Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux  

Acid reflux is the result of the esophagus allowing stomach acid to flow upwards into the esophagus.  This reflux of acid into the esophagus causes a symptom of burning deep inside the abdomen just below the breast bone called heart burn. Acid reflux may also be called GERD (Gastro-Esophogeal Reflux Disease) or Gord (Gastro-Oesophogeal Disease). Acid Reflux, GERD and GORD all refer to the same disease of acid found within the esophagus.  This type of disease can be found both in children (pediatric Acid Reflux) or in adults.  In either case simple lifestyle and diet changes can often cure this disorder.  There are many medications which can treat this condition and in severe cases surgery may be needed.  If left untreated, Acid reflux can cause permanent damage of the esophagus.  

The most common symptoms of acid reflux are: heart burn, acid regurgitation, difficulty swalling (dysphagia), nausea, chest pain, ....

Treatment of Acid Reflux:

COLD Type

Acid regurgitation accompanied the burping up of frothy fluids, stomach fullness or boating, general sense of coldness, soft stools and low energy. This can be a milder type of acid reflux where the symptoms of heart burn can be relieved by warm or hot water. 

Herbal Medicine Formula: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang with Wu Zhu Yu

HOT Type:

Acid reflux which has a strong odor and a burning sensation.  There will also be bloating,  dry sticky mouth, a thirst for cold water, smelly burning stools and a sense of heat.  

Herbal Medicine Formula: Zuo Jin Wan

Natural Cures for Acid Reflux:

Simple diet changes can cure acid reflux, staying away from these triggers may help:   Tomatoes, raw onion, garlic, citrus fruits, foods high in fat, white vinegar, coffee, alcohol and other carbonated sugary drinks.  

Simple lifestyle changes can also help cure acid reflux.  Not eating too late or before bed and eating slowly to help properly digest foods will alleviate this discomfort.  Stress and cigarettes will aggravate heart burn as well.  

Things like apple cider vinegar, alloe vera juice (Lu Hui) and slippery elm can all help decrease the discomforts associated with acid reflux.