Friday, April 19, 2013

GERD Alternative Treatments

by Candice K Addison

Acid escaping from the stomach travels to the esophagus and up to the throat. This condition can even lead to development of cancerous conditions if left untreated. Traditionally, the best treatment among individuals suffering from the condition has been treated using surgical operations. However, it is important to understand that there are different treatment processes that are alternative in this exercise. One of the GERD Alternative Treatments includes fundoplication procedure where the surgeon enters the area where esophagus and stomach meet so that the stomach is wrapped into a 360 degree wrap. This is more effective than using heartburn medication. Apparently, the exercise offers long term solutions to the condition unlike in medication which demands using the heartburn drugs whenever there is this flow back of acidity in the esophagus.

Some GERD Alternative Treatments are surrounded by controversy while some have been proven to be effective. Some of these which are controversial include the use of deglycyrrhizinated licorice which is an herb with a special licorice as a constituent. Although study shows that the herb gives positive results in ulcer treatment. It has not been clear on the effects that the herb has on GERD. There are still other herbal remedies that have been thought to be GERD Alternative Treatments but which still have clouds of doubts surrounding them. These herbs include aloe vera, antioxidants, Artemisia, marsh mallow and elm.

There are some traditional methods of treatment like the Chinese acupuncture which involves the physician piercing the individual with a needle at certain areas in the body. There bring success in treatment of such conditions because they alter the cycle of acid secretion in the body. Additionally, acupuncture affects the gastrointestinal movement and thus helps in regulating flow back of acids to the esophagus.

Other GERD Alternative Treatments includes techniques such as relaxation therapy and guided imagery. These two have been investigated and show evidence of their effects in the body. Guided imagery is a situation where the individual suffering from GERD conjures up an imagination of him attacking the disease and develops an imagination of feeling good. The mind is the major treatment therapy for GERD. It is therefore notable that all the remedies that have been devised for treatment of GERD are all related to the psychology especially most of them do not have a record of evidence. However, it is also important to note that the alternative remedies to heartburn are six main.

GERD Alternative Treatments are good because they may not have so many side effects that are associated with medication. However, if the remedies do not bear fruits in preventing the extent of the condition, then medications remain to be the treatment of choice. As it has been indicated in the discussion, psychology and change in the lifestyle are seen to be the most important factors behind GERD Alternative Treatments. The greatest advantage of the alternative treatment methods over other forms of treatment including surgery and medications is that the outcomes are long term and cheaper.


If this article did not answer all your questions and you are still looking for more information about the disease please drop by at GERD Alternative Treatments and http://gerdinftotre.insanejournal.com/301.html">Types of GERD.