FACEBOOK.COM/WDDTYAUNZ ISSUE 01 | AUG/SEP 2019 | WDDTY 63
REFERENCES
1 JAMA, 2006; 296: 2947–53;
Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2011; 34:
1269–81; CMAJ 2009; 180: 713–8
2 Singapore Med J, 2016; 57:
546–51
3 Cir Esp, 2007; 81: 64–9; Pediatrics,
2002; 110: 972–84
4 J Formos Med Assoc, 2018; 117:
973–8
5 Dig Dis Sci, 2013; 58: 471–7
6 Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2016;
14: 175–82.e1-3
7 J Pineal Res, 2006; 41: 195–200
8 Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2001;
15: 151–5
9 Acupunct Med, 2017; 35: 316–23
10 J Tradit Chin Med, 2015; 35: 632–6
11 Phytomedicine, 2018; 56: 118–25
12 Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi,
2005; 25: 876–9
13 Am J Gastroenterol, 2012; 107:
372–8
DID YOU KNOW? REFERENCE
1 Gastroenterology, 2012; 143:
1179–87 e1–3; J Gastroenterol,
2009; 44: 518–34CHEW GUM
Chewing gum for one hour after a meal could help ease
GERD symptoms for up to three hours.^8 Avoid the usual
sugar- or artificial sweetener-packed gums, though, and
choose a healthier option instead, like Chewsy (www.
chewsygum.co.uk) or Wild Gum (www.wildgum.com).OPT FOR
ACUPUNCTURE
This ancient Chinese technique
is safe and effective for GERD,
according to a recent review
of the evidence, and has been
found to boost quality of life
in sufferers.^9 You can find
a qualified acupuncturist
near you via the British
Acupuncture Council (www.
acupuncture.org.uk) or the
Acupuncture Now Foundation
(www.acunow.org).CONSIDER CHINESE HERBS
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has proven
effective for GERD.^11 One study found that a
decoction of herbs known as jiangni hewei, made
up of fresh ginger, Pinellia, clove, Agastache
(hummingbird mint) and hematite—was as
effective as the PPI omeprazole, but caused no
adverse effects. Plus, symptoms were less likely to
return in those taking the herbal remedy.^12
Contact the Association of Traditional
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK (www.
atcm.co.uk) or the American Association of
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.
aaaomonline.org) to find a traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM) practitioner near you.GO FOR ALOE
Aloe vera, known for its soothing effects,
may help relieve GERD symptoms. In one
study, aloe syrup was just as effective as the
anti-reflux drugs omeprazole and ranitidine
for reducing a variety of symptoms including
heartburn, food regurgitation, belching and
nausea.^10 Check out last month’s Healthy
Shopping for our pick of aloe gels you
can drink.EXERCISE YOUR ABDOMINALS
Abdominal breathing exercises appeared to help GERD
patients in one small study.^13 They may work by actively
training the diaphragm—a muscle important for preventing
reflux. Here’s a simple exercise to try:
•Place one hand on your abdomen with
the other hand on your chest.
•As you breathe in, try to push the air into the abdomen
so that the hand on your abdomen rises while
the hand on your chest stays still.
•Practice this for a few minutes every day.Quick tips for reflux
- Avoid lying down within three
hours of having a meal.^1 - Elevate the head of the bed to
prevent symptoms during sleep.^2 - Exercise regularly, but avoid more
jarring activities such as rowing or
running, which can make symptoms
worse, especially straight after
eating.^3
REFERENCES
1 BMJ, 1998; 316: 1720–3
2 Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2016; 14: 175–82.e1-3
3 Aust J Sci Med Sport, 1996; 28: 93–6
Did you know?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most
common gastrointestinal disease in both Western and
Asian countries.^1