Functional Medicine’s Impact On GERD Reduction in Women

For many women, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic and often painful condition. But there are lifestyle changes and functional medicine interventions that can help prevent GERD from developing or becoming worse.

The impacts of GERD can be far-reaching, affecting not just the quality of life but also work productivity and relationships. This is why it’s so important for women to be proactive about preventing GERD.

There are a number of lifestyle factors that can contribute to GERD. However, the issues resulting from these factors are often interrelated. That means that addressing one factor can have a positive impact on other areas as well.

What is GERD?

GERD is a condition in which the contents of the stomach reflux back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat, as well as pain, coughing, and difficulty swallowing.

In some cases, GERD can also lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes, increasing the risk for esophageal cancer.

What Causes GERD?

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to GERD. Recent studies found that there are several main lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of GERD:

Body weight: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, puts extra pressure on the stomach and can lead to GERD.

Diet: Certain foods, such as caffeine, chocolate, mint, fatty foods, and spicy foods can trigger GERD symptoms. Eating large meals and lying down right after eating can also worsen symptoms.

Smoking: Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally keeps stomach contents from flowing back up into the esophagus.

Alcohol use: Alcohol can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter and contribute to GERD symptoms.

Stress: Stress can contribute to GERD by causing changes in the digestive system and increasing the production of stomach acid.

Other factors: Pregnancy, certain medications (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and NSAIDs), and hiatal hernias can also contribute to GERD.

How to Prevent GERD

Studies have shown that of the various lifestyle factors that play a role in GERD, five specific steps showed a 40% reduction in GERD symptoms.

These five factors are considered in an “antireflux lifestyle score” – which can be used to assess your risk for GERD and make necessary changes. The five lifestyle factors are:

Maintaining a healthy body weight: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase the risk for GERD. Losing weight and maintaining healthy body weight is one of the best ways to prevent GERD.

Staying physically active: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk for GERD.

Not smoking: Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and can worsen GERD symptoms. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to prevent GERD.

Minimizing the intake of coffee, tea, or soda: Reducing the amount of caffeine you consume can help prevent GERD symptoms.

Eating smaller, healthier meals: Eating large, unhealthy meals can trigger GERD symptoms. Reducing the size of your meals and avoiding lying down for two hours after eating can help prevent GERD.

The Role of Functional Medicine in Preventing GERD

Functional medicine is a new approach to medicine that looks at the whole person and their environment, rather than just treating symptoms. This holistic approach can be particularly helpful in preventing GERD.

There are a number of functional medicine interventions that can help prevent GERD. These include:

Identifying and addressing food sensitivities: If you have food sensitivities, avoiding trigger foods can help prevent GERD symptoms.

Improving gut health: A healthy gut is essential for preventing GERD. Probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes can all help improve gut health and reduce the risk for GERD.

Reducing stress: Stress can contribute to GERD by causing changes in the digestive system and increasing the production of stomach acid. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help prevent GERD.

If you are ready to take your next step to reduce your risk for GERD, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a functional medicine practitioner.

Dr. Khan at Internal Healing and Wellness is The Woodlands’ leading functional medicine practitioner. He will work with you to develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your health goals and prevent GERD.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how functional medicine can help you prevent and reduce the impacts of GERD.