Heartburn symptoms and remedies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   What Probiotics products are best & available in India for indigestion problem?
   What Probiotics products are best & available in India for indigestion problem?

   I am suffering form severe indigestion problem and Allopathic treatment didn't help me, so switched to Probiotic medicines. Currently I started taking Zenith Nutritions Probiotic Blend 2 capsules daily in empty stomach (1 morning & 1 in the evening), and got the relief.

   But I just want to ask a question from all Medical Guys that, What Probiotics products are best & available in India for indigestion problem?

   And what is the dose/timing for that??

   Thanks in advance
   Kishore

   • ANSWER:

2. QUESTION:
   What kind of apple releives acid reflux?
   There is one kind of apple that helps heartburn and acid indigestion. Can anyone tell me what kind it is?

   • ANSWER:
     Red Delicious is the one rumored to help, but it does not help in all cases.

     I am not a doctor, so either way you will want to talk to them, but this is what I have to say as a long time sufferer of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.)!

     Three part answer: information, what not to do, and what to do!

     INFORMATION!!!!!!
     I have a very severe case of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.). I have had to go to the hospital for some of the heartburn that I have had because the pain can become overwhelming or your breathing can be effected. It can be caused by Smoking, Drinking Beverages with caffeine (My case with hereditary), Drinking Beverages with Alcohol, Stress, Anxiety or can be Hereditary

     The good thing about G.E.R.D. is that it can be a temporary thing and can be cured. It is never a permit thing even if you end up with it for the rest of your life it has the ability to be cured.

     G.E.R.D. is caused by too much acid being created in your stomach. This can lead to or cause ulcers, esophagus damage, heartburn and/or damage in the mouth. . Other symptoms that can be found in a few cases are dizziness, tingling in limbs, numbness of Limbs, Chest/Back pain focused on the left side (in most cases), and shortness/difficulty breathing.

     WHAT NOT TO DO!!!!!!!!
     In most cases, stress is a factor to the reflux if you watch what you eat and reduce some of the stress it will help. If you watch what you eat for about a week you should find relief, if you do not then that is when you definitely what to listen to the doctor. Things to watch for are as follows:

     Fatty Foods
     Citrus Foods
     Oranges (Juice and fruit)
     Lemon (Juice and fruit)
     Foods That Contain Grease
     Fried Foods
     Potatoes (Starch)
     Buffalo wings
     Chocolate (including any Coco)
     Caffeine
     Smoking
     Alcohol
     Doughnuts
     Brownies
     Cake
     Tomato Based Products
     Lactose
     Sour Cream
     Cottage Cheese
     High amounts of Carbohydrates
     Roughage (Berries and Nuts)
     Onions

     WHAT TO DO!!!!
     The two foods that I recommend is Black strap Molasses and Raw honey. The apple is better for night time reflux while these will work for just about all of it. What you will do is take about a tsp. of whatever one you chose. Molasses being the better because of strength and nutrition, but must be use to the taste. What the substance will do is stick to the sides of the esophagus and do two things, one is heal and the other is protect.
     On the healing end, both substances have a healing property in them, and as they sit on the walls of the esophagus they will heal it. This is also helpful if you have a sore throat in the morning from refluxing.
     On the protection end, both substances are high in sugar and when acid that is refluxed comes up to that the sugar will neutralize it and it will not longer be a problem at that point.

     I would also look to putting Cinnamon and Ginger in you diet, they have been know to help with digestion and will help you reduce the amount of acid needed to brake down food, therefore causing you to reflux less.

3. QUESTION:
   Should I stop taking my B complex vitamin?
   It's been about four weeks now and I feel good as far as energy goes, but I have these small bouts of severe indigestion and nausea accompied by severe hunger. What is wrong?
   It's just an over the counter one at Walmart.

   • ANSWER:
     Wow !! You've been give some good advice here ............ indigestion and nausea are deficiency symptoms of vitamin B12 - other symptoms you may be suffering from are excessive sweating, headaches and migraines, fatigue and exhaustion, dizzy spells, inability to think clearly, irritability and moodiness, depression, insomnia and constipation and even chest pains and heart palpitations. Quite scary actually if you don't realise the vitamin factor.

     Try drinking a mixture of 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water with your multi B complex tablets in the mornings or whenever you take them as this will encourage the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach thus aiding digestion. Also try to have some kind of food rich in calcium when you take your B tablets as vitamin B12 needs to be combined with calcium during absorption to properly assimilate and effectively benefit the body ie: low fat cheese and skim milks, leafy green vegies, sardines.

     GOOD LUCK

     CHEERS

4. QUESTION:
   Pregnant with severe gastritis what can I do?
   I am 10 weeks pregnant and have had severe gastritis for about a year and half now. Normally it's not a huge deal, but with morning sickness and throwing up it's increased my stomach acids to an agonizing point.

   What are some things I can do aside from antacids (which don't usually work)? Also, I know to go to the doctor. It's not life threatening so I've got to wait and it still hurts til then!

   • ANSWER:
     The best thing that you can do is to avoid acidic foods and drinks. Yogurt, orange juice, spicy food. Try not to keep your stomach too full because that can irritate heartburn or indigestion that you can get during pregnancy. At the same time definitely don't go too long without eating either. I had a lot of mylanta and popsicles during my first trimester into my second to help with the nausea and heartburn. The cooling effect of the popsicles always provided some much needed relief right away and helped keep me hydrated. You can also try chewing on ice chips if you don't want to have popsicles.
     Also, if you have severe heartburn, try to sleep propped up on several pillows so that your somach juices don't come back up your esophagus and bother you.
     You can always call your ob or midwife and see if she can do anything for you.
     Feel better!

5. QUESTION:
   Why am I having a loss of appetite stomach pains headaches and getting nauseous?
   I've been having stomach pains above my belly button but it isn't cramps. I've had a loss of appetite for about 3 days and I get very nauseous whenever I'm moving around too much. I keep feeling like I'm about to throw up but I don't and it happens whenever I eat and when I wake up in the mornings or just from a nap. I don't know what it could be I've never felt this way and it started happening the day after I got off of my period .

   • ANSWER:
     Whether it is a mild stomach ache, sharp pain, or stomach cramps, abdominal pain has numerous causes. These include:

     -Indigestion
     -Constipation
     -Stomach "flu"
     -Menstrual cramps
     -Food poisoning
     -Food allergies
     -Gas
     -Lactose intolerance
     -Ulcers
     -Pelvic inflammatory disease
     -Hernia
     -Gallstones
     -Kidney stones
     -Endometriosis
     -Crohn's disease
     -Urinary tract infection
     -Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
     -Appendicitis

     If your abdominal pain is severe or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible:

     -Fever
     -Inability to keep food down for several days
     -Inability to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
     -Vomiting blood
     -Bloody stools
     -Difficulty breathing
     -Painful or unusually frequent urination
     -The pain occurs during pregnancy
     -The abdomen is tender to the touch
     -The pain is the result of an injury to the abdomen in the previous days
     -The pain lasts for several days
     These symptoms can be an indication of an internal problem that requires treatment as soon as possible.

     I have a website for you.

     http://tinyurl.com/brpy97f

6. QUESTION:
   Do I have an eating disorder or illness?
   Well when ever I eat a meal like breakfast or tea, afterwards I feel so I'll and quite a lot of the time I will be a LITTLE but sick. But I also super with severe indigestion. This morning I had a bowl of cereal and felt really sick afterwards, and for the rest of the day. I can eat snacks and junk food it's just when I eat big healthy meals, I'm sick

   And mainly it's like I really want to be sick because it really hurts my stomache but I won't fully be sick

   • ANSWER:
     I don't think you have an eating disorder as you are not making yourself sick in order to become skinnier, etc. I think it sounds as though you may have a food allergy, for example you may be lactose intolerant. I would suggest you go and see your GP or keep a food diary to see what makes you want to be sick.

7. QUESTION:
   What's a good home remedy for fibromylagia pain ?
   I experience pain early in the morning, im tiired of pills, any home remedy suggestions.

   • ANSWER:
     adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is compound that occurs naturally in the body. It is needed for proper immune function, it helps maintain cell membranes, it assists in the production and breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and it also plays a role in the formation of cartilage and our genetic material (DNA).

     A couple of preliminary studies suggest that SAMe may help with fibromyalgia. A small double-blind study evaluated the effect of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) or placebo in 17 people with fibromyalgia, 11 of whom had depression. The number of tender points decreased after SAMe but not placebo. Depression, as assessed by two rating scales, improved after SAMe but not placebo.

     In another double-blind study, 44 people with fibromyalgia took 800 mg of S-adenosylmethionine a day or placebo. After 6 weeks, there were statistically significant improvements in pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, mood, and clinical disease activity. Tender point score, muscle strength, and mood (evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory) was not significantly better with SAMe than placebo.

     However, another double-blind study compared SAMe (600 mg a day) administered intravenously or placebo in 34 people with fibromyalgia. After 10 days, there was no significant difference in tender points.

     SAMe may cause indigestion, dry mouth, and insomnia. Rarely, people experience severe diarrhea, heartburn, headache, and dizziness.

     People with bipolar disorder should not take SAMe, as it may worsen manic episodes. People who are taking the drug levidopa (commonly prescribed for Parkinson's disease) should avoid SAMe. People taking antidepressants should not use SAMe without first consulting their doctor. The safety of SAMe in pregnant or nursing women or children has not been established.

     2) Magnesium

     Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.

     Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. Magnesium, along with malic acid (a fruit acid found naturally in apples) are often suggested for people with fibromyalgia because they are both needed for the generation of energy in cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). However, one study of 97 people found no association between magnesium levels and fibromyalgia.

     A double-blind study examined the effectiveness and safety of magnesium (50 mg three times a day) and malic acid (200 mg three times a day) in 24 people with fibromyalgia. After 4 weeks, the magnesium/malic acid combination was not more effective than placebo.

     The participants later received 6 months of the combination in larger doses (up to 300 mg magnesium and 1200 mg malic acid per day) for 6 months. This time, the combination resulted in a significant improvement in pain and tenderness, however, this portion of the study was open label (both the researchers and participants know which treatment is being administered) and not blinded, so the results, while promising, cannot be used as evidence that the combination was effective. Further studies are needed.

     High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.

     3) Vitamin D

     Fibromyalgia and generalized aches and pains not meeting the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia have been attributed by some researchers to vitamin D deficiency. For example, a large German study examined 994 people and found a strong correlation between low vitamin D levels and higher rates and longer duration of generalized bone and/or muscle aches and pains.

     A study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings examined 150 people with persistent, non-specific musculoskeletal pain in Minnesota. The researchers found that 93% of them had deficient levels of vitamin D.

     In another study, vitamin D levels were assessed in 75 people who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia. Although there was no relationship between vitamin D levels and musculoskeletal symptoms, vitamin D deficiency was linked to anxiety and depression in people with fibromyalgia.

     4) 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

     The supplement 5-HTP is thought to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. There is preliminary evidence that it may reduce the number of tender points in people with fibromyalgia, possibly by effecting pain-modulating systems in the brainstem.

     A double-blind, placebo controlled study looked at 5-HTP or placebo in 50 people with fibromyalgia. After four weeks, people taking 5-HTP had a significant improvement in pain, the number of tender points, stiffness, anxiety, fa

8. QUESTION:
   Where do gall bladder symptoms mainly appear?
   my pains are between my rib cage and they feel like fiery pricks and they have not stopped all night and morning....it feels like a basketball in my belly, does this sound like possible gall bladder?

   • ANSWER:
     What and where is the gall bladder?

     The gall bladder is a small pear-shaped organ on the underside of the liver that is used to store bile. Bile is made in the liver and is stored in the gall bladder until it is needed to help the digestion of fat.

     What is gallbladder disease?

     Gallbladder disease is a common condition that affects mainly women, although men can suffer too.

     The symptoms vary widely from discomfort to severe pain which mainly begins after food. In severe cases the patient can suffer from jaundice, nausea and fever. The most common reason for gallbladder disease is gallstones.

     What are gallstones?

     Gallstones are solid stones formed in the gall bladder from cholesterol, bile salts and calcium. They can vary in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres.

     What causes gallstones?

     Gallstones are formed when bile contains too much cholesterol. The excess cholesterol forms crystals from which gallstones are made.

     Who is at risk of developing gallstones?

