Heartburn solutions

[Azazello]

I was just curious what you guys recommend for heartburn solutions? I heard at least here in Canada that Tums may contain minute amounts of gluten. And Pepto Bismol isn't supposed to be taken very often.

Thank you.

[Mari]

I had that problem for years so I know how uncomfortable it can be. Now I don't have heartburn very often. The first remedy I found was an Aqueous (water based) Lugol's Iodine solution called Stomach Saver. I buy it online. If you use this start with only one drop in water then build up to the full dose. Do not use topical iodine solutions as they are not to be used internally. You may need to make some corrections in your diet so that you do not have inflammation in your intestinal tract. I have had to not eat many foods because the inflammation was causing the food to go through my intestine too slowly and when that happened the bacteria and yeasts would over grow the good microorganisms resulting in gas and bloating.  Then drink more water. Not glasses full at one time but several gulps of water throughout the day. I do not get heartburn from being glutened. I react 6 or more hours later with lower intestinal cramps and diarrhea. I hope you can get this problem under control and have a more enjoyable life.

[trents]

On 6/1/2023 at 10:54 PM, Azazello said:

I was just curious what you guys recommend for heartburn solutions? I heard at least here in Canada that Tums may contain minute amounts of gluten. And Pepto Bismol isn't supposed to be taken very often.

Thank you.

I think that if it is true that TUMS has any gluten it's probably due to the pigments used in some flavors. But I would investigate that more thoroughly if I were you because it seems unlikely to me that they actually do contain gluten. The main ingredients are simply calcium carbonate (chalk) and I would prefer that approach to aluminum-based antacids for other health reasons and certainly would prefer it to PPI's. TUMS or their equivalent can by used as needed without suppressing stomach all the time as would PPI's. Lifestyle changes may be in order as well such as eliminating some things you eat or drink, elevating the head of your bed and avoiding activities that require you to bend over a lot after eating.

[Wheatwacked]

Original Alka Seltzer.  Aspirin is an analgesic and anti-inflamatory to reduce pain and inflamation. Bicarbonate temporarily reduces stomach acid by bonding with H+ (hydrochloric stomach acid). No gluten or aluminum or unwanted side effects to worry about.

For iodine intake I eat 3 sheets of certified organic Nori with my morning coffee. RDA is 125 mcg to 1100 mcg Iodine a day. A  2.5 gram sheet of Nori has 42 mcg.

[trents]

Wheatwacked,

Aspirin is an NSAID and can damage stomach linings if taken regularly. Alka Seltzer and Sodium Bicarb are both high in sodium. Those are concerns for many people.

[Azazello]

5 hours ago, trents said:

I think that if it is true that TUMS has any gluten it's probably due to the pigments used in some flavors. But I would investigate that more thoroughly if I were you because it seems unlikely to me that they actually do contain gluten. The main ingredients are simply calcium carbonate (chalk) and I would prefer that approach to aluminum-based antacids for other health reasons and certainly would prefer it to PPI's. TUMS or their equivalent can by used as needed without suppressing stomach all the time as would PPI's. Lifestyle changes may be in order as well such as eliminating some things you eat or drink, elevating the head of your bed and avoiding activities that require you to bend over a lot after eating.

Interesting, thank you for your advice this was very helpful!

[cristiana]

I find NSAIDs of any variety make my stomach burn.  If I'm getting heartburn, I will take some Gaviscon last thing at night and sleep with a wedge pillow, to avoid excess acid burning my throat.  (Gaviscon in the UK is gluten free, I am not sure about Canada).

If it persists for a few days make sure I'm cutting back on fatty and spicy food, as well as strong coffee.  If a bout of heartburn persists I will occasionally take a PPI first thing in the morning if I feel I need to which normally after a day or so gets things back to normal.   I take very few, my doctor prescribes a 30 pack for me about once a year if needed.

[trents]

27 minutes ago, cristiana said:

I find NSAIDs of any variety make my stomach burn.  If I'm getting heartburn, I will take some Gaviscon last thing at night and sleep with a wedge pillow, to avoid excess acid burning my throat.  (Gaviscon in the UK is gluten free, I am not sure about Canada).

If it persists for a few days make sure I'm cutting back on fatty and spicy food, as well as strong coffee.  If a bout of heartburn persists I will occasionally take a PPI first thing in the morning if I feel I need to which normally after a day or so gets things back to normal.   I take very few, my doctor prescribes a 30 pack for me about once a year if needed.

I recently purchased some "low acid" coffee. Definitely helps with the heartburn but the flavor is not there.

[knitty kitty]

I take Magnesium Glycinate supplements after meals.  Magnesium coats the stomach and small intestines.  Same with Calcium supplements.  

Tums has Calcium carbonate.  Rollaids has Calcium carbonate and Magnesium.  Calcium carbonate can cause constipation.

@Wheatwacked is correct about marketing ploys.  

Just take plain Magnesium Glycinate.  

 

Edited June 4, 2023 by knitty kitty
Typo correction

[Azazello]

Thank you all for your collective advice! I think I'm going to try and see if theres a pattern in what I'm eating causing more heartburn first. And then start taking things in a few weeks if I don't find consistent results. I will definetly use this post as a list of remedies. 😀

[Guest 648]

A hiatal hernia can be a cause of heartburn/GERD/Reflux whatever you want to call it.

[trents]

12 minutes ago, 648 said:

A hiatal hernia can be a cause of heartburn/GERD/Reflux whatever you want to call it.

Yes, indeed! It can distort the shape of the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) such that it doesn't seal well.

[Courtney09]

I have had success with the name brand Genexa.  They make clean ingredient medication and have an Antacid Maximum Strength chewable.  I get heartburn fairly quickly and it is always a result of red sauces (marinara, salsa, etc.) so it's best to find out what is causing the issue and cut back on it.