Acidity is more common than you think! About 7.6% of Indians report heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once a week.
When we eat food, it goes through the oesophagus and into the stomach. A circular muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) exists between the oesophagus and the stomach that relaxes to allow food into the stomach and then closes (contracts) to prevent backflow into the oesophagus.
The stomach secretes acid to assist food breakdown during digestion. Excess production of acid by the stomach glands in some cases leads to a condition called acidity. For some people, the sphincter weakens or relaxes abnormally allowing the stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn.
Acid reflux can sometimes occur even in healthy people. It is usually for a shorter period without any significant symptoms.
Causes of Acidity and Heartburn
Acidity and heartburn are primarily caused by improper dietary habits and poor lifestyle choices. Major causes of acidity and heartburn include:
Frequent heartburn (several times a week) may be a symptom of a long-term condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is critical to treat frequent heartburn as untreated chronic acidity can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the oesophagus, precancerous changes, and cancer of the oesophagus.
Symptoms of Acid reflux and heartburn include-
Managing Heartburn and Acidity
The most important step in managing acidity and heartburn is to identify food items that trigger heartburn and reduce or stop the intake of those food items. Do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation.
Also Read: Pantoprazole Foods to Avoid
Basil leaves have soothing and carminative properties that can provide instant relief from acidity.
Lactic acid present in buttermilk neutralises the stomach acid and alleviates acid reflux and heartburn.
Cumin seeds are a great acid neutraliser, and they aid digestion and relieve stomach pain.
Coconut water stimulates the production of mucus in the stomach, thereby protecting the stomach lining from the harmful effects of excessive acid production. Being rich in fibre, it aids digestion and prevents the recurrence of acidity.
Also Read: Dietary Tips: Foods To Avoid With Acid Reflux
If heartburn symptoms continue despite diet and lifestyle modifications, consider taking over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
Medicines for managing heartburn include antacids, alginates, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2-receptor antagonists) and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Antacids neutralise the acid in the stomach, providing fast, short-term relief.
Alginates are extracted from algae and are used with antacids to prevent acid reflux. Alginates form a raft that sits on the surface of the stomach contents, preventing reflux.
The H2 receptor antagonists reduce stomach acid secretion.
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) block acid by reducing the production of gastric acid, allowing time for damaged oesophageal tissue to heal.
Amongst several PPIs available like Omeprazole (know more), Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole and Esomeprazole, Omeprazole is the one having highest published evidence and studies regarding its better safety. All the PPIs have similar efficacy; however, Omeprazole due to its better safety and highest affordability, is the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.
These medicines are most helpful for people who have heartburn often, i.e., more than two days of a week. In case of severe acidity, the patient may have to undergo surgery (vagotomy) to curb the acid production in the stomach.
When acidity and heartburn hits, many home remedies, over the counter treatments, and lifestyle changes may provide relief. If you experience heartburn or acidity more than twice or thrice a week, talk to your doctor. In some cases, they might suggest medication or other treatments.
Also Read: Tab Omee
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
How are you coping with the 21-day lock-down? If you are an introvert, you must be relieved at the rare opportunity to enjoy some solitude. If you are an extrovert, you may be dismayed that you cannot meet up with your friends. But, we have all accepted that it is the only way that we can eradicate COVID-19. That is why we are dutifully staying home to avoid any exposure to the virus.
The lockdown may keep us safe from the Coronavirus, but it presents us with some unique problems. Have you realized what they are?
All of us will face some if not all of these challenges:
Let’s face it, staying at home can make us lazy and affect our health! So introvert or extrovert, each one of us has to adopt a few healthy activities so that we can emerge from the COVID-19 lockdown stronger & better than before!
Here are a few suggestions that you may find useful-
It is quite natural for you to feel worried and anxious. This is a crisis without precedent in the 21st century. We don’t know how much damage COVID-19 will do to our country and the world.
But do you know what happens when you cannot control your anxiety? It gives you high blood pressure, insomnia and aggravates existing health disorders. What will happen, will happen and we are all in it together. So you need to be calm.
To help yourself to stay composed, practice yoga and meditation first thing when you wake up in the morning. Yoga will quickly install mastery over negative emotions and meditation will help you keep calm and centred.
In the first few days of lockdown, you will feel like binge-watching videos on YouTube or Netflix. But soon even that will get boring. So, why not make the most of the opportunity to exercise your brain and keep it sharp and keen?
