How does Functional Medicine address GERD?
Traditional Chinese Medicine has its own unique perspective and treatments for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or more commonly called chronic acid reflux, but how about the more conventional-western-friendly approach through the lens of functional medicine? Something that is just as holistic, but more people can comprehend without having to juggle understanding the needles, herbs, and all the confusing terms like Qi stagnation? (Yes, we know it’s very mind boggling. Stagna…what now?)
So this week, we explore GERD treatments through the lens of functional medicine!
Like we’ve mentioned in our newsletter last week, GERD is an annoying gastric dysfunction that negatively impacts the quality of life. In addition, increased stress has also been associated with GERD symptoms, and clinical studies have identified a relationship between GERD and anxiety as well as depression.
In conventional medicine, the most widely used GERD treatments are stomach acid reducers, which include both H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications are frequently prescribed to patients with chronic reflux, but their long-term use has been linked to adverse health problems such as bone fractures, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia, among others.
For example, PPI reduces stomach acid production, but that can also lead to the insufficient breakdown of food, which then leads to fermentation in the small intestine that feeds bacteria, resulting in the condition of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.) Long term use of H2 blocker can also lead to decreased absorption of certain nutrients such as Vitamin b12 and calcium. One of the long-term side effects can include osteoporosis and possible neurological dysfunction. Neither is a good option to address GERD in the long run.
When it comes to targeting the root causes and getting personalized medicine, functional medicine is a good way to address the underlying cause of GERD. In functional medicine, the treatment focuses on restoring a healthy gastric function, protecting the gut microbiome, and reducing inflammation.
- Comprehensive testing: A variety of laboratory tests can help identify imbalances in the digestive system, such as bacterial overgrowth or inflammation. Further testing for food sensitivities and other environmental triggers that may help find causes that are contributing to GERD symptoms. One of the tests I use frequently is a complete stool analysis, which looks at the comprehensive profile of the GI microbiome and nutritional status of the body.
- Dietary changes: Eliminating trigger foods that contribute to inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
- Nutritional supplements: Digestive enzymes, probiotics, and other targeted supplements are great to rebuild gut health. Antioxidant is also a good way to address the chronic low grade inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that leads to the imbalanced production of stomach acid and insufficient emptying of gastric content.
- Lifestyle modifications: Stress reduction techniques, exercise, and sleep hygiene are all essential to our body’s healing process. To use lifestyle modifications as part of the treatment, we are not just helping to reduce the symptoms of GERD, we are training a new pattern that helps to optimize the gut function.
- Mind-body interventions: Mind-body interventions such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to GERD symptoms.
Overall, the goal of functional medicine treatment for GERD is to identify and address the root cause of the problem and promote long-term healing. By taking a personalized and comprehensive approach to GERD treatment, functional medicine offers a more complete approach to healing that can help reduce the need for medication and improve overall health and wellbeing.
