Homeopathic Advice for GERD
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition that can cause pain, make you feel nauseated and make you change the way you eat. Common treatments include altering your diet and losing weight; however, there are more alternative treatments like homeopathy and herbs. However you decide to treat it, make sure not to ignore the symptoms if they occur frequently.
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What is GERD?
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GERD occurs when there is an abnormal reflux of liquids from the stomach to the esophagus. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include heartburn, dysphagia (trouble swallowing) and regurgitation. You may also experience pain while swallowing, excessive salivation and pain in your chest area. It can also cause injuries to your esophagus. GERD is diagnosed when a doctor does a test called esophageal pH monitoring or by using an X-ray.
Causes
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In general, GERD is caused by changes in the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. It may involve a problem in the lower esophageal sphincter or be a result of conditions like hiatal hernia, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation or impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus. The valve between the esophagus and the stomach, called the cardia, regulates dudoneal bile, enzymes and stomach acid from traveling back into the esophagus. When the cardia is not functioning properly, these substances will cause the inflammation and burning symptoms of GERD. The condition may also be connected with other illnesses like obesity, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and hypercalcemia.
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Treatments
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The changes you make in your lifestyle may be the most effective natural treatments for GERD. There are therapeutic pillows that you can buy that elevate your head to the proper height when sleeping. It is also important to lose weight until you are at a proper body mass index. Avoiding coffee, alcohol, smoking, high-fat foods, large meals, chocolate and carbonated beverages can also help. There are medications to treat GERD, including those that reduce gastric acid secretion (like omeprazole), antacids that reduce gastric acidity (like Tums) and those that reduce acidity and decrease reflux symptoms (like Gaviscon). There are also surgical options like the Nissen fundoplication procedure.
Homeopathic Remedies
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Homeopathic remedies employ the principles of immunization by taking miniscule doses of substances that in their pure potency might cause the symptoms you are experiencing. The doses are very small and as a result have few side effects as they work on a molecular level to control the problem. Phosphorous is one remedy that has been used to treat heartburn and gastric conditions that are connected with anxiety and circulatory problems. Capsicum may heal sore throats, heartburn and pain when taken homeopathically. Lastly, magnesium carbonate is used for digestive complaints connected to GERD and other conditions like constipation and diarrhea. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on very specific symptoms ranging from mental attitude to the time of day when your problems get worse. For these reasons, dosage and type of medication should be prescribed by a licensed homeopath.
Warnings
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Antacids based on calcium carbonate may actually increase the amount of acidity in your stomach, though all antacids decrease acidity in the lower esophagus. Some doctors do not believe in the efficacy of homeopathic remedies so it is important for you to make an informed and researched decision on your own part before using them. Do not take any medicine (homeopathic or otherwise) without first consulting your doctor.
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