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How I cured my gastritis

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ines6375
ines6375

When I got diagnosed with mild gastritis (but no H. Pylori) and esophagitis, I looked all over the internet to find what to do. I did not find many accounts of people who have cured themselves successfully and how they did it. So I thought I would write my story once I am cured. Here it is. If you have cured yourself from gastritis too, please share your experience below as well.

Many people ask how long it takes to be cured. At first I started on dexilant for a month but I did not see any improvement. After a month I kept taking dexilant and I started the low acid diet in parallel. I got much better in 2-3 days. After two months on dexilant and one month on the diet, I felt completely good. Then I stopped the dexilant cold turkey and got a lot of pain and acidity back in my stomach. Now I regret I did not take the dexilant a little longer as my stomach was obviously not healed and not strong enough to go through the rebound effect of stopping dexilant. I regret also that I did not stop dexilant slowly taking it every other day for a week, then every three days for a week, .... I felt anxious about taking a medication that has so many side effects taken long term and I wanted to stop immediately, which was not reasonable.

Anyway there I was back at the beginning with stomach pain and acidity day and night. I felt pain related to the esophagitis as well which really scared me. I hesitated to take dexilant again but I decided to try to cure myself the natural way. Below I describe what I did. I got cured in approximately two months, getting slowly better week by week. After two months of natural cures I had no stomach pain anymore and no excess acid, I was able to sleep again, felt like a new healthy (and lighter -- I lost a few pounds) person. However after those two months, I felt that I needed to follow the diet another month for my stomach to get strong and be able to handle a less strict diet.

THE CURE

Books

Most of what I did is summarized in two books which I found very useful:

The first book is "Dropping acid: the reflux diet cookbook & cure" by Jamie Koufman. This is the book I based my diet on. The only disagreements I have with the author regard dairy products that I stopped taking as they make the stomach produce more acid (very clear for me), and the use of ginger, manukka honey and aloe vera which I find too irritating and/or acidic (and I don't feel that they help). Also she does not talk about salt which is known to be irritating for the stomach lining in excess, I felt an improvement when I lowered my intake in salt. I will explain the diet more in details below.

The other book is "Ulcer free! Nature's safe & effective remedy for ulcers" by G. Halpern. I know you may have gastritis and no ulcers but the two conditions are related and what cures one usually cures the other too. I used some of the natural supplements recommended in this book. In particular slippery elm (this one is actually not mentioned in the book) and DGL licorice for stomach pain (coat the interior of the stomach lining), Zinc-Carnosine (reduce inflammation and protects stomach lining - I felt a great improvement after starting to take it especially with acid production at night), and cabbage juice (finished my recovery with this one, after two days I had no stomach pain anymore at night). I describe the supplements more below.

What did not work for me

Mastic gum hurts my stomach. It is supposedly helpful against H. Pylori which I knew I did not have (I had been tested).

Prelief removes the acid in food and stomach very efficiently but causes constipation.

Tums works well for 45 minutes but then there is a rebound effect with the stomach producing more acid.

Manukka honey hurts my stomach (Too acidic, Ph level 4, but maybe also because of the tea tree essential oil in it). It is supposedly helpful against H. Pylori.

Aloe Vera is too acidic (around Ph level 4), and I don't feel it is doing anything positive.

Ginger is irritating and I don't feel it is doing anything positive.

Probiotics helps with digestion but not really for the stomach.

Zantac works very well at removing the acidity but makes me feel dizzy and incredibly tired.

PPI worked very well at removing the acidity and pain in my stomach while I was taking it while doing the diet, but I had a bad rebound effect when I stopped (one must stop slowly by taking it every other day for a while). Also having too low acid in the stomach because of PPI might cause problems in the long term (problems with Calcium and B12 absorption, bacterial infection more likely).

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  • ines6375
    ines6375

    Posted

    I just wanted to share, and I hope that my message won't get deleted this time, that I just discovered that one can buy a water filter that alkalanizes the water.

    I find that drinking alkaline water is very helpful in my case, and I use to buy a lot of bottles of alkaline water which were costing a lot of money (and let's not talk about the impact on the environment). The filter pitcher with the filter cartridges that filter and alkalanize the water are much cheaper.

    • amy_Gerd
      amy_Gerd ines6375

      Posted

      Hi ines,

      I remember you said that Dexilant is time release, can I take Pepzin GI on the same day?  If I take them 4 hours apart.  Is that  Ok?

      Thanks. 

