I read your very interesting blog and email message about GERD. About a year ago I had a problem with my throat, it felt like a piece of dry bread stuck there. Went to throat doctor and he said it was inflamed and told me to take prilosec. He was right, it went away within 6 weeks. The reason I got it in the first place is I take Bonvia for Osteopenia. So now with these findings what is my choice, stop taking the prilosec and have the GERD come back (known side effect of boniva) or risk one of the side effects you mentioned. Or stop taking boniva? I asked my doctor before if I should stop the boniva and she said NO, take the prilosec. What do you suggest now with these findings?

I have been on Nexium for the past several years. I have had a sort of eating disorder for many years and often will not keep food down. For years I used Zantac for immediate relief until the doctor put me on Nexium. The only way to somewhat control this is to stay on a life long diet, which if I could do this, I would not have had this problem for so long.

I am the "Queen" of dieting. Name it, I've been on it, mostly all were successful at the time and then I stopped...

I suffered from "acid reflux disease" for years. It was getting so bad that I was contemplating the removal of my gall-bladder. The attacks were terrible! I stopped drinking all soda. Bingo! No more "acid reflux disease". I also will not eat any foods or drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup or crystals. Bingo! I have dropped 2 clothing sizes in less than a year, with no other change in my diet. I feel so much better & no longer have that constant "bloated" feeling. Simple changes, but huge differences!

I have been taking Omeprazole for acid reflux for a few years now. I did not realize all the side effects that could go along with it. Can I stop taking it without any effects or do I have to gradually get off it. Recently I have noticed that I would get reflux even while taking the medication.

I have always been a big diat soda drinker, in the last two weeks I have not had any. I have also eliminated processed foods. I have lost 5 pounds. Perhaps now I don't need the omeprazole anymore?

read the blogg with great interest and learned a lot. I noticed, however, there was no mention of drinking aloe as a beneficial treatment, as has been suggested to me, a long time sufferer of 'all of the above'. Is there any value to this idea?Your thoughts on this approach?

I agree completely. I am diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and have suffered from GERD. Much to my surprise, when the stresses of my job went away, so did the GERD. I follow the advice of not eating close to bedtime, and I also sleep with my head elevated. The only time I have had a recurring incedent was again when I was stressed. I have not and will not take medication.

I was diagnosed with GERD. The doctor did a scope test, second time, first one showed ulcers in 1993 and in 2001 showed GERD. I was put on Nexium which I stopped due to side effects and then went to Prevacid which I stopped due to side effects. The doctor then told me to take just Tums when necessary. I now notice my daughter who's 11 has some reflux. We both get it with tomato sauce foods and oranges. I did take DGL in the past and noticed a big help. I may have to get more as I notice the symptoms periodically.

I was diagnosed with GERD two years ago and put on Nexium. Periodically after that I would experience these severe stomach pains that would pretty much debilitate me for hours. Recently, I changed health insurance and since they wouldn't cover the Nexium, I started taking Prilosec. I also adapted a much higher fiber diet as this was the same time I was reading UltraMetabolism. The severe stomach pains began happening more and more frequently until they started happening 2-3 times a day. Eventually, I ended up at the ER with $7k worth of tests and they didn't find anything wrong with me except that my intestines and colon were completely impacted with stool. I finally figured out that the acid-reducers were making it hard for my stomach to digest insoluble fiber and it was going into my intestines in near whole form causing major discomfort and essentially intestinal blockage. I have since stopped taking the acid reducers, and I even find myself drinking citrus juice before meals high in fiber to add acid to my stomach. Since then, I have not had any stomach pains and the GERD is still manageable with simple omissions of chocolate and caffeine, and Pepto Bismol on occasion. Anyways, just wanted to share that acid-reducers really aren't always a good idea and to watch out if you find yourself trying to eat a lot of fiber while on them.

I've been diagnosed with "silent" reflux and was prescribed Nexium, which I don't take. I have no pain - just an annoying throat clearing due to what feels like phlegm. Are your suggestions for finding the causes and treatments the same as for GERD?

First of all many thanks Dr. Hyman both for
your book, Ultrametabolism, and for your
website.......you are incredible and I can
tell you care about people and their health!
I particularly loved this blog because the
Doctors have put my 6 year old granddaughter
on prilosec.....I am so concerned about the
side effects........they also have her on an
asthma inhaler......which I also worry about.
I'm trying to get her parents to seek out
help from a qualified naturopatic doctor......the doctors also put my 85 year
old mother on prilosec after a bout with
bleeding ulcers last year.....told her to
quit taking a daily aspirin.....but gave
her back her celebrex......what are they
thinking? Anyways, I am copying this blog
to give to my daughter and my mothers
doctor for suggestions......thanks so much
for all you do......wish everyone would
read your book.......it's a wealth of
information! God Bless.......Shirley

I was having bad heartburn every night and throughout the day, until I started Juicing. The recipe book I have is categorized by ailment. So I started with the recipes for indegestion. Wham, gone just like that. I must admit for the most part I no longer each fried food. And definitely do not eat passed 8pm. Some of my favorite recipes are the Ginger Hopper; 4-5 carrots, 1/2 apple, 1 inch piece of ginger root. If you don't like the taste add 1/2 lemon. Add some Spinach or Parsley. Healthy and yummy. Your kids might even like too!

I read your blog on acid reflux and IBS and found it very informative. I have been on medicine for GERD for a long time (years) and have a lot of IBS. I am going to my doctor this week and ask him to run the test you recommend to see if I actually need to continue on the omeprazole. Thanks for the information.
Billie

I seem to have heartburn if I get constipated. Does this sound like a hiatal hernia, or weak sphincter? Also definately tomatoes and spicy foods bother me

I am 84 and pretty sure I have low stomach acid. Haven't had a
Heidelberg test but bicarb test says yes and have the symptoms.
I have advanced osteoporosis and was taking 1200 mg calcium a
day. Read that calcium reduces stomach acid. Went to drinking 4
glasses of milk. See in your blog not to drink milk with GERD. I am
diagnosed with LPRD, no heartburn, had hiatic hernia repair in June,
"05. The reflux is causing hoarseness, dry cough, lump in throat.
Srarted a good diet from a dietician. It includes a lot of raw and cooked veggies with some protein and fat, and eliminating all the bad foods for reflux except milk. What should I do about calcium?
for the milk. What should I do about calcium?

I was put on 150mg of Zantac, twice a day, three years ago for my asthma. According to my pulmonary specialist, they have found that acid reflux in its mildest form, can trigger asthma attacks. I would say in combination with the other drugs I was also put on, (Advair & Singulair), there was tremendous improvement in my asthma. However, never was my weight (I am about 30 pounds overweight) or allergies ever discussed. It was determined when I was a young girl that I was allergic to wheat. I am currently doing my best to avoid any wheat products and eating primarily meat, fish and vegetables. It is my hope that after losing weight, I will possibly be free from some of these drugs, and feeling much better.

