Ulcers are one of the most common medical conditions suffered by many people today. It is often dismissed as an everyday ailment but can pose serious medical risks if not treated early. Many people are guilty of self medication and continue their unhealthy practices. To make matters worse, common ulcer myths have become everyday facts that only make the condition worse. So the next time you feel those gastric juices acting up, here are six common ulcer myths you definitely should be aware of.

Myth 1: Stress can cause Ulcers

Stress can aggravate an existing medical condition but it alone can’t cause ulcers. Stress is not only a psychological condition but it too affects how our body works. Our heart rate increases and our gastric juices become active. If you have an existing ulcer it can make the condition worse by interacting with open wounds in the stomach. As stress increases, ulcer pain worsens. This is why avoiding stress when a person is suffering from ulcers is advised.

 Myth 2: Spicy foods can cause Ulcers

A common misconception about eating spicy foods is that it can cause hemorrhoids or an ulcer. In both cases this is untrue. Medical studies have shown that spices have a preventive effect on ulcers. Research has shown that people who eat spicy foods consistently have less of a chance of developing ulcers than those who eat less spicy foods.

Capsaicin which is found in chili peppers stimulates the stomach’s nerve endings to release stomach protecting chemicals. It also has bacteria killing properties and can control the growth of H. Pylori, the bacteria responsible for ulcers. Capsaicin has the ability to restore acid balance in the stomach.

Eating spicy food can leave people with heartburn which might lead people to think they are suffering from ulcers. Spices can’t cause ulcers, but like stress, it aggravates the medical condition.

Myth 3: Milk can heal Ulcers

Milk can counteract the effects of spices and lessen its effects for people suffering from ulcers. Milk can provide temporary relief from the effects of ulcers but is not a treatment. Milk by nature is alkaline which can neutralize stomach acids. It is strongly suggested that people suffering from ulcers consult their doctor and never self-medicate.

Milk can form a barrier in the stomach, preventing acids from coming into contact with open wounds. However, it does not in any way heal the ulcer. Lactose intolerance is also a concern as people age. People should remember that although milk is an alkaline it still can  turn into acids over time once ingested. This could aggravate the condition if milk is the only step taken to overcome ulcers.

Myth 4: Probiotics promotes healing

Probiotics are good bacterium that aids you when you are bloated or suffering from chronic gas pain, but they cannot stay in the stomach to heal the ulcer. This promotes good digestion but can’t be considered as a treatment for ulcers. Some good bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus can decrease H. pylori. This can reduce your risks for developing ulcers but is of little use when you already have the medical condition.

Myth 5: Alcohol cannot cause your ulcers to get worse

As the saying goes, everything in excess is bad for your health. Drinking large amounts of alcohol increases your risk for developing ulcers. Alcohol can cause bleeding complications and irritates sensitive stomach lining. Alcohol intake, together with medication, can also worsen or cause ulcers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS taken with alcohol can increase the risk for ulcers.

Coffee, soda, and tea increases stomach acidity. This can cause stomach irritation and should be avoided when suffering from ulcers.

Myth 6: Smoking does not cause Ulcers

Being a smoker increases your risks for many medical conditions including ulcers. Smoke irritates and inflames sensitive inner linings. It impedes normal blood circulation that can cause fine blood vessels in the stomach lining to erode. Smoking also impedes the normal healing process.

Lifestyle Changes 

Aside from taking in medications living a healthy lifestyle can heal and prevent ulcers. Excessive alcohol intake and smoking should be avoided for people diagnosed with ulcers. These impede the normal healing process and degrade the effectiveness of medications.

Eating regularly can prevent the onset of ulcers. The stomach is emptied after 2-3 hours and meals should be planned accordingly. Eating a light snack between meals goes a long way in preventing ulcers. This stops stomach acid buildup and prevents it from corroding sensitive stomach lining.

Taking prescribed acid reducing medications prevents further destruction of stomach linings. Most ulcers go away after resorting to a healthy lifestyle. Ulcers maybe one of the most common ailments but this should not be taken lightly either. If this is a chronic condition, consulting with your doctor is highly advised to prevent serious medical complications.

written by Ronald Uy, RN

Check out additional H.I.C. articles on Ulcers

©2011 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Living an active lifestyle and eating a proper diet is essential in keeping ourselves healthy.  This is never more important than when you are doing it for two people; you and your baby.  Soon-to- be mothers who always consume a healthy diet will certainly have a big advantage, but even proper eating habits will need some reworking as being a healthy mother is different from being a healthy mother-to-be.

Pregnancy Diet:

The first thing that a pregnant woman should understand is that you are taking in food for two people, and thus, should adjust their diet accordingly. This does not necessarily mean that you have to throw your old eating habits out the window, but rather, you should adjust your diet to take in more of the nutrients you love to help feed your body, and that of your growing baby.

Maintaining a healthy diet is still the primary goal for any pregnant mother, but there are fundamental differences between a pregnant mother’s diet and that of a non-pregnant woman. A healthy diet still consists of eating many fruits and vegetables!

Fat is Good:

It is important to understand that a growing fetus needs all of the necessary building blocks for it to be born a healthy baby.  Fats play an essential role in tissue and cell development, and are a necessary component of a pregnant mother’s diet.  However, fat intake is best limited to eating healthy, or “good fats”.

There are four different groups of fats:  Saturated, Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated, and Hydrogenated fats.  Of these, the “good fats” are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Monounsaturated fats are contained in avocados, olives, nuts and peanut oils.  They are considered healthy because they lower cholesterol levels.  Polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.  These are commonly found in fish, canola oil and soybeans.

Proteins:

Proteins are responsible for the development of tissue and body cells.  Additional protein intake is especially important during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, where the baby is growing fastest and a woman’s body is trying to adjust to the baby. Protein is made up of amino acids that are used to build the baby’s heart, lungs and every major organ.

Additional protein is not only needed by the baby, but is also necessary for the mother. A pregnant mother increases her blood volume by 50 percent, which aids in the development of the placenta, amniotic fluids, and other maternal tissues.

Lean meat, beans, fish and dairy products are excellent sources of protein. Animal sources, however, fare better compared to its vegetable counterparts because they contain the complete amino acids. It is wise to mix up your nutritional sources to get the whole range of amino acids.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals can be difficult even with the best diets. Health supplements, armed with vitamins and minerals, ensure that you and your baby can obtain the recommended doses to keep the two of you healthy. Women should understand that health supplements are not meant to replace eating, but serve only to fill in the gaps in your diet.

Taking in foods rich in iron, folic acid, and calcium are important for preventing birth defects, and for supporting the changes that take place in a woman’s body. During the first trimester of pregnancy, mothers are advised to increase folic intake to avoid neural birth defects. Iron is a major component in blood, and when your body is producing 50 percent more blood, then getting additional amounts of iron is important. Good food sources of folic acid include nut, beans, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables.

Fiber:

A lot of essential vitamins and minerals are found in plant foods. Aside from giving us these important nutrients, plants foods are also a rich source of fiber, which is important for achieving proper bowel movements.  Many women suffer from digestive problems and constipation during pregnancy. As the baby grows in your womb, it exerts pressure on your digestive system. This can decrease the capacity of the stomach to hold food, so it is essential to move its contents quickly through your bowels.  Fiber hastens digestion and helps you eliminate waste from your body.I would suggest reading the article on Fiber and Fruit as well.

Eat more; Eat small:

Lastly, even when you’re not hungry, chances are your growing baby might be. Try to eat more frequently, but keep the volume of food small. A growing baby places pressure on your stomach, and storing large amounts of food at one time causes discomfort. This is the reason why women often feel like vomiting, or suffer from heartburn when eating.

written by Ronald Uy, RN

H.I.C. Digestive Health ©2011

Sources:

Pregnancy Diet and Nutrition. Retrieved May 10, 2011 HealthCastle.com: http://www.healthcastle.com/pregnancy-diet.shtml

An Ideal Diet During Pregnancy. Retrieved May 12, 2011 oneindialiving:http://living.oneindia.in/health/pregnancy/diet-during-pregnancy.html

What should I eat during pregnancy? Retrieved May 12, 2011 netdoctor: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/pregnantdiet.htm

]]> http://www.hemorrhoidinformationcenter.com/eating-your-way-to-a-healthy-pregnancy/feed/ 0 http://www.hemorrhoidinformationcenter.com/health-benefits-vitamin-enhanced-waters/ http://www.hemorrhoidinformationcenter.com/health-benefits-vitamin-enhanced-waters/#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 07:42:40 +0000 David Gilbert http://www.hemorrhoidinformationcenter.com/?p=7910

The health benefits attributed to the growing number of vitamin enhanced waters currently on the market is considerable.  These claims include increased mental awareness and improved physical stamina, as well as improved concentration and prolonged endurance.  In addition to providing the vitamins and minerals that might be lacking in one’s diet, manufacturers such as Coca Cola, makers of Vitaminwater, and Reebok, which produce Fitness Water, tout health benefits that go beyond hydration, many of which are not backed by scientific data. Although the ingredients that manufacturers provide for consumers is straight forward enough, the health benefits claimed, or implied, by these manufacturers, can be misleading and have recently generated a certain amount of controversy.

