GERD Can Be Treated Naturally

April 13th, 2018 by Loretta Lanphier, NP, BCTN, CN, CH, HHP

GERD Can Be Treated Naturally

GERD. Heartburn. Indigestion. Acid Reflux.  According to the media and conventional medicine, these symptoms constitute an epidemic that can only be relieved by popping a pill or chugging the right pink liquid. The drug companies are ready, willing, and able to ride in on their white horses and provide the necessary medications to rescue the American public from Aunt Rosa’s chicken cacciatore. They don’t tell us that a healthy diet and lifestyle choices can mostly prevent these symptoms. One more little item they forget to mention is that the over-the-counter and prescription medications tend to worsen the symptoms over time rather than relieve them. Let’s look into this a bit further…

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is also known as Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia (NUD). These terms describe a condition whereby stomach acid abnormally moves into the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion. A diagnosis of GERD or NUD is only given when these symptoms are not the result of an ulcer.

The esophagus is a tube (about 10 inches long in adults) running from the throat to the stomach and is primarily responsible for moving food along that pathway. Muscular contractions are the mechanism used by the esophagus to accomplish this purpose. The lining of the esophagus is composed of epithelial cells that are coated with mucous. These are surrounded by the muscles that contract to transport the food, a process called peristalsis. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a thick band of muscle tissue that acts like a valve to separate the esophagus from the stomach. Normally, the LES remains closed except when food is entering the stomach. This “valve” action keeps stomach acid from entering the esophagus.  

The stomach is designed with a protective coating of mucous that prevents the acids it secretes for digestive purposes from harming it. However, the esophagus does not have this protective layer. Therefore, if the LES opens when it should be closed or does not seal tightly, stomach acid can enter into the esophagus and irritate the tissues causing a condition known as heartburn. Heartburn is the primary symptom of GERD.

It is estimated that over 40% of Americans experience symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and indigestion, at least once a month. Perhaps as much as 10% of these have daily attacks. Infrequent symptoms are not too much to be concerned about. We all get indigestion from time to time, usually from something we ate or drank that didn’t agree with us. But chronic heartburn can lead to a myriad of more serious conditions such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or ulcers. If experienced more than twice per week, this irritation can become serious due to the frequent presence of stomach acid and enzymes in the esophagus, where they were never meant to be. Chronic GERD can cause the esophagus walls to become scarred. This can result in the thickening of the tissues, making the esophagus abnormally narrow. Peristalsis can stop functioning properly, and thus food is not transported as efficiently. The patient can also experience difficulty swallowing.

Another complication of GERD to be aware of is that sometimes the repeated irritation will cause changes in the squamous cells of the esophagus lining. The cells are eroded by the acidity and replaced with abnormal ones. This is called Barrett’s Syndrome or Barrett’s Esophagus and is a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to esophageal cancer called adenocarcinoma.

acid reflux relief

What Are the Symptoms and Causes of GERD?

GERD is predominantly characterized by two commonly found symptoms: heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn, as described above, is the body’s reaction to the contents of the stomach leaking into the esophagus. Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is a term that covers a variety of digestive tract symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and excess stomach gas. In addition to GERD, indigestion can be caused by anything from diet to serious medical conditions:

  • Diet – foods that stimulate excess stomach acid can cause indigestion. For many people, these include milk and milk products, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.
  • Intestinal parasites can cause infections (such as amebiasis, strongyloidiasis, and giardiasis), resulting in indigestion.
  • Medications – certain drugs can irritate the stomach lining. Common culprits are aspirin, oral contraceptives, iron supplements, tricyclic antidepressants, and some antibiotics.
  • Conditions of female reproductive organs – pregnancy, menstrual cramps, and pelvic inflammatory disease, a general term covering infections and inflammation of the upper genital tract.
  • Pancreas and gall bladder conditions can spawn indigestion. These include inflammation of or cancers of the pancreas or gallbladder and gall stones.
  • Digestive tract cancers.
  • Diabetes and thyroid conditions can cause indigestion as well.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – many of the symptoms of IBS are similar to those of GERD. Approximately 30% of GERD patients are also diagnosed with IBS.

Stress and emotional upsets can trigger GERD symptoms too. Researchers believe this phenomenon is related to the “fight-or-flight” response of the body to stressful situations. Some people are even thought to be more susceptible to emotionally caused heartburn and indigestion than others because they have hypersensitive nerve endings in their intestinal tract.

We know that abnormal operation of the LES results in heartburn, but what causes the LES to malfunction? Researchers are not exactly sure, but there are several leading theories. One cause is thought to be an increase of inner abdominal pressure that pushes gastric juices into the esophagus, causing backflow or upward flow. This is commonly the result of factors such as overeating and/or obesity. Another cause could be a decrease in the muscle tone of the LES, leaving it unable to work properly. An example of a factor that could cause this is a Hiatal hernia.

