Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) treatment
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) treatment
Recommended health tests for Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), commonly known as acid reflux, is a condition wherein stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (oesophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your oesophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when it occurs more than twice a week, it may be considered GORD, which can eventually lead to more serious health problems. The prevalence of GORD has been rising globally, affecting up to 20% of the western population, according to various studies. It is a condition that spans across ages, affecting both adults and children due to dietary and lifestyle factors primarily.
Causes
GORD is primarily caused when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your oesophagus, weakens or relaxes abnormally. The exact cause of this weakening is not always clear, but several factors can contribute, including obesity, smoking, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, and certain foods and medications. Lifestyle choices such as diet, alcohol intake, and smoking are major contributors to the development and exacerbation of GORD symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
- Heartburn, or a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night - Chest pain - Difficulty swallowing - Regurgitation of food or sour liquid - Sensation of a lump in your throat - Chronic cough - Laryngitis - Disrupted sleep
Diagnosing Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Diagnosis of GORD starts with a thorough medical history and a physical examination. Your doctor may be able to diagnose GORD based on the symptoms you describe. For more detailed analysis, tests like an endoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through your mouth to observe the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine, may be recommended. Other tests include pH monitoring, which tests for acid in the oesophagus, and manometry testing to measure the rhythm and muscle contractions in the oesophagus.
Prevention and natural treatment
Prevention and treatment of GORD involve a combination of lifestyle modifications and natural remedies. Dietary changes, such as reducing the intake of fatty and fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and foods known to cause relaxation of the LES (such as peppermint and spicy foods), can significantly help manage GORD symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and not laying down immediately after eating are crucial lifestyle changes that can assist in managing GORD. Elevating the head of the bed by a few inches can also help reduce nighttime symptoms. In terms of natural treatment options, herbal remedies such as ginger tea, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice can help soothe the stomach lining and the oesophagus. Drinking plenty of water, especially before a meal, can also diminish the effects of acid reflux. Functional medicine also focuses on gut health by incorporating probiotics and digestive enzymes to improve digestion and reduce episodes of reflux. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can also play a significant role in alleviating GORD by reducing the overall stress and, consequently, its impact on the gut health. Incorporating these comprehensive lifestyle and natural treatment approaches can significantly alleviate the symptoms of GORD and improve quality of life. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if symptoms persist.
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