     Gallstones are seen in all age groups but they are rare in the young. The possibility of developing gallstones increases with age. The following groups are considered to be at increased risk:

     people who have relatives with gallstones.

     obese people.

     people with a high blood cholesterol level.

     women who take drugs containing oestrogen, eg contraceptive pills.

     people with diseases such as chronic intestinal inflammation (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

     What are the symptoms of gallstones?

     It is thought that approximately two thirds of patients will have no trouble at all from their gallstones and only one third of patients will at some time experience symptoms. These symptoms can be extremely variable but usually present in one of three ways.

     Chronic cholecystitis (biliary colic)

     This is a chronic inflammation of the gall bladder and causes

     Cholecystitis is a chronic inflammation of the gall bladder and causes:

     sporadic pains in the middle of the upper abdomen, or just below the ribs on the right side.

     pain which becomes worse over an hour and then stays the same.

     the pain may spread to the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades.

     the pain can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and sometimes excessive wind.

     the attack can last from a few minutes to two to three hours before getting better.

     the frequency and severity of attacks is very variable.

     attacks can be triggered by eating fatty foods such as chocolate, cheese or pastry.

     it can be difficult to distinguish the pain from other diseases, such as: gastric ulcer, back problems, heart pains, pneumonia and kidney stones.

     Acute cholecystitis (acute inflammation or infection of the gall bladder)

     This condition results in:

     persistent pain and a temperature lasting more than 12 hours.

     pain and tenderness under the ribs on the right side.

     the pain is made worse by movement or coughing.

     patients with acute cholecystitis may not always have gallstones but usually do.

     the condition must be treated by a doctor and usually requires admission to hospital.

     the treatment consists of a course of antibiotics but if this is not effective emergency surgery may be required to remove the gall bladder.

     Your abdominal pains or stomachache or discomfort located between the bottom of the rib cage and the groin crease might indicate indigestion, gas pain or heartburn, constipation, overeating, and after consuming a lot of gassy or spicy foods.; peptic ulcer, chronic pancreatitis; gastroenteritis; Diverticulitis ;Diverticulosis ;Appendicitis

     Some simple causes of abdominal pain include:
     Hunger ; Overeating ;Gas ; Fatigue ; Over-exertion

     Some causes of abdominal pain with vomiting include:
     Gastroenteritis
     Food poisoning
     Viral gastroenteritis
     Appendicitis
     Mesenteric adenitis
     Peptic ulcer
     Kidney stones
     Ovarian cyst
     Salpingitis
     Biliary colic (type of Biliary disorder)
     Stomach cancer
     Acute pancreatitis
     Meckel's diverticulum
     Intestinal obstruction
     Porphyria

9. QUESTION:
   What do you think this pain most likely is?
   I have aches in my lower right abdomen, but they've dulled recently. They started at about 1o'clock, and they're here now but they dulled down. I've got no appetite.

   I've panicked it could be appendicitis, but then i remembered i do a lot of stomach crunches (around 3000 a day). I did some first thing this morning.

   What do you think this could be? Help ASAP, i'm worried, even though the pain ISN'T strong. I'm just a worrier lol.

   • ANSWER:
     Any organ in your midsection can cause pain, including your appendix, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines.

     Symptoms Possible Cause Action to Take
     Intense pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, possibly starting as a vague, uncomfortable feeling around the navel. You may also have nausea, vomiting, or a slight fever. Appendicitis Go to an emergency room now
     Severe pain that starts in the upper abdomen and often spreads to the sides and the back. The pain may flare up soon after a large meal, or six to 12 hours after an episode of heavy drinking. You may also have nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowish skin, and a racing heartbeat. Pancreatitis Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. Acute pancreatitis can cause shock, which may result in death if not treated quickly.
     Extremely sharp abdominal pain, perhaps with other acute symptoms. *Pelvic inflammatory disease
     *Heart attack
     *Perforated stomach ulcer
     *Shock, from allergy
     *Diabetic emergency
     *Poisoning Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
     Pain in upper right side of abdomen; may spread to right upper back, chest, or right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; or gas. Gallstones If this is your first attack, call a doctor for emergency advice.
     If you can't reach one, go to an emergency room. Don't eat or drink anything.
     In a woman who might be pregnant: severe pain that arises suddenly in the lower right or lower left abdomen, usually without vomiting or fever. Ectopic pregnancy Call the doctor for a prompt appointment. If you experience severe abdominal pain or bleeding, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.
     Moderate to severe cramps that wax and wane, or occasional cramps that flare up after meals, and vomiting, especially if the vomit smells like stool. Other possible signs include watery or ribbon-like stools, or no stools at all. Intestinal obstruction Go to the emergency room right away.
     Pain or tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen, along with fever.
     You may also have nausea, vomiting, chills, stomach cramps, and either diarrhea or constipation. Diverticulitis See a doctor immediately. If you have sharp abdominal pain along with fever, chills, swelling, or nausea and vomiting, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. You may have peritonitis, a life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity.
     Chronic abdominal pain along with dark urine and yellowish skin and eyes. Viral hepatitis See a doctor promptly.
     Pain in the back that usually spreads under the rib cage, around the front, and into the groin. Kidney stones See a doctor promptly
     Searing, stabbing pain in the upper abdomen; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Gallstones or an infection of the gallbladder. See your doctor promptly. If you also experience sweating, chills, and fever, see a doctor right away
     Chronic abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant, along with a fever, sore throat, and extreme fatigue. Mononucleosis or other viral infection See a doctor promptly. In addition to taking medications, you'll need to get plenty of rest.
     Bloody stools or bleeding from the rectum. In some cases, abdominal pain. Bleeding hemorrhoids, colon polyps, or (rarely) colorectal cancer. (Hemorrhoids and polyps rarely cause abdominal pain.) See a doctor promptly.
     In a woman: dull, constant pain in the lower abdomen along with vaginal discharge and fever. Pelvic inflammatory disease. See a doctor promptly.
     Dull, gnawing stomach pain that comes and goes. The pain is often worse when the stomach is empty and goes away after eating. You may also have indigestion, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, and dark stools. *Stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer)
     *Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) Take an antacid or acetaminophen if necessary, but avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
     Don't drink alcohol or smoke.
     If pain persists or quickly comes back, see your doctor.
     Call 911 or go an emergency room right away if you throw up blood or anything that looks like coffee grounds; if you feel faint, chilly, or sweaty; if you have black or bloody stools, or if you feel lightheadedness, as if you would faint.
     See a doctor right away if you have sharp back pain with ulcer symptoms.
     Frequent burning pain in the upper abdomen or chest, possibly accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, a lump in the throat, or trouble swallowing. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Suck on an antacid lozenge at the first sign of pain. Over-the-counter acid blockers can help prevent future attacks.
     If pain persists or quickly comes back, see your doctor.
     See your doctor promptly if you have trouble swallowing, especially if solid food gets stuck.
     Vague, widespread, cramp-like pain, accompanied by bloating, tiredness, gas, and occasional nausea. You may also have diarrhea, constipation,

10. QUESTION:
    Severe indigestion, so bad it drips out of my nose at times. What should I take?
    Last night I woke up 5 times 3 of which I had it dripping from my nose. I don't know what is causing it but I would love to gain control of this so I can get a full nights sleep for once.

    • ANSWER:
      Take Omeprazole in the mornings before eating anything and start to get your stomach acids until control. Target, WalMart, both have generics which are fairly cheap.

      If going to a doctor is possible, you really should make an appt. and let him examine you.

11. QUESTION:
    what pregnancy symptoms should i be aware of?
    im 6 weeks gone so far all i have is crampings and tender breast .. but so far *fingers crossed* no morning sickness.

    what other symptom should i expect in early and late pregnancy just so i can prepare myself for whats to come.

    • ANSWER:
      There are lots of symptoms that women experience in pregnancy but every woman (and every pregnancy) is different. Some women can go through their entire pregnancy feeling absolutely normal (other than a growing belly!) whereas other women suffer with severe nausea and back pain. So just because you're not experience a particular symptom, or you ar experience a symptom that someone else isn't, doesn't mean anything is wrong. I'll go through some of the main symptoms though!

      In the first trimester (weeks 1 - 12 approximately) one of the most common symptoms is morning sickness. This can start any time during the first trimester. For me, it started around week 8/9 and lasted until week 16. Morning sickness varies from woman to woman but I did not vomit, I just suffered with extreme nausea and retching that was worse in the morning but lasted all day (and night!). Tiredness is also very common in the first trimester as your body gets used to being pregnant. You may experience symptoms similar to those you had before your period was due such as cramping or sore breasts. Some women find their appetite increases, others lose their appetite totally due to morning sickness. Some women find they need to urinate more frequently. Your belly may appear bloated but in the early stages, this is due to gas and fluid retention rather than the growing baby. You may feel emotional due to the hormonal changes.

      In the second trimester (approximately weeks 12 - 28) a lot of women start to feel a bit more like their old selves. this is known as the honey mood period of pregnancy and the stage where a lot of women start to "bloom". Energy levels return to normal and for most women, morning sickness ends. I felt much better in my second trimester. I moved home, decorated, went camping, moved offices at work which I would have really struggled with in the first part of my pregnancy! Its also nice because you should start to feel the first movements of your baby somewhere between weeks 18 - 22. It only feels like a tiny butterfly in your belly at first but towards the end of your second trimester, you'll start to feel proper kicks and punches all the time!! You will also start to notice your bump growing quickly. Now is the time to buy some maternity clothes! Other people will start to notice you look pregnant too although if this is your first baby, it may not be very noticeable until later on. You may start to suffer with indigestion or heart burn and you may find your bladder feels full a lot as your baby starts to grow and put pressure on it. Like me, you may also experience back pain or sciatica caused by the baby resting on your sciatic nerve. You will find your bra size will go up. Your emotional state may have levelled out a bit by now but you may find the hormones make your sex drive increase at this stage too.

      Third Trimester (approximately weeks 28 - 40) This is a time for real growth. Expect to put on at least a stone (14lbs) in weight during this time. Your bump should be growing around a cm a week now. Tiredness is very common during this late stage of pregnancy and any symptoms such as back pain will get worse due to the growing baby and increased pressure on your body. It can also become difficult to sleep as you get bigger. You will find that tasks you used to do with ease like cleaning the house or gardening are much harder than before and tire you out quicker. Your indigestion and acid reflux may start to get worse and you may also start to get short of breath sometimes as the baby grows and puts pressure on your lungs.

      These are all really general symptoms though. Like I said, every woman and ever pregnancy is different. Congratulations though and good luck!!

12. QUESTION:
    How long after pains does your period start?
    My period isn't regular (well, it's kinda anywhere from 3-5 weeks each time)
    It has now been 3 weeks, and i have started getting very mild period pains. How long on average does your period start after getting mild pains? Only i desperately need it to wait until sunday as i kinda have 'plans' saturday! :L

    • ANSWER:
      Cramping But No Period: Why

      Cramping during menstruation period is quite normal. Contraction of uterine muscles discharge the uterine lining from the body. Muscular cramping causes abdominal cramps. The pain is quite normal and is a healthy sign of normal cycles. The two hormones, estrogen and progesterone start playing a key role. Once the menstrual cycle is over, your body starts preparing itself once again for ovulation. Thus, mild cramping during ovulation is a genuine symptom, unless it becomes severe.

      The most common reason behind cramping without period is delayed menstrual cycle. It normally happens if you are experiencing stress (physical and mental) or getting exposed to environmental changes. Your food habits and lifestyle also play an important role in controlling the activity of hormones. Delayed periods is one of the effects of disturbance in ovulation process and cramping takes place more often. It might also result from endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Both the conditions are extremely painful, marked by severe cramping.

      Period like symptoms or menstrual cramping without periods is also included under premenstrual syndrome. It's very irritating to experience the cramps without occurrence of periods. Other symptoms associated with PMS are nausea, dizziness, morning sickness, mood swings, lack of sexual activity, loss of appetite, etc. The cramps actually indicate that your periods are about to start within a day or two. However, when you get persistent cramps but no period, then some other factors might also be associated with it.

