CHINESE MEDICINE

[YEA]  01/09/2007: Heather from Portland, OR writes: "Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs: Remarkable decrease in symptoms, but I still have not been able to get off my prescribed prevacid. I've been on it for 5 years. I started reading your site for helpful information, but came away somewhat confused and frustrated. There are just so many testimonials with a dizzying amount of yay's & ney's... it actually left me feeling less hopeful than when I arrived. I've been using acupuncture & chinese herbs to help curb my GERD. I've reduced my Prevacid from 30mg once a day, to 15mg every other day. Acupuncture is a great stress reliever, so that's probably one of the reasons I find relief. The Chinese herbs I take is a formula Coptis & Evodia which you can research on the internet. One piece of information I did find helpful, was the link between pain medication and GERD. My GERD developed shortly after a 15-day hospital stay in which I was on a morphine pump that delivered a dose of morphine every 3 minutes. (I had a complication to a gallbladder removal surgery.) My theory has been that large doses of antibiotics & the lack of gallbladder & the bile it produced left my stomach vulnerable to H. pylori & unable to digest food properly. However, now reading about the pain medication theory - that would make sense too."

CHLORELLA

CINNAMON

COCONUT OIL

[YEA]  06/05/2006: Pinoy Ako from Phillipines writes: "I am still observing its effect: Taking Virgin Coconut Oil after meal (1TB after every meal = 3x daily) appears to relieve the production of phlegm associated with gastric reflux. I take my last one an hour before going to bed, and wakes up in better condition than when not taking it. Please note that the coconut oil has to be cold-pressed process, hence, it's called Virgin Coconut Oil, which also lowers cholesterol and boosts immunity. DO NOT consume non-virgin coco oil--that will clog your arteries!"

[YEA]  05/28/2006: June from Adelaide South Australia writes: "After reading on this site the positive comments regarding coconut oil, I managed to purchase some excellent C/oil on May 6th, started taking 1 x tbsn. each meal, although I did miss at times. My indigestion/reflux disappeared almost immediately as did my desire for coffee and alcohol. I am also using it externally. As it is only three weeks ago that I started I will wait to give a report on my hair, skin etc. If anyone would like to know the name of the company I purchased from, I can give it. It is important to know exactly the quality you use."

CORN MEAL

CPAP MACHINE

CUCUMBERS

DETOX AM TEA

DETOXIFICATION DIET

DIETARY CHANGES

04/23/2009: Char from Lapeer, Mi writes: "I want to share my recent experiance after useing prilosec OTC prescribed for acid reflux by my Dr. I recently had an endo scope and the Dr removed several polips from my stomach that he said was caused by long term use of prilosec OTC. I just went back for a follow up visit and he wants me to have another endo scope in six months because he is concerned about two of the polips he removed. He informed me that in order to get an accurate test for h pylori which can cause acid reflux a person must be off of any type of meds such as prilosec OTC for 6 weeks prior to the test. He said all of the meds for reflux treatment cause polips. With this being said I received some information in the mail from a farmer that said people must have the high acid content in the stomach and when we do not produce enough stomach acid the food in our stomach does not digest completely but it ferments and then backs up as reflux. This can cause malnutrition also. The farmer suggested eating fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, I bought Bubbies old world receipe from the health food store because it has no sugar vinegar or preservatives in it. I also bought a cow share so I can start drinking organic Raw Milk which contains enzymes and has cancer fighting abilities in it. I will get my first gallon of raw milk tomorrow. Because of processed foods and chemicals in our food it has harmed our stomachs and over all health. I am working on going on an all raw diet and juicing. A good juice for acid reflux is orgainc carrots, apples, potatoes. Also the keefer grain is something that is better than even yogurt. I will be making this with my raw milk. The butter fat in raw milk is very healthy, the body knows how to use it and benefit from it and one can actually loose weight from it, I know this goes contrary to what we are taught! I have been off of prilosec OTC for a few days and am doing well! I use a little malt vinager which helps when needed. Malt vinegar seems to work better for me than Heinz apple cider vinegar perhaps cider vinegar is best if it still has the mother in it. Eating light meals also helps. I hope my story helps someone else. God bless."

[QUESTION]  01/21/2009: Doris from Toms River, NJ USA writes: "Gerd: I would like to know if there is a cook book or a list of foods to eat and what to avoid?"

[YEA]  12/02/2008: Annette from Sacramento, Ca writes: "I am writing to tell you of a discovery I made when I stopped eating carbs for weight loss. As long as I kept off carbs, I had no, zero, nada acid reflux! So, I have come to the conclusion that for myself, carbs are the cause of my acid reflux. It is hard to avoid carbs without planning and it takes a week to clear the sugars from your muscles and liver...but soon you will not have cravings for carbs and I hope, no more acid reflux. Good luck!"

[YEA]  10/28/2008: Lillly from Houston, Texas writes: "I suffered from acid reflux for 18 yrs and a sensitive stomach for 28 years. This last Jan. I went on a Daniel Fast, really for spiritual reasons, but I noticed right away, the reflux subsiding. I had stopped eating "dinner" just because the Gerd was so bad, and that included not eating fried or spicy foods, or caffene. So then, I started eating brown rice, vegetables and fruits as my main diet. I eat fruit for breakfast and often a fruit soy milk smoothie at night. This enables the digestive system to cleanse itself more effeciently. This way of eating, has allowed the elimination process to be much better. I have always loved milk and ice cream, etc but Betsy the Milk cow was debunked as well! The difference is amazing! Just like we've all heard...my body is not producing the (mucous) it did when I ate dairy products. It makes a different ppl! Try the Vanilla flavored Soy Milk and try the "Almond Milk". If I can change I know you can! Almonds are very alkaline for you, very good. I learned that the largest contributor of cholestrol is from animal meat. I still eat hormone, anti biotic free chicken a couple times of months, and in a pinch a non greasy grilled burger, but by focusing on veggies and fruit, nuts and beans...my body is receiving the real, live enzymes it needs to thrive. I take all the good supplements and am so grateful to have found these alternatives. All the best to you!"

