Acid Reflux

[Strawberry-Jam]

Hello everyone.

My major symptom that led to my celiac diagnosis was constant acid reflux. I have been on the gluten-free diet for four weeks now, and have definitely noticed improvement with my reflux, but it has not gone completely away. I was wondering if anyone had advice for my particular situation.

I used to have reflux every day, that responded to no medicine. I was on Nexium and carafate, and the carafate helped coat my throat so it didn't hurt as much, but the reflux still happened. When I ate solid food I felt like I was choking on it, I was nauseated/felt like retching, I would burp up acid with little chunks of food in it, and the bottom of my throat felt sore in general. The heartburn-like feeling from reflux actually didn't happen that much, but would every once in a while, and my whole chest would feel sore, like someone shot me with a shotgun or something.

Now that I am gluten-free I have whole days when I have no reflux at all. But I still have a sore throat, like the back of my throat feels "tight" esp when I swallow, but it is not a choking feeling. It will get worse and better on certain days. Right now I am having "heartburn" style reflux which is prompting this post but it is rare for me.

I am keeping a food diary and I think a culprit might be citrus, or acidic liquids. I had sprite today (I NEVER drink soda but I was at a party) and was wondering if maybe that gave me the heartburn now. Took some gluten-free tums for it. (I have been off Nexium for like, three weeks now?)

So, foods: I am completely gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free (but plan on reintroducing dairy at a later date). I NEVER drink caffeine, except maybe a green tea from time to time. I rarely have alcohol, and when I do I have only one or two drinks (wine doesn't give me reflux but I think hard liquor might). I have been avoiding tomatoes, citrus (except in fruit medley juices but that might be too much, idk), and the only "grease" I use for cooking is olive oil. I have cut out all sources of peppermint from my diet including gum and toothpaste. I never eat within three hours of lying down, and my head is slightly elevated but I don't have a bed--I sleep on the floor Japanese-style--so I can't elevate it a lot. I also eat small meals throughout the day rather than binging on big ones... but have a hard time getting in all the calories I need in a day, even so.

I have been eating a lot of bananas and almonds, and they seem to help, but don't get rid of the tight throat feeling. I have yet to try raw apple cider vinegar in case my problem is too little stomach acid, but I did buy some. I also have ginger and fennel tea that I will have at times and my toothpaste is tom's of maine fennel flavor (fluoride-free). I take allergen-free digestive enzymes derived from microbes with dinner.

For a celiac, do any foods in particular cause reflux? If I have terrible reflux and no specific reflux-causing food on my food diary, should I assume cross-contamination? I don't always wash my hands before I eat--could that be CCing me enough for reflux and headaches? I don't know what my "glutened" symptoms are yet (but I do know what my "soy'd" symptoms are )

Also, someday, perhaps when my gut totally heals, will I be able to reintroduce tomatoes, small amounts of citrus, and rum into my diet? I'm a big rum fan and used to drink rum all the time without problems... I'm only 21, I shouldn't have GERD!!

any advice at all would be appreciated!

[tea-and-crumpets]

Hello everyone.

My major symptom that led to my celiac diagnosis was constant acid reflux. I have been on the gluten-free diet for four weeks now, and have definitely noticed improvement with my reflux, but it has not gone completely away. I was wondering if anyone had advice for my particular situation.

I used to have reflux every day, that responded to no medicine. I was on Nexium and carafate, and the carafate helped coat my throat so it didn't hurt as much, but the reflux still happened. When I ate solid food I felt like I was choking on it, I was nauseated/felt like retching, I would burp up acid with little chunks of food in it, and the bottom of my throat felt sore in general. The heartburn-like feeling from reflux actually didn't happen that much, but would every once in a while, and my whole chest would feel sore, like someone shot me with a shotgun or something.

Now that I am gluten-free I have whole days when I have no reflux at all. But I still have a sore throat, like the back of my throat feels "tight" esp when I swallow, but it is not a choking feeling. It will get worse and better on certain days. Right now I am having "heartburn" style reflux which is prompting this post but it is rare for me.

I am keeping a food diary and I think a culprit might be citrus, or acidic liquids. I had sprite today (I NEVER drink soda but I was at a party) and was wondering if maybe that gave me the heartburn now. Took some gluten-free tums for it. (I have been off Nexium for like, three weeks now?)

