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Understanding Gerd and Acid Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Suggestions

 



Understanding Gerd and Acid Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Suggestions


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder affecting millions worldwide. Commonly known as acid reflux, it occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. While occasional acid reflux is normal, persistent symptoms can indicate GERD. This blog post will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of GERD and acid reflux.

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that connects the esophagus and the stomach weakens or relaxes, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Some factors that can contribute to LES dysfunction are obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medications such as NSAIDs and calcium channel blockers. Certain foods and drinks—such as chocolate, alcohol, acidic juices, and caffeine—can also trigger acid reflux.

The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms can include chest pain, hoarseness, chronic cough, and a sour taste in the mouth. These symptoms can be mild or severe and interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

A doctor can diagnose GERD based on a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and tests such as an endoscopy, pH monitoring, or a barium swallow. Treatment of GERD depends on the severity of symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and elevating the head of the bed can reduce symptoms. Medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 blockers can help reduce acid production and relieve symptoms. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to strengthen the LES or create a barrier against stomach acid.

Medication is often a band-aid and is ineffective. The side effects of many medications can be an issue. Current protein pump inhibitors or PPI studies show that they further GI and Health Issues. It is recommended to address the root cause through dietary and lifestyle changes.

If left untreated, GERD can lead to severe complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), Barrett’s esophagus (abnormal changes in the cells lining the esophagus), and esophageal cancer. These complications can be detected through regular screenings and monitoring by a healthcare professional.

There are several ways to prevent GERD. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods and drinks ( eating whole foods, minimizing processed foods), quitting smoking, eating smaller meals(chewing food thoroughly), and eating more frequent meals can all help prevent symptoms of acid reflux. In addition, wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding lying down for at least three hours after eating, and elevating the head of the bed can all help prevent reflux symptoms.

Typically what you eat affects your heartburn. When you eat, how you eat, how much you eat, what you do after dinner, if you elevate your head, and how you breathe.

Rules:
  1. Overeating
    will cause heartburn- feeling full is too much
  2. Eat less fat- fat slows stomach emptying
  3. NO bubbly- it causes reflux
  4. Move after a meal
  5. Breath work- Breath improves Acid reflux
  6. Teas are helpful- ginger, chamomile, and fennel
Avoid Foods:
  1. tomatoes based foods
  2. citrus fruit juices
  3. high-fat foods
  4. Garlic
  5. Onion
  6. peppermint
  7. alcohol
  8. Soda, coffee caffeine
Lastly, sleep at least 7-8 hours a night to let your body recover.

Supplement
  1. fiber- raw fiber garden of life
  2. probiotics-Visbiome
  3. magnesium glycinate Pure encapsulate
  4. enzymes
GERD is a common digestive disorder that can cause significant discomfort and pain. While symptoms can be managed with lifestyle modifications and diet changes, it’s essential to seek help from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of GERD, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of complications and improve their quality of life.

BULSIEWICZ, W. (2022) FIBER FUELED. [S.l.]: AVERY PUB GROUP.

(2023) 6 most effective natural remedies for heartburn and acid reflux.

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