Can Homoeopathy Treat GERD?
GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder) is the most common conditions in youths due to several factors, like stress, faulty diet and lifestyle, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption etc. Gastroesophageal means a condition relating to the oesophagus and stomach. Reflux means backflow. When we consume anything, the lower end of the food pipe (lower oesophagal sphincter) opens up and permits the food to go into the stomach. Once the process is completed, it closes and prevents the reflux of food and stomach juices (acid) to the oesophagus. When the lower oesophagal sphincter (a band-like muscular gateway) becomes weak or relaxes abnormally, a backflow occurs in the stomach content. It causes a back flow also known as gastroesophageal reflux in the oesophagus or food pipe. The reflux of acid can irritate the mucosa of the oesophagus and may cause symptoms including heartburn, acidity, bitter taste, chest pain, coughing, etc. Everyone goes through from such symptoms at some occasion in their life. However, if the symptoms continue and start causing discomfort, it may be termed as Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also called as Acid reflux disease. In most cases, GERD can be controlled with dietary and lifestyle changes, but some people may need stronger medications or surgery.
Causes of GERD
Several factors are responsible for GERD. Some of the common causes of GERD include:
1. Abnormal functioning of lower oesophagal sphincter
Abnormally weak relaxation of the lower oesophagal sphincter progresses to GERD. Specific structural abnormalities, certain kind of foods, medications, and beverages may cause abnormal functioning of LES.
2. Delayed stomach emptying
Due to some reasons, food can stay for a long time in the stomach that causes distension of the stomach for a long time than usual. This puts pressure on lower oesophagal sphincter causing GERD.
3. Stress
Many people have reported that a change in emotional or physical stress aggravates their GERD condition.
4. Faulty diet
Unhealthy diet habits may include:
Overeating spicy food, pungent food, or fatty food
Consuming an excess of coffee or aerated drinks
Eating citrus fruits
Excess utilization of garlic or onion in the diet
Using peppermints or chocolates
5. Faulty eating habits
Unhealthy eating habits include:
Eating large meals
Late consumption of food at night
A long gap between two meals
Lying down immediately after eating food
A poor posture after eating
How can Homoeopathy help in Treating GERD?
The prescription of homoeopathic medicine in GERD depends on the current state of the disease, symptoms of GERD, dietary habits, lifestyle and emotional condition of the patient. Therefore, it acts on a deep level and corrects the imbalance in the system.
Homeopathy treats the conditions at the root and tries to correct the functions of the digestive system. In turn, it manages acid secretion and digestion.
Initially, homoeopathic medicines give you relief from symptoms, like heartburn, acidity, chest pain, sour taste, etc.
In mild to moderate cases of GERD, it can assist in strengthening the muscles of the lower oesophagal sphincter and avoiding the backflow of stomach content.
If you are taking antacids for a long time, homoeopathy can help reduce the dependency on antacids or other conventional medicines.
Homeopathy treatment for GERD is absolutely safe and non-habit-forming. Results in homoeopathy for GERD last’s long. However, severe cases can require surgical intervention or other treatment.
Duration of Homoeopathy Treatment
Many people respond to homoeopathy treatment in six to eight weeks. However, the total period of treatment may change depending on several factors listed here:
The disease’s extent
Reason behind GERD
Period of the suffering
Other medical conditions
Current and previous medication
Dietary habits and lifestyle of the person
Chances of Recovery from GERD with Homoeopathy?
Fantastic result: fantastic results are observed in mild, moderate, and early-detected and treated cases of GERD.
Good results: Good results are observed by using homoeopathy in moderate to severe cases. In 3-7 years old cases, one can find good results by using homoeopathy.
Not so good result: Severe cases, very old cases (> 15 years), and cases with low lifestyle may not respond well enough to homoeopathy.
All mild, moderate, and a few severe cases of GERD respond well to homoeopathic treatment. Mild to moderate cases that have recently originated respond wonderfully to homoeopathy. Antacid-dependent cases, old cases of GERD and cases with a little structural abnormality can take the time or may not respond well to homoeopathy. Lifestyle changes, diet habits, and daily exercises need to be augmented with homoeopathic treatment to have good results.