Acid Reflux = Disease:

Acid = Reflux=20 Disease:
Just an = Annoyance=20 or Cause for Concern?

Heartburn is = one of=20 the most common ailments among Americans. Estimates are that about 20%=20 experience it monthly and 7% experience it daily. At least 80% of = pregnant women=20 experience it regularly. These statistics explain why prescription and = over the=20 counter medications for chronic heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux = disease or=20 GERD) are some of the most popular.

It is = important to=20 understand that having heartburn on a daily basis is not normal and puts = an=20 individual at increased risk of developing more serious conditions such = as=20 erosions, ulcers, strictures, and cancer. It has been demonstrated that = early=20 intervention can decrease the risk of these complications. In most cases = we can=20 treat acid reflux using natural approaches without the need for = medications with=20 inherent side-effects. The problem with most drugs for heartburn is that = they=20 impair digestion and do not treat the root cause.

=B7 =20 What causes=20 GERD?
Although a = number of=20 factors can contribute to its cause, increasing evidence implicates LOW = stomach=20 acid. In addition, overeating; food sensitivities; triggers like = caffeine,=20 smoking, alcohol, chocolate, and fried foods; medications, stress, and = eating=20 just before bedtime can be involved. Other potential contributors = include=20 carrying excess weight and the presence of a hiatal hernia, a condition = where a=20 portion of the stomach slips above the diaphragm.

=B7 =20 How is it = usually=20 treated?
Most = sufferers take=20 over-the-counter antacids to combat the discomfort. Most physicians = prescribe=20 acid blockers such as Zantac. Though this may bring some relief, it does = not=20 address the cause and has problematic side-effects. As previously mentioned, many = sufferers=20 actually have low stomach acid production. Stomach acid, or hydrochloric = acid,=20 is essential for proper digestion and serves to destroy potentially = harmful=20 microorganisms. Acid in the stomach signals the muscles of the lower = esophagus=20 to constrict. When acid is low these muscles relax, increasing the = likelihood of=20 reflux.

=B7 =20 How do you = prevent and=20 treat it naturally?
Avoid known = triggers,=20 reduce meal size, and avoid eating too close to bedtime. Mint and other=20 particular herbs can further relax the lower esophageal sphincter and = should be=20 avoided if you are susceptible to getting heartburn. Adapting lifelong = healthy=20 eating habits and physical activity are essential, especially for those = who are=20 overweight. If you have a long history of heartburn you may need an = endoscopic=20 exam to check the lower esophagus for damage. Those with longstanding = low acid=20 may become vitamin B₁₂ deficient and have difficulty = absorbing other=20 important nutrients. Basic blood work can detect some of these = deficiencies, but=20 it may be beneficial to have more comprehensive testing. Your doctor = should=20 prescribe appropriate nutrients, digestive supports, and herbal = medicines that=20 can bring relief while treating the cause.

=B7 =20 MASSAGE: Indicated or Contraindicated = for=20 GERD?
Massage=20 is indicated for people with GERD for some of the obvious benefits of = massage,=20 such as increased blood circulation and reduced muscle aches and = pains. However, there are certain = things to=20 consider first. It = is=20 important to receive massage in a way that does not exacerbate symptoms. = This=20 might mean receiving massage on a chair or in a semi-reclined position = and only=20 after two hours of eating a meal. =20 Work around the abdominal area is locally contraindicated in = extreme=20 circumstances or light work at most, depending on the severity of the=20 client. =

Written = By: =20 David Graves, ND &nbs= p; = ; =20 &nbs= p; =20 http://www.familynd.com/ =20 gravesnd@gmail.com

Contributor: =20 Edward R. Cefalu,=20 NCTMB/CMT &nbs= p; =20 http://www.edcefalu.com/ &nbs= p;=20 ed@edcefalu.com=

References:=20 1. F. Ferri. Ferri=92s Clinical Advisor 2008, 1^st ed.; = 2.=20 Yarnell. Gastroenterology, 2000