Treatment for GERD

Treatment for GERD is always a challenge. There are various options when it comes to treatments for GERD. These include medications, lifestyle adjustments, surgery, or a combination of methods and natural treatment

Medications

Medications only act as treatments for GERD in the short-term by offering temporary relief of GERD symptoms. They are unable to prevent the symptoms from recurring or aid in the healing of an injured esophagus. These medications should not be taken regularly as a substitute for prescription medicines, or periods longer than 2 weeks. These medications include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors.

That hurtful feeling behind the ribcage is often more than simple heartburn for patients receiving medicines from the group of Proton Pump Inhibitors. The pharmaceutical drugs from this group are well-known and available with or without prescriptions. On top of the list of those medicines are Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. Brand or generic, these medicines displayed on shelves of pharmacies and can be found in medicine cabinets virtually in each household.

What we know and what we need to know about omeprazole and other medicines made from this ingredient?

In 2002, the mutual earnings for all 10 pharmaceutical syndicates in the Fortune 500 reached $35.9 billion, which is more than the incomes for the rest of 490 companies of this group combined ($34.6 billion). In the year 2014, the profit of these drug giants almost doubled.

The PPI group of drugs has been the ideal cash cow for its fabricators.

Interesting thing is that based on the pharmaceutical patent law of the USA 5 years ago this cash machine should have run dry. The official patent on Prilosec supposed to be terminated. Under standard conditions, that would have initiated the appearance of a generic form on the market. But that didn’t occur.

By filing lawsuits, the manufacturers of Prilosec have accomplished to keep the generics out unleashing while performing a half-a-billion-dollar selling bombardment to transfer people off Prilosec and onto new patent-protected, high-cost analog – Nexium aka Purple Pill.

New clinical research by scientists at Houston Methodist and Stanford University demonstrates that the group of medicines usually prescribed to combat esophagus reflux, known as omeprazole, significantly raises the risk of heart arrest. The omeprazole group of medicines includes well-known brands – Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid.

Earlier researchers have revealed that omeprazole can harm the “Teflon-like” coating of veins and arteries, which is intended to foil a backlog. Further acknowledged side effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors comprise vitamin B12 deficiency and vulnerability to fractures of the wrist, hip, and spine.

Another newest study performed by scientists at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore revealed that patients who take omeprazole are more likely to develop enduring kidney illnesses.

Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid prevent stomach coating cells from manufacturing acid, which results in reducing the reflux symptoms, however, the same drugs cause initiations of kidney irritation, swollenness, and tenderness known as interstitial nephritis.

And finally – dementia is the most recent concern. New research recently published in New England Medical Journal discovered that elders, who recurrently use PPI, were 45%t more vulnerable to culminate in dementia.

And it raises the question – How to fight heartburn?

Natural medicine may be the right answer to this question. As an alternative to using pharmaceutical omeprazole, people have an option to change their standards of living – switch to a low-fat diet, decrease alcohol and coffee consumption and when necessary seek holistic and natural treatment approaches.

Lifestyle adjustments

This also acts as a useful treatment for GERD and normally has the patient changing elements of their lifestyle to avoid factors that lead to or aggravate GERD.

The patient may also change their daily routines. They should also watch what they eat and avoid foods that are known to worsen the symptoms of acid reflux. Patients should also consume smaller portions of food more frequently during the day, instead of large meals.

Surgery

This is another option when choosing amongst treatments for GERD. Surgical procedures are normally taken as a last resort when long-term medical treatments and lifestyle modifications have proved ineffective. Before deciding on surgery, the patient needs to consult a gastroenterologist – a physician who specializes in Gastroesophageal disorders.

Note; Out of all these treatment options for acid reflux, one of the most effective treatment options without any side effects is the natural treatment option for GERD.

What is GERD?

Most people will experience occasional heartburn but millions experience a more serious condition often referred to as GERD, an acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is a very common and irritating condition. It can be simply understood as a disorder where stomach content irritates the esophagus. Normally, once food reaches the stomach, acids do not come back up the esophagus. When this happens, it causes a burning sensation referred to as heartburn, which is very uncomfortable.

The precise reason for this disorder is not known. Although it is suspected that it may be caused by a combination of several things. One of the theories is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has an abnormality that causes it not to function properly. This could include relaxing when it is not supposed to relax. Or it could be due to weak contractions causing it to allow the stomach contents back into the esophagus.

When we eat and swallow food, the contractions of the esophagus is what moves the food out of the esophagus and into the stomach. When there is an interruption in this routine, the esophagus does not function properly and this can cause GERD.

