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What Is Silent Reflux? Top Homeopathic Medicines For Adults And Infants

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

What Is Silent Reflux?

It is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the back of the throat, larynx and even nasal passages from the stomach. It is also known as LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux). It can damage the throat and vocal cords. It is similar to GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) that also results from back-flow of stomach acid but the symptoms vary. Symptoms (like heartburn) do not occur always in LPR, that is why it is known as silent reflux.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy is very effective in managing cases of silent reflux. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin that help in reducing acid reflux and its associated symptoms. Homeopathic medicines are recommended when the symptoms are mild to moderate in intensity. In severe cases having serious symptoms like difficulty in breathing, wheezing, feeding problems, failure to thrive (in children), it is strictly advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment. Silent reflux can have serious complications. So one should take homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic physician who can prescribe the best medicine according to the case after detailed case analysis, and in case of serious issues or emergency, conventional treatment is recommended.

Top Homeopathic Medicines To Manage Silent Reflux In Adults 

1. Natrum Phos – Top-grade medicine

It is one of the best medicines in homeopathy to manage acid reflux. The first indication for using it is sensation of a lump in the throat. Second symptom where this medicine helps is difficulty in swallowing. It is useful to manage dropping of mucus, usually yellow, from posterior nares. It gets worse at night awakening a person from sleep. Other than this, it is indicated to manage cough with clear, white phlegm dripping from the posterior nares. It is accompanied by much hawking (forceful clearing of throat to get rid of phlegm). Lastly, inflammation of throat can be there when this medicine is required.

2. Carbo Veg – For Managing Cough And Difficult Swallowing

It is a very prominent medicine for cases of acid reflux. The main indicating symptom to use it is sensation of something acrid and corroding in throat that incites cough. Another symptom is difficulty in swallowing food.  Other than this, rawness, burning and a biting feeling in the throat is felt. The throat feels dry. Lastly, there is tough mucus in the throat with the feeling of a lump.

3. Robinia – To Manage Acid Reflux

It is prepared from fresh bark of young twigs of the plant ‘Robinia pseudacacia’. This plant belongs to family Leguminosae. It is another well-indicated medicine that helps to manage acid reflux. Acidity gets worse at night, persons needing it have dry scratchy throat. The throat feels rough and sore.

4. Arum Triphyllum – For Hoarseness And Throat Clearing

It is useful for cases in which there is hoarseness and a need to clear the throat frequently. The person feels stinging and burning sensation in the throat. He/She may complain of difficult swallowing.

5. Causticum – For Managing Hoarseness

It is an important medicine to manage hoarseness of voice, which gets worse in the morning and evening. It is accompanied by scraping in the throat (lump-like-feeling). In some cases, it is attended with dry, tickling cough. Larynx may be be inflamed.

6. Kali Bichrome – To Manage Postnasal Drip

This medicine works well in cases where postnasal drip (PND) is marked. There is hawking of thick, tenacious, yellow mucus. Mucus is so viscid (thick and large) that it can be drawn out like a long thread. It is attended with cough. Other than this, dryness and burning are felt in the throat which gets worse in the morning.

7. Lycopodium – For Burning And Lump In Throat Sensation

This medicine is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum, commonly known as ‘club moss’. This plant belongs to family Lycopodiaceae. It is indicated for sensation of a lump moving up and down the throat,especially in the left side of throat. Lycopodium is indicated for burning pain in throat. Sometimes there is sore throat and difficult swallowing also.

8. Belladonna – For Sore Throat And Cough

This medicine is a top-listed medicine for managing sore throat. It is prepared from the plant ‘deadly nightshade’. It belongs to family Solanaceae. In cases needing it, the throat is red and inflamed. The throat is also dry, attended with burning sensation in the throat. A sensation of lump is felt in throat making swallowing difficult, especially liquids. It is well indicated for cases of cough. The cough is dry, short and tickles the throat which gets worse at night.

Homeopathic Medicine For Managing Its Symptoms In Children

1. Aethusa – To Manage Vomiting

This medicine is prepared from plant Aethusa Cynapium commonly called ‘fool’s parsley’. It belongs to family Umbelliferae. It is one of the most effective medicines to manage vomiting in children. The vomiting is of curdled milk or cheesy matter, sometimes white frothy matter is also expelled.

2. Ipecac – To Manage Vomiting And Cough

It is prepared from dried root of a plant Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. It belongs to family Rubiaceae. It is very beneficial in managing vomiting and cough. The vomiting can be of white, slimy mucus or watery fluid. If administering Ipecac for cough, the main indicating feature is cough accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

3. Belladonna – For Managing Sore Throat And Cough

It is helpful in managing sore throat and cough. The throat is inflamed, swollen and red where this medicine is required.  Besides, there is short and dry cough 24X7. Tickling sensation in throat accompanies it.

4. Cina – For Managing Cough

It is prepared from plant Cina Maritima. It belongs to family Composite. Firstly this medicine is indicated for sudden attack of spasmodic cough, which gets worse at night.  Next, it helps cases of hoarse gagging cough and also short hacking cough at night. There may be expectoration of whitish, slimy matter along with cough, .

5. Sambucus and Ammonium Carb – To Manage Nasal Congestion

These two homeopathic medicines are very useful to manage nasal congestion.

6. Kali Mur – To Manage Ear Infections

In cases needing it, the main symptom is ear discharge, usually white, along with pain in the ear .

