Beans And Other Foods That Battle Breast Cancer

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

Breast cancer might be a common condition that is often highly treatable, but that doesn’t mean preventative measures shouldn’t come into play. If risks for developing this disease are high, women are not powerless to fight back. Eating a diet that is rich in beans can make a world of difference by starving this cancer of its food source – the female hormone estrogen.

Since roughly 200,000 new cases are reported in America each year and some 40,000 deaths are attributed to the disease, prevention is an essential step to take. Women who reduce their risks for developing this disease not only improve their chances for avoidance, but they also very often put their bodies into better physical health as a result.

Risks Worth Paying Attention To

While not all women who are at risk for breast cancer develop the disease, many do. There are a variety of risk factors that point to a need to consider prevention by just about every woman on the planet. Some of the more common risk factors include:

  • Simply being a woman – While it’s true that men can contract this disease, women are much more likely. Just being a woman is a risk factor.
  • Age - Women over the age of 60 are at higher risk for developing breast cancer, but younger women are not immune.
  • Reproductive history – Women who start their periods before age 12, enter menopause later in life and who do not have children until after the age of 35 are more likely to develop breast cancer than others.
  • Family history – There does seem to be a rather strong genetic tie to breast cancer and family medical history. If a strong history of this cancer runs in a family, women are at much greater risk.

Why Beans?

Legumes are often recommended in anti-cancer and overall healthful diets for a variety of reasons. These rich sources of fiber, however, also contain ingredients that make them very useful in preventing breast cancer. The phytoestrogens contained in certain beans can block the activity of estrogen, which is known to promote breast cancer. While estrogen is a normal, necessary hormone, it does serve as a fuel for cancer growth.

Studies have found that women in countries throughout the Caribbean and also in Mexico are much less likely to develop breast cancer. The low incidence rate has been attributed to the fact that Hispanic women tend to eat twice as many beans as their American counterparts. Typical Hispanic women from these countries eat about three-quarters of a cup of beans six days a week.

The beans that top the list in this study include pinto, black beans and garbanzo beans. It’s important to note that soybeans have also been shown to help prevent cancer cell growth.

Other Breast Cancer Inhibiting Foods

Beans are not the only foods that have been shown to help prevent the development of breast cancer. Certain vegetables have been shown to promote better estrogen metabolism. This, in turn, can assist in breast cancer prevention.

Vegetables that are considered cruciferous are generally the best bets for this. The options include cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale.

The link between diet and breast cancer is one that women should not ignore. Beans may provide a powerful preventative that can help women at high risk avoid this potentially devastating condition.

Posted in Breast Cancer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Fighting Gas Through Diet

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

Gas is a problem that most people experience off and on throughout their lives. When gas becomes chronic, however, it can be a serious concern. The discomfort caused by the condition, not to mention the embarrassment, often calls for taking measures to alleviate symptoms. Altering dietary habits can produce the results sufferers are after.

There are a variety of different foods that are known to cause gas. Some foods, however, are the more likely targets. Eliminating them from the diet or taking measures to reduce their gas-producing effects can assist.

Beware Dairy

Dairy foods are among the best known causes of flatulence. This is especially so if a person happens to be lactose intolerant. Some dairy products are bigger causes for concern than others. The top offenders include:

  • Milk
  • Cream
  • Ice cream

Other sources of dairy can be an issues, but are not as likely to create problems. They include low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.

Vegetables That Bite Back

Certain vegetables are a real concern for people with gas problems. Some of the more notable gas producers include:

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Legumes, especially when cooked from the dry form
  • Brussels sprouts

Fruits Can Create Problems

While fruits are essential for the body, there are some that can cause gas more readily than others. The top culprits in the fruit category include:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Prunes

Other Dietary Concerns

There are a variety of other foods that can promote the production of gas. Foods that are high in fats, for example, can increase gas in the intestinal track. So can eating a diet that is overloaded in whole grains. While grains are good for the body, adding too much, too quickly can have undesirable effects. Certain artificial sweeteners, like sorbitol, can also produce flatulence.

Following An Anti-Gas Diet

Cutting out healthful foods like certain fruits and vegetables from the diet might not be fully advisable – even to reduce gas. Unless severe medical concerns are driving a diet plan forward, it is often best to try and determine personal trigger foods. Rather than fully eliminate gas-producing fruits, vegetables and grains from the diet, it is often best to eliminate them at first and then slowly add back foods one at a time. If gas becomes a problem, then a trigger has been found. Eliminate or reduce this food from the diet to help lessen gas concerns. Keep in mind that some people have more than one gas production trigger.

Other Natural Ways To Combat Gas

There are a variety of other things that can be done to help reduce gas production in the body. The natural ways to achieve this include:

  • Using special cooking techniques – Using a repetitive soaking and blanching process for cooking dried legumes can begin breakdown of the sugars and lessen gas production later. If beans are soaked, rinsed and soaked again after a good boiling, the reduction of gas production can be as much as 50 percent.
  • Eating more slowly – When people gulp their food and fail to chew properly, they tend to suck in a lot of air. This can promote gas production with any food consumption.
  • Paying attention to drinking habits – Drinking carbonated beverages in abundance and using straws can promote the creation of gas in the system.

Living with recurrent gas is not something anyone wants to do. If a reduction in complaints is desired, following an anti-gas diet can help.

Posted in Gas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

How To Get Rid of Gas

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

There are so many different stomach issues that can plague us. Many of us suffer from the occasional bloating, stomach ache, or even nausea. This could be a touch of the flu, some sort of bacteria that has entered the body, or it may be due in part to something that we’ve eaten. Oftentimes these things strike so fast that we don’t even recognize they are there, and they are gone as fast as they came on. No matter what we do or how we cope with these symptoms, it can be important to recognize how they show up and what to do to get rid of them. One such symptom that can be embarrassing and for which we can wish to get rid of quickly is gas. Though it is very common, that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing. Therefore knowing how to get rid of gas is up there on the priority list when it comes to stomach issues.

Cut Down On Some of the Good Stuff

Yes there are certain foods that we are supposed to eat. When we look at a food pyramid or what a regular diet should look like, there are certain foods that are absolutely included in them. Two foods that make the list but which can also lead to gas problems later on can often include milk and fiber. Milk can cause problems with its lactose which can cause problems in those who don’t even know that they are intolerant. Fiber is another source and a very common one because too much of it can cause the system to almost freak out a bit. If you eat too much fiber, it can build up and cause some serious and rather disruptive gas. So though these two ingredients are important to our health and well being, we want to limit them to a reasonable amount to ensure that gas does not become a problem.

Home Remedies Do the Trick

Many people turn to home remedies when it comes to curing gas. They can work quite well and actually be easy on the system as well. Some commonly accepted and utilized home remedies include ginger, peppermint, and parsley. It’s important to know the right way to use these and ensure that you handle them in the appropriate manner. So for example try drinking a cup of hot peppermint tea after you have consumed a meal, particularly if it is one that has some potentially gassy ingredients. Try chewing on parsley before or even after a meal to help curb gas and any stomach pains that you may experience along the way. Chewing on ginger is helpful for everything from stomach cramps to gas, so try it out if you happen to come upon a problem.

Watch How You Eat and Not Just What You Eat

Gulping down your food is a very common occurrence for causing gas. You have to learn how to eat because this can be as common to the onset of gas as what you eat. How you eat and what you eat are the important factors to consider when it comes to preventing gas. Rather than eating three huge meals a day, do your best to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This is a very important point to recognize because it will practically help you to avoid gas altogether.

Posted in Gas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Avoiding Food Related Headaches

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

If you’re a headache sufferer, chances are you’re looking for triggers you can avoid. This is especially so for those who deal with frequent migraines. To find some of the better known triggers, you may want to examine your diet.

While food in general often gets the blame for triggering migraines and other chronic headaches, this connection isn’t entirely true. Fruits, vegetables and other healthy food choices are not typically the culprits. The problem tends to come in when processed foods are consumed. Chemicals in many of today’s modern foods can cause serious pain issues for headache sufferers. There are, however, a few natural substances that can also kick start headache pain.

Learning the more common triggers can be useful for helping you pinpoint potential causes of headaches in your life. Some of the more common triggers include:

