In 2019, after enduring three years of headaches and frequent bouts of heartburn, Murali Bharadwaj learned what sparked his discomfort: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD, or GERD), a chronic condition caused by stomach acid repeatedly rising into his oesophagus. Whenever Bharadwaj drank beer or ate late in the evening, he experienced symptoms.
“The acid reflux meant I couldn’t focus on the present moment, in meetings, playing sport or having social drinks with my friends,” says the 41 year old. “My thoughts always went to the burning sensation in my throat.”
He began taking medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to lower the acidity in his stomach. It helped, but only a little. In 2021, his doctor suggested a procedure to strengthen his lower oesophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and oesophagus. Bharadwaj…
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Reader’s Digest New Zealand (Digital) - 1 Issue, June / July 2024