So, foods: I am completely gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free (but plan on reintroducing dairy at a later date). I NEVER drink caffeine, except maybe a green tea from time to time. I rarely have alcohol, and when I do I have only one or two drinks (wine doesn't give me reflux but I think hard liquor might). I have been avoiding tomatoes, citrus (except in fruit medley juices but that might be too much, idk), and the only "grease" I use for cooking is olive oil. I have cut out all sources of peppermint from my diet including gum and toothpaste. I never eat within three hours of lying down, and my head is slightly elevated but I don't have a bed--I sleep on the floor Japanese-style--so I can't elevate it a lot. I also eat small meals throughout the day rather than binging on big ones... but have a hard time getting in all the calories I need in a day, even so.

I have been eating a lot of bananas and almonds, and they seem to help, but don't get rid of the tight throat feeling. I have yet to try raw apple cider vinegar in case my problem is too little stomach acid, but I did buy some. I also have ginger and fennel tea that I will have at times and my toothpaste is tom's of maine fennel flavor (fluoride-free). I take allergen-free digestive enzymes derived from microbes with dinner.

For a celiac, do any foods in particular cause reflux? If I have terrible reflux and no specific reflux-causing food on my food diary, should I assume cross-contamination? I don't always wash my hands before I eat--could that be CCing me enough for reflux and headaches? I don't know what my "glutened" symptoms are yet (but I do know what my "soy'd" symptoms are )

Also, someday, perhaps when my gut totally heals, will I be able to reintroduce tomatoes, small amounts of citrus, and rum into my diet? I'm a big rum fan and used to drink rum all the time without problems... I'm only 21, I shouldn't have GERD!!

any advice at all would be appreciated!

I think it will just take time. Acid reflux was my first really noticeable celiac symptom, though of course I didn't recognize it at the time. It took me probably four months before I noticed that most of my acid reflux was gone. I've been gluten free now for almost six months and I only have a couple of days a month where I'm in enough pain to take some tums. Before I was on daily omeprazole and still took Pepcid AC.

[burdee]

As you may already know, acid reflux is caused by inappropriate opening of the lower esophageal valve, NOT by excess stomach acid. In order to avoid reflux, you need to avoid foods and drugs which cause the lower esophageal valve (LES) to relax when you're not swallowing. The following foods and beverages weaken (and relax) the LES:

coffee

chocolate

peppermint

onions

alcohol

sugar

fats

any food to which you have allergic reactions (which slow down and back up the entire digestive system)

The following drugs relax the LES and should be avoided:

cigarettes (nicotine)

bronchodilators

NSAIDs

calcium channel blockers

Valium

Nitrates

Demerol

Since your throat is already irritated by years of reflux, you should also temporarily (while your throat heals) avoid the following esophageal irritants:

citrus fruits

tomato based foods

spicy foods

coffee

carbonated drinks

The following drugs can also irritate your esophagus:

Aspirin

NSAIDs

Tetracycline

Quinidine

potassium chloride tablets

Iron salts

When you have recovered somewhat (less reflux and throat irritation), I urge you to try drinking a tablespoon of vinegar mixed with 1/4 cup of water before a meal. If that helps digestion, you may actually have deficient stomach acid, which can also cause reflux. Ginger tea can also stimulate digestion. For more info about healing reflux naturally, see "Why Stomach Acid is Good for You" by Jonathon Wright, MD.

PS Acid blocker drugs will exacerbate reflux caused by low stomach acid. So when you go off those drugs, your reflux will be worse, not better.

[Strawberry-Jam]

Thanks! It's always that patience thing, isn't it...

It's good to know that I can have citrus, tomatoes, spicy foods etc. again after my throat heals. I'm not a caffeine or chocolate person thankfully and I'm getting used to having no mint around. I also take no drugs except tylenol for period cramps once a month. (I was on amitriptelyne (sp?) for headaches and fatigue, but I ran out and didn't go back for another Rx, hoping that gluten-free will solve that in time.)

so, yeah, I'll be patient and treat my stomach/throat gently, and hopefully this all will resolve!

