Gastro Grades

Gastroenterology related news - Powered By EZDoctor

Gastric Bypass Surgery


Gastric bypass surgery shrinks the size of your stomach, so you can't eat as much as you used to. The surgeon will also re-route, or bypass, part of your digestive system so you don't absorb as much food.

 

Extensive gastric bypass (biliopancreatic diversion): This is a more complicated type of gastric bypass. The surgeon removes the lower part of the stomach. He then connects the small pouch that remains directly to the last part of the small intestine, completely bypassing the first two parts. It works for weight loss, but it's not widely used because it can leave you short on nutrients

 

Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery

People who have gastric bypass surgery are at risk for:

  •  Pouch stretching. The stomach gets bigger over time, stretching back to its original size.
  •  Band erosion. The band closing off part of the stomach disintegrates.
  •  Breakdown of staple lines. The band and staples fall apart, reversing the procedure.
  •  Leakage of stomach acid into the body. This is dangerous because the acid can eat away other organs.
  •  Nutritional deficiencies. Your body will be less able to get nutrients from food.

Gastric bypass surgery also may cause "dumping syndrome." When that happens, food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, fainting, and, occasionally, diarrhea after eating, as well as becoming extremely weak after eating sweets.

How to find the best doctor for a gastric bypass: 

Finding a doctor who can perform a gastric bypass is easy, but finding one that you can trust ... not so much. EZDoctor.com has been helping patients who are looking for doctors for gastric and cosmetics surgeries for more than a year now. EZDoctor Reports help patients know and understand if a doctor is qualified to perform a surgical procedure. Go to ezdoctor.com today to get started. EZDoctor Reports contain doctor's information such as: medical malpractice information, board actions, criminal offenses and real patient reviews. Get an EZDoctor Report before choosing or scheduling an appointment with a doctor. Go to ezdoctor.com 

How to Choose the Right Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Gastroenterologists have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and biliary system (e.g., liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts). Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine.

Gastroenterologists have a thorough understanding of how food moves through the digestive tract (called motility) and the physical and chemical break down of food (digestion), including the absorption of nutrients and the removal of waste products.

Gastroenterologists also focus on the digestive function of the liver.

Gastroenterologists usually care for patients in an office or hospital setting, including nursing homes and outpatient surgical centers.

They often serve as consultants to other physicians and may work in the research field.

Gastroenterologists specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the following symptoms and conditions:

  • Abdominal pain and discomfort
  • Bleeding in the digestive tract
  • Cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, stomach [gastric] cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer)
  • Constipation and diarrhea
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Diverticular disease and other diseases of the colon (e.g., polyps, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], colitis, Crohn's disease)
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hemorrhoids
  •  Hiatal hernias
  • Inflammation in the digestive tract (e.g., gastritis)
  • Liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, jaundice)
  • Malabsorption disorders (e.g., celiac disease, lactose intolerance)
  • Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting
  • Ulcers
  •  Unexplained weight loss

Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a gastroenterologist. Choose a gastroenterologist who:

  • Listens to your opinions and concerns
  • Encourages you to ask questions
  • Explains things in ways you can understand

When you and your doctor work together as a team, you’ll get better health care. Try the following tips to find a doctor who’s right for you.

Always research your doctor. What you should know about your doctor:

Contact information, Locations and Gender. 

License Information. It is important to know if your doctor is licensed to provide the care that you need.

Education. To learn more about your physician’s background EZDoctor Reports contain information regarding where they studied, graduation date, board certifications, as well as their internship, residency and fellowship. This will help you make an educated decision regarding your doctor’s training and ability.

Hospital Affiliations/Privileges. Its common practice for a doctor to have their office in one location and perform treatment in a separate location. For example, you could go to a doctor’s office for a consultation regarding your knee and that doctor might provide treatment and/or surgery at a hospital that he is affiliated with or has privileges. By having this information before hand, it can help you in deciding whether this doctor would be the most convenient for you.

Procedure Pricing Information. When taking care of any health concern, one of the main things we consider is the cost associated with any procedures that might be necessary. An EZDoctor report will display an average charge for procedures performed by the physician you are reviewing.

Patient Referral Summary.  Primary care physicians, when needed, refer patients to a specialist. Especially when they face a diagnosis that is beyond their Scope of Practice. With an EZDoctor report you will see the physician’s referral pattern.

Pricing/Prescribing Habits. Is your doctor more likely to prescribe a name brand versus a generic drug? Despite your preference, by seeing a breakdown of the most common prescriptions a physician orders you can get a clear view of his prescribing tendencies and average price per prescription.

Disciplinary Actions. Finding out if a physician has been sanctioned or not by a state medical board can be very useful when it comes to selecting a doctor to visit. Equally important is to know  what those infractions were related to.

Criminal Offenses. While federal criminal records are not available to the public, EZDoctor reports include state government records that indicate whether a physician has ever been charged or convicted of a crime. Allowing you to have this information prior to any consultation and/or treatment.

Malpractice Claims. You have the right to know if your physician has been involved in any incidents regarding his medical care. From surgical and medication errors to misdiagnoses, EZDoctor will provide the information you need.

Patient Reviews. It’s always good to know what other patients are saying about a physician. EZDoctor reports collect patient reviews from multiple sources.

