Episode # 463 Dealing With Acid Reflux, And Keeping Pests Out And Away From Our Preps
Dealing With Acid Reflux, And Keeping Pests Out And Away From Our Preps
We have two segments on today’s episode:
Segment 1, dealing with Acid Reflux now, and if the grid goes down.
Segment 2, Pest control for pesky critters that want to get in our garages and our house.
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Segment 1, dealing with Acid Reflux now, and if the grid goes down.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
common digestive disorder characterized by the regurgitation of stomach acid, along with other stomach contents, into the esophagus.
Common symptoms of acid reflux include:
Heartburn:
A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down.
Regurgitation: Sour or bitter-tasting acid backs up into the throat or mouth.
Dysphagia: This is difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat.
Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, sometimes mistaken for a heart attack.
Chronic cough: A persistent cough, often worse at night.
Laryngitis: Hoarseness or sore throat, especially in the morning.
Factors that can contribute to acid reflux include:
Diet:
Certain foods and beverages, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Lifestyle habits:
Smoking, obesity, or lying down immediately after eating can increase the risk of acid reflux.
Medical conditions: Conditions such as hiatal hernia, pregnancy, diabetes, and connective tissue disorders can predispose individuals to acid reflux.
Common medications used to treat acid reflux:
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):
Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex
H2 Receptor Blockers:
Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet,
Antacids
These medications provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
Tums, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Mylanta
In a long-duration SHTF event, these medications may not be available, or you may wish to find non-medication ways to deal with it, even now.
Here are some non-medication ways to help manage acid reflux:
Dietary adjustments:
Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol.
Focus on eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime.
Lifestyle changes:
Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can contribute to acid reflux.
Avoid lying down or bending over after eating,
Elevate the head of your bed to reduce nighttime reflux.
Use a piece of 4x4 wood, or a couple of bricks.
Avoid smoking:
Smoking can worsen acid reflux
by relaxing the muscles that control the opening
between the esophagus and stomach.
Stress management:
Stress can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms
Find ways to manage stress
relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy may help.
Positioning during sleep:
Sleeping on your left side can help reduce acid reflux symptoms by keeping the stomach below the esophagus, reducing the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back up.
Chewing gum:
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help increase saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce reflux.
Some herbal remedies may help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux include:
Disclaimer: it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying herbal remedies, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medications.
Ginger:
anti-inflammatory properties and can
help alleviate nausea and digestive issues.
in various forms, such as ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to your meals.
Licorice root:
shown to help soothe and heal the lining of the esophagus and stomach. It is available in chewable tablets or powder form.
Chamomile:
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties
Can help soothe the stomach lining.
Drinking chamomile tea before or after meals may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
Slippery elm: Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and soothes the lining of the esophagus and stomach, providing relief from irritation caused by acid reflux. It is available in powder, capsule, or lozenge form.
Marshmallow root: Like slippery elm, marshmallow root contains mucilage that can help coat and soothe the esophagus and stomach. It is available in tea, capsule, or tincture form.
Peppermint:
Peppermint can help relax the muscles of the esophagus, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux. However, peppermint may worsen symptoms for some people, so it's important to monitor how your body reacts.
Aloe vera:
Aloe vera juice may help soothe the esophagus and reduce inflammation.
Make sure to use pure aloe vera juice without added sugars or flavors.
Segment #2 Pest control for those pesky little critters that get in the garage, and even in the house; Bugs, Mice, and my nemesis, Squirrels.
Here are some pest control methods for the garage:
Some of these work well for the house and out buildings too
Commercial insecticides & rodent bait,
but there are all natural means available, and we use some of these in combination with insecticides
Sealing cracks and crevices:
caulk or weather stripping to seal any gaps where pests could enter the garage.
Fill holes with steel wool, or
Place door sweeps on garage doors to prevent pests from crawling underneath.
Decluttering:
Remove unnecessary items to eliminate hiding spots for pests, especially spiders
Regular cleaning:
Sweep and vacuum the garage regularly to remove debris and potential food sources for pests.
Traps:
Set up pest traps such as mousetraps or glue boards to catch rodents and insects.
Pest-resistant materials: Consider using pest-resistant materials for storage containers and shelving.
Store food properly:
Temperature considerations
Keep all food items in sealed containers to prevent attracting pests.
Spaghetti, boxed meals, mac & cheese, rice, beans
Not susceptible to cold
Repellents: Use natural or commercial repellents to discourage pests from entering the garage.
Lighting: Install bright lights around the garage exterior to deter pests from approaching.
Pest-resistant materials: Consider using pest-resistant materials for storage containers and shelving.
Store food properly:
Temperature considerations, Keep all food items in sealed containers to prevent attracting pests.
Repellents: Use natural or commercial repellents to discourage pests from entering the garage.
Here are some natural pest repellents to keep pests out of the house and garage:
Peppermint oil: Mix peppermint oil with water and spray it around entry points and areas where pests are likely to enter.
Vinegar: Create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to spray on surfaces where pests are present or likely to gather.
Citrus peels: Place citrus peels such as lemon or orange around entry points to deter pests with their strong scent.
Garlic spray: Blend garlic cloves with water and spray it around the garage and house to repel pests.
Cedarwood: Use cedarwood chips, blocks, or oil to create barriers and repel pests like moths, ants, and cockroaches.
Knew about using against moths in the closets, and especially cedar chests
Going to add some cedar blocks in the kitchen cabinets and drawers
Diatomaceous earth:
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where pests are present to dehydrate and kill them.
Neem oil:
Mix neem oil with water and spray it on surfaces to repel insects like mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches.
Bay leaves:
Place bay leaves in cabinets, pantries, and other areas to repel insects such as ants, roaches, and moths.
Essential oils: Use essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil mixed with water to create a natural insect repellent spray.
Plant herbs: Plant herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and lavender around the perimeter of the house and garage to repel pests with their strong scents.
Here's a list of plants that are known to repel pests:
Lavender: Repels mosquitoes, flies, moths, and fleas.
Basil: Repels mosquitoes, flies, and spiders.
Rosemary: Repels mosquitoes, flies, and some species of beetles.
Mint: Repels ants, mosquitoes, and rodents.
Marigold: Repels mosquitoes, aphids, and other insects.
Chrysanthemum: Repels roaches, ants, ticks, fleas, and bedbugs.
Catnip: Repels mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants. Fun to feed to the cats.
Lemongrass: Repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
Garlic: Repels aphids, cabbage loopers, and spider mites.
Citronella: Repels mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.
Planting these pest-repelling plants in your garden or around your house and garage can help deter unwanted pests naturally.
Repelling squirrels from the garage can be a challenge, but here are some effective strategies to try:
Seal Entry Points:
Inspect the garage for any gaps, cracks, or openings that squirrels could use to enter.
Seal these entry points with materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, or caulk to prevent access.
Remove Attractants:
Squirrels are often drawn to garages by the scent of food.
Make sure to store birdseed, pet food, and any other edible items in airtight containers to eliminate odors that might attract them.
Use Squirrel-Repellent Products: There are several commercial repellent products available, such as sprays or granules that contain natural ingredients like predator urine or hot pepper. Apply these around the perimeter of the garage or near entry points to deter squirrels.
Install Motion-Activated Devices: Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noise-making devices can startle squirrels and discourage them from entering the garage. Place these devices in areas where squirrels are likely to approach.
Apply Natural Repellents: Certain scents and substances are known to repel squirrels. Consider placing mothballs, peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, or predator urine-soaked rags in the garage to deter squirrels. Be cautious with these methods, especially if you have pets or children, and ensure proper ventilation.
Trim Overhanging Branches: Squirrels often use trees or branches as pathways to access roofs and garages. Trim back any overhanging branches near the garage to limit their access points.
Use Physical Barriers: If squirrels are persistent, consider installing barriers such as wire mesh or hardware cloth over vulnerable areas like vents, openings, or eaves to prevent entry.
Employ Visual Deterrents: Hang shiny objects like aluminum foil strips, reflective tape, or old CDs in the garage to create visual disturbances that deter squirrels.
Keep the Garage Clean and Tidy: Regularly clean up debris, clutter, and nesting materials in the garage to make it less inviting to squirrels seeking shelter.
Consider Humane Trapping and Removal:
As a last resort, you can use live traps to capture squirrels and release them safely away from your property. Check local regulations and consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service for assistance.
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