AIDS and HIV Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary, depending on the phase of infection.

Primary infection

The majority of people infected by HIV develop a flu-like illness within a month or two after the virus enters the body. This illness, known as primary or acute HIV infection, may last for a few weeks. Possible signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Mouth or genital ulcers
• Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck
• Joint pain
• Night sweats
• Diarrhea

Although the symptoms of primary HIV infection may be mild enough to go unnoticed, the amount of virus in the bloodstream (viral load) is particularly high at this time. As a result, HIV infection spreads more efficiently during primary infection than during the next stage of infection.

Clinical latent infection

In some people, persistent swelling of lymph nodes occurs during clinical latent HIV. Otherwise, there are no specific signs and symptoms. HIV remains in the body, however, and in infected white blood cells.

Clinical latent infection typically lasts eight to 10 years. A few people stay in this stage even longer, but others progress to more severe disease much sooner.

Early symptomatic HIV infection

As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic signs and symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes — often one of the first signs of HIV infection
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Progression to AIDS

If you receive no treatment for your HIV infection, the disease typically progresses to AIDS in about 10 years. By the time AIDS develops, your immune system has been severely damaged, making you susceptible to opportunistic infections — diseases that wouldn't trouble a person with a healthy immune system.

The signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include:

• Soaking night sweats
• Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 F (38 C) for several weeks
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic diarrhea
• Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth
• Headaches
• Persistent, unexplained fatigue
• Blurred and distorted vision
• Weight loss
• Skin rashes or bumps

When to see a doctor

If you think you may have been infected with HIV or are at risk of contracting the virus, see a health care provider as soon as possible.

Baadhi ya vyakula ambavyo ni tiba bora katika maisha ya yako.... Cha ajabu punda ni dawa pia

The reason that medical advances in science have made natural cures unpopular is that pharmaceutical drugs get rid of the symptoms almost immediately – a necessity in today’s “instant gratification” society. Unfortunately, consistently replying on drugs not only makes us exceedingly dependent on them, but a lot of the times they do not tackle the underlying issues but rather only eliminate the symptoms. This dependency can also lead to more harm than good for other areas of our body – especially the liver and the kidneys.

Holistic remedies have once again started to regain popularity over the recent years. Many people have started introducing various roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds into their diets and have witnessed firsthand re-invigoration of both the body and the mind.

Below are ten natural cures that we encourage you to be informed on – not to refer to them as miracles, but if truth be told – they are nothing short of it.

Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Known as Karela in India, the Bitter Gourd is famously used to fight diabetes – a necessity for a country that loves their sweets! The Bitter Gourd consists of insulin that not only lowers high blood sugar levels but also improves overall sensitivity/tolerance to sugar in general. The only part that may make this vegetable-fruit unappealing is its sheer bitterness – there is after all a reason the word bitter accompanies its name; but benefits are yours to be had if you can get past it. For full benefits, it is advised that you simply blend it with water (perhaps add some salt, pepper, and lemon juice to hands the bitterness) but you can find recipes for sautés that may help make the experience a tad savory.

Sorrel

Juicing Sorrel is a concept native to the Trinidad and Tobago. Science has shown that the flower is bursting with minerals and vitamins (particularly rich in Vitamin A and C and Iron) and anti-oxidants. It is consumed in order to boost one’s immune system.

Pink Lotus Root

Lotus root has long been known to have numerous benefits in various parts of Asia. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, lotus root has been known to aid in healing, boosting immune system, and aid in better digestion. Practitioners of natural medicine also claim that lotus roots can be used to reduce anxiety and aid with insomnia by helping the body relax. One can consume lotus root through a delicious sauté or by simply juicing it – for blend it together with orange, a little bit of ginger, and water for a tasty and nutritious beverage.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties do wonders for those suffering from awful cold and flu symptoms. While you may not be able to get your hands directly on the leaves of a eucalyptus tree as residents of Spain can, you can get the benefits from the extracted oil (but also leaves if you can find a trustworthy dealer). Visit here to learn more functions and how to properly use the Eucalyptus oil.

