Difference Between GERD, Acidity and Indigestion

People often get confused between GERD, acidity and indigestion. While all the three have similar symptoms, their cause and treatments are different. Many people experience acid reflux occasionally. But when it happens repeatedly over time, it can cause GERD. This can irritate the lining of your oesophagus. Similarly, acidity can be very uncomfortable too. An excessive production of acid leads to acidity and there can be many reasons for this. Indigestion is another issue that causes discomfort in the upper abdomen. Let’s understand these issues in detail.

GERD

In GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the oesophagus) doesn’t work properly. This allows acid to rise up from the stomach and into the oesophagus. Sometimes acid reflux progresses to GERD, a more severe form of reflux. The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn. Other signs and symptoms can include regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain, especially while lying down at night.

Causes

GERD is caused by foods notorious for increasing acid reflux and heartburn including fried and fast food, pizza, chips, fatty meats and cheese. Right from inappropriate meal timings, bad posture after meals, consumption of alcohol, smoking and high usage of spices- there are plenty of lifestyle factors that contribute to acidity and heartburn. When episodes of acidity start occurring as frequent as thrice a week then it can be an indication of GERD.

Treatment

If you have mild symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend antacids that act as an acid reflux treatment as well as help with GERD. H2 receptor blockers help to reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) help to reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces. Much like the H2 blockers, but these work better than the H2 blockers and along with that, they also help to heal the esophageal lining.

ACIDITY

An excessive production of acid results in acidity. This acid is created by the glands in the stomach. A few signs of acidity include stomach ulcers, gastric inflammation, heartburn, and dyspepsia. During an episode of acidity, you might feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn).

Causes

Acidity is generally caused due to overeating, consumption of fried foods, greasy foods, etc. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as eating really close to bedtime or no exercising can also trigger acidity.

Treatment

There are many home remedies to treat acidity which include drinking a cold glass of milk, eating a ripe banana, drinking buttermilk, etc. All of these items have high alkaline value and help in balancing the acid level in the stomach.

If none of these work out for you then be rest assured the solution of Gas-O-Fast Asli Jeera will definitely help in the situation. Its main ingredient is Jeera which is a fantastic source of antioxidants, copper, manganese, and iron that improves digestion and relieves discomfort arising from acidity.

INDIGESTION

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach is discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion symptoms are abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after you start eating, rather than a specific disease. Indigestion can also be a symptom of various digestive diseases.

Causes

Indigestion is usually caused by a poor diet i.e. eating too much fatty, greasy, spicy or highly processed foods and not eating enough fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

Treatment

 Just like acidity, mild forms of indigestion can be treated using some home remedies or even better, by drinking a glass of Gas-O-Fast Asli Jeera