I had it happen again today at work. I saw in Target that have a 3 - 14 day Prilosec regimen for about $25. I heard Rolaids on a regular basis is not good. I saw some anti-acid pills too. I need to avoid eating before sleep and less carbonated beverages during the day I guess.
Any suggestions? I worry because poor Ron Silver died of cancer of the espophogus which can be caused by acid bile coming up. If anyone else has this - take it seriously. Thanks for any suggestions.
I am not an illegal or Congressperson so I do not have free healthcare. Maybe I should go to the doc on my HMO now before the Teleprompter in the Oval Office gives us all "free" healthcare.
Thanks. ;-)
Often the problem people have is that they are not producing enough acid. Taking antacids is the opposite of what you need at that point.
For example, one buddy of mine who was on prescription stuff for this would drink pickle juice (brine) and start to feel better. Pickle brine is acidic. He felt better because his liver was messed up and so was his stomach, but the short of it was he didn’t have enough acid and bile to digest what he was eating, and if you are eating meats that need more time to break down, you’re in trouble.
I don’t suggest pickle juice, but you could drink orange juice, or grapefruit juice, something with a decent acid content. and you need a couple hours for the digestion to work.
Often the problem is people eat carbs and things that don’t trigger your liver to release digestive juices (bile) and because of that, you wind up with heartburn and a lump in the stomach. You need a certain number of grams of protein generally speaking to trigger the bile duct into action to release bile to go after the protein and fats. If it’s mostly carbs it might not happen.
Yes, avoid late night eating before going horizontal. If you can’t help it, you need to sleep on the couch and sleep elevated using a couch arm to prop yourself up. Avoid items you know cause trouble for you. Drop the sodas and drink gatorade, they have lots of different flavors.
What works for me is:
* Eat dinner early, between 5 and 6 p.m. ifp ossible.
* Don’t have chocolate after 7 p.m.
* Cut down on tomato sauce and spicy foods.
* Take a generic pill (mine is Granutec) before bedtime.
You really need to see your doctor.
Apple Cider Vinegar...Google it with Heartburn, reflux, whatever you want...I use it for far more then just that and have been for many years. Improved my health, stamina and a number of things.
Stop eating high-carb foods - wheat pasta in particular. The problem will clear up remarkably fast.
Generic OTC cimetidine (Tagamet) is another option. If male, do read the ‘precaution’ — excessive use can cause breast size increase.
If the condition persists, of course, see a doctor. It could be something more.
If it is gastritis, the only thing I found to work for that is an herbal mixture of ginger root, fennel seeds, licorice root and clove — capsule form available at health food stores. First two days, take 2 caps of each morning, noon, afternoon. Then, take 1-2 of each as needed. Symptoms usually subside after a few days. When the gastritis begins to flair up again, take 1-2 of each as needed.
Change your diet....it is the poor western diet people eat today.
When this happens to me, Alka Seltzer is instant relief, but it's alot of sodium, so you don't want to rely on that. I had to go at it more systemically doing the above. It's worked pretty well.
Frantzie, don’t mess with this. Go to a good gastroenterologist, get a scope done and find out what’s going on. I am almost 48 and my problems with GERD started about 4 years ago. Food got stuck and I had bad heartburn. Turns out I had webs of fiber and he detected it with an endoscopy and knocked it out. The web grew back and I needed the procedure again.
i started on Nexium and have had a lot of relief. Get it checked out. You’ll be better for it.
Zantac.
I’m cheap. Half a teaspoon or so of baking soda in a small glass of water. It is not recommended, however, if there is any reason to suspect a stomach blockage.
Acid reducer (Pepcid, etc.) and I like Gaviscon (Extra Strength). Had heartburn and reflux terribly when I was pregnant x 2. Still works to this day....especially given our ‘country status’. ;)
mix apple cider vinegar with water or juice ( such as apple) and drink. The burning will be gone in a few minutes. Or you can drink pickle juice for the same relief. It really does work!
And... you KNOW this would only happen in the greatest country in the world!!!
maybe it is just heartburn due to the Teleprompter of the United States attempting to destroy the country in his first 90 days. :-(
My father passed away a number of years ago from esophageal cancer. I learned more than I ever wanted about this and acid reflux.
Easy things to do:
* avoid peppermint - it relaxes the esophageal muscle and allows reflux
* don’t lay down after eating
* avoid sodas - carbonation also encourages reflux
As others have said - see your doctor. Most people don’t discover Esophageal cancer until its too late.
Mty father has had to have surgery because of the problem...The surgeon said the best treatment is to raise the head of the bed (He said all Nursing Homes should be required to lift head during bed rest). We purchases a large wedge pillow to put under the mattress of his bed. He also takes the generic form of Prolosec. Much better.