Types of foods to avoid for heartburn

Types of foods to avoid for heartburn

About 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES) cannot prevent stomach acid from splashing into the esophagus. This may result in an acidic ashy feeling in the chest, a bitter taste in the throat, or a gassy sensation in the stomach. Several types of food contribute to indigestion and other symptoms of heartburn. Manage bad heartburn by avoiding the following foods:

Fried foods
Fried foods typically contain a high amount of unhealthy fats. This results in delayed digestion, which increases the pressure on the LES. Consuming large portions of fried foods may put you at risk of heartburn or acid reflux. You may want to stay away from fatty foods like French fries, cheese, ice cream, potato chips, donuts, and pastries. Replace the heavy or creamy dressings of your salad with a dash of olive oil and herbs. Limit the consumption of fried bacon, sausages, chicken, high-fat sour cream, dips, and high-fat meats like marbled sirloin or prime rib.

Spicy and acidic foods
According to some studies, eating spicy foods can lead to abdominal pain. It can also cause a burning sensation in the chest if you have a gastrointestinal disorder. A chemical compound called capsaicin that gives the food a spicy flavor can irritate the esophagus. Additionally, fruits and vegetables that have a high acidic content may also damage the esophagus. Limit the consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based sauces. Also, avoid lemons, pineapple, oranges, and grapefruit and instead opt for berries, melons, and strawberries to neutralize some of the acids.

Beverages
Drinks that contain gas force open the LES, resulting in a burp. This can promote symptoms of heartburn. The high sugar content in some drinks may result in bloating and cause a feeling of uneasiness. Avoid or limit the intake of carbonated beverages and sugary drinks. Even coffee and tea may trigger symptoms of gastroesophageal diseases (GERD). Consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause heartburn. According to a 2009 study, beer, red and white wine relax the LES and promote gastric acid secretion. Some individuals may experience symptoms after one drink, while others may be able to tolerate more quantity. Pay attention to your symptoms and avoid drinks that do not suit your body.

Other foods and supplements
There are various other foods, medicine, and supplements that cause heartburn. These include chocolates and chocolate-based drinks like hot cocoa and mocha, peppermint in teas or mouthwash, and processed foods such as burgers, breakfast cereals, bread, and cakes. Certain medicines and supplements may worsen heartburn, including aspirin, antibiotics, bisphosphonates, alpha-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, tricyclics, theophylline, and iron or potassium supplements. If you notice heartburn or acid reflux symptoms after taking a medicine, consult a doctor before stopping them.

Previous Read

Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

Next Read

Nutritional dos and don’ts for breast cancer prevention

Of all the known types of cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed types in women is that of the breast. This cancer type can be caused by a defect in one's DNA as well as genetic mutations. While the occurrence of this condition is common among women, it can be rarely seen in men too. Herein, we discuss which nutritional changes can affect one's vulnerability to breast cancer and the medications prescribed for treatment. Foods to eat Certain foods can improve one's overall wellbeing and reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and other such diseases in the long run. Some such beneficial foods are, Leafy green vegetables Such vegetables contain important antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients fall under the category of carotenoids and are known to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Fatty fish Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, selenium, and important antioxidants. These nutrients protect the body from damage and help in repairing old ruptured cells. Thus, foods made with fatty fish can offer cancer-fighting benefits when included in one's meal routine.   Foods to avoid Certain foods can potentially increase one's risk of developing breast cancer. Eliminating or reducing the frequency of consumption of such foods should be a top priority for preventing this condition. Two such foods one must eliminate are, Alcohol Alcoholic beverages contain a large number of toxins that are detoxified by the liver. Such a process strains the liver quite a bit and, subsequently, increases the risk of one developing breast cancer. Processed foods Processed foods contain a large number of artificial additives that help preserve these foods for a longer period of time. And the copious addition of sugar and salt only makes things worse. The consumption of foods like cured meat, bread, and cheese could lead to obesity, consequently increasing the risk of developing breast cancer.   Medications  Prompt and effective treatment for breast cancer is normally carried out with the help of certain medications. And one such medicine is Neulasta, which is the brand name of a medication called Pegfilgrastim. This medication promotes the production of healthy white blood cells and fights off infection caused by chemotherapy. There are several FDA-approved biosimilars available in the market as an alternative to Neulasta, such as Fulphila This medication is an injectable form of Pegfilgrastim. Fulphila is produced by Mylan and is prescribed to patients who have non-myeloid malignancies and have been receiving anti-cancer medicinal treatment. Medications used for chemotherapy compromise the immune system and make one vulnerable to infections. Such infections can be addressed by the prescription of Fulphila. Nyvepria Nyvepria is another injectable biosimilar of Neulasta. It is synthesized by Pfizer and potentially helps reduce the risk of infection posed by febrile neutropenia. Such issues may be experienced by cancer patients who take myelosuppressives.

