04/04/2021
I can’t believe that I have to write the words ‘Thank you, Dr. Oz’. Why am I thanking him? I am often using my friends Google and YouTube to learn about more ways to help you. There is still so much to learn. This week I had been searching for information that I don’t already know about helping people suffering from GERD / Acid Reflux. A clip from the Dr. Oz show popped up and gave me something to research.
Apparently Melatonin, yes the supplement that many people use as a sleep aid, is an effective treatment for acid reflux. It is especially helpful for people suffering from a weakened LES (lower esophageal sphincter). If all you wanted was a quick health tip, you’re done, that’s it! If you want to learn more read on.
Here’s the whole story about this issue, whether you call it GERD, acid reflux, LPR, or heartburn I don’t care. The symptoms can include:
Acid reflux that you can feel coming up
A chronic dry cough
Clearing your throat, especially after meals
Difficulty swallowing
Shortness of breath
A sour taste in your mouth
Frequent burping
Pain in your stomach
These are the most common symptoms experienced when someone has acid reflux. You may have one, two, all, or even none of them (there is such a thing as silent reflux which doesn’t give you symptoms but does cause irritation).
Why does this develop in approximately ⅓ rd of people? There are a few reasons but the most common is this scenario. Something causes a reduction in the production of HCL, the acid in your stomach. Normally, healthy amounts of this acid stimulate a valve that separates your esophagus (the tube that leads into your stomach) from your stomach. Think of the acid as a trigger for your LES to stay strong and keep the acid out of your esophagus and prevent it from refluxing up to your mouth. Low acid in the stomach causes that valve to weaken and that is one of the more common causes of reflux.
There are many strategies that I’ve used over the years to help people suffering from acid reflux that don’t want to take acid-reducing medications. Acid-reducing meds may be helpful for you at times but long term use has been proven to cause nutrient deficiencies, increase risks of infections, AND WORST OF ALL, KEEP YOU FROM FIGURING OUT THE CAUSE OF YOUR SYMPTOMS. That’s what health is all about, finding the cause rather than covering up the problem.
Some very common treatments that address the cause of acid reflux are:
Zinc Carnosine
B12
L-Glutamine
Aloe
Deglycerized licorice root
Herbal Bitters
HCL supplements and /or Apple Cider Vinegar
Baking Soda
Correcting TMJ disfunction
Releasing tension from your diaphragm
Now I have a new tool in the arsenal as well. Melatonin can act as an antioxidant, improve circulation and improve strength in the esophagus and to the LES. Melatonin may also work better when combined with the amino acid L-Tryptophan but since it seems to work well on its own I will be starting to recommend that people suffering from GERD/Reflux tale 2-3mg of Melatonin a day, preferable before bed to start.
Check out the series of videos I created on my YouTube Channel, The Digestion Diaries to learn even more.
If you want more personalized guidance to help you to be healthier without the use of drugs or surgery, reach out to me this week and let’s set up a visit.
