 |
 |
 |
|
Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach. Many people, often pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD.
Incidence; Causes & Development
Up to 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Some studies have reported that 36% to 44% of adults experience heartburn at least once per month, 14% every week, and 7% once a day. Gastroesophageal reflux disease itself is common. One study reported that 20% of people had frequent symptoms of GERD but that very few of them sought help for the condition. People at all ages are susceptible to GERD.
During the course of normal digestion, the 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.
Unlike the lining of the stomach, which has a thin layer of protective mucus, the lining of the esophagus offers only a weak defense against stomach acid and other harmful substances. The most important structure in protecting the esophagus is the LES but if, in spite of LES pressure, there is some acid back-up (reflux), an additional defense mechanism, the peristaltic action of the esophagus, pushes the residue back down into the stomach.
If the LES or the peristaltic action is impaired, stomach tone is increased or other protective mechanisms fail, then acid and other substances back up into the esophagus from the stomach, causing GERD.
Some doctors believe a hiatal hernia may weaken the LES and cause reflux. Recent studies show that the opening in the diaphragm acts as an additional sphincter around the lower end of the esophagus. Studies also show that hiatal hernia results in retention of acid and other contents above this opening. These substances can reflux easily into the esophagus.
Dietary and lifestyle choices may contribute to GERD. Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, garlic, onions or alcoholic beverages, may weaken the LES or increase stomach tone causing reflux and heartburn. Caffeinated drinks and decaffeinated coffee increase acid content in the stomach. Other acidic foods include citrus and tomato products. All carbonated beverages increase the risk for symptoms of GERD by bloating the abdomen and causing pressure that forces acid up into the esophagus. Food allergies may be responsible for some cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children. Studies show that cigarette smoking relaxes the LES and that obesity and pregnancy can also cause GERD.
Persistent GERD may be due to abnormal biologic or structural factors which, as well as malfunction of the LES muscles, include defects or injuries in the lining of the esophagus, peristalsis problems, over-acidic stomach contents, amongst others. Some people may be sensitive to digestive factors other than acid; such substances can cause GERD symptoms, but are likely to be missed during a medical examination.
Indigestion might be caused by a disease or an ulcer in the digestive tract, but for most people it is simply a result of eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach lining, being tired, or having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse.
In one study, over half of GERD patients showed abnormal nerve or muscle function in the stomach, which caused impaired motility - an inability of the muscles to contract normally. This causes delays in stomach emptying, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
Drugs That Increase the Risk for GERD
A number of drugs can cause the LES to relax and function poorly including calcium channel blockers, anti-cholinergics, beta- and alpha-adrenergic agonists, dopamine, sedatives, and common pain relievers. Calcium channel blockers and anti-cholinergics also weaken the peristaltic action of the esophagus and slow stomach emptying. The anti-osteoporosis drug alendronate (Fosamax) can cause damage to the esophagus. Patients should take this drug with six to eight ounces of water (not juice or carbonated or mineral water) on an empty stomach in the morning and should remain upright for 30 minutes afterward.
Antibiotics can also affect the mucous membrane, making it more vulnerable to acids. Potassium and iron pills are corrosive and can cause ulcers (erosions) in the esophagus.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common culprits in causing ulcers in the stomach. Until recently there was no strong evidence that they harmed the esophagus. A 1997 study reported however, that elderly people who took NSAIDs and also had GERD appeared to be at higher risk for complications, particularly strictures, abnormal narrowing of the esophagus, and also chest pain and Barrett's esophagus. There are dozens of NSAIDs including aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Rufen), naproxen (Aleve), piroxicam (Feldene), diflunisal (Dolobid), indomethacin (Indocin), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ketorolac (Toradol), ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT), and diclofenac (Voltaren). Most likely, taking an occasional aspirin or other NSAID will not harm someone who has GERD and no other risk factors for or indications of ulcers. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is usually a good alternative for those who want to avoid NSAIDs.
Signs & Symptoms
Elderly people with GERD tend to have a more serious condition than younger people with the problem.
