Alkaline reflux?

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and > on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has > been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few > months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it > was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and > coughing). > He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a > PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they > don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and > last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. > I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. > Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying > that. > It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of > decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. > Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m > wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and > PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can > suggest what someone with this can do to heal it?

The next step is a complete diagnostic workup. Technically, the ENT can’t diagnose LPR since reflux, its character and extent, hasn’t been diagnosed yet. There are other things that can cause such laryngitis/pharyngitis. I agree that given your symptoms, it’s a reasonable presumption, but you need to have your upper GI tract evaluated. You need to have EGD, ambulatory pH testing, esophageal manometry. Your internist should be quite willing to get a consultation from a surgeon or gastroenterologist. Acid reflux, if that is indeed what you have, that does not respond to PPIs will usually require anti-reflux surgery. The only other thing you might try is a prokinetic agent, metaclopromide (Reglan) in hopes that it will aid in esophageal clearing and gastric emptying enough to control your symptoms. In the meantime, diet, weight loss, eating habits etc as detailed by many previous poster here on this newsgroup. HMc

Response:

I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and coughing). He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying that. It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can suggest what someone with this can do to heal it? Thanks, Susan

Response:

Alkaline reflux?

Aciphex is a medication used to treat gestational acid reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. buy aciphex and feel better today!

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and > on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has > been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few > months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it > was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and > coughing). > He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a > PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they > don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and > last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. > I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. > Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying > that. > It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of > decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. > Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m > wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and > PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can > suggest what someone with this can do to heal it?

The next step is a complete diagnostic workup. Technically, the ENT can’t diagnose LPR since reflux, its character and extent, hasn’t been diagnosed yet. There are other things that can cause such laryngitis/pharyngitis. I agree that given your symptoms, it’s a reasonable presumption, but you need to have your upper GI tract evaluated. You need to have EGD, ambulatory pH testing, esophageal manometry. Your internist should be quite willing to get a consultation from a surgeon or gastroenterologist. Acid reflux, if that is indeed what you have, that does not respond to PPIs will usually require anti-reflux surgery. The only other thing you might try is a prokinetic agent, metaclopromide (Reglan) in hopes that it will aid in esophageal clearing and gastric emptying enough to control your symptoms. In the meantime, diet, weight loss, eating habits etc as detailed by many previous poster here on this newsgroup. HMc

Response:

I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and coughing). He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying that. It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can suggest what someone with this can do to heal it? Thanks, Susan

Response:

flare up because of SPLENDA?

Question:

I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and amount.

Response:

In article <350bd14.0312161924.63812e87 > I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. > Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. > Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of > town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that > I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using > Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only > real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in > September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have > problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original > problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and > amount.

YES!   I have been increasingly sick for over a year and recently discovered that all the non-absorbable sugars tend to cause excessive gas.  I was using Splenda almost exclusively during this time but never put the two together. In my case the increased gas definitely has been connected to increased reflux.  I have stopped all artificial sweeteners and I’m not all better, but I’m noticeably improved. I’ve been trying xylitol (Miracle Sweet) which comes from Finland and is, I believe a natural and absorbable sugar.   I think it’s ok but I’m so flared that it’s hard to tell. My gastro (AFTER I found out about the artificial sweeteners), also told me that some people have trouble with the sugars in milk products as well. Keep us posted as to how you’re doing and what you’ve found.   Louise

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In article <350bd14.0312161924.63812e87 > I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. > Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. > Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of > town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that > I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using > Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only > real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in > September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have > problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original > problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and > amount. > YES!   > I have been increasingly sick for over a year and recently > discovered that all the non-absorbable sugars tend to cause > excessive gas.  I was using Splenda almost exclusively > during this time but never put the two together. > In my case the increased gas definitely has been connected > to increased reflux.  I have stopped all artificial > sweeteners and I’m not all better, but I’m noticeably > improved. > I’ve been trying xylitol (Miracle Sweet) which comes from > Finland and is, I believe a natural and absorbable sugar.   > I think it’s ok but I’m so flared that it’s hard to tell. > My gastro (AFTER I found out about the artificial > sweeteners), also told me that some people have trouble > with the sugars in milk products as well. > Keep us posted as to how you’re doing and what you’ve > found.   > Louise

hi louise! thanks for your input.  10 days splenda free and there is a major difference.  like i said, it wasn’t what caused years of reflux, but what has amazed me is how i have controlled my diet so well and still had horrible problems while i was using splenda.  if i had eaten this way before, i would never have had a problem.  this body hasn’t seen a margarita or mexican food for 4 months now…no sodas, fried foods, fatty foods etc.  i eat small amounts intentionally avoiding that sensation of being "full".  i just eat to ease the hunger and wait and do it again when i need to.  no big dinners and i raise the head of my bed and i don’t wear tight clothing around the middle.  if splenda was indeed the "bad guy", that would explain why none of that was working very well.  i am gonna stay off the rest of 2003 and see what happens.  I WANNA GET OFF MY MEDS!!!!  anyone else out there ever had an issue with this?  howard, how about any of your patients?  i have to believe there are foods that have a negative affect on this condition in certain sensitive individuals. melanie

Response:

In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In article <350bd14.0312161924.63812e87 > > I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. > > Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. > > Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of > > town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that > > I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using > > Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only > > real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in > > September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have > > problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original > > problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and > > amount. > YES!   > I have been increasingly sick for over a year and recently > discovered that all the non-absorbable sugars tend to cause > excessive gas.  I was using Splenda almost exclusively > during this time but never put the two together. > In my case the increased gas definitely has been connected > to increased reflux.  I have stopped all artificial > sweeteners and I’m not all better, but I’m noticeably > improved. > I’ve been trying xylitol (Miracle Sweet) which comes from > Finland and is, I believe a natural and absorbable sugar.   > I think it’s ok but I’m so flared that it’s hard to tell. > My gastro (AFTER I found out about the artificial > sweeteners), also told me that some people have trouble > with the sugars in milk products as well. > Keep us posted as to how you’re doing and what you’ve > found.   > Louise > hi louise! > thanks for your input.  10 days splenda free and there is a major > difference.  like i said, it wasn’t what caused years of reflux, but > what has amazed me is how i have controlled my diet so well and still > had horrible problems while i was using splenda.  if i had eaten this > way before, i would never have had a problem.  this body hasn’t seen a > margarita or mexican food for 4 months now…no sodas, fried foods, > fatty foods etc.  i eat small amounts intentionally avoiding that

 hi, I assume that you do know about the "standard" no-no foods such as carbonated beverages, chocolate, alcohol, mint, and for me, definitely garlic and onions.  I also discovered that the menthol in cough drops is a peppermint based substance and should be avoided. Do you find that gas builds up when you have the worst reflux? Louise —

Response:

flare up because of SPLENDA?

