September 1-7, 2012 - Original Health Articles

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD) is a fairly common ailment, affecting some 7 million people in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More than 50 percent of those afflicted with GERD are between the ages of 45 and 64, both male and female.

Are you always reaching for a sweater during the day, no matter what the weather, but find yourself uncomfortably warm at night? Or is it the opposite—you're one of those people who can't seem to cool off except while you're sleeping? And how come your body just can't seem to get in synch and keep you comfortable no matter what the time of day or night? The underlying reason for these discrepancies is that our body temperatures fluctuate depending on the time of day.

Exercising with a digestive condition is a catch 22: Physical activity speeds up the transit time to help with elimination. That said, it may make things worse. Exercise is important—whether you have digestive issues or not, and not just for heart health and weight control.

It's tough to stay motivated about exercise. It helps to have someone to cheer you on, challenge you, and keep you honest. That's why having an exercise buddy is the best way to keep your fitness goals on track. But it's also tough to find someone with similar fitness goals and a workout schedule that meshes with your own.

A researcher from Cedars-Sinai has used bacterial cultures to link IBS to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut. The study, published in the May 2012 issue of Digestive Diseases and Science, supports previous findings from clinical trials that antibiotics are an effective treatment for IBS.

"Nausea is a symptom, and you can't treat symptoms effectively unless you know the basis for the symptom," says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory (Basic Health Publications). Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and mal-digestion.

Stress itself does not cause heartburn. There is data that suggests you produce more acid when you're under stress, but reflux is not so much a problem with stomach acid, it's a problem with acid in the wrong place—the esophagus instead of in the stomach.

Many studies have found that if you lose more than two pounds a week, you are setting yourself up for failure. "I realize a lot of people are successful at losing more than that a week and keeping it off, but I can tell you that the healthiest way to lose—and maintain weight—is to lose no more than a pound a week," says Frank P.

It can happen to anyone. All it takes is a nano-second of distraction for a collision to occur. You didn't see it coming or perhaps he didn't notice you in time. And though it may sound like the stuff of suburban legend, statistics show that most traffic accidents occur close to home.

You'll do whatever it takes in order to protect your infant's respiratory health, but choosing to get rid of the beloved family pet can be a very difficult decision. Dogs and cats are a common trigger for childhood allergies and asthma, so many new parents prefer to avoid this risk.

There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many ways to manage the disease—both naturally and with medication. Nutrition There is no evidence that has found a connection with the foods you eat and the development of Crohn's disease. However—as anyone with Crohn's will tell you—certain foods may trigger a flare-up of symptoms.