Dr. Arthur Copes is a Baton Rouge health care professional who holds a doctor of naturopathic medicine and leads the Bio Wellness Center. Emphasizing an all-natural approach, Dr. Arthur Copes treats conditions such as acid reflux (GERD). The relatively common chronic digestive condition includes symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest.

The cause of GERD is a malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a band of muscles that relaxes when allowing food and drink into the stomach. After eating, the sphincter tightens and closes, which prevents the stomach’s contents from leaking out. In cases where the stomach’s pH levels are too high or low, the sphincter may not close properly, and this can allow acid to flow into the esophagus. This results in heartburn, a burning sensation that can extend beyond the chest into the throat and mouth. Common symptoms include nausea after eating, a sour taste, and regurgitation.

Allopathic modalities center on the use of acid inhibitors and antacids, which help control symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. By contrast, the treatment approach at Bio Wellness is holistic and seeks to reestablish a proper stomach pH balance. This is accomplished through a combination of minerals and vitamins, as well as pre-biotics and probiotics.