Addressing the Growing GERD Market with Scientific Evidence
- Admin
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) has evolved from a "Western health issue" into a significant concern in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, shifting dietary habits and urban lifestyles have led to a steady rise in cases, with some local studies reporting a prevalence as high as 22.3% in certain clinical populations [1]. For many, the persistent burning sensation of heartburn and the discomfort of acid regurgitation are daily hurdles that impact productivity and sleep quality.
Common Symptoms of GERD
GERD is more than just occasional "wind" or indigestion. It is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining [2]. Common symptoms include:
Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating
Regurgitation: Sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into the throat
Chest Pain: Discomfort in the chest area
Bloating and Dyspepsia: A feeling of fullness or "trapped gas" shortly after meals
In the Malaysian context, the diagnosis is often complicated by a high incidence of Non-Erosive Reflux Disease (NERD), where patients experience severe symptoms despite having no visible damage to the oesophagus during an endoscopy [3].
Why Does GERD Happen?
To understand GERD, one must look at the "gatekeeper" of the stomach which is known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The primary defence against reflux is the anti-reflux barrier, consisting of the LES and the crural diaphragm. In GERD patients, this mechanism fails due to a few reasons:
Transient LES Relaxations (TLESRs)
The most common cause of reflux, TLESRs are spontaneous relaxations of the LES muscle that are not preceded by a swallow, allowing acid to escape upward [4]
The "Acid Pocket"
Immediately after eating, a layer of highly acidic gastric juice (pH ~1.6) forms on top of the food in the proximal stomach. In GERD patients, this "acid pocket" is larger and more likely to be pushed into the esophagus during TLESRs or increased abdominal pressure [3, 4, 5]
Delayed Gastric Emptying
When food stays in the stomach too long, it increases pressure against the LES, making reflux more likely (4)
Impact on Daily Life: Beyond the Burn
The true burden of GERD is measured in its impact on Quality of Life (QoL). For consumers, the disease affects three major pillars:
Sleep Quality
Up to 75% of GERD patients report nighttime symptoms. This leads to insomnia, and a 2-fold increase in the risk of sleep apnea, resulting in chronic daytime fatigue [6].
Work Productivity
GERD is a leading cause of "presenteeism" - where employees are at work but cannot function at full capacity due to pain or discomfort. Studies show a productivity loss ranging from 6% to 42% depending on symptom severity [7].
Social and Mental Health
Patients often develop "mealtime anxiety," fearing social situations where they cannot control food ingredients. This constant vigilance contributes to higher stress levels (measured by the Perceived Stress Scale), which in turn can trigger more reflux - a vicious cycle [8].
What Causes IBS?
IBS is not caused by a single factor. Instead, it results from a complex interaction between the gut and the brain. The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but it may be linked to changes in:
gastrointestinal motility (movement of the gut)
visceral hypersensitivity (nerves in gut become overly sensitive)
low-grade mucosal inflammation (inflamed intestines)
dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria)
Diet plays a major role in IBS, many patients report symptom flare-ups after consuming certain foods, including those high in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, and spicy dishes (8).
Conventional Treatments for GERD
Treatment | Mechanism | Common Side Effects |
Antacids | Neutralizes stomach acid | Temporary acid relief |
H2 Blockers (H2RAS) | Blocks histamine signals to reduce acid | Body often develops resistance (tachyphylaxis) |
PPIs | Shuts down the "proton pumps" in stomach cells | Most potent acid suppressant: long term use might come increased risk of nutrients malabsorption such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 |
A Natural, Clinically Validated GERD Solution
For those seeking a more balanced approach, Gevalin® (a standardized extract of Aegle marmelos or Bael fruit) offers a unique mucosal-first strategy.
Clinical Evidence Summary
In an 8-week human clinical trial, a 250 mg daily dose of Gevalin® demonstrated:
36% reduction in abdominal cramping
40% improvement in epigastric pain
24% reduction in acid reflux
23% improvement in bloating
Find out more about Gevalin® here.
Aqurate Ingredients is an international player in supplying functional ingredients and providing innovative solutions to the food & beverage, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry. We believe, a satisfied customer is a repeat customer.
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