finding heartburn relief remedies.

What Causes the Acid to Work Back Upwards?

Sometimes the LES is not functioning properly and other times the valve is just weak. Then there are simply times when we eat too much of the wrong foods that cause excess acidity which cannot be neutralized quickly enough during the natural digestive process, so it refluxes (comes up the wrong way). The thing to look for is whether you have frequent heartburn which necessitates taking regular doses of heartburn relief medicine or if it only happens infrequently. If you have frequent heartburn it could be GERD, a disorder which often needs medical diagnosis and intervention.

Two Types of Heartburn Relief Remedies

If you have been diagnosed with GERD or other disorders such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it is doubtful that heartburn relief natural remedies or antacids will provide the type of treatment needed. The treatment of choice for these types of disorders that affect the LES would be a group of medications classified as proton pump inhibitors which help to reduce the amount of acid being produced in the stomach. This is a significantly different approach than taking antacids which simply neutralize the acid in the stomach as opposed to stopping the production of it.

What Are the Best Heartburn Relief Remedies?

As mentioned, there are two types of heartburn relief remedies and they type which is best depends on the cause. Proton pump inhibitors are the best heartburn relief remedies because, over time, they help to stop the production of excess acid in the stomach. This is the best treatment for ongoing disorders. The best heartburn relief remedies for the occasional occurrence of heartburn might be an OTC antacid or heartburn relief natural remedies.

Natural Heartburn Relief Remedies

Some people swear by home remedies for heartburn. In fact, perhaps the number one heartburn relief home remedy is something we all typically have on hand in our refrigerators – milk! For heartburn relief, milk does seem to neutralize excess acid while it also soothes the lining of the esophagus which is burning from the reflux acid. Other people find that aloe vera helps to soothe the burning sensation even more powerfully than milk. Aloe vera is available in both gel caps and in liquid form at health food stores as well as in many pharmacies.

Whether you choose to find heartburn relief naturally or in pharmaceuticals, the main concern is to keep a diary of how often it occurs if you find that you seem to be experiencing it frequently. If you find that you are subjected to heartburn more than twice a week over a period of weeks, it’s time to consult with your doctor as there is obviously some underlying problem. However, for those of us who just have periodic bouts of heartburn, a simple OTC antacid or a heartburn relief home remedy should do the trick.

August 19th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Heartburn Treatment | Leave a comment

Zantac Information

Since 1996 when Zantac OTC was made available in a nonprescription strength, it has become almost a household name. Anyone suffering from ‘acid indigestion’ has probably taken Zantac at least once for the almost immediate relief it provides. Although there is some controversy over whether or not this medication can treat more severe gastrointestinal conditions, there is still a huge portion of the population who wouldn’t be without their Zantac.

What Is Zantac?

Zantac was first released on the market in 1981 as a prescription drug and from that time until 1988 it had the honor of being the best selling medication around the world. The relief it provided to those suffering from a number of conditions such as duodenal ulcers, stomach ulcers, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and erosive esophagitis was amazing and people actually found relief for the first time with this innovative H2 histamine blocker. Zantac is also used in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and can be used in the prevention of stress ulcers which are common to those who take NSAIDs. The generic name for Zantac is ranitidine which is now available in both prescription and OTC strengths.

Without getting overly technical, H2 refers to a receptor site that causes acid to be produced in the stomach. If you think of Zantac like an antihistamine you will more easily understand how it works. Just as a traditional antihistamine would prevent your body from having allergic reactions by blocking the histamine (H1) receptor site, Zantac helps to prevent excess acid which is produced when H2 reaches specific receptor sites. For all intents and purposes it is an antihistamine, so just think of it as a stomach antihistamine that prevents a specific kind of ‘allergic’ reaction which produces acid.

In recent years doctors have been leaning away from prescribing Zantac as there is now another class of pharmaceutical, proton pump inhibitors, which are said to be more effective in certain disorders which are more severe. While Zantac is still among the treatments of choice for acid indigestion, heartburn, the treatment of some ulcers, the prevention of ulcers and to prevent them from coming back. GlaxoSmithKline manufactures prescription strength Zantac and there are various companies who manufacture the generic ranitidine and Zantac OTC is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.

How Is Zantac Taken?

There are a number of ways in which Zantac is taken although it is most commonly available in tablet form. This medication also comes in effervescent granules, an effervescent tablet and also as syrup. Most often it is taken orally approximately 30 to 60 minutes prior to eating or before drinking anything that is known to promote the production of excess acid. Depending on instructions from your doctor, Zantac 150 dosage may be taken up to four times a day.

