How I cured my acid reflux, naturally.

Hi Jane:

First, you can use any kind of carbonated water you can find, flavored is just for preference.  Seltzer water tends to have more fizz, which I like because as a big bottle sits, it tends to lose some fizz, then it just tastes bad and I throw it out and get a new bottle.

Initially I was still using PPi drugs when I first tried the treatment.  But, it was instrumental in helping me to get off of them.  Most of us get on PPi drugs because of reflux acid pain,  but there was a study that showed that the stomach responds to these drugs by producing more acid pumps. This can cause the PPi drug to become ineffective with higher doses and more side effects. Then when a person tries to stop taking the drugs, all these new and old pumps produce unusually large amounts of acid.  But, the good news is that after a person stops taking these drugs, the stomach will shut down the excess pumps,  It just takes some time.

The best way to get off PPi drugs is to slowly rewduce the dose over 2  months.  If you take capsules you can open them up and just swallow the tiny pills, reducing the dose week by week until you are down to 1/8 of a capsule.  If you take a tablet, don't break it because they are time release.  Just start taking them every other day and each week add a day between doses.  Or you could switch to a capsule PPi and do the first option.  Then if you get any burning after that you can use olive oil and regular antacids.  I recommend extra virgin olive oil, 4 teaspoons a day, one right before bed.  You can't really take too much as it is very healthy and can balance out high cholesterol numbers. 

Also, take a multi B vitamin each day and a multi mineral.  And extra magnesium. 

Keep me posted, John

Hi John

Thank you so much for your reply.

I have started the treatment already (twice) with sparkling mineral water and held for 20 minutes after which no burp came up!

I noticed straight away that my own burping was reduced so maybe it is already having an effect.

I have only been taking the lanzaprozole for 2 weeks and have 2 more weeks of tablets to take. My gp thought maybe something had upset my stomach and that a month's supply of lanzaprozole may sort it out. 

I am not too sure about that as I have been having the reflux for a month now. It started off as just heartburn and then became acid reflux. My feeling is that my LES is weakened probably from too much strong coffee and eating too much at night. 

I am going to do the sparkling water 4 times today and carry this on for a few days. Then maybe if I see an improvement I could cut down a bit?

How long would you suggest the 4 times a day of sparkling water?

Do you think I could just stop the PPI after 4 weeks or do you think I will have already produced more PPI pumps and need to come off slowly?

I will get a B vitamin and use olive oil as well.

Many thanks again for your help.

Jane 

If you don't build up pressure after dinking the carb. water, then there could be a mechanical issue with your LES.  Try a little bit 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil before the treatment and let me know if you build up pressure.  If you have a stethescope you can listen for leakage from the LES.  It will sound like air coming out of a balloon while being pinched.  

Hi Jonathan

I do get leakage from the LES I can hear it exactly as you describe even without a stethescope (this is one thing that has been worrying me) - I get this leaking of air often during the day especially with drinking.

Also I do get pressure after the carbonated water, but it takes a while, last time it took about 5 minutes before I got pressure and then I just kept holding back for the full 20 minutes by which time there doesn't seem to be any air left in my stomach.

I will try the olive oil next time I treat. Does this make a seal?

Thanks for your help

Jane 

Hi

I did another carbonated water drink and this time took some olive oil beforehand. I found that I did get pressure this time much more than before and that I could only hold back for 10 minutes after which I burped.

Thanks, Jane 

 

Very good news Jane.  Eventually, as the LES becomes stronger, the damage will heal and improve the seal even better.  Also, because of the shape of the stomach, if a person sleeps on the left side, only air will escape, not liquids.  And sleeping on the back is better than the right side.

I am also suspicious about the chlorine and chemicals added to public water supplies.  It could be killing gut bacteria.

I start my morning with a full glass of filtered warm water, then a teaspoon of olive oil, then a probiotic smoothie.  Then I can have breakfast.

John

Hi John

I have been continuing the water treatment now on my 5th day. One thing I do find is that the air seems to escape into my esophagus and although I hold down the burp and refuse to allow to come up (by swallowing or holding my breath) I am wondering if this will still help the LES, because it seems to have gone past the LES by this stage? Thanks, Jane 

I'm on day 2 and I find the same thing happens to me !!!

If you're having trouble getting the LES to seal try taking a 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil before each treatment.  Doctors can do laser resufacing of the sphincter.  If the olive oil does not work you may have to go the medical route.

I had an endoscopy about a months go and the specialist said everything looked fine . She even commented how usually she sees scaring on the LES but she said mine was ok , so I'm hoping it's just become a little lazy due to a long and painful episode of bloating due to IBS

Hi:

You may have an issue with your esophageal sphincter not sealing properly like tennisplayer-Jane above.  Do you feel any pressure building or feel like burping after you drink the carbonated water?

Yes, I get burps. After taking carboabted water, I can feel the pressure build up also.

The problem is I am not sure of how to control burps. Can you help me with it?

Hi

I am finding I have to keep holding my breath to stop the burps. I am not sure how John would suggest to do it, but this seems to work for me.

Best wishes,

Jane 

Just like anything it takes some practice.  Most people who have digestive problems often burp a lot.  We get used to burping out any air that is produced.  It may even hurt at first or cause discomfort, but you can do it.  Eventually you will be suprised that as the sphincter gets strong, it will do it all by itself.  It will not hurt the stomach or sphincter to do this.  You are just retraining it.  Keep me posted.  John

One more point, the esophageal sphioncter is normally an involuntary muscle.  It is designed to squeeze down tight all the time. We are trying to over ride it and control it.  When things go wrong it may get lazy or get damaged.  But it can heal, as long as it is not exposed to acid.  So you really need to focus while your holding down the burp.  Don't try to do anything else as you will soon forget and burp.  John

I find that I have to swallow repeatedly to keep a burp idown. Likely it's because my ES is so weak. It works though, for a start. Hopefully this will improve with time . . .

Very good!  thanks bebe