About 20% of the American population has some form of GERD¹.

GERD is a serious form of gastroesophageal reflux in which the contents of your stomach flow back (or reflux) into your esophagus causing increased inflammation and damage.

It’s speculated that the dramatic increase in GERD rates is a result of the highly processed foods in the American Diet as well as other key risk factors.

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What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is heartburn and acid reflux.

It occurs as the result of acid from the stomach passing back into the esophagus.

Normally, when you swallow food or drink there is a circular band of muscle at end of the esophagus (called lower esophageal sphincter) that relaxes to allow contents to transfer into the stomach. It should then close back up and not let anything back through.

With GERD, there is some degree of lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. This sphincter can become weakened or too relaxed and, as a result, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus. This results in constant reflux and a state of inflammation.

Acid reflux can sometimes progress to GERD. GERD is the more severe form of reflux.

Eating the right kinds of foods, using natural supplements and changing lifestyle habits all help to prevent, treat and heal GERD.

What are the risk factors for GERD?

• Frequent acid reflux
• Lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction
• Chronic high inflammation
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Obesity, pregnancy or tight clothes can cause abdominal pressure
• Emotional stress
• Hiatal Hernia
• Smoking
• Taking certain prescription medications
• Eating specific food that triggers GERD

It should be noted that GERD is not the result of too much stomach acid. Rather, it’s an issue with too much stomach acid in the wrong place (i.e. in the esophagus).

What are the symptoms of GERD?

• Heartburn
• Acid regurgitation
• Burning in the chest
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• A sensation of a lump in your throat

What are the best ways to heal GERD naturally?

1. 1. Take melatonin at night
   • Some research has shown that melatonin can help to increase the release of gastric bicarbonate (a mucous coating) and improve the activity of the lower esophageal sphincter by reducing nitric oxide².
2. 2. Lose weight
   • Being overweight or obese increases one’s risk for GERD as it increases intra abdominal pressure, which can contribute to the backflow of stomach acid.
3. 3. Heal leaky gut syndrome
   • Increased intestinal permeability is a risk factor for GERD. You need an intact gut-immune barrier to ensure a healthy and properly functioning gastrointestinal tract. You also need a balanced bacterial flora. Get tested for leaky gut and check out our leaky gut protocol.
4. 4. Manage your stress
   • Emotional stress is strongly correlated with GERD symptoms. Stress causes an elevated sympathetic tone, which increases heart rate and depresses bodily functions including those of the digestive system.
5. 5. Drink chamomile tea
   • This herbal tea remedy has anti-spasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal tract and aids in decreasing inflammation. Plus, chamomile tea is good for the heart.
6. 6. Exercise regularly
   • Exercise is important to overall gastrointestinal and digestive functions. Additionally, movement aids stomach emptying and puts less stress on the lower esophageal sphincter resulting in better tone and function of the sphincter.
7. 7. Eat a high fiber diet such as a Paleo diet
   • A high fiber diet can help to prevent symptoms of GERD and promote intestinal health. The Paleo pyramid is rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, which promote the growth of good gut flora and reduces inflammation.
8. 8. Avoid your own food triggers when healing GERD
   • Individual food triggers could include spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cow’s milk, citrus juices or tomato juice. Know what is linked to the onset of your GERD and this will help in treatment.

Do I need medication for GERD?

No.

The best thing you can do is to taper off your proton pump inhibitor.

Supplements are the way to go and they will help you to heal the root cause of your GERD. Proton pump inhibitors only treat symptoms and cause a whole host of other issues.

The goal is to get to the root cause of GERD. Heal leaky gut with supplements, lower inflammation with supplements (try our Daily Defense as it’s great at controlling inflammation) and take melatonin to aid in repair of GERD.

Summary of information:

• GERD is a serious gastrointestinal disorder that affects many people in the United States.
• GERD is commonly the result of a poor diet, high inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, obesity and lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction.
• Lifestyle modifications, a Paleo diet and key supplements are the best way to heal and prevent GERD.

Remember, if you are concerned about your health, schedule a FREE call with Drs. Wolfson health coach! Just click HERE and pick your coach. 

References:

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts
2. Torres et al., 2010: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3091156/