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ltcollins1949

Acid Reflux

ltcollins1949
18 years ago

I've had some major issues in my life in the last month. As a result, I have terrible acid relux. The doctor gave me that "little purple pill". I would like to know what herbs might be available for help. Thanks!

Comments (109)

  • rusty_blackhaw
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    So you tried it and it worked for you. Others (including posters on this forum) tried it and it didn't work, and/or made them sick. So which type of personal testimonial should we believe?

    Or would it be better to look at large studies under controlled conditions where results are much more trustworthy, and all the defects of testimonials are avoided?

    From this article:

    "We all tend to believe what others tell us about personal experiences. But separating cause and effect from coincidence can be difficult. If people tell you that product X has cured their cancer, arthritis, or whatever, be skeptical. They may not actually have had the condition. If they did, their recovery most likely would have occurred without the help of product X. Most single episodes of disease end with just the passage of time, and most chronic ailments have symptom-free periods. Establishing medical truths requires careful and repeated investigation -- with well-designed experiments, not reports of coincidences misperceived as cause-and-effect. That's why testimonial evidence is forbidden in scientific articles, is usually inadmissible in court, and is not used to evaluate whether or not drugs should be legally marketable. (Imagine what would happen if the FDA decided that clinical trials were too expensive and therefore drug approval would be based on testimonial letters or interviews with a few patients.)"

    Hope you come back home safely after your tour of duty, nightwinddrifter.

  • nightwinddrifter
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Others, and I'm referring to the same group as you, have tried ACV and it has worked for them. The type of personal testimonial you should believe is ALL of them, both in favor of and against ACV. You should also believe that results typically aren't typical (pun intended) but are worth trying. In other words, if it works for some, it MAY work for you. Hell, isn't the blanket "it may work for you" line used by doctors when they wave around their PPIs and antacids? They know it won't work for everyone! Strangely enough, it's usually their first prescribed treatment. Anyway, you shouldn't discredit something that some of us can vouch for!

    A certifiable degree, a citation to a respected journal or study, holds little, if any, credibility with me. This is because the medicine community is strangely volatile. One study is disputed by another, but supported by yet another, and so on and so forth. The quest for knowledge doesn't involve participating in high-level clinical trials. So you got together with some major medical think-tanks and pharmaceutical company know-hows, woohoo. IRRELEVANT! to MY HEALTH! Knowledge, especially for a field that is very big and ever-changing, should value personal experience! Stop institutionalizing/industrializing medicine and make it "open source"! (so to speak!) ACV works!

    And looking at the cited example of a large study under controlled conditions where results are more "trustworthy" is a little less inviting than a personal, "I've been there, done that MYSELF" testimony. For all we know, those studies weren't conducted by independant third parties. For all we know, the companies conducting the study probably have external interests. But at least we know that if I said, "IT WORKED FOR ME", then you can say, "it worked for him!" And, it may even work for you. Because you may be able to identify with my symptoms. Bet'cha can't identify with 200 study patients taken from half a world away in a study conducted 2 years ago, whose results are probably skewed in favor of a positive outcome.

    Medicine isn't a science, but more an art. My point? EVERYONE, not just the "masters", can play. If you prefer abstract art (in this analogy, your "studies"), good for you. But I was drawing a more coherent picture when I was 10, and even still today I reckon I would enjoy my artwork much more. Maybe I like it more because I did it? Maybe I like it more because I can relate to it better? Bias you say? Doesn't matter; it worked for me. Everyone can play!

    Allow me to disect your article;

    "We all tend to believe what others tell us about personal experiences. But separating cause and effect from coincidence can be difficult. If people tell you that product X has cured their cancer, arthritis, or whatever, be skeptical. They may not actually have had the condition. If they did, their recovery most likely would have occurred without the help of product X."

    Actually, the public tends to believe the medical studies more than anything. If I told you that, assuming there was no air, a car and a feather falls at the same rate of speed in terminal velocity, you may not believe me. Probably because I sound like an alt. medicine fanatic, with no amount of general medicine knowledge, and is in the military and not at graduate school. But if you learned that in physics, of course you would believe the fact. Someone with a BA/Masters told you that!

    And of course you should be skeptical, of EVERYTHING! By no means am I saying go in blind, or to NOT refute a personal experience. I welcome your arguments, although I do prefer any experience you can directly relate to, over anything you can quote. I'll get to more on that in a second.

    "Most single episodes of disease end with just the passage of time, and most chronic ailments have symptom-free periods. Establishing medical truths requires careful and repeated investigation -- with well-designed experiments, not reports of coincidences misperceived as cause-and-effect. That's why testimonial evidence is forbidden in scientific articles, is usually inadmissible in court, and is not used to evaluate whether or not drugs should be legally marketable."

    You honestly believe that a "medical truth" can be established? That is somewhat naive, please don't take offense. These "medical truths", I'm sure, are amended, replaced, and revoked all the time. I honestly wish I could give you some examples, unfortunately that isn't my area of expertise. I am skeptical, as you can tell. Why? The same "truths" you refer to, have only aggravated by condition. Maybe I have another condition, very similar to GERD? Sure. But a Master Sergeant independant medical technician (IDMT) with over 20 years functional experience came up with the same conclusion that someone with a PhD in a civilian clinic did: I have GERD and I should take an antacid/PPI. Woohoo. How about this plot-thickening possibility: I -DO- have GERD, but PPIs and antacids aren't exactly curing the cause?!

    (Imagine what would happen if the FDA decided that clinical trials were too expensive and therefore drug approval would be based on testimonial letters or interviews with a few patients.)"

    Some would say that the aforementioned fictional scenario is EXACTLY how the FDA approves drugs. The FDA has approved some funky drugs, there's no denying that. Heck, some of these drugs have more potential side effects than the amount ingredients listed on a bag of potato chips. ANAL SEEPAGE? Nah, I think I'll stick to insomnia. (joke!)

    But back on topic, the general public, I believe, isn't given access to the same documents and trials that the FDA refers to when approving a drug. We're on the receiving end of things. "In a private clinical trial, 100 women with breast cancer were administered a prototype drug that could cure them of it. Of those 100 women, 89 were cured. The control subjects (another 100) were given a placebo, and all 100 still had cancer." How did each of these patients respond to their treatment? In what other studies were the involved medicine(s) tried? Does this study's finds correlate to another study involving a less potent medicine intended to do the SAME EXACT THING? Here's the simple truth: the public is lazy, the FDA can easily exploit that, and some would argue that they already do. Hence my skepticism. And hence why the public is willing to believe the good old FDA.

    The FDA is also unusually strict on "alternative cures". While I do understand the risks involved if these alternative cures were unregulated, why is it that they should be labeled "not intended to treat X, Y, or Z", yet a drug with well-known and adverse side-effects, gets away WITHOUT that label? Why are most ketchups not allowed to list lycopene in its ingredients list, while Heinz (one of the biggest ketchup manufacturers) does so, seemingly exclusively? There has to be big bucks being thrown around somewhere in here. Whether you believe me or not, and whether you can provide evidence against these possibilities or not.. at least my skepticism is reasonably justified.

