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HEAL THE BURN!
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Understanding by Jason D. Gourlas, PA-C G
astroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder in which stomach contents (food or liquid) leak back into the esophagus (the tube
leading from the mouth to the stomach). Many people suffer from this condition, making it is the most common diagnosis of all presenting gastrointestinal complaints. Between 14-20 percent of U.S. adults have some form of GERD, and we spend more than $10 billion each year on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium®
and Prilosec®
cancer, a complication of prolonged and severe reflux, has been increasing significantly during the past 20 years.
. Despite the use of these PPIs, the incidence of esophageal Learn how to 30 lbs. in 30 days!
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GERD Causes In normal digestion, food passes from the esophagus to the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is a ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. The LES then closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. GERD occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately. Reasons for this weakening or relaxing of the LES can include obesity, pregnancy, poor digestion and back-up from poor forward movement of the intestines. Certain substances like caffeine, chocolate, onions, peppermint, garlic, alcohol and nicotine can relax the LES. A hiatal hernia is another potential cause of GERD. A
hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm (the muscle separating the abdomen from the chest). This can occur as a result of straining, coughing, vomiting or sudden physical exertion. What’s important to note is that GERD isn’t so much a
problem of acid overproduction as it is one of inappropriate acid location. Chronic use of acid blocking medications can result in many problems. Stomach acid is one of the first lines of defense against infection. People on acid blocking medications have a higher risk of infections including pneumonia, Clostridium difficile (antibiotic associated colitis) and small intestinal bacteria and yeast overgrowth. Stomach acid is also necessary for proper digestion of proteins, mineral absorption (calcium, magnesium, etc.) and the liberation and absorption of B vitamins. These deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis, anemia, nerve damage and a host of other disease processes.
Miriam Figueroa M’lis Holistic Wellness Coach, LMT, ET
105 E. Ashby ∙ San Antonio, TX 78212
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Symptoms While heartburn, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing are the most common GERD-related complaints, GERD can manifest a variety of other symptoms including laryngitis, chronic cough, asthma, ear infections, erosions of the teeth and the sensation of a lump in the throat. GERD can be a common cause of unexplained sleep disturbances. It can even mimic the chest pain that comes as a result of a heart attack with radiation
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