Nerves, TLESRs -> ALA, EPO, Lions Mane Mushroom

aciphexo

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2011

Posts : 377

Posted 9/11/2011 5:07 PM (GMT 0)

As I learn more about "acid reflux" - the more I am discovering that acid reflux really is a symptom of something more fundamentally imbalanced in a body.

Reflux is not caused due to a single reason. Different people tend to have reflux for different reasons:
- Structural problems: hernias, esophageal motility issues
- Lifestyle problems: bad eating habits, being overweight etc.
- Transient problems: pregnancy
- Neurogenic problems: (that result in the TLESRs)

I've been trying to figure out a way to somehow go at the root of my reflux problems. I am narrowing mine down to some sort of nerve related (neurogenic) issue. BTW, most of the side effects I get on the PPIs, H2s etc. are neurogenic in nature.

I've therefore been trying to see if I can use supplements such as Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) and Evening primrose oil (EPO), Lions Mane Mushroom etc. to help make my nerves function better - and thereby possibly reduce the TLESrs. (My ENT had presribed me Gabapentin and anti depressants as another way to target the same problem - but I got side effects on them as well, so I am resorting to natural stuff).

Anyone out there trying (have tried) such experiments to target the nervous system instead of the digestive system directly - to address reflux?

Thanks

mock turtle

Regular Member

Joined : Mar 2011

Posts : 467

Posted 9/11/2011 6:02 PM (GMT 0)

PPI-LESS

i am 100% with you on what you said above bout reflux having several different and sometimes related-overlapping causes

and it appears you and i have similar situations regarding intolerance for meds

and like you i see evidence that my TLESRs are related to neurological and possibly emotional issues

i find that things i do which effect GABA have a substantial impact on my reflux

lately ive been practicing relaxation.... that is.... meditation (focused breathing...or self hypnosis... or just trying to empty my mind of the constant background chatter going thru my brain)

and i daily take brisk walks and, once in a while, even an easy, slow, jog to get the heart rate up

and i rotate supplements notorious for calming...i rotate the use so that i dont build up a tolerance, for example camomile tea, passion flower (passiflora incarnata only, and not any of the other dozens of varieties of the flower which have differing effects) valarian, etc

and i practice diaphragmatic breathing..deep breathing expanding and contracting the belly rather than the chest, so as to move the crura up and down over the LES

as i look for remedies im living in a world of trial and error and sometimes trial and success...however limited a given successful strategy might be ( i have not found the panacea yet)

bottom line

for me, reflux seems to be a circular thing...reflux creates anxiety...anxiety propels reflux
(which is not to say other factors are not involved,,,diet,weight, aging, neuropathy or what ever

and heres the amazing thing...reflux i think, adds to my anxiety two ways...one it hurts, causes lumps in my throat etc which causes anxiety directly...AND...i suspect that as reflux hurts the esophagus it agitates the vagus nerve bundle which adds to more anxiety

ill check out EPO, ALA and Lions Mane mushroom, thanks for the ideas

best wishes
mock turtle

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