To become GERD free by natural means
GERD (Gatroesophageal Reflux Disease) the ugly word has become popular to describe the acid reflux state. A GERD is nothing but a splashing up or reflux of digestive fluids from the stomach into esophagus.
The word has been in use for the last twenty years or so only. The symptoms are heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of fluids from stomach and swallowing
difficulties. Problems like lack of sleep, nausea, breathing difficulty and pain
in abdomen can also occur.
If you do not properly treat and control GERD, it can become a very serious
problem. It can develop into Barrett's Esophagus, which is the starting stage of esophageal cancer.
The human body is designed in such way that the gastric acids should remain in
stomach only. Its function is to digest and sterilize the food we eat. The
stomach acid mainly contains hydrochloric acid, which is corrosive in nature.
The lower esophageal spinster (LES) is a muscular valve situated at the bottom
of the esophagus, which allows the ingested food to move into the stomach. It is
designed in such way that it is kept closed thereby preventing the food from
coming back upwards. The people who experience GERD may have a relaxed LES and
as a result it will not work properly. As the esophagus doesn't have an acid
proof lining, the stomach acids easily damage it.
The reason why this is spreading all over the world is unknown. It is estimated
that over 300 million people all over the world suffer from this problem.
The medical field greatly depends on pharmaceutical companies for treating this
disorder. Unfortunately no doctors are aware of the nutrition requirements and
also alternative means of treatment. In most cases their response is to simply
treat the symptoms and not the cure.
It is just a factor of common sense that any one can understand that GERD is
mainly based on what we eat or drink. The things we eat or drink have many
effects on GERD. All the people know that certain foods are difficult for them
to digest. It is different from person to person. Each person reacts in a
different way to the same food. Certain people have difficulty in digesting
tomato sauce, while certain others may not have such problems. Such "trigger"
food should be avoided as the first step in overcoming GERD.
Eating while on the run means having unhealthy food in a hurry. Improper chewing
is the major reason for acid indigestion. The present life style is in such way
that we take lunch in a rushed environment at the office or in a fast food shop.
Most of these foods contain hard to digest fats and sugars, which is having
little food value. Carbonated beverages have the ability to relax the LES
causing heartburn to some extend. Eating fruits like apple and banana is a
healthy alternative approach of treatment through natural means.
Alcohol and smoking may relax the LES and even chocolate makes it lazy. The
daily consumption of alcohol should be limited to one or two glasses of red
wine. In Addition to the severe danger of smoking it also makes the body acidic
in nature. An acidic body can't digest the food properly. Coffee causes a hyper
secretion of gastric acids. So a cup of kukicha Twig Tea, which is alkaline, is
a better choice.
Even a moderate level of stress can cause indigestion. Food should be taken in a
quite, restful and calm atmosphere. Taking food by watching TV can worsen the
poor digestion. You can't be in a relaxed state while watching the evening news
- imagine the state of your stomach then. Physical stress like being over weight
and wearing tight dresses can put pressure on the abdominal area, which forces
the contents of the stomach upwards.
Many pharmaceutical medicines have an acidic effect on our body there by causing
digestive problems. We have already seen that for any pharmaceutical drugs there
is a natural treatment that can be used. Most medicines are synthesized version
of some natural material.
Besides avoiding the food that causes indigestion, there are a number of natural
and healthy ways to overcome acid indigestion. Eating alkaline food, drinking
plenty of water and even chewing gum can be beneficial. Chewing gum before and after
the meals produces lot of saliva, which is alkaline and helps in digestion and
is a healthy alternative approach of treatment through natural means.
Herbs like marshmallow, slippery elm and roots of licorice have proven to be
effective in reducing acidity. They have a soothing power and decrease the
inflammation. Ginger has the power to absorb acids and is good for all type of
digestive irregularities. The spices such as cumin and turmeric are effective in
fighting off digestive problems.
The people above forty are the main victims of GERD. Still it can occur in
infants too. GERD affect people of any age, class or race. Instead of depending
on the harmful and costly medicines to treat the symptoms of this condition, we
should make our effort to cure it naturally. By use of natural remedies and with
little common sense any one can become GERD free.
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