What is acid reflux
When we eat, food travels down the esophagus and enters the stomach, where it combines with stomach acid before moving into the intestines. However, sometimes stomach acid travels upward, splashing back into the esophagus. This backward flow is known as acid reflux. If this occurs frequently, it can cause irritation or even damage to the esophageal lining, leading to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In some cases, the acid doesn’t cause noticeable damage, but the sensation of reflux still occurs – this may happen in the case of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) or functional heartburn.
It’s important to note that the symptom of heartburn doesn’t always indicate physical damage to the esophagus. Distinguishing between erosive, non-erosive, or functional reflux can be tricky, as symptoms alone aren’t always enough for a clear diagnosis. Testing through an endoscopy is often necessary to confirm the underlying causes of acid reflux symptoms and to evaluate the degree of esophageal damage.
What are the causes of acid reflux?
Several factors can contribute to feelings of heartburn & acid reflux. These include irritation to the esophagus, imbalances in stomach acid production, or structural issues within the digestive system. Here are some of the most common causes:
- H. pylori infection: a common bacterial infection that interferes with stomach acid production and increases inflammation
- Structural issues: conditions like a hiatal hernia can disrupt the structures that prevent acid from splashing back up into the esophagus
- Lifestyle risk factors: smoking, overweight, stress, and pregnancy can all exacerbate acid reflux
- Medications:
- Certain foods:
What are the symptoms of acid reflux
Acid reflux symptoms
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Nausea
- Frequent burping
- Bad breath
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Persistent cough or sore throat
- Hoarse voice
Naturopathic treatment for acid reflux:
Acid reflux symptoms causes of acid reflux symptoms<, so other options are available beyond the conventional standard of care. Here are several naturopathic strategies that may help manage and reduce acid reflux:
1) Diet
- Avoid irritants: Certain foods and beverages can physically irritate the esophageal lining. Common culprits include spicy foods, citrus fruits, alcohol, coffee, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. <
- Limit fatty and greasy foods: Foods high in fat can affect stomach acid production and slow gastric emptying, contributing to acid reflux symptoms.
- Support the lower esophageal sphincter (LES): This important valve controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach, ensuring that food moves downwards and preventing acid from splashing back up. Certain foods such as chocolate, peppermint, and caffeine can weaken the LES and contribute to acid reflux.
- Practice mindful eating habits: This encourages the “rest & digest” mode (a.k.a. the parasympathetic nervous system), which supports healthy digestion.
- Increase dietary fiber: A diet rich in fiber supports a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a key role in digestion.
2) Lifestyle
- Stress management: Chronic stress can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Practices such as<meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and CBT can help keep stress in check./li>
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy: This therapeutic approach can promote relaxation and improve gutfunction, easing reflux symptoms. It is a particularly useful tool in the case of functional heartburn(a disorder of gut-brain interaction)
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and increases acid reflux risk, so quitting can make a significant difference.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach and contribute to acid reflux symptoms.
- Adjust sleep position:Elevating the head of the bed with pillows can help prevent acid fromflowing back into the esophagus during sleep (use gravity to your advantage!).
3) Nutritional and herbal supplements
- Herbs: Certain herbs called “demulcents” work to soothe irritation in the esophagus. These include aloe, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), marshmallow root, and slippery elm. Other herbs known as “bitters” help to stimulate digestion, such as gentian, burdock, dandelion root, globe artichoke, ginger, turmeric, and chamomile. Natural antacids, like meadowsweet, can also be beneficial.
- Nutrients: Specific nutrients help repair cell damage, reduce inflammation and pain, strengthen the LES, and regulate stomach acid. These include L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, curcumin, and melatonin.
- Probiotics: Certain strains of probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and may keep harmful bacteria at bay (like H. pylori)
- Acupuncture: While not a supplement, acupuncture is a valuable treatment option that can help improve digestive function and alleviate acid reflux symptoms when used alongside other therapies.
If you’re struggling with acid reflux, working with a qualified healthcare professional such as a naturopathic doctor can help you understand the root cause of your symptoms. They can guide you through necessary dietary and lifestyle changes and help determine if medication is appropriate for your specific needs.
Curious about how to fix acid reflux? Contact Dr. Viktoriya Zabigaylo, ND or book a free 15 min consultation. Dr. Viktoriya Zabigaylo is a naturopathic doctor in Mississauga treatment for acid reflux.
*The above information is not intended as medical advice or to replace medications. Please schedule an appointment to discuss your health concerns and individualized treatment options.