Question:

I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and amount.

Response:

In article <350bd14.0312161924.63812e87 > I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. > Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. > Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of > town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that > I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using > Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only > real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in > September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have > problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original > problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and > amount.

YES!   I have been increasingly sick for over a year and recently discovered that all the non-absorbable sugars tend to cause excessive gas.  I was using Splenda almost exclusively during this time but never put the two together. In my case the increased gas definitely has been connected to increased reflux.  I have stopped all artificial sweeteners and I’m not all better, but I’m noticeably improved. I’ve been trying xylitol (Miracle Sweet) which comes from Finland and is, I believe a natural and absorbable sugar.   I think it’s ok but I’m so flared that it’s hard to tell. My gastro (AFTER I found out about the artificial sweeteners), also told me that some people have trouble with the sugars in milk products as well. Keep us posted as to how you’re doing and what you’ve found.   Louise

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In article <350bd14.0312161924.63812e87 > I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. > Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. > Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of > town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that > I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using > Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only > real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in > September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have > problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original > problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and > amount. > YES!   > I have been increasingly sick for over a year and recently > discovered that all the non-absorbable sugars tend to cause > excessive gas.  I was using Splenda almost exclusively > during this time but never put the two together. > In my case the increased gas definitely has been connected > to increased reflux.  I have stopped all artificial > sweeteners and I’m not all better, but I’m noticeably > improved. > I’ve been trying xylitol (Miracle Sweet) which comes from > Finland and is, I believe a natural and absorbable sugar.   > I think it’s ok but I’m so flared that it’s hard to tell. > My gastro (AFTER I found out about the artificial > sweeteners), also told me that some people have trouble > with the sugars in milk products as well. > Keep us posted as to how you’re doing and what you’ve > found.   > Louise

hi louise! thanks for your input.  10 days splenda free and there is a major difference.  like i said, it wasn’t what caused years of reflux, but what has amazed me is how i have controlled my diet so well and still had horrible problems while i was using splenda.  if i had eaten this way before, i would never have had a problem.  this body hasn’t seen a margarita or mexican food for 4 months now…no sodas, fried foods, fatty foods etc.  i eat small amounts intentionally avoiding that sensation of being "full".  i just eat to ease the hunger and wait and do it again when i need to.  no big dinners and i raise the head of my bed and i don’t wear tight clothing around the middle.  if splenda was indeed the "bad guy", that would explain why none of that was working very well.  i am gonna stay off the rest of 2003 and see what happens.  I WANNA GET OFF MY MEDS!!!!  anyone else out there ever had an issue with this?  howard, how about any of your patients?  i have to believe there are foods that have a negative affect on this condition in certain sensitive individuals. melanie

Response:

In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In article <350bd14.0312161924.63812e87 > > I have had heartburn incidences periodically for over 15 years. > > Starting at the end of September, I had the flare up from hell. > > Nonstop pain.  Last weekend I had no pain.  Oddly enough, I was out of > > town.  I kept thinking to myself what was different.  I realized that > > I had not brought my Splenda (sugar substitute with me) and was using > > Equal and regular sugar.  Since I have been home, I have used only > > real sugar and still no pain. Coincidence?  Maybe.  But it was in > > September that I started using Splenda.  Anyone else ever have > > problems with this?  I know it is not the cause of my original > > problem, but it seems that it heightened the pain intensity and > > amount. > YES!   > I have been increasingly sick for over a year and recently > discovered that all the non-absorbable sugars tend to cause > excessive gas.  I was using Splenda almost exclusively > during this time but never put the two together. > In my case the increased gas definitely has been connected > to increased reflux.  I have stopped all artificial > sweeteners and I’m not all better, but I’m noticeably > improved. > I’ve been trying xylitol (Miracle Sweet) which comes from > Finland and is, I believe a natural and absorbable sugar.   > I think it’s ok but I’m so flared that it’s hard to tell. > My gastro (AFTER I found out about the artificial > sweeteners), also told me that some people have trouble > with the sugars in milk products as well. > Keep us posted as to how you’re doing and what you’ve > found.   > Louise > hi louise! > thanks for your input.  10 days splenda free and there is a major > difference.  like i said, it wasn’t what caused years of reflux, but > what has amazed me is how i have controlled my diet so well and still > had horrible problems while i was using splenda.  if i had eaten this > way before, i would never have had a problem.  this body hasn’t seen a > margarita or mexican food for 4 months now…no sodas, fried foods, > fatty foods etc.  i eat small amounts intentionally avoiding that

 hi, I assume that you do know about the "standard" no-no foods such as carbonated beverages, chocolate, alcohol, mint, and for me, definitely garlic and onions.  I also discovered that the menthol in cough drops is a peppermint based substance and should be avoided. Do you find that gas builds up when you have the worst reflux? Louise —

Response:

Heartburn – Who do YOU believe?

