Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

Some Tips for the 60 million heartburn sufferers

The National Heartburn Alliance (NHBA), whose mission is to 'establish a recognized authority that provides a community of support for heartburn sufferers by providing education about the causes and effects of heartburn as well as solutions that offer them relief and improved quality of life', has published the results of a recent study based on interviews with more than 1000 adults aged 18-65 who represent the general population.

We already knew the results more than 60 million Americans suffer from regular heartburn and 94% of us say we'd enjoy the holidays more if we didn't have to worry about reflux. Holidays and heartburn are a bad combination more of us tend to over-indulge in food and drink that are triggers. But a few simple habit changes suggested by NHBA board member and registered dietitian Pat Baird can really help:

MODERATION Eat all your favorite holiday foods but in smaller quantities and try to avoid your heartburn triggers.

SAY NO TO NIGHTTIME EATING Eat early and wait a few hours before lying down to decrease your risk of heartburn at night.

STAY COOL Stress increases during the holidays and it also increases heartburn risk.

PROBIOTICS is one of the buzz words in supplements. But what are they? The word probiotic means 'for life'. Scientifically, a probiotic is an organism which is a beneficial or good bacteria which when ingested can help to maintain a healthy intestinal tract. Some claim that probiotics can:

* Improve digestion * Inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria * Stimulate the immune system * Help the body make needed vitamins

Selecting a good supplement is important: most authorities suggest one with a special coating to protect them as they pass through the stomach and small intestine.

As always, it is important to check with your doctor before adding even OTC meds.

Not sure about a holiday gift?

Why not give a MEDSLANT pillow the Gift of Better Sleep that lasts for years.

* Purchase a MEDSLANT by midnight December 15th and enter coupon code 'Happy Holidays' and click Apply Coupon. * UPS Ground Shipping to a domestic street address is Free. * We ship all orders received by noon Eastern time the same day. * Domestic ground packages shipped by December 16, 2007 will arrive by December, 23, 2007. * If you want to include a gift message, please enter it in the special instructions box and it will appear on the packing slip. No dollar amounts are shown on our packing slips.

Melatonin and GERD

Recently, a happy MedSlant customer emailed to ask if I knew anything about Melatonin as an acid reflux reducer. She had read an article claiming the benefits and decided to substitute Melatonin for her generic Prilosec. After two weeks she says she has her GERD under control. She also sleeps on a MedSlant and has for four years. I did some checking and found the following. Melatonin has NOT been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. Like many herbs and supplements, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place.

Melatonin, also known as MEL, is naturally produced by the body in response to light perception. It has been used mostly to ease insomnia, combat jet lag, and, hopefully, boost the immune system. I really couldn't find much to specifically yeah or nay it as a GERD helper but did find results of a 2002 study whose preliminary findings are that melatonin significantly increased the release of inflammatory chemicals in people with asthma and caused increased airway inflammation. So, it definitely is NOT recommended for people with asthma.

Since most supplements are not regulated, if you use them, it is a good idea to buy them from a trusted source and to consult with a practitioner trained in their use.

I did check with one of the physicians who consults for MedSlant and he recommended discussing Melatonin use with your physician or health care professional before using it.

As I hope you do, we at MedSlant have much to be thankful for, especially good health and family. And, we have a new, healthy granddaughter. And, yes, we do appreciate you, our customers.

We wish you and your families a wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year filled with good health, happiness, and peace.

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 and customerservice@medslant.com. I love hearing from you.



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