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- GERD- Immune Reaction or Acid Burn?
GERD- Immune Reaction or Acid Burn?
Contrary to current thinking, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might not develop as a direct result of acidic digestive juices burning the esophagus…
Let’s say that you have heart burn. And that your heart burn causes gastroesophageal reflux disease aka GERD. And lets suppose that you have been taking PPI’s in order to slow or stop your GERD. You have learned over the years that GERD can lead to esophageal cancer. And you don’t want to be diagnosed with cancer…
But long-term PPI use can lead to all sorts of side effects. And to add insult to injury, the study below explains that you don’t need to take PPI’s for your GERD anyhow.
So what’s the solution? The article below mentions inflammation as the reason for GERD. Maybe you should consider evidence-based, non-toxic therapies to reduce inflammation?
Curcumin has been shown to treat acid reflux. Curcumin is also anti-inflammatory. The challenge with curcumin is that it is difficult for your body to absorb. Consider one of the formulas that has enhanced bioavailability. I take Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin. According to research, this formula is seven times more bioavailable.
What causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is typically caused by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach that normally closes tightly after food passes into the stomach. When it weakens or relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
Several factors can contribute to the weakening or relaxation of the LES, including:
- Hiatal hernia: This occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can weaken the LES and allow acid to reflux into the esophagus more easily.
- Certain foods and beverages: Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, as well as caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms by relaxing the LES or irritating the esophagus.
- Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the abdomen, leading to increased reflux.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus can also contribute to GERD symptoms in pregnant women.
- Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and can increase acid production in the stomach, making GERD symptoms worse.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, painkillers, and sedatives, can relax the LES or irritate the esophagus, leading to GERD symptoms.
- Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to GERD, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Other medical conditions: Conditions such as scleroderma, gastroparesis, and diabetes can affect the function of the LES and contribute to GERD.
Have you been diagnosed with GERD? If you would like to learn more about non-toxic GERD therapies send me an email- David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com or Scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
Thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
“Contrary to current thinking, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease might not develop as a direct result of acidic digestive juices burning the esophagus, researchers have found in an animal study…
Rather, gastroesophageal reflux spurs the esophageal cells to release chemicals called cytokines, which attract inflammatory cells to the esophagus. It is those inflammatory cells, drawn to the esophagus by cytokines, that cause the esophageal damage that is characteristic of GERD. The condition is manifested by symptoms such as heartburn and chest pain…
“Currently, we treat GERD by giving medications to prevent the stomach from making acid,” said Dr. Rhonda Souza, associate professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern and lead author of the study appearing the November issue of Gastroenterology. “But if GERD is really an immune-mediated injury, maybe we should create medications that would prevent these cytokines from attracting inflammatory cells to the esophagus and starting the injury in the first place…”
GERD Causes
“The term “gastroesophageal” refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux is when what’s in your stomach backs up into your esophagus.
In normal digestion, your LES opens to allow food into your stomach. Then it closes to stop food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux happens when the LES is weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t. This lets the stomach’s contents flow up into the esophagus…
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
There are several changes that doctors suggest you make in your lifestyle to help lessen your symptoms of GERD.
- Avoid foods and beverages triggers: Stay away from foods that can relax the LES, including chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages. You should also avoid foods and beverages that can irritate a damaged esophageal lining if they cause symptoms, such as citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, and pepper.
- Eat smaller servings: Eating smaller portions at mealtime may also help control symptoms. Also, eating meals at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime lets the acid in your stomach go down and your stomach partially empty.
- Eat slowly: Take your time at every meal.
- Chew your food thoroughly: It may help you remember to do this if you set your fork down after you take a bite. Pick it up again only when you’ve completely chewed and swallowed that bite.
- Stop smoking: Cigarette smoking weakens the LES. Stopping smoking is important to reduce GERD symptoms.
- Elevate your head: Raising the head of your bed on 6-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge lets gravity lessen the reflux of stomach contents into your esophagus. Don’t use pillows to prop yourself up. That only puts more pressure on the stomach.
- Stay at a healthy weight: Being overweight often worsens symptoms. Many overweight people find relief when they lose weight.
- Wear loose clothes: Clothes that squeeze your waist put pressure on your belly and the lower part of your esophagus.
- Acupuncture: In one study, treatment with acupuncture stopped reflux in the test group better than PPIs, with results that lasted longer. We need more large studies to confirm this, but early results are promising.