Hi!
I have been on Aciphex for the last 7 years. How do I wean myself off, as going cold turkey puts me in a terrible fix. I would much rather take your route, as I hate taking the meds, plus they cost a fortune. No one has ever been able to answer that question before.

After changing my diet only two weeks ago, (eliminating wine :(,sugar,
processed foods, all refined foods) I no longer take acid reducing drugs. What a relief! I feel so much better and my energy level has increases about 75%. What a gift.....thank you Dr. Hyman for your book and for inspiring me to make changes.

Just a comment. I have had acid reflux since my 3rd pregnancy 25 years ago. The last 8 years it became very hard to control. and I researched and tried every natural means to stop the problem to no effect. I tried many of the ones you arre recommending. I have had all the upper GI test including endoscpy twice. Nothing worked and my life was not very happy because I could not eat without acid reflux happening everyday. As a last resort, I agreed to try pepcid which worked for quite a while. Then Protonix was tried and worked very well but my insurance would not cover it. Went to Nexium and that also worked great, but I absolutely hate to keep taking these(it's been about 5 years on this stuff) because I am afraid of the consequences. However, my life is now not affected by acid reflux which is also important. I am healthy, in good shape physically(runner and weight lifting as exercise)and supplement my diet with those nutrients that you talk about as being depleted by the drugs plus some others. I am 59 and want to remain healthy and am looking for a way to get off these drugs and still feel good. Any further suggestions would be welcome.. Thanks. Cj

Thanks for the information...always. Your books are so helpful as well. I'm 41 and reached the point that one medication is needed for the problems of another etc. etc.
I had my third esophageal dilitation last year for GERD. The gastroenterologist decided to go past through the stomach and widen the base of my stomach as well to aid in "easy dumping". The dilation resulted in an acute case of IBS that began about 1 1/2 months post procedure (never had IBS before).
I have tried the Xifaxin as suggested with
temporary results. I've also tried Align which is a probiotic by Mettamucil. This works real well...but is $1/pill and not covered by insurance. Less expension probiotics cause incredible bloating/gas etc.
Any natural foods that you can recommend that introduce the probiotic for intestional wellness?

Thanks so much!
Jocelyn

I have a small hiatal hernia and severe GERD, diagnosed by endoscopy. I experience chest pressure w/o pain) and a sense of trunk imbalance seemingly associated with the chest pressure. I take Nexium, Zantac, Calfate, and Gaviscon when I am experiencing significant chest pressure. I have occasional burping. I can't associate my symptoms with any particular foods, except for large amounts of food. I have been following some of your recommendations re food for several weeks and do not notice significant improvement. Suggestions?

I often get heartburn (or acid reflux?) when I start eating beef or fried fish, so when it happens, I sip on water with apple cider vinegar in it - immediate relief.

I am 67 years old and have had GERD,(even before it was named?) for nearly the last 50 years. About 10 years ago I had strictures in my esophagus that made it very difficult to swallow. A gastroenterologist did a dilation so I could eat. (My esophagus opening was less than 5 millimeters across.) He also took a piece of tissue and it checked out positive for Barrets Esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. I have had a total of 4 or 5 dilations. I am supposed to avoid heartburn completely since each heartburn episode pushes me further toward cancer of the esophagus, which is a nasty thing to have. I have been told that besides being somewhat incompetent in the first place, my LES has been damaged by both the GERD and the dilations. My doctor wants me to stay on acid blockers. When I try to go off the medicine the heartbuun returns big time. It seems like a rebound effect to me. I have to choose between the effects of the GERD and the effects of the acid blockers. My lifestyle is already somewhat on the order of the above described ways of eliminating GERD. Any suggestions, anyone?

First off, I wouldn't attempt to use ANY prescription drug to treat acid reflux until I tried a natural method first and foremost!
I have gone that route and discovered that as long as I was using an OTC drug, the problem just kept coming back. I did great however with probiotics and very seldom have any bother with acid reflux now. I highly recommend probiotics, although I admit I've never tried the digestive enzymes so I don't know what they contain, or if they're the same as the probiotics or not?

I have been taking various prescription anti-acid medication for about 4 years now. If I miss the medication for even one day, my GERD acts up viciously.
I went for my first endoscopy last week and they took biopsies because they suspected I had Barrett's Esophagus. Today the Doctor confirmed that is what I had. She stated I will have to remain on the Anti-acid medication permanently. So even if I refine my diet etc... does this mean I have to stay on the meds?? The info that Dr. Hyman shared kind of scares me regarding their potential health risks.
What are my risks with Barrett's Esophagus??
Thanks!

I was on Nexium for over a year. Because I still had symptoms, my doctor tried to prescribe 2 per day. The insurance company would not cover it. A friend suggested Aloe juice. I was shocked! 2 oz. in the morning, and 2 at night, and after a month or so I became symptom free, and am off the Nexium for good. It was, for me a miracle.George's (brand name) tastes like drinking spring water.

I was 246 lbs when my wife gave me your book. I have lost 32 lbs in seven months. Feel great, except GERD. Was on nexium when I started. After 3 week detox symptoms gone. Stopped Nexium. Was fine for 5 months, but came back. Had H pylori 2001, eradicated by antibiotic. 2002 endo showed irritation at area of pyloric valve. 2004 endo showed same irritation, slight change. Upper GI showed nothing. The only thing that helped was the diet. However have stuck true to the UM diet. Frustrated. I am going to try your recommendations and stop the nexium, not helping anyway. Otherwise UM diet choles 220 to 136, ldl down to 85, hdl up, trig down, liver enzymes no longer elevated.

I was diagnosed with GERD 6 years ago when I went to the hospital with really bad chest pains. I was 20 at the time, and in pretty good health, so I didn't think I was having a heart attack; even though the pains were pretty strong. I think the key there was stress. My father had passed away a few months earlier. I was in school full time and lived 500 miles away from my family, so it was a really difficult time.

6 years later I'm doing alot better. I changed my diet, started taking Protonix, and started to feel better. I still had heartburn occasionally though, usually with my trigger foods - tomatoes, chocolate, orange juice, soda, and alcohol. Last year, I tested positive for the h. pylori. The antibotics were rough (I had to switch courses b/c I had an allergic reaction) but now that I've gotten through it, I can eat spicy food again :).

Dear Dr Hyman,

I work in Family Practice and recommend your web site often. Your style of medicine is way overdue!

I would like to add to your list of things that prevent hiatal hernia/reflux:

Posture! If you notice that when slumping and not sitting up straight while eating can cause "heartburn" and eventually lead into something worse.

