Chronic Heartburn Seems to have vanished

[Brian_Wa]

I am a 33 year old male, who has suffered from heartburn for many years. About thgree years ago I had an endoscope which revealed a "small valve" and minor burning in my esophagus. The doctor noted there was no pre-cancerous conditions and diagnosed me with reflux, prescribing prilosec on an "as needed" basis.

I have been on Prilosec as needed for about two years, and recently I have noticed I don't need it very often, and that my heartburn is no where near what it used to be. Some days I can eat whatever I want and not have heartburn, which was never the case before.

Is it possible for people to be "cured" of heartburn or reflux? I have read that a lack of heartburn can signal cell changes such as Barrett's.

Should be having another endoscope to see if there is an underlying cause? I still get heartburn occasionally, but it isn't nearly as bad as it once was.

Thanks.

[giggy]

The Prilosec may have healed your esophagus.

Concerned Lady on this forum posted alternative treatments for reflux.  I have also been going to an M.D. that uses vitamins in his treatment.  My reflux has improved greatly the last 2 weeks. My doctor said that it was due to all the irritation in my esophagas being healed.  What helped me more than anything, I think, was the DGL (deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root Extract) and Slippery Elm Throat Lozenges that I got from the health food store. Prior to taking the above, everytime that I swallowed anything, I had burping and burning.

I stopped taking all the prescribed meds for reflux in Nov. because I was having so many bad side effects.

I would suggest that you get another scope to see for sure what is happening because I too have read that when heartburn stops that can be a bad sign.

Good luck to you.  Hope that you get a good report.  Isn't it wonderful to see improvement!!

[feelbetter]

I just want to "second" the DGL. I too have been off all other meds since the end of Feb. I have been 100% better! I still have some problems if I get too bold and eat a "no no" food but this time if I take a tums, it actually works! Before if I had an attack, nothing except time would give me any relief. I too hope that you get a good report! Take care.

[giggy]

Since my esophagas has healed some, I even indulged in chocolate without heartburn or reflux!!!!!

My hat goes off to Concerned Lady.  It was her post that got me on the right track.

The only time that I have reflux now, to my knowledge, is when I lay down.  I have a hiatal hernia.  Anyone have some alternative tips for hiatal hernias???

Am having another scope down my throat in a couple of months and a PH test & mobility test to see what's going on.  I am hoping that by then even the reflux at night will be gone.

[needabreak]

I haven't taken any Prevacid for 4-5 days now...but, I'm having a little "resurgence" of the dry/painful eyes (side effect of the PPI) and stomach pain.  I was wondering if this is a matter of withdrawal from the drug or what?  I don't want to panic and start taking a PPI again as the side effects for me were getting unbearable.  I'm still using the DGL and occasional ProBiotics as well as some aloe juice, etc.   Feelbetter, do you recall what you felt like after you stopped taking your PPI?  Should I stick it out and hope that my system will settle down?  I imagine it takes awhile for the drug to be completely eliminated from your body.  Anyone know how long??  Last night I tried just taking a little Mylanta and after about an hour or so it(the pain) became less and I was able to get to sleep.  I accidentally ran into a gastro doc while at the hospital the other day and was asking him about the endoscopy test...he said there was really nothing to it and told me to take Gaviscon.  I read the label and there is aluminum in it, so didn't buy it.  He told me it wouldn't be enough to affect me adversely unless I already had kidney or liver problems.  
   Anyway, I'm getting long-winded...I just really need a bit of encouragement and your insight on what's going on with this.  Thanks again!   Thinking of you all........needabreak

[giggy]

Seems like it was the next day that my legs & arms stopped burning (side effect of PPI) and diaherra stopped too.

I can't remember how long before the DGL started helping.  I think about a week or 2.  Burping and burning was extremely bad at first. My M.D. gave me Vit. A (liquid drops).  This helped heal and with the acid also.  It takes time to heal.  Be patient & hang in there. Aleo Vera is also very good.

I've had 2 endoscopy tests and scheduled for a 3rd.  There is nothing to them.  They will give you an IV and right before the doctor comes in, they put something in your IV.  I didn't remember swallowing the tube or anything. It only takes about 15-20 minutes.  When you wake up, you think you are awake but won't remember real good what the doctor tells you.  Then will go home and sleep for the rest of the day.  Nothing to it.

[Concerned lady]

Ladies,

I give you ladies a lot of credit, for TRYING some NATURAL methods to combat your gastric reflux! :-)

I'm going to put (our) GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS here, too, to give you food for thought. Sorry for the lengthiness of this posting.

A special "GERD" pillow helps some, or, get someone else (not you!) to put blocks (6 to 8 inches thick) on the floor, under the head end of the bed.

