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Brandon's Mom · 11-19-2001, 06:56 PM

Hi, Just wondering if there is a link to thyroid problems and GERD or esphogitis? I have been just diagnosed with severe acid reflux and am taking Zantac and its not helping me much anymore. I am going back to ask for a stronger medication. I have been having really painful throat and swollen lymph nodes as a result of all this acid churning up in my stomach. This really really sucks big time. Then I read a list somewhere about what not to eat if you have acid reflux and I am left wondering what is left on the menu. Its not like hypothyroidism wasn't bad enough. Anyone, have any info, stories to share, anything? thanks.

Lynda · 11-20-2001, 06:24 AM

I have not been diagnosed with anything, and I keep meaning to bring up my horrible heartburn to the doc. I can eat the Pepcid Ac that you are to only take twice a day and it sometimes doesn't stop it. Some days I have none, but most days it is awful. Let me know if you find anything out!

Meep · 11-20-2001, 09:50 AM

I don't have acid reflux on a regular basis, but occasionally it is a problem for me. I have read somewhere, though I don't remember where (possibly the book, "Solved: The Riddle of Illness") that this can be a symptom of hypo.

zarla · 11-20-2001, 10:19 AM

Hi,
I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia after long time with reflux problems. I was not suffering any symptoms of hypo then, so was able to excercise it away.
Gone now, except for occassional bouts.
Zarla
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ArtfulD · 11-20-2001, 03:26 PM

Hi All. I treat my gastritis and acid reflux disease with acupuncture, but I know this isn't the most popular option for many of you (although I have to say, it works really well!)

I also take digestive enzymes (my favorite brand is Zygest) after every meal. And if that meal contained animal protein, I also take a low dose of "Beta Pepsin" (325 mg of Betaine Hydrochloride with 59 mg Pepsin). My nutritionist said that reflux is often the body's reaction to having too LITTLE acid, believe it or not. I started taking these supplements several months ago, and the reflux has completely stopped (plus my mental clarity has greatly improved).

Here's what Mary Shomon says about enzymes: <A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blenzymes.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blenzymes.htm</A>

It's really hard to find websites indicating a connection between Thyroid disease and GERD (Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease), but this one offers a potential explanation:

<B>Problems with esophageal peristalsis sometimes result from diabetes and thyroid disease. These conditions may also prevent the body from producing enough saliva. Saliva helps neutralize stomach acid, and when there isn't enough of it, one of the body's defense mechanisms against acid is diminished. Some medications used to treat high blood pressure, allergies, and spastic disorders of the digestive tract can also decrease the production of saliva.</B>

from: <A HREF="http://health-info.express-scripts.com/ESI/Site/ContentAreas/GeneralContent/GC_ContentDetails/0,3134,81!1090!!!1083!1911!!!!!!!1261,00 .html" TARGET=_blank>http://health-info.express-scripts.com/ESI/Site/ContentAreas/GeneralContent/GC_ContentDetails/0,3134,81!1090!!!1083!1911!!!!!!!1261,00 .html</A>

I wonder why there aren't more studies about this?

Tree Frog · 11-21-2001, 01:22 AM

Hi Brandon's Mom,

Being hypo lowers metabolism, so I can see that slowed digestion may contribute to GERD or acid reflux.

I have had it. My sister also had it.
You can let it heal by not eating or drinking for a few hours before bedtime, and raising the head of the bed by putting blocks under the frame legs at the head of the bed. And by eating smaller portions.

It takes many months for this condition to heal, though. I don't think meds contribute to healing, they just make one more comfortable. It is important to make the needed changes.

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