Korean Ginseng

Korean ginseng is not the same as American by any means. Korean ginseng has numerous health benefits including boosting immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and much more. More popularly however, it is notorious for helping improve men’s sexual issues; erectile dysfunction, infertility, and longevity of the performance have been avenues where it has shown to be beneficial.

Chamomile

Chamomile in United States is usually taken by tea lovers to aid in falling asleep – those on sleep medication are highly encouraged to try this. The French however have been known to use chamomile to help deal with uncomfortable stomach and to help deal with pain – especially menstrual cramps.

Nopal

Nopal is commonly seen used in Mexican cuisines. It is basically the stems of a cactus that are prepared and eaten like a vegetable. Along with being a great source of dietary fiber, Nopal is infused with phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Introducing Nopal into one’s diet is highly suggested for those that need to lower bad cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar.

Donkey’s Milk

The general idea of donkey’s milk received a lot of mainstream attention once it became linked to Pope Francis – and Italy since then found its new love in this substance. As strange as the idea may sound, donkey’s milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk and consists of high levels of vitamins, anti-bacterial proteins, and anti-allergens. It’s anti-allergen properties have been known to alleviate psoriasis and eczema and has also shown evidence of helping people with asthma and bronchitis. Its content is very similar to that of breast milk and thus can be given to newborn children with asthma and skin related complications.

Baobab Fruit

Baobab is the staple of the West African nation of Togo. Referred to as “Monkey Bread” by the locals, the fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals and is known to lower blood pressure.

Arctic Cloudberry

Found in the marshes of northern Finland, Arctic Cloudberries have anti-carcinogen properties and are loaded with anti-oxidants and Omega fatty acids. Like most other berries, these also have a long trail of endless benefits – and just as delicious (resembling a sweet-sour apple flavor).

Soma Dhana Nzima ya kubemenda mtoto, mitazamo, ufafanuzi na ushauri

Kuna hili suala linaloitwa 'kubemenda' mtoto, watu wanadai kuwa sperms huwa zinaleta madhara kwenye maziwa ya mama na kumdhoofisha mtoto kiafya na wengine wanasema ukimshika mtoto baada ya sex pia ina madhara. kiukweli suala la Kubemenda ni imani potofu (myth) na hakuna uhusiano wa sperms na maziwa ya mama katika kudhoofisha afya ya mtoto; iwe kwa kushirikiana tendo la ndoa au kumshika mtoto baada ya sex.

Je, nini maana ya kubemenda mtoto? 

Kwanza hii imani potofu inaeleza kwamba kubemenda mtoto ni pale wanandoa wanapojihusisha na tendo la ndoa baada ya mtoto Kuzaliwa (pale mke anapokuwa tayari kiafya kwa tendo la ndoa baada ya kujifungua) kwa maana kwamba sperms huharibu maziwa ambayo mtoto ananyonya, si kweli hakuna uhusiano wowote kati ya maziwa ya mama na sperms katika kuathiri afya ya mtoto.
Pili kubemenda mtoto ni kitendo cha wanandoa kujihusisha na tendo la ndoa na mke kushika mimba miezi mwili tu au mitatu tu baada ya kujifungua na kupelekea kuzaa mtoto mwingine baada ya mwaka na matokeo yake mtoto aliyetangulia Kuzaliwa huwa dhaifu kiafya (huchelewa kutembea) na huitwa ni mtoto ambaye amebemendwa, kitu ambacho ni imani potofu kwani kuna wanandoa wengi tu wamezaa watoto waliopishana mwaka na wote wana afya njema kabisa.

