October 2007

If we are overweight, we women are more likely to suffer from GERD or acid reflux disease than our slimmer friends. Always the luckier ones when it comes to weight control, men don’t seem to be affected the same. A recent study done by Drs. Corazziari and Piretta at Italy’s University di Roma La Sapienza, evaluated whether being overweight and/or obese increased the prevalence of GERD as compared to the general population. The study was fairly small – it tested 196 patients, 103 of whom were female ranging in age from 18-83. All the study subjects had GERD symptoms. The results: there was basically no difference between overweight and non overweight men as to GERD; but, 10% more overweight than non overweight women suffered from GERD. No significant differences were noted in different age groups. The conclusion: The prevalence of GERD in overweight and obese women is increased as compared to the general population but it is not increased in overweight or obese men.

The study did note that perhaps it is estrogen that causes the increase of GERD in women.

The study basically repeats the findings of a 2005 study done at the section of gastroenterology at the Houston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. That study was larger – it tested 453 persons, 70% female, with an average age of 44. The conclusion was the same: “overweight and obesity are strong independent risk factors of GERD”.

These studies just confirm what health care professionals have been saying for years – being overweight can increase many health problems. Certainly one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure this out, and granted, both studies covered rather small numbers of subjects; but, sometimes hearing the same message differently, can make us think about changing some of our habits. If it were easy, we’d all be thin.

Herbal Tea Alert

On September 10, 2007, the FDA issued a warning advising consumers not to drink tea brewed from star anise. Reports linking brewed teas containing star anise and illness affecting approximately 40 people, including 15 infants, have occurred over the last couple of years. It is a common belief that these teas can help prevent colic in infants and help some digestive issues for adults. The problem is that there are two kinds of star anise; the Chinese (illicium verum) which the FDA considers safe, and the Japanese (illicium anisatum) which has long been recognized as toxic and should only be used for decoration. When ground, one cannot visually tell the two kinds apart.

Although the tea labeling does not make any heath claims, FDA Commissioner Mark B. McClellan said, “One of FDA’s highest priorities is to make sure that consumers have accurate information about the products FDA regulates. This case illustrates that FDA will take action to protect consumers against products that may pose health risks.”

All the people affected recovered with no complications; however, the FDA recommends that until they have totally analyzed the situation, it is best to avoid all teas containing star anise.

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Wishing you a good night’s sleep,

Adele Camens
CustomerService@MedSlant.com

“I just want to let you know that the pillow is the BEST.  It has back support which I needed and it has cut my snoring to nothing, and I have been sleeping.  Right now I do not have Sleep Apnea and it seems that this pillow will help my health.  It is worth the money and more just to get a good night’s sleep.  I love it and the fact that I can take it with me is great.  So, there is no can’t with MedSlant.  Thank you.” 

--JM

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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.