Hollistic Treatment, possible cure?

[nicknatpatywack]

So I have recently been experiencing reflux boughts, after moving to a new place and recovering from a mono infection. I have been extremely stressed, and somewhat depressed with the new move. It all happened when I was crying one day and all of a sudden felt a lump in my throat, which now I now know is caused by GERD. I have been prescribed protonix and had adverse kidney side reactions. But the more I'm learning about this disorder the more I'm thinking that maybe this disorder is manifested by stress, possibly? Think back to when you first experienced GERD symptoms what was going on? I think that the possibility of healing GERD through anti-stress excercise: yoga, meditation, excercise, sunlight, fresh air, support of friends and eating a healthy diet regime all of these factors I think could possibly alleviate if not desinagrate this disorder, or maybe its just wishfull thinking. But why bother wasting time and money with semi supportive doctors who most of the times are being fed by the pharmaceutical companies when you could hollisticly take matters into your own hand and reastablish your bodies natural equilibrium.

[Searchin]

nicknatpaty - I DO think that my acid reflux started when my life had some very troubling and stressful situations come about, including the death of my parents.

 

I think anxiety and stress have played a role in this acid stomach of mine.  The problem is trying to turn off the stress.  I have never talked to my doctor about taking anti-stress or antidepressant drugs.  I wanted to try to control my emotions on my own.

 

My reflux does seem worse when I am anxious about certain events and this includes SUBCONSCIOUS stress.

 

The body needs an outlet.  Some people get hives or shingles.  Some people get skin rashes.  Some have diahrrea.  Some people grind their teeth or lose their hair.  It only makes sense that nerves could trigger reflux. 

I think you are pretty savvy about your condition.

[HAVF]

Hi Nick,
welcome to the forum! You are definitely on the right track in thinking hollistically. I know that anti-stress, exercise;walking, yoga, meditating, sun light, fresh air, eating well, and a good support team helps alleviate GERD symptoms. But, i'm not sure if doing all of these things will completely eradicate GERD in all of us. I have done all of those things mentioned above in the past achieving great results, but I was taking my meds at the same time. I tried discontinuing meds in the past to only experience the emergency room days afterwards.

I have met others who had reflux problems and put on meds and experienced neg. side effects, so discontinued use. Some of these same individuals no longer suffer reflux problems. Maybe, just stress, diet, exercise factors.....Puzzling!

I don't know what really gives, but I don't believe it hurts to try a hollistic approach if you can.

[david_wright]

 Regarding the holistic approach, I have tried all those things mentioned because I didn't want to take any presription meds. But I could never get rid of the reflux with out going back on nexium. I use to think I could overcome GERD holistically but now realize that I will not be able to do it unless they come up with something new.

[Teri16]

Thanks, David, for coming back and letting us know that not all things can be cured naturally.  I've tried Tai Chi (just the beginner stuff :) ) and I've found it really does help relax me.  As you get further into it, you also learn breathing techniques that may help you with anxiety.  So for some things this is wonderful!  However, if you have GERD, or a Hiatal Hernia, the trick seems to be omitting the offending foods that we eat and taking medications to help decrease the acid production.