Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease -- Toronto Naturopathic Clinic

INTRODUCTION

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when material from the stomach or small intestine repeatedly enters the oesophagus. Some individuals have GERD for many years. Complications, such as serious damage to the oesophagus, respiratory diseases, and ear, nose, and throat conditions can occur, but are more likely with older people.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Heartburn - a burning sensation in the chest, throat, neck, or back - is the primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other symptoms include:

Regurgitation

Difficulty or pain with swallowing

A full sensation in the neck

Belching

Chest pain (similar to angina)

Laryngitis

Chronic cough

Wheezing

Hoarseness

Sore throat

Bad breath

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has many possible causes:

Spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruits, fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and certain medications

Overeating, burping intentionally, wearing tight-fitting clothes, bending over frequently, lying down soon after eating, and smoking

Physical condition (particularly being overweight)

The effectiveness of the valve at the bottom of your oesophagus in preventing material from your stomach from entering the oesophagus

Medical conditions

WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR NATUROPATHIC CLINIC?

At our clinic, during your initial 1.5 hour one – on – one consult with our Naturopathic Doctor, Sushma Shah, you will be undergo a comprehensive symptom intake in detail, and at the end of the visit, you will be required to do some blood and urine testing. Her assessment is oriented toward determining what is impeding your body's ability to function normally. She will determine which assessment tools are most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specific to your health needs.

Toronto Naturopath Sushma Shah may order some specialized testing, if need be in order to get all the necessary physiological information and to get a more complete picture of your symptoms – to get to the root cause of your symptoms. Following this visit, you will be coming in for your second visit, in which she will be doing a full physical check up, including a breast exam, a traditional Chinese medicine tongue and pulse diagnosis, body fat analysis and blood glucose testing. After having gone through your case, she will be giving you an INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT PLAN that is specific to the symptoms you have.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Avoiding food, drinks, and medications that can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease

Modifying your lifestyle as needed

Raising the head of your bed about six inches

Taking antacids and other medication to relieve symptoms as needed

In rare instances, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery

Changes in your diet can help decrease the irritation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Herbs may be very effective at healing esophagitis

Digestive enzymes may help if you have heartburn

Avoid sweets, oils, fats, and caffeine

Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Please ask your doctor or naturopath before starting on any supplements. Its is better to first identify the cause and then treat it with the right remedies, even though those mentioned above have minimal side effects.

The information on this handout is the property of SUSHMA SHAH N.D., and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease. For any questions, or concerns, please contact me at 416 913 4325 (HEAL) or email me at info@naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com

Press Room

Our clinic focuses on the treatment of:

INTRODUCTION

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

WHAT CAUSES IT?

WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR NATUROPATHIC CLINIC?

TREATMENT OPTIONS