Heartburn Free Foods for the Holidays: Enjoy Great Food Without the Heartburn This Holiday Season

Ahhh, the holidays... a time of friends, family and for all too many people...

Heartburn!

If you?re one of the 60 million Americans who suffer from acid reflux disease you know how one meal of indulgence can lead to a day or night of misery.

The problem is that during the holidays we allow more things into our diets than we do the rest of the year. We eat more sweet and rich foods, drink more alcohol and coffee, and quite often can pay the price with increased heartburn.

But be of good cheer, dear holiday party-goer, you can still eat well, have a great time, and avoid your heartburn problems!

The secret lies in knowing what foods are bad so you can limit them or substitute something in their places.

The bad heartburn foods come in two varieties...

1. Those that cause an increase in stomach acid, some of which can spill over into your esophagus causing heartburn.

2. Those that relax the esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is a little muscle at the base of the esophagus that acts as a lid that prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus.

Here are some of the heartburn causing foods you should look out for this holiday season.

Peppermint

What candy is more associated with the holidays than the red and white striped candy cane? Yet, peppermint is one of those foods that relaxes the esophageal sphincter and allows acid up into your esophagus.

Instead, try a stick of red licorice. You can buy these sticks in bulk, or individually wrapped.

Chocolate

Yes, I?m afraid it?s true; chocolate is another relaxing food that can open the way for stomach acid to reach your esophagus. Instead of chocolate, though, try substituting...

Just kidding. True chocoholics know that there?s no substitute for chocolate, but there are people who are thinking of creative ways to make chocolate heartburn free.

See the resource box at the end of this article for a collection of heartburn-free recipes, including one for fudge!

Alcohol and Coffee/Tea

Between the office holiday party, Christmas with the family, and New Year?s Eve, alcohol consumption for many people sky rockets during this time of year. And, even non-drinkers can over indulge with higher than normal levels of coffee or tea (regular and decaf).

All of the above beverages can increase the acid production in your stomach and give you heartburn. Instead try substituting hot cider (in moderation) for the coffee or tea, and non-alcoholic beer or wine for your other favorite alcoholic beverages.

Hors d' Oeuvres

Spicy and fatty foods are notorious for generating stomach acid production, and no place are these foods more conveniently and neatly presented than on the hors d? Oeuvres trays and tables at holiday parties.

Foods to look out for include cheese, salami, beef sticks, and, of course, spicy buffalo wings. Instead, stick with pretzels, apples, or carrots and broccoli dipped in low fat ranch dressing.

Brunch Food

Lastly, another meal that friends and family share together during the holidays--and one that?s loaded with heartburn traps and snares--is brunch.

From the coffee, to the eggs prepared in butter and garnished with bacon or sausage, to the donuts and fruit juices, brunch offers heartburn foods at every turn. Even here, just a few modifications can result in a very satisfying meal followed by a pleasant, heartburn free day.

Here are a few tips for making your brunch selections...

Egg white omelets are better than those made with whole eggs, and if you like to have some sort of bread with breakfast, try a whole grain bagel with low fat cream cheese.

Apples and bananas are the best choices for fruit and, if you want a fruit juice, apple is probably your best bet there, too.

As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for acid reflux and heartburn sufferers to enjoy delicious heartburn-free food this holiday season.

Simply, approach each get-together or party with a strategy about what and how much you'll eat. Then, choose to avoid the bad heartburn foods and, most importantly, have a great time this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

For more tips, suggestions, and plenty of heartburnfree recipes that you can use this holiday season and all year long, go to http://acid-reflux-help.blogspot.com/2005/11/heartburn-free-foods-for-holidays.html

To be Successful You Have to be Healthy Part 1

If you were to stop a noontime crowd on the street and ask them to name their most valuable asset, most wouldn't hesitate to identify their homes as the greatest asset they own. Others may nominate a well-funded 401(k) or a shiny sports car as their most valuable asset.

If so, they would be overlooking an asset that came into their possession the day they were born. It's an asset that many of us under appreciate in our callow youth but can see how it pays great dividends as we grow older. The asset I'm talking about is our health. Many people, however, must not think very highly of this strategic asset in their personal portfolio. Why else would they treat their health so shabbily by making poor lifestyle choices such as overeating and under exercising? We've all heard about how unhealthy we are as a culture-with obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease at all time highs. Newsmagazines and 20/20-type shows report that we've become a fat, sick, and tired people. Is that any way to go through life?

