Dietary Tips for Digestive Distress

Please go to an Allergist. They found out in 2 visits that I have intolerance to foods. I was a mess the next day. I went to the office and said now what? They stuck me with an Epi Pen and had me sit in the office for an hour.

Also; older adults who never knew they had food intolerance or knew but food didn't bother them that bad, (when they were younger) may experience a more often episode of acid reflux, indigestion/heart burn or in my case a sensitive mouth/ lip, or tongue, hives or swollen eyes. - 5/29/2013 3:33:46 PM

I have acid reflux. My stomach is hurting me right now. I can't go to church this morning. I took a teaspoon of regular vinegar but I see that's no good for you. But I see where Lineyt said she take a shot of cider vinegar with the mother on it. Thanks I am going to try that. - 5/26/2013 10:01:33 AM

I have digestive issues if I eat late at night, before going to bed.
- 4/9/2013 11:26:37 PM

This was very informative, I've been diagnosed with acid reflux, gerd . Due to years of this issue I developed a hitial hernia witch is very painful, almost everything I consume in my body gives me heart burn. It's almost second nature to me. - 3/13/2013 7:51:44 AM

I am new to SP and am enjoying the site, have great hopes that it will help to keep me motivated to lose the extra pounds that have attached over the years. As a health care worker and sufferer of GERD myself, the article is spot on re triggers ie caffeine, carbs, carbonated beverages, spicy, fatty foods, etc. The suggestions for what works are worth trying, because we are all so unique. I am going to try aloe juice which a friend uses and has for years with much relief of his night time symptoms. Thanks for writing about this important topic.... - 9/9/2012 10:00:55 AM

Another symptom not discussed much but very common is an ongoing cough. I thought for years it was related to my asthma until an allergy/asthma specialist put me on meds for gerd.. Lo and behold I cough 1/4 as much as I used to. It seems the acid reflux irritates the throat passage which in turn causes you to cough, you medicate for the wrong thing which sometimes adds to the acid reflux and on and on. - 8/25/2012 10:26:18 AM

This was very interesting and informative. I have noticed that when I eat better, my acid reflux disappears. Yea! - 6/30/2012 8:04:41 PM

I have reflux troubles also. The insurance stopped covering the meds that worked. I eliminated most of the "triggers" and have stopped taking my meds. It has helped, but now I will lose weight. I have an Endoscope on the 15th.
- 6/4/2012 4:06:50 PM

I have had really really bad reflux... I had stopped eating at 5 pm and still would have it at 3 or 4 am, but I just want to validate the others that say a low carb diet has helped! I have been low carbing it (as a serious last resort after trying a million things!) and I have had not one twinge of acid issues. OK granted I also have had NO dairy as well as no chocolate, but I did eliminate those horrible triggers previously with only minimal results. If low carbs rid me of reflux, it's a win win as I lost 7 lbs in the first 10 days :) This is awesome since I was on a reflux drug that effected how my body absorbed calcium and I recently had 4 foot fractures from walking... I know it was directly related with me taking the drug for 18 months! - 5/31/2012 6:39:31 AM

I already take omeprazole dr twice a day. I experience alot of chest pain not cartiac related. cAN I take antiacids between the omeprazole? - 5/14/2012 12:18:59 AM

I always thought that I had GERD/acid indigestion and took various antiacid medications, with little relief. After doing further research on my symptoms (gassiness, acid burps, feeling food not being digested completely), I realized I had the OPPOSITE condition - low stomach acid. This was causing food to pass without being totally digested, thus the resulting issues. I then started eating/drinking something acidic before meals (i.e. apple cider vinegar, pickles, salad with a vinegar-based dressing), and this made a HUGE difference immediately. It turned out that I was making the problem worse by using the acid reducers. It won't hurt to give this a try - you'll know right away if this is what you need. Now I need to work on my lactose intolerance problem ... - 12/31/2011 4:59:42 PM

I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in December; I would love to Spark feature an article on this condition. - 7/25/2011 3:52:05 PM

I've been taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning and it's helped my acid reflux tremendously. It's important to get the one with the "mother" and take it on an empty stomach. I also plug my nose and have a small glass of soymilk after to help with the taste. - 6/28/2011 5:25:51 PM

Any thoughts about gluten sensitivity? - 6/28/2011 4:15:21 PM

Another digestive issue to be aware of is gastritis, which is when your stomach lining becomes inflamed. It can cause extreme cramping and diarrhea, as well as heartburn like symptoms in the center of your chest just above your abdomen. Gastritis is caused by a high amount of acid in your stomach, and treatment is very similar to those recommended in the article-- cutting out or down on spicy foods, coffee (both caffeinated and decaf), chocolate, and fatty foods. - 6/28/2011 2:06:42 PM