How To Overcome GERD Naturally

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as acid reflux, is a condition that affects a significant portion of the population. It's estimated that around 40% of people experience symptoms of acid reflux, a discomfort often characterised by a burning sensation in the chest or throat.

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your oesophagus, causing discomfort.

Symptoms can vary but often include:

Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that may worsen after eating or when lying down
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Difficulty swallowing
Chest pain
A sensation of a lump in your throat

While the symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, a common treatment involves the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs reduce stomach acid production, providing short-term relief. However, their long-term use can lead to several complications.

The Long-Term Effects of PPIs

PPIs, though effective in alleviating immediate symptoms, can have adverse effects over time.

These include:

Decreased nutrient absorption: Essential nutrients like B12, folic acid, zinc, calcium, and iron may not be absorbed efficiently due to reduced stomach acid.
Increased risk of bacterial overgrowth: Elevated pH levels in the stomach can promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
Maldigestion of macronutrients: Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats may not be digested properly, leading to various gastrointestinal issues.

Interestingly, low stomach acid is often the underlying cause of reflux symptoms. Without adequate stomach acid, food may not digest properly, creating pressure that pushes contents upwards, causing reflux.

Natural Approaches to Managing GERD

Apple Cider Vinegar Test

A simple at-home test can help determine if low stomach acid is a concern:

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a small amount of water.
Drink this mixture when experiencing symptoms.

If this alleviates the discomfort, it's likely due to low stomach acid. Regular consumption of ACV before meals can aid digestion. However, if ACV does not help, try 1 teaspoon of baking powder diluted in water as an alternative.

Understanding Low Stomach Acid

Low stomach acid can lead to a variety of health issues:

Inadequate small intestine acidification: This can cause conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
Constipation: Lack of stomach acid can slow down gastrointestinal movement.
Bloating and fermentation: Undigested food can ferment, producing gas and causing bloating.
Reduced bile production: This affects fat digestion and may lead to gallbladder problems as well as fat malabsorption causing symptoms such as dry skin, low immunity and hair loss.

Supporting Low Stomach Acid

To manage low stomach acid:

Slow down: A simple but overlooked tip to improve stomach acid levels and digestion is to slow down when eating. Digestion begins at your mouth. Racing through your meals can affect how your body digests your food.
Chew Your Food: Chew your food and take smaller bites to stimulate your digestive enzymes. This can eliminate symptoms associated with low stomach acid and help maintain a positive level in your stomach.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a fermented liquid made from crushed apples, bacteria, and yeast. It’s rich in protein and enzymes that can help break down bacteria in food. Raw apple cider vinegar can increase stomach acid levels because its acidic properties introduce more acid into the digestive tract.

Take A Digestive Enzyme: Digestive enzymes are produced naturally by the body and act as catalysts to break down food so our bodies can absorb essential nutrients and utilise them for growth, repair and energy. Try Nurti Advanced Similase and take just 2 capsules before meals. Don't forget to use the code SYNERGISED10 for a special discount!

Additional Tests

For chronic issues:

Organic Acid Test: This can help identify yeast, fungal, or bacterial overgrowth.
Stool Test: Useful for detecting H. Pylori infection.

Balancing the gut flora and addressing gut health is crucial in managing GERD symptoms and ensuring overall digestive health. By understanding the role of stomach acid and adopting natural methods, you can effectively manage GERD and improve your quality of life without solely relying on medication.

References:

Pettit M. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pharm World Sci. 2005 Dec;27(6):432-5. doi: 10.1007/s11096-005-4798-7. PMID: 16341949.

Young A, Kumar MA, Thota PN. GERD: A practical approach. Cleve Clin J Med. 2020 Apr;87(4):223-230. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.87a.19114. PMID: 32238378.

Hart AM. Evidence-based recommendations for GERD treatment. Nurse Pract. 2013 Aug 10;38(8):26-34; quiz 34-5. doi: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000431881.25363.84. PMID: 23812348.