Tag Archives: GERD

Natural Treatments For Acid Reflux

Healthy Me, ,

Acid reflux or GERD is a common condition these days seen not only in older people, but young adults as well. People experience different symptoms but most experience a burning in the chest region, digestive upsets, a uneasy feeling on waking and an unsettling feeling in the stomach that gets worse with eating certain types of foods – ranging from salads to acidic foods such as alcohol and coffee.

While medications such as proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Prevacid help these problems, they do not heal the acid reflux. In order to heal GERD or acid reflux naturally, one must first find out what is causing it. When it comes to acid reflux or GERD / Gastroesophageal reflux disease, usually diet and stress are the causative factors, that tend to aggravate or worsen the symptoms. H. pylori, an ulcer causing bacteria should be ruled out as well using a H. pylori breath test first. Other issues such as hiatal hernia may worsen or create symptoms of acidity.

Here a few tips that may help treat your symptoms of acid reflux or GERD naturally

As a naturopathic doctor, when I treat GERD / ACID REFLUX symptoms in patients, I first try to identify what is causing it. As mentioned earlier, diet plays a huge role when it comes to excess acid creation in the stomach.

  • Having a bland diet and eating smaller meals through out the day seems to be very beneficial.
  • Avoidance of acidic foods such as coffee and citrus will help ease the burning sensation a little as well.
  • Eating frequently is helpful as it keeps the stomach somewhat filled with food, and the acid produced will not be spilled on the stomach lining.
  • Various natural therapies such as acupuncture and supplements may be very helpful for helping the body adapt to stress.

When dealing with acid reflux, its important to find out what is affecting it and what makes it worse, and then treating it accordingly.  More information on GERD/ ACID REFLUX.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Natural Treatments For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Healthy Me,

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

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. In clinic, i have seen various patients – young and old, suffering from GERD / ACID REFLUX, and the only symptom they exhibit is a feeling of choking with whatever dry food they eat, and are quite often misdiagnosed as this is not a common symptom for GERD.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Heartburn—a burning sensation in the chest, throat, neck, or back—is the primary symptom of GERD.
  • 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?

GERD has many possible causes: spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruits, fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and certain medication, overeating, burping intentionally, wearing tight-fitting clothes, bending over frequently, lying down soon after eating, smoking and 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. Certain medical conditions.

Natural Treatment Options

  • Avoiding food, drinks, and medications that can cause GERD
  • Modifying your lifestyle as needed – decreasing the amount of stress you
  • May have plays a significant role in improving GERD symptoms
  • 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 GERD. Herbs may be very effective at healing esophagitis.

Nutrition

(PLEASE TALK TO YOUR NATUROPATH BEFORE TRYING ANY NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS)

Papaya juice may help if you have heartburn.? Avoiding sweets, oils, fats, and especially caffeine can be very beneficial. Simple diets – with whole foods and vegetables (cooked) that are easily digested would significant help with the symptoms of GERD.

Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.