GERD, Acid Reflux, Heartburn and Natural Care with Chiropractic & Nutritional Response Testing

 

Relief from Acid Reflux, GERD, and Heartburn Discomfort

 

What is Acid Reflux?

 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. The symptoms of acid relux are very treatable without antacids, and over the counter medications.

After eating, do you suffer from stomach pain, nausea, burping, heartburn, difficulty in swallowing, or sore throat? If you experience any of these symptoms, then you may be one of the millions of sufferers of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) also known as acid reflux disease or heartburn.

A burning sensation starting in your stomach travels up the esophagus. This sensation is painfully felt in your chest and leaves a bad taste in your mouth as well as traces of food and stomach acid. This acid also contains bile and pepsin which is an enzyme utilized in the digestion of proteins in the stomach.

Residual acid in your esophagus can cause inflammation, ulceration, and even bleeding of the lining of the throat. Other complications may include swelling and infection of the lungs and fluid in the sinuses and ear canals if you do not seek acid reflux treatment on a continued basis. If heartburn symptoms happen more than three times a week, please contact me for free consultation.

Symptoms and Causes of Acid Reflux

This disease does not target a certain age. Its affects are felt by babies, children, and adults. Symptoms arise if you consume large meals or overeat before bedtime or a nap. When you are lying down, gravity cannot help return the excess acid to your stomach. Therefore, leftover acid remains in your throat which causes damage. These lifestyle habits tend to contribute to discomfort from acid reflux:

·         Eating onions, chocolate, peppermint, high-fat or spicy foods, citrus fruits, garlic, and tomato-based products.

·         Citrus juices, alcohol, and caffeinated and carbonated drinks.

·         Eating before bedtime.

·         Being Overweight.

·         Eating large portions.

·         Smoking.

·         Wearing tight-fitting clothing or belts.

·         Lying down or bending over, especially after eating.

·         Pregnancy

·         Bulging of the stomach into the chest cavity, also called hiatal hernia.

When symptoms occur while you are awake, gravity and constant swallowing help flush this acid back to the stomach. Tooth decay can also occur from excess food and acid making it into your mouth and onto your teeth.

The lower esophageal sphincter or LES is a valve between your stomach and esophagus that keeps food and stomach acids from going back up your throat. This valve can become damaged and weakened over time which will result in this condition. Another reason for this occurrence is pressure applied to the abdomen from bending, lifting, obesity, or pregnancy. Smoking and under or overproduction of the acids in your stomach and liver also contribute to this disease.

Symptoms from Too Little Acid in the Stomach

The majority of heart burn sufferers actually have too little acid in the stomach not excess. The food cannot be broken down properly and stays partially digested in the stomach. The inorganic acids may travel up the esophagus causing heartburn.

Many patients need enzymes coupled with betaine hydrochloroide to breakdown their food properly and allow the food to be absorbed so it deosn't lead to inorganic acids causing heartburn. The standard medical treatment is to put patients on proton pump inhibitors which completely turn off all acid in stomach. This leads to poor mineral absorption and poor nutrient absorption. This has been linked to an increase incidence of fractures in people that are on these drugs consistently for more than 3 years.

How To Tell the Difference Between Heartburn and a Heart Attack

Serious heart disease may arise if an acid reflux remedy is not initiated. Reduced or restricted blood and oxygen supply to the heart can cause heart palpitations, irregular rhythm, and heart disease. GERD acid reflux can also be a warning sign of impending heart attack or a hiatal hernia which is a break in the lining above the diaphragm.

This is one of my frequently asked questions from my patients.  The symptoms of heart attack and heartburn can be very similar, and even the most experienced heartburn sufferer can have difficulty making the distinction:

·         Both Heartburn and a Heart Attack can both start with chest pain and nausea, especially in women.

·         Chest pain from heartburn usually feels more like a burning sensation, almost like you swallowed a gas bubble that is on fire.

·         Chest pain from a heart attack feels more like a squeezing pressure that can extend to your arm and shoulder.

·        If you are not sure, never just assume heartburn and seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment Solutions for Acid Reflux

I started the Ashley Chiropractic Wellness Center based on providing you with highly personalized care and treatment, for the entire duration of your therapy.  I specialize in the following treatments for improved wellness, which may be directly related to treating the symptoms you are suffering from:

•  Nutrition Response Testing may be used to help heal the body from within. It is a healing and preventative treatment that contributes to overall feelings of wellness and restores your energy by properly fueling the organs in your body.

• Chiropractic Care may be used to help the body heal from the level of the nervous system. It is a healing and preventative treatment that contributes to health and overall feelings of wellness along with restoring your energy by properly allowing nerve flow to the organs in your body.

I believe my experience and proven track record of success in providing relief from the symptoms of Acid Reflux is a valid and effective remedy to reduce your discomfort. I sincerely hope you will contact me and take advantage of my free consultation.  We both share the same goal for your overall wellness.