Why Does My Stomach Hurt? The Top 3 Reasons Why Your Stomach Always Hurts

Do you frequently wonder "why does my stomach hurt"? If so then today I'll provide the top 3 reasons for why your stomach always hurts or why you experience chronic stomach pain and what you can start doing today to begin correcting this condition that requires serious attention.

3 Reasons for Chronic Pain

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#1 - Lack of Stomach Acid: That's right a lack of stomach acid is always the problem, rarely do people produce too much and have problems as a result. With a lack of this acid, stomach ulcers are more frequent, bacteria that would otherwise be destroyed on consumed food is allowed to pass through and infect the body such as H.Pylori. As well a lack of acid frequently leads to a condition known as candida overgrowth which I'll discuss in a second.

#2 - Improper Chewing/Too much liquid: When you eat too quickly and fail to chew your food well enough you place extra stress on your stomach to do all the added work. It's even worse if you don't chew your food (ideally until paste like consistency), you suffer from low stomach acid & you drink liquids with your meals which will only dilute your stomach acid further. The solution to which is to stop doing all of these things. Chew your food to a paste, don't drink any more than 1 glass of water over the course of 30 min before a meal and 2 hours afterwards.

#3 - Chronic Candida: This is a yeast that thrives inside anyone with low stomach acid, ironically it can cause a great deal of digestive pain which most people mistake for stomach pain. You see your stomach is actually much higher in your chest, odds are you're feeling pain a little lower in your intestines, this is exactly where candida does all its damage. The list of symptoms it causes is endless, however the most common associated symptom is digestive pain which is caused by the fermentation and growth of the yeast inside your body. If you also experience gas &/or bloating as well then the odds are great that it's candida causing your problems.

The first step is to learn about candida, fill out a quick questionnaire to see if it's the cause of your problems and learn the first thing you need to do in order to eliminate it for good!

Why Does My Stomach Hurt? The Top 3 Reasons Why Your Stomach Always Hurts

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Five Reasons For Frequent Urination in Dogs

Are you sick and tired of having to drop everything to let your dog outside every five minutes? There can be several reasons for a dog urinating frequently.

Canine Urinary Tract Infections

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Canine cystitis is the most common cause of frequent urination in dogs, especially in females. Your dog's bladder becomes inflamed from the infection, which causes her to need to empty her bladder often.

The problem is that the urethra in female dogs is much shorter and broader than it is in male dogs, which makes it easier for bacteria to get in and make their way to your dog's bladder.

Younger pups, about a year old, are also more susceptible to bladder infections in dogs, simply because their immune systems haven't been challenged much yet. Older dogs usually build up some immunity to this problem.

Bladder Stones In Dogs

Canine bladder stones form when high mineral levels in the urine crystallize and form stones. These stones can range from pea gravel size down to the size of a grain of sand. These stones irritate your dog's bladder, which can lead to urinary problems in dogs.

Hormonal Imbalance In Older Female Dogs

If your dog is older, your vet may suspect a hormonal imbalance, which affects how your dog's kidneys function. Her kidneys aren't able to concentrate urine properly, which would cause her to have to urinate more often. This is a serious health issue, and your dog can become dehydrated if this isn't treated.

Canine Diabetes

Diabetes is on the rise, and unfortunately, dogs are no exception. A dog with diabetes will have high levels of sugar in her blood. In an effort to get rid of the extra sugar, a dog will instinctively drink more water. Of course, this leads to your dog urinating frequently.

Canine diabetes is a serious disease, so if you suspect your dog has it, don't delay treatment.

Cushing's Disease In Dogs

Since older dogs are more prone to this condition, owners often think their dog's symptoms are just due to old age. Along with hair loss and weight gain, you'll notice your canine friend drinking more water, which leads to frequent urination in dogs. This condition is treatable, so don't give up hope if your dog develops it.

How Your Vet Diagnoses Urinary Problems In Dogs

You'll be asked to bring a urine sample from your dog so your vet can run tests on it. The easiest way to do this is to hold an old soup ladle under her as she urinates. Don't let the sample sit for more than a couple of hours, or the test results may not be accurate.

Your vet will want to examine your dog and may want to take some x-rays too, in order to diagnose the reason for your dog urinating frequently.

Natural Remedies For Pets Can Prevent Urinary Problems In Dogs

Can homeopathic and herbal remedies for pets prevent and treat bladder problems in dogs? The answer is yes. You'll need to find a remedy that's safe and gentle enough to give to your dog every day. It's also essential that you purchase the remedy from a company known for producing only the highest quality natural products for pets.

