Health Tip: If You've Got GERD

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I've had this and still do for as long as I can remember, and scaring was verified and I lost all my teeth at once 20 years ago, apparently because the reflux of acid destroyed the tooth enamel. Before proper diagnosis I thought I was just a hungry skinny kid, as eating would relieve the discomfort. I still use OC products to help control it at age 60, and a foam wedge under my pillow, I'm not overweight, and what I eat seems to have nothing to do with it. But over the decades there have been times when large antibiotic treatments were required. In each case the reflux symptoms completely disappeared for a few weeks and then slowly returned. Once I read that excessive acid could be caused by a needed bacterium that overpopulates itself and that antibiotics temporarily kill them off. No reason was given for the overpopulation issue. I haven't heard anything since, and that was a long time ago. It makes me wonder.

Ron of CA 5:48PM January 21, 2009

Keeping the "pie hole closed" may help some but not all. I am very slender, do not smoke or drink and I still have GERD. I have found that any wheat or rice products cause most of my problems. So do any lunch meats, they also set off my migraines. So I steer clear of any foods that might set it off. If I know I am going to eat some of those items then I take something first. Sulfar in the water and in food dyes are also a problem for me. Then there is the cronic constipation that comes from having a very long colon. I keep it cleaned out with a mild daily laxative. Each person is different and each case of GERD is different, watch what you are eating and see what sets it off. Then let your doctor know what you have been doing to control it so he can pass on that information to other patients. If you don't tell they can't know. Remember that one persons solution may not be another persons solution but then again, it could be.

Lisa M. of TX 11:16AM January 21, 2009

How about just eating *less* during a meal? If stomach acid and food is backing into the esophagus up past the pyloric valve, obviously there's TOO MUCH food in the stomach to begin with!
Several years ago, I tried this simple, elegant solution and haven't had an attack since.
I also am 20 lbs lighter..
No drugs, no muss, no fuss.. just keep the pie-hole closed.

foodandart of NH 10:37AM January 21, 2009

GERD is one of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and can be cleared up rapidly with cpap or autopap treatment.
Other indications are snoring - and stopping snoring for 10 seconds or more during the night.
Other problems from OSA include diabetes, hypertension, stroke, etc.

Ken of OK 10:01AM January 21, 2009