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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
There are many videos on the Chinese social network highlighting natural, sometimes “miraculous” recipes to avoid everyday discomforts such as reflux. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, reminds us of what to do when faced with this digestive disorder.
In a TikTok video, a first aider and coach reveals a 100% natural recipe that would immediately relieve acid reflux. For this miracle solution you would simply fill half a glass with plain water, then add the juice of half a lime. You will then need to add a teaspoon of baking soda and let the mixture foam. “Once it has finished foaming, add a second teaspoon of baking soda. Mix everything well, then once everything is well dissolved, just drink it and you will see, you will not have acid reflux“, assures the rescuer. We interviewed Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo to find out his opinion on this remedy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
“Beware of miracle cures”
According to our expert, if baking soda can temporarily relieve acid reflux because “this buffers the acidity“; the use of lime surprises him: “this citrus fruit tends to increase stomach acid, so it’s not really a good idea to add its juice to relieve reflux symptoms“. In adults, the symptoms of GERD can be numerous, as the official Health Insurance website points out:
- Burns (or heartburn) starting from the epigastric region and going up behind the sternum;
- Acid regurgitation or acid reflux (return of liquids or food from the stomach into the mouth or nose), occurring without nausea or vomiting, more often when the person leans forward or after a meal;
- Digestive signs, such as hiccups or frequent belching;
- Pain or burning in the epigastric region.
If GERD is common, “at least 20% of adults have occasional symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux, heartburn) and 10% have symptoms of GERD every day” according to the Ameli website, the latter should not be taken lightly.
The importance of a medical consultation in case of chronic GERD
“The risk of all these remedies found on social networks is to reduce the symptoms without determining and eliminating the cause. The risk is the delay in diagnosis. Obviously, there is nothing to worry about if GERD is temporary, but given the chronicity of the symptoms, it is essential to remember that a consultation with a doctor is necessary. The latter will then be able to carry out more in-depth investigations such as a fibroscopy and implement appropriate treatment.” recalls Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
“As is often the case in medicine, there is nothing miraculous and even less so on social networks.” he concludes.