When taking Zantac Oral effervescent pills, it is recommended that you dissolve one tablet in 5 ml (one teaspoon) of water. Once it has dissolved you are to drink it down. You can take it with or without food as so desired and it is usually taken only once or twice a day. When taking the Zantac Oral effervescent liquid it is recommended that you carefully measure your Zantac 150 dosage or Zantac 300 dosage with either a measuring spoon or a special medication spoon.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Although there are few Zantac 150 side effects which have been reported, there is always the potential in some people to experience one or more of the following side effects or adverse reactions. The most commonly reported, albeit rare, side effects are dizziness, headaches, and sometimes either diarrhea or constipation. Other, less common, side effects include blurred vision and mental confusion but this is usually only seen in older patients.

In very rare cases there have been reports of bruising or bleeding easily, extreme exhaustion, enlarged breasts, irregular heartbeats and sometimes signs of infection which include but are not limited to fevers, coughs and sore throats. Irregular breathing has also been evidenced on rare occasions. Although these reactions are extremely rare, it is wise to know what they are and what to look for, especially if you are taking Zantac for the first time.

One of the things to be aware of when taking any medication (or even vitamin or natural supplement) is that they may adversely interact with other medications. Keep in mind that Zantac reduces stomach acid which can change the rate of absorption by certain medications. For this reason, it is suggested that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking such pharmaceuticals as delavirdine, gefitinib, raltegravir, atazanavir, dasatinib, glipizide, and triazolam to name just a few. Certain antifungals may also be adversely affected such as the drug ketoconazole.

Special Precautions When Taking Zantac

It seems as if Zantac 150 dosage is taken by a number of people over an extended period of time, but the warnings clearly state that Zantac should only be taken for 2 weeks (14 days) at a time. If you find that you need to take Zantac OTC for longer periods of time because you have not found relief, it is best you speak with  your physician anyway. You may be treating the wrong disease or illness.

While Zantac itself is a histamine blocker and not known to cause allergic reactions, there may be additives or fillers that some people could be allergic to. If you find that you have any type of reaction to this medication you should immediately contact your doctor and of course discontinue using it. The liquid form may actually contain alcohol so it is advised that anyone with an alcohol dependence or diabetes or liver disease may want to consult with your pharmacist or doctor to see if it is advisable that you take this form of Zantac.

Also, as mentioned earlier, elderly people are more susceptible to side effects. The reason for this is because Zantac is filtered through the kidneys and as people age, kidney function declines. For this reason, older individuals should use Zantac or any medication with caution and if they or any family members notice that it is causing dizziness or confusion, it should be immediately discontinued and a doctor consulted.

Just as people in severe pain have been known to overdose on pain killers trying to find some relief, it might be possible to overdose on Zantac if stomach distress is not immediately relieved. In case of accidental overdose, it is important to call either the National Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or if the situation is a dire emergency you should call fire rescue at 911.

Consumer Reviews

In a random sampling of consumer reviews which can be found online, 80% said they found more relieve with omeprazole than they did with Zantac in terms of serious conditions such as GERD where only 50% found Zantac to be effective. However, in terms of heartburn and acid reflux, 9 out of 10 said that Zantac provided the results they were looking for and were now able to eat foods which they had previously had to forego.

However, there was still a significant amount of consumers who said that one tablet at bedtime was effective in treating GERD. When it came to treating ulcers there were mixed reviews. It was split about evenly down the middle where 50% of those providing reviews stated that Zantac afforded relieve from the burning pain while the other 50% stated that they had better results with proton pump inhibitors.

One site providing 16 user reviews when taken for heartburn provided the following results. As far as effectiveness, the average rating was 4.5 out of 5, ease of use rated the medicine at 4.69 out of 5 and customer satisfaction resulted in 4.44 out of 5. With so many acid reducers on the market those are great percentages. However, in terms of treating conditions such as GERD, the users on this site gave Zantac much lower ratings which averaged 1 out of 5.

Summary

The information on this site is not meant to replace professional diagnoses and/or treatments made by medical doctors. It is always recommended that you seek medical advice if you are having any health related issues prior to taking any medications whatsoever. However, since Zantac is provided in OTC strength, many individuals do not consult with their doctor prior to taking the medication.

Although there are few reported incidences of side effects or adverse reactions, it is in your best interest to read all the literature accompanying your medication so that you know what to watch for. If you are given a prescription for Zantac then your pharmacist can provide you with a product printout. Make sure that you only take this medication as directed and for the amount of time specified. Keep this and all mediations out of reach of children and it should also be kept in an airtight container. Make sure to observe the ‘Best If Used By’ dates and discard any unused portions as directed.