Question:

I’ve suffered from acid reflux for many years now, and have been taking Prilosec regularly.  What was explained to me by my doctor was that acid reflux is caused by the stomach producing TOO MUCH stomach acid. It made sense.  Well…..my wife is reading a book by a Doctor John R. Lee (It happens to be a book on Menopause) who has a much different opinion.  For those who may be interested I will quote from the book…..trust me…if you suffer from heartburn YOU SHOULD read this.  Here goes: "Most people with chronic heartburn, especially those over the age og 50, have LOW levels of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), the main digestive acid in the stomach. The most common symptons of a stomach acid deficiency show up after eating, in the form of heartburn, belching, bloating, or a heavy feeling. If you feel that most of your meal is still in your stomach more than 45 minutes after eating a normal meal, your stomach is working inefficiently. One way to stimulate your digestive juices is to drink a glass of water half an hour before eating.  Other people swear by a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one-third cup of water before a meal. Vinegar is highly acidic and may provide your stomach with enough acidity for quick, easy digestion."     "The most common triggers for indigestion and heartburn are too much fat or fried food, processed meats with nitrates or nitrites in them, too much sugar, alcohol, chocolate and drugs (especially antibiotics), and stress. If your digestive tract is already irritated, substances such as coffee, citrus fruits, tomato based foods, and spicey foods will only irritate it more. If you have heartburn you may be able to cure it by simply eliminating coffee."    "If you have heartburn, please do not reach for antacids; they will temporarily suppress the symptoms for an hour or so, but in the long run they will make matters worse. You may even become dependant on them. Antacids also contain aluminum, silicone, sugar, and a long list of dyes and preservatives, none of wich will help you and may even harm you. And no matter what the new advertising strategies are, I definitely do not recommend you get extra calcium by chewing on antacid tablets! The side effects of the antacids far outweigh any advantage you might get from the calcium, which is in a poorly absorbed form.      "H2 Blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet, which the FDA has allowed to be sold over the counter, are even worse. They suppress the secretion of stomach acid, and in many people create a distressingly long list of side effects. They interfere with the absorbtion of nutrients, especially calcuim.  Tagamet, one of the best selling drugs in the United States, has the worst side effects: It can cause breast enlargement in Men because it interferes with estrogen metabolism and excretion in the liver. Tagamet enhances the effects of many drugs, which can have deadly side effects. There is absolutely no reason I know of for anyone to take these drugs.  They are largely irrelavent in the treatment of ulcers and have way too many side effects to justify theit use in something as easliy preventable as heartburn.  Your stomach acid is also one of your frontline defenses against harmful bacteria. Suppress it, and the rest of your systems have to wotk overtime to protect you" Well…..   there’s more…..but you get the drift……    it’s completely the opposite of what modern American medicine says…..but it sure makes a lot of sense. Any opinions? Mike

Response:

Hard to be sure, but plenty of logic there. Giving up coffee, even decaff, has helped me a lot.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve suffered from acid reflux for many years now, and have been taking > Prilosec regularly.  What was explained to me by my doctor was that acid > reflux is caused by the stomach producing TOO MUCH stomach acid. It made > sense.  Well…..my wife is reading a book by a Doctor John R. Lee (It > happens to be a book on Menopause) who has a much different opinion.  For > those who may be interested I will quote from the book…..trust me…if you > suffer from heartburn YOU SHOULD read this.  Here goes: > "Most people with chronic heartburn, especially those over the age og 50, > have LOW levels of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), the main digestive acid in the > stomach. The most common symptons of a stomach acid deficiency show up after > eating, in the form of heartburn, belching, bloating, or a heavy feeling. If > you feel that most > of your meal is still in your stomach more than 45 minutes after eating a > normal meal, your stomach is working inefficiently. One way to stimulate > your digestive juices is to drink a glass of water half an hour before > eating.  Other people swear by a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in > one-third cup of water before a meal. Vinegar is highly acidic and may > provide your stomach with enough acidity for quick, easy digestion." >     "The most common triggers for indigestion and heartburn are too much fat > or fried food, processed meats with nitrates or nitrites in them, too much > sugar, alcohol, chocolate and drugs (especially antibiotics), and stress. If > your digestive tract is already irritated, substances such as coffee, citrus > fruits, tomato based foods, and spicey foods will only irritate it more. If > you have heartburn you may be able to cure it by simply eliminating coffee." >    "If you have heartburn, please do not reach for antacids; they will > temporarily suppress the symptoms for an hour or so, but in the long run > they will make matters worse. You may even become dependant on them. > Antacids also contain aluminum, silicone, sugar, and a long list of dyes and > preservatives, none of wich will help you and may even harm you. And no > matter what the new advertising strategies are, I definitely do not > recommend you get extra calcium by chewing on antacid tablets! The side > effects of the antacids far outweigh any advantage you might get from the > calcium, which is in a poorly absorbed form. >      "H2 Blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet, which the FDA has > allowed to be sold over the counter, are even worse. They suppress the > secretion of stomach acid, and in many people create a distressingly long > list of side effects. They interfere with the absorbtion of nutrients, > especially calcuim.  Tagamet, one of the best selling drugs in the United > States, has the worst side effects: It can cause breast enlargement in Men > because it interferes with estrogen metabolism and excretion in the liver. > Tagamet enhances the effects of many drugs, which can have deadly side > effects. There is absolutely no reason I know of for anyone to take these > drugs.  They are largely irrelavent in the treatment of ulcers and have way > too many side effects to justify theit use in something as easliy > preventable as heartburn.  Your stomach acid is also one of your frontline > defenses against harmful bacteria. Suppress it, and the rest of your systems > have to wotk overtime to protect you" > Well…..   there’s more…..but you get the drift……    it’s completely > the opposite of what modern American medicine says…..but it sure makes a > lot of sense. > Any opinions? > Mike

Response:

