HICCUP (Hiccough)SYMPTOMSHiccups that you want to have stopped. CAUSESCharles Osborne of Anthon, Iowa, started hiccuping in 1922 and hiccuped for the next 65 years. After 430 million hiccups, he passed away. Almost all hiccups are one-sided; that is, only one side of the diaphragm contracts. Overeating or excessive drinking is the most common cause. It causes the stomach to extend downward and press against the diaphragmwhich then starts its hiccuppy motions. A hiccup is a repeated involuntary spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm, immediately followed by a sudden closure of the glottis. But that information does not help solve the problem. Here is advice that may. All of these methods really work for some people. See what is best for you. (You will notice that these techniques are frequently based on diverting attention, changing the ongoing physical hiccup pattern, and getting the body to do something different for a few moments.) TREATMENT
ENCOURAGEMENTThe work of conquering evil is to be done through faith. Those who go into the battlefield will find that they must put on the whole armor of God. The shield of faith must be their defense. God will give them the victory over temptation and sin. BELCHING (Eructation)SYMPTOMSBurping up air from the stomach. CAUSESBelching is most frequently caused by bringing up air that was swallowed with the food and drink taken in. This is called aerophagia. We normally have about a cupful of air in our stomach all the time. Every day, we swallow air and make some in our stomach (about 10 cupfuls in 24 hours). Because this is 9 cupfuls too many, we belch occasionally. TREATMENT
Also see "Bloating." ENCOURAGEMENTIf we would give more expression to our faith, and rejoice more in the blessings we know we have, we could have more faith and greater joy. If you will cooperate with His plan, as given in the Bible, He will give you eternal life. BLOATING (Flatulence; Gas)SYMPTOMSThere is an excess of gas in the stomach. The stomach (or intestines) seems to be too full. CAUSESBloating is the accumulation of gas in the stomach, intestines, or bowels. Normally the stomach is sterile because of the acid environment. But when it does not contain enough hydrochloric acid ("Achlorhydria," which see), bacteria from the small intestine migrates up into the stomach. Arriving there, it ferments the carbohydrates and sugars which are there. This produces gas or, what is called, bloat. TREATMENT
Also see "Stomach Distension, Gaseous," "Belching," "Achlorhydria," "Dyspepsia," and "Colic in Children." ENCOURAGEMENTLiving faith and obedience by faith in Christ can give us the victory over every besetment and sin. He can enable us to stand firm to the end. STOMACH DISTENSION, GASEOUS (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)COMBAT ITCold Compress over stomach without plastic covering, changed every 4 hours; Cold Fan Douche over stomach, twice daily. INCREASE GENERAL VITAL RESISTANCE, COMBAT AUTOINTOXICATIONShort sweating baths, such as the Radiant Heat Bath; Sweating Wet Sheet Pack; Hot Full Bath, 4-6 minutes, at 1050 F.; Hot Blanket Pack; Hot Enema. Follow each hot bath with a Tonic Friction application. PYROSISHot water drinking before retiring at night; Fomentation over stomach at bedtime, with Hot Abdominal Pack overnight; sipping half a glass of very hot water, when rising in the morning. A few ounces of orange juice or other natural, unsweetened fruit juice half an hour before eating. CONSTIPATIONGraduated Cold Enema; Cold Douche to abdomen. Hot Abdominal Pack; Regularity of bowel habits. PAINFomentation over the abdomen, followed by Heating Compress, protected by flannel only. Also see "Bloating." HEARTBURN (Acidosis, Overacid Stomach)SYMPTOMSA burning sensation in the stomach or chest. CAUSESHeartburn is a sense of burning in the stomach. In most instances, some of the stomach digestive juices have backed up out of the stomach into the esophagus (the food tube between the mouth and the stomach). This backing-up action is called reflux. These juices include hydrochloric acid, which is a rather powerful acid. It is used in industry, to clean metal. When it comes in contact with the esophagus, it burns the wall. Normally, the esophageal sphincter muscle shuts and prevents stomach acids from pushing upward. Heartburn can be caused by excessive consumption of fatty or fried foods, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, chocolate, or just having too much food in the stomach. Citrus fruits or tomato-based foods cause it in a few people. Other contributing factors are hiatal hernia, allergies, stress, gallbladder problems, and enzyme deficiencies. TREATMENT
ENCOURAGEMENTEven on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because it is fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God. All this is ours as we study the Bible, and, in Christ's strength, obey it. HIATAL HERNIA (Hiatus Hernia)SYMPTOMSHeartburn and belching. There may be difficulty in swallowing. Material from the stomach may suddenly return into the throat or mouth, causing a burning sensation. It may feel as if there is a lump in the throat, or that food is sticking at a point in the throat. Sometimes bloody mucous is coughed up. CAUSESThe stomach pushes, or herniates, upward through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity (the thorax). A weakness in the diaphragm as it leaves the esophagus may enlarge the opening, where the esophagus (food pipe) enters the stomach. This enables the stomach to slide up somewhat. The weakness is often caused by increased pressure upward, from what is in or near the abdominal cavity: obesity, pregnancy, tumors, heavy lifting, overeating, straining at the stool, or tight clothing. It is said that nearly half the people over 40, in the U.S., have hiatal hernias. But most are unaware of it, since these hernias are often quite small and are hardly noticed. They occur in women four times as often as in men, perhaps due to tight clothing. They generally first occur after the age of 40. The acid material that comes up into the windpipe, from the larger hernias, frequently causes ulceration in the esophageal wall. But ulcers can also occur in the duodenum, which is the top part of the small intestine, just below the stomach. People with this condition have a tendency to have overacid stomachs. Between the esophagus and stomach is the esophageal sphincter. This is a circular valve which can open and close. But its strength is damaged by drugs, tobacco (smoked or chewed), or certain foods. This weakening allows food and acid to go back up into the windpipe. Those certain foods include coffee and chocolate (because of the methylxanthines in them), spicy foods, tomato, alcohol, peppermint, spearmint, and citrus juices. Tobacco and coffee are especially bad. Whole milk can also be a problem. Weakening of the sphincter occurs within 30 minutes after drinking coffee. One puff of a cigarette can lower sphincter pressure to zero; the result is called "smoker's heartburn." TREATMENT
Also see "Hernia" and "Umbilical Hernia." ENCOURAGEMENTWe all need a guide through the many difficult places of life. But if we will cling to God and His Written Word, the Bible, we can have the victory at each step. VOMITING (Emesis)SYMPTOMSThe person vomits. CAUSESThe cause is often overeating, eating the wrong food, poor combinations, or excessive alcohol consumption. But it can also be caused by food allergies, poisoning, food poisoning, or infection (flu, Epstein-Barr syndrome, candida, etc.) If the vomitus (that which comes up) looks like "coffee grounds," it includes large amounts of blood from a bleeding ulcer or stomach cancer. This is an emergency, for extensive internal bleeding can result in death. Take him to the emergency room. If it occurs in infants, accompanied by fever and the child is unresponsive, it could indicate meningitis. Call a physician immediately. (See meningitis.) But it might be that you need to induce vomiting, after someone eats a poisonous plant, rat poison, etc. TO ASSIST VOMITING TO OCCURIf you have eaten something poisonous or are having a gallbladder attack, an emetic will help. Drink an emetic herb tea. Lobelia is probably the best. Make an herb tea of lobelia or peach leaves, and take a teaspoonful every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. EMETIC HERBSWhen giving lobelia tea, give the full dose all at once or you will not induce vomiting. Add 1 oz lobelia to a quart of boiling water; let it steep for 5-10 minutes if you are in a hurry (15-20 minutes is better). Then give a cup or two of the liquid (not hot), and let him vomit. Other emetic herbs include bayberry bark, myrica, white willow, and ragwort. In his book, Back to Eden (see order sheet), p. 260, Kloss gives a complicated formula for giving herbs to help a person vomit. You might wish to refer to it. TO STOP VOMITINGGive very small doses of lobelia; it will relax the person and the vomiting will cease. Use a teaspoon of boiling water, steep, take a teaspoonful of this every 15 minutes, until relief is obtained. A cup of hot peppermint or spearmint tea, taken after the stomach has been cleaned out, will also help settle it. Catnip or sweet balm are also useful. A hot fomentation over the stomach, or a hot water bottle with a moist towel under it, will help settle the stomach. AFTER VOMITINGDo not eat for several hours, but carefully take fluids, as you are able. You lose a lot of fluid when you vomit. Be sure and replace it. Drink water, do not become dehydrated. Those fluids should be clear: water, weak tea, or fruit juices. Milk and heavy soups may be too much for the stomach just then. Drink small amounts of peppermint tea. Vomiting also flushes out minerals. These need to be replaced with electrolyte drinks, clear soups, or apple or cranberry juice. If only water, add a couple pinches of sugar and salt to it. After vomiting, it is best to sip the fluids, then pause, then sip a little more; do not gulp them down. Do not drink cold fluids; it is a shock to the weakened stomach. Do not drink carbonated products at this time. When you are ready to eat, start back with a small carbohydrate meal, such as rice soup. Avoid fatty substances, for they would remain in the tired stomach too long. ENCOURAGEMENTGod bids us to fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to think upon His love and mercy to us; study, in the Bible, the plan He has to save us through faith in Jesus Christ. INDIGESTION (Dyspepsia)SYMPTOMSGas, abdominal pain, a bloated feeling, belching, nausea, rumbling noises. Sometimes vomiting. CAUSESDyspepsia is probably the most common "disease" in the Western world. Ongoing indigestion can lead to food allergies, osteoporosis, anemia, degenerative disease, and a debilitated immune system. Dietary habits and stress are primary causes of this problem. Other causes include (1) overeating, eating too fast, not chewing food well, eating when fatigued; (2) too much cooked food and not enough fresh food, not enough fiber in the diet; (3) partaking of coffee, tea, soft drinks, alcohol, and using nicotine; (4) eating foods you are allergic to (see "Pulse Test"); (5) eating when nervous, distressed, angry, fearful, etc.; (6) and a lack of hydrochloric acid. TREATMENT
ENCOURAGEMENTThe Father appreciates every soul whom His Son has purchased by the gift of His life. Every provision has been made for us to receive divine power, which will enable us to overcome temptations. Through obedience, through Christ's enabling grace, to all God's requirements, the soul is preserved unto eternal life. DYSPEPSIA (Poor Digestion; Indigestion)SYMPTOMSGas, a bloated feeling, rumbling noises, belching, possibly a burning feeling, and vomiting. CAUSESThe main causes are dietary habits and stress. Lack of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and enzymes are other major causes. Lack of enzymes keep vitamins and minerals from being used properly. Inadequate HCl means the protein food will not be digested correctly. Other contributing factors include peptic ulcers. Intestinal obstruction can also lead to indigestion. If the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder are not function properly, it is more difficult for the body to digest food. A key factor can be hydrochloric acid production (see Achlorhydria). If food does not digest properly, it tends to ferment in the intestines. This produces hydrogen and carbon-dioxide gas, which causes bloating and pain. (See Bloating.) TREATMENT
Now, for the other side of the coin:
Also see "Nervous Dyspepsia," "Bloating," "Achlorhydria," "Allergies," and "Pulse Test." ENCOURAGEMENTGod purposes are right, but will prove of no avail unless resolutely carried out. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians; but they made no earnest effort to accept Christ and, in His strength, obey His will as given in the Bible. NERVOUS DYSPEPSIA (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)IRRITATION OF SOLAR PLEXUS AND ABDOMINAL SYMPATHETIC NERVEFomentation twice a day; during interval between, apply Heating Compress, changing every 4 hours, except during sleep. Abdominal Compress during the night, dry bandage during the day, and abdominal supporter when enteroptosis exists. GENERAL WEAKNESSGraduated Cold Baths, twice daily; Cool or Cold percussion Douche to spine. HEARTBURNDry aseptic dietary; gastric Fomentation, followed by Heating Compress. ERUCTATIONS AND REGURGITATIONS OF FOODFomentation over the stomach, twice daily; continuous Heating Compress during the interval between, but without impervious covering, renewing every 4 hours. SPINAL IRRITATIONFomentation in the evening followed by a Heating Compress over the spine, to be worn during the night; Hot Abdominal Pack. COLD EXTREMITIESRevulsive Douche, running Cold Foot Bath, Leg Pack, massage HEADACHEHot and Cold Compress to the head; Alternate Sponging to the spine; Cool Compress, if congestion is present; and massage to the head and neck. ANOREXIAIce Bag over stomach, half an hour before eating; Cold Douche over spine; cold-air bath; out-of-door life; small Cold Enema before breakfast, retained. ABDOMINAL WEIGHT AND TENDERNESSAbdominal supporter; Hot fan Douche to the abdomen; Hot Foot Bath; Revulsive Sitz Bath; Fomentation twice daily, followed by Heating Compress. EXCESSIVE PERISTALSISHot and Cold Compress to Abdomen; Fomentation over abdomen, twice daily, followed by Hot Abdominal Pack, protected by plastic covering. ASTHMANervous or reflex asthma is commonly associated with dilated or prolapsed stomach and irritable lumbar sympathetic ganglia. The most important palliative measures are the Hot and Cold Trunk Pack; Fomentation over the abdomen, twice daily, followed by Heating Compress, to be worn during the interval between; Hot Enema; Hot Full Bath; general set of Tonic Friction treatments; Revulsive Douche to legs. GENERAL METHODThe general method consists in improving the nerve tone, allaying general nervous irritability, lessening gastric irritation, and improving the general nutrition by the appropriate measures, as indicated above. Also see "Dyspepsia." |
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