  • Nitrates – The sodium nitrates found in processed meats like hot dogs, sausage, turkey and ham are known to trigger headaches in people. This chemical compound is added to foods to help preserve them and provide for a longer shelf life.
  • Aspartame - This is an artificial sweetener often used in diet sodas and other low-calorie food products. It has been linked with migraines by some.
  • Monosodium glutamate – This is a widely used flavor enhancer that has been strongly linked as a trigger for headaches. Although once found mainly in Chinese foods, this product now appears in a variety of processed foods.
  • Alcohol – There are a number of alcoholic beverages that can trigger headaches in some people. Beer and red wine are the best known culprits, however. Alcohol contains both histamines and congeners, which are known to cause headaches.
  • Tyramine – This is an actual natural culprit that can trigger headaches in some people. Tyramine is found naturally in such foods as liver, most cheese products, lima beans, yeast breaks, cake, wine, beer and snow peas. This natural food substance is known to expand the blood vessels in the brain and can cause headaches.
  • Caffeine - Consumption of caffeine isn’t necessarily a trigger for headaches, but its removal from the diet can be. If caffeine is consumed on a regular basis the sudden withdrawal of this natural drug can promote headaches that are often intense. Caffeine, interestingly enough, can also help lessen headache pain. This is a common ingredient in over-the-counter headache medicines.

Other Triggers

Although rare, there are a variety of other potential headache triggers related to foods. Some people find that their headaches are brought on by dairy products; others have issues with bananas, peanut butter or even raisins. Keeping track of food consumed and reactions to them can help you identify more unusual triggers.

What To Do When Triggers Are Found

If you have pinpointed a food source for your headaches, it’s best to avoid consumption. For food additives like MSG and sodium nitrates, steering clear might require reading labels carefully when buying prepackaged products. Be careful when eating out, as well. If there is any question, order something different off the menu or simply ask what is included in a dish.

Living with chronic headaches can prove to be a nightmare. For some people, there are triggers they can pinpoint and learn to avoid. When foods cause the concern, staying away from certain items can make a big difference in frequency.

Posted in Headaches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Foods That Fight Constipation

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

Constipation is a highly common gastrointestinal complaint, but that doesn’t make dealing with its effects any easier. When this condition takes hold, sufferers can experience a number of discomforting symptoms. Fighting constipation naturally with certain foods can make a very big difference in this condition and the frequency of its occurrence.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation occurs when bowel movements are infrequent, stools are hard or there is a need to strain muscles when going to the bathroom. If the condition is left unchecked, it can cause a number of symptoms as the digestive system essentially clogs up. Some of the more common symptoms associated with constipation include:

  • Bloating
  • A sensation of being full even if food has not been consumed
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Rectal pain

What Causes Constipation?

There are a number of very common and treatable causes for constipation, but this can also be a sign of more nefarious medical conditions. Some of the more routine and benign causes include:

  • A lack of proper fluid intake
  • A lack of fiber in the diet
  • Failure to go to the bathroom when the urge strikes, essentially
  • A lack of physical activity
  • Abuse of laxatives
  • Lifestyle changes or disruptions like traveling
  • Certain illnesses

Anti-Constipation Foods

While certain medical conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome, might require medical attention other causes of constipation can often be treated though diet. When there is a need to regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health, there are a variety of dietary additions and changes that can assist.

Dietary fiber is one of the most important additions to include in a diet to combat constipation. Fiber is simply the part of a plant that is indigestible by the body. When a diet is high in fiber, it can help move stool more regularly through the digestive system. Some of the best sources of dietary fiber include:

  • Grains – Whole grain foods, bran, oats, barley and rye are all rich in fiber that can ease constipation and help the system function properly.
  • Vegetables – Certain vegetables are known for high fiber content. Some of the better choices include beans, potatoes with the skins on, cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, celery and green beans.
  • Fruits – Adding fruits like plums, prunes, berries, bananas, apples, avocados and pears to the diet can also assist. Fruits that have skins, like apples, should not be peeled prior to consumption.

Other Natural Considerations

Constipation can often be effectively eliminated and prevented not only by eating right, but also by taking a few other natural measures. Some ways to enhance an anti-constipation diet include:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids – Water is essential for battling constipation. This is especially so if a high fiber diet is consumed or fiber supplements are taken. Getting at least eight glasses of water a day can prevent constipation and help cure it if it is present.
  • Exercising – Physical activity can help flush the system, as well.
  • Supplements – Fiber supplements can be of assistance if eating enough fiber in the diet naturally is not possible or desirable. The proper amount of liquids should be consumed to ensure that supplements do their job

Constipation isn’t a condition that people have to accept and live with. A proper diet, rich in high-fiber foods, can make a difference.

Posted in Digestive Problem | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Eating Right for Lactose Intolerance

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

There are many health conditions that people just live with and accept the consequences of. Though there are certain conditions that may be easier to live with than others, the truth is that there is often something that can be done to make your situation a bit more bearable. There are often medications that you can take to help ease the symptoms. There may be habits that you can change or adapt that make things more bearable in the long run.

