GERD: (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

 

GERD 1. (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining. Several factors can contribute to GERD:

1. Hiatal Hernia: When the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, it can cause acid reflux.
2. Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): The LES is a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach that normally contracts to prevent acid reflux. Weakness can lead to reflux.
3. Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the abdomen and push stomach contents into the esophagus.
4. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing fetus can cause GERD.
5. Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and increases acid production.
6. Certain Foods: Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol can trigger GERD symptoms.
7. Medications: Some medications, such as certain asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, and antihistamines, can worsen GERD symptoms.
8. Delayed Stomach Emptying: Conditions like gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) can increase acid reflux.
9. Lifestyle Factors: Eating large meals, lying down right after eating, or eating close to bedtime can contribute to GERD.
10. Other Conditions: Conditions such as scleroderma, a connective tissue disorder, or a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause excessive acid production and lead to GERD.

Managing GERD typically involves lifestyle changes (diet modifications, weight loss, avoiding trigger foods, etc.), medications to reduce acid production or strengthen the LES, and in severe cases, surgery to strengthen the LES or correct a hiatal hernia.

 

GERD 2. To manage GERD effectively, it’s often recommended to avoid certain triggers that can exacerbate symptoms. Here are some common things to avoid:

1. Fatty or Fried Foods: These can increase the likelihood of acid reflux due to their slower digestion process.
2. Spicy Foods: Spices can irritate the stomach lining and aggravate symptoms of GERD.
3. Citrus Fruits and Juices: These are acidic and can irritate the esophagus lining, leading to heartburn.
4. Tomatoes and Tomato-based Products: These are also acidic and can trigger reflux in some individuals.
5. Chocolate: Contains substances that may relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.
6. Peppermint and Spearmint: These can relax the LES and worsen symptoms of reflux.
7. Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can relax the LES and increase stomach acid production.
8. Carbonated Beverages: Increase pressure in the stomach, which can push stomach acid back up into the esophagus.
9. Processed Foods: Often high in fat and sugar, these can contribute to reflux symptoms.
10. Large Meals and Late-night Eating: Eating large meals or eating close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of acid reflux.

It’s important to note that triggers can vary between individuals, so keeping a food diary to track what worsens your symptoms can be helpful in managing GERD effectively. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tight clothing, and practicing good eating habits (like eating smaller, more frequent meals) can also help reduce symptoms.

 

GERD 3. How Essential Oils May Help with GERD:

Essential oils are sometimes suggested as a complementary or alternative therapy for managing GERD symptoms, although their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Here are some ways in which certain essential oils might help, and how they can be used:

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce inflammation in the esophagus caused by acid reflux.

1. Antispasmodic Effects: Certain oils can help relax the muscles, including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which could potentially reduce the frequency of reflux episodes.
2. Digestive Aid: Some oils may support healthy digestion, which can indirectly help manage symptoms like bloating and discomfort associated with GERD.

Essential Oils for GERD and How to Use Them:

1. Peppermint Oil:
   • Benefits: Known for its ability to relax muscles and relieve digestive symptoms.
   • How to Use: Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply topically to the abdomen, or inhale through steam inhalation. It’s important to note that peppermint oil can relax the LES, potentially worsening symptoms for some individuals with GERD, so use cautiously and stop if it exacerbates reflux.
2. Lavender Oil:
   • Benefits: Calming and may help reduce stress-related triggers of GERD.
   • How to Use: Diffuse a few drops in an essential oil diffuser to inhale the aroma, or dilute and apply to the skin for relaxation benefits.
3. Ginger Oil:
   • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and aids digestion.
   • How to Use: Dilute and apply topically to the abdomen, or add a drop to herbal tea (if it’s safe for you to consume ginger).
4. Lemon Oil:
   • Benefits: May support detoxification and digestion.
   • How to Use: Add a drop to a glass of water (make sure the oil is food-grade and safe for ingestion) or inhale through steam inhalation.

Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils:

• Dilute properly: Essential oils are potent and can cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions if not diluted in a carrier oil.
• Patch test: Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying essential oils more broadly, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Consultation: If you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant, consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
• Quality: Use high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion:

While some people find relief from GERD symptoms through the use of essential oils, it’s essential to approach their use with caution and in conjunction with other recommended treatments. They should not replace medical advice or prescribed medications for managing GERD. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider.

 

My Blends for GERD and another gut health issues may be different, but that’s because I go by industry standards and resaerch to make my own.

One is called HEARTBURN, the other one, Liver Colon cleanse is the one Brittney is using with results.

One final thing; We all hate getting a colonoscopy. I won’t. The new recommendation my doctor advises is called Colon Guard. Sounds awful for sure but is less invasive and is an excellent way for healthy adults get early screening detection. They have me on a 10 year cycle I think.

Colonoscopy: Generally recommended every 10 years if no polyps are found.

• Stool-based tests (e.g., FIT, Cologuard): These may be done more frequently (every 1-3 years) depending on the test type and results.