Naturopathic Solutions For GERD

Most of us have dealt with acid reflux from time to time.

Maybe you have that one delicious meal you just love, despite it not always agreeing with your stomach – but you come prepared to face the consequences.

However, when it starts to occur on a regular basis it can go from being something you put up with from time to time to a real annoyance.

As a gut special interest naturopath in Toronto I want to offer you some natural solutions to help manage your acid reflux.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

GERD, also known as gastroesophageal acid reflux, is a condition which occurs when your stomach contents leak out of your stomach, and into your esophagus, throat, and mouth.

It happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle has stopped working properly.

The purpose of this muscle is to tighten after you swallow and prevent digestive juices from entering back into the esophagus.

Almost everyone will experience acid reflux and heartburn at some point during their life (think late night poutine).

However, if it begins to occur on a regular basis, it could be a sign you have developed GERD.

If this is the case, you may want to visit your Toronto naturopathic doctor for treatment.

Symptoms Of GERD

Symptoms which may indicate you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD can include:

• The feeling of a lump in your throat, which can cause trouble swallowing
• A burning feeling in your chest, which radiates to your arm – this is often made worse when you eat
• Bitter taste in your mouth
• Breathing issues
• Regurgitation of food
• Indigestion
• Hoarse voice
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Bad breath

GERD or acid reflux at night can disturb your sleep, and could lead to new or worse asthma, laryngitis or a chronic cough.

What Causes GERD?

Some causes of GERD include:

• Excess pressure on the abdomen, for example from pregnancy
• Certain over the counter medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Stomach or intestinal inflammation
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Laying down too soon after eating

Naturopathic Solutions For GERD

If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD or acid reflux, there are some ways you can manage your symptoms naturally.

Let’s have a look at a few of these.

1. Eat An Anti Inflammatory Diet

Because GERD is a condition involving the stomach and esophagus, the foods you eat can have a big impact on your symptoms.

Some examples of foods which can help control GERD and acid reflux include:

• Oatmeal
• Ginger
• Leafy green vegetables
• Healthy fats, including flax seeds, olive oil and avocado
• High fibre foods
• Alkaline foods such as banana, melon, and fennel
• Herbal tea
• Broth based soups

Just as important, is to avoid foods known to trigger acid reflux – although these will be different for everyone, some common foods which can often cause issues are:

• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Fried foods
• Citrus
• Foods with high acid content

2. Use Slippery Elm

Native to North America, the slippery elm, or red elm is a tree whose bark can be used for medicinal purposes, including as a way to provide relief for GERD.

The inner bark contains a substance called mucilage which forms a gel when mixed with water.

This gel can be used to help soothe inflammation and help stimulate mucus production, which protects against excess acid production.

Slippery elm is available in many forms, including lozenges, powder, and capsules.

It’s important to note that using slippery elm can impact the absorption of other medications.

Speak to a naturopathic doctor if you need guidance on forms that are best for you, dosage and timing around your medications.

3. Use Licorice Root

Originating from Asia, Turkey, and Greece, the use of licorice root as a remedy dates back to 2300 BCE.

Licorice helps to improve mucus production, which protects against acid.

Licorice can have some long-term negative effects on blood pressure and other areas of your body, however.

Book an appointment with me if you’re considering licorice – I can guide you on the safest forms of it for you.

4. Manage Your Stress

A 2015 study in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found heightened levels of anxiety can lead to worsened GERD symptoms.

Therefore, taking steps to manage stress and anxiety can be an important step to managing the symptoms of GERD.

This may include:

• Using relaxation techniques such as meditation
• Avoiding people, places, and situations which cause you to feel anxious
• Exercise and getting enough sleep
• Addressing anxiety from adrenal fatigue

I may be able to help with stress management by suggested supplements that reduce the impact of stress on your body and reduce anxiety.

5. Supplement With Melatonin

You are probably familiar with melatonin as a sleep aid; however, it also plays a role in the secretion of stomach acid.

Melatonin has been shown to decrease acid levels in the stomach, relieve heartburn, and even help improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.

In addition, as mentioned, melatonin helps improve sleep quality which can play a factor in the relief of GERD symptoms.

6. Lifestyle Recommendations

Certain lifestyle factors and behaviours can lead to an increase in symptoms of GERD.

Working to minimize or eliminate these can go a long way to helping relieve your symptoms.

Some things you can do include:

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Avoiding foods known to bring on symptoms
• Not smoking
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Not lying down directly after eating
• Eating smaller portions

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ

Do you suffer from heartburn?

Are you finding yourself experiencing acid reflux on a regular basis?

Do you find yourself having to pass on favourite meals because of the discomfort they cause?

Have you tried a number of the natural solutions mentioned here to try to manage your symptoms, but still aren’t having much luck?

I’m Dr. JJ, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, and I want to help.

Contact me today to set up a consultation, and learn how naturopathic medicine can help you get back to enjoying the foods you love.