There are multiple puzzle apps and brain games you can download and play with your family or by yourself. Another productive way to beat boredom and relax your nerves is reading. Fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, journals, whatever captures your fancy just read on.
Are you always complaining about how your work doesn’t allow you to get enough sleep? Well, now you are saving up time by not having to commute to work. Ensure that you sleep for 7-8 hours and wake up with a revitalized body and mind.
Sufficient sleep will rejuvenate your body, repair any internal damages and instil positivity. Sleep is one of the best ways to keep yourself fit – physically and mentally.
Besides, when you eat healthily, you keep your digestion going strong. Staying indoors all day can trigger digestion issues that can be averted with easy-to-digest foods. Healthy eating will also nourish all organs of your body to keep yourself strong and fit throughout lockdown.
Now that you have plenty of time in your hands, why not organize your home? It is also advised to mop your house twice a day with a disinfected or home cleaner. We cannot stress how important it is to keep every square inch of our homes clean because many harmful viruses and bacteria spread in filth. Your health will thank you for your efforts.
For people who exercise outdoors, working out in cloistered spaces can be a nightmare. But that doesn’t mean you can forgo exercise! What should you do instead? Why not try dancing? There are multiple cardio-based dance choreographers that you can find online. Learn the steps and practice them. It is fun, invigorating and extremely good for your body.
If you are living alone in another city for work, then there is a possibility that the lockdown can trigger depression in you. But to prevent that you can deploy WhatsApp video calling and Skype. Talk to your loved ones multiple times a day and spend time together virtually.
Make the lockdown a blessing in disguise. Stay indoors and keep yourself occupied with healthy activities. This is the time to look at the positive side, reinvent ourselves and become fitter and stronger individuals!
You can now assess yourself and your loved ones for Coronavirus risk at home with PharmEasy’s AI-Powered Bot – Covid Assist. Click below.
Do you feel like you may have the symptoms of Coronavirus? You can now book the Coronavirus Detection Test right from the comforts of your home. Click below.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Burnout can be controlled or prevented with these few simple steps that you can inculcate in your daily routine. Do not let it take over your life and put a brake on it! Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Traditionally, people associated with all the respiratory problems with the smoking of traditional cigarettes or even second-hand smoking (passive smoking).
But, recent research suggests that inhalation of tobacco vapour when you puff on e-cigarettes can also increase the risk of contracting asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)!
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has published research data that states an alarming fact – people who vape (use e-cigarettes) are 6 times more likely to develop asthma and COPD than people who do not smoke at all!
Researchers from John Hopkins University in the United States also concluded that vaping is very dangerous for one’s health.
When e-cigarettes first came to the market, they were claimed to be better than regular tobacco cigarettes. Because instead of inhaling tobacco smoke, people would be taking in vapour or a mist of tobacco. It was even touted to help kick out the habit of smoking.
But have these claims been backed by science? No, they haven’t. Vaping actually causes a lot of damage to your lungs. How do you wonder? Well, Studies have found that e-cigarettes can cause inflammation of the lungs and airways, which eventually progresses to COPD.
The main chemicals in e-cigarettes, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, have been linked to increased cough, mucus secretions, chest tightness and reduced lung function, all of which can make asthma worse. Vaping can irritate the lung’s airways, making asthma attacks and also lead to COPD more likely.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Studies have found that e-cigarettes not only increase your chances of getting COPD and asthma but also aggravate the existing symptoms of COPD and asthma.
To shed more light on the link between COPD and vaping, the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System carried out extensive research and collected data from 4 lakh people, both smokers and non-smokers. What did they find? They found that a large percentage of smokers have COPD compared to non-smokers!
The study also found that those who vaped every day were 73% more likely to come down with respiratory illnesses and those who used e-cigarettes infrequently had 31% higher chances of getting these illnesses.
Also Read: Does Vaping Cause Cancer? Exploring The Health Implications
Vaping is very addictive. This habit is almost as difficult to kick as regular smoking. But is it unconquerable? Absolutely not! All you need is consistent effort and a little bit of guidance.
Vaping can ruin your life and bring untold misery. It is as harmful as smoking traditional cigarettes. Kick out this habit and don’t let it be a part of your life so that you can stay fit and fine always!
Read More: 7 Health Effects of Smoking
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
If you are ready to make certain dietary and lifestyle changes while battling diabetes, there are many questions that may pop up in your mind. Following are a few commonly asked questions by a diabetic:
Q1: What foods should I eat and avoid if I have diabetes?
