Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a chronic condition that can cause discomfort and a burning sensation in the chest. This is caused by stomach acids or bile that flows backward into the food pipe. If this happens more than twice a week, the patient may be diagnosed with GERD. Mild cases of GERD may be treated with lifestyle changes, antacids, diet changes and proton pump inhibitors. In more serious cases, surgery may also be needed. This aims at repairing or replacing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This valve is responsible for the backward movement of acids from the stomach to the food pipe.

Types of Surgery for GERD
Surgery is usually the last option for doctors treating GERD. This relieves symptoms of GERD and eliminates the need for long-term medication. There are many different types of surgical treatments. Some of the factors that determine the best type of surgery suited to a patient include the patient s age, weight, overall health etc.

Fundoplication: This surgery focuses on tightening the LES. Fundoplication may be performed as an open surgery or as a laparoscopic surgery. In both cases, the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to reinforce and strengthen the LES. Fundoplication is the most common surgical procedure used to treat GERD and has a high success rate.
Stretta Procedure: This is an outpatient procedure that is performed using an endoscope. The doctor will pass a thin tube with an electrode at one end down the patient s esophagus. The electrode heats the tissue in the esophagus and makes tiny cuts. These cuts will then form scar tissue that strengthens the muscles surrounding the esophagus and blocks acid reflux. This is a fairly new procedure and hence the long-term results are still not clear.
Bard EndoCinch System: This procedure is not very common. It involves the use of an endoscope that is used to make stitches in the esophagus so as to create pleats in the LES. This helps strengthen the valve and prevent acid reflux.
Linx Surgery: This is a minimally invasive surgery where a special device called a linx is wrapped around the LES. A linx can be described as a small ring of magnetic titanium beads. This ring allows food to pass through but otherwise keeps the opening between the esophagus and stomach closed. Linx surgery is a relatively new procedure that has shown good results.
Recovering from Surgery for GERD
Recovering from surgery for GERD depends largely on the type of surgery undergone. Laparoscopic procedures have a short recovery time and are associated with less pain as compared to traditional open surgeries. Open surgery usually takes 2 weeks for full recovery while a patient may recover from laparoscopic surgery within a week.

Surgery For GERD - Types, Results and Recovery

There has been an intense debate, which is in the loop for years and has been raging back and forth regarding the deficiencies of a vegetarian diet versus the perils of a non-vegetarian one. This heated debate is both accurate as well as unfounded. Probably, that s the entire reason it is still a debate. In fact, if you look into the diet of both groups, you will be able to identify the fact that, there is a space for healthy living in both.

Vegetarian Diet

In a vegetarian diet, the food intake of a person is confined to a large variety of foods derived from plants along with milk and dairy. And, any form of meat and products derived from animals are completely avoided.

Pros

Vegetarians have been noted to consume lesser amount of proteins, but they do not suffer from problems related to a high protein diet, such as osteoporosis (characterized by brittle and weak bones) and kidney failure.
The diet includes high level of antioxidants such as vitamin E & C as well as carotene, which is available in vegetables and fruits.
Additionally, they consume less amount of saturated fats.
Cons

Deficiency of vitamin B12 is common amongst vegetarians, as it is mainly available in meat, eggs and fish. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can yield rare symptoms such as increased fatigue, shortness of breath and a temporary loss of body balance.
Lack of protein, as stated above, along with iron and zinc deficiency is also common. 
Symptoms of protein deficiency can be troublesome and include signs like

Sluggish metabolism
Loss of body muscles (as the body tries to derive the regular protein intake from your muscles, thus making them weak),
Trouble gaining or losing weight
Persistent fatigue
Longer healing time in case of wounds and injuries
Pain in joints
Drastic changes in blood sugar level that might result in diabetes
A weak immune system makes you vulnerable to all kinds of diseases.
Non-vegetarian Diet

A non-vegetarian diet includes all forms of plant foods as well as foods and by-products that are derived from animals, such as poultry, fish, meat, etc.

Pros 

Vitamin B12 is present in adequate level since they are derived from sources such as meat, eggs and fish. Adequate intake of proteins is never an issue for  non-vegetarians
Cons

Meat products are loaded with saturated fats, which increase the risk of heart diseases. Studies have shown that people consuming non-vegetarian diets:
Have shorter lifespan and are more vulnerable to chronic diseases.
Tend to develop diabetes, heart diseases and hypertension.
Usually non vegetarians eat less amount of vegetables and fruits than what is recommended.  
If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dietitian/Nutritionist.

