FitSugar

DrSugar Answers: Belching After Every Meal?

DrSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:30:00 -0800

DrSugar is in the house and answering your questions.

Dear DrSugar,
It seems like everything that I eat causes gas. I exercise regularly and I try to eat healthy as much as possible. I don't know if I should be eliminating some things from my diet to alleviate the gas. My gas is in the form of belching though. I rarely have gas that is expelled from my bowel area. Can you me help? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.
- Sick of Saying "Excuse Me"

To see what DrSugar suggests to help this problem, read more.

Problems with belching, also known as burping, can be a significant problem for some people. Belching is different from flatulence in that belching is almost always related to swallowed air that accumulates in the stomach. This air is then expelled from the stomach by belching when pressure builds. Swallowing air can occur when drinking carbonated beverages, drinking from a straw, eating food too fast, and chewing gum. Some people also swallow air when they are anxious and often don’t even notice they are doing it. Sometimes belching is also associated with acid reflux or heartburn.

The best methods to prevent frequent belching are: 1) Eat and drink slowly, 2) Avoid carbonated beverages such as soda and beer, 3) Avoid chewing gum or hard candy, and 4) Avoid drinking through straws. If your belching problem is related to acid reflux or heartburn symptoms, it may be necessary to seek medical advice for treatment with antacids or diet modification. For more information regarding the other kind of gas, otherwise known as farting, check out my previous post on flatulence.

If you have a question for DrSugar, send me a private message here, and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Home Remedies: Digestive Issues

FitSugar — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

If the four days of feasting over Thanksgiving weekend have taken a toll on your tummy, you might be interested in trying some home remedies. Prevention has created a list of tummy tamers and here are the highlights.

Ease nausea: Give frozen ginger chips a try. Make your own by infusing slices of fresh ginger in hot water. Strain the ginger and place them in an ice cube tray. When you're feeling queasy, crush the cubes and suck on the frozen pieces.

Curb flatulence: Three times a day, take two enteric-coated peppermint capsules (500 mg each). They must be coated so the peppermint can make it to your intestines. This herb will kill the bacteria in your digestive system that's causing your bloated feeling. It also has relaxing effects on your gastrointestinal muscles.

Constipation: Boil 10 grapes in six ounces of milk. Before bed, drink the milk separately and then eat the grapes.

Diarrhea: Mash bananas in white rice and eat in small amounts. The two have binding effects.

Source

Checklist For Your Early Morning Run

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:47:46 -0700

Even though the daylight has shifted one hour, many of you may still be in the habit of running in the morning before work. If you're having a hard time motivating because it's a bit darker, here are some things you can do to prep for that run the night before.

Eat a dinner that contains whole grains. These carbs will break down much slower than say white rice, pizza, or sugary dessert. This type of hearty dinner will give you the get-up-and go you need in the morning to feel energized for your run.
Get your outfit ready and everything you need for your run, so you're not racing around in the morning for 20 minutes trying to find the lost mate to your favorite wicking socks. Set out your running clothes, sneakers, sunglasses, tissues, iPod case, and headphones, charge your iPod, and finalize plans with your running buddy.
Get the ingredients for your breakfast ready as well, making sure it's low in fiber (to avoid digestive issues), and a good combination of protein and easily digested carbs. Nut butter on toast, granola with yogurt, and eggs are great choices.
Get to bed early enough so that you can get a solid night's sleep, at least seven or eight hours. Make sure your alarm clock is set.

Tell me, do you prefer running in the morning even if it's dark outside?

I'm Asking: What's Your DIY Ambition?

SavvySugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:00:44 -0800

Do it yourself (DIY) projects have traditionally been reserved for activities like cooking, sewing, and home improvement. Where we feel we can skimp on the expert fees are often in the areas we think don't carry as much weight on our finances. For instance, it's probably not so likely that you'll attempt a legal case on your own, unless of course you have a law degree. Still, in the wake of the recession, it seems DIY is becoming more popular, even in areas that require some expertise.

Obviously, there's a little more risk involved in taking on your legal issues without an attorney than there is in home redecorating without an interior designer. Legal jargon isn't easy to digest - but if you can, you're saving a ton in attorney fees. You might just be able to teach yourself the basics to DIY in an expert field simply by reading, studying, and getting online with educational software. So, if you could become an expert in a career field to save some cash - I want to know, what's your DIY ambition?

DrSugar on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DrSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:57 -0800

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's teaching us about digestive issues.

In last week’s column, I answered a great question from a reader who was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by her physician. I addressed her question regarding Candida infection of the gastrointestinal system but felt that a separate column on IBS was warranted, given its common prevalence and media attention. As many as one in five adult Americans have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than men; the onset of the symptoms occurs before the age of 35 in over half of people with IBS.

To learn more continue reading.

Fiber: Soluble vs. Insoluble

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:09 -0800

Women should aim to get between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day. It keeps your digestive system happy and also helps prevent breast cancer. If you have high cholesterol, getting your fill of fiber has also been shown to lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in your blood. Is there anything fiber doesn't do?

We are all in agreement that fiber is good for us, but have you ever wondered if one fiber - soluble or insoluble - is healthier? To answer that question, you need to know the difference between the two. Soluble fiber binds with fatty acids and lengthens the time it takes for your stomach to empty, so sugar is released and absorbed more slowly. This helps regulate blood sugar levels, and also allows your body more time to absorb essential nutrients from your food. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool, which is key to regularity. This type of fiber also controls and balances the pH levels in your intestines, which helps prevent colon cancer.

Each type of fiber benefits the body, but only you know which type your body needs more of. I'd say that if you have issues with constipation, aim to eat more insoluble fiber. If you're concerned with regulating your blood sugar levels, go for for soluble fiber. To learn which foods are good sources of each, read more.

	Soluble	Insoluble
	Oats and oat bran Rice, quinoa, and barley Beans, lentils and peas Fruits such as oranges, apples, pears, and berries Veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, and celery	Wheat and wheat bran Veggies such as green beans, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and leafy greens Skins from fruits and root vegetables Seeds and nuts Raisins and grapes

Oh Snap! Bankrupt Reader's Digest Has an Irony Surplus

TresSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:53:17 -0700

Reader's Digest might be filing for bankruptcy, but the 87-year-old publication still has a steady flow of irony. A cover on newsstands right now promises to share the best advice on how to "find money." I guess the company hasn't read its own magazine. Would you miss Reader's Digest if it were forced to fold?

Guess the Celebrities Featured in Architectural Digest!

CasaSugar — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:00:46 -0800

After seeing Jennifer Aniston on the cover of the March issue of Architectural Digest, I got to thinking about how many intriguing tours of celebrity homes the magazine has given us over the years. I still return to some of my favorites from 10 or 15 years ago; it's eye-opening to see how the other side lives. Are you an Architectural Digest reader? Let's see how well you remember some of the celeb homes they've featured.

Question 1 of 8

The actress and singer shown here reading in her home is one of the greatest stars of all time, but throughout it all she kept this modest, one-room apartment at the Beverly Carlton Hotel in Beverly Hills. “I’m not interested in money,” she once said. “I just want to be wonderful.” Do you know who she is?

Source

Jennifer Aniston Lets Us Into Her Amazing Spa JA

PopSugar — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:15:00 -0800

Jennifer Aniston lounges in her LA home, which she describes as "a big hug" for the March cover of Architectural Digest. She has been working on her incredible house for years and while we've got an idea at what it's like, nothing compares to a full photo spread. Among the details the magazine reveals: Aniston made the "his" side of the "his and hers" bathroom into a spa bath, and her dining room table seats 24 for her famous dinner parties.

Jennifer described her home, which she calls "Ohana" based on the Hawaiian concept of extended family, saying,

"I entertain for a living, and I entertain. The house has a rather glamorous, old-fashioned Hollywood quality. I can just imagine the Rat Pack stopping by; someone is playing the piano, and people are laughing in the next room."

It all sounds pretty special - must be nice to be one of her girlfriends! Jennifer is also planning a Haiti benefit for later this month. Check out the full spread when the issue is out on Feb. 9.

Why That Cup of Joe Does Your Body Good

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:00:27 -0800

It seems most FitSugar readers are into drinking coffee, and aside from the rich flavor and its ability to prevent you from falling asleep at your desk, there are actually many health benefits to your cup of joe.

Eases muscle pain: Whether you're a seasoned coffee drinker or not, drinking coffee before a workout can prevent post-workout soreness.
Improves memory: New research shows that caffeine in coffee has a positive effect on memory and thought processes.
Keeps you regular: Coffee may help you "go" for a few reasons. Drinking warm liquids gets things moving, and just the fact that it's a liquid helps as well, since staying hydrated is one way to prevent constipation. And coffee itself is a powerful stimulant that encourages muscle contractions in the digestive tract.
Reduces risk of disease: The antioxidants in coffee have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, gallstones, and Parkinson’s. Coffee may even help relieve asthma and prevent cavities.

Although coffee has many health benefits, it isn't a miracle beverage by any means. Drinking too much can contribute to high blood pressure, sleep issues, headaches, and digestive problems. But there's no need to give up on your java habit entirely. Just stick to 300 milligrams or less of caffeinated beverages a day.