    Thank you for your hope! I hope I return safely too, as well as the countless Marines and Soldiers that were here before me, and will remain here after. God Bless America!

  • lucy
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You're the #1 reason people should just listen to their M.D.'s and not everyone out there with admitted ignorance of science and medicine!

  • nightwinddrifter
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You're the #1 reason people should just listen to their M.D.'s and not everyone out there with admitted ignorance of science and medicine!

    You are the #1 reason why people simply listen to their M.D.s. From this simple post I can derive a few things:

    1. You have no idea what we're/you're talking about. "Everyone out there", yeah, listen to them. But good grief I didn't ask you to take their words like its the gospel. You're a poster child for the fact that common sense IS NOT COMMON.

    2. You're antagonizing and insulting me as a result of your lack of awareness.

    3. You don't value the truth for what it's worth. Yes, I admitted, without being questioned first, that I'm not in-the-know when it comes to conventional science and medicine. Did I ever steer anyone on this board wrong? In my post, did I not state that my lack of medical knowledge regarding GERD and its standard treatment should be the very reason why I might deserve some sort of credibility based on my personal experience with ACV? Furthermore, why not graciously accept the truth that I've provided. I did not CLAIM to know anything about science and medicine at all. Instead, you label it ignorance and make me look like I'm the enemy of all medicine.

    4. Nothing in your post is truly relevent to the discussion at hand, be it answering any one of my arguments, supporting Eric's, or most importantly, addressing ACV and/or GERD. Your response is riddled with ignorance. You may say that mine are as well, but at least I can appeal to common sense to stay relevant and stay civil. Get on topic, or get out of here please.

    Anyway, to clear up something... truth is, I believe that medicine has done a lot for people. And MY belief is, that medicine isn't always done in the best interests FOR people as of late. As is the case of PPIs vs ACV. PPIs aren't intended to be taken beyond 3-4 months consecutively, yet doctors recommend essentially "life time plans" ALL THE TIME. PPIs, as some of you may not know from context, inhibit the production of stomach acid. If an alkaline condition truly is the cause of some types of GERD, the LACK of MORE stomach acid will aggravate the condition. Assuming this is the case, how would ACV -not- work?

    The only end-all to this possibility would be to prove whether or not GERD(-like) conditions can surface due to alkaline conditions in the stomach.

  • heldewski2001_hotmail_com
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    nightwinddrifter certainly has good common sense and excellent communication skills. Thanks for writing. (Thanks for serving, as well.)

    I, too, have been down the same path as so many others. The different levels of Rx. Ranitidine helped for a while (I think) then the diarrhea problems started, then Nexium, and more of the same. And that was attributed to side effects, altho test for h pylori etc all were done. manometry. Barium swallow. etc. etc. Been thru the scopes (endo and colon) etc. When the doctors couldn;t figure out anything else, and after 2 GI specialists, the conclusion was Nissen fundoplication. Not one doctor ever asked me to keep a food diary.

    The reflux burn to the area around my larynx is a major problem for me, as a singer.

    Have tried some other explorations, while postponing the surgery that was a last resort because no diagnosis really fit. Am trying some NAET and acupuncture. Any ACV users get any help from this?

  • starrlara
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hello,
    Vinegar does work for me, and it doesn't have to be Apple Cider vinegar. Any works, and it works right away and so much faster than any of the pills the doctor gives me.

    I've been told that the reason it works is that the problem with our stomachs is that we don't have enough acid in them and that vinegar is giving our stomachs what we actually need, and that is why it works.

    I went on Atkins once, lost 30 pounds, and my acid reflux totally disappeared. It returned when I added pasta or bread back to my diet. It was the wheat.

    I came to realize that the slightest amount of wheat in food wreaks havoc on my stomach.

    What does the American diet have in it more than anything else? Wheat!

    Wheat is in nearly any food that isn't raw. It's in fried chicken. It's in hot dogs. It's in Jo Jos potatoes. It's in macaroni and cheese. It's in Spaghetti and pizza. And pie and even some colas. It's in so many food items that you could never count them all.

    If I eat the slightest amount of wheat, I have heartburn for days, and IBS.

    My bronchial tubes stay sore for days and my asthma kicks in, and my heart rate goes up, and it's all because of this horrible reaction to wheat.

    I truly think that many people with Acid Reflux and IBS have this problem, but they many never discover it unless they totally remove even the slightest amount of wheat from their diet.

    One can develop allergies to any food if exposed to it long enough.

    In China, wheat allergies are rare. Rice allergies are common. Why is that? Because they eat a lot of rice and very little wheat.

    I would never have pin pointed what was wrong with my stomach if I hadn't eliminated all wheat from my diet, and no doctor ever brought up this subject.

    Of course, no pill can ever cure a wheat allergy, which explains why my acid reflux and IBS would come back immediately after resuming a wheat diet.

  • rusty_blackhaw
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    No one should expect much from a personal testimonial of any kind - no matter who it's from. That's why the best treatments come as a result of controlled studies and clinical trials to look at safety and effectiveness.

    "After two hours, my heartburn was completely gone (with ACV)."

    That's often been my experience with heartburn when I don't take anything at all. It goes away within minutes if I take antacids or Zantac.

  • lucy
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Star - what you have is called a gluten intolerance... it's not so much an actual allergy, but in any case, there are special diets, ingredients, etc. you can get to substitute for wheat products, and you should look into it more closely - and your MD certainly should have picked up on it - it's not rare!

  • jewel_2006
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I've just stumbled across this forum while searching for information on stomach problems.

    I don't have acid 'reflux' as such but periodically get problems with my stomach. When I go to bed my stomach will start gurgling very loudly and churning so much that it is impossible to sleep. My doctor said that I was producing too much acid - but antacids and the medicine and pills he gave me do not work (they have absolutely no effect on the gurgling and churning, which doesn't even lessen to any noticeable degree).

    I have not tried cider vinegar but have discovered my own 'miracle' cure which should not logically work. I have always avoided alcohol when having these spells, because I read that this can aggrevate the problem. But one particularly bad night when I was desparate for some sleep I downed two glasses of red wine in the hope that this would knock me out. The gurgling immediately got worse ('what have I done!') but then within fifteen minutes the gurgling had stopped and I had my best sleep for a month. Now whenever I have problems I drink a glass of red wine at the onset (one is usually enough) and have a peaceful night.

    I have no idea why this should work unless it works like the cider vinegar: perhaps I don't produce enough acid, rather than too much, and my stomach is gurgling and churning to try and digest my food. Anyway, I am now going to try the cider vinegar to see if that works (it would probably be better for me than knocking back wine at two in the morning!)