It is also known that eating certain food causes GERD. There are several foods that should be avoided if you suspect GERD. A few of these are:

• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Spicy Foods
• Foods High in Fat Content
• Tomatoes
• Alcohol

There are many more that have been reported by those who suffer from GERD. Sometimes just eating a big meal will cause this problem. By putting pressure on the abdomen, in turn, will cause the LES to stay relaxed which will send stomach contents back into the esophagus.

Nasty heartburn, acid reflux?

Acid reflux is one of the most common medical conditions that cause heartburn, coughing, and pain in the upper part of the stomach. Natural treatment for heartburn becomes more and more popular when the truth about PPI medicines (antacids) uncovers. Gastric Esophagus Reflux is so common medical disorder that many people believe it should be easy to diagnose and heal.
On some occasions, however, the acid reflux symptoms are not that apparent and can be easily misdiagnosed with some other medical conditions.
If left without attention, indigestion symptoms can result in Barrett’s syndrome – the most common predecessor to esophageal cancer.
Here are some symptoms—both common and unusual—that could mean you have acid reflux:

• Heartburn
• Post-meal pain
• Sore throat
• Chest pain
• Pain worsens with rest
• Cough
• Asthma
• Bitter taste
• Hoarseness
• Nausea
• Extra saliva
• Trouble swallowing

Note: The question what is acid reflux? Is often asked. Typically GERD and Acid Reflux refers to the same problem where liquid contents in the stomach regurgitate (or refluxes upward into the esophagus).

What causes GERD or acid reflux?

What causes acid reflux is complex. Moreover, different causes of GERD may affect different individuals at different times. Listed below are some of the causes of acid reflux

• Lower esophageal sphincter abnormalities,
• Abnormal esophageal contractions
• Slow or prolonged emptying of the stomach
• Increase in progesterone levels. High levels of progesterone can cause the LES to relax. This is usually experienced with pregnancy. Ever wondered why pregnant women suffer from heartburn? Hormonal changes bring them about.
• Spicy foods.
• Acidic foods, including citric foods, such as tomato and tomato-based products.
• Coffee-drinkers are prone to develop heartburn or acid reflux.

Note: Except for the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy, the other factors are within your means to control.

Nobody knows the real causes of Acid reflux.  A hiatal hernia could stimulate the development of this disorder, however, there are no straight relations between a hernia and GERD. A hiatal hernia takes place when the superior segment of the gastric is above the diaphragm, the internal muscle partition that splits the abdomen from the thoracic cage. The diaphragm prevents the acid from flowing up into the gullet. If a patient suffers from a hiatal hernia the acid can easily come up causing reflux and as a result – heartburn.

Other things that may cause Acid reflux are:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity and overweight
• smoking
• pregnancy

Besides, some food products may cause Acid reflux episodes:

• oranges, mandarins, clementine;
• Coffee and chocolate;
• drinks with caffeine;
• fast food (deep-fried meat, chicken, and fries);
• garlic and onions;
• basil and mint;
• piquant, peppery foods;
• tomato products (sauces, ketchup, etc.).

Symptoms of GERD

The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, which is a pain in the lower esophagus, caused by acid having prolonged contact with the unprotected lining of the lower esophagus.

Other symptoms of acid reflux or GERD are

• Nausea
• Regurgitation
• Persistence sore throat
• Vomiting
• Hoarse Voice
• Sinus Problems

This symptom of acid reflux is caused by some of the digestive juices being forced up into the mouth. The larger problem with these symptoms of GERD is with the possible complications that can occur with prolonged damage to the lower esophagus. Other complications of these symptoms of GERD or acid reflux are an ulcerated esophagus and coughing for apparently unknown reasons.

How to cure GERD

Knowing How to cure GERD or Acid Reflux will greatly help. There are different levels of GERD, which need to be given immediate treatment to avoid other possible conditions such as gastritis, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and Barrett’s esophagus, which in turn could lead to esophageal cancer.

Listed below are some very important things you should know on how to cure acid reflux:

• Eat slowly and chew your food carefully.
• Don’t overload your stomach with food and water. Have small but frequent meals. Half a cup of water every waking hour is ideal.
• Don’t lie down until you’re certain your body has fully digested the food you’ve eaten. Usually, it takes 3 hours or so for this to happen.
• Avoiding soda, coffee and alcohol can allow the sphincter tissue to heal. You should only drink water for the first week of treatments.

Make sure you regularly monitor yourself during the treatment process. And keep your emotions in check. This is easier said than done, but stress also plays an active factor in the outcome of one’s medication.