      Amy 

    • ines6375
      ines6375 amy_Gerd

      Posted

      Hi Amy,

      I usually took either dexilant or pepzin gi, since they work differently and I found that dexilant was strong enough alone to cure the gastritis. I did take both for a week or two, dexilant first thing in the morning, and pepzin gi with breakfast and dinner and it was fine.

  • kennybones
    kennybones ines6375

    Posted

    Hello Ines smile New user here. I've been following this thread for about a month now. I'm still waiting to get a gastroscopy, but the doctor's were pretty sure it was gastritis, or a beginning ulcer.

    Now, I started following these tips of yours and they have been working great!

    I generally eat healthy and have for quite some time. I'm also rarely sick and in generally good health. So I'm not sure what might have caused the gastritis in the first place. I am underweight though, smoke and drink a lot of coffe. As well as not eating at regular intervals. 

    But all that has changed in the last month though. I'm slowly adding on more weight. I eat about every 3rd hours, alkaline PH food and very little dairy. Allthough I'm not lactose intolerant or have any gluten allergy. 

    And I eat about 3500 calories a day. Increasing my weight slowly a couple of kilos the last month.

    I do take 20mg of Pantoprazol each morning. And eat an hour later. This relieved my symptoms after only a few days. So I'm continuing this. It's been almost a month now. I reckon I might take it for another month. Then cut down to every other day for a few weeks. And then every three days for a another few weeks. Then stop, but keep the diet for another month after.

    However, I have a few questions. First of all, yellow stool. I see a few people mention this. Is this because of the gastritis, diet or the PPIs? I was wondering if I can use this as an indicator of how far my healing has come? Can I expect to see the color to change before I quit the PPIs?

    And also, is it common for a little flare up here and there still? I mean, I have little symptoms now. But every now and then I notice the sweating, especially after a big meal. And some small gnawing pain that is relieved quickly with some chamomille tea. Especially this last week I've had a little flare up still. But, I've been eating like crazy though! Could it be that my stomach has expanded, and this the stomach lining has "cracked" open a bit? I feel like I need to keep eating a lot, because I can't loose any more weight. And I have gained some weight, so it must be going in the right direction?

     

    • ines6375
      ines6375 kennybones

      Posted

      Hi Kenny,

      The weird colored stools are normal when you have gastritis. I think they are a sign of something wrong because of the disease but I can't say for sure. I know that mine got firmer and darker as I got slowly better. Now they have a nice dark brown shade and are firm again. I am not sure how the PPI influenced my stools, but I think their color and texture was more related to the health of my stomach.

      About the flare up, my advice would be to try identify what causes each flare ups and avoid it in the future. Any flare up in my experience is a step backward in your road to recovery. Also if eating a lot hurts, don't, try to eat smaller quantities, more meals, less quantity but higher quality. I personally don't worry so much about my weight as long as my BMI is above 27 but I make sure that I get all the nutrients I need in my diet: vitamines from fresh vegetables and fruits (fresh vegetable juices are great), proteins and iron from meat/eggs/fish, carbohydrates (rice potatoes mostly), essential fatty acid from avocado, nuts and raw olive oil.

    • kennybones
      kennybones ines6375

      Posted

      Ok, because I was positive it was the PPIs that caused the yellow stool. After the first week on them I stopped taking them for a week. And though the symptoms came back after three to four days, my stool got darker around that time. So I assumed it was the PPIs.

      On a side note, I think the PPIs give me a few side effects. Such as muscle pain and gas pain. So sometimes it's hard to tell if the pain is coming from the stomach or from the gut.

      However, what seems to be a direct symptom of the gastritis is the sweating. Especially at night. And during the day, I might sweat from my fingertips as well. Really strange.

      What triggers it is, I believe stress. When my wife nags on me, I can feel it immediately :p Also, I stopped smoking for a while but kinda started a little again. I think this might have caused the flare up. So I need to quit once and for all now!

      Regarding diet, I eat lots of avocados, bananas and vegetables. Chicken and fish are the meats I eat, and whole grain and broccoli sprouts, they are great! I also drink chamomile tea as it soothes the stomach immediately. Other than that, I stay off coffee and alcohol alltogether. But as for now, I think I've narrowed it down to stress and smoking. I need to stop this and see the symptoms the next month!

