Avoiding acid reflux

October 18, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: After reading your article on the extensive use and possible side effects of Prilosec and other PPIs, I would like to share with you how I have effectively eliminated heartburn symptoms without medications. My theory is that acid reflux is harmful because of irritation of the esophagus from abrasive and improperly chewed foods. Crisp and crunchy foods are very popular and can be very abrasive if not thoroughly chewed. The regimen I have assigned to myself may not be easy to do at first, but is very simple and may seem a little silly.

1.) Avoid crisp and crunchy foods whenever possible. Corn chips are bad! [Read more…]

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Colonel mustard to the rescue

February 19, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: For many years, I have had severe heartburn. I was diagnosed with a sliding hiatal hernia and was prescribed Nexium. Then I switched to Prilosec because of the exorbitant price of the first drug.

I tried to be health conscious and didn’t like taking drugs, so I attempted natural remedies, including calcium citrate mixed with AbsorbAid. Only the drugs worked.

Then two weeks ago, I stumbled on an article about the benefits of mustard for heartburn. It said to mix 2 teaspoons of mustard with a half glass of water at the first sign of heartburn. I stopped taking Prilosec and tried French’s mustard. I haven’t had heartburn since!
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Gallstones may be cause of GERD

February 13, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: This is in response to the writer diagnosed with GERD and a hiatal hernia who questioned taking omeprazole. Several years ago, I suffered with the same symptoms and the same diagnosis. Medication did not help me, and finally, after a CT scan, gallstones were discovered. I had laparoscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder and repair the hernia. I have not had any problems since.

DEAR READER: When gallstones form, they can cause a blockage that may cause bile to build up, leading to inflammation and/or pain. The pain can often be confused with that caused by stomach acid.
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Gagging has many causes

November 9, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Thank you for your balanced, sensible and unbiased information. It is a breath of fresh air.
My husband has a problem with spontaneous gagging. It does not seem to be related to eating, foreign objects or any activity in particular. It has caused him to pull the car over or stop talking with clients.

This has been going on for almost a year. We have had monitoring of his throat for acid reflux, and he did have some, but the rise in acid doesn’t seem to correspond with the gagging, and medication doesn’t make a difference. He has tried over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions. He has also had an endoscopic procedure, which showed no polyps.

I would greatly appreciate any information you can provide; our doctors seem to be at a dead end.
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Patient wants remedy for GERD

April 8, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Is there any home remedy for GERD? I am on Zegerid, watch what I eat, have the head of my bed elevated, and still can’t get rid of the midsternal indigestion. I have had a thorough medical workup.

DEAR READER: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is acid reflux that occurs regularly. The ring of muscles that separates the stomach from the esophagus is either weak or fails to close properly. Symptoms present when the backwash of stomach acid enters the esophagus and, as you are likely aware, can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, a burning sensation, pain, dry cough, bad breath and more.

Treatment is one of progression. Over-the-counter medications such as Prilosec, Tagamet or Pepcid AC might be considered; when ineffective, they may be followed by prescription medication. Then might come X-ray testing, such as a barium swallow or upper endoscopy, which should reveal whether your symptoms are from GERD or caused by something else. If your GERD is severe and caused by a hiatal hernia, surgical repair may be recommended. Hiatal hernias can develop from sudden physical exertion, straining during evacuation, vomiting or coughing.
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Sunday Column

April 6, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been reading your articles for some time. When there is a familiar subject that I can relate to, I often take your recommended course of action. So far, all is okay! Thank you.

I now have a situation with no answer. Salads. I can only eat Boston lettuce without any after effects. The other varieties, particularly Iceberg, cause a high level of indigestion and acid discomfort. I don’t understand why this is.

I have tried over-the-counter remedies but none seem to work well. I have a similar reaction with bananas. Even the smell will upset my stomach.

I am a 91-year-old male, weigh 185 pounds and am in good health (at least for my age!). I don’t have any other digestive problems, my blood pressure is good, etc.

DEAR READER:
For some individuals, lettuce is incompletely digested. This may be your problem. Incomplete digestion can lead to stomach pain, indigestion, gas, bloating and more. To my knowledge, there is no way to avoid this situation other than by not eating lettuce.

My advice is for you to avoid non-Boston lettuce varieties. You may wish to substitute fresh spinach, or better yet baby spinach, for the lettuce. This will allow you to continue eating salads. Spinach is also highly nutritious.

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