Acid reflux issue

[JonnaD]

So, I have been battling acid reflux since about 2000. I have taken OTC meds off and on and been prescribed meds. For the last 8 yrs I have taken a daily Omepromezole of some sort. Well, now my new doctor is concerned at how long I have been taking this med bc the long term effects include, bone issues and liver issues. So she put me on ranitidine which has really NEVER worked for me. I tried it since Monday and have been in agony and started eating two alcaseltzer (sp) along with it with little to no relief. So I called and she put me back on Omepromezole but only temp and said I will try the ranitidine again in a few months and if nothing has changed I will need to come back in. So, since I already know it wont change is there anyone out there that has advice for me? Ive tried changing my diet, not eating after a certain time and nothing has helped but the PPIs (which are bad for you over time) Does anyone have advice for me how to prevent the reflux without meds? HELP!

[Red_Star]

I really should of reread my answers before posting. Missing info, dodgy grammar lol. But you get the gist of it. Just to add, most ulcers (as the Patient UK states - 8 of 10 cases) are due to the H Pylori bacteria.

Excerpt from Gallbladder Attack - Chronic Heartburn article...

"If you have any of the following including GERD, they are often accompanied by or the cause of low stomach acid. And be aware that gluten is a common cause of heartburn or GERD. If you follow our gallbladder diet and cut out the gluten, you may notice a dramatic drop in your heartburn symptoms. Try the Herbal Digestive Bitters instead of antacids.

Risk Factors and Causes of Low Stomach Acid

Allergies
Anemia
Adrenal fatigue
Alcohol
Atrophic gastritis
Heartburn
Gerd
IBS
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hives
Candida and other Yeast
Bacterial Dysbiosis or infections in the Gut
Adult acne
Eczema
H. pylori infection
Stress even in children
Age. HCl production decreases with age

Diseases Associated with Low HCl
Asthma
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Hepatitis
Eczema
Acne rosacea
Dry Skin
Psoriasis
Parasites
Gallbladder disease
Herpes
Hives
Hypothyroid
Hyperthyroid
Thyrotoxicosis
Autoimmune disorders
Lupus erythematosus
Myasthenia gravis
Pernicious anemia
Celiac disease
Sjogren 's Syndrome"

[JonnaD]

So everything you just talked about I literally just read online yesterday! I think you are totally right and it makes so much sense! Everytime after I eat and and drink I get burps and can literally feel gasses from foods coming up my esophagas. It sucks. Everything I eat stays with me for so long so I avoid strong foods such as green peppers, onions, smoked meats, it all gets burped up for hours. Low stomach acid makes total sense but I wonder why PPIs are the only thing that works for me. Its so frustrating bc without the meds I really cant eat. For breakfast today I had a banana  and 3 crackers. I drink a glass of hot water after every meal now and I started the acv yesterday. i pray for relief soon! Thank you for your help.

[Red_Star]

Acid blockers neutralize pH levels so the acid doesn't burn. It doesn't matter if you have low or high stomach acid levels for these drugs to work. But low pH in the stomach is a disaster as you need acid to digest foods properly and kill off pathogens. I hope you feel better soon! :)

[Red_Star]

My mother had severe GERD/LPR and was on nexium (PPI). She almost died from that drug so I looked online desperately trying a solution. And I found LOW stomach acid is the most common cause of acid reflux.  I had her try a cheap baking soda test online. Not sure how scientific that test is but she didn't burp for an hour. That was enough for me to try her on betaine HCL with pepsin supplements and digestive enzyme supplements. These supplements work!  Not only does it get rid of her reflux issues but her gastritis healed over a year as well.  Due to so many years of acid blockers it is likely the PPI drugs damaged her proton pumps in the stomach so if she stops taking these supplements reflux symptoms come back. Her gastritis pain comes back as well. The old fashion remedy is apple cider vinegar to increase stomach acid levels.

This info showed up online last year "Taking proton-pump inhibitors, commonly prescribed to people with acid reflux, was related to an increased risk of early death from any cause, a new study finds..."In our studies, however we looked at the data, there was always a consistent relationship between (proton-pump inhibitor) use and the risk of death," Al-Aly said."

[timidlymundane]

You could try baking soda water. It usually helps me, I've had acid reflux since teenage years. Tums smoothies are good for acid relflux, but try the baking soda water first. When you have issues with reflux just drink some.

[JonnaD]

I have tried baking soda water. it never totally relieves me. I read something about ACV, Im going to take the 14 day nexium and then try ACV and baking soda and see if I can get it under control.

[timidlymundane]

Have you tried maalox or gavascon? I hope you can get rid of you acid reflux.

[JonnaD]

I have not tried those two things. I will give that a try.

[Struggling111]

Hi, I feel your pain although I have not taken meds for my condition and usually suffer with bloating and horrible ibs and wind, terrible reflux. My partner of six years thinks I’m the biggest pig but I can’t help it! He doesn’t understand. I think it’s a genetic thing. My whole fam take meds for these problems and being preg and breastfeeding for the last four years I decided to not take meds and am very natural health contious but unfortunately still suffer from various health issues. I found out a year ago I have mthfr as family members were diagnosed. My daughter was tounge and lip tie, I found I have a tie also, which can effect teeth alignment, breathing and cause a whole range of problems. I have mild pcholosis and back pains. I find it facinating the links between reflux and tounge ties and also mthfr gene defect. If you have not heard of it you could also have a gene mutation which causes these problems. I think I may have a thyroid problem which is causing my reflux, which can be caused from mthfr. Sorry I can’t be of more help, I have not been properly diagnosed, I’m not sure how to test for thyroid problems but I think the best way to treat is if we know what is causing the reflux problem..

[JonnaD]

My grandfather and sister suffer from the same reflux issues. My sister has even had ulcers. My grandpa was diagnosed and treated for esophageal cancer last yr due to errosion so i know it runs in my family. I just had no idea that the meds have long term effects. it frustrates me bc the meds are the only thing that helps and without them I have trouble even eating. I will look into the thing you talked about. Thank u.

[Struggling111]

Oh I know how you feel it’s awful, most times i eat look heavily pregnant and have such problems. I don’t take meds for that reason and also why I avoid contraception as I hear all the nasty side effects . Good luck, it’s awful I know I wish I was of more help

[AnnieBrooke]

I've been told eating papaya can do a whole bunch of good, also changing the posture (so the organs line up differently) and especially losing weight (so the stomach is not pushed up by fat). But it all depends on what is causing the problem. If you have a broken or eroded valve (lower esophageal sphincter), pills can't fix that. Has a doctor ever done an MRI of the area to see what is going on there?

[JonnaD]

I had a scope done in 2008 to look for stomach cancer or ulcers, none found. Did an ultrasound to look at gall bladder too to rule out issues. Found nothing and diagnosed me with GERD and IBS. They kept me on daily meds and thats were Ive been at the last 10 years. I dont eat any fried foods and stay away from processed and acidic foods and Im not overweight, posture may be an issue tho bc I sit at a computer all day.