GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and heartburn are related conditions, but they are not exactly the same thing.
Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. It typically manifests as a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The burning sensation is caused by the irritation of the esophageal lining by the acid.
GERD, on the other hand, is a chronic condition characterized by the frequent occurrence of acid reflux and associated symptoms. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular ring that acts as a barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, becomes weakened or relaxes and spasms inappropriately. This allows stomach acid and sometimes bile to flow back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation (acid or food coming back up into the throat or mouth), chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a bitter taste in the mouth.
While heartburn can be an occasional discomfort, GERD refers to a more persistent and severe condition. If heartburn occurs more than twice a week or if it significantly interferes with your daily life, it may be a sign of GERD and should be checked out, as it could lead to more serious consequences.
Although, if it is suspected heartburn, there maybe a simple fix. Before overdosing on tums or over the counter antacids, why not try a simple home remedy first – lemon water. This along with an improved diet can help rid you of heartburn and or alleviate symptoms.
Lemon water can help in the following ways for different reasons:
- If the lower esophageal sphincter, as mentioned above isn’t working properly lemon water can help relax this muscle appropriately, to help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn.
- Although lemons are acidic, they actually have an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized. This can help neutralize stomach acid reducing the likelihood of heartburn or even alleviating symptoms once started.
- Lemons are rich in citric acid, which can potentially stimulate the production of certain digestive enzymes. These enzymes help break down food in the stomach and small intestine. In some cases, food isn’t getting digested properly and the more food that is ingested starts to “overflow” and gets pushed back up into esophagus. With the help of these digestive enzymes’ food can digest and move along instead of sitting around.
- The response to lemon water can vary among individuals. Although, some people may find that drinking lemon water before meals improves their digestion.
- Another potential benefit of drinking lemon water is that it can help with hydration as it contains essential electrolytes. Lemons are high in potassium and to a lesser extent calcium and magnesium, which are all essential minerals for fluid balance, regulating nerve and muscle function, plus cellular function support. Staying properly hydrated is essential for healthy digestion, as it aids in the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Here is a simple recipe to try out:
Mix 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice with 8 oz of water. If it tastes too strong, add less lemon juice at first. Always dilute lemon juice with water to reduce its acidity. It may help to drink lemon water 20–30 minutes before each meal in an attempt to stop acid reflux from happening.
If having a hard time getting on track to a healthier lifestyle, let us at DEEM Health guide you along the way.
Mikkie Nettles-Pollon, Certified Personal Trainer
/Holistic & Sports Nutritionist
Follow DEEM Health on Facebook,
www.deemhealth.ca,
or contact info@deemhealth.ca
672-572-1690
