Break Until Beginning of June 2013

I participated in an Entrepreneurship Training Program, to examine the feasibility of running a network marketing business with a Black-owned company called Tag Team Marketing International, Inc.  I am currently writing my Business Plan through the end of May 2013.  Thus, you should check back on this blog during the second week of June 2013 for an entry from me.

DIABETES PREVENTION: Weight Loss Obstacles and Remedies

Some people don’t succeed at weight loss due to:

      1)   Feeling as if you don’t have the time to exercise;

      2)   Thinking that you can’t eat healthily because eating out is convenient and quick;

      3)   Seeing people you live with as setting bad examples, for your weight loss, with food; and,

      4)   You needing support from at least one other person.

Several ways in which obstacles can be overcome (corresponding to the aforementioned list) are:

      1)   Taking 5 – 10 minutes, several times during the day, to complete 30 minutes per day of exercise;

      2)   Making a sandwich, along with packing single-serving milk or soy-/almond milk when going out so that you don’t eat fast food;

      3)   You cook healthier meals for people you live with regularly or eat before they do so that you’re not tempted to eat their weight-loss-busting, unhealthy foods; and

      4)   You can ask people you know who are either trying to lose weight or doing weight-maintenance eating/exercising to give you weight-loss support, until you find at least one person to hold you accountable with your weight-loss goal.

Remedies for Acid Reflux/Heartburn

Here is my follow-up to my last post on the symptoms of acid reflux.  In case you are wondering why I am writing about this, acid reflux, if left untreated, can progress to cancer!  “If acid reflux occurs often on a regular basis, the condition becomes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can develop into cancer of the esophagus if ignored.” (Louis, 4/26/12)

Most of what Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) Edward Group states is proven to work.  Over the long term, he recommends:

o   “CHANGE YOUR DIET:  Processed foods and sugars are almost a guaranteed way to exacerbate acid reflux and create a bacterial imbalance in the stomach and intestinal tract. “  He also states that taking a probiotics supplement [like AIM FloraFood!—SD] is helpful; and, “also help[s] balance the bowel with good bacteria.” (Group, 5/7/10)

o   “DIGESTIVE ENZYMES:  Enzymes are found in abundance in raw food but the act of cooking food over 116° Fahrenheit destroys the health promoting enzymes.” (Group, 5/7/10) Furthermore, Dr. Group promotes supplementing with digestive enzymes, like AIM PrepZymes {The mentioning of the AIM products originates from AIM Certified Living Well Coach Shelley Dryden and not Dr. Group.}.

o   “INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN D:  Increasing vitamin D levels will optimize production of 200 antimicrobial peptides that aid in eradicating infections, including in the esophagus.” (Group, 5/7/10)  Or, as Dr. Group says you can take a high-quality vitamin D supplement, like AIM Veggie D or CalciAIM.

o   “FREQUENT EXERCISE:  Increasing the amount of cardio exercise you engage in is a great first step to improving your overall health.” (Group, 5/7/10)  Or, instead of exercise, you can incorporate a lot of physical activity into your daily routine, like walking on the stairs instead of taking the elevator, dancing regularly, or gardening.

“If you still experience acid reflux symptoms after making lifestyle changes, try these five quick home remedies for instant relief:” (Group, 5/7/10)

Ø Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:  Although Dr. Group supports this food for treating acid reflux, the N.D. Christopher Vasey states that it is a “weak-acid” food (2006, p. 60-61).  This means that if you are one of the few who have a problem metabolizing acids, weak-acid foods (including apples) will have an acidifying effect on your body.

Ø Baking Soda:  Bicarbonate is a wonder product though some doctors recommend it not be used if you have high blood pressure or if you are on a sodium restricted diet. It’s best to get advice first. Mix a spoonful in a glass of water, stir, and drink before it stops fizzing (Group, 5/7/10).

Ø Organic Aloe Vera Juice:  “Aloe vera juice supports digestion and is another great remedy for acid reflux. I recommend drinking 1 ounce of the brand ‘R Pur Aloe’ mixed in 2 ounces of water when acid reflux symptoms begin.” (Group, 5/7/10)  As aloe vera juice usually has a bad taste, I recommend mixing it with fruit juice!

Ø Glutamine:  This amino acid naturally occurs in the human body and glutamine can be found in many dietary sources such as milk, eggs, fish, parsley, spinach and more. Glutamine is resistant to inflammation and reduces intestinal inflammation associated with acid reflux (Group, 5/7/10).

