GERD Treatments NYC with Acupuncture by Marc Bystock L.Ac.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a health problem that involves the tissue between the esophagus and the stomach. Specifically, the muscle between the two organs is the area where the problem exists. Stomach acid typically flows backward up the esophagus and, at times, into the throat with this condition. This backward flow of fluid is often a result of a weak, too small, or improperly functioning sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus. 

While anyone can experience acid reflux or heartburn, there are a few groups of people who are more likely to have problems with the disorder. Pregnant women often have chronic heartburn that can turn into GERD. People who are overweight or are smokers are likely to have the condition. People who have exposure to secondhand smoke can also develop gastroesophageal reflux. 

Antibiotics, iron, potassium, and some pain relievers can cause heartburn. Some doctors feel that people with hiatal hernia develop GERD because of the condition. Other people can have GERD with no known cause or factors to increase their risk of getting the disorder. 

• Chronic coughs
• Regular bouts of bronchitis
• Asthma
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Deep voice or changes in the voice

Diet is another issue that can increase a persons' chance of developing the condition. Besides overeating, eating the wrong foods can cause problems with acid reflux. Some foods that can aggravate or cause symptoms include:

• Coffee or other caffeinated beverages
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Spicy foods like peppers, onions, and herbs like turmeric and curry
• Peppermint
• Fried foods or items high in fat content
• Alcoholic beverages

Some medications can make this disorder worse. People who take tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, medications for irritable bowel or overactive bladder, opioids, medications with codeine, theophylline, sedatives, progesterone, some high blood pressure and heart medications with nitrates, Vicodin, and Norco may develop GERD or find their symptoms worsen with these medications. Often, these people must raise the head of the bed with bricks or cement blocks to help alleviate the issue. Staying prone for at least an hour after eating is another way to deal with GERD besides taking antacids. 

GERD remedies often include some medicines like Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Ranitidine. These pills can cause people to have problems with B-12 levels. Often, these medications can cause a variety of problems concerning deficiencies with this vitamin. One way to treat the lower levels is with a B-12 supplement. Other, holistic methods of treating GERD, like acupuncture, offer relief without the side effects and vitamin deficiencies. 

B-12 deficiencies have known health problems associated with chronically low levels. People with a low B-12 level can develop confusion, mental disorders like dementia, problems with balance, and issues with being anemic. Medications that stop stomach acid production often cause problems with the body or stomach absorbing B-12.