    • acakes
      acakes kennybones

      Posted

      Alot of fat like almond butter can cause light tan color stool... even more so when you have stomach issues because you aren't able to digest it properly. Just wanted to mention it.
    • ines6375
      ines6375 kennybones

      Posted

      PPI does influence digestion for sure and therefore the stools, and with less acid in your stomach you don't digest as well. But the gastritis also influences the color and texture of stools. Don't worry too much about it now, it is all going to get better as you get better.
    • ines6375
      ines6375 kennybones

      Posted

      I am sorry I can't answer more precisely. It has been a while now that I stopped the PPI and I don't remember very well all the details of everything.
    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 ines6375

      Posted

      Hi Ines, not sure if you remember me? I've been poorly now for 1yr and still no better. I wake up every morning with either stomach ache or feeling really sick. Nearly all food upsets my stomach. I'm living on sweet potatoes (white pots I find quite acidic) and veg, and millet. I can't eat wheat/gluten or even gluten free cuz I can't pass it. I've been to see a GI Dr last week who said that my stomach has become to sensitised and I need to start eating more. He prescribed amitriptyline for the pain and Senna to help me go. Both of which I haven't taken. I tried to say that people on this site have suffered similar to me and that these symptoms i have I am not making up. He said the symptoms are real because I'm so in tune with my stomach. I don't know what to believe. All I know is that my mental health can't take anymore. I'm still on PPIs , Omeprazole 40mg per day and have been for 1yr. I made my situ worse in April and May by trying Homeopathy and then aloe Vera. Both made things worse. I can't get on top of this stomach, and I'm always feeling hot from my stomach to my throat. I'm currently taking antidepressants and anxiety meds. Now I'm scared they are making things worse. I'm in such a mess, do you have any suggestions of thoughts on this? xx
    • lynne69494
      lynne69494 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Hi, l,m sure ines will pick up on your post tomorrow, and give some advice, l cant really give any, still on a detective hunt myself over my own stomach probs. Mine has been fairly constant nausea since last October, few bouts of a few weeks in year prior, but its been the constant thats got to me, like you from waking till bedtime, severe 90percent of time, l dont really get pain, sore and twinges, get the bloating and belching, but nauseas worse, went off food, very little eaten day time, cereal biscuit, toast, sure l,m not gluten intolerant, but did think lactose a prob and got milk alternatives, coconut, almond, lactose free cream cheese, many eve can manage few veg, pots, bit chicken fish, but even if it settles to moderate and appetite returns a bit, still stick to plain and small, l only took omprazole a few week, didnt help, also stopped taking one kefalex daily as prescribed as preventative for bladder inflammation, l do take amtrip 3 or 4 nights a week, just 5mg, it helps sleep and does calm nerve endings. Could you just try a few days on minimul prescribed meds, as those sort of meds dont work on a short term result, just might give you an idea if theyre affecting your stomach, if so have a word with the gp.  l saw gi last week, he was also quite light about it, youll live sort of thing, left feeling annoyed, as dont want this feeling, sure he wouldnt, or his, but he referred me to another gi for his thoughts. l,m also having cystascope this week to make sure there,s not deep infection causing it. As it happens its settled to moderate this week, such a relief, but thats happened before,and cant account for what settles it or aggrevates. But l also believe vast majority of people who post are suffering genuine probs, not phycalogical, and have an idea how your feeling, been there, when its daily it wears at you, Hope you get some advice to help soon, and it will improve, take care x
    • ines6375
      ines6375 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Hi Gaynor,

      Yes I remember you. I am so sorry you are feeling so bad.

      Are you constipated? Senna is a laxative.

      Did you tell your gi doctor which antidepressants and anxiety meds you are taking? Because from what I read amitriptyline is an anti-depressant as well. Don't hesitate to shop around for gi doctors until you find one who is helpful. Unfortunately modern medecine has its limits but maybe you will find somebody more able to help you than that doctor you saw.

      What kind of food can you eat and what can't you eat? Can you eat bland chicken, white fish, some vegetables, some nuts, bananas? It is important that you find some proteins you can eat, also fresh fruits or vegetables (carrot/celery/romaine juice?), and raw fat (walnuts, olive oil?) to have a balanced diet somehow.

      Maybe it would be helpful to talk to the doctor who prescribed the antidepressant and anxiety meds you are taking, to check if they really help. I haven't tried myself but many doctors believe that anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds might help with stomach problems, but it is important to find some that work well. Also check the side effects. Does that doctor give some psychological support? You need some kind of psychological support while you search for a solution, this condition is stressful enough, no need to add stress by facing it alone.

