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5/18/13 3:35 A

I've found that when my GERD is really acting up eating some triscuits seems to help. And water is always a must!

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3/10/13 11:21 A

I have found that drinking at least 8 glasses of cold water seems to help me. I also limit myself to 1 diet soda (decaffeinated) per day.

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2/22/13 4:39 A

I am having a gastroscopy in one month and have been told to stop taking my lansoprozole for that time. I dont know how I will cope as I usually feel bad pain if I am late taking it daily.The hospital said I could take over the counter anti acid things if the pain/acid got too bad. I have read through all the posts on here and I do a lot of what you lovely helpful people say. Bed raised, not eating late,sleep on left side,take a lot of ginger, drink green tea, and definately know apple cider vineger helps.I would be grateful for other hints and also foods to avoid. Thankyou. ;-) Jude

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2/16/13 12:30 A

that is great - i went gluten free almost 1 year ago and my gerd is still going crazy even with rx med and weight loss.

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2/10/13 8:22 A

This last week I tried cutting down on sugar and replacing gluten with gluten-free or reduced gluten products. It seems to be helping?

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1/30/13 2:13 P

I have GERD and I also found out I have a Haital Hernia in my stomach. I have chest pain occassionally when I have reflux bad. I am going to try working out more often and trying to lose about 40 lbs. I believe this will help, because 8 months ago when I was only 168, I felt fine. It wasn't till my eating habits went south and I gained weight to where I am now 190, that I am having problems again. I am thankful for this team and this forum. I look forward to sharing more with you.

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1/27/13 9:17 P

I make sure I have a glass of milk at bedtime when I dont have acid reflux but if I di then I add 2 tums with the milk and that seems to work for me.

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1/22/13 2:30 A

Wow. I just read this whole page of solutions and now have some new things to try :) Thank you all for sharing what works for you.

My own pain control methods are similar to what has been said - don't eat late at night, avoid trigger foods (but some days everything is a trigger food, as some of you have said), drink water, straighten your torso out and sleep with your upper body slightly elevated, or on your left side.

I also find I need to straighten up when sitting as hunching over folding my upper abdomen causes pain.

I take Mylanta tablets before I take Nexium (I don't like taking prescription drugs and use them only when the pain builds to a certain point).

If I am not sure a food or drink will cause pain, I have the tiniest bite or sip first to see if there is a burn and don't have any more if there is.

Fresh ginger and honey tea helps sooth the pain sometimes.

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1/19/13 1:42 A

I take pepcid for my stomach and esophogus. If I have eaten something spicey then I add a big glass of milk and 2 tums the melt away kind and that hits it on the nail.I had gotten down to 152 at one point and my reflux seemed to vanish. so when I lose my weight that could be cured also. but I hqve a long way from 152 but I am motivated I will get there again one day.

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1/15/13 10:17 A

I take omeprazole (generic Prilosec), and it does help, but I've had to alter my diet. I can't eat the more spicy foods anymore, and I don't like that. But I'd rather eliminate those than deal with heartburn. I was also diagnosed with asthma about a year ago. I have had to use albuterol when coughing gets really bad and I have sometimes have trouble catching my breath. I did not know that this can aggravate GERD symptoms. Good to know. I'm hoping weight loss will relieve the heartburn. I lost 52 pounds several years ago and didn't have any heartburn at all then. So that should be a good motivator for me.

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1/9/13 4:52 P

I use Alfredo for myself when we have spaghetti and we do not have chili much in her house!!

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1/9/13 4:48 P

Two years ago I lost a lot of weight, now I am overweight and having pains again!! After I lose the weight I plan on maintain it and not ever get like that again!!!

Edited by: AMBERB137 at: 1/9/2013 (16:49)

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12/18/12 9:52 P

Hi, I'm new to this forum. My Dr mentioned that losing weight can really help fix reflux as it takes the pressure off the esophageal sphincter.

Has anyone who has lost a fair bit of weight found that this has 'solved' their problem or at least reduced the liklihood of attacks?

Best wishes
Karry

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11/27/12 6:49 A

Woke up this morning after having much pain yesterday. I still have a "bubble" sitting somewhere just under my collar bone and my stomach is gurgling. Took my prescription Zantac and am now trying a cup of warm water with 1/2 tsp baking soda. I haven't put this all together before, but since I developed asthma last year (during a very stressful time), I think I was also experiencing GERD but atributed the symptoms to asthma. I just read last night that albuteral for asthma can cause the stomach sphincter to relax and cause reflux, as can meds for anti anxiety. Well, I occasionally take a lorazepam to get a full night's sleep! More than ever before I am reacting with GERD symptoms. I had spaghetti sauce night before last (huge mistake) and can definitely put tomato sauce on my forbidden list. I would stand on my head if I thought it would make the awful sensations go away! (obviously this would be the last thing I should do!). Now my throat feels like I am having an asthma attack and I'm coughing. Ughhh!!!