This is a condition where the stomach herniates through the hiatus, the opening where the stomach and esophagus connect. This hernia puts pressure on the LES, again causing it not to work properly.

What Treatments Are Available for GERD?

Many natural, herbal, and lifestyle remedies can prevent GERD from ever occurring and help lessen symptoms and correct the body’s balance so that GERD cannot prosper. This should be the main focus of treating any illness. Unfortunately, the conventional or mainstream medical community focuses on treatments, mostly medications, which mask the symptoms without getting to the root of the problem. As if that isn’t bad enough, many of these medications actually worsen the condition. This kind of “treatment” creates a vicious cycle that never ends. Does the term “Job Security” ring a bell here?

This kind of pretzel logic is commonplace in the medical world, and the treatment of GERD is an excellent example of it. Sales of antacids and acid blockers is a huge multi-billion dollar business. In fact, as of several years ago, these drugs were the largest selling pharmaceuticals of any kind in theGERD and proton pump inhibitors United States. Incidentally, Propulsid was one of the biggest sellers. The FDA pulled it off the market after it killed 111 people by causing fatal heart rhythm problems.

Antacids are designed to neutralize stomach acid, and H2 blockers (histamine receptor blockers such as Pepcid AC, Zantac, and Tagamet) work to block the production of stomach acid. The concern with this is that many studies have shown that GERD symptoms are often caused not by too much stomach acid but by a lack of stomach acid. This deficiency causes the digestive process to malfunction. Thus, these drugs cause the condition to proliferate.

The answer to treating GERD is not to reduce stomach acid. In fact, some exciting research has been conducted that indicates stomach acid has many beneficial uses in the body. Along with aiding digestion, stomach acid also helps keep a good balance of bacteria and fungi in the intestinal tract. It also helps the body to absorb many critical nutrients. Acid also stimulates pepsin in the stomach, which is necessary for protein digestion.

Abnormally low levels of stomach acid have been linked to several diseases. Depression is one of them. Some forms of depression are caused by a neurotransmitter deficiency which is a result of low stomach acidity. Acne Rosacea is a skin condition that is thought to be a result of low stomach acid levels. Rosacea symptoms–red blemishes on the face, especially near the nose–have shown improvement in patients who were given supplements to increase stomach acid and digestive function.

If reducing stomach acid is not the answer for GERD, what is?

The focus belongs to improving the digestive process. Under normal situations, a healthy stomach produces enough gastric acid to kill harmful organisms. However, when the stomach experiences difficulty in producing stomach acid, you are more likely to have bacterial and intestinal infections and a greater possibility of harmful organisms.

The best results seem to come from stimulating acid production, not lessening it. How is this done? Betaine Hydrochloric acid (HCL). Betaine HCL helps the stomach break down fat and protein in the food. It also assists your body’s detoxification processes. HCL is also a needed component in metabolizing and absorbing food, and it helps assimilate proteins, vitamin B-12, calcium, and iron. This therapy is widespread in natural medicine circles.

The ideal way to institute this therapy is first to have a test called a gastric acid analysis. This will specifically determine one’s need for hydrochloric acid supplementation. However, if this is not available or practical, there is a way one can determine for themselves what dosage is best. Take one capsule (600mg) with your next large meal. Continue to increase the dosage with each meal until 7 capsules are reached, or until you get a warm feeling in your stomach (whichever happens first). Continue with this dosage, adjusting for smaller meals. After a while, your stomach will begin to produce a balanced amount of HCl on its own, and you will need to reduce the dosage.

Other Conditions Betaine HCL May Help

  • Acne
  • Skin disorders
  • Diarrhea
  • Gallstones
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Chronic hives
  • Food sensitivities
  • Thyroid function
  • Inner ear infections
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Candida & yeast infections
  • Stomach or esophageal disorders
  • General malabsorption of nutrients
  • General indigestion and heartburn
  • Acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Arteriosclerosis (hardening/loss of elasticity in the arteries)

Healthy Diet is a Must for GERD Prevention

As with virtually anything related to health, a very healthy diet is essential to preventing and treating GERD. Below are some tips:

  • Eat smaller portions of organic food 4-6 times throughout the day. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Try to eat when your mind is at rest. Avoid meals when you are emotionally upset.
  • Avoid foods that irritate your symptoms. These can vary from person to person. There are some generalities, though. Stay away from unhealthy high-fat foods such as most animal fats and fried foods. Eliminate or moderate coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, and chocolate.
  • Do not overeat, and if you are overweight, try to lose it. Obesity is definitely a factor with GERD.
  • Don’t lie down within 3 hours after eating.

Are There Any Natural Treatments for GERD?

Many natural treatments have proven effective.