Vegetarian vs Non Vegetarian Diet - Which is Better?

With the growing market for organic products, there is a widespread confusion on which product to choose. The same dilemma holds good in selecting the type of bread. White bread or Brown Bread? People are not sure which one to eat to stay healthy. A few quick facts about the two types of bread and which one should be consumed to stay healthy, are given below

White Bread
White bread is made out of refined wheat flour that has nothing to offer for the body. During the process of making white bread, the bran and wheat germ is removed from the wheat flour and Potassium Bromate, Benzoyl Peroxide or Chlorine Dioxide gas are used for bleaching to generate the whiteness. Potassium Bromate is highly dangerous if consumed in large doses. Chlorine dioxide is also used as a pesticide and is considered hazardous to the environment. When a large amount of white bread is consumed, the refined carbohydrates generate high levels of insulin thus, resulting in higher chances of weight gain. In spite of being globally popular, white bread is highly unhealthy for your body. It is completely devoid of nutrients and it is as harmful as table sugar for the digestive system.

Brown Bread
The American Academy of Pediatrics has revealed that whole wheat brown bread is rich in nutrients compared to the white bread. One major factor contributing to the above-mentioned fact is the amount of fiber present in whole wheat brown bread. The increased fiber content slows down the digestion process and thereby, reduces the effect on blood sugar and production of insulin. Other nutrients that are present in brown bread include vitamin B6, E, Folic acid, Zing, Copper and Manganese. Brown bread has lesser amount of calcium as compared with brown bread. Many manufacturers claim that they produce brown bread with the same amount of calcium as in white bread. Whole wheat bread contains Phytonutrient also called as plant lignans that have been observed to protect against heart diseases and breast cancer.

Things to consider while buying Brown Bread
The declining demand for white bread has forced a lot of manufacturers to use caramel as a coloring agent to darken white to brown bread. So buyers need to carefully look for the ingredients mentioned in the packing to ensure that they are buying the right product. It is important to check the first ingredient to see whether it is whole wheat or whole meal flour. If the word "enriched" is used, it means that the same flour used for white bread is used. Look for the bread with the minimum ingredients to ensure that you get maximum nutrients and very little additives. Also, make sure the amount of the following ingredients are as given below; sodium should be lesser than 401mg, saturated fat should be 1gm and fiber needs to be 4gm per 2 slices of serving.

To conclude, when it comes to organic and fitness oriented scenarios, brown is always better than white.

White Vs Brown Bread - Which One Should You Eat ?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also called as acid reflux. It is a long-term digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach which causes the stomach contents to come back up into the esophagus resulting in either symptoms or complications. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week or moderate-to-severe acid reflux which occurs at least once a week.

Epidemiology

In western populations, GERD affects approximately 10% to 20% of the population and 0.4% newly develop the condition. In developed nations, the prevalence rate of GERD is associated with age; with adults aged 60 to 70 being the most commonly affected.

Signs and Symptoms

Esophageal symptoms include:

Heartburn
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Dysphagia
Sensation of a lump in the throat
Extraesophageal symptoms include:

Coughing and/or wheezing
Hoarseness, sore throat, or laryngitis
Otitis media
Noncardiac chest pain
Enamel erosion or other dental manifestations
New or worsening asthma
Disrupted sleep
Risk Factors

Obesity
Pregnancy
Hiatus hernia 
Scleroderma and systemic sclerosis
The use of medicines such as prednisolone
Delayed stomach emptying Zollinger-Ellison syndrome which can show an increase in gastric acidity because of gastrin production
A high blood calcium level which can increase gastrin production, leading to increased acidity
Visceroptosis or Gl nard syndrome, in which the stomach has sunk in the abdomen upsetting the motility and acid secretion of the stomach.
Factors that can increase acid reflux involve:

Smoking habit
Eating heavy meals or eating late at night
Eating fatty or fried foods
Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
Medications, such as aspirin
Tight clothes
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Differential Diagnosis

Heart disease causing chest pain
Laryngopharyngeal reflux OR extraesophageal reflux disease
Infection
Peptic ulcer
Esophageal spasm
Complications

Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture): Stomach acid causes the formation of a scar tissue which narrows the food pathway.
An open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer): Acid causes an open sore which bleeds, causes pain, and makes swallowing difficult.
Precancerous changes in the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus): Damage from acid can cause changes in the tissue lining the lower esophagus
Anemia
How to arrive at the diagnosis?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy/esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Esophageal manometry
Ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring
Treatment

The goals of treatment are controlling symptoms, healing esophagitis, and prevention of recurrent esophagitis or other complications.