Also, eating fast and not chewing your food well. This is usually part of stress, which you already have listed.

And, lastly, dry foods.

Thanks so much for your hard work.

Sincerely, Kathy

This is valuable information and it describes what I experienced by taking acid blockers for indigestion. At least it started out as simple indigestion. I took over the counter products like Pepcid. I got some samples in the mail and I was hooked. It stopped the heartburn sensation if I took it every day sometimes twice a day. Went on for YEARS. My problem got worse though and turned into GERD and did progress to IBS. I think it's a given you will get these 2 diseases on these products. I stopped taking these products 2 years ago just to see what would happen. When I did, almost immediately my body began to heal itself. I won't ever consider taking them again. I'm eating only whole foods & I don't even have heartburn now much less GERD or IBS.

What are your thoughts on adding apple cider vinegar to ones diet? Your advice is right on and I did make a lot of adjustments to combat my GERD and get myself off the Nexium, but the reflux always seemed to return. A friend told me the virtues of ACV so I started taking it (2tbs mixed with green tea), and along with modifying my eating habits. I'm happy to say the GERD is gone for nearly one year now - and, best of all, no more nexium!

Ahh, a blog posting near and dear to my heart and one that I have been eagerly awaiting. I was diagnosed with GERD many years ago. I was prescribed Nexium and given the list of foods to avoid. I tried it out a while but really didn't cure my GERD. I stuck with taking Nexium for a few years but slid back into my normal eating routine....drinking coffee/tea/wine, cooking with garlic, onions, spicey additions, eating chocolate, etc. My doctor had me try Aciphex??, something like that, but that was no help. I decided to just quit taking the acid blockers all together since they didn't seem to help, whether I was was eating well or not. I will say, and this should not come as a surprise to everyone, that once I started the UltraMetabolism plan, my symptoms somewhat subsided but definitely improved. A combination of the food choices and the portions (smaller and more frequently) I believe has led to controlling the GERD. I'm not saying it's gone forever because I do enjoy a few glasses of red wine per week and I frequently pay for it but, for the most part, I believe it is more controlled when adhering to Dr. Hyman's prescription of real, whole foods, lots of grains, fresh fruit and nuts. I live by this food now (as I am currently drinking my soy Very Berry Blast!). The lessons I've learned are this; GERD is not something I had no control over getting. I have it because of my eating habits. I can control it based on what I eat. And when I do get it, it can easily be traced to what I've eaten or drank. I will add that sometimes it's always present regardless of what I eat. So, I should take some of the recommendations outlined in Dr. Hyman's blog and see if my stomach and gut need some extra treatment to clear up this problem. I will be interested in reading the responses from long-term sufferers of GERD.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Barrett's esaphogus and a hiatal hernia in addition to my existing GERD. I was told I had to be on Nexium for the rest of my life. I have cleaned up my diet and no longer smoke. I have to have an enoscopy every other year. With the Barrett's and hiatal hernia what are my chances of getting off of medication?

Whenever I hear about people who have acid reflux, it seems they are always trying to reduce stomach acid. When I underwent biofeedback testing (qxci), I found I didn't have enought acid. I use Nature's Sunshine PDA. It is hydrochloric acid and pepsin. It supplements the body's digestive secretion.
Works great for me.

I will not use products such as tagamet. As with most allopathic medicine, you are trading one problem for another.

I found this extremely interesting; you could have been writing about me 3 years ago! I could not sleep at night unless I had a large glass of ENO before bed, EVERY night. Also, I had an upper endoscopic examination for chronic stomach pain, and a few years earlier, I had been diagnosed with a stomach uler (which was resolved). The diagnosis after the endoscopic examination was simply that I had a "common inherited condition that caused my stomach to produce too much stomach acid" according to the doctor who performed the test. That doctor then prescribed medication to reduce the production of acid (very expensive medication I might add) that I was to take for six weeks, and thereafter as needed. I did not find that there was an appreciable difference except that my wallet was lighter! Not until I made very simple changes in my diet did this chronic problem improve and become permanently resolved. (I never did finish that prescription). I have been following a "natural eating" program that is very much like what you outline in your UltraMetabolism program. I avoid refined flour, refined sugar, avoid dairy products, processed food, etc. and our diet is composed of probably 85 to 90% organic foods when possible. Your program has allowed me to recognize where I needed to make improvements and "fine tune" my habits even better with regards to proper diet and supplements, etc. I am living proof that there is a distinct correlation between eating refined foods and the return of my stomach symptoms; (among others) especially if I eat something made with refined flour andor sugar, etc. When I finally stopped eating those kinds of things, recognizing how unhealthy our so-called "healthy" diet really was, my problem seemed to resolve almost overnight! The solution is so simple it never ceases to amaze me. It is easier to stick to a "whole-istic" program because I know how much worse I do feel if deviate too much and go back to eating unhealthy, processed and nutrient-poor foods. I am thankful to my family doctor who steered me further in the right direction and recommended that I read your book. As far as I am concerned, that is the best prescription for anybody who wants to feel better and get rid of acid reflux or indigestion, etc. I know that medications still have their place, but I know now from my own experience that they are given too freely to the unsuspecting and naiive, instead of looking at the underlying problems and addressing them at the source.

Dear Dr. Hyman, I have been using Prevacid since it came out. Before that I was on Tagement and Zantac. I tried for a few days without my Prevacid and by the third day, it was awful, the burning was terrible, I had to take Pepto-Bismal and sit up for hours. I would be willing to try again. Hopefully I can stop the Prevacid. Since I just turned 70, I do not need any broken hips or bones.
Thank You, Joan Falcone
P.S. I thought Prevacid was a miracle drug like Imitrex, I waited many years for help
with migraines and reflux.

Having been on Nexium for over 3 years now, I found your blog very interesting. The most frustrating thing for me was that I never needed it or had GURD until I had an Endoscopy and biopsy in my stomach which found H-pylori. The H-pylori was treated with antibiotics and Nexium was prescribed. It all started when I went to the doctor for my first colonoscopy and the doctor talked me into allowing him to put me out and do both and endoscopy and a colonscopy! I assmed that the Nexium was only temporary but unfortunately, ever since the Endoscopy, if I go more than 2 days without Nexium I end up with GERD so bad that I must sit up to sleep until I get Nexium back into my system. I avoid eating late in the day and I sleep on a "wedge" with my head elevated. I was NEVER bothered with this until I had the Endosopy and stomach biopsy! I have been back to talk with Gastroenterologist but he basically said I should expect to be on Nexium for the rest of my life or be at a high risk for esophageal cancer and only sleep while setting up. I am convinced that something went wrong in the procedure while I was under the anesthesia. I plan to take some of your suggestions and try to be less dependent on Nexium. Any ideas or thoughts about what my others steps should be are appreciated.

