Acid Reflux from a Holistic Perspective

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a disease in which the stomach content, along with acid and juices leaks back into the esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates and inflames the lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn. Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD and many people battle with heartburn regularly, even daily. So this problem is generally ignored. But frequent heartburn may be a symptom of GERD which requires immediate treatment to avoid complications and damage to the stomach and esophagus.

When we eat food, it travels from the food pipe (called esophagus) and reaches the stomach. In the stomach, food is mixed with digestive juices and acids to break it into simple complexes. There is a ring of muscle at the end of esophagus which acts like a valve and prevents food from leaking back from the stomach. This ring of muscle is called the lower esophagus sphincter or LES. When this sphincter does not function properly, it causes the stomach content along with acids to leak back into the esophagus. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. These acids irritate the lining and cause burning sensation or heartburn. This may be a sign of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. One must remember that all heartburn does not indicate GERD, but, heartburn that occurs more than twice a week must be screened for the same.

GERD Causes

The causes of GERD are complex and there maybe multiple causes present. 

Certain conditions make a person prone to GERD, e.g. Pregnancy, diseases that weaken the esophageal muscles like scleroderma.

People suffering from hiatus hernia and esophagus stricture may also have GERD. 

Besides this, other factors that may contribute towards the development of GERD are:

• Alcohol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Certain foods like fatty and fried stuff, spicy food, citrus fruits, etc.

GERD Symptoms

• Heartburn is the most common symptom. It starts from the chest and then spreads to the throat as well. It is more severe while lying-down.
• There may be a sour taste in the mouth.
• Some people complain of chest pain, especially while lying-down at night.
• The acid regurgitation irritates the lining of the esophagus and may cause a sore throat and cough.
• In infants, an immature digestive system can cause repeated vomiting, coughing, but this generally stops when the child is 1 year old.

GERD, if not treated properly can cause some complications in the long run. They are:

• Repeated episodes of acid leaking into esophagus may cause inflammation of the esophagus
• This may cause bleeding or ulcers.
• Ulcers of the esophagus may heal forming scars, but over time, the scars may shrink and form stricture.
• Due to constant irritation and inflammation of the esophagus lining, the cells may have precancerous changes. This is called Barrett's esophagus.
• Respiratory diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis may be aggravated by GERD.

Diagnosis of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder

The physician starts by taking a complete case history, evaluating the medical history as well as analyzing the lifestyle of the patient. He may then perform a physical examination to note the general condition. Generally, a description of symptoms is enough for the physician to suspect GERD. He may advise the following tests to confirm his diagnosis:

• Barium X-ray: In this, the patient is made to drink Barium liquid, which coats the digestive tract making it visible on X-ray. This will reveal if there is an esophagus stricture or hiatus hernia that is causing GERD.
• Endoscopy: In this, a thin flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope is inserted from the mouth down to the esophagus. This enables the physician to inspect the lining of the esophagus directly. During the procedure, the physician may even take tissue samples to rule out Barrett's esophagus (precancerous changes in esophageal cells) and esophageal cancer. 
• Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests: In this, a thin catheter is inserted through the nose into the esophagus. Through this catheter a probe is positioned so that it lies just above the lower esophageal sphincter. The catheter is also connected to a computer on the other end. This test measures the amount of acid that regurgitates and analyses the severity of the disease.

Conventional treatment for GERD includes antacids like pepto-bismol, Rolaids. They are acid regulators. But, they have side-effects due to their ingredients which basically comprise of salts: magnesium, calcium, and aluminum. Magnesium salts may lead to diarrhea and aluminum salts may cause constipation. H2 blockers, which impede acid production, may be prescribed. These drugs provide short-term relief and work only in 50% of GERD cases.

There is another group of drugs called pro-kinetics which work by strengthening the sphincter and forcing the stomach to empty faster. But, these drugs also have side-effects. In cases that do not respond to medication, a surgery (called Nissen fundoplication) may be the only option.

Tips to Manage GERD

Make some lifestyle changes, like:

• Stop drinking and smoking, immediately
• Lose weight, if needed
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid lying-down for 3 hours after a meal

Complementary Natural Care

Holistic Natural remedies aim at addressing the root causes of an issue. GERD surfaces when the lower esophagus sphincter does not function properly and the stomach acids leak back into esophagus. Natural therapies are traditionally believed to neutralize the acid levels, soothe the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract and stimulate the normal structure and functioning of the esophageal sphincter.

Every single ingredient in every Biogetica kit has huge amounts of traditional use data from Ayurveda and Homeopathy and is supported by modern studies and trials. However, people and governments today tend to have varying opinions and laws regarding natural supplements and complementary therapies, which their FDA may not have studied yet. We, therefore, prefer not to make any claims instead; we point all Patients and Doctors to independent research and clinical studies that proves their efficacy in a "scientific manner". In some cases, we compare the results of these studies to those of pharmaceutical medicines in order to show that natural products can be just as or even more effective than drugs, which tend to have side effects.

In order to present this information in an unbiased and up to date manner, we simply show you Google Scholar search results of all scientific articles available on a certain product. We support you in your right to know and choose natural medicine!

Herbal research

• Manjistha: Studies suggest that it may protect the delicate mucous membranes of the esophagus. ¹
• Bauhinia variegate: Studies suggest that it may protect the stomach mucosa. ²
• Ficus benghalensis: Studies suggest that it may soothe the stomach lining and support the normal structure and functioning of the gastric and esophagus lining. ³

Resonance homeopathic research

• Natrum Phos: Studies suggest that it may support the repair of damaged tissues. ⁴
• Argentum nit: Studies suggest that it may neutralize the acid present in the stomach to provide relief from heartburn. ⁵

Allopathic

• side effects of pepto bismol

If you have read the research above, you are now in a position to make an intelligent decision. We suggest you discuss this research with your doctor or one of our doctors available online.

CONSULT ONE OF BIOGETICA'S DOCTORS FOR FREE. You can also click directly on any one of the products to purchase it. Please don't delay, begin your healing journey today!

Biogetica is on the vanguard of healthcare innovation combining for the first time three separate and unique disciplines: traditional ayurvedic herbs, advanced resonance homeopathy, and ground-breaking nutraceuticals designed from the molecule up to provide health and freedom to you.

Our mission is to provide you with integrated natural solutions that target root issues across the physical, energetic and informational spectrum of your life. Our Doctors research all possible ingredients and combine them synergistically into kits to help bring your body into balance.

Biogetica’s products reflect an understanding of both the molecular and vibrational nature of life and therefore bridge the gap between the current understandings of medicine, biology, and quantum physics.

Our multidisciplinary kits potentially work by: **

• Neutralizing the acid levels
• Soothing the lining of your gastro-intestinal tract
• Acting on the smooth muscles of your gastro-intestinal tract and strengthening your lower esophageal sphincter
• Maintaining healthy stomach tissue
• Regulating esophageal spasms, so digestive content moves in the correct direction
• Promoting proper digestive enzyme production, thereby restoring optimal functioning of your digestive system

The proof of our methods is evident from the ground-breaking results we have seen in independent clinical trials, and more importantly, in the lives we’ve helped uplift.