10 Home Remedies for Quick Relief from Acidity

What is Acidity?

Acidity also known as Acid Reflux, is the term for symptoms caused due to an excessive production of acids by the gastric glands in the stomach. The stomach is responsible for the breaking down of food, for which it secretes hydrochloric acid. This acid assists the process of digestion and assimilation of food that we eat on a daily basis. The rise in the level of this acid can lead to symptoms like heartburn, dyspepsia, gastric inflammation or even lead to stomach ulcers.

Causes of Acidity:

Acidity is generally caused due to several lifestyle choices like irregular eating habits, fatty and overly spicy diets, smoking and consumption of alcohol, stress, lack of physical activity etc. It is common amongst individuals who are habituated of eating large and spicy meals.

Symptoms of Acidity:

Acidity often sets off right after a meal. People suffering from it may face mild to severe heartburn or inflammation; sour belching is also common in acid reflux. Burning in the stomach, burning in the throat, anxiety, nausea are common symptoms of acidity. Many a times, medications like anti-inflammatory drugs can also lead to various acidity symptoms. Indigestion and constipation have as well been noted in individuals suffering from acidity.

Home Remedies for Acidity:

There are several home remedies for acidity, which are natural, quick and effective in treating its symptoms:

Bananas: Ripe bananas are a rich source of potassium. Bananas help in keeping the level of stomach acid regulated. It helps with the digestion through its high fibre content, relieving the symptoms of acidity.
Basil (Tulsi leaves): A well-known home remedy for acidity, Tulsi, helps stimulate the acids in the stomach and encourages the production of mucous, which aids digestion. It also possesses antiulcer properties, which reduces chances of stomach ulcers.
Cold Milk: Milk is a rich source of calcium, which helps in preventing acid build up by absorbing the excess acid; in turn reducing acidity symptoms.
Aniseed (Saunf): Has potent anti-ulcer properties due to its fibre rich content, which assists in digestion and relieves constipation. A spoon full of Saunf after meals cools the lining of the stomach, reducing Inflammation and symptoms of acidity.
Jeera (Cumin Seeds): Have the property to stimulate saliva production, which assists digestion, improves metabolism and provides much needed relief from gas and gastric discomforts.
Clove: The pungent taste of cloves simulate secretion of excessive saliva, which in turn benefits digestion and regulates excessive stomach acids.
Elaichi (Cardamom): An ayurvedic medicine for acidity and other stomach discomforts, Elaichi stimulates digestion and relieves stomach spasms.
Mint leaves (Pudina): Pudina lowers the acid content and assists in digestion. It also has a cooling effect on the burning sensation caused due to acid reflux.
Ginger: Aids absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients, and protects the stomach against ulcers.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla has a high vitamin C content, which heals the stomach lining and oesophagus, reducing the effects of acidity. Used as an ayurvedic treatment for acidity, since ancient times.
Acidity is a common problem, which can easily be waded-off through a natural home remedy for acidity. These everyday items can be found in most kitchens and are risk free foods, which when incorporated in regular meals, can provide long-term relief from acid reflux and its symptoms.

Three Messages for National Nutrition Month

1. Beware of Nutrition Claims
I have to start here because, if my subset of clients are any indication of the population as a whole, many of you are confused about what healthy even means anymore. Much of this is due to infomercials, fad diet books, and a glut of cheap supplements being promoted by popular “experts”. This drives me crazy to NO end. No, not crazy, angry. Furious in fact. Deep breaths, Danielle. I get so upset when these so-called experts sell products and promote diets to the general public to capture those who are desperate for a fix to their problems. It’s dishonest and it’s downright harmful. People end up more confused and frustrated than before. Let me break it down for you real quick. Fad diets don’t work. Do not buy that latest book. Your $20 will be gone and the book will be on its way to the Goodwill before you know it. Also, DO NOT buy the supplements that Dr. Oz and others report on, especially for weight loss. The research is usually limited at best, and I have never, ever, ever had a client report to me that a weight loss pill worked. They never work. And you know what? If they did work, it would be all over the news, the chat rooms, Facebook, you name it. If something actually works, you will know. The price will skyrocket at the same time. And infomercials? I think you already get the point. See previous points.

