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Tag Archive for: sibo

Posts

Treating GERD with Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Treating GERD

May 11, 2023/in Inflammation, Nutrition/by Kaplan Center

It is not uncommon to occasionally experience acid reflux, but when it occurs repeatedly you may have Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD). Treating GERD is important because over time stomach acids can cause damage to your esophagus, pharynx, or respiratory tract.

Causes

GERD is the condition in which stomach acid frequently leaks upward into the esophagus, usually the result of a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle that relaxes to let food pass through, and tightens to keep it from flowing back upward. When the muscle is weakened or malfunctions, symptoms of GERD may start to appear.

Certain foods may aggravate symptoms, such as spicy, greasy, or fried foods, peppermint, citrus, dairy, tomatoes, grains containing gluten, as well as caffeine and alcohol. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), birth control pills, and some heart medications may also aggravate the symptoms. NSAIDs can also lead to bleeding and ulceration in the stomach or small intestine. In some cases, GERD is a result of a hiatal hernia or a bacterial infection called Helicobacter Pylori.

For successful long-term results, it is essential to first pinpoint the root cause of your reflux.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn, but other common symptoms include cough, hoarseness, sore throat, bad breath, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and indigestion.

If your symptoms are persistent or severe, give us a call today at 703-532-4892 to make an appointment. Our providers can customize a holistic treatment plan to address not just your GERD symptoms, but any other underlying factors that are keeping you from feeling better


 

Treatment options for GERD

When GERD symptoms are mild, natural remedies can be a safe and effective option for managing GERD. Recommendations may include one or a combination of the following.

  1. Lifestyle modifications: Try to adjust your routine to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. If possible, elevate your head while sleeping, and don’t eat too close to your bedtime so you have more time to digest your food before lying down. Lying on your left side when sleeping may also help with digestion.
  2. Dietary modifications: Nutritionally, start by eliminating inflammatory foods. Keeping a food diary may sound tedious, however, it is a great way to identify possible triggers. Once they are identified, dietary modifications can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Certain diets have also been found to be helpful as well – such as paleo and/or low FODMAP diets.
  3. Weight loss: Losing weight may improve, or for some, eliminate symptoms. Carrying extra weight can add pressure on your stomach which leads to stomach acids traveling to the esophagus.
  4. Quit smoking: If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Among the many other negative health effects, smoking weakens the esophageal sphincter which in turn increases acid reflux symptoms.
  5. Herbal remedies/nutritional supplements: There are a variety of herbal remedies and supplements that can ease GERD symptoms because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities as well as their ability to support the microbiome. Based on a patient’s health profile, we may recommend one of the following: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice root), marshmallow root, slippery elm, aloe vera juice that has been fractionally distilled, digestive enzymes, ginger, Betain with HCL, magnesium, and turmeric, apple cider vinegar, chamomile tea, probiotics. (Check with your provider before taking any supplement.)
  6. Acupuncture: Acupuncture promotes relaxation, can improve gastrointestinal motility, and can restore balance to the microbiome.
  7. Meditation/relaxation practice: Perhaps the simplest change you can make is practicing meditation. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) practice can help GERD symptoms by reducing stress and anxiety – both of which can aggravate symptoms.

 

Depending on how severe your GERD symptoms are, your provider may prescribe medication. Acid blockers may be necessary for severe gastritis, ulcer, or Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous condition. However, prolonged use can lead to calcium and magnesium deficiency, and achlorhydria (absence of hydrochloride acid) leading to an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO). This condition and H. Pylori are diagnosed by a breath test and both are treated with different antibiotics or supplements, like garlic and Candibactin. Research has also confirmed that the long-term use of certain types of acid blockers – PPIs – can increase the risk of a cardiac event and also increase the risk of dementia, so it’s extremely important to speak to your provider about the risks, benefits, and length of use.

If you have GERD, a holistic treatment plan that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies can provide significant relief from your symptoms. We can help. Please call us at 703-532-4892 to make an appointment.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254627215301515?via%3Dihub

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027153171931187X

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33351048/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30864012/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35148031/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.767987/full

Additional resources

For more information on how to treat acid reflux symptoms while staying heart healthy, click here.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

This article was originally published in January 2016. It was reviewed and updated in December 2023.

Dr. Lilienfield discusses Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatments

Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Functional Medicine Approach

March 22, 2021/in Digestive Issues/by Lisa Lilienfield, MD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder that can cause considerable discomfort for those who are affected. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. However, once diagnosed and under the proper treatment, people with IBS are able to reduce the frequency of their flare-ups for a better quality of life.

At The Kaplan Center, we have been successfully treating IBS for years using a Functional Medicine approach.

