Acid Reflux Problems

[Miaconis]

I've always had acid reflux but lately it's been worse than normal and I think it's caused by gluten sensitivity since I also have stomach pain, gas, brain fog and anxiety issues. I haven't tried going gluten free yet because I'm not sure where to start. Do I have to go totally gluten free to see any results? Such as avoiding using canned soup, soy sauce, salad dressing or even toothpaste with gluten. Because that seems really hard to follow especially if I don't see any results after a few weeks. Also should I avoid foods that cause acid reflux? How should I go about going gluten free? How long does it take to see results before I can conclude that my acid reflux has nothing to do with gluten?

[RiceGuy]

Welcome to the board! You've come to the right pace for answers to those questions.

Firstly, if you intend to get "official" testing, it's not a good idea to go gluten-free for more than about a week, as the antibodies and intestinal damage will begin to diminish, making it difficult at best to get accurate test results. Plus, going back to eating gluten once you're feeling better, is often more painful than most are able/willing to put up with. If you feel that you need a doctor's diagnosis to truly commit to remaining gluten-free, then by all means get the proper testing.

That said, the gluten-free diet is the best test there is. You symptoms can certainly be caused by gluten, and there are many on this board who've experienced much the same. Yes, it does require 100% adherence to the gluten-free diet, in order for you to know if gluten is problematic for you. Soaps, shampoo, skin/hair care products and cosmetics should also be gluten-free.

Some see positive results in a matter of days, while for others it takes several months. We're all different in that regard.

I've seen numerous posts about heartburn completely resolving on a gluten-free diet.

[lenjac]

Personally, my reflux symptoms have greatly diminished since being gluten-free. Before I kept complaining of issues and the gi doctor would scope me and not agree with what he saw from the physical damage. He was making me feel like I was crazy and a whack. My regular doctor diagnosed the celiac and I haven't been back to the gi since.

[foodiegurl]

I originally mentioned to my doctor i was having reflux at my annual appt, so she tested for h.pylori, which i have found is to be causing it. As an added bonus, I also found out i have Celiac, however I think it is the h.pylori that is causing the reflux.

[kpm2319]

I've always had acid reflux but lately it's been worse than normal and I think it's caused by gluten sensitivity since I also have stomach pain, gas, brain fog and anxiety issues. I haven't tried going gluten free yet because I'm not sure where to start. Do I have to go totally gluten free to see any results? Such as avoiding using canned soup, soy sauce, salad dressing or even toothpaste with gluten. Because that seems really hard to follow especially if I don't see any results after a few weeks. Also should I avoid foods that cause acid reflux? How should I go about going gluten free? How long does it take to see results before I can conclude that my acid reflux has nothing to do with gluten?

I was gluten free for 2 years and still was having acid reflux. Recently, I started the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and my acid reflux problems have disappeared. The SC diet eliminates starches and complex sugars.