  • jessicsd
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I find exercise has been a great help with stabalizing my night time symptoms but definitely wait a few hours before exercising. :) I find it is more food and diet that affect me than anything. Actaully i recently read an article on pharmdaily.com about acid reflux and my holiday diet. With so much yummy bad food around it might help some of you as well! http://pharmdaily.com/Article/5544/Tempting_Holiday_Treats_Can_Be_Hard_to_Swallow.html?CategoryID=15&Search= Good luck and happy holidays!

  • refluxnsf
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I was told my my doctor that I have silent reflux because I have no heartburn, just never ending postnasal drip, coughing and constant throat clearing. After a CT scan I found out my sinus are fine and I had allergy testing and all I am allergic to is Cypress Trees (none are within 20 miles) Seems like it does not matter what I eat I get all the same reaction. I have tried prescription Prilosec and Protonix with very bad reactions to both. EXTREME fatigue and confusion, both which went away immediately after I stopped taking them. I tried the usual Zantac and Tagament with no luck. I just started prescription Pepcid 6 days ago and it doesn't seem to help either so far. I have stayed away from all the foods and drinks that I have been told aggravate reflux but it doesn't make a difference.. I'm at my wit's end. Any ideas? This tread seems very informative but I haven't seen anything on silent refulx ... Thanks for your help.

  • tomatozilla
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thanks everyone for this great thread, and a special thank you to vinegarman for the research and nightwinddrifter for your service, well-considered and expressed argument and for being hysterically funny. Decades of occasional gut troubles became excruciating a couple years ago when I endured a course of prednisone in an attempt to quash insufferable new allergic asthma. Since that time, bearing in mind previous naggings by naturopathic physician and dad the pharmacist etc. etc. etc. I've tried every OTC or script antacid available in the US and NONE WORK. AT ALL. UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, DIETARY OR ATTITUDINAL MODIFICATION OR EXERCISE OR PRACTICE ETC. This morning I could hardly drive from pain and dizzyness of it and last night's flat stomach looked like I needed to pass a basketball. A friend emailed me about the vinegar which I'd forgotten about(!), I drank it and IT EVEN TASTED GOOD (as desperately needed things will do, eat your greens), the basketball began deflating immediately and I am thrilled.

  • lucy
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    All those things you're all trying and being unsuccessful with may have only incidental relevance to what's really going on, which could simply be a genetic predisposition to gastritis, which you can only treat by staying away from the 'wrong' foods, but can't cure it - you have it, and must live with it (as I do!). Nothing you eat or don't eat will change the basic reality of it. You need an endoscopy by your MD (a snap - totally painless, you're lightly anesthetized and awake within an hour, go home within two).

  • nightwinddrifter
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Posted by heldewski,
    nightwinddrifter certainly has good common sense and excellent communication skills. Thanks for writing. (Thanks for serving, as well.)

    Thank you for your kind words. Don't forget to thank yourselves, too. We're all fine people!

    I've also had just about no success with PPIs and OTC antacids. Tums do taste good though, so at least I can justify that cost.

    Posted by vinegarman,
    It appears some posters don't know very much about vinegar, and I am not going to get into a large debate about it, I will just say, that drinking vinegar will cure acid reflux. and the reason is quite a simple one, for some people to understand, yet difficult for those, that deny the facts!

    This is a wonderful conclusion, and I hope that it is indeed true. What you're saying makes perfect sense to me, and brings closure to questions of why vinegar is so effective for me.

    Unfortunately, I don't take too well to drinking diluted vinegar. I tried it once - mixed it in 50/50 with water. The only thing I can remember is that I was so horrified at the taste that I shriveled in pain and became blinded by tears. Guess I'll try a 70/30 ratio next!

    starrlaura said,
    Vinegar does work for me, and it doesn't have to be Apple Cider vinegar. Any works, and it works right away and so much faster than any of the pills the doctor gives me.

    Another one for team vinegar-does-work! Thank you for emphasizing the fact that it doesn't have to be apple cider vinegar. I didn't realize this. Assuming vinegarman's argument is true, you're absolutely right. Thank goodness; finding apple cider vinegar in the vinegar isle is like looking for Osama in Afghanistan. Or maybe I'm just lazy?

    Eric said,
    No one should expect much from a personal testimonial of any kind - no matter who it's from. That's why the best treatments come as a result of controlled studies and clinical trials to look at safety and effectiveness.

    First of all, I'd like to thank Eric Oh for his continuing presence in here. Despite our different viewpoints and experiences, I want to make it clear that I can at least "agree to disagree" with his conclusions on this tricky matter.

    Back to the topic at hand: if conducted in an open-source manner that facilitates integrity (IE: open study), I can agree that you are able to derive your best solutions from controlled trials. As you may have noticed, however, I believe that pharmaceutical trials are anything but honest. I won't rehash the argument here for the sake of relevancy (just re-read my post if you care), but know that this is my belief.

    It's just too easy to exclude valid testimonials because they "didn't participate in this obscure, ambiguous controlled study conducted with 23.5 year old women in New Zealand after giving birth, which should be about three days prior to the summer solstice." The only thing I expect from a testimonial is just that - a person's experience. I can identify with that far better than said study, and it's much easier to dismiss individual results than medical science's feeble attempt to organize a big, random, diverse cluster of people into a few coherent variables.

    Just like if you told me that PPIs work for you, I can agree that they did and give PPIs a benefit of a doubt on the grounds that they worked for you, which you said here:
    That's often been my experience with heartburn when I don't take anything at all. It goes away within minutes if I take antacids or Zantac.
    (In regards to heartburn going away)

    I wish I could say the same was true for me. Believe me, just like the rest of overmedicated-America, I want to be able to pop a pill and have it go away. Unfortunately, it isn't that easy (for me). I already tried. Now that I think of it, there's a funny quote along the same lines of what I just mentioned. It's a little old, but it goes like this:

    "In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal."

    jewel_2006 said,
    I have no idea why this should work unless it works like the cider vinegar: perhaps I don't produce enough acid, rather than too much, and my stomach is gurgling and churning to try and digest my food.

    I would tend to think that wine's effect is similar to vinegar's. You've come to the same possible conclusion I have: either our stomachs aren't producing enough acid, or (with vinegarman's twist) our stomachs are producing acid that's too heavily concentrated and that vinegar/wine has an alkaline effect on the concentration. Of course, if the latter is the case, then you'd think that water would have the same effect. Sounds like a call for more discussion.

    jessicsd posted:
    I find it is more food and diet that affect me than anything.

    I concur.

    refluxsnf, you said:
    I was told my my doctor that I have silent reflux because I have no heartburn, just never ending postnasal drip, coughing and constant throat clearing.

    Actually, I have the same thing most of the time. Now, heartburn and vomiting are rare. I've been deployed for about 4 months now, and I attribute the change of intensity of my GERD to a change in diet. I still get it but it's relatively mild.

    tomatozilla writes,
    Thanks everyone for this great thread, and a special thank you to vinegarman for the research and nightwinddrifter for your service, well-considered and expressed argument and for being hysterically funny.

