Nutrition for reflux (GERD)

What is reflux?

Reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) is the most common digestive problem, in which acidic stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. This also irritates the patient's throat and larynx. The acidic stomach contents that enter the oesophagus can attack the mucous membrane of the oesophagus, leading to inflammation and, in more severe cases, ulcers.

Causes of reflux

Three causes play a role in the development of reflux problems.

The first The cause is that the "non-return valve" at the border between the small and large intestine, the so-called ileocecal valve, also known as the abdominal valve, fails and no longer closes properly. The cause of this is the lack of production of nitric oxide (Argininedeficiency), which is necessary for the function of the smooth muscles of the large intestine.

The The second reason is that the fermentation bacteria can migrate from the large intestine to the small intestinewhich leads to SIBO syndrome (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) in the small intestine. This leads to increased gas formation in the intestine. The sphincter muscle of the stomach wall at the border between the stomach and duodenum does not close optimally, similar to the oesophageal sphincter.

The third cause is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Intestinal bacteria. There is a decline in SCFA (short-chain fatty acid) producing bacteria, especially butyrate (butyric acid) producing Firmicutes (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus and Eubacterium as well as Roseburia, bacterial species of the Lachnospiraceae family). In addition to butyrate, acetate, propionate and lactate, Bifidobacterium species produce other SCFA. The proportion of these valuable bacteria has declined because we do not feed them properly. There is little water-soluble fermentable Dietary fibre in the food. Gram-negative bacteria, so-called LPS, overgrow and produce neurotoxins and large quantities of biogenic amines (e.g. Histamine). All of this inhibits processes that are controlled by the autonomic nervous system (processes that take place independently of our will, e.g. Digestion, absorption, circulation, respiration, Kidney function etc.).

Reflux symptoms

The symptoms are varied: nausea, nausea, chest pain, heartburn, burning in the mouth, sour, bad taste in the mouth, coughing. The most common symptoms are frequent heartburn and pain in the chest and oesophagus.

In many cases, the usual reflux symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms such as high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia, Tiredness, skin problems and even psychological disorders. These accompanying symptoms are usually due to the effect of the biogenic amines. Digestion is not optimal due to the inhibition of acid production.

Reflux and SIBO

SIBO always occurs in conjunction with reflux, which leads to the proliferation of harmful intestinal bacteria. These so-called decarboxylase bacteria produce biogenic amines. The basis for the production of biogenic amines are the unabsorbed amino acids and the content of free amino acids in processed foods (also known as Histamine is a biogenic amine). So-called processed convenience foods and snack products contain high amounts of flavour enhancers (free amino acids). They are easily addictive. One free amino acid frequently used in processed foods is lysine. It is not absorbed to 100 %, and unabsorbed lysine is the basis for the formation of biogenic amines such as cadaverine.

Reflux effects

Mucin protects the stomach lining from stomach acid. An increased gastric acid level leads to the passage of gastric acid into the oesophagus. As the oesophageal mucosa does not have a protective acid mantle, it cannot withstand the corrosive effect of stomach acid. The stomach acid breaks down the oesophageal mucosa without mucin protection. Barrett's oesophagus develops, a disease characterised by abnormal (metaplastic) changes in the mucosal cells lining the lower part of the oesophagus. The degree of developmental abnormality of the mucosal cells varies and can range from dysplasia to oesophageal cancer.

Reflux and Histamine sensitivity

In all cases where stool production in the intestine is incomplete (malsecretio), enzyme production is insufficient (maldigestio), absorption may be insufficient (maladsorptio). Unabsorbed simple sugars, especially mono- and disaccharides, provide food for gram-negative, neurotoxin-producing bacteria (LPS bacteria), which result in the production of large quantities of biogenic amines such as cadaverine (cadaver poison) and histamine. The exotoxins, endotoxins and biogenic amines produced by the bacteria are cellular and neurotoxins. They paralyse the innervation of the vascular network and inhibit smooth muscle function.

Reflux, stomach and herbicides in connection

In many reflux diseases, it is not only the reflux itself that is involved, but also damage to the gastric mucosa. Not enough protective substance (mucin) is produced to protect the stomach lining from the effects of stomach acid.

Based on Judy Carman's research, we know that the so-called Roundup-resistant genetically modified plants (soya, maize) contain high levels of the total herbicide Glyphosate (these genetically modified plants are cultivated on huge areas worldwide). Glyphosate or aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), one of the most important degradation products of the herbicide glyphosate, is not only found in GM soya, but also in the meat of animals fed with GM soya. Glyphosate has a damaging effect on the stomach lining on contact.

Bacillus thuringiensis is a gram-positive bacterium that lives in the soil and is often used as a biological insecticide. Its toxin is produced by genetically modified maize, so that the plants contain large quantities of it. It kills insects that feed on the maize. Judy Carman describes what she has observed in animals fed with such maize. In the stomach lining of the test rats, the toxin extracted from the maize (Bt toxin) caused essentially the same symptoms as NSAIDs.

What to do with reflux - natural substances and Fulvic acid

As already mentioned, reflux is often associated with damage to the stomach lining. This is why the lactic acid used in Fulvicherb - Synergy to adjust the pH value can cause a caustic sensation. The fulvic acidArginine-complex can be used to prevent damage to the mucous membranes, including the stomach lining.

The lack of formation of nitric oxide impairs the normal development of mucosal epithelial cells. The formation of nitric oxide is supported by the fulvic acid-arginine complex, so that the mucous membranes can regenerate.

In the case of reflux, the daily amount should be added to the daily drinking water and drunk continuously throughout the day. In this way, the preparation is gradually absorbed in several doses to prevent irritation of the damaged mucous membranes. Alternatively, the daily amount can also be mixed into a honey tea.

What not to eat with reflux

To prevent reflux, you should avoid the two main substances that damage the stomach lining: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and industrially produced animal products. Avoid foods that contain large amounts of maize, soya (and their derivatives).

Avoid processed foods that feed the fermentation bacteria in the gut, especially those containing simple sugars (monosaccharides): Fructoseglucose). Do not eat Bread or baked goods made with modern additives.

It is important to avoid damaging the stomach lining. Damaged mucous membranes lead to insufficient production of stomach acid, so that the body's own pH balance in the various digestive sections is not perfect. Various enzymes are only effective at a certain pH value, so that Digestion and absorption may be impaired. The lack of absorption favours the growth and multiplication of bacteria that are important for the development of reflux (SIBO). A high pH in the stomach (the optimal pH of the stomach is around 3.0) allows the bacterium Helicobacter pylori to multiply in the stomach, which is harmful for several reasons.

The natural active ingredients in fulvic acid and fulvicherb can support the regeneration of the stomach lining by helping the body to rid itself of foods that contribute to reflux. Nitric oxide can also support smooth muscle function. If the gates of the digestive tract, the ileocecal valve, the stomach valve and the oesophageal sphincter are properly closed, the reflux problem will improve.

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