While you are having rebound acid production from too rapid stopping of the acid blockers, you can temporarily "cheat" with TUMS, etc. However, keep up with the DGL, Slippery Elm (throat lozenges, tea, etc.), and organic carrot juice.

If your skin turns carrot colored (orange), cut back on the carrot juice, to prevent an overdose of "beta-carotene", too much of which can be toxic to a weak liver, even though the beta-carotene is water soluble.
********************************************************

Some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS (without acid blockers):

GER=Gastro-Esophageal Reflux. (Gastro=stomach. Esophagus=food tube.)

LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. (Larynx=voice box, containing the 2 vocal cords. Pharynx=throat, above the larynx. The larynx is above the trachea/windpipe.)

Reflux=acidic or alkaline stomach material that backs up into the esophagus (food tube), causing any of these problems: VCD attacks, cough, voice problems, asthma, globus (feeling of lump in throat), constant need to clear throat, worsening of sinus condition, sore throat, pre-cancerous conditions of throat &/or esophagus, etc.

SOME GER/LPR CONTROL THINGS WE DO, that we learned from the excellent book: STOMACH AILMENTS AND DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES, by Michael T. Murray, N.D. See page 9, References, in my website: http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com   and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page.

PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.

Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.

(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand, shortly before meals. The DGL does NOT cause high blood pressure, and does NOT cause fluid retention/edema, because the bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. DGL is available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies.
  
The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If it is too dry, one could mash/crush it and mix with a little water, and then chew it up. Chew tablet(s) for a minute or so, to thoroughly mix with saliva, shortly before EVERY meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions).
  
The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)

We like the taste of the DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try the chocolate flavored kind, without any mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT!!).

(2) We use Thayers brand of SLIPPERY ELM Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm (inner bark from a tree) also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.

(3) We drink the occasional small glass of CARROT JUICE (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. (Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant.) (Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us). Don’t overdo. If your skin turns orange, cut back on the carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills—too potent.

(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where one’s head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.

(5) We try NOT TO BEND OVER too often, and we try to AVOID STRAINING (Valsalva maneuver). We AVOID LIFTING HEAVY objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months).

(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc.  For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet, chewing slowly (takes will power!), eating when not under stress or angry, etc., all are helpful.

(6) NO MORE TIGHT pants, belt, corset,--AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING etc.

(7) We try to not eat too much junk food. Some people avoid acidic  food, while others need to eat acidic food, if their stomach is not producing any (or enough) acid. (It is good to avoid acid, if one has an ulcer.) These gastric reflux tips methods often can help to heal ulcers. Some people need betaine hydrochloride supplements, which becomes HCl/hydrochloric acid, or, some use vinegar (acetic acid) in salads, or mixed with water, while others need to avoid eating excess acid. Each person is unique. We avoid all artificial sweeteners. Anyone with diabetes might want to look at the excellent book Reversing Diabetes, by Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D..

Diet soda pop contains the harmful artificial sweetener Aspartame (Equal/Nutrasweet), which can cause WEIGHT GAIN, HEADACHES, UPSET STOMACH, BLURRED VISION, BLINDNESS, TWITCHING, SEIZURES, BRAIN TUMORS, HYPERACTIVITY, MOOD SWINGS, ETC., and soda pop often has strong acids, plus other harmful artificial ingredients. Plain water, gentle herb teas, certain fruit juices, brown rice-milk, etc. are healthier substitutes for soda pops.

We try to avoid all artificial ingredients, including fake fats (like Olean, Olestra, etc.), because these can destroy the digestive system, and prevent absorption of vital nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from foods. These fake fats also prevent digestion and absorption of needed fats & oils, used to repair myelin nerve cell sheaths (made of fatty material, mostly cholesterol). Hormones are also made of mostly cholesterol.

(8)  We try to drink more water, to prevent chronic dehydration. We like hard (nicely mineralized) well or spring water.
We do not drink distilled water (soft water, no minerals), because it can leach minerals out of our bones, possibly contributing  to osteoporosis. (See Ref.18,23, on page 9.) We avoid water softeners (chemicals) because they can be toxic, and because good minerals help keep us healthy. People with KIDNEY PROBLEMS &/or GLAUCOMA, etc. should ask their docs how much water is safe to drink, since too much water can be dangerous for them! (But, dehydration can cause problems also.)

(9) We use ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS ( edible beneficial bacteria which keep bad YEASTS away, such as Candida Albicans, formerly called Monilia). ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS also can eat or control some bad bacteria, and some viruses. The acidophilus/bifidus are also called PRO-BIOTICS and are beneficial intestinal flora (mainly for the large intestine). We keep the jars refrigerated, but not too cold. (See Ref.14,15,23,24,25, on page 9).

Acidophilus/bifidus can re-populate the large intestine, with good bacteria, after antibiotics &/or steroids, etc. have killed off these good bacteria! Some of us have to continue eating the acidophilus/bifidus (daily, or from time to time), but the results seem worth the effort to us.

Yogurt and buttermilk contain similar beneficial bacteria, but are milk products, so see (11) below about milk products.

(10) We use DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. My husband likes Acid-Ease by Prevail, which contains Slippery Elm (inner bark), Marshmallow Root, Gamma-Oryzanol (from Rice Bran Oil), and the plant enzymes Amylase (digests starch), Lipase II (digests fat), and Cellulase I (digests cellulose from plant cell walls). The Acid-Ease does not contain Protease, which can be very irritating to ulcer/GER folks.

The Acid-Ease is NOT an acid blocker. It is not an antacid. It soothes, coats, nourishes, and promotes healing. Its enzymes help with leaky gut syndrome.

   I use Total Enzymes (which does have Protease, a protein digesting enzyme) by Nutri-West, a company that sells only to health practitioners (Chiropracters, Physicians, and others). One could ask their physician to order, at cost, for them, by having physician call 1-307-358-5066.

   Digestive enzymes are NOT FOR EVERYBODY.

(11)  My husband has found that AVOIDING MILK PRODUCTS helps him feel less congested, with less mucous in throat. Milk and milk products can cause gastric reflux episodes. Brown-Rice Milk (look for gluten-free) can substitute for milk (but not for babies!).

Gluten is in wheat, rye, oats, barley, & buckwheat. Read labels to avoid hidden gluten, in some soy sauces, gravies, grain alcohols, beer (barley malt), etc. People with Celiac Disease need to avoid all foods containing gluten. BROWN RICE (organic) is gluten-free. Corn is gluten free, but is very allergenic (allergy causing), so avoid corn. Avoid millet, because there is disagreement about whether millet is safe or not, for Celiac patients.

MILK MAY CAUSE MORE ACID to be produced, IN THE STOMACH.

I occasionally eat milk products, like yogurt, cheese, whipped cream, or my ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS, which is mixed with goat milk powder. So, at these times, I take LACTASE ENZYMES, to digest (break down into easily absorbed small molecules) the milk-sugar called LACTOSE. Many people (due to heredity &/or disease) have Lactose intolerance, where one’s small intestine does not secrete the lactase enzyme. Result is that the milk-sugar (lactose) travels further down the small intestine than it should. Then, bad bacteria eat the lactose, giving off lots of gas (a by-product of the digestion of bad bacteria), and this causes folks to get bloated, gassy, have diarrhea, and cramping. I use Lactaid” brand lactase enzymes, and it works for me. Ordering direct from them can save money.

(12) Using the above methods has almost completely freed my husband of needing to use Tums, and seems to be nicely controlling his and my GER/LPR. We have never used acid blockers.

ACID BLOCKERS CAN HAVE DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS: Some examples are:

Acid must be present in the stomach, in order for the stomach to make a substance called Intrinsic Factor. Intrinsic factor must be present with Vitamin B 12, in the duodenum (first part of the small intestine), for absorption of Vitamin B 12 to happen.

Acid blockers therefore prevent absorption of Vitamin B 12. Malabsorption (lack of absorption) of Vitamin B 12, causes NERVE DAMAGE (pain, numbness, pins & needles sensation, etc.) in the peripheral nerves (outside the brain & spinal cord). This is called PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY. For details about this problem, see the Peripheral Neuropathy forum at http://www.braintalk.org

If Vitamin B 12 continues to NOT be absorbed, eventually there can be NERVE DAMAGE to the Central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).

ALSO, the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, other minerals, and important trace minerals, etc. cannot be properly absorbed, when there is no acid in the stomach (due to acid blockers, etc.).

AND, protein does not get properly digested (broken down--eventually into amino acids), in the stomach, when there is no acid in the stomach.

Doctors and pharmacists can advise about tapering down (weaning) schedules (when and if safe) for the acid blockers. Some acid blockers, when stopped too quickly, can cause rebound acid secretion in the stomach, resulting in excess hydrochloric acid secretion.

ALSO, SOME FORMS OF REFLUX ARE NOT ACID REFLUX, but are ALKALINE REFLUX, (bile is alkaline). Besides refluxed stomach acid (HCl/hydrochloric acid), Pepsin (an acidic proteolytic/protein digesting, enzyme) & bile (alkaline) can irritate & damage: the esophagus, throat, vocal cords, & lungs.

(13) Do not drink ICY COLD DRINKS, and AVOID VERY HOT DRINKS. Use room temperature drinks, or slightly cool, or warm, but not ultra-hot. Extremely cold or hot liquids can irritate the stomach, which is bad for ulcers &/or gastric reflux.