Tatu kubemenda ni kitendo cha mwanandoa mmoja kutoka nje ya ndoa (sex) na akirudi ndani huendelea na tendo la ndoa na matokeo yake mtoto wa ndani ya ndoa huwa dhaifu, pia ni imani potofu hakuna kitu kama hicho. Jambo la msingi ni kufuata ushauri wa kitaalamu ambao ni wiki sita baada ya kujifungua. Je, kuna ukweli wowote kuhusiana na hii imani potofu Iwe wanandoa kujihusisha na tendo la ndoa baada ya mtoto Kuzaliwa au kuzaa mwingine baada ya mwaka au hata kutoka nje hakuna uhusiano na mtoto aliyezaliwa kama suala la usafi na lishe bora litazingatiwa kwa mtoto anayehusika.

Je, kulikoni mababu zetu wakaweka imani kama hiyo kwa wanandoa? 

Kama zilivyo imani zingine potofu kama vile mwanamke mjamzito kutokula mayai mababu zetu walikuwa na somo ndani yake, inawezekana walitaka kuhakikisha wanandoa wanashiriki vizuri katika kulea mtoto kwa pamoja bila kupendekeza tabia za uchafu na kujirusha nje na ndani ya ndoa bila utaratibu. Pia labda mababu zetu walihofia kitendo cha mwanamke kutoa maziwa (chuluzika) wakati wa tendo la ndoa hasa anapofika kileleni (tangu akifungue hadi miezi 8 hivi) na wakawa wanahofia kinaweza kuathiri kiwango cha chakula cha mtoto hivyo ili kuzuia ni kutunga imani (potofu) kwamba mtoto ataathirika kwa mke na mume kushiriki tendo la ndoa.

Je, ili mtoto asionekane amebemendwa wanandoa wanahitaji kufanya kitu gani? 

Ni vizuri kufahamu kwamba hakuna uhusiano wa sperms kuharibu maziwa ya mama wakati wa kumnyonyesha mtoto hivyo wanandoa kushiriki tendo la ndoa halina uhusiano wowote na mtoto kuwa na afya mbaya kiasi cha kuchelewa kutembea. Mtoto anahitaji watoto chakula bora chenye viini-lishe vyote vinavyohitajika ili kukua vizuri pia mama anahitaji kujiweka mazingira safi (kuwa msafi) wakati ananyonyesha, ahakikishe anasafisha chuchu zake na mikono yake au kuzingatia usafi kimwili kabla ya kumnyonyesha mtoto iwe baada ya sex au muda wowote.

Je, kulikoni mababu zetu wakaweka imani kama hiyo kwa wanandoa?

Kama zilivyo imani zingine potofu kama vile mwanamke mjamzito kutokula mayai mababu zetu walikuwa na somo ndani yake, inawezekana walitaka kuhakikisha wanandoa wanashiriki vizuri katika kulea mtoto kwa pamoja bila kupendekeza tabia za uchafu na kujirusha nje na ndani ya ndoa bila utaratibu. Pia labda mababu zetu walihofia kitendo cha mwanamke kutoa maziwa (chuluzika) wakati wa tendo la ndoa hasa anapofika kileleni (tangu akifungue hadi miezi 8 hivi) na wakawa wanahofia kinaweza kuathiri kiwango cha chakula cha mtoto hivyo ili kuzuia ni kutunga imani (potofu) kwamba mtoto ataathirika kwa mke na mume kushiriki tendo la ndoa.

Je, ili mtoto asionekane amebemendwa wanandoa wanahitaji kufanya kitu gani? 

Ni vizuri kufahamu kwamba hakuna uhusiano wa sperms kuharibu maziwa ya mama wakati wa kumnyonyesha mtoto hivyo wanandoa kushiriki tendo la ndoa halina uhusiano wowote na mtoto kuwa na afya mbaya kiasi cha kuchelewa kutembea. Mtoto anahitaji watoto chakula bora chenye viini-lishe vyote vinavyohitajika ili kukua vizuri pia mama anahitaji kujiweka mazingira safi (kuwa msafi) wakati ananyonyesha, ahakikishe anasafisha chuchu zake na mikono yake au kuzingatia usafi kimwili kabla ya kumnyonyesha mtoto iwe baada ya sex au muda wowote. Huwezi kusikia takataka za neno kubemenda katika nchi zilizoendelea kama Canada, Sweden, Australia, Ujerumani nk why? Ni traditions (Myth).

Chanzo: sayi manyanda

Probability Of Contracting 6 Most Common Stds In One Sexual Encounter

Before I start, I'll have to state that my figures are majorly for heterosexuals. The probabilities are significantly higher for homosexuals. In addition these figures can be significantly higher depending on a number of factors I can't go into now. 

1. Gonorrhea- It is estimated that a man has a 20% chance of contracting Gonorrhea after just one sexual encounter while a woman has between 60-80% chance of contracting it

2. Hepatitis: The risk of contracting it in one single sexual encounter is on the low side. It's about 0.3% 

3. Syphilis: It is estimated that the risk of contracting syphilis is about 3%. 

4. Human papilomavirus (HPV): HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.The probability of contracting it in one sexual encounter is 20% 

5. Herpes: This is another common sexually transmitted disease with a very high probability of contracting in one sexual encounter. The estimate is 75% for men and can be as high as 98% for women. 

6. HIV: I know many of you would have been expecting this. Surprisingly, it has the least probability of transmission. Were it not for the low probability of transmission, majority of us would have been HIV positive.  The estimated probability of transmission from male to female is 0.08% while that of female to male transmission is 0.04%. 

NB: Please note that just one encounter can lead to having a particular STD irrespective of how low the probability of contracting it may be. It's therefore imperative one protects his/her self at all times

Which Way Will You Choose?

Start your day with some health tips

 Start your day with lemon juice.

• This is one of the best therapies to eliminate belly fat. Pinch some yellow juice into a glass of warm water and add some salt to it. Continue drinking this every morning to boost your metabolism and to get rid of that paunch.

• Stay off from white rice

• Replace white rice with various wheat products. Include brown rice, brown bread, wholegrains, oats and quinoa in your diet.

• Avoid sugary substances.

• Stay away from sweets, sweetened drinks and foods rich in oil. Consuming these foods can increase body fat around various areas of your body like abdomen and thighs.

• Drink plenty of water.

• If you want to get rid of your belly, then drink sufficient amount of water every day. Drinking water, after regular intervals will help to boost your metabolism and remove toxins from your body.

• Eat raw garlic.

• Chew two to three cloves of garlic every morning, and drink a glass of lemon water after that. This treatment will double up your weight loss process and make your blood circulation smooth in your body.

• Avoid non-veg food.

• To eliminate belly fat, it is recommended that one should avoid non-vegetarian food as far as possible.

• Load up on fruits and vegetables.

• Eat a bowl of fruits daily in the morning and evening. This will fill you up with many antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.

• Spice up your cooking.

• Use spices like cinnamon, ginger and black pepper in your cooking. These spices are loaded with health benefits. They help to improve your insulin resistance and reduce levels of sugar in your blood.

8 Unhealthy Foods You May Think are Healthy

This article may help you to be aware that what you think is healthy may be the complete opposite.

Pasta: The typical fare you get at the grocery store is practically plain white flour, with water and eggs, this means no minerals, vitamins, fiber or anything your body needs, so you are eating a bowl of shaped pasta as empty calories.

White Bread: To put it simply, this is pasta, shaped as bread.

Soup Mix: This can be seen as an artificial mixture filled with salt and preservatives, which are major contributors to heart diseases.

Ketchup: A spoon of ketchup can be synonymous with a spoonful of sugar with a pinch of salt (by pinch I mean less salt than sugar, but still enough to be extremely harmful to your health)

Diet Soda: “Diet” Sodas can be even worse than sugar-filled versions, thanks to the artificial sweeteners they use, like Aspartame, which can increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer, in my opinion stay far away from anything that says “diet” or “light”.

Soy Sauce: It has very high amounts of salt and there are often chemicals known to increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Salty Peanuts: Nuts themselves are very healthy and packed with many healthy fats, fiber and minerals we need, but these days the majority of peanuts sold as snacks come packed with huge amounts of salt, roasted and often coated in unhealthy fats or sugar.

Fruit juice: Commercial fruit juice is pumped up with extra sugar and the pulp has been removed, which provides the essential fiber (a good counterbalance to all the natural sugar contained in the fruit)

Source : Green yatra

TEN GREAT REASONS TO DRINK LEMON WATER! AND 10 Benefits of Juicing Lemons

We all know or have been told that drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is especially good for cleansing the liver and to kick start our digestive system, and it is completely true, but lemon water does much more than that.

10 Reasons You Should Drink Lemon Water >Drink Lemon Water in the morning for health and vitality!
Here is the top 10, out of many, benefits of drinking lemon water.

1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C and potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH: Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized, so, you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity.

3. Helps with weight loss: To fight hunger cravings maintain a more alkaline diet, this is because lemons are high in pectin fiber.

4. Aids in digestion: It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion, which reduces heartburn and constipation.

5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it from toxins, therefore, helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin: Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well, this is thanks to the vitamin C component, which helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes.

7. Freshens breath: The citric acid can kill the bacteria, so it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs.

9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when your mind and body are subjected to stress, and in the lives we lead, who is not?

10. Helps kick the coffee habit: Normally after a glass of hot lemon water, you don’t crave coffee in the morning. Try it yourself!

The recipe is really simple – a cup of warm water (not hot) and the juice from half of a lemon.

10 BENEFITS JUICING LEMONS
Lemons are the topic of the day. I always loved the taste of lemons, especially in my green juices.

1. Antibacterial

When you ingest lemon juice the acid from the lemon juice acts as a antibacterial force inside your stomach.

You can also use lemons to clean your cutting boards and counters.

2. Vitamin C Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C helps destroy H. pylori, which is a type of bacteria in your stomach. H. pylori is being research for it’s ability to cause stomach ulcers.

Here is a great stomach and gut tonic. This will help you go to the restroom and it will help your stomach fight off any unwanted bacteria like H. pylori. The tonic includes: 1 cup of warm water, 1/2 lemon (juiced), 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseed.

3. Alkalize the Body

Believe it or not but lemon are alkalizing for the body. Many people think since lemons are sour they are actually acidic inside your body. Inside your body lemons don’t act acidic, instead they have alkalizing properties that keep your pH balance.

It’s best to start your day with warm water and lemon juice.

4. Liver Cleanser

Lemons help stimulate your liver and helps flush out toxins like uric acid and also liquefies the bile. This is part of the reason why lemons are used as a great cleanser.

5. Vitamin P

Vitamin P is a flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radials associated with cellular damage and aging. Flavonoids also help reduce inflammation.
6. Anti-cancer Properties

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer properties like limonine which slows the growth of tumors. (1)
7. Protection Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative disease that occurs with aging. Foods rich in vitamin C helps protect agains inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Cleans You Out and Aids in Digestion

Lemon juice like most fresh vegetable juices contain pectin fiber. Pectin fiber is a type of water soluble fiber that helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Another great thing about pectin is that it keeps you feeling full and reduces cravings.
9. Natural Diuretic

Lemon juice and warm water also help increase the rate of urination. This is great because toxins and other harmful substances are pushed out of your body, leaving your body in a alkaline state.
10. Hydration of Lymph System

Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed just to name a few.

When you have these symptoms it might mean that your adrenals are “fatigued.” Your adrenals function in secreting necessary hormones, regulating stress response, regulating blood pressure and much more. So keep your adrenals happy by staying hydrated.

10 Super Home Remedies for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Did you recently start scaring eating your food away? I bet, this is because you dread that burning sensation in your chest that makes its way up to your throat! This is what we call GERD — Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The disease that you know by the name of Acid Reflux and Heartburn.

Understanding Acid Reflux and Heartburn

We all have the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) which can be thought of as a tight seal connecting food pipe with our stomach. When the LES loosens up while our stomach is still working to digest the food, stomach acids travel back up in the esophagus causing inflammation, irritation and scarring. As a result the esophagus narrows down and food that we eat gets stuck there. We also experience one or all of such symptoms as hoarseness, burning, irritation, coughing, wheezing, and nausea too. Acid reflux sometimes also causes heartburn which is the sensation of tightness, pain or discomfort right in the middle of the chest.

There are variety of reasons that lead to acid reflux that include obesity, spicy or acidic foods or even large meals at a one go, smoking, and sometimes certain antibiotic medicines that kill good bacteria in our body along with the bad ones. Acid reflux, in turn may or may not lead to heartburn. While over-the-counter medicines are readily available to grant temporary relief from acid reflux, it’s better to adopt home remedies to permanently treat heartburn as well as acid reflux.

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

1. Avoid Foods that Trigger Acid Reflux

Even before you begin some home remedy, you must stop taking foods that will certainly lead to heartburn. So, you better avoid caffeine, fizzy drinks like sodas, chocolate, peppermint, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, and fatty foods till the time you are sure you’ve got rid of GERD.

2. Watch What, How and When you Eat

You may call them little changes in your dietery habits but they are essential if you want to get relief from acid reflux. So, do the following

• Eat more fiber in your meals so that your digestive system is alert and moving. Better and early digestion will sure prevent acid reflux.
• Eat smaller meals. You may eat five to six smaller meals than having three large meals a day. When you eat too much, your stomach may not keep up the LES closed for longer while it works with biles and acids.
• Not only smaller meals, you should also take smaller bites and eat slowly. This will keep the LES as it is and won’t provoke it to loosen up.
• Have your last meal at least two to three hours before you go to bed. This ensures complete digestion of food and no chance left for acids to travel up in your food pipe.

3. Bring Little Lifestyle Changes

Bringing some changes in your lifestyle is far better than suffer from horrible sensation of burning and irritation within your chest all the time. In fact, prolonged acid reflux can also lead to esophageal cancer due to the acids up there.

• Lose weight if you are obese. Abdominal fat’s pressure can push back the acid up into the esophagus.
• You should also watch your sleeping position. Keep your upper body elevated while sleeping.
• Sleeping on your on your left side may also help in digestion. Better and quick digestion means no acid reflux. Some of the studies suggest that when you sleep on your stomach or on right side, you exert additional pressure which might trigger GERD symptoms.
• Quit smoking. Smoking weakens the muscle, the LES, and it can’t often remain tight releasing acid back up into the esophagus.
• Cut back on alcohol, especially red wine which triggers heartburn.
• Wear lose clothes, especially around abdomen. Tight jeans, pants and skirts can put pressure on stomach releasing its acid up again towards your throat.

4. Have Almonds

Having raw almonds help containing acid reflux. Almond is alkaline producing food and alkaline works to balance body’s pH level. Thus, it can be said that almonds can neutralize the acid that causes burning sensatin in the esophagus. It is also a good source of calcium which in turn is highlyy recommended for GERD patients.

• You may have handful of almonds as a snack everyday.
• Have 2-3 almonds after every meal.
• You may also keep some almond in your purse or in office drawer so that you find them easily when you’re attacked by acid reflux!

5. Drink Aloe Vera Juice

This wonder herb aloe vera soothes burning skin as well as burning esophageal lining! Aloe vera can reduce inflammation of esophagus as well as of stomach. It can even heal the existing damage caused by acid reflux and heartburn.

