Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
BACKGROUND
Bill, an attorney age 45, complained of heartburn after every meal. He repeatedly took an over-the-counter- acid reliever to soothe his stomach. At night he often needed to rest in a reclined position. These symptoms were gradually worsening over time and began two years earlier.
LIFESTYLE
Bill usually skips breakfast, although he starts his morning with coffee and eats restaurant food often, both at lunch and dinner. His exercise consists of going to the gym one to two times a week. He often has a glass of wine with dinner. Bill occasionally takes a multiple vitamin from the local store and a vitamin C (500 mg.).
OTHER SYMPTOMS
High stress (job, 60 hours/week), headaches (1/week), muscle tension in the upper back, lightheadedness if he misses meals or stands up quickly from a seated position, trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, and irregular bowel movements.
FINDINGS
Overweight (30 lbs.), moderately raised blood pressure, postural distortions, nutritional deficiencies, and a sensitivity to corn.
TREATMENT
Structural: Diaphragm release – often this muscle is too tight in certain areas while at the same time requiring greater tone at the opening where the esophagus passes through to the stomach, which often results in a hiatal hernia; and gentle corrections of postural distortions over a six week period (1-2X/week).
Chemical: He received several supplements for nutritional rebalancing including ones to soothe his digestive tract, aid in digestion, help with elimination, and restore normal levels of B-Vitamins. These were taken over a six week period and then modified as symptoms improved.
Lifestyle: Changes in dietary habits – avoidance of corn and corn products for six weeks; regular smaller meals; in-depth discussions of proper food selection and preparation. Aerobic exercise for proper metabolic and hormonal balance.
RESULTS
Within one week, Bill experienced rapid progress with his headaches and muscle aches and some progress with his heartburn. After three weeks, Bill stated that he “hadn’t felt this good in ten years”. His heartburn was gone except one time after eating a large meal late at night. His sleep was also markedly improved. At six weeks his supplements were modified to those that were more supporting rather than repairing. Bill was so impressed with how he felt that he was considering a career change. A six month evaluation revealed no recurrence of digestive problems, a nearly regular sleep cycle, normal blood pressure and a loss of twenty pounds in weight. He also stated that he was able to eat corn in small amounts without any problem.
COMMENTS
Stress at home or in the workplace is one of the greatest hindrances to health. Bill needed many things to change in his life and thankfully he was ready to make those changes. Patients similar to Bill have tried to fix or modify only one or two components without success. Sometimes doing a little something is sufficient. However, in many cases, where the stresses have been present for long periods of time, a little something is simply not enough. It is like trying to put out a forest fire with a garden hose.
