Reflux - How we can help at GRC
Reflux, also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or GORD), is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort.
As reflux is so common, with medications available that reduce symptoms, it’s often considered something that is “normal” or something that you can live with. Here at Gut Recovery Centre, we see reflux as an issue with the first stage of digestion. If the cause of reflux is not addressed, it can impact other areas of your gut health, and it can flow on to affect other areas of health.
What is Reflux?
Reflux is characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a tube that connects your mouth to your stomach, and a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents stomach acid from flowing in the wrong direction. When the LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, it can lead to reflux.
What causes Reflux?
Understanding the causes of reflux is essential for managing and preventing the condition. As mentioned, reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Some common causes and contributing factors include:
Hiatal Hernia - A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can weaken the LES and contribute to reflux.
Dietary Choices - Certain foods and beverages can trigger or exacerbate reflux symptoms. These include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol (scroll down to download our ebook, which has more info on this)
Large Meals - Overeating and consuming large meals can put excess pressure on the LES, leading to reflux.
Lying Down After Eating - Going to bed or lying down too soon can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Being Overweight or Obese - Excess body weight can put pressure on the stomach, increasing the likelihood of reflux.
Pregnancy - Hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the LES and lead to reflux symptoms.
Smoking - Smoking can weaken the LES and contribute to reflux. It also reduces saliva production, which generally helps neutralize stomach acid.
Certain Medications - Some medications, like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, and blood pressure medications, can relax the LES or irritate the esophagus.
Stress - High levels of stress and anxiety can exacerbate reflux symptoms and affect how the digestive system functions.
Delayed Stomach Emptying - Conditions that slow down the emptying of the stomach, such as gastroparesis, can increase the risk of reflux.
Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages - These can relax the LES and contribute to reflux.
Tight Clothing - Wearing tight belts or waistbands can put pressure on the stomach and LES.
Understanding the underlying causes and triggers of reflux is crucial for effective management and essential for healing.
Symptoms of Reflux
Heartburn - A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or at night.
Regurgitation - Sour or bitter-tasting fluid moving up into the throat or mouth.
Difficulty swallowing - A feeling of food getting stuck in the throat.
Chronic cough - A persistent, dry cough may result from stomach acid irritating the airways.
Chest pain - Sharp or dull chest discomfort, sometimes mistaken for a heart problem.
Sore throat - Frequent irritation of the throat due to acid exposure.
Laryngitis - Inflammation of the voice box, leading to hoarseness or loss of voice.
Treatments for Reflux
Several medications are available for managing reflux; these often provide short-term relief but don’t address the underlying cause or allow for healing. They also mainly focus on reducing stomach acid, which can create an imbalance in the gut. It's important to be aware of potential side effects when considering reflux medications, as these can contribute to other digestive symptoms. Medications and their potential side effects include:
Antacids - Over-the-counter antacids can provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
Potential side effects:
diarrhea or constipation
calcium or magnesium imbalances in the body, especially with long-term use
imbalances in gut bacteria
H2 Receptor Blockers - Prescription medication to reduce acid production in the stomach.
Potential side effects:
headaches and fatigue
nausea, diarrhea or constipation
changes to liver function
imbalances in gut bacteria
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) - The more common long-term prescribed medication is also used to reduce stomach acid production.
Potential side effects:
headaches
nausea or diarrhea
kidney disease
bone fractures
imbalances in gut bacteria, which can contribute to the risk of infections, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12
Prokinetics - These drugs help the stomach empty more quickly and reduce the likelihood of reflux.
Potential side effects:
drowsiness, fatigue, and restlessness
imbalances in gut bacteria
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Surgery - In severe cases, surgical options may be considered to strengthen the LES or create a barrier to prevent acid reflux.
If you are taking medication for reflux, you should always contact your healthcare practitioner before making any changes. It is never a good idea to stop entirely without a plan to reduce medication slowly, as this can make symptoms worse and potentially cause damage to the upper digestive system.
Natural Ways to Manage Reflux
Simple diet and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the symptoms and occurrence of acid reflux.
Lifestyle modifications - Elevate your head while sleeping, avoid lying down immediately after eating, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress.
Dietary changes - Identify and avoid triggers such as citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, and spicy or fatty foods. Eat small frequent meals over large meals. Keep hydrated by sipping on 2-3L of water daily.
Herbal remedies - Ginger, chamomile, and licorice root can be soothing and help reduce symptoms. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate irritation. Slippery elm can help to form a protective barrier in the oesophagus to support healing.
Work with a practitioner - Our qualified naturopaths and nutritionists can support you in making changes through diet and lifestyle and prescribe the right supplements and herbal medicine specific to you and your needs. Even if you are currently taking medications to manage your reflux, a practitioner can help make recommendations to support healing and work with your doctor to help reduce medication and improve overall health.
How we can Help with Reflux at GRC
Colon Hydrotherapy - Constipation and reflux often occur together. If the first part of digestion isn’t working, it will also compromise the last part of digestion. Colonics can help clear waste and toxins from the body providing symptomatic relief. Regular colonics can also help relieve pressure in the digestive system, pushing the stomach and its contents upwards contributing to reflux.
Naturopathy - The main principle of naturopathy is to find and treat the underlying cause of disease in the body. Our naturopaths can help you investigate possible reflux causes by taking time to understand your symptoms and functional testing if needed. They can also help your digestive system heal and return to balance after long-term imbalance caused by reflux.
Clinical Nutrition - Our clinical nutritionist can help you understand what foods will work best to help reduce your reflux symptoms and improve your overall gut health. They can also send you for functional gut testing and prescribe nutrients to support your gut healing.
Microbiome Gut Testing - Our natural health care practitioners can recommend the best testing options for you. We also offer gut testing packages to help get you started on your gut healing journey or to help you identify weaknesses in your microbiome so you can address them for optimal health and well-being.
Other services - All health begins in the gut. Sometimes, we have to think outside the box and peel back some layers to allow healing. Stress, anxiety and past traumas can all impact our gut health. We offer an infrared sauna to help the body relax and destress. We also offer hypnotherapy to help you overcome limiting beliefs and address past Traumas.
