4 Ways to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Are you suffering from severe acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or suspect that psychological stress may be causing digestive trouble? Acid reflux is a very common condition that occurs when stomach acid or bile rises into the esophagus and irritates the lining of the tissue. This can feel like burning, stomach upset, nausea, or even a heart attack in severe cases. If you’re experiencing acid reflux or another form of stomach-acid-related distress, read on for 4 ways to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

#1. Lemons for acid reflux.

Small amounts of lemon juice can have an alkalizing effect on the digestive tract. This is helpful because it can help to counteract the acidity that is produced by GERD and acid reflux. To get the most out of lemon water for acid reflux, mix a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with eight ounces of water. If you choose to consume lemon water for acid reflux, aim to drink it approximately 20 minutes prior to eating. When possible, consume lemon juice through a straw to prevent enamel-damaging acid from touching your teeth. Always consult your healthcare professional about introducing new foods into your diet.

#2. Check for food sensitivities.

Food sensitivities can cause the body to respond as if it is having an allergic reaction, creating inflammation, digestive distress, and other negative side effects. If you suspect that you might be experiencing a food sensitivity, review your diet and see if you have introduced anything recently that might be creating a reaction. Common culprits include dairy products, wheat, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods. You may check your food sensitivities by isolating or removing certain foods from your diet, as well as seeking bloodwork from your medical doctor or a food sensitivity kit. Consult your healthcare professional about the best diet for your lifestyle.

#3. Eat foods that help prevent acid reflux.

In addition to reducing or eliminating foods that contribute to symptoms of acid reflux (determined either by self-testing or with medical assistance), there are also foods that can actively help to prevent the symptoms of acid reflux. These foods are typically high fiber, are particularly alkaline, and have a higher water content. They include whole grains, root vegetables, bananas, watermelon, broth-based soup, and green vegetables.

#4. Visit a chiropractor.

Chiropractic care is highly effective for helping to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with acid reflux, GERD, or psychological stress. Chiropractic has a powerful effect on the nervous system, which is directly connected to digestion through the enteric nervous system.

The enteric nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling functions of the body that are automatic. The enteric nervous system is responsible for controlling the gastrointestinal region of the body, which makes up the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The enteric nervous system is highly responsive to stress, which is why anxiety, nerves, and psychological strain can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and acid reflux.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

In addition to correcting spinal posture, which can contribute to acid reflux and GERD by constricting the gastrointestinal tract, chiropractic care also has a highly therapeutic effect on the nervous system. When a chiropractic adjustment is delivered to the body, the bones, joints, and nerves are both stimulated and reset back to their ideal function. This restoration of balance allows the entire nervous system to relax and correct the effects of nerve interference and stress.

Patients report feeling more energetic, relaxed, and clear-headed after receiving chiropractic treatment. The effect of chiropractic care on the body is holistic, meaning that it affects all systems of the body globally. This means that whether a condition is being caused by a single trigger, or multiple triggers across various body systems, chiropractic care can help to address these concerns.

By receiving regular chiropractic treatment, you can promote your overall health and well-being through the regulating and beneficial effects of chiropractic.

The ASP Difference

At Advanced Spine and Posture of Midtown Las Vegas, we are trained in Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), a unique chiropractic technique that helps to produce long-term movement in the bones and joints. Chiropractic BioPhysics is known for its ability to help change your posture and spinal structure over time, allowing you to experience heightened mobility and flexibility, decreased pain, and improved nerve activity.

Just like braces move teeth, Chiropractic BioPhysics utilizes mirror image adjustments and customized spinal traction setups to move the spine and joints. By moving the spine back into its natural position, this can help to alleviate pain and improve nerve function, which can ultimately contribute to improved digestion. At ASP, your Nevada advanced pain specialists are standing by to help find the treatment that is best equipped to provide you with the relief you need.

Chiropractic Care & Digestion

Chiropractic care improves digestion in two ways: by correcting skeletal misalignment and by improving nervous system function.

In serious cases of misalignment, such as severe scoliosis, the spinal structure can become so misaligned that pressure builds up on the digestive system. When this happens, the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments constrict and put pressure on the various components of the digestive system, from the stomach to the intestines.

Chiropractic care can also help to treat the digestive system via the nervous system. When the bones and joints are out of place, the nerves and nerve bundles all over the body can become bruised and compressed. The enteric nervous system is primarily in charge of digestion. By treating the nerves across the body, as chiropractic care helps to do, this can improve the function of the enteric nervous system, thereby decreasing the bodys stress and improving all body system functions.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re ready to experience the healing and rebalancing effects of chiropractic care on the digestive system and body, contact us today to book your first appointment.