What’s GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (oesophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your oesophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly over time, it can cause GERD. Topics covered 1. What's GERD? 2. How common is GERD ? 3. Causes of GERD. 4. Presentation of GERD 5.How can you tell if you are experiencing HEARTBURN or a HEART ATTACK 6.How can you avoid GERD 7. Homeopathy and GERD

GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease)

Belching? Bloating? Indigestion? Do you experience any of these signs and symptoms?

Do you have a burning sensation in your chest soon after eating? The most typical symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, is most likely what you are feeling if this is the case.

Around 20% of people experience its symptoms once a week and the number are increasing because of faulty diet and increased stress level .Many researches have found a correlation between stress anxiety and GERD.

How common is GERD 

GERD is very common every other person have experience its symptom once in a while but some are more likely to experience it regularly if they are

1. Overweight
2. Pregnant
3. Smoking regularly
4. Taking certain medications

1. Causes of GERD

Decreased muscle tone or abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter

1. Hiatal hernia
2. Dietary habits
3. Stress
4. Medications
5. Abnormal Oesophageal Contraction
6. Slow or delayed emptying of the Stomach

1. Presentation of GERD

1. A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down
2. Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
3. Upper abdominal or chest pain
4. Bitter taste in mouth
5. Bad breath
6. Recurrent cough
7. Bloating
8. Belching
9. Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
10. Sore throat
11. Sensation of a lump in your throat

If not treated long chronic GERD can lead to ulcers, inflammation of esophagus, barretts esophagus, asthma

 

1. HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING HEARTBURN OR A HEART ATTACK?

You could worry that you're suffering a heart attack if you have chest pain from heartburn. Heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but because it causes chest pain, it might be difficult to tell the difference while it's happening. Heart attack symptoms, however, differ from heartburn sensations.

Heartburn is that uncomfortable burning feeling or pain in your chest that can move up to your neck and throat. Among other symptoms, a heart attack can produce discomfort in the arms, neck, and jaw, shortness of breath, perspiration, nausea, and dizziness.

Call for immediate medical assistance if your chest discomfort is accompanied by these symptoms and your heartburn medication isn't working to relieve it.

 

1. How can you avoid GERD (chronic acid reflux) symptoms?

Do's

• Make sure you eat a healthy diet that includes foods that are high in fibre. It aids in reducing heartburn.
• If you are overweight, lose the additional weight. Actually, you can fix half of your problem by losing weight.
• Try to stick to a regular eating schedule and make sure your evening meals are light.
• Elevate your bed a few inches while sleeping on your left side.
• Try to wear loose clothes ,as tight clothes around your stomach and waist will cause pressure on your stomach that can cause acid reflux.
• Manage your stress

Don'ts

• Don't drink alcohol and don't smoke.
• Don't fall asleep right away after eating; give yourself at least two to three hours.
• Avoid eating just before going to bed, wait atleast 2-3 hours after eating to go to bed
• Avoid carbonated drinks

1. Which food you need to stay away from if you have GERD (chronic acid reflux)?

Adjusting your diet and eating habits play a key role in managing the symptoms of GERD. Try to avoid the trigger foods that keep giving you heartburn.

For example:

1. Spicy foods.
2. Fried foods.
3. Fatty (including dairy) foods.
4. Chocolate.
5. Tomato sauces.
6. Garlic and onions.
7. Alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks.
8. Citrus fruits.

1. Homeopathy in GERD

Homeopathy is an effective approach to address GERD, as it gradually alleviates discomfort by reducing excessive acid accumulation. Its impact goes beyond symptom management, delving into the underlying causes and bolstering the muscles of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).Thus gives long lasting results and cure.

 Notably safe and derived from natural sources, homeopathic remedies are suitable for individuals of all ages. It is a patient-oriented science and medicines are prescribed on the characteristics of the individual rather than just the symptoms of the disease.

Along with lifestyle modification and dietary changes homeopathy works wonders, it will relief you from all the stomach discomfort so you can enjoy your favourite meal to the fullest.

"A safer tummy, a happier you, with acid control by your side – it's nothing new!"