GERD Treatment in Ayurveda

A band of muscle lining the oesophagus allows the food and fluid into the stomach and closes again. Inadequate closure of the oesophagal sphincter due to muscle weakness or any other reason allows the stomach contents to flow back to the oesophagus. The backflow irritates the oesophagus lining causing symptoms of GERD. There are a few other noted causes for GERD:

• Connective tissue disorders
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Hiatal hernia
• Chain-smoking
• Overeating
• The habit of sleeping right after eating
• Overconsumption of deep-fried and spicy foods
• Regular drinking of strong beverages like alcohol, coffee, and soda
• Usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin

GERD symptoms include chest pain, acidic taste in the mouth, bad breath, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, breathing problems, chronic cough, and disturbed sleep.

GERD is not a serious problem but it may result in some uncomfortable conditions. Sometimes, in some intense conditions, it may result in some life-threatening health problems. It is a good idea to have an idea about the complications it may lead to:

• Esophagitis: Inflammation in the esophagus.
• Esopahgeal Stricture: Narrowing or tightening of the esopahgus.
• Barrett’s Esophagus: Permanent changes in the innermost lining of the esophagus.
• Asthma: Chronic cough and breathing problems due to the high acid content transferred from the stomach to the lungs.
• Esophageal Cancer: It is a rare condition that only affects people with Barrett’s esophagus.
• Several dental problems like gum diseases, erosion of tooth enamel, etc.

As a part of GERD Ayurvedic treatment, it is essential to make required changes to diet and lifestyle.

• Diet modifications, lifestyle correction, Ayurveda herbal medicines, and Panchakarma therapies in advanced and chronic cases ensure GERD's complete cure.
• Tea, coffee, aerated cold drinks, processed and fermented food, fast food, pickles, sour, spicy, salty foodstuff, tobacco, alcohol, and mental stress will increase the GERD symptoms. A patient should avoid these kinds of stuff.
• A GERD patient should use sufficient water, natural, healthy, and easily digestible food, timely food, fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, yoga, and a sound and timely sleep to recover from the disease.

Unlike other medical conditions, it is possible to prevent GERD. Following are some preventive measures you may take:

• The first thing you may want to do is get control over your weight. It is one of the leading reasons for GERD.
• You must learn to stay away from reflux causing substances like fatty foods, fried food, citrus food, mint, chocolate, onions, carbonated beverages, caffeinated beverage, etc.
• Overeating is one of the leading reasons for GERD. An appropriate measure is to eat smaller meals that decreases the pressure on the esophagus.
• Try not to lie down immediately after eating. Take a walk or do your normal chores but try to maintain a gap of three hours between your meal and your nap.
• If you are on any special medications that may increase acidic reflux, you must speak to your doctor about it.
• Chain-smoking and over-drinking must be avoided.
• Avoid tight wearing clothes or belts, they may constrict your stomach and lead to acidic reflux.