Current complementary and alternative therapy forgastroesophageal reflux disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 13.3% of the global population.
• Current GERD treatments face limitations, creating a need for alternative therapeutic approaches.
• Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) present a promising avenue for managing GERD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing evidence on common CATs for symptomatic GERD.
• To summarize the efficacy of dietary modification, lifestyle changes, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and brain-gut behavior therapy in GERD management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating CATs for GERD.
• Focus on dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and brain-gut behavior therapies.
• Inclusion of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation and diaphragmatic breathing therapy as specific examples.

Main Results:

• Dietary and lifestyle modifications show potential in alleviating GERD symptoms.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine and brain-gut behavior therapies, including specific techniques, are effective adjuncts or alternatives.
• CATs may reduce GERD symptom severity, lower medication requirements, and delay the need for surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• CATs, including dietary, lifestyle, TCM, and brain-gut therapies, offer viable options for symptomatic GERD management.
• These therapies can complement conventional treatments, potentially reducing reliance on medication and surgery.
• Further research into the integration of CATs for GERD is warranted.