Acid Reflux
What Is It?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) - also known as GERD - is a common condition where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus (gullet). During pregnancy, a change in hormone levels as well as increased pressure on the stomach can cause GORD symptoms such as heartburn.
Cause and Effect
Upon eating, food naturally passes from the throat to the stomach through the oesophagus. This ‘tube’ contains a group of muscle fibres in the shape of a ring which make up the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). These fibres prevent food from moving backward from the stomach to the oesophagus. GORD usually occurs because the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus becomes weakened.
The main symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are heartburn and acid reflux. Acid reflux is where acid and other stomach contents are brought back up (regurgitated) into your throat and mouth. If the LES is not closing well, it allows for food, liquid and hydrochloric acid to leak back into the oesophagus. The inner oesophageal tissue is not designed to handle the strong acidity, which inflames the region. This causes the characteristic heartburn sensation. The term ‘heartburn’ came about due to the position of the oesophagus which lies just behind the heart. www.naturalnews.com
The discomfort is usually worse after eating, or when bending over or lying down.
The popular belief is that acid reflux is due to an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. New science has revealed that this is not the case. GORD is most often caused by too little hydrochloric acid being secreted by the stomach. www.naturalnews.com
Other GORD symptoms sometimes experienced include a sore, inflamed oesophagus (oesophagitis), bad breath, bloating and belching, feeling or being sick, difficulty swallowing (which may feel like a piece of food is stuck low down in your throat), pain when swallowing, a sore throat and hoarseness, a persistent cough or wheezing, which may be worse at night, tooth decay and gum disease. GORD can often be controlled with self-help measures and medication. Occasionally, surgery to correct the problem may be needed. http://www.nhs.uk
The condition occurs when hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach to aid digestion begins to back up from the stomach, this happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which normally tightens and closes to prevent the backing up of acid, behaves differently and instead relaxes between swallows. This allows the acids to flow back up, irritating the lining of the oesophagus which then becomes inflamed and painful, leading to ‘heartburn’. This is due to the fact that during digestion the stomach secretes acid to lower its pH to around 1.5-2.5 range.
More protein in the meal results in a greater need for stomach acid. Individuals with non-obstructive acid reflux are often not able to get their pH low enough. The LES is known to be a pH sensitive valve that initiates closure when pH drops under 3.0. When the stomach does not have enough acid, the LES remains open and acid can spill into the oesophageal region and damage the tissue.
If left untreated, acid reflux can damage the cells of the oesophagus which can lead to cancer of the oesophagus. According to a 2013 report by Helen Briggs for BBC Health News, figures from 2010 showed that 5,600 UK men (almost 15 out of every 100,000) developed the disease in 2010, compared with 2,800 UK women (about 5 out of every 100,000). www.bbc.co.uk
Although GORD can affect anyone, there are certain factors which can increase the risk of acid reflux including obesity which places increased pressure on the stomach and as a result can weaken the muscles at the bottom of the oesophagus. Eating large amounts of fatty foods can also cause GORD since the stomach takes longer to get rid of stomach acid after digesting a fatty meal. The resulting excess acid may leak up into the oesophagus. Smoking, alcohol, coffee, chocolate and stress can also be triggers, so cut down, quit and relax!
Some medical conditions such as a hiatus hernia (when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm) and gastroparesis (when the stomach takes longer to get rid of stomach acid) can also cause acid reflux, as can certain medicines including calcium-channel blockers (used to treat high blood pressure), nitrates (used to treat angina) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations
What to Avoid
If you suffer from acid reflux you will know what triggers it for you, although there are a few common foods that acid reflux sufferers should try to avoid. These include processed foods, meats, grains, dairy foods, dietary fats, fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, mint, alcohol, caffeine, tomatoes and processed orange juice.
HCI (Hydrochloric Acid) - HCl has been found to relieve the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD) with remarkable efficiency. Supplements of HCl include digestive enzymes like pepsin to augment the digestive processes. www.livestrong.com
However, it is important these supplements are taken under the advice of a therapist as an excess of HCl can lead to gastric irritation. Natural supplements made with ingredients such as ellagic acid (from raspberries and pomegranates) can also provide soothing relief for occasional heartburn.
Late night eating - Clinical research has shown that eating your evening meal earlier may reduce gastric acidity.
What to Include
An alkaline diet rich in phytonutrient dense vegetables and clean protein sources will help to provide anti-inflammatory support. Consider juicing celery, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, cucumber and, if you have the ‘taste buds’ for it, bitter gourd or bitter melon.
Supporting your digestive process with digestive enzymes and probiotics are particularly helpful at enhancing the digestive process, and for some taking a digestive enzyme before a meal maybe all the support they need.
Aloe vera - Known for its soothing properties which may help to calm the stomach lining.
Baking soda and water - It is important to increase your stomach acid production and there are many ways to do this including drinking water and baking soda. You could also try eating bitter foods (rocket, endive, chicory or dandelion which could make an interesting pre-meal shot), and some people swear by apple cider vinegar. www.naturalnews.com
Carrots - Carrots have a calming influence on the digestive system.
Fennel - This herb is not only great for supporting digestion, it also has antiseptic properties.
Ginger - Adding ‘bite’ to your juices, this wonderful herb has anti-flammatory properties. Ginger tea can also be beneficial to supporting the digestive system and this can easily be made by infusing some fresh ginger in warm water and sipping on it.
Healthy fats - Good sources include coconut products, avocados, olive oil and omega-3 oil supplements. Avocado, banana and papaya (which is rich in the digestive enzyme papain) are super to blend into your juices and support your digestive system, as they provide a creamy, soothing blend for the sensitive surfaces of the intestinal tract.
Herbs - Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, cinnamon, oregano and garlic are all powerful aids.
Juice Master Powergreens - Try a shot of Juice Master Powergreens before a meal - it contains many bitters, cereal grasses, probiotics and digestive enzymes, all super beneficial for supporting your digestive system.
Wheatgrass - Cereal grasses such as this should be used regularly to provide an abundance of critical trace minerals.
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The G & T
½ Apple
1 Inch of Ginger Root
1 Inch of Turmeric
1 tsp Juice Master Powergreens (optional)
2-3 Drops of Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Omega 3-6-9 (optional)
Juice the apple, ginger and turmeric together and pour into a shot glass. Add the Udo's oil or Juice Master Powergreens and stir in well. Down it in one!
Juice: Fennel Veggie Plus
¼ Small Cucumber
3 Inch of Broccoli
2 Inches of Fennel
1 Apple
1 Carrot
½ Lime (peeled with pith left on)
½ Avocado (ripe)
25ml Aloe Vera Juice
Juice the cucumber, apple, carrot, fennel, broccoli stem and lime and blend the juice with the avocado and aloe vera. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Blend: Tropical Ease
250ml Almond Milk
½ Banana (ripe)
¼ Papaya
Blend together until smooth. Sip slowly to ease irritation.
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.