2. Eat Whole Foods
I know, I know. I say this all the time. Yawn, you say. But the fact is, people aren’t doing this. All of us are resorting to processed, packaged, or fast foods, and it’s not healthy. I firmly believe we need to get back to old fashioned (sad that the word old fashioned seems appropriate here), whole foods as they are found in nature, or the occasional ready-made food that is prepared from whole foods. Does this way of eating take time? YES! I have so many clients tell me, after embarking on such a plan, that they are sick of being in the kitchen. You know what, me too! That’s life folks. I also don’t like doing laundry and I don’t like cleaning my house. Apart from outsourcing these tasks, you have to do them. Grocery shopping, food prep, and cooking is part of that too. There is no getting around it without sacrificing your health, just as if you don’t do your laundry you stink. Yes we make compromises from time to time, but you will still be in the kitchen way more than you want to. It’s just life. Get used to it.

3. Eat From the “Rainbow”
Along with eating whole foods, a bit of color in our diet is an important thing as well. It’s easy to let our diet get a little bland. The more color on your plate, the more antioxidants and phytochemicals you are consuming. These are important for warding off disease, especially heart disease. Examples? Colorful fruits like berries, pomegranates, red grapes, or bright red apples. Vibrant veggies like tomatoes, dark leafy greens, eggplants, crispy orange carrots, and purple cabbage. Don’t forget our legume friends with their colorful pigments, including red kidney beans, brown pinto beans, and lentils of various varieties. Whole grains also have a variety of antioxidants packed in. These are just a few of the many examples of where we get these bright and colorful foods. If you see a variety of pigments on your plate (that aren’t from food dyes!), you know you are on the right track.

So look at that, three easy messages that sum up basic nutrition. Yay for National Nutrition Month!

But then the question is, how do you implement this practically? We live in a fast paced world where nowadays two people in the household work. The days of the housewife at home taking care of these tasks are gone. I get it. All this is way easier said than done, says the woman hauling multiple packages of frozen foods out of Costco today. Yeah, that was me. Hypocrite, I know. It was mostly organic I swear, but I digress.

The first step? Learn to Cook. Sounds easy, and mostly it is, but it just takes a little time. Many of us are lacking some basic kitchen skills and utensils. Do you have a sharp knife? Do you know how to cut an onion or a red pepper without massacring it? The wonders of YouTube can teach you in five minutes or less. Alternatively there are often classes at local organic grocers, such as PCC or Whole Foods here in Seattle, or even more proper classes at local culinary schools. Better yet? Ask a friend! However you do it, learn a few skills to make the tedious task of cooking easier and maybe even fun.

After you do learn to cook, you will notice you are spending more money on food. Recipes with multiple healthy ingredients require a few more purchases. This leads us to the next important point. You have to Spend more money on food. Don’t whine and moan about this. I’ve heard it all before. I know you “can’t afford it,” but the truth is you can. If you have a monthly cable bill, a monthly cell phone bill, a full time job, and the leisure time to be reading this article right now, you can.

According to statistics, American households in 2013 spent 5.6 percent of their disposable income on food. Does that seem like a lot? No, it doesn’t, does it. For comparison, the average American household back in 1960 spent roughly 17% of their disposable income on food. In 2007 that figure was 9.6.% (1). The numbers continue to decline as we find ways to make cheaper and arguably less healthy food. Or may be I should say, the numbers continue to decline as we place less and less value on food. When you look at other parts of the world, the numbers change very quickly. In some low-income countries they spend close to 50% of their disposable income on food. Kenya, Nigeria, and Indonesia all fall in that category. Think of that, nearly 50%. Can you imagine? Others may not spend quite that much but still spend significantly more than we do. In 2008 Mexicans spent 24% of their income on food, and South Africans spent 20%. The Chinese spent 33% while Indians spend 35% (2). I find this fascinating. There is an understanding in those countries that food is an expensive part of existence. Food is life, and they spend time and thought on it accordingly.

Unfortunately nowadays in our country food is not given such priority. It should be cheap, quick, and require as little inconvenience as possible. This has led us to cheap commodities, processed foods, fast food, and a host of other ways to make food inexpensive and at the same time convenient. Sadly the true cost of decent food now seems high by comparison which makes those watching their budgets (which is all of us, really) think organic and other quality food is “too expensive.” Rubbish I say. The worst part? If we don’t pay for food with our dollar, then we pay for it with our health.

