Acid reflux describes movement of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. Occasional reflux is common and typically doesn’t cause problems. Researchers reported in May 2005 in "Gut" that approximately 6 percent of Americans report acid reflux at least once weekly.

Chocolate is a favorite of many children, often associated with holidays, birthdays and other celebrations. Chocolate products often contain numerous ingredients, some of which may be beneficial, but many of which can trigger a negative reaction or intolerance.

Gas in the stomach is typically caused by swallowing air while eating and by the breakdown of food in the large intestine. Certain foods such as beans, pears, broccoli, mushrooms, milk, whole grains and apples can contribute to gas.

The use of common kitchen spices such as honey and cinnamon for medicinal purposes is known as complementary or alternative medicine, and it is gaining popularity in the United States.

High blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can be deleterious, especially if they are present on a regular basis. Large amounts of sugar circulating in your blood can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, brain, kidneys and heart.

Many people experience edema from time to time. This temporary swelling usually occurs in the lower legs, ankles and feet. Inactivity and an unhealthy diet can lead to this type of swelling, although medical conditions may increase your risk of edema.

While plenty of Thai curry aficionados delight over blazing hot peppers, others find that spicy foods cause unpleasant reactions such as profuse sweating. A reaction such as sweating is a food sensitivity, not an actual food allergy.

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that begins in your urinary system. Your urinary system is comprised of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Although any part of your urinary system can be infected, most infections are in the lower urinary tract in the bladder or urethra.

Ibuprofen is one of the most popular pain killers available on the market. It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), so it's good for treating the symptoms of arthritis, such as swelling, aches, inflammation and irritation in tissues and joints.

Gum disease, more commonly known as gingivitis or periodontitis, is an inflammation and infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. This condition is caused when the bacteria that reside in plaque multiply and invade your gums, first causing chronic inflammation.

The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion. When food empties from your stomach into the small intestine, it mixes with digestive enzymes from the pancreas that neutralize stomach acid, preventing damage to the intestine. These enzymes also break down your food so that it can be absorbed by your body.

The sternocleidomastoid muscle, or SCM, is one of the largest muscles of the neck. When the SCM muscle is tight, the jaw protrudes forward. This pulls the head out of its correct alignment. Stretching gets the muscle to relax and return to its normal length so the jaw can stay in its correct position.