What is Gastric Reflux?
Gastric reflux creates a burning pain inside of the lower chest area. This burning occurs when a portion of the stomach’s acid content flows up the esophagus. The esophagus lacks the special adaptations that protect the stomach from its powerful digestive acids. As a result, stomach acid doesn’t belong anywhere above the stomach, and when it does flow up the esophagus it causes a painful burning sensation.
How to Identify Your GERD Triggers
Gastric reflux is closely linked to inflammation, which has the ability to damage tissue and cause dysfunction in the esophagus. Obesity is another risk factor since being overweight puts extra pressure on the valves and sphincters that control release of acid from the stomach.
Smoking cigarettes is also a culprit. It impairs muscle reflexes and increases stomach acid levels, which increases reflux symptoms. Other potential triggers of gastric reflux are more subtle:
- Magnesium deficiency
- Poor digestion of carbohydrates
How to Stop Your GERD Burn Naturally
There are many medications on the market that are designed to minimize the symptoms of acid reflux, but they do not actually address specific and unique root causes of reflux. In fact, conventional reflux treatments are linked to serious side effects such as nausea, kidney stones, muscle pain, depression, stomach cancer, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Rather than relying on a GERD medication that will only complicate your health further, use natural and holistic remedies to adopt healthier lifestyle habits and improve your overall health:
- Avoid trigger foods like refined carbohydrates, sugars, and fast foods
- Eliminate alcohol, artificial sweeteners
- Incorporate probiotic foods like yogurt, kombucha, and bone broth
- Include healthy fats like avocado and salmon
For more help decoding the causes of your acid reflux and seeking natural, lasting solutions, call (203) 348-8805 to schedule an appointment at Optimal Health Medical with Dr. Henry Sobo in Stamford, CT.