acid reflux help

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Mon, February 25, 2008

What is the best natural product to keep down acid in your stomach. I'm worried about taking Prevacid. I'm already developing stomach polyps

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Vicki M

2/25/08 9:55pm

Hi gerd124,

Dr Todd Eisner answered some questions back in december and one of them asked about Papaya juice benefits for acid reflux. Here is his answer. Apparently Papaya juice has Papain in it which is beneficial for some folks suffering with acid reflux.

Jan Gambino, resident expert here also talks about a book that has lots of natural remedy tips. You can read that article here, and about Jan Gambino here.

I hope you find this information helpful, hoever no online information can take the place of your doctor's advice. Only you and your doctor know what is best for you. This information will help you in forming the questions you want to ask your doctor.

Take care and stay in touch, let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

Steve

2/27/08 9:21am

I have taken papaya enzyme chewable tablets for years instead of the regular Rolaid type antacid. The do a good job and help out my comfort level quite a bit. However, while I was treating my symptoms apparently the acid I couldn't feel was scarring the heck out of my esophygus ( I have a hiatal hernia - my stomach valve's stuck open). My doctor has me on a protein-pump inhibitor which apparently is helping treat what the papaya couldn't help. I wasn't too keen on being stuck on a pill for the rest of my days, but apparently I was getting pretty close to irreparable damage by going without. Stomach polyps sound nasty.

Vicki M

2/29/08 11:31am

Hi Steve,

From what I have read, it's really imperative that you be careful with the condition you have. Stomach acid on the esophagus is thought to be the cause of Barrett's esophagus which is a precancerous condition. Not a good thing.

How are the PPi's working for you? Do you take them as well as the papaya enzymes?

Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

Steve

3/ 4/08 8:53am

Hi Vicki,

Yes, apparently I was getting close to Barrett's. I haven't had a second endoscopy yet to see how well the Proton Pump inhibitors have worked although I've been on Protonix for close to two years now and I've felt quite a difference.

My doctor's concern right now is that he's read that prolonged use of PPi's and possibly Protonix specifically have been linked with a vitamin B12 deficiency as well as an increased susceptibility to pneumonia. Right now he's been trying to wean me off and put me on a daily Prilosec instead. That hasn't been working too well for me. There's a surgical procedure, but it may only last ten years and I'd never be able to belch or vomit again. Not that I enjoy those, but they feel somewhat necessary.

The other natural remedy I've been using aside from papaya (which I take whenever I've eaten something naughty; and the naughty list is unfortunately long) is I've switched from my morning coffee to a hot beverage with chicory and barley malt. Apparently the chicory is supposed to help with digestion as well. I also sleep on a wedge pillow as well which isn't bad. Although that's better for keeping the acid from getting into your throat and probably wouldn't do much for stomach polyps.

Vicki M

3/ 4/08 9:16pm

Hi Steve,

Sleeping elevated is good, but also I read a posting on this site that suggests sleeping on the right side is bad for sufferers of Acid Reflux. I am not sure why, but it makes sense that if you are flat on your back, the acids in your stomach find it easier to make their way up your esophagus. Best to ask your doctor for sure. Here is a link to one of the posts that suggests sleeping on the left is better. Apparently the shape of the stomach makes sleeping on the left more difficult for the acid to creep up on you.

Good luck and stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Oh by the way, do you ever experience water brash?

Vicki M

Steve

3/18/08 8:21am

Water brash. I suppose I do from time to time although I've never had a name for it. It's not always noticebly acidic, but I do get it sometimes.

I usually try to sleep on my back as much as I can stand because I had it in my head that neither side was very good to me. I guess if I have to roll over I'll roll to the left.

Thanks,

Steve

Vicki M

3/19/08 4:29pm

Hi Steve,

Hope you are getting some sleep!! Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

GerdInd

8/19/09 11:52am

I have suffered from GERD for almost 3 years and tried PrevAcid/Nexium and Prilosec.

I came to know about a natural cure through my friend in India. He asked me to follow the few steps.

1. Drink water 1 -2 hours before you eat.

2. Don't drink water atleast for an hour after you eat.

3. Don't drink any water after you have dinner.(If you eat very late)

I tried these simple steps and my GERD is completely gone. No medicenes no mess.

I am not sure whether this will work for you but worth trying.

Let me know your feedback if it helps you.

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