GERD is a digestive disorder. It is caused by gastric acid flowing from your stomach back up into your food pipe (esophagus).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
Fortunately, there's a band of muscle between the stomach and the esophagus - called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or L-E-S, that clamps down to prevent the stomach contents from moving or refluxing upward and burning the lining of the esophagus.
Acid reflux can seriously impact gut health if it's left untreated. The stomach acids can cause inflammation and damage to the gut lining, leading to several problems such as nutrient malabsorption, diarrhea, and constipation.
The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Is yogurt a good choice? Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation.
People without a history of heartburn can suddenly develop heartburn as a result of eating certain foods, some eating patterns, drinking, and smoking. Stress, anxiety, certain medications, and some medical conditions can also cause it.
Avoid eating habits that may trigger reflux, such as eating fatty foods, drinking too much alcohol, eating too quickly, and eating large meals. Avoid lying down after a meal and try to sleep in a reclined position. Smoking, stress, and wearing tight clothes are some other habits that may make heartburn worse.
Over time the accumulation of acid in the esophagus can cause scarring which narrows the food pathway from the mouth to the stomach. These obstructions, called Strictures, can make swallowing difficult at times and lead to spasms which feel like symptoms of a heart attack.
Mg helps relieve GERD and consequently LPRD by two mechanisms. Mg plays a major role in regulation of muscle contraction and it helps smooth muscles to relax. It plays a role in the action of pyloric sphincter.
The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux. But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms."
When should I see a doctor for heartburn? If you experience frequent (more than two times per week) or severe heartburn, or if your heartburn is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention.
Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties. In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.
If you are experiencing regular heartburn or acid reflux, then drinking soda is an especially bad idea. This is because soda will actually exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, making the pain more severe and the symptoms more frequent.