GERD Symptoms After Gallbladder Removal

Every year in the United States, half a million people have their gallbladders removed. Cholestectomy is often a necessary medical procedure. Gallbladder attacks are extremely painful and can cause life-threatening infections. Most people who have a cholecystectomy have no problems afterwards. Unfortunately, a small percentage of people (10 to 15 percent) have post-cholecystectomy complications, including GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Not Just a Vestigial Organ

Most people believe that the gallbladder is a vestigial (unneeded) organ, much like the appendix or the tonsils. While you are able to survive without a gallbladder, it does serve a purpose. A gallbladder regulates the flow of bile into your stomach. Every day, your liver produces more than a quart of bile. The gallbladder is the storage tank for the bile. Bile is used by your body to absorb fats and oils. When you eat fatty foods, your body signals the gallbladder to squirt out some bile to aid in digestion. Without your gallbladder,the liver still produces bile, but you don't receive the quantity that you used to. This prevents you from digesting fats as well as someone with a functioning gallbladder.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common problem after gallbladder surgery.

What is GERD?

Your stomach is filled with strong acid to aid in the digestion of the food you eat.The acid found in your stomach has the same acidity level as the acid found in car batteries. GERD, or acid reflux disease, occurs when the valve separating the esophagus and the stomach does not close properly. This valve is called the lower esophageal spincter. This spincter is usually squeezed shut when you are not eating. When you eat, the spincter opens to allow the food into your stomach. When you have GERD, the lower esophageal spincter is open at the wrong times. This allows the stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus. Your stomach has a protective lining to protect it from the acid, but your esophagus doesn't.Your esophagus can be easily injured by the backup of stomach acid.

GERD Symtoms

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, you may have GERD. Other symptoms can include regurgitation, trouble swallowing, pain with swallowing, nausea and chest pain. GERD can also cause chronic cough, laryngitis, asthma, dental enamel erosion, damaged teeth and sinusitis. If left untreated, GERD can cause severe damage to your esophagus. People who suffer from GERD can experience ulcers and narrowing of the esophagus. GERD can also cause Barrett's Esophagus, a precurser to cancer. It is estimated that 20 percent of people with Barrett's Esophagus will develop cancer. If you suspect that you have GERD, it is very important to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes

GERD sufferers usually need to make some lifestyle changes. Some foods and habits can make GERD worse. Certain foods that stimulate acid production should be avoided. These foods include coffee, fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus juices, chocolate, peppermint, cabbage, broccoli, garlic,onions,spicy foods and carbonated beverages. GERD sufferers should eat small meals and avoid eating two to three hours before going to bed. Obesity worsens GERD, as does smoking. Drinking alcohol can make GERD more severe as it relaxes the lower esophageal spincter.

Medication

There are many medications, prescription and over-the-counter, which can help relieve GERD symptoms. Antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta and Rolaids are usually the first drug GERD sufferers try. Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. These can be useful for relieving mild GERD symptoms. Many people with GERD require stronger medications than antacids.

Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid AC are H2 blockers. H2 blockers work by p0reventing histamine, or H2, from producing acid in the stomach. Most of the H2 blockers are available without a prescription. However, these only work for about 50 percent of GERD sufferers.

Proton pump inhibitors include Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Nexium. Most proton pump inhibitors require a prescription. Proton pump inhibitors work by shutting down the proton pump which pumps acid into the stomach. Proton pump inhibitors completely block acid production in the stomach. They are much more effective than H2 blockers and will relieve symptoms and heal the lining of the esophagus.

How Many Calories Are in a Grapefruit?

Whether ruby red, pink or white, grapefruits are healthy, filling citrus fruits packed with nutrients but low in calories. They can be cut in half and eaten section by section with a spoon, or peeled and eaten like an orange.

Calories

One half of a medium-sized grapefruit, the standard serving size, has 40 calories. A whole medium-sized grapefruit, therefore, has 80 calories.

Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium

Like most fruits, grapefruits contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium.

Carbohydrates

One half-grapefruit contains 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of which is dietary fiber and the other 9 grams of which are sugars.

Protein

A half a grapefruit contains just 1 gram of protein.

Vitamin C

Grapefruits are packed with vitamin C. A half of a grapefruit contains 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance for this vitamin.

Potential Drug Interactions

People taking certain cholesterol-lowering medications, calcium channel blockers and other types of drugs should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, because of possible negative drug interactions. A physician or pharmacist can clarify whether it's okay to consume grapefruit while taking a particular medication.

Fatty Liver Pain

Fatty liver, often medically referred to as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a painful liver condition characterized by liver inflammation and formation of scar tissue, which has many possible causes, including obesity, poor nutrition and certain medications, among many others.

Features

Fatty liver is referred to as such because it is a condition of excess fat stored in the liver (and other tissues thereafter). A normal liver metabolizes fat, but a fatty liver malfunctions, leading to fat accumulation, which causes inflammation and an increase in liver enzymes and inflammation.

Identification

The first symptom of a fatty liver is abdominal pain, though this progressive condition will take a while to exhibit this symptom, since the fat in the liver builds up slowly over time, according to the California Pacific Medical Center. Other symptoms include fatigue and immune system weakness.

Cause of Pain

The pain of a fatty liver is caused by the expansion of the liver. As it expands, its membrane stretches, the organ becomes heavier, and the result is abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right abdominal area. This pain intensifies if the condition is left untreated, and gallstones form, composed of cholesterol and bile salts.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the fatty liver disease, but may involve the removal of the chemical compound or drug that is causing fatty liver, altering fat and nutrition intake with carbohydrates and proteins, or taking supplements and medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Pain Medications

Pain will decrease as the fat in the liver decreases and the condition becomes manageable, and therefore the typical approach is not "masking" the pain, but addressing its cause. Pain medications risk aggravating the existing liver condition.

Prevention

A healthy low-fat diet and exercise are the best preventative methods. Avoid or minimize alcohol intake, and be certain your medications are not hepatoxic (meaning toxic to the liver). Have your doctor check your blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels regularly.

List of Low Carb Healthy Food

Diets such as Atkins, South Beach and LighterLife are based on reducing the body's carbohydrate intake. Some low carb diets are low calorie, and quite healthy. Other plans have a high calorie intake, as well as lots of saturated fats. Low carb diets work by forcing the body into ketosis, which speeds up weight loss. Ketosis occurs when the body's glycogen stores are depleted. In the absence of glycogen, the body burns fat for energy. During the fat burning process, ketones are released. Healthy low carb diets offer a selection of food groups.

Protein

Healthy, low carb, protein options include lean meat and fish. All meat, excluding processed meat, is low carb. Chicken is ideal for low carb dieters, as it has relatively few calories or carbs. The lowest calorie cut of chicken is the breast; skin should be removed for calorie reduction. Flaky fish such as cod, halibut, plaice and monkfish is high protein, and low calorie. Oily fish, such as mackerel, sardines and herring is also low carb and healthy, but has a higher calorie percentage than the flaky varieties.

Fruit and Vegetables

Many vegetables are low carb. Healthy choices include salad leaves, runner beans, asparagus and all members of the brasicca family, such as broccoli and cabbage. Some vegetables are not low carb. Starchy vegetables should be avoided by the low carb dieter. Starchy vegetables include potatoes, peas, parsnips and carrots. Most fruit is healthy, but not low carb. The high fructose content of most fruit puts it off limits for those on a low carb diet. Raspberries, rhubarb and blackberries have the lowest fructose content, and are allowed on some low carb plans.

Dairy Products

Most dairy is completely carb free. But the high fat content means it is not healthy in large quantities. Diets that are low carb and low calorie allow healthy products such as low fat yogurt and cottage cheese. Diets that are purely low carb, and do not consider calorie intake, allow cream and other cheeses. Many low carb diets recommend a quantity of milk be consumed each day for calcium.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain fiber and healthy monosaturated fats. The carb content of nuts and seeds varies drastically. The lowest carb choices are pecans, sunflowers seeds and macadamias; the highest are cashews and pistachios. Depending on the amount of carbs allowed on your diet, almonds and walnuts may also be allowed. Nuts should be eaten in small quantities on low carb and low calorie diets. The recommended portion is usually around 2 tbsp. per day.

How to Care for a Yucca Plant

The trunk of the yucca plant sports branches with palm-like leaves at the end. This houseplant typically grows slowly indoors and requires good care to produce new growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Purchase yucca plants according to how big of a plant you want and how much you want to spend. Yucca plants grow slowly, so you should start with a plant which is almost the maximum size you want. However, because they are slow growing, large yucca plants can be expensive.

2

Give yucca plants bright light including direct sunlight. Yucca plants must receive several hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant is slow growing under optimal conditions, but if it does not receive high light it may not grow at all.

3

Provide yucca plants lower temperatures in the winter, if possible. Otherwise, yucca plants will survive in most home temperature environments.

4

Keep the potting mix moist by watering frequently in spring, summer and fall. In the winter, allow most of the potting mix to dry out in between waterings.

5

Use heavy pots. Yucca plants can become top heavy because most of their growth is at the top of the plant. Clay or ceramic pots are better than plastic or wood. Placing rocks around the base of the plant also adds extra bottom weight.

6

Move your yucca outside in the summer. Because these plants require high light in the summer and tolerate high heat, they benefit from being outside. Ensure the plant gets several hours a day of direct sun and water it several times a week when the soil begins to dry out.

7

Go to the website Dave's Garden for expert tips on how to care for a yucca plant as well as tips from other yucca plant owners. Click on "Plant Files," go to "Click here to search for plants" and enter "yucca" in the genus field.

Diets for Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances occur when the body fails to produce or over produces hormones. The causes of hormonal imbalances are usually related to menopause, early ovarian failure and thyroid disorder. While there are medications to treat the imbalances associated with these conditions, a proper diet may aid in relieving symptoms. An improper diet, or a diet largely consisting of processed foods, may exacerbate an existing hormonal imbalance.

Function

Hormone levels affect mood, cognitive processes, reproduction and organ function. All of these are affected by the foods you eat as well.
One of the factors that play a vital role in hormonal health is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). This is an endogenous hormone produced by the body and is considered a building block of the reproduction process and in brain development. After the age of 30, DHEA levels begin to drop. This may be an indication of hormonal imbalance.
You can increase your DHEA levels by including fish in your diet such as salmon, tuna and mackerel three times a week. If you don't like fish, use a fish oil supplement instead.

Features

One of the adverse affects of hormonal imbalances is impaired cognitive skills, otherwise known as brain fog.
Certain foods can aid in relieving brain fog, aside from fish. Flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are all high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids improve short-term memory and cognitive reasoning. They do so because they replace the fatty acids lost due to hormonal imbalances.
Adding soy-based foods to your diet will aid in hormonal imbalances caused by low estrogen levels. Soy contains phytoestrogens. Your body accepts the soy as estrogen, helping to restore your estrogen levels.

Types

Processed foods often contain chemical compounds that are harmful to humans over time. One of the side effects of ingesting large quantities of processed or fast foods is the exacerbation of hormonal imbalances. If you are at risk for hormonal imbalances, eating such foods may increase that risk.
Hot dogs are processed foods, as are canned meats. Packaged cookies and cakes, frozen dinners and most packaged white breads are processed foods. These contain chemicals that adversely affect hormones levels.
Avoid milk and other dairy products that are derived from animals fed antibiotics and artificial growth hormones to increase production. These chemicals are passed on in the food to you, the consumer. Ingesting artificial estrogen may cause hormonal imbalances.
Do eat whole grain breads, raw fruits and vegetables, and natural dairy products, that is, those free from hormones. Drink plenty of water and fruit juice and keep intake of caffeine and alcohol to a minimum.

Considerations

While it seems that a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables is little more than common sense, there is a correlation between diet and hormone levels.
Soy, for example, is good for those with lower estrogen levels. But it may not be the right food for those with thyroid disorder or on medication to treat low estrogen levels.
If your hormone imbalance is caused by an overabundance of DHEA, which can be found in teenagers, loading up on fish will only worsen the problem. The solution may be more emphasis placed on greens and fruit juices.
If you suspect you have a hormone imbalance, you need to understand the cause of the imbalance before you can determine which foods will help you feel better.

Theories/Speculation

A healthy diet of chemical and hormone free foods is likely to benefit anyone, regardless of the status of their health. But when it comes to hormonal imbalances, the question has been raised as to whether or not environmental factors are the cause, specifically hormone infected foods.
Foods sprayed with chemical fertilizers and pesticides have an accumulation of xenoestrogens, or artificial estrogen. Ingesting xenoestrogens then throws your hormones out of balance, because your body believes your estrogen level is too high. This is a "false reading," however, and your body cannot rid itself of the fake estrogen. This results in you experiencing the symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
Are chemical sprays and hormone fed farm animals the cause of all hormonal imbalances? No. They may not even be a direct cause of hormonal imbalances, but rather a catalyst in those at risk. Either way, eating organic foods free from chemicals and hormones will help alleviate existing symptoms and reduce the risk of developing hormonal imbalances.

Mucus Cleansing Diet

List of Foods for Alkaline Diet

The alkaline diet, sometimes called the alkaline acid diet, focuses on eating foods that leave an alkaline residue in the body. These consist of fresh vegetables, legumes, nuts, grains, roots, tubers and a limited amount of fruits. Although it's classified as a diet, the purpose of an alkaline diet is not to help you lose weight--it's intended to help balance the potential hydrogen (pH) in your body and to improve your overall health.

Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are an important part of an alkaline diet. There is no limit to the amount of vegetables that you can eat. Add the following to your meal plan: asparagus, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, green beans, spinach, peas, lettuce, turnip greens, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, garlic, eggplant, squash, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, mustard greens and legumes.

Beverages, Fats, and Protein

Beverages, seeds, grains, nuts, oils, and fats also can help make up an alkaline diet. Limit your drinks to fresh vegetable and fruit juices, herbal tea, organic milk, green tea, distilled water, soy milk, vegetable broth, ginseng tea, mineral water, almond milk and lemon water.

Almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, flax seeds, sesame seeds, buckwheat and tempeh are sources of protein you should include. Yogurt, another source of protein is acceptable, but consumption of other dairy products should be limited because of their sugar content. Eat yogurt that is low-fat or fat-free.

Other Alkanizing Foods

Other foods that you are allowed to eat as part of an alkaline diet include hummus, tahini, hemp, avocado, olive, coconut oil, wheat grass, barley, mustard, cinnamon, ginger, sea salt and all herbs. For a sweetener, Stevia may be used in place of sugar. Meat, eggs and most dairy products are not recommended. To experience the full benefits of an alkaline diet, most of the food that you eat should be raw; eat more salads to enjoy vegetables in their raw form. Finally, drink eight or more cups of distilled water per day.

Fruits

Unlike most diets, fruits play a small role in the alkaline diet. In fact, it is recommended that fruits not be eaten in excess and that they only be consumed alone or before a large meal; they should never be eaten right after a large meal, because fruits have a naturally high sugar content and become acidic once digested.

Fruits that are acceptable as part of an alkaline diet are: apples, apricots, berries, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi fruit, lemons, limes, mango, melons, oranges, pears, pineapples, tomatoes, dates and raisins.

