A Positive Impact - Your Thinking Indigestion and Acid Reflux

Most people dismiss the power of positive thinking as something that only the most deluded people believe in. The mind is a powerful tool and has incredible control over and effect on the body. Positive thinking used in the right way and at the right time can have huge benefits for people suffering from a great many different medical conditions. Acid reflux is no different in this regard.

There are 9 individual steps in using positive thinking for yourself.

1. Clearly define a goal and purpose. In your case this will be acid reflux and the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Never, ever have more than one goal or purpose - it will only confuse matters for you. Choose a single goal and stick to it.

2. Take a step back from the situation you are in and tell yourself what you need to do. Using a gentle and confident tone tell yourself what you need to do to reach your goal.

3. Give yourself advice in a way that you would give advice to a friend. Reassure yourself and use common sense. Always follow your own best advice yourself.

4. Have belief in yourself and give yourself encouragement. Do not become overly enthusiastic when doing so. Remain calm and sincere when encouraging yourself.

5. Provide yourself with reasons for reaching your goals. Always keep the reasons why you need to overcome specific obstacles in the front of your mind. Remind yourself of past successes so that you know you are making progress. Remind yourself of your own strengths. Strong and positive reasons will be enough to keep you motivated and give you the strength and determination to reach the goal you have set yourself.

6. Aim for your favorite positive emotion. Be positive, cheerful and enthusiastic. Having a loving attitude is one of the best to have as it can have the most positive effect on you. Determination is another great emotion to use. This will keep you moving forward even when you find yourself struggling.

7. Practice anti-negativity each day. This simply means to do what you can to get rid of the negative, self-defeating thinking going on in your head. Attack these negative thoughts with all your strength so that you can find a neutral ground to make further progress from.

8. Keep the sentences and phrases you use short and simple. Make sure they are directed at a specific action or bearing.

9. Repeat what works. As you develop positive thinking skills you will notice that you use certain processes or activities more than others. Use them often and use them well.

Does the power of positive thinking actually work? Some say it has no power at all but how can you know without trying? Use the power of your mind to try and overcome acid reflux and indigestion - what have you got to lose?

Passionate about helping others Jill Seimer reports on healthy lifestyle at RefluxLife.com Recently publishing Acid Reflux in Children she shares her views on dealing with infant acid reflux.

Healing Properties - Learning the Symptoms of Acid Reflux

To truly comprehend the symptoms associated with acid reflux, you should familiarize yourself with the causes and body parts connected to the disruption of normal gastric and esophageal processes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD for short), involves the stomach, esophagus and sometimes the mouth, throat and chest.

The disease is characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to properly close. This causes the contents of the stomach to creep back (or reflux) into the esophagus. It is the job of the LES to act as a buffer between the stomach and the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

When the lining of the esophagus is disrupted by refluxed acid from the stomach, a burning sensation may develop in the chest and throat. This is called heartburn and is often associated with GERD, even though heartburn does not immediately suggest that one has acid reflux disease. GERD can affect anyone, from little babies to active teens to the elderly.

This means there is a wide range of causes and symptoms associated with the disease that are specific to various groups of sufferers. For the most part, the cause of GERD is unknown, but there is an array of factors that contribute to its existence, such as hiatel hernias, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy and smoking.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

Although the main symptoms of acid reflux are chronic heartburn and acid regurgitation, several people experience GERD without any of these signs. Common symptoms of GERD include a painful chest, a hoarse voice in the morning, dry cough, unpleasant breath or trouble swallowing. Children often showcase different acid reflux symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, coughing and scary respiratory ailments. Since the digestive system of a child is not fully developed, they tend to experience symptoms of GERD. When their body begins to grow, most infants will say goodbye to GERD by their first birthday.

Your Diet May Affect Acid Reflux

One of the causes of GERD may be simple to curb by simply watching what you eat. In older teens and adults, certain foods and drinks, such as sodas, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onions, pizza, oranges and tomatoes should be avoided. Spicy, fried, fatty and acidic foods also disrupt gastric and esophageal processes.

Acid Reflux Treatment

A visit to the doctor will put you on the right track towards treating acid reflux. This may be in the form of lifestyle changes that you need to put into effect, as well as a variety of different medications. GERD sufferers should cease smoking, abstain from alcohol, eat smaller meals, as well as wear loose-fitting apparel. After a meal, sufferers should avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating. You may also pick up an over-the-counter antacid, such as Alka-Seltzer, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol or Rolaids. A doctor may also choose to prescribe a proton pump inhibitor or an H2 blocker, which requires a prescription.

