Fast Facts about Heartburn and GERD
- More than 60 million people in America suffer from acid reflux symptoms every month.
- The symptoms of acid reflux can develop in children too from as early as infancy, but they may stop as they grow.
- The symptoms of GERD are experienced by more than 7 million people in United States alone as per reported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- People who are at most risk of developing acid reflux are pregnant women. In fact, more than 50% of pregnant women experience acid reflux in their third trimester.
- In 2004, more than 3.1 million people were hospitalized complaining if GERD-related symptoms.
- It is reported that people living with GERD enjoy a lower quality of life and don’t enjoy food, have trouble sleeping and experience difficulty to concentrate when battling with the symptoms.
GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disease. It is chronic in nature, meaning it can’t be treated but only managed by medication. The term acid reflux is often used synonymously with GERD however there is a slight difference. In order for acid reflux to be considered GERD, the symptoms have to last for more than two weeks, occurring twice per week.
What really is acid reflux? Acid reflux occurs when acid or content from the stomach moves back into the food pipe (esophagus). Since the food has turned acidic in nature, it irritates the lining of the food pipe, causing GERD. The most prominent symptom is heartburn, during which an individual may experience sudden pain the lower chest, shoulder, jaw o neck area but it usually lasts for only a few minutes.
There are a number of causes that increase an individual’s chances of developing GERD. The risk factors include:
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage GERD, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing GERD and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for GERD. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with GERD:
Aloe Vera Plus
The tonic is an excellent way to treat a number of digestive disorders including heartburns and ulcers. It helps in the breaking down of fat globules, preventing obesity. Regular intake may help alleviate the inflammation caused by heartburn.
Artichoke
Artichoke is a plant whose all parts –roots stems and leaves – are used as active extracts in a number of medications. The extract contains high concentration of nutrients that aid in stimulating the flow of bile, thus reducing the likelihood of a heartburn or GERD.
Chamomile
As soothing as its aroma is, chamomile also offers many health benefits. It has been used as alternative medication for centuries to treat multiple digestive issues including heartburn. It works as a mild sedative and helps reduce the symptoms of GERD. It can also be taken to ease an upset stomach or when feeling nauseous.
Licorice
There are more than a hundred healing substances in licorice as suggest b many recent studies. Most beneficial of them being flavoniods and estrogens. Both of them help in balancing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, so as to prevent heartburn and an acid reflux. It acts as a laxative and relieves inflammation and spasms in the esophagus.
Marshmallow
The plant of marshmallow contains polysaccharides that possess antibacterial properties. Not only is it delicious to eat, it also leaves a soothing effect on the inflamed membranes in throat and mouth. Recent studies have proven that marshmallow is beneficial treating a number of digestive disorders including acid reflux and heartburn.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing GERD, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.