Acid Reflux and GERD - What is the Difference?

Are acid reflux and GERD just different terms for the same thing?

If you suffer from bouts of Acid Reflux and/or heartburn, do you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Not necessarily. Acid Reflux, heartburn and gerd are separate things, although they share the same underlying cause. You can have Acid Reflux without accompanying heartburn, although you cannot have the discomfort of heartburn without first experiencing Acid Reflux. You can suffer from either of these without having gerd.

But, the fact is that those who have frequent episodes of Acid Reflux and/or heartburn are often diagnosed as having gerd.

What is gerd?

Many people who have Acid Reflux are at least somewhat familiar with the term gerd.

GERD is the medical acronym for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This is a common condition that affects a fairly large segment of the world’s population.

In fact, in the United States alone, research has shown that approximately 60 million people have heartburn and Acid Reflux on a once monthly basis, and around 25 million are chronic sufferers who experience the symptoms of gerd every day.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is caused by the regurgitation and travel of stomach contents from the stomach upward, back up into the esophagus. Since gastric juices in the stomach are quite acidic, there is a burning sensation when these acid fluids come into contact with the delicate mucosa and lining of the esophagus.

What are the Symptoms of gerd?

• Heartburn
• Acid regurgitation
• Hoarseness, especially in the morning
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling as though something is stuck in your throat
• Bad breath
• Chronic dry cough

You may experience one or all of these symptoms if you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

What is the Treatment for gerd?

One of the simplest yet effective treatments for gerd is to make some lifestyle changes.

For example, raising the head of your bed with blocks or sleeping on a wedge pillow can greatly alleviate the symptoms of gerd, Acid Reflux and heartburn.

Another lifestyle change that often proves helpful to those suffering from gerd is to avoid strenuous exertion after a meal, especially any activity that requires you to bend over.

Sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated and avoiding activities after meals that involve bending over will help you avoid the pain and discomfort of stomach acid refluxing back up into your esophagus.

You may also consider experimenting to see which foods, if any, make your gerd symptoms worse. Some people discover that certain foods such as onions, chocolate and anything greasy or fried will bring on a painful bout of Acid Reflux and heartburn.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, many people have found Ganoderma, the “magical” medicinal mushroom, to be greatly beneficial to symptoms of Acid Reflux.

Ganoderma is considered to be the King of Mushrooms. It has been in use for thousands of years and is believed to be the most alkaline food in existence. Before you ingest potentially toxic prescriptions drugs with harsh---sometimes even fatal---side effects; try a natural approach to treatment of your Acid Reflux with a few changes to your lifestyle and Ganoderma!

With some reasonable care and lifestyle changes, many people lead healthy lives, free of severe symptoms from gerd.

You can, too! You can be proactive about your own health and relieve your symptoms of GERD….the natural way!