Acid Reflux, also known as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a disease in which the stomach content, along with acid and juices leaks back into the esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates and inflames the lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn. Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD and many people battle with heartburn regularly, even daily. So this problem is generally ignored. But frequent heartburn may be a symptom of GERD which requires immediate treatment to avoid complications and damage to the stomach and esophagus.

When we eat food, it travels from the food pipe (called esophagus) and reaches the stomach. In the stomach, food is mixed with digestive juices and acids to break it into simple complexes. There is a ring of muscle at the end of esophagus which acts like a valve and prevents food from leaking back from the stomach. This ring of muscle is called the lower esophagus sphincter or LES. When this sphincter does not function properly, it causes the stomach content along with acids to leak back into the esophagus. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. These acids irritate the lining and cause burning sensation or heartburn. This may be a sign of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. One must remember that all heartburn does not indicate GERD, but, heartburn that occurs more than twice a week must be screened for the same.

Acid Reflux Causes

The causes of Acid Reflux are complex and there maybe multiple causes present.

Certain conditions make a person prone to Acid Reflux, e.g. Pregnancy, diseases that weaken the esophageal muscles like scleroderma.

People suffering from hiatus hernia and esophagus stricture may also have Acid Reflux. 

Besides this, other factors that may contribute towards the development of Acid Reflux are:

• Alcohol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Certain foods like fatty and fried stuff, spicy food, citrus fruits, etc.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

• Heartburn is the most common symptom. It starts from the chest and then spreads to the throat as well. It is more severe while lying-down.
• There may be a sour taste in the mouth.
• Some people complain of chest pain, especially while lying-down at night.
• The acid regurgitation irritates the lining of the esophagus and may cause a sore throat and cough.
• In infants, an immature digestive system can cause repeated vomiting, coughing, but this generally stops when the child is 1 year old.

Acid Reflux, if not treated properly can cause some complications in the long run. They are:

• Repeated episodes of acid leaking into esophagus may cause inflammation of the esophagus
• This may cause bleeding or ulcers.
• Ulcers of the esophagus may heal forming scars, but over time, the scars may shrink and form stricture.
• Due to constant irritation and inflammation of the esophagus lining, the cells may have precancerous changes. This is called Barrett's esophagus.
• Respiratory diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis may be aggravated by Acid Reflux.

Diagnosis of Acid Reflux/ Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder

The physician starts by taking a complete case history, evaluating the medical history as well as analyzing the lifestyle of the patient. He may then perform a physical examination to note the general condition. Generally, a description of symptoms is enough for the physician to suspect GERD. He may advise the following tests to confirm his diagnosis:

• Barium X-ray: In this, the patient is made to drink Barium liquid, which coats the digestive tract making it visible on X-ray. This will reveal if there is an esophagus stricture or hiatus hernia that is causing GERD.
• Endoscopy: In this, a thin flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope is inserted from the mouth down to the esophagus. This enables the physician to inspect the lining of the esophagus directly. During the procedure, the physician may even take tissue samples to rule out Barrett's esophagus (precancerous changes in esophageal cells) and esophageal cancer. 
• Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests: In this, a thin catheter is inserted through the nose into the esophagus. Through this catheter a probe is positioned so that it lies just above the lower esophageal sphincter. The catheter is also connected to a computer on the other end. This test measures the amount of acid that regurgitates and analyses the severity of the disease.

Conventional treatment for Acid Reflux or GERD includes antacids like pepto-bismol, Rolaids. They are acid regulators. But, they have side-effects due to their ingredients which basically comprise of salts: magnesium, calcium, and aluminum. Magnesium salts may lead to diarrhea and aluminum salts may cause constipation. H2 blockers, which impede acid production, may be prescribed. These drugs provide short-term relief and work only in 50% of GERD cases.

There is another group of drugs called pro-kinetics which work by strengthening the sphincter and forcing the stomach to empty faster. But, these drugs also have side-effects. In cases that do not respond to medication, a surgery (called Nissen fundoplication) may be the only option.

