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Acid Reflux Medically Maintenance VS Complete Healing of Your Digestion

Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Understanding and Treating Root Causes

Abstract

Introduction

Acid reflux disease affects millions of Americans daily, and it’s more commonly referred to as “heartburn.” If you’ve ever experienced acid reflux, you know the feeling the term heartburn describes. It is therefore important to know more about the uncomfortable condition that most people suffer from at least on occasion.

We asked a few peers if they were affected by acid reflux, and the people who were asked generally could not tell us why it occurred. Most of the time, we know we have “heartburn,” experience it, or know someone who has, yet the general public seems unaware of the causes. We appear to know the short-term remedy options, such as an array of over-the-counter medicines, but not the root causes. Most people that experience acid reflux know how to solve the symptoms, but not prevent them. Here we will look at the disease itself to understand it better and learn the root causes and possible remedies.

Acid reflux, also called heartburn, is caused by acidic digestive juices creeping up from the stomach and entering back into the esophagus. At the entrance to your stomach is a valve, which is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When a person swallows, a ring-shaped LES at the top of the stomach relaxes and loosens to allow food to pass and then closes again. If the LES weakens or doesn’t close completely, stomach acid or bile may leak back into the throat, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD), the more severe form of these problems. Acid reflux causes a burning sensation, almost like your chest or throat “is on fire.”

Most people assume that eating foods high in acid and producing too much stomach acid causes heartburn/GERD symptoms. In fact, for most people the opposite is actually the case. Low stomach acid and poor digestion are more likely the real culprits. These problems won’t be cured overnight with dietary changes or other modifications, but you can find significant relief soon if you stick with a healthier way of living, and understanding root causes.

About 4–10 percent of all adults experience symptoms typical of acid reflux or GERD daily, and weekly up to 30 percent of those living in Western countries! Because we’re all different, it’s essential to find the combination of acid reflux protocols described below that are best for you.

It’s estimated that 60 percent of Americans have heartburn at least once a year, with 20–30 percent suffering at least once a week. An alarming finding is that the prevalence of weekly heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux rose nearly 50 percent over the last decade. Findings from one study conducted over 11 years in Norway found that the incidence of acid reflux rose from around 11 percent of the population to over 17 percent within this time period, and a similar rise has happened in the U.S. and other industrialized countries as well..

While it might not be that problematic to have acid reflux symptoms from time to time, research shows that people with long-standing, chronic heartburn are at greater risk for serious complications, including stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus and esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus.

Symptoms of Digestion problems:

  • Heartburn
  • Bitter taste in your mouth, periodically or (for some people) throughout the day (some people taste regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of their mouths/throats)
  • Waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you’re choking or coughing
  • Dry mouth
  • Gum irritation, including tenderness and bleeding
  • Bad breath
  • Regurgitation of acidic foods
  • Bloating after meals and during bouts of symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Bloody vomiting (possible sign of damage in the lining of the esophagus)
  • Black stools
  • Belching, gassiness, burping and flatulence after meals
  • Hiccups that are difficult to stop
  • Difficulty swallowing (a possible sign of narrowing esophagus)
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Increased discomfort when bending over or lying down
  • Hoarseness upon waking or throughout the day
  • Chronic throat irritation, soreness, and dryness

One complication of acid reflux and GERD in elderly patients is that their symptoms present differently than younger people suffering the same issues. Repeated reflux eventually leads to an inability to recognize the severity of acid in the esophagus, which is why some older people don’t recognize symptoms of acid reflux, although they may be suffering from serious complications like erosive esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus. It is not uncommon for doctors to find that GERD is the root cause of serious symptoms in the elderly like chest pain, other heart symptoms, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

To determine a diagnosis of GERD, doctors may perform an endoscopy, a procedure involving a small camera-tipped tube inserted into the throat to look at the condition of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Some evidence indicates that an endoscopy may not be as effective as previously hoped, but it is still a common practice.