[YEA]  10/05/2008: Sunny from Chicago, Illinois writes: "I have been diagnosed with small airways disease. Really couldn't understand the diagnosis(had a cat scan and chest x-ray) because I haven't had any breathing symptoms but kept coming down with bronchitis and sore throats that wouldn't go away. My voice continues to be very hoarse and my tongue does feel like it burns once in awhile.

I recently attended a book signing in NYC for a dear friend and at that party I met a woman who told me she too, had been diagnosed with small airways disease several years ago and was treated with all types of asthma medications and finally got fed up and went to an ENT doctor. The 3rd ENT she visited, diagnosed her with GERD.

She really has saved me from such frustration. After thinking about it for 2 seconds, I decided to start watching what I ate and noticed a difference immediately. I also took some Zantac and felt a difference. Now, after reading all of these testimonials I am going to try the organic ACV mixed with water.

I also had my gall bladder removed several years ago and appreciated so many of the comments on taking digestive enzymes.

I am so excited to give it a try. Thanks everyone!"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  09/29/2008: Raja from Bangalore, India writes: "I have been suffering from severe GERD for the past three years.I used all kinds of antacids and none did work for me.
I believe poor bowel movement is also makes GERD severe. Keeping the stomach clean is a part of getting relief from GERD.
I started walking at least an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. I started taking two cups of fruit salad daily. I started finshing dinner at least three hours before going to bed. The result is now I am almost free of the hellish reflux, i ndigestion and constipation.
But I'm not sure whether it has been cured..."

Hi Rosetta, If you diligently work at eliminating all bleached flour from your husband's diet, you might find that you also eliminate his acid reflux problem that nothing helps. It works for me and I can tell you that unless breads and cereals state l00% whole grain, they aren't, and probably contain some bleached flour. You will also find that many products contain both bleached and unbleached flour. The above has been working for me for over 30 years now. I don't know what it is in the bleaching process that creates the problem, but since I can eat whole grains or unbleached products without getting the problem, I know that is where the problem is."

[YEA]  07/15/2008: Arthur from Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin writes: "I am age 83. I suffered from canker sores continuously my whole life until 2 years ago when by accident I discovered that I had celiac disease, that is gluten intolerance. Since going on a gluten-free diet I have not had even one canker sore. NADA! Also the acid reflux that I had all my adult life has also almost completely gone away."

[YEA]  06/10/2008: Gary from Carpinteria, CA writes: "Just a note on what has helped me with acid reflux. I was really suffering badly from this for several months, I tried a lot of different diets, and also ACV baking soda and bentonite clay. None of these helped me significantly. I came across an article from a natural health practitioner who stated that he was able to cure many of his clients from acid reflux by giving them a strict low carbohydrate diet to follow. I immediately went out and bought a couple of the low carb books and read them as fast as possible to learn how to do this type of diet. I started the next day, and I have not had any major problem since (3 years) -- I do occasionally still get some acid reflux if I eat too many starchy foods. If I follow a low carb diet reasonably strictly, I have minimal problems. Once you learn how, it is easy, and also keeping your insulin levels low helps with many other health conditions."

[YEA]  05/14/2008: Lisa from London, England writes: "Acid Reflux: I was given a prescription for antacids from my doctor to deal with acid reflux. I was suffering from a persistnet cough, mainly in the morning and often throughout the day. I could tell it was not a flu-related cough. My naturopath friend advised me to stop drinking and eating at the same time. I tried it for a week and my cough stopped. I drink at least a half hour or more before or after a meal or even after something as small as a donut. I am very concious about separating the two processes. Try it, it works! It is all to do with the fact that the stomach can not digest food properly with liquid in it. As a result the acid builds up and causes reflux. Simple."

[YEA]  03/19/2008: Robert from Martinez, California writes: "Meats stay in the digestive system for many days.To increase digestive acid take 1/4-1/2 tsp. "pink salt" with meals per day.Stay away from pasteurized dairy, & sugar.Eat more raw greens than cooked.Baking soda will work in emergency however the salt content is too much for frequent use. Try "Raw" unheated honey,2 tbsp.in 1 cup Perrier or other naturally carbonated water. Penta water is alkaline.Take "Megazymes" after meals for routine maint.Turmeric is very good for digestion,1/2-1 tsp.& promotes healthy flora.Great herbs are thistle leaves as a tea or calamus root, a small 1/4-1/2 dried root tucked between lip & gum works very well & is great for bad food from restaurants.Allow to disolve in mouth."

[YEA]  03/17/2008: Joanne from Titusville, Florida writes: "Doctor said I probably had acid reflux and prescribed the "purple pill". It made me sick and I never used it again. My husband suggested that I check my Ph balance. Low and behold I was on the acidic side. I then researched the internet and found foods that are acidic and avoided them. I also found out that we lose our good bacteria in our stomach due to the antibiotics we have taken over the years. To solve this problem I take acidophillis each day. I also take a few "Chorella" pills daily.(the green pills) As long as I avoid the "acid" foods, my body does well. There has to be a balance of acid/alkaline foods eaten daily. I am 65 years young and have advised my children that they had better watch their diets. I find that the majority of folks can't seem to part with their "SODA" or "COLA"(caffeine) each day. Beware, this is one of the major culprits of acid reflux. When you go into a restaurant always order water with lemon. This will help your stomach before you indulge."