So, let’s shed some light on this…
Acid reflux also referred to as heartburn, is the result of acidic digestive juices from the stomach backing up into the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a more advanced, chronic form of acid reflux. Did you know that between 4%-10% of adults experience symptoms of acid reflux or GERD on a daily basis, and in Western countries, up to 30% of adults experience symptoms weekly? (Dr. Axe, n.d.)
Let’s take a look at what causes acid reflux and GERD.
Why do I have acid reflux?
According to Dr. Mark Hyman, director of Ultrawellness Center, “There’s a whole series of causes, everything from what you are eating, to your lifestyle, to stress, to smoking, caffeine, alcohol, to bacteria in your gut, to food sensitivities—all these things can trigger reflux” (Dr. Hyman, n.d.).
Here are some leading factors Dr. Hyman lists on the Ultrawellness Center website:
Eating right before bed.
Eating too much.
Being overweight can push your stomach up, causing reflux.
Chronic stress affects the nerves in your stomach, making it impossible to process the food properly. This will cause food to go up instead of down.
Loss of magnesium, which is caused by stress. Magnesium is needed to relax the sphincter at the bottom of your stomach that actually lets the food go down.
Food sensitivities may not be diagnosed, including gluten and dairy.
Bad bacteria or yeast growing in your stomach. If you have been on a lot of antibiotics, if you have been on hormones, if you eat a lot of sugar and processed food, you could grow bad bugs in your gut, and they ferment and can cause reflux.
Do I have symptoms of acid reflux and GERD?
There are many symptoms of acid reflux and GERD, so it’s best to check in with your naturopath to find out if what you are experiencing is symptomatic of reflux. The Mayo Clinic lists the following as common symptoms associated with acid reflux and GERD:
A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
A sensation of a lump in your throat
If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:
Chronic cough
Laryngitis
New or worsening asthma
Disrupted sleep
Steps to Overcoming Reflux:
There are several ways to overcome the symptoms and complications caused by acid reflux and GERD, and many of them to highlight some steps that can be taken at home for natural relief (Dr. Hyman, n.d.).
Diet and Food Allergens
Lifestyle Triggers
Bad Routines
Stress
Supplements
Can’t I just take a pill?
You can, but antacids are used to neutralize stomach acids, not inhibit new acids from forming, so there is no lasting relief. On the other hand, acid-blocking medicines, also known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI), do inhibit acids by suppressing natural secretion.
Suppressing acid secretion does bring temporary relief, but it does not work to address the underlying cause of the symptoms. In other words, there is no end to taking antacids or PPIs, despite their recommended uses, which can result in many complications as suppressing the body’s natural production and processes impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients that are essential to maintaining a healthy body (The Reflux Defense, n.d.).
Instead, try these natural home remedies for those immediate needs while you make the bigger changes, we have covered for more long-term relief...
Relief Naturally:
Instead of taking an antacid or an acid-blocking medicine, talk to your naturopath about trying these fast-acting, natural home remedies recommended by Dr. Group from Global Healing Center:
RAW ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Take one tablespoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar mixed in about 4 ounces of purified water before each meal. This will help calm the stomach and supports digestion; it’s also my favorite, fast-acting home remedy for acid reflux.
ORGANIC BAKING SODA
Bicarbonate is a wonder product. Mix a spoonful in a glass of water, stir, and drink before it stops fizzing.
ORGANIC ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is commonly used to calm an upset stomach, diarrhea, and redness associated with bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Inner Aloe vera leaf gel supports digestion and is another great alternative for soothing acid reflux.
BONE BROTH
Another thing to consider incorporating into your weekly routine is bone broth which supplies amino acids, minerals, electrolytes, antioxidants, and collagen to help heal the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (Dr. Axe, n.d.).
Let’s talk about gluten for a moment.
The cause of acid reflux and GERD have often been associated with a gluten allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity, which (if undiagnosed) can lead to inflammation and leaky gut syndrome with acid reflux and GERD likely related (Dr. Axe, n.d.).
Eliminating gluten (for at least a trial period) may be advised by your naturopath to rule out gluten as a cause of acid reflux or GERD.
Thankfully, there are diets out there that cater to a gluten-free lifestyle, so finding food lists and recipes to get you started is easy. All of my programs are gluten-free because, honestly, we don’t need it in our diet to survive. It’s benefitting people more often than not to eliminate it from their regular diet.