No-Carb Breakfast Ideas

Traditional breakfast foods such as muffins, pancakes and cereals are prohibited on the Atkins diet. This often leaves Atkins followers wondering, "What's left for breakfasts?" From frittatas to sausage burritos, eating the no-carb way is easy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Eggs

Eggs have zero carbs and are a quick and easy no-carb breakfast. Try eating eggs a variety of ways: sunny side up, hard boiled, or in an omelet. Cheese and meats can be incorporated into omelets to help provide variety.
When eating breakfast on the go, order a classic breakfast sandwich, such as a sausage, egg and cheese, and forgo the bread or ask for a lettuce wrap instead.

Vegetables and Nuts

Try incorporating mushrooms, peppers and bok choy into an omelet or go the extra mile and make a really decadent frittata. Cucumbers, celery and radishes also have minimal carbs and can be eaten raw, juiced or blended with water and ice into a healthful smoothie. Salads filled with lettuce, arugula, spinach and other no-carb vegetables with cheese and olive oil provide a crisp and refreshing way to start the day. Many nuts, particularly pecans and almonds, have only a minimal amount of carbs and make a nice addition to a salad or can be eaten alone by the handful. From raw pecans to smoked almonds, there is something for every craving and mood.

Meats

Sausage, bacon and ham have long enjoyed a place on the breakfast menu, but there are other no-carb meats that can be enjoyed. Pork, veal, beef, lamb, flounder, turkey, duck, chicken and tuna are just some of the no-carb meats and fish you can incorporate into your breakfast. Many have been turned into sausages and bacon. Try incorporating these meats into your omelets, or make breakfast burritos using the meats, eggs and a lettuce wrap.

What Are the Causes of Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver disease is a fairly common condition that strikes thousands of people each year. It's as the name implies---a liver that's suffering from an excess of fat, or fat buildup. For most people it's a fairly innocuous condition that causes no symptoms, and is often diagnosed only when someone has tests done for other conditions. But left untreated, it can be dangerous.

Types

There are two kinds of fatty liver disease---alcoholic steatohepatitis and NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The first is the most common and develops when someone develops liver damage through the abuse of alcohol. NASH is related to obesity and develops because of an overindulgence in high-calorie (and fatty) food.

Identification

Fatty liver disease is easily diagnosed with the use of a blood test, and is often confirmed with either an ultrasound or CT scan. Sometimes a doctor will notice during a routine exam that the liver is enlarged or notice through blood tests that there is inflammation in the body. There can be other problems with the liver, so the doctor might request more tests to rule out other problems. To specifically diagnose liver disease, the doctor might order a liver biopsy.

Causes

There are two primary causes of fatty liver disease---alcoholism and eating a diet full of fatty food or high-calorie food. Rarely do healthy people who eat a healthy diet develop liver disease. If you eat too many calories, fat can build up in the liver, and the liver can fail in its attempts to break down fats as it should. Fat will develop in the liver. Alcohol abuse can also cause this condition. Sometimes people who are malnourished or who have lost weight rapidly (such as after weight-loss surgery) will develop fatty liver disease as well.

Warning

If untreated, the liver can become hardened and scarred. Called cirrhosis, the condition is serious and can lead to liver failure. Because there are few symptoms of liver disease, you might not exhibit any signs that you have fatty liver disease. If you are an alcoholic, or obese, it might be worth having a simple blood test to determine if fatty liver is a problem. Not knowing and leaving the liver untreated can be dangerous.

Prevention

Preventing liver disease is as simple as not overindulging in alcohol and not eating a diet high in fat or calories. But if fatty liver disease is already a condition, it can be corrected. The liver can rejuvenate itself unlike any other organ in the body. If fatty liver disease is caused by obesity, losing weight and changing your diet can reverse the condition. Similarly, someone who abuses alcohol might be able to reverse the condition by simply not drinking and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Some supplements such as milk thistle may help the liver repair itself.

Basic Diet for Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver is a condition that results in the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This condition is not serious but must be managed with diet and medications to avoid liver cell death, oxidative stress on the liver cells, and the production and release of toxic proteins into the body. The diet for fatty liver disease focuses on helping patients to lose weight, reduce triglyceride levels and decrease liver inflammation.

Lose Weight

One of the primary focuses of the diet for fatty liver is safe weight reduction. People with fatty liver should lose no more than 1 to 2 lbs. each week and should accomplish weight loss with a combination of balanced diet and exercise. Foods that are high in saturated fat should be avoided. These include processed meats, turkey or chicken with skin, butter, egg yolks, avocados, whole-milk dairy products, cookies, muffins and cakes. People with fatty liver disease should also be careful to monitor their caloric intake; excess calories can be converted to fat that accumulates in the liver cells.

Reduce Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the chemical form of fats that come from animals and vegetables. Unused molecules are stored in the body as fat, which can lead to fat accumulation in the liver cells for people who have fatty liver disease. The diet for people with fatty liver focuses on reducing triglycerides through reducing fat and calorie intake so that excess triglyceride molecules and calories can't be turned into fat in the liver cells. Patients with this condition should avoid fatty foods and carbohydrates, since carbohydrates are often turned into triglycerides after they have been consumed.

Avoid Alcohol

Because alcohol is metabolized by the liver, drinking alcohol can impair the liver's ability to process the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. This can allow fat to accumulate in the liver cells. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided and replaced with non-caffeinated drinks such as water, natural fruit juices and decaffeinated teas.

Control Diabetes

Diabetics have an added challenge in managing their fatty liver disease. Because blood sugar must be carefully controlled in people with diabetes, careful attention to diet is necessary. Avoiding processed foods and foods high in refined sugars can help diabetics keep their blood sugar at normal levels and also help to avoid allowing excess carbohydrates to be converted into fat in the liver cells. Diabetics should always consult with a physician, nutritionist or dietitian before making major changes in diet.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Even after a normal weight has been reached, it's still important for people with fatty liver disease to eat a balanced diet. Avoiding too much fat, carbohydrates and calories can help to reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver cells and reduce the oxidative stress on the liver. Lean meats and dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be eaten in the portions recommended by the Food Guide Pyramid.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastric Ulcers

A gastric ulcer is a peptic ulcer that occurs in the stomach. Gastric ulcers are open sores or raw areas that form when hydrochloric acid (HCI) erodes through the protective tissue of the stomach lining. A majority of gastric ulcers are caused by either a long-time use of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or by a bacterial infection. The signs and symptoms of gastric ulcers vary from patient to patient. Here are some of the more common symptoms of gastric ulcers.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of a gastric ulcer. This pain can be burning, gnawing or aching, and it might feel similar to hunger pains. The pain occurs anywhere between the navel and the breastbone, and occasionally spreads to the back. The most common location for gastric ulcer pain is just beneath the rib cage on the left side of the body. Gastric ulcer pain frequently attacks within two to three hours of eating a meal but can also occur at night when the stomach is empty.

Indigestion

Another common gastric ulcer symptom is indigestion, which typically involves a burning sensation in the middle of the chest. This indigestion can make a gastric ulcer sufferer burp, belch or hiccup quite frequently. Some gastric ulcer patients feel a slight choking sensation during a bout of indigestion. The indigestion usually disappears after taking an acid reducer or an antacid. This symptom is frequently mistaken for simple heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Other Symptoms

Gastric ulcer patients can suffer from a host of other symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, weakness and pale skin. Gastric ulcers occasionally produce scar tissue that obstructs the passage of food through an individual's digestive tract. This can cause the patient to vomit frequently or feel quite full after eating very little. Some individuals report feeling bloated after eating, while others complain of significantly decreased appetite levels. All of these factors can cause unintentional weight loss.

