Acid Reflux

I haven't found much that takes care of my GERD other than prescription meds. I've eaten a completely bland diet and avoided all the trigger foods (citrus, alcohol, chocolate, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, etc) and it didn't make a difference at all in the frequency of my symptoms. I hope dietary changes work for you!

*Sigh*... Yeah I was diagnosed with an Ulcer of the Fundus and underwent an Endoscopic procedure at age 28 (I'm 36 now) and have permanent GERD as a result. I've tried quitting the Proton Pump Inhibitors since they're so bad for you long-term... but even cutting everything (I mean EVERYTHING) diet-wise did very little and I suffered off of them even after months of waiting it out. If you have a diagnosed, permanent GERD situation... there's a lot of woo out there regarding diets, apple cider vinegar, and homeopathic remedies.

But those things are more geared toward people who have Acid Reflux a few times per week rather than a Chronic condition. They can afford to go off PPI meds and try other things. But if you have GERD and have NOT had an Ulcer yet, it's really not worth the risk of developing one by trying the "other" methods.

I don't take prescription strength anymore, but I've resigned myself to taking Nexium 24hr for life and mostly cutting acidic foods/drinks by at least 50%. But it's still a part of everyday (the chest pain, the bloating, etc). So it really depends on how serious/chronic yours is. If you're a GERD "chronic" type.... just take the PPI and try to avoid the acids as best as you can. And keep your med doses as low as you can tolerate.

If it's Reflux a few times a week, an "as needed" med like Zantac 150 and dietary changes could make a huge difference if you're vigilant. Digestive enzymes in supplement form can't hurt, even if they don't help... and probiotics (a quality, strong one geared toward surpassing acids like Syntol AMD) are a must.

I went off PPIs in April after being on them for 25 years. It's still a struggle. Losing weight is one of the best things you can do. I take DGL as needed, supplement with L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, slippery elm, aloe, and a few other things. I do Tums if it's bad, and Zantac if it's really bad (or if I want a few beers). I take D-limonene every other day. I don't eat late. I eat whole foods and mostly avoid sugar. I have a raised pillow for my bed.

Tomato sauce and wine are killers. And baked flour goods.

It's a pain but I was at the point that max prescription PPIs weren't even working. And they have nasty side effects.

first if its bad enough, see a gastroenterologist and see whats causing it, some people make too much acid,some people make too little. it can also be caused by other health issues so knowing the source of it is the first step.I mean you could try cutting things out that seem to cause it,but if you arent sure or it doesnt matter what you eat then yeah get checked. I have to take a PPI and an H2 blocker because I produce so much acid. I have also had H pylori which is another issue that can cause GERD and that has to be treated with meds. I have tried changing my diet and losing weight and that for me didnt help. so meds it is for me.I also have gastritis flare ups which are NO fun at all.

My husband tried everything but what worked for him was changing jobs. If you have GERD and diet doesn't help, examine the sources of stress in your life.