Characteristics of a drunk person. Signs of Mercury Poisoning

In the section on the question How can I neutralize caffeine? set by the author Eurovision   the best answer is Milk

Answer from Marina Sadovnikova[newbie]
in order to reduce the caffeine (tannin) content in tea, you need to pour boiling water and drain this water and for the second time pouring tea with 70 degrees water.

Answer from Poke through[newbie]
Purgen two tablets before use.

Answer from Andrey Pushkin[newbie]
Water.

Answer from Piglet[newbie]
There is an option to add Irish cream to coffee (Baileys for example).
One version says that if you freeze coffee granules in the freezer, they will lose 90% of caffeine.
Also, if you like the taste rather than the effect in coffee, then try to buy Chicory. This is the root of the plant. It brews like coffee, smells like coffee, and even tastes like coffee. Can be diluted with cream or milk. And most importantly, it not only lacks caffeine, it is also very useful for a number of organs.

Answer from Ojo[guru]
It is not possible to completely neutralize caffeine. You can reduce its "aggressiveness" without resorting to the addition of milk and sugar ....
  Caffeine in tea is not only in free form, but also in compounds with tannin in the form of caffeine tannate. This compound causes the formation of tea cream - clouding of a strong infusion of good black tea when cooling. The ratio of caffeine to tannin in caffeine oxiteotannate is approximately 1: 4. This complex compound has pleasant taste and aromatic properties, although individually they do not have a similar taste and aroma.
  The only inconvenience for the consumer, to bind a significant amount of caffeine with tannin, you need to cool the infusion to room temperature and drink "warm" tea ....

Answer from Ksenka[active]
coffee with milk or tea with milk!

Answer from Kostya Vlasov[guru]
Drink an invigorating drink with milk and cream. Protein neutralizes almost a third of caffeine. You can also mix regular coffee and non-alkaloid coffee. Thus, a kind of compromise is reached. However, even decaffeinated coffee contains a small amount of caffeine. So unlike rubber women and non-alcoholic beer, decaffeinated coffee is still a kind of myth ....
To neutralize caffeine, you can brew coffee with cardamom, cinnamon or add a slice of lemon.

Everyone should have a clear understanding of how to properly neutralize mercury. This question remains relevant, since most people still have a mercury thermometer at home to measure temperature, and there is always a chance that it will break.

In such situations, knowledge about the disposal of mercury is very useful, because if you do everything right, you will preserve the health of yourself and your family, perhaps even save your life.

What is mercury and why is it dangerous?

Mercury is one of the elements of the periodic table (zinc group metal). This substance has been assigned the first hazard class. It poses a threat to human health and life.

Mercury is directly dangerous by its vapors, which, when they enter the human body through the respiratory tract, cause poisoning, the severity of which directly depends on how long and in what amounts the vapors were inhaled.

In open space, for example, if you break a thermometer, mercury takes the form of balls of different sizes, which remain on the surface and are practically not absorbed into any materials. The balls have a silver-gray color, when pressed, they can disintegrate into even smaller particles.

Getting into the open space from a crashed thermometer, the substance begins to evaporate. Moreover, fumes appear even at an air temperature of 18 ° C.

Evaporating, the particles of this metal are neither odor nor color. That is, mercury can be detected only by seeing its balls. If you have not noticed at least 1 ball from a crashed thermometer, it can quietly evaporate for months, causing enormous damage to health.

How to detect mercury

To protect the room and all the people in it, after the mercury thermometer has crashed, it is necessary to check whether all the mercury has been collected. But due to the fact that her pairs are invisible, it is difficult to do.

However, there is a way to detect mercury vapor in the air, for this it is necessary to make an impromptu indicator:

• You will need filter paper (you can buy it in special online stores), copper sulfate, potassium iodide and sodium thiosulfate.
• We cut the paper into small strips, dip in the solution of copper sulfate, wait for drying and wet it in the potassium solution (the paper will change color to brown).
• Wet the brown paper in sodium thiosulfate, it loses color, then rinse the strips with water and dry.

To detect mercury vapor, place the resulting “indicators” in the room.

If mercury fumes are present in the air, the strips of paper will turn pink. In this case, either try to find the balls yourself, or call the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the service will seal the room, collect mercury and neutralize it.

Remember, a short inhalation of air with mercury vapor will not cause serious damage to the body, that is, you can collect it yourself. However, prolonged exposure to a polluted room is detrimental to health, fumes cause severe damage to organs and lead to dire consequences.