On the subject of paying, where we spend our money is also important. I’m sure you have heard it before, but voting with your dollar makes a difference in the economy. If you don’t agree with the way Walmart, for example, treats their employees and the type of products they sell, then don’t spend your money there, not a single penny. Spend your hard earned money with vendors who do the right thing by supporting health and supporting our environment. The percentage of money you do spend on foodFree Web Content, spend it wisely.

All this rambling has been just to make a few key points. To recap: Don’t listen to bogus nutrition claims. Eat real food. Eat a variety of colorful real foods. Learn to cook so you can prepare healthy and nutritious foods at home. Be willing to pay a few more percentage points of your income on wholesome ingredients to fuel your body and ward off disease. Spend your food dollars on places where you support their values and the way they conduct business.

That’s it. Happy National Nutrition Month! Be sure to spread the love about healthy food and healthy lifestyles. ‘Tis the month!

Home Health Care - Eat To Beat The Common Cold

Feeling like you might be under the weather? If a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract has taken you out, chances are the last thing you feel like doing is eating. Your appetite is down, your throat is scratchy, and if you have a stuffed up nose, eating means the only way you have to get in the air is now blocked temporarily. It's not a pleasant experience at all. That said, if you want to make a speedy recovery, eating will be a big part of the plan. Food gives your body the fuel it needs to fight off the viral infection, getting you on the road to recovery.

What's more is particular foods can help cure a common cold faster than others. Let's look at the best foods to be eating if you want to beat that infection...

1. Garlic. While not classed as food, if you add garlic to as many dishes as you do eat, you will be much better off. Garlic is a potent immune booster and can also help kill unwanted infections in your body as well. Garlic kills unwanted viruses and bacteria thanks to the level of allicin it contains: allicin is an active component that offers antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

2. Sweet Potatoes. To help give you an energizing boost, sweet potatoes should be your go-to. You do need to eat some carbs while trying to beat a cold even if you aren't very active right now; it's these carbs that will give you the energy you need to fight the infection.

Sweet potatoes are great because not only will they help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, but also they're also a very rich source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining your mucosal surfaces. Since these mucosal surfaces are your first defense against infection, they'll help prevent any further unwanted viruses or bacteria from entering your body.

3. Kale. Preparing yourself a kale salad is another excellent idea when you are down with the common cold. Kale is very rich in vitamin C content, which plays a crucial role in restoring a healthy immune system.

A high intake of vitamin C while you are suffering from a cold can help you lower the overall duration of your cold, helping you get back to feeling better.

4. Chicken Noodle Soup. Finally, the old saying is true: "chicken noodle soup can cure a cold." The hot liquid will help soothe your sore throat as well as clear up some of the congestion. The recovery is thanks to the fact the hot liquid will raise your internal body temperature which helps loosen mucus secretions in your airways.

Plus, it's easier to drink soup with a painful throat.

So there you have the top foods to eat next time you feel under the weather with the common cold. Serve these foods and you'll be back to your usual healthy self in no time.

Although managing your health can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with.

Article by Beverleigh H Piepers 

Types of Underpads Used in Hospitals and Homes

The two primary types of underpad used in hospitals are disposable underpads and washable or reusable underpads. In this article, we will discuss the features of these two types of underpads in more detail. Here, it must be mentioned that although the biggest consumers of these products are hospitals and nursing homes, individuals with bed-ridden patients, disabled or elderly individuals or even those with babies at home can and do use these pads.

The disposable underpads as their name suggests, are meant for one time use. They are available in a range of construction types and sizes. They usually contain a waterproof plastic material for the bottom, a middle layer designed to absorb liquid and a top layer made from a soft and comfortable fabric. The middle layer usually houses multiple layers of tissue to absorb fluids. The topmost layer of these units come in contact with the patient's body, therefore manufacturers use materials such as cotton that will make patients are comfortable while using their disposable underpads. You will also come across pieces in which the top sheets are made up of tissues or a tear-resistant spun-bond material that allows for movement without fear of ripping the pad.

There are some disposable underpads carrying top sheets attached to the plastic layer at the bottom by means of an adhesive. Then, there are others with two sides rolled and glued to ensure that the liquid comes out only from the side in case the pad overfills. Experts refer to this process as channeling. The pads adopting this process are known to be more absorbent compared to the other underpads available on the market. You can get all these disposable underpads in a range of sizes; so, purchasing pads that match your body, bed or chair size will be simple.

Now, we will be talking about the washable or reusable underpads. These pieces are classified based on factors such as absorbency, materials, and size. The term absorbency refers to the volume of urine or bodily fluid that an underpad is capable of holding. The material used for crafting the absorbent layer is a kind of absorbing polymer.

