GERD/Acid-Reflux

[ChamberNut]

Does anyone else suffer from chronic GERD or acid-reflux?  I have been for about 5 years, and have been on Pariet for about that amount of time.

I'm looking for non-prescription, natural alternatives to help alleviate this condition.  The Pariet works great, but it's really expensive.  Over the counter stuff like Tums, Rolaids, Pepto Bismol, etc. doesn't work for me.

I just read a natural recipe of ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) mixed with Baking Soda is suppose to work rather well.  I'm curious if anyone else has heard of it or tried this or other natural alternatives?

Thanks! 

[Dr. Dread]

Can't help you. I use Zantac when I need it. Works like a charm.

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

Why do you want a "natural" cure? Esophogeal cancer is perfectly natural, and will leave you perfectly, naturally dead if you get it. (Or maybe you'd rather get some natural skin cancer from the sun's natural UV rays) 

I had reflux problems for years, and it was horrible until I started taking Protonix (prescribed by my gastroenterologist). It is not that expensive if you have insurance, but if you don't, you may want to try over the counter meds (Nexium, Prilosec). What you want is a PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR, not a HISTMINE BLOCKER like Zantac. (None of the over the counter stuff you listed is a Proton Pump Inhibitor) Zantac was less than worthless in my case. I started on two Protonix a day, but through lifestyle changes (including exercise, much better diet, etc.), I am now down to one. And I can still eat my favorite foods (dark chocolate, red wine, spicy sauces) without worry.

[hornteacher]

Why do you want a "natural" cure? Esophogeal cancer is perfectly natural, and will leave you perfectly, naturally dead if you get it. (Or maybe you'd rather get some natural skin cancer from the sun's natural UV rays) 

I had reflux problems for years, and it was horrible until I started taking Protonix (prescribed by my gastroenterologist). It is not that expensive if you have insurance, but if you don't, you may want to try over the counter meds (Nexium, Prilosec). What you want is a PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR, not a HISTMINE BLOCKER like Zantac. (None of the over the counter stuff you listed is a Proton Pump Inhibitor) Zantac was less than worthless in my case. I started on two Protonix a day, but through lifestyle changes (including exercise, much better diet, etc.), I am now down to one. And I can still eat my favorite foods (dark chocolate, red wine, spicy sauces) without worry.

Agree with everything he just said.  Alkaline foods in the diet and regular exercise helped me greatly, in combination with Nexium.

[Coopmv]

It has been five years since I developed GERD.  I took Protonix until last year.  After my endoscopy last year, the second in five years and Protonix appeared to be losing its efficacy, my GI doctor switched me over to Aciphex.  I was on Nexium for less than 2 weeks, prescribed by my internist.  For some reason, my GI doctor did not want me to be on Nexium.  At any rate, both Nexium and Aciphex are expensive.  The prescription drug benefits program from my job pays the bulk while I also have a hefty copay, which I pay from my flexible spending account.  This comes down to a quality-of-life issue.  Either you want to deal with the constant heartburn or taking the prescription med and pay for the expense.  There is no doubt I prefer the latter choice ...

[ChamberNut]

I printed out an Alkaline/Acidic Foods chart, and it is quite interesting, and shocking in some instances.  Since I need to eat more foods with a higher alkaline level, and try to avoid (as much as possible the really highly acidic foods and beverages (ie. coffee ).

Raw vegetables seem to be the key!  And, two of my favorite raw vegetables have a very high alkaline level (cucumbers and brocoli).  Celery is another high one. 

And no, pickles unfortunately do not do the trick as does cucumbers.  Anything pickled immediately becomes one of the most acidic foods  <sigh>

[Anne]

I have to say that I agree with mn Dave; Zantac works very well for me.  Sometimes I even forget that I have a hiatal hernia.  The internist had me take Nexium until the esophagus healed from taking too much vicodin.  I carry Zantec in my purse always.  At the first inkling of heartburn, I take 1 pill and that's it!  No more problem.  Too much grease in cooking is my Waterloo.

[jwinter]

I've had acid reflux off and on for a couple of years.  I was taking Prilosec, but the last time I took it I got a nasty allergic reaction -- hives, swelling, the whole bit.  Not sure if Nexium has the same ingredients or not, I'll have to research that.

Zantac works fine for me, generally.  I take one right before (or after) I eat something stupid, and it works like a charm.  I only get into trouble, and need Prilosec or something, when I've been eating stupidly for a while -- I'm rather stubborn that way... 

[jfmac]

Had a GI bleed few years ago. 5 pints of new blood before it was stopped. My GI Doc put me on Protonix, Acephix and now I use Prilosec OTC. No more acid reflux and I can eat almost ANY damn thing.

[haydnguy]

My wife (who is an RN) and I just got back from the store and picked up some acid reducers. We buy Ranitidine Tablets 75mg (U.S.) (Equate).  I see on the bottle it says that it compares to Zantac 75

[Anne]

I use Zantac, 1 bottle per year, and it works like a charm.  As you said, one can eat everything.  If not, Zantac!

[knight66]

I get it now and then. Usually if I drink something acidic, or eat late at night. To counteract it when I sense I may be in for it, I sleep sitting up, that seems to prevent it.

Mike

[greg]

I bathe in acid.

[haydnguy]

I bathe in acid.

Me too.     When my wife and I were at the store, she said that there was something that was newer that is supposed to be better than Zantac but is more expensive. We got the Zantac (generic) because it was cheaper and it works for me. I'll ask her what the other one was and post back here in case Zantac doesn't work for someone.