Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens randomly, for varying lengths of time, or does not close correctly acids rise up into the esophagus. GER is also known as acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because acids rise up with the food and backs up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The stomach’s purpose is to help digest the food you eat and can handle the acid, the esophagus cannot. Occasional Acid Reflux is normal and does not necessarily mean that you have GERD, however if reflux occurs persistently more than twice a week, you may have GERD and it may eventually lead to major health problems, such as over time, acid reflux can even wear away or erode the lining of your esophagus (erosive espohagitis) and cause bleeding or ulcers. Please consult your physician if you feel you may be experiencing these symptoms. People experience GERD and acid reflux at all ages. Almost everyone has heartburn occasionally. There are many causes for GERD and Acid Reflux; however the main factors that contribute are the lower esophageal sphincter, Hiatal Hernias, esophageal contractions, and emptying of the stomach. Other factors that may contribute to GERD include, but are not limited to obesity, pregnancy, and smoking.

 

The symptoms of GERD are primarily heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. Some of the less common complications of GERD are Ulcers, Scars from tissue damage can lead to strictures—narrowing of the esophagus—that make swallowing difficult, Barrett's esophagus -in which cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color. Over time, the cells can lead to esophageal cancer, which is often fatal. Studies have shown that GERD may worsen or contribute to asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis, and may cause Inflammation of the throat and larynx, Inflammation and infection of the lungs, Persistent hiccups, chronic sore throat, and Fluid in the sinuses and middle ears.

 

There are several ways to approach the assessment and management of GERD. For infrequent heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD, life-style changes and an occasional antacid may be all that is necessary. Consistently consuming AloeLuYah’s AMP Aloe & E contributes to slowing down the excess activity and overproduction of stomach acids which lead to heart burn along with assisting proper digestion, absorption, and assimilation of foods and nutrients. Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Riopan, are usually the first drugs recommended to relieve heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms for immediate relief. Both AloeLuYah's AMP Aloe & E and Antacids may be consumed at the same time. You may want to consider not eating immediately before you go to bed. Milk, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, cruciferous veggies (onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts), Acidic foods (oranges, tomatoes), carbonated soft drinks are not recommended in excessive amounts especially 2-3 hours within going to bed. Aside from the foods listed above, ccommon foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza, fatty and fried foods, and drinks with caffeine or alcohol.