Home Remedies for Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the food or liquid in the stomach leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. This backward movement of food or liquid with the digestive juices (hydrochloric acid) from the stomach can irritate the esophagus which causes heartburn and other symptoms.

If you frequently experience acid reflux, then these home remedies for GERD can help:

1. Don’t Overeat. Stomach acids can be forced upwards if you put in too much food in your belly. This specially holds true if you eat too much, too fast since food takes time to be digested.

2. Don’t Lie Flat. Staying upright will make the acid in your stomach stay in your stomach because of gravity. If you lie flat, doing so would only make gravity work against.  If you need to lie down, stay on your left side. The backflow of the stomach acid into the esophagus increases when you are on the right side.

3. Coffee Overdose. Coffee and other caffeinated drink like tea and cola may irritate the inflamed esophagus. Caffeine in coffee also relaxes the sphincter which mediates the entrance or release of liquids and fluids.

4. Go Easy on Chocolates. Chocolate is nearly all fat and contains caffeine. Fat stimulates the stomach to secrete more digestive juices which add up to the overflowing acid you’re already suffering from.

5. Stay Away From Cigarette Smoke. Tobacco smoke relaxes your sphincter and increase acid production.

6. Go Easy on Greasy, Fried and Fatty Foods. These types of food tend to digest longer and can trigger excess acid production.  If you often have heartburn attacks, it’s best to limit or avoid these kinds of foods for the meantime.

7. Measure Your Waistline; Loose The Belt. Fat around the gut tend to squeeze the stomach. This leads the acid to move upward. Wearing a belt too tight can also squeeze the stomach which makes the acids go a little higher than they should.

8. Spice is Nice But Not Always. Fond of red-hot chili peppers but you’re kinda worried because they say that it causes heartburn? Think again. Most people who suffer from heartburn can take the heat from hot and spicy foods. But then again, there are some who can’t. If you think you’re sensitive to chili and the likes, then try to avoid them.

9. Anti Depressants and Sedatives. Some prescription drugs including anti depressants and sedatives may aggravate heartburn. If you’re currently on one and usually experience heartburn, consult with your physician to find an alternative.

Natural Heartburn remedies

1. Almonds. Once you feel that burning sensation in your chest caused by heartburn, try to eat a handful of almonds. Chew it thoroughly and notice how the pain disappears after eating all the almonds.

2. Remedy for Heartburn – a slice of raw potato. You can also grate a raw potato and put it in cheesecloth, squeeze out the juice in a glass, then add twice the amount of warm water as potato juice. Drink down the preparation slowly.

3. Papaya fruit. The fruit itself can be eaten to stop the heartburn; however, chewable papaya tables are more preferred. Take once you notice the first sign of heartburn attack.

4. Gingerroot. Ginger root is said to absorb the acid and calms the nerves. You can take a thin slice of ginger after a meal or take 2 capsules of ginger extract.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in ½ glass of water. Sip this during a meal.

6. Tumeric. Turmeric is a spice that can increase saliva production, so it is one spice worth keeping in your kitchen as a natural heartburn remedy.

Matcha Green Tea Benefits

Matcha refers to finely-milled or fine green tea powder from Japan. Japanese matcha tea is used for drinking as tea or as an ingredient in recipes including mochi, soba noodles, green tea ice cream and a variety of wagashi. Japanese matcha is a fine ground, powdered, high quality green tea and not at all the same as tea powder or green tea powder.

History:

According to legend, the ancient Chinese emperor Shennong was the first to discover the pleasant flavour and health benefits of green tea. It was said that the emperor accidently discovered tea when a breeze swept a couple of leaves over boiling water in his kettle. Soon after, the emperor studied the health properties of his newly found drink.

After hundreds of years, during the Song Dynasty, a new powdered version of tea emerged. The tea-leaves were steamed to preserve color and freshness, and then dried and ground into fine powder. The powdered tea was then placed in moulds where it was pressed and left to harden. After, it was dried and then baked to prevent them from rotting. These tea cakes were used while travelling because of its ease to carry, store, transport and use.

