Almost everyone
occasionally
experiences acid reflux,
the backflow of acid
from the stomach into
the esophagus. It occurs
when the muscular
ring between the lower
esophagus and upper
stomach becomes
weakened for reasons
yet to be fully explained.
When it’s frequent
and severe, it’s called
gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD), and you
should see your doctor if
you think you have it.
The most common
conventional treatment
is medication. Antacids
neutralize stomach acid,
and H2 blockers prevent
the production of stomach
acid to some degree,
providing short-term
relief.
Proton pump inhibitors
(PPIs) are more
effective because they’re
potent suppressors of
stomach acid production,
but I urge you to
avoid long-term use—
especially if you are
over age 50—because of
the potential for side effects
and heart disease.
If you do take a PPI, ask
your doctor if and when
you can discontinue
treatment.
Instead of long-term
use of medications, try
lifestyle changes such
as giving up cigarettes,
alcohol, and caffeine; practicing stress management
such as breath
work; not eating within
2 to 3 hours of bedtime;
elevating the head of
your bed; and maintaining
a healthy weight.
If you must take something,
use deglycyrrhizinated
licorice to
soothe irritated tissues.
Chew two tablets slowly
before or between
meals, or take half a
teaspoon of the powder
before meals.
Source by: Andrew weIl, MD, is
founder and director of the
Arizona Center for Integrative
Medicine and clinical
professor of medicine at the
University of Arizona.