      Cramping like symptoms without periods is an early sign of pregnancy. Such conditions are often confused with periods. Cramping in early pregnancy occurs because the uterine muscles expands to implant the embryo. Expansion of muscles causes much pain around the abdominal region and this is once again normal. But what would be the reason if you get a negative pregnancy test and simultaneously experience cramping without periods? Negative pregnancy test, cramping and no periods if occur at the same time, then you need an immediate medical check up. Severe cramping could be due to internal complications. The most common being Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian cyst. PCOS occurs due to rise in androgen levels. It leads to formation of multiple cysts in the ovary. PCOS if not diagnosed at early stages causes infertility. If you observe irregular periods and experience severe cramping, then get yourself diagnosed properly to rule out any underlying condition. Disturbances in periods also arise if you are suffering from thyroid gland disorders and indigestion problems.

      You can definitely wait a week or so if your periods are getting delayed but make sure you go for a medical check up if the condition prevails and your periods are missed. You should never neglect any internal health complications to avoid aggravation of the symptoms.

13. QUESTION:
    Is elevated liver function levels a bad thing or can it be ok?
    I had a blood test this morning as i went to the doctors with extreme indigestion pain. He thinks i may have an ulcer but wanted to run a few more tests as well. He actually rang me at home tonight to tell me the liver results were elevated and did i feel ok? Al so said if i get the pain back to go to emergency straight away. I have another appointment with him tomorrow. Should i be worried???

    • ANSWER:
      If the pain comes on please go to emergency - raised liver enzymes are fairly serious if they exist along with severe abdominal pain...it could be several things but they all need treatment promptly

      Wait till tomorrow to see what your doc says.

14. QUESTION:
    24 weeks with some brown spotting this morning?
    So, I have an appointment in an hour or so--but just curious if anyone else has experience brown spotting around this time, or just later in their pregnancy?

    I had major indigestion/sour stomach yesterday and the day before--did some pretty heavy cleaning/housework this morning, and then noticed some brown spotting/discharge and a very tiny clot (smaller than a raisin) when I wiped. I have peed several times and showered since then, and have no more spotting. No cramping, red blood, etc and baby is moving.

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      I bled my entire pregnancy with my 1 year old son due to a tear in my placenta. Everything was fine. I noticed it more if I had sex or after a long day where I was doing a lot of walking around cleaning etc. Also long as it isn't heavy bleeding (enough to fill a maxi pad in an hour) severe cramping and lots of clots I wouldn't worry. Many many things can cause spotting as the cervix is so sensitive during pregnancy.

15. QUESTION:
    How does the body change during pregnancy?
    What changes occur in the appearance of the woman? And where does the weight normally go to? Do some women only gain in their belly area? I would think that a woman who is in good shape and continues to eat right during pregnancy would only get a belly, and not much more fat. Is this correct? I'm worrying about the shape of my body being different after baby because somebody told me, you can lose the weight but never get your shape back because it's different after the baby. Is this always true?

    • ANSWER:
      Pregnancy is a natural state and one that is different for every woman every time. I have had three pregnancies and deliveries and they were all different. You never know exactly what you re going to get, but it does help to be prepared by knowing what changes your body will likely go through. Follow the changes your body goes through trimester by trimester. You can expect to feel all or some of them.

      The first trimester (Week 1 - Week 12)

      h Cessation of menstrual period

      h Morning sickness that occurs at any time, day or night, or all day and night. This includes nausea and/or vomiting

      h Excessive saliva

      h Swollen and tender breasts

      h Darkening of the areola

      h Frequent urination

      h Fatigue

      h Constipation

      h Heartburn

      h Mood swings -- feel angry, sad, or happy for no reason

      h Stuffy nose and allergies Xeven if you have never suffered from them before

      h Food cravings

      The second trimester (Week 13 - Week 26)

      h Weight gain and thickening of the waist

      h Fetal movement

      h Dry skin on stomach where the skin is stretching

      h Breasts increase in size Xtime for new bras

      h Hemorrhoids

      h Heartburn

      h Indigestion

      h Constipation

      h Nosebleeds

      h Slight swelling of the feet, hands, ankles and face

      h Development of a dark line on the skin between your navel and your pubic area.

      h Development of a "mask" or darker area on your face

      h Backaches that can remain throughout pregnancy

      h Nipple secretions

      h Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs and at night

      h Gas pains

      h Changes in your hair: it can become less oily

      h Skin problems

      The third trimester (Week 27 - 40)

      h Increased fetal movement

      h Protrusion of navel

      h Increased backaches

      h Shortness of breath

      h Braxton Hicks contractions AKA false labor

      h Groin pains

      h Stretch marks

      h Difficulty sleeping

      h Varicose veins

      Your entire system is readjusted when you re pregnant. The heart pumps more blood and the lungs work more efficiently, as does the digestive system. With these and more changes occurring, it is no wonder that pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Minor aches and pains can be dealt with; however, you should never ignore pain or extreme fatigue, which can be warning signs of trouble. Always consult your health care provider if you experience any of these changes:

      h pain or burning during urination

      h vaginal spotting or bleeding

      h leaking or gushing from vagina

      h blister or sore in vaginal area

      h uterine contractions

      h severe nausea or vomiting

      h severe abdominal pain

      h chills and fever over 100 degrees

      h dizziness or lightheadedness

      h severe headache

      h swelling of the face, eyes, fingers or toes

      h sudden weight gain

      h visual problems

      h noticeably reduced fetal movement

      h absence of fetal movement for 24 hours

      h a hot, reddened painful area behind your knee or calf

      And just when you think you can t take it another day Xta da! Xthe biggest changes of all: labor and delivery!

16. QUESTION:
    How do you know if you have depression?
    How do you know if you suffer from depression without going to your doctor first? And if you have depression does that necessarily mean that you suicidal?

    • ANSWER:
      Two hallmarks of depression - symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis - are:

      Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.
      Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.
      In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

      Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
      Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
      Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
      Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
      Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
      Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
      Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
      Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
      Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

      Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression. In these groups, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Kids may pretend to be sick, worry that a parent is going to die, perform poorly in school, refuse to go to school, or exhibit behavioral problems. Older people may be more willing to discuss the physical manifestations of depression, instead of their emotional difficulties.

      Types of depression
      The main types of depression include:

      Major depression. This type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks. Symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This type of depression may result in poor sleep, a change in appetite, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression may increase the risk of suicide.
      Dysthymia. Dysthymia (dis-THI-me-uh) is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. Signs and symptoms usually aren't disabling, and periods of dysthymia can alternate with short periods of feeling normal. Having dysthymia places you at an increased risk of major depression.
      Adjustment disorders. If a loved one dies, you lose your job or you receive a diagnosis of cancer, it's perfectly normal to feel tense, sad, overwhelmed or angry. Eventually, most people come to terms with the lasting consequences of life stresses, but some don't. This is what's known as an adjustment disorder - when your response to a stressful event or situation causes signs and symptoms of depression. Some people develop an adjustment disorder in response to a single event. In others, it stems from a combination of stressors. Adjustment disorders can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting longer). Doctors classify adjustment disorders based on the primary signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety.
      Bipolar disorder. Having recurrent episodes of depression and elation (mania) is characteristic of bipolar disorder. Because this condition involves emotions at both extremes (poles), it's called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder. Mania affects your judgment, causing you to make unwise decisions. Some people have bursts of increased creativity and productivity during the manic phase. The number of episodes at either extreme may not be equal. Some people may have several episodes of depression before having another manic phase, or vice versa.
      Seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depression related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight. It may cause headaches, irritability and a low energy level.

17. QUESTION:
    How to avoid sleeping too much?
    I have been getting these horrible cluster headaches (sharp stabbing pain always behind left eye). So I've been monitoring them to see what causees them, and it seems like a only get them on the weekends, usually right when I wake up after I've been sleeping for a long time. I love sleep and it's like my hobby. But I don't want to get these hadaches anymore. Any suggestions?
    No s*h*i*t bmac.
    I don't sleep in late, I fall asleep real early on accident, sometimes 6 or 7 pm. So even if I set an alarm in the moring that wouldn't help
    Cluster headaches are different from migrains. There treated very differently, since clusters can't be cured with pain meds, they usually have to give you 100% oxygen for a few minutes or a shot(forgot what it's called)

    • ANSWER:
      The headaches and sleeping excessively are symptoms of a sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA.

      What are the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

      Loud snoring
      Dry mouth in the morning
      Unrefreshing sleep and morning grogginess
      Headaches on awakening
      Night sweats
      Indigestion during the night
      Problems with memory and concentration
      Increased urination at night
      Daytime sleepiness
      Irritabilty and/or fatigue during the day
      Depression

      The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are snoring, gasping for breath, choking, short pauses in normal breathing patterns, and sudden awakening when sleeping. During the day, you may have headaches and feel extremely drowsy because you do not sleep well at night. In severe cases, obstructive sleep apnea can eventually lead to heart failure and pulmonary complications because the lungs can t provide enough oxygen to the blood, or remove enough carbon dioxide.

      You may feel like you have slept all night or during naps, but with OSA your body is continually working in overtime to keep you breathing. When an obstruction occurs your heart rate increases to help push oxygen to your brain, your brain is telling your chest wall and abdominal wall to continue the motion of breathing to try and force the airway open. You awaken enough to take a breath and then fall back asleep where the cycle begins again.

      You may not recognize or have the other symptoms listed, but the only way to know if you have the sleep disorder is to contact your physician and request a sleep study.

      Your doctor will perform a sleep study. This is a painless test in which you stay overnight in a hospital or independant sleep study laboratory. Sleep labs are designed to be like hotel rooms. While you sleep, respiratory therapists or sleep techswill monitor and register functions such as heart rate, respiratory rate, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. A audiovisual system also records snoring and body position.

      Treatment of OSA is done with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP that splits the airway open while you sleep relieving the obstruction and the symptoms of OSA, including headaches and excessive sleepiness.

      You can get more information from http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html

18. QUESTION:
    What's your favorite way to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey?
    I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my house for the first time. I've never made a whole turkey before...just the breast. I know there are so many different ways to prepare it, so I'm just curious as to how you all make yours. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      I have cooked turkey a variety of ways, and can't really say one way is better than the next -- except for smoking.

      One way that my mother has always cooked turkey, and I did the same for many years, was to start it the night before -- frozen solid. As my mother always does, I start it the night before by preheating the oven to 250 degrees. While the oven is preheating, I open the turkey, wash it real well, place in the roasting pan, breast side up, and seal with heavy duty aluminum foil. Place in oven (usually around 11:00 - 11:30 pm) and let cook all night and until about 11:00 am. Remove from oven, increase oven temp to about 400, return turkey to oven uncovered, and let cook for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Use drippings to prepare gravy while the bird is resting. One reason I don't care for this method is you have to hunt for the giblets after the fact. Sure, they're cooked, but what a pain.

      Another way I prepare it is to let the turkey thaw in fridge for about 3 days. Thanksgiving morning, I remove, clean well, remove giblets and let water run through cavity until it runs clear. I place bird on rack in roaster, preheat oven to 400 degrees, and stuff the cavity with quartered onion, quartered apple, 2 ribs celery cut into short lengths, salt and pepper. I rub the outside with melted butter, underside included, pour 1 can of chicken broth into roaster. Cook for about 45 minutes at 400, then reduce temp to 350 and continue to cook for about 15 minutes per pound. When I remove the bird from the oven, I cover with foil and let rest before carving.

      Now, there have been a few years that my husband has smoked our turkeys on the Weber -- and must say this is my favorite. He does his birds the same as my second method, the oven is simply replaced by his Weber grill. He prefers to use hickory, but cherry wood and apple wood have a much better flavor.

      Be prepared for severe indigestion with a smoked bird -- why, I do not know. But, oh it is so worth it! Yum!

      P.S. I have never prepared a "stuffed" turkey. My family prefers dressing rather than stuffing. A few years ago, my mother and I brined a turkey before roasting. Honestly, I could not tell much of a difference. We decided it just wasn't worth all the extra effort. My mother in law swears by baking bags -- although I don't think she does it right .... her turkeys are dry. My brother uses a baking bag and his are very good.
      One good tip to remember when preparing a turkey, always let it rest before carving. You will have a much juicier end product.

      Gobble gobble!

19. QUESTION:
    What are natural ways to fall asleep?
    i know there are teas and natural medicines, but im not a big tea drinker and i hate milk. so what else is out there. i dont wanna go out and buy all this stuff just to make me sleep easier. i just want a quick home remedy, with things a normal person has laying around the house! thanks for ur help!