Another method of detecting acid reflux/GERD when a patient complains of acid reflux symptoms is the barium swallow test. A barium solution is ingested, allowing for internal X-rays to locate esophageal changes. However, only 1 out of 3 GERD patients have noticeable esophageal changes that can be seen on a barium swallow X-ray.

One more diagnostic is a stomach acid test in which the stomach contents are emptied, and gastrin is injected into the body to determine acid secretion.

If you suspect that you have low stomach acid, keep in mind that many physicians may not suggest testing because low stomach acid is not typically recognized as the cause of acid reflux symptoms. However, you have the option to request a Heidelberg test on your own.

The Heidelberg test is a medical procedure used to determine the pH balance in the stomach. It can help diagnose conditions such as hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), hyperchlorhydria (high stomach acid), achlorhydria (no stomach acid), and bile reflux. The test involves swallowing a small capsule with a radio transmitter that sends signals to a receiver. The capsule is either attached to a thread or allowed to pass through the digestive tract. The test can also assess the function of the parietal cells, the pyloric valve, and the peristalsis of the stomach.

(Daryl et al., 2004) (HeidelbergTest.com)

Risk Factors

If you experience ongoing regurgitation of acid — because you don’t respond well to medications or don’t take steps to treat the root causes, for example — scarring of tissue in the lower esophagus can result in narrowing of the esophagus, which raises the risk for other problems. Research shows that long-term complications associated with untreated symptoms of acid reflux include Barrett’s esophagus (a serious complication of GERD), cancer of the esophagus, sleep-related problems, and chronic coughs.

As the rate of acid reflux has risen steadily over the past decade, so have related complications. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2017, nearly 17,000 new cases of esophageal cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. and almost 16,000 Americans died of the disease. There are also side effects and complications possible due to taking medications for acid reflux, including prescription and even over-the-counter drugs. I’ll touch on that shortly.

The mechanisms behind this are somewhat complex, but to sum it up: research seems to reflect that acid reflux and GERD are probably exacerbated by too much intra-abdominal pressure (gas throughout the intestines). Robillard and other sources believe this pressure is the result of bacterial overgrowth, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and malabsorption of carbohydrates. The root of this pressure may ultimately be traced back to the low stomach acid of those suffering from acid reflux. Indigestion Symptoms

Some Causes of Digestive problems

  • Processed foods
  • Food alteration
  • Lack of sufficient stomach acid
  • Antibiotics added animal food products
  • Stress
  • Dysbiosis
  • Food sensitivities
  • Food allergies
  • Poor food combining

Indigestion: also called heartburn, heartburn is a burning pain or discomfort that can move up from your stomach to the middle of your abdomen and chest. The pain can also move into your throat. Despite its name, heartburn doesn’t affect your heart. Even minor stress can impact long-term health, study warns

Eating habits: Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal can trigger heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as a dry cough or trouble swallowing. These are some of the common acid reflux foods that trigger symptoms: Eating processed foods - NHS

  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Chocolate
  • Citrus fruits, such as oranges or lemons Even minor stress can impact long-term health, study warns
  • Coffee or tea (regular or decaffeinated)
  • Fatty or fried foods

Stress: Stress can also deplete the production of substances called prostaglandins, which normally protect the stomach from the effects of acid. This could increase your perception of discomfort. Stress, coupled with exhaustion, may present even more body changes that lead to increased acid reflux.

Changes in the gut bacteria, affectiing the ‘microbiome’. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been shown to have the potential to alter the normal microbiota of the gut. This change starts in the esophagus where the drugs modify esophageal bacteria and then continues into the stomach, small bowel, and colon, altering the bacteria that is naturally present and beneficial. PPIs change the diversity of bacteria in the gut.. Studies have shown that the differences between PPI users and non-users are consistently associated with changes that lead to a less healthy gut microbiome. Essentially, these drugs are wiping out good and bad bacteria in your body in their effort to remedy the absence of acid in the stomach, resulting in further problems with digestion. In fact, the use of PPIs can influence the permeability of the stomach lining, potentially resulting in a condition known as leaky gut. This state is linked with mood disorders, autoimmune conditions, and a variety of other health concerns. (Axe, 2019) 9 Hard Facts About Your Gut Bacteria And Weight Loss

The Gut-Brain Connection: Understanding the Impact of Diet and Lifestyle

The human gut, sometimes referred to as the “second brain,” plays a crucial role in our overall health. It is responsible for producing 90% of our neurotransmitters-which directly impact our brain function. When our gut is healthy, our brain functions more optimally. However, various factors such as stress, dietary changes, and environmental changes can disrupt our gut bacteria, leading to a range of health issues.

