What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid goes back up into the food pipe, which is also called the esophagus. The esophagus is like a tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. When this acid goes the wrong way, it can cause discomfort and a burning feeling in the chest. This is what people often mean when they talk about heartburn or acid indigestion. Imagine your stomach is like a kitchen blender, breaking down the food you eat. Sometimes, a bit of the "blender juice" (stomach acid) can splash back up, and that's when acid reflux occurs.

What causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), doesn't close properly. It's like a door between the stomach and the esophagus. If this door doesn't shut tightly, stomach acid can sneak up, causing the burning sensation.

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Factors that contribute to loosening of LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and Acid Reflux:

• Fried foods, large meals
• Caffeinated beverages
• Drinking alcohols, Smoking
• Lying down right after eating
• Being overweight

Common symptoms of Acid Reflux:

• Burning Sensation: Often felt in the chest, known as heartburn
• Unpleasant Taste: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, especially when lying down or bending over
• Throat Sensations: Feeling like there's a lump in the throat or experiencing difficulty swallowing
• Respiratory Issues: Persistent cough or hoarse voice may be associated with acid reflux

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Evidence-Based Medicine for Acid Reflux:

For individuals experiencing acid reflux symptoms, Acupuncture and Herbal medicine emerge as promising alternative or complementary approaches to conventional Western medicine. In a notable study that examined 14 clinical trials involving 1444 participants, the efficacy of Traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine) therapy for nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) was evaluated. NERD is a common sub-category of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) characterized by acid reflux without signs of esophageal damage [1]. The study revealed that patients receiving Traditional Chinese medicine achieved a higher success rate in alleviating acid reflux symptoms compared to those treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or Prokinetics therapy [1].Moreover, the Traditional Chinese medicine group exhibited a lower relapse rate three months after treatment cessation when compared to the Western medicine group.

Symptoms serve as messages from our body indicating abnormalities. A precise diagnosis and personalized Acupuncture or Herbal medicine treatment have the potential to improve and manage acid reflux symptoms effectively.

Reference:

[1] JiaoXiao, Yunfeng Yang, Yuanrong Zhu, Yan Qin, Yifan Li, Mengjie Fu, Zhengdong Zhai, Lingyun Zhu, "Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Nonerosive Reflux Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2018,Article ID 1505394, 13 pages, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1505394

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Disclaimer:

This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Whenever possible, it is advised to seek professional care from a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical treatment.