Hi - I've noticed that since I've been taking Prilosec, my fingernails have become very brittle and peel easily. Turns out that this is related to the fact that Prilosec blocks the absorption of dietary B vitamins. The solution, in addition to all the comments in your post, is to take supplemental B vitamins, since they are absorbed in the intestine and are not affected by stomach acids being blocked. Biotin in particular makes a big difference in terms of strengthening the nails.

Four years ago, I began suffering from serious acid reflux and heartburn. At the same time, I had a few heart arrythmia events, which led to me having a pacemaker installed. Every doctor I spoke to told me that there was no linkage between the acid reflux and the heart problems, even though both problems arose at about the same time. After the pacemaker was installed, I felt no better with my heart and still suffered with my acid reflux. I was prescribed a few different medicines- Nexium, Acifex, Prevacid, but none of them seemed to help. As a matter of fact, they seemed to make me feel worse. I then was put on Zantac's generic- Ranitidine, which helped. I have been on Ranitidine since then- for four years. I did not like being on this medicine, and was recently able to wean myself away from it by taking probiotics 3-4 times per day. I feel better than I have in four years. A significant by-product for me, a very physically fit 62 year old man, is that my sex drive has significantly improved since getting off Ranitidine.

I have a hiatial hernia as well as acid reflux and irritable bowel so i went to my doctor with the information from this sight and asked for the antibiotic as well as the antifungal. I explained my research and had the info written down in case they wanted to look for themselves. Their response to me was that they would not prescribe either medicine and that i needed to take the prilosec and claritin and within 2 weeks my symptoms should disappear. If they did not then at that point they would refer me to a gastrointestinal doctor for another scope. I left there knowing i was going to find another doctor but very discouraged that i couldn't get a simple prescription for an antibiotic. I have tried the acid reducers many times in the past and I do not feel well on them....but i have also tried probiotics, enzymes, minerals etc. with very little help either. This leads me to believe that there is a need for the treatment with antibiotics first but can't afford to see a natural dr. so what does one do in that case?

I started your diet and within a couple of weeks I no longer had any symptoms of GERD, even though I've been treated for GERD (I've been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus) for many years with Prevacid. But, when I stopped using your diet, guess what came back after a couple of weeks. I had only lost 15 pounds total on your diet before stopping the diet because ....(can't think of any good reason, I justed stopped.) Your life style/diet works; I need to jump back on.

I have been taking Prevacid for the last 4 years up until about 2 weeks ago. After reading all the terrible things is can do to you, I decided to stop taking it. I have cut out caffiene, alcohol, and fried foods. If I am very careful about what I eat, I don't have many symptoms. I would like more feedback on what works reagarding juicing and natural remedies. Thanks. Nancy

I had GERD for years and it was always there, sometimes better, sometimes unbearable. It fluctated from stress, weight, types of foods, etc. but was always present. I could barely control it with large doses of zantac and couldn't take the proton pump inhibitors due to a drug allergy. One great side effect of radically changing my diet to eliminate allergens has been the virtual disappearance of the GERD symptoms. Now, not only don't I need to take the zantac, but I don't even need to take antacids. I had never really considered radical diet change because I had long ago elimanted what the doctors told me the usual culprits were: caffeine, chocolate, acidic foods like tomato, etc., to no effect. The main things I eliminated were all wheat, all grains with gluten, all cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup, all dairy and all "bad" fats.

I had frequent heartburn problems. I am currently taking Zantac 150 twice a day. If I take the medicine and exercise consistently, I do not have any problems. Missing the medicine or not exercising for a few days, will definiately bring it back. In my case, it certainly could be related to being overweight. Exercising 4-5 days a week definately helps.

I suffered from terrible GERD when I weighed 223 lbs at 5'4". I was put on acid blockers twice a day. Once I changed my diet and ate smaller meals, the severity was greatly reduced and I cut back the meds to once a day. I still react to raw garlic and lemon juice the most. I avoid citrus juice, but not the fruits. If I'm going to eat a tomato based dish, I may pop an extra pill.

I've lost 55 lbs and it really helps. Since starting Ultrametabilism in Nov., however, my GERD has gotten worse. I'm starting to think it's because I cut out the dairy, including my daily yogurt. Isn't it possible that losing those good bacteria has worsened the problem?

I really want to get off the medication. What you just said makes me want to do so even more. As of last week I started adding back dairy yogurt to see if it makes a difference. (soy yogurt is just revolting. I hope it does, because I don't want to go back to two pills a day.

I have had heart burn for several years. The problem usually was when I ate late or tomato-based foods such as pizza, tacos etc. I had my gallbladder removed in 1994. This helped considerably, but I still needed to be careful of the foods I ate. I always thought it was by the foods I ate and tried to be careful in that area. I found exercise was also helpful. But I found in the past two years that the heartburn comes on even early in the morning and sometimes at night extremely painful. It seemed that when I ate bread that I would get heartburn. Only if I ate protein that the problem was not as great. One thing I noticed that when we were in Romania for a whole year, the heartburn did not occur, and we ate fresh hot bread every day. Also in 1999, 2000 we were in Mozqmbique, Africa there was no problem. In 2005 we were in Malawi for six months and I daily walked about 2-3 miles and rarely had heartburn. But when we came home and was there about 6 months the heartburn returned. In 2006 we went back to Malawi and this time I had heartburn. When we came home in July 2006 the heartburn was daily. Finally, I began to take Prilosec and for the first time I have not had heartburn. Unless I ate movie popcorn (laced with butter?) It is recommended that I take prilosec only for 3 weeks(the package recommends) and then wait 4 months to take again. But as soon as I quit taking it the heartburn came back. So now I am taking it daily, but do worry based on your information. I drink about 3 cups of coffee in the morning and have English muffin and egg. But I am not exercising and for some unknown reason am unwilling to start, even though I have signed up at a fitness club, but have not gone. I have also gained weight since coming back from Africa. Usually I lose weight when in those other countries(my home is in the US)but usually gain weight when I return. Other than that problem, I consider myself to be healthy and pretty much not a stressful personality. Of course, being overweight is not healthy. I am 66 years old and have the typical aging body.

when i started taking osteoporosis medication the heartburn was terrible when combined with any and all vitamin supplements,grapefruit, V-8 juice, etc. i have tried all the oral stuff and so this weekend i will begin daily injections--forteo--still experimental--so lets hope it works

Your symptoms sound so similar to mine that I had to share this tip.
I have a moderate hiatal hernia and associated chest pain. I also can't find a food to associate it with but small meals do make a difference. Also, I find that chewing a piece of gum for about a half hour after a meal (usually just lunch and dinner) completely eliminates the problem. My mother suggested it because it works for my father, who also has a hiatal hernia. I don't know the science behind it, but I feel so much better. It's like a miracle! Good Luck!