As years went by, this type of processing and preparing powdered green tea was abandoned in China. However, in the early 8^th century, Zen monks from Japan who traveled to China brought back tea and tea seeds with them and started to grow tea plants in Japan. In time, these Zen priests started their own tradition of cultivating, processing and preparing powdered green tea which they called Matcha. After centuries of cultivating, processing and preparing Matcha, Zen monks have developed the way of the tea. Until the 15^th century, Matcha and the teachings of Zen monks became popular with the Samurai society and Japan’s royalty.

Matcha Green Tea Benefits

Matcha is known for numerous health benefits. It is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and chlorophyll. By weight, Matcha is said to deliver a much higher potency of catechins, chlorophyll and antioxdiants than blueberries, wolfberries, pomegranates, orange juice, spinach and other tea varieties. Matcha can also boost metabolism and help reduce cholesterol levels if drunk regularly.  Recent research from the University of Colorado discovered that Matcha has a higher concentration of the antioxidant EGCG (a potent cancer-fighting and anti-aging catechin) of up to 137 times that found in standard, commercially-available green tea.

What’s in Your Water? Is It BPA Free?

Depending on your age, you may have been exposed to BPA for as long as you can remember.

What is BPA?

Bisphenol A, better known as BPA, is a widely produced chemical used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is also used in canned food linings to prevent the meat from coming into contact with the can. It has also be found in infant bottles, toddler sipping cups, tableware, and food containers.

It is said that more than 6 billion pounds of BPA are produced and used each year. The use of the chemical is so widespread that it was detected in the urine in 93% of the population over 6 years of age.

BPA is an organic compound that acts similarly to estrogen once it is ingested into the body. Dozens of scientific studies have linked BPA to a variety of health issues. This has made a growing number of health experts and consumers a bit concerned of the health impacts that can be caused from long-term exposure to Bisphenol A.

BPA Dangers:

The health risks associated with BPA have been receiving considerable attention these past couple of years. Studies done on lab animals showed that the chemical can cause genetic damage. They also show that high doses of BPA during pregnancy and lactation can reduce the survival, birth weight, and growth of lab rodents. Studies also show that BPA can cause cancer, diabetes, and obesity in animals. Although the doses were significantly higher than what humans consume, it is still not known whether long term
exposure to the chemical can produce the same effects.

BPA and Heart Disease

Researchers from England reviewed data from the National Nutrition Examination surveys recently. They found out that men with the highest levels of BPA exposure were 10% more likely to develop heart disease. It is speculated that BPA suppresses a hormone that protects people from having heart attacks.

BPA and Intestinal Damage

French researchers recently published data that links BPA with the functioning ability of the intestines. The study shows that the mucosal lining of the intestinal wall of laboratory animals failed after being exposed to BPA. This caused a condition called “leaky gut syndrome” which causes toxins and bacteria in the intestine to enter the body freely and cause damage to tissues and organs.

BPA and Erectile Dysfunction

Research published in the journal Human Reproduction shows that men who were exposed to BPA 50 times the level that the average American would be exposed to were four times more likely to have erectile dysfunction and seven times more likely to have ejaculation problems.

BPA, Diabetes and Obesity

Studies conducted on animals subjects suggest that BPA causes an increase in insulin output from the beta cells of the pancreas. High levels of circulating insulin can cause a reduction in the body’s ability to break down fat, which leads to a greater risk of obesity.

Did you know that the word “health” comes from the Old English word hale, which means “wholeness, a being whole, sound or well,”. So, how are you? Are you whole? Is everything sound? Is everything well? If you are unsure of your wholeness (feel like falling apart?), soundness (don’t know what to do?), or wellness (feeling bad?), then taking these 39 things as good advice may improve your overall health.

