Sharyn & GERD

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The four major symptoms of GERD are: Heartburn (uncomfortable, rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone). Regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth. Difficult and/or painful swallowing. Chest pain. Here is a website that might help you and lists herbs that may help. http://www.deliciouslivingmag.com/healthnotes/healthnotes.cfm?org=nh & lang=EN & ContentID=1219001 And here is something I ran across that may or may not be of help. A hiatal hernia is a protrusion of a portion of the stomach through the muscular ring at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Usually, this common occurrence causes no symptoms, but sometimes the lining of the protrusion becomes inflamed, causing

heartburn, belching, distention, problems swallowing, and regurgitation. For relief, I recommend deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which can soothe the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Chew two tablets slowly before each meal or between meals, or take one-half teaspoon of the powder before meals. Let it slowly trickle down your throat. You can continue to use DGL as long as you have symptoms. Here are some other lifestyle changes that can help: Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. If you do take an occasional drink, be sure to eat something first. If you smoke, stop -- tobacco can irritate the digestive system. Avoid coffee and decaffeinated coffee. Caffeine can aggravate symptoms. Substitute chamomile tea, which is soothing. Experiment with foods to see which ones trigger your symptoms and avoid any that do. Don't eat within two to three hours of bedtime, and don't lie down after meals. Eat frequent small meals rather

than three large ones. Elevate the head of your bed by six to eight inches (to prevent stomach acid from refluxing while you're lying down). You should also try to avoid drugs that can make reflux worse by decreasing the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. These drugs include calcium channel blockers, nitrates, sedatives, and theophylline. Peppermint can have the same undesirable effect. Conventional doctors probably will prescribe acid-suppressive drugs. I recommend using them only short-term or not at all, as they have significant side effects, are not intended for long-term use, treat the problem superficially, and cause rebound increase in acid production when you stop taking them. Both the hernia and GERD are treated just about the same way. The backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus is called gastroesophageal reflux -- and everyone experiences this at some time or other, usually after eating. The most common symptom

is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone. If reflux becomes frequent and severe enough to damage the esophagus or interfere with normal activities, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic esophagitis. I again usually recommend deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to soothe the esophageal lining. Chew two tablets slowly before each meal or between meals, or take one-half teaspoon of the powder before meals. Use DGL as long as you have symptoms. I also suggest visualization as a mind-body technique to help manage symptoms. But the following lifestyle changes can help prevent problems before they start: Reduce (or eliminate) alcohol consumption. If you do have an occasional sip, make sure you eat before you drink. If you smoke, stop -- tobacco can irritate the digestive system. Avoid coffee and decaffeinated coffee. Caffeine can also aggravate symptoms. Instead, drink chamomile tea, which has soothing

properties. Pay attention to the kinds of food that make your stomach unhappy, and stop eating them. Don't eat within two to three hours of bedtime -- and avoid lying down after meals. Take an antioxidant vitamin formula. The most effective drugs (if you choose this) for treating reflux are Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet, and Axid -- all of these block histamine, which helps trigger stomach acid secretion. If you have to use an antacid, read labels carefully -- avoid those containing aluminum. Calcium carbonate (Tums) and magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) are all right, but don't use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, bicarb) -- you don't want to eat the extra sodium.

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