Though it’s not as commonly looked at, there are also certain things that you can eat to make your health condition much easier to live with. One such condition that people tend to examine the foods that they eat is lactose intolerance. Fortunately this is one of those conditions that you don’t necessarily have to suffer with. If you learn what foods can trigger a reaction and which foods can help to calm things down, your life will be much more enjoyable.

Making the Right Food Choices

Within each and every food group contain good and bad choices alike when it comes to living with lactose intolerance. If you look at fruits and vegetables for example, so long as you stay away from any creamed versions or any that may have been prepared with cheese or from a package, then you should be just fine. When it comes to your breads and grains, this is an area where you can make some good solid choices. By opting for whole grain versions of pastas, breads, and rice, you are eliminating any potential risk for the symptoms to come up. This also ensures that you get plenty of fiber and that you are making choices that fit into a healthy lifestyle. Your proteins are relatively easy so long as you stay away from eggs and anything that is dairy based as that can be what ultimately causes the problem and the flare up of symptoms. Dairy products however can be a bit more difficult to navigate, and they require their own investigation.

Can I Ever Enjoy Dairy Products?

Though many people think just the contrary, you actually can enjoy some dairy products when you are lactose intolerant. The good news is that there are certain types out there that are either soy based or which use a far lower concentration of milk in their makeup. This means that people everywhere who are lactose intolerant can still enjoy their favorite dairy products at last. You do have to become adept at reading labels as this is an important element of this health condition. First and foremost, you want to be sure to understand what ingredients are in these lactose substitutes to ensure that they are safe for your condition. You also want to read labels of all food that you eat, because there may be hidden dairy products when you least expect them. Dairy products aren’t off limits, but you do need to become an educated consumer and an intelligent patient.

Take Your Medication

If you simply can’t avoid the temptation of that big bowl of ice cream staring you back in the face, then the least you can do is take your medication. There are some great options out there that can help to soothe your stomach and limit the symptoms that you may get as a result of eating dairy. This is particularly important if you eat foods that may or may not have dairy in them, or for which you have no control over the preparation for. Be sure to track your symptoms, as certain foods such as yogurt may be perfectly fine for you to eat without any problems at all.

Posted in Lactose Intolerance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Can Garlic Improve Mood?

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

Living with depression and other mood-altering conditions is no easy undertaking. For many people, the pharmaceutical “cures” can seem worse than the underlying problem. When a more natural alternative to harsh chemicals is desired, there are options. Garlic might just provide the boost people are after.

Why Antidepressants Are Undesirable

While it’s certainly true that severe clinical depression calls for treatment and may demand the use of antidepressants, food medicine is often preferred by sufferers for a few reasons. Antidepressants can have some rather serious side effects and their use can also be costly. Some of the more troublesome side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Weight gain
  • Sexual side effects
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Insomnia

For people who are uncomfortable with the potential consequences of using manufactured antidepressants, nature just might have a cure that can get the job done. Garlic has been found to be a strong fighter in the battle for elevated mood and it can also help those who are not clinically depressed, but are simply suffering from a “down” period.

Why Garlic?

Researchers have found that people who consume garlic are likely to feel an elevation in mood. This natural spice can help reduce fatigue, lessen anxiety, reduce irritability and also lessen agitation. The theory is that garlic’s selenium and other antioxidants help it act on mood.

Garlic is also known to have a number of other medicinal properties, which makes it an excellent dietary choice. This plant-based spice has been used for centuries for its antibiotic and antifungal properties. It is also known to help prevent some forms of cancer and may reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

When To Use Garlic

The decision to use garlic instead of or in addition to antidepressants is best discussed with a medical professional. If severe clinic depression is present, medical advice is essential.

If trying garlic is a choice for minor depression or simple episodes of the “blues,” this natural alternative to more serious medications is certainly worth a try. There are other natural products that are also known to elevate mood that can be helpful. Some of the more common food-based “antidepressants” include:

  • Other selenium rich foods – Garlic is not the only food out there with a decent selenium content. Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tuna, oysters and swordfish are also rich in this substance that has been shown to elevate mood, ease the symptoms of depression and reduce fatigue.
  • Coffee - A cup or two of caffeinated coffee may help ease the symptoms of depression in mild cases. It is important to not go overboard with this stimulant or it might add to anxiety.
  • Spinach – Researchers are finding links between folic acid deficiency and depression. Spinach is rich source of this necessary substance and may help elevate mood.
  • Omega-3 – This type of polyunsaturated fat is essential for brain health and may help reduce symptoms of depression. Fish like cod, flounder and salmon are favored natural sources for this fatty acid.
  • Chicken - The high vitamin B6 content found in chicken may also ease depression symptoms and elevate mood. B6 deficiencies are also linked to the formation of depression since this vitamin is an essential ingredient in serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter.

