Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux

By Li Zheng

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is the result of the lower esophageal sphincter either not closing at all or closing inadequately and allowing the acid produced by the stomach to go up into the esophagus. Common causes of acid reflux include: the presence of a hiatal hernia, being overweight, and having unhealthy eating habits. The common symptoms experienced during acid reflux include: a sensation of bloating, burping, nausea, and dysphagia or narrowing of the esophagus. Acid reflux can be treated with lifestyle changes such as adopting a more healthy style of eating as well as healthy choice of foods. This acupuncture is also known to provide relief and target at the root cause of acid reflux.

Treatment of the Root Cause

People suffering from GERD often have indigestion along with symptoms such as acid regurgitation and frequent burping. Medications offer some symptomatic relief, but over a period of time, it may worsen symptoms or the patient may suffer side effects such as headaches and muscle cramps. Treating the root cause is the only way to rid the patient of this problem. Failure to treat it can lead to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, Barrett's esophagus, or chronic coughing. The increasing presence of this disease in the population has led to intensive research to find definite causes for its appearance as well as possible alternative treatments including acid reflux acupuncture.

Conditions That Cause

The presence of a hiatal hernia causes acid to escape into the esophagus as a result of the upper part of the stomach protruding over the diaphragm. Additionally, malabsorption of food is also known to be a factor of acid reflux. As a result of this, there is build-up of stomach pressure, which causes the opening of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach. Aging is another factor that causes acid reflux. Aging also causes a decrease in the production of stomach acid which leads to less efficient digestion. Unhealthy food habits such as snacking or eating big or spicy meals close to bedtime does not allow the food to digest adequately and also exerts pressure on the diaphragm. While medications help to relieve the immediate effects of acid reflux, they can also cause malabsorption of vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, long term use of antacids can cause anxiety, panic attack, heart problems and neuropathy.

Treating with Acupuncture

Acupuncture focuses on the roles of the pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, and liver in the digestion of food. A disruption in the function of any of these organs can cause acid reflux and other digestive problems. Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate these acupuncture points to help restore the normal function of the digestive system. Acupuncture can also help tone the sphincter muscles between stomach and esophagus. As a result of treatment, you will be able digest food with normal movements of the stomach and intestine. Since emotional distress can also upset the digestive pattern, the acupuncturist also formulates a therapy program that helps the patient reduce stress and strengthen their digestive function.

Dr. Li Zheng, PhD is a licensed acupunturist & herbalist with a PhD in medical science. A graduate of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine who practiced as a physician in China, she has 26 years of experience. In addition, she is also a professor and clinical supervisor of the New England School of Acupuncture, consultant for Health Grid Inc. and author of two books, "Acupuncture and Hormone Balance" and "Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs for Common Diseases". Her website is http://bostonchineseacupuncture.org/treatable-disorders-autoimmune/digestive-disorders/

How Stress Is Causing Your Digestive Problems

By Nick Kowalski

Most of us have direct experience of how chronic, or intense psychological stress can affect the digestive system. Ancient practitioners of Chinese Medicine also theorized that the gut (particularly the Liver) was the seat of emotions. Modern science explains this phenomena, discovering that up to 90% of our neurotransmitters and hormone are actually produced in the gut.

What Happens to Digestion When We're Stressed

Something not many of us know, at least logically, is that the digestive system is in fact governed by the Central Nervous System, namely a sub-branch of the nervous system referred to as the "parasympathetic nervous system". In essence, the parasympathetic system is our "rest and digest" state. Only when we are relaxed and free of stress does the parasympathetic system and therefore digestion, activate.

When we enter a state of stress, the counterpart to the parasympathetic system; the sympathetic system, activates. This stress state or the "flight or fight" response shuts down digestion by reducing blood flow to the digestive organs, inhibits digestive fluid secretion, and instead sends the blood and biological energy to muscular-skeletal system to prepare for battle.

When the sympathetic system is chronically stimulated by prolonged stress, it can lead to gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation and weaken the immune system.

One example of how stress can cause common digestive issues is by causing the esophagus to spasm and altering stomach acid secretion. This leads to heartburn, acid reflux and can make you feel nauseous. Another example is the effects stress has on the colon. Intense stress increases the secretion of stress hormones cortisol, prolactin and serotonin, which can cause the colon to become hyperactive or tense, which leads diarrhea or constipation.

When any of these conditions become persistent, the inflammation and overall poor functioning of the digestive system can eventually lead to stomach ulcers, IBS, and inflammatory bowel disease.

How to Manage Stress for Better Digestion

Reducing total stress is not a quick-fix job, it requires a holistic, multi-factorial approach. However, psychological stress is one of the primary, dominant stressors that negatively affect the digestive system. While getting a handle on the causes of psychological stress can take time, there are some simple things you can do to mitigate their effects.