Ans: Soft drinks, fried and junk food, canned juices, ice creams, tea and coffee with sugar, sweets should be avoided. Whole grains, brown rice, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, meat (not deep-fried), eggs, low-fat dairy products are good to eat.
Q2: What is the best thing for a diabetic to eat before bed?
Ans: Nuts, boiled eggs, fresh salads, sugar-free yoghurt, apple and roasted chickpeas are good snacks to have before bed.
Q3: Are bananas good for diabetes?
Ans: If had in a moderate amount and at proper intervals, bananas are good for diabetes. It’s rich in fibre and has vitamin B6, C and minerals. It can help in reducing spikes in blood sugar levels.
Also Read: 10 Low GI Fruits for Diabetics
Q4: Are potatoes bad for diabetics?
Ans: Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates which means they can raise blood sugar levels. However, eating a small portion of potatoes is fine.
Studies have revelaed that due to their high antioxidant content and starch-digesting enzymes, green, leafy vegetables have been discovered to be beneficial for patients with diabetes. Infact, kale juice may assist persons with subclinical hypertension lower their blood pressure and control their blood sugar levels.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Also Read: Desserts For Diabetics: An Expert’s Guide To Enjoying Sweet Treats Safely
Q5: What is the best breakfast for a diabetic to eat?
Ans: Sprouts, besan chilla, boiled eggs, oats and quinoa can be the best breakfast for diabetics.
Q6: Can I have chocolates with diabetes?
Ans: A small amount of chocolate can be consumed by diabetics. Dark chocolate is the best option. Read more about the health benefits of dark chocolate.
Q7: Do lemons lower blood sugar?
Ans: Lemons are very good for diabetics. Lemons have a low glycemic index and help regulate blood sugar levels. They prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
Q8: Is ginger good for diabetes?
Ans: Yes, ginger increases the absorption of glucose into muscles, this helps in managing blood sugar levels. They also help regulate insulin production.
Also Read: 5 Diet Tips for Diabetes Management
Q9: Can drinking a lot of water lower your blood sugar?
Ans: High blood sugar increases the risk of dehydration. So, drinking water helps to rehydrate the blood and this helps the body to remove excess sugar through urine. Water per cent doesn’t change your blood sugar levels.
To my knowledge, chia seeds are frequently referred to be a superfood due to their high antioxidant and omega-3 content. Additionally, they are a rich source of fibre and plant-based protein. Studies have revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes who were overweight lost more weight after six months when they ate chia seeds compared to people who ate an oat bran substitute. Therefore, chia seeds may aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Q10: Can I lead a normal life with diabetes?
Ans: Yes, with some changes in lifestyle and regular medications, a person can lead a normal life.
Also Read: How to Control Diabetes?
For more detailed information on diabetes, click here!
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
422 million people worldwide suffer from a very serious condition i.e Diabetes. So, here are some frequently asked questions by a diabetic that can help you or your loved ones!
Q1: Why is my blood sugar high in the morning?
Ans: Insulin is responsible for maintaining normal blood sugar. In diabetics, either insulin is not produced or it doesn’t show a 100% effect. In the morning, hormones like glucagon and GH (they increase blood sugar) are high which results in higher sugar levels.
Q2: How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high?
Ans: An increase in the frequency of urine, increased thirst, rise in fatigue, body ache, weight loss are all symptoms of high blood sugar.
Q3: Does hot or cold weather affect blood sugar levels?
Ans: Weather does affect the blood sugar levels but not significantly. Slightly higher sugar levels are observed in cold weather conditions.
Q4: Do I need to take medications even on the days that I feel fine?
Ans: Yes, you should. Skipping your medicines will cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels which will eventually lead to complications. Furthermore, inform your doctor if you have any history of allergy to medicines (if experienced in the past).
Q5: Can changing medications help in faster recovery?
Ans: While uncontrolled levels warrant a change in medications, changing medications won’t lead to faster recovery if your blood sugar levels are under control.
Q6: Why is diabetes becoming a problem in our country?
Ans: A change in dietary habits (consumption of junk food, fried food, fast food) and sedentary lifestyle has resulted in an increased risk of diabetes in India.
Also Read: “Diet Alert: Foods To Avoid While Taking Metformin”
Q7: Can a person without symptoms have diabetes?
Ans: Yes. It’s quite common to have no symptoms, especially in early diabetes. A lot of cases of diabetes are accidentally diagnosed on routine testing.
