10 MORNING HABITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

   A slow dull start in the morning usually culminates into an unproductive and lousy day. Our mornings set us up either to be primed for creativity or to be numbed and mindless, Morning rituals enable us to connect with ourselves for a little while before the busy day really kicks off. They  set the tone for the entire day, keep us grounded and give us some perspective. These healthy habits are also essential for our emotional and psychological health. While there is no single ideal morning routine for everyone, you can adopt a few simple habits as part of your morning
ritual.

1. Get Up Early
   We don’t get to choose whether we are a night owl or a morning lark – it’s passed on from our parents. But hoping out of bed at dawn is a key ingredient to both success and health. People who wake up early to perform important tasks are more proactive, successful and better able to deal with life’s problems than their still asleep counterparts. They have the luxury of quiet surroundings. Most of the top CEOs rise between 5am and 6am. Morning people also anticipate problems,
they have time to schedule the rest of their day, write a journal and meditate.

2. Open Your Windows
  Opening your blinds and windows is crucial to staying healthy, as it promotes ventilation. Sunlight is the first step toward wakefulness, it stimulate the body's 24-hour biological system. It wakes you right up, enhance your mood and prepare you for an active day. Sunrays also boost the body’s production of serotonin, and are also the best natural source of vitamin D.

3. Drink Lemon Water
   This is an easy and refreshing habit that everyone should try. Drinking water early in the morning is a key to a healthy digestive system - it aids digestion and regulates morning bowels. Lemons have detoxification properties and are rich in vitamin C. Drinking lemon water boosts digestion, increases iron absorption and benefits both the skin, heart and blood vessels. Upon waking, squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a glass of warm water and sip.

4. Stay Disconnected First Thing in the Morning
   Mobile phones have become almost as important as oxygen to most of us. It is most often the first thing we use when we wake up and the last thing we use before we go to sleep. Avoid checking emails or answering messages and browsing Facebook as soon as you wake up. Instead, indulge in other productive activities like reading or writing, focus on creative tasks, do some self-reflection and think about your life and goals. People only have so much time to focus and stay creative so wasting that time on relatively
thoughtless pursuits in the morning is a waste of both your time and your creativity.

5. Meditate
   Recent studies show that taking the time to meditate makes people more
creative and increases mental clarity . After rising, climb out of bed, grab a pillow, sit on it cross-legged and meditate for 15 minutes or less.Meditation is  clearing your mind, thinking not of a single concept, person, or object and achieving a state of peace free of any troubling thoughts nagging at you. Studies have shown that meditation is a beneficial mental exercise which can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, lower blood pressure, ease  pain,  boost immunity and resolve pregnancy problems. Meditation aids memory retention, learning and self-reflection, and help
control the part of the brain that regulates anxiety and stress, Making time for meditation in the morning is one of the most important habits a person can form for creative progression. People who engage in open-monitoring meditation are better at generating new, creative ideas than those who do not meditate.

6. Exercise
   Exercise is a fantastic energy booster, imperative for a healthy heart and strong bones and a proven stress reliever. Exercise also fires off abundant endorphins (Happy hormones - they uplift your mood and motivate you) and gets blood flowing to our brains and stimulates creativity. Exercise can take many forms, such as cycling, running or even hitting the gym each morning, these are terrific ways to get the blood flowing throughout your body and energize you. Exercising also staves off your cravings for fatty, sugary foods. Morning exercise are preferable if you want a better night’s rest and also important for better performance.
7. Eat A Nutritious Breakfast
   Study upon study has shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is not just about eating just any breakfast, it is very important to eat a nutritious and balanced breakfast, because the energy you get from junk foods depletes rapidly, and all the blood from your brain travels to your stomach to break down these overcooked, high-fat foods. Also, the excess oil in them increase the risk of artery blockage, heart attacks and strokes. Eating a nutritious breakfast of slow energy-yielding foods, such as whole-grain cereals, fruits and lean protein, keeps you energized and alert the whole day. A nutritious and healthy breakfast is a fantastic way to boost both energy levels and cognitive function, while helping you fight junk food cravings throughout the day.

