GERD – Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease is a growing problem effecting an estimated 100-150 million people in North America. The causes and treatments for this condition are becoming more and more controversial. Drugs which were designed for intake for only 2-8 weeks at most are given out like candy, with consumers taking them for years on end. While there is definite benefit, short term, for these medications, the usage today is alarming.
PPI’s (proton pump inhibitors) are designed to stop the body from producing acid enzymes under the guise that they have “too much acid” in their stomach. The enzymes in our stomach are supposed to be acid! This acidity (almost equivalent to battery acid) has several functions: it helps the stomach to empty out at the proper rate, it kills bacteria, yeasts, molds, parasites and other pathogenic microbes that may be ingested via food or drink, it is necessary for the breakdown or absorption of many vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and proteins, and sets the stage for more complete digestion further down the digestive tract.
Taking PPI’s for too long can change the pH of your stomach, making it ineffective at the above-mentioned chores, they can weaken your resistance to serious infections in the gut (a Canadian study revealed an increase in infections of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, Cholera, Giardia and C. Difficile amongst those taking PPI’s), can result in malabsorption of Vitamin C, B12, Folate and the minerals Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and others, and thus can result in a host of other health problems associated with nutrient deficiencies.
Having said that, it can be potentially dangerous to ignore GERD. You cannot ignore this condition, it is vital that it is treated appropriately!
Consider other ways to address it: First it has been found that GERD is more an issue of excess fullness, forcing the LES (valve between the esophagus and stomach) to open more often and more easily. This fullness results from overeating and from gas. The gas is a result of the inability to digest certain carbohydrates, resulting in bacterial overgrowth in the stomach, causing gas. This pressure on the LES continues to weaken it and refluxing occurs more and more often. Eliminating these carbohydrates from the diet, eating a smaller amount at mealtime, and avoiding food for 3-5 hours before bed can make a significant difference.
Increasing stomach enzymes can also be helpful. Betaine Hydrochloride is one of the premier choices, however, it is not for everyone. It is important that you work with a health professional skilled at looking at the underlying causes of your GERD and, instead of simply masking it with drugs, correcting it. It is also important that other look-alike issues be ruled out, such as heart disease, gallbladder issues, hiatal hernia, diverticula, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and others. Avoid also the use of NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin as they can inhibit the production of prostaglandins that produce the thick mucosal lining that protects the stomach. There is much that can be done to straighten out digestion. There is hope!
©2015 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