First steps

If mercury has leaked from a thermometer, you can try to collect it yourself. In this case, it is important to comply with all necessary safety rules, as well as relevant recommendations:

Read also: Iron poisoning

• It is necessary to remove all people and animals from the premises.
• Before removing mercury from a broken thermometer, enclose a section of the territory so that the balls do not roll out throughout the room or get into hard-to-reach places.
• Close all doors so that vapors do not enter neighboring rooms until you collect the balls.
• Open the window so that the room is well ventilated, but make sure there are no drafts.
• Soak a large rag in the potassium permanganate solution and lay it near the entrance to the room.
• Try to lower the air temperature in the room so that it is below 18 ° C. To do this, you can turn on the air conditioning.
• Before cleaning, be sure to wear rubber gloves and a gauze bandage (the latter can be replaced with a tight scarf, scarf, etc.), put plastic bags on your feet. These are the main safety rules in such situations.
• Mercury must be collected quickly, but carefully. Any pressure or uncoordinated movement will cause you to crush the balls and they will break apart into even smaller particles. In no case do not step on mercury, otherwise you will have to throw away your shoes.

Disposal of mercury from a burst thermometer, provided there is no leakage, is carried out similarly. It is completely placed in a glass jar, sealed and given to the Ministry of Emergencies.

Neutralization principles

The process of neutralizing mercury at home involves the speedy collection of this metal in compliance with several rules.

• Balls can be collected exclusively in glassware, ideally it should be a jar with a tightly closed glass lid (in the extreme case, plastic). In a jar, you can pour a solution of potassium permanganate or water.
• Use the flashlight to search for balls.
• Neutralization of mercury by collection occurs in the direction from the edges to the middle.
• It is important to collect all the balls, for this it is better to use a soft brush, rolling them onto a sheet of paper, which then needs to be wrapped in a plastic bag.
• As auxiliary devices, a medical syringe or syringe (rubber bulb) is suitable.

In no case should collected mercury be thrown into the garbage chute or flush a chemical into a sink or toilet bowl. The jar of mercury is tightly closed, wrapped in 1-2 bags to prevent leakage and taken to the Ministry of Emergencies, where it is disposed of.

It’s also worthwhile to understand that depending on where the mercury thermometer was broken and what surface the mercury got on, the methods for collecting it will be dramatically different.

On the wooden floor

Balls can roll into the gap and under the baseboard. You can remove them from such hard-to-reach places if you pour sand there, and then gently sweep all the particles with a soft brush. A cotton swab soaked in vegetable oil is also suitable. It can be neatly assembled

mercury and put it all in a jar. To extract mercury from deep gaps, a syringe with a needle or a syringe with a thin long tip are suitable.

On the bed

In this case, part of the mercury is absorbed into the bedding and mattress. Large particles can and should be collected by the methods already described. Affected bedding will have to be collected in packages and sent to the Ministry of Emergencies for disposal.

On the carpet

With carpets, things are somewhat simpler, since they are thinner than bed mattresses. The collection of mercury from the carpet is done using a syringe, balls can also be collected with duct tape (adhesive tape, electrical tape, adhesive). You can get small particles with a powerful magnet, if there is one at home.

Means that instantly sober the body, quickly remove toxins, simply does not exist. However, proper eating behavior will not only improve the condition after intoxication, but also accelerate the elimination of toxins by the liver and kidneys. For severe intoxication, medications, certain vitamins that supply the liver with special enzymes that will help break down toxins are recommended.

Show all

  Ways to neutralize alcohol

The concentration of alcohol in the blood reaches a maximum 4-5 hours after ingestion. You can get rid of the symptoms of a hangover, sober up faster by neutralizing the effect of alcohol in the body. Drunk alcohol is neutralized by liver cells, excreted through the kidneys and intestines. In the process of neutralization, the level of alcohol in the blood drops, good health returns to the person.

There are several ways to speed up the process of neutralizing alcohol with food and medicines:

• the use of sorbents (with severe alcohol intoxication) - from activated carbon to Polysorb and similar drugs;
• Rehydron for the treatment of dehydration;
• eating foods rich in B vitamins and vitamin C (milk, lemons, bananas, grapes, etc.).



  Products

Proper eating behavior will help reduce the burden on the body during a hangover, relieve unwanted symptoms.

A full three meals a day after severe intoxication is undesirable.   A plentiful drink should be accompanied by a diet enriched with vitamins of group B, vitamin C.



  Milk

It is permissible to drink milk in one glass every hour. It not only relieves the symptoms of a hangover, but also helps the body recover, improving intestinal motility, lowering the acidity of gastric juice, and accelerating the excretion of alcohol by the kidneys.



  Natural kvass

This drink is rich in thiamine (vitamin B1) and has natural gas, which accelerates the absorption and effect of the vitamin.

  Oat broth

The drink contains B vitamins necessary to restore normal liver function. A decoction of oatmeal supplies the liver with enzymes necessary for the processing of alcohol and the removal of toxins.

  Starchy foods

Potatoes, bananas and other products that contain starch in large quantities act on the body in the same way as activated carbon, removing alcohol from the body. To hide the presence of alcohol in the exhaled air, it is enough to eat only four bananas or five potatoes in their uniforms.

  Vitamin C-rich foods

Saturated with ascorbic acid, vitamin P, carotene, mountain ash helps restore the body after intoxication. Rowan contains much more vitamin C than lemon or a dogrose, no less useful for a hangover. When preparing a decoction of mountain ash, it is unacceptable to boil the berries, they should be poured with boiling water so that the beneficial substances remain in the broth.

Natural freshly squeezed citrus juices relieve nausea, a hangover syndrome. Freshly squeezed juice in its pure form can cause heartburn, so it should be diluted in half with water.

  Sour-milk drinks

A large number of useful vitamins is found in fermented milk products: kefir, unsweetened yogurt, tane, koumiss. These drinks improve metabolic processes, help restore strength.



Despite the benefits of fermented milk drinks during a hangover, the presence of vitamin B in them, it is recommended to take them with a restriction of no more than 600 ml.

  Grape

To remove toxins after intoxication helps grapes. You need to choose sweet varieties. Consume about a kilogram, carefully chewing each berry.

  Rosehip broth

The best drink to increase the amount of fluid in the body is recognized as a rosehip decoction. It has a diuretic effect on the body, accelerates the elimination of alcohol toxins. This drink is prepared for a long time, within 12 hours, but this can be used to prepare for the feast. In the morning on the day of alcohol intake, rose hips are steamed, in the evening on the same day you can take a drink. Rosehip is poured with boiling water in a thermos, left to infuse for 12 hours.

The opinion that tea or coffee accelerates the recovery of the body after intoxication is erroneous. These drinks increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, increase vascular spasm.

  Medical preparations

The use of medications is recommended for severe intoxication or frequent drinking. With the regular use of alcoholic beverages, the body copes with alcohol intoxication worse, liver cells work more slowly.

Choosing a drug, you should carefully study the instructions for its use, the dosage of such funds is determined depending on the weight of the person or age.

  Sorbents

Medications that help the body flush out toxins and bacteria. Sorbents are not combined with other drugs. The sorbent is taken with a large amount of plain still water.   Along with such a well-known sorbent as activated carbon, the following are successfully used to neutralize decay products of ethyl alcohol:

• White coal;
• Enterosgel;
• Sorbex;
• Atoxil
• Smecta.



  Rehydron

A pharmacy drug, the effect of which is similar to heavy drinking. The composition of rehydron is similar to the composition of solutions that are administered dropwise in the treatment of dehydration.

Many people are addicted to alcoholic drinks, sometimes drinking continues for several days, less often weeks. Each has its own border, having crossed it, a person dies (in this case, from). Therefore, it is important to know not only the measure, but also the correct ways to neutralize ethanol (of which, in fact, alcohol consists).

How to remove alcohol from the body at home

The state of intoxication is characterized by the following symptoms: bad breath (smells of alcohol), marked inhibition (or vice versa, activity), inattention and euphoria. And in the morning a hangover manifests itself, which greatly complicates life. A person cannot work normally, has a poor perception of incoming information and is completely not focused. To recover and neutralize the effect of alcohol in the body, you can use homemade (folk) remedies.

Activated carbon, for example, can remove alcohol from the blood as quickly as possible.   To do this, take 5 - 6 tablets and drink a glass of warm water. Today it is the most effective tool. Believe me, in just a couple of minutes you will feel better.

In the morning, when the head hurts, in addition to activated charcoal, you need to drink a lot of water. It is not recommended to drink coffee, it will only aggravate the situation. Drink green or black tea, it has a diuretic property, which will remove all alcohol-containing drinks.

Milk also has the property of eliminating alcohol intoxication. It neutralizes all toxins that enter the body, so that drinking milk does not harm (drink 200 ml every hour).

Perhaps beekeeping products will also help (unless, of course, the person is not allergic). Honey neutralizes any poisons that have devastating effects on vital organs. Dilute a spoonful of honey in a glass of water and drink at intervals of one hour.

Pickle (tomato or cucumber) will greatly contribute to recovery. Some do not delve into the details of why various pickles are so helping out. It's all about salt, which is found in large quantities in pickles. It is also included in the list of folk remedies that will limit the action of ethanol. If you do not like vinegar or have problems with the stomach, then use tomato juice.

An excellent anti-alcohol remedy is regular hot chicken stock. Add a little caraway or cinnamon and drink at least half a liter. With this action, you will improve your well-being as soon as possible.

Beneficial effect on health and the sauna. All alcohol comes out with sweat, and you can feel relief when you leave it. But remember, never resort to this method if you have any heart problems.

What is alcohol dangerous for humans?

The action of ethyl alcohol is divided into two main phases: absorption and excretion. The period of absorption (resorption) begins from the moment of taking the alcohol-containing drink. The rate of resorption is distributed unevenly throughout the body. Entering the stomach, alcohol is absorbed slowly.

But as soon as it reaches the small intestine, the process accelerates significantly. The absorption phase lasts about 2-6 hours (depending on individual characteristics). Note that the absorption period is faster than oxidation and excretion. Therefore, an increased content of an alcoholic beverage in the blood of a person is manifested. By the way, alcohol fills 64% of body weight, that is, almost the entire body of water.

The phase of elimination (elimination) continues until the maximum amount of alcohol is eliminated from the body. The elimination stage begins to act after the absorption of 90-98% ethyl alcohol. The remaining 2-10% are excreted through saliva (bad breath), urine, sweat, and unchanged. The duration of this period is longer, since alcohol can be retained in the human body for up to several days. The washing out of this substance is usually necessary because it has negative health effects.

Penetrating into the human body, alcohol gradually begins to act. Ethanol instantly enters the esophagus, liver, and brain. First of all, it affects liver cells.

With each drink, the liver becomes weaker and more vulnerable - in the future, any minor cold can affect the affected organ.

The brain suffers from alcohol and the nervous system. Ethanol is known to be highly soluble in water. Because of this, it is so quickly absorbed and settles in the organs. The brain is affected first, since it is the brain that is saturated with blood (and alcohol enters the bloodstream immediately after its adoption), the concentration here will be higher.

In the brain of any person there is a special barrier - the blood-brain barrier, which does not allow the passage of foreign substances that enter the bloodstream. Ethyl alcohol is an exception, and you can protect yourself from it only if you do not drink. Once in the brain cells, alcohol actively destroys them. This process starts after taking 100 g of vodka, a glass of wine, a beer.

Numerous studies have shown that ethyl alcohol is not evenly distributed in the brain. For example, the concentration of alcohol in the white matter of the brain is low (since it contains about 74% of water), but in the gray matter, on the contrary (there is 84% \u200b\u200bof the water composition).

Many do not take alcohol seriously. But in vain. After all, it causes the death of brain cells, which significantly impairs intellectual ability and memory. When intoxicated, a person most often feels happy, free from everything, including problems: the brain just does not work, does not accept information. With frequent drinking, a person begins to degrade. Stopping this process is sometimes impossible. It all depends on the person and his psychological characteristics.

What are the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption

People tend to relax - this is normal. Another thing is how they prefer to spend time. According to statistics, the number of deaths from alcoholism is increasing every day. It is unlikely that you think about it when you want a drink. Of course, small doses of alcohol relax, relieve stress, drive out the spleen, that is, contribute to improving mood.

However, repeated binges lead you to the grave: alcohol affects the liver, and death occurs in 45 - 50 years, and sometimes earlier. The effects of ethanol in alcohol are unpredictable. Firstly, it is deposited in the blood, which adversely affects overall health. Secondly, exacerbates all chronic diseases or allows new ones to develop.

And most importantly, excessive alcohol consumption causes such terrible diseases as cirrhosis of the liver or malignant brain tumors. Remember, alcohol begins the process of destruction of the body from the first glasses. When you are fond of such drinks, that is, you can’t stop, this leads to alcoholism. Dependence, hopelessness, death - these are the periods of life of these patients.

It is proved that such pathologies are not treated, as they affect the brain. They fetter psychologically, from which it is almost impossible to escape. It is for such people that special hospitals have been created where a psychologist talks with them every day, which helps to get on the right track. But even when they recovered and returned to their former way of life, there is no guarantee that their addiction will leave them.

Alcohol affects the stomach. When taking alcohol in the walls of the esophagus and stomach, a burn occurs. In this case, bad breath is characteristic. It is believed that a complete recovery of the stomach will take a lot of time. In addition, there are changes in the pancreas (according to pathologists). For this reason, alcoholics often complain of abdominal pain, poor digestion.

Ethyl alcohol leads to gastritis, which is quite difficult to treat. If you do not get rid of gastritis and drink alcohol further, then without effort you will earn stomach cancer. And this pathology is incurable.

Characteristics of a Drunk Man

Scientists set a series of experiments that determined the characteristic features of a drunk person. So, a drunk person has a pronounced self-confidence. He becomes too brave to commit a lot of rash acts. To this is added excessive talkativeness. What a person cannot say soberly, calmly says in a drunken state.

One thing is clear: alcohol affects all organs, without exception. Gradually destroys the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, genitals. Alcohol is especially dangerous for women. It causes the birth of unhealthy children or complete infertility.

Dying people from alcohol addiction more and more every day. No one can stop this, except for the people themselves. Remember, any drunk glass may be the last.

Thank you for your feedback.

Comments

Megan92 () 2 weeks ago

And did anyone manage to rid her husband of alcoholism? My drink is not dry, I don’t know what to do ((I thought of getting a divorce, but I don’t want to leave the child without a father, and I’m sorry for my husband, he’s a great person when he doesn’t drink

Daria () 2 weeks ago

I’ve already tried so many things, and only after reading this article did I manage to wean my husband from alcohol, now I don’t drink at all, even on holidays.

Megan92 () 13 days ago

Daria () 12 days ago

Megan92, so I wrote in my first comment) Duplicate just in case - link to article.

Sonya 10 days ago

Isn't that a divorce? Why are they selling online?

Yulek26 (Tver) 10 days ago

Sonya, what country do you live in? They sell it on the Internet, because shops and pharmacies put their mark-up atrocious. In addition, payment only after receipt, that is, first looked, checked and only then paid. Yes, and now they sell everything on the Internet - from clothes to televisions and furniture.

Editorial Response 10 days ago

Sonya, hello. This drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence is not really sold through the pharmacy chain and retail stores in order to avoid overpriced. To date, you can only order at official website. Be healthy!

Sonya 10 days ago

Sorry, I did not notice at first the information about cash on delivery. Then everything is fine for sure, if payment upon receipt.

Margo (Ulyanovsk) 8 days ago

Has anyone tried folk methods to get rid of alcoholism? Father drinks, I just can’t influence him ((

Andrey () a week ago

What only folk remedies have not tried, father-in-law drank and drinks

Acid in the stomach is necessary for the digestion of food. However, an excess of this acid can cause acid reflux (heartburn) or a disease called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With an excess of acid, unpleasant or even painful sensations can appear, including increased gas and bloating, a burning sensation in the stomach or in the back of the throat, dry cough and chest pain. Most people experience these symptoms from time to time, especially after eating certain foods, when swallowing insufficiently chewed food, or after lying shortly after eating. Obesity, pregnancy, and other diseases can often cause acidity in the stomach.

Steps

Symptoms and signs of the disease

Check if you have symptoms of esophagitis.   Heartburn can be a symptom of a serious illness called esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus. This inflammation causes narrowing of the esophagus, damage to its tissues, and in addition, the risk of suffocation when eating is increased. If left untreated, esophagitis can lead to serious tissue damage and cancer of the esophagus. The most common symptoms of esophagitis are heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain while eating. With acid reflux, colds, flu, and other viral diseases should be treated immediately, as they can lead to an increase in inflammation in the esophagus. See your doctor if symptoms of esophagitis:

• they last longer than several days and do not stop using over-the-counter antacids;
• are so heavy that it is difficult to eat food;
• accompanied by signs of influenza, that is, a headache, fever and muscle pain;
• accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain that occurs after eating;
• call an ambulance if chest pain lasts longer than a few minutes, if you think that food is stuck in the esophagus, if you have cardiovascular disease or a malfunction of the immune system.

1. Check if you have symptoms of gastritis.   Heartburn can be a symptom of gastritis. Gastritis is called inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and most often the cause of this inflammation is a bacterium. Helicobacter pylori, which can also lead to stomach ulcers. Gastritis can be caused by autoimmune diseases, bile reflux into the stomach, or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. The most common symptoms of gastritis:

   • stomach upset;
   • heartburn;
   • stomach ache;
   • hiccups;
   • loss of appetite;
   • nausea;
   • vomiting (which may look like coffee grounds due to the presence of blood);
   • dark stool.

2. Check if you have signs of gastroparesis.   Gastroparesis is a disease in which the function of the muscles of the stomach is impaired, which prevents proper emptying of the stomach. Gastroparesis can lead to acid reflux and vomiting, which occurs when acid gets from the stomach into the esophagus. Most often, this disease develops in people with diabetes mellitus or in people who have recently undergone surgery. Symptoms of gastroparesis are:

   • vomiting
   • nausea;
   • a feeling of fullness even after a light snack;
   • bloating;
   • stomach ache;
   • changes in blood sugar;
   • lack of appetite;
   • weight loss and exhaustion.

3. Seek emergency medical attention.   Heartburn, angina pectoris, and heart attack can be very similar. A developing heart attack often at first resembles ordinary heartburn. Typical signs of a heart attack and symptoms in which you need to immediately call a doctor are:

   • a feeling of pressure, heaviness, pain in the chest or arm, which can also extend to the neck, lower jaw, and back;
   • nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, or abdominal pain;
   • dyspnea;
   • cold sweat;
   • fatigue;
   • dizziness or sudden fainting

4. Chew your food thoroughly.   Thoroughly chewed food is easier to swallow and digest, which in turn helps reduce heartburn or even prevent it. In addition, thorough chewing of food increases the absorption of nutrients through the release of digestive juices. It also contributes to weight loss by reducing appetite.

   • If you have problems with your teeth or oral cavity and you find it difficult to chew, consult your dentist. He will tell you how to chew food better and how to monitor your oral health.

5. Stop smoking.   Some studies show that smoking increases acid secretion, worsens muscle reflexes in the throat, and damages the protective mucous membranes. Smoking reduces salivation, and it is saliva that helps neutralize acid.

   • It is currently unknown what exactly affects the development of GERD: tobacco smoke, nicotine, or both of these factors. So, for example, some people who use nicotine patches to quit smoking, like smokers, also suffer from heartburn. It is not known what exactly contributes to acid reflux - nicotine or stress.
   • In addition, smoking can lead to emphysema, a disease in which alveolar sacs are damaged and enlarged in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.

Food Planning

1. Drink more water.   Water has a neutral pH, which helps neutralize the acid in the stomach, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Try to drink at least 250 ml of water every two hours. On average, an adult should drink two liters of water per day. Alkaline waters with a pH of 8.8 can be very useful for people with severe heartburn or GERD.

   • If you drink caffeinated drinks, try to drink one liter of water for each cup (that is, about every 30 ml of caffeine).
   • Inadequate water intake can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is often accompanied by headache, irritability, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath. Effectively cope with dehydration can sports drinks without caffeine and glucose, which include electrolytes.

2. Keep a food diary.   There is no specific diet to prevent heartburn and GERD. The only option is to develop a nutrition plan that eliminates all foods that contribute to heartburn and symptoms of GERD. Try to write down everything you eat in one to two weeks. These entries should include three categories:

   • The type and amount of food or drink (for example, a “glass of orange juice”). Please note that you should also write down what spices and seasonings were contained in the eaten dishes.
   • Meal time.
   • Symptoms and their severity (for example, “mild acid reflux”).

3. Eat small meals. Eat 5-6 small portions per day - this has a beneficial effect on digestion, contributes to weight loss and increases energy levels, preventing, among other things, acid reflux. Consult your doctor or nutritionist about how many calories you need to eat daily and what diet you should choose. Here are some more ways to eat small portions:

   • Share a large serving with a friend instead of eating it all, or lay half of the serving in a container to eat later.
   • If you eat any snacks, always put them on a plate, instead of eating directly from the package or from a large plate - so you will always know exactly how much you ate.
   • Lay out food on individual plates, serve them to the table, and leave the common serving dish in the kitchen. So you avoid the temptation to put a supplement.
   • A person, as a rule, eats more when he has easy access to food. Try to spread healthier food on easily accessible shelves of the refrigerator and kitchen cabinet, and less healthy food away and so that it is not visible.

4. Avoid foods that increase the acidity of the stomach.   Refined carbohydrates, fried and processed foods, drinks containing sugar, red meat, hydrogenated oils and margarine can increase inflammation of the esophagus. Fatty and fried foods, as a rule, reduce pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and delay gastric emptying, which increases the risk of reflux.

   • Chili peppers and black peppers contain compounds such as capsaicin and piperine, which can increase acid production in the stomach, which is why they are best avoided. However, bell pepper is safe because it does not contain these substances.
   • Chocolate should be avoided because it contains methylxanthine, a chemical compound that relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which causes acid from the stomach to enter the esophagus.
   • Your doctor can help you create a personalized nutrition plan if you are allergic to certain types of foods, or if you have bloating and indigestion due to acid reflux.

5. Eat healthy foods. Many healthy foods do not contribute to the production of stomach acid, reduce inflammation of the esophagus and stomach, and provide the body with all the nutrients necessary to maintain the body's functions. These foods also help maintain a healthy weight, and a high fiber content has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. However, in people with gastroparesis, excess foods high in fiber prevent the release of the stomach. Ask your doctor or nutritionist to find a nutrition plan for you. In general, use:

   • Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach or kale) - they contain a lot of antioxidants and plant fibers.
   • Artichokes have a beneficial effect on digestion.
   • Bell pepper is rich in vitamin C.
   • Whole grains (e.g. brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats and flax seed).
   • Legumes and lentils. Beans and lentils in canned form should be avoided, since they contain a lot of sodium, and in addition, saturated animal fats and sugar can be added to them, which contribute to the development of various diseases.
   • Lean meat (turkey, quail meat and chicken).
   • Fatty fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines).
   • Nuts (e.g. almonds and walnuts).

6. Eat more fruits and vegetables.   Fruits and tomatoes are good for your health, but the citric acid in these foods can increase your risk of heartburn and GERD. Many fruits and vegetables, with the exception of citrus fruits, help reduce stomach acidity. Eat bananas, apples, cucumbers and watermelons - they favorably affect the acidity of the stomach.

   Use healthy vegetable oils.   Some types of vegetable oils, such as flaxseed, canola, olive and soybean oils, are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help prevent heartburn by neutralizing stomach acids and cover the walls of the esophagus, reducing inflammation.

   • Rice bran oil is often used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
   • You can use these oils for salad dressings.

7. Take probiotics.   Probiotics are bacteria that live in our stomach, which aid digestion, boost immunity, and fight inflammation. Probiotics are found in yoghurts, certain types of milk, soy products, and nutritional supplements.

   • Eat yoghurts and take probiotic supplements on an empty stomach with 120–180 ml of water. You can always open the capsule with dietary supplements and dissolve the powder in a glass of water. Add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to the water to neutralize the acid in your stomach.
   • Before taking probiotics, it is recommended that you consult a doctor, especially if you have a weakened immune system, or you are taking any immunosuppressive drugs.

8. Do not eat onions and garlic.   Although garlic and onion do not cause acid reflux, studies show that these foods can aggravate symptoms in people suffering from frequent acid reflux and heartburn. Onions and garlic can increase the acidity of dishes, thus causing reflux.

   • Onions and garlic are useful in many cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, so they can be used in small quantities so as not to cause acid reflux.

9. Exclude alcohol.   Although moderate alcohol consumption has a beneficial effect on heart and digestive health, alcohol can cause inflammation and damage to the esophagus in people with frequent heartburn, esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Doctors note that drinking alcohol, especially in large quantities, increases the risk of GERD. Any alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, can cause acid reflux, which is why they should be avoided. Try to limit your alcohol intake to one serving per week.

The use of herbs and folk remedies

Drink chamomile tea.   Chamomile has been used in stomach upsets for over a thousand years, however, studies on the effect of chamomile on the human body have not been conducted. Animal studies have shown that chamomile helps reduce inflammation. Some studies have shown that a combination of Iberis, peppermint and chamomile can help get rid of the symptoms of an upset stomach.

Use slippery elm bark. Slippery elm bark (also known as American elm) contains a special mucus that, when mixed with water, becomes gel-like. This gel covers the walls of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, helping to reduce irritation and acid reflux. Antioxidants in slippery elm bark protect against stomach ulcers and inflammation. Slippery elm bark can be purchased in most pharmacies in the form of capsules, lozenges, tea and powder extracts. Take bark two hours before or after taking other herbs and medicines, as it can slow the absorption of other drugs.

• To make tea with slippery elm bark, pour 1-2 grams (about one tablespoon) of the crushed bark extract with one glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 3-5 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
• The recommended dosage for slippery elm bark in capsules is 400–500 mg about 3-4 times a day for 4–8 weeks or until your condition improves. Take with one glass of water.
• Do not give slippery elm bark to children unless otherwise recommended by the doctor.

1. Ginger.   Studies show that taking 1-2 grams of raw ginger or ginger powder about one hour before a meal can help empty your stomach faster, which can reduce heartburn or symptoms of GERD. Ginger can also relieve nausea, vomiting, or inflammation that has been caused by acid reflux into the esophagus. Ginger root is sold at most stores.

   • Ginger tea can also be made by brewing 1-2 grams of peeled ginger in one glass of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink 2 times a day at least 1 hour before a meal.
   • Ask your doctor if you can take ginger if you have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or clotting problems if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all the medicines and dietary supplements you are taking, as there may be side effects.

2. Baking soda.   Baking soda (bicarbonate soda) is often used as a natural antacid that neutralizes acid in the stomach and helps in digestion. Baking soda is sold both in tablet form and in powder form. It can be used up to four times a day 1-2 hours after a meal or other medications. Try not to take baking soda on a full stomach.

   Chewing gum. Chewing gum without sugar for half an hour after eating helps to reduce heartburn, as chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva. Saliva is an alkali, so when you swallow it, it neutralizes the acid in your stomach.

   • Additionally, sugar-free chewing gums contain xylitol, which inhibits bacteria that cause tooth decay.
   • Chewing gums with sugar thicken saliva, which causes dry mouth - that is why such chewing gums are not as useful as those that do not contain sugar.
   • Avoid mint-flavored chewing gums as they, on the contrary, can stimulate acid reflux.

