Gastritis, an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach, is not a single disease. Rather, gastritis is a condition that has many causes. Common to all people with gastritis is pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly (abdomen), sometimes called dyspepsia.
Gastritis can be a brief and sudden illness (acute gastritis), a longer-lasting condition (chronic gastritis), or a special condition, perhaps as part of another medical illness.
* An example of acute gastritis is stomach upset that may follow the use of alcohol or aspirin.
* Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. Infection with this bacteria may lead to chronic gastritis.
Gastritis is a common medical problem. Up to 10% of people who come to a hospital emergency department with abdominal pain have gastritis.
Gastritis Causes
Gastritis is associated with various medications, medical and surgical conditions, physical stresses, social habits, chemicals, and infections. Some of the more common causes of gastritis are listed here.
Medications
Histamine (H2) blockers: Four histamine blockers are available in the United States. Some are available without a prescription; others require a prescription.
* All work by blocking the release of acid from specialized glands in your stomach.
* The idea is that producing less acid allows your stomach to heal.
* Once healed, the previously inflamed stomach then causes no further symptoms.
* Commonly prescribed H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications are very powerful blockers of the stomach's ability to secrete acid.
* A health care provider who prescribes one of these medications to treat your gastritis may be doing so in consultation with a gastroenterologist.
* These medications include lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec, Losec).
Coating agents: These medications protect the stomach's lining.
* Sucralfate (Carafate) - Coats and protects the stomach lining
* Misoprostol (Cytotec) - Also protects the stomach lining, used as a preventive measure for people taking NSAIDs who are at high risk for developing stomach damage
Antibiotics: An antibiotic may be prescribed if H pylori is demonstrated to be the cause of your gastritis.
Antiemetics: These medications help control nausea and vomiting. A number of different antiemetics can be used in the emergency department to control those symptoms. Some these medications are available by prescription for home use as well.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Diabetes Diet Tips
Contrary to what you may have heard, there is no ” diabetes diet,” per se — and that’s good news! The foods recommended for a diabetes diet to control blood glucose (or sugar) are good for those with diabetes — and everyone else. This means that you and your family can eat the same healthy foods at mealtime. However, for people with diabetes, the total amounts of carbohydrates consumed each day must be monitored carefully. Of the different components of nutrition — carbohydrates, fats, and proteins — carbohydrates have the greatest influence on blood sugar levels. Most people with diabetes also have to monitor total fat consumption and protein intake, too.
To keep your blood sugar levels in check, you need to make healthy food choices, exercise regularly, and take the medicines your health care provider prescribes. A dietitian can provide in-depth nutrition education to help you develop a personalized meal plan that fits your lifestyle and activity level, and meets your medical needs.
Learn the ABCs of a Diabetes Diet
The goal of nutrition for people with diabetes is to attain the ABCs of diabetes. The A stands for the A1c or hemoglobin A1c test, which measures average blood sugar over the previous 3 months. B is for blood pressure, and C is for cholesterol. People with diabetes should attain as near as normal blood glucose control (HbA1c), blood pressure, and healthy cholesterol level.
Alcohol and Diabetes
Use discretion when drinking alcohol on a diabetes diet. Alcohol is processed in the body very similarly to the way fat is processed, and alcohol provides almost as many calories as fat. If you choose to drink alcohol, only drink it occasionally and when your blood sugar level is well-controlled. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor to be sure drinking alcohol is acceptable.
Diabetes and Glycemic Index
For years, researchers have tried to determine what causes blood sugar levels after meals to soar too high in those with diabetes. Potential culprits have included sugar, carbohydrates, and starches, among other foods. The glycemic index is a ranking that attempts to measure the influence that each particular food has on blood sugar levels. It takes into account the type of carbohydrate in a meal and its effect on blood sugars.
Foods that are low on the glycemic index appear to have less of an impact on blood sugar levels after meals. People who eat a lot of low glycemic index foods tend to have lower total body fat levels. High glycemic index foods generally make blood sugar levels higher. People who eat a lot of high glycemic index foods often have higher levels of body fat, as measured by the body mass index (BMI).
Talk to your doctor, a registered dietitian, or a diabetes educator and ask if the glycemic index might work to help gain better control of your blood sugar levels.
The glycemic load takes into account the effect of the amount of carbohydrates in a meal. Both the type of carbohydrate and the amount have an effect on blood sugars.
To keep your blood sugar levels in check, you need to make healthy food choices, exercise regularly, and take the medicines your health care provider prescribes. A dietitian can provide in-depth nutrition education to help you develop a personalized meal plan that fits your lifestyle and activity level, and meets your medical needs.
Learn the ABCs of a Diabetes Diet
The goal of nutrition for people with diabetes is to attain the ABCs of diabetes. The A stands for the A1c or hemoglobin A1c test, which measures average blood sugar over the previous 3 months. B is for blood pressure, and C is for cholesterol. People with diabetes should attain as near as normal blood glucose control (HbA1c), blood pressure, and healthy cholesterol level.
Alcohol and Diabetes
Use discretion when drinking alcohol on a diabetes diet. Alcohol is processed in the body very similarly to the way fat is processed, and alcohol provides almost as many calories as fat. If you choose to drink alcohol, only drink it occasionally and when your blood sugar level is well-controlled. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor to be sure drinking alcohol is acceptable.
Diabetes and Glycemic Index
For years, researchers have tried to determine what causes blood sugar levels after meals to soar too high in those with diabetes. Potential culprits have included sugar, carbohydrates, and starches, among other foods. The glycemic index is a ranking that attempts to measure the influence that each particular food has on blood sugar levels. It takes into account the type of carbohydrate in a meal and its effect on blood sugars.
Foods that are low on the glycemic index appear to have less of an impact on blood sugar levels after meals. People who eat a lot of low glycemic index foods tend to have lower total body fat levels. High glycemic index foods generally make blood sugar levels higher. People who eat a lot of high glycemic index foods often have higher levels of body fat, as measured by the body mass index (BMI).
Talk to your doctor, a registered dietitian, or a diabetes educator and ask if the glycemic index might work to help gain better control of your blood sugar levels.
The glycemic load takes into account the effect of the amount of carbohydrates in a meal. Both the type of carbohydrate and the amount have an effect on blood sugars.
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