How To Stop Making Your GERD/Acid Reflux Worse

 

Acid reflux is not fun to deal with.

It can make it hard to swallow, and result in an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, neck, and throat.

Typically treatment for acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) involves neutralizing stomach acid, using tablets such as Tums which are made from calcium carbonate – the fancy name for chalk.

Although this can help with immediate symptoms, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem.

In other cases, your doctor might suggest you avoid acidic or spicy foods.

This is a good idea too, but it will only stop your GERD from getting worse – it won’t make things any better.

A naturopathic doctor can offer digestive health solutions which can help get to the root of your acid reflux, which can help the body to heal itself.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is GERD/Acid Reflux?

When your stomach doesn’t stay settled, and instead its contents start to travel back up your esophagus, this is called acid reflux.

If you are experiencing acid reflux more than a couple of times per week, it’s an indicator you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.

Left untreated, GERD can lead to inflammation of your esophagus, and in rare cases esophageal cancer.

What Causes GERD?

Some of the causes of GERD include:

• Food sensitivities
• Abnormal levels of stomach acid production (too high or too low)
• Stomach inflammation
• Intestinal inflammation
• Pregnancy
• Loose or “floppy” stomach valves
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Trying to sleep or lay down too soon after eating
• Using aspirin or ibuprofen

Symptoms Of GERD

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you may have GERD:

• Indigestion
• A burning sensation in your chest or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Horse voice
• Breathing issues
• Chronic dry cough
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Bad breath

Naturopathic Solutions For GERD

Naturopathic treatment for GERD involves taking steps to allow your body to heal and thus begin to reverse the damage to your esophagus.

A first step is to avoid foods which may aggravate the symptoms of GERD so you can prevent further flare-ups.

Common foods to avoid include the following:

• Acidic foods such as citrus or tomatoes
• Overly spicy foods
• Fatty foods
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Carbonated beverages
• Mint
• Garlic

By avoiding flare-ups, you can create a space where your body can start healing.

However, just avoiding these foods isn’t the solution.

Keep reading to learn more natural solutions for GERD.

1. Address Any Food Sensitivities

We have already noted above a number of foods commonly known to contribute to acid reflux.

You may also have other food allergies or sensitivities, in addition to those listed, which could be causing your symptoms.

Allergies to substances such as dairy, wheat, or whey, for instance,can contribute to inflammation.

Even though they aren’t on the list of foods for individuals with GERD/acid reflux to avoid, the inflammation they cause for people with food sensitivities can lead to issues.

Additionally, chronic inflammation can lead to the development of cancer cells over time, another reason to avoid foods which you’re sensitive to.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a natural medicine.

Although the thought of using apple cider vinegar – which is acidic – as a way to stop acid reflux may seem counter-intuitive, it is thought to actually assist in strengthening your lower esophageal sphincter.

There isn’t much scientific research around this yet, but a graduate thesis from 2015 suggests that it may help.

Otherwise, the evidence for apple cider vinegar for GERD is anecdotal, but I’ve seen good results with my patents.

Further, it has anti-microbial properties which may help eliminate bad bacteria in the gut and is rich in enzymes, proteins, and pectin which can help reduce acid reflux.

Be sure to look for organic, unfiltered, raw vinegar, and take with water.

3. Aloe Vera

You are likely familiar with using aloe vera topically, as it is well known as a way to soothe sunburn, however, it can also be soothing when used internally.

Aloe vera can provide relief for inflammation in the stomach and esophagus.

A 2015 study used aloe vera as a treatment for GERD-related symptoms.

It looked at how the study members experienced the eight main symptoms of GERD – heartburn, food regurgitation, acid regurgitation, flatulence, burping, nausea, vomiting, and dysphagia.

At the end of the study, they found that aloe vera reduced all of the above symptoms, and had no withdrawal effects when the study participants stopped taking it.

Generally, you’ll want to drink aloe vera mixed with juice or water up to 20 minutes before a meal.

4. Ginger

Ginger has been used as a form of traditional medicine by the Chinese for over 5000 years.

It has anti-inflammatory products which may make it an ideal natural treatment for heartburn, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal issues.

You can try sipping on ginger tea, sucking on raw ginger, or adding ginger root to a smoothie.

5. Surprisingly, Melatonin

If you have melatonin in your house already, it’s probably sitting on the table beside your bed.

Melatonin is a hormone made by your pineal gland, and is well-known as an effective natural sleep aid.

However, it may be useful as a treatment for GERD as well.

A 2010 study in the journal BMC Gastroenterology found melatonin helped to improve GERD symptoms, and protect against damage of the stomach and intestinal lining.

It should be noted that further studies are needed to verify the safety and long-term effectiveness of this application of melatonin.

Book An Appointment With Dr. Sheila

Are you suffering from acid reflux?

Is it such a common occurrence you’re worried about the possibility of GERD?

Have you tried some of the suggestions we’ve outlined here, and are still suffering from uncomfortable symptoms?

If you’ve answered “Yes” to these questions, contact me, Dr. Sheila, today for a consultation.

We can talk about your concerns at my Toronto naturopathic clinic, and I’ll help you understand what naturopathic medicine can do for you.

Book an appointment with me, Dr. Sheila, today.