Living with Gerd

Numerous animal, as well as human clinical trials support the conclusion that the absorption of iron is markedly increased by gastric acidity. Several clinical conditions associated with achlorhydria/ hypochlorhydria (atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastric resections, vagotomy) have been shown to be associated with decreased iron absorption and/or iron-deficiency anemia. (Ito and Jensen 2010) According to that, it could be expected that the regular consumption of acid suppressing medicines also affects the absorption of iron, leading to iron deficiency-associated problems. The most recent study conducted to verify this hypothesis was published in a well-known scientific journal; Gastroenterology, in March 2017. The article was titled “Proton Pump Inhibitor and Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist Use and Iron Deficiency” and concluded that “gastric acid inhibitor use for ≥2 years was associated with an increased subsequent risk of iron deficiency…” (Lam, et al. 2017) Th...

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery. What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux? Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. In normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is we...