How Do You Manage Your Reflux?

dmb0312 on 21/10/2023 - 13:43
Last edited 21/10/2023 - 17:15 by 1 other user

I've had reflux for a few years now and there doesn't seem to be anything specific that triggers it. I'm early 30s and not overweight, no smoking and rarely drink alcohol.

Doctors have prescribed Nexium or Somac over the years and they're Ok but not perfect and I don't particularly want to be taking them forever. Symptoms are burping, constant clearing throat and heartburn.

Are there any other tests I should talk to my GP about that might help figure out what's triggering it, or should I just get a referral to a Gastro specialist? Is it worth seeing a dietitian or anyone else?

Cheers

Health & Beauty

Comments

      • mrdean on 22/10/2023 - 20:05

        The other thing I took for a while was citrus peel or an extract of it,

        I tried modified citrus pectin once (pectasol, also through iHerb), but that was very early on in my journey.

    • movieman on 27/10/2023 - 20:06

      Can you please elaborate what happened after long term use of PPI's?

      • Oofy Doofy on 28/10/2023 - 10:43
        +1

        Visit a GI surgeon and find out for yourself.

        They are only a trial med… (unless used for another unrelated, rare condition). You're meant to come off them after 3 months and see how you go. If you still have symptoms of reflux, at that point you need to get a referral to a surgeon.

  • blueskyfridays on 22/10/2023 - 16:24

    I found it was leaky gut. Was on nexium and others. I found junk food, different food while travelling and being on other medication can set you off, in addition to wearing tight clothing around your waist.

    What fixed it for me was an ongoing course of probiotics - Inner Health Plus Advanced. I still take this mixed with their normal probiotic.
    https://innerhealth.com.au/products/advanced-probiotic

  • Forskin on 22/10/2023 - 17:01
    +1

    Rennie tablets are the only ones that provided instant relief when I was eating "regular" food. Included mixed junk but mostly home cooked meals, pastas, soup, salads, sandwiches for lunch etc.

    Switching over to the Carnivore diet has eliminated Reflux completely for me.

  • DemocracyManifest on 22/10/2023 - 17:06

    Avoid acidic foods
    Degas will help a lot
    I used to use eno quite a bit and I don’t have to now
    Cut down on dairy too
    I need the occasional Mylanta - but just go easy on garlic, over seasoned food etc

  • relentless on 22/10/2023 - 17:08

    activated charcoal tablets from iherb

  • Willy Beamish on 22/10/2023 - 17:29
    +2

    its what you are eating as well as when and how much you are eating it. Adjust those and it will go away.

  • ssfps on 22/10/2023 - 18:04
    +5

    OP, did you ever take a H. Pylori test?
    Also, on top of other suggestions, read about d-limonene/citrus peel. Cheap and natural so not much downside to trying it.

    • NeedyMeteor on 22/10/2023 - 19:57
      +3

      H. Pylori should be the first test performed. It's a basic breath test and can be treated with antibiotics if found.

    • dmb0312 on 25/10/2023 - 23:37

      @ssfps I did the breath test years ago and the GP i saw this week recommended again before i see the specialist next week, so he has the whole picture

  • shutuptakemymoney101 on 22/10/2023 - 21:07

    @OP, see a Gastroenterologist - once they check you out internally, they might put you on a low dose of Amitriptyline and that will fix you up :-)

    • Thaal Sinestro on 23/10/2023 - 06:38

      Interesting. Amitriptyline is actually an older tricyclic antidepressant, one of the more sedating, side effecty ones.

      • shutuptakemymoney101 on 23/10/2023 - 17:57

        Yep. When I was initially prescribed Amitriptyline I googled it and thought the Specialist had made some sort of a mistake with the medication, eventually I found some info online about it being used to treat GERD.

        Some Doctors are clued into it being used for GERD but I find a lot aren't.

  • Kamsi on 22/10/2023 - 22:33
    -1

    Apple cider baby. Works for me.

  • peteru on 23/10/2023 - 02:40

    Allergy to something in your diet is probably the most likely explanation, as others have mentioned.

    In my case it is an allergy to nitrates and nitrites used as preservatives. No ham, bacon, salami, pate, liverwurst, hot dogs, corned beef, most sausages, or anything with celery for me. :-( When eating green vegies, I also need to include something high in vitamin C - citrus juice or ascorbic acid in salad dressing works.

    In addition to reflux, indigestion and gastric discomfort, I also get hives. Unfortunately, it took decades to track this allergy down, mainly because the "standard" elimination diet uses a timetable that is not long enough to get rid of the symptoms. If I do end up eating something like 50g of salami, I suffer with the symptoms for the next 6-9 months, requiring H1 & H2 (Zyrtec and Zantac) blockers every day. Now that Zantac is no longer available, I'm completely out of luck as the reflux medications commonly available are not H2 blockers and only provide marginal relief from the symptoms.

