GERD

Leave a Comment / Holistic Lifestyle, Natural Remedies / By

What is Acid Reflux?

Also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is when the stomach contents exceed the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and through the esophagus. These contents contain stomach acids which may be highly acidic and may irritate the esophageal wall. Acid reflux in itself is not life-threatening since it is not a daily persistent action, but in some cases, it is a chronic persistent condition which then it will be known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease “GERD”. GERD is a serious condition that requires the patient’s attention and action must be taken towards treating it before further harm and damage to the esophagus wall. If left untreated, serious harm may occur harming the esophagus, throat, and lung airways.

What are the Symptoms?

Common Acid Reflux Symptoms (Non-Persistent)

These are the normal acid reflux symptoms that may not be life-threatening and almost everyone has experienced them before. But if the condition becomes repetitive (at least twice a week) then it will be diagnosed as GERD which is chronic, more serious, and thus requires more attention from the patient. Let’s go through the more severe symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).

GERD Symptoms (Persistent Chronic Acid Reflux)

Less Severe Symptoms:

GERD symptoms require more attention since it is usually chronic and might cause other complications. More severe symptoms of GERD might develop over time if left untreated.

More Severe Symptoms:

If you experience any of these alarming symptoms of GERD, seek medical attention as soon as possible before further complications.

Acid Reflux and GERD symptoms may worsen when:

How to Detect It?

There are multiple ways a healthcare provider could detect GERD in their patient.

  • The Heidelberg pH test: This test involves swallowing a small capsule embedded with a radio transmitter that measures the pH of the stomach acid as a baseline measurement before consuming a neutralizing solution containing baking soda. The goal is to measure how long it takes for the stomach to return to its normal acidic pH. The measurement is noted and a conclusion is made upon the measurement taken. This test is considered reliable.
  • Upper Endoscopy: Unlike the rest, this test is done while being sedated. A tube is inserted into the GIT tract through the mouth examining the esophagus, stomach, and the upper section of the small intestines. A gastroenterologist will visualize the GIT for any inflammation by a tiny camera at the tip of the inserted tube. This test detects the severity of GERD and is also possible to detect a hiatal hernia.
  • Ambulatory pH monitoring: In some cases, an endoscopy appears normal while the patient still suffers from GERD symptoms, in this case, an ambulatory test is recommended by a healthcare provider. A catheter or a wireless capsule is used by a doctor to measure esophagus pH for 1 to 2 days, during this time the data is being recorded and analyzed by the doctor. This test is considered to be a very accurate test and is often recommended for a patient with acid reflux.
  • Esophageal manometry: Sometimes the cause of the acid isn’t a problem in the stomach acidity but rather in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Do Babies Get Acid Reflux-GERD?

It is quite usual for infants to regurgitate and spit up stomach contents in small amounts which could contain some acid in them but will most often not cause any problems. A more serious GERD could develop in babies in which the mechanism of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is not working properly as it should in normal individuals. This type of condition is rare but most common in premature-born babies and must be checked by a physician as soon as possible.

Symptoms of GERD in Babies and Small Kids:

  • Small vomiting episodes
  • Wheezing or hoarseness (trouble breathing)
  • Bad breath (not very significant)
  • Excess fussiness
  • Trouble sleeping (not very significant)
  • Refusing to eat
  • Weight loss (or poor weight gain)
  • Irritability (usually after a meal)
  • Frequent crying for 3 or more hours with no medical cause

Causes:

In most cases, acid reflux is not an overproduction of acid; it’s quite the opposite. Yes, it’s an underproduction of the acid or a weak acid causing the esophageal sphincter (LES) not to close properly allowing the acid to flow up to the esophagus which is not developed to withstand the acidity of the stomach acid even when the acid is weak. The most likely reasons for this weak stomach acid are:

The minority of the cases may have different causes which are less likely to occur such as:

  • Being overweight
  • Hiatus hernia (It is when a portion of your stomach is displaced upwards into the chest)
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • A side effect of some types of medications or interactions between medications (ibuprofen is a great example)

Treatment:

There are a variety of approaches that a GERD patient could go through to treat their persistent acid reflux. Let’s go through these methods:

  • ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar): Although there may be insufficient evidence of its efficiency in treating GERD, practically, it has worked many times and people swear by it. Why? Because ACV works by restoring the stomach acid and lowering its pH thus, the (LES) lower esophageal sphincter receptors detect the increase in the stomach and in return close properly. On the other hand, if the GERD is caused by an ulcer in the stomach or the esophagus is deeply inflamed, then the ACV may make it even worse. ACV could be taken either in capsules and gummies or in the concentrated liquid form as 1-2 teaspoons diluted in a glass of water and consumed by a straw to avoid harming the teeth by the acid.
  • Betaine hydrochloride (usually taken with pepsin and gentian bitters): It works by the same concept as ACV by restoring the stomach acid pH and thus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) receptors detect the acid and close properly not allowing the stomach acid to backflow through the esophagus. It may be a safer option and more effective than ACV especially if the patient has esophagus inflammation. But, if an individual’s GERD (Acid Reflux) is caused or associated with a stomach ulcer then the betaine HCL might make it worse so, it is recommended to start slow on the supplement and follow your symptoms.
  • Supplement Zinc in case of deficiency.
  • Supplement Potassium (preferably in an electrolyte powder) in case of deficiency.
  • Supplement Iodine in case of deficiency or hypothyroidism.

In case of a stomach ulcer:

  • Consuming leafy greens could help the repair and regeneration of the stomach lining (a powerful example is cabbage).
  • Zinc supplementation could also help repair the ulcer.
  • Blended food in a liquid form will also help for easy digestion and faster repair of the stomach lining.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *