012: GERD

The Fire Dragon — GERD Healing Compass (Science + Complementary Care)

Archetype: The Fire Dragon — excess flame in the chest, calling for cooling, grounding, and wise boundaries.

🧭 What GERD Is (one clear breath)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes cough, sore throat, or chest discomfort. Frequent reflux can inflame or damage the esophagus. Care blends lifestyle, medication, and sometimes procedures.

🏛️ Medical Pillars

• Diagnosis: Usually based on symptoms; sometimes endoscopy, pH monitoring, or manometry are needed if uncertain or complications suspected.
• Medications:
  • Antacids: quick relief, short-term.
  • H2 blockers: reduce acid, helpful for mild cases.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): most effective for healing esophagitis and controlling frequent symptoms.
• Procedures: For severe, refractory GERD — surgical (fundoplication) or endoscopic therapies may be options.

🥗 Nutrition & Lifestyle Supports

• Trigger foods to watch: spicy, fried, fatty foods, tomato, citrus, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, peppermint. Triggers vary; track your own.
• Meal rhythm: Eat smaller meals; avoid lying down within 2–3 hours after eating.
• Body position: Elevate head of bed 6–8 inches; avoid tight belts/clothes; bend at knees, not waist.
• Weight & habits: If overweight, modest weight loss often reduces reflux; stop smoking for added relief.

🧘 Complementary & Mind–Body

• Relaxation practices: stress can worsen reflux sensitivity; mindfulness, gentle yoga, and breathing may calm the gut–brain loop. (Emerging supportive evidence.)
• Acupuncture: Some small studies suggest potential benefit, but evidence is limited — use as complement, not replacement. (General integrative guidance.)
• Chewing gum (sugar-free): stimulates saliva, which can help neutralize acid post-meal. (Simple, low-risk support.)

🧺 Your First 5 Moves

1. Confirm GERD diagnosis with your clinician, especially if you have alarm symptoms (trouble swallowing, weight loss, anemia, vomiting blood).
2. Trial a PPI or H2 blocker as directed, paired with lifestyle changes.
3. Track and limit personal food triggers (spicy, fatty, acidic, coffee, alcohol).
4. Change meal rhythm: smaller meals, avoid late-night eating, wait 2–3 hours before lying down.
5. If symptoms persist, ask about endoscopy or other testing; discuss surgical/endoscopic options if refractory.

📿 Caring Note

This page is educational, not medical advice. GERD care is personal — partner with your clinician to balance medication, lifestyle, and (when needed) procedures. Use complementary practices to support, not replace, proven therapies.