Tricked out in a variety of eye-catching colors, with names like Defense and Revive, vitamin enhanced waters are typically made with artificial colors, artificial flavorings, in addition to a variety of sweeteners, which frequently translates into a considerable caloric intake. Coca Cola’s Vitaminwater contains 33 grams of sugar per 20 ounce serving; while the government’s daily recommended sugar dosage is approximately 44 grams.  If the premise behind enhanced water’s purported health benefits is to replenish the body’s depleted vitamins and minerals, it is contrary to scientific data that suggests the actual benefits are minimal at best.  According to the government’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published in June, a supplement “does not offer health benefits to healthy Americans,” except in cases where osteoporosis or an iron deficiency is present. And further, in some instances, “mineral/vitamin supplements have been associated with harmful effects and should be pursued cautiously.”

In fact, according to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, health benefits derived from vitamin enhanced water are largely negligible, provided one is eating a balanced diet and taking an over the counter multivitamin. As for individuals who are trying to lose weight, the increased calories that attend consumption of these beverages will only be a liability.  Additionally, sometimes vitamin enhanced water is produced with what is essentially caffeine, although this might not be immediately clear from the label.  According to an article in the Washington Post by Jennifer Larue Huget, Vitaminwater’s Dragonfruit “boasts that its taurine content is an energy booster”.  Taurine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in breast milk.  There is speculation that it can improve athletic performance, and that if mixed with caffeine it can aid mental performance as well, but this claim is controversial and as yet unfounded.

written by David Gilbert

© 2011 H.I.C. Digestive Health

References

Revolution Health -

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/vitamins-dietary-supplements/life-stages/sports-supplements/vitamin-water

Mayo Clinic -

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-water/AN01734

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services -

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/06/20100615a.html

Everything seems to be a blur these days that hardly anyone has enough time for anything. There are just so many things to be done that you don’t even have the time to rest, let alone sit down and eat a decent nutritious healthy meal. The combination of living a fast paced lifestyle, coupled with eating a less than ideal fast food diet has brought us another miracle of science, your everyday energy drink.

Science always seems to have an answer for everything, if you needed money fast there’s your ATM machine and if you’re searching for that extra needed boost you can always take a quick gulp out of that miracle liquid called an energy drink.

If you’re going to ask the question “are energy drinks for real?” then the simple answer is yes. Just take a look at your favorite sports team and you’re bound to see an energy drink sponsor out there. Gatorade, Redbull and Lipovitan are just some of the most sought after energy drinks that are available in almost every corner of the world today.

The popularity of energy drinks can be confirmed by the billions of dollars spent on them . Energy drinks are consumed by almost everybody of any age and size. Whether you’re a 20 year old man running the Boston marathon or a 65 year old senior citizen off to the park for a brisk walk, an energy drink will give your body the calories necessary to give you that boost.

What goes into an energy drink?

Energy drinks may come with different names but a simple look into their ingredients reveal that most of these come with the same ingredients. Sometimes the difference between buying certain energy drinks all boils down to the packaging and advertising. Two of the most common ingredients found in energy drinks are caffeine and carbohydrates. Caffeine stimulates you and the carbohydrates gives your body the fuel to keep going.

Caffeine ?

Yes that’s right, the same ingredient you find in your coffee could be found in your everyday energy drink. We all know that drinking coffee is a great way of keeping up at night so if you have plans of getting a goodnight’s rest after a day at the gym keep your energy drink consumption to a minimum.

Caffeine is a chemical that heightens the body’s senses and stimulates brain functioning. The effects of caffeine usually last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. The amount of energy drink needed to keep a person energized depends largely on how big the person is or how often he takes the liquid. Just like most drugs, a tolerance builds up the more you use the energy drink.

Dangers of high Caffeine intake

Caffeine is a popular drug used in many liquid beverages including coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and energy drinks. It can also be found in chocolate products and prescription drugs. Caffeine is not dangerous in itself it is when they are taken in dangerous amounts that health problems occur.