Do your dog a favor and learn more about how natural remedies for pets can prevent the stress and pain of canine bladder infections. Your dog will be glad you did.

Five Reasons For Frequent Urination in Dogs

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Causes of Water Retention - 10 Common Reasons For Swelling of the Body

Water retention is a common health problem that greatly affects the day to day activities of the sufferers. Water retention - medically referred to as edema - is the accumulation of excess fluid that leaks into the body tissues. The leakage will lead to swelling in all over the body (generalized swelling) or more localized swelling, such as swelling in legs, feet and ankles or fluid retention in abdominal, the face, hands, arms, and around the lungs.

Although there are many different conditions and diseases associated with the term water retention or edema, there are several more prominent causes of water retention. And here is some of them:

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1. Arthritis
Arthritis, which means "joint inflammation", is described as an inflammation of one or more joints that involves the mechanical failure of cartilage resulting in joint pain, swelling, and limited movement. It can affect any joints in the body from hip, heel, spine, shoulder, knee to the big toe.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis but the three most common types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Different types of arthritis show different symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain, fever, tenderness, joint swelling, stiffness, redness, joint malformation, inflexibility of joint and unexplained weight loss.

2. Kidney disorders
Certain form of kidney disorders such as kidney failure and glomerular disease will lead to swelling throughout the body as well as localized swelling in the abdominal, ankle, feet and leg swelling. This occurs because the kidneys have lost its normal functions including to efficiently removing salt and water out of the body. This will in turn cause the body to retain fluid and over time, get accumulated in the body tissues.

3. Chronic lung disease
Chronic lung disease is a general term of persistent lung disorders that damage the function of the lungs. Severe chronic lung disease will cause water retention in the body include fluid retention in lungs (pulmonary edema), ascites, neck, face, ankle and feet swelling. Chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoke inhalation injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung cancer, mesothelioma, etc. may lead to pulmonary edema, abdominal edema / ascites, fluid retention in the neck and face, swelling in the ankles and feet.

4. Cirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis of the liver usually causes abdominal fluid retention. It also causes low protein albumin synthesis by the liver and results in legs and abdominal fluid retention.

5. Congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy disease and heart valve disease
Congestive heart failure obstructs the normal circulation of the blood and often leads to water retention. Two most common causes of water retention in congestive heart failure patient are: (1) the blood flow to the heart backups and leaks into the lung and vein; (2) the kidney retain fluid due to the insufficient amount of blood flow. Both cardiomyopathy and heart valve disease are a variety of heart disease and lead to heart failure.

6. Excess sodium intake
In people who are more sensitive to sodium, excess sodium intake will raise the blood pressure and lead to water retention especially in the lower extremities such as swelling in the ankles and feet.

7. Gravity
Standing or sitting too long in one position because of occupation necessity or after long trips may cause fluid retention in legs. This is usually worsened in high temperatures.

8. Pregnancy
In some cases, the developing uterus in pregnant women may press the vena cava leading to fluid retention in the legs. Hormone imbalances and increased amount of blood flow also responsible for water retention during pregnancy. The most affected areas of swelling during pregnancy are in the lower extremities especially the ankles and feet.

9. Side effects of certain medication
Certain medication such as anabolic steroid, calcium channel blockers, levitra, methadone, etc. may affect the normal functions of the body and lead to swelling particularly in the legs, feet and ankles.

10. Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is a disturbance of the blood flow in the leg veins because of the damage of the veins itself or the valves causing the fluid to backup and leak into the surrounding tissues. This disorder is one of the most common causes of water retention in legs.

Look over the list of water retention causes and decide if you are indeed experiencing one or more. Remember, many diseases take years to appear after the symptom does. Thus, you should speak to your doctor if you have any questions regarding water retention in any parts of your body. Your doctor is the one who can tell you just what exactly the cause of your swelling and what treatment options will work best for you.

Causes of Water Retention - 10 Common Reasons For Swelling of the Body

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Why Do I Always Have to Clear My Throat? 3 Reasons

If you are wondering why do I always have to clear my throat? You are one of millions that suffer from one of three conditions that make clearing your throat a constant necessity. There are three main causes for this condition.

