OBESITY AND GERD : As per scientific evidence being overweight /obesity (especially abdominal )increases the risk of GERD 2-3 times (between 20-50%) by relaxing the LES (Lower oesophageal sphincter),therefore it is critical to understand exactly how much weight to maintain so that you are within your ideal bmi (body mass index) and yet do not relax your LES without becoming underweight and maintain a healthy weight to prevent GERD.

My story: In the year 2006 , I developed severe Acid reflux /GERD (Gastro Oesophageal Reflux disease as diagnosed by the doctor.This was during our year long stay in Frankfurt, Germany as my hubby got diagnosed with pancreatitis and diabetes (all caused by an unhealthy and rich overindulgent diet ) and was hospitalised for14 days to get healed .I was all alone with my 3 year old daughtein a country where I did not speak the language and had absolutely no help whatsoever.

I suffered from severe stress and had many a sleepless night and terrible anxiety. My husband’s brother passed away from the same disease at a very young age so I was numb with fear and anxiety. I lost my appetite (honestly do not remember eating) , had to manage my 3 year old child and was praying day and night for my husband’s recovery and complete healing and praise the Lord he was healed in the mighty name of Jesus.

When we came to Australia, the doctor put me on medication (proton pump inhibitor) for a year and told me he would need to put a tube with a camera down my throat into my stomach to Quote “see whats going on” Unquote. That gave me a fright of my life and that’s when I decided to study the disease and its triggers. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease can be earth shattering news and i went through a lot of stress and depression on medication.

I then decided to research the same (coming from a family of research scientist that was only natural for me ) and found a big connection between acidic food, gluten intolerance ,stress and my stomach pain . I was addicted to #Antacids and could not live a day without them believing that medication was the only way to get cured not knowing that long term use could also cause #Lowstomachacid and #Hpylori bacteria. Henceforth I changed my diet and its been over 12 years that I have been medication free.