I don't believe so. Ten years ago, while I was a college student, I learned that if you don't have your health, you ain't got nothing. My body was ravaged by several diseases leaving me a bed-ridden 104-pound stick figure who nearly died. Slowly, but surely, I made a comeback by following seven keys that unlocked my health potential (Add Blind Link) including, eating to live, taking effective whole food nutritional supplements, practicing advanced hygiene, making exercise a priority, reducing toxins in my environment, avoiding deadly emotions and living a life of purpose. Since then, I've been inspired to share my message with others through the health and wellness company I founded, Garden of Life which has been named the 14th fasting growing private company in Americal by Inc Magazine, the public speaking I do, the release of several books, including my latest:

The Great Physician's Rx for Health & Wellness. http://www.gprxnow.com/

To learn more about Jordan Rubin or his new book The Great Physician's Rx for Health and Wellness visit http://www.gprxnow.com/

Tips to Buy a Good Treadmill

Buying treadmills can a be a daunting task and if you are not sure what you are looking for then you could end up with something that is totally wrong for you.

Before rushing out and buying a treadmill there are certain things that you should know. For starters you should know how often you plan on using this machine. Also, you should always take your weight and height into consideration when looking for a treadmill. There are some treadmills that are bigger and stronger than others and they are designed for heavy-duty use and these are the ones that you should look into buying.

Tips To Get You Started

Most people order their treadmills from a magazine or catalog. While these treadmills may appear good and are usually priced high to give you the idea that they are great, buying a treadmill before trying it out is not always the best thing to do. It is recommended that you visit a sport or department store that has treadmills on display where you can try them out.

It is always a good idea to buy a treadmill from a specialty fitness store. The people who work at these stores will be well educated on the equipment and they can help you greatly in finding the machine that is best for you. Due to the fact that treadmills are quite expensive, it is not something that you want to rush into buying. You need to take your time and find the perfect machine. Buying a treadmill without getting some advise first is not the recommended route to take.

You should be aware of the different types and kinds of treadmills that are available today. Some are more powerful then others and therefore will work in a different way. It is always good to buy a treadmill that has a good motor. It has been found that unless a treadmill has a good motor, which has at least 1.5 continuous-duty horsepower, it will wear out easily. You should be careful of this when buying a treadmill. This is why it is always a good idea to try out the treadmill before buying it.

You should look for treadmills that have adjustable speeds as well as a ramp that can be adjusted up and down. These types of treadmills are usually better and you will get a better work out from these machines, which is what you are looking for. The key is consult a trained professional who is well educated in the way of treadmills who can help you find what you need.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at http://www.best-in-treadmills.info

Fungus Toenail Treatments

This article discusses the variety of fungus toenail treatments available to consumers. It divides the various options into four categories: prescription drugs, over the counter (OTC) conventional treatments, natural healing remedies, and traditional home remedies.

None of the remedies discussed here have proven to be 100 percent effective treatment for toenail fungus. For the prescription drugs and some natural healing remedies, the results of clinical trials and/or other scientific studies are available. For most of the traditional home remedies, anecdotal evidence is all we have - that is, the reports by people who have used them that they do work. OTC conventional products are basically not recommended by anyone for the treatment of fungal nail infections.

Oral prescription medications include Lamisil (terbinafine), Sporanox (itraconazole), and Diflucan (fluconazole). Lamisil appears to be the most effective treatment for toenail fungus in this group. While these treatment regimens have the advantage of being relatively easy, they do have rare severe side effects, and they are quite expensive if you have to pay for them out of pocket. People taking these fungus toenail treatments should be monitored for toxicity due to the drugs. There is one topical prescription drug available: Penlac (ciclopirox) nail lacquer is painted directly onto the affected nails, but can only be used when the infection is not advanced.

OTC antifungal ointments, creams and lotions may work quite well for fungal skin infections, but they are not recommended for nails simply because they are not an effective treatment for toenail fungus. They are applied to the nail topically, and they don't penetrate the thick nail to kill the fungus, which is protected in the nail bed below the nail. If you want to try one of these medications, it might be a good idea to combine it with one of the other types of remedy to increase the probability of success.

