Reflux has many names: gastric reflux, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when the acid in your stomach flows back up through your oesophagus and into the mouth. This creates a sour taste and burning sensation in the stomach and throat area.
If you regularly have reflux, your digestive system is trying to get your attention. Essentially, it wants you to know it’s not functioning properly and needs support. With many acid reflux treatments available, let’s investigate which could be best for you.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux is a digestive disorder. It’s when your stomach acid, and sometimes partially digested food, abnormally rise up from the stomach and into the oesophagus.
Everyone experiences acid reflux at some point in their life. It may occur when you’re eating while stressed or if you’ve overindulged. In these instances, the reflux comes and goes.
But, chronic or persistent reflux is different.
It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t function properly. The LES is a muscular ring that sits at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach. Its job is to direct the movement of contents into the stomach. However, if the LES doesn’t work properly, you will have symptoms of acid reflux. Over time, this can lead to complications like ulcers and strictures.
What causes acid reflux?
In a healthy digestive tract, the lower esophageal sphincter:
a) opens to let food and drink into the stomach, then
b) completely closes to seal in items for digestion.
When this sphincter weakens or overly relaxes, food and drink don’t stay where they’re meant to. They’re able to back flow up from the stomach, into the oesophagus and mouth. This unnatural back flow causes acid reflux.
Factors that contribute to this sphincter weakening include:
- being overweight
- pregnancy
- overeating
- some foods, such as dairy, fried and spicy foods
- smoking
- hiatus hernia
- bacterial overgrowth
- some medications, e.g. high blood pressure, asthma, sedatives
- connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
- emotional distress, e.g. chronic stress, anxiety.
What are the signs and symptoms of acid reflux?
The most common signs and symptoms of acid reflux include:
- heartburn
- sour or bitter taste in the throat or mouth
- chest pain
- difficulty swallowing
- lump sensation in the throat
- dry cough
- voice changes
- sore or scratchy throat
- vomiting
- tooth sensitivity.
Babies and young children may experience acid reflux symptoms a little differently. Look for:
- frequently vomiting small amounts of food
- disinterest in food
- excessive crying
- breathing problems
- poor sleep
- bad breath
- choking sensation that wakes them from sleep.
Treatments and Medications for acid reflux
The aims of acid reflux treatment are to:
- reduce symptoms
- heal existing damage to the oesophagus
- prevent complications.
Here are some common treatments and medications used.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintain a healthy weight (a Personal Trainer can help you if you need to lose weight)
- Avoid lying down immediately after meals
- Elevate your head while sleeping
- Quit smoking
- Lower stress levels
- Try acupuncture to improve digestion and lower stress.
Dietary Changes
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals (don’t overindulge)
- Foods to avoid/minimise: Fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol.
- Foods to choose: Bananas, papaya, melon, fennel, oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potato, carrots, beetroot, asparagus, broccoli and green beans.
- Drink a full glass of fresh celery juice first thing each morning.
Changing your diet can seem like an overwhelming task. If this is the case for you, visit a Nutritionist who can create meal plans to suit your needs.
Medication
- Antacids, such as over-the-counter Gaviscon, are the most common acid reflux medication. They help to lower stomach acid, thus helping to decrease the burning sensation.
- Histamine blockers can also help to reduce the production of stomach acid. They provide longer-lasting relief compared to antacids.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Nexium, block the enzyme responsible for acid production in the stomach. These offer short-term relief in severe cases.
Herbs
- Ginger acts as a tonic for the digestive system
- Meadowsweet is an anti-inflammatory herb that has traditionally been used to support the stomach. It’s often prescribed by Naturopaths to help regulate stomach acid levels.
- Fennel is a low-acid herb that helps soothe an upset stomach and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Naturopaths and Ayurveda practitioners specialise in natural acid reflux remedies.
Surgery
This is only considered in extreme cases when the above factors do not give effective relief.
How is acid reflux diagnosed?
Receiving a diagnosis of acid reflux begins by visiting your doctor.
First, your doctor will take your medical history to help determine what’s impacting your digestion. Then, they’ll likely recommend trialling diet and lifestyle changes. After this, they could suggest medication if your symptoms still feel unmanageable. Finally, diagnostic testing may be ordered for further evaluation, though these are reserved for severe cases.
The most common tests are:
- Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the throat and into the oesophagus. Then, lining in these areas is analysed for abnormalities or signs of damage.
- pH monitoring: A test that measures the amount of acid in your oesophagus over a period of time, thereby assessing the frequency and duration of acid reflux episodes.
- Oesophageal manometry: Measures the strength and coordination of the muscles in your oesophagus.
Conclusion
In summary, acid reflux is a common digestive disorder. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment begins by implementing diet and lifestyle changes. These include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and losing weight if necessary. In many cases, this gives enough relief; however, some patients need medication or even surgery. Natural therapies have also proven to be a highly effective treatment option.
Find and book a health expert who treats acid reflux
FAQs
How can I stop my acid reflux?
Here are 3 acid reflux remedies to reduce symptoms:
- Drink a full glass of fresh celery juice each morning. This helps improve digestion in many ways.
- Resist the urge to overeat
- Avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms.
Which herbal teas help acid reflux symptoms?
- Ginger (in small doses)
- Licorice (not the candy)
- Chamomile
- Marshmallow root
- Fennel.
Can stress cause acid reflux?
Stress decreases the efficiency of the digestive system. Therefore, any form of emotional stress can contribute to acid reflux.
