Five Ways To Quit Smoking
Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke are responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the American Lung Association.
Most people are aware of the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S.
Quitting smoking is not a single event that happens on one day it is a journey. By quitting, you will improve your health and the quality and duration of your life, as well as the lives of those around you.
To quit smoking, you not only need to alter your behavior and cope with the withdrawal symptoms experienced from cutting out nicotine, but you also need to find other ways to manage your moods.
With the right game plan, you can break free from nicotine addiction and kick the habit for good. Here are five ways to tackle smoking cessation.
What Causes Nausea Or Vomiting
The causes of nausea and vomiting are quite similar. Many things can bring on nausea. Some common causes are:
- Seasickness and other motion sicknesses
- Early pregnancy
- Various viruses
- Certain smells or odors
The causes of vomiting differ according to age. For adults, vomiting is commonly a result of a viral infection and food poisoning, and occasionally a result of motion sickness and illnesses in which the person has a high fever. For children, it is common for vomiting to occur because of a viral infection, food poisoning, motion sickness, overeating or feeding, coughing, and illnesses in which the child has a high fever. Although rare, blocked intestines can cause vomiting, most typically in early infancy.
Usually vomiting is harmless, but it can be a sign of a more serious illness. Some examples of serious conditions that may bring on nausea or vomiting include:
- Migraine headaches
Another concern with vomiting is dehydration. Adults have a lower risk of becoming dehydrated because they can usually detect the symptoms of dehydration . Children have a greater risk of becoming dehydrated, especially if the vomiting occurs with diarrhea, because young children may often be unable to tell an adult about symptoms of dehydration. Adults caring for sick children need to be aware of these visible signs of dehydration:
- Dry lips and mouth
- Rapid breathing or pulse
In infants, parents should look for decreased urination, and a sunken fontanelle .
Common Causes Of Upset Stomach In Dogs
There are many reasons your dog may have an upset stomach, though theres one common cause: they ate something they shouldnt have, says Kathy Backus, DVM, at Holistic Veterinary Services in Kaysville, Utah.
Dogs are curious like kids theyre always putting things in their mouth, she says. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs that a dogs body is trying to expel something that shouldnt be in their system. In a healthy dog, its a protective mechanism of the body thats totally normal.
These are a few things that can trigger an upset stomach in dogs:
-
Ingesting something that they shouldnt
-
Bacterial imbalances within the digestive tract
-
Chronic conditions such as food sensitivities
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What Happens If You Drink Vinegar Everyday
According to Health Services at Columbia, drinking vinegar regularly can cause several negative effects, including intestinal pain, due to its high acid content. You may experience burning in the mouth, throat or esophagus, nausea, stomach upset and intestinal discomfort.
How do you use apple cider vinegar for digestion?
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for added digestive benefits. Sweeten with a drizzle of bees honey. Add ACV to a smoothie. Mask the bitter taste of ACV by adding it to a fruit smoothie. To support healthy digestion, place 1 tablespoon of ACV, 1/2 cup of raspberries, 1/3 cup of apple chunks, and 1/2 of a banana in a blender with ice.
How Long Will Indigestion Last
Indigestion might go way as soon as you change your diet and habits. If you do take medication for your upset stomach, only do so with your healthcare providers approval. Some medications, especially acid reducers, can have long-term side effects. These may include an increased risk of infections or low levels of important nutrients.
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Licorice Can Reduce Indigestion And May Help Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Licorice is a popular remedy for indigestion and may also prevent painful stomach ulcers.
Traditionally, people consumed licorice root whole. Today, it is available as a supplement called deglycyrrhizinated licorice .
DGL is preferential over regular licorice root because it no longer contains glycyrrhizin, a naturally occurring chemical in licorice that can cause fluid imbalances, high blood pressure, and low potassium levels when consumed in large quantities (
Summary
Ground flaxseed meal and flaxseed oil can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation in humans. Animal studies suggest they may also prevent stomach ulcers and intestinal spasms, but more research is needed.
Home Remedies To Cure An Upset Stomach
Try these six natural remedies for your upset stomach.
You may have had too many seasonal sweets or too much to eat, and you may need to find a quick way to rebound and recover from an upset stomach. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to pop some Tums or take medicine to feel better. In fact, there are quite a few natural remedies for stomach aches.
For more health tips, check out signs you are not getting enough quality sleep and this dietary supplement also makes a good sleep aid.
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Learn What May Be Causing Your Stomach Pain And When You Should See A Doctor
Have you ever had stomach pains, but couldnt pinpoint the cause? Fortunately, stomach pain usually isnt cause for concern.
“An upset stomach is very common and can be related to a number of health issues,” explains Dr. Jessica McKee, gastroenterologist at Geisinger Medical Center. “Often, it goes away on its own. Still, it can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious.”
Here are some different causes for an upset stomach and when you may need to see a doctor.
When To Seek Professional Help For Upset Stomach
If your stomach ache is persistent with no signs of improvement and lasts for more than several days, it is time to get professional help as this may be a sign of a more serious ailment that requires immediate medical attention.
Sudden and severe stomach aches can be the root cause of serious problems that may worsen if medical help is not sought immediately. You should see your doctor immediately, especially if the pain has been concentrated in a single area. Some of the reasons for stomach ache are as follows:
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Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the readers situation.
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What To Do About Fluids When You Have Diarrhea
Do drink plenty of fluids. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 1 cup of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Water, Pedialyte, fruit juices, caffeine-free soda, and salty broths are some good choices. According to the Cleveland Clinic, salt helps slow down the fluid loss, and sugar will help your body absorb the salt.
Dont consume beverages at extreme temperatures. Consume all liquids at room temperature, or slightly warmed, advises Dr. Ganjhu. Anything too hot or too cold can cause nausea.
Do drink herbal tea. There is some research to suggest that products containing certain combinations of herbs may help an upset stomach. One research review cited the potential favorable effects of drinking a chamomile preparation that is combined with other herbs in treating diarrhea.
Dont consume caffeine, alcohol, or certain sodas. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhea, according to the U.S. Library of Medicine. Sodas containing high-fructose corn syrup can also cause trouble when you have an upset stomach. According to a study published in the journal Healthcare, large amounts of fructose can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Dilute your water with fruit juice. Water can sometimes be nauseating when you have diarrhea. Ganjhu recommends diluting it with fruit juice, like cranberry or apple juice, to make it easier to tolerate.
What Can Be Done To Control Or Relieve Nausea And Vomiting
There are several ways to control or relieve nausea however, if these techniques do not seem to ease the queasiness, talk to your doctor.
When trying to control nausea:
- Drink clear or ice-cold drinks.
- Eat light, bland foods .
- Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
- Eat slowly and eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Do not mix hot and cold foods.
- Drink beverages slowly.
- Avoid activity after eating.
- Avoid brushing your teeth after eating.
- Choose foods from all the food groups as you can tolerate them to get adequate nutrition.
Treatment for vomiting includes:
- Drinking gradually larger amounts of clear liquids
- Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed
- Temporarily discontinuing all oral medications, which can irritate the stomach and make vomiting worse
If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, an oral rehydrating solution should be used to prevent and treat dehydration.
Vomiting associated with surgery, radiation therapy, anticancer drugs, alcohol and morphine can often be treated with another type of drug therapy. There are also prescription and nonprescription drugs that can be used to control vomiting associated with pregnancy, motion sickness and vertigo. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using these treatments.
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When To Seek Help
A person should seek help if they notice that they or someone they love has symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Seeking help can be challenging for the person who is struggling with addiction. Loved ones and friends can help by letting the person know that they are not alone in their struggle.
If a person is unsure whether they need help, Recovery Worldwide suggest that they use a tool called CAGE, which is a short questionnaire that healthcare professionals may use to help screen people for treatment.
If a person can answer yes to two or more of the CAGE questions, they should consider seeking treatment.
The CAGE questions are as follows:
- Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?
Drink Plenty Of Water
A tall glass of water truly is a simple solution to many of the body’s maladies, but this is especially true for indigestion, because vomiting or diarrhea can make you dehydrated.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends drinking between 91 and 125 ounces of water each day, or about 11 to 15 cups for the average adult.
A good way to tell if you’re hydrated? Your urine color should be pale yellow to clear, according to UW-Madison University Health Services.
Tip
If you have vomiting along with your upset stomach, try taking small sips of water or sucking on ice chips.
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Once You Feel Nauseated How Do You Prevent Vomiting
Vomiting can be prevented by consuming small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids such as soda pop, fruit juices and popsicles. Drinks containing sugar calm the stomach better than other liquids. Rest either in a sitting position or in a propped lying position. Activity may worsen nausea and may lead to vomiting.
For children, control persistent coughs and fever with over-the-counter medicines. To treat motion sickness in a car, seat your child so that he or she faces the front windshield .
Limit snacks, and do not serve sweet snacks with regular soda pop. Don’t let your kids eat and play at the same time. Encourage them to take a break during their snack time.
If You Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohnâs disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions are based in your immune system and involve a lot more than an upset digestive system, through that can be one of the symptoms. Food doesnât cause IBD, and thereâs no single diet that helps everyone with IBD. But it can help to keep a food journal so that you learn what your trigger foods are, then you can avoid them.
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Dietary And Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes to a persons diet and lifestyle can help them digest food more easily and lower the impact of bowel obstructions.
Dietary changes that may help a person who has bowel obstructions include:
- eating smaller portions more often
- avoiding large amounts of high fiber foods, such as whole grain cereals and nuts
- focusing on eating soft or liquid meals
- limiting the intake of caffeine, which can irritate the bowels
- avoiding tough or stringy foods, such as celery or dried meat
Exercising regularly and staying hydrated can also aid regular digestive function.
Lime Or Lemon Juice Baking Soda And Water
Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help relieve heartburn and indigestion by reducing stomach acidity.
Pros and cons
While this home remedy may help with an upset stomach, it may not taste pleasant. Additionally, consuming too much baking soda
Basil leaves also contain high linoleic acid levels, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros and cons
Basil is usually available to purchase in grocery stores, gardening stores, and online.
However, those in food deserts may have to rely on online stores if they find it difficult to source fresh basil.
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When To See A Doctor For A Stomach Ache
If your symptoms are persistent and you’re having ongoing abdominal pain, it’s best to see your doctor rather than continuing to take these meds to rule out serious conditions.
Also, if your stomach ache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever, Gagneja says you should seek medical attention as soon as possible instead of trying to mask the symptoms with OTC medications. These symptoms could be a sign of appendicitis, which must be treated by a doctor.
Keep in mind that OTC medications are just band-aids for relieving symptoms. They are not designed to address any serious underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease , celiac disease, ulcers, or cancer, Gagneja says. This is why it’s not recommended to take these medications long-term if symptoms are persisting.
“If people keep on taking these symptom relief over the counter meds, then those diseases can be missed,” says Gagneja.
Take Some Pepto Bismol
When an upset stomach is caused by eating or drinking too much or accompanies diarrhea, itâs Pepto Bismol to the rescue! Our favorite remedy is also a quick way to fix your tummy woes. Pepto Bismol soothes your discomfort with proteins that enhance the viscosity of the protective layer in the upper gastrointestinal tract to help you feel better.
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Home Remedies For Your Childs Upset Stomach
When youre watching your kid upchuck for the fourth time in an hour, its only natural to want to do something. But with medications more or less off the table as a treatment, are there any ways you can actually help your poor sick kiddo? Yes to a degree.
As mentioned, staying hydrated is the name of the game for bouncing back from gastrointestinal ailments.
To keep your baby hydrated, offer breast milk or formula at least 15 to 20 minutes after vomiting has subsided. Even if they only take in a small amount of liquid, thats OK. Continue to offer frequently.
For toddlers and older kids, you have more options for hydrating drinks. Besides water, you can try offering:
- nonsugary electrolyte beverages
In addition to providing fluids, focus your energy on offering appropriate foods, especially as your child recovers. A diet of mild, easily digestible foods is best. These may include:
- non-acidic fruits like bananas, melons, and figs
- lean meats without added seasonings
- rice or mashed potatoes
- toast, crackers, or plain cereal
- breast milk or formula for babies and toddlers
And what about probiotics, you may wonder? The most current research shows that the good gut bugs dont do much to help kids get over stomach flu.
According to a 2018 study, probiotic supplements didnt affect the duration or severity of acute gastroenteritis in children.
How To Stop The Vomiting
Theres no single surefire way to halt puking in its tracks. The sad-but-true reality: The best course of action is usually to simply let an illness run its course.
In fact, though it might be tempting to reach for medication for a vomiting child, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using any over-the-counter or prescription anti-vomiting drugs in kids .
Using antibiotics to treat throwing up is especially discouraged, as many stomach illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
Typically, the more important goal is to make sure your child stays hydrated throughout their bout of sickness. As they lose fluids through throwing up, giving them plenty to drink is your best bet.
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How To Help Prevent Upset Stomach In Dogs
To help your dog maintain a healthy gut, consider giving them a prebiotic and probiotic, Dr. Aronson says. There are both prebiotics and probiotics that are made specifically for dogs, some of which are available over the counter. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if they have a particular brand recommendation.
Always talk to your veterinarian first to find out the best course of action.
Featured Image: Shutterstock/Igor Normann