|
Heartburn (GERD) Back to Healthful Hints |
|
Heartburn (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD) is simply the regurgitation of stomach acids (acid reflux) into the esophagus, thus irritating it’s delicate lining. Antacids must be avoided for their silent side- effects which can have long-term drastic consequences.
Antacids do nothing else but to neutralize the acids in the stomach. Hence the stomach is attempting to digest proteins without acids, which is a next to impossible task. One of the major side effects of consuming antacids is that the body cannot easily absorb calcium (calcium needs an acidic environment in which to be absorbed). In addition, most antacids contain aluminum compounds that further deplete the body's calcium stores – in the bones! (Increased levels of aluminum are also thought to lead to senility.) Continued use of antacids may lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia.
Heartburn can be caused by several factors. The first is that the stomach may not be producing adequate levels of acid to meet the needs for digestion, so it must work doubly hard. This increased workload on the stomach can have a dysfunctional affect on the gastro-esophageal valve, rendering it physically impossible to remain closed during digestion and hence, the regurgitation of stomach contents up into the esophagus. The second reason for acid reflux into the esophagus can be caused by sensitivities to specific foods that irritate the delicate muscular sphincter called the gastro-esophageal valve. When irritated, this valve cannot operate properly and again the patient is faced with heartburn. The third cause for acid reflux can be due to a condition known as a hiatal hernia. This is simply a weakness in the muscles of the diaphragm, which surround the esophagus-stomach interface. With these muscles weakened, the stomach is then allowed to slip and slide upward through the opening of the diaphragm, which is called the hiatus. With the stomach in this “abnormal” position, the gastro-esophageal valve becomes easily irritated and dysfunctional and hence, acid reflux.
At Benham Chiropractic, patients with acid reflux are examined for food sensitivities that are irritating to the gastroesophageal valve, examined for the need for additional acid supplementation to their diets, and examined for a hiatal hernia. Simple food eliminations, desensitization techniques, administered acid supplements, and visceral manipulation of the stomach and diaphragm are performed as required.
The patient can certainly assist in their overall health by taking the following measures on their own: Loosing weight can be oftentimes very beneficial; eat smaller meals; avoid lying down within 3 hours of eating; do not consume carbonated beverages, alcohol, chocolate, coffee (including decaffeinated), tomato and tomato products, citrus fruits, and fried or spicy foods. These foods are the main culprits in a dysfunctional gastro-esophageal valve. Elimination of smoking and tobacco products has also been shown to reduce acid reflux.
|
|
BENHAM CHIROPRACTIC
CHIROPRACTIC * ACUPUNCTURE * APPLIED KINESIOLOGY NEURO EMOTIONAL TECHNIQUE |