    Thank you for reading and considering the "dark side" of the house. Your mention of driving reminds me of one of my own experiences with GERD. I was driving to see my grandpa in Rochester. The whole time I had an itching sensation at my throat. As I neared my exit, I suddenly had to hurl. Not car sick and I didn't eat, but I had to throw up really bad. It was so bad that I drove straight into the painted divider between the continuing highway and exit. I slammed the brakes, threw my hazards on, opened the door, and threw up. It was so instantaneous that I managed to hurl on a part of the car. Good thing it was a rental. A cop car passed behind me during the whole ordeal and didn't even slow. I guess he's familar with GERD!

    I was so angry. I took an Aciphex an hour prior to that trip just to prevent a mishap like that on the road. It was like an unanswered prayer. People with their self-assuring, depth-lacking, feel-good knowledge like "lucy" had me convinced that it was the answer to my troubles. Not so much.

    I also know of this "basketball stomach" you speak of. Back when my GERD was bad, my girlfriend took the strange pleasure of pressing on my stomach to encourage me to pass gas. I was a human air pump. She thought it was funny, but I hated the idea of being a balloon for the rest of my GERD-gaseous life. Fortunately, my GERD has calmed down significantly, which encouraged me to try working my abs out again (I thought working out my abs was aggravating my condition). Looks like I passed the ball for the (seemingly) last time!

    And lucy (sigh) writes,
    All those things you're all trying and being unsuccessful with may have only incidental relevance to what's really going on, which could simply be a genetic predisposition to gastritis, which you can only treat by staying away from the 'wrong' foods, but can't cure it - you have it, and must live with it (as I do!).

    In a past post you wanted an reasonable (or scientific) explanation. You get one, along with several personal accounts. Yet once again, you're beating around the bush. I didn't expect you to acknowledge my post, but I also didn't expect you to continue your irritating holier-than-thou attitude without addressing the successes that I and many others have had with vinegar. Stop labeling these people and me ignorant. Your blanket statements and treatments might be acceptable inside a clinic, but your prejudices don't apply here. These people throw up, can't sleep, and are hurting. I think they know what's "really going on".

    Maybe this realization will blow your mind: not everything a doctor recommends will work for everybody. Your Prelief works for you. Vinegar works for me. Two speakers on opposite spectrums, and what makes your suggestion any better than mine? Nothing. SURPRISE! Are you a pharmacist? RN? Or are you just like me - a crusader against what we believe to be misleading? Regardless of what you are in life, one thing's clear - you're not acknowledging the successes on this board that people have with vinegar. And being a pharmacist/RN/doctor doesn't exclude you from addressing these people who have proven that going "against the grain" isn't the evil that you make it out to be.

    You also once recommended seeing a doctor instead of a "chat line" for GERD advice. Once again, these people aren't ignorant, and here's why: the power of the internet to proliferate and compound knowledge is limitless. Stock trading is no longer exclusive to high society. Running a business doesn't have to cost overhead anymore. And my favorite - basic medicinal knowledge is available even to the average Joe. Welcome to the internet. Sorry, but you don't even need an Associates to comment on how well a medicine worked for you. Whether or not you believe what you read online is your choice, but it's hard to discount someone's personal experience just because they contrast with your conclusions, which are probably based on Eric's biased clinical trials. Honestly, I think it's more fun to watch paint dry than to sift through thousands of pages of fabricated junk which was produced under the name of capitalism.

    Oh and by the way, PPIs suck.

    I ingested something you can buy almost anywhere at low cost. You ingested some over-engineered, profit-seeking medicine that seems to marginally "cure" the situation at hand. If pharmaceuticals were truly the cure you preach them to be, why does this thread even exist? A good lot of us have tried them, and still come back complaining about the same thing.

    You also said,
    Nothing you eat or don't eat will change the basic reality of it. You need an endoscopy by your MD
    And if nothing, vinegar or PPI, will change the "basic reality" of this, what's an endoscopy supposed to do? Recommend a series of PPIs? But you just said...! Oh, nevermind.

    Your poster will be on the wall indefinitely, I suppose.

  • georgeiii
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Did you ever try bio-feed back. Radio Shack use to sell a simple machine you could buy and put together for about $15.00. It worked on a number of audio clicks that you by concentrating to bring it down to single clicks. It's not easy but it's do able. Have some fun. Wear it around other people and see who's affecting you the wrong way. At least it would start conversations with the right "bad" people in your life.

  • lucy
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    An endoscopy can diagnose gastritis (and a whole lot of other things), and once you have a diagnosis, you can decide on treatment. Otherwise, you can drink vinegar (or not drink it) til the cows come home, but will still have gastritis, but will have horribly worsened it if you do drink vinegar. That's all!

  • chez
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Well I stumbled on this thread as it seems many have, looking for information about acid reflux. I've had my symptoms for about 2 months. The worst for me is nausea followed closely by the burning in my stomach which started about a month into it.

    I did the endoscopy with a GI doc and at first he thought it was something called allergic esophagitus, but biopsies of the area turned up negative. So he prescribed Aciphex and I've been on it for about three weeks now.

    My esophagus is thankfully not irritated except for the tissue just above the opening to my stomach. The meds have helped some, actually quite a bit, but today my stomach is burning again, and I'm not entirely sure of the cause.

    Chocolate is one thing that will set me off as well as tomato-based sauces, and I've been trying to watch those things as well as other obvious food no-nos for people who have this.

    It's worked relatively well until today, and I really have no idea what might have caused this flare up.

    I've always enjoyed excellent health, and consequently on the rare occassion I get some kind of ailment that drags on, I enter panic mode.

    I let my mind run off on all kinds of wild tangents always imagining the worst scenario, and I know this doesn't help my stomach. Sleeping has become an issue too because of all this, and so I'm trying to get a handle on all this worry.

    I'm not excited about the possibility of having to take a pill for the rest of my life, and so I'm looking hard at lifestlye changes (diet, more exercise, etc.) as I'm a big believer in those kinds of preventative steps.

    I am also interested in trying the vinegar option though. My fear however, as someone else pointed out, is that it'll just light my stomach up. Maybe I'll wait until the weekend to give this a shot. Getting through the days has been a trial when my stomach is really bothering me, and I just don't think I can take sitting at my desk being miserable with a couple of shots of vinergar on my stomach if it doesn't work.

    Even if it does work, I still plan to make the diet and exercise mods. I'm getting older (though still just 36) and I'm starting to feel the years. Being a little (or a lot) smarter about the choices I make in terms of preventative health maintenance won't be a bad thing for sure.

  • lucy
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Chez - You said you have no idea what started the burning today... Well, what I was trying to say in my note (re gastritis and getting an endo.) is that if you have a 'congenital' condition, or predisposition to one, it's not going to be about an individual trigger on any given day, but that your body (still a mystery to everyone, including MD's and alternative docs) may just decide (for no reason we can trace) to go off on you and you, and then be fine the next day. There are very many chemical interactions taking place in our bodies all day, every day, and what sets off something today (obvious to you) may have started 3 days ago inside, and either you've forgotten that you had a bit of something that could aggravate the condition, or it's just a result of your body's inner busy-ness, and maybe your MD can put a name on it today or maybe he can't, but all we can do is be as careful as possible not to deliberately have something we're sure is a trigger, like chocolate or highly acidic foods. But it won't make the condition go away for good necessarily, just allow us to live with it reasonably well.

