I am 71 year male, fit and active, but virtually all my life I have suffered with throat clearing small cough. In England 12 years ago used to suffer badly with bloated stomach which doctors diagnosed as stress related..... that was really debilitating..... Anyway I read an article in The Daily Mail, UK, around 6 months ago about a woman who always had sore throats and could never get a diagnosis until a locum doctor arrived and took an interest and solved the mystery, it was GERD. So this set me thinking. When leaving UK 2003 and living in France, I found that when eating BBQ meat I sometimes could not swallow it and the food became stuck in my osophagus which would only move after gulping a glass of water. Anyway over the last 12 years this has very slowly got worse to the state where I had to make myself sick to get rid of this blockage, I could feel the food starting to be digested and bubbling in my osophagus and it was starting to happen much more frequently. I used to get heartburn on and off, it was strange.... I could go for 3/4 weeks without any heartburn and then for 2 weeks I would get it and take Rennies which always immediately stopped the heartburn. #
On a very few occasion I would get only what I can describe as acid coming into my mouth when I would be asleep and immediately waking me up. This was really terrible and took probably a good hour to get rid the awful taste in the mouth and throat.
Finally early this year I went to the doctor and then specialist for endiscopy and they found that I had a hiatus hernia, an ulcer but no signs of cancer thank goodness and so the doctor then put me on Omprazole. Well at first they made things feel better and I could swallow food much more easily and the doctor then for whatever reason double the daily dose and told me I would be taking them for the rest of my life!
I didn't like to hear this..... so started looking for alternatives.... at the same time I found that my swallowing problem was returning even while taking these tablets. So I decided to get off them and reduced to one every other day and from 18th May have not taken even one. I have been taking sodium bicarb when I get heartburn and I have also started taking bentonite once a day and iodine drops and now I have started with the ACV natural and hoping that all will get better, plus I have bought some Betaine tablets and started taking today. One thing that contributes to my throat clearing I think and my general congestion is a post nasal drip caused by my allergic rhinitus which I have had for 35 years or so. I had ops. on my nose to help breathing but nothing worked. So I am taking Ebestina for the allergy side and Flixinase for my nose to keep it clear. I guess that this problem has a bearing on my GERD......
So anyone with similar problems and cures, love to hear from you....
Bill, thanks again for a great column.
★☆☆☆☆
I'm also surprised that you generally say that when people have their gall bladders removed (which then causes a lack of bile) then you conclude that this is what what causes their diarrhea. From my readings of people with their gall-bladders removed, these people generally always have constipation issues because bile acts to emulsify food fats and is alkaline and so this creates soap and helps the food to move down the intestines more easily. So if you have a lack of bile then that is why constipation normally ensues.
Therefore, for any person who has already had his/her gallbladder removed and who also has constant diarrhea, I would probably conclude that that person's has other things wrong with their intestines -- with a strong infection of the intestines caused by pathogenic bacteria or fungus or both being the favourite cause of constant diarrhea.
And if a person who has had his gall bladder out also has GERD(low stomach acid) then this is not a good situation. This means that all forms of pathogens, including parasites, that is incoming with the food, will not be killed or neutralized in the stomach due to the low stomach acid. So when these pathogens pass into the intestines they will breed and will likely cause other problems such as diarrhea. Digestion may also be impaired in the duodenum because, with the reduction in alkaline bile salts(caused by gallbladder removal) this means that the neutralizing of the acid chyme or food from the stomach may not happen -- so the upper intestines remains acid. This also means that the digestive enzymes in the duodenum cannot work(they need an alkaline environment to work) and so this could also greatly hinder proper digestion.
Also remember that the gall bladder is just a collection point for bile in between meals. When you have a meal then the correct amount of bile will be discharged from the gallbladder to do its job during digestion. So if you no longer have this collection point or bile reservoir known as the gallbladder then other problems such as constipaton will arise due to lack of bile. But if you also have GERD(low stomach acid) as well then your intestines will most likely already be infected with pathogens such that other problems like bloating, gas, pains and diarrhea may result from this situation.