Bleeding Gastric Ulcers

A bleeding gastric ulcer can trigger less common but potentially more serious symptoms. A bleeding ulcer can cause a patient to throw up bright red blood or to vomit digested blood that looks similar to brown coffee grounds. A bleeding ulcer might also cause a patient to pass stools that contain dark red blood or to pass black stools that look like tar. All of these are signs of a severe gastric ulcer. Any individual suffering from these symptoms should schedule an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment

Gastric ulcer treatment typically involves killing any bacteria and reducing the level of stomach acid. Most doctors prescribe patients with an antibiotic medicine such as amoxicillin to treat a bacterial infection. Physicians also typically prescribe acid blockers to decrease the amount of hydrochloric acid being released into a patient's digestive tract. The acid-blocking medication usually relieves the ulcer pain and promotes the healing of the stomach lining. A doctor might include an antacid in a patient's medication regime to neutralize the stomach acid and provide faster pain relief.

Why Does Soda Explode When You Add Mentos?

Watching Mentos chewy candies produce shooting geysers when placed into a bottle of soda makes for an educational science project. In addition to performing the demonstration, you can explain the scientific factors that cause the shooting fountains. For the safety of your children or students, it is recommended that you conduct this demonstration outdoors. In addition, you may ask that children or students wear safety goggles.

Carbon Dioxide

The heavily carbonated sodas release carbon dioxide when opened. Carbon dioxide produces those bubbles you see when sodas fizz. These bubbles are a key component for allowing sodas to shoot out of the bottle when Mentos are dropped in. Diet sodas contain more carbon dioxide, which, in turn, produces more bubbles. You will therefore see a stronger geyser when you use a bottle of diet soda in your demonstration.

Properties

Instead of expanding, like normal gasses do, water molecules in the soda all bond with each other, tightening the surface tension around the carbon dioxide as the soda remains pressurized inside a sealed bottle. This is why you do not see fizz in an unopened, unshaken bottle of soda. Once the bottle is opened, however, the carbon dioxide is allowed to expand, causing tiny bubbles, or fizz, to form.

Reaction

The surface area of each piece of Mentos is uneven, with many miniscule holes we cannot see. As soon as the candies touch the soda, they start dissolving in the liquid. The molecules contained in the candy force the carbon dioxide molecules of the soda apart. This upsets and quickly breaks the strong surface tension previously created by the water molecules. The more pieces of candy you add at once, the stronger the disruption. The force from this quick reaction instantly sends the soda shooting out in a strong stream.

No Chemicals

For older children and students, you may point out that the reaction which takes place is a physical, not chemical one. This means that after the demonstration has been conducted, both the soda and Mentos remain in their original carbonated liquid and solid states, respectively. (In chemical reactions, substances are transformed into new substances with an entirely different set of physical, chemical and molecular properties from their original states.)

Temperature

The temperature of the soda also affects how high the soda fountain will be when Mentos are dropped into the bottle. Adding the candies into room temperature or warmed bottle of soda will allow the soda to shoot higher as it explodes from the bottle. Chilled sodas, on the other hand, produce a much smaller explosion. For general safety purposes, you may want to chill the soda bottle before performing the demonstration in front of younger children.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Symptoms

Alcoholic fatty liver is a condition linked to the excessive consumption of alcohol. The toxic effects of alcohol appear within just a few days after a drinking binge when greasy deposits of fat form on the liver. Symptoms of severe cases of alcoholic fatty liver may include abdominal discomfort, jaundice, malaise, nausea and weakness. Alcoholic fatty liver is reversible through abstinence. But continued alcohol abuse may lead to more serious liver disorders like cirrhosis or cancer.

Function

The body's largest solid organ, the liver secretes bile to assist with digestion and processes and stores fats and carbohydrates. Located below the diaphragm, the liver also cleanses the blood stream by removing dead and unhealthy cells, microorganisms and other toxins.

Due to its important functions, alcohol-related damage to the liver poses a serious threat to an individual's overall health.

Significance

It's estimated that more than 15 million people in the U.S. depend on or abuse alcohol. Alcoholic fatty liver is thought to develop in 90 to 100 percent of heavy drinkers.

Diagnosis

Alcoholic fatty liver can usually be detected during an ultrasound examination. However, a definitive diagnosis requires a liver biopsy.

Treatment

The best treatment for alcoholic fatty liver is to abstain from drinking. If no alcohol is ingested, the liver will return to its normal appearance with two to four weeks.

Misconceptions

Alcoholic fatty liver should not be confused with non-alcoholic fatty liver, an emerging condition that is now believed to be the most common cause of abnormal liver-function tests in people who don't drink. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is linked to factors such as a poor diet, obesity and metabolic disorders.

How to Cure Fatty Liver

Fatty liver is a potentially serious condition, in which fat accumulates around the liver. This condition can result from an overconsumption of alcoholic beverages. Additionally, carrying extra weight around the mid-section increases a person's risk of developing fatty liver. If left untreated, cirrhosis of the liver can develop. But fortunately, fatty liver is reversible.

Instructions

1

Lose extra pounds. Being obese or overweight can cause fatty liver. To reverse the condition, make every effort to shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Reduce your calorie intake by 500 calories a week, and exercise three times a week for 30 minutes.

2

Eat a healthy diet. A high-fat diet contributes to fatty liver. Fatty foods include fried foods, fast foods and junk foods. Trade-in the cookies, candy and potato chips for fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of sugary foods and lower your carb intake (eat less than 130 grams a day).

3

Reduce your cholesterol. Regular exercise and a low-sodium diet can help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

4

Stay away from alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages can cause further damage to the liver. If you have fatty liver, eliminate alcohol from your diet until you've cured the condition.

5

Limit your use of medications. Overuse of prescription and pain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin can damage the liver, and slow the healing process. Talk to your doctor before taking prescription and OTC medications.

The Best Body Detox Diet

With so many detox diets on the market, how do you know what's best? In terms of simplicity and popularity, the Master Cleanse, or Lemonade Diet, stands out from the rest. I've tried it, and it really works.

Salt Water

To flush out your colon, you will need to drink a quart of salt water every morning. Add two teaspoons of unrefined sea salt to the lukewarm filtered water.

Filtered Water

Because most tap water contains fluoride, chlorine and can contain heavy metals and other toxins, it is essential to filter your water. After all, this is a detox diet, and the last thing you need is to add new toxins while eliminating the old ones.

Organic Lemons

Lemons are a natural diuretic, and they have high levels of vitamin C. Freshly squeeze two tablespoons of juice from an organic lemon into a 10-ounce glass of warm filtered water. Drink at least six glasses a day.

Cayenne Powder

Cayenne chili powder will improve your circulation and release accumulated mucus. Add 1/10 teaspoon per glass.

Grade B Maple Syrup

Only pure, organic grade B maple syrup will do as it is less refined and more nutrient dense. Add two tablespoons per glass.

Laxative Herbal Tea

Drink a glass of organic laxative tea before bed. The "smooth move" senna brand is a good choice.

Foods to Avoid for Prevention of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are formed from chemicals in the urine and can cause severe pain as they move through the urinary tract. Because some people are at a greater risk for kidney stones, a special diet can help prevent stone formation,. There are several foods to avoid for the prevention of kidney stones, all of which should be discussed with a doctor or nutrition to ensure a balanced diet.

Soft Drinks

Cola soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, which increases the risk for developing kidney stones. Dr. Zina Kroner, an osteopathic physician from The Hoffman Center in New York, N.Y., indicates that just one liter of soft drinks containing phosphoric acid per week can increase the risk of kidney stone recurrence by 15 percent. Dr. Kroner recommends avoiding soft drinks that contain phosphoric acid and replacing them with water.

Grapefruit Juice

In an analysis of 17 beverages conducted by Dr. Gary Curhan and Dr. Meir J. Stampfer of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass., grapefruit juice was the only one that increased the risk of kidney stone development. Scientists are still unsure of how the risk for kidney stones is increased when drinking this juice.

