Dr. Robert Lichtenstein, DC, CNS
Functional Nutritionist NY
Natural Healing with Scientific Nutrition
(718) 719-5878
Stress, fast food, and overeating are common heartburn triggers. The burning pain and pressure of heartburn can prevent sleep and is often mistaken for a heart attack when it becomes severe. Everyone experiences occasional heartburn, but some seem to get it too often. People who consistently have heartburn more than twice a week may have a condition known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Understanding GERD
GERD and heartburn are similar. Both conditions begin when acid regurgitation occurs and allows the stomach contents to move back into the esophagus. It is a common medical condition that affects about 20 percent of Americans.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease can interrupt sleep and daily life but is rarely debilitating. Treatment methods vary, but damage can occur when people fail to receive treatment.
Traditional Medical GERD Treatments
Doctors typically recommend over-the-counter medications, better food choices, and exercise at first. Patients who struggle to find relief may receive a prescription. New studies on commonly used PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, show they may do more harm than good. PPIs potentially cause fever, nausea, headache, constipation, and other mild to moderate side effects. People on the medications are also more susceptible to bone fractures and infections. The studies now show the drugs may also increase the risk of death (by 17 percent) from health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and kidney disease.
Doctors may recommend surgery for those who continue to have trouble with GERD despite diet changes and medication use. The surgical treatment for GERD is called Nissen fundoplication. The surgery reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent food from reentering the esophagus. During surgery, the surgeon stitches around the diaphragm to reduce the hole size where the esophagus releases food. They also attach the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the esophagus.
Choosing Natural Remedies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Natural GERD remedies focus on healing the digestive tract and using a modified diet and supplement plan to restore gut health. Diets must allow beneficial bacteria to flourish for the digestive system to operate efficiently. An efficient digestive system prevents food regurgitation and lowers the risk of gas and bloating. Digestive systems that function correctly cause less heartburn to reduce the risk of issues like heartburn.
Dr. Robert Lichtenstein develops health plans for this purpose using his experience and understanding of the human body as a certified nutritionist and a chiropractor. His work on this method proved effective as he battled stage 4 cancer and has helped many others.
Antacids never helped. Prescription medications didn't help. I exercised, drank water, stopped eating fried foods, and the burning pain always returned. The only option left was surgery, and I decided that was too much.
A friend referred me to Dr. Lichtenstein. I doubted he would offer any help either, but I was wrong. Being heartburn-free may not seem important to some people, but it has made my life so much easier.
-Tonya B., Queens, NY
Acid reflux, or heartburn, is the main symptom of GERD. Everyone with the condition will feel the burning pain in the chest and possibly in the neck or throat. Some people may also have a bitter taste in the mouth. Other symptoms of GERD include:
GERD often begins because of an unhealthy diet that includes a lot of greasy fried foods or spicy dishes. The misery of chronic heartburn can also strike people who eat healthy meals. However, even when making healthy food choices, large meals can cause stomach distention that causes pressure on the esophageal sphincter and forces it to open. Lying down after eating will increase this risk. Other risks include:
Heartburn is so well-known and frequently experienced people do not always consider it a medical concern. However, left untreated, GERD can become a severe medical risk that can cause extensive health problems. GERD can cause inflammation and scarring in the esophagus that can cause bleeding, ulcers, and swallowing difficulties.
GERD can cause growths on the vocal cords, worsen existing cases of asthma, and increase the risk of cancer. About 15 percent of people who do not receive treatment for GERD develop Barrett's esophagus. The condition replaces esophageal cells with cells that mimic intestinal cells. The changes increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Cancer patients with Barrett's esophagus have faster-growing tumors and a higher morbidity rate than other esophageal cancer patients.
Natural solutions for GERD can stop the burning and improve digestion for instant relief and fewer health risks. Dr. Robert Lichtenstein can help anyone who wants to learn how to treat their heartburn and GERD without medications or surgery. Visit the website to schedule a free telehealth consultation to learn more. The doctor uses virtual appointments for his patients to provide them with transportation-free, private visits.
Telehealth care is an affordable and time-saving option for everyone. Appointments take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Schedule your consultation today.
Additional References
Nutritional and herbal programs are not intended as a primary therapy for any disease because they have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This website and the patients services offered here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. They are intended to provide nutritional and herbal support for normal body physiology and repair.