2 Part Question for Experienced GERD Sufferers

Hi Guys,

#1 My "silent" LPR with severe cough has transformed into terrible taste in mouth and frequent heart burn (it's worse than heart burn really uncomfortable) This has made me wonder if LPR and GERD are the same thing? Or do I have BOTH LPR AND GERD? I know many GI docs don't believe in LPR but maybe LPR is a kind of GERD? I do feel my "heartburn" going all the way up to my throat. What is this??? LPR or GERD?

#2 OK this is CRAZY. I wasn't good with diet today. Baked cookies, ate a few and by the end of the day I couldn't move or the heartburn came back. Have been researching natural remedies like crazy...Manuka, DGL, Mastic Gum, Enzymes etc. and while I'm researching I see time and time again someone either promoting or disparaging Apple Cider Vinegar. While it most definitely didn't help my cough, I decided I had nothing to lose and drank 1 tablespoon in 4 oz of high alkaline water. I could literally feel myself getting better and now I'm laying down and it's not bothering me! In fact it feels really good in there! What the heck is going on??? I'm off PPI's and Zantac. It can't be this simple??? It worked I'm telling you it worked I am not imagining it! My question is if ACV works for someone is that indicative of the kind of GERD they have? Does it help diagnose what the problem is in there?

Thanks

My understanding is that heartburn has varying causes, but sometimes results from poor digestion as a result of too little stomach acid. Heartburn happens when stomach acid enters the esophagus through a weak LES. The stomach acid may not be as strong as it should be for optimal digestion, but is still acidic enough to burn the fragile throat tissue. Acid reducing meds help the most people by reducing the acidity of the stomach, and eliminating the burning symptom. Adding acid can help digestion for some people. Better digested foods don't put as much pressure on the LES.

I have had both LPR and heartburn symptoms. Some docs don't see LPR as a separate entity. Part of the controversy seems to center around how high up the esophagus stomach acid travels, and how much acid is required to produce LPR symptoms.

If you now have typical GERD symptoms, maybe you want to think about the Fast Tract diet. I think Koufman diet may better for just LPR symptoms, but Fast Tract is better at addressing the overall digestive issues surrounding GERD.