Barbara Ameer, a pharmacist from Princeton Junction, N.J., suggests that a compound called naringin could bind to calcium and deliver it to the kidneys. This could cause high concentrations of calcium in the kidneys and lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

Further research is needed to determine the exact reason that grapefruit juice increases the risk of kidney stones, but this beverage should still be avoided by anyone who is at risk for stone development.

Oxalate

Oxalate is a chemical that can bind with calcium and increase a person's risk for developing calcium oxalate kidney stones. Anyone with a history of calcium oxalate stones or a high risk for developing these stones should avoid foods high in oxalate. According to physicians from Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, a food is high in oxalate if it contains more than 10mg of oxalate in one-half cup. Examples of high-oxalate foods include chocolate, beets, string beans, celery, blackberries, spinach, parsley, draft beer, eggplant, sweet potatoes, rhubarb, strawberries and soy products.

Sodium

Sodium intake increases the amount of calcium in the urine, which is a major risk factor for the development of calcium oxalate stones. Avoid foods that have high levels of sodium, especially packaged and processed foods. Examples of high-sodium foods include bread, soft drinks, frozen dinners, canned soups, canned vegetables and most cheeses. Avoid adding table salt to food and replace its flavor with herbs and seasonings that do not contain sodium.

Purines

People who are at risk for uric acid kidney stones should avoid foods that contain purines. These substances provide some of the chemical structure of human genes, but they are also found in concentrated amounts in some foods. Avoid high-purine foods such as organ meats, herring, mackerel, sardines, yeast and mussels. Diabetics and people with gout are especially prone to developing uric acid stones, so a consult a dietitian to develop a diet that controls diabetes and reduces the risk for kidney stones at the same time.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Complications

A sleeve gastrectomy is a very serious and non-reversible surgical procedure typically performed on people who are extremely obese. The laparoscopic procedure removes a portion of the stomach around the area of the major curve, reducing its overall size by approximately 15 percent and typically results in significant weight loss. However, this procedure may be followed by a second procedure, a duodenal switch or gastric bypass, if the patient's weight plateaus or increases over time. Studies have shown that the sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively safe procedure, but it does have potentially serious health risks.

Research

A 2008 study by the Bariatric Institute and Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida concluded that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy "is a relatively safe surgical option for weight loss as a primary procedure and as a primary step before a secondary nonbariatric procedure in high-risk patients". And while it is a relatively new procedure in which the results of efficacy and complications are still yet unknown, a number of studies have shown that it is generally successful as a standalone procedure for weight loss and is relatively safe, mostly because it involves removing a part of the stomach without introducing a foreign body like the gastric banding procedure, which wraps the stomach with a plastic band to reduce its size.

Risks

However, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy does have risks and complications. A 2009 study by the Department of Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that a common complication of the procedure was leaks and hemorrhages along the staple line where the two edges of the stomach were stapled back together. These leaks and hemorrhages were caused by intra-abdominal pressure and required a second procedure to reinforce the strength the staple line that holds the two edges together.

Complications

A separate 2009 study at the Cleveland Clinic Florida found that in addition to leakages along the staple line, other patients reported instances of gastroesophageal reflux disease, symptomatic gallstones and trocar site infection, which is an infection along the staple line.

Additional Complications

Another 2009 study by the Federation of Digestive Diseases at Amiens North Hospital at the University of Picardy in Amiens, France found that 5 percent of 135 patients studied developed postoperative gastric fistula, which is an irregular passage between the stomach and abdominal wall. Those patients needed additional surgery to correct the condition.

Conclusion

An overwhelming majority of studies have concluded that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a very promising procedure to treat extreme obesity and is a relatively safe procedure with few major complications. The most common complication was leakages along the stomach line, which involved a follow up procedure to reinforce the seal. Even with serious complications, fatalities are rare.

Science Projects That Are Really Popular

Coming up with an idea for a science project can be difficult, but there are many classic experiments that are often recreated. It is important when performing an experiment to not only perform the reaction, but to also be able to explain the science behind the phenomenon. Why does this happen and why is it important? Always have adult supervision when creating a science project, and use your own imagination to add a personal touch to the presentation, making the project your own.

Mentos and Diet Coke Fountain

A dramatic reaction takes place when Mentos candy is mixed with Diet Coke. When Mentos is dropped into a 2-liter bottle of soda a stream of fizzy foam shoots out of the bottle several feet into the air. The surface of the candy rapidly initiates bubble formation in the soda bottle, and with nowhere to go, the bubbles shoot out of the bottle like a geyser. Beware, the demonstration will cause a mess.

Volcano

One of the most classic science experiments is building a volcano that erupts on command. The volcano is simply a creative way to showcase the reaction that happens between baking soda and vinegar. Build a volcano out of clay or paper mache, leaving a hole big enough at the top to pour your ingredients in. Make sure there are no cracks. Once ready, pour 4 tablespoons of baking soda, a couple drops of dish soap, and about a half a cup of water into the volcano. Pouring vinegar into the volcano (about half a cup) will cause the reaction to begin. Foam and bubbles will erupt out of the top and down the sides of your volcano.

Invisible Ink

Kids will feel like a spy when they learn how to use lemon juice to write secret messages that are invisible to the naked eye. Add a couple drops of water to a bowl of lemon juice to prepare your mixture. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and write your message on a sheet of white paper. When it dries you will not be able to see anything, but holding your paper up to a heat source like a lamp will expose the message. This is because the lemon juice oxidizes with heat and begins to turn brown.

Potato Battery

Create an electric current with a potato battery. Using a couple of potatoes, copper wire, galvanized nails, clips and a device that measures voltage you can gauge the amount of electricity you create. Potatoes are not electrically charged, but they act as a transfer material for an electron transfer. The copper and zinc in the wire and nails react, and when connected in a circuit, can power an LED clock or register voltage on a meter.

What Is Triple Bypass Surgery?

A triple bypass surgery is when a surgeon replaces three clogged coronary arteries with either artificial or donated ones. Arteries are tubes in your body that carry oxygenated blood to your tissues. When your tissues can't get enough blood, they die, and your heart stops.

Causes

The reason you would need to have a triple bypass surgery are your poor health habits, poor genetics or a combination of both. These problems will cause your arteries to become clogged with a fatty substance.

Benefits

After you receive a triple bypass surgery, your blood will begin to flow to the heart again.

Features

A triple bypass surgery can take up to 4 to 6 hours, and you will be under general anesthesia for the surgery.

Time Frame

After your triple bypass surgery, you will be released from the hospital in 5 to 7 days (if surgery goes well). The recovery time at home is 2 to 4 weeks before returning to work, and it may 6 to 12 months before you feel 100 percent again.

History

The first bypass surgery was performed on May 2, 1960, at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Bronx Municipal Center, by Dr. Robert Goetz, Dr. Michael Rohman, Dr. Jordan Haller and Dr. Ronald Dee.

Lemon Cleansing Diet

A lemon cleansing diet is meant to detoxify your body by cleaning out your intestines. As a result, you may lose weight easier. However, the lemon cleanse itself is not a diet plan. When you are not on the lemon cleanse, you should eat a healthy diet and exercise in order to lose weight. According to www.dietspotlight.com, other benefits of lemon cleansing include an increased metabolism, a libido boost, mood enhancement, and decreased fat storage. Before starting any type of cleanse, you should check with your doctor to be sure you are in good enough health to fast.

Ingredients

According to www.falconblanco.com, for each serving of a lemon cleanse drink, you need: a half of a lemon or two tablespoons of lemon juice; two tablespoons of organic Grade B maple syrup; and 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Put into an 8 oz. glass and top with spring water. Try to make a fresh mixture for each serving, instead of making a whole day's worth of servings.

