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Management of Dyspepsia, GERD & H. Pylori

What is dyspepsia?1

Dyspepsia, also called indigestion, is a very broad term used to describe a range of complaints/ effects related to the stomach and the upper part of  the digestive tract. Gas, bloating, stomach pain, and discomfort in the upper abdomen, mainly after eating, are all signs of dyspepsia. The most common form of chronic indigestion is termed as functional dyspepsia.

Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a chronic disorder of sensation and movement (Peristalsis) in the upper respiratory tract. Peristalsis is a very common and normal downward squeezing and pumping of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine that begins after swallowing. This is called functional, as there are no measurable or observable structural abnormalities found to explain persistent symptoms. The symptoms of indigestion or dyspepsia are similar to those of other digestive diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cancer, and liver disease.

What causes dyspepsia? 

  • Eating over the limit or eating spicy or greasy food.
  • Stress and unresolved emotional trauma
  • Drugs such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids
  • Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection

Symptoms of Dyspepsia 2

  • Disturbed motility
  • Heartburn
  • Sour taste in the mouth
  • Excessive burping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fullness and bloating

Management of functional dyspepsia3

  1. Dietary and lifestyle modifications
  2. Medications: Neutralizing acid and blocking its production
    1. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs): Cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine
    2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): omeprazole, pantoprazole, esmoprazole, and rabeprazole.
  1. Treatments that reduce reflux by increasing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
  2. A plant-based prokinetic agent: Iberogast

Nutraceutical Products for treatment of FD4

  • Zingiber officinale root extract
  • Standardized Thymus extract.
  • Artichoke extract
  • Peppermint oil-caraway oil

What is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)? 5

GER (gastroesophageal reflux) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are very common among individuals of all ages and can be caused by acid or the contents of the stomach rising into the esophagus or mouth. The discomfort caused by acid reflux often includes symptoms of vomiting or heartburn and a burning sensation in the chest or stomach pain. When GER occurs on a consistent basis, it is considered GERD. Helicobacter pylori is the most important risk factor in the complete development of ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux diseases. GERD symptoms can lead to serious problems.

Signs and symptoms of GERD? 6

  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Dry coughs
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Regurgitation of food

Management of GERD7

Lifestyle changes

  • Eat meals at least 3 hours before bed
  • Weight loss
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid triggering foods: Fried food, Fatty food, etc.

Medications: 

  • Antacids: Provide short-term symptom relief
  • Histamine antagonist: Decrease the body’s stomach acid formation
  • For more severe symptoms:
  1. Proton pump inhibitors : A more effective medication for decreasing stomach acid production
  2. Omeprazole, rabeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole

What is H.pylori

H.pylori is a type of bacteria. These types of germs can enter the body and live in thedigestive tract. It can ultimately lead to ulcers and sores in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of   small intestines. H.pylori infection is a type of infection that is very common.

Management of H.pylori

  • Antibiotics to kill the bacteria in the body, such as metronidazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin, and tinidazole
  • Bismuth subsalicylate
  • Medicine that blocks the chemical histamine
  • Drugs such as rabeprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole

Probiotics for treatment of GERD: 

  • Lactobacillus johnsonii
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum
  • Lactobacillus gasseri
  • Bifidobacterium lactis
  • Lactobacillus reuteri

Summary 

Infections such as dyspepsia, GERD, and H.pylori infections can be either bacterial, parasitic, or viral. No matter what the cause is, the symptoms are very disturbing and unpleasant.

Some infections can be resolved with the use of natural remedies or probiotics, as they have significant effects and work on the symptoms experienced. In the meantime, it becomes very essential to get plenty of fluids or rest to facilitate a very speedy recovery.

