REFLUX

Reflux is a common problem in those who carry excess weight. It is referred to as reflux oesophagitis, and is also known as ‘heartburn’ although it has nothing to do with the heart.

What causes it?

It is caused by the acid contents of the stomach regurgitating or flowing backwards into the oesophagus. The lining of the oesophagus is not designed to handle these high acid conditions, which leads to inflammation and in severe cases scarring of the oesophagus. This is called oesophagitis.

There is a circular muscle around the lower oesophagus, which divides it from the stomach, and this normally remains contracted to prevent back flow of stomach acid. During swallowing this muscle normally relaxes, allowing food to pass from the oesophagus into the stomach after which it should remain contracted. If this circular muscle becomes weakened or too relaxed, reflux can occur after meals, and this produces a burning pain in the upper abdomen or mid chest. Reflux can occur right up to the throat when a bitter burning sensation in the throat will be experienced.

In some people with reflux there is also a hernia of the upper part of the stomach through the diaphragm into the lower chest. This is called a hiatus hernia and more common in those who are overweight or aged.

General treatment

Reflux can last anywhere from several minutes to hours. In severe cases of reflux oesophagitis, medications to block stomach acid production should be taken if natural therapies fail. These are very effective and generally well tolerated. These may include; cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, rantidine and omeprazole. These medications should not be relied upon long term because they can have undesirable side effects and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

In acute attacks of heartburn, it may be necessary to use an antacid preparation for quick relief.

To help reduce reflux, use these techniques:

Lose weight with exercise and correct diet if overweight.
Meals should be small and frequent, as large meals increase pressure inside the stomach.
Do not drink with meals.
Do not eat food during the 3 hours before retiring to bed and drink alkaline beverages during this time such as herbal teas, aloe vera juice and water.
Use soothing teas such as chamomile
Elevate the top of your bed by 6 inches
Avoid coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, fatty foods, fried foods, preserved foods and vinegar. Some people may need to also avoid spicy foods.
The majority of people with reflux have a food intolerance which is behind their symptoms. Common culprits include cow's milk and gluten (found in wheat, rye, oats and barley). A dairy free and grain free diet helps the majority of reflux sufferers.

Recommended books

The Healthy Liver & Bowel Book - see in particular the vital healthy eating principles outlined on pages 20-30
Raw Jucies Can Save Your LIfe - see pages 81 - 84 for juicing recipes to help with this conditiion.
The Ultimate Detox - all of the recipes in this book are free of gluten and dairy products, therefore helpful for people with a digestive complaint such as reflux.

Recommended supplements

Liver tonic powder or capsules

Take 2 capsules before food twice daily or 1 teaspoon twice daily before food. Use a liver tonic that includes St Mary's Thistle, Dandelion, Taurine and Psyllium, which is useful for the relief of digestive disorders.

Magnesium powder or tablets

Take 1 teaspoon daily in water or raw juice or 2 tablets twice daily. Magnesium will help the oesophageal muscle.

Slippery Elm

Take 1 to 2 capsules, 3 times daily to help reduce acidity. Slippery Elm is useful in all conditions characterised by inflammation and irritation of the digestive system such as hyperacidity - reflux.