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10/12/12 10:38 A

The new indication is that I may have Gastroparesis. Is anyone else dealing with this? My food is taking too long to digest.

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10/8/12 1:39 P

Thank you for the information.

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10/7/12 11:32 P

I progressed to Barrett's Esophagus. I am monitoring trigger foods. Recently I got a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. My new specialist recommended the Whole Food Diet and watching the PH of the foods that I'm eating. It has relieved my acid reflux.

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9/16/12 4:40 P

Yeah, been there. I had a camera down my throat and was sweating on the results but it came back fine so I'm thinking that the pain is not an indicator of there being an issue. I have read that surgery can help to fix the leaky muscle and keep the acid in your stomach.

I wish you well and will be thinking of you.

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9/16/12 2:24 P

After not hearing back from my primary for a week I went to Stat care and saw a Dr. there who increased my Dexilant to 2x weekly and told me to see a Gastroenterologist. He says I may need surgery.

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9/16/12 12:16 P

I was very recently diagnosed. I'm scared because I don't seem to be able to stop it and I don't want to develop that Barretts aesophagus condition. Looking back I think that is what killed my father. I am sitting here typing this to you and the sweat is just pouring off me. It is uncomfortable to swallow and I feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest. I've talked to my doctors but they just nod and smile. What does that mean?

I take omeprazole in the morning and that doesn't seem to do much.

I feel pretty lost.

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9/16/12 12:11 P

Oh my goodness! I have been driving myself nuts trying to figure out what triggers my acid reflux. I have tried so many combinations that I sat on my sofa crying last night because I can't take it any more and then I read this! I hadn't thought about stress.

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9/16/12 10:09 A

Scream

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9/15/12 2:23 A

Has anyone found that it may not be the food causing them to have issues with GERD but their emotions. I've noticed that I don't really have problems unless I am really really stressed. For anyone who is still not finding relief I would recommend deep breathing, walking, yoga, or something else that's relaxing.

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9/9/12 5:47 P

I am going to ask my Dr. to increase my Dexilant to 2xdaily. I had enough to try it this weekend after the Pharmacist told me that Gavascon or any of these type of antacids would bind with my medications and they would not work as well. It helped a lot.
I quit eating by 6 pm if at all possible and am trying to find more foods that will not cause as many problems. I gave away several bags of frozen veggies that had peppers and onions in the blend. They are some of my favorites.
Green beans, carrots, and broccoli are not supposed to cause as much heartburn and reflux. I am mashing things as much as I can to help with the swallowing issues I have developed.

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8/24/12 10:46 P

I didn't know I would have to wait so long for the food to pass and pain. I like to walk it off.

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7/15/12 3:39 P

Hi Tyeger87, I too had problems at night which would start as soon as I layed down, even with a wedge pillow. Tums helped sometimes but it typically would get worse. My Doctor recomended I take 2 Tablespoons of Maylox ( I use the walmart cherry flavor brand). Starting with the first night, I slept all the way through and have continued every night since, discomfort, burping, and pain free. You might want to give it a try.

Edited by: 06ULTRA at: 7/15/2012 (15:49)

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7/15/12 2:09 P

To SBecker, Good idea about cracker with lemonade. Alkaline to counteract on acid. Thanks.

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7/12/12 6:12 P

I am glad you are "a bit of a Geek," MOMSHOUSE1959. I will favorite this topic and refer back for different things I can try....and I'll check out that website: www.essense-of-life.com

Great stuff here! to everyone!

Edited by: STARWARSFAN2 at: 7/12/2012 (18:12)

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7/1/12 7:09 P

I haven't found anything to help other than my medication, at least until now!! I have tried water with little relief, I find that if I avoid any kind of oils/grease it doesn't bother me as much. I think I will try these ideas out and see what happens! Thank You!!!

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6/27/12 12:00 A

I was diagnosed with GERD about a year ago. It's not really my stomach that bothers me. It's just a dull burning sensation that I have in my upper chest. I take 20mgs of Omeprezole in the morning and 20mgs in the evening. I absolutely cannot drink coffee anymore and really spicy food is an instant trigger. But it seems to be hit or miss with other foods... I'[m still trying to figure things out... Anyone else experience this type of discomfort, and what seemed to help?? Thanks...

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6/10/12 4:08 P

I take two medications that really work for me. I also drink water with anything acidic. I will have a cracker with lemonade. That works for me.

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6/3/12 3:17 P

I have been using apple cider vinegar. Wow. It has been helpful. What do you think about sensitivity to wheat. ie McVites

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5/26/12 3:49 P

I will definately try those drinks... My stomach is always burning

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5/25/12 5:00 P

Does anyone find that they feel really weak and (not well) during the day??
I don't know if it has to do with all my GERD,hernia,Barrets,gastritus,etc or is it just me???

Besides always having a burning stomach ache.. I never really feel well..

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5/25/12 4:55 P

Thanks.. Sounds like I need to get some Aloe Vera juice..
My Stomach is burning like crazy..
I take Nexium 40 mgs in the AM and Zantac in the evening and some tums inbetween but its still bad..
I also have Barrets and Gastritus and heiatal hernia Besides the GERD..
I just recently am trying Naturally Fermented foods... I eat a little naturally fermented saurquraut evey day for 3 days now.. I'll see if it helps.. Its supposed to get the good bacteria back in sync??

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5/21/12 12:08 P

For me, the only thing that works is my medication. Not only do I have a genetic predisposition for GERD (my dad has Barrett's), but I also have a hiatal hernia. I have been on medications to control my acid production since I was 18, and they pretty much remove all symptoms. Unfortunately, I don't have prescription coverage at the moment though, so I can't afford my meds. My symptoms seem to be random (acidic or spicy foods don't aggravate my symptoms, neither do most other foods consistently). For me, I just use tums as needed right now.

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5/9/12 6:43 P

I was just diagnosed with GERD... I read about drinking Aloe vera juice and found that the brand Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera found at Walmart was far less bitter. I mix it with pure apple juice (Martinelli's) and drink with my meals. I don't eat a lot. I also make a Ginger tea with honey... Grind or slice up about a teaspoon per 8oz ginger, grinding is better because it releases more juice from the root. put in a strainer and steep with hot water for 2-5 minutes. depending on strength preference. I mix it with honey. and on occasion I will mix a small amount of Ginger tea w/o honey with my apple juice and 3 oz of aloe vera juice... not only does it taste good... but I go symptom free. I add a pinch of baking soda to tomato products to reduce the acid. you can also check out www.essense-of-life.com website for more information about acid vs alkaline forming foods. GERD is an imbalance of acid in your system. Very interesting website. I don't rely on my meds for control, I have a pretty bad case of it ... aloe vera works. my drinks of choice Apple juice, ginger tea, herbal teas (careful about High acid fruits) I like putting mango in my water instead of lemon and instead of milk products I use soy milk because it's lower in fat. If you must have coffee... I know ...big no no... I use whole milk rather than creamers because whole milk is lower in fat than creamer. Hope this helps. I found that those other aloe vera juices contain high amounts of sugar and sugar alcohols. not good for GERD ... try staying with natural or organic products. my Salad dressing of choice is Balsamic vinegarette because of the lower Acid in it. I know I'm a bit of a Geek on information about GERD and the foods, but reading this website really helped me. Hope it helps you.

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4/22/12 9:59 A

I've had to learn how to cope with acid reflux for about 2 years now and I'm only 24!! I finally went to the gastroenterologist this week to schedule some tests, but I personally handle the burning sensation with these little tips:

1. my "wet rag": take a small towel, wet it and put it on your chest/neck area. The cooling sensation always makes me relax and alleviate symptoms.

2. chew gum: I chew Extra Spearmint. Be picky about what gum you chew. Some mints aggravate symptoms.

3. Drinking water. This is good for the body either way so you're killing two birds with one stone.

4. Small frequent meals are better as opposed to three big meals.

5. Don't eat and lay down to go to sleep immediately. Wait at least two hours.

6. When you feel bad, write down what you ate that day. You will start noticing patterns, which will make you avoid the foods that trigger the pain.

7. RELAX. Stress can make you feel much worse. I know there's things I can't avoid, but I try to breathe deeply and close my eyes to take myself away from the stress for a little bit.

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4/8/12 11:28 P

To cope with the pain (when it happens), I walk. Sometimes it will cause me to burp (TMI?) and release the build up of the gas. I also take a few sips of water and it calms the acid refluxing into my espophagus. If I am laying down, I prop drink some water and put a few more pillows beneath my head and try to go back to sleep. I take 80mg of protonix a day and 300 mg of Zantac to try to prevent the reflux altogether. They work better than taking nothing but there are still "breakthroughs" and those are the times I use my coping strategies.