Other important questions to ask about the doctor:

Is the doctor taking new patients?

 Is the doctor part of a group practice? Who are the other doctors?

Who will see you if your doctor isn’t available?

Which hospital does the doctor use?

 If you have a medical condition, does the doctor have experience treating it?

What languages does the doctor speak? 

You can find all the information you need on a physician by obtaining an EZDoctor Report. Go to ezdoctor.com now to get started!

Source: healthfinder.gov, healthcommunities.com 

EZDoctor and April Partner to Offer Virtual Doctor Visits to International Travelers


EZDoctor, the leader in healthcare transparency and April, a global travel insurance provider have recently partnered to offer telemedicine services to patients traveling abroad that are in need of medical assistance.

The alliance between EZDoctor and April, allows patients to remotely consult with a U.S. board certified physician while traveling abroad.

With EZDoctor's support, April will be connecting their travelers from around the world with doctors anytime, anywhere needing only a webcam enabled device and a reliable internet connection.

These virtual physician consultations are not intended to treat emergency medical conditions/situations. Patients will receive primary care services, treatment for common ailments like the flu, allergies, rashes etc. and educational and informative medical advice from a trained and thoroughly screened professional.

EZDoctor and April are working together to improve the doctor-patient experience by providing on demand consultations and with doctors readily available to treat patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To serve the needs of April's global travelers patients are connected with U.S. physicians within 15 minutes and can currently request doctors that are fluent in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.

According to the American Telemedicine Association, approximately 10 million patients benefited from using telemedicine last year. The telemedicine industry is developing quickly and becoming more prominent in societies around the world. EZDoctor and April are two leaders expanding quality telemedicine services worldwide.

"We're very excited about this partnership, we believe patients should have access to a board certified physician anywhere and anytime. As telemedicine continues to be a rapidly growing component of healthcare in the United States, we want to provide patients an accessible way to treat their healthcare needs when they are away from home," said David Marsidi, EZDoctor's founder and CEO.

"April & EZDoctor are both convenient, progressive thought leaders in the way we prioritize the patient's needs and that is what we want to deliver through this new service by offering a fast, easy, reliable and secure doctor consultations," continued Marsidi. "Together we will deliver the world-class healthcare service that patients deserve."        

EZDoctor and April patients will:

  • Have access to telemedicine services 24/7.
  • Resolve unexpected medical problems when traveling.
  • Receive virtual physicians consultations from any location worldwide.
  • Connect with a physician within 15 minutes of their request.
  • Have better outcomes because of timelier access to a physician.
  • Reduce unnecessary admissions, save time and money.
  • Receive primary care services on the go.

About EZDoctor
EZDoctor, healthcare technology business located in Florida, provides healthcare services nationwide. As an advocate for healthcare information transparency, EZDoctor developed a Carfax type of report but for doctors called EZDoctor Reports, to help patients make better decisions when it comes to choosing a doctor. With their rapid growth in the healthcare technology industry and over 1.5M+ doctor profiles, EZDoctor has radically transformed the industry by connecting healthcare consumers with the best doctors and equipping them with accurate information to make an informed healthcare decision.

About April
April has been a leading brand providing quality Travel and other Specialty Insurance programs providing services in Europe, Latin America and the U.S.
April offers comprehensive travel insurance & assistance plans covering multiple trips for frequent travelers. 

Quick Tips for Choosing a Doctor

When you choose a primary care doctor for yourself or a loved one, make sure to choose a doctor you can trust. A primary care doctor can help you make important decisions, like which screening tests and shots to get, treat many health problems, refer you to a specialist when you need more help with a specific health issue.

Here are some things you should know before selecting a physician

  • Listens to your opinions and concerns
  • Encourages you to ask questions
  • Explains things in ways you can understand

When you and your doctor work together as a team, you’ll get better health care. Try the following tips to find a doctor who’s right for you.

Research your doctor.

If you have health insurance, you may need to choose a doctor in their network. Some insurance plans may let you choose a doctor outside the network if you pay more of the cost.

What you should know about your doctor:

  • Contact information, Locations and Gender. 
  • License Information. It is important to know if your doctor is licensed to provide the care that you need.
  • Education. To learn more about your physician’s background EZDoctor Reports contain information regarding where they studied, graduation date, board certifications, as well as their internship, residency and fellowship. This will help you make an educated decision regarding your doctor’s training and ability.
  • Hospital Affiliations/Privileges.  Its common practice for a doctor to have their office in one location and perform treatment in a separate location. For example, you could go to a doctor’s office for a consultation regarding your knee and that doctor might provide treatment and/or surgery at a hospital that he is affiliated with or has privileges. By having this information before hand, it can help you in deciding whether this doctor would be the most convenient for you.
  • Procedure Pricing Information. When taking care of any health concern, one of the main things we consider is the cost associated with any procedures that might be necessary. An EZDoctor report will display an average charge for procedures performed by the physician you are reviewing.
  • Patient Referral Summary.  Primary care physicians, when needed, refer patients to a specialist. Especially when they face a diagnosis that is beyond their Scope of Practice. With an EZDoctor report you will see the  physicians referral pattern.
  • Pricing/Prescribing Habits. Is your  doctor more likely to prescribe a name brand versus a generic drug? Despite your preference, by seeing a breakdown of the most common prescriptions a physician orders you can get a clear view of his prescribing tendencies and average price per prescription.
  • Disciplinary Actions. Finding out if a physician has been sanctioned or not by a state medical board can be very useful when it comes to selecting a doctor to visit. Equally important is to know  what those infractions were related to.
  • Criminal Offenses. While federal criminal records are not available to the public, EZDoctor reports include state government records that indicate whether a physician has ever been charged or convicted of a crime. Allowing you to have this information prior to any consultation and/or treatment.
  • Malpractice Claims. You have the right to know if your physician has been involved in any incidents regarding his medical care. From surgical and medication errors to misdiagnoses, EZDoctor will provide the information you need.
  • Patient Reviews. It’s always good to know what other patients are saying about a physician. EZDoctor reports collect patient reviews from multiple sources.

