My boyfriend was diagnosed with acid reflux. Any ideas on alternative treatments? I have read what Dr. Weil has to say about it and found his suggestions helpful but am wondering if anybody has personal experience. Thanks so much. I love this site.
She said it is the first time in a year that she got a full nights sleep and is telling all her friends about it. They work and it's an easy and inexpensive fix.
I'm seeing DGL in other threads here- so you can try that.
Also, a Cal/Mag/Zinc stack taken at night may help.
But don't mess with it too long. My sister developed a pre-cancerous condition from it called Barrett's Esophagus and had to have surgery.
A hiatal hernia may also contribute to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter move above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps the lower esophageal sphincter keep acid from rising up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, acid reflux can occur more easily.
Chiropractic doctors & osteopathic doctors w/ knowledge of applied kinesiology know how to do visceral adjustments in order to fix this. For certified applied kinesiologists, please go to http://www.icakusa.com/doctors/
Thank you. I have always thought that I have a hiatal hernia - my father did.
Do you have any suggestions for how to eat that might help. I know that certain foods make it worse. Fatty foods, acidy foods, and eating too large a meal at one time.
I am really trying to get this under control so that I don't have to take the medicine which seems to be the only thing that works for me.
I've had acid reflux for several years. I tried Nexium and over the counter meds without success. Then I found I have an enlarged kidney that is pushing into the area, so it is mechanical. (apparently they share a common large nerve) I'm seeing a naturopath and trying a homeopathic remedy to get off ever increasing Rx. I also slow down my eating and eat smaller meals. If I'm in a rush I have a smoothie of sorts to cover me and keep away from fast foods. Be sure you also ask your doctor to check on the common stomach infection from H. Pylori bacteria. Meditation helps too, and anything else that reduces stress level.
Two things help to eliminate acid reflux: 1. Dr Ohhira's probiotics. 2. Z88 digestive enzymes. Probiotics to put the good bacteria back into the gut. The enzymes to help break down the food and assist with digestion. I personally know 5 people in the last year who this has helped. They are acid reflux free to this day. You can pick up Dr Ohirra's from Whole Foods or via the web. The Z88 enzymes can be purchased at www.bioinnovations.net. Both products are safe to take.
Boring and repetitive as this advice may be, I found that cutting back on the consumption of wine, fatty foods and chocolate too close to bedtime, was helpful.
But if what's contributing to your boyfriend's acid reflux is a hiatal hernia, he may want to try what really works for me - push-ups and upper abdominal exercises. I found that strengthening the muscles around my diaphragm was so effective (surprisingly so), that I didn't have so sacfrifice so much with regard to diet.
I had Acid reflux for years, and took Nexium,which caused headache and then acidfex. Which a pharmacist told me not to stay on these types of medicine because they can cause stomach cancer. Now with every meal, I drink water with a tsp. of cider vinegar. sipping it with my food. Plus a digestive enzyme also took care of my problem. My advice is to find a natural approach,so you can avoid future problems
Try taking Betaine Hydrochloride tablets with each meal. As we get older we have less stomach acid and BH supplies this acid which helps to digest the food, especially protein. It worked for me. You can get it at Whole Foods...inexpensive. Good luck.
I got caught in the Prevacid trap where every time I tried to get off it, I ended up with rebound effects. Worse than any of my pre-Prevacid days!
So, here's what I did to break the vicious cycle and end my reflux issues for good:
1) Aloe Vera Juice--stomach formula ( a small glass in the a.m. and p.m.)
2) Orange Peel Extract (1 capsule every other day) for 30 days
3) One probiotic every a.m.
4) A digestive enzyme before each meal
5) Acupuncture (didn't start to feel better until about 5 sessions in, so be patient)
6) DGL tablets (one about 20 minutes before each meal)
I followed this protocol from October (my lowest point) until December. By Christmas, I was able to eat normally and even enjoy a glass of wine. I am now able to eat and drink whatever I want without ramifications. The two things I have maintained from this routine are the probiotic every a.m. and biweekly sessions of acupuncture. I have had no new bouts of reflux or heart burn.
I hope this gives your brother some hope and healing!
I tried taking a digestive enzyme with betaine in it and it increased my acid reflux and made it much worse so I threw them out. Instead I take Essential Enzymes from Source Naturals and a good probiotic. Since I had Barrett's esophagus I am afraid to go off theprevacid. I had the laproscopic surgery for the GERD which helped a lot, but I still have esophagitis even though the Barrett's disappeared so I am staying on the prevacid because the dangers of the Barrett's returning far outweights the possible dangers of the Prevacid. I tried DGL once and the taste was so bad that I about threw them up so that went out the window. Most natural products for GERD are more expensive than my copay for the Prevacid so I will stick with it for now.
Newsletters
Acid Reflux 
Print This Post
Send to a friend
Bookmark This Post
