GERD also known more commonly as acid reflux can not only create that uncomfortable sensation of heartburn, but also contribute to abnormal cell formation of the esophagus (known as Barrett's esophagus) and erosion of stomach if not addressed properly.
The western traditional protocol for working with GERD are dietary changes, reduction of stress, and the use of medications that stop acid production.
However, recent research has questioned the long term use of such medications as it is necessary for the human body to have acid present to absorb certain nutrients and maintain balance of the internal organs.
Also, on the long term, such medications may have side effects that may create imbalances with internal organs.
However, having said that, it should also be noted that short term use of these medications can be a very critical and useful regimen especially for people who have been diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells of the esophagus, also known as Barrett's esophagus.
How is the diagnosis for Barrett's esophagus made? A western medical doctor performs an endoscopy to visually examine the tissue of the stomach and esophagus.
A biopsy is also performed on tissue.
The biopsy test is either negative (meaning no pre-cancerous cells are present at a level to be detected) or positive (meaning they were able to find pre-cancerous cells).
This is not a diagnosis of cancer but of pre-cancerous cells.
Therefore, if one corrects the lifestyle issues that are leading to high production of acid, one can prevent the cells from mutating further into cancer cells, and reduce the level of pre-cancerous cells to restore healthy tissue.
For clients who have Barrett's esophagus and stomach erosion, it is critical to protect the cells from further exposure to acid via the short term use of western medications (e.
g aciphex), and the use of stress reduction technique and exercise, alkaline diet and herbs that work to heal the root causes of GERD (often stemming from a gallbladder/liver imbalance impacting the stomach) and heal tissue.
People are often surprised that I advocate an integrative approach instead of an all natural approach to Barrett's esophagus.
Here's why.
When it comes to precancerous cells, I often compare it to having an open wound that is infected and being bathed with acid.
Since natural remedies take time to work and the wound is bathed in acid each day, it is more likely for cells to mutate into cancerous states.
Taking anti-acid medications, give the esophagus cells a break from being bathed in acid, so that the herbs, diet and other natural remedies can work to heal tissue.
Thus, I suggest that clients talk to their medical doctors about taking an anti-acid medication for 8-16 weeks, while working with me to reduce stress through qi gong movement, eating a more alkaline diet, and integrating some of the natural remedies for GERD below.
I often say to clients, who are overly concerned about the side effects of anti-acid medications, which would you rather deal with- short term temporary effects from medications or a higher risk of life-threatening cancer? Natural Remedies for GERD Diet and Exercise Reducing stress and acidity in the body through proper diet and exercise are critical components of healing GERD naturally.
Qi gong movement and breath work reduces stress but more importantly can specifically target the digestive organs to improve health.
Also, avoiding a diet high in acidic food is key, while also increasing alkaline foods.
The challenge with the dietary aspects is that people sometimes find it difficult to change dietary habits.
The key is to go slowly and gradually integrate more of the alkaline foods into the diet each week until eating alkaline is natural to you.
It takes time but with gentleness and commitment, it can be achieved.
Barley Natural remedies such as barley tablets can be a helpful healing tool but one must be a suitable candidate for use of that supplement, as barley tablets are contraindicated in the following situations: Individuals who have excessive bloating and slow digestion.
Barley can aggravate these symptoms to create more discomfort, stress and therefore more acid production over time.
Individuals who have an aversion to taking tablets.
It is necessary to consume 3-5 tablets several times a day in order for this supplement to work.
Barley can also exist in the form of herb tea.
It must be also taken at a fairly high dose to be effective.
Individuals who have challenges with being consistent taking the full dosage of barley daily in either tea, capsule or tablet form.
Individuals who do not have stomach erosion or an increase of pre-cancerous tissues in the esophagus.
Barley tablets do not prevent 100% of the acids from entering the esophagus (it merely diminishes the amount to reduce symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux).
Therefore, a person might gain some relief from the symptoms of GERD but the cells could still be exposed to acid and mutate into cancer as result of that exposure.
Individuals who have allergies or sensitivities to barley or barley malt and respond with more digestive upset.
Chinese Herbs Also, I recommend a customized formulation of Chinese herbs that not only balance the underlying roots but also help to prevent the further mutation of cells such that over time, healthy cells replace the cells that have become abnormal.
Again, if acid is constantly bathing the cells, these herbs will not be optimally beneficial...
so adequate control of the acid production is essential.
Like barley, herbs can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, but that doesn't mean that the cells of the esophagus aren't still being bathed by some level of acid.
Thus, it is wise for people who have been diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells, to follow closely their physicians' directives about anti-acid medications as well as take herbs.
Also, it is important to be wise consumer of herbs and not take singular herbs in isolation.
Recent research has been done about the effects of skullcap in terms of reversing cellular damage.
However, as that herb tends to be very cold in nature, it is contraindicated for people who have digestive issues stemming from having a cold nature.
Instead, other Chinese herbs are utilized that provide that same ability to transform and heal cells but are not as cold-natured.
Only a trained herbalist can effectively determine which herbs are correct for each individual.
Putting it All Together The main thing to remember is simplicity.
Whether you go the integrative route, or choose to simply use western medical approaches, simplicity is key.
It all boils down to: * Diet * Stress Reduction/Exercise * Proper Use of Meds and/or * Proper use of Holistic Remedies Also, find a professional who is willing to be that advocate for you instead of relying on a myriad of information from lay people, as this can create more stress in terms of dispersing your energies among many solutions instead of focusing on a solid, well-thought approach that you and professional arrive at together.