Dyspepsia and Gastric Dysfunction

Paul Reller, L.Ac.

Dyspepsia is a very common medical problem in the United States. The term refers to impaired gastric function, and hence is related to other increasingly common functional diseases, such as gastric esophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. Symptom characterization includes any of the following: epigastric pain, 'heartburn', nausea, and gas production. It has been dismissed with the term upset stomach in the past, and left untreated. Often, little diagnostic attention is paid, or objective testing, and the patient is routinely prescribed medications to further block stomach function in the form of pharmaceutical agents that block production of gastric acids.

There are a number of classifications of dyspepsia, including acid dyspepsia, adhesion dyspepsia (inflamed tissue adhesions), atonic dyspepsia (lacking muscle tone), fermentative dyspepsia (slowness in stomach emptying causing a fermentation of contents, and stomach fullness), flatulent dyspepsia (where intestinal gas is allowed up into the stomach, producing foul burping), nervous dyspepsia (associated with autonomic nervous dysfunction or anxiety), and reflex dyspepsia (excited by reflex irritation due to disease elsewhere in the stomach or intestines). Many patients are finding that one of these, or a combination of these types, are presenting serious problems with their health and daily healthy function.

If you suffer from dyspepsia, or functional gastric disorder, the right course of therapy involves utilizing Complementary Medicine to help restore gastric function. A comprehensive therapeutic protocol from a Licensed Acupuncturist involves guidance with diet and lifestyle, herbal and nutrient medicine, as well as acupuncture, and is specific to individual needs.

One of the well-known causes of dyspepsia in the United States is the chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc. Vioxx and celebrex, or rofecoxib, a Cox2 inhibitor, was created to reduce the high incidence of dyspepsia with NSAIDS, although this drug was recalled due to a high incidence of cardiovascular pathology and many lawsuits against the company. Studies generally show that 2-3% of patients taking NSAIDS regularly experience upper GI gastric bleeding, and a larger percentage experience less dangerous dyspepsia. In Europe, a 2007 Oxford University study found that the incidence of dyspepsia reported to medical doctors was greater than 15 per 1000 persons seen per year. This reflected a low reporting of incidence to the medical doctors, and the researchers found that a much greater percentage of people suffer from dyspepsia but do not consult with a medical doctor. The most common diagnosis on follow-up was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the risk of developing gastroespophageal reflux (GERD) in the following year increased 60%. There was little association with alcohol use, smoking or obesity, and both sexes were affected fairly equally. There was also increased risk with current users of biphosphonates, the medications used to treat or control osteoporosis. In the United States, recent studies found that over 2% of the population consult with medical doctors for dyspepsia, and the prevalence of IBS has reached 10-20%. Population studies have found that nearly 25% of adults suffer from dyspeptic symptoms.

There was a belief in the past that overgrowth of heliobacter pylori was a significant cause of dyspepsia. This has been discounted in a number of large studies. H. pylori is a symbiotic bacteria found in the gut of over 60% of the world population. It's association with a wide variety of stomach pathologies, as well as migraines, it's ability to thrive in an acidic environment, and the fact that it produces an enzyme called urease that aids deficient protein digestion when the usual protein acid pepsin is slow to excrete, suggests to many researchers that this bacteria is the result of, and not the cause of, dysfunctional stomach pathology. Also, H. Pylori has a corkscrew shape that allows it to overgrow in the unhealthy stomach lining, and it thrives in an acid state, suggesting that the tissue is unhealthy prior to H. Pylori overgrowth and not as a result of Heliobacter Pylori. Long term studies show that the harsh antibiotic regimen used to decrease the bacterial overgrowth has a large noncompliance due to side effects and poor long term outcomes, often with an increase in GERD as a consequence. On the other hand, a number of benign herbal therapies have proven effective in studies, including Dragonsblood resin, Abrus cantoniensis (ji gu cao), Saussurea lappa (mu xiang), Rabdosia trichocarpa, Plumbago zelanica (Bai hua teng), and other Chinese herbs that have moderate inhibitory effect. H. Pylori overgrowth is thus shown to be a consequence and not a cause, of gastrointestinal dyfunction, and is easily inhibited with herbal therapy.

