Ayurveda Remedy: Manage Acid Reflux & GERD Naturally with proven remedies

GASTRO OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE/ GERD

What is GERD?

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach contents, especially acid, flow back into the oesophagus, causing irritation, inflammation, and discomfort, necessitating lifestyle changes. GERD is diagnosed when this happens twice or more per week and impacts a person’s daily life. It is the chronic form of heartburn and acid reflux.

HOW SERIOUS IS GERD

It can range in severity from mild to severe and chronic, potentially leading to severe complications if left untreated. It is diagnosed when it becomes frequent or severe, causing persistent symptoms or tissue damage.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

- Lower Oesophageal Sphincter Dysfunction can exacerbate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.- Hiatus Hernia- Obesity- Smoking and Alcohol- Pregnancy- Certain Medications- Dietary Triggers

SYMPTOMS OF GERD

- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or lying down.- Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to stomach acid flowing back into the throat.- Chronic cough: A persistent cough, sometimes the only symptom of GERD, can be triggered by stomach acid irritating the airways, highlighting the need to manage GERD effectively.- Hoarseness or sore throat: Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) can lead to hoarseness or a sore throat.- Trouble swallowing (Dysphagia): A feeling of food getting stuck in the throat or difficulty passing food down the oesophagus.- Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest area, which can sometimes mimic heart attack symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease.- Nausea and Vomiting: Stomach acid can cause nausea, and in some cases, vomiting, which are symptoms that indicate the need to manage GERD.

DIAGNOSIS

- Upper Endoscopy (EGD)- 24 - hour pH monitoring- Oesophageal Manometry- Barium Swallow X-Ray

MANAGEMENT OF GERD

1. Lifestyle Modifications: These include dietary changes (smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods), weight management, and elevating the head of the bed during sleep.2. Medications: Antacids, H2 Blockers, PPIs, Prokinetics3. Surgery: Nissen Fundoplication, LINX Device, Endoscopic procedures

MODERN MEDICINE VERSUS AYURVEDA

Modern: Focuses on acid control and mechanical repair to reduce acid production.Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, GERD can be correlated to AMLAPITTAM, which relates to imbalances in pitta dosha.Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing Pitta, digestive fire (Agni), herbs like Amla, Yashtimadhu

AMLAPITTAM

“Amlapittam chedi amlagunodriktham Pittam…”This is the Sanskrit sloka of Amlapittam, which provides insight into managing pitta dosha.It is said that in Amlapittam, the Paachakapitta, which is the digestive fire, in contrast to its original Aagneyabhaava, gets transformed into a more Vidagdhabhaava by becoming more liquidified and sour, and thus becomes incapable of performing its natural function of digestion, thus leading to Amlapittam and other related Upadrava Vyaadhis.

SYMPTOMS OF AMLAPITTAM ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

- Tikta – Amlodgara (sour/bitter belching)- Hrit-Kanta Daha (burning in chest/throat)- Chhardi (nausea/vomiting)- Utklesha (nausea, uneasiness)- Aruchi (anorexia/loss of taste)

DOSHA VITIATION IN AMLAPITTA: PITTA, KAPHA

Here, the doshas vitiated are more of Pitta and Kapha.

CHIKITSA OF AMLAPITTA

“Amlapitte prayokthavyaa Kaphapittaharo vidhi” …This is the treatment plan Sloka mentioned in our Classical text of Ayurveda for addressing pitta dosha imbalances.Kaphapitta Samana chikitsa is the treatment line in Ayurveda.Agni Deepana (Stimulate digestive fire)Aama Pachana (Digest toxic metabolites)Tikta Rasam is the best choice.Sodhana Chikitsas like Mridu Virechana and Sadyo Vamana can also be done according to the condition of the disease.

HERBAL FORMULATIONS FOR AMLAPITTA

- Avipathikara Choornam – Pitta pacifying and mild laxative- Kamdudha Ras – Cooling and alkalizing effect- Shatavari and Yashtimadhu – Soothing mucosa- Amla and Dadima (Pomegranate) – Antacid and digestive remedies that can help reduce acid.

PANCHAKARMA RECOMMENDATIONS IN AMLAPITTA TREATMENT

Sodhana Chikitsa, like Sadyo Vamanam and Mridu Virechanam, can also be done according to the condition of the disease to balance pitta dosha.Takradhara and Shirodhara (if associated with stress)

DO’s and DON’Ts in GERD

- Raising the head end of the bed about six inches is useful- Absolute avoidance of coffee, tea, arishtas, asavas, and food items which are very spicy, sour and salty is crucial to reduce acid production.- Chocolates, oils, smoking, pain killers, anticholinergics, and aspirin are avoided.- A small and frequent meal plan should be advised.

PREVENTION TIPS

- Maintain Weight as part of a treatment plan to manage GERD effectively.- Avoid lying down after eating- Eat mindfully as a lifestyle change to help manage GERD.- Avoid trigger foods- Manage stress as an important aspect of a holistic approach to reduce acid and manage GERD.- Practice yoga and pranayama

GERD affects the quality of life of a person. So immediate intervention is advised to avoid further complications and faster relief from the disease.