Battling poor moods through diet is often possible without having to rely on harsher pharmaceutical solutions. Garlic might just be the food item to boost the mood and keep depression and other conditions at bay.

Posted in Mood | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Alcohol Is A Silent Heartburn Trigger

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

Chronic heartburn sufferers know to watch out for spicy foods and eating before bedtime. What many don’t know is that drinking can also cause problems at night – especially if drinks happen to have alcohol in them. Any foods or drinks that kick up acid production in the stomach can bring on a bought of sleep-wrecking heartburn.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a fairly common condition that causes a burning sensation in the chest. The pain often increases if a person is bending over or lying down. While the symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack, heartburn is actually caused by a backing up of stomach acids into the esophagus.

Alcohol – The Silent Heartburn Trigger

There are a variety of foods and drinks that can increase stomach acid production and exacerbate heartburn. Alcohol is one of the more common, but many people don’t stop to consider that it can cause symptoms to flare.

Alcohol, in fact, is a particularly nasty culprit for those with heartburn because it induces symptoms in three different ways:

  • It relaxes certain muscles – Alcohol is known to relax the esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acids to back up into the esophagus. This in turn can cause the lining of the esophagus to become irritated.
  • It causes contractions – Alcohol can also create contractions in the esophagus, which further adds to acidic backup into the throat.
  • It produces stomach acids – Alcohol is known to kick up stomach acid production. This combines with the other two effects to create serious problems for frequent and even infrequent heartburn sufferers.

Why It’s Important To Limit Symptom Causers

While heartburn itself is a fairly benign and common condition, chronic presentations can cause serious problems. Over time, stomach acid leaking into the esophagus can erode the lining and create more serious conditions.

Beyond the potential for causing lasting physical damage, chronic heartburn can get in the way of everyday living. The pain and discomfort associated with this condition can interrupt sleep and make post-meal productivity fall off.

Combating Symptoms

Eliminating alcohol can help reduce heartburn symptoms, but this isn’t always the desired approach. There are other ways to lessen acid production and still ensure that a drink or two is acceptable in moderation.

Alcohol drinkers will find there are several strategies that can help them lessen the effects of a few drinks in the evening. If the right approach is taken, acid production and backups can be kept to a minimum. Some of the ways to lessen acid production include:

  • Limiting consumption – Sticking with one to two drinks can reduce the effects of alcohol on the system.
  • Drinking earlier – Rather than having a glass of red wine right before bed, choose to have it earlier in the evening. Three to four hours before bed time can assist with reducing overnight acid production.
  • Avoiding heavy meals – Drinking during particularly large meals can cause issues with an overproduction of acid. Limiting food or alcohol intake at meal time can help.
  • Taking over the counter medications – Consuming acid blockers prior to meals can also help lessen production.

Living with heartburn is no fun. Finding the cause is often a top priority. For some, the culprit is alcohol. When this beverage is carefully controlled, it is possible to reduce symptoms and still enjoy a drink or two.

Posted in Heartburn | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Foods That Assist With Cancer Treatment

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

The connection between food and cancer prevention is well documented. This has led many to wonder if food can also help in the treatment and cure of cancer. Is it possible for certain foods to have a therapeutic value by slowing tumor growth, preventing the spread of the disease and even helping stop recurrences? The answer to his question is yes. Research is showing more and more that eating the right foods during the treatment of cancer can make a very big difference.

While food should not replace medical treatments, food therapy can be used to augment curative efforts. The right diet is essential for cancer patients regardless to help fuel the body for fighting the disease.

