Licorice, Marshmallows Herb
★★★★★
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
I was diagnosed in october 2022 with b.e. with 1 nurse telling me it's for life. then another nurse telling me she's actually seen cases where a patient went in, got diagnosed and at the 2nd upper endoscopy having no signs or biopsies that signal barrets. So I got to researching like a mad man. There are published studies on diaphramatic breathings effect on strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter todays diet and lifestyle along with stress weakens this muscle, but with regular practice, diaphramatic breathing may put a stop to GERD and acid reflux, giving the esophagus time to heal. I have noticed my esophageal spasms and phlemy throat become less common as I continue the diaphramatic breathing or breathing from the belly as children naturally do. I've been struggling with silent acid reflux with a few bouts of GERD since Aug 2022 that caused my b.e. but researching I've found a few naturopathic doctors who've been able to reverse the condition with alkaline water, using it 2 hours after the last meal before bed to deactivate the acid in the stomach & chewing xylitol gum in between meals during the day, also to deactivate the stomach acid when it's not needed. I do this alkaline water infused with marshmallow root, soothe the stomach lining and coat the esophagus. I also use DGL 20 minutes before meals, Aloe Vera 15 minutes before meals and diaphramatic breathing 10 minutes before meals to strengthen the les, Lower Esophageal Sphincter as well. oxygenation has been studied to reduce inflammation. I have tried 2 bouts of hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapies with noticeable results. before this therapy I could not eat much, I was at 1 egg and 1 turkey sausage in the mornings and a boiled chicken leg at dinner. by the end of 10 sessions, I was able to eat 3 eggs and 3 turkey sausages and 2 boiled chicken legs. Then kids got a cold spread it, which swole my throat and lost confidence and started back at square 1. 1 egg 1 sausage once the sore throat went away. but because the oxygen worked I continued research and found e.w.o.t. Exercise with oxygen therapy. 1 session being equal to a dozen hbot, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, sessions. Although costly if you purchase your own set up but for me well worth it. am on day 3, and have notice my dysphagia lessening up. Am able to sip on water in between workout sets, before I had to slam everything I drank, eating my sausage with egg and able to nibble on a few items such as a few chips. For the life of me I cannot stop eating chips, I will find a way dammit! Its the only thing I crave most in the world. It's a complete lifestyle change but am only 35 with 2 small children whatever I need to do to continue to be with them, I am willing to do. also just found out about Rezcue. Pepzin GL otherwise known as Zinc Carnosine with L Glutamine, it is reported to soothe the muscosal linings from the mouth to the small and large colon. This is next on my list. I pray you all get the healing you are searching for, It's good to see you all lean on one another. I wish to offer my experience and research so that you may continue to research these things and continue to find hope in your healing journey.
Lalo,
Melatonin may be a favorable addition to your regimen for your BE and GERD. Melatonin has shown in studies to ameliorate GERD :
Here is a relevant study quote :
' The present study showed that oral melatonin is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of GERD. It is an effective line of treatment in relieving epigastric pain and heartburn. '
Melatonin is also protective of the esophagus in BE and has shown to act as an anticarcinogenic, which would be important with constant esophageal erosion :
Here is a relevant study quote :
' Since both of these condition are also identified as major risk factors for esophageal carcinoma, we provide some experimental and clinical evidence that supplementation therapy with melatonin could be useful in esophageal injury by protecting various animal models and patients with GERD from erosions, Barrett's esophagus and neoplasia. '
Art
(US)
01/24/2023
About 23 years ago I was diagnosed with Barrett's and continued to be diagnosed w/it for about 15 years and then it has not turned up for the past scans. I still suffer from acid reflux and take various things. I think I am due for another scan in about 3 years. Try not to panic - it is a very nasty cancer, I am told, but it doesn't always lead to cancer. I understand your concern, but remain hopeful and do what you prefer to do to treat it. I don't think most doctors really give great advice.
(Kentucky)
01/24/2023
A friend and I were eating at an Italian restaurant. We had several dishes that were acidic, plus she had few glasses of wine. After the meal my friend took out a long stalk of celery from her purse, and began eating it. She told me that she had been living on Tums since she was young, but had just recently tried celery. By the time she had finished the stalk of celery, the severe burning sensation in her throat and chest were gone.
She told me to eat the whole stalk of celery when you first experience heartburn, and then just a few small pieces during the day will continue the relief. I tried it myself, and it really does work. By the time you've finished the celery, your throat and chest feel clear and normal again.
The alkaline in the celery cuts the acid in your acid reflux, and gives relief without the tums or pills. In your case, you may want to consider juicing celery and drinking 16 oz per day. This anti-inflammatory activity in celery is attributed to the active ingredients called apigenin, apiin, and luteolin in celery juice.