Tips to Manage Acid Reflux/ GERD

Make some lifestyle changes, like:

• Stop drinking and smoking, immediately
• Lose weight, if needed
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid lying-down for 3 hours after a meal

Complementary Natural Care

Holistic Natural therapies aim at addressing the root causes of an issue. GERD surfaces when the lower esophagus sphincter does not function properly and the stomach acids leak back into esophagus. Natural therapies are traditionally believed to neutralize the acid levels, soothe the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract and stimulate the normal structure and functioning of the esophageal sphincter.

Every single ingredient in every Biogetica kit has huge amounts of traditional use data from Ayurveda and Homeopathy and is supported by modern studies and trials. However, people and governments today tend to have varying opinions and laws regarding natural supplements and complementary therapies, which their FDA may not have studied yet. We, therefore, prefer not to make any claims instead; we point all Patients and Doctors to independent research and clinical studies that proves their efficacy in a "scientific manner". In some cases, we compare the results of these studies to those of pharmaceutical medicines in order to show that natural products can be just as or even more effective than drugs, which tend to have side effects.

In order to present this information in an unbiased and up to date manner, we simply show you Google Scholar search results of all scientific articles available on a certain product. We support you in your right to know and choose natural medicine!

Herbal research

• Manjistha: Studies suggest that it may protect the delicate mucous membranes of the esophagus. ¹
• Bauhinia variegate: Studies suggest that it may protect the stomach mucosa. ²
• Ficus benghalensis: Studies suggest that it may soothe the stomach lining and support the normal structure and functioning of the gastric and esophagus lining. ³

Resonance homeopathic research

• Natrum Phos: Studies suggest that it may support the repair of damaged tissues. ⁴
• Argentum nit: Studies suggest that it may neutralize the acid present in the stomach to provide relief from heartburn. ⁵

Allopathic

• side effects of pepto bismol

If you have read the research above, you are now in a position to make an intelligent decision. We suggest you discuss this research with your doctor or one of our doctors available online.

CONSULT ONE OF BIOGETICA'S DOCTORS FOR FREE. You can also click directly on any one of the products to purchase it. Please don't delay, begin your healing journey today!

Biogetica is on the vanguard of healthcare innovation combining for the first time three separate and unique disciplines: traditional ayurvedic herbs, advanced resonance homeopathy, and ground-breaking nutraceuticals designed from the molecule up to provide health and freedom to you.

Our mission is to provide you with integrated natural solutions that target root issues across the physical, energetic and informational spectrum of your life. Our Doctors research all possible ingredients and combine them synergistically into kits to help bring your body into balance.

Biogetica’s products reflect an understanding of both the molecular and vibrational nature of life and therefore bridge the gap between the current understandings of medicine, biology, and quantum physics.

Our multidisciplinary kits potentially work by: **

• Neutralizing the acid levels
• Soothing the lining of your gastro-intestinal tract
• Acting on the smooth muscles of your gastro-intestinal tract and strengthening your lower esophageal sphincter
• Maintaining healthy stomach tissue
• Regulating esophageal spasms, so digestive content moves in the correct direction
• Promoting proper digestive enzyme production, thereby restoring optimal functioning of your digestive system

The proof of our methods is evident from the ground-breaking results we have seen in independent clinical trials, and more importantly, in the lives we’ve helped uplift.

Prana' stands for life force, and as the name suggests, it is instrumental in keeping us alive. 'Pranayama' is the process that helps us control 'Prana', and thus in a way, control our life. On careful observation, it is clear that there exists an intimate connection between the breath and energy-currents. Proper coordination of the breathing process leads to the control of vital inner-currents and energies. It ultimately results in the control of the body, mind and soul continuum. Over the millenia yogis have understood how each pranayama affects the energy meridians of the body and therefore these yogis recommend particular pranayamas for particular conditions and constitutions.

1.Tandem Breathing ('Sahita Kumbhaka') 

It has 2 types, based on whether or not there is any concomitant chanting of Mantras with the Pranayama exercise. 

Steps:

1. Comfortable aasana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana.
2. Slow inhalation; with concomitant chants of the mantra 'OM AARAH', if possible.
3. Hold the breath for a short period of time. 
4. Slow Exhalation.

Significance:

It's a daily and constant process, which we seldom appreciate.

Benefits:

It encourages concentration with closed eyes while we inhale and exhale.