  • chez
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Well I couldn't wait until the weekend. I decided to just take a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with some water and honey this morning.

    My stomach burned late into the night and settled down a little just before I went to sleep. I woke up this morning with a little burning sensation so I decided I'd try it with some vinegar we had in the pantry.

    At first I thought, "This was a huge mistake," as my stomach burned more and I started to feel a little nauseous. I could picture my worst fears of muddling through the day with the vinegar burning a hole in my stomach, but then after about 20 minutes it stopped. Completely.

    The oatmeal I had prepared for breakfast before taking the vinegar actually looked pretty appetizing, and instead of forcing it down as I have done in recent mornings, I tore into it savoring every bite.

    I'm not at all prepared to proclaim this a miracle cure. I'm a skeptic's skeptic, but right now I'm cautiously optimistic. I'll keep trying it and see what happens. If it works, fantastic. But I'll still be doing my best to make the changes I think are necessary.

    Lucy's point about some people's bodies having a predisposition to these ailments is a good one. Sometimes maybe there is no "reason" behind why we feel the way we do.

    Maybe I will never be completely "cured" and that, if that is the case, sucks. But I'll be doing all I can to cope and help my body try to manage it a little better.

  • Shades_of_idaho
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I can remember sleeping with the dreaded bottle of Pepto by my bed since I was a child. Hundreds of years later it seems like I found the solution to my acid reflux. this was al a fluke to discover. Gere is what Ido.

    I just dring unsweetened pineapple jiuce about a half a cup a day and no more tums no more acid reflux. When I first started doing this it caused more acid reflux for a few days and then it was all over. I noticed if I run out it takes about two weeks for the acid reflux to return.

    This is probably not the best way to get rid of it but it worked for me.

    Hubby in hurry for phone no time to spell check. Sorry.

    Chris

  • kahill
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Posted by lucy 5 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 25, 06 at 6:53

    You're the #1 reason people should just listen to their M.D.'s and not everyone out there with admitted ignorance of science and medicine!

    Yes....Blindly listen to people interested in keeping you sick. If you weren't sick, why would you need THEM? (doctors).

    Posted by eric_oh 6a (My Page) on Sun, Sep 17, 06 at 0:45

    So you tried it and it worked for you. Others (including posters on this forum) tried it and it didn't work, and/or made them sick. So which type of personal testimonial should we believe?
    Or would it be better to look at large studies under controlled conditions where results are much more trustworthy, and all the defects of testimonials are avoided?

    Eric, how do you think that these "studies" are funded? Why - I'm sure the manufacturers of Prylosec and Tums could tell you.

    Too.......how do you think that the people conducting the studies come up with their "scientific conclusions"? Is it by using the "absolute pain and discomfort meter" they hook people up to that monitors every pain and ailment with a digital readout of undisputable data that definatively states a persons level of success or failure from a treatment?

    The studies rely on the amount of success that the participants TELL them they have on PERSONAL TESTIMONY.

    While everyone is entitled to their assessment of their own situation, I don't doubt that vinegar will have success stories and not-so-successful stories. Just like Advil, Tums, Robitussin, Advair, or any other prescription on the planet, prescriptions work for some that don't work for others. Why is it so "acceptable" to go to the doctor 7 times and get 12 different prescriptions and not acceptable to just TRY vinegar to see if it works for you or not??

    My experience with vinegar came from desparation. I heard about 2 TBLS vinegar in 8 oz water with honey for migraines. I had migraines every 48 hours. I lost my job. My children suffered - I could not pay attention to them - I had to be in a dark room with the door shut an no noise. I contemplated suicide at one point. I was on everything known to migraine treatment that has come out of the reveared "clinical studies". Doped up, in pain, with recurring episodes. Yeah, some relief (insert sarcasm here).

    Then came the vinegar ...thanks to the internet.

    During my 4th migraine episode in a 7 day period, 4 hours after taking vinegar, the pain subsided to a manageble level.

    I took a measured amount the next morning and have every morning since (about 2 months ago). I haven't had a migraine since.

    Oh - I did experience one side effect. My occasional "heartburn" became non-existant as well.

    I did tell my husband about it and he was so relieved. He was out of the country for several months and when he got back, he was amazed to find a whole, healthy wife with no headaches and migraines after 18 years.

    Cure? I don't know. Miracle? YES.

    Oh, and my husband started vinegar for his stomach. He's had colonoscopys, gastric tests, etc and popped Tums like candy. He no longer takes any "antacids". And he no longer suffers from "stomach problems", whatever they may have been "officially diagnosed" as.

    So, to each their own. I prefer to find reason NOT to take medicines. If you prefer to treat Doctors like they know everything, well then that is your preference. Take the expensive pills and cover up the symptoms. I prefer to change what is wrong and fix the problem - therefore no symptoms because thhere is no problem.

  • rusty_blackhaw
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Research studies are funded from a wide variety of sources, including foundation grants, government agencies, cancer societies and drug companies. Researchers are required to list affiliations that might pose a conflict of interest, so readers and reviewers can judge potential biases. It's not a perfect system, but it's the best we have.

    It'd be nice to have clinical studies showing a benefit for vinegar in acid reflux patients, potentially biased or not, but they don't exist. Maybe the companies hustling cider vinegar pills (which have been shown in some instances to contain little or no vinegar) or more expensive vinegar preparations (such as those containing "the mother") could spend a fraction of their profits to fund some clinical studies. They could demonstrate that vinegar lowers acid production in the stomach, if that's actually the case. But don't hold your breath. It's a lot cheaper to present testimonials, whether real or imaginary.

    It's nice that unlike some other folks, you feel your symptoms are relieved by vinegar. If people want to try some cheap vinegar from the supermarket for their reflux and know the risks to their esophagus of further acid damage, that's up to them. Instead of "Miracle" cures that are unlikely to have long-term effects, it's still better to undertake lifestyle changes and watch your diet rather than expecting to depend on any pill or liquid remedy for the rest of your life.

  • amazon
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Doctors don't haft to keep us sick. Mother Nature makes sure to keep us on our toes. Doctors are not evil. There is no conspriacy theory there.

  • rooster99
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have the same problem. My doctor prescribed Pantoloc and I'd been taking it every day for years. Works ok - but not always great.

    My herbalist then recommended a regime of slippery elm bark and an herbal tea that actually tastes pretty good. I now alternate days - 1 day Pantoloc, 1 day herbal remedies - and I'm aiming to stop the Pantoloc entirely as the herbal stuff makes me feel better than the prescription medicine. Fortunately our health care plan covers herbal remedies.

    If you want to know more, check out her web site at www.katolenyardley.com. (I hope it's within forum rules to post this URL - my apologies if it's not).

