Reflux, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, leading to mucosal damage and symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation of food or acid, chest pain, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing and dental erosion.

There are many factors that contribute to the onset of GORD, the most common being reduced tone in the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). This can be caused by certain medications, such as NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, barbiturates, and anticholinergics. Decreased saliva production and delayed stomach emptying are also contributing factors, as are lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, a diet high in fatty and processed foods, and alcohol consumption.

Gut dysbiosis contributes to both reflux and GORD symptoms and slow transit time and methane overgrowth can increase symptoms. Gut dysbiosis occurs when there is an imbalance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria in the gut microbiome. Certain species of Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria produce lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which contribute to systemic inflammation and are thought to promote reflux by oesophageal sphincter relaxation. Research shows that high levels of Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria are more evident in people with GORD.

Conventional medicine includes proton pump inhibitors (PPI), H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs) and other antacids which reduce stomach acid and can help with symptom management. However, they fail to address the cause of the reflux and are associated with many side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain. They also increase the risk of Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO), Colonic Methane Overgrowth (CMO), nutrient malabsorption, and gut dysbiosis.

We use Microbiome testing to identify and treat any underlying drivers of reflux. We develop individual treatment plans based on your unique microbiome profile and your symptoms. Our holistic approach includes dietary and lifestyle recommendations and targeted supplements where necessary.

Here are a few of my recommendations.

Dietary modifications:

1. Eat a fibre-rich, plant-based, Mediterranean style diet.
2. Avoid trigger foods such as chocolate, fatty foods, and processed foods.
3. Avoid alcohol, sugar, and minimise coffee.
4. Have a 3-hour window between dinner and bedtime.
5. Do not consume fluid with meals or immediately after meals.

Lifestyle changes:

1. Elevating the head of the bed by 20-30 cm can reduce night-time reflux.
2. Stop smoking or vaping.
3. Reducing weight can alleviate symptoms.
4. Managing stress through breathing and nervous system support.

If you want to know more, please make an appointment or book in a discovery call.

REFERENCES:

De Bastiani et al. (2023) Assessment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and methane production in patients on chronic proton-pump inhibitor treatment: prevalence and role of rifaximin in its management in primary care. Minerva Gastroenterol 2023;69:523-8.
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5985.21.03118-1

Baumeister et al. (2019) Gut microbiota and oesophageal disease – an update Microbiota Health Dis 1: e207 1 II.
DOI: 10.26355/mhd_20201_207

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Every cell in the body relies on electrical stimulation for proper cellular function. Foods have their own electrical systems which can sometimes interfere with those within the body cells. The result is poor cellular function which can lead to inflammation, immune dysfunction and ultimately disease.
The Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility test allows us to identify the foods which are not compatible with your body and may be the driving factor in your health issues. Removing these reactive and aggravating foods allows the cells to repair and function normally, resulting in a reduction of symptoms and a resolution of health issues.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
The Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility test is a non-invasive test that requires a small hair sample (or saliva if no hair is available) to be collected and sent in for testing. The list of 500 items to be tested covers all food groups as well as bathroom, laundry, and kitchen products. The test includes local and common brands found in Australian supermarkets. If needed, additional food or household items can also be sent in for analysis.

WHAT IS THE COST?
The cost of the test is $257.00 and includes a comprehensive report highlighting the food/household items to be avoided and a list of the foods that are safe to eat. After following the plan for six months you will be able to retest to determine which of those items are able to be reintroduced.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS TEST?
The test is suitable for babies, children, and adults. The test may be helpful for people experiencing symptoms such as:

• Headaches or migraines
• Itchy skin, rashes, acne, hives, eczema, psoriasis
• Hay fever, chronic sinus congestion, wheezing
• Bloating, diarhhoea, constipation, IBS, flatulence
• Fatigue, sleep disorders, restless legs and more!

If you would like to know more about the Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility Test, get in touch with Vicky Ellenport now.

Autoimmune disease is a malfunction of the immune system.

The fundamental role of the immune system is to protect the body from invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. In Autoimmune Disease (AID), the immune system mistakenly recognizes the body’s own tissues as a threat and produces autoantibodies. This results in inflammation and damage to cells, tissues and organs which can impair normal functioning.

Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune disease affects around 5% of Australians and there are around 80 different known autoimmune conditions, with many more diseases that are suspected to be autoimmune in origin. Many are difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. Most autoimmune diseases are chronic and lifelong, and their incidence is increasing year on year in most countries around the world.

Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include: Coeliac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Type 1 Diabetes, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (including Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease) and Psoriasis. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are conditions that are suspected to have autoimmune origins.

Why does the Immune System malfunction?

Though the exact causes of autoimmune disease remain unknown, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing an autoimmune condition.

Genetics accounts for approximately one third of this risk, while the remaining risk is thought to come from environmental triggers such as exposure to pollution, toxins, viruses, intestinal dysbiosis (causing leaky gut) and diet and lifestyle factors.

So what does this mean for you?

This means that autoimmune disease is directly linked to your food choices and how you choose to live your life. What this suggests is that you can manage your autoimmune disease by changing your diet and making more informed choices about sleep, activity, and stress.

The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is a comprehensive program which focuses on diet and lifestyle factors known to be important modulators of immune function. Healing is supported by the removal of inflammatory stimuli to reduce the chronic inflammation that causes tissue damage.

That may seem like a lot to ‘digest’, so a certified AIP practitioner can help you put this into practice.

The Autoimmune Protocol provides guidelines for both diet and lifestyle changes to successfully manage the symptoms of autoimmune disease.

About the AIP Diet

The AIP diet consists of an elimination strategy, cutting out the foods that are most likely to be holding back our health. After a period of time, many of the excluded foods, especially those that have nutritional merit, can be reintroduced.

The AIP diet provides balanced and complete nutrition by prescribing nutrient dense foods while avoiding processed & refined foods.

The AIP Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors including high stress, poor sleep and minimal activity can contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of immune dysfunction leading to the onset or flare up of autoimmune disease.

The AIP provides strategies for improved sleep, stress management and regular physical activity as these are important immune modulators and are key to successfully managing AID.

Is this lifestyle difficult to maintain?

Autoimmune diseases are difficult to manage and at times can feel out of control.

By adopting diet and lifestyle strategies, such as the Autoimmune Protocol, the frequency and severity of symptoms may be reduced and quality of life improved.

If you are someone who has been recently diagnosed with an AID, or maybe you have been struggling to manage your AID for some time, the Autoimmune Protocol is for you. Book in for a Complimentary Discovery Session with Vicky to find out more. https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/book-appointment/