Second Nature Care Blog

Got GERD? - How to Get Long Term Relief

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 20, 2023 11:00:00 AM / by Winter Ninivaggi

gerd

Find relief from GERD, heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.

Heartburn or indigestion is a very common and easily recognized symptom.  Many people get it after eating a triggering food and it may go away on its own, but when it begins to linger and is not treated heartburn can cause many secondary issues.

When the contents of the stomach are not properly contained and are allowed to travel back u to the esophagus, acid reflux occurs.  Beyond immediate discomfort, chronic acid reflux can trigger the cells of the esophagus to change into cells that are more like stomach cells than esophagus cells, a condition called Barrett's esophagus. These cells can potentially become cancerous making it very important to treat acid reflux when it happens, especially when it is chronic or recurring. 

Many who experience acid reflux from time to time opt for an OTC antacid. Medications such as omeprazole, pantoprazole and ranitidine block the body's ability to make acid, lowering stomach acid.

It is common for someone on an acid blocker to experience "silent reflux". This condition is characterized by sinus congestion, throat clearing, post nasal drip, Globus sensations (lump in throat), hypersalivation, sore throat, bad breath, tonsil stones and frequent colds. 

Long term use can also lead to side effects such as nutritional deficiencies in magnesium, b-vitamins and iron, increased risk of osteoporosis and digestive issues. 

To achieve proper treatment of acid reflux, other aspects of digestive health, such as the esophageal sphincter must be addressed.  

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) separates the stomach from the esophagus and if it is not closing properly the stomach contents can reflux into the esophagus.  Proper LES function is dependent on proper muscle function, nervous system input and sufficient stomach acid levels. Too little stomach acid, hypochlorhydria, can manifest itself as heartburn, nausea, burping and bloating (which coincidentally  are the same symptoms as too much acid aka hyperchlorhydria) .  

Addressing hypochlorhydria can be done in many ways. The simplest is drinking apple cider vinegar, introducing more acid into the digestive tract to prevent acid. Betaine HC1 capsules work similarly.

Bitter herbs like gentian, artichoke and dandelion signal the body to make its own acid by interacting with bitter receptors.  Tinctures are the easiest form of bitter herbs to use to support stomach acid and are usually just called "bitters".   

Changing your diet could mean being cancer-free.  Our Naturopathic pharmacy offers effective formulas to correct the condition. Second Nature patients take Xymogen's GastrAcid, ProbioMax DF 100 B and GlutAloeMine for upper G.I. tissue repair. We have a wide array of specific treatments for acute and chronic H. Pylori infections.  There are easy to swallow liquid RX homeopathic formulas for stomach ulcers, reflux, pain, tissue erosion and generalized inflammation.  

Sometimes disease requires more radical change.   Before you swallow another dose of a medication that increases your risk of esophageal cancer - stop and think.  Wouldn't it be a better choice to schedule an appointment and find out what is causing your dis-ease?  An empowered patient is a healthier patient. 

Contact Dr. G Today!

 

 

Topics: Ozone and Prolozone therapies, Gut Repair, Healthy Living, Chronic Illness and Disease, Body Health

Winter Ninivaggi

Written by Winter Ninivaggi

Isadora Guggenheim, ND, FNP, RN, MS, CNS, LMT, owner of Second Nature Naturopathic Care, LLC
For all appointments: Tel: 845 358-8385 Fax: 845 358-2963 drguggenheim@msn.com