Other important questions to ask about the doctor:

  • Is the doctor taking new patients?
  • Is the doctor part of a group practice? Who are the other doctors?
  • Who will see you if your doctor isn’t available?
  • Which hospital does the doctor use?
  • If you have a medical condition, does the doctor have experience treating it?
  • What languages does the doctor speak? 

You can find all the information you need on a physician by obtaining an EZDoctor Report. Go to ezdoctor.com now to get started! 

Source: healthfinder.gov

NSAIDs and Ulcers


Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can cause peptic ulcer disease and make ulcer symptoms worse.

Pain relief medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are popular because they work to reduce inflammation and pain. But while they do that very well, they can also have a negative effect on the protective lining of the stomach. 

How NSAIDs Affect the Stomach Lining

NSAIDs work by lowering the levels of enzymes called cyclooxygenases (abbreviated as COX), which in turn lowers the production of another substance called prostaglandin. Decreasing COX and prostaglandin helps in controlling inflammation, but is not so good when it comes to keeping the stomach lining healthy. This makes it harder for the body to maintain the stomach’s protective mucous lining, control the amount of blood flow in the stomach lining, and control how acidic or alkaline it is inside the stomach. 

Different NSAIDs cause different levels of gastrointestinal damage. It is difficult to rank them because dosages differ, but in general indomethacin (Indocin) appears to have a higher risk, while naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac (Voltaren), and aspirin are considered medium-risk. 

Ulcer Symptoms: Treating Ulcer Pain

People who have pain because of an ulcer do not necessarily need pain medication and should certainly not use an NSAID for ulcer pain. Christian Mathy, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine in the division of gastroenterology at the University of California, San Francisco, says, “Usually, once you block the acid irritating the ulcer, people feel better quite rapidly.” 

So, along with prescribing antibiotics if someone is infected with Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori), the bacterium that is the main cause of ulcers, Dr. Mathy says he normally prescribes a proton pump inhibitor (Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix), a type of drug that blocks the secretion of gastric acid. This will reduce the pain level. 

If that doesn’t work, Mathy says, “I use an [acid buffer] as it provides a second barrier to irritation which supplements the mucous barrier.” 

Mathy also talks to his patients about cutting back on foods that can aggravate ulcers and cause more pain, and recommends eating frequent small meals. He also cautions smokers that smoking can delay ulcer healing and suggests at the very least cutting back, if not quitting. 

Ulcer Symptoms: Treating Non-Ulcer Pain

Those most likely to take NSAIDs long-term are people with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. There are also a number of people who use low-dose aspirin to help prevent heart attack and stroke. 

Mathy says for people starting on long-term NSAID therapy, “I always counsel them about the risks.” For those who are at high risk of developing an ulcer, including those who have already had one, people over 75, and patients on [or who will likely be on] a high dose of NSAIDs, “I recommend that as long as they are on the NSAID they should be taking a proton pump inhibitor once a day.” Studies have shown that people who take proton pump inhibitors while on NSAIDS can avoid developing ulcers. 

Mathy also says that patients starting on long-term NSAIDs should be checked for H. pylori because these two risk factors together really raise the odds that someone will develop an ulcer. 

Getting rid of this bug can significantly lower your risk of developing an ulcer if you are taking NSAIDS. In a study of people with H. pylori who also had arthritis and were started on an NSAID, 34 percent of those who didn’t receive treatment for the bacteria developed an ulcer after six months, compared with 12 percent who did have treatment.

Article Source: Everyday Health

50 Healthy Foods That Are Actually Bad for You


Just because it seems healthy doesn’t mean it is!  Check out this list of "healthy" foods that are actually bad for you. These are some common mistakes that people tend to think are healthy. Remember, the most powerful tool for nutrition you have is knowledge of what you’re eating.

1. Microwave Popcorn With so many light varieties of microwave popcorn on the market, it's easy to think that this snack is healthy, but with high levels of sodium and the chemical diacetyl, some health professionals caution about making this a regular snack. A better choice? Putting a few plain kernels in a brown paper bag and popping your own. You control the flavoring!

2. Light Salad Dressings Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on light salad dressings? They're about a mile long! Filled with preservatives and other additives you can't pronounce—not to mention sodium and sugar—you’re much better off drizzling your veggies with a little extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. Trail Mix Nuts and dried fruit trail mix is obviously a healthy choice, right? Wrong! While plain, natural mixes of unsalted nuts and unsweetened dried fruits can make for a good portion-controlled, high-energy snack, many mixes throw in chocolate chips, loads of salt, and added sugars. Since a small handful easily contains 300-plus calories, read your nutrition labels closely!

4. Granola With rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits, granola seems so healthy. What is misleading though is how much sugar and extra calories are lurking in granola. A bowl of this stuff can easily contain 500 or more calories—and that's without the milk! Indulge smartly by choosing high-fiber varieties with low sugar. And stick to the recommended portion size on the label.

5. Artichoke Spinach Dip With artichokes and spinach in it, this seems like a veggie-rific dip, but be warned. Just a few tablespoons can pack hundreds of calories and unhealthy fat grams. 

6. Flavored Fat-Free Yogurt Don't fall into the fat-free trap. Just because something is fat-free doesn't make it healthy. In fact, many flavored yogurts have upwards of 15 grams of sugar in that tiny 6-ounce serving! Our advice? Buy plain, fat-free Greek yogurt and flavor it up with some fruit or even a small drizzle of honey. That way, you control what's in it!

7. Dried Fruit While dried fruit does contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, many companies add sulfur and sugar to make it better for store shelves. While you can buy unsulfured and unsweetened varieties in health food stores, why not just eat fresh fruit instead? It's much more filling and has fewer calories per serving!

8. Flavored Soymilk Soy has many health benefits, including being high in protein and potassium and low in cholesterol. However, those tasty chocolate and vanilla varieties? They add so much sugar and unnecessary calories! Save the flavored soymilks for the occasional dessert and choose unsweetened or plain varieties for your everyday drinking instead.

9.  Energy Drinks With so many energy drinks on the market, many of which promise to pump you up and give you a killer workout with added caffeine, vitamins, and minerals, it may be tempting to think that these drinks are healthy, but they aren't. Similar to supplements, energy drinks aren’t regulated by the FDA, so it's best to stick to plain ol' water to rehydrate and whole nutrition to energize!

10. Smoothies. Smoothies have long been the darling of the health-food world. Although some smoothies made with simple, whole-food ingredients can be healthy, don't get fooled into thinking anything with the name "smoothie" is good for you. Some smoothies are made with lots of added sugars, high-calorie ingredients like chocolate syrup, or even use full-fat ice cream as a base. Your best smoothie bet?

11. Turkey Sandwich You've probably heard that when in doubt of what to order out, a turkey sandwich is always a safe bet, right? Well, it depends on where you're eating. Highly-processed deli meats can be high in nitrates and sodium, which is hard on the heart. Not to mention that turkey sandwiches are oftentimes loaded with full-fat mayo and include huge portions of bread (white or wheat, too much is too much). As always, check those nutritionals before you eat to know what kind of turkey sandwich you're really getting!

12. Parfait Made with yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit, a parfait seems pretty harmless, but a little certainly goes a long way. In fact, unless made at home with the right ingredients, this "healthy" snack can easily contain heavy dessert-like numbers for calories, fat, and sugar. When in doubt, just eat some fresh fruit instead.

13. Blue Corn Chips Blue corn chips seem healthier than regular white or yellow corn tortilla chips, but they really aren't that different, thanks to similar calorie, fat, and sodium counts. Don't let that rich blue color fool you!

14. Fish Sandwich There's no doubt that fish is healthy. But when you fry it, coat a bun with butter, and layer on tartar sauce or mayo, there's little "health" left in it. To get the full benefits of fish, skip the sandwich altogether and enjoy a plain grilled fillet with some steamed veggies and rice pilaf instead!

15. Chicken Wrap There was a time about 10 years ago when anything in a wrap became synonymous with “health food.” Problem is, even when you fill wheat tortillas up with tons of veggies and lean protein, the ginormous tortilla itself can contain 400 to 800 calories—not to mention the high-calorie sauces usually in them. Your best bet is to split a wrap with a friend or order it sans tortilla!

16. Low-Fat Muffins The low-fat muffins at coffee shops always look so good. And although they are a reduced-fat version of the full-fat muffins they sit next to, they are by no means actually healthy. In fact, when most manufacturers take fat out, they have to replace it with something to make up for the lack of taste. And that something is usually sugar, making most low-fat muffins not even that less caloric than their full-fat counterparts and probably less filling.

17. Gluten-Free Products Gluten-free products are all the rage these days. Although some gluten-free products are healthy, by no means does the label "gluten-free" equate to health. If it's packaged or processed -- gluten or no gluten -- it's not as healthy as other whole foods you could be eating. The best gluten-free foods aren't products at all; They're fresh fruits and vegetables!

18. Frozen Diet Diners A pre-portioned frozen meal may be convenient and seem like a great way to keep your calories in check, but when it comes to nutrition, most diet dinners just don't stack up. Filled with preservatives, too much sodium, and few veggies, these are better left in the freezer case

19. Canned Soups Canned soups can make for a filling lunch or dinner, but even the reduced-sodium and low-fat version aren't as healthy as they seem. Most cans of soup have 400 or more milligrams of sodium per cup—and really, who just eats half the can? High sodium can raise blood pressure, lead to bloating, and just generally make you feel sluggish. No fun!

