INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you are trying to increase your alkalinity, drink some water with baking soda. Baking soda is one of the most alkaline foods. It helps reduce the acid in your system and increase your pH levels.   Drink an eight ounce glass of water with ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Make sure to mix it well. Do not drink baking soda water for more than a week or two. You should only drink 7 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda each day. If you are over 60, limit that to 3 1/2 teaspoons. You will need to drink more water daily while taking baking soda. Drink up to 96 ounces (about 3 liters) a day. If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney issues, or urinary tract issues, talk to your doctor before drinking this. Use caution when ingesting baking soda. It is safe to ingest, and many people use it to help with heart burn or acid reflux because it has alkalizing and acid-reducing properties. However, you should not ingest too much baking soda. Too much baking soda can cause an electrolyte imbalance, the formation of too much gas too quickly in the stomach, and even stomach ruptures.  Children under 5, pregnant women, and people on certain medications should not drink baking soda water. Do not drink baking soda water before heavy physical activity. Drinking water is one of the most important things you can do to increase your alkalinity. Replace your daily beverages with water. Try to get at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day.  There is no medical evidence that supports alkaline water is any better than regular water. Drinking more water is healthy, so you don't really have to worry about the pH.  You can also add fresh lemon juice to a glass of water. Make sure the lemon is freshly cut and hasn’t been exposed to air. You can also buy alkaline drops at health food stores or online that will increase the pH of your water. Put one or two drops in each 8-ounce glass of water. Do not use alkaline drops if you are on any potassium medication for heart problems. Exercise helps balance your body. Aerobic exercise helps to get rid of acid from your body and restore pH levels in your system. Daily exercise can help your body stay at a natural, balanced pH level.  Try walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, cardio gym classes, or cardio machines. A massage can help increase the alkalinity of your body. Massages can manipulate your muscles in ways that release acid from your tissues. It also helps lower your stress levels, which is important since stress increases the acid in your body.  Book an appointment with massage therapist, and treat yourself to some relaxing, alkalizing time. Always drink plenty of water after a massage to rehydrate your body. Stress can cause acid to accumulate in your body. To help lower stress levels, and as a result your acid levels, find ways to reduce stress. This is different for everyone. Try taking a walk or other forms of exercise, listening to soothing music, or doing something you enjoy.  Spending time with people, reading a book, or burning a pleasant candle can reduce stress. Many people find yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises relaxing.

SUMMARY: Ingest baking soda. Drink more water. Exercise. Get a massage. Reduce stress.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A coccyx cushion (sometimes called a wedge cushion) is a U-or V-shaped pillow that protects the coccyx from uncomfortable pressure. Some cushions are also formed as a wedge. The U- or V-shape, in comparison with the circular doughnut cushions, often provide more comfort for people with tailbone pain. These cushions can also be used to provide comfort for those with hemorrhoids (piles) pain, prostate disorders, pilonidal cysts or degenerative bone disease.  Doctors frequently recommend that patients use a coccyx cushion after back surgery to reduce pressure on the spinal column and tailbone. Coccyx cushions are also often used to help relieve pain from other chronic pain conditions and inflammatory pain or to relieve pressure on the back and pelvic area during pregnancy. Coccyx cushions differ from ring or doughnut cushions, which have a hole in the middle, and help reduce pressure on the anal and prostate region in cases of hemorrhoids and swollen prostate. You can buy a coccyx cushion at a local surgical supply store or pharmacy.  You can also search online using terms like “coccyx cushion”, “tailbone cushion” and “tailbone wedge cushion”. Online sources can be less expensive, but the advantage to using a local dealer is that you can try different cushions to see which might work best for you. Do some research in advance. There are multiple things to consider when buying a coccyx cushion. Some are softer and thicker than others, some are inflatable, and others have washable covers. There are also cushions using different materials as padding and some may be more comfortable for you than others. Some of the materials used are memory foams, gels, semi-liquid gels, or other materials. Talk to your physician or orthopedic specialist to see if they have specific recommendations. If you cannot find a comfortable option in stores, then you can try making your own coccyx cushion. Most coccyx cushions are just regular cushions with a small opening on one side. You can get a large piece of memory foam or a memory foam pillow and cut out a small wedge on one side. Other creative options include duct taping together segments of a pool noodle, using a neck pillow, or filling a long sock with rice and bending it into a "U" shape. Coccyx cushions are made in varying levels of thickness and firmness and it’s important that you select a coccyx cushion that’s comfortable for you. Squeeze the cushion in your hand to feel how firm it is. This will give you an idea of how it will feel to sit on the cushion and how much support it will give you. Coccyx cushions are also made with gel inserts. Gel inserts can help provide a softer form of cushioning and will conform better to the particular contours of your body. Some gel inserts in coccyx cushions can be removed to be warmed or frozen for hot or cold therapy. Some coccyx cushions are U-shaped and have a cut-out area to help relieve pressure on the spine and tailbone. Many people find more relief with these cushions, so try the solid ring cushions and the cut-out version to determine which kind is better for your needs. Coccyx cushions can be anywhere from 3 to 7 inches (7.6 to 17.8 cm) thick. Most people use the 3-inch thickness, but a thicker cushion can be beneficial to heavier users. Ask your physician or the local dealer about what size thickness is ideal for you, given your particular body type.

SUMMARY:
Know what a coccyx cushion is and does. Buy a coccyx cushion. Consider making your own coccyx cushion. Choose a cushion that feels comfortable. Try coccyx cushions with and without the cut-out. Make sure your coccyx cushion is the appropriate thickness.