health wanted

Doesn’t iced soda look good on hot days?

It tastes amazing - until you feel it burn in your stomach.

Caffeinated beverages, including coffee, can stimulate gastric acid and increase acidity.

Did you know that too much or too little stomach acid are similar?

You heard it.

Our stomach acid helps with digestion and the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

When we have low acidity, we may feel bloated after a meal for hours with continuous burping.

When we have high acidity, we may feel a burning sensation, acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Nausea, burping and heartburn are just a few issues we can have.

Many people try antacids such as Tums, Zantac, Pepcid, or Rolaids.

You may try to balance your low acidity with a glass of water with lemon in the morning to help aid digestion. Or try drinking apple cider vinegar.

You may also try a glass of organic low-fat or fat-free milk to help neutralize acidity. The best way to avoid high acidity is to eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Avoid fruits or vegetables and drinks that have high acidity, also.

Portion control will be your best friend.

Maurine Elizabeth “Betty” Bellune Alpern died August 17 at her home in New York City.

She was born Feb. 23, 1939, in Greenville, SC, daughter of the late Dr. A.E. and Mrs. Marion Odom Bellune.

She was a graduate of Greenville High School where she was managing editor of the High News, and Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, with a degree in languages. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University.

In her career she was an actress, teacher and Occupational Therapist.

She appeared in productions at the Greenville Little Theater, Barter Theater in Virginia and professional theaters in New York City.

After working in numerous professional capacities throughout her life, she found her calling as an Occupational Therapist for children with learning disabilities in the New York public school system.

She and her former husband Morris Alpern have one daughter Claire Alpern Meidroth.

She is survived by her daughter Claire (Michael) and their sons August and Henry, and a brother Jerry (MacLeod) Bellune of Lexington, SC.

A memorial service is being planned in New York.