May 2007

Heartburn and Halitosis

If you are taking PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) to suppress acid, and your breath is less than “kissing sweet”, there may be a doable solution.

A small but significant study conducted in Brazil looked at GERD patients and found that 39% had halitosis. The use of a PPI was a factor in at least 75% of the cases.

A PPI’s purpose is to suppress stomach acid but in doing so it can rob the stomach of helpful digestive acid which contributes to making the stomach relatively aseptic or infection free, keeping bacteria, yeast, and mold from proliferating. When you take away the acid the stomach no longer can defend itself and becomes vulnerable to unwanted microorganisms. Then yeast settles in and ingests the stomach lining and this creates debris that contributes to bacterial growth, thus causing bad breath.

The solution proposed by many health care professionals is to create a digestive environment that allows for the presence of acid when it is needed which is with meals, and not there when it isn’t needed which is between meals. Much of the advice is to use an occasional Pepto Bismo or digestive enzyme to ease GERD rather than more powerful PPI drugs. It is also suggested that you avoid snacking, chew food thoroughly, and limit the amount of fluids drunk with meals so you do not dilute valuable acids. The best advice is to consult an MD, naturopathic physician,or other health care professional, and/or a nutritionist trained in this area for advice on how to create healthy digestion.

White Tea

Most of us are familiar with Green Tea, but the hottest new food trend may be White tea. Until recently, few outside Asia were aware of the health benefits and delicate flavor of White tea. But now, medical researchers and chefs are letting us all in on the secret.

All tea comes from the same source; the Camilla Sinensis tea bush. How it ends up is related to what happens after the leaves are plucked. Black tea derives its dark color and full flavor from a complex fermentation process, Green tea leaves are not fermented, oolong tea falls somewhere in the middle. White tea is made from immature leaves that are picked before the buds have fully opened. It is named for the silver fuzz that covers the buds and turns white when the tea is dried. The proportion of buds to leaves varies depending on the variety of white tea; the most prized is made from downy buds picked within a two day period in early spring.

The secret to the benefits of tea lies in what happens after the buds are picked. Tea leaves destined to become white tea undergo less processing than other leaves; they are not even dried but merely steamed. The result is a sweet, silky flavored pale tea. Studies indicate that white tea, because the leaves are left close to their natural state, contain more polyphenols, the powerful anti-oxidant that fights cancer causing cells. A study also concluded that white tea can help your body’s immune system fight of viruses and infection causing bacteria as well as prevent dental plaque.

Like everything else, the best costs big bucks. Silver Needles, supposedly the best white tea, can cost up to $25 US for a 2 ounce tin which makes about 40 – 50 cups of tea.

Not ready for white tea and still like your coffee? Acid free coffee may be your best alternative. There is a great one available at Hevla Acid-free Coffee. We’ve tried it and both my husband and I like the taste and can easily tell the difference in drinking acid free coffee. Click here for their website.

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 and customerservice@medslant.com.  I love hearing from you.

Wishing you a good night’s sleep,

Adele Camens
CustomerService@MedSlant.com

“The MedSlant pillow is truly amazing!. I hadn’t slept through the night for two years. I’ve had my pillow for two weeks now and have slept through the night ever night. Thank you!.”

-- Deborah R., IA

If you have any questions, comments, or just want to chat, we love hearing from you. You can contact us via email at customerservice@medslant.com or by calling 1.800.346.1850

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The MedSlant™ wedge pillow helps relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux, heartburn, GERD, acid indigestion, sinus congestion, Gastroesophogeal Reflux, etc. for a healthier, more restful good night's sleep. The content provided on this web site is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician(s).  Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The MedSlant™ wedge pillow helps relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux, heartburn, GERD, acid indigestion, sinus congestion, Gastroesophogeal Reflux, etc. for a healthier, more restful good night's sleep. The content provided on this web site is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician(s).  Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.