  • Peppermint and caraway oils have been helpful to reduce symptoms in many people. Try them as a tea.
  • Licorice, especially DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), aids digestion and reduces acid reflux.
  • Anise works well as a tea.
  • Turmeric added to warm water.
  • Chamomile tea aids digestion and relaxes you, too.
  • Organic Aloe Vera. Inner Aloe vera leaf gel supports digestion and is another great alternative for soothing acid reflux.
  • Ginger helps some people. Others claim it increases their heartburn and indigestion. See how it works for you.
  • Magnesium supplement. I recommend magnesium orotate.
  • L-glutamine supplement.
  • High-Quality Probiotic containing live and active cultures.
  • Lemon Balm as an herbal tea or as capsules.
  • Dandelion as an herbal tea or as capsules.
  • Raw, organic apple cider vinegar. 1-2 teaspoons mixed with 8 oz of purified water taken 3 times daily before a meal. Increasing the amount of apple cider vinegar used from 1-2 teaspoons to as many as 5 teaspoons may prove more beneficial for some people. Some have had success by mixing ACV with baking soda at night and organic V8 juice in the morning.

natural help for GERD

The natural remedies for GERD above are some of my favorites, but other good options are also available. Another tip is to use a few drops of Angostura bitters in a favorite drink. Angostura bitters were initially created to alleviate digestive issues and battle Venezuelan parasites. It is usually used in cocktails and makes a great soda alternative when added to sparkling water.

I highly recommend Organic Acid Reflux Relief. It is the only organic, non-GMO product to help relieve acid reflux on the market today. While most acid reflux relief products are chewable tablets or single herb products, Organic Acid Reflux Relief is a non-GMO liquid solution in a base of organic glycerin, which increases bioavailability without causing more indigestion.

Organic Acid Reflux Relief combines the powerful blend of apple cider vinegar, aloe, meadowsweet, slippery elm, chamomile, marshmallow, and ginger to bring you indigestion relief safely. These organic ingredients support a healthy digestive system, plus this formula is made with a proprietary Raw Herbal Extract Technology. This technology uses no heat, alcohol, or harsh chemicals. As a result, this formula is raw, all-natural, potent, and perfect for supporting optimal health and wellness.

In Conclusion…

GERD, acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion can be tough to get a handle on. A knowledgeable natural healthcare practitioner can help you choose the best natural remedies for your health situation. We are not all the same, and therefore what works for one may not work for someone else. If you are diagnosed with GERD, be very careful with prescription medications that are handed out like candy and over-the-counter meds. There are natural alternatives that can work without the risk of becoming dependent and suffering possible side effects from long-term use. Remember, applied knowledge is power!

Research

  1. Jesper Lagergren, M.D. et al. “Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux as a Risk Factor for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.” N Engl J Med (1999): 825-831.
  2. Saritas Yuksel, Elif, and Michael F. Vaezi. “New Developments in Extraesophageal Reflux Disease.” Gastroenterology & Hepatology 8.9 (2012): 590–599.
  3. Sugimoto K, Makihara T, Saito A, Ohishi N, Nagase T, Takai D. “Betaine improved restriction digestion.”
  4. Sun, J. et al. “Randomised Clinical Trial: The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of an Alginate‐antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) versus Placebo, for Decreasing Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in China.” Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 42.7 (2015): 845–854.
  5. Cock IE. “The Genus Aloe: Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Uses Including Treatments for Gastrointestinal Conditions and Chronic Inflammation.” Prog Drug Res. (2015): 179-235.
  6. Wan P, Chen H, Guo Y, Bai AP. “Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: from bench to bedside.” World J Gastroenterol. (2014): 14099-11404.
  7. Kines, Kasia, and Tina Krupczak. “Nutritional Interventions for Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Hypochlorhydria: A Case Report.” integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal 15.4 (2016): 49–53.
  8. Sugimoto K, Makihara T, Saito A, Ohishi N, Nagase T, Takai D. Betaine improved restriction digestion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Dec 2;337(4):1027-9. Epub 2005 Oct 3.
  9. Yan Xie, Benjamin Bowe, Tingting Li, Hong Xian, Yan Yan, Ziyad Al-Aly. Risk of death among users of Proton Pump Inhibitors: a longitudinal observational cohort study of United States veterans. BMJ Open, 2017; 7 (6): e015735 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015735
Loretta Lanphier is a Naturopathic Practitioner (Traditional), Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Certified Clinical Herbalist as well as the CEO / Founder of Oasis Advanced Wellness in The Woodlands TX. She has studied and performed extensive research in health science, natural hormone balancing, anti-aging techniques, nutrition, natural medicine, weight loss, herbal remedies, non-toxic cancer support and is actively involved in researching new natural health protocols and products.  A 20-year stage 3 colon cancer survivor, Loretta can relate to both-sides-of-the-health-coin as patient and practitioner when it comes to health and wellness. “My passion is counseling others about what it takes to keep the whole body healthy using natural and non-toxic methods.” Read Loretta’s health testimony Cancer: The Path to Healing. Loretta is a Contributor and Editor of the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Check out Oasis Advanced Wellness and our natural skin care products, Oasis Serene Botanicals.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.

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