Other health problems are also associated with dyspepsia and gastrointestinal dysfunction. There is a high incidence of functional gastric disorder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with patients experiencing a history of depression, anxiety, abuse and other psychosocial stress. Acupuncture and herbal medicine is also able to treat these stress disorders, anxiety, depression etc. effectively. Some recent studies have linked food allergies to these functional disorders, especially when IgG were elevated, suggesting celiac disease. Autonomic nervous disorders are increasingly common and are also linked to functional GI disease. These disorders commonly occur with chronic myofascial pain syndromes. Hormonal imbalance is also often linked to functional GI disorders and autonomic disorder. Parathyroid hormone increases gastric acid and pepsin secretion, and a subclinical hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism is increasingly seen in the population, with Vitamin D3 deficiency, excess phosphates in the diet, subclinical hypothryroidism, and other neurohormonal imbalances. The Licensed Acupuncturist is able to correct myofascial pain syndromes, treat anxiety and stress disorders, aid neurohormonal balance, and improve stomach function with the same course of therapy. This holistic and comprehensive approach is well suited to dyspepsia.

Gastric dysfunction, dyspepsia, and GERD may eventually extend to the throat, and laryngopharyngeal reflux, or reflux of gastric contents to the larynx and phyarynx are not uncommon. Symptoms of this expanding pathology include the feeling of an obstruction in throat (globus), frequent throat clearing, post-nasal drip, dysphagia (trouble swallowing), a persistent dry cough, and even dysphonia (trouble speaking clearly, or alteration of the sound of the voice). Testing for this problem relies on a visit to the hospital or clinic that utilizes a 24 hour test examining the acidity relationship between the upper and lower esophageal sphincters, which is accomplished by inserting a small tube via the throat into the esophagus and using a small computerized monitor that the patient may place in a shirt pocket. The patient may leave the clinic with this device. Standard medicine still relies on gastric acid inhibition for this problem exclusively, despite the widespread tissue problems that are apparent. Many patients realize that a more holistic and thorough approach to treatment is needed in these cases. There is a high association of laryngopharyngeal reflux with asthma, and in fact, chronic use of steroidal medications to treat asthma and allergies, as well as antihistamines, may have a negative impact on the tissue health of the throat. Steroid inhaler laryngitis is not uncommon, with chronic use and overuse resulting in negative tissue health, resulting in mucosal edema (swelling), tissue granularity (roughness), hyperemia (excess blood flow / congestion), hypervascularity and leukoplakia (white patches/candida), often observed in laryngoscopy. Overgrowths of candida and other common GI flora and fauna may also be encouraged by chronic use of steroid inhalers. The patient may need help with Complementary Medicine to control asthma when going off of these drugs, as well as help with tissue repair. A number of therapeutic goals may need to be addressed with steroid inhaler laryngitis, and while gastric acid inhibitors do nothing to promote tissue healing, control overgrowths of candida, etc., herbs, nutrient medicine and acupuncture can help achieve all of these goals.

Physiological Facts

The acidity in the stomach and small intestine is a variable system that should react to food to insure proper digestion, assimilation of nutrients, and stomach emptying, as well as the proper secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas in the small intestine. The relief of symptoms often involves use of chemical medications that block parts of this complex system of feedback regulation, either histamine formation or acid formation with proton pump inhibitors. This is not a cure. Symptom relief may occur, but this does not always signify a cure of the medical condition. Use of complementary medicine to restore stomach and small intestine function is needed to achieve an end to acid reflux and the side effects of long term use of medications, which include calcium imbalance with increased risk of joint problems & osteoporotic stress fracture, and many other side effects. Often, the symptoms of reflux are due to more than just stomach acidity. Read on to learn what you haven’t been told about reflux.

The symptoms of reflux in the esophagus may be due to mechanisms other than hyperacidity in the stomach. In this case, standard medication to inhibit production of stomach acids will be ineffective, and in fact may be worsening the pathology, making other approaches necessary. Much scientific study has been conducted concerning the ineffectiveness of standard medication for acid regurgitation and stomach dysfunction with chronic use. The Merck Manual (online: see: Electrical Impedance Testing under Gastroparesis) states: “In electrical impedance testing, an electrical sensor is placed in the distal esophagus to assess nonacid reflux, which is common in patients receiving gastric antisecretory drugs and in infants with reflux disease.” This statement shows that it is widely accepted that chronic use of medications that block stomach acid secretion may cause nonacid reflux in the distal esophagus, or gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Esophageal reflux is a common problem that involves poor health of the esophageal tissues as well as a reflux that is often associated with chronic asthmatic and allergic conditions. Studies have shown a strong link between allergic asthmatic triggering and failure of the esophagus to prevent reflux, especially at night. This is because the nerve stimulation is similar in both pathologies. Gastroesophageal reflux is a potent asthma trigger, and corticosteroid asthma medications may contribute to GERD. This creates a vicious cycle with standard medications perpetuating these problems.