    The good news is that knowing the cause of your allergies allows you to manage your condition in a way that is better for your body. The bad news is that being on an elimination diet is very, very tough for extended periods of time. Being able to eliminate a certain class of foods for a year is just as hard as giving those foods up completely. It's worth it though.

  • Thaal Sinestro on 23/10/2023 - 06:47

    One thing that people rarely mention with regards to reflux - you have bad teeth. Dentists will mention seeing acid damage but usually aren't trained to see the acid damage as a result of regular reflux of stomach contents while you are asleep.

    I have been bothered by reflux for 20 years and have had to use a proton pump inhibitor daily to reign it in. It doesn't make the reflux go completely into remission, but it is a lot less sever. I also drink a little Gaviscon before lying down of if there is noticeable "heartburn". My diet is poor and doesn't help - 2 teaspoons of coffee per day, tomato sauce with wholemeal pasta every second day, 4 little squares of a chocolate block daily… In the old days they used to use 'anti-histamines' to treat reflux, but different from the ones popular on OzBargain - they inhibited Histamine 1 receptors, which lowers H+ secretion into the stomach, whereas the anti-histamines used for allergies interdict Histamine 2 receptors.

    Like tinnitus and diabetes, reflux is another chronic for life condition they you just have to put up with and cannot be cured of. As the Buddha stated, life is suffering.

    • Thaal Sinestro on 25/10/2023 - 12:18

      Oops, sorry - I got my Histamine 1 and Histamine 2 receptors mixed up. H1 for alleergies and sleeping, H2 to reduce stomach acid production.

  • Moesizlak on 23/10/2023 - 07:01

    I was put on meds for reflux a few years ago, but I only ever took them for a week, because they have other long term effects I wasn't keen on.
    My diet was fairly ordinary at the time.
    If you haven't already, I would cut out big meals to smaller meals. Cut back any fizzy drinks. Stop eating and drinking (except water) 2 hrs before bed.
    I keep mylanta tabs on hand just in case.
    My GP was going to do a scope, so maybe that's the option I would suggest.

  • Klogg86 on 23/10/2023 - 08:42

    Strip your diet back to just red meat.
    Add one thing at a time.
    Play with meal timings.

    To get rid of it to start with, fast for a few days.

    For me - eating anything sweet late at night (lots of sugar) will trigger it, as will a lot of wheat/grain (I don't really eat them anymore). The usual stuff (caffeine, chili, etc.) do nothing.

    Agree with the top post re: carnivore. Works well, but hard to maintain.
    Most websites on this are trash, just repeating the same BS.

    This dude also very good: https://chriskresser.com/heartburn-and-gerd/

  • Bargain2020 on 23/10/2023 - 09:00
    +1

    Best thing I ever did for my very chronic acid reflux was to have a Laparoscopic Fundoplication.

    Had the operation 15 years ago, and have never looked back.

  • johnmatrix on 23/10/2023 - 09:04
    +1

    Go and get tested for H Pylori infection. It can cause reflux/ulcers/stomach cancer/gastritis

  • CocaKoala on 23/10/2023 - 09:11
    +3

    Eating less and finishing dinner 4 hours before bedtime helped me hugely. I also dropped about 5 kilos. It's basically been basically gone since then.

    • Skinnerr on 24/10/2023 - 14:45

      Too many people eat too close to bed. It affects both the quality of your sleep and your long term health as you spend you sleep digesting food rather than recovering and rebuilding.

  • flubba86 on 23/10/2023 - 09:20
    +2

    @dmb0312 You've got hundreds of anecdotes and suggestions in this thread, but I'll throw mine on the pile too.
    For me, it is sugar, dairy, and starches that trigger it. I spent years trying to cut back acidic foods (garlic, onion, tomatoes, etc) but it never helped.
    Once I went on Keto, my symptoms went away. So while slowly reintroducing food groups, I found it was starches (potatoes, pasta, white flour), along with dairy (milk, yogurt), and worst of all sugar, that made my reflux come back. Its hard to avoid all of those without adhering to a strict diet, they are everywhere and in everything, especially added sugar.
    Weirdly, rice does not trigger it, and neither does cheese.

    • Skinnerr on 24/10/2023 - 14:54

      That's basically self discovering an elimination diet. You cut back on everything you think it might be, then slowly reintroduce foods until you find the culprit.

  • freekay on 23/10/2023 - 09:47
    +1

    Lots of great advice here on healthy eating, the types of foods you eat, timing of meals, and of course, medication. One other thing that played a huge part for me was managing my stress levels. I found that when my stress levels were high, the occurrences of GORD would increase.