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3/28/12 6:15 P

I find a number of things helpful:

eat smaller dinner and bigger lunch, makes sense anyways
eat smaller portion meals and spread the calories into snacks
drink water!
keep water on my bedside table (your saliva slows at night which is part of the problem)
raise the head of the bed
sleep on your left side (helps to keep the kink in the esophagus)
Cepacol with anaesthetic not only controls the cough but deadens the pain (my MD is ok with this as long as you keep to the daily max)

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3/23/12 5:01 P

I was on a bus trip from Texas to Oklahoma and this nice older lady saw me rubbing my chest due to the pain of acid reflux. She proceeded to tell me to try peppermint or Lemon drops. I have done both in candy form. When I have wake up in the middle of the night I pop one of those candy's in so i can make it till my medicine kicks in. The lemon and peppermint usually instantly knocks the acid level down.

So when I see that drinking lemon in your water. It makes sense that it would help keep things under control.

Another thing if your a lover of foods with tomatoes. I know it sucks not having your pizza, and whatever else. But if you put a little brown sugar in the sauce. It cuts the acid level down and you should be able to eat it.

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3/22/12 9:28 A

Hi, all,

I just bought a bed wedge from Sears, and it arrived yesterday. I tried it last night but dumped it about halfway through the night...I think it'll be one of those things that's great to have when I need it, but not something I'll sleep with every night. For a moment, I was irritated that I didn't have any reflux so I couldn't really test it out, but then I regained my sanity! I think it might be kind of like insurance, and if I have it, maybe it'll magically ward off the night reflux. ha! If so, that's $80 well spent!!!

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3/18/12 2:27 P

I TAKE PREVACID 40 MG TWICE A DAY

I TAKE BAKING SODA WHEN I WAKE UP IN PAIN IT WORKS FAST

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3/18/12 9:45 A

The only thing that I have found that helps me is Tums and way more than is recommended. I have to avoid sugary foods, spicy foods, and too many carbohydrates. Koolaid and juice are the worst because of the sugar. Caffeine is also bad because it relaxes the muscles that keep your stomach closed off. Pain relievers do the same. So you need to look at everything you eat as well as medications that you are taking. I have found that just about everything will have some effect on it but you just have to figure out what creates the least irritations. Its hard to stay on a diet with this problem. Being overweight like I am is bad for acid reflux as well. Not eating regularly creates more acid in your stomach too. Good luck everybody. Be careful taking antacids and acid reducers because it can cause your bones and joints to break down.

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3/17/12 4:09 P

MY DH PUT WOOD BLOCKS UNDER THE HEAD LEGS OF THE BED

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3/6/12 7:35 P

I know what you mean. I sleep with my head above my heart and in the middle of the night I take a couple of chewable Mylanta tablets.

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3/4/12 10:35 A

I'll get up and take some Tylenol in the middle of the night lol. Takes the pain away, even though I know that's not really a solution to the core problem.

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2/29/12 4:52 P

I take 2 Pepcid AC at night and live on Gaviscon the rest of the day.

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2/23/12 10:27 A

On the topic of drinking aloe vera juice, I discoverd vivaloe at my local organic/health food store. (Pittsburgh, PA - Giant Eagle Market district). They come in 16 oz bottles and are flavored, I've only tried a few flavors, but I can say the watermelon is deliciously amazing, and I'm pretty sure it helped out some with the heartburn problems I'd been having.

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2/17/12 3:34 A

Omeprazole Dr 40 MG Capsule

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2/15/12 7:50 A

Tums God Bless You and Have a Wonderful Week.

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2/15/12 12:13 A

I havent been on here for awhile, but I thought I would tell u what I have been going through..I had a bad flare up with gerd for about 8 months, dr tried every pill out there,,had test on top of test ,,the only thing they found was severe gerd and wanted me to have more test but I was so tired of trying this and that ,,,I just suffered and was very careful what I ate,,, about the only thing I could eat cooked chicken and green beans..got tired of this but I didnt know what to do....and I heard of doing acupuncture for ur stomach and I tried it..been doing it for about a month and I can eat anything...Sometimes I can feel it a little bit ...I believe it will keep getting better....the first time I had it done he told me to go home and abuse my body to see if it helped...I was afraid to but I did it,,I ate pinto beans and a taco and It didnt hurt me,,,,,then he said after he got my body alkaline he told me to start taking a teaspoon of vinegar in the evening and I did and I am feeling alot better,,,even walked 10 min today,,I was bedfast...
I put this on here because I know what a struggle gerd, gastritis, ibs, ulcer can be...I also went grain free and the ibs went away (hope this can help someone)

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2/5/12 2:34 A

To Tyeger87, For nightime pain, I keep Papaya chewable pills by my bed. If that doesn't work, I get up and take a generic Prilosec. Walgreen's has it's own brand of both of these. Papaya is relatively cheap but the Prilosec is high. Do not eat for 3 hours before you go to bed. Tea even bothers me because of the acid. Hope this helps. Laying in bed with pain is the pits. Phyllis

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1/23/12 9:33 A

Hi LadyFran (and everyone!)

small bites is something i forgot to mention, but you are so right. my mom is like you with the easy chair...she says that she is much more comfortable in that than in bed. myself, i am a sticker for trying to get good sleep ever since i found out how important it is for your heart and other health. at the time my stomach problems began, i was not getting nearly enough sleep and that may have contributed. lack of sleep, lots of stress, and too much aspirin. i wound up with a golf ball sized ulcer that ate all the way through my stomach and stomach acids began eating on my liver, so had to have 45% of my stomach removed and intestines rearranged to accommodate that and liver shaved.

my friend recently gave me a jug of aloe vera juice and i have been drinking that, 4-8 oz per day is recommended. i like to drink it cold, first thing in the morning before i put anything else on my stomach. she says it helps heal everything it touches as it goes through you. it is still early, but i believe it is helping. i have not had to throw up or had severe burning since a few days after i started taking it so i am hoping this continues :) i also sometimes just keep a small glass of it to sip on while i'm at the computer at night. it might be worth it to try some, you can get it at pretty much any pharmacy for around $7-8 per gallon. hope this helps!

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1/23/12 7:41 A

Hi Scarletlurk, yes we do sound like we have a lot of the same problems. I do sleep with my head elevated as I sit in my lounge chair. Hardly ever sleep in my bed which is an automatic bed which raises and lowers, but I feel much more comfortable in my chair. I cannot have coffee, spearmint, peppermint, these aggravate my condition. I find taking Pepto Bismol helps if I can get it down my throat. Sitting up straight is a really good point, not eating too fast, small bites, etc. Lots of times I really do not pay attention to the things I know I must do. Eating too fast and not chewing is one of the no-no's. One would think after 26 years these would automatically come to mind before I do them. I am trying and part of that is posting on this message board for reinforcement. So thanks. Hope to hear back soon.

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1/22/12 10:11 A

Hi LadyFran. that sounds very scary. what helps me the most is to eat small servings of food throughout the day, never a full size meal, and to be careful of what i eat. things that are heavy, spicy, greasy, gassy, etc. get to know which foods are problems for you personally and avoid them or eat very small amounts at a time. i also have to consciously pay attention to my posture while i am eating and make sure i am sitting up nice and straight. then do not lay down for a good while after eating, i have read up to 3-4 hours, but 1-2 hours usually works for me. also sleep with head and shoulders slightly elevated. make sure food is chewed well and try not to swallow air with it. i have to pay a lot of attention to how i eat or suffer the consequences, it sounds like you may be a lot like me. i hope this helps. i also recently saw a list of foods on here that covered foods that relax the esophageal sphincter, or band, i'm not sure...but it included things like milk, chocolate, coffee, peppermint and spearmint...i can't remember it all, but under the heading of "A Natural Cure the Doctors Won't Tell You" is where i found all that info. there is a TON of good info in that thread! i hope you feel better soon :) hugs, deby.

Edited by: SCARLETLURK at: 1/22/2012 (10:17)

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1/22/12 1:19 A

anyone have any ideas on nightime pain? sometimes it gets so bad I can't really sleep. I find the only way to relieve the pain enough for me to sleep is to eat and of course I dont want to keep eating and then trying quickly to fall asleep before the pain kicks back in.

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1/19/12 1:04 P

To Lady Fran: Wow, that is something you definitely need help with. If I find out anything for that I will let you know. Hang in there!

Edited by: CRSHUSTAR at: 1/19/2012 (13:05)

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1/19/12 10:11 A

In 1985 I had Vertical Banded Gastroplasty for weight loss. I never truly understood that I had to make a total change in my eating lifestyle, therefore, continued to try to eat as before. Didn't work, doesn't work, won't work. After almost 27 years I still don't get it. I have suffered with regurgitating, GERD, Hiatal Hernia, Ventral Hernia, esophageal spasms. Been on Nexium, Protonoix, Carafate, trying to keep myself from having these symptoms. I find if I eat baby food, I have less problems. Anybody out there relate to any of this? I'd love to hear from you. As for drinking water, it helps, but sometimes the spasm prevents me from even drinking sips of water. I have suffered up to 3 days at a time not being able to take in sufficient liquid and I worry about getting dehydrated and passing out. I would love to know how to prevent these attacks.

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1/17/12 9:16 P

I drank 8 glasses of water today with a little lemon juice added for flavor and I didn't get heartburn all day and I even ate spicy foods. I think there is something to lemon juice because I have been getting heart burn almost every day for a while now but I wasn't drinking as much water and no lemon juice.

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1/17/12 9:34 A

Sorry to hear that your husband is not feeling well. I recommend that he visit his doctor. In the mean while, I hope that all is well with you and that your husband will feel better soon.

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1/16/12 5:43 P

I didn't have problems with heartburn until I started gaining extra weight but I have also had a lot of Stress too which I think is probably the bigger cause. A doctor told me that Anxiety can cause heartburn and acid and gas to build up in your stomach. I have been trying to work on lowering my Stress but I have also found that if I drink just a few ounces of milk, for me it is soy milk or eat yogurt it helps at least temporarily.

Edited by: CRSHUSTAR at: 1/16/2012 (17:46)

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1/3/12 8:36 P

I really wanted to avoid medications because of side effects and dilution of stomach acids. I also suffer from a sliding hiatal hernia, which adds more pain and problems to my acid reflux. Luckily my physician is on board with trying natural products also. One thing that seems to be working for me is deglycyrrhizinated licorice. This takes the substance out of black licorice that raises blood pressure. It helps your stomach create more mucus which protects the stomach lining. So far it seems to help. I also have been using ginger in capsule form and papaya enzymes.

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12/2/11 8:50 P

,,,

Edited by: HEALTHYNUGGET at: 2/14/2012 (23:56)

Posts: 25
11/20/11 2:28 A

I have recently started having the following in the morning, before I eat/drink anything else. It is really helping me:

I take some ginger and chop it into tiny pieces (total of abt a teaspoon and a half full) and put it in a glass of water. I warm the water for a minute in the microwave. Then I add the juice of half a lemon and half a tsp of honey to the water and mix it up well. I then sip this like a tea and also chew up the ginger pieces.

It has kept me acidity and reflux free for the last 3-4 days. It's still early but I thought I'd share in case it helps any of you

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11/9/11 11:04 P

The exercise ball is a darn good idea. I am going to try it for my problem. Physical therapists have at times worked on my spine and in general in the middle of my back. Then, told me to work with a styrofoam roll on either side of my spine. I'm going to try the ball idea as well. Lately, I've been having varied levels of luck wearing a weight lifting belt on my waist as I sleep at night as I have a hiatal hernia and can't get the acid to stop when I am sleeping. Nothing seems to work permanently. The best luck I have is vary what I do on a regular basis. Always change up my solutions. A doctor is going to check on giving me surgery now.

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11/9/11 11:53 A

My husband is new to this group. He has an enlarged heart, weighs over 300 pounds, has acid reflux, gets bronchitis every year, is a smoker but has gone from 2 packs to 6 cigarettes a day, has 3 deteriorated discs in his back, diabetic, anyway what I am getting at, he is having chest pains, said it feels like it is gas, he has taken, tums, alka seltzer, pepto anything to ease the pain, but it isnt helping, he is on medication for his heart, says it doesnt feel like it is his heart, does anyone else ever have this problem and what do you do to get the pain to stop?

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10/29/11 2:38 P

Boy was doing realy great on the Vinegar treatment.
And all of a sudden last week I was having chest and stomache trouble and boy did it hurt.
I finally decided after 2 days to go back to the Meds for w while, and it started to calm down.
I thought after a couple of weeks or so I will give it another try.

HAS ANYONE HAD THAT HAPPEN TO THEM????????? Hugs Rosalyn

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10/28/11 2:24 P

I know that it is totally backwards and I'm probably doing tons of damage, But, when it gets realy bad, it seems to trigger or feed off a pain in my back right near my shoulder blades. I'll sometimes take 2 ibuprofen and 2 zantac and 2 tums and then lay backwards over my excercise ball trying to get my spine to crack. I usually feel much much better afterwards.

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10/13/11 12:14 A

I am taking omeprazole 1/2 hour before breakfast and 1/2 hour before dinner. Seems to be helping.

I found a great ginger tea by a brand called jamaican. It is pure ginger. A lot easier than grating a root.

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10/12/11 8:38 A

I've been feeling the pain since my surgery and taking pain meds. Zantac's been helping me.

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10/4/11 6:56 P

AWHITE59: There are some anti-inflammatory vitamins and powders which really help sooth pain from ulcers. I have taken them from time to time and many times they have given me tremendous relief from ulcer type pain. Marshmellow root tea, Chamomile, Cat's Claw, Slippery Elm Bark, Aloe Vera, DGL and a product called GI-Revive by Design for Health, also - www.living-an-herbal-life.com.

Edited by: SHIITAKE29 at: 11/10/2011 (17:31)

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10/4/11 6:50 P

I will try the ginger/lemon tea, thanks for that suggestion. Also, recently, I started coffee as I had to get energy for a drive cross country of my invalid mother's things and am also taking care of my brain injured brother and it's me and some caregivers. But, the coffee eventually opened my LES valve big time. I have now switched to green tea extract. And I pour just the powder in my mouth from the capsules if it is in between meals as I can't even digest the capsules. It's really sour, but, in about15 minutes, I have the boost of energy that I need to get me through my chores/duties, even though my thyroid is grown to a goiter. My LES valve probably/hopefully will start to heal up and close again. I will let you all know what happens.

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9/9/11 9:51 A

I was just in Hong Kong and had terrible digestion issues at first. In the gym at the hotel, they served a tea of ginger lemon and honey. they called it a detox tea, and it helped greatly! Just another idea for relief.

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9/7/11 10:27 P

I have GERD and a hiatal hernia. I had 3 difficult lower abdominal surgeries. I have been having VERY good luck recently and it has not come easy. But, I've kept to a rigorous routine and some of the things recently that have begun to work for my pain are: 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in about 1/2 - 1 cup of water for acid pain. It seems to stop the pain almost immediately. Then, later on in the night if I have additional acid pain, stomach or esophagus, I take additional 10 drops in water. My holistic doctor said never take the drops for longer than a 6 week period. Sugar and wheat will definitely trigger acid pain for me. Even too much fruit. So I also take as much probiotics as possible to help my stomach flora get strong. I have to eat nothing 3 hours before bed time and I use a hard contour pillow which is about a 45 degree angle pillow. This pillow somehow helps correct my spine as well as helps with holding down the acid reflux. But, without the grapefruit seed extract, I still was getting major acid pain. I would much rather take grapefruit seed extract than acid reducers because gse actually kills off grunge like candida, etc., which may be responsible for the acid Before when I was on acid reducers, it actually was reducing my blood pressure down in the 70's and I was collapsing out and about, so I gave up acid reducers. I just deleted the references to baking soda because after I took it my feet swelled up tremendously and it affected my walking. I have changed to the apple cider vinegar, which after digestive enzymes does not work well for me, but, helps a little. I don't get the tremendous swelling with the vinegar though.

Edited by: SHIITAKE29 at: 9/10/2011 (00:43)

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9/2/11 1:44 A

I am having a really hard time the past few weeks with stomach pain. I had an endoscope done three months ago and it showed bleeding ulcers and of course inflamation. I've been taking omerprazole since then, but I'm still in quite a bit of pain. What can I do?

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8/25/11 9:27 A

Thanks that's a good tip for GERD. I also have migraine pain though and that doesn't work.

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8/25/11 7:28 A

To deal with pain, I stay upright and walk. And walk and walk. It takes a while, but I don't feel any pain while I'm walking and if I walk long enough, I'll walk right out of the episode of reflux. Also a good way to get your steps in.

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7/18/11 8:54 A

I've decided to give it up again and go back to green tea or herbal tea.

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7/17/11 3:24 P

hOPE THE nmp CAN FIGURE IT OUT BUT i DON'T DRINK MUCH COFFEE AT ALL.
1 Cup of the chocalate kind a day. Rosalyn

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7/17/11 5:23 A

If you cannot imagine starting your day without having a cup of coffee, nearly 20 percent of people can. That’s because for them, coffee causes heartburn and stomach distress, and scientists say they have discovered the reason for the pain.

A team of European investigators recently presented their findings at the 239th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, where they pointed out that until now, previous research has not established the potential for certain components in coffee to irritate the stomach. Although some coffee manufacturers put their coffee beans through special processes intended to produce so-called “stomach-friendly” coffees, the success of the end results are not clear.

One thing that may occur as a result of these irritant-reducing attempts is that they also lessen the amount of beneficial substances in coffee, which numerous studies have shown to include a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Stomach-friendly coffees may also lack the taste and aroma appeal of less gastro-friendly brews.

