GERD, aka silent reflux, stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. It affects a large number of people from small children to elderly. GERD occurs when there is disharmony in the upper GI tract. The gastric contents are reversed affecting the mucosal lining and esophagus functions (source).
Commonly characterized by a sour taste in the mouth, scratchy throat with chronic hacking, non-productive cough (like hair or lettuce in the throat), heartburn, and constant indigestion. Especially triggered by stress, certain foods, post-nasal drip, and a deficient immune system.
Some people can experience non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).
There is a form of GERD called laryngopharyngeal reflux syndrome (LPR), which produces prominent symptoms and signs in the pharynx and larynx, such as chronic and intermittent laryngitis and pharyngitis. This is commonly referred to as silent reflux because it is more of an implosion of gastric juices versus and explosion as experienced in acid reflux.
What Causes GERD
- Compromised immune health & CBC imbalances
- Acidic foods
- Candida & yeast issues
- Irregular bowels (constipation and/or diarrhea)
- Microbiome dysbiosis
- IBS flare up
Holistic Remedies to Help GERD Symptoms
Herbs & Herbal Teas
- Chamomile
- Chinese licorice root
- Ginger
- Marshmallow root
- Mullein
- Slippery Elm
Essential Oils
- Cardamom
- Frankincense
- Lime
- Myrrh
- Nutmeg
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Spearmint
Foods
- Warm foods are best. Avoid cold or raw foods.
- Sauteed kale with olive oil, flax seeds, sea salt and a spray of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.
- Vegetable broth, homemade
- Baked apples – Here is a great article on the benefits of apples for reflux from one of my mentors, Dr. Bruce Berkowsky. He shares a yummy apple-almond milk breakfast recipe.
- Antihistamine & Anti-inflammatory foods
Lifestyle Supporting habits
- Use a humidifier – diffuser 30-minute sessions, 2-3 times daily to keep airways moist
- Get 7-9 hours of rest as much as possible
- Laugh…A lot! You need fun, belly-laughing to help boost the immune system
- Movement! Nothing too strenuous. Yoga, walking, are stretching are great to help you move.
Silent Reflux (LPR) Cough Tea Recipe
- 2T organic lemon juice or fresh squeezed organic lemons
- 3T manuka honey
- 1t digestive bitters
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese licorice root extract
- 1 Mullein tea bag
- 1 Chamomile tea bag, organic
- 1 Ginger tea bag, organic
- 1 Peppermint tea bag, organic
- 1 Rosemary tea bag, organic
- 16 oz. hot water
Let tea bags steep for 4 minutes. Sip slowly as you sit up straight allowing your lungs and esophagus to elongate.
Special Bonus!
Digestion is a huge health topic for…everyone! Having tips and tricks to help it work better are always helpful. So, here is one for your recipe books.
This Ginger Syrup Digestive Soother Recipe is not only yummy, it really calms an upset tummy, gas, bloating, nausea, and just blah feeling. Make up a batch and enjoy.
Ginger Ale Syrup Digestive Soother Recipe
By: Brandee Thunberg, Certified Health Coach
- 2 cups of fresh ginger – peeled & cut into cubes
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- Put 4 cups of water and 2 cups of cubed fresh ginger in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Cover and turn to low for 1 hour.
- When the 1 hour is up, remove lid cover and keep on low for another 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes strain the ginger water into a bowl and add:
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
Stir until the honey is dissolved. Place into a container of choice. Will keep for 5 days in the fridge.
Options:
- Put it into ice cube trays & have cubes ready in the freezer to add to any drink.
- Add to sparkling water