What Are Its Symptoms?

Symptoms In Adults

There is a feeling of something being stuck in the throat, a need to clear throat frequently, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, coughing, postnasal drip (PND), bitter taste , sore throat, burning sensation in throat and difficulty in breathing. If left untreated, it can damage the vocal cords. Other complications include lung disorders, pneumonia (infection and inflammation of air sacs in lungs), laryngitis, and it can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.

 Symptoms In Infants And Children

In infants and children, the symptoms include chronic coughing, breathing issues (like noisy breathing, wheezing, apnea, difficulty breathing), vomiting, nasal congestion, respiratory illness (bronchitis – inflamed bronchial tubes), feeding difficulties, asthma, sore throat, ear infections and failure to thrive (when baby isn’t growing and gaining weight according to age).

What Is The Reason Behind It?

After eating, the food goes down the food pipe and then into the stomach.

Normally, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) which is a sphincter at the junction of lower end of food pipe and upper end of stomach prevents backflow of stomach contents. It only relaxes when food has to enter from the food pipe into the stomach. At all other times, it is closed to prevent backflow of stomach acid upwards. If the LES doesn’t work properly, it can result in a back-flow of stomach acid into food pipe.

Though anyone can suffer from silent reflux, some people are at a higher risk. People who are overweight, who consume alcohol/tobacco, malfunctioning of lower esophageal sphincter, delayed emptying of stomach can cause silent reflux, and pregnant women are also at risk.

The babies are at high risk because of underdeveloped or weak esophageal sphincters that become strong with age and overcome the complaint of acid reflux.

 

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Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines For Gas And Bloating

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1,421 Comments

Gas in the abdomen is a very common problem. It can exhibit itself in many ways like a feeling of bloating in the abdomen, passing of excessive gas from the anus (flatulence), and burping. The trapped gas can cause discomfort, heaviness, and pain in the abdomen.

homeopathic remedies for gas

Homeopathy is highly proficient in handling numerous gastric issues including gas problems. Homeopathy along with proper diet and lifestyle management can bring great relief in gas problems. Homeopathy targets the underlying root cause behind excessive gas formation for excellent relief. Homeopathic medicines are sourced from natural substances so there are no adverse effects. These medicines help in reducing gas problems, bloating, excessive burping and abdomen pain due to gas.

Symptom-based prescription

There are numerous medicines in homeopathy to help bring relief in cases of gas problems. The most suitable medicine for each case is selected as per the characteristic presenting symptoms in every individual. A homeopathic physician records all the symptoms in detail and evaluates the important symptoms to select the most appropriate medicine. Such well-selected medicines bring great relief to gas problems.

Natural Treatment Without Side Effects

Homeopathy treats gas problems very safely with natural medicines. The medicines do not contain any toxic chemicals so promote natural healing with no side effects. Even with prolonged use, there are no unwanted after-effects.

Homeopathy treats the root cause

Homeopathy focuses on treating the root cause behind gas problems to give relief for an extended time. Homeopathy can treat the medical conditions that may lead to excessive gas formation like IBS, celiac disease, and lactose intolerance, and manage its symptoms including gas trouble. The regular use of homeopathic medicines under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor can also help to decrease dependency on conventional medicines that give only temporary relief.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines For Gas And Bloating

The five most effective homeopathic remedies for gas include Carbo Veg, Lycopodium, China, Asafoetida and Raphanus Sativus.

1. Carbo Veg – Top-Listed Medicine For Gas

Carbo Veg is a natural medicine recommended for excessive gas, suitable for nearly every symptom associated with gas, for example, bloating, belching, flatulence, and pain. In most cases needing it, gas is most marked in the upper abdomen. The problem seems to get worse upon lying down. Burping or passing gas relieves bloating. It is also indicated when anything (even the simplest of food) eaten seems to get converted into gas. There also may occur sour or putrid burps after eating. Carbo Veg helps ease pain in the abdomen due to trapped gas. In some cases, the gas pushes the diaphragm, puts pressure on the lungs, and leads to difficulty in breathing. Here, Carbo Veg proves to be very effective.

When to use Carbo Veg?

This medicine can be used for cases of excessive gas specifically in the upper part of the abdomen along with bloating, burping and abdomen pain due to trapped gas.

How to use Carbo Veg?

Homeopathic practitioners use it in different potencies from low to high. But in the beginning, it is safe to use it in 30C potency two or three times a day as per the intensity of the problem. Higher potencies should be used after consulting a homeopathic physician.

2. Lycopodium – For Gas, Bloating Immediately After Eating

Lycopodium is a plant remedy prepared from a plant ‘club moss’. It is highly useful when the abdomen feels full and distended soon after eating even a small quantity of food. The rumbling of gas in the abdomen is also well-marked. Noisy flatulence may be passed in most cases. For gas problems worsening in the evening time, Lycopodium is a major medicine. It is also a leading medicine in cases where gas in the lower abdomen is more pronounced.

When to use Lycopodium?

The use of Lycopodium is suggested when gas and bloating appear immediately after eating and gas is most marked in the lower abdomen.

How to use Lycopodium?

Though it can be used in low potencies like 30C to high potencies (like 200C, 1M), initially it is advised to go with low potencies. Lycopodium 30C can be taken once or twice a day according to the severity of the problem.