    • ANSWER:
      Try the Natural Cures for Insomnia/Sleeplessness.
      Insomnia or sleeplessness has assumed alarming proportions in present times, especially among the upper classes in urban areas. This is evident from the wide range of medication for this condition prescribed by physicians and sold by chemists. Instances of persons taking an overdose of sleeping pills with fatal results are quite frequent. Insomnia deprives a person of mental rest and thereby interferes with his activities in the daytime. It constitutes a severe health hazard when it becomes a habit.
      Sleep is a periodic state of rest for the body which is absolutely essential for its efficient functioning. Sleep gives relief from tension, rests the brain and body and a person wakes up in the morning fresh and relaxed after sleep. The amount of sleep, however, varies within very wide limits from individual to individual. Normally, 7-8 hours of sleep every night is adequate for most people. Some, however, do well with four to five hours because their sleep is deeper and more refreshing.
      Insomnia is common among the elderly for a variety of reasons. The sleep of the elderly is often punctuated by brief periods of wakefulness during the night. In such cases it is the quality rather than the quantity which is most affected. With age, there is gradual reduction of periods of deep sleep. The older person, therefore, gets roused easier. Sleep requirements also diminish with ageing. From 9 hours of sleep per night at the age of 12 the average sleep needs decrease to 8 hours at the age of 20, seven hours at 40, 6-1/2 hours at 60, and 6 hours at 80.
      Symptoms: The signs of pathological insomnia are dramatic changes in the duration and quality of sleep, persistent changes in sleep patterns, lapses of memory, and lack of concentration during the day. Other symptoms are emotional instability, loss of coordination, confusion, and a lingering feeling of indifference.
      Causes: The most common cause of sleeplessness is mental tension brought about by anxiety, worries, overwork, and overexcitement. Suppressed feelings of resentment, anger and bitterness may also cause insomnia. Constipation, dyspepsia, over-eating at night, excessive intake of tea or coffee, and going to bed hungry are among the other causes. Smoking is another unsuspected cause of insomnia as it irritates the nervous system, especially the nerves of the digestive system. Often, worrying about falling asleep is enough to keep one awake.
      The Cure: Sleeping pills are no remedy for sleeplessness. They are habit forming and become less effective when taken continuously. They lower the I.Q., dull the brain and can prove fatal if taken in excess or before or after alcohol. The side effects of sleeping pills include indigestion, skin rashes, lowered resistance to infection, circulatory and respiratory problems, poor appetite, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems and mental confusion.
      To overcome the problem, one should adhere to a regular sleeping schedule, going to bed at a fixed time each night and getting up at a fixed time each morning. Early to bed and early to rise is a good rule. Two hours of sleep before midnight are more beneficial than four after. It is sheer folly for students, at examination times, to keep awake till long after midnight, drinking one cup of tea after another, as that is only apt to cause blackness and inability to concentrate in the examination hall.
      Research has shown that people with chronic insomnia almost invariably marked deficiencies of such key nutrients as B-complex vitamins, and vitamin C and D as also calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. The sleep mechanism is unable to function efficiently unless each of these nutrients is present in adequate amounts in the diet.
      A balanced diet with simple modifications in the eating pattern will go a long way in the treatment and cure of insomnia. Such a diet should exclude white flour products, sugar and its products, tea, coffee, chocolate, cola drinks, alcohol, fatty foods, fried foods, foods containing additives, that is chemicals for preserving, colouring and flavouring, excessive use of salt, and strong condiments.
      In the modified eating pattern, breakfast should consist of fresh and dried fruits, whole cereals, seeds and yogurt. Of the two main meals, one should consist of a large mixed salad and the other should be protein-based. A cup of milk sweetened with honey at bedtime is helpful as the amino-acid tryptophan contained in milk induces sleep.
      Sleep is often elusive. Any attempt to force it only drives it further away. It is better to divert the mind with soft music or light reading. While going to bed, visualise a blank black wall occupying the entire field of vision. Turn your thoughts to light and cheerful matters. Use light bed clothes and relax. Do not lie on your back, put on your side with one or both knees brought well up and the head and shoulders slightly forward. During the night, the position of the arms and legs should be changed frequently and a healthy sleeper usually shifts from one side to the other several times in the course of the night.
      Controlled breathing is also a great help in inducing sleep. The method is to lie on your side in bed, and then take three deep breaths expanding the abdomen completely. Then hold your breath as long as you can. Next, take three more breaths and repeat the breath holding. While you hold your breath, carbon dioxide accumulates in the body and induces natural sleep. Regular, active exercising during the day and mild exercise at bedtime enhances the quantity and the quality of sleep. Exercise stimulates the elimination of lactic acid from the body which correlates with stress and muscular tension. Regular exercise also produces hormonal changes which are beneficial to the body and to the sleep pattern. Walking, jogging, skipping, swimming are all ideal exercises. Vigorous exercise should, however, be avoided at night as this can be over-stimulating.
      Yogasanas: Yoga helps a majority of cases of insomnia in two ways. Firstly, yoga treatment helps tone up the glandular, respiratory, and nervous system. Secondly, yoga also gives physical and mental relaxation as a safety value for one s disturbing problems. The traditional yogasanas which are effective for insomnia patients are shirsana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, uttanasan, viparitakarni and shavasana.
      Hydrotherapy is also effective in treatment of insomnia. Application of hot packs to the spine before retiring, hot fomentation to the spine, hot footbath, or an alternate hot and cold footbath at bedtime are all time tested methods. The cold hip bath with the feet in hot water and the prolonged neutral immersion bath (92 o to 96 o F) at bed time, when one s nerves are usually irritable, are also effective measures.
      Along with the various measures for the treatment of insomnia, all efforts should be made to eliminate as many stress factors as possible. The steps in this direction should include regular practice of any relaxation method or meditation technique, cultivating the art of doing things slowly (particularly activities like eating, walking and talking) limiting the working day to 9-10 hours and five and a half days weekly, cultivating a creative hobby and spending some time daily on this, avoiding working against unrealistic targets and completing one task before starting another.
      Hope this helps, Good Luck.

20. QUESTION:
    How to get rid of chest pain fast and naturally?
    I have constant chest pain and the only thing that takes it away for 5 mins is tea. :/

    I also have anxiety but idk if constant chest and heart pain is part of that...?
    :/

    • ANSWER:
      Yes you can have chest pains that can be from anxiety. But you are still stressing your heart out and it can eventually you might cause a heart attack. As said before many people have gone to the Emergency Room thinking they are having an heart attack.come to find they had severe cases of indigestion. You should drink plenty of water. You want to take a over the counter pill like Prilosec. Try the store brand it is cheaper. Take one when you get it and take one every morning before you eat breakfast and wait and half an hour before you eat. To get rid of your chest pains ,you need to get rid of your anxiety. Seek some professional help and it won't happen over night.

21. QUESTION:
    Sharp pain in the stomach area while breathing in heavily?
    Hi, I woke up this morning and while i was taking a deep breath in, i got this horrible pain in my stomach and then i felt like i was going to vomit. As i continued my day every time i take a deep breath or yawn it happens again. the pain and felling like vomiting lasts for about 15 seconds and it goes away. ive never had this before. i recently had 2 shots could it be a side effect?

    • ANSWER:
      Whether it is a mild stomach ache, sharp pain, or stomach cramps, abdominal pain has numerous causes. These include:

      Indigestion
      Constipation
      Stomach "flu"
      Menstrual cramps
      Food poisoning
      Food allergies
      Gas
      Lactose intolerance
      Ulcers
      Pelvic inflammatory disease
      Hernia
      Gallstones
      Kidney stones
      Endometriosis
      Crohn's disease
      Urinary tract infection
      Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
      Appendicitis

      What Symptoms of Abdominal Pain Are Cause for Concern?

      If your abdominal pain is severe or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible:

      Fever
      Inability to keep food down for several days
      Inability to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
      Vomiting blood
      Bloody stools
      Difficulty breathing
      Painful or unusually frequent urination
      The pain occurs during pregnancy
      The abdomen is tender to the touch
      The pain is the result of an injury to the abdomen in the previous days
      The pain lasts for several days

      If it continues for a few days, see a doctor.

22. QUESTION:
    I have pain in the middle of my right rib cage?
    good morning, I have not been to sleep at all since last night. I got pains on my right side especially in the upper right area where my rib cage is. the pain came out of nowhere & it hurts bad. I have not been injured in that area so what is it? should I go to the hospital?

    • ANSWER:
      Hello Tsu,

      There can be myriad of factors that can cause this condition. The common ones that have been identified have been listed as follows:

      Appendicitis
      Allergies to certain foods
      Cancer of the kidneys
      Cancer of the liver
      Cancer of the pancreas
      Crohn's disease
      Diverticulitis
      Endometriosis
      Food poisoning
      Gallbladder cancer
      Gallstones
      Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
      Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
      Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
      Hernia
      Hiatal hernia
      Indigestion (Common cause of upper stomach pain after eating)
      Infection of the kidneys
      Inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis
      Injury
      Intestinal obstruction
      Kidney stones
      Liver abscess (pus-filled pocket in the liver)
      Liver hemangioma
      Loss of blood flow to the lungs
      Pelvic inflammatory disease
      Peptic ulcer (one of the common and severe causes of abdominal pain)
      Pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue around the heart)
      Pneumonia
      Shingles
      Stomach flu (another common cause of the condition)
      Stomach cancer
      Urinary tract infection

      Take care! Mama Bear

23. QUESTION:
    What does it feel like to be pregnant?

    And what does it feel like to give birth?
    I don't ever want any children of my own, but am just curious as to what it is like as I will never experience it myself.

    • ANSWER:
      That depends on the individual. You will always get a different story. I'll give you mine, though, since you asked.

      I was really sick in the beginning of my pregnancy. I had severe morning sickness for six months, and when that finally went away, I suffered with heartburn and indigestion till the very end. I found out six weeks after my daughter was born that my gallbladder was bad, however, and a lot of my sickness could have been attributed to that. In the beginning, I felt more "sick" than "pregnant," but when I started to feel the baby move it was much more bearable. As time went on, my belly got larger and those little flutters turned into full-on kicks and punches. I would sit on the couch at night and watch my baby tap dance in there. It was hiarious, exciting, and magical, and totally made up for all the grief I endured. I loved every minute thereafter, all the way till the end. I wouldn't have minded staying pregnant for an extra week, just to have my daughter inside me. There was nothing better in the world than meeting her for the first time, but all those weeks we spent where it was just her and I were pretty special, too. Besides my sickness in the beginning, and, possibly, the extreme swelling I had in the end, there wasn't really anything else that bothered me about being pregnant. Yeah, there were times I was uncomfortable or felt awkward, but all in all it was wonderful.

      Good luck!

      ETA: As far as giving birth goes, that also depends on the individual. Labor pains hurt, I can tell you that, but I had a c-section due to reasons that were beyond my control. It was totally not as bad as I thought it was going to be, although the first week was pretty rough. Again, it was all worth it.

24. QUESTION:
    I was just diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian syndrome,want straight information?
    I looked up lots of info online but it's all bla bla bla,can anyone give me any info that's easy to understand and true,I just wana know real info,thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      PCOS is relatively easy to fix. The doctors really do not understand nutrition and so they resort to drugs and this is just not the way to fix this problem. If you go the drug route, you will be chained to the doctor forever.

      This condition creates a high testosterone level in the body and causes severe acne that typical treatments do not fix, problems relating to excess hair growth, and a lot of people with this problem develop type II diabetes. 80% of type II diabetes is caused by a nano bacteria called "nano bacter" that develops because the body doesn't produce enough hydrochloric acid to kill the bacteria in your stomach. The same bacteria causes heart disease and kidney failure, as well as diabetes type II. The 50 billion dollars a year Americans spend on Antacids is a crime. The drug companies should be sent to prisons in a 3rd world country for this farce. These antacids destroy the very acid that will stop the indigestion. Lactic acid from rotting food is the real cause, not stomach acid! The stomach acid stops "acid in digestion."

      There is a natural solution to the issue of PCOS that seems to work in many people.

      A protomorphogen extract from Standard Process called Symplex F. Take 1 or 2 tablets per day for one year. You should be able to get this from your pharmacists. Even when the symptoms are gone, keep taking it for this length of time.

      Make up a mix of equal parts of peony root (Paeonia lactiflora) and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and take about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of this 2 to 3 x per day for a maximum of 6 months. You should give this a break for about 1 week every 4 - 6. weeks.

      You should eliminate sugars, breads, and cereals from the diet. These items cause the body to produce insulin to oxidize the sugars and insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) are produced as a result. Elevated insulin levels lead to an excess of male hormones.