Betaine HCL for GERD
PS - Jez, please look into Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for your CFS. It is also something I would try if I had that condition. Very low side effects, and it can be purchased without a script (but some docs will prescribe). Certainly worth a try, especially since your beleaguered body could use an immune boost!
Betaine HCL for GERD
Thanks for sharing the Gerd protocol. Could you please clarify two things: dosage for betaine HCL and duration of using this protocol?
With thanks, Daniela
Betaine HCL for GERD
Betaine HCL for GERD
What Happens to Fat Absorption With NO Gallbladder? : Dr.Berg - YouTube
There is more information on the pages you can link to. Eric Berg knows his stuff and has helped me heal my gut issues. I have a gallbladder. Blessings, Charity
Betaine HCL for GERD
★★★★★
I tried gauging how much to take based on the size or protein and fat content of the meal and I have been given my life back. Most experiences with ulcer cures seem effective mostly with stomach ulcers and very few seemed to make it as fas as the duodenum. I started trying to experiment with alkaline waters and enteric coated alkaline pills but the relief was inconsistent.
When I read about CCK from your link and the impact on the duodenum, I knew this was a major find for me. I am just so happy that I want to scream it from the mountain tops! Things I have tried: antibiotics, ppi, mastic gum, colloidal silver (helpful but no cure), peppermint oil, slippery elm, aloe Vera, probiotics, beta glucan, wobenzyme, Roberts formula, gastrazyme, gastromend, zinc carnosine, activated charcoal, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, cranberry juice, kombucha, baking soda, oregano oil, etc. I'm sure I have forgotten quite a few but nothing helped consistently.
i can now eat and drink anything and I know I won't be awakened in the middle of the night with extreme gastritis.
The human body makes bile from the amino acids Taurine and Glycine. Take 500mg each of these, and along w/ digestive enzymes you should be ok. Yellowdock, Dandelion, and Artichoke promote bile flow and may help. Eat Beets or drink Beet Juice regularly to keep the liver clean.
Betaine HCL for GERD
Here is the advice I used to give friends with GERD:
Acid reflux or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease is not only responsible for stomach pain but can cause many difficulties including sinusitis, asthma and even cancer. Much of the pain and damage is actually not in the stomach but in the esophagus and higher when the stomach acid spills over. Some people don't feel pain at all but can still damage their esophagus, throat, sinus, lungs and even erode tooth enamel.
Taking prescription antacids over a long period may cause serious side effects. Below is a list of potential fixes, but you will need to experiment to see which work best for you.
- Eat smaller meals.
- Some people benefit from drinking a cup of water with a soupspoon of apple cider vinegar and a spoonful of raw honey (processed honey can work well too) before and/or after a meal. This tricks the stomach's sensor into believing that there is enough acid.
- Don't drink much while eating to avoid diluting digestive juices. If the stomach senses that there is not enough acidity because of the dilution it will add more.
- Try not to mix proteins and fruits s as they get digested differently.
- Chew well before swallowing to speed digestion
- Avoid eating fried, spicy or fatty foods.
- Some people need to avoid foods with preservatives.
- Many processed foods contain additives that may not agree with your system. Track indigestion events to see what food may be the culprit.
- Don't lie flat (to sleep or otherwise) for at least three or four hours after eating.
- Sleep with your upper body (from torso on) elevated at a 45+ degree angle.
- Eat foods that digest quickly like fruits and vegetables. The faster food gets out of the stomach the better.
- Take an advanced acidophiles and enzyme supplement like Solgar Advanced 40+ and Rainbow Light Advanced enzyme to help speed digestion.
(Just added) Finally, your reflux may be caused by an hiatus hernia which is not related to above. Also, a growing number of people believe that the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is the cause of many reflux cases. There are some natural ways to control or eliminate it.
Betaine HCL for GERD
Betaine HCL for GERD
Thanks...