3. China – For Gas In Full Abdomen And Pain From Gas

China is a useful remedy prepared from Peruvian dried bark. It is primarily useful for gas in the entire abdomen that causes excessive bloating. Gas in the abdomen is felt for a long time after meals. Digestion is weak and slow. Secondly, it is beneficial to help get rid of abdominal pain from obstructed gas. It is also an important medicine to relieve gas pain following a surgery of the abdomen. Along with the above-mentioned  symptoms, belching with  bitter taste or taste of the food consumed, along with vomiting of undigested food may be present.

When to use China?

China is considered the best remedy when a person complains of gas in the entire abdomen and also when there is obstructed gas leading to abdomen pain.

How to use China?

China is generally used in 30 C potency. It can be taken two or three times a day in a gap of three to four hours to get relief.

4. Asafoetida – When Gas Pushes Upwards

Asafoetida (commonly called ‘heeng’) is very suitable for treating excessive gas in the abdomen when all gas passes in the upward direction and none downwards. Loud burps appear forcibly with difficulty. The abdomen feels full and greatly distended with colic. There appears a sensation as if the abdomen would burst. Gurgling and rolling are felt in the abdomen, and a throbbing pain within small regular intervals may be felt in the pit of the stomach. Burps may have a foul smell like garlic. They leave a bad taste in the mouth.

When to use Asafoetida?

This medicine is beneficial when gas in the abdomen moves upwards followed by loud burps occurring with much difficulty.

How to use Asafoetida?

This medicine can be taken in 30C potency twice a day for good results.

5. Raphanus Sativus – For Gas Trapped In Abdomen 

Raphanus Sativus is prepared from the fresh root of ‘Black Garden Radish’. Raphanus is one of the best prescriptions for gas stuck in the abdomen. The gas accumulates and is retained in the abdomen. It neither pushes upwards nor downwards. The abdomen gets enlarged, inflated, and distended. Griping pain around the navel is felt. Any pressure on the abdomen is unbearable. A burning sensation in the abdomen, stomach pain, and intense nausea may also be present.

When to use Raphanus Sativus?

Raphanus can be selected for any case where obstructed gas that neither moves up nor down is the main complaint. This medicine helps to release gas and relieve pain.

How to use Raphanus Sativus?

This medicine works in different potencies ranging from low to high as per the intensity of the pain. For gas problems, the most recommended is 30C potency which can be used two to three times a day as per the severity of the gas problem.

Note One may consider the use of any of these medicines only in the above-recommended potency and dose for about a month. Do not exceed the potency or dose by yourself. To continue using these medicines beyond a month or for use of high potencies, it is advised to take the opinion of a homeopathic expert.

Reason Behind Gas Formation In Abdomen

It is important to realize that some amount of gas formation is very normal and is produced naturally during the process of digestion. The passing of gas from the anus is mostly related to the food that we eat or with the kind of bacteria that we have in our intestines.  Flatulence is generally produced when undigested food is acted upon by bacteria in the large intestine. When the digestive system is not able to digest certain carbohydrates (like sugar starches and fiber found in many foods) due to shortage or absence of certain enzymes, the undigested carbohydrates (when they reach the large intestine) are broken down by harmless bacteria to produce gas (carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane). Certain food substances produce more flatulence than others because they contain more indigestible carbohydrates. Some of the substances that lead to the overproduction of gas are – beans, dairy products, onions, celery, carrots, sprouts, fruits (raisins, bananas, apricots), and complex carbohydrates like dals. Gases like methane, hydrogen, and hydrogen sulphide are the main component of flatulence. Hydrogen sulphide is responsible for the odor of the flatus. Though the symptoms are usually bloating, abdominal pain, belching, and flatulence, not everyone experiences all of them. The amount of gas produced and the sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract to gas determines the kind and the intensity of the symptoms.

Why do some individuals suffer more from gas than others do?

The answer lies in the fact that some of us are biologically more prone to have this problem whereas in others, eating habits contribute majorly to this disorder. Increased gas formation may also occur from certain gastric problems as follows:

1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):It is a disorder of the large intestine that causes altered bowel movements(diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation), gas, bloating, and cramps in the abdomen. The cause of IBS is unknown but may involve abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles and increased pain sensitivity in the intestine. People with IBS have this increased sensitivity of the intestinal walls. This sensitivity may even cause little gas formation to give the impression of excessive bloating of the abdomen.

2. Lactose intolerance:  Gas formation also increases in people who suffer from lactose intolerance. In lactose intolerance, the sufferer cannot completely digest lactose in milk. Gas, diarrhea, and bloating happen after consuming milk or other dairy products.

3. Celiac disease (gut allergy to wheat): Those with a wheat allergy also suffer from excessive flatulence. In celiac disease, eating gluten(a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) triggers an immune reaction in the small intestineleading to damage of the lining of the small intestine with the passage of time and hampers nutrient absorption. The symptoms of this disease include diarrhea, fatigue, bloating, weight loss, and anemia.

4. Crohn’s disease: It is an inflammatory bowel disease inwhich any part of the digestive tract gets inflamed dueto an autoimmune response. It can cause gas, and bloating along with other main symptoms of abdomen pain, diarrhea, weakness, and weight loss.

5. Chronic constipation: In constipation the digestive process slows down due to which stool remains in the colon for an extended time period. Hence the bacteria gets more time to ferment stool leading to gas and bloating.

6. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth): It refers to a condition that results from an imbalance of the gut bacteria. It happens when excessive bacteria or the wrong type of bacteria grows in the small intestine. It can lead to various symptoms including gas, bloating, abdomen pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.

 

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Wonderful Homeopathic Remedies for Peptic Ulcer

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 409 Comments

Have you been suffering from abdominal pain that gets more severe when you are on an empty stomach? It is likely that you have contracted a peptic ulcer. A peptic ulcer even referred to as peptic ulcer disease (PUD), is an open sore ring in the gastrointestinal tract that is essentially acidic in nature and causes severe pain. It is a mucousal erosion that occurs on the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach or upper parts of the small intestinal tract and is characterized by abdominal pain. Homeopathic remedies for peptic ulcers help provide suitable relief from this painful condition since these remedies have practically no side-effects and are non-toxic.  Homeopathic Remedies for peptic ulcers

Nearly 70–90% cases of such ulcers are linked to a spiral-shaped bacterium that thrives in the acidic environment of the stomach.  The incidence of peptic ulcers occurring in the duodenum (the initial tract of the small intestine) is four times higher than those arising in the stomach.

I will discuss some remedies and myths of this disorder later in the article.

Homeopathic Remedies for Peptic Ulcers

There are a wide variety of medicines for Peptic Ulcers, ranging from Uranium Nitricum, Kali Bich and Graphites to Crotalus Horridus, Geranium and Graphites.

I find Uranium Nitricum to be the ideal remedy for gastric and duodenal ulcers characterized by boring pain in the pyloric region, a bloated abdomen, and a ravenous appetite followed by flatulence.

Kali Bich is best suited for round ulcers occurring in the stomach that lead to vomiting of bright yellow water and a load in the stomach immediately after eating, giving the patient the feeling that digestion has come to a standstill.

Crotalus Horridus is helpful in cases of ulceration in the stomach due to chronic alcoholism. Patients who are unable to retain anything, exhibit violent vomiting or vomit blood benefit from this medicine. Graphites is good for treating duodenal ulcers marked by a burning in the stomach and a feeling of hunger.

Kinds of Peptic Ulcers

Broadly speaking, peptic ulcers are classified into two main categories. The esophageal ulcers are those that occur in the esophagus, hollow tube through which food moves from your throat to your stomach. The duodenal ulcers are the ones that erupt inside of the upper portion of the duodenum, the small intestine.

The ulcers that are found in the stomach are termed as the gastric ulcers.

There is also a Meckel’s diverticulum ulcer, which is characterized by a lot of tenderness.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers

The primary symptom of a peptic ulcer is, of course, pain. The pain causes a burning sensation and gets more acute when the stomach acid passes over the sores. The pain can be experienced anywhere in the region of the navel, spreading to the breastbone.

The sensation of pain is worsened on an empty stomach and often gets more acute at night. The pattern of the pain is such that it may go away temporarily on consuming some non-acid producing foods but keeps returning from time to time.

The less common signs and symptoms of the peptic ulcers may include vomiting of blood that may look reddish or blackish in color, dark blood in stools or stools that are blackish, the feeling of nausea, a sudden drop in weight or appetite, etc.

Myths about Peptic Ulcers

The primary factor responsible for peptic ulcer is a chronic swelling caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

These ulcers can also be triggered by the use of NSAIDS. While the incidence of duodenal ulcers has fallen considerably during the past three decades or so, the number of cases of gastric ulcers have registered a rise, primarily due to the widespread use of NSAIDs.

The most common myth associated with peptic ulcers is that they are caused by highly spiced foods or a stress related job. It has also been believed that smoking, caffeine, coffee or alcohol consumption lead to this condition.

However, these are mostly myths and research has clearly shown that it is a bacterial infection or some medications which essentially trigger peptic ulcers.

Natural remedies for peptic ulcers not only provide permanent relief from pain and other related symptoms, they also treat the body’s inability to fight with helicobacter pylori . Thus once treated with natural remedies, peptic ulcers will be gone for good

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Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines For GERD, Acidity, Reflux and Heartburn

By Editor 116 Comments

homeopathic medicines for GERDGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to a condition in which there is a back flow of the stomach acid into the esophagus (food pipe) resulting in heartburn (burning sensation felt behind the sternum also called retrosternal burning).

Homeopathy is a renowned system of healing that offers a very magnificent and gentle treatment for cases of GERD and acid reflux. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that aid safe and quick relief in GERD symptoms. These helps in GERD by correcting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction and restoring acid balance in the stomach thereby bringing substantial relief in the symptoms like heartburn, burping, nausea, and difficult swallowing. The reliance on antacids and PPI (Proton pump inhibitors) that can cause side effects if used for an extended duration can be brought down to minimum with the use of these natural remedies without any adverse effects.

Homeopathy can treat GERD from its root

Homeopathy acts deeply, and not superficially, to treat health issues. It is much more than simply offering symptomatic relief. It goes to the root cause of a problem and treats it from its origin. Likewise, homeopathic treatment can treat GERD from its core. Its recurrences can also be prevented if certain dietary and lifestyle precautions are taken simultaneously.

Effective for both acute and chronic cases

Homeopathy brings great results in both acute and chronic cases of GERD. Though the time to show improvement varies as per chronicity, in acute cases, it assures to bring prompt symptom relief and resolve the condition quickly. In chronic cases, it works to reduce the intensity and frequency of GERD symptoms gradually along with targeting the root cause for a permanent cure.