It is difficult to miss the abundance of coffee houses in the United States and around the world, clear indications of how popular coffee is. The NCA’s (National Coffee Association of the USA) 2010 National Coffee Drinking Trends market-research survey shows that coffee consumption has remained unchanged as compared with 2009, indicating that coffee is recession resistant. Daily consumption in 2009 among adults 18 years and older was determined to be 56 percent, while 68 percent reported enjoying the brew within the past week. The NCA also reports that 40 percent of the coffee consumed is gourmet.

Yet an estimated 40 million Americans cannot enjoy coffee at all or only a small amount because they experience heartburn when they do drink it. The new research, conducted by Veronika Somoza, PhD, of the University of Vienna in Austria, and Thomas Hofmann, PhD, of the Technische Universitat Munchen in Germany, believe their study “could lead to a new generation of stomach-friendly brews with the rich taste and aroma of regular coffee.”

The scientists studied the impact of various types of coffee—dark-roast, mild, decaffeinated, regular, and stomach-friendly brews—on cultures of human stomach cells. They found that substances such as caffeine, catechols, and N-alkanoly-5-hydroxytryptamides seem to trigger chemical changes associated with an increased production of acid.

It was the first time such a discovery had been made about these coffee components. Somoza and Hofmann note that a combination of compounds seems to cause the irritating effect and not a single element. They also found that a component called N-methylpyridium (NMP) appears to have a beneficial effect by blocking the ability of stomach cells to produce hydrochloric acid.

Because NMP is not found in raw coffee beans and only appears when the beans are roasted, darker-roasted coffees contain a greater amount of NMP, which means espresso, French roast, and other dark-roasted brews may actually be less irritating to the stomach than less hearty ones. The amount of NMP in any specific coffee can vary depending on the variety of bean and how the coffee is roasted.

“For consumers, coffee is a given, a daily enjoyment,” according to Robert F. Nelson, president and CEO of the National Coffee Association. If Somoza and Hofmann are successful, millions of more people will be able to start their day with a cup or more of coffee without fear of heartburn. They are now experimenting with various varieties of raw coffee beans and roasting methods to see if they can enhance NMP to produce a delicious, stomach-friendly coffee.

SOURCES:
American Chemical Society
National Coffee Association

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7/12/11 12:35 P

Thanks. That is a good tip. I am going to try it. During the day most of my problem is terrible gurgling in my esophagus and stomach. It is very loud and uncomfortable. At night if I eat too much or lay down too soon, I will have acid in my throat, an awful feeling. I am going to try drinking more water and of course eat less especially at night.

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6/30/11 9:22 P

I drink plenty of water. I also take nexium twice daily. I don't have the burning sensation in my throat but my stomach burns like crazy. Any suggestions? Oh, I had an endoscopy and I am pre-barretts.

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6/24/11 1:03 P

I have still been having trouble in the later afternoon with Acid Reflux so my friend that works in Suppliment Isle told me to try Papaya at the Onset of it, and it did help
Hugs Rosalyn

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6/23/11 11:39 P

first thing i do upon waking up is drink water at least 500ml of it and that helps keep the acid reflux off my case and continue drinking up rest of the day. if i take antacids it helps to keep being hydrated, too.

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6/23/11 7:00 A

Great ideas keep them comming

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6/22/11 3:22 P

thing is I think they only understood AFTER I had the acid attacks lol At least they got it then :)

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6/22/11 1:06 P

Erin that was nice that your Folks understood, and did the meals the way you need to.
A lot of people don't understand or don't care one or the other. Rosalyn

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6/22/11 11:45 A

I've found that if I stop taking antacids, eventually my stomach adjusts and I start to feel a lot better. It seems like the opposite of what would work, but in this case, the medications are just making my situation worse.

Unfortunately, it's hard to cope without them :(

Posts: 211
6/13/11 3:03 P

agree with eating earlier. My folks eat dinner closer to 8pm and I go to bed at 10pm. They were just here visiting this last week and the first night we ate at about 8pm (barbeque!) and I had 3 acid reflux attacks that night! They agreed the rest of the trip we'd eat at 6pm and I was fine the rest of the trip

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6/13/11 1:51 P

Yes the earlier I eat Dinner the better I am.
I was at the Coast for Vacation and DHs 91st Birthday a week ago and I didn't have any Prilosec with me, so I thought this is a good time to try to do without it, well I really paid for it.
OUCH Rosalyn

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6/13/11 1:46 P

I love the last one !

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6/13/11 12:45 P

Yes, so true! Eat Breakfast like a Queen, lunch like a Princess, and dinner like a Pauper.

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6/13/11 12:36 P

I have found for me it is best to eat my main meal of the day early in the evening so that my body has a chance to process it before I go to lie down.