A third of the French population suffers from gastroesophageal reflux (GERD):a burning sensation in the chest, rising and even irritation in the throat, added to an acid taste. Troublemaker, the esophageal sphincter (this muscle between the stomach and the esophagus) no longer plays its role as a natural anti-reflux "valve".
At the office, we test the Rennie sticks (Rennieliquo, €6.50) to neutralize gastric acidity directly in the stomach. If it is frequent, we switch to drugs called PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) which block the production of acid in the cells of the stomach wall (Mopral Pro, 11). Often, a meal momentarily calms the pain. In the event of a crisis, try the gentle massage with Puressentiel Stomachache with 15 essential oils (€14), because stress also plays a role. Some gastroenterologists also recommend hypnosis or yoga. If reflux occurs mainly at night, raise the head of the bed by 15 cm.
We consult, of course, but we also try to modify our lifestyle. We reduce tobacco, caffeine and alcohol and we reduce foods that irritate the colon (cabbage, chard, celeriac, etc.), as well as all-vegetable menus and fatty dishes, while maintaining a varied diet. Acid reflux can also be due to an ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori, a bacterium which is then fought with antibiotics associated with a PPI molecule.
THANK YOU TO JEAN-JACQUES LUGAND, GASTRO-ENTEROLOGIST.
