GERD

GERD. 

Acid reflux / heartburns are called GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease)

Its caused by Weakening of a sphincter that's between the stomach and oesophagus. 

This Sphincter plays a very critical role in closing and opening to allow food to follow one direction without going back to the oesophagus. 

The tighness or looseness of that sphincter is dictated by the acid in the stomach (hydrochloric Acid-HCl)

We all have the acid, and the required pH is supposed to be 1-3. That's highly concentrated acid, and it plays different roles such as 

1. Digestion of Proteins

2. Tightening of that Cardiac Sphincter

3. Immunity role-

By immunity, I mean any microorganisms that we ingest with food and water can not survive such an acidic environment and are cleared out as soon as they come in. 

These bacteria are 

A. H. Pylori bacteria

B. Typhoid bacteria-Salmonella typhi

C- Brucellosis - Brucella species. 

D. Cholera- Vibrio cholerae

E. Amoeba. 

These microorganisms that we take in with food and water will be cleared any time they get to the stomach because the pH won't allow them to survive. 

This explains why most people end up with H.pylori bacteria and symptoms that keep recurring. 

The focus is on HCl. 

When you alter that pH of 1-3 to almost basic or neutral means 

1. all these microorganisms are likely to overwhelm

2. You end up with reflux, which is the regurgitation of stomach contents back into the oesophagus corroding the oesophagus

3. Protein indigestion, hence passing gas, constipation, etc. 

What messes up with the gut pH 

1. Wheat and its derivatives 

2. Seed oils

3. Sugars in every form(fruits and honey as well)

4. Painkillers (NSAIDS)- non Steroidal antiinflammatory drugs eg Diclofenac, aceclofenac, naproxen, Ibuprofen, meloxicam, pyroxicam, Aspirin. They also erode the gut lining, causing GASTRITIS. 

5. Antibiotics - the more you abuse them, the more you are likely to destroy the gut bacteria (good bacteria) that helps in digestion and maintenance of gut pH. 

6. Eating more than 2 meals per day 

'Treatment' OF these gut problems involves the use of antacids, Hpylori kits, and PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors-. These are drugs such as Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole)

They work by NEUTRALIZING the pH of the stomach. 

Understand this: I will treat the symptoms for a short time, but they resurface after the drug is metabolised and excreted out of the system. For how long will you take the drugs? 

For you to recover. 

1. Drop all the causes mentioned above

2. Start fasting, meaning 2 meals per day on the maximum with no snacking in between 

3. Stop the use of antacids, Hpylori kits, and PPIs

4. Take salt and water. The chloride ions present in salt help in the formation of hydrochloric acid. 

5. Take Apple cider vinegar, 2 table spoons of ACV help you survive cravings and hunger 

6. Eat your meals at least 2 hours before bed. If the refluxes are so extreme, you can prop your head with comfortable pillows in the first few days

7. Stop abuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics should be used in the shortest time possible, 5-7 days on the maximum. The Broad spectrum antibiotics target and kill not just the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria that help in digestion and vitamin B synthesis, eg, Vitamin B12. 

8. Use fermented foods eg Fermented cabbages, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, they replenish the gut microorganisms or the bacteria and as well provide food for the same bacteria (both the probiotics and Prebiotics)

9. Reduce the stress levels. Do only what you can be able to do and leave the others.learn to say no. that helps in fighting stress. The high cortisol levels in circulation ERODES the protective layer of Mucus in the stomach lining, exposing the gut walls to the acid, this intern causes Gastritis, which is the inflammation of stomach walls and consequently Ulcers.