(Verona New Jersey)
01/27/2023
(CO)
10/15/2024
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
EATING (behavior)
First and foremost, DO NOT EAT AFTER 5 AT THE VERY LATEST.
You are probably on some proton pump inhibitor. Although a good thing, it does a number of what I believe are contrary effects. By lowering your stomach acids, food takes much longer to digest. Thus, you can't expect your stomach to be clear of food for at least 6 hours. Secondly your stomach enzymes are now out of balance due to your lowered acidity. So your food isn't digested and absorbed fully either.
Keep all meals small.
You probably already know this. Large meals aggrivate hiatal hernias, GERD.
If you must eat a large meal, make it breakfast. And have it before you have coffee. And if possible, keep the coffee under 2 cups.
For the first 6 months of my regimen, I was in the strange habit of making large dinnerlike meals upon waking. I found it very soothing, and was of course very hungry! I made mild curries, stews, mild mexican dishes, and traditional breakfasts.
Never, ever have a large meal with alcohol.
Nothing against alcohol, as I will later disclose. But wine, beer along with an even medium size meal seems to 'shut down' the digestion. I was in misery many times from this one-two combo. If you must do both the same night, drink alcohol either a couple of hours before, or a couple of hours after the meal. I don't know why.
Cocktails seem to be easier on the system, in moderation. Less yeasty, filling.
Chew gum.
If you get that gnawing, hungry feeling that many HH and GERD sufferers get, I found chewing gum helped a lot. It gets the saliva flowing, and saliva seems to calm the stomach.
EATING (food)
You can eat hot food, but not very hot, and not too often.
I was addicted to super-spicy food. I love it. Learn to love the flavor of those spicy foods, not the 'intensity'.
Eat tons of Broccoli.
I ate broccoli in my stir fries, omlettes, mexican dishes, indian food, salads - whatever. I became addicted. If you hate broccoli, it's probably because you grew up in a household where it was cooked to an awful olive drab. Buy FRESH broccoli, and just steam or stir-fry until it is a richer deep green. Still crunchy, not mushy. I believe broccoli is a very, very powerful food.
Eat tons of Onions
Same as above. You can cook the hell out of the onions if you want. Put em in every cooked dish.
Same with Garlic
See above.
Avoid prepackaged meals/mixes/sauces
This stuff is industrial poison when taken in quantity. Use spices with tomato sauce, ethnic sauces as a base. Yeah those sauces are prepackaged, but they're to be used lightly and 'doctored' with garlic, onions, spices.
Eat Yogurt.
Yogurt will make you fat if you eat too much. So every day, just have a cup of it. It's full of 'friendly' bacteria for your stomach. Just to supercharge the yogurt, I would take vanilla yogurt, and add a teastpoon of spirulina to it, mix it in. Spirulina is a powerful source of exotic and crucial nutrients, and smells like hell. But mixed in vanilla yogurt, trust me, it tastes downright good! I called this mix 'The secret weapon".
Quinoa
This stuff is great. It's a grain, you cook it like oatmeal. Add broccoli, garlic, onions and some boullion, (add _____'s Amino's) you've got a great 'salty hot dish'. I know people who cook this up in the morning, add milk, honey and cinnamon, and they've got a sweet breakfast porridge.
Granny Smith Apples
I read somewhere online that eating even half of a GS Apple can reduce the gnawing HH symptoms. It often worked.
Sauerkraut
I know what you're saying. No. Way. Hear me out: I hated sauerkraut. I hated that mushy awful crap they put on hot dogs. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I happened onto some at a fancy restaurant, when I was presented with a salmon on a bed of sauerkraut.
It is great. It is also loaded with digestive enzymes and is a GREAT snack food when you are hungry. I urge you: Get some, try it cold. Try to find the unpasteurized kind if you can, like PowerKraut if you can find/afford it. I have the feeling this stuff is a healing food of the Gods, like Quinoa, Aloe, Broccoli, Papaya.
Avoid Sugar and Sweets
I'm lucky this way. I don't like sweets at all. But I thought I'd mention it because it may have been instrumental in my recovery.
If you must eat out, just order an appetizer.
I know it's tempting to 'live it up'. Yeah, you'll have to live with it later. If you have to order an entree, try for the love of God to just eat a little and take the rest home. NIBBLE at the restaurant.
LIQUIDS
NO CARBONATED BEVERAGES!
I cannot emphasize this enough. I drank quarts of diet coke every day. The damn stuff expands in your stomach and creates the whole problem. Additionally you ingest Phosphoric Acid, burning away at your esophagus. Run like your hair is on fire from all cola products, and avoid carbonated as well.
The 'two tea" combo
Every morning I would load up a giant tea ball with a combination of green tea and 'red berry tea' (this is available at coops and health food stores in bulk form) and make about half a Mr. Coffee pot of it. Three mugs. It wakes you up, and you are bathing your esophagus in antioxidants and "red plant phytonutrients/cancer fighters". I believe this is VERY IMPORTANT>
Later in the evening, an hour before retiring, I would make a cup or two of just the red berry tea (don't want caffeine then! ) and substitute the green tea with aloe vera juice. I think this is even MORE IMPORTANT. I believe that my Barrett's was primarily caused by 'upper GI sloshing" into the esophagus at night while asleep.
-if I'm going to have stuff sloshing all over my Barrett's, why not make it something that fights it and sooths it? This tea and nightly regimen may be the most important part of the whole regimen.
Ginger Tea
This wasn't intended to treat the Barrett's but seems to help combat they gnawing HH feeling you sometimes get. Heat up some water, pour some powdered ginger into a glass, add honey, stir. Let the ginger settle to the bottom if you like.
Apple Cider Vinegar.
I went on occasional 'binges' of drinking AC Vinegar diluted in water, once daily for weeks, then would discontinue. Just too much to do, and not much fun. But I did this enough to note. It seems to alleviate HH symptoms as well.
POSTURE/BREATHING
I have a theory: I'm a 'sloucher'. And I sit in a slouchy chair in front of a computer a lot of the time. Or while watching TV. If you look at a crowd of men (women too but men seem more pronounced) you'll see two types: "slouchers" who seem to lean over their chests, and 'belly pushers", guys who stick their guts out and lean back in a way. I've also noted that 'slouchers' tend to be quieter, restrained people, and 'belly pushers' more aggressive, outspoken people.
I think that 'slouching' is more than physically conducive to HH/GERD. I think the body is 'building and holding stress' in the lower esophageal region. Muscles are tensing, nervous system excited, but it's all staying there. So, every day I would do this before exercise or yoga, or just by itself.
The Belly Pushing Exercise
A note of caution: keep very aware of potential dizziness, feeling faint. If you feel that way, quit and kneel down and let the feeling pass.
1. Stand normally. Notice your breathing. You're probably breathing into your chest. And your shoulders are leaning forward. Pull your shoulders back!
2. Take a deep breath INTO YOUR BELLY, making the area around your belly button stick way, way out. RELAX your stomach muscles. See how big you can make your belly! Pretend you are a fat guy, and this air in your belly is your fat. Do this several times, making sure to hold in the air for a while. Remember the shoulders.
3. Now do it again just the same, but this time pay attention not to your belly, but to your Solar Plexus - that's the region above your belly but just below the center of your ribcage. Note that it isn't relaxed. Try to do the same breaths, but once you've relaxed the belly, relax the Solar Plexus, as if you are 'expanding the air' into that region. This actually takes a lot of practice to do, and you'll often get dizzy from it.
If you're holding your shoulders back, you may notice a tension on either side of your neck, near the collarbone. THEN you know it's working. It's working as a stretch/tension/massage on the region and you'll know it if you repeat this, because eventually it relaxes. Internally, you can visualize a sort of 'thoracic push'. Do this a few times if you can. Remember, just duck down and take a breath if you feel faint/dizzy.
After doing this for a few months, I've gotten to the point where I can 'move' my musculature outward almost like a wave - from belly out, then upward to solar plexus, and chest and then back downward - with little effort, even sitting in the office.
I try to do this exercise regularly - almost daily - because the old 'slouching habit' is a lifelong imprint that returns quickly.
The Reverse La-z-boy.
This isn't really anything but a short-term fix for when you have a HH 'gnaw attack'. If you have a recliner, set it in front of the TV facing AWAY from the TV. Now, set it into full recline position and sit BELLY DOWN in the recliner, so that your chin is at the head of the recliner, and watch TV. This seems to rearrange things inside so that you have some temporary relief of the HH, and you can watch TV while doing so. I have read books this way, I just put a footstool below the head of the la-z-boy.
SUPPLEMENTS
I consumed an awful lot of supplements, but I have for years before my HH. I will simply list the ones I took specifically for this regimen, then follow it with my 'normal' heap o' supplements. That said, there's no reason to assume that my normal supplements weren't instrumental in my recovery as well.
HH specific:
Candida cleansing supplements.
I think this may be the most important supplement you can take. The symptoms of this fungal infection are varied and elusive. But I'll tell you: I got on these and not just did the HH symptoms lessen, I felt great. I thought candida was one of those hypocondriac diseases, but now I am convinced. I believe that Candida is a very powerful antagonist that may enable Barrett's.
DO IT. Take these for six months along with...
Drink Metamucil or equivalent every day. IMPORTANT!