The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest and throat) and regurgitation (a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus). In most people, the symptoms are short-lived and occur infrequently. In about 20% of cases, however, the condition becomes chronic. In such cases, the acid can cause irritation, inflammation, and even erosion of the esophagus (a condition called esophagitis). Although acid is a primary factor in damage caused by GERD, other products of the digestive tract, including pepsin and bile, can also be harmful.
In some cases the esophagus may be hypersensitive. When irritants are introduced into the esophagus, the immune system reacts with an exaggerated (hyperreactive) response to them, triggering the release of agents that cause inflammation and possibly injury. This event is similar to the asthmatic response to irritants in the airways.
The severity of GERD depends on tissue sensitivity, LES dysfunction, the type and amount of fluid brought up from the stomach and the neutralizing effect of saliva.
It should be noted that symptoms of GERD may be present without any signs of injury to the esophagus.
Treatment & Prevention
In order to decrease heartburn symptoms, the patient should try to decrease consumption of fat, chocolate, peppermint, onions, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, as these are all believed to cause heartburn by decreasing the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and increasing the number of relaxations of this sphincter. Overeating and straining associated with constipation may also compromise the sphincter's ability to keep the acid where it belongs in the stomach.
Many people believe that beverages quickly flow through our stomachs without affecting acid production. Surprisingly, a lot of beverages -- such as beer, wine and sodas -- do stimulate acid secretion. Beer is worst of all, potentially doubling stomach acid within an hour.
Complications
In a small percentage of chronic patients, a serious form of GERD called Barrett's esophagus may eventually develop, in which the erosion can lead to cancerous changes in the tissue lining of the esophagus.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux:
Conditions that suggest Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux: | | | | | Digestion |  Dyspepsia / Poor Digestion
 Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers | There is a relatively high prevalence of GERD amongst patients with duodenal or gastric ulcers. Persistent dyspepsia/heartburn symptoms after eradication of H. pylori and ulcer resolution might suggest the treatment of GERD as a separate entity. [Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95: pp.101-105] |
|
Organ Health |
 Barrett's Esophagus| | Chronic GERD can result in Barrett's esophagus. In Barrett's esophagus, the lining of the esophagus is so badly damaged that a new lining is formed. |
|
Respiratory |
Asthma| | About half of asthmatic patients also have GERD, of which heartburn is a symptom. It is not entirely clear, however, whether asthma is a cause or effect of GERD. Some experts speculate that the coughing and sneezing accompanying asthmatic attacks cause changes in pressure in the chest that can trigger reflux. Exercise-induced asthma does not appear to be related to GERD. Certain asthmatic drugs that dilate the airways may relax the LES and contribute to GERD. |
|
| | | | |
Risk factors for Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux: | | | | | Allergy | Allergy to Foods (Hidden) |
Autoimmune |
Crohn's Disease |
Diet |
Overconsumption| | Overeating is the most common cause of heartburn. |
Dehydration| | Dr. Batmanghelidj, author of Your Bodies Many Cries for Water, believes that in the same way we have a "hunger pain" signal, we also have a "thirst pain" signal in the body, and that it is called dyspepsia (heartburn). |
|
Digestion |
Hiatal Hernia| | Some doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia causes burning and difficulty in swallowing. Hiatal hernia and GERD can both cause heartburn. |
Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency| | Based on the clinical experience of doctors such as Dr. Jonathon Wright, MD, supplementing with hydrochloric acid sometimes relieves the symptoms of heartburn and improves digestion in individuals who have hypochlorhydria. Unexplained bloating, belching and heartburn are frequently diagnosed as symptoms of hyperacidity and sometimes wrongly treated with antacids, when in fact the underlying problem is insufficient acid production. |
|
Hormones |
Hypothyroidism |
Metabolic |
Problems Caused By Being Overweight |
Organ Health |
Diabetes Type II |
Respiratory |
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) |
Supplements and Medications |
H2-blocker antacid use
PPI antacid use
Calcium-based antacid use
Magnesium-based antacid use
Aluminum-based antacid use
Regular bicarbonate use |
Symptoms - Food - Beverages |
(High) coffee consumption |
Symptoms - Reproductive - General |
Being in late pregnancy| | Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to GERD in their third trimester as the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach. Heartburn in such cases is often resistant to dietary interventions and even antacids. |
|
Symptoms - Respiratory |
Past pain/burning behind breastbone
History of asthma| | About half of asthmatic patients also have GERD, of which heartburn is a symptom. It is not entirely clear, however, whether asthma is a cause or effect of GERD. Some experts speculate that the coughing and sneezing accompanying asthmatic attacks cause changes in pressure in the chest that can trigger reflux. Exercise-induced asthma does not appear to be related to GERD. Certain asthmatic drugs that dilate the airways may relax the LES and contribute to GERD. |
|
| | | | |
Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux suggests the following may be present:
Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux can lead to:
Recommendations and treatments for Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux: | | | | | Botanical |  Orange Peel (Extract)| | Products conaining orange peel extract deliver relief from occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. They will not reduce mineral absorption or inhibit protein digestion, and do not shut down acid production nor adversely affect acid-producing cells, as many antacids do.
