Do we have it all backwards?
Posted , 9 users are following.
Found some interesting theories....actually they are more than just theories... as to what acid reflux really is and how the way some folks are treating it may not be the right approach for them.
What they claim is this. Some of us do not produce enough acid to meet the needs of our stomach at meal time. This leads to the valve that sits at the bottom of the esophagus thinking it can relax and reopen. When that happens acid can go back up the pipe and cause the burning some folks experience. Using PPI's (proton pump inhibitors) to reduce the production of stomach acid is the exact opposite of what these people need. It is only compopunding the problem of not enough acid to properly digest the food.
Taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (the non-pasturized or raw, unfiltered version... $4/quart at the store) before a meal might be an answer. Apple cider vinegar mimmics the bodies own stomach acid and acts to boost what's there.
I've started doing this as of last night. I do not have reflux but I do (see my recent post) have, if I eat certain high-fat foods, severe digestion issues that are, as far as I'm concerned, still undiagnosed.
I drink it down mixed in some water. No big deal.
1 like, 29 replies
jo57545 george74517
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ellacraig george74517
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case in point how many people do you know who started a short course of ppis to still be on them years later with even worse Symptons than before..
george74517 ellacraig
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By your doctor?
ellacraig george74517
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debbie75601 george74517
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george74517 debbie75601
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This is using the raw, ulfiltered ACV. Do not try taking it without water or some other liquid as it may constrict your throat as it did me.
So far I'm finding I seem to have less stomach activity. That gurgling that seemed to be a constant... especially when I'm lying in bed. That has really deminished. No side effects so far that I can point to.
I also got back on taking a good probiotic about the same time. Did that for years and then just got out of the habit. That works the back end of things and it really does help with that area I can tell you that for sure : )
debbie75601 george74517
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george74517 debbie75601
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I think this (ACV) is doing something for me. For lunch, while working, I had one of these raman-type noodle packets. The ones with enough salt for the entire week in one packet. Anyway, normally this will make my stomach hurt a bit right after eating. Not like one of my major "on the floor" episodes but there is a very mild pain there and for a good while, then it passes.
Today, after taking my two teaspoons of ACV that did not happen. I'm pleased to say the least.
The big test is for me to get that steak, egg and cheese on a bagle at MickyD's. The one that started this whole thing for me. If I can eat that and not get sick then I may be on to something, here.
Not ready to attempt that yet... but... that day is coming.
threena58977 george74517
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george74517 threena58977
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Keep in the fridge for longer shelf life.
threena58977 george74517
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derek58875 george74517
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There are probably more people with over acidic gastric systems than there are low acidic stomachs.
And this is why PPIs are prescribed.
Advising adding acid to acid is not going to be helpful in many cases.
I might agree with you that GPs do not always associate Gastric problems with low acidity. But there is a simple test to ascertain whether one is sufffering from one or the other.
Probiotics and Yogurt are always helpful.
george74517 derek58875
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You need to go back and re-read my initial post. There you will see this line: "Some of us do not produce enough acid to meet the needs of our stomach at meal time."
No where have I stated ACV if for everyone. In fact, I have made myself the guinea pig by taking the product and reporting back my personal findings.
Barretts george74517
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Acid Reflux comprises two components: acid (which is chemical) and reflux (which is mechanical). The acidity of the stomach contents does not cause the reflux.
There are many reasons for the reflux. The two groups of muscles which form the lower oesophageal sphincter do not work properly to effectively close the base of the oesophagus. One of the most common reasons for this is a hiatus hernia which displaces the diaphragmatic muscle above the phrenoesophageal muscle.
The reason PPIs are prescribed to lower the stomach's acidity is so that the reflux is less dangerous to the oesophagus - where it can cause permanent cellular changes (Barrett's Oesophagus) that can mutate to cancer.
The argument presented for ACV that it "mimmics the bodies own stomach acid" is false. The stomach's acid is highly concentrated hydrochloric acid which leaches essential minerals from foods changing them chemically to chlorides which are able to be assimilated in the duodenum. The very weak citric and acetic acids found in ACV do not perform this task.
The alternative viewpoint propounded by other ACV advocates is almost the opposite of the above argument. They say that by drinking ACV before a meal, it tricks the stomach into expecting acid so it needn't produce so much. But this is much like saying you can warm the ocean by adding a kettle of hot water.
However, some people do find ACV appears to have some therapeutic benefit so if it works for you, fine. However, I would not advocate replacing PPIs with ACV!
There is much research evidence that shows PPIs may have a chemo-protective effect. So far I have failed to find any research that supports the use of ACV apart from anecdotal stories on "health" websites often promoted by those attempting to sell their products.
george74517 Barretts
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You stated:
"However, some people do find ACV appears to have some therapeutic benefit so if it works for you, fine."
If you're convinved this is all nonsense then how do explain why ACV (appears to, for some people) work at all?
threena58977 Barretts
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george74517 threena58977
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Yes, correct. What this discussion centers on is whether, for those of us who suffer abdonimal pain that has not been fully diagnosed or perhaps mis-diagnosed... whether our stomach IS producing enough of what it needs for digestion.
Barretts george74517
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If you read my earlier post, the reason for acid suppression isn't necessarily hyperchlorhydria but to reduce the danger posed by the reflux of acid to the oesophagus.
george74517 Barretts
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What she did do within five minutes of meeting me was drop a bag of sample PPI's in my lap. This, prior to doing any tests to see what my issue was.
Is this good medicine? I think not.
The problem is, from reading some of the posts here and elsewhere, many of us seem not to be getting proper medical treatment and advice. Leaving us to search out answers for ourselves from complete strangers on sites like this one.
xpandorax george74517
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xpandorax Barretts
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xpandorax george74517
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