Greetings Mike,      Sometimes radical is right!  Dr. Lee is "fighting" his own profession, which is big business and major bucks. Linus Pauling, the two-time Nobel Prize winner would probably agree with Dr. Lee.  Pauling said,  "You can trace every sickness, every disease, and every ailment to a mineral deficiency."      Have your wife look at this page:      http://www.timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/Endau/EndauFrameset.html      and you might be interested in:      http://www.timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/VMM/VMMFrameset.html http://timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/MaximolSolutions/MaximolFrame… and http://timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/NoniAuthenticHawaiian/Hawaiia…      I find it fascinating that Paul Zane Pilzer, best-selling author and economic advisor to two presidential administrations, said "Correct information about diet, nutrition, vitamins, minerals and supplements is almost all contrary to what we’ve heard from our medical community; for many, it runs counter to how we were brought up. There’s so much inaccurate information out there; people are conditioned for it. When they first hear new, good information, naturally they’re going to be skeptical. The only way they will actually change their paradigm or start to learn new information is person to person–because they’ re actively engaged in a conversation. This doesn’t happen overnight. It may take three, four, five or six conversations with different people before you actually change your mind." (Read his exciting book, The Next Trillion.)      Yes, there is a new way.  Isn’t It Time For Better Health?      Suzanne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hard to be sure, but plenty of logic there. Giving up coffee, even decaff, > has helped me a lot. > I’ve suffered from acid reflux for many years now, and have been taking > Prilosec regularly.  What was explained to me by my doctor was that acid > reflux is caused by the stomach producing TOO MUCH stomach acid. It made > sense.  Well…..my wife is reading a book by a Doctor John R. Lee (It > happens to be a book on Menopause) who has a much different opinion.  For > those who may be interested I will quote from the book…..trust me…if > you > suffer from heartburn YOU SHOULD read this.  Here goes: > "Most people with chronic heartburn, especially those over the age og 50, > have LOW levels of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), the main digestive acid in the > stomach. The most common symptons of a stomach acid deficiency show up > after > eating, in the form of heartburn, belching, bloating, or a heavy feeling. > If > you feel that most > of your meal is still in your stomach more than 45 minutes after eating a > normal meal, your stomach is working inefficiently. One way to stimulate > your digestive juices is to drink a glass of water half an hour before > eating.  Other people swear by a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in > one-third cup of water before a meal. Vinegar is highly acidic and may > provide your stomach with enough acidity for quick, easy digestion." >     "The most common triggers for indigestion and heartburn are too much > fat > or fried food, processed meats with nitrates or nitrites in them, too much > sugar, alcohol, chocolate and drugs (especially antibiotics), and stress. > If > your digestive tract is already irritated, substances such as coffee, > citrus > fruits, tomato based foods, and spicey foods will only irritate it more. > If > you have heartburn you may be able to cure it by simply eliminating > coffee." >    "If you have heartburn, please do not reach for antacids; they will > temporarily suppress the symptoms for an hour or so, but in the long run > they will make matters worse. You may even become dependant on them. > Antacids also contain aluminum, silicone, sugar, and a long list of dyes > and > preservatives, none of wich will help you and may even harm you. And no > matter what the new advertising strategies are, I definitely do not > recommend you get extra calcium by chewing on antacid tablets! The side > effects of the antacids far outweigh any advantage you might get from the > calcium, which is in a poorly absorbed form. >      "H2 Blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet, which the FDA has > allowed to be sold over the counter, are even worse. They suppress the > secretion of stomach acid, and in many people create a distressingly long > list of side effects. They interfere with the absorbtion of nutrients, > especially calcuim.  Tagamet, one of the best selling drugs in the United > States, has the worst side effects: It can cause breast enlargement in Men > because it interferes with estrogen metabolism and excretion in the liver. > Tagamet enhances the effects of many drugs, which can have deadly side > effects. There is absolutely no reason I know of for anyone to take these > drugs.  They are largely irrelavent in the treatment of ulcers and have > way > too many side effects to justify theit use in something as easliy > preventable as heartburn.  Your stomach acid is also one of your frontline > defenses against harmful bacteria. Suppress it, and the rest of your > systems > have to wotk overtime to protect you" > Well…..   there’s more…..but you get the drift……    it’s > completely > the opposite of what modern American medicine says…..but it sure makes a > lot of sense. > Any opinions? > Mike

Response:

Well, as I am suffering from an unberably painful heartburn at this very moment.  The only thing I am interested is how to stop it now. Anything suggested by Dr. Lee?

Response:

Heartburn – Who do YOU believe?

Question:

I’ve suffered from acid reflux for many years now, and have been taking Prilosec regularly.  What was explained to me by my doctor was that acid reflux is caused by the stomach producing TOO MUCH stomach acid. It made sense.  Well…..my wife is reading a book by a Doctor John R. Lee (It happens to be a book on Menopause) who has a much different opinion.  For those who may be interested I will quote from the book…..trust me…if you suffer from heartburn YOU SHOULD read this.  Here goes: "Most people with chronic heartburn, especially those over the age og 50, have LOW levels of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), the main digestive acid in the stomach. The most common symptons of a stomach acid deficiency show up after eating, in the form of heartburn, belching, bloating, or a heavy feeling. If you feel that most of your meal is still in your stomach more than 45 minutes after eating a normal meal, your stomach is working inefficiently. One way to stimulate your digestive juices is to drink a glass of water half an hour before eating.  Other people swear by a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one-third cup of water before a meal. Vinegar is highly acidic and may provide your stomach with enough acidity for quick, easy digestion."     "The most common triggers for indigestion and heartburn are too much fat or fried food, processed meats with nitrates or nitrites in them, too much sugar, alcohol, chocolate and drugs (especially antibiotics), and stress. If your digestive tract is already irritated, substances such as coffee, citrus fruits, tomato based foods, and spicey foods will only irritate it more. If you have heartburn you may be able to cure it by simply eliminating coffee."    "If you have heartburn, please do not reach for antacids; they will temporarily suppress the symptoms for an hour or so, but in the long run they will make matters worse. You may even become dependant on them. Antacids also contain aluminum, silicone, sugar, and a long list of dyes and preservatives, none of wich will help you and may even harm you. And no matter what the new advertising strategies are, I definitely do not recommend you get extra calcium by chewing on antacid tablets! The side effects of the antacids far outweigh any advantage you might get from the calcium, which is in a poorly absorbed form.      "H2 Blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet, which the FDA has allowed to be sold over the counter, are even worse. They suppress the secretion of stomach acid, and in many people create a distressingly long list of side effects. They interfere with the absorbtion of nutrients, especially calcuim.  Tagamet, one of the best selling drugs in the United States, has the worst side effects: It can cause breast enlargement in Men because it interferes with estrogen metabolism and excretion in the liver. Tagamet enhances the effects of many drugs, which can have deadly side effects. There is absolutely no reason I know of for anyone to take these drugs.  They are largely irrelavent in the treatment of ulcers and have way too many side effects to justify theit use in something as easliy preventable as heartburn.  Your stomach acid is also one of your frontline defenses against harmful bacteria. Suppress it, and the rest of your systems have to wotk overtime to protect you" Well…..   there’s more…..but you get the drift……    it’s completely the opposite of what modern American medicine says…..but it sure makes a lot of sense. Any opinions? Mike