I tended to drink it in the EARLY evening as a 'snack', believe it or not. Never take it at the same time as vitamins. It just soaks 'em up. It keeps it all moving DOWN, not up.
MULTI-DOPHILUS
PAPAYA ENZYME
I also take a wide variety of vitamins, the 'alphabet variety' plus aminos ahd antioxidants as a lifetime practice.
EXERCISE
I've done basic yoga for years: Sun Salutations, a few other things. But at the beginning of this enterprise I took up running. It not just is good for your cardio but you are always 'bobbing', pushing stuff downward. I do three miles a day.
If you're not a runner, Try three miles, but just run a block, walk a block. Then two blocks, one. Then three, one. After a month you'll be fine, able to run it with just a few half-block walks.
VICES
I smoke. For six of the 12 months I was on Chantix. I smoked very, very lightly on Chantix. One or two a day, max. Many many days with none. It worked. Got off Chantix, smoked again. There is utterly no doubt that smoking is a strong factor in Barrett's. Try to quit. You know they're relaxing your stomach sphincters. That's real bad. If you can't:
1. If you eat, don't smoke. If you smoke, don't eat. In other words, no 'after dinner smoke'. Keep them separated by hours at least.
2. If you are drinking in the evening, and a smoker: try to smoke as little as possible. Alcohol multiplies the smoking/GERD syndrome.
3. That morning smoke. If you must have it, skip breakfast. Otherwise, you'll be suffering all day. If you have breakfast, don't smoke for at least two hours after breakfast.
If you feel you are drinking too much, do something about it like joining AA. Or follow the 'European Model" and learn to drink reasonably and not declare yourself 'diseased and must abdicate to God'.
I found that if I was suffering from HH symptoms most DURING THE EVENING, that two alcoholic drinks relieved my symptoms immensely. Note I said IN THE EVENING. I do not advocate 'medicinal drinking' during the day.
If I was out on an evening of drinking, I always made sure to drink some water at the end of the night, then drink some red berry tea/Aloe or just chug some Aloe before going to bed. This, again, made sure that whatever was 'sloshing over my esophagus' was healing more than damaging. I think fermented beverages are a bad thing: the fermentation enables candida and is generally impure, and also fill you up, providing a 'toxic esophageal slurry' for bedtime. Beer and wine are 'dirty' liquors.
I switched to distilled mixed drinks, asking for seltzer water rather than tonic. Careful though, those mixed drinks can carry a punch! If you're a beer drinker, don't down them like beer. To you beer drinkers: Craft your buzz: don't get carried away and become an alcoholic or fool. Mix your drinks weak, then you can have lots of them.
TO THOSE OF YOU WHO GO OUT AND SMOKE AND DRINK (COMMON VICTIMS OF BARRETT"S)
Think about it: A night of drinking and smoking. You go home to sleep. Your throat is coated with nicotine, your stomach full of alcohol. That combo sloshes around in your upper GI all night. No wonder you have Barrett's! Do yourself a favor, no matter how tired/drunk you are: try to taper off in your last hour, and then go home and drink the red berry/aloe mixture or just aloe, and drink a good size glass, not a sip. Turn the slosh into a healer, not a killer. And brush your teeth and tongue first!
ONE MORE THING
I got one of those wedges to sleep on that raises your upper body. A great investment. It takes some getting used to, but after a while you prefer it. It really, really helps! It keeps the 'slosh' downhill.
(Morgantown, Ky)
09/09/2011
Hi I'm Debbie from Kentucky and I would like to know how James from Savannah is doing, he posted on this site on 4-4-2011! I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus in December 2010. I have been told some many things not to do but not a lot about what to do, except give up lots and lots of things. I really enjoyed your information you posted in that I may try some of these things for myself. I realize we are all different and in different places in our walk but just frustrated. I will be going back in December of 2011 for my 1st check up after being told I had this condition. I'm curious to see if its stopped or has changed in anyway. I was told it could not be reversed only slowed down. I lost my brother to Esophagus cancer 5 years ago and I'm concerned I may be on that path. Again, please thank you taking the time to post all the information you did and I'm so happy for you that it has helped you! May some of it or all it help someone else!