One simple way to de-stress is to engage in fun, moderate exercise. Physical exercise relieves tension, gets us out of our heads, improves our mood by releasing endorphins but also helps with the elimination of stress hormones. Some of the healthiest forms of exercise include walking, hiking, biking, swimming, dancing, yoga, thai qi, and weight lifting.

Other great ways to reduce stress include:

Relaxation - People with digestive issues are often overly stressed and do not relax enough. Getting authentic, deep relaxation is more challenging in today's world, but can be achieved through yoga, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, cognitive therapy, biofeedback, good music, spending time in nature, camping, love-making, and working on an enjoyable project or hobby.

Communication therapy - A major source of psychological stress dwells in the world of communication. In fact, most stress and problems in life have their roots in communication trouble. If you've ever been in a situation where you didn't know what to say, or someone wasn't talking to you, you know the stress associated with poor communication. Taking courses or reading books communications can be helpful for improving our quality of life, relationships and reducing a great source of stress. However, simply having a good friend or loved one you can talk to freely about your stress can be a major stress reliever. Personally, I have found cognitive therapy to be a major help in relieving chronic stress in my life. There are even studies that have demos rated a 70 percent improvement in stress symptoms after 12 weeks of cognitive therapy.

Nutrition - A bad diet can ruin a good digestive system. Poor nutrition can be a source of biological stress, but also, eating the right foods can help curb the effects of stress. In general, it is helpful to eat more protein and salt when stressed. In fact, soldiers in the army are required to eat a higher protein diet to mitigate the catabolic effects of combat. So, it is best to take a two-sided approached nutritionally, where you avoid junk foods that add to your stress, and eat nutrient-dense, wholesome foods that help replenish a stressed body.

Choose your battles - An interesting thing about life is that problems seem to be valuable. If we had no problems at all, we'd be existentially bored. So, the goal is not to eliminate all problems and stress form our lives. Instead, we need to pick our problems wisely. For example, starting a new fulfilling relationship will have its challenges, but in the end, the problems are usually worth it. Same goes for starting a new project or goal. A good rule of thumb is that any given condition in life would ideally be 80% pleasure with 20% pain, the pain being the optimal amount of stress that just makes like interesting and helps us grow.

In Conclusion

Mental and emotional stress can cause a lot of problems for an otherwise healthy digestive system. Stress all together is unavoidable, it seems to be a natural part of the game of life. What's important is how we react to our stress and problems, and that we ultimately avoid it from becoming chronic. If you know you are under too much stress and/or having symptoms of digestive stress, then these tips will help. If stress management is the problem, there are cognitive therapists, yoga and medication instructors who can provide verified help.

For solutions to a wide variety of digestive problems and tips for effectively reducing stress, be sure to check out my online digestive course Perfect Digestion. You can find the course here: http://thewellnessacademy.thinkific.com/courses/perfect-digestion

About Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky Gut Syndrome, also known as Intestinal Permeability, is a condition that affects millions of people. However, it is not fully recognized by traditional physicians and is often attributed to other conditions within the gut. Leaky gut refers to the micro-holes and tears that can occur in the intestinal lining, allowing food particles to "leak" out of the gut and into the bloodstream. Increased attention is currently given to the condition of leaky gut as more and more patients are being treated for food intolerances and abdominal discomfort.

Definition

Leaky gut syndrome or intestinal permeability is considered a dysfunction of the digestive system. The intestinal wall lining normally does not allow any food particles to escape from the intestine. However, if the digestive tract becomes inflamed or damaged, small holes can appear in the intestinal lining. This allows small particles of undigested food, proteins, fats and toxins to escape and become absorbed into the body. The body sees these substances as invaders or antigens. The body then responds to these foreign invaders by triggering the body's antibodies to the defense. Inflammation can begin to appear throughout the body, allergic reactions can occur and numerous other symptoms appear.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that you may experience with leaky gut syndrome are abdominal pain and bloating. Many suffers of the syndrome experience diarrhea and excessive flatulence. Food allergies or sensitivities, especially to gluten, can occur. Irritable bowel syndrome is common. Muscle pain, joint pain, and arthritis can all be symptoms of leaky gut. Sluggishness, depression, memory loss and mood swings can be associated with intestinal permeability.

Causes

There are several factors that may cause leaky gut. Alcohol and caffeine are strong irritants to the gut wall and can cause micro-holes to appear. Excessive use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can contribute to leaky gut. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Many people are allergic or highly sensitive to the protein found in gluten. The gluten proteins attack the intestinal wall, again creating micro-tears. Stress can cause excess acid in the system that further weakens the intestinal lining.

