GERD, Barrett's, Polyps, and Nexium

[mbirdlebo]

I was diagnosed with Barrett's in 2006, and have been on Nexium (40mg) daily ever since.  Fortunately, the Barrett's has healed completely, but I am concerned that continued use of Nexium may result in loss of bone and eventual hip fracture.  I take calcum, vitamin D, (and other supplements) and exercise regularly, but I can feel my bones "thinning down" (fingers and toes).  Is there anything else I should be doing to keep my bone strength up?

[Red_Star]

I live in Australia so these brands may not be available.  However you can find plenty of digestive enzymes supplements and betaine HCI with pepsin supplements on the market.  Some brands contain both enzymes and betaine HCI with pepsin.

Brands my mother takes -

Nature's Sunshine Protein Digestive Aid which contains betaine HCI with pepsin.

Dr Sandra Cabot's Digestive Enzymes (previously taking for over a year)

Vegetarian Digestive Enzymes by Metagenics (currently taking).  Prefers this brand but both enzyme supplements work well. This brand can only be given by a naturopath directly; not on the shelf.

She takes the digestive enzymes supplements with every meal and adds betaine HCI with pepsin supplements when the meal contains protein. :)

[benjimom]

what kind of digestive enzymes does she take?

[Red_Star]

PPI's (eg: nexium, prilosec) should be taken for up to 14 days, 3 times a year - FDA warning - March 2010.  Good reason for this statement. You need stomach acid to absorb essential nutrients and kill off bacteria, fungi and parasites. Low stomach acid leads to fractures, bacterial/fungal infections, parasites, lowered immune system, systematic health decline, gastritis, stomach cancer, heart failure....

My mother suffered severely from Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) for 5 years, gastritis for 25 years (worsened on nexium) and polyps (unknown time); polyps cut out.

My mother now suffers neither GERD or LPR. Throwing away PPI nexium and OTC gaviscon and taking digestive enzyme supplements (helps break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) and betaine HCI with pepsin supplements (helps with the stomach's production of hydrochloric acid), GERD and LPR were gone in a few weeks!  After 1 1/2 years on these supplements, my mother's gastritis is 95% improved. She continues to take these supplements with meals; no adverse side effects.

"The popular belief is that acid reflux is due to an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. New science has revealed that this is not the case. GERD is most often caused by too little hydrochloric acid being secreted by the stomach.

During digestion the stomach secretes acid to lower its pH to around 1.5-2.5 range. More protein in the meal results in a greater need for stomach acid. Individuals with non-obstructive acid reflux are often not able to get their pH low enough. The LES is known to be a pH sensitive valve that initiates closure when pH drops under 3.0. When the stomach does not have enough acid, the LES remains open and acid can spill into the esophageal region and damage the tissue."

[Flycaster305]

I'd suggest adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet.  I'd also suggest a bone scan and blood tests to determine if you are, in fact, losing bone density.    I have Barrett's E. also, and I wasn't aware the condition could be healed, but it could be arrested.  I'm under the impression that the cell change is permanent.