Thanks - looking for ideas for diet :)
(Sunderland, Tyne)
12/20/2011
(Sunderland, England)
01/02/2012
(Dc)
01/24/2012
(Miami, Fl)
07/21/2012
I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus two weeks ago after coughing for almost three months non-stop. It was so bad, I either fractured my rib cage or did some damage to my intercostal muscles; the pain is extremely severe. I also have hiatal hernia so my doctor has put me on Nexium. My understanding is that the purple pill actually affects your bones so calcium supplements are a must and for women, 1 a day vitamins. I am trying DGL along with a few other vitamins. I have been informed that I will have to be on Nexium for the rest of my life and that idea did/does not sound appealing to me at all considering I rarely take an medication. I am a non-smoker, rarely drink, never been overweight, and in pretty good health. How I got this baffled my doctor, but it shocked me even more because I eat healthy but tasty foods; I cook a lot of our meals from scratch using lots of vegetables, chicken, turkey, and fish. I will try some of the suggestions on this site and hopefully they will help. I have drastically changed my eating habits and cut sugar, caffeine, regular milk, sodas, any spicy and acidic foods out of my diet and have taken to eating bland and mostly either steamed or raw vegetables. Not one to eat non-fat foods, I now am consuming non-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, soy milk (that took some getting used to but it's ok now), and eating dark leafey vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, collard greens, etc). I ate those before, but I'm consuming them more than ever. I'm also eating smaller meals and dinner before 6:30 pm since I go to sleep around 11pm anyway. With these changes, my coughing has gone away (except when I forgot to take my Nexium one moring, but it wasn't as bad as before which leads me to believe that the pill does have some affect on containing the acid). I will try to bed tilting next.
One thing I did find in my research is that we are supposed to avoid peppermint. Has anyone noticed an increase in chest pains?
And I would love to know how James is doing these days. Your story and others gives me hope.
And thanks so much everyong for sharing your suggestions. If this site is around, I will update down the road. My next endoscopy is a little over a year from now and I'm hoping to have a positive report. I would love to go back to eating everything (except less spicy) and in moderation again.
(Cairns North, Queensland, Australia)
04/18/2013
James, thank you so much, I feel I have died & gone to heaven reading your comments & so many of the things you have chosen to do I also have, but you have certainly added to my repertoire.
I have had Barretts for goodness knows how many years, however it was first discovered in 2006 when I volunteered to take part in a reflux drug trial and was required to undergo an endoscopy. My Barrett's however made me ineligible but the diagnosis enabled me to be prescribed Nexium which certainly did the trick & later went on to Pariet which was better.
In my ignorant bliss that the meds were manna from heaven, I continued to eat & drink the same as I always had & had endoscopies every two years. At times I had shocking reflux & would increase my meds, usually due to drinking just before retiring. But I was not about to give up drinking nor coffee which I would have as soon as I woke up. Over the years the only side effect problem I seemed to have was lack of B12 absorption & had to take B12 injections to get this level up.
Two months ago after an evening with friends who had cooked dinner for me, nothing too outrageous (roast chicken & chick pea & egg plant salad), & a few glasses of wine & a very sweet dessert, I developed very bad reflux symptoms & also very bad stomach reaction & flatulence. I was sent to a dietician by my doctor who said I had IBS. Further tests made me doubt this diagnosis & the GP also said he thought it was probably due to my Barrett's.
I then started reading up & researching all I could & came to the decision that my digestion system was not doing a very good job, I had a hemaview & was told that my blood was very acidic & there was a lot of garbage collectors evident in my blood meaning there was a lot of work for these to do.
At this stage I decided that I wanted to have a healthy body & thought that Pariet (proton pump inhibitor) was probably a major cause of my problems. I then gave up coffee and gave up alcohol entirely (I was a two cups coffee, 1/2 bottle of wine daily person). I also vowed to never drink diet cola again (also a big favourite of mine). I also started taking digestive enzymes & probiotics & adding a few more alkaline foods to my diet whilst I ate all the food left in the house before going on the track of totally eating all the good food recommended for reflux & health in general (that starts in two days time). I asked two doctors about going off the PPI & was told I would need that for the rest of my life because I had Barrett's, unless I had an operation. So I booked an appointment with the gastroenterologist. I have to wait over a month.
But I so wanted to go off Pariet & had read that it should never be prescribed forever! So last Saturday (almost a week now) I stopped taking it & also propped my pillows up in bed, started drinking green tea, eating good yoghurt, with rolled oats, fruit (kiwi fruit, apples & pears & pineapple), fruit juice & dried fruit & nuts for breakfast - all of which I soak together overnight. Apparently the rolled oats can cause abrasions to the oesophagus if not soaked. I have small meals & have started to buy quinoa & brown rice & gluten free bread & pasta. I eat no sweets (gee I loved them), no desserts & lots of green veges, especially salad leaves. I do not eat after 7pm at night. I was also a great lover of very hot chillies, fresh, picked & sauces. I have stopped these entirely as well
On rising I have a swig of olive oil, followed by a good amount of EFAs (1700 mgs), found in various compounds, liquids & capsules with fish oil.
Have I had any reflux symptoms, very mild but really it reminds me of burps after eating as a child, nothing like anything I have experienced in the last 25 years. I have also been to another naturopath who has prescribed a number of supplements, including slippery elm because my blood from another hemaview he rated as 2.5/10 & he said it showed signs of a very acidic/toxic body, poor liver function & poor digestion.