Our Blogs

4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

An investment advisor can be a game-changer. A capable advisor can help solve most of your financial issues and give you the best investment advice so that you can turn market situations to your favor. But, finding the right investment advisor is not easy. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while looking for the best investment advisor. Know what type of service you need First, you need to decide what kind of financial assistance you need. Do you need help picking investments? Or are you seeking advice on real estate, retirement, or insurance needs? Asking yourself these questions will help determine the type of investment advisor you are looking for. Nowadays, many people use a robo-advisor, which is as competent as a human investment advisor. A robo-advisor is great for investment management and other basic investments. But if you want substantial transformation in your money-situation, a human advisor is the viable option. Choose a fee-only advisor If you’ve decided to pick a human advisor, the next step is to choose the type of advisor: commission-based, fee-based, or fee-only. If you’re planning something big financially, you must pick a fee-only advisor. Such advisors work for and get paid by other clients like you, so they always act in their clients’ best interest.
Read More
Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

With pension plans becoming more and more obsolete, retirement-focused investments have come to the fore in the past few years. Besides helping you fund your future, these valuable assets also provide incredible gains, and in some cases, constant income till the end of life. Since investing for retirement—and planning it—can prove to be challenging, we have put together a list of tips that may be helpful in the process. Assess your options Multiple investment vehicles are ideal for long-term gains and can return a sizable amount by the time you retire. Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, cash investments, annuities, and dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) are also good sources of high returns, although they depend on investor characteristics and risk aptitude. Saving money in certain tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k), individual retirement accounts (IRA), and brokerage accounts is also an option. Start early and young No one is ever too young to invest. It’s a healthy habit that can earn serious money in the long term, with even the smallest of investments capable of making a difference a few years down the line. Starting early gives your money time to grow and lets you accumulate more compound interest over a period of time.
Read More
4 popular credit cards for college students

4 popular credit cards for college students

A good credit score is essential as it can be a criterion for lucrative job prospects or renting an apartment. Moreover, a good credit score is an uncompromisable necessity while applying for a loan that has terms and conditions that favor you. To ensure that you have a good credit score, it is better to start building it young and early. One of the easiest ways to do so is by applying for a student credit card from prominent credit cards companies. Now, there are several credit cards companies that offer lucrative credit cards, making choosing the right one confusing. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the best credit cards companies that offer student credit cards. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: One of the biggest credit card companies in the country Bank of America offers a slew of benefits with its student credit card. With each dollar spent using this card, students can earn 1.5 points. This applies to purchases without any caps. The points can be redeemed as discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. There are no restrictions or blackout dates applicable for availing these discounts. With no foreign transaction fee or annual fee, the card allows one to earn nearly 25,000 points on spending about $1000 in the first 90 days.
Read More
What you must know about guaranteed business loans

What you must know about guaranteed business loans

If you’re looking for funding your small business with a loan, you’ll most likely come across the term “guaranteed business loans.” People often misunderstand this term as business loans that are guaranteed to be approved. But, this is not what guaranteed business loans means. To clarify the confusion, let’s understand what the term actually means, and discuss the most popular types of guaranteed business loans. What are guaranteed business loans? In simple terms, guaranteed business loans in the world of small business loans refer to loans that are secured or backed by a guarantee. The guarantee can be in the form of collateral, deposit, or an agreement. This essentially means that the lender is guaranteed to receive their money back even if the borrower fails to pay. When we talk about guaranteed business loans, we refer to loans with a personal guarantee or, more commonly, loans guaranteed by the small business administration (SBA). Let’s take a look at both these types. Personally guaranteed business loans As you understand from the term “personal,” when you make a personal guarantee on a business loan, you essentially agree to sell your assets to pay off the loan, if your business is unable to do so.
Read More
5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

Exchange-traded funds (ETF) have been gaining popularity in the investment sector for some time now. Along with mutual funds, they have been one of the most preferred investment options among investors. With investors having pumped in billions of dollars in ETFs by now, these funds sure seem like a lucrative investment avenue. However, financial experts suggest treading this path carefully so as to avoid unforeseeable losses. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid while investing in high dividend ETFs: Overlooking long-term investment Looking at long-term goals is the golden rule when it comes to any type of investment. However, seasoned investors invest in ETFs on a short-term basis through a type of trading called intraday trade. This type of trading allows the investors to buy and sell stocks and other investments on the same day. However, if not thought out carefully, investing in high dividend ETFs through intraday trading can result in lower returns and higher trading costs. Buying an ETF simply based on its name This is one of the most common mistakes people make when investing in high dividend ETFs. Investors may think that an ETF’s name provides an insight into its investment reach, i.e., whether the ETF has local or/and global investors.
Read More
How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage provides the elderly access to equity in their homes and supplements their income. With its flexible repayment option, it gives homeowners more control over their money. However, the government has laid out strict rules and guidelines concerning reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. So, if you’re considering a reverse mortgage, read on to know the reverse mortgage eligibility criteria and the types of reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgage eligibility criteria The first criterion for a reverse mortgage is that the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years of age. If your spouse is under the age of 62, you might still be eligible if you meet other reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. If you’re not 62 or older than 62, then you won’t qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you satisfy the criteria mentioned below. You must be the primary resident of the home you’re seeking a reverse mortgage for. Note that vacation homes or rental properties do not qualify. You must either entirely own the house or have at least 50% equity in it. If you have any mortgage balance remaining while applying for a reverse mortgage, you must be in a financial position to pay off that balance.
Read More