3. Do not use peppermint or spearmint.   Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, which can cause acid from the stomach to enter the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter is the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Due to the fact that peppermint relaxes it, heartburn may occur, and digestion may be impaired. Although curly mint does not cause reflux, it can stimulate the production of mucus in the nasopharynx, especially if you have a cold, and thereby cause irritation of the esophagus.

Relaxation techniques

Avoid stress.   Stress can increase the acidity of the stomach, because stress causes people to eat more, drink alcohol and sleep less. Food eaten in a state of stress is digested longer, the stomach in this state is emptied longer, which can cause belching. Learn to avoid stressful situations and conditions, and you can improve your life in general. Here are some easy ways to deal with stress:

• Relax in a quiet and peaceful environment, close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply.
• Focus on positive results.
• Always prioritize and get rid of unnecessary tasks.
• Use electronic devices less. In addition to stress, these devices cause eye strain and can lead to headaches.
• Do not forget about humor. Many studies confirm that reading jokes or watching funny images helps in the fight against acute stress.
• Listen to relaxing music.

1. Meditate.   Before meditation, sit comfortably and try to relax; try turning your mind off and distracting yourself from all external stimuli for at least five minutes. At first, this simple practice may seem very difficult, but it is really the easiest and most effective way to overcome stress. To meditate, you need to:

   • Find a quiet and comfortable place - it can be a secluded place in the office, in the park or at home.
   • Take a comfortable position and sit on a chair, on the grass or on the floor so that your back is straight, if possible, cross your legs.
   • Find the subject you want to focus on. You can select some meaningful word (or phrase) and repeat it. You can concentrate on the subject in front of you - it can be a flower or a doorknob - or you can just close your eyes.
   • Sitting in a comfortable position, try to relax, do not be distracted by your thoughts. Instead, try to focus all your attention on the word or object. Do this for 5–10 minutes or until you feel calm and serene.

   Health care

   1. Ask your gastroenterologist for an accurate diagnosis.   Home and folk remedies may work only in some cases, but if your symptoms return again and again, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Acid reflux or heartburn may feel like burning in the chest, or you may feel acidic fluid in the back of the throat - usually these symptoms appear after eating, stress, physical exertion, or after lying down. Acid reflux can sometimes progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with the appearance of other symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and intensifying chest pain, even at rest. If you often experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

      Ask your doctor about the medication for acid reflux.   Your doctor may recommend certain medications to treat moderate to severe acid reflux symptoms. When the doctor will prescribe one or another drug, be sure to tell if you are taking any other drugs, herbs or dietary supplements - this will help to avoid side effects. Here are some medications that can help with acid reflux:

      • Antacids are used to treat mild to moderate heartburn. They are a combination of magnesium, calcium and aluminum and buffering agents (such as hydroxide or bicarbonate ion). Antacids help relieve symptoms instantly and last about one hour. Side effects of these drugs can be diarrhea or constipation.
      • H-2 receptor blockers act by lowering histamine 2, a chemical in the stomach that signals the need to produce acid. These drugs may not be as fast as antacids, but they may be more effective for people with severe GERD symptoms.
      • Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers in relieving symptoms of GERD and heartburn of moderate and high severity, and at the same time they heal the walls of the esophagus.
      • Depending on the severity of your condition, the doctor will choose the most suitable drug and the optimal dosage.

   2. Ask your doctor about the side effects of other drugs.   Some drugs taken to treat other diseases can increase acid reflux - this can be a side effect. This is why you need to ask your doctor if other drugs or supplements you are taking can aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. Here are examples of drugs that can cause problems with acid reflux:

      • anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid or naproxen), which may increase the risk of peptic ulcer;
      • calcium channel blockers, which are used for hypertension and angina pectoris;
      • anticholinergics that are taken with urinary tract infections, allergies, or with glaucoma;
      • beta-adrenergic agonists used in asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease;
      • bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis;
      • some sedatives, antibiotics, potassium or iron.

   3. Think about surgery.   In those cases when drugs and lifestyle changes are ineffective, resort to surgery. The doctor may recommend fundoplication - this is a minimally invasive procedure in which the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter in order to strengthen and strengthen it. The procedure is absolutely safe and effective for people of all ages who experience GERD symptoms of moderate and high severity and who wish to avoid lifelong dependence on pills.

   • Being overweight increases the risk of GERD. In addition, overweight people are more likely to suffer from heartburn. This is due to the fact that extra pounds create excess pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Under the influence of pressure, the sphincter weakens, and eventually ceases to perform its function properly.

   Warnings

   • Long-term stress and strong emotions negatively affect health during many illnesses, including in the presence of peptic ulcer, acid reflux and other diseases caused by high acid levels. Therefore, to maintain a healthy stomach, it is necessary to find ways to minimize the number of stressful situations and learn how to cope with stress.