There are many natural healing remedies available today to consumers; some of them incorporate an oral product. Some of these products may be effective treatment for toenail fungus. Perhaps the most promising ingredient in natural remedies is the essential oil, Tea tree oil, which is produced in Australia. Studies of this extract are encouraging, and a number of natural remedies contain it, blended with other herbal ingredients. Tea tree oil is even available in pure form, however there is some risk of skin sensitivity so this may not be best way to use it. Other natural remedies may be worthwhile fungus toenail treatments, but scientific evidence for or against them is generally lacking, simply because the research has not been done.

Finally, there are a lot of traditional, or simply inventive, home fungus toenail treatments. They include soaking the feet in various solutions, or applying substances that are thought to be antifungal. The substances employed include chlorine bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, dark beer combined with a lactobacillus, Vicks VapoRub, Listerine mouthwash, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), and others. Some people swear by a drink of apple cider vinegar, twice daily, to cure and prevent fungal toenail infections. Again, the primary focus for an effective treatment for toenail fungus rests with getting the treatment beyond the nail to the fungus.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Fungus Toenail Treatments, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.

Acne and Green Tea

Green tea is used by the Chinese as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments including acne and to improve general well-being. But does it provide an effective herbal alternative to modern medication?

The answer seems to be ?Yes?. There are only two herbal treatments that are known to be effective in treating acne and green tea is one of them.

In a recent study by Jennifer Gan-Wong, M.D. a green tea cream was trailed against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution on people suffering with moderate to severe acne. The results from this research study showed that green tea was just as good in treating acne as the benzoyl peroxide.

But benzoyl peroxide dries out skin causing itching or allergic reactions. Unlike green tea that has the added advantages of natural anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate which is 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at fighting free radicals.

Green tea also helps to reduce inflammation, hormonal activity and aids in detoxification - which is all good news for acne sufferers.

Green tea extract is an extremely versatile herbal supplement - it can be administered topically, often being used in creams, taken as a in the form of a pill or incorporated into your diet and drunk as a tea.

This last method is very popular (Green Tea with Honeysuckle is often known as ?Pimple Tea? in many Chinatowns) when drunk after a meal it aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system, getting rid of the toxins that can cause acne. Tip: don?t drink it with sugar, this will neutralize the worthwhile effects of the tea.

It seems that taking green tea for acne is a win-win situation? It has many beneficial properties which promote good all-round health with little or no known side effects and for the price, green tea it?s definitely a herbal treatment that?s worth trying.

Elaine Clay is the owner of Acne Treatments Online.com. Get articles and information to help you find proven and effective acne solutions available online to treat and get rid of your condition safely and naturally.

Weight Loss: Cause and Solution The Key to Successful Weight Loss Isn't a Miracle Pill or Plan

Losing weight isn't rocket science, but keeping it off can be more difficult that traveling to the moon. The key to successful weight loss isn't a miracle pill or plan; rather, it's a matter of determining why you're overweight and designing strategies that will counteract the cause of those extra pounds. Follow these guidelines to get on the right track to weight loss:


Why are You Overweight?
For successful weight loss, it's important to understand why you are overweight. You may have become sedentary, you may have a genetic predisposition to being heavy, you may eat for emotional reasons, or perhaps you're a triple-dipper and are overweight for all three reasons. Once you pinpoint the reason or reasons you're overweight, you can develop a weight loss approach that works for you.

Solving the Problem

If the pounds have crept on because you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it's time to get up off the couch and get moving! You don't have to become a gym rat, but you do have to start incorporating movement into your life. After getting a green light from your doctor, start with a brisk ten-minute walk three times each. When you're able to walk and hold a conversation without getting out of breath, you can increase the duration of your walks by ten-minute increments. Gradually add variety to your exercise routine, perhaps enrolling in a water aerobics class or even buying that gym membership. The key is to start slowly and find ways to move that are enjoyable for you. If you remain engaged and avoid boredom, you're more apt to stick with your program.

If your parents, grandparents, and/or siblings are overweight, you probably have a genetic tendency to carry excess weight. However, that doesn't mean weight loss is elusive. You may never be model-slim, but through dietary modifications and exercise, you can achieve the weight that's right for you. The key is to set realistic goals for yourself and to work a little bit harder to overcome your genes.