      Additionally, if you have ANY scars on the front of your body from your forehead down to your anus, including tattoos (tattoos are interference fields that can cause these problems), this will cause the cells in the stomach that produce the stomach acid to be subdued and you will not be producing enough acid to kill bacteria or digest your food properly. Additionally, an episiotomy scar can reflex to the ovaries and cause cysts to form like the ones that cause PCOS. PCOS is very common in the U.S. where women typically get these episiotomies when in child birth from physicians that have no clue as to the long term effects of them.

      Once the scar is treated, the cysts typically go away.

      My suggestion is that you go to: www.healthline.cc (not .com) and order the following:

      Betaine HCL --- Take 2 to 4 of these AFTER each meal
      Activator --- Take 1 to 2 AFTER each meal
      Digest --- Take 1 to 2 DURING each meal.
      Probiotic --- Take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening

      This will improve your digestion greatly. Additionally, you should check yourself for iodine deficiency. This can cause hypothyroidism and is a very common reason people in the U.S. get this. A simple evaluation can be done by you if you paint a golf ball size patch of "tincture of iodine" on your chest. If it is still visible after 24 hours you are NOT deficient. If it goes away in a few hours, you are very deficient. ANY fluoride you put into your body from toothpaste, shower in tap water, drink soda pop, anything that contains fluoride will cause you to become deficient in iodine because the body prefers the fluoride over the iodine. Goiters are not uncommon in children that drink fluoridated water. Get a shower filter, drink bottled water without fluoride, don't drink ANY soda drinks, not only will the soda drinks contain fluoride, but they contain phosphoric acid that binds to your minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, etc. and deplete your body of these. If you find yourself deficient, you need to purchase some "Xeno Detox" from the healthline company and take 4 capsules in the morning and 4 in the evening for several months or until the "patch test" works for the 24 hour period.

      Do NOT eat ANY SOY! This also depletes your minerals (especially iron) and slows your thyroid down causing hypothyroidism.

      In regard to any scars you have, you will need to extract the toxins to eliminate the reflexing problem. The ancients did this very effectively with highly energized clay. You can purchase this from the healthline company and they will give you instructions on how to use it. It is painless and only takes a short time to do this procedure and it works. Once you have done this, you won't ever have to do it again.

      I am certain if you follow the above advice, you will be amazed at how quickly you can solve those problems. It takes about 3 weeks, typically to solve the PCOS issue by following the above.

25. QUESTION:
    What is the best herb or herbs that will heal a peptic ulcer?

    • ANSWER:
      {Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around.}

      [Facts on honey and cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a "Ram Ban" (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

      Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

      HEART DISEASES:
      Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

      ARTHRITIS:
      Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

      BLADDER INFECTIONS:
      Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

      TOOTHACHE:
      Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied three times a day until the tooth stops aching.

      CHOLESTEROL:
      Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

      COLDS:
      Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

      UPSET STOMACH:
      Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

      GAS:
      According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

      IMMUNE SYSTEM:
      Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

      INDIGESTION:
      Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

      INFLUENZA:
      A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

      LONGEVITY:
      Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

      PIMPLES:
      Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

      SKIN INFECTIONS:
      Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

      WEIGHT LOSS:
      Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

      CANCER:
      Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

      FATIGUE:
      Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than! than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the bo dy within a week.

      BAD BREATH:
      People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

      HEARING LOSS:
      Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.

      Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it! } ]

26. QUESTION:
    Positive pregnancy test and stomach cramps?
    I took a pregnancy test this morning which came out positive. I've not had any symptoms of pregnancy yet which as the norm i guess is to be expected.

    over the last couple of hours on and off ive had a dull ache with occational slight sharp pains in my stomach. Not like a shooting period pain but an ache. Is this normal? has anyone else experienced this?

    • ANSWER:
      You can experience some cramping and discomfort during pregnancy-also it might be gas/indigestion.........but if this continues or the pain becomes severe you should seek medical attention a.s.a.p ....they will want to examine you for tubal pregnancy or possible miscarriage.

27. QUESTION:
    How do I know if I'm having a heart attack?
    My blood pressure is high and last night i felt my heart going so fast for no reason, i was just laying down watching a movie and my heart started hurting and going really fast i don't know if that's a heart attack but it was quite scary and this morning my heart is hurting again, i have a doctors appointment tomorrow but i don't know if i should wait untol then?

    • ANSWER:
      Women present VERY differently than men with heart attacks. If your heart is racing, call 911. It may not be a heart attack but it could be atrial fibrillation which means your heart is pumping so fast that each pump does not effectively move the blood causing the blood to pool in the bottom of your heart which can cause a clot to form which can then either cause a heart attack or the clot can be pumped out of your heart and can travel to your brain causing a stroke. Women often do not feel the severe debilitating pain in their chest that men do. Sometimes it's just a feeling of indigestion, nausea or even a slight pain in your jaw or arm. Call 911 !!!

28. QUESTION:
    How is angina diagnosed and what is it?

    • ANSWER:
      What is angina?

      Angina (angina pectoris - Latin for squeezing of the chest) is the chest discomfort that occurs when the blood oxygen supply to an area of the heart muscle does not meet the demand. In most cases, the lack of blood supply is due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries as a result of arteriosclerosis (see below). Angina is usually felt as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightening, or aching across the chest, particularly behind the breastbone. This pain often radiates to the neck, jaw, arms, back, or even the teeth. Patients may also complain of indigestion, heartburn, weakness, sweating, nausea, cramping, and shortness of breath. Angina usually occurs during exertion, severe emotional stress, or after a heavy meal. During these periods, the heart muscle demands more blood oxygen than the narrowed coronary arteries can deliver. Angina typically lasts from 1 to 15 minutes and is relieved by rest or by placing a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue. Nitroglycerin relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Both resting and nitroglycerin decrease the heart muscles demand for oxygen, thus relieving angina.

      What causes angina?

      The most common cause of angina is coronary artery disease. A less common cause of angina is spasm of the coronary arteries. Coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease develops as cholesterol is deposited in the artery wall, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. The accumulation of cholesterol plaque over time causes narrowing of the coronary arteries, a process called arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis can be accelerated by smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. When coronary arteries become narrowed by more than 50% to 70%, they can no longer meet the increased blood oxygen demand by the heart muscle during exercise or stress. Lack of oxygen to the heart muscle causes chest pain (angina). For further information on cholesterol, please read the Cholesterol article.

      The walls of the arteries are surrounded by muscle fibers. Rapid contraction of these muscle fibers causes a sudden narrowing (spasm) of the arteries. A spasm of the coronary arteries reduces blood to the heart muscle and causes angina. Angina as a result of a coronary artery spasm is called "variant" angina or Prinzmetal angina. Prinzmetal angina typically occurs at rest, usually in the early morning hours. Spasms can occur in normal coronary arteries as well as in those already narrowed by arteriosclerosis.

      Why is it important to establish the diagnosis of angina?

      Angina is usually a warning sign of the presence of significant coronary artery disease. Patients with angina are at risk of developing a heart attack (myocardial infarction). A heart attack is the death of heart muscle precipitated by the complete blockage of a diseased coronary artery by a blood clot. For further information, please read the Heart Attack article.

      During angina, the lack of oxygen (ischemia) to the heart muscle is temporary and reversible. The lack of oxygen to the heart muscle resolves and the chest pain disappears when the patient rests. The muscle damage in a heart attack is permanent. The dead muscle turns into scar tissue with healing. A scarred heart cannot pump blood as efficiently as a normal heart, and can lead to heart failure.

      Up to 25% of patients with significant coronary artery disease have no symptoms at all, even though they clearly lack adequate blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. These patients have "silent" angina. They have the same risk of heart attack as those with symptoms of angina.

      How is angina diagnosed?

      The resting electrocardiogram (EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle, and can detect heart muscle which is in need of oxygen. The resting EKG is useful in showing the changes which are caused by a heart attack. It is less useful in patients with angina, since the chest pain and lack of oxygen supply to the heart only become evident during exertion or excitement.

      In patients with a normal resting EKG, exercise treadmill or bicycle testing can be useful screening tools for coronary artery disease. During an exercise treadmill test, EKG recordings of the heart are performed continuously as the patient undergoes increasing levels of exercise. The occurrence of chest pain during exercise can be correlated with changes on the EKG which demonstrate the lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. When the patient rests, the angina and the changes on the EKG which indicate lack of oxygen to the heart can both disappear. The accuracy of exercise treadmill tests in the diagnosis of significant coronary artery disease is 60% to 70%.

      If the exercise treadmill test does not show signs of coronary artery disease, a nuclear agent (thallium) can be given intravenously during exercise treadmill tests. The addition of thallium allows nuclear imaging of blood flow to different regions of the heart, using an external camera. A reduced blood flow in an area of the heart during exercise, with normal blood flow to the area at rest, signifies significant artery narrowing in that region of the heart.

      Stress echocardiography combines echocardiography (ultrasound imaging of the heart muscle) with exercise treadmill testing. Like the exercise thallium test, stress echocardiography is more accurate than an exercise treadmill test in detecting coronary artery disease. When a coronary artery is significantly narrowed, the heart muscle supplied by this artery does not contract as well as the rest of the heart muscle during exercise. Abnormalities in muscle contraction can be detected by echocardiography. Stress echocardiography and thallium stress tests are both about 80% to 85% accurate in detecting significant coronary artery disease.

      When a patient cannot undergo exercise stress test because of neurological or arthritic difficulties, medications can be injected intravenously to simulate the stress on the heart normally brought on by exercise. Heart imaging can be performed with a nuclear camera or echocardiography.

      Cardiac catheterization with angiography (coronary arteriography) is a technique that allows x-ray pictures to be taken of the coronary arteries. It is the most accurate test to detect coronary artery narrowing. Small hollow plastic tubes (catheters) are advanced under x-ray guidance to the openings of the coronary arteries. Iodine contrast "dye," is then injected into the arteries while an x-ray video is recorded. Coronary arteriography gives the doctor a picture of the location and severity of coronary artery disease. This information can be important in helping doctors select treatment options.

29. QUESTION:
    Is it safe to take Gaviscon for long-term?
    I have IBS and I usually can't drink coffee. But for some reason I can drink coffee fine after drinking Gaviscon which is a oral medication for acid reflux.

    I would like to drink Gaviscon every morning so I can drink one cup of coffee everyday without becoming miserable after.

    So I'm wondering, is it safe to take Gaviscon everyday for long-term?

    • ANSWER:
      Gaviscon is prescribed for those who suffer from gas, heartburn, indigestion or sour stomach. Drugs.com states that this drug can be taking as a liquid or tablet and should not be taken longer than 2 weeks. Though many side effects associated with this drug are mild, for some they may become severe.

30. QUESTION:
    Would they have been able to detect angina?
    Do you think the cardiologist would have been able to find out if I had angina after having 2 stress test and 3 EKG within the last 5 years.

    • ANSWER:
      Angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood. Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in your chest. The pain may also occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It may also feel like indigestion.

      Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease. CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. This buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis. As plaque builds up, the coronary arteries become narrow and stiff. Blood flow to the heart is reduced. This decreases the oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

      Types of Angina
      The three types of angina are stable, unstable, and variant (Prinzmetal's). It is very important to know the differences among the types.

      Stable angina. Stable angina is the most common type. It occurs when the heart is working harder than usual.
      There is a regular pattern to stable angina. After several episodes, you learn to recognize the pattern and can predict when it will occur.
      The pain usually goes away in a few minutes after you rest or take your angina medicine.
      Stable angina is not a heart attack but makes it more likely that you will have a heart attack in the future.
      Unstable angina. Unstable angina is a very dangerous condition that requires emergency treatment. It is a sign that a heart attack could occur soon. Unlike stable angina, it does not follow a pattern. It can occur without physical exertion and is not relieved by rest or medicine.
      Variant angina. Variant angina is rare. It usually occurs at rest. The pain can be severe and usually occurs between midnight and early morning. It is relieved by medicine.
      Not all chest pain or discomfort is angina. Chest pain or discomfort can be caused by a heart attack, lung problems (such as an infection or a blood clot), heartburn, or a panic attack. However, all chest pain should be checked by a doctor.

      Did the cardiologist find anything wrong at all with any of those tests? And yes...angina can be detected...I would suggest an ultrasound...then you can actually see the heart pumping...my son had one done...I sat and watched his heart beat for 30 minutes.You can actually see the valves moving! If you are not satisfied...I would seek a second opinion. Doctors don't seem to realize that we know our bodies better than they do, and we know when something is just not quite right.

31. QUESTION:
    How Do I get Better Sleep?
    I get plenty of sleep (6 to 8 hours) but I m still finding that I m tired and have no energy when I wake up and during the day. What sort of diet and general things I can do to improve my sleep.

    • ANSWER:
      You do NOT have to be over 30 years old or obese to have
      Obstructive Sleep Apnea. OSA affects those of all ages and
      sizes, though many with OSA do have a higher BMI (body mass index).

      Excessive sleepiness despite the hours and hours of
      sleeping is a symptom of a sleeping disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA.

      What are the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

      Loud snoring
      Dry mouth in the morning
      Unrefreshing sleep and morning grogginess
      Headaches on awakening
      Night sweats
      Indigestion during the night
      Problems with memory and concentration
      Increased urination at night
      Daytime sleepiness
      Irritabilty and/or fatigue during the day
      Depression

      The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are snoring, gasping for breath, choking, short pauses in normal breathing patterns, and sudden awakening when sleeping. During the day, you may have headaches and feel extremely drowsy because you do not sleep well at night. In severe cases, obstructive sleep apnea can eventually lead to heart failure and pulmonary complications because the lungs can t provide enough oxygen to the blood, or remove enough carbon dioxide.

      You may feel like you have slept all night or during naps, but with OSA your body is continually working in overtime to keep you breathing. When an obstruction occurs your heart rate increases to help push oxygen to your brain, your brain is telling your chest wall and abdominal wall to continue the motion of breathing to try and force the airway open. You awaken enough to take a breath and then fall back asleep where the cycle begins again.

      You may not recognize or have the other symptoms listed, but the only way to know if you have the sleep disorder is to contact your physician and request a sleep study.

      Your doctor will perform a sleep study. This is a painless test in which you stay overnight in a hospital or independant sleep study laboratory. Sleep labs are designed to be like hotel rooms. While you sleep, respiratory therapists or sleep techswill monitor and register functions such as heart rate, respiratory rate, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. A audiovisual system also records snoring and body position.

      Treatment of OSA is done with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP that splits the airway open while you sleep relieving the obstruction and the symptoms of OSA, including headaches and excessive sleepiness.

      You can get more information from
      http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html

32. QUESTION:
    I know that there are quite a number of people on here and all over for that matter that are suffering from?
    stress, anxiety and depression. What I really want to know is what exactly are your physical symptoms because I have this also and would like to know if my ailments are similiar to anyone else out there, Any ans. would be greatly appreicated.

    • ANSWER:
      Depression is a disorder that affects your thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and even your physical health. People used to think it was "all in your head" and that if you really tried, you could "snap out of it" or just "get over it." But doctors now know that depression is not a weakness, and it's not something you can treat on your own. Depression is a medical disorder with a biological and chemical basis.

      Sometimes a stressful life event triggers depression. Other times depression seems to occur spontaneously with no identifiable specific cause. Depression is much more than grieving or a bout of the blues.

      Depression may occur only once in a person's life. Often, however, it occurs as repeated episodes over a lifetime, with periods free of depression in between. Or it may be a chronic condition, requiring ongoing treatment over a lifetime.

      People of all ages and races suffer from depression. Medications are available that are generally safe and effective, even for the most severe depression. With proper treatment, most people with serious depression improve, often within weeks, and can return to normal daily activitiesTwo hallmarks of depression symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis are:

      Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.
      Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.
      In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

      Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
      Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
      Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
      Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
      Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
      Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
      Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
      Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
      Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

      Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression. In these groups, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Kids may pretend to be sick, worry that a parent is going to die, perform poorly in school, refuse to go to school, or exhibit behavioral problems. Older people may be more willing to discuss the physical manifestations of depression, instead of their emotional difficulties.

      Types of depression
      The main types of depression include:

      Major depression. This type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks. Symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This type of depression may result in poor sleep, a change in appetite, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression may increase the risk of suicide.
      Dysthymia. Dysthymia (dis-THI-me-uh) is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. Signs and symptoms usually aren't disabling, and periods of dysthymia can alternate with short periods of feeling normal. Having dysthymia places you at an increased risk of major depression.
      Adjustment disorders. If a loved one dies, you lose your job or you receive a diagnosis of cancer, it's perfectly normal to feel tense, sad, overwhelmed or angry. Eventually, most people come to terms with the lasting consequences of life stresses, but some don't. This is what's known as an adjustment disorder when your response to a stressful event or situation causes signs and symptoms of depression. Some people develop an adjustment disorder in response to a single event. In others, it stems from a combination of stressors. Adjustment disorders can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting longer). Doctors classify adjustment disorders based on the primary signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety.
      Bipolar disorder. Having recurrent episodes of depression and elation (mania) is characteristic of bipolar disorder. Because this condition involves emotions at both extremes (poles), it's called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder. Mania affects your judgment, causing you to make unwise decisions. Some people have bursts of increased creativity and productivity during the manic phase. The number of episodes at either extreme may not be equal. Some people may have several episodes of depression before having another manic phase, or vice versa.
      Seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depression related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight. It may cause headaches, irritability and a low energy level.

33. QUESTION:
    How do u know if u are going through depression?
    I mean I'm sure everybody has their really sad days..and it might continue for a while...but how would you know if u are going through "depression" without going to c a doctor?

    • ANSWER:
      Depression- Signs and symptoms

      Two hallmarks of depression symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis are:

      Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.

      Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.

      In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

      Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
      Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.

      Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
      Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.

      Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
      Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.

      Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

      Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

      Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression. In these groups, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Kids may pretend to be sick, worry that a parent is going to die, perform poorly in school, refuse to go to school, or exhibit behavioral problems. Older people may be more willing to discuss the physical manifestations of depression, instead of their emotional difficulties.

      Types of depression

      The main types of depression include:

      Major depression. This type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks. Symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This type of depression may result in poor sleep, a change in appetite, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression may increase the risk of suicide.

      Dysthymia. Dysthymia (dis-THI-me-uh) is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. Signs and symptoms usually aren't disabling, and periods of dysthymia can alternate with short periods of feeling normal. Having dysthymia places you at an increased risk of major depression.

      Adjustment disorders. If a loved one dies, you lose your job or you receive a diagnosis of cancer, it's perfectly normal to feel tense, sad, overwhelmed or angry. Eventually, most people come to terms with the lasting consequences of life stresses, but some don't. This is what's known as an adjustment disorder when your response to a stressful event or situation causes signs and symptoms of depression. Some people develop an adjustment disorder in response to a single event. In others, it stems from a combination of stressors. Adjustment disorders can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting longer). Doctors classify adjustment disorders based on the primary signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety.

      Bipolar disorder. Having recurrent episodes of depression and elation (mania) is characteristic of bipolar disorder. Because this condition involves emotions at both extremes (poles), it's called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder. Mania affects your judgment, causing you to make unwise decisions. Some people have bursts of increased creativity and productivity during the manic phase. The number of episodes at either extreme may not be equal. Some people may have several episodes of depression before having another manic phase, or vice versa.

      Seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depression related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight. It may cause headaches, irritability and a low energy level.

34. QUESTION:
    Can a diabetes type one use honey how many units of actrapid insulin must be injected for 15 grams of honey?

    • ANSWER:
      Are yo under a doctor's care for your diabetes? If so you should be asking him for a consult to a diabetic dietitian for help or a diabetic nurse. meanwhile here are some facts about Honey:

      Cinnamon and Honey
      ~ Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around.~

      Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and
      Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries
      of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very
      effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases.

      Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

      Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the
      right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly
      World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has
      given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and
      cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

      HEART DISEASES:
      Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of
      jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the
      cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also
      those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they
      are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process
      relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and
      Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have
      found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and
      get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

      ARTHRITIS:
      Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot
      water With two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
      If T aken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent
      research Conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when
      the doctors Treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey
      and half Teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within
      a week, Out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were
      totally Relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who
      could not Walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without
      pain.

      BLADDER INFECTIONS:
      Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a
      Glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the
      bladder.

      CHOLESTEROL:
      Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in
      16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to
      reduce The level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two
      hours. As Mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day,
      any chronic Cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the
      said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of
      cholesterol.

      COLDS:
      Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon
      Lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This
      Process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

      UPSET STOMACH:
      Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears
      Stomach ulcers from the root.

      GAS:
      According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if
      Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

      IMMUNE SYSTEM:
      Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and
      Protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.. Scientists have found
      That honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of
      Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral
      Diseases.

      INDIGESTION:
      Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food
      Relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

      INFLUENZA:
      A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural '
      Ingredient' Which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from
      flu.

      LONGEVITY:
      Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the
      Ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon
      powder And three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup,
      three to Four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests
      old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts
      performing the Chores of a 20-year-old.

      PIMPLES:
      Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste.
      Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning
      with Warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the
      root.

      SKIN INFECTIONS:
      Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts
      Cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

      WEIGHT LOSS:
      Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach
      And at night before sleeping,

35. QUESTION:
    Can taking medication (singulair) and drinking lots of alcohol case blackness under the eyes?
    For about months, I have been taking singulair, a medication for my asthma and allergies. I take one every night. As well, I drink about anywhere from 10-20 beers per weekend since I'm in college. Is this bad? Will this cause liver damage? And does it explain the recent blackness under my eyes? Oris the blackness caused by something else (since the blackness started before I started taking the singulair)

    • ANSWER:
      naidanacmai,
      This is a very common problem and, in addition, it is very difficult to discern the cause. I shall discuss this as briefly as possible. The most common side effects that persist or become bothersome when using Singulair include:- Cough; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach upset or pain; stuffy nose; tiredness; trouble sleeping; weakness. You should seek medical attention right away if any of these following SEVERE side effects occur when using Singulair:- Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; agitation; dark urine; fever; flu-like symptoms; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; new or worsening wheezing or other breathing problems; numbness or tingling of hands or feet; seizures; severe or persistent stomach pain; severe sinus inflammation; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling; unusual bruising or bleeding; upper respiratory tract infection; yellowing of the skin or eyes. Dark under-eye circles begin in the capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that web the delicate skin around the eyes. The capillaries are so small that red blood cells sometimes have to line up, single file, to get through. Frequently, red blood cells get lost and wander into the surrounding skin. The body has a mechanism to mop up these escapees. Enzymes in the body break down the red blood cells, including their haemoglobin (the molecule that gives them their distinctive red colour). When haemoglobin is broken down, its remaining components have a dark blue-black color. Just like a bruise. So your dark under-eye circles are actually caused by leaky capillaries. Allergies may be the most common cause of skin discoloration under the eyes. If allergies are the root of your problem, you simply need to treat them or remove the allergen (i.e., the thing to which you are allergic). Seasonal allergy problems such as the hay fever can frequently be effectively treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. For other allergies the best course of action is usually avoidance. If your dark circles or puffiness are constant, you may have an undetected food allergy or an allergy to a chemical in your home or workplace. Talk to a dermatologist for help determining what you may be allergic to. Get plenty of sleep nightly. It s not entirely clear why inadequate sleep results in dark circles under the eyes. However, if you want to break the non-sleeping cycle and the black circles under your eyes, you've got to reduce your stress, sleep more and take the proper vitamins and minerals to support the adrenal function in general. Treat your skin while you sleep. There are overnight facial masques available that may help reduce the appearance of puffiness or discoloration, but you can also make your own. Just before you go to bed, take a washcloth and wet it just a bit with cold water. Then squeeze out any excess water and place it over your eyes as you sleep. Treating your skin may help, but the real problem may also be that you have a poor vitamin and mineral absorption problem that must also be corrected. Apply cool tea bags, an ice cube wrapped in soft cloth, or cucumber slices to your eyes daily. The tannin in tea bags has been shown to reduce swelling and discoloration, and cucumber slices have long been used to reduce puffiness and refresh the appearance of skin around the eyes. Lie down, preferably in the morning, and leave fresh cucumber slices or cool, damp caffeinated tea bags (you can refrigerate them overnight so they ll be ready) over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes. Keep your eyes closed. You might try applying an eye cream containing vitamin K and retinol. Dark circles may be caused by a deficiency of vitamin K. Regardless of the cause, however, recent research has shown that skin creams containing these two ingredients reduce puffiness and discoloration significantly in many patients. Reduce salt intake. Excess salt causes the body to retain water in unusual places, and this can result in puffiness under the eyes. If all else fails, use a yellow or peach-toned concealer which will camouflage the problem under your eyes. The yellow/peach undertones in the makeup will help cancel out the purple, blue, and brownish colors of your under eye circles. Pink-toned concealers can actually make your circles more noticeable. After applying, set the concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder. Establish whether or not this condition runs in your family. Dark circles are believed to frequently be hereditary. This doesn t mean that you ca not do anything about the condition, but you should be prepared for minimal success actually trying to get rid of them. Dark circles under the eye may also, in fact, be light carbon deposits that result from incomplete protein digestion. Incomplete protein digestion may result from insufficient hydrochloric acid in your stom

36. QUESTION:
    why am i having this intense chest pain?
    every time i swallow there is a compression in my chest that is just killing me. It is an unbearable pain. All i have done today was football practice then pole vault lessons, but it has hurt since i woke up. any ideas?