Now I know this regime seems pretty drastic - well it does to me anyway. But what I hope is that after being on this strict diet for 6 months & then having another endoscopy my Barrett's will be the best it can be & I can prove to the doctors that you do not need to be on PPIs for life.
At that stage my digestive system should be working well & I can then have the occasional coffee or glass of wine, sweets & spicy food without causing dramatic symptoms to my body.
I do not want to take supplements either for the rest of my life, but am unsure whether the lack of nutrients in food today will require at least some. Only the future will tell. Every day is one step closer to having a healthier body & no GERD. I don't believe Barrett's will disappear entirely but who knows.
I am also investigating taking hydrogen peroxide food grade 35% diluted. Heard it can cure many diseases why not Barrett's!
(Northfield, Nj)
01/14/2015
(Canada)
03/08/2015
Regarding the increased risk of stomach cancer with the use of proton-pump inhibitors.... The cancer risk comes from the increased risk of h pylori infection from low stomach acid levels. I too have GERD and now my Esophagus is starting to bother me after having GERD for 15 years...
I would suggest that the poster's risk for esophageal cancer is higher than stomach cancer, although since h pylori infection (and stomach cancer) is a risk, the poster's should get pylori infection tested every so often.
And in the meantime, continue on with natural remedies to compliment and eventually take over a base of acid reducers and pylori checks...
(Ten Mile, Tn)
03/08/2015
HI U PETER, , , , , , , the natural cancer folks are now saying the the microorganism in the cancer cells comes from H Pylori. You can control your stomach H Pylori with Ozonated water. A water ozoneator cost a few hundred bucks. That is chump change compared to treating cancer.
Testing is necessary, but is not a cure.
All this gets back to chewing your food. How simple is that? Chewing tells your stomach that something is coming down and your stomach starts producing acid to digest it. Don't chew your food and your stomach does not know whether to sheet or go blind.
ATS ========ORH=========
(Philippines)
03/31/2015
Hello Robert Henry, I was diagnosed with h.pylori, GERD, acid reflux, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, chronic gastritis, and inflammation of the duodenum. My first endoscopy was in 2010, and the second was in 2013. The diagnosis were the same with different medical doctors. All prescription meds did not help but worsen my symptoms and I am having a severe halitosis which I've notice when people couldn't get near me unless they are covering their noses. I have avoided all trigger foods including starch and grains. I suspect I also have candida, as it showed on my endoscopy video there were white spots on my esophagus down to the stomach, but my gastro doctor did not recognized it as candida but just an esophagitis. I tried aloe vera juice, oil of oregano, pau de arco tea, Virgin Coconut Oil but my halitosis still remains. I am really desperate on what to take. As of now I am taking baking soda with natural Apple Cider Vinegar w/honey and ozonated water and ozonated Virgin Coconut Oil twice a day. I don't know if this helps as I'm desperate. Any advice is highly appreciated.
(Slc, UT, US)
04/07/2015
I'm trying to contact James... About his recovery brom Barretts.... I'm suffering so very much and hiscomments intrigued me... Or I felt compelled. I've been in and out of the hopsital almost every other day this week.... Please respond James.
I am suffering more than a human should.... I am a mental health counselor.... Volunteer because I am disable due to ptsd and fibromyalgia. NOW.... I have Barretts Esophagus and a crater ulcer..... And my quality of life has ended as I knew it. Will you talk with me... please... I can hardly take this alone.... I have no one who undestands and the doctors are doing their best... I think lol. Sincrely, Sarah
(Florida)
06/20/2015
(Tyler, Texas)
07/25/2015
(Ontario)
09/02/2015
When I was pregnant with my now 10 year old daughter, I started getting heartburn. I'm a person who will not take medication for anything, and being pregnant felt it could be no good for my baby either. I suffered 9 months of pain every time I ate. I laughed at people when they whined about heartburn. The thing is you have to eat when u are pregnant, its not like I could just not eat.
After I had her the heartburn went away. I found I just could not eat certain food that it just made my stomach upset or it tasted bad. 4 years later I got pregnant with my son. The heartburn was even more painful. I suffered through it. I wondered sometimes if it was worth eating. I had my baby but this time the heartburn never went away.
About 3 years later I started waking up in the morning I would feel like getting sick. I felt like something was stuck in the back of my throat, my nose would run very heavy. Every morning I would through up until I could see bile. I coughed always, my nose ran. Eating was a nightmare if the food did not agree with my stomach I throw it up.
Eventually my chest started to burn constantly and when I would breath it hurt, and I could fell pain in my back. I thought it was time to go to the doctors. After a number of tests, three doctors later, he told me to try these pills and the pain will leave that its just heartburn. I thought he was crazy how could heart burn be so painful, and make me sick.