  • ForkSnorter on 23/10/2023 - 10:06
    +1

    In addition to what others have suggested, I have tried or plan to try the following:

    Things I've tried, and recommend (apart from medication)

    1. Change your posture on the toilet. Western toilets create an unnatural posture that is not conducive to easy defecation. This requires you to exert pressure, which can hurt your stomach, your bowels, your oesophageal sphincter (the valve from your stomach into your oesophagus), and your pylorus sphincter (valve from your stomach into your duodenum). Exerting pressure in this posture can even cause hiatal hernia, inguinal hernia, or haemorrhoids. Damage to your oesophageal sphincter (or hiatal hernia) will allow acid from your stomach to reflux into your oesophagus, causing pain in the short term, and potentially serious diseases in the long term. Traditional Asian toilets allow a natural posture that does not require you to exert much pressure to defecate. To mimic the posture of a traditional asian toilet, put your feet on a low stool in front of the toilet bowl, and try to straighten your back by sitting up higher at the back of the toilet seat and leaning slightly forward.

    2. Eat less at each meal. This is really important. You don't want too much pressure on your oesophageal sphincter, which could leak acid into your oesophagus.

    3. Don't eat just before going to bed. Eat at least 2 hours before sleeping.

    4. Avoid chilli/spicy food, acidic food (like vinegar), too much salt, all alcohol (including cooking alcohol), burnt food, caffeine, extremely hard/sharp food.

    5. Avoid leaning over too far with bent back and rounded shoulders, which will push your sternum (xiphoid process) into your stomach/duodenum/oesphagus.

    6. Try not to sit down with bad posture (slumping over with bent back) all day. This puts pressure on your stomach, etc. You need to sit with good posture, and get up often or walk around/exercise a lot.

    7. Drink a lot of water and eat enough fibre, especially in the morning, and especially if you're going to be sweating a lot. Otherwise, you could become constipated, and will have to exert pressure when you go the toilet.

    Things I plan to try:

    1. Lose weight. I mean, I'm already thin, but I have a bit of tummy fat, which puts internal pressure on the stomach/sphincter. This would be a big risk if you are fairly overweight.

    2. Do a variety of exercises to build up muscle in the stomach area, potentially making my oesophageal sphincter stronger and more functional.

    3. Minimise sitting time by being more active, combining a variety of exercises every day (swimming, cycling, walking, gym).

  • bmgoau on 23/10/2023 - 10:21
    +3

    A lot of doctors and even gastroenterologists will prescribe Proton Pump Inhibitors like Nexium.
    I was on these for many years with great success. They are first line treatment for a reason. (Though they are not without downsides).
    I didn't want to take pills for the rest of my life so I tried to figure out what food caused my GERD, without success. I would just get it with anything. I was fit and healthy and young, non-smoker, regular exercise, slept correctly etc.
    I saw a gastroenterologist and had a gastroscopy and several scans, but nothing was found.

    Finally, my partner heard about Hypochlorhydria - a LACK of stomach acid, which can cause the bacterial makeup of your stomach to change, and cause GERD. It's really contradictory.

    Luckily the treatment is easy and if it doesn't work you just stop it and go back to Nexium.

    You want to buy something with Betaine Hydrochloride and Pepsin. I used Ethical Nutrients Digestion Plus 90 Tablets. Take 1 with each meal. This is off the shelf, no need to get a prescription.
    Also get pre-biotics and pro-biotics, ideally the ones that require refrigeration from your local chemist and say something like "50 billion".
    Pre/Probiotic yogurt and other bacteria rich foods are good too.
    The goal is to raise your stomach acid level, kill off the bacteria that thrive in the low-acid environment, and then replace them with good bacteria from the biotics.

    Do this for a few weeks to a month then gradually ween yourself off and see how you feel. Don't take them long term as it can cause gout (you're raising the acid level in your body after all).

    Also note, the reflux will be worse for the first few meals. Don't take your PPIs or any reflux medicine at the same time, it will undo what you're trying to achieve.

    This changed my life. I hope it works for you and everyone else in this thread with reflux/GERD.

    Some links:

    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23392-hypochl…

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238915/

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991651/

    https://theacidrefluxguy.com/betaine-hcl/

    https://carolinatotalwellness.com/blog/index.php/2019/04/01/…

    https://drruscio.com/betaine-hcl/

    https://au.iherb.com/blog/betaine-hcl/1382

    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamins-for-acid-reflu…

    • idonotknowwhy on 23/10/2023 - 23:41

      haven't looked into this, but +1 for the links.

  • Dr Techno on 23/10/2023 - 10:27

    placebo effect for me. after good 5 years on Nexium, I had a gastroscopy. specialist said they couldn't find anything wrong. after that day I was magically cured.

  • zyj494949 on 23/10/2023 - 10:42

    Change your diet may help

  • grey002 on 23/10/2023 - 10:59

    I have been suffering from this for years now. Few things have helped -

    • smaller meals
    • eating 3-4 hours before going to sleep
    • regular exercise, during covid lockdown it became so worse and no amount of diet change medicine helped
    • taking probiotic - not sure if it directly helped but I can surely tolerate some foods that I couldn't before

    Are you getting good sleep? How's your anxiety? These are major triggers for me.

    My main symptoms are a LOT of burping, headache and finally vomit. My specialist told me that burping is not due to food but because I'm swallowing air, apparently some people do that more than others!

  • heroherozangief on 23/10/2023 - 12:12

    If it is recently triggered, more rest, exercise, and better sleep can help

    But if it is recurring, it may means you stomach not closing properly, many believes that you have too much stomach acid to get reflux, so taking something alkaline to neutralize the stomach acid for relief, which totally going the wrong way

    Because actually the stomach closing sense the value of pH to properly close it, if you age to a point where your stomach not excrete enough stomach acid, your stomach is not reaching the ideal level of pH value, your stomach doesnt sense the level of pH and wont close properly hence the reflux

    In order to help with it you may try to increase the pH of your stomach before meals, like taking apple cider vinegar and/or Betaine HCl which is artifactial acid, acidify your stomach well enough so the closing works properly again, it also activate your enzyme which helps you digest food properly, as stomach enzyme requires ph of 1-3 to work, if you have sign of reflux , which may means your stomach doesnt have the required ph, that also indicate you may have other problem cause by lack of certain nutrient as you can not digest food properly

  • pjammies on 23/10/2023 - 12:34
    +1

    I was also on Nexium years ago to subside the acid and only made it worse. Our gut needs to the acid to break down food, if we're low on stomach acid food ends up fermenting in the stomach causing more issues.

    I can personally attest to a carnivore diet. I did a comprehensive gut/stool test a few years ago and I was actually struggling to digest a bunch of vegetables. I was on a pretty healthy diet as well ie. very low amounts of processed or refined carb foods. When I went on a primarily carnivore based diet recently my gut issues subsided. When I do end up eating veggies or carbs again my gut issues come back.

    Also to note, stress and cortisol levels plays a MASSIVE factor in digestion and general health. Meditation, stress regulation, understanding nothing in life is actually serious and it's not the end of the world if something happens has helped me. Mind to body connection is an underrated thing. When you realise the stimulus we get in a week is the same amount of stimulus our ancestors received in their entire lifetime can put things into perspective.

    At the end of the day everyone is different, and we're still figuring out how the gut/body truly works.

    • mrdean on 23/10/2023 - 12:38

      Also to note, stress and cortisol levels plays a MASSIVE factor in digestion and general health.

      Autonomic nervous system, sympathetic (flight or fight) vs parasympathetic (rest). Most people tend one way or the other, ideal is a balanced state.

  • Hangryuman on 23/10/2023 - 14:10

    OP appears to be one and done, unless they returned as 'another user'

    my first thought was if it occurs when recumbent during bedtime, then avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 2 hours before bedtime - I was warned that reflux can cause oesophageal cancer - so I stopped that.

    are you drinking carbonated drinks like coke or beer - that can foam up inside you to cause burping, etc. - start by dropping those maybe

    next - try an elimination diet - eat only one type of food and see how your body responds, e.g. my breakfast staple for the last 40 years is rolled oats - simple, high-fibre whole grain, anti-inflammatory superfood, and cheap as - with yoghurt as a probiotic

    compare single foods to test reactions - made eat nothing for a day to clear out your system (most of us have 2kg of gut bacteria ?) to reset some of your gut bacteria balance between good and bad ones - then start with a single food - and wait for any bodily reaction.

    you know your body better than anyone else - a doctor can only take quick measurements - you know how your body feels each morning, lunch and dinner, and how it changes after eating certain foods.

    basic problem solving - you say a few years ? - what changed a few years ago - your diet, your lifestyle, your drink habits, your job stress, your significant relationships ? Think about those then think about what you had before this happened.

    • idonotknowwhy on 23/10/2023 - 23:44

      OP appears to be one and done

      There's a lot of information for OP to digest here, give them some time.

      • Hangryuman on 25/10/2023 - 14:24

        as of 25/10 220pm AEDST the OP has not apparently responded 4 days after the OP - so yeah maybe they're a slow reader, or just forgot to say thanks y'all's help … ;-)

        • dmb0312 on 25/10/2023 - 23:52

          @Hangryuman I am here! I've actually since seen a new GP who has referred me for H.Pylori UBT Breath test and referred me to a Gestro specialist to get his advice and likely a scope to look into it properly rather than just assume PPIs are the long term solution. But yes, thanks! I never imagine I would get so many responses, i have been reading through them all and lots of food for thought for discussion with the specialist.