20. Veggie Pizza We all know pizza isn't the healthiest food choice, but veggie pizza? It has vegetables, so it must be healthy, right? Not so fast. Some fast-food joints load their veggie pizza with extra cheese to make up for the lack of meat or use oil-soaked dried tomatoes and olives for flavor. Your best bet? Go for thin crust veggie pizza with half the cheese, watch portion sizes closely, or consider making your own at home!

21. Spinach Pasta Pasta made with spinach may seem healthier than white (or even wheat) pasta, but sadly, it's not. Although the noodles may be green, the amount of spinach actually in there is so small that it doesn't add up to much benefit—and it certainly doesn't justify eating a huge bowl of it. You're far better off having a half cup of whole-wheat pasta and a side salad with spinach.

22. Wheat Bread Don't be fooled by wheat-bread products. If the package doesn't specifically say "100-percent whole wheat,” then it's probably mostly white bread with just a little wheat flour mixed in for marketing. Also: Make sure each slice has at least 2 grams of fiber—another mark of a truly healthy bread.

23. Diet Soda The word "diet" doesn't always equal healthy, and that's certainly the case for diet soda. Made with artificial ingredients and flavorings, it's not only unnatural and high in sodium, but regular diet soda drinkers have been shown to eat more calories after consuming diet cola. While the reasons aren't fully understood, researchers suspect it's the body's way of making up for calories it thinks it received in the diet soda but didn't.

24. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter Peanuts are full of healthy monounsaturated fats, so when it comes to choosing a peanut butter, it's best to go with a natural version of the full-fat variety. Most reduced-fat versions contain the same number of calories per serving because when they take the fat out, they add sugar and other fillers in. Ick!

25. Fruit Cocktail It seems simple enough. Fruit is healthy, so a fruit cocktail should be a good choice. But most fruit cocktails are made with a sugary syrup that does nothing but drive the calories up without adding any nutritional value. You're better off eating a piece or two of fresh fruit instead!

26. Fruit Juice Don't get us wrong, 100-percent fruit juice does contain tons of vitamins and minerals. However, unless you're looking to gain weight or subsist on a liquid-only diet (um, no fun!), fruit juice is a quick way to drink a bunch of calories without filling you up. Not to mention that many fruit juices on the market don't even contain 100 perfect fruit juice! Instead of drinking your juice, make a point to chow down on two to three servings of whole fruit a day.

27. Baked beans Beans are awesome because they're so high in fiber and are a plant-based source of protein. But baked beans—particularly the canned kinds in all flavors—can also be extremely high in sodium, sugar, and additives. What's a girl to do? Be savvy about reading those labels, or make some at home where you control the seasoning.

28. Pretzels With less fat than potato chips, these have been called "healthy" since the fat-free craze of the 90s. However, most pretzels have no real nutritional value and are made with white flavor, which quickly converts to sugar in your bloodstream, spiking your blood sugar and causing you to want to eat more and more. (Ever notice how pretzels rarely fill you up? That's why!) Unless you're training for a long-distance event or are eating them with another dish that includes fiber and protein, you're better off avoiding pretzels.

29. Pasta Primavera Since pasta primavera is usually made with lots of fresh spring vegetables, it probably seems like a smart choice on the Italian menu. But don't get bamboozled. Unless you're the one preparing it, there’s a good chance the finished dish will be overloaded with cheese and oil, making this "light" meal, not so light at all!

30. Veggie Chips The pieces of actual veggies in veggie chips are so thin and so processed—whether they're baked or fried—that most of the nutrition from the original vegetable is gone. Again, you're better off eating raw veggies instead! Are you noticing a theme?

31. Protein Bars It's impossible to generalize that all protein bars are unhealthy, but it's safe to say that if you flip most of them over and read the nutrition info, you might be shocked. Unless organic, most protein bars are highly processed, even featuring artificial ingredients and fillers. Bottom line, if your protein bar has more than 200 calories or 8 grams of sugar, it's more like a candy bar with added protein than health food.

32. Sports Drinks Don't be fooled by misleading labels: sports drinks are little more than flavored water mixed with sugar and electrolytes. Sports drinks are ideal for workouts that last longer than an hour or for when you're working out in hot weather and sweating a lot, but for a short indoor workout or just as a beverage? No way, man.

33. Tea Drinks Don't get us wrong. Tea is healthy—when you brew it and control what's in it. But when you buy flavored tea in a bottle or can? Lots of added sugar, sodium, and artificial flavorings get involved, making this drink less than ideal.

34. Rice Cakes Another darling of the 90s dieting-decade, rice cakes may have a nice crunch with few calories, but there's little nutritional value in them. Plus, the new flavored varieties have the added downside of having sugar and salt in them. While fine as a treat in moderation, these aren't really giving your body much nutrition.

35. Frozen yogurt In almost all cases, frozen yogurt is better for you than full-fat ice cream. However, that doesn't give fro-yo a free pass to become a regular staple in your diet. No matter how many types or toppings they come out with, it's still a treat that's high in sugar and can quickly add up in calories if you don't keep portion sizes to a half-cup (which is so little!).

36. Granola Bars No matter if the granola bars in question have fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or a ridiculous amount of fiber, they're almost always very high in sugar (which is usually high-fructose corn syrup) and low in nutrients. If you need a snack on the run, you're much better off having an apple and a handful of almonds. About the same calories, and your body can use it!