Homeopathy can prevent GERD complications

Long-term GERD may also lead to several complications. But, with the help of a timely course of natural homeopathic remedies for the prescribed duration, one can also avoid its complications like esophagitis, and ulcers in the esophagus.

Zero side effects

Homeopathy treats GERD without any risk of any side effects. Even with long term use of homeopathic remedies no harmful effects follow. This is due to the fact that homeopathic remedies are natural and do not contain any toxins or chemicals.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD

The top medicines that are used to treat GERD are Iris Versicolor, Robinia, Natrum Phos, Carbo Veg, Nux Vomica, Arsenic Album, and Pulsatilla.

1. Iris Versicolor – For Sour, Bitter Belching and Heartburn

Iris Versicolor is a natural medicine for treating GERD. It is prepared from a plant commonly named ‘blue flag.’ The natural order of this plant is Iridaceae. Sour, bitter belching is the key feature to use this medicine. Vomiting of sour bitter fluid that burns the throat, vomiting with weakness, a smarting, burning sensation in the throat, and heartburn are the key symptoms. There may be burning distress and pains in the epigastric region (the part above the stomach) at frequent intervals. Constant nausea may be present with these symptoms.
There is excessive indigestion, and the food is vomited after an hour or so of eating a meal. Iris Versicolor is also a well-indicated medicine for a headache arising with acidity.

When to use Iris Versicolor?

This medicine is recommended for GERD with sour, bitter belchings (burps), heartburn and sour vomiting.

How to use Iris Versicolor?

This medicine can be taken in 30C power once or twice a day.

2. Robinia – When Acidity Symptoms Worsen At Night

Robinia is a top listed medicine for treating GERD. Robinia is prepared from a plant named ‘yellow locust.’ The natural order of this plant is Leguminosae. The key indication to use this medicine in GERD is the worsening of acidity symptoms at night time. There is intense heartburn, constant sour belching, and sour vomiting due to the regurgitation of acid from the stomach. As the symptoms tend to get worse at night time these can cause sleeplessness.

When to use Robinia?

This medicine is well indicated when acidity symptoms like heartburn, sour burps get worse at night time.

How to use Robinia?

It is advised to use Robinia 30 C twice or thrice a day

3. Natrum Phos – For Heartburn and Difficult Swallowing

Natrum Phos is another prominently indicated medicine for GERD treatment. It is useful when heartburn is attended with difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include sour belching, waterbrash, and vomiting of sour fluid or cheesy, curdled masses. A lump sensation in the throat may also be present, along with a loss of appetite.

When to use Natrum Phos?

Natrum Phos can be opted for managing GERD with heartburn along with difficulty in swallowing.

How to use Natrum Phos?

Natrum Phos can be administered in 6X potency three to four times a day.

4. Carbo Veg – For Bloating and Heartburn

Carbo Veg is an excellent medicine for GERD treatment. It is useful when there is bloating along with heartburn. Sour, offensive belching that gets worse after drinking or eating, a burning sensation in the throat, and difficulty in swallowing are other symptoms. Even the simplest of foods tend to trigger the condition.

When to use Carbo Veg?

This medicine is suitable when abdominal bloating attends complaint of heartburn even from eating the simplest kind of food.

How to use Carbo Veg?

Carbo Veg 30C can be taken twice or thrice a day as per symptom intensity.

5. Nux Vomica – For Acidity from spicy food, coffee, alcohol

Nux Vomica is a highly effective medicine in general for managing several gastric issues including acidity from spicy food, coffee, and alcohol. In cases needing it burning in the throat, heartburn and sour belching occurs. It may be accompanied by a cough. Nux Vomica is one of the best-indicated medicines for a gastric cough that gets worse at night time and prevents sleep. Vomiting usually appears from coughing. The throat is sore and raw, and swallowing may be painful.

When to use Nux Vomica?

Nux Vomica can be considered when acidity is worse from the intake of spicy food, coffee, or alcohol.

How to use Nux Vomica?

It is recommended to take Nux Vomica at 30 C power once or twice a day

6. Arsenic Album – For Burning Pain in Throat

Arsenic Album is a medicine for GERD that is accompanied by a burning pain in the throat. The burning gets worse upon swallowing. Swallowing is difficult and painful. Other symptoms include regurgitation of acrid matter, water brash, heartburn, intense nausea, and weakness. Arsenic Album is also a well indicated medicine for inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis).

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine can be selected to manage burning pain in the throat along with painful and difficult swallowing.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Though it can be used in both low to high potencies, in the beginning, it is advised to take it in 30C potency once or twice a day.

7. Pulsatilla Nigricans – For Acid Reflux from Fatty Food

Pulsatilla Nigricans is a natural medicine prepared from a plant named ‘windflower.’ The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. It is used in cases of GERD where consumption of fatty food worsens the complaint. Greasy, fatty foods like creams, pastries, and ice creams trigger acid reflux. The symptoms include heartburn and water brash. Belching of food, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, and a sensation of lumping in the throat may be present.

When to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?

It is an ideal medicine for cases of acidity that worsens from eating fatty food like creams, pastries, ice creams.

How to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?

In the beginning, one may start with its 30C potency once a day. After close observation of symptoms, higher potencies can be considered if need arises, under a homeopathic physician’s supervision.