          • peteru on 26/10/2023 - 23:04

            @dmb0312: @dmb0312 - Good start.

            If the gastroenterologist doesn't come up with anything obvious, consider getting a referral to an immunologist.

            It's all well and good to treat the symptoms, but if you can discover the triggers and avoid them, you'll be in a much better place.

            • dmb0312 on 27/10/2023 - 13:58

              @peteru: @peteru Definitely. I do wonder if it is an allergy as I do get other allergies but more common things like Pollen and taken a nasal spray for that so perhaps it is some sort of food allergy too

  • amail2you on 23/10/2023 - 15:00
    -2

    Check this video about acid reflux. https://www.tiktok.com/@rawawakenings/video/7250503099528318…

    • snuke on 24/10/2023 - 11:01
      +1

      When I saw TikTok, I hoped it wasn't the same video someone sent to me several months ago, and yep, you shared the same video from a vile manipulative POS.
      She speaks with great confidence, and like any good slippery huckster, that's what gets them across the line for most peoples base ignorance.

      Barbara O'Neill is a nasty piece of work that will get people killed. Check out some of the fine things she has done - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_O%27Neill

      "According to the HCCC investigation, O'Neill falsely claimed to be able to cure cancer and urged clients not to use chemotherapy.[2][6]

      O'Neill promoted the discredited claim that cancer is a fungus that can be treated with baking soda.[3][2][9] She has also claimed, without evidence, that one doctor had cured 90% of his patients' cancer with baking soda injections"

      • mrdean on 24/10/2023 - 11:12
        -3

        Barbara O'Neill is a nasty piece of work that will get people killed.

        Barbara speaks truth. She & her husband have great faith. It is typical in these times we live in that those who speak truth, or question, or have curiosity are being targeted. She is not the first, nor will she be the last.

        It is the manipulation of the system that turns people against those who are trying to help.

  • Tuftsdude on 23/10/2023 - 15:53
    +2

    Apple cider vinegar mixed with water, cutting down to 1-2 meals a day, staying away from gluten, not drinking anything with food & up to 60 minutes after eating.

    Nexium is over prescribed & if you take it for years and try to stop, you can get some excruciating pain for 1-3 months.

  • grr1701 on 23/10/2023 - 16:29

    I’ve tried them all over the last five years. I’m now on PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) for the last three weeks, but unlikely to show much improvement until 6 weeks. My reflux is worst if I sit down to drive or watch TV after a meal. For me, lying down on my left side eases the symptoms a lot (doesn’t help when driving though!!) PPIs reduce the amount of acid being produced in the stomach.
    NOT a really long term solution, though, probably.

  • MMM on 23/10/2023 - 18:59

    Have been on high doses of Nizac, Nexium etc and what worked best for me is stopped all that and as mentioned above by others …
    Apple cider vinegar mixed with water, also sauerkraut just cheap supermarket stuff and take a small bowl daily. I was recommended this and tried it and have had amazing results. As soon as I stop the apple cider & sauerkraut the reflux starts?? Seems too simple to believe it but worked for me!

    • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2023 - 12:54

      Good tip,I will look for sauerkraut!

  • Sheez on 23/10/2023 - 20:42

    It could be your diet. Eat less carbs for a while, ideally if you can manage minor intermittent fasting as well then that might do the trick.

    Even that for a month would be enough to try and see if it helps.

    (Used to have bad reflux daily, never get it anymore).

  • stalker878 on 23/10/2023 - 21:03

    Test for h pylori infection?

  • factor on 23/10/2023 - 21:11

    Sydney based with private hospital insurance? Centre for digestive diseases - should be no gap for colonoscopy and gastroscopy.

    Best news would be they find a parasite in this procedure - then it's just an antibiotic cocktail to sort it out.

    Is your reflux there every meal? Is your digestion just slow? If your last meal hasn't left your stomach by the next one - try Iberogast or generic chemists own IBS support digestive drops. This is a herbal prokinetic.

    Specific allergy is always on the list too.

    If you're Asian, lactose of course (often genetically don't produce enough Lactase as adults)

  • Jaspa7 on 23/10/2023 - 21:26

    I stumbled across a reddit post about a guy who suffered from reflux for 20 years, only to discover one day it mysteriously disappeared. It took him a week of trial and error, but finally discovered it was the multivitamin he was taking before bed WITHOUT water - just swallows it whole.

    I've started taking half of mine in the morning, and half at night, and making sure I down an entire glass of water before and after taking them.
    This and losing 10kg has pretty much gotten rid of 99% of reflux cases. If I've indulged in more than 3 glasses of wine plus a rich meal plus dessert, sometimes it comes back, but can then go to last resort of antacid like ENO that always gets rid of it.

