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Okay, So For About Six Months, Maybe A Bit More,
Question: Okay, so for about six months, maybe a bit more, I have been dealing with acid reflux issues.
Doctors had been prescribing me antacids that sometimes helped very modestly in the short-term with *symptoms only*. Then even this modest benefit disappeared after very long, and antacids made things *worse*.
After researching the issue, it turns out that it is not at all clear to me why anyone would think antacids, or lowering stomach acidity at all, are a solution to reflux issues of any kind. The problem is not stomach acid -- you *need* that, you'd die without it -- the problem is that it rises to the throat and chest area.
At least in my case, the issue was, has been, and is that my lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has not been closing properly. Researching methods of improving its function, I learned that in many cases this happens because of *low* stomach acid, and that by increasing stomach acid, it causes the XXXXXXX to be more responsive in the long-term.
Having applied this theory, I have found that at least in my case this is correct. I have consumed apple cider vinegar to increase my stomach acid, and surely enough, do this every day has gradually improved my symptoms.
My readings suggest, however, that doing this for a full six months will be required before full recovery is attained.
So, in the mean time, I need suggestions on how to treat the *symptoms* of my heartburn -- that is, the physical burning sensation in my chest and throat -- that does not involve lowering one's stomach acid. I would strongly prefer non-Rx approaches as I'm already trying to keep my Rx-med-intake to the bare minimum that is absolutely essential for me.
Doctors had been prescribing me antacids that sometimes helped very modestly in the short-term with *symptoms only*. Then even this modest benefit disappeared after very long, and antacids made things *worse*.
After researching the issue, it turns out that it is not at all clear to me why anyone would think antacids, or lowering stomach acidity at all, are a solution to reflux issues of any kind. The problem is not stomach acid -- you *need* that, you'd die without it -- the problem is that it rises to the throat and chest area.
At least in my case, the issue was, has been, and is that my lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has not been closing properly. Researching methods of improving its function, I learned that in many cases this happens because of *low* stomach acid, and that by increasing stomach acid, it causes the XXXXXXX to be more responsive in the long-term.
Having applied this theory, I have found that at least in my case this is correct. I have consumed apple cider vinegar to increase my stomach acid, and surely enough, do this every day has gradually improved my symptoms.
My readings suggest, however, that doing this for a full six months will be required before full recovery is attained.
So, in the mean time, I need suggestions on how to treat the *symptoms* of my heartburn -- that is, the physical burning sensation in my chest and throat -- that does not involve lowering one's stomach acid. I would strongly prefer non-Rx approaches as I'm already trying to keep my Rx-med-intake to the bare minimum that is absolutely essential for me.
Brief Answer:
Please go through detailed answer dear.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
Have seen your details and I appreciate your concerns,
Basically GERD consists of two parts-
1)Acid formation- Excessive acid formation is seen however in less then 50% of cases.
2)Reflux of acid back into esophagus(cause of heartburn)-You are correct and I too don't know why most Gastroenterologist don't write Domperidon or levosulpride (gut motility controller).May be Domperidon and levosulpride both require prescription and that's why most doctors just write an Antacids making condition worse(patient already has low hydrochloric acid in stomach which is further decreased by use of antacids).
As you want a non Rx suggestion only I would suggest you-
Sleep with you upper body raised at 30 degree.Easiest way is to raise head end of bed by placing bricks below the bed.
Eat a bland diet(fruits veggies salads and non spicy home cooked food)and stick to it,No cheat meals.
No beverages.
Don't sleep before 2 hours from last meal.
Anxiety(Subconscious or Conscious) is found in many cases of GERD.You can take lactulose(natural) to keep your nerves calm.
Eat a home cooked natural food and follow natural cycle of sleeping(10 pm to 7am).
Exercise(Aerobic) minimum 30 minutes a day.
Things would take time(As you know any natural method takes time and tests your patience but would improve in long terms).
Hope I was helpful.
Follow ups are welcome.
Thank you!
Please go through detailed answer dear.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
Have seen your details and I appreciate your concerns,
Basically GERD consists of two parts-
1)Acid formation- Excessive acid formation is seen however in less then 50% of cases.
2)Reflux of acid back into esophagus(cause of heartburn)-You are correct and I too don't know why most Gastroenterologist don't write Domperidon or levosulpride (gut motility controller).May be Domperidon and levosulpride both require prescription and that's why most doctors just write an Antacids making condition worse(patient already has low hydrochloric acid in stomach which is further decreased by use of antacids).
As you want a non Rx suggestion only I would suggest you-
Sleep with you upper body raised at 30 degree.Easiest way is to raise head end of bed by placing bricks below the bed.
Eat a bland diet(fruits veggies salads and non spicy home cooked food)and stick to it,No cheat meals.
No beverages.
Don't sleep before 2 hours from last meal.
Anxiety(Subconscious or Conscious) is found in many cases of GERD.You can take lactulose(natural) to keep your nerves calm.
Eat a home cooked natural food and follow natural cycle of sleeping(10 pm to 7am).
Exercise(Aerobic) minimum 30 minutes a day.
Things would take time(As you know any natural method takes time and tests your patience but would improve in long terms).
Hope I was helpful.
Follow ups are welcome.
Thank you!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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