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GORD patient handout

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GORD

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What’s in this patient handout?

An overview of GORD
Risk factors
Causes
Signs and symptoms
Holistic treatment aims
Nutritional & herbal recommendations
Diet & lifestyle recommendations

An overview of GORD

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD) is the long-term and more serious form of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach move back up into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach.

Millions of people worldwide are affected by GORD. Around half of all adults will report reflux symptoms at some time.

GORD is a major health concern that can lead to decreased quality of life and significant health problems if left untreated.

Treatment of GORD commonly involves the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and lifestyle modifications. PPIs work to lower the stomach's acid levels, which results in less harm to the lining of the oesophagus.

Common treatment includes over-the-counter antacids and lifestyle modifications. Antacids, such as histamine type 2 (H2) receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), work to lower the stomach's acid levels, which results in less harm to the lining of the oesophagus.

Long-term use of PPIs has been associated with adverse health effects. Lifestyle changes can help to prevent the symptoms and complications of GORD.

Causes

The most common cause of GORD is the occurrence of temporary relaxations in the lower oesophageal sphincter, due to older age or other risk factors. The oesophageal sphincter is the muscle connecting the oesophagus to the stomach. The muscle relaxes and opens to let food into the stomach, and to let stomach gas out (a burp!). When the muscle is weak or damaged it can lose its tone and its ability to close, allowing food from the stomach back out into the oesophagus.

Risk factors

The most common risk factors for GORD include:

Older age
Smoking
Pregnancy
Excessive body weight
Anxiety and depression
Sedentary lifestyle
Vigorous or excessive exercise
Eating habits (e.g., acidity of food and size and timing of meals)
Medication including aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Signs and symptoms

Acid reflux, or heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest)
A sour taste in the back of the mouth
Throat clearing and hoarseness
Feeling of fullness or a lump at the back of the throat
Painful or difficulty swallowing

Holistic treatment aims

Identify triggering foods and factors to avoid
Reduce stomach acid and alleviate GORD symptoms
Support oesophageal membrane structure to minimise damage from acid reflux

Nutrient and herbal recommendations *Please consult your health professional for the prescription of herbal, nutritional and lifestyle recommendations.
Ginger containing supplements	Standardised supplementation may be beneficial NOTE: Oral ginger administration might cause heartburn; consume with a meal.
Psyllium husk	May help to improve GORD symptoms
Iberogast^®	Might help to alleviate indigestion associated with GORD

Diet and lifestyle recommendations *Identify your individual GORD triggers and avoid them to reduce your risk and symptoms.
Things to avoid	Smoking Large meals (especially in the evening) High calorie meals Eating quickly Irregular meals, e.g., skipping breakfast, night-time snacks
Reduce	Fatty, fried, sour, spicy, salty, citrus foods High carbohydrate intake Carbonated drinks Coffee, tea, chocolate consumption Alcohol
Weight loss	Benefits individuals who are overweight Note: Bariatric surgery generally make reflux worse
Exercise	Recreational physical activity may be beneficial, except when performed after a meal Aim for ≥30 min moderate-to-vigorous activity (e.g., brisk walking) Vigorous physical activity might increase the risk
Sleeping on the left side and with the head slightly elevated	Decreases exposure to oesophageal acid while lying down

Seek Medical Care

This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgement is necessary. Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing are serious symptoms that require urgent medical investigation.

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