References: 

  1. Enck P, Azpiroz F, Boeckxstaens G, Elsenbruch S, Feinle-Bisset C, Holtmann G, Lackner JM, Ronkainen J, Schemann M, Stengel A, Tack J, Zipfel S, Talley NJ. Functional dyspepsia. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017 Nov 3;3:17081. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.81. PMID: 29099093.
  2. Tack J, Talley NJ. Functional dyspepsia–symptoms, definitions and validity of the Rome III criteria. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Mar;10(3):134-41. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2013.14. Epub 2013 Feb 12. PMID: 23399526.
  3. https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/functional-dyspepsia/
  4. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nmo.14044
  5. https://www.reidhealth.org/blog/gerd-what-is-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease
  6. Clarrett DM, Hachem C. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Mo Med. 2018 May-Jun;115(3):214-218. PMID: 30228725; PMCID: PMC6140167.
  7. Polat FR, Polat S. The effect of Helicobacter pylori on gastroesophageal reflux disease. JSLS. 2012 Apr-Jun;16(2):260-3. doi: 10.4293/108680812×13427982376860. PMID: 23477175; PMCID: PMC3481226.

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The Rise of Nutraceutical Products in India

In recent years, there has been a rise in the usage of nutraceutical products in India. Nutraceuticals are defined as foods or food components that offer health and medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. This trend is being driven by several factors, including an increase in awareness about the importance of good nutrition, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the changing demographics of the country. There are several reasons for the popularity of nutraceuticals in India. First, they are seen as a more natural way to improve one’s health. Second, they are generally considered to be safe and free of side effects. Finally, nutraceuticals are seen as a way to promote overall wellness, rather than just treating specific diseases. The following blog post will explore the rise of nutraceutical products in India and the factors driving this trend.

What are nutraceutical products?

When it comes to the Best nutraceutical products, there are a lot of different options available on the market. However, not all of these products are created equal. There are many other factors that need to be considered when choosing a nutraceutical product, such as the quality of the ingredients, the manufacturing process, and the company that makes the product.
The term “nutraceutical” is used to describe any food or food product that provides health benefits beyond the traditional nutrients found in foods. Nutraceuticals can come in many different forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, bars, or liquids. They can also be derived from natural sources or synthetic sources. There are many different reasons why people take nutraceuticals. Some people take them to improve their overall health, while others take them to treat specific conditions or diseases.

Nutritional supplements can also be used to increase energy levels, improve mental clarity, and reduce stress levels.
When choosing a nutraceutical product, it is important to research and ensure that the product is of good quality & from a reputable company. There are many scams out there and not all products are created equal. Be sure to read the label carefully and choose a product that contains only high-quality ingredients.

The market for nutraceuticals in India

In India, the nutraceutical market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% from 2016 to 2021, according to a report by Markets and Markets. The nutraceutical market was valued at INR 94.6 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach INR 176.4 billion by 2021. The growing health consciousness among Indian consumers is the key driver for the nutraceutical market growth in India. Increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, is also fuelling the demand for nutraceutical products in India. In addition, the rising disposable incomes and changing food habits are driving the growth of the nutraceuticals market in India.
However, the high cost of these products and lack of awareness about their benefits are some of the major challenges faced by the nutraceutical industry in India.

The benefits of nutraceuticals

There are numerous benefits of nutraceuticals, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in India. Nutraceuticals are food products that offer health and medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease.

Some of the most common benefits of nutraceuticals include:

  • Improved overall health: Nutraceuticals can help improve your overall health by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body needs to function properly
  • Enhanced cognitive function: Many nutraceuticals contain ingredients that can help improve cognitive functions, including memory and concentration.
  • Increased energy levels: The nutrients in nutraceuticals can help increase energy levels, allowing for an active lifestyle and being productive throughout the day.
  • Better digestion: Digestive problems are a common issue in India, but nutraceuticals can help improve digestion and promote regularity.
  • Stronger immune system: Nutrients like vitamin C and zinc found in nutraceuticals can help boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick.
  • Healthier skin: The antioxidants in nutraceuticals can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, resulting in healthier, younger-looking skin

How to choose the right nutraceutical product

When it comes to choosing the right nutraceutical product, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind. First and foremost, the product needs to be backed by science.. There are a lot of products on the market that claim to be effective, but don’t have any scientific evidence to back up their claims. Secondly, the product needs to be safe. There are a lot of products on the market that contain ingredients that may be harmful to health. So, it’s important that a proper research is done and only products made with safe ingredients are chosen. Finally, the product needs to be effective. There’s no point in taking a product if it’s not going to deliver results. So, it is imperative to read reviews & discuss with consumers who have already used the products before the purchase decision is made.

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