Once thought to be better for you than butter, margarine is now squarely on the unhealthy list. Although many brands have taken the trans fats out, it's still best to use healthier oils like olive and coconut when cooking!

37. Organic Snack foods and cookies Just because something is organic doesn't mean that it's healthy. Remember, organic or not, junk food is junk food!

38. Dried Veggies Dried veggies as salad toppings are somewhat new to the grocery store aisles. While they seem healthy and provide a nice crunch to salads, they also add salt and calories without many vitamins. Trade them for unsalted sunflower seeds to get that crunch with vitamin E, magnesium, and thiamine.

39. Flavored Nuts Nuts are a wonderful health food when eaten in moderation. But roasted nuts? They take a good thing and coat it with not-so-great-things like sugar and salt. Try to limit your nut consumption to plain raw nuts. And if you want to make your own flavored nuts, roast some in the oven with spices like turmeric, pepper, or even hot sauce!

40. Fast-Food Salads Salads can be healthy or incredibly unhealthy, especially at fast-food and chain restaurants. Research calorie counts before you dine, and don't forget to check the nutritionals on salad toppers like croutons, nuts, and salad dressings. Extras like these can quickly turn a healthy salad into a calorie bomb.

41. Protein Shakes Protein is important for our bodies to build muscle and stay strong, but regularly downing protein shakes in place of meals isn't healthy. Many are highly processed, high in sugar, and despite being fortified with vitamins and minerals, you're missing out on having real healthy and filling food.

42. Croutons Whether they're whole-wheat or white, baked or fried, croutons don't offer much nutritional value. If you like them for their crunch, try tossing crunchy veggies like green pepper strips or heart-healthy walnuts in your salad instead.

43. Signature Sushi rolls We always think of sushi as being so healthy and low calorie. While it can be, those house-specialty rolls that include mayo, cream cheese, or anything fried? Warning! Unhealthy food! Here's a good rule to follow: If you wouldn't consider an ingredient healthy on its own, don't expect it to be any healthier just because it's wrapped in nori!

44. Veggie Burger Although some veggie burgers are filled with healthy beans, mushrooms, brown rice, and vegetables, others--especially those at restaurants--can be far from healthy. They’re often held together by butter or oil and large enough to make up two to three meals.

45. Veggie Omelet Ordering a veggie omelet at a breakfast diner can be a good choice, but you have to order one like Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally: no oil or butter, no cheese, egg whites only and steamed veggies (not veggies sautéed in oil). Jump through those nutritional hoops, and you can keep considering this healthy.

46. Turkey Burger Sure, turkey burger is leaner than ground beef. But that doesn't always mean a turkey burger is a healthy choice. Pay particular attention to what type of ground turkey it is (turkey breast is the most lean) and the toppings. Some sugary cranberry sauce here, a piece of cheese there and a buttered bun on top are sure-fire ways to turn this burger into a calorie bomb.

47. Grilled Portabella Sandwich This meat-free sandwich sure is delicious--but beware if you're ordering it out. Mushrooms absorb flavors like a sponge and chefs are notorious for soaking them in salty condiments and oils. And don't even get us started on the cheesy toppings and massive buns they can come on!

48. Fruit Snacks Whether it's a fruit roll-up or those little gummy fruit snacks, even if it's all natural, you're better off eating a piece of real fruit. You'll be more satiated, you'll consume less sugar and calories, and you'll get more nutrition bite for delicious bite.

49. Multi-grain Chips Choosing whole-grain chips over potato chips may be a smart snack choice. The problem is, you tend to eat more of the multi-grain version because they're billed as "healthy." Unless you're indulging, get your whole grains from more nutritious sources such as quinoa, wild rice, or beans.

50. Margarine Once thought to be better for you than butter, margarine is now squarely on the unhealthy list. Although many brands have taken the trans fats out, it's still best to use healthier oils like olive and coconut when cooking!

Sources: Shape.com

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases, heartburn can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery.

Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus.

In normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the stomach's contents to flow up into the esophagus. 

The severity of GERD depends on LES dysfunction as well as the type and amount of fluid brought up from the stomach and the neutralizing effect of saliva.

Symptoms

GERD signs and symptoms include:

  • A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to your throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Dry cough
  • Hoarseness or sore throat
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
  • Sensation of a lump in your throat

Cooking Tips to Minimize the Risk of GERD

Spice It Right

Some spices can irritate your stomach lining; many people who have heartburn are bothered by hot spices — black and crushed red pepper, chili powder, and Tabasco sauce. Fresh garlic and onions are also known to cause heartburn for some, though you may be able to substitute dehydrated or dried versions (garlic powder and dried onions). You can also add flavor to foods with herbs such as ground cinnamon, basil, dill, parsley, thyme, and tarragon, which don’t usually cause acid reflux symptoms. 

Replace Acidic Foods

Heartburn results from too much acid in the stomach. So you don’t want to make it worse by eating foods that are highly acidic, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, pineapple). Some people with heartburn can tolerate small amounts of ketchup, but it may be safer to use reduced-fat mayonnaise or mustard instead. Vinegar is also highly acidic; cider vinegar and rice vinegar, however, are less acidic and may be less likely to provoke heartburn symptoms than regular vinegar.