A study conducted in 2002 by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham concluded that “Prednisone (a corticosteroid) 60mg/d for 7 days, increased esophageal acid contact times in this small population with stable asthma”. The exact mechanism or reason for this increase in esophageal acid reactivity remains unclear, but the researchers concluded that patients with asthma complain of new or worsening esophageal reflux symptoms when treatment with oral corticosteroids is initiated, and this study proved that corticosteroid use worsened acid reactivity in the tissues.

The study of Dyspepsia and other functional gastrointestinal diseases shows that this is a multifaceted health problem that requires a more complex and individualized assessment and treatment protocol than simple blocking of stomach acid production.

What you can do to restore your health and end these problems

I'm sorry to say that there is no magic pill. Advertising claims of miraculous herbal cures are false. Instead, there is a treatment plan that combines a step-by-step approach to restore your health, stomach function and gastrointestinal tissues. Your Complementary Nedicine physician (Licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist) can guide your therapy and insure success. You need to commit yourself to the complete regimen, which includes dietary changes, herbal formulas and acupuncture, and integrates these therapies with your standard medical assesment and treatment. A proper assessment will determine whether the problem involves dysfunctional acid production, autonomic nervous disorder, dysfunctional gastric emptying, bile obstruction, celiac disease, or other contributing factors. If you also suffer from asthma, or have triggers of esophageal hyperreactivity from inflammatory mechanisms, this can also be addressed. There is a proven high association of risk between conditions of asthma, esophageal reflux disease, and obstructive sleep apnea, and a high association of risk for GERD and obstructive sleep apnea with the chronic use and overuse of corticosteroid asthma inhalers (see the article on corticosteroid use on this website). Complementary Medicine may offer you the chance to reduce dependency on these medications and restore health in these interconnected health problems. The good news is that when all the health factors are addressed properly, your dyspepsia problem may resolve and healthy function restored without chemical dependancy.

In addition to therapy, as always, there are therapeutic activities that you, the patient, must also try and take responsibility for. Causes and aggravating factors need to be eliminated. If certain foods, excess alcohol, caffeine or smoking aggravates the acid reflux or heartburn, these obviously need to be curtailed, at least until you are healthy. Mechanical aspects may also be aggravating your condition. Try avoiding lying flat after eating, and avoid eating anything substantial for 2 hours before bedtime. Elevating the head of the bed helps many patients with acid stomach at night. Even a small riser under the head posts, or a few small boards, may help greatly without creating too much of a slant to the bed. Sometimes, losing a little weight and exercising the abdominals will help to take pressure off of the stomach and esophagus, as will myofascial release of the diaphragm. Avoiding stress with meals is essential, and taking a little walk after eating often helps digestive function. Decreasing simple carbohydrates in the diet has also proven helpful, and a diet with whole grains and fresh vegetables predominant is recommended.

Many medications may slow stomach function and emptying and thus contribute to this problem, including antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, antidepressants, Lithium, narcotic pain meds and calcium channel blockers prescribed to relieve reflux and other problems. Stomach emptying may also be inhibited by poor response of the pancreas in excreting digestive enzymes into the upper small intestine, or duodenum. You might want to discuss whether any medications may be contributing to your dyspepsia, and try taking supplements of digestive enzymes and herbs to trigger an improved gastric emptying.

Improper levels of bile salts may also lead to a slow response of stomach emptying. Bile stones or other obstructions related to ductal inflammatory scarring, or poor function of the liver and bile formation may contribute to this problem. If the gallbladder has been removed, bile salt deficiency may be significant and the patient may consider supplementation with oral bile salts. Studies have shown that patients with deficient bile excretion and poor intestinal function have a higher incidence of tissue irritations in the body from poor breakdown of toxins, malabsorption of fatty acids etc. This often leads to increased psoriasis, muscle inflammation and arthritis, as well as gastroesopohageal reflux. Bile salt supplementation, when prescribed properly, has been shown to help with these problems. If the problem lies with bile obstruction due to formation of sludge in the bile ducts or poor liver function, increased bile flow and improved biliary formation may be achieved with a combination of nutritional supplements and herbs, as well as with acupuncture.

