Acid reflux (heart burn), Gas, Bloating, Indigestion and their Treatment

 

The digestive sufferings such as Bloating, Gas, and Acid reflux or heartburn can ruin a delightful day. 

Bloating occurs when your belly feels swollen or full due to excess gas production, often accompanied by discomfort or even pain and sometimes even embarrassing moments. Then there's acid reflux or heartburn, the flaming sensation that rise up your chest.

Digestive Tract

The Reasons Behind the Suffering

Now, let's play detective and uncover what's triggering these tummy tantrums:

AGE:

As people age, their digestive systems may become less efficient. Age-related changes in the intestine, includes:

1. Decreased muscle tone which affects the movement of food through the digestive system. The muscle tone of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines may weaken, leading to slower or less efficient digestion. Weakened muscle tone can also contribute to problems such as acid reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

2.    Slower transit time: Transit time refers to the time it takes for food to move through the digestive system from mouth to anus. It can also contribute to gas retention and discomfort. With increasing age, the transit time tends to slow down. This can result in undigested food spending more time in the digestive tract, lead to increased fermentation of food and gas production. Slower transit time can also contribute to constipation, as the stool remains in the large intestine (colon) for longer periods, allowing more water to be absorbed and leading to harder stools that are difficult to pass.

What can be done?

Consume healthy diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated and older individuals may be more sedentary compared to teenagers so try to be physically active. This can help easy movement of food, stool and passing gas, reduce bloating, relives discomfort and prevent hardening of stool.

 

STRESS:

1. Stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can stimulate the production of stomach acid. Excess stomach acid increases the likelihood of acid reflux or heartburn, as it can flow back up into the esophagus when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes under stress.

Acid Reflux (heart burn)

2.   Stress causing the muscles of the digestive system to contract more strongly or more frequently. stress-induced muscle tension or spasms can slow down gut motility, leading to constipation and further bloating.

3. Stress can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota, the complex community of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Stress release cortisol and other stress hormones, which changes gut permeability allow bacteria and other microbial metabolites to pass through the intestinal lining and enter systemic circulation, triggering immune responses and inflammation. These things affecting the body's ability to respond to pathogens promoting the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria or reduces the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been associated with various digestive disorders, including bloating and gas. 

Effect of stress on digestive health

What can be done?

Just avoid stress

 

DIETARY VILLAINS:

Certain foods can bring havoc on your digestive system.

1.    Fatty meals (can slow down digestion).

2. Spicy dishes, citrus fruits, caffeine and alcohol are known to irritate the stomach lining thus stimulate the production of stomach acid, which may contribute to acid reflux or heartburn.

3. Carbonated beverages such as soda and sparkling water, can introduce gas into the digestive system, leading to bloating and increased pressure on the stomach. Additionally, the carbonation can also irritate the stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux symptoms.

What can be done?

Simply avoid or consume less of such foods. 

EATING HABITS:

1. Hurriedly or too quickly eating: leads to improper chewing. Saliva contains enzymes like amylase, which starts the digestion of carbohydrates. Eating too quickly reduces the amount of time food spends in contact with saliva, limiting the initial breakdown of starches and other carbohydrates (undigested food). The undigested food undergoes fermentation by gut bacteria, leading to symptoms such as excess gas production and flatulence.

2.  Overeating: Eating rapidly can lead to overeating, as it takes time for your brain to register that you're full. This can result in the stomach being overloaded with a lot of larger food particles in size and we all know stomach do not have teeth making it more challenging for the digestive enzymes to break them down effectively. As a result, digestion may be delayed, and food may sit in the stomach for longer periods, leading to feelings of bloating, discomfort, and indigestion.

What can be done?

To prevent indigestion and promote proper digestion, it's important to:

• Eat mindfully: chew your food thoroughly, and take your time during meals. Eating slowly allows for better digestion, nutrient absorption, and enjoyment of your food, while reducing the risk of digestive discomfort and indigestion.
• Portion Control: Instead of gorging on giant meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Your stomach will thank you!
• Stock up on tummy-friendly foods: like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And don't forget to stay hydrated with water, the ultimate medicine for good digestion.
• The Power of Probiotics: These friendly bacteria can work wonders for your gut health by digesting the undigested food. Incorporate curd, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other probiotic-rich foods into your diet to keep your digestive system happy.

CERTAIN GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS

1.   Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): It is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine (colon). It causes cramping or aching pain in the lower abdomen. The pain may be relieved by having a bowel movement. Individuals with IBS may experience diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating episodes of diarrhoea and constipation. Many people with IBS experience bloating and increased gas production, which can contribute to feelings of abdominal fullness and discomfort.

2.    Lactose intolerance: It is a condition body cannot digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. This intolerance occurs due to a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into simpler sugars. This deficiency may occur due to certain medicines, infections injuring small intestine So, lactose sugar remains in the digestive system which get fermented in the colon by bacteria, leading to symptoms such as excess gas production, flatulence (passing gas), pain and discomfort.

 

Cause of Bloating

TREATMENT

Any medication should be taken only after consulting with healthcare provider to avoid any serious side effect.

To treat acid reflux and bloating:

1.   Antacids: Typically contain ingredients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide. These over-the-counter medications provide quick relief from heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid, but it should be taken only occasionally because it has side effects such as formation of kidney stones, aluminium toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, diarrhoea or constipation.

2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): such as pantoprazole DSR, and rabeprazole DSR are among the most effective medications for reducing stomach acid production, its reflux, treating peptic ulcers, and other acid-related conditions. These work by blocking the enzyme responsible for producing acid in the stomach. But these can have some potential side effects, especially long-term or high-dose usage interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, including vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Deficiencies in these nutrients may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, bone fractures, anaemia, and neurological problems. High-dose PPIs may lead to kidney damage or kidney disease.

3.  Prokinetics: These medications promote faster emptying of the stomach, which can reduce the risk of acid reflux. These stimulate gastrointestinal motility and accelerate the movement of food through the digestive tract.  Prokinetic agents are less commonly used and are usually reserved for individuals with severe reflux symptoms that do not respond to other treatments. As certain prokinetic agents, such as cisapride, have been associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Rarely, prokinetic agents may cause neurological side effects such as tremors. These may spoil concentration, alertness and cause headache.

4. Foaming agents: such as alginate-based medications, work by creating a protective foam barrier that floats on top of the stomach contents, preventing acid reflux into the oesophagus. These medications are less commonly used but may be helpful for some individuals with mild to moderate acid reflux symptoms and have less side effects.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Gas and bloating often result from the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates by gut bacteria, leading to the production of gases such as methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

But these are common gastrointestinal symptoms that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. While these symptoms can arise from various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions, stress can also play a significant role in exacerbating or contributing to their occurrence.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and promote overall digestive health. Additionally, adopting a balanced diet, identifying and avoiding trigger foods, and seeking medical evaluation and treatment for persistent or severe symptoms are essential steps in managing gas, bloating, and acid reflux effectively.