Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Humidity and our skin! Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Summertime can be a time for beach going, Barbeques and just all kinds of outdoor fun! However, summer brings more than just fun outdoor activities. It also brings humidity. While most people know how high humidity affects …
Super Focus IQ Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND If you have been on the Invite health website, you may have noticed a formula called Super Focus IQ. If the nutrients inside this formula seem to ring a bell that’s because it is the same fantastic …
GERD and ACID REFLUX
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Next to constipation and diarrhea, one of the most common concerns that people have is stomach acid. This includes GERD or gastroesophageal re-flux disease. Other common concerns that relate to stomach acid include Peptic ulcers, gastritis, and ironically, too little stomach acid. In this blog we will be focusing on GERD and an Invite product called Min Acid. Min Acid is one of my favorite recommendations for GERD. There is much to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
So, what exactly is GERD or gastroesophageal re-flux disease? GERD is known as acid re-flux or heartburn. The lower esophageal sphincter or “doorway” between the stomach and esophagus does not close properly allowing the acid and other stomach contents to leave the stomach and enter the esophagus. Normally the stomach has protection, so it can manage the acid without being damaged or causing pain. In contrast, the esophagus does not have these protections and thus when the acid rises it causes complications and pain. (1)
Most people know the symptoms of GERD include heartburn or burning in the chest, it can have quite a few other symptoms or be asymptomatic. In addition to heartburn, there can be a metallic or acidic taste in the mouth. Acid can cause bad breath and even an increase in saliva. As acid causes damage, pain with swallowing or even just a chronic sore throat is common. Some people with GERD never have any pain, but do develop symptoms such as a chronic cough, trouble breathing, an increase in asthma attacks and even chest pain that can be confused as coming from the heart. This is typically known as silent GERD since the classic heartburn is absent. While GERD can cause nausea or vomiting, this is less common in adults and is seen more in children and infants. (3) Children and infants can get GERD, but the symptoms are different than in adults. They can include vomiting, spitting up, coughing, wheezing, and food refusal that leads to weight loss. There can also be excessive burping and bad breath. (4) Over time acid can damage the enamel of teeth as well as the gums and dry mouth or burning mouth. (5)†
The number one risk factor for GERD is H. Pylori. In fact, up to 40% of GERD cases are associated with an H. Pylori infection. (6) Other risk factors include gallstones, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity. 13% of changes in esophageal acid exposure is attributable to an increase in body mass index (BMI). (7) A hiatal hernia can also increase the risk of GERD. Holistically, food allergies/sensitivities can also increase the risk of GERD. Pathogens can also increase the risk of GERD. Stress is a significant risk factor for GERD. Certain medications and smoking are also risk factors for GERD. Lastly pregnancy can trigger GERD. (8)
Long term complications caused by an increase in stomach acids but are not limited to cancer. Other complications for GERD can include Esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and barrettes esophagus. (9)
What can you do if you have GERD? Well in addition to your medications one of my favorite suggestions is Min Acid! It hits all the markers for helping GERD.
Min Acid is an excellent formula for helping heal our digestive tract. However, the most common question I have gotten thus far about this product is “I have high blood pressure is this product safe to use?” Licorice extracts normally contain a compound called glycyrrhizin. This is the part of licorice that affects blood pressure. DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice does not contain glycyrrhizin and thus should not affect potassium levels. According to Mount Sinai DGL “does not seem to have the undesired side effects of licorice”. (11) By removing the glycyrrhizin, it makes the DGL form different in that it “does not alter blood pressure”. (12) Therefore YES, it is safe to use!
What does Min Acid do for us?
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Digestive Health Overview Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Digestive health does not just mean diarrhea or constipation. In fact, while diarrhea or constipation can be a concern by themselves, they are often symptoms of other disorders such as SIBO, IBS, IBD and even diverticulitis. The digestive tract is one …
Hemorrhoids and Veins Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Many people call telling me they have hemorrhoids and/or anal polyps. I always ask people to be specific as to exactly what is going on in their digestive tract. While to most people, hemorrhoids might seem to …
IBS and IBD
Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
A question I am often asked is, “what is the difference between Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome?” Aren’t they the same? Well not really. While both are digestive conditions involving irritation in our digestive system they are in fact different! It is a lot to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
Irritable Bowel Disease is more destructive than Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Disease causes inflammation that can lead to permanent damage to the intestines. It has diagnosed using tests such as colonoscopy. Irritable Bowel Syndrome in contrast for most people does not cause permanent damage to the intestines. It is diagnosed by excluding other causes of your symptoms. Irritable Bowel Disease increases your risk for colon cancer in a way that Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not. Irritable Bowel Disease also is more likely to cause systemic health concerns. (1)
IBD VS. IBS
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), unlike Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) breaks down into two sub-types, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Ulcerative Colitis involves ulcers and inflammation along the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Crohn’s Disease involves just the inflammation of the digestive tract in the small intestine but can extend to the large intestine. (2)
Symptoms of both forms of IBD include diarrhea, fatigue, blood in the stool as well as abdominal pain and cramping. Both forms of IBD can cause a decrease in hunger as well as weight loss. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome has similar symptoms, there are some differences. For example, in both IBD and IBS there is often cramping, abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea. However, IBS can also cause constipation or it can cause both diarrhea and constipation. From a holistic perspective, we know that both these conditions are associated with leaky gut syndrome. As mentioned earlier, IBD is also associated with systemic symptoms such as joint pain, not typically seen in IBS. (3)
IBD and IBS are both triggered by similar conditions. While the exact causes for both are not known, there are some triggers. An immune system malfunction is an example of one possible trigger, because of a pathogen. Other triggers include dietary triggers such as food sensitivity. It is well documented that stress can make IBD and IBS worse. It is also well known that if you have one autoimmune disease, there is a propensity to develop other autoimmune issues. Certain medications can increase the risk of both syndromes. (4)
Both IBD and IBS can cause consequences if not properly treated. They can lead to a person being anemic. If the inflammation extends through the intestinal wall, it can lead to things such as fistulas, fissures, and toxic megacolon. IBD can affect other parts of the body including the joints, liver, gallbladder as well as the eyes. (5)
HOW TO HELP SYMPTOMS
For more information on this topic please contact an Invite Health nutritionist for a free consultation about your lifestyle
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