(14) Ask physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, etc. if they know any safe adjustments that might lessen GER/LPR, if you wish.

(15) Read (by Dr. James A. Koufman) PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET ON REFLUX by Center for Voice Disorders of Wake Forest University. Here’s a link:  http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/pt_info.html  Dr. Koufman was a pioneer in showing the connection between stomach reflux (can be acid reflux OR alkaline reflux) and breathing problems!

(16) Some have found a special (large) GERD pillow helpful for preventing GERD episodes while sleeping and while lying down. Here is a link to the Prop up pillow website:  http://www.propuppillow.com

(17) Avoid harmful chemical air pollution, which can aggravate gastric reflux. See page 5 of VCD website for more about this.

(18) Using the above methods, in addition to the SINUS SURVIVAL tips, has helped us to prevent VCD attacks, in us.

(19) Please check with your doctor, in advance, to be sure that it is OK for you to try these tips, in your particular case. Also, please get monitored by your doctor, to be sure that no more damage to the throat, esophagus, stomach, vocal cords, lungs, etc. is happening, from possible SILENT gastric reflux.

Pregnant or nursing ladies should check with their doctors, before trying any of these tips.

Avoid any herbs, foods, etc. that you may be allergic to.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist, to be sure that there would be no harmful interactions between any of your medications, diet that you may be on, and any herbs, foods, etc. mentioned in these tips.

Check with your doctor, to be sure that these tips would not interact badly with any medical condition you may have.

These tips help my husband and me (adults). Some of these tips may be OK for children, and others may not be OK for children. Check with your doctor! Babies with gastric reflux need DIFFERENT treatments, not these tips (except for raising the head end of the crib, if your doctor says it is OK to do this, etc.). Check with your doctor!

Sincerely, Concerned lady

http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[giggy]

How long did it take before you were completely over the reflux even at night?  I still have it at night. It is completely gone during the day.

I also have a hiatal hernia.  Are there any other natural treatments for an hiatal hernia other than those for reflux?

[Concerned lady]

Dear Giggy,

My husband and I use the Gastric Reflux tips EVERY DAY, and, as a result, we are "controlling" our reflux, so that we aren't having "episodes" of the reflux at night, and almost no episodes during the day.

It took us about a week to see good results, but...we don't have a hiatal hernia. I believe that most of the "tips" will help with hiatal hernias too.

Everyone is different. It may take you longer to see good results, AND/OR, you may have to do some other things to help your situation!

However, you should look in various holistic books at health food stores, and at bookstores, to see what they all recommend to help with a hiatal hernia! What does your holistic doc say to do?

Sincerely, Concerned lady

http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[giggy]

He says surgery. I am going to try everything that I can find in the meantime.  The surgery that I am looking at, if I do have surgery, is the BardEndoCinch.  It is pretty new but only takes about 30 minutes and done as an outpatient.  They take a pleat at the end of the esophagas near the stomach so the reflux doesn't come up into the esophagas. This is done by endoscope with a little sewing machine on it.

I have checked  the holistic books and they don't have very much on hiatal hernias.

I just went to a gastro doctor.  He is going to do PH test and mobility test and also another endoscope.  I will know more then.

Thanks you for answering.

[feelbetter]

I stopped prilosec at once, I did not realize that I should wean myself off of it. The side effect that I experienced at first was A LOT of acid backing up at night. I never even had that before where I could actually feel acid burning in my throat. After about 2 weeks that went away and my stools are also back to normal. I no longer have to go 3 or 4 times each morning. As I mentioned, I feel 100% better. The DGL is working so well and I too am thankful to our friend Concerned Lady because without her, I would still be paying $130. a month for prilosec and still suffering anyway. I wish everyone here much improvement. Thanks to all for sharing!

[karie]

I tried DGL and wonder should I try again. No relief and did 2 weeks, Had to stop and have dental work done.
Carrott juice too strong I think.
Slippery elm: Can't have certain items with sugar and allergies are a factor.
Please offer some suggestions and let me know if you too suffer with weight loss due to unable to eat and pain above bellybutton. Hours of pain, Appreciate your time

[MikeP]

Wow! I am so glad I found this group. I started having episodes of GERD about 5 months ago. My doctor put me on Losec, which helped tremendously expect for the morning "rush" to the bathroom and has very low side-effects. With it I can sleep and not worry about acid refulx. I am looking forward to trying DGL, if I can find it here in Canada. I also want to add to the group the importance of moderate exercise and twice daily stress-reducing techniques like meditation or self-hypnosis. Let's face it, stress is everywhere and it can hit hard. And for us, it's our stomachs. I have learned that a change in lifestyle is important and reducing stress WILL help. Even heal perhaps. Thanks.