For instance, consider the meat we consume. Most beef and chicken are grown with a significant amount of steroids and antibiotics. These substances enter our bodies when we consume the meat, leading to gut issues. The antibiotics kill the good bacteria in our gut, while the steroids can lead to weight gain. This disruption in gut bacteria can lead to microbiota changes and cause a condition known as “leaky gut.”

Leaky gut is a condition where the gut becomes permeable, leading to the release of inflammatory markers and triggering an immune response. This immune response can exhaust the body over time and lead to various mental health issues such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, suicidal thoughts, and negative feelings. It can also cause inflammation in the brain and musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis..

The key to addressing these issues lies in maintaining a healthy gut. This involves managing stress levels, reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, and maintaining a positive psychological state. A good mood can enhance your body’s ability to digest food better.

The gut is directly connected to our brain and overall health. By understanding this connection and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, we can improve our health from the inside out.

Hernias: Types, Symptoms, and When to Seek Urgent Care - MD Express Urgent  Care

Hernia: A hiatal hernia is when the top part of your stomach bulges up into your chest cavity, preventing the LES from closing properly. Many people with hiatal hernias have no symptoms at all. In other cases, the hernia can be caused by GERD, and in still others, GERD is a symptom of the hernia. Hiatal hernias are more common after the age of 50 and in people who are obese. They sometimes also happen after coughing, vomiting, or a physical injury. Losing weight along with a healthy diet can help control reflux symptoms due to a hiatal hernia. Some people with reflux due to hiatal hernias may benefit from over-the-counter or prescription heartburn medicines. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to push the stomach back down and reinforce the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus.

Obesity: Obesity is one of the main drivers behind both acid reflux and GERD. It may also increase the risk of GERD complications like Barrett’s esophagus, a condition involving pre-cancerous changes in esophageal cells. Some experts think extra abdominal fat adds pressure to the stomach, forcing acid up into the esophagus. Hormones could also play a role. People who are obese have more circulating estrogen, which has been linked with GERD symptoms. Postmenopausal women using hormone therapy also have an increased risk of reflux. Have Marketers Made Us Fat?

Solutions for Acid Reflux

  • Rather than relying on pharmaceutical drugs to ease the symptoms of acid reflux, current scientific research is more focused on lifestyle changes suggested by University of Michigan Health[Michigan Medicine, 2019]. For instance, some of these changes include following a high quality diet as recommended by Harvard medical school[Harvard Gazette, 2021]. Other possible ways to treat reflux are acupuncture, yoga, exercise, weight loss and alternative therapies. These types of treatments can also help with related problems, such as GERD symptoms. Here are some scientific approaches of managing acid reflux symptoms.
    1. Add fiber to your meals
  • High fiber diets and bacterial overgrowth are a very bad combination. Remember, Almost all of the fiber and about 15-20% of the starch we eat are not absorbed. Carbohydrates that are not digested become food for intestinal bacteria. Prebiotics, which can be useful in restoring a healthy bacterial balance in some patients, should probably be avoided in patients with heartburn and GERD. Numerous researches indicate that the production of gas in the intestine is amplified by fructo-oligosaccharides, also known as prebiotics. The other problem with fiber is that it can bind with nutrients and take them out of the body before they can be absorbed. This is especially problematic in GERD sufferers, who may already be lacking key nutrients due to long term hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid).(Huang et al., 2009) High-fibre recipes - BBC Good Food

Moreover, fibrous foods make you feel full so you’re less likely to overeat, which may contribute to heartburn. So, load up on healthy fiber from these foods: Whole grains such as oatmeal, couscous, and brown rice, root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets.

2. Produce Optimal Stomach Acid

  • It may seem illogical to consume more acid when your esophagus is already burning from acid. However, in many cases, acid reflux is caused by not having enough acid in your stomach, rather than having too much, as over-the-counter or prescription “acid blockers” suggest (although that can also be a factor, among others.) The acid itself signals the lower esophageal sphincter to close and tighten. If you don’t have enough acid, your LES will think it’s okay to relax a bit. Then you end up with acid refluxing into your esophagus. If you think this might be your situation, try drinking some pure, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to see if it stops your reflux, or reduces it.

3. Low-Carb Diet

  • A diet high in carbohydrates encourages bacterial overgrowth, and bacterial overgrowth – especially H. pylori – can lower stomach acid. This creates a vicious cycle where bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid worsen each other in a continuous deterioration of digestive function. Therefore, a low-carb (LC) diet would decrease bacterial overgrowth. To date, there are only two small studies that have been done to test this idea, where the results in both studies were very positive.
  • The first study was done by Professor Yancy and colleagues at Duke University, (Yancy et al., 2001), where they enrolled five patients with severe GERD who also had various other medical issues, such as diabetes. All of these patients had tried several conventional GERD treatments without success before joining the study. Despite the fact that some of these patients kept drinking, smoking and doing other things that worsened GERD, in every case the symptoms of GERD were completely gone within one week of following a very low carbohydrate (VLC) diet.
  • On that note, it is therefore recommended to cease your smoking habits and moderate your intake of alcohol for a healthier lifestyle.
  • The second study was done by Yancy and colleagues a few years later, (Austin et al., 2006), where they looked at the effects of a VLC diet on eight obese subjects with severe GERD. They measured the esophageal pH of the subjects before the study started using something called the Johnson-DeMeester score. This is a measure of how much acid is coming back up into the esophagus, and thus an objective indicator of how much reflux is happening. They also used a self-administered questionnaire called the GSAS-ds to assess the frequency and severity of 15 GERD-related symptoms in the previous week.

Get Plenty of REST: REST API Tutorials - DZone Integration

4. Rest is good for treatment!

Don’t sleep on your right side. For some reason, this seems to prompt relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter — the tight ring of muscle connecting the stomach and esophagus that normally defends against reflux. Do sleep on your left side. This is the position that has been found to best reduce acid reflux. Bubbles And Empty Seats: How Each Pro Sport Plans To Come Back Amid  Pandemic : NPR

5. Are sports good for treatment?

Avoid running and sprinting, gymnastics, or weightlifting. More moderate and low-impact exercise can be quite beneficial for acid reflux sufferers. Activities like walking, very light jogging, riding a bike, or swimming are all good choices.

Overall, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress. In fact, a lack of physical activity and stress worsen acid reflux and digestion in general. Try yoga, meditation, acupuncture, art or music therapy, or whatever helps you cope with stress and lose weight effectively. (Huwez et al., 1998)

Are You a Fast Eater? Slow Down to Eat (and Weigh) Less – Cleveland Clinic

6. Eat sparingly and slowly.

When the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the esophagus. If it fits into your schedule, you may want to try what is sometimes called “grazing”—eating small meals more frequently rather than three large meals daily. Therefore, don’t eat too much. Eat smaller meals to help food digest properly, as large meals and overeating increase pressure on the LES.(Rangan, 2021). In fact, practice chewing your food more, until it is almost liquid.. Many people nowadays don’t spend enough time chewing their food. Keep in mind that digestion begins in the mouth.

7. Avoid certain foods. Healthy Food: List of 120 Healthiest Foods to Eat - Love English

People with acid reflux were once instructed to eliminate all but the blandest foods from their diets. But that’s no longer the case. “We’ve evolved from the days when you couldn’t eat anything,” says Dr. Wolf. In other words, don’t ignore your body’s signals that something is wrong in your digestive tract. Diet modification traditionally has included nutrient-rich food, the elimination of trigger foods such as chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol (Restivo, 2023).

But there are still some foods that are more likely than others to trigger reflux, including mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol. If you eat any of these foods regularly, you might try eliminating them to see if doing so controls your reflux, and then try adding them back one by one.

Almost every study on GERD and acid reflux points to diet as a contributing factor according to Harvard Medical School. First and foremost, the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD need to be treated by identifying triggers and changing your diet to avoid long-term complications and restore healthy digestive function. (Restivo, 2023).

8. Limit carbonated beverages. What Are The Best Sodas In The World

They make you burp, which sends acid into the esophagus. Drink flat water instead of sparkling water.

9. Stay up after eating.

When you’re standing, or even sitting, gravity alone helps keeps acid in the stomach, where it belongs. Finish eating three hours before you go to bed. This means no naps after lunch, and no late suppers or midnight snacks. Why Do I Get Tired After Eating? Symptoms of Fatigue

This is particularly recommended for nighttime reflux symptoms, in which case you should raise the head of the bed and avoid lying down 3 hours after eating. A recent study aimed to compare the recurrence rates of Erosive Reflux Disease (ERD) and Non-Erosive Reflux Disease (NERD), the two forms of GERD, and identify the risk factors related to recurrence. (Rangan, 2021). As a side note, ERD is where stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, causing erosion and ulcers, whereas NERD is where the esophagus is unharmed by stomach acid, and is less severe of the two.

In other words, don’t eat food three hours before bed. Let your stomach digest the food from the meal, and drink herbal tea.. A recent scientific study found that a shorter interval between dinner and bedtime was the most significant factor influencing GERD recurrence and patients who usually slept within 3 h of eating had higher recurrence rates (Rangan, 2021).

10. Sleep on an incline..

In fact, make sure to elevate the head of the bed by four to six inches, and use blocks to lift the bed, not just a pillow to prop up your head, which can help keep acid in the stomach. (Huwez et al., 1998)

You can achieve this by using “extra-tall” bed risers on the legs supporting the head of your bed. If your sleeping partner objects to this change, try using a foam wedge support for your upper body. Don’t try to create a wedge by stacking pillows. They won’t provide the uniform support you need.

Sleeping Inclined | SAMINA Sleep

11. Lose weight if it’s advised

Increased weight spreads the muscular structure that supports the lower esophageal sphincter, decreasing the pressure that holds the sphincter closed. This leads to reflux and heartburn. Weight Loss: 15 Science-Backed Tips You May Follow To Lose Weight - NDTV  Food

Interestingly, BMI was linked to GERD symptoms in both normal weight and overweight women and even moderate weight gain in those with normal weight was found to cause or worsen symptoms[54]. Therefore, weight loss is advised for GERD patients who are overweight or who have gained weight recently. (Mehta et al., 2021)

H. pylori and GERD

In the previous section, we explored the potential link between H. pylori and GERD, which may play a role in some cases, but the best way to treat it is not clear. Certain research indicates that H. pylori may be a normal part of the human gut flora, and may have some beneficial and protective effects. If this is true, completely eliminating H. pylori may not be a good idea. Instead, a low-carb (LC) or specific carbohydrate diet may be a better option, as it will lower the bacterial population and restore the balance of the gut microbiome. The only exception may be in severe or chronic cases of GERD that do not respond to a very low-carb (VLC) or LC diet. In this case, it may be worth getting tested for H. pylori and treating it more aggressively. Dr. Wright, the author of Why Stomach Acid is Good For You, recommends using mastic or mastic gum (a resin from a type of pistachio tree found in the Mediterranean and Middle East) to treat H. pylori. (Kresser, 2011)(Wright, 2001)

A 1998 laboratory study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that mastic gum had successfully eliminated a few different strains of H. pylori, including some that were resistant to standard antibiotics. Later studies, including some in humans, have shown mixed results. Mastic gum may be a good first-line treatment for H. pylori, with antibiotics as a backup if mastic does not work. A 2006 review of 16 randomized trials examined the effect of lifestyle changes on GERD and found that weight loss, avoiding eating at night, and raising the head of the bed improved the pH of the esophagus and/or GERD symptoms.(Huwez et al., 1998)

Conventional Treatments

Easing acid reflux or GERD symptoms temporarily with medications or over-the-counter drugs is usually not a cure — it’s only a way to offer some relief as symptoms are suppressed in the short term. Ironically, these medications may cause new or worsened symptoms, depending on how your body reacts to them. If you’ve been relying on over-the-counter and/or prescriptions to ease pain and discomfort, you might be familiar with some of the notorious side effects associated with their use, which include headaches, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate, and more digestive upset.
“Pills do not address the cause of reflux or prevent it; they are merely a Band-Aid for the symptoms,” said ECU thoracic and foregut surgeon Dr. Carlos Anciano The three main types of medicines to treat acid reflux symptoms or those caused by GERD are antacids, histamine type 2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Should these not work, or more serious intervention is needed, doctors will sometimes recommend surgery to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter. Unfortunately, this surgery is not a cure and symptoms may return. Complications from anti-reflux surgery include dysphagia of sufficient severity to require esophageal dilation in about 6% of patients treated with fundoplication surgery. (Badillo & Francis, 2014)

The major problem here is the insistence that excessive stomach acidity is the problem. Your stomach functions optimally when it is between 1.5 and 3.5 pH (an extremely acidic environment), and acid-blocking drugs can raise that pH somewhere around two points (a higher pH means a lower acid level). What’s the problem with that?

For one, they don’t address the root problem and provide only temporary relief. When antacids make the stomach less acidic, more acid is automatically produced to bring the stomach back to its intended pH level. The body will continue this process every time a medicinal measure is taken to reduce acidity.

Hypochlorhydria, the clinical term for low stomach acid, is an under-researched and dangerous condition. Every time you take antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs, you are contributing more to this problem (which may be one reason you develop heartburn in the first place). Prolonged hypochlorhydria leads to chronic atrophic gastritis and is associated with side effects including vitamin B-12 deficiency, autoimmune conditions, asthma, diabetes, chronic fatigue, and many other disorders. (Boulet & Turcotte, 2009)

In summary, for optimal digestive health and overall well-being, it’s crucial to choose organic, unprocessed foods that are free from GMOs whenever possible. Boosting your fiber intake, nurturing the healthy bacteria in your gut with foods rich in probiotics, and taking supplements if needed can all contribute to symptom resolution. Other measures include cutting back on grains (particularly refined ones) and sugar intake, consuming high-quality proteins, and reducing the consumption of refined vegetable oils. All these steps aid in safeguarding the gastrointestinal tract, balancing hormonal functions, and preventing numerous severe chronic diseases linked to poor digestive health. Foods that can aid in alleviating acid reflux include fresh organic vegetables (particularly leafy greens, squash, artichoke, asparagus, and cucumbers); free-range chicken and grass-fed beef; probiotic-rich foods like yogurt; bone broth; and healthy fats like coconut or olive oil. Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, parsley, ginger, and fennel are also beneficial. Besides calorie counting, the NIH advises cooking whole grains, varying your vegetable intake, and focusing on fruits for a healthy diet.(WebMD, 2023)

Conclusion

In conclusion, frequent heartburn is a serious medical condition that requires attention as it is often indicative of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This chronic condition can lead to severe complications, including an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) can be an effective and efficient diagnostic tool for GERD, provided they are administered correctly, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. However, there is a significant gap in the application of this knowledge among primary care physicians, with many patients not adhering to the recommended dosing schedule. Surgical therapy for GERD has been shown to be most effective in patients with documented acid reflux who have responded positively to PPI treatment. Despite this, many physicians recommend surgery for patients who have not responded to medical therapy, highlighting a need for improved understanding and management of GERD. Most importantly, diet and lifestyle factors, as discussed in this chapter should be the primary assessment and first-line treatment approach to heartburn/GERD.

A patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been suffering from persistent nausea and a discomforting sensation of acid reflux. Every time they ate, they would experience an unpleasant burning sensation in their chest and throat. The symptoms were so severe that it started affecting their daily life.

Seeking relief, the patient decided to consult with Dr. Haque, a renowned gastroenterologist. Dr. Haque performed a thorough examination and diagnosed the patient with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus).

Dr. Haque then devised a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient. This included dietary modifications, such as avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux, eating smaller meals, and not lying down soon after eating. He also recommended certain vitamins and supplements to help heal the esophagus and control the production of stomach acid.

The patient diligently followed Dr. Haque’s advice and started noticing improvements within a month. They continued with the diet and supplements for three months, after which they reported feeling perfectly healthy again.

The patient expressed their gratitude towards Dr. Haque for his effective treatment plan that helped them overcome their struggle with GERD. They said, “Thank you Dr. Haque, thank you very much!”

“I came to Dr. Haque because I had nausea and I would eat things and I would feel something bad like reflux. Then I started the diet with Dr. Haque and I followed all of the steps he told me, took all of the vitamins, supplements, and things that he told me, and now I’m perfect 3 months later. But even after 1 month of all these changes, I was still feeling better. Thank you Dr, Haque, thank you very much!

Ivory Taylor, Patient

Yancy, W. S., Jr, Provenzale, D., & Westman, E. C. (2001). Improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease after initiation of a low-carbohydrate diet: five brief case reports. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 7(6), 120–119.

Austin, G. L., Thiny, M. T., Westman, E. C., Yancy Jr, W. S., & Shaheen, N. J. (2006). A Very Low-Carbohydrate Diet Improves Gastroesophageal Reflux and Its Symptoms. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 51(8), 1307–1312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-005-9027-7

Huang, C., Wang, Y., Li, X., Ren, L., Zhao, J., Hu, Y., … & Cheng, Z. (2009). Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(18), 1708-1720. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2002032

Kresser, C. (2011, April 8). More evidence to support the theory that GERD is caused by bacterial overgrowth. https://chriskresser.com/more-evidence-to-support-the-theory-that-gerd-is-caused-by-bacterial-overgrowth/

Wright, J. (2001). Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD. M. Evans & Company

Huwez, F. U., Thirlwell, D., Cockayne, A., & Ala’Aldeen, D. A. (1998). Mastic gum kills Helicobacter pylori. The New England journal of medicine, 339(26), 1946. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199812243392618

Mehta RS, Nguyen LH, Ma W, Staller K, Song M, Chan AT. Association of Diet and Lifestyle With the Risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in US Women. JAMA Intern Med. 2021;181(4):552–554. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.7238

Restivo, J. (2023, July 31). GERD diet: Foods to avoid to reduce acid reflux. Harvard Health Publishing

Rangan, V. (2021, May 12). Five lifestyle factors that can help prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease. Harvard Health Publishing

WebMD. (2023). Foods that fight heartburn. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/foods-that-fight-heartburn?page=2

Daryl DePestel; Powel Kazanjian; Sandro Cinti; et al. (2004). “Magnitude and Duration of Elevated Gastric pH in Patients …” (PDF). Pharmacotherapy. 24 (11): 1539–1545. doi:10.1592/phco.24.16.1539.50959. hdl:2027.42/90191. PMID 15537559.

HeidelbergTest.com. (n.d.). Experts in the analysis of stomach acidity. Retrieved October 11, 2023, from https://www.heidelbergtest.com/

Badillo, R., & Francis, D. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 5(3), 105-112. https://doi.org/10.4292/wjgpt.v5.i3.105

Boulet, L. P., & Turcotte, H. (2009). Gastroesophageal reflux disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 360(7), 729-730. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc082292

Axe, J. (2019, December 10). 7 signs and symptoms you have leaky gut. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/health/7-signs-symptoms-you-have-leaky-gut/

  • Michigan Medicine. (2019). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Retrieved from https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/CCG/GERD.pdf
  • Harvard Gazette. (2021, January 5). Study finds guidelines to reduce heartburn symptoms. Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/01/study-finds-guidelines-to-reduce-heartburn-symptoms/

References (article)

 

[1] General information

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease#1

[2] Acid Reflux image

When Acid Reflux Becomes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

[3] 3 types of acid reflux disease

https://www.stretta-therapy.com/professionals/cause-and-types

[4] Esophageal cancer/ acid reflux causes

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356084

[5] GERD Symptoms

https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb44.jsp

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

[6] Diagnosis

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/diagnosing-acid-reflux-disease#1

[7] Causes

https://www.rxlist.com/heartburn/drugs-condition.htm#heartburn_causes

[8] Food causes and relief

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-heartburn#section12

[9] Surgery

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4354-laparoscopic-antireflux-surgery

[10] Carbohydrates and their consequences

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10620-005-9027-7?LI=true

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11712463

[11] Digestive enzymes

https://www.betternutrition.com/features-dept/enzyematichealth

References of images:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/what-are-processed-foods/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Indigestion-Symptoms.aspx

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321450

https://atlasbiomed.com/blog/link-between-gut-bacteria-and-weight-loss/

https://www.mdexpressva.com/hernias-types-symptoms-and-when-to-seek-urgent-care/

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/high-fibre-recipes

https://dzone.com/articles/rest-api-tutorials

https://www.npr.org/2020/06/11/874311586/bubbles-and-empty-seats-pro-sports-forge-ahead-with-comebacks-despite-the-pandem

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-you-a-fast-eater-slow-down-to-eat-and-weigh-less/

https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/the-most-delicious-sodas-from-around-the-world

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-do-i-feel-tired-after-eating

https://saminasleep.com/sleeping-inclined/

https://www.google.com/search?q=looosingweight&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwi7laq78q7yAhVLvKwKHf1aC9EQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=looosingweight&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoECAAQQzoFCAAQgAQ6CAgAEIAEELEDOggIABCxAxCDAToHCAAQsQMQQzoLCAAQgAQQsQMQgwE6BAgAEB46BggAEAUQHjoGCAAQChAYUKKJDliIpQ5guKcOaAJwAHgAgAF6iAHLC5IBBDEyLjSYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=o90WYfu3CMv4sgX9ta2IDQ&bih=730&biw=1517&hl=en#imgrc=Z2yESJRF_guIaM

References (article, not images, APA format)

[1] WebMD. (n.d.). What Is Acid Reflux Disease? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease#1

[2] Children’s Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition Center. (n.d.). Acid Reflux Becomes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Retrieved from https://childrensgimd.com/acid-reflux-becomes-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease

[3] Stretta Therapy. (n.d.). Cause and Types of Acid Reflux Disease. Retrieved from https://www.stretta-therapy.com/professionals/cause-and-types

[4] Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Esophageal Cancer: Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356084

[5] Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). (n.d.). GERD Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb44.jsp Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). GERD: Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

[6] WebMD. (n.d.). Diagnosing Acid Reflux Disease. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/diagnosing-acid-reflux-disease#1

[7] RxList. (n.d.). Heartburn: Causes of Heartburn. Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/heartburn/drugs-condition.htm#heartburn_causes

[8] Healthline. (n.d.). Foods That Cause Heartburn: Effects of Food on Heartburn. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-heartburn#section12

[9] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery: Treatments & Procedures. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4354-laparoscopic-antireflux-surgery

[10] Yancy, W. S., Jr, Provenzale, D., & Westman, E. C. (2001). Improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease after initiation of a low-carbohydrate diet: five brief case reports. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 7(6), 120–119.

[11] Better Nutrition. (n.d.). Digestive Enzymes: Feature Department Enzymatic Health. Retrieved from https://www.betternutrition.com/features-dept/enzyematichealth

 

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