What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive condition where the contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus, with stomach acid or bile causing irritation to the esophageal lining. Commonly this manifests as chest pain, heartburn and-or reflux that occurs after eating-more than once or twice a week, and is often made worse by lying down.

Why does it happen?

There are a number of factors that can lead to reflux and heartburn. The lower esophageal sphincter (a ring of muscle fibres that prevent food from flowing back up) can become impaired in its function and gastric contents can spill back into the oesophagus. Poor gut motility and gastric emptying can impact on GERD, and the most common risk factors are hiatal hernia and obesity, both of which can increase pressure through the stomach and esophageal region of the abdomen and impact on gastric function. 

What are the symptoms of GERD

• Heartburn and reflux

• Chest pain

• Bitter taste in the mouth

• Nausea

• Belching

• Fullness and discomfort in the abdomen
  

What are the consequences of GERD

GERD that is not treated will lead to damage of the oesophagus over time-which can manifest as esophagitis or Barrett’s oesophagus. The prolonged damage to the esophageal lining can also be a risk factor for cancer. 

What does TCM say about acid reflux?

From a TCM perspective the role of the Stomach is to descend food into the Small Intestine. A failure of this function is known as Stomach rebellion-instead of descending into the intestine the contents of the stomach rise up-causing dysfunction and pain. Stomach rebellion can be affected by a number of factors-if the gallbladder and liver are imbalanced this will impact on bile and enzyme release into the stomach which can lead to impaired stomach function. The spleen’s role is to transform and transport food into nutrients and waste, and if this function is weak it can lead to food stagnating in the gut and leading to rebellion. 

What factors impact on Stomach function

• From a TCM perspective first thing to impact on the stomach is what we eat. Traditionally there are a number of food groups that are particularly detrimental. 

• Processed foods: foods high in salt and sugar, chemical additives, refined flours and oils can all disrupt healthy stomach function

• Cold and Raw foods-cold slows movement through the gut-things like ice cream and refrigerated foods can slow emptying of the stomach, leading in time to indigestion. 

• Sugar-eating excess sugar can be inflammatory. 

• Spicy foods-heat causes things to rise. From a herbal perspective foods such as chillies and hot peppers can directly lead to a more acidic stomach and reflux. 

• Carbonated and cold drinks: carbonated or fizzy drinks are particularly detrimental-they weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and can increase gastric acid levels.

• Stress: stress is a major factor, if the nervous system is in a state of fight or flight, the rest and digest phase of the nervous becomes less active-leading to more sluggish metabolism and digestion, impacting on stomach function. 

How is it treated?

There are a number of convential treatments for GERD usually involving lifestyle and dietary modifications as well as medication in some cases.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Dietary changes:

  • Foods that trigger gerd like fatty, oily, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, chocolate, and even carbonated drinks should be avoided

  • Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating.

  • Don’t overeat. Reduce meal size and aim to eat 2-3 hours before lying down or going to bed

• Weight Loss:

  • obesity and excess weight, particularly in the abdomen can place pressure on the stomach and oesophagus. Weight loss can relieve this pressure

• Body Position:

  • When sleeping try get your head at least 15-20cm elevated off the bed

  • Try sleeping on your left side to reduce reflux

• Eliminate Alcohol and Nicotine

  • Both drugs can relax the lower sphincter and increase GERD symptoms.

2. Prescription Medications

• Some common medications are antacids to treat symptoms of GERD or H2-Receptor Blockers which can reduce stomach acid production. Also common are drugs such as Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that strongly reduces acids

3. Complementary Approaches

• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction:

  • Stress can be a trigger for GERD symptoms so mindfulness techniques like meditation, exercise, yoga, breathwork may be beneficial.
    

It’s important to understand that GERD can show up differently for everyone. To find out more about GERD support, acupuncture and chinese medicine in Torquay contact us or Book here.

I’m Peter Haxell. I’m an AHPRA registered acupuncturist and chinese medicine practitioner based in Torquay, Vic.

I love supporting clients find their happiest and healthiest version of themselves