Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Heartburn :

Reflux is also known as heartburn - many people complain of pain or a burning sensation in their chest and/or throat during and after meals. These sensations are symptoms of gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Heartburn is caused when stomach acid and sometimes food particles flow upward (reflux) from the stomach into the oesophagus (esophagus).
The oesophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth and throat through to the stomach.
Oesophageal Stomach Acid Reflux occurs due to a loss of oesophageal sphincter muscle tone. The function of these muscles is to allow food to pass into the stomach in order to be digested and processed. This can only happen when they 'relax'. However, the rest of the time, they need to be tightly constricted.
If these muscles fail to keep closed, acid from the stomach leaks upward and the burning sensation behind the sternum occurs when it comes into contact with the oesophagus. This pain and burning can even radiate upward as far as the mouth in extreme cases.

This loss of muscle tone in oesophageal sphincter muscles can be brought on by long term use of antacids, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or simply pure bad luck.

Some symptoms of Reflux Heartburn :

• vomiting
• difficulty in swallowing
• respiratory symptoms
• regurgitation
• Other conditions that may be present include: hiatus hernia, acid dyspepsia

Treatment for Reflux Heartburn :

Any underlying causes should be treated.
Diet change may be helpful in treating mild or infrequent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / heartburn by decreasing irritation in the esophagus, and reducing the frequency and volume of reflux.

Some dietary / food intake change suggestions :

• Avoid all ready meals and processed foods
• Reduce fat intake to a bare minimum
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, chocolate and strong tea
• Reduce added salt intake
• Avoid spices and hot peppery foods
• Basically - try to follow a BLAND DIET for a few weeks - keep track of the frequency of unpleasant reflux heartburn attacks.
  If they decrease, follow the eating plan as it makes this condition more manageable.

Also try to follow these principals to help reduce reflux heartburn :

• Eat smaller meals and eat more frequently.
  Instead of only eating 2 or 3 times per day, try to snack every 3 to 4 hours. Following this method, the volume of food eaten per meal is reduced which takes the strain off the stomach. The food is also better digested and absorbed so less likelihood of partially digested foods being forced back up into the oesophagus.
• If the reflux heartburn is bad at night, try to elevate the head of your bed at least 4 to 6 inches (use blocks and place them under the feet of your bed). This may also help to reduce the frequency and volume of reflux as everything will be forced 'downwards' by gravity.
• Do not wear tight clothing, especially around the waist.
• Try to avoid bending over and stooping too often.
• Cut out smoking
• Avoid chewing gum directly after meals
• Also see indigestion

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX / HEARTBURN SUMMARY Alter and improve your diet and eating habits Cut out or reduce smoking BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS Teas selected from Barberry, Black Horehound, Centuary, Dandelion and German Chamomile Irish Moss Slippery Elm Meadowsweet Dandelion Root Fennel Aloe Vera Juice

Basic fact sheet on anti-reflux diets, how to reduce heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Heartburn.