    - R.

  • lorna-organic
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    A quarter teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water does wonders for acid reflux, heart burn or indigestion. It is best to use organic apple cider vinegar because apples tend to absorb a lot of pesticidie residue through their skins. ACV is also a good source of potassium and other minerals.

    Acid reflux is often caused by interruption of the digestion process, that is, eating before the last round of food has been comletely digested. If a person eats whilst the digestion cycle is in progress, the cycle is thrown out of whack.

  • rusty_blackhaw
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Here's a good overview of apple cider vinegar and what it's claimed to do.

    "There is no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar has any medicinal properties. While the folksy anecdotes from those who claim to have benefited from apple cider vinegar tonics may be amusing to read, they are simply that -- anecdotes.

    Apple cider vinegar is anything but a storehouse of nutrients. A nutritional analysis of one tablespoon (more than the one or two teaspoons suggested to make a tonic) reveals that the golden liquid contains less than a gram of carbohydrate: minuscule amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium. copper, manganese, and phosphorus; and a mere 15 mg of potassium. The fiber, vitamin, and amino acid content is zero."

    I would also have to disagree about reflux being due to "interrupted" digestion. What may help sufferers is to eat more small meals than a few large ones, and to avoid eating shortly before bedtime.

  • lorna-organic
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Eric, one can state one's opinion. That is what forums are all about. My opinion and experience are valid. Please keep that in mind, considering your tone, when you choose to disagree with somebody. There is no need to attempt to invalidate another person's opinion, when stating one's own opinion. Whenever someone tells me there is no scientific evidence to prove something, my response is that there is also no scientific evidence to disprove.

    One can find arguments both for and against any subject matter on the Internet. When I do research, I always read both sides of an issue, or subject, and subsequently make up my own mind as to what I wish to believe. For instance, there are many web sites which state eyebright should not be consumed, only used topically. However, there are web sites which claim eyebright can be used internally, as well as topically.

    I suffered from reflux for approximately one year. When I learned how the digestive process functions, and subsequently adopted a new routine of allowing my digestive process to complete itself before introducing anything else into my stomach, I never again had an incident of reflux. That was many years ago. No more reflux, even though I do eat before I go to bed because I am hypoglycemic. Personally, I need to have enough food in my system to avoid a sugar low whilst sleeping.

    I have had heartburn or indigestion a few times in recent years. As I mentioned, apple cider vinegar in water immediately cures the problem for me. My elderly mother has not had any incidents of reflux since she has begun to use vinegar on a daily basis. (She has a hiatial (sp?) hernia, which her doctor stated is the reason she has reflux.) Mom often suffers from heartburn directly after eating. Her new vinegar routine also corrects that problem. She no longer takes Tums on a daily basis. (I am very glad of that, because antiacids rob the body of Vit. Bs.) It is my mother's opinion that any vinegar will work. She could be correct. She likes champaign vinegar, and she also uses ACV.

  • rusty_blackhaw
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I don't mind if you disagree with me, though that also could be seen as "attempting to invalidate" the evidence I presented. :)

    "Whenever someone tells me there is no scientific evidence to prove something, my response is that there is also no scientific evidence to disprove."

    In any field of science claims need to be backed by evidence to be taken seriously. It's considered the obligation of the claimant to establish the necessary evidence.

    Non-evidence-based herbalism relies on ad campaigns and testimonials. Many times, testimonials are either invented, contradictory, or posted by people who actually are selling the products in question. In the case of genuine testimonials, often people do not have the condition they are attempting to treat, or it's one of those disorders (like reflux) that comes and goes, so it's difficult to say on limited experience if something works. (my own reflux has been much better lately and I haven't been on any medication or taken any cider vinegar either. Go figure.)

    If you search "cider vinegar" on this forum, you'll find a number of people who say it didn't work for them or made the condition worse. This kind of testimonial isn't very reliable either, so many people feel more assured dealing with products validated by well-designed studies instead.

  • lucy
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    One interesting correlation that's come up recently in scientific journals is the connection between GERD (overnight) and sleep apnea - they're trying to figure out which comes first, though it's not as important as dealing with the problems. OSA (obstructive SA) is a very serious condition that needs to be diagnosed properly with sleep studies and the GERD often resolves once the OSA is treated. If anyone with overnight reflux also has problems staying awake during the day, get yourself checked out... you could have blood pressure problems which lead to strokes, and could be in danger of traffic accidents caused by sleepiness. Sleeping more without treatment doesn't improve things, so look into it if you're in doubt.

  • lorna-organic
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I very much believe in probiotics. One needs healthy flora in the digestive tract for good function. Good quality yoghurt (no sugar in it) is probiotic.

    I recently took in a very young abandoned puppy. Her little gut was totally upset. I fixed her up with a daily dose of yoghurt. Within a few days her stools were normal and no longer had a foul odor. I vetted her, too, of course. The vet thought yoghurt was a good idea to get her system in balance.

    Pineapple and papaya have enzymes which are great digestive aids. The French use a liquor, a type of bitters, as a digestive aid. I've tried the liquor, and it does work. However, I wasn't too crazy about the flavor of it.

  • rusty_blackhaw
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm unaware of any good evidence for probiotics helping reflux. Certain preparations may be useful in treating or preventing conditions such as diarrhea, but there are potential drawbacks as well. Some "natural" probiotic products have been found to not contain any living bacteria, or kind(s) that are not supposed to be in the product.

    "There are a wide range of commercially available probiotic preparations that make various claims for their beneficial effects. As yet these are largely a marketing proposition rather than verifiable biotherapeutic effects."

    Link.

  • terenceg
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I just came across this, and oh well, put me in the list of people who have found apple cider works. For me, that is. I was amazed. The reasons I gather it works pretty much match those describe by nightwinddrifter.

    However, I am concerned about the effect of low pH on teeth enamel. I know some people mix it with baking soda to make it more neutral, but I wonder if that might invite other problems.

  • terenceg
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Correction: I meant to write apple cider vinegar, not just apple cider.

  • lorna-organic
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    High acid content can erode tooth enamel, such as eating a lot of grapefruit or drinking a lot of grapefruit juice. (Some of you may remember a popular grapefruit diet during the late 60's.) It is the direct contact with tooth enamel, which can cause problems. Brushing one's teeth, or rinsing one's mouth out well, can prevent such problems.

  • nightwindmirage_hotmail_com
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hello again, folks. I just wanted to chime in to see how this discussion panned out.

    lucy, you said:
    An endoscopy can diagnose gastritis (and a whole lot of other things), and once you have a diagnosis, you can decide on treatment. Otherwise, you can drink vinegar (or not drink it) til the cows come home, but will still have gastritis, but will have horribly worsened it if you do drink vinegar. That's all!

    Nah, the cows came home and I've long since put the (vinegar) bottle down. I don't have gastritis, and it hasn't worsened. Conventional medicine once again bears its mark on you: you truly expected me to rely on some substance, drug or vinegar, to see me through for the rest of my life? I don't know about you, but I prefer drugs and the such to be temporary in use.

