CPD – Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: The gut microbiome

Dr Michelle Woolhouse with Dr Arun Dhir (gastroenterology surgeon, clinical researcher and author of Happy Gut, Healthy Weight) discuss the crucial connection between gut health and various chronic conditions, including Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and its links with obesity, autoimmune, neurodevelopment disorders and more. 1 in 5 people experience GORD on a weekly basis and in this episode, and there has been a rise in the use of PPI, medication that is being used for reflux and heartburn and Barrett's esophagus etcetera when there might be other causes like bile, food or something anatomical or physiological, a barium swallow solo is an X-ray from the GP which may show muscel coordination and not an acid issue, surgery might be an option, not always sucessful. Treating hydrus hernias with hypogloric sort of acid replacement, things like that. They may also be taking other medications such as antihistamines, non steroidal anti inflammatories, medications which are likely to increase the acid production and diminish the the mucosal barrier. Causes range from overprocessed foods, smoking, stress, chemical exposure, anything causing an acidic enviroment like environmental toxins and pesticides. A breath test to measure urea but the gut is forever changing so regular testing may or may not be benificial. Evidence in Helicobacter eradication as a part of the overall treatment protocol that one might have in managing gastroesophageal reflux disease because there is association between H pylori and acid peptic ulcer disease, dyspepsia, gastric adenocarcinoma and specifically lymphomas, gastric lymphoma. Pancreatic tumors which can actually cause the stomach to make a lot of acid but sometimes the problems isnt the acid in the stomach, the problem is the incompetent valve Dr Arun discusses investigating an individual presenting with GORD and noted hiatus hernias. Two main types, the sliding hiatus hernias, the gastroesophageal junction, which is the point where the food pipe joints, the stomach has actually gone up into the chest (vomiting or reflux symptoms) and the rolling hyrus hernia, the esophagal gastric junction is still in the abdomen (mostly compressed symptoms like chest pain and dysphagia). Constipation also worsens the symptoms of GORD. A mastic gum is such a touted treatment for H pylori infection. Licorice, Marshmellow root, ACV and vitamin C as well as alkaline diet, mange weight. There is an association between the oesenophilic oesophagitis and celiac as well as allergies and food intolerances. Dr Arun talks advice on improving gut health through diet, stress management, and complementary therapies.