Jill Seimer shares health tips at RefluxLife.com and discussed natural healing of heartburn from her experience using natural cures for acid reflux.

What Are The Symptoms of Infant Acid Reflux

Medical conditions strike often without regard to age, gender, or nationality. Young and old alike often suffer from the same ailments. Acid reflux disease, medically termed Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) seems to be one of those holds no discrimination for age. The lower end of the esophagus is protected by a flap or valve that is referred to as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). This valve opens in order to allow food to flow from the esophagus into the stomach. It should then close in order to keep the stomach acids from 'boiling over' into the lining of the esophagus.

There are several conditions that hinder the valve from operating properly and allow the contents of the stomach to enter the esophagus. Very much like adults, infants occasionally suffer from the pains of heartburn. In infants, heartburn is often the result of their essentially liquid diets that are high in dairy proteins. The sad things for the little ones is that unlike adults, they can't exactly tell you they have heartburn so GERD isn't exactly easy to diagnose.

Infant GERD is often the combination of many factors than the sole responsibility of one indicator. Most of the factors that would contribute to acid reflux are aggravated because infants spend much of their days lying down in addition to the fact that their diets are almost entirely liquid. There are however, physical reasons that infants much sometimes endure the suffering that this brings about. These could be any of the following: improper or incomplete development of the lower esophageal sphincter while developing, food allergies, poor diet, and being overweight. There are other factors but these are some of the most common.

Since infants can't complain about their symptoms like adults can, it is important to watch for certain clues that may indicate a problem. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is wise to consult your pediatrician and have a closer examination: trouble sleeping, weight loss, frequently spitting up, coughing, excessive crying, an apparent sore throat or chest pain, bad breath, and unusual crankiness.

GERD can also cause respiratory problems such as pneumonia, malnourishment, and strictures or ulcerations on the esophageal wall. These signs may or may not indicate GERD but definitely warrant a visit to your pediatrician.

Keeping your child upright for a good portion of the day, particularly after feeding is one of the best things you can do for him or her in order to minimize the risk of acid reflux, also be sure to watch for signs of chest pain and any of the other symptoms listed above. Prevention is always the best cure, but if you notice symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

infant acid reflux symptoms - For more info on infant acid reflux symptoms, visit http://www.acidrefluxadvice.com

Acid Reflux And Bad Breath

Say you are at a party and all of a sudden you get that stinging feeling in your throat. You scrunch up your face, look around the room and walk to a place where nobody can see you as you try to swallow away that biting liquid. Your loosen your collar, swallow some more of your wine, and try to get back into the conversation. Yet, when you do get a circle and join in the conversation, people start to back away from you, pretend to scratch their nose, and claim to be needed elsewhere. You can?t help but wonder if your recent bout of heartburn is related to your recent unpopularity?

One way that you can check if you have bad breath (if your best friend isn?t at the ready), is to lick the inside of your wrist and let it dry for a few seconds and then smell it. If there is an odor, then your breath isn?t as fresh as it should be.

If you are experiencing bad breath, or halitosis, then part of your problem might be either related to, or a direct result of acid reflux/GERD.

Most experts, medical and naturopathic alike will tell you that bad breath is caused by what you eat, lack of saliva swishing around in your mouth, stress, dehydration, and stomach activity, i.e. acid indigestion. Since many people experience acid reflux in their sleep, chances are good that morning breath isn?t just a lack of saliva activity, but is related to GERD.

Most commentators speaking on bad breath list acid reflux as a major cause, in addition to the items mentioned above. It makes sense really. It stands to reason that acidic liquid rising up from your stomach is not going to smell pretty, and if that is getting up to your throat, through a loosening in the collapsible valve at the tip of your stomach, it?s going to make your breath smell pretty foul.

Not only that, but many of the factors that contribute to bad breath, are also causal factors for acid reflux. The foods that you eat are a major contributor to bad breath, like spicy or garlicky foods, which are also a major contributor to acid reflux. Stress is also a cause for both upsets.

It stands to reason then, that by counteracting the causal factors of GERD, you will also reduce your chances of having bad breath, not only in striking what may be the heart of your problem, but you?ll combat one or both of these ailments as well.

Contrary to popular belief, making changes to your diet and stress levels aren?t as difficult as some of the makers of pharmaceuticals would like you to believe. They would prefer you to think that a few changes in your diet, or a simple exercise plan will mean re-vamping your life entirely, but this is simply not the case.

Long term solutions are just that?long term. So, make the changes, but make them slowly, incorporating them into your life in small steps so that the changes don?t seem too drastic, making them easier to swallow (so to speak) and more likely steps that you will stick with.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Acid Reflux. For further information on Acid Reflux please visit http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/acidreflux.html or http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/blog/2006/09/27/acid-reflux-and-bad-breath/

Acid Reflux Recovery Diet and Recipes Presents the Perfect Cold Weather Dinner

As the leaves start to turn to fall colors and in the evenings we are tempted to sit by a warm fire, hearty food comes to mind. The fall and winter bring a host of root vegetables, squashes greens and fruit from which hearty meals can be easily made. The challenge is to keep these dishes healthy ? that means keeping them as alkaline as possible.

When attempting to reverse the symptoms of acid reflux, diet is probably the most important consideration. That old clich?, ?You are what you eat?, has never been more true. If you eat food and drink beverages which are acidic in nature, then it follows, that you will be acidic in nature, as well. If you eat a diet which mainly consists of so called ?convenience food?, you don?t stand a chance of being alkaline.

In order to defeat the acid reflux condition, one must strive to correct the pH factor of the body. 7.5 pH is the ideal alkaline body level. You can test the pH level of your saliva with pH paper, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. Some medical authorities claim that all illness, including cancer, cannot exist in an alkaline environment. If that is true, it is certainly food for thought!

It is important to remember that the acid reflux condition could not perpetuate itself without a damaged esophagus. In order to heal this affliction, the esophagus must be allowed to repair. This can be accomplished by eliminating food and drink that are irritants and, or acidic. Avoiding anything which relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is another important consideration. The LES is the muscular valve which separates the esophagus and the stomach. It is when this valve relaxes, that acid and pepsin splash up from the stomach into the esophagus and throat, causing acid reflux.

The hydrochloric acid in the stomach has been compared in strength, to the acid in a car battery. With acid reflux, the constant assault of acid causes little lacerations to develop on the lining of the esophagus. Until these lacerations have had a chance to heal, spicy foods, such as acidic tomato products, hot peppers, raw garlic and raw onions should also be eliminated from the diet. They just further irritate the condition. Smoking, drinking alcohol and eating chocolate also relax the LES, thus impeding the healing process.

The key to acid reflux recovery is to eat alkaline, easy to digest nourishing food until the esophagus has healed. Eating early, allowing at least three hours before lying down is an essential habit to develop. Eating slowly and chewing food completely in a relaxed, pleasant and stress free environment is of paramount importance, as well.

I have listed a few of my favorite hearty fall and winter recipes that I enjoyed during my own recovery period. Cooking meat, vegetables, fruit and shellfish in liquids produce delicious dishes which can be made quickly and easily. I have employed a technique called ?braising? for the main dish below. It is one of my favorite cooking methods, because it concentrates flavor in a one pot dinner. I have also included a seasonal soup starter and a special desert to complete the perfect cold weather dinner.

Try doubling the main dish and desert recipes so that you can have them later in the week?..less time in the kitchen. Remember, that cooking from scratch instead of relying on convenience foods is a better approach to good health, in general. It?s also nice to know what you?re really eating.

I hope that you enjoy the following seasonal recipes. Even though I have cured myself of acid reflux, I still serve these wonderful hearty dishes on a regular basis. The entire family should enjoy these, too. Well, the children might not like the oysters, but you certainly will. This menu is great for entertaining, as the main and last courses are made in advance and the first course is a breeze. For those of you who live in warmer climes, remember that winter is a state of mind.

Bon appetite!


BRAISED CHICKEN WITH TURNIPS AND ONIONS

This is a rustic country-style dinner dish which truly embodies the concept of ?Comfort Food?. Unlike thick cuts of meat, braising chicken takes a fraction of the time and the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the vegetables and liquids. Mashed potatoes are a perfect accompaniment. This is a serving for four and requires about an hour to prepare.

