According to a study published by Cancer Research UK, the number of people dying from cancer of the esophagus (food pipe) has risen by 49% in the last 40 years. That’s a staggering statistic. Cancer incidence and cancer deaths are rising for all types of cancer, but few have risen this dramatically. Esophageal cancer is now the 6th most common cause of cancer death in the UK, and this figure is similar in North America, Europe and Australia. Rates are rising much faster in men than in women. What causes esophageal cancer? Alcohol, cigarettes, obesity and heartburn, or GERD are the biggest risk factors. A lot of people get chronic heartburn but don’t take it seriously. Heartburn is not normal and it is not healthy. Please see your doctor if you regularly suffer from it. Unfortunately most people with heartburn are given acid-blocking drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Nexium, Losec and Zoton are the most popular varieties. These drugs can have terrible side effects; they raise the risk of dementia, osteoporosis, nutrient deficiencies and food allergies. Fortunately there are healthy alternatives in most cases; however, it is essential to see your own doctor, who can advise you of what’s best in your case. The following strategies may help reduce reflux, heartburn and GERD:
  • Being overweight places more pressure on your digestive organs, making GERD more likely to occur. A low carbohydrate diet is one of the easiest ways to lose weight because hunger and cravings are significantly reduced. There is an eating plan and a great deal of helpful information in the book I Can’t Lose Weight and I Don’t Know Why.
  • Try not to overeat, as large meals increase pressure inside the stomach.
  • Minimize drinking fluids with meals. Drink between meals instead. Drinking too much with meals dilutes digestive secretions, and people with GERD already usually don’t make enough stomach acid or enzymes.
  • Try not to eat during the 3 hours before retiring to bed.
  • If you are constipated, reflux and bloating will be worse. If a healthy diet isn't enough to help you go to the toilet, Colon Cleanse capsules should help.
  • Avoid excessive coffee and alcohol, and certainly don’t have them on an empty stomach. Some people find that spicy food such as chilli or curry will aggravate symptoms, so trial and error is required.
  • You might have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). This is extremely common. The bacteria produce gases which raise the pressure inside the stomach, increasing the risk of GERD. Bacto Clear capsules contain antimicrobial herbs which have a disinfectant action in the small intestine.
  • Glutamine is an amino acid that can reduce inflammation in the lining of the stomach and esophagus, and good results can be achieved by taking one teaspoon of glutamine powder twice daily in water. You can find glutamine in Ultimate Gut Health powder.
If you get an acute attack of heartburn it is fine to use an antacid preparation for quick relief. Avoid aluminium-containing antacids; instead choose potassium or sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate or hydroxide instead. The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Read more.

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