EDIT

It is VERY frustrating right now though!!!!!! I can't eat until I'm comfortably and completely full, like I used to. I have to eat until I'm mostly full and then get hungry again in a few hours and eat again and so on...

[twe0708]

I was having a problem with acid reflux after eating an apple with peanut butter. Someone mentioned to get peanut butter without soy. I tried that as so far I have been fine.

[cassP]

Sue: THANKU again for all the info. i knew NSAIDS were bad for my stomach, but did not know they weakened the LES, which sucks- cause i live on advil

also- i didnt know Onions weakened the LES. is that why 50% of the time, purple onions make me vomit?? (only purple). bananas by themselves do the same thing- make me vomit.

Strawberry: dont know if same for u- but bananas increase my stomach acid (or weaken the les?)... i have to eat only a 1/2 a banana, and i have to mix it with a fat or starch or i will vomit. *also- i read that Melatonin can help to strengthen the LES. you also might want to consider in the future testing out the citrus... because- for me- i can eat tomatoes and grapefruit and lemon fine, but i dont go near Orange Juice EVER- Oj makes me puke- major reflux. i prolly havent had OJ in 10 years. i hope u heal quickly!!!

[GFinDC]

Hmmm, sleeping on the floor sounds comfy, but can you get some extra pillows and prop your head and upper body up at night? I do that sometimes if I am gassy so it is easier for the gas to get out. I do that in a bed with a mattress though...

Otherwise, avoiding things that make you gassy might help. I don't know off hand what things might make you gassy, but sugar would be a possible problem, or anything that doesn't agree with your digestion. Lactose in dairy can make lots of gas.

Another issue could be h.Pylori, which is pretty common, and likes a low acid environment. Low acid lets other things besides h.Pylori thrive, like alien invaders, oh my! Well, anyway, joking aside, it might help to try a Betaine HCL tablet once in a while 20 minutes before eating. Raises the HCL acid level in your stomach and can kill off some nasties. And don't drink a lot of water with your meals, so the stomach acid is not super diluted. Give it a half hour or so to work it's way on the invading organisms before slurping in lots of the aqua.

And don't worry so much, you are looking very pale, the aliens are actually very nice...

[burdee]

Another issue could be h.Pylori, which is pretty common, and likes a low acid environment. Low acid lets other things besides h.Pylori thrive, like alien invaders, oh my! Well, anyway, joking aside, it might help to try a Betaine HCL tablet once in a while 20 minutes before eating. Raises the HCL acid level in your stomach and can kill off some nasties. And don't drink a lot of water with your meals, so the stomach acid is not super diluted. Give it a half hour or so to work it's way on the invading organisms before slurping in lots of the aqua.

Betaine HCl should not be taken by anyone who suspects H. Pylori. That bacteria damages the stomach lining. So taking HCl can be very painful, if not dangerous, until the H. Pylori damage is healed. I took mastic gum to kill my H. Pylori infection (diagnosed by stool test) and L-glutamine to heal my stomach lining. After 6 weeks of healing, I started slowly with 1 HCl capsule after 1-3 bites of a meal. When I knew I didn't have any burning sensations or pain, I progressed to 2 capsules with small meals and 3 with larger meals. People who are larger and eat larger meals may need much more (5-7 per meal). However I weigh about 100# and don't eat large meals.

[Strawberry-Jam]

About bananas--really? I read that bananas were a natural antacid. I always seem to feel a little better after having bananas and almonds, or a larabar with either of those ingredients in it.

And I have melatonin around here somewhere... seems to be gluten- and soy-free. I'll start taking it at night and see if it helps.

I think it's too early to try the vinegar; I had a little diluted earlier and it burns, haha. I'm impatient. I know I need to wait at least a month or so before trying it but I was like, "well I have it here..." bah.

also: about H pylori. What are the other symptoms of that? Wouldn't they have been able to diagnose that with my endoscopy a month ago?

[dilettantesteph]

I also get acid reflux from glutening. What helped me was to include specific brands of what I was eating in my food diary. Certain brands cereals got me more than others. Some are more careful than others when it comes to cc. You'll get it sorted out. It just takes time.

[cassP]

About bananas--really? I read that bananas were a natural antacid. I always seem to feel a little better after having bananas and almonds, or a larabar with either of those ingredients in it.