August 5th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Medications | Leave a comment

All Natural Heartburn Remedies

In years past people with heartburn would have simply swallowed some sort of elixir or a powder given to them by a doctor without asking many questions at all. As long as the heartburn symptoms were relieved this was all they were concerned with. However, in recent years people have become more aware of the dangers of some of the ingredients listed in heartburn remedies that are purchased over the counter. As a result more and more people are searching for all natural heartburn remedies.

When choosing heartburn remedies, natural cures are the best way to go. This is especially true for those who may not be able to take over the counter medications. For example, natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy are a very good suggestion. In consideration of natural heartburn remedies, apple cider vinegar comes to mind. Apple cider vinegar works by causing a sort of chain reaction in the saliva, thereby helping the food to digest and the stomach to stop producing excess acid. Of all the natural heartburn remedies this one seems to be believed to work the best. However, some people do not like this remedy as the taste is a bit strong and there is a slight burning sensation.

Also know for natural heartburn remedies, baking soda works wonders. It is easy to use and typically works instantly. You simply take about a quarter of a teaspoon and mix it with about 6 ounces of water and then drink it down. Within seconds the baking soda helps to neutralize the stomach acid. The best part about using baking soda as a heartburn remedy is that it is a food item that is completely safe. It does not contain aluminum like other antacids do and it is also extremely inexpensive, at only about $0.50 per box.

For pregnant women, doctors often recommend nothing more than soda crackers such as saltines. These can help to soak up the excess acid and sooth the stomach. In addition, Aloe Vera juice can sooth any issues that result from acid burn in your stomach and intestines. If heartburn becomes serious or chronic then getting looked at by a doctor is always a good idea as the possibility of acid reflux exists.

Always keep in mind that an ounce of prevention goes a long way. You should avoid eating foods that are known to cause you heartburn. It is also a good idea to avoid lying down just after eating as this is one of the main causes of heartburn. After taking in a meal wait at least two hours before going to sleep. Doing this may help you avoid indigestion and heartburn. Heartburn when left untreated can turn into something more severe and problematic. For this reason it is always a good idea to closely monitor the amount of times per week you are afflicted with it.

August 1st, 2011 | Tags: , | Category: Heartburn remedies | Leave a comment

Top Heartburn Causes and Remedies

Heartburn is classified by the sensation of burning in the esophageal area. This happens when the stomach produces an excess of acid which then rises up into the esophagus and throat. Many times heartburn causes chest pain as well. This is why a lot of people miss the symptoms of heart attack, believing that heartburn is the issue when in fact it is not. Heartburn causes in women are no different usually than the causes in men; however, there are some things that may lead to heartburn in women, such as pregnancy.

The most common heartburn causes are foods that are eaten and not digested well due to a number of different reasons. For one thing, spicy and hot food can cause the stomach to produce too much acid, and for another thing, eating at the wrong times can also trigger heartburn. For example, a large meal eaten just before bed can cause a bout of heartburn to occur. In addition, there are some foods that are known culprits when it comes to heartburn causes. Nuts are well known for being a contributing factor to heartburn.

There are several heartburn causes and remedies and for each person they may vary. Where one person may get heartburn from drinking milk or eating tomato sauce, another may get heartburn from drinking coffee. There are some people who have heartburn once in awhile and then there are some who have it much more frequently. Typically people who have heartburn often are given an antacid that they must take daily. However, there are some people who do not like to take medications on a daily basis. These people generally look to heartburn remedies such as baking soda and water or apple cider vinegar.

Having the burning sensation that is caused by stomach acid is quite uncomfortable and can even be extremely painful. Heartburn causes sore throat in many cases as the acid actually comes up into the throat and irritates it. The best thing to do if you have heartburn which you cannot get rid of is seek the advice of a medical professional. However, keep in mind that you do not have to resort to taking over the counter or prescription medications in most cases. Home heartburn remedies usually do the trick.

In some cases chronic heartburn can lead to other complications such as ulcers or hiatal hernias. This is why making sure to keep it at bay is a very good idea. If there is something you know to cause you heartburn it is best to stay away from it. Remember, preventing the onset of heartburn in the first place is much easier than treating it once it has begun. If you are one of the millions of people who have been affected by heartburn then you already know how painful this condition can be. The best advice is to take care of it before it becomes a chronic problem or develops into GERD.

July 30th, 2011 | Tags: , , | Category: Heartburn remedies | Leave a comment