Betaine HCL for GERD
Betaine HCL for GERD
Betaine HCL for GERD
Betaine HCL for GERD
Generally, if you are heavily lacking in bile from the liver, then this could manifest as a serious ongoing constipation issue. People who have had their gallbladders remove usually always have trouble with constipation due to lack of bile because the gallbladder is the main reservoir and dispersal point for bile during digestion.
There's really no need to take ox-bile unless your stools are pale yellow or green or if you are seriously constipated. These days, you can easily buy pancreatin enzymes combined with ox-bile.
But if you have had your gallbladder removed or you are seriously lacking in bile then you will need to take much higher amounts of ox-bile to compensate for your lack of bile -- and that's when ox-bile tablets should be used and taken on there own at mealtimes.
Betaine HCL for GERD
I am very excited to see your article - thank you, thank you!! Your protocol and explanation have given me hope for numerous ailments mentioned in the article - thank you!!
Question - how long does one need to take the daily dose of each of the above nutrients for? Is it lifelong or is there a time frame you recommend for gut neutralising and healing?
It sounds like this protocol will prevent further damage to the esophagus through reduced reflux? Do you have any additional suggestions to promote healing of the esophagus?
Thanks for the hope - I can't wait to try it out!
Betaine HCL for GERD
I think I'll give your protocol a try. Thanks, Tom
Betaine HCL for GERD
In 2011 I experienced what was to become several more episodes of vertigo. This last one got my attention landing me in the ER. From there working backwards, in 2008 the GERD symptoms I experienced then were severe. Stress and anxiety then was off the charts. The GI doc upped my dose to 20mg of Prilosec twice a day. The endoscopy showed as being clear. Shortly after getting this under control and backing down two one single 20mg daily dose I started experiencing pressure in my right ear. It's also the side I sleep on the most. The ear pressure has been a constant companion to this day.
I was recently tested for allergies and which turned up both food and pollen allergies such as dust mites, ragweed, milk, egg whites, bakers yeast etc. The ENT says on a scale of 1-10 I'm a 6.5-7 for allergies. I came across mention of histamine-producing foods and remember after eating an orange and then another day after eating bowl of Chex Cinnamon cereal how my sinuses flared up. I'm not allergic to either according to the tests that were done. But citrus type foods and cinnamon produce histamine. I think the root cause of my symptoms is the PPI use and what it has done to me digestive wise. I also think this has resulted being more allergic in a way I certainly never was before. Any thoughts?
Betaine HCL for GERD
★★★☆☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Thanks for this protocol and all of your information! I started the full protocol about 10 days ago and I have to say that it seems to have almost completely eliminated my persistent and long term reflux - thank you! The only worry is that I now have a very sore throat (at the base of the throat) - which I have always experienced when trying to go off my strong PPI. Do you think this means that the acid is burning the esophagus (even though I am not getting the refulx))???
Many thanks again! Kay
Betaine HCL for GERD
Since seeing the Kiniesiologist last week, I've been mainly having green veg soup with a chicken bone broth base, herbs and cumin etc for lunch and dinner which feels soothing. I'm cutting down on grain, though I seem ok with Einkorn( very ancients grain) and have cut right back on raw milk and kefir though take sauerkraut - my own homemade and unpasteurised- I also sleep witH raise mattress etc. so my question is - where should I go from here? Do I need a test on over-acid stomach- the specialist says if I don't lower acid level, I'll get ulcers which of course is dangerous and scary. I do feel a bit confused with all the different suggestions and I realise there's no 'one size fits all' for any disorder. But any helpful input would be appreciated greatly. This is an amazing site and thank heavens we have access to such knowledge and experience. The specialist means well but is trained and brainwashed by the pharmaceutical companies and can't / won't see any other solution than drugs. And I don't feel this is helpful necessarily.
Thank you very much in advance and earth blessings on you all.
Betaine HCL for GERD
Betaine HCL for GERD
Betaine HCL for GERD
