Constipation is a taboo subject for many people. If you’re too embarrassed to discuss it, know that you are far from alone. Constipation affects about 14% of adults in the United States and accounts for an astounding 3.2 million medical visits every year. It’s a common and widespread issue. Nobody wants to talk about it, but for the sake of our health, maybe it’s time we opened a dialogue.[1] (more…)
Humankind has a long history of eating foods that probably aren’t the best for us—and records back that up. Historians are able to diagnose symptoms of heartburn dating as far back as 3000 BC in Ancient Mesopotamia. The first recorded use of the term “heartburn” itself appeared in 1591, though it was spelled “hartburning” and just mentioned as a feeling. It was officially described as “a sharp, gnawing pain at the orifice of the stomach” in 1747 by physician John Wesley—finally connecting the pain to the right spot in the […]
Do you remember those antacid commercials where someone is in a restaurant eating something decadent and suddenly clutches their chest and winces? It was a bit dramatic, but it stuck in my head. As someone who gets both heartburn and acid reflux, it can be difficult to tell the difference. Add in the potential for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it’s a jumble of stress. This article will help you decipher the difference between all three and learn some quick home remedies. Differences Between Acid Reflux, Heartburn, & GERD Knowing […]
Acid reflux is painful. Food and acid splash into the esophagus and cause belching, heartburn and, in some severe cases, chest pains. Some individuals have experienced pain so intense they thought they had a heart attack. If a person experiences acid reflux — also called gastroesophageal reflux — on a regular basis, the acids will irritate the esophagus, which may advance to scarring, ulceration, swelling, or hemorrhaging. What is the risk of acid reflux? Many experts agree, if acid reflux persists, it can even lead to esophageal cancer.[1] (more…)
Your gut is home to over 100 billion bacteria, but antibiotics, pesticides, stress, and genetically-modified foods are just a few of the things that can weaken that diversity.[1] Your gut’s bacteria needs to stay healthy or concerns like irritable bowel syndrome, gluten allergies, and even obesity can be more likely. Some even think the recent rise in autism, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis could even be connected to an unhealthy gut![2, 3, 4] Let's look at just 3 reasons why healthy gut flora are so important. (more…)