Orange peel extract should be standardized to contain a minimum of 98% of d-limonene. Upon first experiencing symptoms, take one softgel capsule (1,000mg) every other day for 20 days, and one softgel capsule as needed for ocassional relief thereafter.
Almost 90% of participants reported resolution of heartburn symptoms 2 weeks after starting orange peel extract. Almost one-third experienced resolution of heartburn symptoms as early as day 2 of the study. In addition, even though participants stopped taking the orange peel extract, they still reported symptom resolution on days 21, 28 and 35. In other words, orange peel extract remained effective against heartburn for 2 weeks after they stopped taking it. Occasionally, after completing the 20-day treatment period, some people may experience mild heartburn after eating foods they had previously avoided. The study scientists concluded these individuals overindulged on these "forbidden" foods. Taking a single orange peel extract capsule as needed usually solves this problem. |
 Picrorhiza| | The bitter rhizomes of picrorhiza have been used for thousands of years in India for people with indigestion and were considered a substitute for gentian. [Krishnamurthy A. The Wealth of India vol VIII. New Delhi, Publication and Information Directorate, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 1969, p.49] |
Bladderwrack| | An over-the-counter antacid, Gaviscon®, containing magnesium carbonate and sodium alginate (the sodium salt of alginic acid, an active component of bladderwrack), has been shown to effectively relieve the symptoms of heartburn compared to other antacids in a double-blind study. [Chevrel B. A comparative crossover study on the treatment of heartburn and epigastric pain: Liquid Gaviscon® and a magnesium-aluminum antacid gel. J Int Med Res 1980;8: pp300-3]
However, bladderwrack has at the time of writing not been studied for use in people with heartburn. Bladderwrack might also help indigestion, though again clinical trials have not been conducted. |
|
Diet |
Dairy Products Avoidance| | Whilst drinking milk can be a 'quick fix' by neutralizing some of the acid, it also has a rebound action that eventually will encourage the scretion of more stomach acid, which causes the acid reflux. |
 Alcohol Avoidance| | Avoid or limit alcohol. |
Spicy Foods Avoidance
High/Increased Carbohydrate Diet| | Make sure to include foods that are high in complex carbohydrates in each meal. These foods, such as rice, breads and pasta, are able to tie up excess stomach acid and are often easy on the stomach. |
Increased Water Consumption| | Additional water intake can help resolve heartburn symptoms. |
|
Digestion |
Digestive Habit Changes| | Although there are many types of antacids and other medications you can take to help relieve symptoms of acid reflux, the right posture can have a positive impact on the way you digest food, thus preventing acid reflux from occurring. |
Chewing Gum
Hydrochloric Acid (Trial) |
Drug |
Conventional Drug Use| | If nothing else seems to work, it may be necessary to start using proton pump inhibitor drugs. |
|
Habits |
Posture Improvement| | Maintain an upright position during and at least 45 minutes after eating.
When you put excess pressure on your stomach, it takes longer for your stomach to digest food. The longer it takes for your stomach to digest food, the higher your chances of developing indigestion and/or acid reflux. Therefore, improving posture during and after meals may help or prevent symptoms of heartburn.
