Gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) is that irritating acid that can build in the stomach and
esophagus. Many of us experience this from time to time, but chronic heartburn,
chest pain, difficulty swallowing, feeling like there is a lump in the throat,
and even regurgitation, can become a persistent hinderance to one’s life. There
is a lingering cough and even sleep can be disrupted. So what causes this to occur
in those unlucky individuals??

When we swallow, there is muscle (lower esophageal
sphincter) that surrounds the esophagus and relaxes so that food and liquid can
enter the stomach. Then the sphincter closes back up.  If this relaxing action takes place
abnormally, stomach acid will flow back up into the esophagus. This causes
inflammation.

There are certain lifestyle habits than can increase
the risk for GERD. These include smoking, eating really large meals late at
night, eating fat-filled or fried foods, drinking alcohol or coffee, and even
aspirin is a medication that can cause this. Obesity and pregnancy also
increase risk.

The inflammation that GERD causes can be detrimental.
The esophagus starts to narrow (esophageal stricture) because stomach acid
causes the formation of scar tissue. The scar tissue essentially narrows the
food pathway and swallowing becomes a problem. Esophageal ulcers can also
occur. The stomach acid wears away at tissue which can cause an open sore to
form. This sore can bleed which is not only painful, but again, makes
swallowing difficult. Esophageal (Barrett’s esophagus) cancer is also possible
since the tissue of the esophagus has changed.

Physical examination by a doctor should be done to
diagnosis GERD. An endoscopy takes place where a doctor inserts a flexible tube
into the throat with a camera and light that can look at the esophagus and
stomach. This examine can detect the inflammation. An ambulatory (pH) probe
test can be done. This is where a monitor is placed in the esophagus to
determine patterns of the stomach acid. An esophageal manometry test measures
the muscle contractions in the esophagus. An X ray of the digestive system can
also be done. The person drinks a chalky liquid that lines the digestive tract.
The doctor can then see a silhouette of the esophagus.

Acid reflux can be healed or alleviated naturally
without the use of medications. Some things to incorporate in your diet would
be to start drinking diluted apple cider vinegar, add fennel seeds to your
diet, drink aloe vera before eating, drink ginger or peppermint tea, eat smaller
portions, eat more bananas, papaya, and apples, and drink apple juice mixed
with kudzu. Things to avoid include eating citrus, drinking carbonated beverages,
and going to bed on a full stomach. These lifestyle changes can be made prior
to over the counter medications or prescriptions to first try to eliminate what
could be the possible cause of the problem in the first place.

Acid is toxic to the environment, so we certainly
don’t want it in our body. Take care of your health before it speaks to you and
let’s you know it is not happy with certain lifestyle choices that might be
taking place.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1161206

https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(17)36248-0/abstract

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0089256

https://medlineplus.gov/gerd.html

Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has an M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, is a current candidate for her Doctorate in Health & Human Performance, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor.