A new Long Deep Breathing Application for the Apple iPhone is available from Khalsa Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Darshan S. Khalsa, who focuses on treating allergy-related conditions, immune dysfunction, digestive and endocrine disorders, uses enzyme supplements in his practice.
According to Khalsa’s blog, “… people who practice Long Deep Breathing for 5 minutes, three times daily, will experience major health improvements!”
Researchers have revealed popular acid-lowering treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) possibly do nothing to stop the condition’s true cause.
A team from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found GERD might be caused by immune-system-induced inflammation rather than stomach acid, Reuters reports.
In the study, researchers found stomach acid and bile took weeks to erode the esophagus. This made little sense, as acid usually causes immediate damage to tissue such as the skin.
Upon further examination, the team revealed esophagus cells sent out inflammatory signals in reaction to bile salts, according to Reuters. This seems to negate the belief that GERD is a direct result of acid invading the esophagus.
Antacids and acid-suppressing drugs have been used for years to treat GERD. Unfortunately, these medications come with several dangerous side effects.
Until researchers are able to determine the root cause of GERD, it might make sense to avoid drugs such as Prilosec and Nexium. An alternative that supports the digestive process is a digestive enzyme supplement with soothing herbs such as DGL, marshmallow root and aloe vera.
The Food and Drug Administration warns that acid-reflux drugs Prilosec and Nexium should not be taken with blood-thinner Plavix.
Plavix’s label cautions against the use of the heartburn drugs, as Prilosec and Nexium make the blood-thinning medication half as effective, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Other drugs that should not be taken with Plavix include Tagamet, Intelence, Felbatol, Diflucan, Nizoral, Luvox, Ticlid and Prozac.
The Times reports on a study from Mount Sinai Medical Center in which Prilosec and Protonix were found to be dangerous following balloon angioplasty. In a five-year follow-up, patients taking Prilosec and Protonix were 72 percent and 54 percent more likely to die, respectively, than patients not on heartburn drugs.
A possible alternative to antacids and acid-reducing drugs are digestive enzyme supplements combined with herbal ingredients, including aloe, DGL and marshmallow, which might help soothe an irritated digestive tract.
Two studies have shed light on possible ways to destroy esophageal cancer cells and ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The first, from researchers at Cork Cancer Research Center in Ireland, says curcumin started to kill esophageal cancer cells within 24 hours, according to MSNBC. Results of the study, conducted in a laboratory, were published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Curcumin is a substance found in turmeric. According to the story, the natural chemical caused the cancer cells to die.
In another promising study, a probiotic was found effective for symptoms of IBD, according to WebMD. It also was found to contribute to the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, showed how a probiotic strain decreased bleeding, reduced inflammation and increased the weight of mice with colitis. In addition, the probiotic increased blood-vessel growth in the intestines.
To sufficiently repopulate the digestive tract, look for a probiotic supplement with 3 billion or more beneficial organisms.
The best probiotics are enclosed in vegetarian capsules with no added fillers.
There are several strains of probiotics that can contribute to digestive health and wellness.
A synergistic mix of probiotic strains, enclosed in a single supplement, provide specific benefits:
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Found to reduce colon inflammation, strengthen the immune system, improve allergies and inhibit bacterial overgrowth
Bifidobacterium longum
Stimulates the immune system and provides gastrointestinal support during antibiotic use
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Creates a positive environment in which other probiotics thrive and inhibits the growth of invasive bacteria
Lactobacillus casei
Stimulates growth of beneficial organisms, enhances immunity, improves digestion and reduces milk intolerance
Lactobacillus plantarum
Reduces the movement of bacteria from the gut to internal organs and helps with the discomfort associated with malabsorption
Lactobacillus rhamnosis
Colonizes and protects the small intestine, inhibits growth of harmful bacteria and helps with lactose intolerance and diarrhea
Lactobacillus salivarius
Supports bowel health and strengthens the immune system
They already knew prescription-only doses of naproxen were associated with gastrointestinal toxicity, but researchers at Stanford University wanted to know more about the potential dangers of lower dosages.
What they found was that doses under the prescription strength of 1,000 mg per day significantly increased the risk of gastric or duodenal ulcers.
According to one researcher quoted in a story from Medpage Today, “naproxen use is not safe even at lower doses.”
In fact, researchers found naproxen caused hospitalization with complications such as hemorrhage, perforation or obstruction.
All doses of naproxen increased the risk for ulcers:
Bone loss in celiac patients might not be related to deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium.
Because people with celiac disease must completely avoid foods that contain the gluten protein, researchers and health professionals have previously proposed a lack of key nutrients might be to blame for osteoporosis in these individuals.
However, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests otherwise, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Researchers found an immune response — in 20 percent of people with celiac disease — that triggers an attack on a protein responsible for bone health. The immune reaction can cause bone destruction and osteoporosis.
Antibiotic contamination might be common throughout many hospitals — including in waiting areas, offices and cafeterias — according to Reuters.
A Norwegian study, which examined two of the country’s hospitals, found the highest levels of contamination in medicine and patient rooms, as was expected. Other areas of contamination included telephones, keyboards and tabletops.
In all, 81% of samples taken throughout the hospitals came back positive for antibiotic contamination, Reuters reports.
This study is particularly concerning given the fact that antibiotic resistance has become a pervasive problem in the U.S.
Among drugs that send children back for treatment and hospitalization, prescription antibiotics cause the most problems.
More than half a million children annually experience negative side effects to commonly used drugs, according to The Associated Press. The main offenders, antibiotics, are blamed for rashes, stomachaches and diarrhea.
While antibiotics are used to kill harmful bacteria, they can also eliminate strains of beneficial flora, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The loss of “friendly bacteria” can lead to gastrointestinal illness, leave people vulnerable to invasive bacteria and compromise immune function.
Therefore, it might be wise of medical professionals and children to supplement their diets with probiotics. Probiotics, taken away from antibiotics, help repopulate the gut with health- and immune-promoting organisms, and they may help defend against adverse effects of antibiotic therapy.
Probiotics, often referred to as “friendly bacteria,” help restore the flora balance in our digestive systems.
The rigors of daily life, and the choices we make, can sometimes disrupt colon and digestive health. Beneficial bacteria is negatively affected or destroyed by the following:
The loss of probiotics in our digestive systems can lead to several digestive problems, including constipation, diarrhea and food intolerances, as well as other health conditions.
There are billions of probiotics in our digestive systems. In fact, it is estimated there are more beneficial bacteria in our intestines than there are cells in the body.
Probiotic organisms impede the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. They also increase the pH of the colon to inhibit tissue changes.
In digestion, probiotics aid in breaking down lactose, fiber and proteins. They help the body properly absorb vitamins and essential nutrients.
A study from New York University’s Langone Medical Center connects gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux and Barrett’s esophagus with bacterial balance in the throat.
Researchers found that subjects with esophageal disease had bacteria in their throats that are usually associated with the stomach, according to Forbes. Healthy throat bacteria include Streptococcus.
The Forbes story asserts unhealthy bacteria in the throat could be the cause of GERD and possibly be connected to acid reflux. Barrett’s, a result of chronic GERD, is a precancerous condition of the throat.
The report ends with a profound statement: “Scientists hope they might someday treat and prevent disease by shifting the bacterial balance.”
Probiotics, or friendly bacteria, might be essential to maintaining systemic health.