Main Cause of Heartburn

To understand GERD, one will have to first understand how our esophagus (food pipe) and stomach handle food and acid. As the food reaches the lower end of the food pipe, a circular muscle (the LES or lower esophageal sphincter) present around the food pipe opens up and allows the food to enter the stomach. Once it enters the stomach, this muscle closes the lower end of the food pipe. This behaves like a one-way valve stopping the food and the acid in the stomach from moving back into the esophagus. In Gerd, this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, so the stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus very frequently, causing repeated attacks of heartburn.

GERD: Symptoms

– Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone. It gets worse after eating, lying down, and bending.
– Burning in the throat
– Chest pain
– Sour, bitter belching or water brash (sudden flow of saliva due to indigestion) from regurgitation of food or sour liquid
– Sour taste in the mouth
– Difficulty in swallowing
– Sensation of a lump in the throat
– Bad breath
– Feeling of Abdominal bloating
– Cough
– Laryngitis
– Worsening of asthmatic complaint

Risk Factors: GERD

The risk factors for GERD include obesity, hiatus hernia (bulging of the upper part of the stomach through the hiatus opening in the diaphragm), smoking, pregnancy, strenuous exercise right after eating a meal, heavy exercise with a focus on the core muscles of the abdomen, exercises that involve hanging upside down or bending, and weightlifting.

Factors that can Trigger or Worsen GERD Symptoms

It firstly includes certain food and drinks such as fatty foods, fried food, chocolates, spicy food, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol which are known to worsen GERD symptoms. The other reason could be taking medications such as NSAIDs, antibiotics (such as tetracycline), pain relievers (such as ibuprofen and aspirin), birth control pills, and iron supplements. Other factors may include stress, late-night eating, eating food in large quantities, and immediately lying down after eating food.

Complications/ Long-term Effects of GERD

Long-standing uncontrolled or untreated GERD carries a risk of developing certain complications. These include inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), ulcers/erosions in the esophagus, and stricture of the esophagus from a scar that causes narrowing of the esophagus. A serious complication of GERD is Barrett’s esophagus in which the squamous type of cells present in the lining of the esophagus change from squamous type to columnar epithelial type which is considered a precancerous condition.

Managing Acid Reflux and GERD

Some tips that can help minimize acid reflux and manage GERD include:

1. Drinking More Water

2. Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol

3. Eating Small, Regular Meals

4. Regular Exercising

5. Minimizing use of certain medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and hormone replacement drugs

6. Taking dinner early

7. Avoiding Overeating

8. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

9. Keeping head slightly elevated while sleeping

10. Stress Management

11. Foods to Avoid: These include animal products and dairy products, caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks. allergy-causing foods like gluten, certain nuts, or synthetic ingredients, fatty foods, overly spicy foods, tomatoes, and chocolates.

 

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gastric problems and homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 150 Comments

NUX Vomica is a remedy for many conditions of modern life. The typical Nux patient does a good deal of mental work. He has mental strains and leads a sedentary life. He is engaged in prolonged office work, deep study and close application to business with its attendant cares and anxieties. Indoor life and mental strain seek stimulants – coffee, wine, possibly in excess; or again, he hopes to quieten his excitement by indulging in the “pleasures” of tobacco. He may become a victim of seductive drugs like opium.

These things are associated with other indulgences. At the table, he takes, preferably, rich and stimulating food. Wine plays a part in making him forget the stress of the day. Late hours are a consequence; a thick head, sluggish digestion (constipation, acidity and excessive gas formation), and irritable temper are the next day’s lot. Nux Vomica 200, one dose at night for a week, with rest and no stimulants, can wash away the blues.

Curing acidity

Acidity tends to have a much higher incidence in highly emotional and nervous individuals. The consumption of alcohol, highly spicy foodstuff, non-vegetarian diets, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also predispose one to gastric acidity. Natrum Phos leads a group of homoeopathic medicines used against acidity. The indications for its use include: a burning sensation in the chest behind the sternum (breast-bone) which can originate from the stomach and extend even to the throat; this burning may also be accompanied by sour vomiting, and often a yellow creamy-coated tongue; Natrum Phos 30c four times a day for a week will reduce the acidity.

Another homoeopathic medicine, Arsenic Album, is well suited only if these symptoms occur around midnight – the 30c potency of Arsenic Album can be used in a similar way. A suitable diet must be strictly followed, avoiding spicy, salty and acidic food. Smoking and alcohol must be stopped. Those with a highly nervous and emotional disposition and those involved in high-stress jobs must be encouraged to take lifestyle-modifying measures.profile pic

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Homeopathic Treatment Of IBS

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 15 Comments

What perplexes most of the patients who suffer from the IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is the fact that even though there are no pathological changes present in their gastrointestinal tract, they still suffer from the disease. So, how is it that the disorder which produces diverse symptoms such as diarrhoeas, constipation, excessive gas feeling and even severe cramping pain does not show any anatomical changes?

The answer lies in the fact that this disorder is a functional disorder which means that the bowel doesn’t work as it should. It is related to how the intestinal tract contracts and pushes the food forward. The irritable bowel syndrome is a problem with the intestines. In people with IBS, the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too quickly or too slowly through the intestines

 

How is IBS diagnosed?

