Acid Reflux and a vegetarian diet.

[burney15]

I am 66 years of age and taking Omaprazole for acid reflux.  I try to be careful with what I eat, although it can be a struggle.  It is generally under control unless I eat something that disagrees with me.  My main concern, is that later in the year I want to attend a religious retreat where there will be fixed vegetarian catering and because choice will be very limited, I am wondering, given the difficulties of this unpleasant condition, if it would be wiser to look for an alternative venue or limit any possible effects by eating smaller meals. I am anxious to maintain the good progress I have made. Thank you for any advice.

[burney15]

Your comments about chocolate are well noted, as I TRY to avoid it - not always easy! especially at Christmastime and Easter etc., as I am not a coffee drinker, no problem there.  I do feel a move to a more vegetarian diet, would be an advantage. Thank you and sorry for the delay in replying.

[Flycaster305]

Correction:  Three weeks without food.

[Flycaster305]

I would suggest taking the drug exactly as prescribed, which is 1/2 hour to 1 hour before the major meal of the day.  If you encounter a meal full of food that you don't like or know that gives you problems, just skip the meal, you will be just fine as long as you hydrate.  I'm betting the retreat is very important to you.  We can live three minutes without air, three days without water, and three days without food.  I had to go about two weeks without food and I'm still standing.  

[caregiver222]

You have two problems. ne is the acid reflux. The other is your intolerance for specific food groups. Intolerance is often due to a helicobactor pylori infection - but the saliva test is invalid if you are on omaprazole. Surprisingly, there are alternative treatments to omaprazole, and some arguments against it's long-term use. You might try a consult with a naturopathic physician. The primary problems with acid reflux are the presence of methylxanthines - present in  chcocolate and coffee. Ordinary vegetarian fare shouldn't be a problem.