What is GERD?

We hear a lot about acid reflux or GERD lately. The pharmaceutical companies have plastered our television viewing and magazine reading with articles full of the solution for this disease. What our Grandparents common called heartburn now has a whole new respect called GERD or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.

The cause of GERD is not known. There are contributing factors. They could be alcohol use, coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus, being overweight, pregnancy and smoking. Certain substance can cause the sphincter to relax, and should be avoided. These would be peppermint and nicotine.

So what is GERD? GERD is when stomach acid comes up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid to come up. In this way, a hiatal hernia can cause reflux. Any one can suffer from hiatal hernias but otherwise healthy people can suffer from this. GERD can have a variety of symptoms from heartburn, chest pains, hoarseness, a dry cough and bad breathe. Some people who have GERD suffer from no symptoms at all.

GERD can cause erosions in the esophagus as well as inflammation that can cause bleeding or ulcers. Scar tissue can form, this will make the passageway in the esophagus restricted and cause problems with swallowing. Studies have also shown that GERD may aggravate or even cause asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis.

As mentioned previously there are certain lifestyle behaviors that may contribute to GERD. Some of these are simple dietary intakes and can be changed. Smoking should be avoided for anyone as it has been linked to multiple diseases. Keeping your weight at a healthy level is also important. Once again we see how being over weight can impact us in different ways. As far as dietary intake there are certain foods that should be avoided. Different people have different triggers for their GERD. An elimination diet may be the way to find your trigger if you suffer from GERD. A general rule though is that acid foods will cause GERD. This will include anything with tomatoes and citrus. Caffeine and fatty foods should also be avoided. Stress is also a big factor in many GERD suffers. Daily exercise will help with the stress factor as well as any weight issues.

There are several herbs that can be used to treat GERD. Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva), marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L.) are two that are recommended. They are antiflamitory and aid in healing the esophagus. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) will also help soothe and heal the esophagus. Licorice is recommended to be taken before meals to have the best effect.

The one remedy I found over and over in my research for this was Apple Cider Vinegar. I know in my own experience that it does work. But I have yet to find an explanation why. My father has for years taken apple cider vinegar and sings its praises. If you suffer from GERD they say that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of water taken before a meal will help with your GERD.

Over all with many of the diseases that we are study we come across the fact that our lifestyles play a key role in these health issues. How if we eat a well balanced nutrition diet of whole unprocessed foods we can avoid, we lessen our chances of these occurrences. While we may not be able to totally avoid GERD, you can help your symptoms with simple steps.