1 (3 ? lb.) chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
? cup flour for dredging
Olive oil
2 medium sweet onions roughly chopped
4 medium turnips peeled and sliced into ?? pieces *
3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups white wine or dry vermouth
2 sprigs of thyme or ? tsp. dried
1 tbsp. parsley, chopped

Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour and set aside.
Heat a heavy skillet to medium high and add enough olive oil to coat well
Brown chicken pieces skin side down and turn over in about 7 minutes (This can be done in two batches, if necessary)
Transfer browned chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm
Pour off all but 2 tbsp. of the fat and lower heat to medium low
Add onions and cook covered, stirring occasionally until soft and lightly golden
Add turnips and garlic and cook uncovered for five minutes stirring occasionally to keep onions from burning
Return browned chicken to skillet and mix with vegetables to coat both sides, arranging chicken skin side up
Pour stock and wine over chicken mixture
Sprinkle with thyme
Cover and lower heat to gently simmer until chicken is cooked through and turnips are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes
Transfer chicken and vegetables onto a serving dish
Reduce sauce over high heat, if needed, to thicken
Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste and pour over chicken and vegetables
Sprinkle with parsley

*Parsnips may be substituted for the turnips, or a mixture of the two.


CREAMY NEW ENGLAND STYLE OYSTER STEW

I have heard rumors that oysters are a bit acidic; however, they have never given me indigestion. I confess that this is a rather rich dish, but a small serving will give you more pleasure than pain. One has to spoil themselves occasionally.

1 ? tbsps. unsalted butter
I dozen freshly opened oysters (or the freshest you can find) with liquid
1/8 tsp. celery salt
1 ? ounces sherry
Splash of Worcestershire sauce to taste
Cayenne pepper
1 ? cups whole milk with a little cream added
Chives, chopped
Oyster crackers

Into a double boiler place butter, oysters with liquid, celery salt, sherry and Worcestershire sauce (water in the bottom pan should not touch the top pan)
With a wooden spoon, stir until the oysters are just curling on the edges (do not overcook), about a minute
Pour in milk mixture and continue stirring
Remove from heat just before the boil and serve immediately
Sprinkle each serving with a little cayenne pepper
Garnish with chives
Offer oyster crackers on the side


POACHED ANJOU PEARS IN RED WINE

You have to plan a little ahead for this dish. The pears should be ripe, but still springy to the touch. Buy them a week ahead and place in a paper bag with a banana. Don?t ask me why, but this works. Choose pears with the stem in tact.

8 smallish red Anjou pears
Juice of one lemon
1 cup extra fine granulated sugar
2 cups red wine
? tsp. vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick

Carefully peel pears to the stem (the stem comes in handy for turning and for presentation)
Coat each peeled pear with lemon juice and set aside
Into a saucepan place the sugar, wine, vanilla and cinnamon
Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved
Add pears and reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covered
Poach pears until they are just tender, about 10 to 20 minutes, depending upon the size of the pears, turning once
Remove from heat and allow pears to sit in liquid, turning again so that color is even, another 20 minutes
Remove pears from liquid to desert plates
Reduce liquid over medium high heat to a syrupy consistency and pour over pears
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint

? 2006 Wind Publishing

For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

Charles Stewart Richey is a former chef and self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease by natural means. He has written an extensive report entitled, REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux Remedies. For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

A Look at the Different Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms vary in degrees of discomfort, from person to person, and within different age groups. The most common and persistent symptom is a burning sensation centered in the middle of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus.

Acid reflux symptoms vary in degrees of discomfort, from person to person, and within different age groups. The most common and persistent symptom is a burning sensation centered in the middle of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus.

This is due to the relaxing of the esophageal sphincter (valve), which remains open when it should be closed. Acid reflux also leads to one of the most unpleasant symptoms known as regurgitation of acid into the mouth, often due to overeating, or bending down after a meal.

People who suffer from acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, exhibit symptoms that are chronic, persistent, and have a debilitating effect on their daily lifestyle. Though heartburn is the most common of the acid reflux disease symptoms, other signs may also manifest themselves. These symptoms include wheezing, coarseness in the throat, breathing problems, acid regurgitation, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry coughing, interrupted sleep, tightness in the throat, and halitosis (bad breath).

The risks for acid reflux disease increase, as most potential health problems, with age. Children also suffer from this disease, with symptoms that range from recurring coughing, vomiting, and breathing problems. 

Dont be confused by the term heartburn. Many believe that acid reflux symptoms affect the heart or mistakenly diagnose heartburn as a heart related problem. When in reality, the heart in not effected by acid reflux. The reason for the confusion lies in the fact that the heart is located near the pain center, when, actually, the esophagus is positioned behind the heart. One more thing to keep in mind is that acid reflux does not normally flare up during or beginning physical exertion, like many heart problems do. Again, always consult a physician on treatment options whether you experience signs of acid reflux or possible heart related problems.

Acid Reflux provides comprehensive information on the cause, symptoms, treatment, and diet associated with normal and infant acid reflux. For more information go to Acid Reflux and/or visit its sister site at Pain Relief Web for related information.