Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is among the ost common gastrointestinal disorders. Its symptoms are painful and adversely affect the quality of life. Delayed or even inappropriate treatment of GERD can have severe consequences. Are there ways to treat GERD and reduce the symptoms?

What is GERD

    GERD is a condition in which the content of stomach or even small intestine move back to the esophagus, instead of moving to the small intestine.The content of stomach has a low pH due to gastric fluid. This reflux of gastric fluids cause a series of symptoms as:

• heartburn
• chest pain
• sour taste
• difficulty in swallowing
• sore throat
• nausea
• vomit
• Belching

Gastric juices contain various acids and enzymes like gastric acid, pepsin and bile, which cause damage to the mucose of esophagus and lead to esophagitis, ulcers and pre-cancerous lesions of esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus). Symptoms appear or worsen after a meal, especially in case of large portions, or after lying down.

Causes of GERD

   The causes of gastroesophageal reflux can vary. The most common cause is hiatal hernia, when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close tightly enough or gets weak over time, thus the content of stomach reverse back to esophagus. Other causes are:

• obesity
• pregnancy
• eating habits (alcohol, coffee, chocolate)
• smoking
• vomiting

Treatment

   The treatment of GERD consists of 3 basic axes, the reduction of stomach acidity, to create a protective film that protects esophageal mucosa and cells and to facilitate digestion of food.

   Mild to moderate GERD, are usually treated with lifestyle and dietary changes as well with dietary supplements. In severe cases, however, medication is necessary.

Changes in lifestyle & nutrition

• During the digestion of food, it is advisable not to lie down, exercise or bend as it makes it difficult for the food to travel along the esophagus and intestine.
• Have small and light meals,
• Avoid acidic foods and beverages (coffee, decaffeinated coffee, fruit juice, tomato juice)
• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Stopping smoking
• Get a normal weight
• Avoid too fatty foods
• Reduce alcohol consumption

Herbs and food supplements

Probiotics

   They are friendly bacteria that improve the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients. They nourish and help restore intestinal mucosa.

Licorice (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)

   Licorice provides protection from ulcer due to Helicobacter pylori or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, while also help restore intestinal mucosa. It is taken 1 to 2 hours after meals.

Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)

   Mastic extract is a traditional choice for the treatment of peptic ulcer as it inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori, due to its powerful antimicrobial activity. It helps to treat gastritis and stomach inflammations.

Centaurus

   It is usually taken as a tincture. It helps in digestion, secretion of digestive fluids, while also it prevents the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, protecting against the appearance and symptoms of GERD. Additionally, it helps treat dyspepsia and esophagitis.

Formulas

   Formulas of ingredients soothe symptoms of GERD, creating a film (layer) that protects esophagus from the acidic content of stomach. In addition, they significantly reduce the incedence of GERD while also balance the pH of the intestine and stomach. They are helpful even in cases of gastritis and gastralgia.

   The formulas usually contain herbal extracts (aloe, licorice, centaurus, chamomile, peppermint, melissa, etc.) that have soothing properties and natural minerals that balance the acidity such as alginic calcium and sodium, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate and bicarbonate.

   In Vita4you you can find a variety of dietary supplements that help treat gastroesophageal reflux.