Better Treatments for GERD

GERD is an acronym which stands for “gastroesophageal reflux disease”. It’s a condition in which food or liquid from the stomach backs up into the throat area. Convential medicine teaches that the food or liquid brings stomach acid with it, and the acid irritates the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. But recent research by Drs. Stuart Spechler and Rhonda Souza at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center suggests that gastroesophageal reflux disease might actually be an immune-mediated injury rather than a direct result of acidic digestive juices burning the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD

• Belching, and coughing or wheezing, usually when the reflux comes into the throat while sleeping and accidentally dragged into the windpipe.
• Heartburn, or a burning pain in the chest (under the breastbone), which is increased by bending, stooping, lying down, or eating. The heartburn is more frequent or worse at night.
• Hoarseness or change in voice, sore throat, difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting blood

Treatment

To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, conventional medicine advises to avoid alcohol and tobacco, dietary fat, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, onions, garlic, citrus juices, and tomato products. Patients are told to avoid lying down after meals, to sleep with the head of the bed elevated, and other physical measures, such as taking antacids and prescription medications.

The recent research of Dr. Sousa and Dr. Spechler which identifies an autoimmune response as a cause makes sense to me because I believe reflux is a result of eating a high carb, grain based diet. Other research has shown that grain based diets are at the root of many autoimmune diseases, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease. Eliminating grain based foods, sugar and processed, high carb foods can help the stomach lining heal, and result in a lessening of symptoms.

Relief from Brazil

A Brazilan scientist has created a natural product called Protexid, which consists of a combination of vitamins and natural amino acids. This product has been marketed in the US by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades, and I can attest to the fact that is works.

I have suffered from GERD for years. After beginning a low carb diet, my symptoms went away. However, there are times when I slip up, and eat too many carbs during the day. The GERD comes right back. But I can take just one capsule of Protexid, and I am able to sleep symptom free. Dr. Eades posted on this product on his blog here.

Resources for Further Reading

• Regression of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms using dietary supplementation with melatonin, vitamins and aminoacids: comparison with omeprazole
• Regression of an esophageal ulcer using a dietary supplement containing melatonin

Done with GERD, back to Alternative Health