GERD commonly referred as “Amla pitta” in Ayurveda GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a digestive disorder in which gastric acid from your stomach flows back up into your food pipe (esophagus). Acid reflux occurs when a valve at the end of your esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, fails to close properly when food enters your stomach.

Acid backwash then flows up your esophagus and into your throat and mouth, leaving you with a sour taste.

According to Ayurveda, GERD or acid reflux is brought on by an imbalance or aggravation of the pitta dosha. Excess pitta aggregating meals, as well as foods of an unsuitable nature (virudhaahar), such as processed meat, frozen meals,  and junk foods with extra preservatives might cause the body to produce toxins (ama), vitiate all the doshas, particularly pitta. Heat toxins are excreted into the food pipe by vitiated doshas, creating heartburn. Acidity is induced by excessive coffee or tea consumption, eating oily or spicy foods, or consuming fried foods. Other variables that lead to acidity include hyperactivity and aggression. Unusual eating habits, working late into the night, and/or consuming alcohol or carbonated beverages all serve to aggravate the Pitta. Furthermore, pain relievers and antibiotics may produce acid reflux and heartburn.

GERD Symptoms

• Heartburn is the most typical symptom of GERD (acid indigestion). A burning chest discomfort that begins beneath your breastbone and travels up to your neck and throat is how it typically feels.
• Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
• Upper abdominal or chest pain
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Sensation of a lump in your throat

Do I have GERD?

GERD is fairly widespread. A significant portion of the Indian population—20%—is affected by the illness and its symptoms.

GERD can affect people of any age, however some may be more susceptible than others. For instance, after age 40, you have a higher probability of developing mild or severe GERD.

You may be more at risk for GERD if you:

• Have a part of your stomach slide up out of the belly cavity next to your esophagus (hiatal hernia)
• Have a weak lower esophageal sphincter or LES
• Are obese
• Are pregnant
• Use some medicines, such as aspirin or over-the-counter pain and fever medicines
• Smoke or are around secondhand smoke
• Drink alcohol

Treatment of GERD

The pitta calming diet is an ayurvedic treatment for GERD that promotes bodily cleansing and healing. The ayurvedic herb amla fruit, sometimes referred to as Indian gooseberry, is a well-known treatment for GERD. It is frequently used in herbal therapy and is well-liked in ayurveda for the treatment of GERD. It is most well-known for its antioxidant effects, which support the maintenance of healthy cells in the body and make it ideal for preserving health as you age. The use of Amla in the treatment for GERD in Ayurveda enhances the body’s natural healing ability to counter gastroesophageal reflux disease.

If you frequently experience burp and acid reflux, you might want to think about fasting or upvasa.

However, it’s crucial to exercise restraint. Try to limit how much tea, coffee, and alcoholic or carbonated beverages you consume. Avoiding processed, fermented, and junk food is also a good idea. Eating foods that go against your nature will only cause physical harm. Warm water consumption, temperance in eating, and modest exercise can all reduce GERD symptoms.

The information mentioned above is all very helpful in reducing the severity of GERD. We do, however, advocate consulting with Ayurvedic professionals such as Dr. Era Ayurveda who formulate your treatment based on the GERD and the patient’s general health. At Dr. Era Ayurveda we follow 5 step process to treat GERD patient

1. Root cause analysis and dosha correction by Ayurveda Physician
2. Ayurvedic formulations are given to patients based on their body type and disease nature in order to correct GIT (Gastro-intestinal tract) issues and boost metabolism.
3. A nutrition plan tailored to your body type
4. A personalized yoga and meditation programme to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
5. Lifestyle adjustments with the aid of your Ayurvedic Mitr will help you develop improved eating habits, exercise and adhere to your treatment plan.