       

    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Hi Gaynor,

      I went through similar situation like you. Started with dyspepsia, gastritis. Went through PPIs, Antibiotics, supplements etc. Nothing could give relief, instead worsen my condition. I changed many doctors too finally came across one who detected it to be hypersensitivity of stomach n gut. He asked me stomach all medicines asbo just take one anti-depressant prothiaden 25. This is an TAC at lowest dose and is given to reduce the stomach sensitivity. It needs about 2 week's time yo build inside and show improvements. Believe me after 2 years of struggle for the first time I am feeling better. My problems have subsided about 75%. I eat everything now. I would strongly reccomend to try this for one month atleast. All the Best.

    • acakes
      acakes mahesh1976

      Posted

      Mahesh... I would like to clarify your message. The doctor said to stop all medicines and only take an antidepressant?
    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 acakes

      Posted

      Acakes,

      Yes absolutely. He asked me to stop all medicines and supplements and take only one tab of antidepressant before bed. But if you have been taking PPI for long time then it's advised to continue it for some time and wean it slowly. The doctor is a Gastroenterologist.

    • eric49486
      eric49486 mahesh1976

      Posted

      How did your doctor find out you have hypersensitivity of stomach n gut? Just per your poor response to PPIs or other test? 
    • acakes
      acakes mahesh1976

      Posted

      Mahesh...What healed me is Aloe Vera Juice. And I took out grains, caffeine, alcohol, etc. I am now eating normal foods again. And a low dose antidepressant. That's it.

      I think I was allergic to PPIs because of tight chest and anxiety. I took Aloe instead of the PPIs and I think I was allergic to that also because my chest would get very tight and anxiety. I stopped all of it and now taking antihistamine which helps my chest plus it's going away.

      The only thing I'm taking now is low dose antidepressant and sometimes antihistamine to reduce chest tightness which is slowly going away. I wanted to take a supplement to strengthen my stomach lining like Slippery Elm. But I am afraid I will be allergic to it.

      Emis Moderator comment: I have removed product/company names as we do not allow repeated posting of these in the forums. If users wish to exchange these details please use the Private Message service.

      http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 eric49486

      Posted

      He decided based on my symptoms, n ofcourse poor response to medicines including PPIs. Although I had gone through many tests including endoscopy
    • mark22250
      mark22250 mahesh1976

      Posted

      Sounds like you have IBS not gastritis. Antidepressants are a treatment for IBS, not gastritis.
    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 mahesh1976

      Posted

      Hello, thank you so much for this. I was told by my GI Dr last week that I too have hypersensitive stomach and he's prescribed amitriptyline and told me to start eating again. I really didn't believe him, but now after your message I'm starting to. I asked him about the acid reflux and burning etc, he said that's all usual with hypersensitivity. I'm really quite nervous about taking them on top of my antidepressant, but I guess he would haven't prescribed it if he didn't think it would work.

      Did you find a lot of pain eating while taking your TAC? What foods did you start with?

      I'm still getting that uncomfortable pain under the ribs and radiating through to the back, along with stomach ache and nausea. Was this the same for you?

    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 ines6375

      Posted

      Hi Ines, thanks for your reply. I've been to see a holistic Dr today, who has said the exact same thing as my GI Dr. Now I've seen that msg from Maresh, I'm starting to have some faith in my Dr. Though very nervous about taking the medicine and starting to eat 'semi normal' again. But to be honest, nothing else had worked and I'm at the end of my tether. Maybe I need to have some faith in the specialist snd do as asked? Ugh....I've had some crappy problems before but this is rediculous!

      How's baby coming along? xx

    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 lynne69494

      Posted

      Hi, it's a vicious circle isn't it. I'm starting to have faith in this 'hypersensitivity of the stomach' notion. 3 different specialists have told me this now. I'm gonna start the meds tonight and see how it goes. Nothing has worked so far so ive gotta give it a chance. I've got 10 mg of amitriptyline prescribed, so I'm gonna man up and try it. I don't wanna go on like this. Maybe you could up your dose and see what happens? x
    • ines6375
      ines6375 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Hi Gaynor,

      The second doctor I have seen told me I have functional dyspepsia which he explains to be a hypersensitivity of the nerves in the stomach. He wanted to prescribe low dose of PPI and anti-depressant as well. I did not pursue because I can manage with just the diet but it seems to be the treatment Doctors prescribe in this case. You are feeling so bad that honestly if I was you I would try anything the doctor suggests. Nothing terribly bad can happen, either you get better with it or it does not work and you can stop any time.

      Baby is doing well thank you :-) Kicking a lot.

    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 mahesh1976

      Posted

      Also, are you still taking the TAC now? Is it a permanent med or just till symptoms improve? How long until you noticed an improvement? Sorry for all the questions! 😊 x
    • mark22250
      mark22250 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Hi,

      I'm a doctor. Give it 1-2 months but you should hopefully experience some benefits in 2-4 weeks, or earlier if you're lucky smile Most likely it will be permanent with the option of weaning at a later date perhaps. Everyone eventually ends up on some med or another, it doesn't have to change your life at all.

    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Let me correct first, it's TCA(Tri cyclic Antidepressant)Prothiaden 25 which is the lowest dose and thus has negligible side effects.

      My symptoms were of typical gastritis constant burning sensation in stomach bellow ribs. Dyspepsia, pain and discomfort at night to wake me up.All resulted into weight loss of 20 pounds.

      I can eat now all sorts of food including Spice, dairy, fatty, non veg. Only care to take is not overeat any of above. At times I do get back symptoms if I overrule but it's much milder and recovers much faster.

    • acakes
      acakes mahesh1976

      Posted

      Does it have to be a TCA or can it be an SSRI. I'm taking a low dose of an SSRI and it's helping. So did Aloe Vera juice in high doses. And antihistamine too!
    • acakes
      acakes mark22250

      Posted

      I've healed for the most part unless I eat too much of something for too many days in a row. It seemed like it was the Aloe Vera 2 cups a day from my Holistic Doctor that worked like a charm. I think I was allergic to it. Unless I was still having an allergic reaction from the PPIs I had previously taken but stopped. I want to take something to make my stomach stronger and heal further. But not sure if I'm going to be sensitive to it or not (tight chest). Maybe it's better to stay away from supplement and let the stomach heal on it's own naturally. Or is it better to give it a boost?

      Emis Moderator comment: I have removed product/company names as we do not allow repeated posting of these in the forums. If users wish to exchange these details please use the Private Message service.

      http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 gaynor61068

      Posted

      It's been more than 6 months now. Improvements started after 3 weeks and getting better thereafter. My Dctr recommended for 8 weeks Only. Will try weaning It Off gradually
    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 acakes

      Posted

      By wat I have known, it should be TCA for stomach issues. The working of TCA is different than SSRI and more suitable for stomach hypersensitivity.
    • acakes
      acakes mahesh1976

      Posted

      Okay... luckily I'm doing fine now. I am not taking a PPI or Aloe anymore... just SSRI.
    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 ines6375

      Posted

      When is baby due? Do you know sex yet? How exciting!

      Thank you for developing this forum Ines. I know you snd everyone on here as been so supportive and informative. I wouldn't have managed through this last year without it. Truly, thank you. xx

    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 mark22250

      Posted

      Hi Mark,

      Thanks for your message. TBH I don't care if I have to take the meds permanent if it means I can be pain free and have my life back. I've already lost a year of my life. To the point I don't know who I am anymore, I'm like an alien in my own skin.

      I'm so thankful that people on this site have been so kind and supportive and shared their experiences good and bad. I honestly wouldn't have managed, it says a lot when I believe everyone here over specialists haha. Yeah I have issues.

      So have you had gastritis? x

    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 mahesh1976

      Posted

      Hi Mahesh, thanks for your speedy reply. I'm glad you're feeling better. I bet you are too after 2 yrs!

      When you say dyspepsia do you mean acid reflux? 😕

      If I hadn't received your message, I wouldn't have believed this 'stomach sensitivity' notion ... Ever! Ha, I believed you more than my consultant!

      I can't wait to have a decent meal of what I actually want! Oooh a cuppa tea... Wow! It's going to be scary trying these things. Have you had a beer yet? 😁

      It's strange to think that sensitivity can cause burning and pain and all associated symptoms of gastritis. OMG when I'm through this nightmare, these words are banned: gastriis , acid, pain..., and I never want to see another friggin rice cake EVER AGAIN!!! x

    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Not Acid reflux, but I think I have LPR, silent reflux. If you really doubt hyperacidity for you den PPI should improve your symptoms
    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Even I was bit reluctant to take antidepressant when the first doctor prescribed it. Then I came across a person who after struggle of 4 years with similar symptoms got relief with the TCA. Incidentally 2nd Dctr too prescribed me the same dats when I decided to give it a try. I am much satisfied now. I am in biz tour now and for a week consistently I am able to eat and enjoy Restaurant foods.