Response:

Hard to be sure, but plenty of logic there. Giving up coffee, even decaff, has helped me a lot.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve suffered from acid reflux for many years now, and have been taking > Prilosec regularly.  What was explained to me by my doctor was that acid > reflux is caused by the stomach producing TOO MUCH stomach acid. It made > sense.  Well…..my wife is reading a book by a Doctor John R. Lee (It > happens to be a book on Menopause) who has a much different opinion.  For > those who may be interested I will quote from the book…..trust me…if you > suffer from heartburn YOU SHOULD read this.  Here goes: > "Most people with chronic heartburn, especially those over the age og 50, > have LOW levels of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), the main digestive acid in the > stomach. The most common symptons of a stomach acid deficiency show up after > eating, in the form of heartburn, belching, bloating, or a heavy feeling. If > you feel that most > of your meal is still in your stomach more than 45 minutes after eating a > normal meal, your stomach is working inefficiently. One way to stimulate > your digestive juices is to drink a glass of water half an hour before > eating.  Other people swear by a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in > one-third cup of water before a meal. Vinegar is highly acidic and may > provide your stomach with enough acidity for quick, easy digestion." >     "The most common triggers for indigestion and heartburn are too much fat > or fried food, processed meats with nitrates or nitrites in them, too much > sugar, alcohol, chocolate and drugs (especially antibiotics), and stress. If > your digestive tract is already irritated, substances such as coffee, citrus > fruits, tomato based foods, and spicey foods will only irritate it more. If > you have heartburn you may be able to cure it by simply eliminating coffee." >    "If you have heartburn, please do not reach for antacids; they will > temporarily suppress the symptoms for an hour or so, but in the long run > they will make matters worse. You may even become dependant on them. > Antacids also contain aluminum, silicone, sugar, and a long list of dyes and > preservatives, none of wich will help you and may even harm you. And no > matter what the new advertising strategies are, I definitely do not > recommend you get extra calcium by chewing on antacid tablets! The side > effects of the antacids far outweigh any advantage you might get from the > calcium, which is in a poorly absorbed form. >      "H2 Blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet, which the FDA has > allowed to be sold over the counter, are even worse. They suppress the > secretion of stomach acid, and in many people create a distressingly long > list of side effects. They interfere with the absorbtion of nutrients, > especially calcuim.  Tagamet, one of the best selling drugs in the United > States, has the worst side effects: It can cause breast enlargement in Men > because it interferes with estrogen metabolism and excretion in the liver. > Tagamet enhances the effects of many drugs, which can have deadly side > effects. There is absolutely no reason I know of for anyone to take these > drugs.  They are largely irrelavent in the treatment of ulcers and have way > too many side effects to justify theit use in something as easliy > preventable as heartburn.  Your stomach acid is also one of your frontline > defenses against harmful bacteria. Suppress it, and the rest of your systems > have to wotk overtime to protect you" > Well…..   there’s more…..but you get the drift……    it’s completely > the opposite of what modern American medicine says…..but it sure makes a > lot of sense. > Any opinions? > Mike

Response:

