SOOTHE ACID REFLUX, heartburn AND GERD WITH HOMEOPATHY

Would you like to learn how to treat acid reflux, Gerd and heartburn with homeopathic remedies?

​Acid reflux seems to have 100 different names, 100 different medications and always seems to pop up at the worst times.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux, heartburn… Gaviscon, Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Zantac, Tums…..Just finished a nice meal… here it is! Bent down and picked something up off the floor…. Surprise! Or even just lying down…
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Acid reflux is one of the most common gut complaints seen by hospital departments, something which I can definitely agree with, as I see it over and over again in my practice!

It is caused by a weak lower oesophagal sphincter ( which is like a ring of muscle), that allows the stomach contents to flow back up the oesophagus and into the gullet, the oesophagal sphincter normally acts as a one-way valve that lets food into the stomach but not back up into the oesophagus.

This is because the stomach contains hydrochloric acid which is used to help us break down food and protect against pathogens!

​Therefore when the acid flows back up to the oesophagus it causes a burning sensation, whereas it does not in the stomach as the stomach has a strong lining which protects it.

But if you are looking for remedies for indigestion only, have a look at my other blog here.

This reflux of acid can lead to lots of common symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting or burning sensations. But interestingly it can also cause symptoms that my patients don't even realise are related to it.

For example, did you know that it can cause dry coughs, asthma like breathing difficulties, dental erosion, throat problems or even bad breath!

Even more interestingly for me, digestion is part of the parasympathetic nervous system ( also known as the rest and digest)  which works at its optimum when the body is at REST.

This is why when our bodies are under stress and the fight or flight reflex kicks in, peristalsis is stopped, to allow our bodies to focus on what is most important at the time- historically to confront or avoid the danger!

Isn't the human body AMAZING!

This is also why you may find a loss of appetite or difficulty eating if you feel anxious or stressed. Therefore in my practice I see a lot of people that are in high-stress environments or have demanding jobs experience acid reflux.

All of this sounds very unpleasant, so I bet you're wondering… Cristina what can I do about it?

Well, the good news is that as it is such a common problem, homeopathy has a good rate of success with it!

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES TO HELP YOU TACKLE ACID REFLUX AND HEARTBURN AND ENJOY FOOD AGAIN!
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LYCOPODIUM 30/200 
This is the #1 remedy for acid reflux and indigestion. This remedy has a strong affinity to the digestive tract and especially the liver, making it a fantastic remedy for digestive disturbances.You can read all about liver support with homeopathic remedies to aid detoxification here in this blog.

It is no wonder why the Banerjies use this remedy as a first, second or 3rd line in most of their digestive protocols.

If you need this remedy you will find that you suffer from acidity and the acid goes up to the throat and burns for hours. It feels better if you can belch.

You can suffer from pain in the stomach that is burning, gripping and clutching that extends to below the ribs and into the back. 

It tends to be accompanied by lots of flatulence that feels as if you are full. You may find yourself unbuttoning your trousers around the waist area. Feeling tight as from a cord in the upper part of the abdomen.

You tend to suffer from chronic dyspepsia and may suffer from constipation, although this not always the case.

NUX VOMICA 30
If you need this remedy, your heartburn may be worse before breakfast.

Feeling of rancid heartburn taste.

A feeling of nausea in the stomach with the acidity.

Your acidity on the stomach will be worse by drinking coffee, having alcohol, overeating or taking prescription drugs such as paracetamol or any other medicine. However, fats can be well tolerated.

People needing this remedy tend to suffer from indigestion and acidity which is related to stress at work with anxiety. This can happen after a period of a lot of work, or too many projects where you feel stretched.

ARSENICUM ALBUM 30C
The keynote of this remedy is "burning pains" and this is what your stomach will feel like -"burning as from red- hot coals".

The burning is in the stomach and the pit of the stomach and it goes up to the throat.

Heartburn gulping up acid and bitter substances that makes the throat raw.

You will feel better from the acidity in the stomach by drinking milk. Also, stomach pain or acidity can be relieved by drinking hot drinks or food.

The heartburn may come up at night, after midnight and disturb your sleep.

BANERJI PROTOCOL TIP

​The Banerjies use

• Lycopodium 200 one dose every 3rd day  
• Arsenicum 3c two doses daily for as a first line for most gastric problems such as acidity or dyspepsia.

ROBINIA 30
This is a very small remedy but very useful for acidity and heartburn. Its primary action is the secretions of the stomach.

The main pointer to this remedy is heartburn and acidity which is worse on lying down at night.

The acidity of this remedy is felt as sour belching and sour acrid secretions.  Very much acid dyspepsia.

If you have tried a few remedies and have not helped, this is a very good option. 

IRIS VERSICOLOR 200
This is another excellent remedy for GERD and it is one of the main Banerji Protocol for this condition. 

The acidity of this remedy feels sour, acrid and burning.  You may also experience beating, throbbing in and about the heart and sternum.

You may feel burning in your whole alimentary canal.

You may have more of these episodes of acidity during the Spring and Autumn or they may come every month for 2-3 days.

The acidity may be accompanied by a frontal headache sometimes.

NATRUM PHOS 30C
This remedy is especially useful for babies that overfeed on milk and spit up sour vomit. These babies may be diagnosed with silent reflux or reflux.

The vomit may be so sour, curdled and that smells like vinegar.

This is also a very good remedy for acidity felt for those that suffer from a peptic ulcer or duodenum ulcer.

Again, if the person vomits, it may be sour and vinegar like.
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BANERJI PROTOCOL TIP
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For GERD and Silent Reflux (LPR) the Banerjies use:

• Iris Versicolor 200 in liquid two doses daily before food
• Lycopodium 30 in liquid two doses daily

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