      Important is to be optimistic, I am sure you will get your relief as well. I did not have acid reflux but had all the symptoms of gastritis.

    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 mahesh1976

      Posted

      You must have known to mesage me, i've been stressing about this ll day. It concerned me because you said you didnt have nausea, where i do. I had nausea when i first got poorly 1yr ago. It went away and i was left with stomach ache and acid reflux (burning from chest to stomach) It came back after i tried aloe vera for 1wk. I'm concerned this is gastritis and taking the amitriptyline will make it worse. My endoscopy was Novemeber last year, which came back normal, but i wasnt feeling nausic then. I told the GI dr this and he still prescribed the tabs. I only started last night. I didnt wake up with pain, but i felt realy sick. Am i expecting too much too soon? Did you find that the pains came back in late afternoon? Did the pain radiate through to your back on right side? 

      I'm really concerned that these tabs will make things worse... I;m so caught up in it all. and i know stress will only make matters worse. 

    • valerie56655
      valerie56655 mahesh1976

      Posted

      my gastrologist is thinking of me going through the same route if I dont completely improve in another month. I have been off PPI for 4 months now they actually made everything else worse and I went through all the tests even the PH one and I do not have high PH so he said the PPI s were pointless. Right now we are trying probiotics with my pepzin. And of course trying to find food triggers which dairy is one for me. I experiace a lot of anxiety and have panic attacks that started the same time as my what he has now diagnosed as functional Dysperia if I splet that correctly..lol So he is also thinking that the answer to my problem might be antidepressants. People with anxiety usually end up with stomach issues. stress is not our friend, but control the anxiety then maybe the stomach can function normal again. Keep us updated I would like to know how it goes since I may be going the same route . I am nervous about it I have managed my anxiety and panic attacks nautrally since 2007 so it kinda makes me feel anxious just to take them I am scared of all the side effects.
    • gaynor61068
      gaynor61068 valerie56655

      Posted

      So i'm the ginuea pig? haha. Yes anxiety is not good and not nice. I just want out of this whole situ. I'm not convinced yet that these tablets will work, but i guess i have to give them a try. 
    • mahesh1976
      mahesh1976 gaynor61068

      Posted

      Hi,

      Nausea and reflux is something which was not prominent in my case but all symptoms of gastritis was there but the person I refer to had the above symptoms too and got better after the course. If PPIs and other medicines haven't improved your situation then I strongly recommend go for it. And believe me the dosage is so low dat you will hardly realize any side effects. It's definitely worth a try.

      Secondly other things wats helping in my case is being positive and meditation. I started YOGA last few months and it has done wonders for my stress levels.

    • scott20738
      scott20738 ines6375

      Posted

      Ines,

      You wrote that you try to keep your BMI above 27.  Was that a typo?  Because 27 is in the Overweight category.  Or maybe it's because you're pregnant?  If so, what was your BMI before you got pregnant?

      Also, I read that NYT article you told us about, regarding gut bacteria and mood.  It makes sense to me.  So now the question for researchers is, which diet will produce the best mix of bacteria for our moods.  Any thoughts on this?  Do you know of any researchers who have proposed specific diets for improving our microbiotic mix?

      One more thing.  Do you have a history of anxiety?  I do.  A new Swedish study just published in the journal Gastroenterology found a link between anxiety and functional dyspepsia (google "Anxiety Increases Risk for Functional Dyspepsia").  My hope is that we can find a diet and lifestyle that can minimize anxiety and reduce our GI issues.

      Scott

    • scott20738
      scott20738

      Posted

      Another recently published study that you might find interesting:  "Fermented foods, neuroticism, and social anxiety: An interaction model".  It found that fermented foods seemed to reduce social anxiety.  Maybe I'll start eating yogurt.  I haven't been eating any fermented foods, for years (since beginning a paleo diet).
    • ines6375
      ines6375 scott20738

      Posted

      Hi Scott,

      You are right, I made a mistake about the BMI. I just checked online and a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 25.

      My BMI was slightly above 20 before I got pregnant, it used to be higher before I got sick.

      About anxiety, I do have PTSD following a bad experience that lasted a few years. I speak to a therapist about it, that relieves slowly over time the residual anxiety I have from it. I don't feel particularly anxious lately.

      About nurturing a good flora, I do believe that what one eats has a big influence. Gut flora can change very quickly with a good diet. I do wish though that doctors would not give antibiotics so easily. I don't know if they have a lasting effect but just in case.

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