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8 foods to eat and avoid for heartburn

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) suffer heartburn frequently. It happens because GERD causes the stomach contents to travel upward into the esophagus. Nutrition plays a vital role in managing heartburn. Certain foods inhibit the symptoms of this condition, while others aggravate them with time. We have listed the foods to eat and avoid with heartburn below. However, patients should speak to a healthcare professional before changing their nutritional regimen.

Foods to eat
The foods listed below can reduce the severity of heartburn or, in some cases, help prevent it:

Brown rice
Whole grains provide the body with vitamin B, iron, folate, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and selenium. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and facilitate the reduction of GERD symptoms. Brown rice is one of the most popular choices among whole grains.

Ginger
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties and healthy compounds make it an incredible food to fight conditions like GERD. Being alkaline, it can reduce the acidic pH that raises the possibility of heartburn. Ginger also has properties that make it suitable for dealing with conditions like nasal congestion and the common cold.

Sweet potatoes
Fruits and vegetables are incredibly vital in managing heartburn. Sweet potatoes, for instance, dramatically reduce stomach acids, helping reduce the frequency of the symptoms. Healthcare professionals also advise patients to eat carrots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, and green beans. These veggies provide the same benefits as sweet potatoes; they help maintain a healthy acid balance and reduce heartburn severity.

Watermelon
Water-heavy fruits like watermelon help dilute the acidic content in the stomach, weakening the severity of GERD and heartburn. Besides watermelon, foods like celery, cucumber, herbal tea, lettuce, and broth-based soups can help treat the condition better.

Patients looking for something beyond these four foods can consider bananas, chicken breast, fennel, melons, and sweet peppers.

Foods to avoid
The foods listed below can worsen heartburn and other GERD symptoms and should hence be avoided:

Coffee
Coffee is generally considered harmful when diagnosed with GERD. The caffeine in the beverage relaxes the esophageal sphincter and worsens acid reflux. It is also known to increase the acidic content in one’s gut.

Peppermint
Like coffee, peppermint relaxes the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. This causes the acidic content and food settled in the stomach to climb into the food pipe. Due to this reason, eating peppermint to freshen the breath is a bad idea when dealing with heartburn.

Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are heavily processed and contain large proportions of compounds that can worsen inflammation. If someone already has GERD, drinking carbonated beverages can increase the acidic content in the gut. It can also increase one’s chances of suffering severe heartburn and food pathway reversals more frequently.

Jalapenos
Spicy foods like jalapenos tend to worsen acidity and GERD. They can also aggravate inflammation. Therefore, those suffering from heartburn must actively avoid anything spicy.

Besides the foods mentioned above, patients should stay away from fried and salty foods like French fries as they can worsen the symptoms and lead to other health issues.

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected jointsâ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause poppingÂ sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase oneâs risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

8 early signs of an overactive bladder

Overactive bladder, or OAB, refers to an abnormally frequent urge to pass urine, which is often difficult to control. Individuals grappling with this condition may lead socially isolated lives owing to the embarrassment caused by its symptoms. The disease may have various underlying causes, including high blood sugar levels, poor kidney functioning, and the prevalence of a neurological disorder. Identifying the early signs of OAB can help one receive a timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms of an overactive bladder Sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate Overactive bladder is characterized by sudden, frequent, and uncontrollable urges to urinate, causing severe discomfort and the need to rush to the washroom multiple times. Urgency incontinence The urge to urinate is typically followed by the involuntary passage of urine, referred to as urgency incontinence. Nocturia Nocturia refers to the need to pass urine multiple times at night. This is among the most common symptoms of OAB. Loss of sleep Sleep is typically disturbed severely due to the sudden urge to pass urine at night. Side sleeping is often suggested as a strategy to control OAB symptoms. Limiting fluids before going to bed can also help with reducing the frequency of urine passage at night. Anxiety associated with frequent urine passage Studies have shown that almost 50% of persons with OAB experience anxiety associated with their inability to control the passage of urine. They may also experience high stress levels and depression. Loss of appetite Frequent urination can lead to loss of appetite and fatigue associated with having to pass urine multiple times a day. Lack of sex drive Studies have found that an overactive bladder is associated with compromised sexual health, reduced sex drive and an inability to achieve fulfillment. These symptoms are particularly prevalent among women with OAB. Bladder spasms Some patients with OAB may experience cramps or pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by the urgent need to pass urine. Some patients may also experience cramping. Tips to manage OAB symptoms Avoid caffeinated beverages after sunset Caffeinated beverages can increase oneâs frequency of passing urine. Hence, it is advisable to control caffeine intake in general and particularly avoid caffeinated beverages after sunset. Practice pelvic floor exercises Pelvic floor exercises, including kegels, are effective ways of controlling OAB symptoms by strengthening the bladder and pelvic muscles. However, one should consult a doctor before practicing these exercises. Incorporate non-acidic, healthy foods Foods with low acid levels can help reduce the frequency of urination. These foods should not be processed and should be rich in essential nutrients. Some such foods include whole grains like oats and rice, vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, beans, asparagus, celery, and sweet potatoes, fruits like berries, bananas, and pears, and protein sources such as chicken, tofu, and fatty fish. Check for food intolerances Having foods that one is intolerant to can aggravate OAB symptoms. Hence, it is important to consider if one is intolerant to specific foods or food groups, such as gluten and lactose. Avoid spicy foods Spicy foods are inflammatory and can irritate the bladder, exacerbating OAB signs. Thus, one should avoid spicy foods like certain types of sauces and chilies. In addition, OAB can be highly mentally and emotionally distressing for patients. Seeking professional and family help for daily chores is essential while recovering from the condition.