Ø Herbal Licorice:  “Herbal licorice helps coat the stomach with a protective gel. “  Both AIM Herbal Fiberblend and AIM Herbal Release contain licorice root, like Dr. Group recommends!

Furthermore, Dr. Group recommends doing a colon and liver cleanses {both done with AIM Herbal Fiberblend--SD}; and, following them with either a “harmful organism cleanse” (Group, 5/7/10) or parasite cleanse—also covered by AIM Herbal Fiberblend—or a heavy metal cleanse {that you can do with AIM HumiKleanse--SD}.

So, as you can see, AIM makes a number of high-quality products that can help with acid reflux—as recommended by a N.D. who has no affiliation with AIM.  If you, or anyone you know, suffer from this you could be relieved of health issues (like esophageal cancer) developing by ordering AIM products and giving them a try for 3 months!  Any natural whole-food powder or herbal supplement needs to be used for a solid 3 months in order for you to be assured of seeing results.  It’s worth trying for that period of time as you can prevent the chronic disease of cancer from arising.  Ninety percent of chronic disease is able to be prevented!!  You can join AIM—for the cheaper wholesale member price 30% off of retail—and order via my website:  www.myAIMstore.com/myeverydaywellness.

Reference:

Group, E. F.  (2010, May 7).  10 home remedies for acid reflux.  Global healing center.  Retrieved 2/6/13 from:  http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/home-remedies-for-acid-reflux/

Louis, P.F.  (2012, April 26).  Six natural remedies for acid reflux.  NaturalNews.com.  Retrieved 2/6/13 from:  http://www.naturalnews.com/035720_acid_reflux_natural_remedies_heartburn.html

Vasey, C.  (2006).  The acid-alkaline diet for optimum health:  Restore your health by creating pH balance in your diet.  Healing Arts Press:  Rochester, Vermont.

Causes of Acid Reflux Disease

{A relative came to me complaining of acid reflux and so I am delving into this subject as seems to be common (Paddock, 12/25/11).  I am interrupting my current series on cancer prevention, to discuss this probably common disorder!  While my current term in school is winding down, and I plan to take a month-long break from school, I am going to try to publish a post on this blog every week.  —Shelley Dryden}

Several factors may increase your risk for acid reflux disease.

Stomach abnormalities. One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia, which can occur in people of any age....When it works correctly, the diaphragm normally helps keep acid from rising into your esophagus. But if you have a hiatal hernia, it is easier for acid to move up into your esophagus.

Pregnancy . Many women experience acid reflux for the first time during pregnancy. This is caused by increasing levels of hormones combined with pressure from the growing fetus. Worst during the third trimester, the symptoms almost always go away after delivery.

Smoking. Smoking may contribute to acid reflux disease by doing any of the following:

·      Impairing muscle reflexes in the throat

·      Increasing acid secretion

·       Reducing salivation, which neutralizes the effect of acid.

Acid reflux foods. Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal can trigger heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as a dry cough or trouble swallowing. These are some of the common acid reflux foods that trigger symptoms:

ü  Alcohol

ü  Carbonated beverages

ü  Chocolate

ü  Citrus fruits, such as oranges or lemons

ü  Coffee or tea (regular or decaffeinated)

ü  Fatty or fried foods

ü  Foods containing tomato, such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, or pizza

ü  Garlic and onions

ü  Mint

ü  Spicy foods, such as those containing chili or curry

{I think that giving up these foods temporarily, then re-introducing each type of food individually, and seeing which ones lead to acid reflux symptoms, makes sense!—S.D.}

Other causes of acid reflux disease. Other common causes of acid reflux disease include:

v Being overweight or obese

v Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist

v Snacking close to bedtime or lying down right after a meal

v Taking aspirin or ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medications

Exercise may cause acid reflux by increasing the pressure in the abdominal cavity (WebMD, 2012).

{Do you practice any of these traits?  Do you think that you might have acid reflux disease? Let me know, either by email (shelleydryden@gmail.com) or in a comment on this blog!  I might be able to provide guidance to you; especially doing this after a doctor has diagnosed your exact disorder.--SD}

{DISCLAIMER:  I am not a licensed healthcare provider.  If you have a health concern please consult an MD, naturopathic doctor/ND or nurse practitioner.}

Reference:

Paddock, C.  (2011, December 25).  Acid reflux 50% more common than ten years ago.  Medical news today.  Retrieved 1/29/13 from:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/239665.php

WebMD.  (2012).  Common causes of acid reflux disease.  Retrieved 1/29/13 from:  http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/common-causes-acid-reflux-disease