Excess bile salts, as well as deficient bile, may also cause problems with stomach function and GERD. Excess bile salts, caused by a high fat consumption, poor stomach and small intestine function, or poor colon health, along with aspirin, alcohol and other irritants, are directly injurious to the mucosal linings and may alter the permeability. This allows back diffusion of stomach acids, or hydrochloric acid, injuring tissues, especially blood vessels, and liberating excess histamine, which is a stimulant of increased acid and pepsin secretions. This vicious cycle needs to be corrected, not just subdued. Health of biliary system and restoration of healthy mucosa needs to be achieved with a holistic approach. The Complimentary Care Physician may help you to properly assess your problem and take the right approach to treatment.

Overuse or chronic use of aspirin and other NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) may also damage gastroesophageal linings and cause reflux. This problem is very serious, and each year thousands of people die of GI bleeding when taking these common pain relievers. Why does this happen? Study shows that these drugs, which work by blocking inflammatory regulating chemicals called prostaglandins, inhibit the protective role of these prostaglandins in the mucosal linings of your stomach, esophagus and the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus. Prostaglandins are abundant in this mucosa and play an important role in gastric mucosal defense. When this defense is compromised, normal stomach acids, or pepsin, is allowed to autodigest these mucosal linings. This mucosal lining also prevents backflow of hydrogen ions from the lumen to the blood even with periods of high acidity. When the mucosa is compromised, blood acidity may increase, causing total body acidity that disrupts normal metabolism, and threatening cardiovascular irritation that eventually may lead to areas of atherosclerotic plaque accumulation. Compromise of mucosal integrity may also lead to unwanted toxins and larger molecules getting through your body's defenses into the blood stream. This is called ‘Leaky Gut Syndrome’ and may cause muscle inflammation and pain as well as increased stress for the liver detoxification process.

This mucosal breakdown also allows permeability of large proteins, both into the blood, and out of damaged blood vessels, sometimes causing significant loss of plasma proteins which carry many essential chemicals in to body, including steroid hormones. This permeability may also allow antigen proteins to enter the blood, stimulating allergic hyperreactions. When the issue of mucosal health is not addressed, health problems arise that the patient did not realized were connected to poor stomach and intestinal health. When symptoms were controlled by anti-secretory drugs, the patient felt that all was well, but this may be a serious mistake. Although symptoms were controlled by drugs, the underlying dysfunctions were not addressed, and contributing to a host of other health problems.

An article from Duke University Medical Center, published in the Journal of Gastroenterology, May, 2006, stated that acupuncture has been shown to alter acid secretion, GI motility and visceral pain, and that it is expected that acupuncture will be used in the standard treatment of patients with functional GI disorders in the future. A study headed by Dr. Richard Holloway of the University of Adelaide, South Australia, found that one of the known causes of GERD, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, were inhibited 40% by electrical stimulation at the P6 point on the wrist. The study was published in the August, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and liver Physiology. Further study by the NIH is underway to confirm these studies and provide well-funded research evidence to duplicate evidence from Chinese studies. Of course, none of these studies will incorporate the entire protocol routinely used by the competent Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. Continued research is creating new and effective treatment options for the Licensed Acupuncturist and herbalist. This evidence-based medicine is transforming the practice of TCM, and providing the patient with more effective treatment options. Unfortunately, as evidence and protocols are developed, the number of products that patient may take increases dramatically. To insure that you are taking the most effective course of these treatment products in the correct sequence, and for the shortest durationg of time, you need a physician that is knowledgeable and able to spend the time with you to properly assess and persistently treat the dysfunctions of the individual patient.

To end the problem of dyspepsia and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and to avoid the health problems that may arise when these become chronic, try utilizing a Complimentary Care physician, such as a Licensed Acupuncturist, to guide a complete and comprehensive course of therapy that will lead to restoration of healthy stomach function and an end to these problems.

