Heartburn and Reflux

Heartburn. Acid Reflux. Both are common terms for what is known properly as GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Some estimate that GERD affects approximately 10% of Americans on a regular basis. You might have GERD if you have:

 Heartburn - a burning sensation that rises up the sternum from the stomach
 A sour or bitter taste after eating or possibly some regurgitation of food
 Difficulty in swallowing
 Frequent coughing or hoarseness to the voice

GERD is worsened when a person has another condition along with it, a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through one of the normal openings in the diaphragm, protruding into the chest cavity. This causes a malfunction in the circular muscle, the esophageal sphincter, which would normally close off and prevent stomach acid from entering the lower esophagus. Long term this can cause damage to the lower esophagus.

It is important to differentiate GERD and hiatal hernia from angina, which is a problem of the heart, and gallbladder problems. Angina is often relieved somewhat with rest and worsened with exertion. Gallbladder problems are worsened with meals high in fat.

Treatment for GERD

Medical doctors usually prescribe medications to reduce the acid produced by the stomach so there will be less acid to cause the burning sensation and irritation to the esophagus. These medications include non-prescription medications such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. Some prescription medications include Prilosec, Protonix, Nexium, Prevacid, and Aciphex. The old standby is the antacid - Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, and Mylanta. However, there is always a consequence of changing the way the body was meant to function. When the acidity of the stomach is changed, the digestive tract is not able to digest food properly, especially proteins. Proper digestion requires acidity in the stomach to first of all digest, or break apart the food, and then for proper absorption of some nutrients. For example, calcium is best absorbed in an acid medium. That is why Tums with calcium are counter productive. Tums reduce the acidity that is needed to absorb the calcium properly.

An Alternative Approach to GERD

Alternative medicine has a different approach to GERD. Many practitioners believe that the basic problem is actually a lack of stomach acid to properly digest foods. They believe that due to the lack of stomach acid and other enzymes, combined with our poor diet, food actually begins to ferment or putrefy in the stomach, causing the bloating feeling and producing acid from the rotting of the food in the stomach. This is the acid that will regurgitate into the esophagus causing the discomfort of the heartburn or GERD. Eventually this rotting, acidic matter can cause an ulcer. The stomach is not able to ever completely digest the food properly, so it stays in the stomach longer, causing discomfort and bloating, and eventually, as it travels down the intestinal tract, will allow more discomfort and eventually lower bowel gas as bad bacteria act upon the matter.

The solution to this problem is to re-acidify the intestinal tract. To help the digestive tract, alternative practitioners recommend an outside source of hydrochloric acid, such as Betaine Hydrochloride, and digestive enzymes. With these digestive enzymes, the food can be broken down properly and absorbed properly. This will decrease the bloating, gas, and acid reflux. At our office we recommend digestive supplements. If these irritate the stomach when taken, a person could have developed the beginnings of an ulcer already, in which case we recommend another product to allow the stomach to heal. It may take awhile to heal the tract and re-acidify it, so a person may have to take these supplements for several months.

In addition to decreased acidity, some alternative practitioners believe that food allergies, or better stated food sensitivities, may cause some GERD. Identifying and eliminating these foods from the diet can be helpful. We usually recommend the diet from the book Eat Right 4 Your Type, which recommends specific foods depending on your blood type.

Increased activity of the nerves going to the stomach and esophagus can also lead to reflux. If there is also irritation to the nerves that go to the esophageal sphincter, it can malfunction and cause reflux. This is best evaluated by a chiropractor. If this is a factor in your condition, you will most likely be very tender in the mid back, usually at the level of the 5th or 6th thoracic vertebra. With chiropractic adjustments, the irritation to these nerves can be reduced, and the esophageal sphincter and stomach muscles can work normally again. Some people find that this alone will solve their problem.

Sometimes soft tissue work can help with reflux, especially if a hiatal hernia is involved. Some chiropractors are trained in techniques to help traction the stomach down from where it has ascended through the hiatus, or opening, in the diaphragm. A person can also be taught how to traction this down on his or her own between visits to give some temporary relief.

Occasionally people find that acupuncture helps in this problem. Since stress is often a factor, we use techniques in our office to address emotional aspects of a person's problem.

Additional Hints

The following suggestions will not only help in the recovery from GERD, but will also help prevent it from developing:

1. Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.

2. Instead of eating three large meals quickly, eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day. This also helps in regulating blood glucose.

3. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce refined carbohydrates and fried foods. Cut out alcohol, and reduce caffeine and chocolate.

4. Herbs can help in digestion, so use them in cooking. Mint, dill, caraway, ginger, and cinnamon are helpful herbs.

5. Don't eat for three hours before going to bed.

6. Stop smoking.

7. Use an acidophilus supplement or eat a good brand of yogurt (no sugar added) if you have a lot of intestinal gas.

8. Some people have found that apple cider vinegar helps in acidifying the digestive tract. Drink about a tablespoon in a big glass of water once or twice a day.

Finally, remember that it took you years to get to this stage. It may take two to four months to really see the benefits when using a natural approach, but in the long run it will actually begin to correct the problem, rather than cover it up with medication. That way you will not become dependent on the medication. Instead, your whole health will improve as your digestive tract becomes healthy again!

Call today for help if you have GERD or believe that you may have it. The symptoms of GERD are a warning signal - take heed and start to heal today!