2. Awakening breath ('Surya Bheda')

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Concentrate with eyes closed.

2. Rest the right thumb on the right nostril (Avoid applying any pressure or blocking the nostril). At the same time, rest the right index finger on the space between 2 eyebrows and close the left nostril with the right ring and little finger.

3. Slow inhalation through the right nostril is pursued, till comfortable.

4. With the thumb applied to the right nostril, retain the breath firmly pressing the chin against the chest. There is no specific limit to this and it can be pursued till there is discomfort.

5. Slow and silent exhalation through the left nostril. It is followed by a short gap wherein inhalation is avoided. This same procedure is to be repeated again. 

Time limit: 

Hold your breath till you perspire. This point cannot be reached at the very outset. The period of retention of breath needs to be gradually increased. 

Advantages:

• It cures the diseases caused by excess of Vata & Kapha
• Improves digestion
• Awakens 'Kundalini Shakti'

Indications:

• Intestinal worms
• Arthritis
• Sinusitis

3. Hissing breath ('Ujjayi')

Steps: 

1. Sit comfortably in Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Close the mouth. 
2. Fold the tip of the tongue and rest it on the palate. The tongue will appear to be 'twisted'. 
3. Inhale air slowly through both the nostrils in a uniform manner till the breath fills the chest. This results in a peculiar sound uniform in pitch and continuous in nature.
4. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
5. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
6. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.

Time limit:

3 min to hr

Advantages:

• Strengthens the nervous system
• Improves the tone of voice
• Relieves stress
• Increases lung capacity

Indications:

• Indigestion
• Koch's
• Bronchitis
• Pharyngitis
• Spleen disorders
• Tonsillitis
• Cough
• Ascites

• Purifies the blood
• Quenches thirst and appeases hunger

• Spleen disorders
• Chronic dyspepsia
• Indigestion
• Bilious disorders

5. Cooling Breath (Shitkari) 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Fold the tongue so that its tip is brought to rest over the upper palate. Inhale air through the mouth accompanied by a hissing sound 'Si'/ 'C'. 
3. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
4. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: 

Gradually increase by 1 minute every week, till 5 minutes.

Advantages:

• Helps to keep the body cool in summer
• Improves vigor & beauty
• Helps quench thirst when thirsty

Indications:

• Dental carries
• Bleeding and inflammation of gums
• Ulcers
• Colitis
• Throat infection
• Hypertension patients can practice this type of Pranayama to decrease blood pressure.

6. Bellow Breath (Bhastrika)

It draws similarity with the bellows of a blacksmith. It involves rapid expulsion of breath and is a powerful exercise. It can be termed as a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position (with a straight neck) in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Body, head and neck in erect posture. Close the mouth. 
3. Inhale air (chest expands and abdominal muscles are pulled in) and quickly exhale 10 times (1 set). While doing so a hissing sound is produced. 
4. When 1 set is on the verge of completion the final expulsion should be followed by a deepest possible inhalation. 
5. Retain breath as long as you can till there is some any discomfort. 
6. Follow it with a complete slow exhalation. This marks the end of one round. 
7. After a short rest (with normal breathing pattern) begin the next round. 

Time limit: 

Practice three rounds daily in the morning and evening. 

Advantages:

• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Stimulates appetite
• Improves resistance power
• Gives warmth to the body
• Purifies 'Nadi' and awakens the 'Kundalini' quickly

Indications:

• Abdominal disorders
• Throat and chest infection

Note:

• In case you encounter any giddiness, stop the practice and take a few normal breaths. Continue after the giddiness has subsided.
• In summer, practice it in the morning only during cool hours.
• Those wishing to practice it in the long-term and in an intense manner, should live on 'Khichdi', and take an Enema ('Bhasti') in the morning before starting the practice.
• People suffering from heart or lung disorders should do it slowly.

7. Humming Breath (Bhramari)

 Its name is derived from the fact that a sound like that of 'humming of bees' is produced when it is practiced.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana. Keep the neck and back erect.
2. Place your thumbs on the ears, index fingers just above the eyebrows (near the sinuses) and the remaining three fingers on the eyes. The finger-tips should slightly press the ridge of the nose on each side.
3. Inhale and exhale air rapidly through both the nostrils, making a humming sound resembling that of a Bee ('Bhramara'). Concomitantly chant 'Om'.
4. The process can be continued till you perspire profusely. 
5. Next inhale through both the nostrils and retain the breath as long as you can, till there is some discomfort. 
6. Exhale slowly through both the nostrils. 

