Getting a newer blog

Hello everybody! As you probably saw for yourself, it has been quite a while since I last posted here, but that is about to change pretty soon. The truth is that I was very busy with other projects, and one of them has to do with Happy, Healthy Abdomen too - at least partially.

I am talking about my newly launched blog, Everything Mixed in which I will focus all my work and free time. There is also a section related to general health issues and that will include, of course, all my experience with the digestive-system related problems. However, I will continue to update this blog as well, since this is more focused on a specific topic and allows for a great deal of connectivity. So stay healthy until next time we meet!

New Liquid Dietary Supplement Containing High Potency Antioxidant

Resveratrol is an all-natural plant derived antioxidant found in red wine that has been shown to have many beneficial properties in clinical tests. The benefits of resveratrol include helping prevent cancer, lowering blood sugar, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. In a recent report on 60 Minutes, David Sinclair, a biochemist from Harvard, told Morley Safer that resveratrol "could potentially slow down aging itself."

Pulsate Plus contains the equivalent amount of this powerful antioxidant that you'd find in a whole bottle of red wine, allowing you to experience the benefits of resveratrol without side effects like intoxication or headache. Pulsate Plus also contains a wealth of other beneficial nutrients, including soluble fiber, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium. This exclusive formula combines some of the best ingredients to promote cardiac health, boost the immune system, improve mood and enhance energy in a single tasty supplement with no added sugar or saturated fat.

Pulsate Plus fits well into the stable of Rawleigh products because it adheres to the Rawleigh standard of strength, quality and value. Pulsate Plus is safe for long term use when used as directed. To purchase Pulsate Plus and take advantage of the benefits of resveratrol, visit http://www.rawleigh-products.com.

Doctor's Natural Nutritional Supplements Now Available in the UK & Ireland

Since its establishment in 1989, Doctor's Natural has seen its customer base steadily increase by over 20 percent annually. Its nutritional supplements have been taken by more than 96,000 women, men and children.

Doctor's Natural immense success in the Scandinavian market due to the quality of its ingredients and ground-breaking results has prompted its initiative into the United Kingdom & Ireland.

Presently over 40 percent of UK residents take nutritional supplements and as a result of increased demand, this figure is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.

A major reason for Doctor's Natural success is that it offers what no other nutritional company does: a medical hotline that guides customers so that they purchase the right products for their specific needs.

Dr. Bo Nielson, Founder and CEO of Doctor's Natural, says: "With so many nutritional supplements on the market, most people buy the wrong ones because they don't really know what they need and what to take. More importantly, people don't have access to professional advice that will help them make the right decisions. Our medical hotline solves that problem.

"Our polluted environment and hectic lifestyle are demanding that we pay even more attention to our health. We offer 100 percent natural supplements that are very effective and evidence-based. Our customers are highly satisfied and confident in their choice. They know that the supplements they are taking work and are backed by scientific studies," he concluded.

Birgitte Mogelvang, a Doctor's Natural medical advisor, says: "What most people don't realise is that nutritional supplements work differently from one person to another and this has a lot to do with lifestyle, gender, age and whether they are looking to treat or prevent a certain health condition or simply maintain overall health. Years of research has allowed us to develop highly personalised treatment packages based on these factors. Our website (www.doctorsnatural.com) is a resource where people can find exactly what they want and need."

Doctor's Natural nutritional supplements are developed by medical professionals and manufactured in the EU in accordance with the highest HACCP and GMP pharmaceutical standards. The company delivers to homes or offices with no shipping costs or hidden fees.

Mercy Healthy Weight Solutions Opens New Office At Mercy Fairfield HealthPlex

n support of the vital link between healthy weight and fitness, Mercy Healthy Weight Solutions has opened the doors to a new office at the Mercy Fairfield HealthPlex (located at 3050 Mack Road).

As the area's most complete weight loss program, Mercy Healthy Weight Solutions has been seeing patients at its current office on Winton Road since the program began in early 2008.