 

As the IBS has no pathological findings, the physician bases his diagnosis on the symptoms as told by the patient, still the physician may need to do certain tests to rule out other ailments. The symptoms that indicate the IBS are bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhoea, especially after eating or first thing in the morning, Feeling the need to have a bowel movement after already having one, feeling a strong urge to have a bowel movement, abdominal pain and cramping that may go away after having a bowel movement

 

What causes the IBS?

 

It remains a mystery as to how the IBS develops. Research suggests that the large intestine of those who suffer from this disorder is more sensitive and reactive than usual to a wide range of things which include certain foods and stress.

For example, people who suffer from bloating after eating usually assume that there is too much gas in their abdomen, but it is the increased sensitivity of their intestine to the stretching caused by small amounts of gas. Diarrhoeas in the IBS are caused by increased contractions of the intestines resulting from a trigger factor such as a particular food substance or stress.

Food triggers mainly include milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and fatty foods. In some cases, simply eating a large meal will trigger symptoms Stress, anxiety and strong emotions also affect how intestines contract. In stress or anxiety they contract too much or too little, resulting in symptoms of the IBS.

Homeopathy takes a different route in treating this disorder. It takes a holistic approach by studying the emotional and physical make-up, also keeping in view the symptoms of the IBS presented by the patient. It is this well-rounded approach that gives homoeopathy better success in treating this disorder. Argentum nitricum, colocynth, sulphur, and nux vomica are the leading homoeopathic medicines that are used in treating this disorder.

 

Managing IBS

 

*The best way to handle the irritable bowel syndrome is to eat a healthy diet, avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse and find ways to handle your stress.
*Eat varied foods, including those high in fibres and avoid food that is rich in fat. Fibre reduces IBS symptoms – especially constipation – because it makes stool soft, bulky and easier to pass.
*Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhoea in people with the IBS. If this happens, break your meals into five to six small meals in a day.
*Drink plenty of water in a day.
*Learn new and better ways to deal with your stress. Meditation, yoga, exercise and counselling are some of the things that might help.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome- treating it with Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 71 Comments

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the “functional intestinal disorders” – a general term for conditions that show no physical evidence of disease in the intestines on examination, and the cause of which does not show up in a blood test or an X-ray. People with IBS have colon that are more sensitive and reactive than usual. So they respond to stimuli that would not bother most people.

Sulphur, Argentum itricum, Colocynth, Pulsatilla, Carbo Veg, Nux Vomica and Lycopodium are a few of the important homeopathic medicines very frequently asked for in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Chronic forms of this disorder are treatable with Sulphur, where sensitivity to milk is a key factor and early morning diarrhoea is often a presenting symptom. Sulphur covers a huge variety of symptoms found under this disorder.

It is best prescribed with a rich experience in homeopathy. Pulsatilla is for sensitive individuals also where fatty food usually triggers off a variety of symptoms. When this disorder is a consequence of what is called modern living (excess intake of alcohol and rich food), Nux works as a panacea. If there is immediate bloating after eating and the abdomen swells up like a drum, Carbo Veg can do wonders.

Colocynth and argentum Nitricum have a different indication – anxiety, stress and emotions. Patients asking for Colocynth have diarrhoea associated with cramping pain in the abdomen before passing stool. For an Argentum Nitricum patient, sweets can trigger off the complaint and loud belching often forms a major presenting symptom. Lycopodium is generally indicated for people with chronic digestive discomforts and bowel problems. Bloating and a feeling of fullness come on early in a meal of shortly after, and a large amount of gas is usually produced. Heartburn and stomach pain are common, and the person may feel better after rubbing the abdomen. Symptoms are typically worse between 4 pm and 8 pm. Despite so many digestive troubles, the person can have a ravenous appetite, and may even get up in the middle of the night to eat.

HOMOEOPATHIC medicines Natrum Carb, Podophyllum, China and Croton Tig are another set of important medicines often asked for treating chronic gastric conditions like IBS. Natrum Carb is indicated for people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many kinds of food and have to stay on a restricted diet. Indigestion, heartburn and even ulcers may occur if offending food is eaten.

The most important indications for its use is that the person often is intolerant of milk, and drinking it or eating dairy products leads to gas formation and spluttery diarrhoea with an empty feeling in the stomach. The patients may have a craving for potatoes and for sweets (and sometimes also milk, but has learnt to avoid it).

Podophyllum is indicated when abdominal pain and craming with a gurgling, sinking, empty feeling are followed by watery, offensive-smelling diarrhoea – alternating with constipation, or pasty yellow bowel movements containing mucous. Symptoms tend to be worse early in the morning and the person may feel weak and faint or have a headache afterwards. Rubbing the abdomen (especially on the right side may help relieve discomfort.

China (Cinchona officinalis) is often asked for treating conditions where weakness has resulted from the excessive loss of fluids. It can be used in both acute and chronic conditions. it is also indicated where distension of the abdomen is associated with colic (pain).

Croton Tig is indicated in chronic diarrhoea as well as acute diarrhoea. There is a constant urge to pass stool followed by sudden evacuations. A swashing sensation in intenstines is common. Pain in the anus, as if a plug is being forced outwards, is experienced. Copious watery stools with much urge, then profuse and sudden gushing of yellow water, have to be encountered. Water has to be drunk judiciously.