The quantity of polymer used and the material's density are two factors that decide how much liquid the underpad is capable of absorbing; basically, the underpad's urine holding capacity. Here, it must be noted that one should never confuse an underpad's absorbency level with its size. A pad that's large in length and width might not absorb the most urine.

After absorbing the urine, reusable underpads need to secure it in a liquid-proof barrier. This is essential to prevent the urine from soaking through the bedding. These liquid proof barriers are made either of urethane or of vinyl. The vinyl structures, although more cost-effective, are not breathable; additionally; they can take a lot of time to fully dry. The urethane structures are more expensive, but don't have the issues we generally associate with vinyl underpads.

Now, let's discuss the appropriate size of underpads. When buying an underpad, you must ensure that you have at least 6 to 10 inches around your waist i.e. the target zone. This stands true for both underpad types, disposable and reusable and allows enough coverage to adequately contain fluids. Smaller sized pads are designed for use in chairs and make excellent absorbers in baby cribs or on diaper changing tables. Many hospitals use small pads in bassinets for easy clean up.

Article by Billie Marie

Healthy Things To Eat For Lunch And Healthy Meal Options For Lunchtime

If the only thing you eat during lunchtime is a sandwich and a bag of potato chips, or something similar, then you are not alone. Most of us do not spend more than 18 minutes during lunchtime and usually, whatever we eat is not healthy enough. However, with just some simple planning, you too can enjoy some healthy and well-balanced midday meals. There are many healthy things to eat for lunch that you can try, which will be great for your wallet and your waistline.

Salads

A salad is a convenient meal that can provide you with ample servings of healthy vegetables. Prepare your salad for you midday meal using dark leafy greens rather than pale ones because they have more nutrients. Also include one plain fruit or vegetables, such as chopped apple, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, orange segments, or sliced strawberries. Vegetables should be at the top of your list of healthy things to eat for lunch, but that is not all. Add at least 3 to 4 ounces of lean protein to your salad, whether it is canned beans, sautéed tofu or water-packed tuna, so you remain satisfied for a couple of hours. About a tablespoon of olive oil, safflower oil or yogurt dressing will be healthy for your heart too.

Fresh Fruits

By lunchtime, we all need a burst of quick energy, and we can acquire that energy from fresh fruits because of the carbohydrates and natural sugar they contain. You may also boost your everyday dose of vitamin C by eating an orange or tangerine. Fruits should also be on your healthy things to eat for lunch, and some particularly healthy fruits you can have during lunch time include fresh apples, bananas, pears, or any other stone fruit. You may also include a piece of fruit into your main meal component, especially if you are eating something like a salad. Fruits like fresh berries, grapes, pineapple, and watermelon make a good pair with main meals.

Pasta

Pasta is a particularly healthy meal option for lunchtime that you carry with you conveniently and reheat it anywhere or even eat it cold. Whole grain pasta is a better choice of the B vitamins and fiber that it contains. While there are many varieties and ways of preparing pasta, but it is certainly one of the easy-to-prepare yet healthy things to eat for lunch. For instance, you may add 3 ounces of ground turkey to corkscrew pasta, along with garlic, a cup of green beans and some soy sauce.

Soups

For us adults, another way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying lunch is to drink some hearty soup made with broth, lean protein and vegetables during lunchtime. Prepare your own soup by stirring together cooked chicken, diced carrots, low-sodium chicken broth, peas and wild rice. As a convenient alternative, you may also drink soup at a restaurant but make sure you do not order creamed or cheesy soups since they are full of fat and high in calories. Soups, especially chicken noodle, garden vegetable or minestrone soup, are one of the few healthy things to eat for lunch that you can eat out rather if you are not in the mood to prepare one yourself.

If you feast on something from the vending machine or slam down a fast-food meal during lunchtime, then you are not doing your health, wallet or waistline any good. Edible items such as these are merely a poor excuse for lunch. If you really want to eat healthy, then consider the above healthy things to eat for lunch.
My name is Josef Bichler. I have a passion for wellness and showing others how to live healthy lives. I have corrected my own health problems with the use of alternatives only and helping others to achieve their health objectives through lifestyle changes, detoxifying their body and through understanding the benefits of eating healthy.

Article by 


Josef Bichler

Do simple health prevention tips daily and always healthy in your life