Got GERD??? Natural and effective remedies to alleviate and eliminate GERD for good.

Most GERD cases involve overweight and obese people. This is because excess body weight, particularly abdominal obesity, contributes to GERD through several mechanisms:

1. Increased intra-abdominal pressure: Excess abdominal fat raises pressure within the abdomen, which can push stomach contents upward into the esophagus[1][4].
2. Esophageal motor disorders: Obesity is associated with changes in esophageal motility that can impair the clearance of refluxed acid[1].
3. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) abnormalities: Excess weight can lead to weakening or relaxation of the LES, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily[1][4].
4. Hiatal hernia development: Obesity increases the likelihood of developing a hiatal hernia, which is a risk factor for GERD[1].
5. Hormonal factors: Adipose tissue produces hormones like adiponectin and leptin, which may play a role in the development of GERD and its complications, such as Barrett's esophagus[1].
6. Dose-response relationship: Studies have shown that higher BMI levels correlate with increased risk and severity of GERD symptoms[3][5].
7. Metabolic activity of visceral fat: Abdominal fat is metabolically active and associated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to GERD pathogenesis[4].

These factors collectively explain why obesity is a significant risk factor for GERD, with obese individuals being up to six times more likely to experience GERD symptoms compared to those of normal weight[3]. The association is particularly strong in women, especially pre-menopausal women and those who have used hormone therapy[3].

Adopting a diet that promotes weight loss and emphasizes nutrient-dense, low-acid foods can significantly help manage GERD symptoms. Here are some key dietary recommendations:

Focus on Lean Proteins:

• Grilled, baked, or poached chicken and turkey
• Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon rich in omega-3s
• Egg whites

Embrace Vegetables:

• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, arugula)
• Non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus)
• Root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes) in moderation

Include Low-Acid Fruits:

• Bananas
• Melons (cantaloupe)
• Pears

Healthy Fats:

• Avocados
• Olive oil
• Nuts and seeds (in moderation due to high calorie content)

Hydration:

• Water (room temperature or warm)
• Herbal teas (chamomile, ginger)

Weight Loss Tips:

1. Practice portion control
2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals
3. Avoid eating 2 hours before bedtime
4. Incorporate regular physical activity
5. Avoid taking Antacid like Thumbs- This will aggravate GERD.

By focusing on these whole, unprocessed foods and maintaining a calorie deficit for weight loss, you can potentially reduce GERD symptoms while improving overall health. Remember to chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to aid digestion.

Here is a recipe for my homemade cocktail and a natural remedy for GERD

Ingredients                                                                                                            Amount

Fresh Ginger                                                                                            1 TBS Chopped

OR Ginger tea bag                                                                                   2 Tea bags

Fresh Mint                                                                                                ¼ C chopped leaves

OR Mint tea bag                                                                                      2 Tea bags

Raw Honey                                                                                               1 tsp

Organic Aloe Vera Juice**                                                                     ¼ C

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar*                                                                     1 TBS

Filtered Water                                                                                         64 oz

Directions:

Place fresh ginger/ mint OR tea bags in a teapot or a French press

Add 24 oz of boiling water and steep on low heat on the stovetop for 10 minutes

Remove from heat, add 1 tsp honey and ¼ C aloe Vera juice mix.

Refrigerate the concentrated cocktail.

In a separate pitcher or glass container, mix the rest of the water with 1 TBS apple cider vinegar.

Store this separately in the fridge.

Drink ¼ C of ACV water 15 minutes before main meals.

When you experience GERD, make a 50:50 mix of the concentrated cocktail and filtered water and drink.

At bedtime, elevate your pillow so that your head is above your chest.

Citations:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3920303/

[2] https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085%2808%2900155-8/fulltext

[3] https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/gerd-and-the-obese-patient/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3801365/

[5] https://karger.com/vis/article/37/4/267/820625/