    • ANSWER:
      Many people have gone to the Emergency Room with severe chest pains thinking they were having a heart attack and it turned out to be severe indigestion and heart burn and acid. Your chest is not hurting but it is your esophagus from heart burn or acid. In today's society the too main things that cause all the heart burn is all the sodas we drink and all the energy drink that we consume. They are loaded with sugar and tons of caffeine. Caffeine can irritate the stomach and esophagus and cause a burning a pain feeling. You need to drink more water and you might have to take an over the counter 24 hour antacid like Prilosec. Buy the store brand it is much cheaper. Either take in the morning before you eat or take about 2 Hours before bed. If it still persist then see your Doctor.

37. QUESTION:
    I have a peptic ulcer starting prilosec in the morning am i going to be ok?

    is the peptic ulcer going to be ok. Im a natural worrier

    • ANSWER:
      The medical answer is to take two different antibiotics and one antacid. H. pylori bacteria is what causes most ulcers. You can get rid of it the natural way just as effective as using the medical way. There is a severe price to pay for dealing with it medically with the antibiotics and the antacid.

      Doctors have no other way of dealing with this than with drugs. The problem is that the root cause of the problem is most likely hypochloridia or the lack of hydrochloric acid production in your stomach. Processed foods use up the HCL quickly and as we age, we produce less and less HCL. By the time we are 70 years old, we are producing about 5% of the HCL that we did at 25 years old. This is why acid indigestion, reflux, etc. affect the elderly, not young people as much.

      Taking prilosec will treat the symptom, but not solve the root of the problem. If you do have an ulcer, you need to treat it differently than if you did not. Taking HCL with an ulcer is not the way to deal with it, but once you have gotten rid of the ulcer, antacids are the dumbest way to deal with it. That just loads you body up with toxins and prevents you from properly digesting food.

      good luck to you

38. QUESTION:
    Having severe hiatal area pain when I first eat or drink in morning.?
    It last about 5 minutes and I can't straighten up. It is a severe burning stabbing pain that feels like it goes through to my spine. It has happened 5 times out of the last 7 mornings. Then just stays sore feeling for a couple of hrs.
    It is on the first swallow of food or drink. It does not help when I use antacids.

    • ANSWER:
      Sounds like dyspepsia (indigestion). It could be due to eating your food too quickly in the morning/the type of food you are eating or a symptom of an underlying problem.

      If it does not resolve with the short term use of an 'over-the counter' antacid then see your doc.

39. QUESTION:
    5 positive HPT with test line becoming darker, 2 following tests with test line lightening, am i miscarrying?
    I am 7 days past my missed period. I began testing with home pregnancy tests on the 1st day after my missed period. 1st-5th days I have a faint pink positive test line which increased slightly daily with the 5th day being quite noticeable. I also had pregnancy symptoms I have experienced in the past with pregnancy such as fatigue, nausea, and indigestion, mild cramping. On the 6th day my HPT test line was a bit fainter I would say in comparison to day 4 and I was still experiencing pregnancy symptoms. Today, the 7th day, my HPT was even lighter I would say comparable to day 2 or 3. I have also noticed today I have had less "pregnancy" like symptoms, no indigestion, very little nausea, lower fatigue and more severe cramping.

    I should also mention I have no bleeding. All test were taken with first morning urine. And I took a blood test done yesterday morning and still waiting to hear results from it.

    Also, I have had 2 chemical miscarriages before where I started to miscarry/bleed within a day or two of my expected period. Those did not come with any signs of pregnancy. I have also had two healthy full term pregnancies results in my 2 beautiful daughters.

    At the end of the day I am looking for a little insight from those who may have experienced this before. I am beginning to accept the probability of miscarriage and would like to discontinue taking HPT's as it is only increasing my disappointment each morning. Is there anyway to confirm this is a miscarriage before I start to have a period? Does anyone know how long it will take for my period to come/miscarriage bleeding to start?

    Thank you in advance!
    I ended up miscarrying at 5.5 weeks.

    • ANSWER:
      Stop taking pregnancy tests!! Youve already more than confirmed that youre pregnant. If you get massively painful cramping accompanied by heavy, clotted bleeding THEN start worrying about miscarriage......otherwise, take yourself off to your doctor to have the pregnancy confirmed.

40. QUESTION:
    How do you know if your sinking into depression?

    • ANSWER:
      Bonjour madam

      Signs and symptoms
      Two hallmarks of depression symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis are:

      Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.
      Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.
      In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

      Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
      Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
      Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
      Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
      Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
      Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
      Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
      Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
      Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

      Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression. In these groups, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Kids may pretend to be sick, worry that a parent is going to die, perform poorly in school, refuse to go to school, or exhibit behavioral problems. Older people may be more willing to discuss the physical manifestations of depression, instead of their emotional difficulties.

      Types of depression
      The main types of depression include:

      Major depression. This type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks. Symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This type of depression may result in poor sleep, a change in appetite, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression may increase the risk of suicide.
      Dysthymia. Dysthymia (dis-THI-me-uh) is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. Signs and symptoms usually aren't disabling, and periods of dysthymia can alternate with short periods of feeling normal. Having dysthymia places you at an increased risk of major depression.
      Adjustment disorders. If a loved one dies, you lose your job or you receive a diagnosis of cancer, it's perfectly normal to feel tense, sad, overwhelmed or angry. Eventually, most people come to terms with the lasting consequences of life stresses, but some don't. This is what's known as an adjustment disorder when your response to a stressful event or situation causes signs and symptoms of depression. Some people develop an adjustment disorder in response to a single event. In others, it stems from a combination of stressors. Adjustment disorders can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting longer). Doctors classify adjustment disorders based on the primary signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety.
      Bipolar disorder. Having recurrent episodes of depression and elation (mania) is characteristic of bipolar disorder. Because this condition involves emotions at both extremes (poles), it's called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder. Mania affects your judgment, causing you to make unwise decisions. Some people have bursts of increased creativity and productivity during the manic phase. The number of episodes at either extreme may not be equal. Some people may have several episodes of depression before having another manic phase, or vice versa.
      Seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depression related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight. It may cause headaches, irritability and a low energy level.

      Just keep the mind occupied and you wont be depressed, do sports and keep bussy most importantly, exercise helps,

      dont eat too much, i used to do that when i was young and m mum used to leave for paris and left me on my own here

      good luck madam

      aurevoir

41. QUESTION:
    has anyone's baby had an upper gi for reflux?
    My husband and I are trying to decide whether or no to go through with an Upper GI tomorrow morning. If you had this test, can you tell me what are the risks and what information did it give you about your child's reflux?

    • ANSWER:
      It was the best thing I ever did for my son. Saying that I must tell you that we tried several medications that were all unsuccessful.
      They did a upper GI and found that he had H. polori aka/ Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach. If it was not for the upper GI I don t know where we would be.
      Have you tries any reflux medications like baby Zantacs
      Look at all the facts if you child is having any of the following:
      Difficulty swallowing
      Chest and abdominal pain
      Reflux (a backward flow of partially digested food and digestive juices)
      Unexplained vomiting
      Severe indigestion
      Blood in the stool (indicating internal GI bleeding)
      Is it keeping him from gaining weight
      With my son he would throw up all the time. It got so bad that there was blood in it a couple times.
      He was loosing so much weight and was always crying.

      What are the benefits vs. risks?
      Benefits

      Upper GI tract radiography is an extremely safe, noninvasive procedure.

      The results of the upper GI series usually lead to accurate evaluation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

      Because barium is not absorbed into the blood, allergic reactions are extremely rare.

      No radiation remains in a patient s body after an x-ray examination.

      X-rays usually have no side effects in the diagnostic range.

      Risks

      There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.

      The effective radiation dose from this procedure is about 2 mSv, which is about the same as the average person receives from background radiation in eight months.

      Occasional patients may be allergic to the flavoring added to some brands of barium. If you have experienced allergic reactions after eating chocolate, certain berries or citrus fruit, be sure to tell your physician or the technologist before the procedure.

      There is a slight chance that some barium could be retained, leading to a blockage of the digestive system. Therefore, patients who have a known obstruction in the GI tract should not undergo this examination.

      Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
      A Word About Minimizing Radiation Exposure
      Special care is taken during x-ray examinations to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection councils continually review and update the technique standards used by radiology professionals.

42. QUESTION:
    Any idea what could be wrong with my tummy?
    So in March of this year my whole family had a nasty stomach flu. I was being sick from 11 at night until 7 in the morning. I didn't eat the next day just drank water, but I had this really bad pain in my stomach ( Epigastria area). I know its normal to have cramps so I ignored it and it just went off.

    In the two months that followed, occasionally after I ate I'd feel sick and get pains, I also started getting a lot of indigestion. Then it got worse. I started having loose stools after I ate meat, then diary then chicken. Basically now all I can eat is Potatoes, a little veg, salad and bread. I only drink water. But even after eating those foods I still am in pain every time I eat. It feels really sore, I feel sick, get indigestion every time I eat, muscles tremours in legs, its worse at around 3am to 12pm.

    I've had a blood test, been tested for chrohn's and Celiac, had a Gastroscopy which revealed nothing. I don't have pain anywhere else.

    It could have nothing to do with that flu, but any ideas what I should do? Been on meds for acid and ibs which only seemed to make things worse.

    When they did the gastro, they did hit an area where it did hurt but there was nothing there, no ulcer or inflammation they could see. They took a biopsy

    Any help would be great
    thanks
    I had this flu 9 months ago and the problem has been getting slowly worse. No new foods at all. I'm in the UK so NHS is free.

    I've all ready had a lot of ibs meds ~ none have worked. All I can eat is potatoes salad a little veg and bread and even that causes me pain.

    • ANSWER:
      Enzymes might be worth looking at - a severe stomach flu can sometimes damage the intestinal villi, and they make some of the digestive enzymes you need. Lactase, for example. There is a type of sucrase that digests sugars that is made there too, and I think others. You can get a breath test for lactose intolerance, and I think the sucrose, but unsure about the others.

      You might want to look up something called 'leaky gut syndrome.' I know of people who have this and have found some relief with GAPS diets. It's a diet that drops your diet down to almost nothing and slowly builds the body back up, uses probiotics and naturally fermented foods, broth, and other food items. Many people I know who have had major digestive problems have recommended this. Doesn't always work, but does for some.

      Might check out SIBO - bacterial overgrowth. This is basically a huge bacterial infection of the gut. It needs a dietary change and often initially a major dose of antibiotics. Many of the gut bacteria are now antibiotic resistant, so you need to get the right ones to take care of them.

      You could have non-celiac gluten intolerance. This needs a dietary change and food journal to diagnose - there's no test for it. For some, there isn't any pain on eating gluten, but it just causes so much residual inflammation that it hurts eating OTHER food. Might be worth checking out, maybe.

      Might want to look up fructose malabsorption, too, and the diet for that. Many people I know with this developed it after something happened in the gut, like a severe stomach flu or trauma there. It involves numerous foods.

      Might want to get gall bladder checked - as I recall, it makes numerous enzymes needed to digest fats in meat properly and can cause problems with digesting meats if it isn't working right.

      Pancreatic insufficiency - involves many digestive enzymes.

      Parasites - also affects a lot of the gut stuff. You might be more vulnerable to getting some of these after a big stomach flu OR the flu could have been a parasitic infection, too, that you were simply unable to fight off.

      Oh, or LOW stomach acid. From what I've been reading on studies, low stomach acid seems almost as common as too much stomach acid. Similar symptoms. Doctors almost always treat it as though it's high and rarely look for low stomach acid, however. Since you reacted poorly to antacid type of meds, that might be worth checking. I am unsure what the test is for this, though.

43. QUESTION:
    Will this tiredness from Metformin ever go away?
    just started it 3 weeks ago i'm on 1500 milligrams a day constantly tired can't focus at school, I sleep about 12 hours and im still drained in the morning, I cant handle it anymore will these symptoms ever go away?

    • ANSWER:
      Tiredness is not a common side effect of metformin. It is a common side effect of high blood sugar. Perhaps the metformin is not what you need to get good blood sugar control?
      The indigestion that people get from metformin can cause exhaustion if it severe, but in that case you shouldn't be on metformin. I suggest you contact your doctor with a description of how tired you are, what your bathroom habits have been, and what your blood sugars have been like, and be sure to say that your current energy level is not good enough.

44. QUESTION:
    What does a heart attack feel like?
    I had a few minutes of bad chest pain and no other symptoms... I spent the morning at a fair and got a little sunburn but that's it... ? I am sort of freaking out

    • ANSWER:
      If you were to have a Heart attack at least one of these symptoms will occur
      #Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach
      #Shortness of breath, which may occur with or before chest discomfort
      #Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, light-headedness or sudden dizziness, or breaking out in a cold sweat
      #Sleep problems, fatigue (tiredness), or lack of energy
      #The left side of body will start to ache
      #Or you will feel a deep tingling/ pain in your left arm

      Chest pain or discomfort in the chest may also be a heart attack alert. If this keeps recurring with a pattern of symptoms, It's best to contact a cardiologist immediately. Or go to your nearest hospital/dial 911 {000, Whatever it may be}. Remember you will only have 10 minutes, if no treatment or attempt to recover at all is present in those 10 minutes, You may have a chance of "not making it"

      People tend to explain that a heart attack feel as if "an elephant is standing on your chest". So this probably means they feel that their heart is deeply pressurized and they feel severe pain
      It can also feel like bad heartburn or indigestion (This doesn't mean that you should get worried every time you feel indigestion)
      You may also not really feel it at all as stated here:
      "I had very little pain, was very tired for no reason and lethargic. I had a slight tingling in my left arm, falling asleep but, then my hand was useless, I couldn't make it work and knew what was wrong."

      I doubt the sunburn is the cause of your chest pain.
      In summary if you feel any of these symptoms keep happening and gradually getting worse, your best option is to call 911 as soon as you can

      Take care,
      TOKI

45. QUESTION:
    Bad chest pian and worried please help asap?
    I have been having a real bad short of breath since last night around 7:30 and on into this morning now when I take a breath the right side of my chest hurts and I am 21 and male please seriouse answers only I am scared

    • ANSWER:
      I was gonna suggest really severe indigestion But you might want to visit a doctor. x
      Hope all is well.

46. QUESTION:
    What are the benefits of cinnamon?
    Like health and beauty?
    I eat about 4-5 or five a day like
    Cinnomon sticks all by themselves they are like candy to me
    I'm wondering are they good for you?
    And is there anyone else who eats them like that too
    Becuase I never meet anyone who does
    Thank
    You

    God
    Bless
    All

    • ANSWER:
      a lot of people eat cinnamon..
      infact here in india it is an important component of most foods...

      1. Lowers Cholesterol:
      Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.
      Also Cinnamon may significantly lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood) and total cholesterol.

      2. Reduces blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes:
      Several studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control by taking as little as teaspoon of cinnamon per day. Improving insulin resistance can help in weight control as well as decreasing the risk for heart disease.

      3. Heart Disease:
      Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system thereby shielding the body from heart related disorders. It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provides protection against heart diseases.

      4. Fights Cancer :
      A study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.Besides, the combination of calcium and fiber found in Cinnamon can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, thus prevents colon cancer.

      5. Tooth decay and mouth freshener:
      Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath.

      6. Cures Respiratory Problems:
      Cinnamon is very useful home remedy for common or severe colds. A person suffering should take one tablespoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days.
      Cinnamon also found to cure flu, influenza, sore throat and congestion.

      7. Brain Tonic:
      Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic. It helps in removing nervous tension and memory loss.cinnamon may boost cognitive function, memory, performance of certain tasks and increases one's alertness and concentration.
      8. Infections:
      Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

      9. Eases menstruation cycles:
      Cinnamon has also been found useful for women's health as it helps in providing relief from menstrual cramping and other feminine discomforts.

      10. Birth Control:
      Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps in avoiding conception.

      11. Breastfeeding:
      It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.

      12. Reduces Arthritis Pain:
      Cinnamon spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds which can be useful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

      13. Digestive Tonic:
      Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. It is very helpful in removing gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, diarrhea and morning sickness. It is often referred to as a digestive tonic.

      14. Reduces Urinary tract infections:
      People who eat cinnamon on a regular basis report a lower incidence of urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine.

      15. Anti clotting Actions:
      A compound found in Cinnamon called as cinnamaldehyde has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets.

      16. Natural Food Preserver:
      When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

      17. Headaches and migraine:
      Headache due to the exposure to cold wind is readily cured by applying a thin paste of powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples & forehead.

      18. Pimples and Blackheads:
      Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities. Therefore it is often recommended for pimples.

      Also external application of paste of cinnamon powder with a few drops of fresh lemon juice over pimples & black heads would give beneficial result.

      19. Thinning of the blood and improves blood circulation:
      Cinnamon is a blood thinning agent which also acts to increase circulation. This blood circulation helps significantly in removing pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body cells leading to higher metabolic activity. You significantly reduce the chance of getting a heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon.

      20. Toning of tissues:
      Considerable anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that cinnamon may have the ability to tone and constrict tissues in the body.

47. QUESTION:
    Has anyone here had a miscarriage before and went to have a healthy pregnancy later?
    Details are appreciated

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Hi!

      I had miscarriage last November at 10 weeks. It was my first pregnancy and my husband and I were so excited about this baby.
      I had no symptoms of miscarriage and found out that there was no heart beat during my regular checkup. I had D&C one week later.

      My doctor told me to wait one cycle and we can start trying again.
      My friend told me that her doctor said that if you try to conceive right after miscarriage you have higher chance of getting pregnant. We decided to wait one cycle just because we wanted to be sure that my uterus is healed and all the stuff is completely out.

      During second cycle after the miscarriage, I became pregnant again. We were really not expecting it but we were very happy to find out.

      My pregnancy has been a rough one in terms of severe morning sickness and indigestion plus dizziness and fatigue.
      I also had one incident of bleeding and 1 week of bed rest. So my pregnancy might not be considered 100% healthy one. But so far, baby is growing and everything seems to be going ok.

      I also know so many mommy friends who had miscarriage and had healthy pregnancy (with no bleeding or bedrest). I also know so many mothers who never had miscarriage but had bleeding and bedrest during their pregnancy.

      One of my friend told me if you had miscarriage, that means you can conceive. Which is much better than not conceiving at all.

      I am not sure what your situation is, but there is always a hope for babies. Wishing you good luck

48. QUESTION:
    After my gall bladder surgery I have indigestion. I have heard enzimes help. Do you know what kind help?
    I have lots of diahrea, constipation and bloating. Sometimes severe pain in abdomen

    • ANSWER:
      you need to purchase digestive enzymes in capsule form. Take two of them every time you eat. This will help with digestion. You need to be taking Metamucil powder 1tsp. first thing in the morning with a large glass of water in last thing at night. This is going to help with the constipation and the diarrhea, it has a balancing affect in the intestines. This will also help relieve the bloating. many times people go through digestive complications after gallbladder surgery.

      If you have any further questions please let me know.

      Billie77

49. QUESTION:
    i dont know if im depressed or just upset. anyone know anything?
    iv been trying to figure out if im depressed. i dont think i have any reason to be but sometimes i get very down. i hate my high school and i hate home. the only place im happy is with my friends but even still i get upset when im with them and either dont show it or just automatically suppress my feelings without even trying. i have a few suicidal tendencies. i try to talk to my friends but they have their own problems and i am forced to help them instead. I've harmed my self a few times when im really upset. but i still dont feel im depressed because in public i tend to act happy without trying almost as if i am happy but the second i am alone i want to fall on the floor and cry. someone just tell me am i being a teenager or is there something wrong with me?

    • ANSWER:
      Sorry. That must be hard. You do sound depressed though. A lot of people , and I mean A LOT of people try to hide their feelings. They call these people "stuffers." Short term gain, Long tem pain. I am also very concerned about your "suicidal tendencies." People that are depressed tend to have that kind of behavior if it is severe.Depression is a disorder that affects your thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and even your physical health. People used to think it was "all in your head" and that if you really tried, you could "snap out of it" or just "get over it." But doctors now know that depression is not a weakness, and it's not something you can treat on your own. Depression is a medical disorder with a biological and chemical basis.

      Sometimes a stressful life event triggers depression. Other times depression seems to occur spontaneously with no identifiable specific cause. Depression is much more than grieving or a bout of the blues.

      Depression may occur only once in a person's life. Often, however, it occurs as repeated episodes over a lifetime, with periods free of depression in between. Or it may be a chronic condition, requiring ongoing treatment over a lifetime.

      People of all ages and races suffer from depression. Medications are available that are generally safe and effective, even for the most severe depression. With proper treatment, most people with serious depression improve, often within weeks, and can return to normal daily activities.

      **Two hallmarks of depression symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis are

      -Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.

      -Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.

      In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

      Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
      Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
      Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
      Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
      Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
      Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
      Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
      Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
      Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

      Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression. In these groups, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Kids may pretend to be sick, worry that a parent is going to die, perform poorly in school, refuse to go to school, or exhibit behavioral problems. Older people may be more willing to discuss the physical manifestations of depression, instead of their emotional difficulties.

      Types of depression
      The main types of depression include:

      Major depression. This type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks. Symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This type of depression may result in poor sleep, a change in appetite, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression may increase the risk of suicide.

      If you show little interest in once-enjoyable activities, if you feel sad, helpless, tired or worthless, and if your eating and sleeping habits have changed greatly, see your doctor to determine if you have depression.

      Depression is a serious illness that can take a terrible toll on individuals and families. Untreated, depression can lead to a downward spiral of disability, dependency and suicide. Women attempt suicide more often than men do, but men are much more likely to succeed in killing themselves. The rate of suicide is four times greater for men. Men over 70 are the most likely to commit suicide.

      Certain warning signs may indicate serious depression and the possibility of suicide. Take any threat of suicide seriously, even if the person is already being treated for depression. If you see any of the following danger signs, call a doctor, mental health clinic or suicide hot line immediately:

      -Pacing, agitated behavior, frequent mood changes and sleeplessness for several nights
      -Actions or threats of assault, physical harm or violence
      -Threats or talk of death or suicide, such as "I don't care anymore," or "You won't need to worry about me much longer"
      -Withdrawal from activities and relationships
      -Putting affairs in order, such as saying goodbye to friends, giving away prized possessions or writing a will
      -A sudden brightening of mood after a period of being depressed
      -Unusually risky behavior, such as buying or handling a gun or driving recklessly

      I would definetely seek some treatment, before it gets worse, believe me, it will sooner or later creep up on you when you think you are happy.

      Alot of "teens" express anger , but it really is depression. They are scared, or embarrased, but I would talk to somebody.

      Treatment: Therapy or Medications. Or both....most effective.

      Take Care!!!

      Self-help organizations have become potent allies for people who are coping with mental illness or who care about someone with such an illness. For depression or other mental illnesses, self-help groups include:

      National Mental Health Association (NMHA): (800) 969-6642; or, in a crisis: (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)
      National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI): (800) 950-6264
      Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: (800) 826-3632

50. QUESTION:
    can eating too quickly cause diarrhea?
    i've always had the habit of swallowing food too quickly whenever i was hungry. today and yesterday i did that and today morning i had a stomach pain under my belly button and it made this weird rumbling sound, after that i had diarrhea *_* what is this? i've also had a case where i just suddenly got the same pain and get diarrhea afterwards. this is my 3rd time my stomach hurt so bad.

    the symptoms:
    severe pain under belly button
    makes a weird 10 sec rumbling sound
    it hurts for at least 5 min to the maximum
    end result: diarrhea
    the only thing is ate to cause this is an egg mcmuffin from mcdonalds or just indigestion?

    • ANSWER:
      Try eating slowly for two weeks and see what happens, there is no other way to be sure.