The program's wide range of services includes medical and surgical weight loss, nutrition, counseling, and fitness - including a six month membership to the Mercy HealthPlex of their choice and a Wellness Coach to facilitate their fitness plan.

Obesity rates in the United States continue to rise, and with them are increased risks for serious conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and sleep apnea. Fortunately, many of these health risks can be addressed and even eliminated through healthy weight loss. "The health effects of massive weight loss are dramatic," said Dr. Northup, "More than 88% of obese type 2 diabetics who have gastric bypass surgery are seeing complete resolution of the disease and elimination of all medication within days of the procedure."

Free patient information sessions are being held regularly for anyone who is interested.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, describes the growth of bacteria that sets processes into motion that eventually destroy tissue surrounding the teeth. Seventy-five percent or more of Americans over 35 have some degree of gum disease. At later stages of gum disease, tooth loss is a frequent consequence. Additionally, gum disease can impact far more than dental health. According to the American Dental Association, "There is evidence that bacteria in the mouth which are associated with gum disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockages and stroke."

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease symptoms can be are subtle, but warning signs are usually present. They include:

• Bleeding gums during and after brushing teeth
• Red, puffy or sore gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Shifting teeth or loose teeth

The following steps are key to avoiding gum disease:

1. Brush your gums -- Massage your gums daily in small circles where each tooth is embedded in the gum to promote circulation and remove bacteria. Finish by lightly brushing the top and bottom gums, both on the inside and outside, with your regular fluoride toothpaste.

2. Rinse with a fluoride rinse - If you're drinking water contains fluoride, you can skip this step. If not, rinse for one minute with a fluoride rinse. The rinse will help reduce the number of bacteria present.

3. Floss every day - Even though you sometimes can't see the particles in and around your teeth, flossing gets rid of them, and serves to prevent infection. Measure out about 18 inches of floss, wrap the ends around each forefinger and grasp with the thumb. Push it up and down between teeth and along the sides of the teeth. Slide into a clean section of floss with each tooth you clean.

4. Rinse with a quality mouthwash -- Ask your dentist to recommend a low-alcohol, non-irritating brand. High alcohol can aggravate the mouth, and some believe it leads to oral cancer. A good mouthwash kills bacteria in the mouth.

5. Don't smoke or drink heavily -- Higher incidences of gum disease and oral cancer exist in smokers and drinkers. Drinking and smoking can also contribute to yellowing of teeth. Chew sugarless gum instead.

6. Get routine, professional dental cleanings - Despite your best solo efforts, you can't prevent gum disease entirely on your own. In-home dental care just can't clean to the degree that a dental office cleaning can. Also, your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease that you might miss and take steps to halt further progression.

SOURCE: Drs. Lesueur and Dodaro

Which conditions can cause gastro-oesophageal reflux?

In the previous post, I have talked to you about gastro-oesophageal reflux, now it's time to see who contributes to the problems. In many cases, the disorder cannot be attributed to any specific cause but the following conditions can contribute to the problem.

Hiatus hernia
The stomach pokes through the diaphragm, preventing the muscle fibres of the diaphragm from closing the lower end of the oesophagus. The oesophagus remains wide open which allows stomach acid to get into the oesophagus.

Overweight
If the person is overweight the excessive fat in the abdominal cavity increases the pressure inside it. This causes the contents of the stomach to travel up into the gullet. Loss of weight reduces stomach acid reflux.

Pregnancy
Because the uterus increases in size during pregnancy, it presses on the stomach, creating higher pressure inside it, which increases the tendency to reflux. In addition, hormonal changes lead to relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter during pregnancy.

Meals
The more the stomach is stretched by food, the higher the tendency to reflux. The tendency is also increased by eating fatty meals as fat delays gastric emptying. Try to avoid large rich meals, particularly in the evening and this will reduce the tendency to reflux.