Functional Medicine physicians look for signs of imbalance and areas of health that can be optimized. If and when they are found, the next step is looking at factors that could be supporting or exacerbating the disease – like environment, diet, past infections, medications, and levels of stress for example. Once the underlying causes are identified and removed normal digestive function and health can be restored.

In this video, Dr. Lisa Lilienfield explains the Functional Medicine approach to treating IBS.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

 

digestive symptoms

Identifying the Root Cause of Digestive Symptoms

July 10, 2020/in Digestive Issues, Wellness/by Kaplan Center

Food is at the very center of everything that we do. The nourishment obtained from food is what keeps our body strong, fit, and healthy.

Digestion is an important part of our overall well-being. It’s intricately tied to a healthy immune system and the ability to fight disease. The gut microbiome, which is composed of hundreds of billions of bacteria and viruses residing in our intestines, is often referred to as our “second brain” because these friendly bugs produce and release brain chemicals such as serotonin that is directly linked to our mental health and improvement of depression and anxiety. That’s why unhealthy diets may worsen those symptoms.

At The Kaplan Center we don’t think of digestion as just the mechanics of eating. Digestion is a whole-body process. When looking for solutions to treat digestive problems, that’s exactly how we view it.

Imbalances in the digestive system

Digestive disorders in the United States are on the rise, and along with it the sales of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements. Self-medication and self-supplementation may also be a  contributing factor to the exacerbation of certain conditions and can sometimes cause more harm than good.  It is always encouraged to check with your healthcare provider prior to taking OTC drugs and supplements.

Symptoms related to the Gastrointestinal System (GI) issues can vary widely, sometimes unrelated to digestive discomfort.

Common signs and symptoms of digestive disturbances:

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain
  • Constipation/Diarrhea
  • Skin conditions such as acne
  • Vitamin deficiencies that may be the result of improper nutrient absorption, leading to fatigue, sluggishness, or low energy

In some cases, these symptoms can be traced back to specific digestive disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Gastro-esophageal reflux syndrome (GERD). At other times, these symptoms appear as a secondary manifestation of an autoimmune or infectious disease.

Investigations

Issues with the digestive system can stem from a wide range of sources. Doctors will start by taking a full medical history to find out about your specific concerns. If needed, they may recommend routine lab work to rule out any autoimmune disease such as Celiac or Crohn’s Disease. They may also order functional testing of your gut bacteria (to check if you have any harmful bugs) and look for any inflammatory markers that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment options

Treatment options for digestive disorders will vary and are patient-specific. Depending upon your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, our doctors will use that information alongside the results of any relevant tests. Our goal is to figure out the root cause(s) of your symptoms and how best to address them.

Treatment may include a combination of:

  • Nutritional counseling
  • Stress management
  • Supplemental Support
  • Acupuncture

Good food and good digestion are essential for good health. Using an integrative approach, our goal is to take an in-depth look at the issues and use a variety of proven treatments to improve your digestive health.

References:

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763418308613
  2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/strategic-plans-reports/burden-of-digestive-diseases-in-united-states/burden-of-digestive-diseases-in-the-united-states-report
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1717511/
Abdominal pain associated with SIBO

Is SIBO Causing Abdominal Pain And Weight Loss?

October 20, 2015/in Conditions, Digestive Issues, Inflammation/by Lisa Lilienfield, MD

Q: I am 70 years old, and have been fit and active all of my life. Now, I have “functional dyspepsia” resulting in early satiety, upper GI bloating, and belching, with unwanted 30-pound weight loss over 4 years. I’m also weak, exhausted, and sensitive to gluten and dairy. I would appreciate any suggestions. I especially need help in gaining weight. Thank you!

A: Dyspepsia is a common term that is used to characterize abdominal pain in the upper abdomen and chest. If you have been told you have functional dyspepsia, this indicates that there is no identifiable cause of your abdominal pain, a difficult and frustrating situation for a patient.

What you are describing may be a condition called SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Normally, the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria, as most intestinal bacteria are confined to the large intestine. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, and bloating after eating due to the overproduction of methane and hydrogen gas. It also interferes with normal digestion and absorption of food and can cause inflammation to the lining of the small intestine.

Situations that promote the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can be low pancreatic enzymes, low hydrochloride acid, or other conditions.

I would recommend getting tested for SIBO. The diagnostic test is a breath test. At the Kaplan Center, when called for, the breath test is ordered for our patients and results are normally ready in 3 weeks. If you test positive, treatment includes supplements specific to SIBO, dietary modifications, probiotics, and in many cases a specific antibiotic for SIBO.

I truly hope this is helpful.

– Dr. Lisa Lilienfield

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

 

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