1. Drink plenty of water

2. Breakfast – Heavy. Lunch – Moderate. Dinner – Light.

3. Healthy foods grow on trees; not in manufacturing plants.

4. Live with Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy

5. Make time to pray.

6. Make time to play.

7. Make time to read.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Take a short 30 minute walk daily.

10. Get the well rested bonus by sleeping 8 hours a day.

11. Don’t compare your life to others.

12. Focus your energy on TODAY. Yesterday doesn’t need it. The Tomorrow won’t need it ‘til later.

13.  Don’t overdo. Stay within your boundaries.

14. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

15. Don’t waste your time on gossip.

16. Dream more while your eyes are open.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past and don’t remind your partner with his or her mistakes. This will only ruin what you have.

19 .Don’t waste your time hating others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

21. Your happiness is your own. So take charge.

22. Smile.

23. Laugh more.

24. Arguments are useless. Picking up good points from a different perspective may prove to be better.

25. Call your parents as often as you can. Say you love them. Things would become really different when they’re gone. Trust me.

26. One good deed a day will keep the nasties away.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. It never hurts to spend time with people over the age of 70. You might learn a thing or two.

29. It never hurts to spend time with kids under the age of 6. It’s quite nice to teach them a thing or two.

30. Make someone smile.

31. What other people think of you is none of your business.

32. Do the right thing!

33. GOD heals everything.

34. However good or bad a situation is it will change.

35. No matter how down or depressed you are, dress up, show up.

36. The best is yet to come.

37. Thank GOD for life.

38. Thank GOD that you’re alive.

39. If you’re happy and you know it, you don’t really have to show it. ‘Coz it shows, really….!

The secret to a happy life is no more a secret.

Born out of Vitalife’s Matcha Tea line, Vitalife Teas offer a wide range of products that surpasses the health benefits other teas on the market. Vitalife teas are carefully-crafted blends of fine Sri Lankan tea, beneficial herbs, and natural supplements that work together to deliver results. The range simply fills the needs of tea drinkers who want to lead healthier lifestyles.

Vitalife Teas are grown in the Uva Highlands of Sri Lanka, at an altitude of around 5,000-6,000ft, on an award-winning tea estate. The teas are developed in one of the clearest, perfectly-suited tee-growing environments in the world. The good soil quality in the estate also gives Vitalife Teas superior taste and quality.

Vitalife’s line of tea are also carefully formulated with select herbs, superfruits, and natural supplements that blend along with the natural flavours of fine Ceylon tea leaves that delivers not only a delicious drink, but also a healthy drink. If you want a delicious warm cup that is packed with more health benefits than your ordinary cup of tea; a cup that delivers results and not based on promises… If you want to…

• Lose Weight
• Detoxify
• Boost Energy Levels
• Sleep Better
• Settle your Stomach
• Increase your intake of Good Fats
• Drink a Better Type of Tea
• Or if you prefer Hot Cocoa, do you want something better?

If you’re looking for a drink that can satisfy these wants, then there’s a Vitalife Drink for you…

Everyday Black Tea

• Just like your good old everyday English brew – but healthier. This blend has a little secret ingredient called ‘amalaki’, a superfruit with phenomenal health benefits. This fruit doesn’t have much impact on the flavour. So add a splash of milk (and maybe a sugar), and reap the rewards whilst enjoying the taste of a traditional brew.

Calming Tea

• Lay back, put your feet up, and take a sip. This calming blend will help you drift away and wind-down after a hectic day at the office. An ideal bedtime drink to help you sleep.

Cleansing Tea

• With a taste of blueberry, raspberry, and black tea, this blend is also supplemented with milk thistle to deliver a wealth of cleansing properties and antioxidants. The perfect fruity brew to detoxify your body.

Energising Tea

• This delightfully refreshing combination of green tea, guarana, lemon, and liquorice delivers a great-tasting pick-me-up to get you through the day. Formulated using all-natural ingredients, Vitalife ‘Energising’ tea provides your body with a sustainable release of energy.

Good Fats Tea

• This smooth, creamy blend delivers a dose of good fats to help you lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Good fats are essential and have been proven to help promote heart, brain, and joint health.

