Acid Reflux and Ulcer - Alternative Medicine Message Board

NatashaN · 12-25-2004, 09:25 PM

Hi, I have a burning sensation in my throat and I know it is because of acid refluxing. I also have a small ulcer. Currently I am seeing a nutritionist/naturopath and am taking Aloe Gel, probiotics, essential EFAs and I am drinking cabbage juice for the ulcer. Also I have dramatically altered my diet. I am eating lots of vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts/seeds. I have completely eliminated dairy, red meat as well as yeast/flour products.
I have been doing this since end of September. Well, the cabbage juice was only added around beginning of December. But anyhow, my acid reflux doesn't seem to have gotten much better.

My main problem is the burning of my throat.
I also have a white tongue because of this.

Any suggestions anyone?

I am only 20 and this has dramatically changed my life. I have lived relatively healthy. By that I mean I didn't smoke, drink, or drink coffee,etc...Not too much fast food, etc...But I did experience major stress. Anyhow, I refuse to take any antacids as they will make things worse but I am afraid of the major damages that reflux can cause.

Also I have read somewhere that the cause of acid reflux is that the LES muscle is too weak. But my question is if that is so, then what causes it to be weak in the first place? And why wasn't it weak before? I don't want to undergo surgery for it.

Please someone help me. I would be soooooo thankful. I just want my life back.

MrsLewis · 12-26-2004, 01:45 AM

I found out I had and ulcer last year (I was 23). Because it went untreated for a long time I also developed acid reflux and gastritis. I had to get an EGD, where they stick a tube down your throat to take pictures and a biopsy of your stomach. I saw a gastointesonal specialist before we finally found out a solution that worked. Here's what I had to do:

I took 2 30mg prevacid a day
I stoped taking asprin and advil (they're often a cause of an ulcer)
I stoped eating anything spicy, greasy or extremely acidic (oranges etc.)
I stoped having ANY caffeen
I stoped drinking all alcohol

It was a huge lifestyle change for me too. The caffeen was really hard. That means no coffee, no soda (except sprite) no chocolate.... all kinds of stuff. I developed major headaches from not having any caffeen and I could only take tylenol. Food wise the doctor basicly said only bland food. I had to do things this way for nearly four months but it all cleared up. I have to keep my stress level down now. As far a herbal remedies I don't know. You should seriously check out prevacid. It's a life saver. I hope you start feeling better soon!

caroleye · 12-26-2004, 11:17 AM

If I don't keep my diet "alkaline", I get this as well. So if I overeat things like animal protein; only eat turkey/chicken lx/wk/fish lx/week, spicy foods, carbohydrates (wheat products)........anyway, find an acid/alkaline list so you know what aggravates it.

Funny, just had an attack..........I ate turkey 3x back to back, along w/cranberries (also acidic).

My remedies are the diet, Rescue Body Tea (alkalines), Acid-Ease, l/2 tsp baking soda in some filtered water, keeping "all" stress down. Oh, and DGL (from health food store) is great!

Off to get some now as I make my Rescue Tea........................

carole

caroleye · 12-26-2004, 11:20 AM

Since I use my cup of caffeine to get my brain in motion, I add "tamers", which cuts the acid, and I mix in a soy vanilla protein drink as well.

Ahhhh, the "tricks".........

'c'

MrsLewis · 12-26-2004, 11:42 AM

I should add that although I am mostly "cured" I still get "flare ups" and I do have to watch what I eat.