Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | What it is & HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME IT | Dr. Eilbra Younan



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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is seen in both men and women of all ages.
It is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly, and the stomach contents leak back or reflux into the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD: re-current cough, heart burn, acid taste in the mouth and/or regurgitation, sore throat, hoarseness, chest pain

Foods and medicines that can be associated/trigger with reflux:
Fatty meal, chocolate, coffee, cola, tea, garlic, barbiturates (i.e. phenobarbital-treat and prevent symptoms of seizures), Dihydropyridine CCB (i.e. Nifedipine- used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain), Alendronate- treat and prevent osteoporosis, Aspirin, NSAIDS (i.e. Ibuprofen, Celebrex, Naproxen), Iron, Potassium Chloride tablets
Other Factors: Alcohol, Smoking, Overweight, Pregnancy

First recommend (lifestyle changes):
Avoid triggers (i.e. smoking cessation, avoiding alcohol, Low fat-diet), eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding foods and medications that worsen GERD, and if symptoms occur while sleeping, recommend elevating the head of the bed (6-8 inches) and not eating 2-3 hours prior to sleep, avoid tight fitted clothes, consuming more fruits and vegetables.

If lifestyle modifications do not work, try calcium antacids like calcium carbonate in TUMS, Proton Pump Inhibitors=lansoprazole(Pravacid), pantoprazole(protonix), esomeprazole(nexium), Omeprazole (Prilosec)
H2 Receptor Antagonists= Famotidine(Pepcid)
Ranitidine(zantac)-removed in April 2020 due to cancer-causing chemical NDMA
*Taken 30 minutes before meals, preferably first thing in the morning before breakfast.

Natural Remedy to try to overcome GERD:
Take 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix in 8 ounce of lukewarm water. Drink the mixture first thing in the morning on empty stomach every day until symptoms resolve.

Disclaimer:
This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Eilbra Younan, and all viewers of this content are advised to consult with their doctors regarding specific health questions, especially those taking prescriptions, and/or over-the-counter(OTC) medications before starting this or any nutrition or lifestyle change. This content is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal doctor. Neither Dr. Eilbra Younan and/or publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health side-effects/consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.
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