We all know that digestive systems are sensitive, especially with all of the recent information we’ve learned about gluten, dairy, and soy intolerances. But what happens when your system is so sensitive that it barely lets things settle into your stomach before kicking them back out? In that case, you may have GERD, and it’s definitely not a good time.
GERD, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic digestive issue that occurs when stomach acid or bile comes back up through the esophagus. While acid reflux and acid indigestion are sometimes referred to synonymously with GERD, they represent a much lesser challenge. GERD is long lasting. Everyone seems to have a digestive issue from time to time, but when it lasts two weeks or more, you’re likely heading into the GERD category.
GERD Knows No Age
As we get older, our systems seem to develop a higher sensitivity to a varied diet. When you were 20, you could eat a whole pizza followed by a carton of ice cream and be just fine, but at 40, just the thought of such an indulgence can make your stomach start to feel queasy. In this case, it would seem to follow that GERD is more prominent with the older crowd, but that’s not necessarily the case. Even infants can suffer from GERD symptoms, which can lead to bigger issues such as failure to thrive if they can’t keep food in their bellies.
Why People Have GERD
GERD is caused by a misfire of communication between the brain and the lower esophageal sphincter, that little “door” that keeps food in your stomach. It either doesn’t close or opens at inopportune moments, causing the reflux issue.
GERD can also be caused (or exacerbated) by obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain medications, or a hiatal hernia, which moves the upper part of the stomach into the chest. In some cases, doctors cannot find the exact reason a patient is suffering from GERD.
Treatments for GERD
Traditionally, allopathic physicians look at lifestyle, medications, and surgery to treat GERD. Diet can be a factor, as well as losing weight if obesity plays a part, but lifestyle may also mean making changes to routine, such as sitting upright for a length of time after eating or stopping smoking. Medications may include antacids, H2 blockers (Pepcid, Zantac), PPIs (Prilosec), prokinetics, or antibiotics, and they often are a lifetime requirement rather than a short-term cure. In the most severe cases, surgery involves tightening the esophageal muscle to reduce reflux issues.
How Acupuncture Can Help GERD
Since the basic problem that causes GERD is a miscommunication between the brain and the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and stomach, acupuncture is a natural fix. After all, what is acupuncture but a treatment that clears blocks in communication of energy across the body? Those little needles placed in the right locations can help the nerves send signals to the muscles to close at the right time and open when appropriate. Acupuncture can provide real, long-term relief for those who are suffering from GERD, and because there is no age limit, it’s perfect for everyone.
If you are suffering from GERD or even occasional acid reflux or indigestion, acupuncture may be just the treatment you’ve been searching for. Give us a call at 602-955-5444 to schedule your appointment and see if acupuncture will work for you.