Some novel and traditional remedies used by physicians to treat dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is a growing and serious health problem in the current United States population, yet it has been treated successfully throughout time. Often, we are given the impression that old remedies were based on nothing but superstition and folklore, and that you must depend on modern pharmaceuticals to correct your problems. This is patently untrue. Botanical remedies, as well as diet and lifestyle changes, were used very effectively in the past, and the subject of past scientific study, as well as current research. Here are a few examples, not to suggest a one-size-fits-all approach to your dyspepsia, but as an informative and historical resource. Your therapy, with the vast array of treatment options available in Complementary Medicine, should be guided by a professional, and should be integrated with proper diagnostic assessment from a Medical Doctor and their facilities.

One of the basic treatment protocols to restore stomach function is to first neutralize acids, and then stimulate stomach secretions before eating, especially with meals that may cause stomach dysfunction, or with the first meal of the day, in order to get your stomach behaving properly for the rest of the day. This would be accomplished by first using a small amount, one teaspoon to one tablespoon, of natural vinegar, such as Bragg's apple cider vinegar, dissolved in a small cup of hot water with a teaspoon of honey. Do this about a half hour before the meal. Then follow this after at least a few minutes, with herbs to stimulate increased stomach function. Some of these are listed below. A strong chamomile tea is also useful to stimulate stomach secretions right before eating. A shot of bitters may be used. This prevents food from encountering a chronic acid or alkiline condition that slows stomach gastric juice formation. When this occurs, the stomach functions slowly, and then hyperreacts after the meal with excess of acid and poor stomach emptying. Hence, heartburn after eating or between meals, or at night. A nutrient supplement combination containing gastric acid precursors and cofactors, such as the product GastricAid from Vitamin Research, can be very helpful for patients with gastric hypofunction. Other herbs and digestive enzymes may be taken after the meal to aid efficient stomach emptying and digestive function.

Clearing of problems with hypersensitivity reactions in the intestinal lining, or foor malabsorption, as well as imbalance of natural flora and fauna further down in the gut, is also recommended. An herbal formula to clear overgrowths of common bacteria, fungi, or helminths is taken first, and then protease enzymes and probiotics. If you follow this course, and do not see improvement, I would be surprised. As always, it is best to consult a professional, get an accurate diagnosis, and proceed with these herbal and nutrient therapies in a step-by-step process. Utilizing herbal and nutrient therapy without sufficient expertise can produce poor or negative results.

Some examples of classic herbal medicines for dyspepsia are listed below, although this list is just a sample of what is available to the professional herbalist or naturopathic doctor.

Artemisia absinthia and southernwood: small doses of artemisia absinthium give tone to the stomach membranes, and are useful in atonic dyspepsia. Large doses irritate the stomach and increase the heart rate, may produce headache and chronic intoxication. Hence, the use of absinthe, an alcoholic beverage popular in Europe, was made illegal in the last century due to persons abusing this alcoholic beverage. Absinthe is making a return to popularity again these days. The taking of small dosages of absinthe, or a medicinal artemesia absinthium, has been a popular remedy for dyspepsia and other health problems in the areas of Europe where this bush grows naturally, and production of absinthe and use among the conservative peoples of these rural areas has continued through time, despite illegality. Absinthe was given as a small dose ration to members of the Foreign Legion in Europe until it was officially made illegal. This ration of the herb reportedly prevented malaria among the troops in Northern Africa, and the month after the discontinuing of ration resulted in a large percentage of troops dying from malaria during a long forced march. The herb can be taken as a water infusion, like tea, which is very bitter. It may also be taken as an essential oil, or volatile oil, 1-5 drops in hot water, or added to tea. A more benign form that may be effective is an alcohol extract, which doesn't produce some of the more bitter and stimulant chemicals, but does extract key volatile oils and chemicals. Other artemesia species are also frequently used through history and today. These include Artemesia southernwood, Artemisia annua (qing hao), Artemesia argyi (ai ye), Artemesia yinchenhao, and Artemesia anomalae (liu ji nu). Artemisia annua is the source for artemisin, a chemical that is now the number one cure for malaria in the world. Artemisia argyi is warming, and is used to treat abdominal pain from stomach dysfunction, has an antibiotic effect against shigella, salmonella, staph and strep, stimulates stomach contraction, and also treats malaria. Artemisia annua, or qing hao, on the other hand is cooling, and is not traditionally used to treat dyspepsia, although research has expanded its use into treatment of autonomic dysfunction and neuropathy such as sympathetic reflex dystrophy, because it blocks correlated inflammatory processes and autonomic signals at the spinal cord. It is useful in the treatment of malaria and fever. Artemisia southernwood, or abrotanum, is a remarkable tonic for gastrointestinal function, and an antihelmintic. Artemesia yinchenhao treats both liver infection, such as hepatitis, and nausea with loss of appetite, and mildly increases bile flow. In combination with other herbs it has been shown to increase the rate of liver cell regeneration, reduce blood bilirubin levels, and effectively treat jaundice. Moxibustion, or the treatment using burning herbs to generate heat and chemical stimulation over the acupuncture points, utilizes Artemisia chinensis or indica.
Gentian lutea, longdancao or qinjiao: Gentian has long been used in bitters and stomach tonics. It was traditionally the most popular tonic in the United States for atonic dyspepsia, anorexia, and similar complaints, according to the U.S. Dispensary of 1918. It was also useful in treatment of malarial fevers in the form of gentiopicrin, a standardized pharmacological extract that needed 5 pounds of the root to produce a sufficient dose to treat malaria, which was slightly toxic. This illustrates that there are not only various species of Gentian with different chemical content, but large differences in chemical content between the various types of extractions. The public should neither be fooled by commercial products that do not specify species or type of extraction, nor by reports of toxicity that use extremely high dosages and extraction methods to produce botanical extracts and hence falsely alarm the public. These types of studies are probably commercially generated to discourage use of safe and effective botanical cures. Small doses of Gentian were traditionally made into alcohol bitters and taken before meals to stimulate gastric secretions. Gentian sodas, such as Moxie Original Elixir, are reproduced today by realsoda.com, and are essetially the same product popular in 1884. In Chinese herbal medicine, Gentian longdancao has been used in formulas to encourage improved liver function. Taking of the Gentian longdancao in small dose one half hour before meals increases gastric juice secretion in dysfunctional dyspepsia. Scientific study found that the active ingredient gentiopicrin works only by direct effect on stomach tissues, not in active circulation. Other chemicals in the Gentian also slowed transit time in the intestines, treating loose stool, and had an antibiotic effect against a large number of common pathogenic bacteria in vitro. Gentian ginjiao has other active ingredients, but is useful to treat dry constipation, and infant jaundice. To effectively use Gentian to treat dyspepsia, use one of the forms of the herb about a half hour before a meal.
Asafoetida: This herb is still used extensively in India for dyspepsia, and was used by U.S. physicians earlier in the century to treat nervous stomach, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal irritation, flatulence, and palpitations. Either an emulsion or tincture was used. It is a carminative, reducing flatus, and antispasmodic, as well as a nervine.
Asarum candense, sieboldii, or heteropoides: Wild ginger is a very spicy herb native to California, China, India etc. and had a traditional therapeutic use as a carminative, reducing gas formation, or flatus, especially if this accompanied colic pain, or colon discomfort. Low dosage was used, and since many of the active ingredients are volatile oils, glycosides and carbonic compounds, a tincture is effective and would be less spicy and stimulating.
Rheum / Wild rhubarb: various species of this herb have been used around the world to treat dyspepsia and promote gastric health. A favorite medicine of the Eclectic School of Medical Doctors, who specialized in herbal medicine throughout the first half of the twentieth century in the United States, was a combination of rheum, peppermint oil, potassium salts, and goldenseal, and this professional tincture is still available from the Naturopathic medicinal provider, Heron's Botanicals.

There are, of course, many herbs to treat the various dysfunctions of the stomach and intestine with dyspepsia. Your professional herbalis has both formulas and specific herbs that work quite well and are extremely safe. The course of therapy in functional GI disorders depends on the degress of dysfunction. Success in therapy should guarantee continued healthy function into the future without dependancy on herbs or drugs.

For more information on GERD, GER, acid reflux and heartburn:

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a service of the NIH, gives reliable basic information. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/
A comprehensive study of patient population in Europe by the Oxford Medical School showed remarkable information concerning dyspepsia:http://fampra.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/cmm050v1
A comprehensive United States overview of dyspepsia and functional disorders presented by the National Institute of Health:http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1681633/a>

The information on this website is not intended to be used as a specific medical advice or cure. Please consult with the practitioner or an appropriate physician, such as a licensed acupuncturist, naturopath, or medical doctor, to discuss the proper application of the information contained on this website.