| FIRE IN THE
BELLY
“Why can’t I eat
the foods I like?” This is a common question that many
patients ask. We are programed to eat foods that we find comfort
in and consequently become frustrated when we cannot take
part in the enjoyment of eating.
Gastro
esophageal reflux disease AKA GERD is a condition that occurs
when acids from the stomach move backwards (reflux) into the
esophagus (the food pipe that carries food from the mouth
to the stomach).
Frequent
signs and symptoms of GERD include
1.Persistent
heartburn. Stomach acids touch the lining of the
esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest, also
known as esophageal reflux disease.
2.Regurgitation. The taste of acid in the back of the mouth
or throat.
3.Hoarseness in the morning.
4.Difficulty swallowing. Feels like you had food stuck in
your throat
5.Dry cough and bad breath.
6.Excessive clearing of the throat.
7.Burning or a strange sensation or taste in the mouth.
The exact
causes of GERD can be multitudinal. Some say it is stress
related from improper gastric emptying time, along with possible
bacterial pathogen. Some additional causes may be use of alcohol,
obesity, pregnancy, smoking and eating certain foods such
as garlic, onions, excessive mint and spicy foods. A resulting
problem from continued GERD can include a hiatal hernia, which
occurs when part of the stomach protrudes into the diaphragm.
There are
many ways to alleviate or prevent GERD. Eating small frequent
meals, avoid known food allergens that can increase the likelihood
of gastric irritation, avoid overeating as this puts pressure
on the esophagus and stomach, elevate the head of your bed
6-8 inches to decrease excessive pressure on the diaphragm
and avoid eating prior to going to bed.
If you
have already been diagnosed with GERD, nutraceutical and botanical
therapeutics can be helpful to reduce some of the mild signs
and symptoms of GERD. They can also assist with the healing
of the gastric mucosa. For very mild cases of GERD a nutraceutical
and botanical protocol that includes slippery elm, marshmallow,
and glutamine can at times be helpful.It is not a good idea
to have more hydrochloric acid on an already inflamed area.
The use of medications along with an integrated nutraceutical
and botanical protocol can be beneficial by allowing the patient’s
gastric mucosa time to heal. We can design a customized program
utilizing both of these approaches. The use of medications
can help to reduce excessive acid secretions. However, they
do at times make the patient more susceptible to bacteria
called Clostridium difficile. Consequently, utilizing an integrative
approach to this “Fire In The Belly” can help
reduce this risk.
Comprehensive
testing is essential to help provide a thorough approach to
your GI Health. Please contact our office at 297-9664 if we
can be of any assistance.
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