- 512 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
The Canadian Encyclopedia Of Natural Medicine
About This Book
Natural solutions for a healthy, happy lifestyle
As Canadians have become more health-conscious than ever, more and more people want alternative solutions to health problems rather than conventional medical practices and drugs. For many, a natural approach to healing common ailments and serious health issues alike is preferable to invasive procedures and prescription drugs with their numerous side effects.
Sherry Torkos, one of Canada's leading pharmacists, is renowned for her expansive knowledge of natural treatments. In this new edition of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Torkos provides a definitive and up-to-date resource that includes natural treatments for everything from bug bites to muscle aches, osteoporosis to diabetes. It includes a wide range of ailments and diseases, the latest information on the natural treatments that work best, and any potential negative interactions between natural cures and prescribed medications.
- Handy A-to-Z format makes finding an ailment or condition quick and easy
- Heavily revised to include the very latest research and treatments, new health guidelines, new cancer prevention strategies, and the most up-to-date statistics and facts
- Written by a renowned holistic pharmacists, fitness instructor, and lecturer
For anyone who wants to create a personalized holistic health program for themselves or their family, The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Second Edition is a reliable and comprehensive resource.
Frequently asked questions
Information
ACID REFLUX (GERD)
- Chest pain that may be worse when lying down
- Coughing, wheezing, asthma, and sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn, a burning in the chest that may go up into the throat
- Regurgitating food and liquid
- Sour taste in mouth
- Asthma: Coughing and laboured breathing put pressure on the stomach; asthma medications may relax the esophageal sphincter.
- Connective tissue disorders (scleroderma) and diseases that affect the muscles.
- Diabetes: Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) is a complication of diabetes.
- Hiatal hernia: The stomach protrudes into the lower chest, worsening heartburn and weakening the esophageal sphincter.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts pressure on the stomach, forcing open the esophageal sphincter and allowing stomach acids to back up.
- Overeating and eating high-fat meals puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acids to back up.
- Peptic ulcers can affect stomach emptying, causing a buildup of acids.
- Pregnancy: The growing belly puts pressure on the stomach; higher progesterone levels relax the muscles (esophageal sphincter), allowing stomach acids to reflux.
- Smoking increases stomach acid, weakens the esophageal sphincter, and dries up saliva, which helps dilute the stomach acid.
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
- Alginic acid forms a protective seal at the top of the stomach to prevent acid reflux. It is found OTC in a product called Gaviscon.
- Antacids contain ingredients such as magnesium, aluminum, and calcium, which work quickly to neutralize stomach acids. However, they do not reduce inflammation or promote healing. Antacids are available OTC and include Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and Mylanta.
- H2 receptor blockers reduce the production of acid and reflux. They take longer to work, but provide longer relief. Side effects include dry mouth, bowel changes, dizziness, and drowsiness. Examples include famotidine (Pepcid) and ranitidine (Zantac). They are available full strength by prescription, or in lower dosages OTC.
- Proton pump inhibitors block acid production and allow the damaged esophagus to heal. These are long-acting products and the most effective medical treatment for GERD. Examples include Losec (omeprazole), Pantoloc (pantoprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole). These products are well tolerated; side effects are rare and include headache and dizziness.
Foods to include:
- Aloe vera juice helps reduce acid output and is soothing to the mucous membranes. Try 1 tbsp of pure aloe vera juice two or three times daily.
- Drink caffeine-free herbal teas that contain chamomile, ginger, marshmallow, and slippery elm, herbs that are soothing and help relieve heartburn.
- Drink fluids between meals rather than with meals, which will help prevent reflux.
- Eat vegetables, non-citrus fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, and lean meat.
- Eat small, frequent meals (instead of one or two large meals), which will prevent excess production of stomach acid and is also less stressful to the esophageal sphincter. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
- Small amounts of olive and vegetable oils are fine.
- Stay upright after eating and don't eat within three hours of bedtime.
Foods to avoid:
- Alcohol, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, spearmint, peppermint, and onions are irritating to the esophagus.
- Chocolate and coffee relax the esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of reflux.
- High-fat foods worsen symptoms because they stay in the stomach longer and increase the time the esophagus is exposed to stomach acids. Avoid or minimize cream, butter, ice cream, gravy, oils, fried foods, sausage, and processed fatty meats and cream soups.
- Lose excess weight by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
- Do not bend over, lie down, or exercise right after eating. Wait two hours after eating to exercise and three hours after eating before lying down.
- Do not wear tight belts or pants that are tight at the waist.
- Don't smoke.
- Raise the head of your bedāuse pillows or a block under the head of your bed. Keeping your head higher than your stomach will help prevent acids from refluxing.
- Chewing gum after a large meal stimulates the flow of saliva, which is alkaline. This helps neutralize acid in the esophagus and prevent GERD symptoms. Avoid mint flavour.
- Lozenges containing slippery elm and marshmallow can help coat the esophagus and reduce irritation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
- Work on losing excess body weight.
- Don't smoke.
- Raise the head of your bed.
- Avoid high-fat and spicy foods, alcohol, and other triggers, and don't overeat.
- Consider supplements of calcium and DGL.
ACNE
- Cystic acne is marked by clusters of deep, painful, fluid-filled cysts; areas of the skin appear red or purple and are inflamed.
- Pitting, pockmarks, and scarring can occur with severe forms of acne, or if the lesions are picked or squeezed and become infected.
- Whiteheads, blackheads, red spots, and white, pus-filled pimples appear primarily on the face, but also on the shoulders, neck, back, chest, and buttocks.
- Allergies: Reactions to foods, medications, or environmental chemicals
- Cosmetics or...
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Advisory Board
- Introduction
- Section I: Prescription For Successful Living
- Section II: The Natural Pharmacy
- Section III: Common Health Concerns And Conditions
- Section IV: Appendices
- Copyright
- About the Publisher