Help Against The Gerd! (reflux)

[Lisa]

True.... an overuse of antacids can cause symptoms similar to being glutened with gas, bloating, cramping, nausea and the big rush to the bathroon with the big "D".

[allison]

I haven't tried it myself, but others say that the natural remedies have been very helpful for them, and may allow you to stop using the medicine at some point. Apple cide vinegar and baking soda come to mind, but you'll have to do some more research on that.

Allison

True.... an overuse of antacids can cause symptoms similar to being glutened with gas, bloating, cramping, nausea and the big rush to the bathroon with the big "D".

[Mr J]

Please guys, it's so bad! I went to the ER last night b/c my chest hurt so bad--and it was the GERD again. (Apparently both acid from my stomach and bile from my small intestine).

......

bile from the small intestine, thats the Pyloric Sphyncter malfunctioning - the valve that lets food out of the stomach into the small intestine, but normally prevents travel in the opposite direction. Ordinary GERD involves malfunction of the LES (Lower esophageal sphycter- the valve located where the tube from the mouth to the stomach joins with the stomach. Poor appetite too? I wonder, maybe gastroparesis and/or motility problems in the small intestine?

gastroparesis means delayed emptying of the stomach a type of lack of motility problem. Motility is rhymic contraction of the smooth muscles (autonomous) in the gi tract. Lack of motility in the small intestine means food doesn't digest easily (as does gastroparesis). If this is the case then getting good digestion is the important thing rather than finding acid reduction methods. Whatever, much of the advice already given on this thread regarding carbs applies.

I've had gastroparesis and believe I am currently suffering from slow motility in the small intestine. I can eat complex carbs provided I don't mix it with protein. Simple carbs are no problem for my condition eg. gatorade provided I ingest it on an empty stomach. Big meals are out of the question for me.

cheers,

Mike

[sagemoon]

I am also on Aciphex twice a day, although lately, I forget the second dose unless my stomach is acting 'iffy'. I also found that taking probitics every day helps immensely, and is most likely why I am forgetting my second dose of Aciphex. Plus George's Aloe Juice, it settles a sour stomach. It tastes like water, not bitter dirt like the other Aloe juices.

A great drink is ice cold water with g inger drops sweetened with Stevia. The ginger has the bite of alcohol, so it satisfies what I like so much about vodka, that initial burn as you sip, really peppery, but it also does wonders for your belly. The best ginger is "New Chapter Daily Ginger" extract. I use "Sweet Leaf Stevia Clear" liquid stevia.

[covsooze]

This is a very interesting thread

Causes of GERD for me: gluten; meds (you must make sure not to take NSAIDs eg ibuprofen) and my iron irritated it big time; a whole host of foods: citrus, tomatoes, dairy, fatty stuff, anything even vaguely spicey, onions, bananas etc; overdoing any sinlge food or eating too much generally; stress etc

There's loads of great info in this thread - thanks especially to Mile for your input. I think that you're right in saying that for each person, the causes and things that help relieve GERD can differ. I've got a great book which helps explain all this very simply and advocates you finding out what your own triggers are - Chronic heartburn - managing acid reflux & GERD through understanding, diet and lifestyle by Barabara Wendland & Lisa Ruffolo. I got it off Amazon. It includes lots of recipes too.

Susie x

[Guest adamssa]

i used to have terrible gerd. check to make sure your prevacid is gluten-free, because i was taking nexium and it wasn't. have you thought about taking some digestive enzymes and probiotics? artichoke extract may also help. does your gerd get better or worse when you drink coffee? if you drink coffee and feel better, then that means a lot of your heartburn may be originating with your gallbladder and your liver. that was my problem, and if that is the case you can get some releif by detoxing those with some good supplements. i think the avoiding chocolate, caffeien thing should only be bothered with if it helps you individually. that may trigger it in some people but not everyone. but i think you should look into digestive enzymes and probiotics for sure. they have also helped my roommate who has non-celiac related gerd.

best,

Sara