Go for Low-fat Dairy

The problem with dairy foods is that they can be high in fat. Fat stays in the stomach longer, causing more digestive juices to flow. The juices contain acid, which causes heartburn. It’s important to have some dairy in your diet, but if you have heartburn, you're better off choosing the low-fat or nonfat versions of yogurts, cheeses, and sour cream. When baking, you can use butter substitutes or applesauce in place of the fat. For casseroles that call for cream soup, choose reduced-fat versions.

Trim the Fat

If you have heartburn, you should choose leaner cuts of red meat, such as round, chuck, sirloin, and tenderloin. When buying chicken or turkey, remember that white meat has less fat than dark. Cut any visible fat from your meat, and discard the skin of chicken and turkey, which is pure fat. Besides minimizing the fat content in your stomach, you want to choose lower-fat — and thus lower-calorie — foods because; being overweight also contributes to heartburn.

Lighter Cooking Methods

When you have heartburn, you should prepare your foods with as little fat as possible. Deep-frying and frying are out. Sauté sparingly, or even better, use nonstick sprays instead of butter and oil to coat the pan. To prepare meats and vegetables, try steaming, broiling, grilling, roasting, and microwaving because these methods require little, if any, fat. What about taste? Flavor your cooked meats and vegetables with broths and juices rather than oils and fats.

Eating Less

Portion control is a key to avoiding heartburn. When you eat big meals, the food stays in your stomach longer, just as fatty foods do. The longer the food sits in your stomach, the more your stomach fills with acid that causes heartburn. In addition, when you minimize portion sizes, you may be able to tolerate very small amounts of some heartburn-triggering foods.

Room for Dessert

Just because you experience acid reflux doesn’t mean you have to pass on dessert — but the same rules apply for avoiding heartburn. Opt for lower-fat versions of cakes and ice cream. Chocolate commonly causes heartburn, so you may want to avoid it altogether. Instead, choose desserts made with vanilla or strawberry or reduced-fat peanut butter. Another flavor to beware of is peppermint, which can cause acid reflux symptoms in some people by relaxing the valve between the stomach and the esophagus; you may want to stay away from candy canes and grasshopper pies. But with these few restrictions, you can feel free to indulge in dessert after your meal — a meal that you've done your best to prepare in such a way as to avoid any and all heartburn triggers.

Sources: WebMD, Mayo Clinic, EveryDay Health

Food Poisoning Treatment


How Do I Know If I Have Food Poisoning?

Most cases of food poisoning are mild, lasting from one to three days. Since many people do not seek medical care, their food poisoning is not diagnosed.

Though your symptoms may sound suspicious, the only way to know for sure if you have food poisoning is to test the offending food or check the stool, blood, or vomit.

Chemical or toxin food poisoning can usually be diagnosed by a description of symptoms and by testing food potentially responsible for the poisoning.

Call 911 if: 

  • You think the food poisoning may be from seafood or mushrooms
  • If the person is severely dehydrated
  • You think the food poisoning may be from seafood or mushrooms
  • If the person is severely dehydrated

1. Control Nausea and Vomiting

  • Avoid solid foods until vomiting ends. Then eat light, bland foods, such as saltine crackers, bananas, rice, or bread.
  • Sipping liquids may help avoid vomiting.
  • Don’t eat fried, greasy, spicy, or sweet foods.
  • Don’t take anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medication without asking your doctor. They may make some kinds of diarrhea worse. Your doctor may give you anti-nausea medication if you are at risk of being dehydrated.

2. Prevent Dehydration

  • Drink clear fluids, starting with small sips and gradually drinking more.
  • If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, drink an oral rehydration solution.

3. When to Call a Doctor

Call a doctor immediately if symptoms include:

  • Lasting more than 3 days
  • Severe belly pain
  • Fever
  • Bloody diarrhea or dark stools
  • Vomiting that is prolonged or bloody
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate or breathing rate.

Source: Web MD

Aspirin May Help Ward Off Gastro Cancers, Study Finds

Taking aspirin regularly over several years may help prevent gastrointestinal cancers, a recent study suggests.

There was a 20 percent lower risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the colon and rectum, among people taking aspirin, said lead researcher Yin Cao, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

But Cao doesn’t think people should start taking aspirin to prevent cancer until more research is done. “The results of ongoing research to develop more tailored treatment based upon a personalized assessment of risks and benefits is critical before recommending aspirin for preventing cancer,” she said.

Moreover, patients and their doctors need to consider the potential risks of taking aspirin, including stomach bleeding, Cao said.

However, “if considered alongside the known benefits of aspirin in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes, our data suggest the possibility that long-term regular aspirin use may have a significant benefit in prevention of the two leading causes of sickness and death in the U.S. and much of the world,” she said.

The results of the study were to be presented Sunday at an American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Philadelphia. The data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

For the study, Cao and her colleagues collected data on 82,600 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study in 1980 and 47,650 men enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study in 1986. The researchers collected data on aspirin use, risk factors for cancer and diagnoses of cancer.

After up to 32 years of follow-up, about 20,400 women and 7,570 men developed cancer, the investigators found. Among men, prostate cancer was excluded.

Cao’s team found that men and women who took a regular dose of aspirin (325 milligrams) two times a week or more had a lower risk of cancer overall than people who did not regularly take aspirin. The reduced risk was largely due to fewer cases of gastrointestinal cancers, including colon cancer, rectal cancer and esophageal cancer.

Regular aspirin use was not associated with a reduced risk of other cancers. Specifically, no link was found between aspirin use and a lower risk of breast cancer, advanced prostate cancer or lung cancer, the researchers said.

Moreover, the benefit of aspirin in reducing overall cancer risk appeared to depend on how much one took. So the more aspirin taken, the more the risk was reduced. Amounts ranged from less than one aspirin a week to 15 or more, the researchers said. 

Getting the biggest benefit from aspirin required taking it for at least 16 years. The benefit was no longer seen within four years of stopping it, the researchers found. And the study only showed an association between aspirin use and gastrointestinal cancer risk, not a cause-and-effect relationship.

The association of aspirin with reduced cancer risk was the same for women and men regardless of race, history of diabetes, family history of cancer, weight, smoking, regular use of other painkillers or taking multivitamins, the study authors added.

Eric Jacobs, strategic director of pharmacoepidemiology at the American Cancer Society, said the new study “confirms the now well-established link between regular aspirin use and lower risk of developing certain cancers of the gastrointestinal tract — cancers of the colon, rectum and esophagus.”

Some, though not all, previous studies have indicated that aspirin might slightly lower risk of certain other cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, he added.

“Although aspirin is recommended for most people who have had a heart attack, and has some benefits for cancer risk as well, at this point the American Cancer Society does not recommend that people use aspirin specifically to prevent cancer because it is not clear that the benefits with respect to cancer outweigh the risks,” Jacobs said. 

While not common, aspirin can cause serious, even occasionally fatal, stomach bleeding, even at low doses, he said.

“People who are uncertain about whether they should be using aspirin should talk to their health care provider, who knows their personal medical history and can help weigh their individual risks and benefits,” Jacobs said.

Source: HealthDay News

Want to live longer? Reduce your Ama.


The concept of ama is unique to Ayurveda. According to Ayurvedic Medicine, "ama" is the root of all disease.
Ama has been described as a toxic, heavy, sticky, foul smelling substance in the body. Ama can also be formed by bacterial invasion. Bacteria emit toxic substances into the system, which can be compared to Ama. Ama clogs up the physically visible channels like the digestive tract, the bronchi, the lungs, arteries and, the liver and kidneys.

The following are some examples that indicate the presence of Ama in the body:

  • Eczema

  • Psoriasis
  • Cysts
  • 
Swellings
  • Painful or swollen joints
  • 
Hypercholesterolemia

  • Blocked arteries


Some signs and symptoms of Ama in the body:

  • Heaviness

  • Lethargy
  • 
Irregular appetite or reduced appetite

  • Generalized body and joint pains. This is noticed the day after eating certain heavy foods, like meat, cheeses, desserts and fried foods.
  • Skin is dull and lusterless with blemishes, acne , etc.
  • Bloated stomach, gases, flatulence
.
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
.
  • White coating on the tongue
.
  • Foul smelling breath and sweat
.
  • Constipation, foul smelling stools that may be sticky, heavy and sink.
  • Lack of mental clarity and energy.
  • 
A sense of heaviness in the abdomen, legs or body as a whole
.
  • Weary and unenthusiastic feeling.
  • Blocked feeling anywhere in the body, including constipation, sinus congestion and difficulty in breathing
.
  • One wakes up tired even after a good night's sleep
.

Symptoms of an Ama-free physiology:

Once Ama has been treated and eliminated, you will notice the following changes:

  • One feels fresh, rested on waking up in the morning.
  • 
Skin regains a healthy glow.
  • Tongue is pink and clear
.
  • Body feels light.

  • Aches and pains disappear
.
  • No bloated feeling or heaviness.

  • Energetic feeling. 

  • Enthusiastic and mind is clear
.

Treatment of Ama:

When diagnosed, it is best to treat it and get rid of it. The most popular method of removing Ama is Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Detoxification process. But one can also do the following as a simple home detoxification regimen following these tips: 

  • Drink plenty of warm water.

  • A ginger and lemon tea based on Ayurvedic is very good to stimulate the digestive fire and eliminate Ama from the body.
 Triphala, a popular Ayurvedic herbal combination is also very good in Ama conditions (especially in problems relating the digestive system).
  • Avoid cold aerated drinks.
  • 
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
  • 
Avoid excessive dairy products.

  • Avoid excess of sweet fruits and foods
.
  • Avoid meat, fish, and egg during the detoxification period. 
  • 
Include warming herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds in food. A classical Ayurvedic recipe called Kitchari (combination of mung beans and rice with various herbs and spices) is very beneficial in eliminating Ama. 

  • Castor oil in small quantities helps eliminate Ama through its purgative effect. 

  • Emphasize on bitter and mildly spicy flavors. 

  • Herbal teas are beneficial. 

  • Steamed vegetable and warm thick soups must be taken. 

  • Avoid wheat, pastries, and bread , etc.
  • Breathing exercises. 
  • Yoga exercises