The Burning Issue: Acid Reflux
How to address acid reflux disease (GERD)
Acid Reflux – What is it?
Heartburn, a burning sensation in your chest near the heart area is known as acid reflux. This pain is more likely to occur after eating a meal. The greatest pain is felt at night time. The burning sensation felt is the stomach acid backing up into the esophagus causing the esophageal tissue to burn as if it was on fire. The pain can be as severe as a heart attack. If you experience this sensation more frequently than twice a week, it is considered to be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What is acid reflux disease
Acid reflux is a chronic digestive disease that primarily affects the stomach and esophagus. When swallowing, a circular band of muscles around the bottom of your esophagus, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. After which, the sphincter closes again. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or at the incorrect time, stomach acid can flow into esophagus. This phenomenon is dependent upon the pH of the stomach acid. If acid pH levels are too low, the sphincter will remain open causing the acid to pour into the esophagus. The same is true of acid pH levels that are too high: a burning sensation will occur due to the acid flow into the esophagus. Therefore, your stomach needs a proper balance of three natural compounds to restore the proper function of the sphincter muscle.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease
There are numerous symptoms associated with acid reflux disease and GERD, the most well-known symptom is heartburn. When suffering from acid reflux disease, heartburn typically begins in the chest and can carry through into the throat and even into the mouth. This results in what is often described as a “sour” taste. Bleeding may also occur and requires immediate attention. Other symptoms of acid reflux disease or GERD include:
- Nausea after eating
- Stomach bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Regurgitation
- Food stuck in throat
- Hiccups
- Asthma
- Barrett’s esophagus (cancer)
- Esophagus ulcers (blood in saliva)
- Reduction of teeth enamel
Treatment of Acid Reflux
Generally, medical treatment utilizes medication such as antacids and acid inhibitors. If acid reflux or GERD cannot be treated through medication, surgery may be recommended. But different procedures may be used to repair the esophagus and or surrounding tissues.
At the Bio Wellness Center, we utilize an all-natural approach to treating acid reflux and GERD. We get to the root cause of the problem. Using vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics, our goal is to establish the proper pH balance of the stomach acid. . Stop acid reflux. Give us a call or book a consultation today.