The postures that you adopt while you ingest food and directly after you eat are important, because they can either make food digestion an easy or difficult process for your body. For instance, sitting in a hunched forward position while you eat, and lying down directly after a meal, places additional stress on the stomach and can promote indigestion or heartburn.
Furthermore, wearing anything tight around your waist (belts, tight pants, corset, etc.) while you're eating places pressure on your stomach. Taut clothing prevents your stomach from expanding and moving freely, which is a natural process during eating and digestion. |
|
Mineral |
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)| | Doctors using MSM agree that patients who have used antacids and histamine receptor antagonists to control hyperacidity can employ MSM with good results. |
|
Physical Medicine |
Incline Board| | A May, 2006 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that the two most important behavioral changes that can reduce acid reflux are eating less and elevating your head while sleeping.
It has long been known that stomach acid tends to reflux more when one is lying flat. Based on this knowledge, a natural treatment was developed long ago for heartburn that occurs at night. By slipping a 4- to 8-inch high block beneath each of the legs at the head of the bed a slight incline is produced. Gravity may pull the stomach downward and minimize the amount of stomach acid that refluxes into the esophagus. Many people find that this technique provides the additonal relief they are looking for and prevents further esophageal erosion.
Another solution may be the use of a special pillow, such as the Prop Up Pillow. These pillows are specially designed to create an incline and relieve the heartburn discomfort found in several disorders. Pillows are useful when one's partner does not wish to sleep on an inclined bed. |
|
Surgery/Invasive |
Surgery| | In most cases, heartburn can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes alone, but some people may require medication or surgery. |
|
| | | | |
Preventive measures against Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux: | | | | | Diet | Low/Decreased Fat Diet| | Fats are the most difficult component of the diet to digest, remaining in the stomach longer and thus causing the need for more stomach acid in order to digest them. Fatty foods cause more indigestion than proteins or starches. |
Plant-Based Nutrition| | Eating a low-fat plant-based diet in small frequent meals is one of the best ways to reduce heartburn. |
Smaller, More Frequent Meals| | Try to eat small, frequent meals instead of three big meals each day. Small amounts of food each time will exert less workload on the stomach and therefore require less acid secretion for digestion. |
Weight Loss| | Obesity is known to be a cause of GERD. |
Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
Not recommended:
 Eating Nearer to Bedtime| | Anyone who eats a heavy meal (which causes excess stomach acid production), particularly if one subsequently lies on the back or bends over from the waist, is at risk of an attack of heartburn. Anyone who snacks at bedtime is at high risk of GERD. For those who experience heartburn made worse by lying down, eating before bed may not be a good idea; eating the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before bed should reduce the likelihood of reflux at bedtime. Try adjusting your diet by eating a small meal at dinner time and, if necessary, having a small snack, such as crackers, before sleep.
There is a myth that drinkning milk before bedtime will ease acid reflux. In fact, milk often ends up causing acid reflux during sleep. |
|
Habits |
Tobacco Avoidance
Not recommended:
Aerobic Exercise| | Heartburn is more frequent when exercising within 2 hours of eating. |
|
| | | | |
KEY | | Weak or unproven link | | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | May have adverse consequences |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Antacid (Antacids)
Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.
Antagonist (Antagonists)
A chemical substance that interferes with the uptake, assimilation and/or physiological action of another, especially by combining with and blocking its nerve receptor.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Complex Carbohydrate (Complex Carbohydrates)
Includes indigestible molecules of fiber (e.g. starch and glycogen). Slowly releases sugar into the bloodstream and also adds the fiber.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Crohn's Disease (Crohn's)
Chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia.
Diaphragm
The thin muscle under the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the stomach/abdomen.
Dopamine
A neurohormone; precursor to norepinephrine which acts as a stimulant to the nervous system. Carries signals between neurons and controls feelings of satisfaction, arousal, reward and mood.
Duodenum (Duodenal)
First portion of the small intestine between the pylorus and jejunum, connecting to the stomach.
Dyspepsia
Indigestion / poor digestion, usually with heartburn and/or regurgitation of stomach acids.
Epigastric
Relating to the area immediately above the stomach.