Remedies

Fortunately, with some lifestyle and nutritional changes, leaky gut syndrome can be reversed. Avoid alcohol and excess sugar to help curb the possibility of Candida. Taking a full spectrum probiotic can help restore the gut's natural bacterial balance. Go on a gluten-free diet. There are many gluten-free products available today, so that you don't feel like you have to miss out on pasta and bread. Avoid non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Dr. Andrew Weil suggests taking a supplement of L-Glutamine, an amino acid that helps maintain and repair the intestinal lining. Take natural digestive enzymes that contain papain and bromelain before a meal to help break down food particles.

Candida

One of the main causes is contributed to an overgrowth of Candida. Our intestinal tract normally has a balance of candida thriving with other beneficial bacteria. However, when Candida becomes overgrown, due to excessive sugars in the diet, over use of antibiotics and other lifestyle factors, Candida becomes a serious problem in the gut. Candida is a fungus that puts out root-like structures called rhizoids. These rhizoids attach to the intestinal wall and can actually push through the lining, producing small holes.


 By Kristina Hall


Article Source: About Leaky Gut Syndrome

Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Overview

"Gastro-" refers to the stomach. "Oesophageal" refers to the oesophagus, or feeding tube, that connects the mouth to the stomach. "Reflux" refers to backflow. Gastroesophageal Reflux hence refers to backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus.

GERD is a disorder where patients suffer from sensations of heartburn and acid indigestion and sometimes is confused with chest pain due to cardiac causes. GERD occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter does not close properly after food has entered the stomach, resulting in a backflow of stomach contents up the oesophagus.

Physiology

Food normally swallowed passes into the stomach via the oesophagus. Upon entering the stomach, the lower oesophageal sphincter (ring of muscle) closes, thereby preventing stomach contents from backflowing back into the oesophagus while the stomach digests and churns the food.

GERD happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to close properly and reflux of stomach contents occurs. This results in a sensation of burning in the chest as stomach contents are normally acidic in nature.

The degree of severity of GERD hence depends on the magnitude of dysfunction of the lower oesophageal sphincter, stomach contents, and back pressure exerted by the stomach.

Causes

From first principles, anything that increases the back pressure exerted by the stomach can potentially cause GERD. These include:



Diet and Lifestyle: Binge eating, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, obesity and certain foods and beverages like coffee have all been implicated with GERD

Pregnancy.

Structural abnormalities like a hiatus hernias (outpouching of stomach above the diaphragm).

Symptoms

Patients often complain of "indigestion" or "heartburn", described as a burning sensation behind the breast bone ascending up towards the throat and neck. Often associated with an acidic or bitter taste, the sensation of heartburn can last for as long as 2 hours and is made worse by lying flat.

Heartburn is often confused with chest pain due to cardiac causes. It is important to differentiate the two because heartburn is treatable while cardiac causes for chest pain carries a significant risk of morbidity.

If in doubt, always consult your physician.

Treatment

Lifestyle and Dietary changes are the mainstay of treatment for GERD.

It is recommended to reduce consumption of acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, foods that compromise the lower oesophageal sphincter like chocolate, fatty foods, alcohol, and any foods known to cause irritation in specific patients.

Control of serving portions and reduction thereof will also help control symptoms of GERD. Eating meals at least 2 hours prior to sleep will reduce incidence of reflux. Reduction of weight and overcoming obesity will relieve GERD.

Cessation of smoking and reduction of alcohol consumption will both help GERD.

Simple changes of posture during sleep like sleeping on an incline can help GERD.

Beyond lifestyle and dietary changes, medications like antacids help combat symptoms caused by stomach acids and can provide partial relief. Use of antacids for the long term, however, risk aberrations in blood calcium and magnesium levels, which in turn can cause serious problems for patients with kidney disease.

Other medications available include prescription medications like histamine antagonists (eg commonly sold Famotidine in Singapore) and proton pump inhibitors (eg. Omeprazole).

Patients with persistent GERD despite the above treatments might require more invasive investigations like having endoscopy of the stomach performed to exclude other problems like peptic ulcers, and in some instances, oesophageal manometry (measure of pressure along the oesophagus) can help identify if there are abnormalities in the peristaltic movement of the oesophagus, resulting in GERD.

In situations where, for example, a patient has severe GERD due to a hiatus hernia, surgery might be necessary to correct the situation. However, surgery will usually be offered as a last resort by your physician because GERD is not life threatening.

Dr Tzun Hon Lau is a resident housecall doctor at CMY Medical with more than a decade of experience in home care in Singapore. He has attended to patients of a all ages with a wide variety of health conditions.

Check out the housecall services of CMY Medical for more information.



 By Tzun Hon Lau


Article Source: Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)