Environmental Allergens

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The most likely cause to why do I always have to clear my throat is allergies. The allergens may be environmental things like dander, dust, pollen and a host of other potential allergens. When you breath allergens in through your nose the mucus thickens around the particle and may slide down your throat. The thickened mucus will make you feel like you have to clear your throat all the time.

Food Allergies

Why do I always have to clear my throat may also be answered by food allergies. If you have a sensitivity to certain foods than the mucus in your throat will thicken to try to collect the food particles that you are sensitive to, trying to prevent them from reaching the stomach where they will cause you to get ill. Long after you have eaten the particles in microscopic form remain so the mucus in your throat stays thick causing you to feel like you have to constantly clear your throat.

Infection

You may have an undetected infection in your throat that also has caused the mucus to react by becoming thicker. Any type of infection in your sinuses or your ears will cause your throat to feel like you have to constantly clear it.

If you feel like "I always have to clear my throat" you may have an allergy or an illness.

Why Do I Always Have to Clear My Throat? 3 Reasons

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Overlooked Reasons to Choose A Homemade Dog Food Recipe Vs Processed Food: Part 1

Introduction

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There are many articles that tout the reasons one would choose a homemade dog food recipe over manufactured dog food such as kibble when feeding their pet. Some of the more common reasons include: 1) Increased health, well-being and vitality for your dog; 2) Fewer allergies, illnesses and vet visits (in other words you save a ton of money!) and 3) The questionable quality of many processed dog food ingredients.

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However, in this article, I wanted to highlight reasons that are often overlooked in choosing a steady diet of homemade recipes vs. processed food for your pet.

Overlooked Reasons To Go Natural

1. Control

When you make your own recipes, you control every, single ingredient that goes in. For dogs with allergies, remove ingredients from his favorite recipes until you find the culprit. Or better yet, start with just a few basic ingredients.

With processed food, you have to switch foods and it is likely that the heavy grain concentrations or additives in his kibble are causing the allergies in the first place.

Is your dog overweight, does he/she require less protein? Again, you can control every ingredient to match your dog's nutritional need perfectly.

2. Community

There is such an incredible community that exists on the Internet now for owners who prepare their own dog food recipes.

When you join the ranks, you will be embraced and you will meet some of the most passionate, caring dog lovers who have as their mission your dog's full and vital health. (This is not something that can be said for your average corporation in charge of profits for selling dog food.)

You needn't stagger around not knowing what to do, or where to buy the best supplies or how to prepare delicious and healthy recipes. There are plenty of people to help you along the way with advice, books and other recommendations.

You will be among so many friends who will love you and your dog.

3. Creativity

With homemade dog food recipes you are free to experiment with so many varieties of food for your pet. I shudder to think about millions of dogs who live their whole lives eating sub-standard, processed food every single day. (They must truly love us because they hardly complain...)

Feeding our pets has turned into a boring, meaningless routine based mostly on convenience (not necessarily the best nutrition.)

But with only a small amount of effort and really not too much additional time, feeding time can turn into a great adventure for you and your pet. The smile on your dog's face at feeding time will make your heart burst because he / she knows that a wonderful surprise awaits.

Conclusion

There are several more less common (but important) reasons I can highlight for choosing a homemade dog food recipe over processed food; however those will have to wait for another article.

In the meantime, remember the three C's (control, community, and creativity) as you being to experiment the joys of feeding fresh homemade recipes to your dog.

Woof, woof!

Overlooked Reasons to Choose A Homemade Dog Food Recipe Vs Processed Food: Part 1

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Dog Nutrition - 12 Human Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat and the Reasons Why They Are Dangerous

In a world where there has been a pet food recall, some dog owners feel they want to make their own dog food. This is a great idea because you know exactly what is going in your dog's tummy. But do you know what foods are actually dangerous for Fido? Let me list the most dangerous and also tell you WHY they shouldn't be eaten so you can save yourself from unnecessary Vet bills or something we don't even want to think about...the death of your beloved pet.

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1. Chocolate: This means ALL chocolate even though the high cocoa content chocolate and Baker's chocolate are the most toxic. To reach toxicity you only need 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog, 4 baking squares for a 20 lb dog, etc. It contains theobromine which is a diuretic and cardiac stimulant.

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Side Effects: vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures, increased drinking and urinating and even death.

2. Alcohol: If you think it's funny to watch your dog get intoxicated, think again. You can cause Fido to go into cardiac arrest and die. Not so funny anymore, now is it. They can't handle alcohol and it only takes a small amount to get them intoxicated.