Fasting

www.falconblanco.com recommends drinking the lemon mixture in 8 oz. doses every one to two hours, or 12 glasses every day for at least 10 days. During this time, you do not eat food or drink anything but the lemon mixture. Falconblanco.com also states that this fast can even be done for up to 40 days at a time.

When the fast is over, you cannot go back to your previous or unhealthy eating habits right away, as this can undo the cleansing benefits. On the first day after the fast, drink 8 oz glasses of a mixture of half orange juice and half water. During the second day, drink whole orange juice. At night, www.falconblanco.com recommends you eat a freshly prepared vegetable stew, made with beets, cayenne pepper, celery, carrots, legumes, kale, onions, parsley, and squash. On the third day after the lemon cleanse, drink orange juice in the morning and eat the vegetable stew for lunch and dinner.

During the fourth day, drink orange or lemon juice in the morning. Eat fruits and vegetables, or salad for both lunch and dinner. You can eat freely on the fifth day, with the exception of animal products, coffee, tea, junk food, and enriched flour products, like white bread. Repeat the lemon cleanse whenever you feel it necessary.

Online Carb-Free Diets

Embarking on a carb-free diet is a challenge and is certainly a very controversial subject in online discussions. One carb-free diet, also know as a zero-carb diet, has raised questions in the diet community about whether it is safe or healthy. However, advocates of this diet have expressed their satisfaction and continue to post articles online supporting it. Before you start a zero or extremely low-carb diet, make sure you understand how the diet works, what results you are trying to achieve, and the health implications. You may want to discuss your decision with a health-care professional.

Zero-Carb Diet

Meat, Fish and Eggs

Eliminating all carbohydrates, you eat eggs, fish, red meat, fowl, some dairy products and water. The only exception is the use of spices. If you follow this diet you are considered a carnivore. The zero-carb diet was made popular online by Owsley Bear Stanley, who followed it for 47 years. He believed that vegetation and carbohydrates are not food and dietary carbs are the cause of heart disease and diabetes. Stanley was a member of the Active Low-Carber Forums, where he expressed his beliefs about the zero-carb diet online.

Kitogenic Diet

Restricting the amount of carbohydrates you eat, the kitogenic diet is not a carb-free diet. The kitogenic diet is high in fat. It provides 80 percent of the calories from fat while protein and carbohydrates provide the rest of the calories. If you have a child with severe epilepsy, the ketogenic diet may be used under the guidance of your physician to prevent or minimize seizures. The Epilepsy Foundation discusses the medical implications and the pros and cons of the kitogenic diet online.

Negative Effects of Zero-carb and Extremely Low-carb Diets

Eating a diet high in fats with absolutely no carbohydrates or extremely low carbohydrates may increase the risk of heart disease or cause kidney problems. Ketosis is another negative effect of zero-carb and low-carb diets. If you do not have enough carbohydrates in your body it can cause a chemical imbalance known as ketosis, meaning you have a high level of ketones in your body. This will make you lose sodium and water. Low energy, constipation and gas are other side effects of a zero or low-carbohydrate diet.

Weight Loss

Losing weight on a zero-carb or low-carb diet is possible. However, when you return to your normal eating habits you may gain the weight back. The weight loss you experience is water loss, and according to Kathy Hanlon of Vanderbilt University, research has shown that body composition remains the same. Therefore, low-carb diets are not good for getting the weight off and keeping it off. Gaining muscle along with losing weight is a plus for the zero-carb diet. However, an online article by Newsmax recommends you add fresh fruits and vegetables to get the full benefits.

Foods to Cure Dog Dandruff

Dog dandruff is similar to dandruff found in humans. Dandruff is a collection of dead skin cells that can occur as a result of dry skin or disease. While regular bathing and brushing may be able to control the flaky problem, it is best to fix the problem at the source. By putting your dog on a healthy diet, you may be able to cure the dandruff. Consult your veterinarian, however, before drastically changing your dogs diet.

Highly Nutritious Dog Food

There are many types of dog food (especially cheap dry food) that do not contain a healthy mix of vitamins, minerals and high-quality protein that your dog needs. Some of these low-quality foods are full of processed corn and wheat. Since dogs are genetically predisposed to digest raw meats, this is not a proper diet. Check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is getting the highest quality food as his main food source.

Flaxseed Oil

Another food that contributes to dogs' well-being is a healthy source of fats like flaxseed oil. This oil contains a type of omega-3 fatty acid that may help to add moisture to your dogs coat and prevent further outbreaks of dandruff. Pour a tablespoon of oil over your dogs food once a day to improve your dogs health (larger quantities of oil may cause loose bowels).

Raw Food

Raw food is food that has not been processed or cooked. This makes the food a double-edged sword of sorts: it contains more nutrients, but also is more likely to contain bacteria. Some owners have touted the benefits of raw food for improving a dogs coat and relieving dandruff symptoms. Most domesticated animals are not used to raw foods, so you may want to slowly start supplementing their diet with over-the-counter raw food to ease them in.

Fruits and Vegetables

To more rapidly improve your dogs health, supplement her diet with fruits and vegetables. These are high in vitamins and can help a dog digest food more fully while absorbing more nutrients in the process. As with raw meat, you should add these items to a dogs diet slowly but surely. Fruits and vegetables that are healthy for dogs include apples, cabbage, parsley, celery, cucumber and cooked/baked potato skins (raw skins are toxic).

How to Lose Weight with the 5 Day Diet

The 5 day diet, otherwise known as the 5 day miracle diet, is a diet that is designed to help individuals lose weight quickly. By focusing on low carbohydrate foods and exercise, the 5 day diet can help you lose weight quickly before an upcoming event such as a wedding, pool party or something similar. Below, you'll learn how to lose weight with the 5 day diet.

Instructions

1

Eat multiple meals a day.

With the 5-day diet, individuals eat four meals a day plus a snack. The meals are smaller and there are certain times they must be eaten. The foods are designed to help the individual stay full while also speeding up the metabolism. By giving the body smaller amounts of food more often, the metabolism speeds up, helping the individual to burn more fat and get rid of the stored fat. To learn more about eating multiple meals on the 5 day miracle diet, visit Diets in review. See "Additional Resources" for link.

2

Eliminate Fat from the Diet.

The 5-day diet shows individuals how to stop their dependency on sweet foods, processed foods and other foods that are high in fat and sugar. This alone is one of the benefits of the 5 day diet. On this diet, individuals will not be able to eat these kinds of food or consume carbonated beverages or other beverages high in fat. When the diet is over, many individuals feel averse to the high fat and sugar foods, because the body has weaned itself from these sorts of foods.

3

Seek Support.

One thing that will help individuals who want to do the 5-day diet is support. Taking and interacting with others who are going through the same diet or who have experienced success with the diet are great ways to ensure success in your own efforts with the diet. There are many different ways to seek support, including support forums or in groups of others on the same kind of diet. Family and friends are also wonderful support groups.

4

Expect Short Term Weight Loss

On fad diets like the 5-day miracle diet, many individuals lose weight quickly, only to gain it back as soon as they stop the diet. This is because a lot of the weight that is lost is water weight and will come back very quickly. However, through exercise and self-discipline, individuals can learn to keep the weight off. It's important to exercise on any diet, because this is the true key to losing weight and keeping it off.

By using the tips and information above, individuals can learn to do the 5 day miracle diet and lose weight quickly. By researching ways to reinforce the diet with healthy exercise and diet adjustments, individuals can keep the weight off forever.

