According to an article by Drs. Nicholas Shaheen and David Ransohoff published in the April 17, 2002, "Journal of the American Medical Association," almost 50 percent of U.S. adults experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD or acid reflux) at least once per month, and an astonishing 20 percent of them will have symptoms weekly. Given the prevalence of the problem as well as the drawbacks of long-term pharmaceutical treatment, it is worth considering some naturopathic remedies for reflux.
The Problem--Compounded
A common--and under-appreciated--cause of acid reflux is an underproduction of stomach acid. On the surface, this seems like a paradox, but in fact, the body's ability to produce stomach acid declines with age, and this compromises digestion and absorption to varying degrees. Without sufficient stomach acid, foods--especially proteins--will remain in the stomach longer and are more likely to cause symptoms of reflux. In these cases, taking acid-blocking drugs can actually make the problem worse and may start the person with reflux down a path of increased dosages and strength of medication with increased severity of symptoms. A simple way to find out if low acid is causing reflux is to take betaine hydrochloride with a meal. If symptoms improve, low acid is likely the problem; if there is any discomfort (burning sensation, etc.), use of betaine HCl should be discontinued. It is important to take this supplement according to the directions on the product label and, ideally, in the middle of a meal to mimic the body's production of acid in response to eating. If the reflux sufferer is skeptical about taking acid supplements, it may be wise to consult an alternative or integrative practitioner who can help to determine whether low stomach acid production is actually causing the symptoms of acid reflux.
Dietary Help
Foods can trigger reflux, and some basic dietary modifications can help to alleviate symptoms. In general, reflux sufferers should avoid spicy, rich, fried, processed and junk foods, as well as alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages. Minimizing tomato products, citrus fruits and dairy products can also be extremely beneficial.
Lifestyle Changes
How one eats is just as important as one what eats when dealing with acid reflux. Eating in a hurry or while stressed can exacerbate symptoms, as can overeating. Reflux sufferers should make a point of relaxing while eating and consuming smaller meals four to six times per day.
Nutritional Supplements
The digestive tracts of people with reflux are inflamed, and supplemental glutamine and probiotics can help to soothe the irritation. The recommended dose of glutamine is 500 mg two to three times daily. A mixed-strain probiotic containing at least 1 billion CFU should be taken one to three times per day.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs can be extremely helpful in putting out the fire of reflux and healing the digestive tract. Aloe vera juice is among the star players in herbal treatments for reflux; 2 oz of food-grade, fractionally distilled aloe vera juice should be consumed morning and night for four to eight weeks, and throughout the day as needed. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) also helps to soothe the digestive tract and should be taken 15 to 20 minutes prior to a meal.
References
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, LAc, Allan Spreen, MD, and James LaValle, RPh, ND; 1999.
- "Gastroesophageal Reflux, Barrett Esophagus, and Esophageal Cancer"; Nicholas Shaheen, MD,MPH and David F. Ransohoff, MD; JAMA; 2002.