Slimming Green Tea

•  This fiery yet smooth-tasting blend of green tea, chilli, inositol, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla delivers all you need to get your metabolism running at full speed – making weight loss faster and easier. Something that helps you lose weight can’t taste this good. Can it?

Stomach Settling Peppermint Tea

• Beat your upset stomach or heartburn with this soothing, sweet, and refreshing peppermint tea. All three ingredients in this tea work together to deliver a tasty and effective stomach-calming drink.

Cocoa Powder

• Pure, roasted and ground cacao beans. Nothing added. Nothing taken away.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

All teas are made from the leaves of an evergreen tree called Camellia sinesis. The plant can reach a height of 30 feet in the wild, but is kept as a shrub by pruning consistently. Farmers only let the plant reach a height of 3 feet to encourage new leaf growth and to make it more convenient for harvesting. Tea only grows in warm climates but can flourish at altitudes of 7,000 feet above sea level.  The best teas are said to be produced by plants which are planted at higher altitudes where the leaves mature slowly and gain a richer flavour.

Among the three most popular tea types, green tea is the least processed. It contains the most antioxidant polyphenols including the catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is responsible for most of the health benefits of green tea. After steaming, the leaves are then rolled and spread out and dried with hot air or fried until crisp.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is packed with catechins that promote good health. This type of tea is particularly rich in EGCG which is said to be twice as powerful as the reserveratrol content of red wine. Reserveratrol is a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet.  Green tea drinkers appear to have a lower risk for a wide range of diseases. From simple bacterial infection to cardiovascular disease and cancer, green tea is said to help.

Green tea has been extensively studied over the past few years and the results of those suggest that green tea may be useful for the following:

Coronary artery disease – Population-based clinical studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of green tea help prevent coronary artery disease. It reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

High cholesterol – Research also suggest that green tea lowers bad cholesterol and raises HDL or ‘good cholesterol’ in both animals and humans. It is said that the polyphenols present in green tea block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promotes excretion.

Cancer – Population based studies have shown that green tea can help protect people from cancer. Cancer rates tend to be lower in tea drinking countries where people usually consume green tea like Japan. Clinical studies suggest that the polyphenol content of green tea help kill cancer cells and stop their progression.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Green tea also helps reduce inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis which are typed of inflammatory bowel disease.

Diabetes – Green tea has been used to control blood sugar in the body for ages. Some studies suggest that green tea helps regulate glucose in the body. This is especially helpful for those who have type 1-diabetes as it may slow the progression of the disease once it has developed.

Liver disease – Another population-based clinical study has shown that men who drink more than 10 cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop liver disorders. Green tea seems to protect the liver from toxic substances such as alcohol. This can be attributed to the high catechin content of green tea.

Weight loss – Clinical studies also suggest that green tea may boost metabolism and help burn body fat.

Health benefits of Black tea

Black tea vs. Green Tea? As most people may have noticed, green tea has recently been mentioned as the healthier choice amongst all the main tea varieties. But don’t let the literature affect your choice of tea. If you like your tea black, then there’s no reason to switch to green tea as black tea has its own set of black tea benefits.

Black Tea

Black tea is a type of tea that is more oxidized (fermented) than other tea varieties like oolong, green and white teas. All four tea types are made from exactly the same leaves of Camellia sinesis, though the small-leaved Chinese variety is used for oolong, green and white teas and the large-leaved variety is used for black tea. More mature leaves are used to make black tea, while younger leaves are preferred to make green tea.

Black tea is the second most popular tea in the world. It is called Red Tea by the Chinese because of its red colour. The Chinese naming system for tea is based on the colour of the liquid, thus they call it Qi Hong or Red Tea. In the Western world though, black tea is commonly used because of the colour of the oxidized leaves inside the tea bags.

Manufacturing black tea differs from country to country, but it still undergoes the same four basic stages. The stages involved in producing black tea are: withering, rolling, oxidation and drying. Amongst all tea types, black tea undergoes the longest process before being produced.