I have discovered you site via YouTube and have to say how excited I am about it. I am sure I have a yeast problem (the symptoms you mention are identical to mine). About heartburn, however, I never used to get it, but since working in a stressful call centre for the last 5 years I now have heartburn daily.

PS - I hope you get recognition for the good work you're doing. Thanks

I started suffering from acid reflux about a month after having Radioactive Iodine treatment for Graves disease about 6 years ago. I've been on Aciphex and it has done a great job of curtailing it. Since I often wonder if neutralizing my stomach acid could be what causes me to carry this extra 15 lbs around, I've recently started taking the Aciphex when the reflux is acting up. I seem to be able to go about 5 or so days and then suddenly it hits me with a vengence. I've been keeping a food diary and have not been able to trace it to any specific food that I'm eating.

*sigh* Clueless.

I have a 19 month old boy who has refluxed since birth - I would nurse and it would actually come out his nose during nursing. He also tested allergic to milk and oranges and is intolerant to soy and oats or bulky foods. He is on Prilosec 15mg twice a day and we use Mylanta during the night. He takes Neocate formula for extra calories as his growth chart is flat or barely climbing. So hard when they are little to know their hurts except for his screaming and vomiting. Do you have any suggestions for wee little ones? I quit my job to care for him. So expensive - Neocate but I can't trust anyone to read ALL labels and get the calories in him and, of course, help when he screams. Upper GI showed severe reflux. Biopsies in tummy were great - no celiac disease. Allergy testing was pricks on his back. Help please. Thank you

Dr. Hyman,
I was glad to read this blog about GERD, etc. My 5-year old has been having stomachaches for about 2 months. When I told the doctor, he assured me it was her stomach not her spleen but then went on to examine/treat her other symptoms. Our 5-year old neighbor also has been having complaints. Her pediatrician explained that her stomach lining was probably irritated and would take a long time to heal so he gave her 6 days of Prevacid with instructions that if it helped he would prescribe one month. Going from that info. I have been looking all over the internet to find information and just today found several articles that underline what you are saying. So I visited our local natural foods store and bought a capsule containing DGLE, Pau D'Arco Bark Concentrate, Cloves flower concentrate, Inula racemosa extract, and Capsicum fruit along with a probiotic capsule. I started giving them today and I plan on comparing the results with the neighbor to see how this works vs. the Prevacid. Thank you for all you do because sometimes it's hard to feel right about turning down prescription medicine.

I had routine blood work done 2 years ago and I asked for a C-reactive protein test.
I am a relatively healthy middle-aged woman.
My cholesterol wasn't high but my C-reactive protein was a whopping 14. I had it tested again this year and it is 26!! I am now on a statin, Zocor, and taking an aspirin a day. This test has caused me to worry about the state of my health. I take a low dose of Armour thyroid for low thyroid, and now, the Zocor.
I developed some psoriasis on my hands two years ago (which is weird) and I've noticed that my knee and hip joints have been achy for awhile. Does anyone else have such high C-reactive protein and what can be done about it? I would appreciate any advice.

Did I miss something?
The C reative protein test:
What is a good result?
Where can I get this test?
What does it cost?
Will my doctor think I'm crazy if I ask for this test?
My doctor is not understanding or sympathetic to these simple inexpensive common sense remedies. His answer is to try to send me to specialists and have more tests.
I am thankful for this course and have hope for some relief from my inflamation related issues.
Thank you doctor Mark!

I know that I need to stop drinking cola. I drink between half a gallon and a gallon a day. I have tried to stop, but am addicted. Any suggestions?

Hi Cindy!
One or two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar in 6 oz. of water SIPPED with a meal is more effective than citrus.( It's also easy to keep on hand). Other than that, liquids (only very small amounts, warm or room temperature), should be avoided with meals, as they dilute stomach acid, prolong digestion and increase transit time, (all not desireable).

Dr. Hyman:
Thank you for all of the information you are so willing to share.
My story began four years ago with an injury to my right leg. Over the last four years I've reinjured my leg at least 3 times. I'm a yoga teacher of 30 years and after working in this injured body for the last four years I'd come to the conclusion that I'd have to retire. I had tried massage, physical therapy, and working with yoga poses trying to bring the strength and health back to that leg. This last summer I was told that I'm bone on bone in my right hip. I was afraid of that. Both my parents and a younger sister have had their right hip replaced. I know that inflammation is a huge problem in the body and especially those people that suffer from arthritis. So I found your book, read it, took the test and in January began the diet. I also found a juice that was just pure juice and juice puree with no added sugar that had glucomine hydrochloride that was 79% and omega 3,6 and 9.
Wow! What a difference a month has made. The pain is gone, the leg feels great although it's still weak, but now I can walk and dance again to make it stronger. The diet is one I can stay on. I Love the foods and recipies. I bought a far infred sauna, the yoga is taken care of. I've lost 13 lbs, my skin is softer and moister, I sleep better, have more energy and feel like I have control over my health again.
I have been a coffee drinker since I was 15 years old. I gave it up and have not regretted that for one moment. I've just forwarded your blog to all of my yoga students. You have an amazing amount of information to share, and again as I said in the beginning thank you for that.
Judy
P.S. Forget about retiring from yoga. I'm back in that game for life.

Make a long story short I have had a heck of a winter. I went from sinus infection to throat infection to muscle ticks and now acid reflux. I've been on prevacid for abot 15 days and it has helped but I have become so stressed and depressed that honestly I believe that is what is causing my physical ailments. I can think of nothing else. So I would like to get off the prevacid. I need advice. I think I should be on anti-depression medication. I would like to know how long it takes for prevacid to get out of my system.

Make a long story short I have had a heck of a winter. I went from sinus infection to throat infection to muscle ticks and now acid reflux. I've been on prevacid for abot 15 days and it has helped but I have become so stressed and depressed that honestly I believe that is what is causing my physical ailments. I can think of nothing else. So I would like to get off the prevacid. I need advice. I think I should be on anti-depression medication. I would like to know how long it takes for prevacid to get out of my system.

Roselle, I have the same "silent" reflux as you. I can't figure out what foods give it to me. The throat clearings are so bad, my voice is so hoarse and my chest hurts. I never had sore throat by the trachea area, but now I do. This is a horrible disease. Nothing works. The drugs they give for this is the same as the other type of reflux. Dr. said this is the worst type to have...lucky me!