  • iamapineapple on 23/10/2023 - 22:40

    Hey, I'm a doc and look after reflux quite often
    - increase the frequency but decrease the volume of your meals
    - if you get nocturnal symptoms then consider elevating the head of your bed (e.g. putting bricks underneath the feet of the bed)
    - don't eat a minimum of 4 hours before bed
    - as you have already pointed out, make sure to take nexium in the morning on an empty stomach. This is because you have been fasting all night and therefore the acid 'bolus' you get with your first meal is very potent. As you have also correctly pointed out, long-term use of nexium is not ideal. It is also associated with neurodegeneration (but this is from long-term, i.e. multiple years, use)
    - if you have ongoing symptoms your GP should refer you to Gen Surg or gastro - you should be considered for some further imaging or endoscopy to exclude a functional cause, for example a hiatus hernia. In the meantime consider asking your GP to organise a urea breath test to exclude H Pylori
    - try and identify if you have any dietary triggers

    Note this is general advice only and please see your regular doctor

  • bargaino on 24/10/2023 - 00:08

    Black market Zantac.

  • belongsinforums on 24/10/2023 - 00:51

    try chewing your food properly if you're not already. avoid oats

    • ForkSnorter on 25/10/2023 - 14:00
      -1

      I'd agree with this except the "avoid oats" lol, can't think of any reason why oats would cause reflux more than any other food. In fact, quite the opposite. Low acid, low salt, low sugar, high fibre, lowers blood pressure, etc. I eat oats all the time, they're kind of a super healthy and yummy food for me.. It might depend what you're eating your oats with.

      • belongsinforums on 25/10/2023 - 16:26

        I dunno but eating a bowl of oats can trigger my reflux. I still eat oats but i have to be careful not to eat it just before walking. Maybe i just don't chew oats well enough compared to other foods

        • ForkSnorter on 26/10/2023 - 07:55

          If you're eating them without cooking them, you need to soak them in milk for about an hour.

          • belongsinforums on 26/10/2023 - 16:29

            @ForkSnorter: That might be it. It's ok in a mix but by themselves can cause reflux if i eat a big bowl

  • titewod on 24/10/2023 - 07:35

    Watch this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkJu9OAJ8l4

  • dcash on 24/10/2023 - 08:29

    It could be dairy related. My advice is to go dairy free for a month (yes, it can take weeks to experience a benefit) and see whether that helps. If you haven't done an upper gastroscopy, I'd be doing that if eliminating dairy doesn't help. A gastric emptying study is another option.

  • EdenKai on 24/10/2023 - 09:22

    For me, it was a matter of when and what I ate. I try to avoid overly spicy foods, that just doesnt agree with me as much as it used to. I'm also very mildly lactose intolerant I've found as of late, so I if i drink milk or something, ill probably have some gas and stomach aches. I also try not to go to eat an hour or so before I go to bed. Since making these changes I havent had reflux in a long time, and if i do its probably because I went hard too spicy on a curry.

  • kalithreaver on 24/10/2023 - 10:43

    i found mine was being triggered by certain foods. lots of soy stuff, especially fake meat since my wife is a vegetarian was triggering it for me. black coffee also does it for me. as well as spicy foods.

    basically i stopped having black coffee and cutting back on soy and it helped it reduce by 90% for me.

    stuff i was told to avoid

    1. Wheat
    2. Milk
    3. Eggs
    4. Shellfish
    5. Nuts
    6. Soy
    7. Caffeine
  • Name on 24/10/2023 - 12:05

    Are you taking nexium daily or are you taking it only when its bad? If you've got long term heartburn, try taking one every day for a while.

    I was on 40mg of esomeprazole, reduced to 20mg and if I go lower my stomach starts to burn. I'm not overweight/never smoked/never drink/kept relatively active (like i enjoy outdoor hiking/bushwalks/home reno stuff).

    I had chronic heartburn, ignored it mostly for a few years until I started getting nauseous a lot. GP eventually (after running a barrage of different tests over months) sent me off for an endoscopy and turned out half my oesophagus was eroded, have GERD and had formed barrett’s esophagus. Took a few years before everything stablised and I could go back to eating things that weren't boiled chicken and white rice.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2023 - 12:49
    +1

    I've seen a lot of people switch from medication to ACV, it may be worth giving a shot.

    Fasting can aid.

    My Acid Reflux is mainly caused by Asthma mediation.
    Unfortunately the reflux actually hinders my breathing, so I'm forced to take mediation as it helps my breathing.

    Issues I've found.
    Wheat, mainly if I eat Pretzels it causes me acid reflux.
    Caffeine
    Alcohol
    Over eating, like cheat meals.
    High fatty means

    Smaller meals help, fasting helps(basically giving your body a break from eating), ACV help, enzymes help before meals.

    It's a tricky situation.

  • petepumpkin on 24/10/2023 - 13:18

    some bug in your gut - specific antibiotics will fix that. iir some Adelaide doctor discovered this a decade ago..