Q8: Is diabetes more common among men or women?
Ans: The incidence in men is more as compared to women. However, the risk of complications is more in women.
Also Read: 8 Early Symptoms of Diabetes in Men
Q9: Can I control diabetes without medication?
Ans: In cases where sugar levels are mildly increased, dietary and lifestyle modifications can maintain a normal sugar level without any need for medication.
Read More: 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes
Q10: Can diabetics fast for 3 days or more?
Ans: Fasting for more than 24 hours in diabetics can be dangerous especially when taking medication while fasting. It can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Also, eating after a couple of days of fasting can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Q11: How should you prepare for a diabetes test?
Ans: 3 types of sugar levels are tested in diabetes – fasting, postprandial and random. For fasting blood sugar, you should not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the test but you can drink water in small amounts. Postprandial sugar is tested 2 hours after a meal. Random sugar can be checked at any time.
Also Read: Desserts For Diabetics: An Expert’s Guide To Enjoying Sweet Treats Safely
Q12: Can I outlive diabetes?
Ans: Yes. With good control of blood sugar levels, proper medications and a good lifestyle, you can live a healthy life and beat diabetes.
If you still have questions related to diabetes, click here to know more!
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Want to beat the chill this winter? A warm beverage during this time will not only keep you healthy but feel as comforting as a snuggle! Here are some beverage ideas that will keep you warm and homey!
Want to try a unique and delicious beverage this winter? Apple cider with a few sticks of cinnamon is just what you need. Just pour yourself a cup of apple cider, put two cinnamon sticks into the cup and let them soak so that the cider is infused with the goodness of cinnamon. Sip on the liquid half an hour later. It’s not just delicious but also has numerous health benefits –
What is the one hot beverage that even all the celebrities swear by to remain fit and healthy? It’s warm lemon water! Just warm a cup of lukewarm water, squeeze a quarter of a lemon and drink it to kick start your winter day.
Winter is when you are at risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections and warm lemon water is one of the best immunity-boosters that will protect you from winter illnesses like cough and cold.
There are even more benefits of lemon water which make it a must-have beverage for winters-
Also Read: Does Black Coffee Reduce Weight: Research-Based Insights into Coffee’s Role in Weight Loss
Are you craving a spicy beverage this winter? Prepare yourself for some hot ginger solution. This brew is known for its slightly zesty and hot taste due to ginger. This is what makes it a soothing beverage in winter for people with a severe case of cold.
Ginger is a powerful medicinal herb and a mixture of warm water with ginger will do the following for your body –
I suggest Rasam which is made using tomatoes, tamarind, lentils and spices like black pepper which is excellent remedy for winter season illnesses like cold and cough, also it is warm and soothing.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
What is the king of all winter beverages? It is the Indian masala chai! Not only does it taste awesome but it also packs a punch with its innumerable health benefits. It contains many spices like cloves, cardamom (elaichi) and bay leaf that are loaded with medicinal properties that you need in winter. Here are a few reasons you need to make yourself a masala tea anytime this winter –
Extreme winters and cold conditions may land a person in hypothermia usually represented as shivering, shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, or slurred speech, keeping oneself warm is very necessary in extreme weather.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Read More: 7 Benefits of Masala Tea
Feeling cold & lazy? Grab a mug of coffee and as it travels down your throat, you will feel yourself becoming warm and toasty. Coffee contains caffeine- a compound that you need in winters to be at the top of the game. It improves your blood supply which keeps you warm.
Caffeine also reduces the likelihood of contracting respiratory problems, the flu or a common cold. There are many other benefits of caffeine that make coffee a vital beverage for winters –
Winters are incomplete without a mug of your favourite hot beverage. But wouldn’t be great if your beloved warm drink could also boost your health? With the beverages we mentioned, you are sure to be cozy, happy and healthy throughout the winter months.
Also Read: 4 Health Benefits of Green Tea
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The most exciting time of the year is here!At the end of every year, we all have mixed emotions – we become reminiscent of the time we rejoiced and anxious about how we can mark a fresh beginning. It is the perfect time to learn from the mistakes of the previous year and create goals to make the next one even more enriching than the last. These goals, commonly called new year resolutions, are the promises we make to ourselves that will help us better our way of living (If you do follow them!) Surveys have found that nearly 70% of new year resolutions are related to health. Others however are resolutions based on changing harmful lifestyle habits. We have put together a list of resolutions that you can go through to help make your new year healthy and rewarding.
