Duodenal Ulcer Treatment

Peptic ulcer disease is an umbrella term that represents open sores in the mucosa lining of the gastrointestinal tract, basically the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The term duodenal ulcer suggests that ulcer is present in the upper portion of the small intestine. For deciding appropriate duodenal ulcer treatment, the doctor performs a thorough medical examination of the existing condition and manifested symptoms. According to suspected causes, medication and/or surgery is indicated for treating duodenal ulcer.

Treating Duodenal Ulcer

According to medical researches, majority of the peptic ulcer cases begin in the duodenum part. Similar to other types of ulcers, the leading causes for ulceration in the duodenum are infection by Helicobacter pylori (responsible for 70 - 90 cases) and medication side effects. It is still believed that having too much of spicy foods and acidic foods causes duodenal ulcers, which is not true. Of course, the condition is exacerbated with poor diet, spicy foods, smoking, alcohol consumption and other triggers.

Since the affected duodenum is frequently exposed to stomach acids, symptoms of duodenal ulcer can be debilitating. In contrary to stomach ulcer symptoms, they are prominent before meals when stomach acids are passed to the upper portion of the small intestine, and subside gradually after having food. In case of delayed treatment, the complications for perforated ulcer and bleeding ulcer are high. Thus, medical attention at the earliest possible date is a necessity for good duodenal ulcer prognosis.

Treatment for Stable Duodenal Ulcer
When diagnosed in the early stages, stable duodenal ulcers are treated with medications. In case of ulcer caused by H. Pylori infection, eradication with combined antibacterial therapy is a must. Usually, the patient needs to take prescription antibiotics for 7 days. Whereas for ulcers triggered by medication usage, discontinuation of the medicine is an unavoidable approach. If it is not feasible, one can ask for alternative medications to avoid worsening of duodenal ulcer symptoms. For such a case, treatment may involve taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or other acid suppression therapy for a specific period.

Natural Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer
Coming to natural duodenal ulcer treatment, it is applicable for stable ulcers. The main objectives are lowering acidic juices secreted by the stomach, fighting infection (if any) and healing existing inflammatory condition. Some of the effectual herbs that are anti-inflammatory in action include slippery elm, goldenseal root and licorice. Of these, goldenseal root contains both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial active ingredients. In order to achieve maximum benefits from natural remedies, one should strictly follow the intake dosage and treatment period suggested by the herbalist.

Treatment for Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer
The risks for bleeding ulcer are old age, medical history of ulcer, H. pylori infection, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and prolonged smoking. Patients having any of these risk factors are suggested to undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to diagnose a bleeding ulcer. After confirmation, endoscopic hemostatic therapy (EHT) is proceeded for bleeding duodenal ulcer treatment. Under this endoscopic therapy, the patient may be given epinephrine injection or thermal coagulation, or both.

Treatment for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer
About 10 - 20 percent of duodenal ulcers are diagnosed as perforated cases, which affect the wall of the duodenum. A medical emergency, perforated ulcer causes severe pain, and often results in acute peritonitis. Thus, timely treatment for duodenal ulcer is imperative to avoid severe life-threatening medical complications. Surgical procedure is the only option regarding perforated duodenal ulcer treatment. This ulcer management with surgery is also done for recurrent bleeding, failed endoscopic therapy, and for patients who are non-responsive to medication treatment.

In addition to therapeutic treatment, correct duodenal ulcer diet planning, keeping body hydrated at all times and managing stress are suggested for prompt recovery. Less water intake is associated with reduced secretion of mucus, which is responsible for protecting the mucosa lining. It is also found that prolonged stress enhances elevated production of stomach acids. To avoid this, adopt healthy lifestyle habits and manage stress properly.

Healthy Diet for Great Abs

Abs or abdominal muscles were previously most flaunted in beach wear and by models on the ramp. However today, casual apparel and party wear also offer the individual ample of opportunity to show off a great-looking body. Along with this, many abdominal exercises are also being designed to focus improving the strength and tone of the ab muscles. The six pack and eight pack look is appealing; but not beyond the importance of developing these muscles, which otherwise weaken with age. They need to be specifically exercised within a program that also includes a healthy diet for great abs. A good ab diet and nutrition are essential key components that determine the success of the program. Ab training, without the required nutrition is incomplete.

It is important to understand the ab muscle structure and importance prior to adopting an exercise or diet regime. The spine provides the framework to a whole system of abdominal and back muscles. The main function of this muscular network is to maintain body posture via the abdominal, paraspinal and iliopsoas muscles. These are also core muscles that are used everyday. However, developing abs takes more than crunch exercises, weights, and stretching. It involves identifying a healthy diet to complement the exercise program. Fit abs not only reduce the severity of back pain, but also help to avoid back surgery at times. Today, developing great-looking abs is not only restricted to young people.

Eating Healthy for Great Abs

Healthy eating habits for great-looking abs involve one basic rule: smaller and frequent meals throughout the day. The meals should be rich in protein, fiber, carbohydrates and fat. It is very important to follow the instructions of the dietitian and ensure that the calories are cycled. This is to facilitate metabolism to get used to changes in caloric level and adjust accordingly. Oats, eggs, rice, grits, brown rice, baked potato, green beans, broccoli, raw/boiled or par boiled vegetables of your choice, chicken, turkey and lean fish could be ideally incorporated within the diet. There are a number of lean mass complex powders that are also available online, as well as offline. A healthy diet comprises:

• Cyclic multiple vitamin and mineral formulas within synthetic supplements and the meal ingredients.
• Essential fatty acids from oils
• Meal replacement via protein powder, in the case of vegetarians, who do not even eat eggs.
• Protein shakes and bars that can be made at home or accessed from dedicated outlets.
• Creatine and glutamine nutritional supplements, instead of anabolic steroids.
• Natural testosterone boosters, optional and only if the budget permits.

Healthy and great-looking abs are just a meal and stretch away! The meal components that are put together to address the needs of this muscle mass are also picked to increase muscular strength, glycogen levels and improve the immune system. You can help the dietitian to pick the meal components to increase nitrogen synthesis and speed up the process. There are a number of synthetic ab building supplements that can also be considered to burn fat. A good physique is the result of a carefully planned ab diet and workout regime. The daily calorie requirement for good-looking abs should be maintained between 2000 and 2500 calories per 80 to 100lbs of body weight. The ab diet should essentially include all nutrients in different combinations.

Low Potassium Foods List

Hyperkalemia is a severe condition where a person's blood potassium level is more than 7.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). This can be dangerous or even deadly, if not treated immediately. In most cases, inability of the kidneys to filter out excess potassium from the body or an increased production of the mineral in the body, causes hyperkalemia. A diet that is low in potassium is important to manage this condition, especially when the underlying cause is a kidney disease.

Foods Low in Potassium
Almost all foods contain some amount of potassium. A diet to manage hyperkalemia, must include foods that are low in potassium. However, it is more important to monitor the serving size of what you are eating. Eating a large amount of a food that is low in potassium, may actually contribute more potassium than a small serving of a food that is rich in the mineral. So, paying attention to the portion size is the key.

Foods that offer less than 100 mg of potassium per serving, are categorized into low potassium foods. Some common examples of such foods are as follows:

* To print any list, click anywhere on the table containing it.

Low Potassium Fruits

Fruits	Serving size	K (mg)
Pear nectar, canned	1 ounce (28 g)	3.6
Cranberry sauce, sweetened	1 ounce (28 g)	7.3
Peach nectar, canned	1 ounce (28 g)	11.2
Pears, canned, water pack	1 ounce (28 g)	14.8
Applesauce, canned, unsweetened	1 ounce (28 g)	20.7
Blueberries, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	21.6
Cranberry juice, canned, unsweetened	1 ounce (28 g)	21.6
Cranberries, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	23.8
Apples, raw, peeled	1 ounce (28 g)	25.2
Peaches, canned, water pack	1 ounce (28 g)	27.7
Apple juice, canned, unsweetened	1 ounce (28 g)	28.3
Grape juice, canned, unsweetened	1 ounce (28 g)	29.1
Pineapple, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	30.5
Watermelon, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	31.4
Pineapple juice, canned, unsweetened	1 ounce (28 g)	36.4
Grapefruit, raw, pink and red	1 ounce (28 g)	37.8
Lemon, raw, peeled	1 ounce (28 g)	38.6
Raspberries, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	42.3
Strawberries, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	42.8
Plums, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	44.0
Blackberries, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	45.4
Tangerines, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	46.5
Grapes, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	53.5
Sweet cherries, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	62.2
K = Potassium

Low Potassium Vegetables

Vegetables	Serving size	K (mg)
Alfalfa sprouts, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	22.1
Leeks, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	24.4
Collards, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	32.5
Eggplant, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	34.4
Cucumber, raw, peeled	1 ounce (28 g)	38.1
Iceberg lettuce, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	39.5
Cauliflower, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	39.8
Green beans, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	40.9
Onions, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	40.9
Peppers, green, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	49.0
Turnips, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	53.5
Cabbage, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	54.9
Carrots, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	65.8
Corn, yellow, frozen, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	65.2
Zucchini, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	70.8
Celery, raw	1 ounce (28 g)	72.8
Radishes, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	79.8
Mushrooms, cooked, boiled	1 ounce (28 g)	99.7
K = Potassium

Other Low Potassium Foods

Foods	Serving size	K (mg)
Bacon, cooked	1 ounce (28 g)	100
Lean beef, cooked	1 ounce (28 g)	100
Cottage Cheese	1/4 cup	100
Chicken, cooked	1 ounce (28 g)	100
Egg	1	100
Tuna	cup	100
Ham, cooked	1 ounce (28 g)	100
Sausage, cooked	1 ounce (28 g)	100
Turkey, cooked	1 ounce (28 g)	100
Bread	1 ounce (28 g)	35
Bun	1 ounce (28 g)	35
Cereal, cooked	cup	35
Pasta	cup	35
Rice	1/3 cup	35
Coffee	1 cup	80-100
Tea	1 cup	80-100
K = Potassium

Note: Meat, fish and poultry products are generally high potassium foods. So, their consumption in a low potassium diet is allowed but only in limited amounts. Given that, it is advised to limit the consumption of these food types to the serving size mentioned in the list above. Also, avoid salted, spiced, smoked, canned and pickled meat.

Easy Low Potassium Recipes
People with hyperkalemia are advised to limit their daily potassium intake to approximately 2000 mg. Here are some recipes whose potassium content is below this figure.

Grapple Salad
This recipe is as quick as it sounds.

Ingredients:
Apple slices, with skin - cup
Grapes, red, seedless - cup
Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Blend - 1 tsp.

Direction:
Mix the fruits, sprinkle the Garlic and Herb Blend, and serve.

Lettuce and Cucumber Salad
A healthy, low potassium salad recipe.

Ingredients:
Cucumber, peeled, chopped -
Onion, small, chopped - 2
Iceberg lettuce, chopped - 4 cups
Lemon juice - 2 tsp.
Vinegar - 1 tsp.
Chili powder - tsp.
Salt and pepper to taste

Direction:
Mix the vegetables in a dish. Add vinegar, salt, pepper, chili powder, lemon juice, and mix again before serving.

Strawberry Sandwich
A delicious low potassium sandwich you can make in no time.

Ingredients:
Cream cheese, low fat - 3 tbsp.
Strawberries, sliced - 1 cup
Pita bread, whole wheat - 1 slice
Fresh mint - 1 twig

Direction:
Mash cup of strawberries, and mix them well with cream cheese. Now, cut the pita bread into half. Open the pockets, and evenly fill each half with the mixture. Stuff the remaining berries into the pockets. Warm a pan, and spray it with a nonstick spray. Grill both side of the stuffed breads until golden. Garnish the sandwiches with mint while serving.

The severity of hyperkalemia may vary from person to person. So, it is best to seek a certified nutritionist's advice regarding the serving size of foods you should eat to manage the condition better. Hyperkalemia is a serious medical condition, and given its mild symptoms, it may be difficult to diagnose. Its main symptoms include abnormal pulse, muscle fatigue, nausea, paralysis, and weakness. If you have any of these symptoms, then seek medical help immediately.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a certified nutritionist.

Foods for Six Pack Abs

Many people all over the world today crave to have the perfect body which includes a flat abdomen and six pack abs. If you too wish to build muscles and abs, you need to undertake weight training and strengthening exercise programs. Along with the exercise, following a proper diet is also essential, as it is meaningless to follow exercise routines without preventing the fat build up in the body. Following a diet not only helps in weight loss, but, also helps in building muscles.

Guidelines to Follow Six Pack Abs Diet

Although you must have often heard about the 'super foods' for muscle building, there are no such 'super foods'. In fact, these are ordinary foods which are easily available in the market. You should make the right combination of food and include only healthy foods in your diet. Following are some guidelines you need to follow when planning your diet:

• Your muscle building diet should consist of high protein foods as proteins help in tissue and muscle building.
• Secondly, you should have healthy or complex carbohydrates for gaining energy, and cut down on refined carbohydrates.
• You should eat more of fiber as they help in detoxification of the body. At the same time, fibers are low in calories and hence, can help in filling the stomach quickly.
• It is also essential to drink an adequate amount of water to prevent dehydration.
• Include foods that burn fat like whey protein, cottage cheese, lean proteins, milk, etc. in your daily diet.
• You should avoid eating foods high in fats and cholesterol as they lead to weight and fat gain.
• You should exclude all the unhealthy foods like fried foods, salty and greasy foods, sweets, fast food, preserved food, junk food, high sodium containing food; alcohol, etc.
• Make sure that the food is baked, broiled or boiled; rather than fried and marinated. You should also avoid eating any preserved foods and sauces as they have high contents of sodium which is unhealthy.
• You should have smaller meals at regular intervals throughout the day, rather than going for 2 large meals a day.

Following this diet plan is simple as you just need to eat right and eat in limited amounts. One of the most important things to remember about the muscle building diet plan is that you need not have to starve.

Best Foods to Eat for Six Pack Abs

• Lean meats, lean poultry, egg (whites), fish, seafood
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, green leafy vegetables, lentils
• Skim milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, low-fat dairy, peanut butter
• Oatmeal, nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• Brown rice, whole grain products
• Extra virgin olive oil, fish oil, garlic
• Green tea, herbal tea

You should plan your meals including the above mentioned foods. Fish, lean meats, nuts, whole grain foods and oatmeal are the top 5 foods for six pack abs. Now, following is a list of foods that are to be avoided in this diet:

• White bread, pasta, potatoes
• Sweets, candy, cakes, desserts
• Fried foods, fries, chips
• Fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils
• Alcohol, foods with trans fatty acids

If you crave carbs, opt for healthy options and consume them only in moderation. It is recommended to consult the doctor or a dietician before subscribing to any diet plan. Lastly, you should remember that a combination of diet and exercise together will help in having the perfect six pack abs. Hence, you should concentrate on both with equal importance. Take care!