Side Effects: depression, excessive urination, excitement, slowed breathing rate and cardiac arrest which can lead to death.

3. Fatty Foods: Yes, you know them well because you probably eat them yourself and know how bad they are for YOU. Gravies, bacon, high fat snacks, etc. can all be fatal in some dogs.

Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal distress and something called Pancreatitis which can be fatal.

4. Raisins and Grapes: This is one of those foods where the toxin is not known yet but is extremely dangerous and there is NO treatment for it.

Side Effect: acute kidney failure. It only takes as little as 6 grapes and raisins.

5. Potato Peelings and Tomato Leaves & Stems: These both contain a toxic alkaloid called solanine.

Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, dilated pupils, damage to the central nervous system and slower heart rate.

6. Avocado: This fruit contains a toxin principle called PERSIN. It's also in the leaves, the seeds and the bark. All avocados have the potential to be toxic for dog's however, the variety from Guatemala is the most toxic.

Side Effects: diarrhea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.

7. Macadamia Nuts: The toxin in these nuts is unknown, it only takes a small number of nuts and even the butter in them to make it toxic for your dog.

Side Effects: affects their nervous system, digestive track and their muscles.

8. Coffee: Contains dangerous components called xanthenes.

Side Effects: urinary damage, heart muscle stimulation and damage to their nervous system.

9. Peaches, Cherries, Plums, Apples and Apricots: The fruit itself is fine. It's the leaves, stems and seeds that contain a cyanide compound. Large amounts of them are toxic.

Side Effects: hyperventilation, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties and shock.

10. Xylitol: This is an artificial sweetener that is found in SUGAR FREE products like gum, candy, etc.

Side Effects: sudden drop in blood sugar and seizures.

11. Onions: Thiosulphate is the toxin in onions. This goes for onion powder as well. One good thing about this is that they will eventually recover from this toxin when it leaves their body.

Side Effect: Extreme anemia. (as little as one small onion can cause this)

12. Yeast dough: Believe it or not if your dog swallows yeast dough it will rise in his stomach and it will end up being very painful for them.

Side Effects: Severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating.

Please use common sense when it comes to feeding your dog and if he accidentally eats any of the above foods, get to your Vet immediately. Getting there in time can save your dog's life.

Dog Nutrition - 12 Human Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat and the Reasons Why They Are Dangerous

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Home Remedies For Dogs With Upset Stomachs - 7 Reasons Why Your Dog Could Have an Upset Stomach

Does your dog suffer form frequent upset stomach with diarrhea, vomiting and blood in the stool or vomit? If so, you will be happy to know there are home remedies for dogs with upset stomachs. Natural home remedies in many peoples opinion is a much better alternative to modern prescription medications because natural remedies are made from plant extracts and herbs that grow naturally in the wild.

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Using home remedies for dogs with upset stomachs can also save you money on vet bills and prescription medication as well as save your dog undo stress from unnecessary visits to the vet. We all love our dogs or should I say our "best friends" and hate to see them hurting, uncomfortable or scared. There are many causes for stomach problems in dogs some of the most common among them include the following.

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1. Eating something they should not have eaten, such as chewed up pieces of sticks, pieces of their favorite chew toy and certain types of bones.

2. Too many treats dog treats are good to include in your dogs diet as they can help to clean his teeth and reward him for good behavior. However, they should be given in moderation as to many at one time can case them to have an upset stomach.

3. Bacteria, Viruses and Parasites, Bacteria's include Campylobacter Jejune, Salmonella varieties and Escherichia Coli. Viruses include Distemper, Corona and Parvovirus. Parasites include Giardia, hookworms and whipworms.

4. Gastritis, which is an inflammation of the dogs stomach lining

5. Intestinal Obstruction, which is a partial or complete blockage of the normal passage of food through the dog's intestine.

6. Changes in diet can cause stomach problems in dogs also. Some dogs require food specially formulated for sensitive stomachs.

7. Stress, just like in humans stress on a dog can have many negative effects and cause many health problems including upset stomach.

Many of the common issues should be treated with natural home remedies for dogs with upset stomachs. Prescription or over the counter medication intended for human use should not be given to a dog unless specified by a vet. While home remedies for dogs with upset stomachs are very effective and can help your dog and reduce the stress of a visit to the vet and save you money. For serious health issues you should consult the advice of a licensed veterinarian.

Home Remedies For Dogs With Upset Stomachs - 7 Reasons Why Your Dog Could Have an Upset Stomach

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