    • Wally on 25/10/2023 - 13:55

      Helicobacter pylori is the bacteria in the gut that can cause ulcers etc

      It was a doctor in Perth WA who deliberately infected himself with the bacteria that discovered its pathological effect and won a Nobel Prize for his efforts (along with a researcher he shared data with)

  • Alastair on 24/10/2023 - 13:19

    I used to take a Somac a day, and it changed my life. I could eat and drink again. But after a few years of taking them, I found out that if I raise the head of my bed by 100mm or so, no more Somac and my reflux is gone.
    Unfortunatly, a decent drinking session, or spicy food that evening will remind me I am human, but worth a try.

  • JT 7503 on 24/10/2023 - 13:26

    I’ve had bad reflux in my late 30s, now in mid 40s. For me Nexium helped it manage in the short term. But in the long term what worked for me is a) avoid spicy/oily food b) not skipping meals c) drinking plenty of water. I don’t take any medication anymore. Hoping you’ll get over it soon.

  • cyob on 24/10/2023 - 14:03
    +1

    Ask your GP about H2 blocker. I had GERD for many years and my GP recommended switching to H2 blockers from Nexium. H2 blocker is a form of antihistamine that is similar to the one for allergies but acts on the stomach to reduce acid production. It was widely used before PPIs (e.g. nexium and somac) were available and has much fewer side effects for long-term use. It can also be taken on demand and will kick in after about 30 minutes. The only potential downside is that it is not as strong as PPI so it may not work well for some people.

    • Thaal Sinestro on 25/10/2023 - 12:33

      H2 antagonists are an alternative with a similar outcome to Proton Pump Inhibitors, but I imagine long term side effects would be similar since they decrease stomach lumen acidity which could harm absorption of some nutrients.

      Short term effect effects of these drugs: intestinal/bowl upset for a few days upon commencement or dosage increase. Medium term (months): no bothersome side effects.

      Long term: potential nutritional deficiencies. Very little research is done about the long term adverse effects of any type of medication. A example of really egregious long term side effects is tardive dyskinesia from taking high doses of antipsychotics. It is irreversible.

  • cipher on 24/10/2023 - 15:59

    Had reflux like you starting mid 30s. hasn't had anything in the last 2 years, since i started walking after dinner. Simple and easy fix, just walk at least 20mins after every meal. I just walk in lounge watching tv and don't even notice. our Stomachs are getting older and can't digest just sitting there, they need gravitational help to do that.

  • Oofy Doofy on 24/10/2023 - 16:12

    Surgery. 270 fundo, January 16th of this year.

    • Idjit on 25/10/2023 - 01:39

      I'm on the waiting list for this procedure after positive PH/manometry testing. How's it been for you post procedure if I may ask?

      • Oofy Doofy on 26/10/2023 - 22:55

        No big deal. I didn't feel back to relatively normal until about the 3 month mark, though.

        Don't drink cold fluids for at least that long, and make sure you have plenty of simethicone, and take it after each meal.

        I didn't go on a waiting list, I just had it done privately. It's not even that expensive.

        Public system sucks a big fat one. I would know all about that, unfortunaely, lol.

  • Bullion78 on 24/10/2023 - 16:18
    +1

    I was on Nexium (esomeprosole) for 15 plus years and its fair to say that if forgot to take it and was away from home, the intense burning in my throat from the gastric acid was unbearable. If I was out having a few beers, I'd often find myself at the bar asking for a pot of milk instead and I'd sip at it for the rest of the night in a hapless attempt to temporarily neautrilize the discomfort.

    My dependence on PPI's (protein pump inhibiters) ended about 10 years ago now.. It's possible, and its done by incrementally lowering your dose little by little by chipping a little of the tablet away bit by bit over a couple of months while simultaneously radically changing your diet that prohibits any foods that promote the gastric acid. I did it by adopting a low carbohydrate, pre dominantly meat only diet. The gut needs to be healed.

    • Idjit on 25/10/2023 - 01:37

      The carbs really set it off when trying to wean off don't they!

  • Bullion78 on 24/10/2023 - 16:55
    +3

    The 2 most prescribed in this country are 1. Statins (of which there is extremely weak science that supports its benefit) and 2. PPI's (Nexium, Pariet, Somac etc).

    Both cost our healthcare system billions and both are completely unnecessary if people changed their diet and sedentary lifestyles. But there is seemingly no catalyst or interest in identifying and tackling the root cause of why they are prescribed. It's far too profitable for things to remain as they are, to the detriment of the patient and the countries crumbling healthcare system.

    • mrdean on 24/10/2023 - 16:58
      +3

      Basically boils down to propaganda by the pharmaceutical industry that has captured education, regulators, policy makers & suppressed alternative viewpoints. It's a racket.

