It’s normal to experience heartburn every now and then, especially if you’ve eaten something extra spicy. But when it starts to become a common occurrence, it needs to be taken seriously. This is something that can really interfere with your life and can indicate a bigger problem at play.
Nearly 784 million people around the world experience heartburn on a regular basis, and if you’re one of them it’s highly likely that you’re dealing with something called GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This can be different for everyone, it may feel like a mild annoyance to some yet cause a great deal of discomfort and distress for others. Regardless of which end of the spectrum you find yourself on, GERD isn't something that should be overlooked. This is a chronic condition that requires attention and treatment to prevent further complications.
What is GERD?
In simple terms, GERD is chronic acid reflux. So let’s start with an overview of what acid reflux actually is and how it happens. Your stomach has a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES). Normally, this valve opens to allow food to enter the stomach and then closes to prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. However, when the LES malfunctions and remains open or partially open, stomach acid can seep back up into the esophagus and throat, causing acid reflux.
So why is your LES not closing properly? The most common reason for this is actually low stomach acid. That’s right, you don’t have too much stomach acid, you don’t have enough of it! This is because your LES gets the signal to close from the acid secreted in your stomach. When there isn't enough acid, the LES can’t do its job, and this leads to recurring episodes of acid reflux.
If you’re getting heartburn more than 3 times a week, it means that acid is regularly getting back up through that sphincter muscle and causing inflammation and irritation to your esophageal lining. At this point, the condition has become chronic and escalated to GERD. When left untreated, the damage GERD does to your esophagus can lead to serious consequences such as pneumonia, asthma, and Barrett’s Esophagus – a precancerous condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
Signs to Watch Out For
While symptoms can vary from person to person, there are several key indicators to watch out for. Here are some signs that may indicate you’re dealing with GERD:
Frequent Heartburn
This is one of the hallmark symptoms of GERD and it is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest that occurs 3 or more times a week. This discomfort is often exacerbated by lying down or bending over and may worsen after meals.
Regurgitation
GERD can cause stomach contents, including acid and undigested food, to regurgitate or reflux into the esophagus and throat. This is what can cause that sour or bitter taste many people get in their mouth, alongside fluid or food coming back up.
Chest Pain
While heartburn is a common symptom of GERD, some individuals may experience chest pain or discomfort that mimics the symptoms of a heart attack. This pain may radiate to the back, neck, jaw, or arms and is often mistaken for cardiac-related chest pain.
Difficulty Swallowing
GERD can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus which makes it difficult or painful to swallow. This can make you feel like there’s something stuck in your throat - also known as dysphagia. It can also be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or even choking.
Chronic Cough
If you find yourself constantly clearing your throat or have a persistent cough that doesn't seem to go away, especially when lying down or after eating, may be a sign of GERD. This cough is often dry and unproductive, and may worsen at night or upon waking in the morning.
Hoarseness or Sore Throat
The acid that refluxes up into your mouth can irritate the vocal cords and soft tissues leading to hoarseness and/or a persistent sore throat. This is something that is often worse in the morning or after periods of lying down.
Asthma Symptoms
There is something called reflux-induced asthma that happens when stomach acid refluxes into the airways and causes inflammation. Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
Disrupted Sleep
Acid reflux can disrupt sleeping patterns making it difficult to fall asleep. In addition, you may wake up a lot during the night. It's a bit of a catch 22 situation as these sleep disturbances may exacerbate other GERD symptoms and contribute to fatigue throughout the day.
Dental Problems
Chronic exposure to stomach acid can erode tooth enamel and contribute to dental issues such as tooth decay, sensitivity, or enamel erosion. This is something your dentist will notice during routine dental exams so it’s super important to stay on top of these checkups when suffering from this condition.
Food and Lifestyle Triggers
There are a number of factors that can play a role in exacerbating or alleviating GERD and you need to be aware of these in order to make informed choices that support your recovery. It’s very common for each individual to have specific trigger foods that flare up their reflux and it’s generally best to avoid these foods when your acid is back to an optimum level and your reflux is resolved. Keeping a food diary for a week or two is a great way to track which foods cause an issue for you and even to watch out for things like timing/meal size.
Some of the most common food/beverage triggers include:
- Citrus Fruits
- Tomatoes
- Spicy Foods
- Fatty or Fried Foods
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Coffee and Tea
- Fizzy Drinks
- Onions and Garlic:
- Acidic Food
- Alcohol
Remember, even if almost all of these foods cause flare ups for you now, it won’t be forever. Once you get your acid reflux levels back to an optimal level and heal any existing acid damage, you can start introducing these foods back into your diet to see how you get on.
With that said, healing from GERD is about a lot more than simply what’s on your plate, it’s about taking a whole new approach to your lifestyle and making healthier choices. Incorporating more exercise into your routine and minimizing stress has been proven to help alleviate symptoms.
.Some other common non-dietary triggers include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Certain Medications
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal Hernia
- Lying Down After Eating
- Tight Clothing
- Sleeping on Your Right Side
The Road to Relief
Recognizing when heartburn becomes a chronic issue is the first step towards regaining control and finding relief. So if you’ve got this far, you’re already on your way! The Heartburn Relief Kit has been helping our clients tackle this condition for many years now and we’re always available if you’d like to talk about the best path forward for you. Our client Facebook group is an excellent resource for support and encouragement from others who understand exactly what you’re going through.
By tuning into what your body is telling you, keeping track of your triggers, and making informed choices that support your recovery, you can take proactive steps towards overcoming this condition and reclaiming the quality of life you deserve.
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