Natural treatments for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Natural treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) focus on alleviating symptoms of this condition, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing pain and discomfort, often referred to as heartburn. While conventional treatments typically involve medications and lifestyle adjustments, various natural remedies have been proposed. These include substances such as aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which some believe may offer relief. Additionally, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes, such as elevating the head during sleep and avoiding trigger foods like alcohol and caffeine, are emphasized as important components of managing GERD.
Some natural options like calcium carbonate and hydrotalcite can act as antacids, providing temporary relief. However, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of many natural remedies remains limited, and they are not universally accepted as standalone treatments. Overall, while natural treatments may be appealing to some individuals seeking alternative approaches, it is crucial to approach them cautiously and consider consulting healthcare professionals for tailored guidance.
Natural treatments for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- DEFINITION: Treatment of the condition that causes stomach acid to enter the esophagus.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, betaine hydrochloride, bladderwrack, carob, calcium carbonate, chamomile tea, diet and lifestyle changes, folate, ginger, hydrotalcite, licorice, marshmallow, multivitamin/mineral supplements, slippery elm, sugar-free gum, vitamin B12
Introduction
In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid from the stomach splashes upward, or refluxes, and burns the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and throat to the stomach). Normally, a type of sphincter muscle keeps the upper part of the stomach closed, but various factors may loosen it, allowing acid to rise more easily. The result is pain in the chest, commonly known as heartburn. GERD is generally made worse by lying down because gravity no longer restrains the upward movement of stomach contents. In infants, the major issue with GERD is not pain but the spitting up (vomiting) of food or milk.
Certain foods may worsen GERD, including alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine, chocolate, citrus juices, milk, and peppermint. Cigarette smoking may also increase symptoms. Contrary to earlier beliefs, it does not appear that people with GERD need to cut down on fat intake to help control the disease.
Pregnant women frequently develop GERD because of changes in muscle tone. Also, the connection between obesity and GERD remains unclear.
Treatment for GERD involves elevating the head of one’s bed and using medications that reduce the acidity of the stomach. More powerful antacid medications are generally required for GERD than ulcers or gastritis. Drugs in the proton pump category are the most effective. Surgery may be recommended in certain cases.
If left untreated, GERD causes precancerous alterations in the lower part of the esophagus (a condition called Barrett’s esophagus), which can develop into esophageal cancer. Thus, people with GERD are often tested to evaluate the condition of the esophagus.
Proposed Natural Treatments
Natural antacids, such as calcium carbonate (Tums) or hydrotalcite, may provide short-term relief from GERD. Drugs used to treat GERD tend to deplete the body of certain nutrients, especially vitamin B12, folate, and various minerals. The use of a multivitamin/mineral supplements supplement should correct this problem.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, a special form of the herb licorice, has shown some promise for treating ulcers. A drug (carbenoxolone) similar to ingredients in licorice has been studied for the treatment of GERD, with good results.
However, in these studies, carbenoxolone was combined with other ingredients, including antacids and alginic acid. It is not clear that carbenoxolone alone will help GERD, and it is even less clear that licorice itself offers any benefit.
A popular over-the-counter drug for GERD, Gaviscon, contains a substance called alginic acid. Alginic acid is thought to form a protective seal at the top of the stomach, reducing reflux. The seaweed bladderwrack is high in alginic acid. However, there is no evidence that whole bladderwrack can reduce heartburn symptoms.
Several other natural supplements are often recommended for treating GERD, including aloe vera, antioxidants, artemisia, fresh garlic, marshmallow, and slippery elm, but there is no scientific evidence to support their use. Milk allergy is thought to contribute to GERD in infants. Whether food allergies play a significant role in adult cases remains unclear. The herb carob may be helpful for infant GERD. Additional natural remedies sometimes suggested as treatments for GERD include drinking apple cider vinegar in water before meals, drinking ginger tea or taking ginger supplements, chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production, and drinking chamomile tea, known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Diet and lifestyle changes remain critical in treating GERD. Acupuncture and breathing techniques have also been suggested. However, it is important to note that only double-blind, placebo-controlled trials can prove a treatment is effective, and these are lacking for these natural remedies.
Many naturopathic physicians believe that the supplement betaine hydrochloride can aid GERD by increasing stomach acid. This sounds paradoxical because conventional treatment involves reducing stomach acid. However, according to one theory, a lack of stomach acid leads to incomplete digestion of proteins; these proteins cause allergic reactions and other responses that lead to an increase in reflux. Again, scientific evidence is lacking.
Bibliography
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