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 treatments.

Medications

Medications only act as treatments for GERD in the short term by temporarily relieving GERD symptoms. They cannot prevent the symptoms from recurring or aid in healing an injured esophagus. These medications should not be taken regularly as a substitute for prescription medicines or periods longer than two 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 in this group are well-known and available with or without prescriptions. On top of the list of those medicines are Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. These medicines, whether brand or generic, are displayed on the shelves of pharmacies and can be found in medicine cabinets virtually in every household.

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

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

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

The exciting thing is that based on the pharmaceutical patent law of the USA five years ago, this cash machine should have run dry. The official patent on Prilosec is 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 keeping the generics out while performing a half-billion-dollar selling bombardment to transfer people off Prilosec and onto a 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 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 wrist, hip, and spine fractures.

Another 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 reduces reflux symptoms. However, the same drugs cause initiations of kidney irritation, swelling, and tenderness known as interstitial nephritis.

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

It also raises the question: How do you fight heartburn?

Natural medicine may be the correct answer to this question. As an alternative to using pharmaceutical omeprazole, people can change their living standards—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 valuable treatment for GERD and typically involves 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 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 among treatments for GERD. Surgical procedures are usually taken as a last resort when long-term medical treatments and lifestyle modifications have proved ineffective. Before deciding on surgery, the patient must consult a gastroenterologist, a physician specializing in gastroesophageal disorders.

Note: Out of all these treatment options for acid reflux, one of the most effective 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 severe condition called GERD, an acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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

The precise reason for this disorder is not known. However, it’s believed that several factors may be contributing to it. One of the theories is that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has an abnormality that causes it to malfunction. This could include relaxing when it is not supposed to. 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 esophagus contractions move the food out of the esophagus and into the stomach. When there is an interruption in this routine, the esophagus does not function properly, which can cause GERD.

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

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

Those who suffer from GERD have reported many more. Sometimes, just eating a big meal will cause this problem. Putting pressure on the abdomen will, in turn, cause the LES to stay relaxed, sending stomach contents back into the esophagus.

Nasty heartburn, acid reflux?

Acid reflux is one of the most common medical conditions that causes heartburn, coughing, and pain in the upper part of the stomach. Natural treatment for heartburn became increasingly popular when the truth about PPI medicines (antacids) was uncovered. Gastric esophagus reflux is a common medical disorder, and many people believe it should be easy to diagnose and heal.
However, the acid reflux symptoms are not that apparent on some occasions and can be easily misdiagnosed with other medical conditions.
If left without attention, indigestion symptoms can result in Barrett’s syndrome, the most common precursor 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: What is acid reflux? It is often asked. Typically, GERD and Acid Reflux refer to the same problem where liquid contents in the stomach regurgitate (or reflux 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 emptying of the stomach
• Increase in progesterone levels. High levels of progesterone can cause the LES to relax. This is usually experienced with pregnancy. Have you 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 developing heartburn or acid reflux.

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

 

Nobody knows the natural causes of Acid reflux.  A hiatal hernia could stimulate the development of this disorder. However, there is no direct relation between a hernia and GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs 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 quickly 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, 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 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 significantly help. There are different levels of GERD, which need immediate treatment to avoid other conditions such as gastritis, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and Barrett’s esophagus, which 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 natural and can be taken home without a prescription. These remedies can help sustain the nervous system and keep the nerves calm to facilitate us to process our food properly and with slight 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 is a natural remedy for heartburn that helps neutralize stomach acid so that you won’t feel that burning sensation even if it comes up.

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, and 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 GERD are honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Avoid fruits with high acidic content, such as oranges, grapefruit, and pineapple.

Ginger Tea:

• Ginger tea is an excellent 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. It is full of minerals and contains vinegar, a weak acid. It also contains alkaline, which neutralizes the acid 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 mainly of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk. Fish, lean meat, beans, and poultry are the recommended protein sources.

 

Among the foods to be avoided are those that contain a lot of sugar, fat, and acid, which can cause further harm to someone already suffering from GERD. Specific foods commonly 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, 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 a complete diet overhaul may be necessary for others. 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 are a natural treatment for Acid Reflux with minimal side effects, unlike medicines, which have many 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 acid reflux herbs used to cure this condition 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 they 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 symptom matching as required by the principles of 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 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 encloses emotional and physical components at the ground level.

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

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 greatly help those who do not show much improvement even after lifestyle modifications.

Listed below are homeopathy remedies for acid reflux

Robinia

• Robinia is the 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 the 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 sour, watery fluid flowing from the mouth. A 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. Also, 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 associated 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 a primary healing technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine report, 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).

A well-trained, licensed specialist must deliver acupuncture for acid reflux treatment.

Acupuncture for acid reflux is recognized as commonly harmless, even though insignificant bruising can sporadically happen. Those bruises usually disappear within 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 effective in Gastroenterological clinics because it fuels gastrointestinal peristaltic and constrains gastric acid production.

Another study on 300 patients, distributed in the 2008 issue of Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, conveyed that a 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 using Proton Pump Inhibitors for as long as symptoms occur. Regrettably, because these pharmaceutical medicines don’t cure the principal cause of acid reflux and instead make them poorer, patients who get prescriptions for PPI depend 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, diminishing immersion of vital nutrients, and upsurging 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 using PPI drugs for longer than two weeks. Obviously, this practical instruction has been cast off, and people take these medications regularly all their lives.

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

Regrettably, the dishonesty and exploitation of our pharmaceutical industry practically ensure that these important facts will continue to be incomprehensible. Pharmaceutical companies profit more than $7.2 billion annually from 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.

GERD treatment in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic, led by medical doctor Victor Tsan, has strong academic and clinical experience treating 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 treatment results and, in most cases, get cured.