Greetings Mike,      Sometimes radical is right!  Dr. Lee is "fighting" his own profession, which is big business and major bucks. Linus Pauling, the two-time Nobel Prize winner would probably agree with Dr. Lee.  Pauling said,  "You can trace every sickness, every disease, and every ailment to a mineral deficiency."      Have your wife look at this page:      http://www.timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/Endau/EndauFrameset.html      and you might be interested in:      http://www.timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/VMM/VMMFrameset.html http://timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/MaximolSolutions/MaximolFrame… and http://timeforbetterhealth.com/Products/NoniAuthenticHawaiian/Hawaiia…      I find it fascinating that Paul Zane Pilzer, best-selling author and economic advisor to two presidential administrations, said "Correct information about diet, nutrition, vitamins, minerals and supplements is almost all contrary to what we’ve heard from our medical community; for many, it runs counter to how we were brought up. There’s so much inaccurate information out there; people are conditioned for it. When they first hear new, good information, naturally they’re going to be skeptical. The only way they will actually change their paradigm or start to learn new information is person to person–because they’ re actively engaged in a conversation. This doesn’t happen overnight. It may take three, four, five or six conversations with different people before you actually change your mind." (Read his exciting book, The Next Trillion.)      Yes, there is a new way.  Isn’t It Time For Better Health?      Suzanne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hard to be sure, but plenty of logic there. Giving up coffee, even decaff, > has helped me a lot. > I’ve suffered from acid reflux for many years now, and have been taking > Prilosec regularly.  What was explained to me by my doctor was that acid > reflux is caused by the stomach producing TOO MUCH stomach acid. It made > sense.  Well…..my wife is reading a book by a Doctor John R. Lee (It > happens to be a book on Menopause) who has a much different opinion.  For > those who may be interested I will quote from the book…..trust me…if > you > suffer from heartburn YOU SHOULD read this.  Here goes: > "Most people with chronic heartburn, especially those over the age og 50, > have LOW levels of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), the main digestive acid in the > stomach. The most common symptons of a stomach acid deficiency show up > after > eating, in the form of heartburn, belching, bloating, or a heavy feeling. > If > you feel that most > of your meal is still in your stomach more than 45 minutes after eating a > normal meal, your stomach is working inefficiently. One way to stimulate > your digestive juices is to drink a glass of water half an hour before > eating.  Other people swear by a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in > one-third cup of water before a meal. Vinegar is highly acidic and may > provide your stomach with enough acidity for quick, easy digestion." >     "The most common triggers for indigestion and heartburn are too much > fat > or fried food, processed meats with nitrates or nitrites in them, too much > sugar, alcohol, chocolate and drugs (especially antibiotics), and stress. > If > your digestive tract is already irritated, substances such as coffee, > citrus > fruits, tomato based foods, and spicey foods will only irritate it more. > If > you have heartburn you may be able to cure it by simply eliminating > coffee." >    "If you have heartburn, please do not reach for antacids; they will > temporarily suppress the symptoms for an hour or so, but in the long run > they will make matters worse. You may even become dependant on them. > Antacids also contain aluminum, silicone, sugar, and a long list of dyes > and > preservatives, none of wich will help you and may even harm you. And no > matter what the new advertising strategies are, I definitely do not > recommend you get extra calcium by chewing on antacid tablets! The side > effects of the antacids far outweigh any advantage you might get from the > calcium, which is in a poorly absorbed form. >      "H2 Blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet, which the FDA has > allowed to be sold over the counter, are even worse. They suppress the > secretion of stomach acid, and in many people create a distressingly long > list of side effects. They interfere with the absorbtion of nutrients, > especially calcuim.  Tagamet, one of the best selling drugs in the United > States, has the worst side effects: It can cause breast enlargement in Men > because it interferes with estrogen metabolism and excretion in the liver. > Tagamet enhances the effects of many drugs, which can have deadly side > effects. There is absolutely no reason I know of for anyone to take these > drugs.  They are largely irrelavent in the treatment of ulcers and have > way > too many side effects to justify theit use in something as easliy > preventable as heartburn.  Your stomach acid is also one of your frontline > defenses against harmful bacteria. Suppress it, and the rest of your > systems > have to wotk overtime to protect you" > Well…..   there’s more…..but you get the drift……    it’s > completely > the opposite of what modern American medicine says…..but it sure makes a > lot of sense. > Any opinions? > Mike

Response:

Well, as I am suffering from an unberably painful heartburn at this very moment.  The only thing I am interested is how to stop it now. Anything suggested by Dr. Lee?

Response:

Weaning off prilosec?

Question:

I’ve been on Prilosec since 2000. It started when I was 400lbs., ate horrible and had a horrible lifestyle. The horrible GERD I began to suffer from (so bad it felt like a heart attack on a number of occassions and caused months of almost constant nausea and lots of dry heaving) caused me to reevaluate my life. Since that time I’ve gotten down to 250lbs. by becoming a vegetarian and by exercising regularly; cycling 10-20 miles a day. Everything is going pretty well. Cholesterol is way down, far below normal. My heart is great and overall my health is great. I’d like to kick Prilosec, though. Part of this process of getting healthier, has been to take charge of my life and to fix my problems by doing things the right way. Eating the right foods, exercising, etc. Thus I’d like to get off Prilosec if I can, because I don’t want to take any medication that isn’t necessary. Problem is, when I tried to take pills only sporadically about 7 months ago, I had REALLY had heartburn. So my question is this. #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my body’s natural ability to regulate acid production? #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that would help this process? Zantac? Thanks for any help or advice. Preston

Response:

> #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible > to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there > a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my > body’s natural ability to regulate acid production?

That’s *exactly* what it is doing, which in general means that if you go off it, you’ll have some difficulty with acid levels, since the regulatory mechanisms are all fouled up. I’ve been trying to wean myself off Nexium for similar reasons.  I’m a very healthy individual, and right now it takes a combination of Nexium and careful diet to keep my acid level under control.  I’m slowly trying to get to the point where I’m not popping pills all the time, and since I’ve found that Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zantac all give me intestinal indigestion. > #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right > now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that > would help this process? Zantac?

The only thing I’ve really been able to do is substitute one med for another.  I can take Zantac instead of Nexium, for example, but the doses are huge[1], and talking with my GI specialist he believes that Nexium is probably causing less problems in the long run than Zantac. I’d be *very* careful with antacids.  While I was undergoing pre-surgical screening for my Nissen I had to go completely off acid control meds, and had to take large amounts of antacid to function. As I discovered, too much tums taken habitually can really mess you up, too. (I won’t complain, I’m *way* better off than a year ago, when I had *bad* GERD starting after a car accident.  After a Nissen with Hiatal Hernia repair, the acid isn’t eroding my esophagus any more, but I still have problems with high acid levels and gastritis and the occasional bout of heartburn.  But each month is an improvement) It sounds like you’re on the right track, you’ve got your lifestyle changed for the better.  Just take it slowly, and talk with specialists if you can. [1] As an aside, at least generic Zantac is *cheap* now.  I can get 120 75 mg tablets at the local walmart for $9.50, so when I was taking that I didn’t even both with my insurance. — Richard W Kaszeta http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

I’ve been on Prevacid since July of 1999.  And I figure that I am hooked forever.  When I began to have horrible heartburn, the doctor recommened Zantac 75.  It helped slightly, but I felt that my mind was in a fog.  When I returned to the doctor in several weeks, he prescribed Prevacid.  Suddenly, the fog lifted and the heartburn was not nearly so terrible.  Almost three years later, my heartburn is pretty well under control, but if I skip a pill, I am totally miserable.  I’ve tried Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix – but I’m dependent on Prevacid.  The doctor said I’d probably be on that pill forever. Even before my heartburn, I was in excellent shape, thin, ate a very, very healthy diet, exercised very regularly.  Now I am even in better shape.  The point is – life style changes DO help.  But they don’t always eliminate GERD. They may make GERD a lot more manageable. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve been on Prilosec since 2000. It started when I was 400lbs., ate > horrible and had a horrible lifestyle. The horrible GERD I began to suffer > from (so bad it felt like a heart attack on a number of occassions and > caused months of almost constant nausea and lots of dry heaving) caused me > to reevaluate my life. > Since that time I’ve gotten down to 250lbs. by becoming a vegetarian and > by exercising regularly; cycling 10-20 miles a day. Everything is going > pretty well. Cholesterol is way down, far below normal. My heart is great > and overall my health is great. > I’d like to kick Prilosec, though. Part of this process of getting > healthier, has been to take charge of my life and to fix my problems by > doing things the right way. Eating the right foods, exercising, etc. Thus > I’d like to get off Prilosec if I can, because I don’t want to take any > medication that isn’t necessary. > Problem is, when I tried to take pills only sporadically about 7 months > ago, I had REALLY had heartburn. So my question is this. > #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible > to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there > a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my > body’s natural ability to regulate acid production? > #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right > now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that > would help this process? Zantac? > Thanks for any help or advice. > Preston

Response:

Im on Nexium  no problems…I was on Prilosec.but it was affecting my Coumadin levels in my blood….Nexium has cause no evil with me and y GERD is well under control. I love it. Barbara Behan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been on Prevacid since July of 1999.  And I figure that I am hooked > forever.  When I began to have horrible heartburn, the doctor recommened > Zantac 75.  It helped slightly, but I felt that my mind was in a fog. When I > returned to the doctor in several weeks, he prescribed Prevacid. Suddenly, > the fog lifted and the heartburn was not nearly so terrible.  Almost three > years later, my heartburn is pretty well under control, but if I skip a pill, > I am totally miserable.  I’ve tried Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix – but I’m > dependent on Prevacid.  The doctor said I’d probably be on that pill forever. > Even before my heartburn, I was in excellent shape, thin, ate a very, very > healthy diet, exercised very regularly.  Now I am even in better shape. The > point is – life style changes DO help.  But they don’t always eliminate GERD. > They may make GERD a lot more manageable. > I’ve been on Prilosec since 2000. It started when I was 400lbs., ate > horrible and had a horrible lifestyle. The horrible GERD I began to suffer > from (so bad it felt like a heart attack on a number of occassions and > caused months of almost constant nausea and lots of dry heaving) caused me > to reevaluate my life. > Since that time I’ve gotten down to 250lbs. by becoming a vegetarian and > by exercising regularly; cycling 10-20 miles a day. Everything is going > pretty well. Cholesterol is way down, far below normal. My heart is great > and overall my health is great. > I’d like to kick Prilosec, though. Part of this process of getting > healthier, has been to take charge of my life and to fix my problems by > doing things the right way. Eating the right foods, exercising, etc. Thus > I’d like to get off Prilosec if I can, because I don’t want to take any > medication that isn’t necessary. > Problem is, when I tried to take pills only sporadically about 7 months > ago, I had REALLY had heartburn. So my question is this. > #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible > to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there > a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my > body’s natural ability to regulate acid production? > #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right > now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that > would help this process? Zantac? > Thanks for any help or advice. > Preston

Response:

Weaning off prilosec?

Question:

I’ve been on Prilosec since 2000. It started when I was 400lbs., ate horrible and had a horrible lifestyle. The horrible GERD I began to suffer from (so bad it felt like a heart attack on a number of occassions and caused months of almost constant nausea and lots of dry heaving) caused me to reevaluate my life. Since that time I’ve gotten down to 250lbs. by becoming a vegetarian and by exercising regularly; cycling 10-20 miles a day. Everything is going pretty well. Cholesterol is way down, far below normal. My heart is great and overall my health is great. I’d like to kick Prilosec, though. Part of this process of getting healthier, has been to take charge of my life and to fix my problems by doing things the right way. Eating the right foods, exercising, etc. Thus I’d like to get off Prilosec if I can, because I don’t want to take any medication that isn’t necessary. Problem is, when I tried to take pills only sporadically about 7 months ago, I had REALLY had heartburn. So my question is this. #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my body’s natural ability to regulate acid production? #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that would help this process? Zantac? Thanks for any help or advice. Preston

Response:

> #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible > to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there > a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my > body’s natural ability to regulate acid production?

That’s *exactly* what it is doing, which in general means that if you go off it, you’ll have some difficulty with acid levels, since the regulatory mechanisms are all fouled up. I’ve been trying to wean myself off Nexium for similar reasons.  I’m a very healthy individual, and right now it takes a combination of Nexium and careful diet to keep my acid level under control.  I’m slowly trying to get to the point where I’m not popping pills all the time, and since I’ve found that Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zantac all give me intestinal indigestion. > #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right > now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that > would help this process? Zantac?

The only thing I’ve really been able to do is substitute one med for another.  I can take Zantac instead of Nexium, for example, but the doses are huge[1], and talking with my GI specialist he believes that Nexium is probably causing less problems in the long run than Zantac. I’d be *very* careful with antacids.  While I was undergoing pre-surgical screening for my Nissen I had to go completely off acid control meds, and had to take large amounts of antacid to function. As I discovered, too much tums taken habitually can really mess you up, too. (I won’t complain, I’m *way* better off than a year ago, when I had *bad* GERD starting after a car accident.  After a Nissen with Hiatal Hernia repair, the acid isn’t eroding my esophagus any more, but I still have problems with high acid levels and gastritis and the occasional bout of heartburn.  But each month is an improvement) It sounds like you’re on the right track, you’ve got your lifestyle changed for the better.  Just take it slowly, and talk with specialists if you can. [1] As an aside, at least generic Zantac is *cheap* now.  I can get 120 75 mg tablets at the local walmart for $9.50, so when I was taking that I didn’t even both with my insurance. — Richard W Kaszeta http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

