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Specifics as to Smoking & Drinking

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 10/12/2005 3:07 PM (GMT 0)

Can someone be more specific on the advise to stop drinking and smoking to help acid reflux? Smoking cigarettes? Cigars? Marijuana? Drinking alcohol... wine? beer? whiskey?

FYI - I have suffered from acid reflux for 15 years now and 10 years ago I was prescribed Prevacid. I stopped taking it over a year ago to try natural remedies. To be honest, when I was on Prevacid it was great as far as having absoulutely no heartburn and I could eat and drink whatever, whenever.... Despite this, 2.5 years ago I had an endoscopy and they found Barrets and Gastritis. I am having another endoscopy Friday.

After all these years, just last night I tried eating a green apple and my heartburn went away immediately. I have never eaten apples, but I think I am on to something for myself.

Thanks!

Posted 10/12/2005 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Johnny, funnily enough I have recently started to eat green apples and I find they are good for helping the GERD.
I smoke cigarettes and drink wine and they don`t seem to bother me as much as carbs do. I have recently started the low carb diet and it`s really helping me. Stopped the prevacid a few days ago and been ok.
It is worrying that even though you have been taking the meds you still have barrets. Let us know how you get on with the endoscopy. Take care, Vanessa
Posted 10/12/2005 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Last summer I started the South Beach Diet, only because my girlfriend did and I thought it would be healthy for me too even though I am not overweight... and to make a long story short after 6 weeks I ended up in the hospital severally dehydrated. This was a very scary incident.

What I dont get is... are there certain chemicals in cigarette smoke, vs. cigar smoke, etc. that cause the LES to relax? I can see alcohol in general doing that no matter what you're drinking because alcohol is a depressant and will "relax" your muscles. I have heard the carbonation in beer is what brings on the reflux and gas, etc. I drink beer....

Re: You being off Prevacid... When I did take Prevacid, for years I took one a day because my doctor told me to, but I eventually learned I could go for a few days without one and still not have heartburn.

I will post a message Friday after the endo....

Thanks for replying!

 

Posted 10/13/2005 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
If you want my opinion Johnny, its not the cigs, its not the alcohol, its the carbs. Watch the beer, stick to dry wines, low carb beer and mixed drinks without the juice of sugared soda - use diet cola. I don't buy the whole theory about the LES relaxing.

Norm
Posted 10/13/2005 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you guys so much! I have never been in a forum like this before. I appreciate the ears and feedback.

FYI - Yesterday I purposely ate almost a whole sausage and pepperoni Tombstone pizza and then twice, once immediately after and once a couple hours later, followed up with half a green apple and it worked!

I have another post with no responses, so maybe you guys can help.... what about the statistics on getting cancer with Barrets? A doctor told me earlier this year it is VERY RARE and that I shouldnt worry about it so much.
Posted 10/13/2005 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Johnny,
I unfortunately still smoke cigarettes & sometimes notice immediate problems w/GERD symptoms. I'm not sure why, but many have indicated that cig smoking trigger reflux symptoms. I drink Heinekin on occasion, really thought it helped my symptoms in the past; definitely would be able to belch afterwards which would bring relief.

I usually only consume Granny Smith green apples w/o any reflux problems, maybe, a banana on occasion. I'm not sure if an apple would immediately rid GERD symptoms for me. I usually won't eat or drink anything during a bad flare.

BTW, I can also go a couple of days off meds and not exp reflux symptoms if my diet is watched.

Good Luck w/your test on Friday, keep us posted.
Posted 10/13/2005 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Barrets/Cancer statistics anyone?
Posted 10/13/2005 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Here's a publication I found.....

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/#4
Posted 10/14/2005 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Johnny,
Did not check out that link yet, but I agree with your doc, this form of cancer is very rare. However, it is increased greatly with chronic GERD and increased much more for those that progress to Barrett's. I would definately recommend controlled carb dieting. With PPIs you reduce the acid but it won't stop the reflux on its own if you consume a lot of carbs. Reflux can also carry intestinal contents like bile which may continue to damage the esophagus. Controlled carb stops reflux and so the acid (which allows proper digestion and prevents microbes from refluxing into your esophagus and potentially your lungs causing pneumonia and even fibrosis) and intestinal contents both will not enter your esophagus. Also, controlled carb is much healthier for you in terms of diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin related diseases overall.

Best of luck,
Dr Norm
Opinions based on experience and research into the root cause of GERD
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