Natural treatment for GERD

Natural treatment for GERD has the advantage over drugs of no side effects and has also been proven to be one of the most effective treatments for GERD. Natural treatment for Acid Reflux works to heal damage and strengthen the esophagus. Listed below is a natural treatment for GERD:

Home remedies for GERD – most common natural treatment for GERD

Home remedies for GERD are the natural remedies for GERD that can be taken at home without prescription and these remedies can greatly help sustain the nervous system and keep the nerves calm to facilitate us to process our food properly and with little uneasiness. In reality, home remedies for acid reflux have been utilized in long-established medicine practices for hundreds of years to maintain the healthy functioning of the tummy and the digestive system.

 

Listed below are home remedies for acid reflux

Baking Soda:

• A teaspoon of baking soda serves as a natural remedy for heartburn that helps neutralizes stomach acid so that even if it comes up, you won’t feel that burning sensation.

Chew Gum:

• People experiencing GERD can get some relief by chewing gum. According to a study conducted by the Journal of Dental Research. Chewing a piece of gum stimulates the salivary glands, which increases saliva. The saliva helps wash away any acid.

Eat lots of Fruit:

• One of the fruits that serve as a natural remedy for acid reflux is ripened banana, it helps reduce the discomfort of acid coming back up. Another great fruit to try is an apple. To prevent discomfort at night, slice up an apple, and enjoy it a few hours before bedtime. Other fruits that can reduce instances of GERD are honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Be sure to avoid fruits with high acidic content such as oranges, grapefruit, and pineapple.

Ginger Tea:

• Ginger tea is a great natural remedy for acid reflux. For maximum benefit, drink the tea before a meal to maximize the impact of this GERD home remedy.

Mustard:

• Mustard is a natural remedy for heartburn that is full of minerals and contains vinegar, a weak acid. It also contains alkaline, which neutralizes the acid that comes up due to GERD.

Chamomile Tea:

• This tea is one of the best home remedies for GERD that helps balance the acidity levels in your stomach, drink a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. Chamomile also reduces stress levels, which can contribute to heartburn.

Diet for GERD – an essential part of any natural treatment for GERD

According to health experts, the ideal diet for GERD patients should include several small meals taken several times during the day instead of just three large ones. This diet for GERD should consist largely of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk. Fish and lean meat are the recommended protein sources, along with beans and poultry.

Among the foods to be avoided are those that contain a lot of sugar, fat, and acid, which can all cause further harm to someone who is already suffering from GERD. Specific foods that have commonly been cited as potential GERD causes are chocolates, tomato-based products, and peppermints. Also, alcoholic and carbonated beverages and drinks that contain caffeine should be excluded from the diet for acid reflux patients. Instead, you should drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices to keep the body hydrated and toxin-free.

For some people, only a few minor changes need to be made to their regular diet for acid reflux but for others, a complete diet overhaul may be necessary. In the latter case, it might be a good idea to make the changes gradually to give your body ample time to adjust to your new healthier lifestyle.

Herbs for acid reflux – effective and safe natural treatment for GERD

Herbs for acid reflux is a natural treatment for Acid Reflux that has minimal side effects, unlike the medicines which have lots of side effects that can even lead to weight gain.

Listed below are herbs for acid reflux

Ginger

• Ginger is believed to be one of the top choices of herbs for acid reflux that are used to cure this type of conditions due to its high effectiveness. It is effective because of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.

Black Pepper

• This is an aromatic herb for acid reflux that enhances taste, improves gastric circulation, and stimulates digestion.

Indian long pepper

• Indian long pepper is a powerful stimulant for digestion, Indian long peppers are fantastic herbs for acid reflux disease, as studies have found it can provide considerable protection against the development of gastric ulcers.

Homeopathy for GERD – #1 natural treatment for GERD

Homeopathy is one of the most common holistic methods in medicine. The choice of homeopathic medicine is grounded on the conception of personalization and symptoms match as required by the principles of the holistic philosophy.

The purpose of homeopathy is not only to manage the acid reflux symptoms but first of all to address its initial source and foundation as well as the specific predisposition of the particular patient.

Homeopathy is very effective in healing all symptoms of GERD and moreover is vital in stopping the deterioration of the illness. Homeopathic remedies are recommended based on corporal, psychological, and hereditary specifics that make each patient individually. This general methodology is enclosing emotional and physical components at the ground-level.

Using this approach homeopathic remedies help reduce sour build-up, reinstate normal pH level by cleaning and repairing the gastrointestinal system, and reinforce the lower round muscle also known as esophageal sphincter Homeopathic medicines are natural, harmless, gentle and they cause no side-effects. Also, people who are taking numerous western pharmaceutical drugs can without harm take Homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic pills do not cause any dependencies or addictions. They have an extraordinary confirmed safety record and approved by the FDA in the US and all over the world.

Since homeopathic medicine uses a holistic approach, it leads to a stable, permanent cure, instead of short-term suppression of symptoms.

Homeopathy for GERD is a natural treatment for GERD that works gently to minimize the symptoms of GERD and treats the root cause of the problem. Homeopathy for aid reflux can be of great help to those who do not show much improvement even after lifestyle modifications.

 Listed below are homeopathy remedies for acid reflux

Robinia

• Robinia is top listed homeopathy for acid reflux. The key indication to use this medicine in GERD is intense heartburn, constant sour belching, and sour vomiting due to regurgitation of acid from the stomach. This makes Robinia one of the best natural remedies for heartburn

Calcarea Carb – For Sour Taste in Mouth

• Calcarea Carb is a well-indicated medicine for GERD where there is a sour taste in the mouth. There is a regurgitation of sour substances with the flow of sour, watery fluid from the mouth. Foul odor from the mouth may be present with nausea. Sour, bitter belches, vomiting of sour, bitter slime (of food eaten), and heartburn are some other symptoms that may be present. The burning from the food pipe extends to the throat. Along with this, continued loud belching may appear especially after eating; with a cough and nausea.

Natrum Phosphoricum

• Natrum Phosphoricum is a homeopathic remedy for acid reflux and one of the best natural remedies for heartburn. It is useful when heartburn is attended with difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include sour belching, waterbrash, and vomiting of sour fluid or cheesy, curdled masses. A lump sensation in the throat may also be present, along with a loss of appetite.

Sulphuric Acid

• Sulphuric Acid is a remedy for GERD where intensely sour belching is present. Heartburn, sour vomiting, and nausea are other symptoms. The sour vomiting mostly appears after eating.

Acupuncture for Acid reflux – ancient Chinese natural treatment for GERD

Acupuncture for acid reflux is one of the major healing techniques engaged in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Best on the report from National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture has been progressively achieving recognition as an unconventional form of treatment since the beginning of the 1970s, when it initially moved to the U.S. as a medical approach for different sorts of pain syndromes. By needling particular biologically active skin points on the head, torso, and extremities, acupuncturists challenge to re-establish the stability of internal energy (Qi).

Acupuncture for acid reflux treatment must be delivered by a well-trained, licensed specialist.

Acupuncture for acid reflux is recognized as commonly harmless, even though insignificant bruising can sporadically happen. Those bruises usually disappear within7 15 days.

Study’s findings of acupuncture for acid reflux.

A 2006 publication in the “Journal of Gastroenterology” stated that Acupuncture for acid reflux is in effect in the Gastroenterological clinics because it fuels gastrointestinal peristaltic and constraints gastric acid production.

Another study on 300 patients, distributed in the 2008 issue of Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, conveyed that combination of Acupuncture for acid reflux and PPI drugs (the orthodox approach) appeared to be more appropriate in the treatment of GERD symptoms than increasing the prescribed amount of Nexium.

Conclusion regarding the treatment of acid reflux.

The conventional western approach to managing heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms implicates the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors for as long as symptoms take place. Regrettably, because these pharmaceutical medicines don’t cure the principal cause of acid reflux, and rather make them poorer, patients who get prescriptions of PPI end up dependent on them for the rest of their lives.

This is a severe issue, because Nexium, Prilosec, and other drugs from this group support microbial overgrowth, declining the individual’s immune system, diminishes immersion of vital nutrients, and upsurges the probability of rising symptoms of IBS, further peptic conditions, and cancer. The producers of these medicines have always been attentive to them. FDA does not recommend to use PPI drugs for longer than two weeks. Obviously, this practical instruction has been cast-off and people take these medications on a regular basis all lifelong.

What is mainly upsetting about it is that acid reflux can be easily healed and cured with simple nutritional and standard of living modifications.

Regrettably, the dishonesty and exploitation of our pharmaceutical industry practically assure that these important facts will continue to be incomprehensible. Pharmaceutical companies make a profit of more than $7.2 billion a year vending Proton Pump Inhibitors. The last thing they agree on is for physicians and the population to study holistic treatment techniques for acid reflux. And since 2/3 of all medical research is sponsored by drug companies, it’s up to patients to determine the truth about effective treatments for acid reflux.

Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic led by medical doctor Victor Tsan has strong academic and clinical experience in the treatment of acid reflux. Dr. Tsan learned classical acupuncture in China and is recognized by the Chinese Academy of Chinese Traditional Medicine. He also graduated from the International Academy of classical homeopathy and was personally trained by Professor George Vithoulcas.

Most of the patients in Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic are happy with the results of treatment and in the majority of cases get cured.