Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Ayurvedic Treatment

The frequent regurgitation (reflux) of digestive juices or semi-digested food particles from stomach to esophagus (tube like structure between mouth and stomach) is called GERD and it causes irritation and inflammation of the lining of esophagus. It is caused by weakness of lower esophageal sphincter (muscular structure that allows downward movement of food and drinks through esophagus to stomach). Occasional acid reflux is not considered as GERD. Simple lifestyle modifications are enough to manage the problem, though surgery is needed in rare cases.

Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Signs and Symptoms

The usual signs and symptoms of GERD include heart burn (burning sensation at the chest region after having food, which may worsen during night or lying down), pain above abdomen, regurgitation of acidic fluid or food particles into mouth or throat, feeling of a lump in throat and difficulty to swallow food. Those people with heart burn at night may experience persistent cough, inflammation of vocal cord and asthma.

Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Ayurvedic Analysis

Amlapitta is a condition characterised by indigestion, regurgitation of sour liquid or food into mouth/ esophagus, bitter or sour taste in mouth, burning sensation of chest and throat region, and tastelessness.

Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

It is caused by intake of food items that cause burning sensation in stomach, sour food, viruddha (incompatible) and dushta (stale) food, and those aggravate pitta dosha (eg: spicy/ salty food, alcohol etc).

Possible Complications of Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Disease

Chronic GERD will result in inflammation, narrowing and pre-cancerous changes (Barrett esophagus) of esophagus.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

GERD may occur in association with pregnancy, obesity, hiatal hernia (bulging of the upper part of stomach) etc. Smoking, alcohol consumption, eating heavy meals, certain triggering food items, late night dinner and some medicines can (eg: aspirin) also be a reason.

Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

The treatment of amlpaitta is focused on correcting the Agni and reducing the pitta vitiation. Internal medication along with mild virechana (purgation) is given to pacify the symptoms. If stress is associated, psychotherapy, yoga, pranayama and meditation are helpful.

Diet

Avoid spicy and hot food. Include more vegetables, sweet fruits, milk and nuts in diet. Sour tasting fruits and food, horse gram, processed food, carbonated drinks, tea etc should be avoided.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise is recommended for those having GERD. Avoid bending forward postures. Yoga, meditation and pranayama are also beneficial.

Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Maintain a healthy body weight. Avoid triggering food items (eg: spicy, sour food), late night dinner and heavy meals at night. Chew the food thoroughly before swallowing. Sleep on the left side of body at least half an hour after meals. Use slightly elevated pillow to sleep. Quit smoking and limit the intake of alcohol. Exercise regularly.

Importance of Diet

Certain food items worsen the condition, and hence select the right food after consulting the physician.

Lifestyle

Take dinner before 8pm. Lay on the left lateral side at least after half to one hour of having food. Consume warm/ cool milk at bed time. Use a slightly elevated pillow so that the head will be above the heart level. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before bedtime. Do not use the food and drinks that trigger acid reflux. Consume more steamed vegetables, sweet fruits, cool and soothing food etc. Avoid stress.