Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD as it is normally called is a condition that ails the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is a chronic disease in which the stomach contents are backwashed to the esophagus, the long narrow tube that connects the oral cavity with the same. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve that controls the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach, fails to close.

Up to 20% of people worldwide are estimated to have been affected by GERD . Prevalence is more in Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, and is linked with old age. Lifestyle modifications, diet maintenance, and rarely surgery are the prescribed management options.

The triggering factors of GERD include-

Smoking
Pregnancy
Obesity
Hiatal hernia
Certain medications like NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, etc.
Gallstones
Anxiety/depression
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy eating habits

Signs and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Heartburn
Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
Non-cardiac chest pain
Epigastric pain
The acidic taste of the mouth
Bad breath
Dental caries, tooth erosion, or tooth discoloration
A feeling of sour liquid or food regurgitating
Nausea
Vocal cord inflammation in some cases
Voice change
Excess salivation
Blood in stool
Anemia

In some people, it can manifest as a cough or respiratory complaints.

If GERD has injured esophagus, there might be chances of developing the following –

Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture)
Esophagitis- the inflammation of the esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus
Esophageal cancer

Diagnosis and Lab investigations

Endoscopy and esophageal pH monitoring are the commonly run diagnostic tests. Biopsy during endoscopy reveals any kind of inflammation due to reflux, carcinoma, changes in esophageal layers, etc.

Ayurvedic treatment for GERD

The symptoms of GERD can be conveniently correlated to that of Amlapitta, a digestive system ailment mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts. As the name suggests, changes in the qualities of pitta are the key feature here. Agnimandya or impaired digestive fire can be cited as the reason for Amlapitta. This affects annavaha srotas (the passages that carry food) as a whole and causes symptoms like avipaka (indigestion), klama (unexplained tiredness), amlodgara (sour belching), heaviness of the body, burning sensation of throat, hrit shula (chest pain), etc. The probable causes described in the texts like Charaka Samhita are adhyashana (eating before the previous meal has been digested), viruddhahara (contradictory food), ati drava (drinking excess fluid), ati amla (acidic food), ati tikshna (foods of sharp potency), pungent drinks, akala bhojana (untimely eating), ati snigdha (fatty diet), ati ruksha (dry foods), excessive fasting, madya sevana (alcoholism), day sleep after meals, vega dharana (suppressing natural urges), etc.

Avoiding these factors is the first step to living a GERD-free life. One can stay away from the food and drinks that irritate pitta and vata. Panchakarma procedures such as vamana and virechana can be done to eliminate the doshas of the upper gastrointestinal and lower gastrointestinal tracts respectively. Breathing exercises like Pranayama are proven to relieve symptoms of GERD.

AyurVAID Approach

When managed properly, gastroesophageal reflux disease is never a nightmare. Here at AyurVAID, we approach such conditions with proper Ayurvedic means and help you recover completely. AyurVAID is a pristine institution that bears the virtue of Ayurveda. Our doctors, skilled and proficient in their field, are here to help you by providing you with comfort and reassurance. In-depth assessment of the condition, precise diagnosis, thorough samprapti vighatana (breaking the disease pathway), properly planned prakriti-oriented treatment, quality procedures, safe and hygienic environment, etc are our peculiarities. We offer you complete care for the conditions that ail you.

We are:-

First NABH-accredited hospital in India
The winner of the esteemed National Award for Best Ayurvedic Centre of the year 2017 from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Industry’s best customer satisfaction score of 92%, rated by our clients

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of food contributes to GERD ?

While we are not sure if any foods cause GERD, it is found that certain food substances precipitate its symptoms. Some of them are coffee, mint, chocolate, alcohol, spicy food, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, tomatoes, artificial sugar, and acidic foods. Avoiding them from the diet will be useful in managing GERD.

What lifestyle modifications should I make to manage GERD ?

Considering the history of the disease, GERD is highly connected with our day-to-day life. Therefore, making slight alterations in your diet and lifestyle can go a long way when it comes to GERD management. Abstinence from smoking, quitting alcohol, increasing fiber intake, lying down on your left side, increasing the height of your pillow to reduce regurgitation, not lying down immediately after eating, exercising regularly, decreasing physical activities just after eating, having food at least 3 hours before sleeping, breathing exercises like pranayama, etc can surely help.

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