Heartburn or GERD can Kill

Heartburn is a common annoyance. The busy lifestyle, quick meals, fatty or spicy foods all contribute to the occasional need of a chewable pain reliever. The acceptance of heartburn as an inconvenient, but natural, part of the daily grind can blind you to the warning that a severe heartburn symptom can bring.

Heartburn as a Disorder

Heartburn can be a symptom as well as a disorder. Simple heartburn or GERD can be controlled and dealt with. However, heartburn can signal the presence of a much more serious problem. If it’s heartburn, you will have a burning sensation in the chest usually after eating. There may be a spread of the burning to the throat, sometimes accompanied by a bad taste, difficulty in swallowing, belching, coughing, hoarseness and/or wheezing.

It can become worse by lying down or bending over or by eating. Relief can come from an antacid. While the more severe heartburn symptoms may be mistaken for a heart attack, simple heartburn is usually not made worse by exercise. If there is any concern that the pain may signal a heart attack, get help quickly.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Liver Detox For Better Health

By Kym Butterworth

You want to know tested methods for liver detoxification? This article provides you simple steps you can easily implement for liver detoxification.

The liver is a vital organ in the body performing too many functions including, control of blood glucose and amino acids as well as detoxification of the body system. Anti nutritional factors in foods and overdose of drugs and alcohols are rendered harmless by the liver. However, higher concentrations of toxic materials in food can affect the normal function of the liver. The liver contains rows of filters that enable it to carry out its detoxification function. The filter is primarily designed to remove chemicals, microorganisms and waste products in the blood. These in turn are removed through urine and stool. The liver filter needs to remain clean and healthy to perform its functions effectively.



Harmful toxic substances in the liver can lead to diseases of the liver. Such liver diseases include, hepatitis, gallstones and jaundice. Symptoms of diseases of the liver are nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and loss of appetite, yellowing of skin and conjunctiva and itching. A highly recommended method, for liver detoxification is to follow a daily healthy diet plan.

Like many other medical conditions, the first step is proper diagnosis. Here, the particular pathway of detoxification is identified. There are two basic pathways of detoxification, phase1 and phase2.

The second step is to go for liver detox diets. Foods that can activate the phase 1 detoxification pathway are protein foods like fish and egg, fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tangerines, cabbage and broccoli. Fresh fruits and vegetables including, avocado, tangerines, broccoli, asparagus, walnuts and oranges as well as fish oils activate the phase 2 pathways. Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin C and the amino acid glutathione, both of which are important anti oxidants. These anti oxidants remove free radicals from the body. Most of these fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended in liver detox diets due to their anti oxidant effect. Beta- carotene and vitamin E are other examples of anti oxidant vitamins.

In addition to the anti oxidant vitamins, calcium and vitamin B are other nutrients, which are also very useful in the elimination of toxic chemical substances from the body system.

Drink clean water. In the detoxification process, water is needed to flush the wastes from the body system. To avoid introducing more bacteria and harmful chemical substances to the body, bottled water is recommended. Drinking enough clean water provides the fluid needed for proper detoxification.

Use herbs. Many plants contain medicinal substances, which are effective in the detoxification of the liver. One of them is milk thistle. Milk thistle extracts hold chemical substances named as flavonoids. Flavonoids are effective for liver detoxification and protect the liver from damage. Milk of thistle functions by prevention of the depletion of glutathione and increasing the level of glutathione in the body. Glutathione has been used for treatment of some liver diseases like liver cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Avoid foods, which are not liver friendly. Certain foods are harmful to the liver. It is of no use going through the detoxification process if you cannot stop those habits that are harmful to your liver. Make effort to avoid artificial flavors. Saturated animal fats and alcohols should also be avoided. It is more advisable to take organically produced foods.

In conclusion, a liver detox involves a daily pattern of diet, herbal remedies and a lifestyle adjustment that helps the liver to function effectively.

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