Your gastrointestinal system is extremely important to your overall health and well being. This can be accompanied by obesity, which is a risk factor for several conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a life-affecting condition that affects as many as 20% of the population. Given the prevalence of GERD, the quest for suitable treatment methods has been a relentless one— but often to little effect.

Acid reflux, generally stated as Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), affecting around one-third of the American population. This disorder arises when the uppermost portion of the digestive region is not working accurately, causing stomach contents to move back into the esophagus. The most common symptoms of this disease is heartburn, the sensation of liquid or food coming up into the throat and a sour taste. The most effective therapy for relieving the symptoms of GERD is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as lansoprazole, esomeprazole, and omeprazole. This is a class of medications which have emerged as the most effective therapy, improving life quality, healing and preventing the damage to the esophagus (1). PPIs work by obstructing an enzyme in the lining of the stomach which is essential for acid secretion. Side effects which some patients report comprise a headache, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea. They usually resolve on their own and patients can usually carry on taking their PPI medication (2). A different, incisionless, transoral endoscopic treatment has been developed to help correct the mechanical flaws of the valve between the lower esophagus and stomach that cause GERD.

Gastric Balloon placement is a non-surgical, completely reversible procedure that is proven to be extremely effective as a treatment for obesity. The procedure offers numerous advantages over traditional diets, weight loss programs, and invasive surgical procedures. It can be an excellent option for individuals who have been unsuccessful at their weight loss attempts, do not qualify for other forms of bariatric surgery, or are interested in alternative solutions to meet their weight loss goals. 

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common weight loss procedures performed today. With almost half of Americans being labeled as obese, or morbidly obese, many are exploring their weight loss options. Gastric bypass is among the most popular options available.

"Fermentable Oligo-saccharides Di-Saccharides, Mono-saccharides Polyols, or FODMAP, is a low FODMAP diet created by Susan Shepherd and Peter Gibson. FODMAP are carbohydrates that are unable to be absorbed by the small intestine.

Sometimes, it can seem as if food companies can't wait to shout from the rooftops every time they put out a product that is gluten free. For some people, this is very important information, especially those who have been diagnosed with either Celiac Disease or some other wheat allergy. It's helpful and convenient to know where to find gluten free breads, pasta, or even brownie mix. Everything seems to be labeled these days, including eggs or f raw nuts -- foods that never included gluten in the first place. With as many as 30% attempting a gluten free lifestyle, it is a popular choice, but it doesn't mean it's right.

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is a miracle in the eyes of many people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) also known as GERD. By blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach lining that produces acid, the fluid in the stomach contains less acid. This can help ease the symptoms of GERD and even allow the esophagus to heal, since even if the stomach juices back up into the esophagus, it's less irritating./gerd-causes-and-treatment-ezine-articles