I’ve been on Prevacid since July of 1999.  And I figure that I am hooked forever.  When I began to have horrible heartburn, the doctor recommened Zantac 75.  It helped slightly, but I felt that my mind was in a fog.  When I returned to the doctor in several weeks, he prescribed Prevacid.  Suddenly, the fog lifted and the heartburn was not nearly so terrible.  Almost three years later, my heartburn is pretty well under control, but if I skip a pill, I am totally miserable.  I’ve tried Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix – but I’m dependent on Prevacid.  The doctor said I’d probably be on that pill forever. Even before my heartburn, I was in excellent shape, thin, ate a very, very healthy diet, exercised very regularly.  Now I am even in better shape.  The point is – life style changes DO help.  But they don’t always eliminate GERD. They may make GERD a lot more manageable. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve been on Prilosec since 2000. It started when I was 400lbs., ate > horrible and had a horrible lifestyle. The horrible GERD I began to suffer > from (so bad it felt like a heart attack on a number of occassions and > caused months of almost constant nausea and lots of dry heaving) caused me > to reevaluate my life. > Since that time I’ve gotten down to 250lbs. by becoming a vegetarian and > by exercising regularly; cycling 10-20 miles a day. Everything is going > pretty well. Cholesterol is way down, far below normal. My heart is great > and overall my health is great. > I’d like to kick Prilosec, though. Part of this process of getting > healthier, has been to take charge of my life and to fix my problems by > doing things the right way. Eating the right foods, exercising, etc. Thus > I’d like to get off Prilosec if I can, because I don’t want to take any > medication that isn’t necessary. > Problem is, when I tried to take pills only sporadically about 7 months > ago, I had REALLY had heartburn. So my question is this. > #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible > to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there > a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my > body’s natural ability to regulate acid production? > #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right > now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that > would help this process? Zantac? > Thanks for any help or advice. > Preston

Response:

Im on Nexium  no problems…I was on Prilosec.but it was affecting my Coumadin levels in my blood….Nexium has cause no evil with me and y GERD is well under control. I love it. Barbara Behan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been on Prevacid since July of 1999.  And I figure that I am hooked > forever.  When I began to have horrible heartburn, the doctor recommened > Zantac 75.  It helped slightly, but I felt that my mind was in a fog. When I > returned to the doctor in several weeks, he prescribed Prevacid. Suddenly, > the fog lifted and the heartburn was not nearly so terrible.  Almost three > years later, my heartburn is pretty well under control, but if I skip a pill, > I am totally miserable.  I’ve tried Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix – but I’m > dependent on Prevacid.  The doctor said I’d probably be on that pill forever. > Even before my heartburn, I was in excellent shape, thin, ate a very, very > healthy diet, exercised very regularly.  Now I am even in better shape. The > point is – life style changes DO help.  But they don’t always eliminate GERD. > They may make GERD a lot more manageable. > I’ve been on Prilosec since 2000. It started when I was 400lbs., ate > horrible and had a horrible lifestyle. The horrible GERD I began to suffer > from (so bad it felt like a heart attack on a number of occassions and > caused months of almost constant nausea and lots of dry heaving) caused me > to reevaluate my life. > Since that time I’ve gotten down to 250lbs. by becoming a vegetarian and > by exercising regularly; cycling 10-20 miles a day. Everything is going > pretty well. Cholesterol is way down, far below normal. My heart is great > and overall my health is great. > I’d like to kick Prilosec, though. Part of this process of getting > healthier, has been to take charge of my life and to fix my problems by > doing things the right way. Eating the right foods, exercising, etc. Thus > I’d like to get off Prilosec if I can, because I don’t want to take any > medication that isn’t necessary. > Problem is, when I tried to take pills only sporadically about 7 months > ago, I had REALLY had heartburn. So my question is this. > #1 – Is it possible that being on Prilosec can make you MORE susceptible > to heartburn if you quit it? I hope that makes sense. Essentially is there > a weaning period of some kind? Does Prilosec somehow interfere with my > body’s natural ability to regulate acid production? > #2 – Are there any drugs that can be taken if I want to wean myself. Right > now I take 20mg of Prilosec daily. Is there anything that’s effective that > would help this process? Zantac? > Thanks for any help or advice. > Preston

Response:

Heartburn

Question:

My daughter has uncontrollable burping .. She has been tested for various things and had an endoscopi but still burping … What now? Has anyone got some good advice ? She is a vegeterian ,nonsmoker ,.nondrinker and not overweight ..

Response:

I first started with uncontrollable burping. It seemed to be caused by gastritis. Then it progressed to excess stomach acid and heartburn. I take Prilosec 20 mg a day and really watch my diet. No sodas, alcohol, onions, garlic, tomato sauce or anything real spicy. The diet is very individual. You have to experiment to see what bothers you. Check out www.heartburn-help.com for some other ideas and be sure that your daughter sees a doctor if the problem persists. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

Nothing has worked for me like Pepcid.

Response:

Tagemet stopped working after a few years

Response:

I have an all natural product called DE-3 from Nutrition For Life International that works great and it only costs about $12.00 for 150 tablets, if you’re interested Email me.

Response:

Heartburn

Question:

My daughter has uncontrollable burping .. She has been tested for various things and had an endoscopi but still burping … What now? Has anyone got some good advice ? She is a vegeterian ,nonsmoker ,.nondrinker and not overweight ..

Response:

I first started with uncontrollable burping. It seemed to be caused by gastritis. Then it progressed to excess stomach acid and heartburn. I take Prilosec 20 mg a day and really watch my diet. No sodas, alcohol, onions, garlic, tomato sauce or anything real spicy. The diet is very individual. You have to experiment to see what bothers you. Check out www.heartburn-help.com for some other ideas and be sure that your daughter sees a doctor if the problem persists. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

Nothing has worked for me like Pepcid.

Response:

Tagemet stopped working after a few years

Response:

I have an all natural product called DE-3 from Nutrition For Life International that works great and it only costs about $12.00 for 150 tablets, if you’re interested Email me.

Response: