GERD
or gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by
the backflow of gastric juices from the stomach
into the esophagus. This can occur if the lower
esophageal sphincter muscle is not functioning
properly or if there is too much pressure on the
stomach. GERD is basically a lifestyle disease
caused by the deteriorating dietary habits and the
stress of modern day living. Therefore, obviously
the healthy treatment of GERD lies not in
popping tablets and pills but altering the causes
that triggered off the symptoms in the first
place. Tablets and drugs only provide temporary
relief of symptoms and do nothing to treat the
root cause. Most of the drugs in use have serious
side effects and are dangerous in the long run.
Though
GERD is not a serious condition, repeated attacks
can seriously disrupt day-to-day life. Chronic
GERD can damage the sensitive lining of the
esophagus making eating and drinking difficult and
worse cause Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous
condition.
There
are various suggestions for healthy treatment
of GERD which are not only effective but safe
and permanent too:
1)
Avoid foods that are known to cause LES weakness
such as fatty and fried foods, spicy foods,
chocolate, mint, acidic fruits like tomatoes,
caffeinated beverages, alcoholic beverages etc. It
is recommended that a food diary be kept to
identify the foods that cause symptoms or
aggravate the condition.
2)
If you are overweight, the extra fat increases the
pressure on the stomach, causing symptoms. Losing
weight can definitely relieve
symptoms.
3)
Eat small frequent meals rather than three big
meals. Chew food slowly and eat in a cheerful
frame of mind. This is important from the point of
view of digestion.
4)
If you are overweight, the extra fat increases the
pressure on the stomach, causing symptoms. Losing
weight can definitely relieve
symptoms.
5)
Eat small frequent meals rather than three big
meals. Chew food slowly and eat in a cheerful
frame of mind. This is important from the point of
view of digestion.
6)
Include healthy food in the diet like yoghurt,
fruits like papaya, pineapple, apple, bananas
which help in digestion.
7)
Herbs like slippery elm, chamomile, fennel,
ginger, licorice are all soothing to the digestive
tract and also aid
digestion.
8)
Do not lie down or bend immediately after a meal.
Allow at least three hours after the last meal to
go to bed. Bend at the knees rather than at the
waist. Incorrect posture is also a cause of acid
reflux. Sit up straight and do not
slouch.
9)
Elevate the head of the bed at least six inches
with the help of bricks or blocks. This lets
gravity do its work of keeping the stomach
contents in the stomach.
10)
Chew sugarless gum between meals. Chewing
encourages production of saliva which is alkaline
and when swallowed helps to neutralize the acid.
The swallowing action also pushes any regurgitated
food back into the stomach.
11)
Manage stress with the help of techniques such as
yoga, meditation, martial arts etc. Take it easy
and learn relaxation
techniques.
12)
Exercise is very important not only from the
physical point of view but also to drive away
depression and to create that feeling of
wellness.
13)
Taking probiotics and digestive enzymes is a
better option than popping
antacids.
14)
Drink plenty of water. Water hydrates and
eliminates toxins from the
body.
15)
Avoid wearing tight clothes.
16)
Nicotine causes the LES to relax so quitting
smoking is extremely
important.
All
the above suggestions are the part of the holistic
therapy protocol for. GERD is caused by a
combination of physical, mental, and emotional
factors. A holistic practitioner will help you
objectively review your body as a whole and
suggest measures to restore a healthy balance. All
the suggestions may be incorporated into your
daily life leading to health and freedom from
disease as a first step of the all natural,
healthy holistic treatment of GERD.