Lifestyle modifications include the following:

Losing weight (if overweight)
Eating small and frequent meals instead of large meals
Waiting 3 hours after a meal to lie down
Elevating the head end of the bed by 8 inches
Avoiding bending or stooping positions
Medications

H2 receptor antagonists (ranitidine, cimetidine)
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
Prokinetic agents (aluminum hydroxide)
Antacids (magnesium hydroxide)
Surgery

Transthoracic and transabdominal fundoplication
Placement of a device to augment the lower esophageal sphincter

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - What Should You Know

Heartburn is a common symptom experienced by many people, but is often overlooked as indigestion. Besides making you uncomfortable, this can be a sign of a much bigger health problem. While the occasional heartburn can be treated with antacids, chronic heartburn can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. Here are three important reasons you should not ignore heartburn.

It can promote tooth decay:The acid regurgitated might not necessarily stop in the esophagus. It can often also make its way into your mouth. When this happens frequently it can promote tooth decay and wear out enamel. This can also leave your mouth with a sour taste. Acid reflux induced tooth erosion can easily be prevented by the early treatment of acid reflux,but in most cases is noticed only after the damage has been done.
It can cause cancer of the esophagus:Chronic acid reflux that persists for years can lead to changes in the cells of the esophagus. This can lead to a cancerous condition known as Barrett's esophagus. The condition has no other symptoms can if left untreated can develop into cancer of the esophagus. Women are at a higher risk of this form of cancer than men. Though esophageal cancer is relatively rare, it is not something to be trifled with. The survival rate of esophageal cancer is very low in comparison to other forms of cancer. Only 15-20% patients live longer than 5 years after this condition is diagnosed.
It can lead to breathing problems:Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. If it is inhaled after regurgitation, it can worsen asthmatic conditions and pneumonia. At the same time, treating acid reflux with medication like PPIs can also increase the risk of pneumonia as it can promote bacterial growth and suppress coughing. Thus, when consulting a doctor for acid reflux treatment ensure that you mention any existing asthmatic conditions so that you can be treated with your lung functioning in mind.
In addition, acid reflux can also impact a person's health and quality of life. To prevent heartburn people often find themselves avoiding certain foods. This can impact their social lives and in turn make them withdrawing into themselves. A person's sleep can also be affected by heartburn. Hence, it is important to treat heart burn as early as possible and not wait for it to become a chronic problem.

GERD / Heartburn - 3 Reasons Why You Should Not Ignore it 

Protein is said to be a building block for the body. That being said, a high protein diet can either have some great results to show, or some terrible consequences. As long as a person is willing to learn more about it, only the former will appear!

When a person thinks of a diet which is high in protein, the automatic association is with the famous Atkins diet. This diet is not only high in the amount of protein consumed but is low in the relative amount of carbohydrate.

Who is it for?

A high protein diet is best if a person is looking to build little muscles and does not consume enough protein in his or her current or normal diet. However, studies have found that only professional endurance athletes showed any benefits from a hike in their consumption levels of protein, and that too they could have received these benefits by just eating more food. So, it is fair to say that the normal person is not likely to need more protein than what he or she already gets from his/her diet.

It can be bad too, in addition to this, if a person has an amount of protein which is beyond what is good for him or her according to the activity level, it can be quite bad. This is because a lot of the sources of protein from which most people fulfil their requirements also happen to be quite high in terms of the saturated fat content, which can put the heart at a great amount of risk. Moreover, gout can also occur and it is something that is not curable but can only be managed. A person who is considering the prospect of going on a high protein diet should take these possible side effects into due account prior to making his or her decision regarding the same.

The modest increase in the protein part of a person s diet can be good, and there are a variety of ways a person can increase it by having some simple munch food items such as almonds. Things like these can serve well as snacks and can go a long way in preventing a person from overeating on something less healthy just due to his or her being ravenously hungry. Another option is Greek yogurt and chia seeds, which can be added to almost anything! 

Making small changes in the diet can help in fulfilling the protein requirements. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dietitian-nutritionist.

High Protein Diet - Things You Must Know!

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