What is GERD? (more then Heartburn) www.coloncleansetoronto.ca /blog/general-category/what-is-gerd/

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GERD also known as, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a chronic digestive disorder. In normal digestivefunction the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) contracts in such a way to keep food contents and acid from spillingout of the stomach and back up into the esophagus. The severity of GERD is directly related to the function of theweakened LES muscle. Other contributing factors include, the type/amount of stomach content brought up and theneutralizing effects of saliva.

Although considered to be a chronic condition, it is very common as close to 5 million Canadians suffer at least oncea week from the effects. In recent years, the rate of children diagnosed with GERD has continued to rise aschildhood obesity soars. Most often GERD can be reversed through a series of lifestyle changes, although moreserious cases may require further medical attention.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can vary in individuals, although the most common are as follows:

Acidic taste (acid reflux)

Chest pain

Difficulty swallowing

Feeling of food re-entering the mouth

Heartburn (burning behind the breastbone)

Indigestion

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Sore throat

How does GERD develop?

Frequent bouts of acid reflux can lead to the development of GERD. When the lower sphincter of the esophagusrelaxes at the wrong time stomach acid is able to spill into the esophagus causing heartburn and other symptoms ofreflux. Frequent episodes of acid reflux eventually results in the development of GERD.

Hiatal hernias are also commonly associated with GERD although not all with GERD have a hiatal hernia. Whenpart of the stomach protrudes through the abdomen and hiatus into the chest, a hiatal hernia develops. Usually, thisoccurs when the LES moves above the diaphragm during digestion and reflux. The diaphragm is responsible forkeeping the sphincter closed when necessary, so when the placement of these muscles is altered unwantedsymptoms result.

How Can I treat GERD?

Not only is GERD preventable, but it can be treated in most cases as well. The primary focus of treatment is toreduce the rate of reflux and damage to the esophageal lining. The treatment protocol is simply a series of basicrituals for overall healthy living. If you are seeking a healthier lifestyle these initial changes are a great way to getstarted

Quit Smoking

Studies have proven that cigarette smoking contributes to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter.

Portion control

Many North Americans have a skewed perception of portion sizes. On average, most individuals tend to consumemeals 2-3 times larger in size than a true serving. Overeating contributes to weight-gain which onsets many othernegative health conditions in the body. Controlling portions results in weight-loss and in turn reduces heartburn.

Clean-up your diet

Eliminating alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus, greasy foods, mint, spicy foods and tomatoes is necessary to reducethe rate of reflux. These foods promote reflux which is why eliminating them is the best option. If riding these foodsout of your diet completely is too difficult at the moment, minimizing consumption rate is a great start.

Colonics

Colonics is a great addition to any health regime. Reflux is associated with constipation and the buildup of toxinsfrom fatty foods. When the colon is impacted with old fecal matter the pressure inside the abdominal cavity builds.An increased pressure causes food to travel back up through the digestive tract causing reflux symptoms.

Colonics (Colon hydrotherapy) is a gentle yet effective way to help reduce constipation by cleansing out the colon.For the average healthy individual about 4 sessions is necessary for a full cleanse. However, most individuals dosuffer from constipation or other unwanted digestive health conditions so the number of sessions needed to cleansethe length in its’ entirety does vary.

Aside from reducing constipation, colonics also aids in the weight-loss process. Yes, this is due to the elimination ofundigested matter, but also a clean and healthy colon allows your body to better absorb vital nutrients from a healthydiet.

Posted by Meaghan LaFranca, M.Sc, Nutritionist, Colon Therapist2/3

References:

http://www.cdhf.ca/en/disorders/details/id/11

http://www.m.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/heartburn_gerd_symptoms_types

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/multimedia/how-heartburn-and-gerd-occur/img-20007555

http://www.m.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/tc/hiatal-hernia-and-gerd-topic-overview

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