• If you have severe problem due to acid reflux, have half a cup of aloe juice before each meal. However watch out for its laxative properties too.
• Alternatively, have 2 ounces of aloe juice first thing in the morning mixed with a glass of water.

6. Use Acidic Apple Cider Vinegar to Counter Stomach Acid

Some of the recent health researches have established that acid reflux is not always caused by excessive production of acid. It may sometimes result from under production of acid too. As our body takes signals automatically, when the stomach doesn’t produce enough acid, the LES might loosen itself up thinking that the digestion process is complete as there’s little or no acid left in the stomach. This may cause heartburn. If that’s the case, you’ll have to experiment by having some apple cider vinegar, an acid.

• Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with ¾ or 1 cup of water.
• Drink this mixture before meal.
• However, if you experience increased instance of acid reflux stop taking vinegar.

7. An Apple a Day May Keep your Heartburn Away!

This is rather a delicious way to keep your acid reflux at bay. The fibers in the apple absorb away the acids that are produced in the stomach. Not to say, fiber is good for digestion and bowel movement too. High amounts of dietary fibers in an apple makes it a good cure for indigestion and in turn for acid reflux.

• Have an apple before you go to bed; or
• Have fresh apples once or even few times a day.

8. Help Yourself with Ginger and Chamomile Tea

Yes, a variety of tea can come to your rescue when suffering from GERD. You may get organic tea from health stores or make fresh tea using certain herbs and roots, whatever suits you best.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea acts as an acid buffer.
• Take 3 inches piece of ginger and boil it in water for about 15-20 minutes.
• Add a dash of honey to this. Honey, like almonds, helps in balancing pH level of body and neutralizes stomach acids.
• Strain and have this tea before meals.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea helps reducing inflammation in stomach. You’ll need dried flower petals of chamomile, honey, lemon and water.

• Boil one cup of water.
• Add the chamomile petals and simmer for about a minute.
• Put off the flame and cover the pot. Let it seep for 2-3 minutes.
• Strain and pour this tea in a cup.
• Add a dash of honey and lemon each.

It’s better to have chamomile tea before you go to sleep.

9. A Teaspoon of Mustard

Mustard is yet again an alkaline-producing food item. So, you might want to give this a try to relieve off from acid reflux. Any kind of mustard is capable of neutralizing your stomach acid but prefer to have good quality mustard that is yellow in color. You might first feel a fiery scorching thing is going down your esophagus. However let it slowly slide sown your throat coating it thoroughly. This will give you immediate relief from heartburn.

10. Licorice for Soothing Relief in Acid Reflux

Licorice is a herb that has been used since ancient times to treat cough and cold. It is said that the chemicals in licorice decrease swelling and cough, help in thinning mucus secretions, and also increase those chemicals in the body that can heal ulcers. This herb creates a thin film of protective mucus which coats the lining of esophagus thus preventing damage from stomach acids. Licorice root can be used to make tea by boiling it in water. However, some components of licorice may increase blood pressure. Therefore, many people suffering from GERD like to have DIG licorice chewable tablets before meal. DIG licorice tablets do not contain glycyrrhizic acid which leads to high blood pressure.

Some Quick Tips for Instant Relief from Acid Reflux

When you realize that there’s a sudden attack of acid reflux, you may follow this super quick remedies to get instant relief. These remedies may be short-lived but they will comfort you for sometime.

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water and drink.
• Have a cup full of chilled milk.
• Chew gum (sugar free chewing gum) after meal. This triggers the production of saliva which in turn washes away the acid in your throat and esophagus.
• If your heartburn is due to antibiotics, have a lots of yogurt, preferably pro-biotic yogurt.
• Have a banana.
• Include celery in your meals. Have celery before going to bed.

All of the above home remedies are good for getting rid from acid reflex. However, not all will suit you. Remember, the causes of acid reflux are different for different people! So, find that one home remedy or the combination of herbal or home remedies that keeps your heartburn away and just stick to that remedy!