Brenda: I'm sorry your son is suffering so badly...we can voice how we feel, the little guy can't. I would definitely purchase a special pillow for him to sleep on. There are websites that sell them just for children. I'd also suggest the George's Aloe Water.

I suffer from Peptic Ulcers, ate lie when I was 2 years old, and it tore me up. I have never had medical insurance until recently, Im 33 years old. My doctor prescribed me Nexium and Antibiotics to help the condition, she told me that there was a chance it could heal me as well. I hate medication, so this sounded great to me. A couple of days after I started taking it I was no longer in pain, I dont remember a time that I have ever felt better. This problem has always affected me. However, when I went to the pharmacy to have my perscription filled, they told me that Nexium was not covered. All of my symptoms have returned. Is there anything out there that I can do? I have tried all of the homeopathic remedies, I eat right, I have been dealing with this forever, so I know all the tricks. But, with this medicine, all of the pain and symptoms were gone. Is there an alternative to Nexium that works just as well? Im not looking to take meds the rest of my life, or to take a protonic pump inhibitor to solve bad eating habits, I'm looking for a cure.

I have a 13year old son with stomach issues. Is it okay to treat him with the magnesium ,etc as an adult or do I need to adjust the dosage what about with the enzymes and probiotics? He is on probiotics and digestive enzymes now and nothing is improving

Is your advice the same for Barretts disease? I have been reading a lot of bad things about taking Nexium long term. Your article is not the first.

I have taken Nexium for over a year and since I started, I've had 4 or 5 serious stomach flus...I am now recovering from Bronchitis. I didn't have a stomach flu in years before I started taking the pills.

My doctor insists that since I have Barretts disease, I have to be on Nexium for the rest of my life. I'm confused about this but leaning toward not taking it, at least for awhile anyway. The side effects are not worth it...

Your site has been very helpful. I was doing some research for my boyfriend who has been suffering since taking Protonix. Thank you!!

Have gerd for 6 years now. Took aciphex but didn't stay on it long term because I hate drugs. If I don't get gas, then I don't have reflux which tells me My intestines need work. I might also have some significant allergies that just haven't been detected yet. I used to get hives from white bread, tuna, string beans, chocolate, caffeine, sulfur medications, as a kid and young adult.I am trying an illimination diet where I just eat vegetables, protein, and little bits of fruits. I am also taking a probiotic, a multivitamin, along with magnesium, but I feel like I need help from a doctor and that I'll never get it right all by myself. I wasn't eating alot of junk food and hardly any processed foods. Mostly, my cheat foods were icecream, some cake here and there, and alcohol. I got rid of coffee and sugar and only eat low glycemic veggies. I have high cholesterol and gerd. I am searching for a diet that will fix both. A low fat high carb diet like weight watcher made my cholesterol go the highest it's ever been, which is weird. I lost 20 lbs. and my cholesterol went to 303! So I went off grains and now we'll see if it goes down. I read that high sugar can raise cholesterol in some people.

Hello,

I read your comment about taking hydrochloric acid and wonder if you could tell me if you improved immediately on taking it. I have had continual burning in my oesophagus and can barely eat with it. I did the bicarb test and showed low acid but as i live in the UK there is no medical test. Can you tell me how the bio feedback test diagnose it. I am so glad you have found an answer to yours. I am still hoping I can.
Many thanks if you are ablet owrite back to me.
Annette

I absolutely hate the taste of DGL (and licorice). I bought it and couldn't get it down. Is there a tasteless form?

I wanted your opinion Mark, I came down last year with heartburn which i could not get rid of i was nervous about a cruise and stuff and it was a bad case, i got a scope and all these test done, and doctors said they did a h pylori test, and now i redid that test 2 weeks ago and found out i do have that, do you think this was the culprit all the time, i had the same pain in the same place ever since it happened know on strong antibotics to kill it, can i heal up from all of this completley, and what should i do next i stop the antibotics on March 21 and would like to never touch these nasty ppi meds again, i really also believe my husband has this h pylori thing too, and he may of giving it to me, since he has been on prilec for 15 years now. I don't want doctors ruining my body, i have always strived to be very healthy, help me out here, it's been a long year of this and doctors puting me on zanax to say it's me, when i knew all along it'not, also my gallbladder is only functioning 23/27 percent now, i really would like your recommendations i need help with wanting to have a wonderful summer this year. thank you

Thank you for all the information. It agrees with a lot that I have read lately and some from the PPI site studies that I have read (including some info from PPI mfg site study).

History: My male child was born (full term) with much bruising (which created higher levels of bili in the system). He was diagnosed with jaundice and put in a 24 hour special lamp bed to drop bili levels. (at one week old)

At 2 weeks of age I took him to his current Pediatrician for discomfort, gas, spit up and crying. It seemed to be going on for a few days and as a parent it is hard to see a child in pain.

He told me that my child was probably allergic to soy and cow milk protein since he was placed on soy for the first two weeks of life. (hospital mandate because my newborn had diahorrea for the first 24 hours).

The doctor then changed his formula to Similac Alimentum for protein sensitivity and prescribed Zantac for reflux. I gave him the Zantac which seemed to make things worse. I tried it for 3 days and refused to proceed since he was now worse. There was more spit up/discomfort/crying and he now had hives. I thought he was allergic to the medicine or something in the formula so I discontinued use of the Zantac and called the doctor.

Doctor wanted me to continue trying. I refused and he then prescribed Prevacid Solutabs. I tried them for a few days and it seemed to be helping a little with the pain. The spit up and some discomfort were still there, but the reflux pain was less. I continued even though the hives still had not gone away. (eventually they did go away)

He then somehow received a staph infection and was treated with anti-biotic creams. (3-4 weeks old)

Every appointment I updated the doctor that the medicine does not appear to be helping. As time went on I was sure that the medicine was causing part of the problem since what was spit up turned into vomitting (at times) and same or more discomfort. I was then dealing with 2-3 hours of discomfort, gas, spit up and fussyness every feeding.

He is now 6 months old and has been on Prevacid for the last 5.5 months. I took him in for his 6 month immunizations and voiced my concern about him not getting better and us not trying anything new (foods or formula,etc.). The doctor postponed the shots, then doubled his prescription and asked that I keep him at 15mg per day and update in two weeks with changes. I complied for 3 days and saw NO difference. If anything he was worse. I then stopped and left him at the once per day 7.5mg.

I decided (a little late) to do some research online through Prevacid's site and studies to see exactly what the possible long term side affects were. I was extrememly uncomfortable with what I found. B12, calcium and magnesium deficiencies can cause terrible things and all studies were on adults with exception of one test/study. One study with 27 children ages 1-17 with a total study time of 12 weeks. All pediatric were removed from the medicine after the esophagus was healed (all by 12 weeks). There are no studies for the long term damage in newborns medicated.