Time limit: 

Beginners may practice it 3 times, and advanced practitioners 11-21 times.

Advantages:

• Improves speech and voice-quality
• Helps in the achievement of ultimate peace ('Samadhi')

Indications:

• Sinusitis
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Stress

Contraindications

• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Brain tumor
• Migraine
• Severe or persistent headaches

8. Supreme Breath ('Murcha Pranayama') 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Close the eyes and concentrate on the space between the 2 eyebrows ('Trikuti'). 
3. Inhale slowly through the mouth and retain the breath till you feel faint. 
4. Sever off your connection with the surroundings and focus on the center-point between the 2 eyebrows.
5. Apply the chin on the chest and then exhale slowly. 

Advantages:

• Practice without distraction endows divine happiness
• Makes you feel pleasant and relaxed

Indications:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mental disorders

9. Unconditioned Breath ('Kevala Kumbhaka') 

Perfection in Tandem breathing (mentioned earlier) paves the way for Kevala Kumbhaka. Thus, an existence devoid of inhalation and exhalation and unconditioned by space, time and number is unconditioned breath.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. It involves the sudden stopping of the breath without resorting to inhalation or exhalation.

Advantages:

• Attainment of Raja Yoga and perfection in Hath Yoga
• Arousal of Kundalini Shakti
• Cures diseases and promotes longevity

10. Alternate Breath

A simple, yet scientific exercise that can be practiced virtually anywhere. It is based on the fact that we alternate between the two nostrils when we breathe. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. Tilt your head slightly forward.

2. First half round:

• Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand into its palm. The other fingers should be extended.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Inhale through the left nostril for a definite period of time – say 5 seconds.
• Close the left nostril with the right ring-finger and little-finger.
• Concurrently remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale.
• This is to be done for twice the inhalation period, i.e. for 10 seconds.
• This completes the first half of one round. 3. Second half round
• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

3. Second half round:

• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period – say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

Time limit: 

If there is no discomfort of any kind after practicing as instructed above, increase the inhalation period gradually second-by-second. Correspondingly change the exhalation period.

Number of Rounds: 

Begin with 3 rounds. If there is no discomfort, 1 round can be added every week, until you are doing 7 rounds.

This exercise can be practiced as often as you wish, but do remember to do it at least once a day.

Advantages:

• Cleanses/detoxifies the Pranic channels
• Regulates Prana
• Imparts relaxation
• Improves mental functioning and alertness
• Imparts optimum creativity and optimum logical, verbal activity of the brain
• Improves sleep

Indications:

• Stress and related disorders
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Tension headaches

Contraindications

Cold/ Nasal block (Stuffed nose). Forced breathing is not advocated and can lead to complications.

The mind is a tool developed for our survival. You are not the mind, nor the body but rather one that can perceive the mind and the body. However, one is now constantly wagged around by the mind and its fears and desires. Often we find ourselves trampled in a parade of thoughts and washed around in a flood of emotions. Meditation is simply the process of returning Home to our true nature as the witnessing consciousness in which arise all thoughts and emotions. It is merely the fragrance of Being Human.

Meditation cannot be done, it will happen once we stop doing everything and anything. Now is all that exists, all else is merely grasping at the wind hoping to change things that are generally way beyond our control.

Talking about meditation and whether you believe you can do it or not, is pointless. When we rise above our mind, emotions and body, meditation will happen. Simply listening and following is enough. Meditation is in our very nature, and it happens for us all. Behind all those thoughts is a Witness. You are that Witness.

So please, let it happen.

 

• Guided Healing Meditation with Patrick from Samarpan foundation-Goa,India

• Guided Qi Gong energy healing meditation with our founder Apoorv

Advaita self discovering meditation with Apoorv"I AM THAT I AM"meditation with Dr Stephen Wollinsky

• Meditation 1

• Meditation 2

• Meditation 3

• Meditation 4

• Meditation 5