Many who suffer from heartburn know about its more serious cousin, GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can erode the protective lining in the esophagus if left untreated, leading to severe medical problems. Fiber, in general, can help reduce the symptoms and severity of GERD. According to PubMed Health, psyllium is a soluble fiber that "absorbs liquid in the intestines, swells, and forms a bulky stool, which is easy to pass."
GERD
GERD s a digestive disorder indicated by stomach and acid contents backing up into the lower esophagus. According to a study published by the "American Journal of Gastroenterology" in 2006, drug and other medical costs related to GERD exceed $10 billion per year in the United States alone.
Fiber
Dietary fiber is either water soluble, like psyllium, or insoluble. Both types of fiber are necessary for a healthy digestive system. Fiber soaks up stomach acids and binds to certain substances to help flush them from the gut. According to the Mayo Clinic, increasing fiber in the diet produces many benefits, including normalizing bowel movements and maintaining bowel health and function. Both of these benefits can help eliminate GERD.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a soluble fiber available commercially under several brand names. They include Alramucil, Cilium, Fiberall, Genfiber, Hydrocil, Konsyl, Laxmar, Maalox, Metamucil, Natural Fiber Therapy, Natural Vegetable, Perdiem Fiber, Reguloid, Serutan, Syllact, Uni-Laxative, V-Lax and Wal-Mucil. These products are all listed by RX Norm, the product database of the National Library of Medicine.
Other Factors
Many factors produce acid in the stomach, which can become excessive. Stress and anxiety, for instance, cause acid secretion. Acidic foods include high-fat, sour and fried foods, creamy sauces, onions, garlic and chocolate. Try lessening the consumption of these foods and reduce stress to lessen the amount of acid as an adjunct to psyllium and fiber to ameliorate the effects of GERD.
References
- PubMed Health: Psyllium
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; The burden of gastrointestinal and liver diseases; NJ Shaneen, RA Hansen, DR Morgan, et al; 101: 2006
- Colorado State University: Control of Gastric Emptying
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