Last week I took him in for 6 mos. shots and again discussed the discomfort, spit up/vomitting and voiced my concern about the medicine. I told him that the medicine made no difference for 7.5 vs 15 mg. He then wanted to triple the medicine. I refused and since then have taken him off of the Prevacid (one week now). He appears to be doing better, but not completely fine. He still has some discomfort and spit up but it is not nearly as bad as with the medicine. I think that he may have a food allergy. I also think that the medicine was causing most of the problems for his digestive system. I think the medicine prohibited the acid production/secretion which in turn slowed his stomach's ability to process food, backing up his food, causing spit up, gas and discomfort,etc. It was a terrible cycle.

Now he is bad with maybe one feeding a day. All others he seems to take food well, burp, little spit up and very little discomfort/pain. I am extremely happy with my decision. He does still have issues with certain foods. We have an appointment with an allergist end of month. I'm not sure what the allergist can test for food allergies in a 6 month old, but I am willing to try anything to get his little belly/liver/digestive straightened out.

Any suggestiongs on what I could give him to help his digestive system get back on track. You mentioned multiple things, but non really apply for a 6 month old. (which exception of the gluten/dairy which isn't practical with 6 month on formula) I don't really know what foods to try that will help stimulate or if the possible lack of vitamins/minerals requires a specific amount of time to build up in his system,etc. I know that B12 takes a long time to become deficient in a healthy adult...but what about in an infant that was unable to absorb/process it for the last 5.5 months?

Any suggestions on what direction I could take?

Thanks,

Candy Chlam

I have been suffering from some type of reflux since I was about 10 years old. I grew up in an abusive environment, so stress could have been a trigger. I was not overweight.

By the time I was about 17 I discovered the world of antacids and was very grateful for the relief. I began with Zantac and as time went on, by the time I was 19 I was taking 2-3 times the recommended dose to achieve comfort.

Although certain foods, mainly spicy ones and coffee, made the reflux worse, regardless of what I ate, I always suffered from it on a daily basis.

I finally went in to see a gastroenterologist. This was in 1999 and I was 19 years old. He performed an endoscopy and took a biopsy and told me that I had esophagitis and Focal Barret's Disease. He said it was due to a weak LES muscle and a hiatal hernia. He offered the surgery to wrap the stomach around the bottom of the esophagus (Nissen fundoplication), but I declined (too many possible side effects). He put me on Prilosec (which was an Rx then). This was a miracle drug for me.

As more time went on, sometimes I was taking two at a time to achieve comfort. I had also begun gaining weight, which didn't help.

In 2001, I was officially diagnosed with Barrett's Disease and that same year, Nexium was released. So, I was switched to the 40mg daily and have been on it ever since without the need to change the dose.

So, in closing, I have been on some form of an acid reducing medicine for the past 10 years on a mostly daily basis. Most notably, on Rx drugs for the past 8 years daily, with the past 6 years on the maximum dose of Nexium daily.

Obviously my main concern at this point is getting esophageal cancer.

I also worry about absorption of certain minerals like Iron, Calcium and Magnesium. Also of B6. I take supplements for all of these everyday.

I haven't have any negative side effects from any of the acid-reducing drugs. I also haven't had any signs of a deficiency in any vitamins or minerals. I have a complete blood profile run every year and additionally I have an endoscopy done every 2 years to monitor the Barrett's. Luckily, since I was officially diagnosed with Barrett's Syndrome in 2001, it hasn't gotten any worse. I do believe that is at least highly in part of being on Nexium. It's obvious less acid on a damaged esophagus will allow it to heal or at least not get any worse.

My question to you is this... Since I actually have a physical impairment (weak LES muscle & hiatal hernia) that causes acid to flow up into the esophagus, what can I do to keep acid from getting up there without the use of Nexium?

Since I already know that I need the maximum dose of Nexium to achieve comfort, regular natural remedies aren't as efficient with me, as they are more for the general heartburn case from eating unhealthy foods.

In my case, no matter if I were physically fit and only ate the best of foods, I would always suffer from heartburn since the stomach always has acid in it and that acid inevitably makes it up my esophagus.

Is there a way to cure a hiatal hernia and strengthen the LES muscle? Perhaps you can recommend a strong herbal alternative that will give me the same benefits as Nexium?

Thank you for any help!

Alicia

I've not been diagnosed with Reflux, but something called Dyspepsia,,, alot of the same symptoms though. Nexium has helped with Indesgestion. I can't seem to get my bloating and stomach pain under control though. I'm trying to figure out what to eat that wont cause problems. I've drank OJ first thing every morning for over 25 years, now it seems to cause problems. I think I'll take your suggestions to my doctor.

I've not been diagnosed with Reflux, but something called Dyspepsia,,, alot of the same symptoms though. Nexium has helped with Indesgestion. I can't seem to get my bloating and stomach pain under control though. I'm trying to figure out what to eat that wont cause problems. I've drank OJ first thing every morning for over 25 years, now it seems to cause problems. I think I'll take your suggestions to my doctor.

a few years ago i got a horrible acid problem, along with other symptoms. my gastro did some tests and discovered that i have gilberts syndrome. he treats me with aciphex which is a real life saver. as a matter of fact....can't really function without it because i wouldn't want to eat at all then. i really don't do any of the no nos you speak of here, except for caffeine, which I do take in some because i like chocolate and maybe a glass of tea every couple days.........hardly enough to cause a problem i think. don't really like having to take a med every day but have tried going off several time and same symptoms return. until someone figures out a better way; sometimes drugs are necessary to achieve a normal quality of life.

a few years ago i got a horrible acid problem, along with other symptoms. my gastro did some tests and discovered that i have gilberts syndrome. he treats me with aciphex which is a real life saver. as a matter of fact....can't really function without it because i wouldn't want to eat at all then. i really don't do any of the no nos you speak of here, except for caffeine, which I do take in some because i like chocolate and maybe a glass of tea every couple days.........hardly enough to cause a problem i think. don't really like having to take a med every day but have tried going off several time and same symptoms return. until someone figures out a better way; sometimes drugs are necessary to achieve a normal quality of life.

You can use Hernia adjustment or self adjustment. You can find it in Gerdsupportgroup in Yahoo.

I came across an article that said to try calcium citrate in powdered form to help relieve acid reflux (written by Dr. Leo Galland). Well, I didn't have any in powdered form, so I ground up a Citrical pill and dissolved it in aboout 1/4 cup water and drank it after my meal. For the first time in about a month, I had NO HEARTBURN when I went to bed, nor did I have any all night, and I felt absolutely terrific the next day too. I am going to continue to take powdered calcium citrate over the next few weeks along with my "good diet" and see how I do. I have been suffering for weeks, and within minutes after taking the powdered calcium citrate, I felt so much better - I wanted to share this experience with your group and hope it helps someone.