    So Lucy, start moo'ing.

    Eric said:
    It'd be nice to have clinical studies showing a benefit for vinegar in acid reflux patients, potentially biased or not, but they don't exist.

    Is the nonexistence of such studies your basis for calling mine, and others' experiences illegitimate? Welcome to the internet, where market conversations are no longer confined to studies backed by ulterior interests and fueled by billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies. You REALLY think they're more objective than the testimonial?

    Maybe the companies hustling cider vinegar pills (which have been shown in some instances to contain little or no vinegar) or more expensive vinegar preparations (such as those containing "the mother") could spend a fraction of their profits to fund some clinical studies.

    There's far more incentive for big pharmacy to fund these studies. Besides, why take a fraction of GNC's profits when we can take a fraction of Boehringer's, owners of Zantac? Now you're being ridiculous.

    It's a lot cheaper to present testimonials, whether real or imaginary.

    It sure is. After all, a market is a conversation, and this conversation best thrives when PEOPLE speak to PEOPLE. You sound like an educated man so I'll refrain from insulting you on the topic of marketing and why it usually fails in this day and age. Let's keep it simple: testimonials are POWERFUL, especially in an unmoderated medium not confined by the dollar sign. The internet and its many critics are perhaps the greatest obstacle to any successful marketing campaign, to include the great PPI-push. Ever check Rotten Tomatoes before seeing a movie? Ever read reviews on CNET about a smartphone before actually buying one? Ever read NewEgg's comments on a computer part before placing an order? Guess what ALL of these CREDIBLE sources have in common.

    Here's two hints: 1. it's not an advertisement or a study, and 2. it begins with T and ends in ESTIMONY.

    It's nice that unlike some other folks, you feel your symptoms are relieved by vinegar.

    It's not just "nice", Eric. Don't use such quaint phrasing to describe what others would consider life-changing relief. Not only are you ridiculous, but rude as well. That doesn't suit you as you're clearly trying to engage in intelligent conversation.

    Instead of "Miracle" cures that are unlikely to have long-term effects, it's still better to undertake lifestyle changes and watch your diet rather than expecting to depend on any pill or liquid remedy for the rest of your life.

    Perhaps the most sensible thing you've said yet; it makes me assume that you're misunderstanding your contending audience or that you're confused about your alignment. The folks here don't want to be on PPIs for the rest of their lives. They want the miracle cure (who doesn't?) but probably don't want to be on that for the rest of their lives either. The vinegar works as temporary relief, but no one here fancies the idea of drinking it for life. Lifestyle and diet changes are indeed paramount.

    Eric, I'm a bit familiar with the FDA drug approval process and the studies involved to validate FDA acceptance. You must be more acquainted with them than me, as you claimed in another thread to be a practicing physician. I wouldn't be surprised if you knew every drug that resides in the schedules. Anyway, we can talk about third parties/independent studies, blind, and double blinds all day long. At the end of the day, we're going to take advice from our buddy; the guy we can relate to and understand more than any thing.

    You will continue to tell us about how ACV should wreck you more than help you. I will tell you that it wasn't the case with me. There are more in this thread that agree. What of your studies? Is it really that much easier to validate them and yourself by saying that we've been misled? I hope that you eventually decide to become more receptive to individual (read: unique) circumstances where cookie-cutter treatments and studies may not hold the answers.

    So, let's talk about the burden of proof for a second:

    1. We say ACV helps tame GERD symptoms
    2. Eric says that's impossible because of what studies have said about PPIs (irrelevant, by the way)
    3. Eric makes allusion based on studies, the nature of most GERD symptoms, and assumptions of vinegar: that it cannot possibly help treat GERD symptoms
    4. We have provided proof that it does via "it worked for me" after trying it for ourselves
    5. (this is where you assumed the burden of proof and have failed thus far)

    Who's the authority when it comes from our word itself? Even a court proceeds under the assumption that both claimant and defendant are telling the truth unless proven otherwise. If you tell me you're a woman even though your name is Eric, I'll believe you. Why? There's no reason NOT to. You wouldn't lie about it - it's not a big deal. Catch my drift? I, we, have NO INCENTIVE TO LIE TO YOU period dot ellipsis.

    Anyway, if you continue to try to tell me that my own experiences aren't genuine (don't waste your time), you have a GREAT burden ahead of you. That's like trying to convince me that it's not air that I'm breathing.

    -

    I haven't had a GERD "outbreak" (haha) since I've last posted on this forum. I give credit to ACV as an intermediate step, but I believe that my recovery is due in large part to a change in diet. For those who must know, I stopped eating microwave foods and drink WAY less (as in, I only drank once a weekend before and now I drink on blue moons).

    On a closing note, I appreciate the attention that Eric has given to this particular thread in the recent months. It's a sincere privilege to address a medical professional and receive his perspectives.

  • rusty_blackhaw
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    "Is the nonexistence of such studies your basis for calling mine, and others' experiences illegitimate?"

    Nowhere did I call your or anyone else's experiences "illegitimate", only that testimonials are a poor source on which to base treatment. The same goes for negative testimonials about ACV which we've seen in this forum. Are you calling those reports "illegitimate"? :)

    "Welcome to the internet, where market conversations are no longer confined to studies backed by ulterior interests and fueled by billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies."

    Yes, welcome to the internet - where ads disguised as testimonials are posted by people who don't tell us that they're working for supplement companies, sometimes as shills in multilevel marketing schemes. And this problem goes well beyond health care. In recent months, executives for numerous firms have been caught promoting their own products and blasting competitors, while posting in public forums under assumed names.

    This is just part of the reason that large-scale clinical trials are a lot more convincing on efficacy and safety of drugs and treatments, as compared to anecdotes.

    "There's far more incentive for big pharmacy (rather than supplement companies) to fund these studies."

    Yes. That "incentive" begins with complying with the law. There's no such compulsion for supplement dealers. They also have a huge negative incentive for ponying up some of their profits for studies - the very real fear that their products will be shown to be useless. Much safer just to cite anecdotes.

    "Let's keep it simple: testimonials are POWERFUL, especially in an unmoderated medium not confined by the dollar sign...Ever check Rotten Tomatoes before seeing a movie?"

    Sure. Word of mouth is fine, too for lots of trivial things. My health is a different story.

    "I haven't had a GERD "outbreak" (haha) since I've last posted on this forum. I give credit to ACV as an intermediate step, but I believe that my recovery is due in large part to a change in diet. For those who must know, I stopped eating microwave foods and drink WAY less (as in, I only drank once a weekend before and now I drink on blue moons)."

    Good for you. It's unusual to see a poster in this forum give adequate credit to proven dietary/lifestyle changes instead to ascribing relief entirely to a magical alternative remedy that was being used at the same time.

