Barrett's Esophagus is a form of long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affecting 700,000 Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The esophagus is the tube that carries food to the stomach to be digested. When acids in the stomach rise repeatedly, they change the color and make-up of cells lining the esophagus. This results in the development of Barrett's Esophagus, which, unlike GERD, can lead to cancer of the esophagus. Natural treatments for this condition assist in minimizing the risk of esophageal cancer.<br>
See also : [[Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)]]
== Symptoms ==
Barrett's Esophagus is a form * Regurgitation of long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affecting 700,000 Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The esophagus is the tube that carries food to the stomach to be partially digested. When acids in the stomach rise repeatedly, they change the color food and makestomach acid*Angina-up like chest pain*Chronic cough; frequent throat-clearing*Difficulty swallowing*Bloating and gas*Shortness of cells lining the esophagus. This results in the development of Barrett's Esophagus, which, unlike GERD, can lead to cancer of the esophagus. Natural treatments for this condition assist in minimizing the risk of esophageal cancer.breath*Sore throat*Nausea*Hoarseness; laryngitis*Loss of tooth enamel
== Home remedies ==
* Lifestyle Changes : Barrett's Esophagus can be cured simply by the elimination of foods, beverages and habits that increase the risk of acid exposure to the esophagus. Common health risks include tobacco and alcohol use, but Barrett's Esophagus is also cured by reducing the amount of spicy, refined or processed foods in the diet, along with avoiding soft drinks and aspirin.
* [[licorice]] is effective in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus.
* [[Omega-3 fatty acids]] are Nature’s anti-inflammatory, and that includes helping to soothe inflammation in your digestive tract.
* Aspirin and NSAIDs decrease the risk of Barrett’s esophagus and may protect against cancer of the esophagus
*Limiting intake of acid-stimulating foods and beverages
*Elevating the head a few inches while you sleep
== Warnings ==
Although Barrett's esophagus symptoms are usually the same as acid reflux/GERD, it's also possible to have NO symptoms at all. This can be especially dangerous because people with Barrett's esophagus have an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma ([[Esophageal Cancer]] ) – one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in the United States. So to not even know you have Barrett's esophagus means it can quietly exist and manifest into cancer.
== References ==
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[[Category:Diseases]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]