I thought I had some kind of cancer since my parents both died young of cancer. I took these pills for a week and nothing happened. I was mad and stopped taking them. I suffered for another year until I just could not take it, getting sick if I looked at food smelt food, made me sick, or even bent the wrong way, or even talking triggered me being sick. I went back to the doctor, he ordered a scope. The test came back with a stomach infection and my esophagus was very red. After the test the doctor told me that I need to start watching what I eat and drink. I needed to stop drinking and eating food with acid. He gave me a list of stuff to stay away from. He also gave me the pills back and told me I would have to take them for the rest of my life and not to stop taking them, that they would start to work better after a month. I had a really hard time thinking that I would be on a pill for the rest of my life. A month went by and yes the pain went away.
Year later I went for another scope as the doctor wanted to keep an eye on my esophagus so if the cells changed he would know. I never changed my diet, I still eat, and drank what I wanted, closer to the end of the year I started to feel the symptoms again. I was getting sick in the morning after I ate certain foods, I felt that feeling of having something stuck in my throat, the horse voice coughing for no reason. I knew my scope was coming up so paid no mind to anything just lived with it. Well they did change. I now have Barrett's Esophagus. My doctor tells me I did not take him serious when he told me to change my diet. I said the pain was gone so I did not think the food was bugging me. He told me that a lot of times when you sleep you don't even know that the acid is going up into your esophagus, he said the pill helps to reduce the acid but does no take it all away. I ran out of my pills for a week and was not able to get a new precision. The pain I suffered was even worse then the pain I had felt before. Everything I ate burnt from the time I swallowed it until it hit my stomach, and then the acid that came right back up again. The only thing that did not hurt was water. I got my pills again but what scared me was, what was that pill really doing, it does not cure my symptoms it just hides them and makes it less painful. I guess I have been stupid and I did it myself. The pill made it less painful to eat, and drink, but those acids were still hurting me. I was stupid and did it to myself and did not listen to the doctor when he told me that I needed to stay away from acid foods and drinks. This will not be an easy road giving up all I love to eat and drink. On the other hand if I don't, it could be my life I give up.
Do I believe there is a herbal cure? No, I don't. I went to many health stores, I drank clay, I drank alkaline water, I drank stuff that tastes like seaweed, green tea. Nothing worked to stop the process or reverse it. Only thing now that I can pray for is that my doctor is right and it all comes down to diet.
I have been on web sites were people say its ok to drink alcohol, no it's not just because you don't feel the acid don't think that acid does not do something to you. One of the things my doctor said right from the start, if you drink, stop now it is the wrest thing for you when you have any kind of problem with your esophagus. I have to wait 4 months for another scope. My pills don't seem to be working as well anymore, so from this day on, I eat only what is good for my condition. Good bye to acidic foods and drinks. Will let you know how it works.
(Spring Lake, Nj)
09/25/2015
(Ny)
06/30/2016
Hi James how are you doing? I have had barretts for 3 years. Been on omeprazol 20 mg, just up to 40 mgs, never really had heart burn, sure would like to get off the omeprazol.your remedy. sounds like a decent cure. I do not smoke, do like my coor lite beer, very very active for a 60yrs old ski biking weight lifting m.arts walking hiking all the right foods. I guess beer has been my downfall, only 20 a week now and dropping. Dad died of e.cancer in 1982. Have a great day. Paul
(Georgia)
08/02/2016
I was just diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus with precancerous cells that is in the "Low Grade" category. There is a "High Grade" category which means your chances of cancer is a much higher risk and within as little as 2 years! For whomever said that they "cured" their Barrett's Esophagus, did not have "precancerous cells", which is possible. Once the Barrett's turns precancerous, there is NO CURE, except for surgery. "Low Grade" precancerous Barrett's causes cancer with odds of 1 out of 20 people. That scared me to death since that's what I have. My doctor prescribed:
*OTC Privlosec and said not to miss any doses which I take in the mornings and 30 minutes before I eat.
*No tomato or tomato sauces, bummer! Also, no Mexican, fried, spicy foods, oranges, pineapples and lemons, more bummer!
*No more pots of coffee and must get it down to 1 cup daily and I'm trying!!
*No more large meals -- must get it down to 5 small meals daily.
*Need to loose some weight, where most of the fat is around my waist/stomach.
*Give yourself 3-4 hours of no food/drink before bedtime
*Purchase Wedge Pillow which I got at Walmart for $19.89 -- help to prevent acid to slush up into your esophagus. Had I known that years ago, I would have had one!!