Diet Plan for Diverticulitis

For some people, the lining of the digestive tract, particularly the large intestine, can develop small pouches known as diverticula. The presence of these pouches is known as diverticulosis. When these pouches become inflamed or irritated in any way, the condition is caused diverticulitis. Primary treatment of diverticulitis includes lifestyle changes and home care, while following a certain diet can help alleviate symptoms, slow down its progression and even prevent it from developing.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Symptoms of diverticulitis can include sudden pain that is often severe, located at the lower left side of the abdomen; diarrhea and constipation; flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fever; a tender abdomen; and a change in bowel habits. Some other less common symptoms include bleeding from the anus and bloating.

Risk factors for diverticulitis include obesity, a lack of exercise, age and a lack of fiber in the diet.

Diverticulitis Diet

The backbone of a diet geared toward treating diverticulitis is the adequate consumption of fiber. During symptom flare-ups, a low-residue diet should be followed. This means consuming very little fiber to avoid more frequent bowel movements and to allow time for the condition to heal itself.

In between flare-ups, however, one should consume ample amounts of fiber.This is known as a high-residue diet. Fiber works by softening the stools, which leads to less irritation and pressure on the bowels and, therefore, less pain. Foods that contain plentiful amounts of fiber include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans). The recommended amount of fiber that should be consumed per day is between 20 and 35 grams, though it should be introduced gradually to prevent bloating and gas. If you are unable to eat these foods, a fiber supplement can be used instead.

Additional Information

When following a diverticulitis diet, it is best to consume ample amounts of water, as fiber absorbs water to aid in the softness of stools. If you don't consume enough water, the frequent consumption of fiber can lead to constipation. Beyond this, getting adequate exercise will not only help keep you healthy and reduce stress, it helps keep the bowel and digestive system healthy and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Finally, when you feel the urge to use the restroom, use it. Holding in bowel movements can lead to harder stools, which can increase pressure and exacerbate pain.

How do I Diet With Juice?

Fasting is an old style of dieting that has been reinvented. In the past, fasts consisted of only water, broth or clear tea. Today, fasting has become a healthy way to cleanse the body of toxins, and losing weight is an added benefit. The average weight loss reported by some fasters is one to two pounds per day. It is recommended to drink eight glasses of water in addition to the five to six glasses of juice daily to keep the body well hydrated. Celebrities have also discovered the benefits of juice fasting to lose excess weight after a movie role.

Instructions

1

See your doctor. If you have any health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or low blood sugar, you should consult with your doctor before starting a juice fast. It is recommended to anyone, regardless of health, to get his doctor's permission before starting any diet or exercise program. Juice fasting is safer than water fasting and is considered safe when performed under a doctor's supervision. There is no absolute time limit for juice fasting but consult with your doctor about what is safe for you. Three days is recommended initially, with longer periods under your health care provider's authorization.

2

Get rid of temptations. The hardest part about dieting is having tempting food in the house. Put all junk food and snacks in a box and store away in a closet where it will not be seen or give it away to your local food pantry. No matter if you are fasting for a couple of days or a week, cookies and other sugary or salty snacks can quickly sabotage your weight-loss efforts.

3

Buy a juicer or blender. Juicers can be quite expensive with the best models costing $120 or more. If your budget will not allow it, the next best thing is a blender. Fruits and vegetables will need to be cut into chunks and pureed. Strain through a sieve before drinking. Store fresh juice in the refrigerator, but consume it within a few hours to retain the vitamins and nutrients.

4

Buy fresh, organic produce from your local farmer's market or supermarket. Stores like Sunflower Market, Whole Foods and Wild Oats carry organic fruits and vegetables as well as many other healthy foods.

5

Drink five to six glasses of juice per day. A serving is six to eight ounces of juice. Spread it out over the day as six meals: breakfast, mid-day snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and evening snack. Do not forget the eight glasses of water in addition to the juice. This will keep you from becoming too hungry, which could tempt you to cheat.

6

Get moderate exercise. A daily walk for 15 minutes is good for your heart and will not make you light-headed. This is not the time for a strenuous exercise routine, but walking around the mall, in the park or at the grocery store will do wonders for your cardiopulmonary system and aid in weight loss as well.

Colectomy Diet

A colectomy is a surgical procedure in which part or all of the large intestine is removed. The large intestine, or colon, is the long tube that connects the small intestine to the anus. A colectomy is performed to treat diseases of the colon, including diverticulitis, colon cancer, and fistulae. A special diet following this procedure is commonly a necessary part of healing.

Food

A colectomy diet is a soft diet. Due to post-operative stresses, your body may not yet be ready for regular solid food. Soft food is easier to consume during recovery, resulting in less impact upon the bowels and thus fewer problems. Many patients recovering from a colectomy complain of diarrhea, gas, and dehydration.

Soft foods include such items as applesauce, bananas, pasta, cheese, boiled white rice, mild teas, yogurt, white bread, tapioca, and peanut butter. Add these to your grocery list.

If cooking food, choose to either boil or steam it. This will result in a softer, less invasive texture in the food, and help you avoid bowel discomfort.

Avoid foods that are difficult to chew or swallow. These foods include fibrous meats, raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and anything greasy or spicy. Also, baked beans, alcohol, hot beverages, caffeinated beverages, fruit juice, and broccoli. All these foods can lead to diarrhea and other intestinal disorders, and should be reintroduced to your diet very gradually.

Warning

When introducing fiber back into your diet, physicians normally recommend five servings per day. Go slow. Do not exceed a piece of fruit, or a small bowl of cereal at first. Remember, no two people are alike, so some experimentation will be necessary. To avoid constipation from fiber, consume 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.

Activities for Organizing a Family Weight Loss Program

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for all of the members of your family. Weight loss can be achieved by decreasing calories and increasing physical activity. When a family joins together to organize a family weight loss plan, there are many benefits for everyone involved. By changing unhealthy eating habits and incorporating exercise into your family's routine, you can work together to lose weight and promote a healthy lifestyle for your entire family.

Physical Check Up

It is important to check with your doctor before you start a family weight loss plan. Each member of your family should have a physical exam with the family doctor. Your doctor should be aware of your family's individual weight loss goals. Cholesterol, weight and body mass index should be checked.

Set Individual Goals

It is unlikely that every family member will have the same weight loss goals. Set individual goals, but support each family member in achieving them. A realistic and healthy weight loss goal for most people is one to two pounds per week.

Changes in Diet

It is easier to stay on track with dietary restrictions when the whole family is involved. Meal preparation is simplified when the whole family is trying to lose weight. When grocery shopping, have several family members go to the store together and take turns reading food labels. Plan healthy, low-fat family meals ahead of time and shop with a list. Buy foods that are low in fat, sugar and carbohydrates. Stock up on fruits, vegetables and low-fat proteins like chicken and fish. Prepare meals that the entire family will enjoy and take turns cooking.

Incorporating Exercise

Making exercise a family affair can be fun. Take family walks or jogs. Team up for a game of tennis. If you have a large family, play a sport together like soccer, touch football or basketball. Focus on being active together and avoid sedentary family behavior like sitting around watching television or going to the movies. Plan physical family outings like hiking, swimming and bike riding.

Accountability

Because you are working as a family, it is important that you track everyone's progress. Weekly weigh-ins are one way to keep everyone in check. However, don't weigh publicly if some family members will be embarrassed; instead just log how many pounds each person has lost. A buddy system can also help keep everyone focused, so partner family members to support each other when they are having trouble sticking to the plan or face temptations with food. While your family's weight loss goals may not all be exactly the same, the common goal for all is to achieve a healthier life style.

How to Watch Direct TV on a Laptop

Now that TV signals are digital and can be acquired using satellites and tuners, you can watch the TV programs you like whenever you want. A signal can be received by portable media devices such as laptops that have the appropriate operating systems and access to the Internet. This portability allows access to DirecTV from just about anywhere. With DirecTV programming on-line, you can play live or prerecorded TV programs at your convenience.

