Exploring Alternative Solutions for GERD Management

Are you tired of GERD medication not offering complete relief? Explore the world of complementary therapies! In this article, we explore dietary changes, stress management techniques, herbal remedies, and alternative approaches like acupuncture that have been shown to help improve GERD symptoms. 

GERD is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and other uncomfortable symptoms. One of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat GERD is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (Protonix), antacids like Tums, and H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid).  

Prolonged use of PPIs has been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, kidney problems, stomach cancer, and infections. Overuse of antacids like tums can cause increased calcium levels in the blood, weakened bones, and iron deficiency anemia. H2 blockers may also cause constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pains. There have been reports of B12 deficiency with long-term use of these medications, which can lead to anemia. 

For many, these drugs are effective and even life-saving in the treatment of stomach ulcers; however, if you have been on these medications for a long time and still have GERD symptoms, it may be time to look into alternative measures to help symptoms. It may even reduce reliance on prescription medications. 

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Dietary and lifestyle changes are among the most effective approaches to managing GERD. Without these changes, medications and supplements may only be temporary. The thought is to limit or reduce triggers. These may include:

• Trigger foods: Spicy, fried, or fatty foods, citrus foods, and carbonated drinks can exacerbate GERD symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce reflux episodes. Keep a food and symptom diary to identify potential triggers. Studies show it may be best to follow a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet; the Mediterranean or Low FODMAP diet may relieve some individuals.  
• Losing weight: Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to GERD. Losing even a few pounds can often provide relief. Studies show that the more weight you lose, the more relief you can experience from GERD symptoms. 
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus. People who stopped smoking for one year showed significant GERD symptom improvement. 
• Elevating the head of the bed: Raising the head of the bed by about 7 inches has been shown to significantly reduce GERD symptoms in just seven days! A wedge pillow can help you do this easily.
• Sleeping on the left side: While sleeping with the left side down may offer some relief from GERD symptoms, a study found that sleeping with the right side down may actually contribute to increased GERD symptoms. 

Herbal Remedies

Some herbal remedies have been studied for their potential benefits in managing GERD symptoms:

• Licorice root, often used with ginger and peppermint, may be beneficial in improving GERD symptoms. 
• Mastic gum has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (helping to reduce H. Pylori), and anti-cancer properties. It may also help lower cholesterol. In one study, 77% of mastic gum participants reported improved stomach pain and heartburn symptoms.
• Addressing Hypochlorhydria, aka low stomach acid. When we think of GERD, we often think of excess stomach acid production, but not enough stomach acid can actually have the same symptoms as GERD. If we only address with more acid-blocking medications/supplements, we could be just pouring fuel on the fire, making symptoms worse. Supplements to replace the stomach acid, such as Betaine HCL, may be used in this case. Please talk to your provider before using, and if you have a stomach ulcer, it may not be the right time to use betaine HCL. 
• Other remedies to increase stomach acid, although not well researched, clients report improvement in symptoms, include drinking apple cider vinegar (ACV) and lemon water. Definitely dilute the ACV before use to reduce the risk of teeth erosion. So, drinking acidic things can improve GERD symptoms. I know, mind-blowing. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapies

TCM believes that GERD occurs when imbalances in the spleen, liver, and stomach occur, such as spleen deficiency, liver depression, and disharmony between the liver and stomach. Therapies are geared toward improving harmony between these body systems. 

Some beneficial TCM herbs in studies include Jianpi Qinghua, Wu chu yu tang, and Tongjiang Granule. If you want to explore this therapy, find a reputable, certified TCM provider who can guide you in the right direction.

Acupuncture also shows some benefits for GERD caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter. It has been shown to increase the sphincter tone and strength, leading to fewer reflux symptoms. 

Mind-Body Therapies

Stress and anxiety have been shown to increase the risk for and even worsen GERD symptoms. Mind-body therapies that promote relaxation and stress relief may be beneficial.

• Yoga has been shown to improve many health conditions and has been linked to improvement in GERD symptoms. It helps slow down the nervous system, which leads to stress reduction. Deep breathing helps lower circulating stress hormones. Regular yoga can also help with weight management, thus furthering the benefit of GERD symptoms.  
• Eating speed. While there was a study back in 2013 that reported there was no difference between the speed of eating and GERD symptoms, many recommend. Many patients self-report improvement of GERD symptoms when they take the time to chew their food slowly and eat mindfully. I recommend my clients chew until their food turns to applesauce before swallowing. The slower we eat, the more our brain has more time to catch up to stomach signals of satiety and fullness, thus leading to less eating. Less food in the stomach leads to less pressure on the LES and less risk of GERD. 

Key Takeaway: Be Open to New Therapies

While complementary and alternative therapies seem foreign to many, in the eastern part of the world, many have been passed down through generations and are often exhausted prior to other Western therapies. There has been more of a shift to natural and integrative medicine in the Western world, which is exciting. Being open to trying new things can offer some benefits. 

While some remedies work for some, it may not work for everyone dealing with GERD. It is important to find therapies geared to your individualized cause of GERD. While GERD is thought to be from excess acid production, low stomach acid is a real thing and often has the same symptoms as excess stomach acid. Acupuncture and yoga have been shown to help GERD. Mindful, slow eating and other lifestyle and dietary modifications such as left-side lying and head elevation can certainly be explored easily and cheaply when trying alternative measures to manage GERD symptoms. 

As always, find a healthcare provider who listens to you and is open to trying alternative therapies before starting anything on your own. Even natural supplements can have side effects, interact with other medications/supplements, and be dangerous if taken incorrectly. Find a reputable practitioner to help you on your GERD journey. 

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