What You Should Know if You Are Suffering From GERD

If you’re among the 20% of the US population that suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you probably already know something’s wrong. This condition comes with obvious and often painful symptoms that can make daily activities like eating and sleeping difficult. 

People who struggle with GERD should be aware of the many ways they can manage this condition, which vary from holistic treatments to medications to behavioral modification. 

At Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we offer integrated health and wellness options for patients who have GERD and want a more comprehensive treatment plan. An approach that takes your mind and body into account can help you live a happier life free from the symptoms of this condition. 

Lisa Webb, MBA, MPH, PhD, and Ken Robins, MS, PhD, understand GERD and its many symptoms as well as how to manage them in a way that treats the whole person, not just the pain. 

GERD 101: What it is and how it happens 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition that causes the material in your stomach to move back up into your esophagus. This includes stomach acids, which are harsh on the esophagus. While many people experience mild reflux from time to time, those with GERD experience it constantly and consistently. 

GERD causes a number of symptoms — stomach pain, heartburn, regurgitation of stomach acids, problems swallowing, and difficulty sleeping. It can sometimes feel as though there’s a constant lump in your throat, making it difficult to eat and drink or even just to sit comfortably. 

Different risk factors for GERD include smoking, obesity, pregnancy, a hiatal hernia, and, in some cases, alcohol use. Some medications can also increase the likelihood that you may experience the symptoms of GERD. Your behavior also might be a factor. 

The side effects of GERD 

Unfortunately, GERD’s symptoms aren’t the only problem this condition can cause. Many people think they can live with the feeling of heartburn or discomfort once in a while, but the longer GERD goes untreated, the more likely it is to create other problems, such as:

• Worsened asthma 
• Wearing of enamel and tooth decay
• Ulcers 
• Chronic hoarseness 
• Problems with the esophagus that can cause it to narrow, become damaged, or even have an increased risk of cancer 

Some people also find themselves having trouble sleeping because the acid backs up the esophagus most when they lie down.

Treating GERD: Why integrated wellness is the key 

Many issues can lead to the development of GERD. A hiatal hernia might be the impetus for this condition, but smoking or eating late at night could be exacerbating it. That’s why we recommend a full wellness program to help you manage the problem. 

At Body & Mind Consulting, we start with a discussion of your habits and what could be contributing to the issue. Then, we create a personalized treatment plan. It could include anything from medications to weight management to education about the best foods to eat for symptom reduction and overall nutrition. 

In addition, certain programs like stress management and sleep restoration can be highly beneficial for GERD patients. We also discuss behaviors such as alcohol use, smoking, eating patterns, and others that could be contributing to the problem. 

GERD doesn’t have to run your life

In fact, it’s important to understand why this condition occurs and how you can make changes — big and small — in your everyday life to manage it. These changes allow you to decrease your symptoms in a healthy and natural way as well as practice better behaviors in your life overall. 

To learn more about how our integrated health and wellness approach can help with GERD, contact Body & Mind Consulting today. Call our office or book an appointment online at your earliest convenience.