Foods
Chocolate, peppermint, coffee, fruit juices, sour, hot spicy food and alcohol and over eating prevent the oesophageal sphincter from working properly.

Tobacco
Tobacco prevents the oesophageal sphincter from working in order, reduces the rate at which the stomach empties and increases stomach acid production.

Constipation
Constipation increases the tendency to reflux by raising pressure inside the stomach cavity.

Lying down
The tendency to reflux increases when you are lying down. This is just due to gravity. A simple way to change that is to use a pillow under the mattress or to raise the head of your bed by 3 inches with blocks or a house brick under the bed frame.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders diagnosed?
The symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux may be so obvious that no tests are needed. There are others scary test as well but we dont advise to do.
If the doctor is in doubt, or if the symptoms are very troublesome, a gastroscopy will be considered. During the procedure oesophagitis, hiatus hernias, peptic ulcers and other conditions can be either found or ruled out.

Another possibility is to measure the acidity in the lower end of the oesophagus during a 24-hour period. This will give an indication of how often and how long the reflux episodes last.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux can resemble those of a peptic ulcer, chest pains (angina pectoris), muscle pains, back problems, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, pancreatic disease etc. These conditions will sometimes have to be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made.

On Gastro-oesophageal reflux

What is gastro-oesophageal reflux?
If heartburn begins to occur on a daily basis you need to see your Physician for advise.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or 'reflux' into the gullet (oesophagus). It can also cause heartburn and pain in the chest. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a common condition and the most frequent cause of indigestion in the world.

Oesophagitis
Oesophagitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the oesophagus caused by repeated episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux.

The symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux oesophagitis?

A painful or burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest, sometimes radiating to the back (heartburn). The acid reflux may reach the pharynx (throat) and mouth. It is sour and may burn. A small number of patients have difficulties breathing and suffer from hoarseness because the refluxed fluid irritates the larynx and respiratory tract. Excess belching is common.

When does gastro-oesophageal reflux occur?
Symptoms typically occur after over eating a large or fatty meal or drinking alcohol. Lying down, bending over or bending and lifting can all cause reflux. It is made worse by smoking.

The frequency with which the symptoms occur varies. For most people, they are rare but weekly and daily episodes of refluxes are not uncommon sometimes even 10 times a day.

Does gastro-oesophageal reflux affect your health?
It is an unpleasant condition that can have a big influence on your lifestyle. Many people feel that their quality of life is lowered by the symptoms. Prolonged exposure to refluxed acid leads to oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus). Long-standing oesophagitis may be complicated by the formation of scar tissue that contracts and results in a narrowing (stricture) in the affected part of the oesophagus. This can make it difficult or even impossible to swallow. It is a serious condition that requires urgent assessment and treatment, but, fortunately, this complication is relatively rare. It can cause ulceration leading to bleeding and an iron deficiency, which may develop into anaemia due to a chronic blood loss.

Bulimia: What is bulimia and who becomes bulimic

WHAT IS BULIMIA?

Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder. It is often called just bulimia. A person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time. This is called binging. The person may fear gaining weight after a binge. Binging also can cause feelings of shame and guilt. So, the person tries to "undo" the binge by getting rid of the food. This is called purging. Purging might be done by:

* making yourself throw up
* taking laxatives- pills or liquids that speed up the movement of food through your body and lead to a bowel movement
* exercising a lot
* eating very little or not at all
* taking water pills to urinate

WHO BECOMES BULIMIC?

Many people think that only young, upper-class, white females get eating disorders. It is true that many more women than men have bulimia. In fact, 9 out of 10 people with bulimia are women. But bulimia can affect anyone: Men, older women, and women of color can become bulimic. It was once thought that women of color were protected from eating disorders by their cultures. These cultures tend to be more accepting of all body sizes. But research shows that as women of color are more exposed to images of thin women, they are more likely to get eating disorders. African-American, Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaska Native women can become bulimic.