GERD
Currently, GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder) is one of the commonly observed conditions in youths due to various factors, such as faulty diet and lifestyle, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, stress, etc. Gastroesophageal means a condition relating to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means backflow.
Normally, when we eat or drink anything, the lower end of the food pipe (lower esophageal sphincter) opens and allows the food to pass into the stomach. Once the process is done, it closes and prevents the backflow of food and stomach juices (acid) to the esophagus.
However, when the lower esophageal sphincter (band-like muscular gateway) weakens or relaxes abnormally, there is a backflow of stomach content to the esophagus or food pipe, and this backflow is known as gastroesophageal reflux. The reflux of acid may irritate the mucosa of the esophagus and may cause symptoms, such as heartburn, acidity, sour or bitter taste, chest pain, coughing, etc. Everyone experiences such symptoms at some point of time in their life, but, if the symptoms persist and start causing discomfort in day-to-day life, it may be termed as Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also known as Acid reflux disease. In many patients, GERD can be managed by dietary and lifestyle changes, but some patients may require stronger medications or surgery.
How can Homeopathy help in curing GERD ?
- The prescription of homeopathic medicine in GERD is based on the current state of the disease, symptoms of GERD, lifestyle, dietary habits, and emotional state of the patient. Hence, it acts on a deeper level and corrects the imbalance in the system.
- Homeopathy treats the disease at the root and tries to correct the functioning of the digestive system. In turn, it regulates acid secretion and digestion.
- Initially, homeopathic medicines provide you relief from symptoms, such as heartburn, acidity, chest pain, sour taste, etc.
- In mild to moderate cases of GERD, it may help to strengthen the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent the backflow of stomach content.
- If you are taking antacids for long, period homeopathy may help to reduce the dependency on antacids or other conventional medicines.
- Homeopathic treatment for GERD is completely safe and non-habit-forming. Results in homeopathy for GERD are long-lasting. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention or other treatment.
How long will it take to cure GERD?
Most of the patients respond to the treatment in the initial six to eight weeks, but the total duration of treatment may vary depending on various factors listed here.
- The extent of the disease
- Cause behind GERD
- Duration of the suffering
- Other underlying medical conditions
- Current and past medication
- Lifestyle and dietary habits of the patient
Excellent result: Excellent results can be observed in mild, moderate, and early-detected & treated cases of GERD
Good results: Good results can be observed by using homeopathy in moderate to severe cases. Also, in 3-7 years old cases, one may find good results by using homeopathy.
Not so good result: Very severe cases, very old cases (> 15 years), and cases with poor lifestyles may not respond well to homeopathy.