If you're overweight because you turn to food for solace, it's time to dig deeper. Start by keeping a journal and carrying it with you wherever you go. Each time you find yourself reaching for something to eat, identify the circumstances and what you're feeling. Note the date, time, your activity, and the feeling you're experiencing in your journal. Perhaps you're bored on a Saturday afternoon and grab a bag of chips to nosh on to fill the time. Maybe you're anxious about a deadline at work, and so reach for the candy dish on your desk. You could be mad at your sister for dumping the responsibility for your parents' anniversary party in your lap, so you swing through the fast food drive-through. After a week or two, review your journal entries and note any emotional patterns that emerge. Then come up with activities that you can use as substitutes for eating. If you eat out of boredom, for example, find a hobby that occupies both your mind and your hands. You won't be as likely to reach for the chips, and you'll cut out the extra calories in the process.

Regardless of the cause of your extra pounds, you can take concrete steps that will put you on the road to weight loss. And, because you're addressing the issues that led to you being overweight in the first place, you're more likely to keep the weight off.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Health and Beauty Website and Majon's Health and Beauty directory.

How To Really Have A Good Night's Sleep Part One

Insomnia is a common sleep related problem which is more of a symptom of another disorder than a condition that stands on its own. Many people think it will not be cured once it occurs, but with the help of natural lifestyle changes and modifications to behavioral patterns there is hope to insomniacs around the world. Sleep medications could be one of them, but they could be habit-forming. Here are the ways on how to really have a good night's sleep.

I. Stimulus Control Therapy

Back in the days when our ancestors had no electricity, they would wake up up at sunrise and sleep at sunset. But the advent of technology and electricity extended the sleeping time of ma therefore, making him stay up in the night much longer. Now that they more obligations to attend to, TV shows to watch and other forms of entertainment, people are finding it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep for long.

Sleep experts suggest using your bed only for sleep and sex. If you can't fall asleep within the next 20 minutes from the time you close your eyes, immediately get up and go somewhere else. It is recommended that you designate a spot in the house where you can think about your problems so that you'll be able to associate it with them.

For some overly sensitive people, watching TV in their bedroom will prevent them from falling asleep. Don't ever watch TV or use the computer before bedtime as it will stimulate your visual cortex.

Darkness lures everyone to sleep. Experts suggest turning off the lights hours before sleep so your body starts winding down before you actually fall asleep.

Your bedroom must be free from any form of disturbance. It includes the noise, the lights and the temperature. Use blinds to cover the lights, and make sure you have proper ventilation so you won't wake up because it's hot.

Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it for a week. You can't expect to see results overnight, so stick to it until it becomes normal. Also, don't be panicky when you can't sleep at once. Counting the hours you've lost will only agitate your mind, so get rid of your clock if you can.

II. Cognitive Behavioral therapy

There are people who suffer from insomnia with the thought that they can't sleep without sleeping pills. These people are not only suffering from insomnia, but also from negative thoughts they created. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is designed to help

people identify these mental blocks and negative behaviors that keep them from sleeping. It involves a counselor who will teach you how to determine the root causes of your insomnia, how to deal with stressful episodes and how to create an inviting environment suitable for sleep. Many people undergoing this therapy, combined with lifestyle changes, have shown good results and have improved the quality of their sleep. To undergo this therapy, you can visit a sleep center and ask for help.

III. Relaxation

Other people have found remedy in various forms of relaxation that will help them wind down mentally to forget about the stressful situations they had for the day.

Meditation, breathing exercises, tai chi and yoga are all helpful in calming the mind and also bring health benefits. If you will do strenuous exercises, do them in the afternoon and not within 2-3 hours prior to sleep, as it will stimulate you.

There are herbal remedies that are reportedly good in inducing sleep. It includes lavender, chamomile, valerian, hops, Passion Flower and lemon balm. The most popular among them is probably valerian. Used by Europeans for decades, it is known as Nature's Valium for its relaxing effects. However, studies have cast doubts on its efficacy and results are inconclusive.

Any herbal remedy will not work if you consumed caffeinated drinks hours before bedtime. Teas, coffee, chocolate, and drugs must be avoided. Also, don't drink a lot of fluids for you might wake up to urinate. This is true to people with nocturia, though there are other remedies for it other than limiting the fluid intake.

Dulce Azogue is the owner of 450 Health Topics. 450 Health Topics is the latest word cloud page where you can improve your link popularity by linking your favorite word to your websites. Visit us now to claim your health-related word or phrase for only $0.10 a day for a limited time.