Most people don’t know that caffeine is a diuretic. What this means is that high levels of caffeine can cause people to urinate more often that increases the risk for dehydration. Massive perspiration during strenuous activities like sports coupled with its diuretics can leave the body dangerously low on water. Caffeine is also highly addictive. This means people used to taking in caffeinated products may require more amounts to achieve the same results as before.

• Increases blood pressure and can cause irregular heartbeats
• Affects mental and social well-being
• Disrupts sleeping patterns
• Anxiety and stress
• Decreases hydration levels in the body

Carbohydrates

Energy drinks contain high levels of sugar. Sugar can be a source of carbohydrates to the body.  However, too much sugar intake can also have a negative effect on the body, does diabetes ring a bell? It is wrong to assume that taking large amounts of energy drinks can lead to diabetes but this can cause some of the symptoms seen in the medical condition.

Making an energy drink is a delicate balancing act. Medical studies show that around 20 to 25 grams of sugar in an 8 oz drink is the ideal amount for each energy drink. Higher levels of sugar in the bloodstream make the blood more viscous making the heart blood work a little bit more.

Temporarily increasing sugar levels can be great for giving athletes that extra source of fuel during competitions but can also leave them more exhausted after the activity. Because the body is unable to naturally provide the energy needed, once the effects of the energy drinks are lost it takes longer for the body to recuperate and exhaustion sets in.

Fact or Hype

There is no question that energy drinks are truly effective in giving athletes that much needed boost just when they need it. But effectiveness and safety are two things that should never be confused with each other. Just like anything, too much of a good thing is bad and this also holds true for your favorite sports drinks.

Nothing beats eating a healthy diet and proper exercise in getting your body to its best physical condition. The problem with today’s society is that everybody wants to get the best results in the fastest possible time that they often take shortcuts just to get there. Energy drinks can get you from Point A to Point B fast but when people get too dependent on them they forget that these can sometimes leave them in an even worse condition than when they started.

Written by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010  H.I.C. Digestive Health

The incidence of Rectal Cancer has been growing steadily for years. Although this cancer is not a new disease, modern living and changing diets have brought about the increase we see in people suffering from Rectal Cancer today. Rectal and colon cancers have grown at an alarming rate. They are now the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. On a positive note, deaths caused by Rectal Cancer have been going down for the past few decades. Early detection and better treatment are responsible for many patients enjoying a full recovery from the disease.

Rectal and Colon cancers are more predominant in Western and highly industrialized nations. Their incidence in Asian countries is significantly lower compared to modern countries. Studies have shown that eating fiber rich food decreases your chances of developing rectal cancer. Industrialized countries have a higher rate of colon and rectal cancers because diets have remained unhealthy. The pressure of modern living has left people with little or no time to prepare meals and many have turned to fast foods in lieu of eating a healthy diet.

What is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal or Colon cancers also collectively referred to as colorectal cancers are cancers which develop in the colon (lower part of the large intestine) and rectal (last few inches) areas of the digestive system. To understand this medical condition better, let us first take a look at what cancers really are.

Cancer is a disease that affects the basic unit of life, the human cell. This condition is characterized by the development of abnormal cells. These cells then replicate at an alarming rate until they replace normal cells in the affected area. Healthy cells are overtaken by cancer cells until the organ ceases to function or looses it ability to perform normally.

Malignant tumors develop when cancer cells grow at uncontrollable rates. These cells may break off and spread to another location causing multiple organ failures and death. Cancer cells may be spread thru the blood stream or lymphatic system.

This is a photo of the benign cell cluster. At this point, seeking medical attention should be of paramount importance.

Cases of colon and rectal cancers often begin as small, benign (non-cancerous) clusters of cells called adenomatous polyps. If left untreated these polyps develop into cancers. Because these polyps are located internally visual recognition is impossible. Regular screening tests or early detection is still best in stopping these polyps from developing into full blown cancers.

Symptoms of Colon and Rectal Cancer

Many symptoms of rectal cancer can easily be identified and should be consulted with a doctor immediately. However, routine checkups are invaluable since some people may not show certain signs and symptoms.

• Unusual Bleeding

Unusual bleeding is a tell tale sign for many types of cancers. Colorectal cancers may cause ulcers that lead to blood stained stools. Long term bleeding may also cause anemia, palpitations and fatigue.

• Abnormal Weight Loss

Sudden weight loss due to unexplainable circumstances coupled with the other symptoms of colorectal cancer should immediately be referred to your doctor. Cancers cell rapidly develop and multiply exhausting the body’s stored nutrients.