8. Set Your Goals For The Day And Read Something Inspirational
   While eating breakfast, take a few moments to set your most important goals for the rest of the day. Goal setting works, completing the task you want to achieve may bring you more energy, make you happier and even help you live longer. Give it a try and see what a difference it makes to your life.
   Just as running and exercising each morning makes you physically fit, motivational reading is a mental workout that will keep you mentally strong throughout the day. It helps you to be mentally prepared for any setbacks or challenges you might face. Reading inspirational text uplifts your spirits unlike reading newspaper, which may likely fill your head with thoughts of distressing world events that are bound to disturb your mental peace and leave you low-spirited.

9. Find Time To Be Grateful
   In the strife of everyday life, it is easy to forget the good things that happen to us. Being thankful for the life that you’ve worked hard to achieve helps you to reconnect with your purpose and the things and people in your life that motivate you. If you can, thank one person each day who you are grateful to have in your life. It will help inspire you to keep working hard, it will also make you happier, more optimistic and will reveal what matters most to you in life. Being thankful for what you have each day can make you an optimist over time and inspire you to achieve your goals.

10.Create A Routine And Stick To It
   Try to keep the same morning routine. Although it’s not easy to start a new routine and there are always excuses to break habits but. with consistency (even at weekends), it will happen and the rewards may be life changing. Make to-do lists and design your morning routine before your alarm clock goes off, this can help in getting you out of bed and into your routine without wasted time. Having a morning routine that’s proven
to stimulate creativity is one of the only ways to ensure its consistency,

LUPUS

WHAT IS LUPUS?
    The immune system is designed to attack foreign substances and infectious agents, such as bacteria and other foreign microbes in the body. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system mistakes the body's own tissues and organs as foreign invaders and attacks them. People with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood that target tissues within their own body rather than foreign infectious
agents. These antibodies are referred to as auto-antibodies. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems including:
Joints
Skin
Kidneys
Heart
Lungs
Blood vessels
Brain.
   Some people with lupus suffer only minor inconveniences while it might result in significant lifelong disability in others. The disease can affect all ages but most commonly begins from 20-45 years of age and it's usually common among women.

CAUSES OF LUPUS
   No single factor is known to cause lupus. Research suggests that genes
play an important role. But, they are other factors that many  trigger the disease.
Some potential triggers include:
1. Environmental factors: Overexposure to the sun which may bring on lupus skin lesions or trigger an internal response in susceptible people, viral and bacterial infections and severe emotional stress.
2. Medications: Certain drugs, such as blood pressure drugs, anti-seizure medications and antibiotics may cause lupus-like symptoms. People who have drug-induced lupus usually see their symptoms go away when they stop taking the medication.
3. Hormonal factors: High estrogen levels resulting from pregnancy may trigger lupus.
   People born with a tendency toward developing lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that can trigger lupus. So it is likely cause by a combination of genetics and environment.

SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS
   Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, from mild to severe, and may be temporary or permanent. The times when a person is having symptoms are called flares, The symptoms vary, depending on which body systems are affected by the disease. But some of the most common symptoms of lupus are:
- Butterfly shaped rash on the face
- Fatigue
- Pain or swelling in joints
- Fever
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold
- Photosensitivity,
- Chest pain
- Headaches, confusion and memory loss
- Appetite loss
- Dry eyes
- Mouth ulcers
- Hair loss
- Anemia (a decrease in red blood cells)
- Dizzy spells
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures.
   See your doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, persistent aching or fatigue and  fever,

TYPES OF LUPUS
1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): This is the most serious type of lupus. It affects many parts of the body including skin, vital organs and blood vessels. It causes a scaly, butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks that can leave scars if untreated.
2. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): This type mainly affects skin that is exposed to sunlight. It doesn’t typically affect vital internal organs. It leaves a skin rash or scar that doesn't go away  after healing of the lesions.
3. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus or lupus dermatitis:  It causes skin sores on parts of the body exposed to sun.
4. Neonatal lupus: This is a rare type of lupus that affects  newborns.
5. Drug-induced lupus: Caused by medications.

