How to Cure GERD Permanently

Do you chronically get a burning sensation in the chest, like heartburn, if you eat the wrong food? Does your throat often feel tight?

If so, you might be one of the 20 percent of Americans who suffer from GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is a chronic digestive condition where stomach contents backflow into the esophagus, causing irritation.

If you have GERD, you probably have antacids handy. Your doctor may have prescribed a proton pump inhibitor or PPI, or you may have taken over-the-counter PPIs to reduce stomach acid. If you're managing these symptoms with medication, it might be best to pursue different treatments for these chronic symptoms. Not treating GERD properly can lead to many side effects like cough, laryngitis, breathing problems, bad teeth, and even cancer.

What Does GERD Feel Like?

GERD symptoms vary, but common sensations include:

• A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).
• Regurgitation of acid or food into the throat or mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat.
• A sensation of something stuck in the throat.

Dr. George Merriman, a general surgeon with CHRISTUS Health in Shreveport and an expert in gastroesophageal disorders, said GERD is more than just heartburn. "It involves multiple factors, including diet, lifestyle, and sometimes anatomical issues that require intervention," he said. "If you regularly experience these symptoms, it may be time to talk to a doctor." He also said there is a permanent solution. The best approach depends on the severity of the condition.

How GERD Manifests

GERD can manifest in three primary ways:

• Reflux from the stomach into the esophagus is the most recognized form of GERD. In this condition, stomach acid moves up into the esophagus due to a weakened or malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter. This results in heartburn, regurgitation, and other discomforts.
• Duodenogastric reflux occurs when digestive juices from the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, flow back into the stomach. Usually, this reflux is not an issue because the stomach is lined to handle acid. Still, these digestive juices can contribute to GERD symptoms in cases of poor gastric motility.
• Motility issues and hiatal hernia-related GERD – The stomach's ability to properly break down and move food plays a significant role in GERD. If the stomach does not empty within the normal time frame, food sits longer, increasing the risk of reflux. Additionally, a hiatal hernia, where the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, can create a pressure imbalance that makes acid reflux worse.

Natural Way to Prevent GERD

Preventing GERD often comes down to lifestyle choices, including:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
• Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoid lying down within three hours of eating.
• Elevating the head of the bed to prevent nighttime reflux.

Many patients overlook the impact of weight management on GERD. Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, forcing stomach acid into the esophagus.

Simple modifications such as avoiding late-night meals and reducing acidic foods can significantly affect many patients.

If medications alone aren't enough, consulting a specialist about long-term solutions is crucial.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Solutions

For patients looking for a long-term solution beyond medications, the Linx® Reflux Management System procedure offers a minimally invasive approach to treating GERD. The LINX device is a small, flexible ring of magnetic titanium beads placed around the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux while allowing normal swallowing and digestion.

"The LINX device is simple yet highly effective," Dr. Merriman said. "It provides a natural barrier to reflux without altering the anatomy like traditional surgery. Many patients experience significant symptom relief and can reduce or eliminate their reliance on PPIs."

LINX surgery is an outpatient procedure with a relatively quick recovery time. Patients are typically able to resume a normal diet soon after surgery and experience lasting relief from GERD symptoms. In most cases, a combination of lifestyle changes like weight loss, medications, and medical treatments like endoscopic procedures or surgery can provide lasting relief.

"Patients who do not respond to standard treatments may benefit from advanced interventions such as fundoplication surgery or the LINX procedure, which strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux."

While some may require ongoing treatment, others may find that lifestyle changes or surgical options provide long-term relief.

"The key to managing GERD is addressing the root cause rather than just treating symptoms," Dr. Merriman said. "Working closely with a specialist allows for a tailored treatment plan that ensures long-term relief."

If GERD is affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation with our expert team. No referral is needed—call us to take the first step toward relief.