    • Idjit on 25/10/2023 - 01:35
      +2

      There's now a number of PPI class actions underway in the USA - extensive use over excessive time leads to many undesirable and frankly unnecessary consequences…

  • sheenaxxx999 on 24/10/2023 - 18:43

    I had severe reflux…leading to stricture( scarring of oesophagus) leading to food getting stuck often. Things were pretty bad even with pantaprozole 40 a day…was toldby cousin doctor to try going lactose free ..turned out.life saving for me,i am not taking any medication now. Try to figure out whats causing it …

  • Teamoryx on 24/10/2023 - 18:43
    +1

    A few things that triggered me, chocolate, alcohol, curry / spices. I find that drinking sufficient water a bit of exercise helps move things around and lessens the problem also.

  • crrispin on 25/10/2023 - 00:05

    Another for apple cider vinegar!
    My wife had reflux for years and used medication - then saw this video on apple cider vinegar.
    Takes about a tablespoon a day and no more reflux!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ3JNHEeuSw

    • Idjit on 25/10/2023 - 01:28

      It helps with digestion as the reflux meds can leave you with an incorrect PH and too little acid to break food down - it's a battle withdrawing from meds that doctors put you on for years, the rebound hyperacidity is a good time… I'm up tonight not managing it well. I need to get back onto the ACV - thanks for the reminder!

      • kiitos on 25/10/2023 - 08:13

        What approach have you been using to withdraw?

  • Jdmmps on 25/10/2023 - 10:18
    +2

    I suffered from reflux for many years and tried various remedies, including prescription medications. One day, I came across a forum where people were recommending cold unsweetened almond milk. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. After purchasing some and keeping it cold in the fridge (keeping it cold/refrigerated does something with the PH), I had a small glass that night and experienced instant relief. Incorporating a small glass of cold almond milk in the morning, afternoon, and night became a routine for me, and within a couple of weeks, my reflux disappeared. Now I drink as needed, but try and drink at least a glass or two a week.

    I specifically use Australian Own Almond Milk (unsweetened), and I've suggested this remedy to friends and family, who also reported positive results. Additionally, I identified my food triggers—capsicum and soft drinks—and eliminated them from my diet. I hope this helps others.

  • Daabido on 25/10/2023 - 10:51

    Of all the things, kiwi powder in capsule form from New Zealand (the fruit, not the native bird) did the trick for me and another family member.

  • lemonboy308 on 25/10/2023 - 11:40
    +1

    I’ve had the same issues for more than decade, used Nexium and Somac….works well however this medication can severely reduce the way food is broken down…causing extra strain on your digestive system.

    I saw a naturopath and she got me on a glass of water with 1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper, you would think it would burn your stomach and make it worse……nope worked 100% better than Nexium & Somac.

  • ben10 on 25/10/2023 - 15:27

    Just a few thoughts: increasing acidity in the stomach sometimes helps with reflux - Dr Eric Berg has a few uploads on Youtube on this. Also, be aware that any of your PPI drugs can cause B1 deficiencies because they affect absorption.

  • Barry frm EastEnders on 25/10/2023 - 17:24

    Mix a teaspoon of bi-carb soda with water and you'll be right as rain.

  • alabatusa on 25/10/2023 - 17:51
    +1

    Greek yoghurt

  • hhbb555 on 28/10/2023 - 15:10

    Apart from what has been suggested, have you tried probiotics?
    I've taken nexium for quite a while before, then went on gastroscopy/endoscopy and the doctor said it's all ok, then he suggested Iberogast, but both nexium and/or Iberogast didn't really keep the reflux under control for me
    What works for me is bioglan IBS support, taking twice a day (morning and night), since then the reflux has been mostly under control

  • dmb0312 on 15/11/2023 - 23:28
    +1

    I saw a Gastroenterologist a week ago and he agreed it's worth doing a scope from both ends with the gastroscopy for the reflux and colonoscopy more to be comprehensive but to check for any reasons for bloating which could be linked. I'll get them both done in Jan so will report back then but for now i need to consistently take somac once a day in the morning 30mins before food.

    • snuke on 16/11/2023 - 01:13

      take somac once a day in the morning 30mins before food.

      Tablets do not need to be taken with food, just water. Granules require food: https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/d5aa39b9-ab2b-4b86-b…

      How to take it
      Swallow your tablets whole with a little water with or without food.
      If you are using Somac granules, take it half an hour before a meal without chewing or crushing the granules. Take the granules in apple juice, orange juice or water as follows

      Good luck with the scopes, I have an Endoscopic ultrasound about every 18 months. The first Gastroenterologist I saw was disappointing, shit follow up, thankfully he found something he wasn't 100% sure on, so got another Gastroenterologist for referral, and I stayed with him and dumped the first.

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