RISK FACTORS OF LUPUS
  Factors that may increase the risk of lupus include:
1. Sex: Anyone can get lupus, but it most often affects women.
2. Race:  Lupus is more common in African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asians.
3. Age: Although lupus affects people of all ages, it's most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40.

COMPLICATIONS OF LUPUS
- Cancer
- Kidney damage and failure
- Bone tissue death (avascular necrosis).
- Strokes.
- Anemia, blood clotting and inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).
- Pregnancy complications
- Brain and central nervous system damage
- Cardiovascular disease,  heart attacks  and nflammation of the heart muscle, arteries or heart membrane.
- Pleurisy or inflammation of the chest cavity lining, which can make breathing painful.
- Infection

HOW IS LUPUS DIAGNOSED?
   Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. It may take months or years for a doctor to diagnose lupus as there is no single test for it's diagnosis. But doctors may use many tools such as medical history, blood tests, skin biopsy, kidney biopsy and a complete examination to make a diagnosis.

TREATMENT
   While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms. The treatments are directed toward decreasing inflammation and the level of autoimmune activity with anti-inflammatory medications for mild lupus and corticosteroids for more severe lupus. The goals of the treatment plan are to: Prevent flares, treat flares when they occur, reduce organ damage and other problems. Other medications are sometimes needed for problems related to lupus such as infection, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

HOW TO LIVE WITH LUPUS?
   People with lupus can prevent "flares" of disease by avoiding sun exposure and not abruptly discontinuing medications.They should be able to know about the disease and its impact. They should also monitor their condition with their doctor. Being able to spot the warning signs of a flare can help you prevent the flare or make the symptoms less severe.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EGGS

   Eggs are pretty much nature’s perfect food. They are cheap, easy to prepare, go with almost any food and taste awesome. Apart from being inexpensive, eggs are a superfood which contain large amounts of protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Egg is a storehouse of vital nutrients, making them an integral part of a healthy diet. Here are 12 reasons to crack one open today:

1. Eggs Are Incredibly Nutritious
   Eggs are packed with vitamins, iron, zinc and phosphorus, minerals that are vital for your body. One large egg contains, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin E (tocopherol) Vitamins A and B2. Eggs also contain decent amounts of Vitamin D, Vitamin
E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6 and Calcium. Eggs also contain various other trace nutrients such as iodine and selenium that are important for health.

2. Eggs Help To Promote Brain Health And Development
   Choline is a nutrient that most people don’t even know exists. It is an incredibly important substance and is often grouped with the B vitamins. Choline stimulates brain development in foetus and newborn and memory function even into old age. It is necessary for brain development, but is not produced by our bodies in sufficient amount. Whole eggs are an excellent source of choline. A single egg contains more than 100 mg of this very important nutrient. Choline is of extreme importance during pregnancy and lactation.

3. Eggs Can Help To Promote Weight Loss
   Eggs are a great nutritional value for those trying to lose weight and maintain weight loss. Studies have reported that starting the day with an egg breakfast increases satiety in overweight people. Eggs are the best source of complete protein which contain all essential amino acids for human body. The protein in eggs tend to induce feelings of fullness and reduce subsequent calorie intake to make you eat fewer calories and helps control the rate at which the body absorbs calories, thereby helping you to maintain a healthy weight.

4. Eggs Prevent Breast Cancer
   Research has shown that eating eggs as an adolescent could help prevent breast cancer as an adult. Choline present in egg can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 24 percent.

5. Eggs Help To Improve Performance And Concentration
   Good nutrition affects a child’s ability to learn. Research has shown that eating a balanced breakfast that include eggs can improve children:
Concentration level, math and reading skills, scores, attendance, behaviour and imorove performance in a challenging environment.