Health Benefits of Black Tea

Black tea is indeed known for its distinct flavour. Chinese Black Tea can be sweet or spicy. Sometimes it may taste like chocolate or it can relax you because of its fragrance. While black tea seems to be losing out on green tea’s health benefits, recent studies suggest that black tea can be healthy too.

Black tea contains theaflavins and thearubigens. These two compounds contribute to the dark colour and distinct flavour of black tea. Black tea also contains polyphenols present in green tea but in lesser quantities.  On the other hand, theaflavins and thearubigens are exclusively found in black tea.

Thearubigens – Thearubigins are polymeric polyphenols formed during the fermentation process of tea leaves. Some studies indicate that thearubigins can improve health due to their antioxidant properties.

Theaflavins – Theaflavins are antioxidant polyphenols that are formed from flavan-3-ols present in tea leaves during the fermentation process.  Theaflavins are types of thearubigins.

These two are said to help in the following conditions:

HIV – There have been studies on theaflavin which indicate that it has the potential to block HIV entry.

Dementia – Theaflavins and thearubigins compounds found in black tea can penetrate the blood brain barrier, and have been shown to be effective against dementia brought about by aging according to some studies.

Cholesterol – Tea has been used to lower blood cholesterol for years, and black tea offers the same health benefit.  There have been some population based studies that focuses on the effects of black tea vs. cholesterol. One of these studies was conducted in Saudi Arabia – where black tea is the preferred over green – on where 3,000 adults participated. It was found out that regular consumption of black tea can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by fifty percent.

Cancer –   Theaflavins are said to regulate cancer cell growth.

Well, black tea sure has its benefits. Here’s a tip on how to prepare a perfect cup of black tea: Be sure that your water temperature is at 99 deg. C. Steep one tea bag for 2-3 minutes, and your tea is ready. Just remember: tea is quite acidic, so using alkaline water for your tea is preferred.

What’s in Your Hot Cocoa? Health Benefits of Cocoa Powder

Did you know that, once upon a time, Cocoa was used as a currency? The Ancient Mayan civilization used Cocoa to pay for goods. The scientific name of Cocoa, Theobroma cacao, also means ‘food for the Gods’ which implies that the Ancient Mayan’s gave high regards to this delicious treat. Since almost everybody enjoys Cocoa, it is interesting to know what people really get from it.

Health Benefits of Cocoa Powder

A recent research conducted at Cornell University in Geneva New York has shown that Hot Cocoa contains more antioxidants per cup than similar serving of red wine and tea. Researchers at Cornell pitted a cup of Hot Cocoa which contains two table spoons of pure cocoa powder against similar servings of tea (using standard size tea bag) and red wine (one glass). Researchers found out that the antioxidant concentration in cocoa was highest among the other beverages. Cocoa, as said indicated in the research, is almost 2 times stronger than red wine, 2-3 times stronger than tea, and 4-5 times stronger than black tea.

What other benefits does Cocoa Have?

In the 15^th century, cocoa was used to help women produce more breast milk, increase libido and improve digestion. Cocoa is also a good source of magnesium. Magnesium, in turn, can be of help in the following conditions:

• Pre-menstrual syndrome in women
• Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases
• Reduced risk of Diabetes
• Control of High Blood Pressure

Flavanol-rich cocoa powder has also been said to improve several measures of blood vessel function. Flavanols are natural compounds found in cocoa that can improve blood flow and reduce the tendency of forming deadly blood clots. Flavanol has also been found to improve age-related loss of vessel function in old people.

Epicatechin, a compound found in cocoa, may also play a big role in keeping our bodies healthy.  Based on a study led by Normal Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical Shool, the epicatechin content of cocoa reduces the risk of stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes. Hollenberg has spent years studying the benefits of cocoa drinking on the Kuna people in Panama. Hollenberg reported that the incidences of the 4 diseases being acquired by the Kuna people are less than 10%. He also mentioned that the Kuna people can drink up to 40 cups of cocoa a week.  Though science has yet to prove the role of Epicatechin in preventing the above mentioned diseases.

What are the Benefits of Peppermint Tea?

Minty and refreshing, refreshing and light, all-natural with a caffeine free taste – that’s peppermint tea! Peppermint leaves are dried and used to make the tea. But unlike other mints, peppermint boasts tons of healing properties because of its therapeutic ingredients which include menthol, menthone, methyl acetate and 40 other compounds.

History of Peppermint Use

Peppermint is called as “the world’s oldest medicine” because of its medicinal use, dating as far back as 8000 BC. Greeks and Romans crowned luminaries with peppermint leaves during feasts. It is also a biblical herb that has been used to decorate synagogues of early Hebrews. It was thought that the early Romans brought peppermint to Britain where it was grown in medieval monasteries. They harvested the leaves and turn it to powder and used it to whiten teeth. Today, peppermint continues to be revered for its taste and health benefits.

Peppermint Tea Health Benefits

• Peppermint tea is a rich source of Vitamin C and A, and also has significant amounts of manganese, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, omega-3, riboflavin and copper. It is also has high menthol content which has been known to help with insomnia.
• Peppermint tea is also used to treat IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Peppermint tea is also used to ease nausea, vomiting and headaches.
• Peppermint tea’s minty flavor is also said to take the edge of bad breath.
• Another one of peppermint tea’s benefits is that it can also heal and prevent dry throat.
• Peppermint tea also benefits digestion. This lowers the gas accumulation in the intestines.
• If you have unwanted body hair, peppermint tea can benefit you by lowering androgen. This especially hold true for women who have unwanted hair in the face. Consumption of five cups of peppermint tea is necessary.
• Peppermint tea benefits the hair and scalp. It makes the hair shinier, more vibrant and conditions the hair. It also makes the hair smell fresh too!
• Peppermint tea also fights stress, controls asthma, and helps muscle aches and pains.
• Peppermint tea also has a promising radio protective effect which may benefit cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Precautions:

Possible side-effects with the use of peppermint tea include allergic reactions and heartburn. The leaves can also aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux which may lead to the occurrence of heartburn. These side-effects can be lessened though by using alkaline water in your peppermint tea instead of tap water.

Choosing Alkaline Water Filter for Dummies

Alkaline water filter or ionized water filters are installed in an alkaline water ionizer to alter the chemical structure of the water.  This filter splits the water into two different kinds – acidic and alkaline ionized water. The new chemical structure of the water is micro clustered which makes it easier for the body to absorb. This is why this type of water tastes better;  has more energizing oxygen; and contains essential minerals; and can satisfy thirst better. With the thought that alkaline water is a scam being demystified people now really want to have their own water ionizer at home and this is simply because of the alkaline water benefits.

How to choose alkaline water filter?

• What is the ideal filtering system? If you want the best then better look for the ideal one. There are several types of filtration that an ionizer can use; you can have the CO2, bio-stone, micro-filters and M and P ceramics. The best filter is the one with several levels of filtering. The more the better. Remember that the more filtering levels it has the higher the quality of drinking water it can produce.
• Research on the filter that you’re planning to purchase if it can eliminate bacteria like E.Coli, B.Subtilis, and S.Aurene. It is also good if your filter is capable of removing harmful chemicals (Chlorine, Insecticides and Impurities) and all sorts of odours.
• A good filter is capable of reducing heavy metals in the water like copper and lead. It should also provide balanced minerals like Calcium, Magnesium and Others.
• Most importantly it should adjust and maintain a balanced pH value of 7.5 – 9 which is alkaline.
• Also you need to consider the output capacity of the filter. If you have several family members at home, then it is best to get a filter that can handle at least 10 liters of water a day.
• If it is possible get a filter that is customizable. There are filters that you can alter accordingly to your requirements.
• Take note of the price. There are some alkaline water filters that are expensive, but are not of good quality. Make sure that you’re paying for the features that you need.

We hope that this guide in buying an alkaline water filter will help you choose the best one that will suit your need.  Don’t forget to research first before buying the actual filter. Happy New Year!