And I have melatonin around here somewhere... seems to be gluten- and soy-free. I'll start taking it at night and see if it helps.

I think it's too early to try the vinegar; I had a little diluted earlier and it burns, haha. I'm impatient. I know I need to wait at least a month or so before trying it but I was like, "well I have it here..." bah.

also: about H pylori. What are the other symptoms of that? Wouldn't they have been able to diagnose that with my endoscopy a month ago?

if bananas dont make u nauseaus or burn your stomach, then maybe it's just me, and u should continue to eat them. they also help feed the GOOD bacteria in your gut- so that's good.

also i read that broccoli sprouts help to inhibit the H.Pylori from colonizing.. and cranberry juice helps too- tho test it out- and see if it settles okay in your stomach & esophagus- i dont think it should burn- but idk everything.

good luck to u... could pepto help? i know it helps sooth the stomach lining- but the esophagus?

[sb2178]

I like licorice. (tea, usually). Also, propping up the head of my bed (use bed risers on the head only).

Irritating for me:

ginger

gluten

dairy

alcohol (!!)

NSAIDS > two days

carbonation

excessive chocolate

I've had it since I was 19 and drank very little caffeine and alcohol in college due to it. Except, now, it's mostly gone.

[burdee]

also: about H pylori. What are the other symptoms of that? Wouldn't they have been able to diagnose that with my endoscopy a month ago?

My H. pylori symptoms were burning pain in my stomach. Prior to getting H. Pylori I could take betaine HCl capsules for digestion. While I had H. Pylori I couldn't tolerate HCl capsules, citrus fruits or anything spicy without feeling burning stomach (not intestinal) pain. A DNA stool test identified my H. Pylori infection.

Endoscopies (esp. those looking for celiac disease or damaged villae) takes samples from the small intestine, NOT the stomach. I don't think they even 'look' at the stomach. However, you don't need to have HP very long to develop symnptoms. I had a stool test in early January 2010, which didn't show H. Pylori. My next stool test during June 2010 showed H. Pylori. If you have low stomach acid production (esp. after taking acid blockers for reflux), you can easily develop a H. Pylori infection.

BTW, after I treated my H. Pylori (with mastic gum and L glutamine), I returned to taking HCl capsules before meals and never again experienced stomach pain. My next stool test was clear of H. Pylori and all other gut bugs. Finally!!! LOL

[Strawberry-Jam]

I don't have any stomach pains at all, so I don't think that would be a problem. I also wasn't on Nexium very long... maybe only a few months, and I didn't take it every day either because I would forget or just be like, whatever. In fact, the only stomach pains I ever have are associated very strongly with gas.

My acid reflux plain is primarily in the bottom of my throat. Periodically I will get chest pains--typical "heartburn"--but my throat hurts much more often.

If my symptoms don't completely resolve, let's say six months into the gluten-free soy-free diet, I'll look into other things. But I do think it's getting better, just slowly is all.

[cassP]

I don't have any stomach pains at all, so I don't think that would be a problem. I also wasn't on Nexium very long... maybe only a few months, and I didn't take it every day either because I would forget or just be like, whatever. In fact, the only stomach pains I ever have are associated very strongly with gas.

My acid reflux plain is primarily in the bottom of my throat. Periodically I will get chest pains--typical "heartburn"--but my throat hurts much more often.

If my symptoms don't completely resolve, let's say six months into the gluten-free soy-free diet, I'll look into other things. But I do think it's getting better, just slowly is all.

unfortunately- just like celiac... h.pylori can sometimes thrive without u ever feeling any symptoms... of course, right? :/

i THINK they can also do a blood test for h.pylori? i think my sis had one... but idk.

h.pylori are very stubborn, and require stronger antibiotics and for longer- and they love to return in a low-acid stomach. so, all of burdee's advice is helpful- if you overdo the antacids- the h.pylori will continue to return.

i would also suggest looking into GSE for all future infections. i used it for a month when i assumed i had an ulcer caused by h.pylori- and it worked. ive been having a little heat/nausea lately & some reflux- so i started with the GSE again, and the melatonin at night. wanted to get broccoli sprouts the other day, but forgot.

***always follow instructions on the GSE bottle- its very very toxic if not diluted.

[WheatChef]

Acid reflux is most often times an issue of too little stomach acid. Excessive carbohydrate consumption inhibits the development of sufficient stomach acid. Most people when they switch to a gluten free diet, do so by replacing all of the gluteny things that they used to eat with the specialty "gluten-free" bakery/pasta items which are almost all pure sugar. This causes terrible things to your digestive system. Alternatively really anything high in carbs can cause this, like fruits or even an abundance of nuts.

Basically:

Have problems with your intestine? Quit wheat (preferably all grains imo).

Have problems with acid reflux or heart disease? Quit Carbs.

[burdee]

Acid reflux is most often times an issue of too little stomach acid. Excessive carbohydrate consumption inhibits the development of sufficient stomach acid. Most people when they switch to a gluten free diet, do so by replacing all of the gluteny things that they used to eat with the specialty "gluten-free" bakery/pasta items which are almost all pure sugar. This causes terrible things to your digestive system. Alternatively really anything high in carbs can cause this, like fruits or even an abundance of nuts.

Basically:

Have problems with your intestine? Quit wheat (preferably all grains imo).

Have problems with acid reflux or heart disease? Quit Carbs.

From what I've read in books by docs who test for stomach acid production and treat acid reflux naturally (w/o acid blocking drugs), I've never read that carb consumption causes low stomach acid. Where did you hear/read that? What's the physiological mechanism by which carb consumption decreases stomach acid? Thanks for any explanation you can provide.

[Anya]

Hello everyone.

My major symptom that led to my celiac diagnosis was constant acid reflux. I have been on the gluten-free diet for four weeks now, and have definitely noticed improvement with my reflux, but it has not gone completely away. I was wondering if anyone had advice for my particular situation.

I used to have reflux every day, that responded to no medicine. I was on Nexium and carafate, and the carafate helped coat my throat so it didn't hurt as much, but the reflux still happened. When I ate solid food I felt like I was choking on it, I was nauseated/felt like retching, I would burp up acid with little chunks of food in it, and the bottom of my throat felt sore in general. The heartburn-like feeling from reflux actually didn't happen that much, but would every once in a while, and my whole chest would feel sore, like someone shot me with a shotgun or something.

Now that I am gluten-free I have whole days when I have no reflux at all. But I still have a sore throat, like the back of my throat feels "tight" esp when I swallow, but it is not a choking feeling. It will get worse and better on certain days. Right now I am having "heartburn" style reflux which is prompting this post but it is rare for me.

I am keeping a food diary and I think a culprit might be citrus, or acidic liquids. I had sprite today (I NEVER drink soda but I was at a party) and was wondering if maybe that gave me the heartburn now. Took some gluten-free tums for it. (I have been off Nexium for like, three weeks now?)

So, foods: I am completely gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free (but plan on reintroducing dairy at a later date). I NEVER drink caffeine, except maybe a green tea from time to time. I rarely have alcohol, and when I do I have only one or two drinks (wine doesn't give me reflux but I think hard liquor might). I have been avoiding tomatoes, citrus (except in fruit medley juices but that might be too much, idk), and the only "grease" I use for cooking is olive oil. I have cut out all sources of peppermint from my diet including gum and toothpaste. I never eat within three hours of lying down, and my head is slightly elevated but I don't have a bed--I sleep on the floor Japanese-style--so I can't elevate it a lot. I also eat small meals throughout the day rather than binging on big ones... but have a hard time getting in all the calories I need in a day, even so.

I have been eating a lot of bananas and almonds, and they seem to help, but don't get rid of the tight throat feeling. I have yet to try raw apple cider vinegar in case my problem is too little stomach acid, but I did buy some. I also have ginger and fennel tea that I will have at times and my toothpaste is tom's of maine fennel flavor (fluoride-free). I take allergen-free digestive enzymes derived from microbes with dinner.

For a celiac, do any foods in particular cause reflux? If I have terrible reflux and no specific reflux-causing food on my food diary, should I assume cross-contamination? I don't always wash my hands before I eat--could that be CCing me enough for reflux and headaches? I don't know what my "glutened" symptoms are yet (but I do know what my "soy'd" symptoms are )

Also, someday, perhaps when my gut totally heals, will I be able to reintroduce tomatoes, small amounts of citrus, and rum into my diet? I'm a big rum fan and used to drink rum all the time without problems... I'm only 21, I shouldn't have GERD!!

any advice at all would be appreciated!

