Heartburn, GERD, Acid Reflux—Are They Dangerous?
- Brian Dooreck MD
- Nov 19, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 25, 2023
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes or does not close properly, and stomach contents reflux into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach, preventing food and acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
"I hope to add real value to social media and share what my patients ask me about." — Dr. Dooreck
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life BalanceIf you were looking for information about Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy from Executive Health NavigationClick here for Executive Health Navigation
Having served as doctors for over a decade, we help Family Offices, Private Individuals, Registered Investment Advisors, High-Net-Worth Advisors, and C-Suites navigate the healthcare system for their select clients/families, providing privacy and discretion.
Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy when YOU need it mostWhat is heartburn?
Refluxed stomach acid in the esophagus causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth (acid) or described as regurgitation or indigestion.
Refluxed stomach acid in the esophagus causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called "heartburn."
Is GERD or heartburn dangerous?
Occasional heartburn is common. However, heartburn more than twice a week is considered GERD. It can lead to more severe health problems, including strictures from chronic scarring, Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition), and even esophageal cancer.
“Occasional heartburn is common. Heartburn more than twice a week is considered GERD.”
What causes GERD?
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. Other factors include alcohol, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine (coffee and cola), fatty and fried foods, garlic, onions, peppermint, spicy foods, and tomato-based foods (sauce, chili, and pizza).
How is GERD treated?
If you smoke, quit. Weight loss and smaller meals may help. Wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by putting blocks of wood under the bed; extra pillows alone will not help. Depending on how severe your GERD is, treatment involves the above lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are very effective drugs for those who suffer from acid reflux and heartburn. There have been many articles on the safety of these medications. I will write about this in the near future. For now, if you need them, use them. If required for the long term, check with your doctor.
Personally
I eat a high-fiber, mostly plant-based 🌱 diet, no red meat, drink 4 liters of water a day, exercise, and am focused on keeping nutrition simple. I am sharing what works for me and what I routinely recommend to my patients.
"Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy. 🌱 🌾 🌿"
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life Balance
If you were looking for information about Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy from Executive Health NavigationClick here for Executive Health Navigation✴ Connect with Dr. Dooreck on LinkedIn, where he focuses his sharing on Health, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Balance.
gastroenterology | colonoscopy doctor | colonoscopy and gastroenterology services | gastro doctor | gi doctor | gastrointestinal diagnostic centers | public health
