Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease And GERD
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IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) is becoming more common each year. It is estimated that 600,000 people within the US have this condition. It is commonly found in those over thirty, but occasionally children receive the same diagnosis. Because IBD affects the digestive tract, it can lead to other types of problems as well leaving some people having to deal with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and GERD at the same time. Although they effect different areas of the digestive tract with IBD effecting the intestines and GERD the stomach and esophagus, they can be related to one another.
Because IBD is not the same type of condition as acid reflux, many don’t make the connection. This disease affects the tissues of the intestines and can cause a host of troubling symptoms. A person with Inflammatory Bowel Disease might have problems with diarrhea, vomiting, bowel blockage, pain, bloating, and other related events. IBD is classed as an auto-immune condition, so it can be found in those who might have something like Lupus or CDS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). However, many with IBD also have problems with GERD.
It would stand to reason that one upset in the digestive system would mean the rest of the system might be out of whack too. Someone with unexplained GERD might find that this is not their main problem, but rather the symptom of a larger problem that might be diagnosed as IBD.
When problems with GERD that are related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease arise, one option is to try and treat the GERD, but the better approach would be treating the underlying issue. Medications can also help IBD, along with some lifestyle modifications that may prove beneficial. If the condition of IBD can be controlled to some extent, it is possible that the acid reflux related pain and discomfort would disappear without specific treatment for that problem.
When dealing with either of these two health issues one of the best forms of treatment is to amend your diet. Thankfully following a diet for IBD will help reduce and soothe GERD symptoms too with just a few exceptions to watch out for.
Generally the low fat, high soluble diet that is recommended for IBD also reduces GERD. High fat foods are a trigger for both conditions so avoid these wherever possible.
Acidic foods such as citrus, tomatoes and vinegar are known triggers for reflux so they should be avoided. Coffee, as well as being acidic is also a powerful stimulant, creating a host of problems for both the upper and lower digestive system, so again best to avoid. If you’re looking for a replacement for coffee avoid green and black teas as they also contain caffeine and try herbal teas such as chamomile instead.
Chocolate is another favorite that is off the menu for both IBD and GERD as it is both high in fat and contains theobromine, a muscle relaxant, which relaxes the Lower Esophagal sphincter allow acid to reflux up and out of the stomach.
As a general rule eating smaller meals more often is helpful for both conditions as it doesn’t overload the digestive system, giving it time to process the food, nor does is leave long periods of time between eating.
When trying to treat GERD and IBD, it is important to keep a note of what treatments are working and what aren’t. If someone has symptoms of both Inflammatory Bowel Disease and GERD, they should chose a treatment plan that takes into account both conditions rather than trying to treat them singularly. Speak to your doctor if you think you are displaying signs of either of these conditions.
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For what it is worth, I was left with IBD following radiation 3 years ago. I was pretty much doing great when I had a kick up of all the symptoms of GERD. I am on meds but now I seem out of wack all the time. Your article put it more into context. I am very viligent about keeping things under control but sometimes I think I miss the point. I am proactive when it comes to all of this so appreciate any tips.
Many times, IBD and/or GERD sufferers have celiac disease or gluten intolerance - an autoimmune disease which is vastly underdiagnosed in the U.S. Elimination of wheat, rye, barley, and most oats from your diet relieves both conditions in most instances. This is too hard for most people, they would rather take medicine, which has to be taken in increasingly high doses because your body wants to manufacture acid in your stomach to protect you from disease. Any attempt to thwart this natural function results in the body trying harder to overcome it. Most U.S. doctors are not aware of gluten intolerance, and those who are will not give you a diagnosis of celiac disease unless you are so far gone that your small intestine’s villi are found to be atrophied by a biopsy. Many people will be gluten intolerant and not have villous atrophy. You don’t need a biopsy, you just need to go on a gluten free diet. This is a diet that requires a lot of learning time because wheat is especially hidden in so many products. With the new allergen labeling law, if you examine the label closely (because they are offered various options on how to disclose their allergens) you can determine if the product has wheat. This is not the case for barley, rye, and oats, but these are much less of a problem than the ubiquitious wheat grain.
Thank you for your very helpfull information and newsletter. I have received the answers to many of my question about acidreflux. Still I am looking to see your new information and newsletter.
Thanks.
Kathryn,
I have found my trigger for Acid Reflux and it is Carbs. When I reduce my carbs my symptoms go away. My question is why? I’ve seen quite a few comments on forums regarding low carbs and their help but I’m still not sure of the underlying reason. One book mentioned that microorganisms feast on these fermenting carbs and thus produce excess gas, thus acid reflux. If this is the case where were these microorganisms prior to Acid Reflux?
Thanks. Joe
Joe
If carbs are your trigger foods then obviously the best thing to do is stay away from them. Your acid reflux could be the result of a food intolerance when it comes to eating carbs. You don’t say what sort of carbs are effecting you, but you could see a nutritionist for allergy testing.
I CURRENTLY HAVE GASTRONIC DR. AND WAS TOLD BY THE WEB SITE THAT IT WAS SAFE TO TAKE WITH MY PRESENT MEDS–WELLBUTRINXL KLONOPIN BUSPAR AND PROTONIX BUT WHEN I ASK MY DR ABOUT ABOUT MIXING HERBS WITH MY MEDS HE DOES NOT KNOW SO HOW IS IT THAT NATIVE REMEDIES CAN BE SO SURE THAT IT IS SAFE. WOULD ANONE BE WILLING TO SEND ME A LETTER FROM THE COMPANY STATING THAT IT IS SAFE BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO TAKE THEM AFTER MY DR. DON’T EEVEN KNOW IF IT’S SAFE HOW DO THE NATIVE REMIDIES PEOPLE KNOW?
Hi Mary
It’s absolutely right that you keep your doctor informed of any additional supplements that you are intending on taking to ensure there are not any interactions with your medication.
Their website states:
“The herbs used in Gastronic Dr. and DigestAssist have a high safety profile and there is no evidence to suggest any negative interaction with prescription and over the counter medication for digestive disorders.”
However, as you have concerns I would suggest that you write directly to native remedies and ask them about your specific case. You can contact them using their ‘Ask the expert’ web form here:
http://www.nativeremedies.com/ask_us.shtml
Remember their products come with a 1 year money back guarantee so you can always ask for a refund.
Hope this helps Mary.
Kind regards
Kathryn