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This feature ( authored by Dr. Vikas Sharma ) was earlier published in The Tribune(north India’s largest circulated daily newspaper). Dr. Vikas Sharma is regular Homeopathic columnist for The Tribune. mail him : vikas@drhomeo.com

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Gas Poblem -Treat it with Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 162 Comments

“Gas problem” is something that is mostly harmless but can be very disturbing and incapacitating for the person who suffers from it. Its implications are diverse; ranging from being a mere social embarrassment to quite a troublesome yet benign gastric issue. The big question is why do some individuals suffer more from gas than others do? The answer lies in the fact that some of us are biologically more prone to have this problem where as for others, eating habits contribute majorly to this disorder. This gas problem exhibits mainly in three ways. Patients complain of being bloated around the abdomen or passing of too much gas from the anus (flatulence) and thirdly belching of gas from mouth (eructation).

Belching of air or eructation occur mainly due to swallowed air (aerophagia) during eating, drinking. This is also associated with increased intake of carbonated drinks. Excessive salivation also leads to increase in the swallowing of air.. Bloating of the abdomen is usually related to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or chronic constipation and rarely is it associated with serious gut problems. People with IBS have this increased sensitivity of the intestinal walls. This sensitivity causes even little gas to give the impression of excessive bloating of abdomen.

It is important to realize that some amount of gas formation is very normal and is produced naturally during the process of digestion. Flatus (gas passed from anus) is a metabolic byproduct of intestinal bacteria and is not caused by swallowed air .An average normal adult has 13 to 19 gas passages every day. But the condition can be really bad for some individuals -one study noted a person who expelled gas 140 times daily, with 70 passages in a period of just four hours.

Passing of gas from anus is mostly related with the food that we eat or with the kind of bacteria that we have in our intestines.  Flatulence is generally produced when undigested food is acted upon by bacteria in our large intestines. Certain food substances produce more flatulence than others because they contain more indigestible carbohydrates. Substances that lead to overproduction of gas are , beans, dairy products,  onions, celery, carrots, sprouts, fruits (raisins, bananas, apricots) and complex carbohydrates  like dals . People with lactase deficiency and celiac disease (gut allergy to wheat) also suffer from excessive flatulence. Gases like   Methane, Hydrogen and Hydrogen Sulphide are the main component of flatulence. Hydrogen sulphide is responsible for the odor of the flatus.

Homeopathy offers a very effective cure for excessive gas problem.  Homeopathic medicines Carbo Veg ,Lycopodium and Nux Vomica  are few of the very effective ones. Carbo Veg can be used for nearly all kinds of excessive gas conditions though  more suited in conditions where the symptoms of bloating appear immediately after eating and everything that has been eaten seems to get converted into gas. Lycopodium is more suited for patients that have the problem of passing more flatulence and also when their problem tends to increase towards the evening hours. Nux  Vomica is one of the most effective   medicines for our digestive system  and is  used in conditions that are incidental to  modern living like excess of alcohol  and improper eating habits.

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Digestion Problems and Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 63 Comments

Common digestion problems and their remedies
By Dr Vikas Sharma

SEDENTARY life-style, prolonged work hours, excessive mental strain and consumption of rich food stimulants such as alcohol, coffee and tea have made gastric problems like acidity into routine disorders. Not adding to the already “not-so-health-friendly” regimen that we follow, homeopathic medicines are non-toxic and by far the safest form of treatment available for such ailments.

Gas formation

Although some gas formation is considered normal during digestion, excess of it can cause great discomfort at times .Recent researches show that people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have very low tolerance to gas formation. Thus, for some even moderate amount of gas can cause major symptoms. Signs and symptoms can vary – distension, bloating pain in the abdominal area, discomfort extending to the chest area, etc.

Carbo vegetablis (better known as carbo veg) is the most preferred homeopathic medicine for treating acute gas attacks. Carbo veg is made from vegetable charcoal. It can be used in cases that complain of immediate bloating after meals and also where the abdomen becomes hard and their are abdominal pains too. Everything that the patient eats seems to turn into gas. Three doses of 30c potency taken internally at an interval of 15 minutes each should help in relieving the distressing symptoms.

Acidity or heartburn

Acidity or heartburn is a burning discomfort that is generally felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. The burning sensation results when harsh stomach juices come in contact with and irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus, the tube-like structure that connects the mouth to the stomach.

Natrum carb is an important homeopathic medicine for the treatment of hyperacidity or heartburn. Three-four doses of natrum carb 30 c each taken at an interval of 15 minutes should be sufficient to relieve the acute suffering.

Please note that the treatment mentioned here is only for acute phase of the diseases. Self-medication should be avoided in chronic cases and also when medical help is easily accessible.

Digest this!
It is not only what we eat, but also how and when we eat makes the difference.

Schedule your meals
The basic purpose of having a digestive system is to break complex food substances into simpler ones for them to be easily absorbed into our body. So the stomach is selective in digesting things. For a simple bowl of dal and some chapatis may take not more than an hour to be digested, but a heavy meal such as a butter chicken can take even hours.

And also our digestive system needs rest. So when we sleep the process of digestion also slows down. Food left undigested can cause discomfort, so if you plan for a heavy meal in the evening, make sure that you have it in time. A simple walk after dinner may aid digestion.

Go slow
We usually tend to eat much more than we actually need to. Because the signals that indicate satiety to the brain from the stomach are slightly delayed. So, the best way to avoid overeating is to eat slowly and to stop just before the satiety level.

Break up your intake
Having 2-3 large meals is generally what most people like to have. It is not a very healthy practice and usually burdens our digestive system. Try and break your total food intake into many short meals.

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