So, what foods should cancer patients consider eating to help them in the disease-fighting effort? Research has pointed to a variety of different foods to help with the battle. Some of the more commonly recommended items include:

  • Garlic – This highly common spice seems to have a toxic effect on malignant cancer cells. Studies have been performed that show that garlic tends to boost anticancer activity in certain cells and helps the immune system function better. It is also thought that this substance might also act as an antibiotic, working against stomach and colon cancer. It is one of the more powerful foods to include in a diet to help battle cancer that’s already in place. It is also a useful preventative.
  • Beta carotene – Carrots are good for more than just the eyes. Beta carotene, which is found in abundance in carrots, also seems to be toxic to cancer cells. Studies conducted at Harvard University and Tufts University show a direct impact on cancer cells by slowing the growth of such tumor types as lung cancer. It has also been shown that beta carotene promotes the production of immunity substances that can fight cancer.
  • Fish oil – This substance has been shown to help stop cancer cell growth and also to prevent its spread.
  • Vegetables and grains – It is known that estrogen levels can be linked to the formation of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Foods like cabbage, bran and broccoli have been shown to help increase the body’s metabolism of estrogen. This, in turn, can help remove the fuel for the development and growth of breast cancer.
  • Mushrooms – Shiitake mushrooms in particular have shown promise in helping boost immunities against cancer cell growth. This reaction in the body is credited to the presence of lenitan in shiitake mushrooms.
  • Licorice - A substance found in this food has been found to slow the growth of some cancer cells. It’s also been linked with helping return precancerous cells to their normal state.
  • Yogurt – The live cultures found in yogurt have been shown to help promote the production of gamma interferon. This substance is believed to help slow tumor growth.

Food is an amazing tool to use in the fight against illness in general. Certain foods may also assist with battling cancers once they’ve taken hold. While there is no indication that dietary changes can replace medical treatments, they can provide the extra boost that’s necessary to help the body fight back successfully. While cancer patients may want to include the above foods in their routines, they should also aim for a well-balanced, healthy diet rich in all the nutrients the body needs to thrive.

Posted in Cancer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Food Triggering Heartburn

By admin | Published: July 1, 2010

They say you are what you eat. Do we all stop to consider this fact though? Do we take a long hard look at what we’re eating and ponder how it will affect our being? Do we ever consider the foods that we put into our mouths and what they do to elicit or be a part of a healthy lifestyle? Chances are that you are mindful of what you eat most of the time, but you have the occasional splurge. You may not even think about what you eat, but you get lucky with a good metabolism and sound health.

The reality is, though, that the foods that we eat can be bad for us in a multitude of ways. One such way is that they can trigger conditions such as heartburn. Though many of us may not understand how this condition works, chances are that we’ve experienced how it feels at some point in our lives. It can help tremendously to be in tune to what triggers heartburn and how it all works. That can allow us to be educated and to ensure that we make the right choices in our lives moving forward.

So What Sort of Trouble Can They Cause?

Though not all foods are created equal, certain foods within a particular category or food group can present the same type of undesirable result. For example, if we look to foods that are caffeine or even dairy based, they can increase the acidity of stomach juices. you consider foods such as coffee, colas, or even milk; they tend to fall into this category and can make the digestion process a very painful one. Those foods that are spicy or acidic such as citrus fruits or tomatoes can cause great pain when there is already some damage present. So be mindful of them as they can practically tear things up while you swallow them through an already hurt or damaged digestive tract. Certain foods may be a bit of a surprise such as they can actually relax the sphincter muscles. These foods generally include peppermint, fatty foods, onion, and even alcohol.

Think Through the Obvious Choices

When you consider which foods will cause a reaction to your heartburn issues, use common sense as a rule of thumb. For example, acidic foods are bound to cause a terrible reaction. What goes down will often come up in the case of heartburn, and therefore this falls under the category of being painful for those that suffer from this condition. Foods that aren’t good for you in any capacity are sure to get some sort of a bad reaction as well. Fatty or fried foods are just hard to digest and happen to be very rich for your system overall. Therefore if it doesn’t sound overly healthy or if you know that it has caused problems in the past, you may want to stay away from it. Limiting substances such as caffeine and alcohol can be a wise idea as well. They offer no nutritional value and are common triggers for those who suffer from heartburn. Learn these and stay in tune to them.

Follow the Process

The most important thing that you can do if you suffer from regular or recurrent heartburn is to track your symptoms. If you are somebody who has flare ups often, keep a journal of the foods that you eat and look for any patterns. It may not even be the foods that you eat specifically, but rather the manner in which you eat them. If for example you eat a couple of huge meals every day, learn to space out your meals more frequently and in smaller amounts throughout the day. Never eat 2-3 hours before you are going to lie down as that will cause the symptoms to become far worse. Keep on top of your heartburn patterns and be sure to make choices that will be right for you in the long run.

Posted in Heartburn | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed