Although the name of this disease sounds complex, think of GERD as chronic heartburn. Heartburn is caused by a backup of stomach acid into the esophagus. The tissues here are sensitive to the acid and become irritated, causing burning and pain behind the breastbone. Let's explore more about what GERD is, common causes and symptoms, and supplements that can help.

What Is GERD & What Causes It?

GERD is characterized by chronic heartburn, damaged esophageal lining, scarring and eventually unhealthy cell changes. The cause is a weakness of the sphincter that closes off the top of the stomach from the esophagus, allowing a “reflux” of acid. GERD can be triggered by hiatal hernias, consumption of irritating foods, ulcers, stress, allergies, and digestive enzyme deficiencies.

Slow stomach acid can also be a cause of GERD. With a stomach acid deficiency, there is not enough acid to signal a closing of the gastroesophageal sphincter (as would happen with normal acid levels), and the sphincter stays open, again making the more sensitive mucosal membrane of the esophagus susceptible to damage from the small amount of acid that is present and able to splash up (known as esophagitis). If this process is happening, either due to too much or too little stomach acid, chronically, it is known as GERD.

Several studies have shown a strong correlation between body weight and symptoms of GERD. If you are overweight, consider weight loss as an effective way to eliminate symptoms of GERD and prevent the dangerous complications associated with it.

What Are The Symptoms of GERD?

The following symptoms are characteristic of GERD: chest pain that worsens when lying down, heartburn, wheezing, asthma, coughing, a sour taste in the mouth and food regurgitation. GERD damages the esophagus and, if left untreated, can lead to esophageal ulcers and unhealthy cells. The damage caused to the mucous membrane in the esophagus can lead to a narrowing of the esophagus. This problem itself can cause ulcers and Barrett’s Esophagitis; adenocarcinoma is a form of esophageal cancer that can develop as a result of Barrett’s Esophagitis. When suffering from chronic suspected GERD, it’s important to seek treatment as irritated esophageal cells can mutate into damaged cells.

Symptoms of GERD are noticeable after a meal. Heartburn occurs along with a reflux of stomach fluid into the throat. Lying down after a meal makes the symptoms worse.

GERD Supporting Supplements

Conventional GERD Treatments vs Supplements

DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, is an herb that helps to soothe and coat the mucous membranes of the entire gastrointestinal tract, protecting it from acid. Digestive enzymes, as well as probiotics, can be used to help improve digestion as a whole, often compromised by both high or low acid levels.

Eat papayas, pineapple and kiwi with your meal because they contain protein digestive enzymes. To help fat digestion, take unrefined, cold-pressed nut or seed oils, like walnut, pumpkin or flax, with your meal. Eat bitter green leafy vegetables like endive, lettuce and artichokes to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. Prepare them as a salad or steam them and eat them with boiled potatoes. Carrot and cabbage coleslaw with yogurt or kefir helps with heartburn.

Conventional treatment of GERD involves symptomatic treatment. Prolonged use of antacids can cause mineral imbalances because they contain large amounts of sodium, aluminum, calcium and magnesium. Excess sodium can worsen hypertension, and aluminum has been connected to Alzheimer’s disease.

Antacids also change the pH of the stomach so that food is improperly broken down, actually leading to worse indigestion. Drugs to suppress acid production are also prescribed. Long-term use of these medicines can damage the stomach lining, leading to tumour formation. Other side effects include impotence or breast enlargement.

Prevention Techniques

To prevent GERD, eat small meals, chew well and eat slowly so that you do not swallow excess air. Relax and enjoy the smell and taste of food. This will stimulate the release of digestive juices. Avoid foods that are extremely hot or cold. Avoid GERD triggers like alcohol, coffee, tea, colas, spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, citrus, chocolate and tomato products.

If you have low stomach acid, take lemon juice or take apple cider vinegar with your meals. Avoid any foods that you are sensitive to. An elimination or rotation diet may be necessary to uncover specific food allergens. Combinations of certain foods can also be difficult to digest. Use food-combining guidelines to make digestion easier.