I did not have any acid reflux till my doctor put me on Previcid and then Nexium. I also tried the Calcium Citrate I crushed and mixed it in juice. It seems it as now inflamed the inside of my throat and ashophogus. I have hard time swallowing and it burns in my throat and chest when food or drinks go down. I woudl not use calcium citrate crushed....even my mouth is inflamed.

I found this blog very helpful.  I was diagnosed with H. Pylori and was prescribed the Prevpac.  After I finished the prescription they put me on Prilosec.  2 1/2 months later I am still having the same symptoms.  I've been tested for food allergies and had an Upper GI done and didn't find anything.  They retested the H. Pylori and I was negative.  They also did a gastric emptying test and said my stomach is emptying very slowly.  They suggested a medication that had possible side effects of anxiety and insomnia.  I decided not to take the new medication, stopped taking the Prilosec and started seeing a nutritionist.  However, the nutritionist hasn't put me on any of the supplements you suggested. 

A couple of years ago I had an endoscopy because of reflux and was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. I was actually told that on the phone and said the nurse said I should follow up for yearly endoscopy's. Not something I wanted to hear and was put on nexium daily. I changed doctors for other reasons the following year and saw a new GI doctor, had a brief consult and the endoscopy. He took 5 biopsies! After the procedure a nurse comes in and gives the preliminary results ( No Dr in sight) while you're in a drug induced stupor then you wait for 2 weeks to see the biopsy results. When I asked why so many biopsies the nurse mentioned that this is just what this particular doctor does. I then get a call in 2 weeks with the results.In this case they could not find the Barrett's but did see a small ulcer in the duodenum area and they put me on nexium TWICE daily and wanted to repeat the endoscopy in 6 months. After a month I started having significant stomach pains which I never had before.  The pain became so bad I cut the nexium dose down to once daily and the symptoms stopped within 2 days. In 6 months I went back for another endoscopy and all came back clear but he mentioned he still wanted me on prilosec or something like that daily. When I asked why he said because Barrett's cannot simply disappear and must be 'hiding'. What a dilemma. I have a strong aversion to taking drugs but with the specter of esophageal cancer dangled over my head I have very reluctantly taken prilosec and have recently cut it back to every 2nd or 3rd day. Any suggestions as to how to best resolve this matter short of being a slave to this ideology for the rest of my life? I don't now or never did have heartburn but did and do have occasional reflux and indigestion.

The link for "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" takes you to a page talking about the  3 simple steps to eliminate heart burn and acid reflux...

instead of one concerning it

Possum

As I read this blog and have repeatedly read how the numbers of people with gastric reflux, heartburn, GERD, etc. are increasing, I have noted no comment on the statin connection.  I had been on Lipitor for several years with no apparent side effects.  I stopped taking it for a period of two months on my doctor's orders.  Shortly after restarting the medication, I developed acid indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux.  The symptoms escalated until I was told to take Prilosec.  I happened to mention this to my sister, who had had the same problem when her statin medication was switched to a generic.  I immediately stopped the Lipitor again.  When I called my MD to let him know what was happening, he did not believe there was a connection between my symptoms and the statin.  After a few months on Prilosec my symptoms disappeared.  During this time I had an upper GI study which showed healing of the irritation.  I also had a Cardiac Calcium Scan.  That showed no plaque...my score was actually zero.  However, I had repeat lipid studies with terrible numbers...elevated cholesterol, triglicerides, LDL, etc.  I was once again told to go on a statin, and having been convinced that the GI symptoms were not related to the Lipitor, I started that again.  Within a month, my GI symptoms were back.  More Prilosec, no Lipitor, problem solved.  Now, I am switching to Crestor.  I really need to improve my numbers, and would much prefer to do so without statins.  I just wonder how much of this epidemic of GI problems is related to the huge numbers of people taking statins with GI side effects that are not recognized as such!

Hi, I'm 33 year old female. I've been suffering of acid reflux for more than 15 years. Have tried every acid blocker pill. I don't take sodas, don't eat fried foods, not spicy foods, etc and still have the problem. I don't have the HB bacteria. I did a small surgery to close the cardioesophasic sphincter and that just put worse my bloating and gassy problems. Helped a little for my acid reflux but created another problem with my bloating. I have noticed that "healthy" foods like some vegetables and beans, makes much worse my acid reflux problem. So I don't know what to do, because I suppose to eat healthy and the healthy foods just worsen my symptoms of acid reflux and bloating. And I have to mention something important: I have found out that taking pure lemon juice on breakfast help me A LOT with my acid burning. Yes... how you read, LEMON JUICE. Why? because lemon juice is ALKALINE, and gives balance inside the esophagus and stomach among the acicgastric juices. This has been the only thing that have helped me with my problem, but I still sad and concern about eating healthy foods because they just worsen my condition. Eating rice help me, doesn't make my esophagus burn, but eating lettuce, tomato, some fruits, just make everything worse. So, what am I suppose to eat??

Thanks for reading and for any advice.

I never knew that you can actually make this kind of pain go away. My sister has been dealing with this problem since she was a little child and she suffered a lot. Thank you very much for sharing this information with it. I am sure that a lot of people find it very useful.

__________

Drug Rehab Center

Dr Hyman,  I too am a physician-54 years old.  I have had Gerd off and on since medical school.  At that time I was eating tuna sandwiches every day for about two years.  Then I started having indigestion and heartburn.  Thought I was developing an ulcer.  Stopped eating tuna and all symptoms went away.  The symptoms returned about 5 years ago and have been getting progressively worse.  I have had a couple of upper endoscopy procedures with biopsies--all negative.  I have now been on prilosec for a year straight and off and on for about 4 years.  I have tried probiotics, and enzymes with no noticeable effect.  Foods that make it worse are red wine, coffee, but also tuna, and all lentals and beans.  I am now up to 40mg of prilosec/day.  I also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and a nodule that we are watching.  I have gone from 25mcg to 112mcg of synthroid over the last year.  My weight has increased about 10 lbs. I want to try your diet but do not know how to get off of the prilosec. ....Would appreciate any ideas.....Cathy

PS  I am very impressed with your book.  Medicine has been missing the picture for so long and is so tied now to  the pharmaceutical  companies.  Thank you for connecting the dots.  I have known that there is a much bigger picture for a long time, and very frustrated that we seem to be able to treat some symptoms, but rarely cure anything.  It is difficult to talk to your fellow MDs without being criticized for being outside of the "box" that medicine has become. Kudos to you and Dr Rosien/Oz.....

I have been on the ultradiet for 4 days now and feel so bloated, any suggestions?