I had severe problems with acid reflux. I know exactly what you are talking about. It was at times so bad that I went to the doctor thinking I had Strep throat. Glutenfree alone did not do it, I had to give up all dairy (big issue) and all food additives that are "MSG" related or "Free Glutamate". Here is a list of ingredients to watch out for:

Open Original Shared Link

It took me many years to figure this out, but I am completely acid reflux free today (and no longer need Prevacid). I used to sleep on a large triangle pillow, that helped significantly with the soar throat. I am not sure if you tried that yet. Something to ease your pain until you can figure out what works for you.

Evelyn

[WinterSong]

Acid reflux was a problem for me, as well. But I hadn't had it since going on the diet except for the two times that I've eaten hard boiled eggs - is that weird? I'm going off of pure egg dishes for now. Hopefully I'll still be able to tolerate them in baked foods.

[marjean]

I have had celiac for a few years, and had it under control. Then I had what I thought was a asthma attack.I couldnt breathe at all. went to the dr and she said i have (had)pneumonia, asthma,celiac,fibromyalgia. started me on prednisone, biaxin,singular,and of course blood pressure meds. I bloated so much i couldnt eat. to make a long story short i lost 12 pounds in 10 days, very weak.vision blurry. so then she suggested mylanta 2 to get me to eat..i went to a different dr and he showed no tumors/etc in my throat and nose, chest xrays shows no pnemonia, heart good. but because of the acid reflux in my mouth(the acid was fillling my mouth extremely) caused my throat to be "raw meat" he told me to stay on broth. My stomach felt like it was in cramps, and I really felt like I was going to die. Then I was sent to a Gastriologists, and he said "eat,eat,eat" and couldnt believe I had been on broth for 4 days, prior to that I hadnt eaten food in about a week. He changed my acid reflux meds, and today --2 days later- my acid is almost gone, I can sllep more than 2 hrs(with head elevated), and am trying to get my weight up. I am having a upper GI in 3 weeks. I am trying to think what CAN I eat with both acid reflux, celiac, and fibromyalgia. Can I have Skippy Peanut butter(I believe thats gluton free)..but contains oils which I was told people with Gerd couldnt eat..I am getting tired of rice and white food..would broccoli, green beans be okay? what about the fruit? PLEASE help!!!

[MoMof2Boyz]

I think that if you have severe reflux you should have an endoscopy done to check and see if you have Barrett's Esophagus which is caused by the damage done by the acid.

[shadowicewolf]

Shhhhh.... i eat skippy natural peanutbutter all the time and it doesn't cause my GERD to rear its head But don't tell it that. Never once has it bothered me.

There are lots of things you can eat, but what i found helps the most is if i eat something starchy with each meal. I also only drink water (and milk on occasion).

.

No spicy, no fatty, no greasy. On occasion cheese will get it going, but not often. So no fried food, no chillis, and no overly rich stuff.

My GERD was severe enough that i too could not eat much and my throat was damaged (took a year to heal ). Meds did not work for me, rather they made it worse. Was told i was intolerent to them . I sleep on a wedge pillow which helps at night (else i would wake up feeling like i couldn't breathe). So i control it through my diet.

On my lowest point i was eating sweet potatos, white potatos, rice, chicken (boiled), apples & peanutbutter, carrots, lettice, and prunes.

You should be fine to expand outward some. Broccoli is fine if its not slathered in butter.

[luvs2eat]

This may sound really simplistic... but I had terrible GERD and was on Protonix for more than a year. There were a few times when the pain in my "chest" (Iike near my sternum) was so bad I thought I was having a heart attack!! I lost 20 lbs... and the GERD disappeared. I was simply eating too much and eating too late.

[shadowicewolf]

^ i went through that pain in the chest. I still have mine despite loosing weight (went from near 190 lbs to about 130). One of the biggest helpers is to eat at certain times throughout the day, eat smaller meals more frequently, and to avoid foods that set ya off.