Esophagus (Esophageal)
Commonly called the "food pipe", it is a narrow muscular tube, about nine and a half inches long, that begins below the tongue and ends at the stomach. It consists of an outer layer of fibrous tissue, a middle layer containing smoother muscle, and an inner membrane, which contains numerous tiny glands. It has muscular sphincters at both its upper and lower ends. The upper sphincter relaxes to allow passage of swallowed food that is then propelled down the esophagus into the stomach by the wave-like peristaltic contractions of the esophageal muscles. There is no protective mucosal layer, so problems can arise when digestive acids reflux into the esophagus from the stomach.
Gastric Reflux Disease (Gastric Reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, GERD)
A common relapsing condition affecting approximately 10% of the U.S. population and caused by an abnormal exposure of the lower esophagus to refluxed gastric contents, causing irritation and injury to the esophageal tissues. GERD develops as a result of relaxations of the transient lower esophageal sphincter. Typical presenting symptoms are heartburn, an epigastric burning sensation and acid regurgitation. However, some patients may present with atypical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Helicobacter Pylori (Pylori)
H. pylori is a bacterium that is found in the stomach which, along with acid secretion, damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers. Although most people will never have symptoms or problems related to the infection, they may include: dull, 'gnawing' pain which may occur 2-3 hours after a meal, come and go for several days or weeks, occur in the middle of the night when the stomach is empty and be relieved by eating; loss of weight; loss of appetite; bloating; burping; nausea; vomiting.
Hiatal Hernia (Hiatal Hernias)
Hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm (a diaphragmatic hiatus). This is a common problem and most people are not bothered by it. A hernia may allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus ("food pipe"), where it can cause problems. The most common symptom is burning in your chest (heartburn), especially at night when you are lying down. Other possible signs include burping and trouble swallowing.
Histamine
A chemical in the body tissues, produced by the breakdown of histidine. It is released in allergic reactions and causes widening of capillaries, decreased blood pressure, increased release of gastric juice, fluid leakage forming itchy skin and hives, and tightening of smooth muscles of the bronchial tube and uterus. Histamine is the chemical that drives the initial acute allergic reaction, causing itching, swelling and congestion.
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
An inorganic acidic compound, excreted by the stomach, that aids in digestion.
Hypochlorhydria (Hypochlorhydric)
The condition of having low hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach, often the cause of digestive disorders.
Hypothyroidism (Hypothyroid)
Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, and sleepiness.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
A band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. The LES opens after a person swallows to let food enter the stomach and then immediately closes to prevent regurgitation of the stomach contents, including gastric acid. It then maintains this pressure barrier until food is swallowed again.
Magnesium
An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.
Malignant (Cancerous)
Dangerous. Mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Motility
Capacity for spontaneous movement, frequently in reference to the intestine.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
NSAID (NSAIDs)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Peptic Ulcer (Duodenal Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcers, Gastric Ulcer, Gastric Ulcers, Peptic Ulcers)
A general term for gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum), open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by digestive juices and stomach acid. Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort and pain. They occur most frequently in the 60 to 70 age group, and slightly more often in men than in women. Doctors now know that there are two major causes of ulcers: most often patients are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); others are regular users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which include common products like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Peristalsis
Movement characterized by alternate circular contraction and relaxation of the intestine or other tubular structure which propels the contents onward.
Potassium
A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically 9oz versus 4oz). About 98% of total body potassium is inside our cells. Potassium is the principal cation (positive ion) of the fluid within cells and is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification. Potassium is a cofactor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building.
Prostaglandin (Prostaglandins)
Any of a class of physiologically active substances present in many tissues, with effects such as vasodilation, vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles of the bronchus or intestine, uterine stimulation; also involved in pain, inflammation, fever, allergic diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. A potent hormone -- similar in structure to an unsaturated fatty acid -- that acts in extremely low concentrations on local target organs; first isolated from the prostate.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Saliva (Salivary)
The watery mixture of secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricates chewed food and moistens the oral walls.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Uterus (Uterine)
The part of the female reproductive system specialized to allow the implantation, growth and nourishment of a fetus during pregnancy.
Last updated: Feb 21, 2009
|
 |
|
|