Instructions

1

Visit the DirecTV website and search for the free down-loadable drivers.

2

Download the driver compatible with your operating system, called "DirecTV2PC," to your computer.

3

Run the driver you have downloaded. This will automatically allow the laptop tuner to connect with DirecTV without having to perform any additional steps.

4

Choose the program you would like to watch from the guide or list of prerecorded shows.

Detox Juicing Diet

A detox juicing diet is a diet that consists solely of fruit and vegetables in liquid form, as well as water. It is typically recommended by certified dietitians to help extremely obese patients lose weight, or for people looking to flush toxins from their system. A juicing diet is considered one of the most extreme forms of detoxification, as it one of the few that does not involve solid food. That is why anyone who wishes to follow the plan should consult a doctor first.

1. Basics

   • The purpose of most detox diets is to rid the body, particularly the liver, from the buildup of toxins--which can enter your system through the foods you eat or even the air you breathe. The typical juicing diet lasts anywhere from one to three days. Anything longer than that requires strict medical supervision, as the plan does not provide all the vitamins and nutrients recommended.

   Juicing

   • Anyone following a detox juicing diet will need the assistance of a juicing machine, or "juicer." Most quality machines can be purchased for about $200 and come with a juicing diet menu (although not a detox menu). The machine makes juicing easy, as all you need to do is put the fruit or vegetable through the top and allow the juicer to turn it into liquid form.

   Detox Plan

   • A detox juicing diet should consist of 40 oz. to 65 oz. of juice per day. Fruits and vegetables can be mixed in any fashion and include apples, cranberries, tomatoes, celery, spinach, beets and carrots. Citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines and lemons are typically avoided because of their sometimes negative affects on the stomach. Also, most people on a detox juicing diet use only organic produce. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are not allowed because of their high sodium and sugar content.

   Side Effects

   • While most side effects of a detox juicing diet are temporary, they should be taken seriously, and if they become severe, the diet should be discontinued immediately. Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, acne, increased body odor and a lack of energy. Also, one typical result that many people consider a positive is weight loss. However, losing too much weight in too short of a time is dangerous and can cause damage to key organs such as the kidneys.

   Summary

   • A detox juicing diet has been proven to help rid the body of toxins and be beneficial to overall health. No one should go on such a diet more than once each year. It is also recommended that anyone on a detox diet should drink six 8 oz. glasses of water per day along with the juice. Once the detox is complete, a return to solid foods should be gradual, with an emphasis on healthy choices.

Related Searches

References

• Happy Jucier - Detox Diet
• Colon Health Advice - Detox Juice Diet

Resources

• JuiceFasting.org - Juice Fasting Stages

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Basics

The purpose of most detox diets is to rid the body, particularly the liver, from the buildup of toxins--which can enter your system through the foods you eat or even the air you breathe. The typical juicing diet lasts anywhere from one to three days. Anything longer than that requires strict medical supervision, as the plan does not provide all the vitamins and nutrients recommended.

Juicing

Anyone following a detox juicing diet will need the assistance of a juicing machine, or "juicer." Most quality machines can be purchased for about $200 and come with a juicing diet menu (although not a detox menu). The machine makes juicing easy, as all you need to do is put the fruit or vegetable through the top and allow the juicer to turn it into liquid form.

Detox Plan

A detox juicing diet should consist of 40 oz. to 65 oz. of juice per day. Fruits and vegetables can be mixed in any fashion and include apples, cranberries, tomatoes, celery, spinach, beets and carrots. Citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines and lemons are typically avoided because of their sometimes negative affects on the stomach. Also, most people on a detox juicing diet use only organic produce. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are not allowed because of their high sodium and sugar content.

Side Effects

While most side effects of a detox juicing diet are temporary, they should be taken seriously, and if they become severe, the diet should be discontinued immediately. Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, acne, increased body odor and a lack of energy. Also, one typical result that many people consider a positive is weight loss. However, losing too much weight in too short of a time is dangerous and can cause damage to key organs such as the kidneys.

Summary

A detox juicing diet has been proven to help rid the body of toxins and be beneficial to overall health. No one should go on such a diet more than once each year. It is also recommended that anyone on a detox diet should drink six 8 oz. glasses of water per day along with the juice. Once the detox is complete, a return to solid foods should be gradual, with an emphasis on healthy choices.

The Best Vegetables to Eat on a Low Carb Diet

When you're looking to cut carbs, veggies are your best bet. High in fiber and flavor, low in carbs and fat, vegetables are also a natural way to improve your health while watching your carbohydrate intake.

Want to get the most out of your low-carb veggies? With a little knowledge and ingenuity, you can eat low-carb and have a tasty, varied diet too. Here's how:

Check the fiber

You may already know that you can subtract the fiber from your food's carbohydrate count. Unless you are sensitive to fiber, your body doesn't process it; if your food has more than 5 grams of fiber per serving, subtract the entire fiber content from the number of carbohydrates to find out what you're really getting.

For example, if your food has 28 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of fiber per serving, you're only processing 22 fiber grams.

Vegetables are famously high in fiber and low in carbs -- as long as you choose wisely. Avocado (technically a fruit) is your best choice, with 17 grams of carbs and 11 grams of fiber. Also try artichokes, beans, broccoli and leafy greens.

Get creative

When you're trying to lose weight, your options can sometimes seem limited. But lifetime veggie lovers know there are tons of interesting flavors in the vegetable realm.

For example, miner's lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), pictured here, is a native green in Western states. It's got more flavor than lettuce, and more nutrition -- plus, it dresses up any salad.

Take your next chance to go to a farmer's market and talk to the growers about their crops. Ask them what tastes best, what's in season, and how they prepare it. You might pick up some new favorite foods and recipes.

Try roasting your veggies with plenty of spices, making veggie kabobs, chopping up a slaw-style salad and mixing new flavors.

Low-carb veggie list

Here's a general list of vegetables that are low-carbohydrate (all the veggies listed have 10 net carbs or less) and high in fiber:
Artichoke
Arugula
Asparagus
Avocado
Bell Peppers
Bok Choy
Broccoli/Broccoli Rabe
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Corn
Cucumber
Daikon
Edamame
Eggplant
Endive
Fennel
Green Beans
Hearts of Palm
Jicama
Kale
Lettuce
Mushrooms (most varieties)
Okra
Onion
Peas (Green, Snow, Sugar Snap)
Pumpkin
Radicchio
Radishes
Rhubarb
Spinach
Squash (some varieties)
Tomatoes
Turnips
Zucchini

How to Lose Weight By Eating Fruits

Losing weight includes eating a healthy diet and exercising. Eating a variety of fruits is beneficial to the body. Fruits provide the essential vitamins that the body needs. There are many fruits that can be eaten to make you lose weight. Eating fruits that contain a lot of water will fill your stomach, reducing the need for high calorie food.

Instructions

1




Add grapefruit to your daily diet. Eating grapefruit will not only supply your body with essential vitamins, but can also help to lose weight. Grapefruit does not only contains vitamins and minerals, but is also a low calorie fruit.

2




Eat an apple a day. Eating an apple a day is recommended to promote good health and digestion. Apple is low in calories and is considered to be one of the most effective weight loss fruit.

3




Prepare a fruit salad using watermelon or it can be eaten alone. Watermelon is rich in antioxidant, which is essential to the body. Watermelon is also a low calorie food, that can help you to lose weight.

4




Eat kiwi to naturally lose weight. Kiwi is rich in fiber and vitamin C, including many other health benefits. Eating kiwi regularly can help to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

5




Include a few strawberries to your grocery basket, on your next trip to the grocery store. Strawberries are tasty and delicious. Strawberries can be eaten alone or can be prepared with other fruits to make a fruit salad. These tasty fruits are great for losing weight.