What kind of reflux do you have?
Reflux occurs when substances from the stomach, or other parts of the digestive system like the gallbladder and pancreas, flow back into areas where they shouldn't, leading to discomfort and damage.
The main types of reflux, their causes, and how they differ are
Acid Reflux: Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a weakened or malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Symptoms - heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing
GERD: Chronic acid reflux that occurs at least twice weekly, leading to more severe symptoms and complications. Symptoms - same as acid reflux, also chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat
LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) or Silent Reflux: Stomach acid and digestive enzymes reach the throat and voice box (larynx and pharynx), bypassing the esophagus. Symptoms - chronic cough or throat clearing, hoarseness or loss of voice, lump in throat, postnasal drip. Not always typical heartburn
Bile Reflux: Bile from the liver flows back into the stomach/oesophagus, sometimes due to issues with the pyloric valve (the sphincter between the stomach and small intestine). Symptoms - burning or gnawing pain in upper abdomen, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea
Functional Reflux: Symptoms of reflux occur without any visible structural or functional abnormalities during medical testing, and can mimic GERD or LPR without an identifiable cause
Alkaline Reflux: Where non-acidic substances like bile or pancreatic enzymes, reflux into the stomach and esophagus. Symptoms - similar to bile reflu
Understanding the type of reflux is crucial for tailoring treatment and improving symptoms effectively.
A real food diet, liver detoxification, gut healing and stomach/liver/gallbladder support are successful natural ways of reducing symptoms and eradicating these conditions at their root