Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

GERD or something else?

There seems to be much confusion lately ' especially as reported in the media ' about whether it is GERD or a different disease. First, let's remember the disease is GERD ' gastroesophageal reflux disease ' and heartburn is one of its symptoms. Lately, GERD is being grouped together with stomach ulcers and Celiac Disease. They are all digestive diseases and there are some commonalities. Mehmet Oz, MD and Michael Roizen, MD, the Real Age doctors, tell us that an easy way to tell the difference between GERD and a stomach ulcer is to determine the location of the pain. Ulcer pain usually occurs in the abdominal area, especially above the belly button, while heartburn pain is usually felt in the chest and throat.

Celiac Disease, a common, genetic, digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of food nutrients , means that one cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but can also be found in other products such as vitamins and medicines. Symptoms of celiac disease vary and adults are likely to have symptoms other than digestive ones. Screening is not common unless celiac disease is confirmed in family members; but, if blood tests and symptoms suggest celiac, a biopsy of the small intestine can confirm the diagnosis. The treatment is a life-long gluten free diet which does require a new approach to eating.

Jumping on the gluten free band wagon as the newest weight loss diet is becoming common. But physicians at the New York Obesity Center say that a gluten free diet is only good for those allergic to gluten ' for others it doesn't make sense.

But, let's get back to the relationship between celiac disease and GERD. Heartburn can be a symptom of gluten intolerance or sensitivity. According to Scot Lewey, MD, a board certified gastroenterologist, celiac disease patients have a high prevalence of GERD and treatment with a gluten free diet has shown to decrease the rate of relapse of GERD symptoms.

Howard, one of our Canadian customers who is obviously an excellent researcher, recommends two books on the subject which he found helpful. Both are available at www.amazon.com. The books are: Celiac Disease ' A Hidden Epidemic by Peter H.R. Green, M.D., director of the Celiac Disease Center, Columbia University, and Dangerous Grains by James Braly, M.D., and Ron Hoggan, M.A.

As always, it is best to discuss your personal concerns with your physician or health care professional.

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 and customerservice@medslant.com. I love hearing from you.



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