6. Eggs Help To Protect Eyesight And Prevent Cataracts
   One of the consequences of aging is that eyesight tends to get worse.Egg yolks contain large amounts of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, antioxidants that have major benefits for eye health, they build up in the retina of the eye. Eggs are also high in Vitamin A, which is also vital for eye health.Studies show that consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients can result in significant decrease in cataracts and age-related lens and retinal degeneration, which are the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

7. Eggs Do Not Increase Blood Cholesterol
   It is a known fact that eggs are high in cholesterol (A single egg contains 212 mg, which is over half of the recommended daily intake of 300 mg). However, numerous studies have shown that foods high in fat, especially saturated and fatty acids have a far greater impact on heart health than cholesterol in diet. The liver produces large amounts of cholesterol every single day, but it evens out when we eat more eggs, the liver just produces less cholesterol instead. Cholesterol in the diet doesn’t necessarily raise cholesterol in the blood. So eggs should be recognised as an inexpensive and easily digestible source of protein.

8. Eggs Can Help To Protect Our Bones
  Eggs are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and for maintaining optimum bone health. Eggs help in the prevention of osteoporosis.

9. Eggs Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke
     Because of the high cholesterol in eggs, it has been claimed that eggs must be bad for the heart. Eggs turn LDL Cholesterol generally known as the “bad” cholesterol from small, dense to large. Many studies published in recent years have examined the relationship between egg consumption and the risk of heart disease.

10. Eggs Pomote Healthy Hair And Nails
   Eggs can help to promote healthy hair and nails because of their high content of sulphur-containing amino acids and vitamins and minerals. The shape, colour and texture of the hair and nails reflect many biochemical imbalances and shortages of minerals such as zinc, sulphur, vitamin B12 and vitamin A in the body.

11. Eggs Provide The Best Quality Protein
   Protein is one of the most important elements of our diet. They are the main building blocks of the human body. Proteins are used to make all sorts of tissues and molecules that serve both structural and functional purposes in the body. Proteins also make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. So, adequate amount of protein in the diet is very important. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, with the highest and best quality protein above meat and milk. One medium egg contains just 70 to 85 calories’ and about 6.5 grams of protein. Eggs contain all the essential amino acids in the right ratios, so our bodies are well equipped to make full use of the protein in them.

12. Eggs Improve Nutrient Adequacy Of The Diet
   Studies have shown that non-egg consumers are more likely to fall short of vitamins A, E and B12. Eggs are very vital for a nutritious diet because of their nutrients density and eggs play an important role in ensuring
nutrient adequacy.

HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF DARK LIPS

   Natural rosy lips are visually appealing and are an appealing feature of a woman’s beauty or a man’s good looks. Factors such as excessive exposure
to direct sunlight, caffeine intake, excessive smoking and chewing tobacco, hormonal imbalance and allergic reaction can cause dark lips. Many people who have dark lips want to lighten them, because it can cause embarrassment and turn personal image, in search of way to lighten their lips, some people go for expensive treatment or products.  However there are inexpensive and easy ways to lighten dark lips naturally. Although, the time it takes for these remedies to work varies, but use them as long as needed, for in time you will achieve the results you want.
  Here are some natural remedies to help lighten dark lips.

1. ALMOND
   Due to its softening and moisturizing properties, almond oil is a widely used home remedy for dark lips. It is rich in nutrients and high amounts of vitamin E, B,B2, and B6, fatty acids and anti-oxidants.

Method:
1. Mix honey and almond oil in a bowl. Apply on the lips and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes. Repeat daily until results are visible.
2. Massage your lips with a mixture of equal amounts of castor oil and almond oil. Gently massage for 2 – 3 minutes. Repeat daily until results are visible.
3. Apply pure almond oil on your lips, massage gently before going to sleep.  Leave overnight. Repeat every other night.
4. Mix 5 or 6 drops of almond oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and put it on your lips whenever they feel dry. The results will become visible after some days.

2. HONEY
   One of the many beauty benefits, of honey is that it can soften lips and give your lips a pink glow. Honey is a natural moisturizing ingredient to treat lips that have turned dark with age and other external factors.

Method :
1. Apply honey on your lips every night before going to bed and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this daily to make your lips pink.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon each of yogurt, honey, and gram flour to make a paste. Apply on your lips and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy once daily.

3. SUGAR
   Sugar works as a great exfoliating agent. It is used to exfoliate the dead skin cells and prevent dark coloration. Exfoliating your lips regularly with sugar will remove dead skin cells that causes them to look dark and dull and restore your natural lip color and shine.

Method :
1. Blend 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of either olive oil or butter to make a thick paste. Scrub your lips gently with the paste for 3 – 4 minutes. Repeat 2 – 3 times weekly until results are visible.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon  sugar and 1 teaspoon honey in a bowl to make a scrub. Use it to scrub your lips once a week.

4. POMEGRANATE
   Pomegranate is high in flavonoids, polyphenols and anti- oxidants, as such it is ideal for treating dark lips. It can moisturize and nourish dry lips.

Method :
1. Mix equal amounts of pomegranate juice, beetroot juice and carrot juice in a bowl.  Apply it on your dark lips with a cotton ball once daily. Repeat daily until results are visible.
2. Mix together 1 tablespoon of crushed pomegranate seeds, milk cream and rose water in a bowl. Apply this paste on your lips and gently scrub for a 2 minutes.Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily.

5. LEMON
   Lemons is commonly used to treat darker patches and spots of skin and can also be used to naturally lighten dark lips. It has a natural bleaching property that acts as skin lightening agent.

Method :
1. Apply fresh-squeezed lemon juice on your lips before going to sleep.
Leave overnight and rinse with water the next morning. Fresh lemon juice contains acidic content that peels off the top layer of the skin leaving the
lips lighter and softer. Repeat every night for a month or until results are
visible.
Note : Applying lemon juice to chapped lips may cause pain and irritation.
2. Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice, glycerin and honey. Apply it on your lips before going to sleep. Leave overnight and rinse with water the next morning. Do this daily until you see positive results.
3. Take a thin slice of lemon, sprinkle  sugar on top and rub it on your lips. Repeat daily until results are visible.
4. Mix fresh-squeezed lemon juice and honey in a small bowl. Apply on your lips and massage for 5 minutes. Let it dry and rinse with water.
5. Mix lemon juice and almond oil, apply this mixture on your lips and gently massage for 2 – 3 minutes. Let it dry for 30 – 45 minutes and rinse with water.

6. ROSE
   Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties which soothes, cool and moisturize irritated skin and also reduces sun damage. Rose will also help add a natural pink tint or glow to dark lips.

Method :
1. Soak rose petals in milk for an hour, and then grind the mixture to make a paste. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and a pinch of saffron to the paste. Apply the paste on your lips and gently rub for 2 – 3 minutes. Let it dry for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse with water. Do this two times a day.
2.  Mix 1 tablespoon of rose petal paste and 1 teaspoon of butter, honey, and milk cream. Apply it on your lips and scrub gently for 2 – 3 minutes. Repeat twice weekly until results are visible.
3. Mix crushed rose petals, glycerin, and castor oil. Apply this paste on your lips and gently rub for 2 – 3 minutes. Repeat daily.
4. Mix 2 - 4 drop of rose water with a 1 teaspoon honey and apply it on your lips. Do this three or four times a day until results are visible.

7. OLIVE OIL
   Olive Oil is good for the lips. Olive oil contains many essential nutrients to
nurture your lips and its moisturizing property will make them soft and beautiful. It make your lips lively and vibrant and it does not have any harmful effects.

Method :
1. Apply a few drops of extra virgin olive oil on your lips before going to bed. Massage it gently. Do this daily.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil. Scrub your lips gently with this mixture once a week.

8. BEETROOT
   Beetroot has natural bleaching properties that can lighten dark lips.

Method :
1. Mix equal amounts of beetroot juice and carrot juice. Apply it on your lips and massage gently. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily until you see visible results.
2. Apply fresh beetroot juice on your lips before going to bed. Wash it off the next morning. Do this daily.

9. BERRIES
   There are many berries like strawberries and raspberries that contain vital minerals and vitamins that are highly essential for keeping your lips healthy and vibrant. Berries have a lightening effect and are loaded
with anti-oxidants and vital minerals.
1. Mix 1 tablespoon of strawberry juice with 2 tablespoons of petroleum
jelly. Use this mixture as lip balm daily on your lips.
2. Mix crushed strawberries and baking soda to make a paste. Apply the paste on your lips before going to sleep. Leave overnight and rinse with water the next morning.
3. Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon raspberry juice with a little pure honey and aloe Vera juice. Apply the paste on your lips and scrub gently. Leave it for 5 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
4. Apply strawberry juice on your lips using a cotton ball. Let it dry for 5 – 10 minutes and rinse with water. Repeat frequently until results are visible.

10. CUCUMBER
   Cucumber works as a skin-lightening agent that will give your lips a lighter shade.

Method :
1. Rub a slice of cucumber against your lips gently so that your lips absorb the juice. Do this for five minutes each day.

11. ICE CUBES
Massaging your lips with ice cubes will help keep the lips nourished, fresh and moisturized.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)

WHAT IS GERD?
   Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease. It is a condition in which the acidified liquid content of the stomach backs up or flows back into the food pipe (esophagus) and even up to the throat. The esophagus is the tube stretching from the throat to the stomach. Not just adults are affected; even infants and children can have GERD.

CAUSES OF GERD
  After each meal the stomach produces hydrochloric acid to aid in the digestion of food. The inner lining of the stomach and cells lining the stomach resists corrosion by stomach acid and also secrete large amounts of protective mucus. However, the lining of the esophagus does not share these resistant features and therefore, stomach acid can damage it. Normally, when we swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter which is a  circular band of muscle around the bottom part of the esophagus at the entrance to the stomach, relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach. It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction. However, if the sphincter doesn't close all the way, opens too often or relaxes between swallows, the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach can move up into the esophagus causing symptoms such as frequent heartburn. This constant backwash (reflux) of acid can irritate and inflame the lining of the esophagus thereby, resulting in Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

SYMPTOMS OF GERD
   Symptoms of GERD include:
- Heatburn
- Bloody or black stools or bloody vomiting
- Feeling of tightness in the throat
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Bloating
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Dry cough
- Chronic sore throat
- Chest pain
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Wheezing
- Nausea
  Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

RISK FACTORS OF GERD
   Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include:
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications.
- Dry mouth
- Eating heavy meals
- Asthma
- Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy and fatty foods.
- Diabetes
- Snacking close to bedtime.
- Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma.
- Drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea.

COMPLICATIONS
- Cough and asthma.
- Laryngeal and throat inflammation.
- Narrowing of the esophagus or esophageal stricture.
- An open sore in the esophagus or esophageal ulcer.
- Precancerous changes to the esophagus  or Barrett's esophagus.
- Inflammation and infection of the lungs .

TREATMENT
1. Life-style changes
2. Diet
3. Over-the- counter (OTC) drugs such as antacids and H2-blockers; prescription drugs such as coating agents, promotility agents and proton pump inhibitors that controls acid by neutralizing acid, reducing acid production, blocking acid production and healing the esophagus. These medications are generally well-tolerated, but long- term use may increase risk of bone fracture and vitamin B-12 deficiency.
4. Surgery- Doctors may recommend surgery when medications aren't helpful or to avoid long-term medication use.

PREVENTION
GERD can be prevented by:
- Avoiding alcohol
- Abstinence from smoking
- Limiting fatty foods and other food triggers
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Avoiding large meals within 3 hours of bedtime.