• Feeling of fullness

Tumors can stop the normal movement of digested food to the intestines giving people a feeling of fullness. Large concentration of polyps exerts pressure on the digestive organs specifically the stomach leaving people with a feeling of fullness.

• Abdominal discomfort or pain when defecating

Cancer cells destroy normal tissues causing pain sensations to be felt when defecating. Polyps may obstruct the normal movement of feces causing greater pressure to internal walls.

• Changing bowel habits

People who are not able to eliminate their feces for a couple of days or unable to maintain their

• Pencil shaped stools

Polyps or abnormal cell masses in the rectal area can affect the shape of the feces. Pencil shaped feces is a good indication of an obstruction.

Risks Factors

Early detection maybe the best way of increasing your chance of recovering from rectal and colon cancers but prevention saves you from the pain of treatment. Risk factors that increase your chance of developing these types of cancers include age, family history, existing bowel diseases and low fiber diets.

Advance age causes many changes in the body and some of these results to abnormal cell development. Routine physical checkups can identify abnormal growth especially in the colon that can develop later to a full blown cancer.

A history of colorectal cancers is also a good indication for a person to develop the cancer. Some of the mechanisms that cause cancer still remain unknown. Family history of colon cancers is a good indicator that a person is at high risk of developing cancer.

Studies have shown that diets high in fat and calcium increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. A fiber rich diet on the other hand lowers your risk for developing cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain fibers which helps people add bulk to their stools that helps them eliminate bowels better.

Early Diagnosis of Colon and Rectal Cancer

Going for a routine checkup helps patients identify potential diseases and increase the chance of stopping the cancer in their tracks before they develop into a life threatening medical condition. Many cancers are difficult to detect and some may require more than one visit to your doctor before being diagnosed correctly.

In cancer, early diagnosis increases your chance of surviving from the disease. It also helps you stop the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body or further complicating the medical condition. The best thing about early diagnosis is it helps people enjoy life better free from fear. Regular checkups do not only stop the progression of diseases but also helps people enjoy life better by keeping them healthy.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health

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Exhausted, achy, brain fog and insomnia? Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) and its painful cousin fibromyalgia(FMS) can be devastating! I had CFS/FMS in 1975. It knocked me out of medical school and left me homeless. It also taught me how to effectively treat fatigue-even CFS/FMS!

Ready to Get Well?

Our placebo controlled study titled “Effective Treatment of CFS and Fibromyalgia” showed that 91% of patients improved with treatment, with an average improvement in quality of life of 90 percent. Many patients no longer even qualified for the diagnosis of CFS or fibromyalgia after treatment!

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

1-Sleep.

2-Hormonal deficiencies– despite normal labs!

3-Infections.

4-Nutritional support.

5-Exercise as able.

Turbo Charge Your Energy with Ribose!

Overall treatments to optimize energy (discussed in my best-selling book “From Fatigued to Fantastic!”) and cutting back on sugar (see my new book “Beat Sugar Addiction –NOW!”) are important.  In over 30 years of treating Fatigue, CFS and Fibromyalgia, the most powerful single treatment we have found, however, is a special nutrient called Ribose. Ribose is the backbone of energy production in your body. We have done 2 studies of ~ 300 people with CFS/Fibromyalgia, done at over 50 different medical offices. Patients treated with Ribose showed an AVERAGE increase in energy of ~ 60% in only 3 weeks, also improving mental clarity, sleep, pain and overall well being dramatically. Many had a “WOW!” effect.

Would You Like 60% More Energy?

The 2 research studies suggest that this is the average effect from the ribose (Corvalen). Take 5 grams 3x a day for 3 weeks and then it can often be decreased to once each morning–and prepare to be amazed!

For those with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, our free online “Symptom Analysis Program” will analyze your symptoms (and even pertinent labs if available) to determine the likely causes contributing to your illness. It will tailor a detailed treatment protocol to your case, which will offer both natural and prescription options that can help you recover.

It’s time for you to get well- and optimize your vitality- now!

© 2010 H.I.C.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is Medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers nationally.  Having suffered with and overcome these illnesses in 1975, he spent the next 30 years creating, researching, and teaching about effective therapies for fatigue, CFS, Fibromyalgia, and pain. He is also author of the popular free iPhone application “Cures A-Z”.

http://www.endfatigue.com/treatment_options/Online_program.html