Have you dismissed chronic heartburn as a by-product of stress or a delicate system?
Many people with chronic heartburn are actually suffering from a more serious condition called GERD. If you have recurrent heartburn or regurgitation, you may need to see a gastroenterologist to rule out GERD.
Thanks to Vaxa Nutraceuticals and Dr. Stan Headly for some of this valuable information regarding GERD Symptoms and Causes. Portions of this information, copyright, Vaxa and Dr. Stan Headley; remainder, copyright, Neva J. Howell
Barrett's Esophagus - GERD-related health concern
Health Information about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
and Options for Relief of GERD symptoms
What is GERD?
GERD is short for a condition officially called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. When a person has GERD, their lower esophageal sphincter doesn't close as it should which results in stomach acid leaking back into the esophagus.What does the esophagus do? Whatever food we eat gets from the mouth to the stomach by way of the esophagus. When the stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus repeatedly, the esophageal lining begins to be irritated. This causes the common GERD symptoms of heartburn, a burning sensation in the throat or chest area.
Although GERD symptoms include heartburn, you should suspect Gastroesophageal reflux disease if your heartburn occurs more than twice a week. About 5 to 7 percent of the population of the world is afflicted with GERD. It is important to treat Gastroesophageal reflux disease as soon as possible because untreated GERD can lead to more serious health concerns.
What causes GERD?
A person can also develop GERD as a result of a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter caused by certain medications or pressure on the abdomen from excess body weight (obesity). In some cases gastroesophageal reflux disease could be attributed to an individuals eating pattern such as eating big meals and lying down or snacking at bedtime.
Do children ever get GERD or is it a disease that only affects adults? Anyone can develop GERD including infants, pregnant women, children, and adults. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is often overlooked in infants and children. Elderly people with GERD usually have a more serious condition than younger people.
Diet and GERD Linked
A person's diet can affect symptoms of GERD. Certain foods can irritate the condition and others can help. Each time food is consumed stomach acid is released. Increased pressure in the stomach and/or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter may cause acid reflux.What are some of the factors that affect GERD symptoms?
Full Stomach * Obesity * Lying down * Smoking * Lifting heavy objects * Pregnancy
How is GERD treated? There are several treatment options available for gastroesophageal reflux disease depending on the severity of the condition. These include over-the-counter antacids, prescription antacids, natural remedies, and surgery. Antacids for GERD may occasionally cause constipation, diarrhea, increased thirst, and stomach cramps.
Many patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease may have to get an x-ray examination of the esophagus, a manometric study, or an esophageal pH study, depending on their specific symptoms.
GERD Relief Naturally
According to one of my own favorite natural health reference books, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, specific nutrients that are helpful with GERD include calcium, magnesium and potassium, which have an alkalizing effect that binds up stomach acid. The book also suggests different herbs such as Aloe vera, which aids in healing of the intestinal tract, and Chamomile to relieve esophageal irritation.
Växa's Buffer-pH+ not only contains alkalizing ingredients but also aloe vera and chamomile. Additional ingredients help prevent heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, dangerous cholesterol and premature aging.
In conjunction to Buffer-pH+, try Växa's Digestin, a homeopathic medicinal that has the specific ingredients mentioned above along with papaya leaf, peppermint leaf, ginger root, digestive enzymes, etc. All these ingredients are known to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and help with digestion.
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If you suspect you may have this health condition, you may wish to consult with a specialist. Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ailments affecting the gastrointestinal and digestive tract are called gastroenterologists. To locate a gastroenterologist in your area, check with your general practitioner for a referral or visit the The American Gastroenterological Association - GI Locator Service.
Health Care Disclaimer: The information contained in this health care article about gastroesophagael reflux disease, and attending factors such as a hiatal hernia and diet, is not intended to take the place of personal medical advice from your health care professional. Any action taken based on the contents found in this or any educational health care information on Ask A Healer is at the sole discretion of the reader. Please consult with your gastroenterologist on matters relating to your health and wellness.