  • diana75
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    And so is gone anyone else you're with I would imagine, rosebud....wow....all these takes on curing acid reflux is very interesting. I am going to try the DGL licorice as ACV didn't do anything for me (maybe I didn't stick w. it long enough). I am 33 and never ever had heartburn issues...I eat pretty healthy and not all that much at a time or too heavily.

    Last 6 mos. I have burn/tickle/scratchiness in my throat. Some chest pressure and 'lump in throat' feeling from time to time. Some could be anxiety, but it's also a real heartburn or pressure in the throat that doesn't ever go away. Very frustrating. I'm trying all sorts of diet things (no more alcohol, etc.). I've read too many awful things abt. PPI meds and the harm they do to ever try them.

  • jess2132000
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Ive been on Prilosec 20mg for 11 years or more. Somedays it works other days I need to take a Zantac at night also.Does the stomach get use to the Prilosec and start producing more acid over time even when on the drug? Will one have to take two at some point to control Acid Reflux? I hope not but do know my gets very painful. I usually get nausia and food stuck in the troat feeling more so then burning in the chest.. Funny thing is I find those Pepperment candies t6 seem to help mine at times and chewing gum..Someone also said Apples are good for it but can not say that works for me really..Love to here what helps people as some days are tougher then others with this issue.

  • gringojay
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi jess,
    chewing on gum & apples, savoring peppermints generate saliva you swallow so tones down the acid it encounters; can't offer insight into drugs' suitability

  • LindaMargaret
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Been reading internet researching GERD and foods to eat, foods to avoid. Was in hospital emergency three times in several months, scores of antibiotics, thee scrips for prednisome, all of which were to treat me for what was a 'severe bronchial cough' possible pneumonia. Long story stort, wound up in yet another emergency room with severe coughing fits, referred to a lung specialist, diagnosed Acid Reflux .. what I HAVE NO OTHER SYMPTONS... no sick tummy, no pains in chest (other than coughing big time) but started monday with meds to see. Read foods and they are 'all' I eat..my questions: what do you drink daily? Love coffee, tea and diet sodas.. what now? I drink all day ... thanks

  • theherbalist
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    LindaMargaret:

    I'm an Herbal Practitioner. I think I can help, but I have to warn you that I apply traditional Chinese herbology and it's a totally different way to view health than what is done in the modern medical world.

    But first something has to be established. You have a condition which contributes to the symptom of acid reflux according to your own words.

    I want to ask you . . . Do you have a desire to eat several times daily even if it's in small amounts? Do you have a larger-than-usual thirst? Are you a worrier? Do you have intense dreams?

    If you answer yes to these questions, I'll give you the reason and a solution.

    Charlie in Arizona
    The Herbalist

  • aterosin
    12 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have been diagnosed with AReflux. Actually I did it myself and my Dr confirmed. I've had symptoms for 3 yers but thought it was a rib misalignment.
    My Dr is a homeopath/MD: Her list of guidelines:
    Avoid carbonated beverages and foods made of soy
    Meal time liquids: no ice, limit to 1/2 c for a full hour around meals
    After meals be upright, walk, even chew gum if possible (keeps saliva flowing)
    Focus on and savor your meals, chew thoroughly. Turn off the computer, TV and phone.
    Keep meals small or mid-sized, finish eating 3 hours before bed
    Slant your whole bed: head of bed 1-4" higher than foot.
    Minimize sweets, non beyond mid-afternoon
    Filter your water to avoid chlorine ingestion.
    Non-drug treatment:
    First Aid: DGL (deglycerized licorice) gum: chew and swallow OR baking soda in water or liquid antacids (1-2 T at a time (Mylanta)
    Lots of Water
    2. Prevention: Priobiotics: In a word "LOTS". 3 different kinds, several times daily, between meals. After one week, if no improvement, add:
    Digestive enzymes (Multizyme) after meals. After one week add:
    Zypan (1-2 before meals)

    Priobiotics include things like yogurt (good quality stuff w/0 sugar fruit); acidolphilus, kefir (you can make your own very easily)

    BTW: The ACV works for some people due to the type of acid in the vinegar (Malic acid).
    Lastly: stay away from processed foods; eat close to the ground (fresh dark greens, fresh fruits and vegies - raw if possible and chew); Local foods, Organic; Grow your own if possible. Meats - rabbit is the best due to the low fat content, high protein and many people can raise rabbits themselves.
    AReflux can also be triggered by food allergies such as milk, wheat, sugar so leaving these things out of your diet might be a way to cure yourself as well.

    If you are into mind-body connections: Louise Hay is a wonderful source in her book "You can Heal your life"
    She mentions that Heartburn is a result of "Fear": clutching fear: REmedy: Put Joy back into your life. Fill your life with Joy and happiness, let go of past limitations from parents, etc, Let joy flow thru your body with ease.

    Good luck on your personal quest for healing.

  • aterosin
    12 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have been doing the Probiotics now for two days and I can sleep thru the night LAYING DOWN, or on either side with NO PAIN. I do not drink during meals but drink a lot of water in between meals and keep the probiotics going.
    One clarification on the probiotics: When you purchase them make sure they contain at least 3 different types and contain 5-8 billion probiotics. NOW Brand is good as are many others.
    This was such a simple remedy. I hope others can benefit.

  • thaugen
    12 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    cellofool, Zypan combines pancreatin, pepsin, and betaine hydrochloride to facilitate healthy digestion. Betaine HCl is the most common hydrochloric acid-containing supplement. Same acid as your stomach produces, good for those with deficient stomach acid, a major cause of AReflux.

    As for the probiotics, great that they're working for you. The gold standard probiotic is the heinously expensive VSL#3 a cocktail of eight live bacterial species: Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and a streptococcus strain "a lyophilized mixture consisting of eight different Gram-positive organisms (B. longum, B. infantis, B. breve, L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, L. plantarum and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus." You can look for reasonably priced probiotics containing most of those.

  • kaliaman
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    i work in an open to the public sliding scale herb clinic...acid reflux is a common malady we see there. we give equal parts of marshmallow root and fennel seed for making a tea, works great.

    please don't use endangered plants like slippery elm folks! marshmallow is cultivated and plentiful and works wonders, please use it instead.

  • jll0306
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    What has helped the Hub has been to raise the head of the bed 5 inches, per his MD' suggestion. Before that, he was using prilosec but two of the reported side effects are weight gain and hair loss...neither of which he needs.

    Jan

  • jordanjones
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The purple pill your doctor prescribed is the nexium which offers acid reflux relief for 24 hours.
    The home remedy for acid reflux relief are - You can drink aloe vera juice daily and also drinking a cup of warm water with lemon juice would be useful.

  • melissaherbs
    8 years ago

    As crazy as it sounds eat a dill pickle and drink a bit of the juice, works wonders

  • melissaherbs
    8 years ago

    Caraway is used for digestive problems includingheartburn, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, and mild spasms of the stomach and intestines. Caraway oil is also used to help people cough up phlegm, improve control of urination, kill bacteria in the body, and relieve constipation.

    http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1449537/acid-reflux?n=110#addAnswer


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