GERD

Don’t live with heartburn or other symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) esophageal reflux disease (GERD). At Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, skilled psychologists Ken Robins, MS, PhD, Lisa Webb, MBA, MPH, PhD, and their team offer GERD treatments that provide the long-lasting relief you deserve. Schedule an evaluation at Body & Mind Consulting by phone or request one online today. 

What is GERD?

GERD, or gastrointestinal reflux disease, is a condition that develops when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus (tube connecting your mouth and stomach). This backwash, or acid reflux, irritates the esophagus lining and causes unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, treating GERD is simpler than you may think. 

Which symptoms can GERD cause?

GERD can cause:

• Upper abdominal discomfort
• Chest pain
• Heartburn (burning sensation in your chest)
• Backwash (regurgitation of stomach acid)
• The sensation of a lump in your throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Vocal cord inflammation
• Worsening or new asthma
• Ongoing cough
• Difficulty sleeping 

These symptoms may come and go or be constant. Mild GERD may not bother you, but severe GERD can dramatically diminish your quality of life and increase the risk of a narrowed esophagus or esophageal cancer. 

What may increase the risk of GERD?

GERD might develop because of:

• Weak esophageal sphincter
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Hiatal hernia
• Delayed stomach emptying
• Connective tissues disorders
• Eating large meals late at night
• Smoking
• Consuming fatty or fried foods
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Some medications

Avoiding certain foods and drinks, maintaining a healthy body weight, and consuming smaller frequent meals throughout the day may reduce the risk of GERD and mental health conditions associated with it. 

How is GERD diagnosed?

Diagnosing GERD involves a review of your medical history and symptoms. Your specialist completes a physical exam and may refer you to another specialist to complete an upper endoscopy, acid probe testing, X-rays, or other diagnostic GI testing.

How is GERD treated?

The Body & Mind Consulting team provides the following treatments for GERD or its complications:

• Weight management
• InBody scanning to assess body composition
• Nutrition education
• Wellness packages
• Meditation
• Medication management
• Sleep restoration 
• Healthy mind lifestyle package
• Stress management
• Specialist referrals

Your wellness specialist teaches ways to achieve or maintain your target body weight and minimize the risk of GERD. They can help you address depression, anxiety, and other potential causes of unwanted weight gain.

It’s important to eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and elevate the head of your bed at night while you sleep if needed. 

If you require surgery or another procedure to alter internal structures to reduce chronic GERD, Body & Mind Consulting can refer you to a highly trained professional. 

Schedule a GERD evaluation at Body & Mind Consulting by phone or request one online today.