*Another endoscopy in 1 year
At the end of the day, I brought this on myself, folks, by not taking acid reflux serious. I had never been told it could cause esophagus cancer that will kill you!! One doctor told me years ago that I had GERD and wrote a prescription but it was over $100 back then and I didn't get it. Stuck to eating TUMS at night when I laid down and drinking Apple Cider Vinegar with the "Mother". IT was getting worse, bending over could cause me to vomit from the burning/chocking stuff in my throat! You all know the rest, you can't sleep on your right side, and just trying to turn over, would cause severe acid reflux. In the past year, I started coughing whenever I started to eat and even choking on my food sometimes. My neighbor died last month and he had acid reflux for years that turned into Barrett's Esophagus Precancerous "HIGH" grade, which he had no clue. By the time he was scoped, the cancer tumor was very large at bottom of his esophagus where Barrett's starts and also in his stomach. In 2 months, he died. My problem with all of this just several years ago, doctors were not telling you that "acid reflux" could turn into deadly cancer!
So, I'm not saying don't do your natural remedies, if that's what you want to do, but I am begging you, if you have been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus Precancerous ... TAKE YOUR DOCTOR's Prescribed medicine!!! Nothing natural is going to cure the Barrett's at this stage.
Good luck to everyone and hope none of us are told one day that we have esophagus cancer! Let's take our meds, do what the doctor said and pray!
(Ottawa, On)
09/17/2016
(Alabama)
05/21/2017
(California)
09/14/2017
I had halitosis for a while, I had to be chewing gum or breathe mints all the time. It would come and go for several months. and then nothing for a long while. I went on a vacation and my friend told me my breathe smelled like ****. I felt so embarrassed. and I told him it tasted like that too. The next morning we went to the casino, and had breakfast, I had two over easy eggs, probably cooked in butter, and hash-browns also cooked in butter. I had to excuse myself to go to the restroom (I barely made it) going at both ends. When I could compose myself I went back to the table and I went back to my room, took a shower and slept for about three hours.. I was fine the next few days. About a week later, in the middle of the night I woke up to a pain in the middle of my back, thinking I was having an heart attack, I could not even reach for the telephone to call 911. I thought I was going to die. In the morning I was fine, a little tired but made it to work. So off and on every thing I eat went right through me. I finally went to the Doctor, had a Gallbladder sonogram. I had Gall Stones. I had GB surgery and no more halitosis . But I do have Acid Reflux and have been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus and then with second EGD test it was gone. Now, been having lots of burps and acid reflux, which before I didn't have. My mouth feels very acidity, I figure I am in some kind of imbalance; minerals or vitamins or something. I take Acidophilus triple strain 3 Billion CFU plus Prebiotic Goat's milk Freeze dried., Betaine HCI Pepsin and Gentian Bitters twice a day. maybe I should take them 3 times a day. Plus Vita-B complex and lots of other vitamins. I think I have a Malabsorption syndrome. Because of all the vitamins I take, minerals I was low in Vita-D my Iron and Iodine was normal. I have with Doctors OK, I weened myself off my thyroid meds. which I took for about 20 years and I didn't think it was helping me. So I cut my pills in half and took the half pill for six week then had lab test for TSH -4 and it came back normal, so with my Doctors permission I stopped taking my thyroid meds altogether for 6 weeks, then had another blood test for my thyroid and it came back normal. I have been off my thyroid meds for about two months now and I am wondering if my thyroid is still not normal. I am hot instead of cold. I think I feel better off the meds than I did on the meds, except with the acidity mouth. I tried ACV with honey and warm water. but it didn't seemed to help, more acidity. I really enjoyed reading everyone's input about their experiences with acid reflux and Barrett's esophagus. Some very interesting home treatments that I might try. Thank you everyone. and God Blessing to all.☺
(Oh)
11/25/2017
★★★★★
Hello, my sister Lily (38 years old and younger than me died of Esopageal cancer). I started having bad GERD in December 2010. To aggressively combat Baretts, from my personal experience, I HIGHLY recommend sleeping on an incline, not eating and if possible drinking ANYTHING for 3 hours before bed and this below is THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE:
1) Have ONE TABLESPOON of SIBERIAN PINE NUT OIL three times a day, either a half an hour before meals or a half and hour after meals.
2) Have a TEASPOON of Manuka Honey (Wedderspoons 15+ or higher ) two minutes before you go to bed (AFTER you have brushed your teeth). Let the Manuka melt slowly down to your esophagus and don't take anything after that. If you get up after 4 am to go to the washroom..then take your second TEASPOON of Manuka. Otherwise take it after you get up and make sure you give it a half hour to coat the esophagus before you eat or drink anything.
LOSE THE COFFEE AND TEA. Try eat LOW CARB if you can. I am also taking AHCC to nip cancer in the bud.
(Usa)
11/28/2017
(Virginia Beach, Virginia)
07/05/2018
