Note: this is the sixth and final article in a series about heartburn and GERD. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IVa, and Part IVb before reading this article.
In this final article of the series, we’re going to discuss three steps to treating heartburn and GERD without drugs. These same three steps will also prevent these conditions from developing in the first place, and keep them from returning once they’re gone.
To review, heartburn and GERD are not caused by too much stomach acid. They are caused by too little stomach acid and bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and intestines. Therefore successful treatment is based on restoring adequate stomach acid production and eliminating bacterial overgrowth.
This can be accomplished by following the “three Rs” of treating heartburn and GERD naturally:
- Reduce factors that promote bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid.
- Replace stomach acid, enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion and are necessary for health.
- Restore beneficial bacteria and a healthy mucosal lining in the gut.
Want to learn more about Heartburn and GERD?
Download This Free eBook
Discover the little-known causes of heartburn and GERD, and find out how to get rid of the problem forever.
"*" indicates required fields
I hate spam, too. Your email is safe with me. By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy.
Reduce Factors That Promote Bacterial Overgrowth and Low Stomach Acid
Carbohydrates
As we saw in Part II and Part III, a high-carbohydrate diet promotes bacterial overgrowth. Bacterial overgrowth—in particular H. pylori—can suppress stomach acid. This creates a vicious cycle where bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid reinforce each other in a continuous decline of digestive function.
It follows, then, that a low-carb diet would reduce bacterial overgrowth. In studies done to test this hypothesis, the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Carbohydrate intake (especially simple sugars) is correlated with GERD symptoms, and reducing that intake can lead to a reduction in those symptoms. (1)
In a study performed by Professor Yancy and colleagues at Duke University, researchers worked with five patients with severe GERD that also had a variety of other medical problems, such as diabetes. (2) Each of these patients had failed several conventional GERD treatments before being enrolled in the study. In spite of the fact that some of these patients continued to drink, smoke and engage in other GERD-unfriendly habits, in every case the symptoms of GERD were completely eliminated within one week of adopting a very-low-carbohydrate diet.
Another study was performed by Yancy and colleagues a few years later. (3) This time they examined the effects of a very-low-carb diet on eight obese subjects with severe GERD. They measured the esophageal pH of the subjects at baseline before the study began using something called the Johnson-DeMeester score. This is a measurement of how much acid is getting back up into the esophagus, and thus an objective marker of how much reflux is occurring. They also used a self-administered questionnaire called the GSAS-ds to evaluate the frequency and severity of 15 GERD-related symptoms within the previous week.
At the beginning of the diet, five of eight subjects had abnormal Johnson-DeMeester scores. All five of these patients showed a substantial decrease in their Johnson-DeMeester score (meaning less acid in the esophagus). Most remarkably, the magnitude of the decrease in Johnson-DeMeester scores is similar to what is reported with PPI treatment. In other words, in these five subjects a very-low-carbohydrate diet was just as effective as powerful acid suppressing drugs in keeping acid out of the esophagus.
All eight individuals had evident improvement in their GSAS-ds scores. The GSAS-ds scores decreased from 1.28 prior to the diet to 0.72 after initiation of the diet. What these numbers mean is that the patients all reported significant improvement in their GERD related symptoms. Therefore, there was both objective (Johnson-DeMeester) and subjective (GSAS-ds) improvement in this study.
It’s important to note that obesity is an independent risk factor for GERD, because it increases intra-abdominal pressure and causes dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The advantage to a low-carb diet as a treatment for GERD for those who are overweight is that low-carb diets are also very effective for promoting weight loss.
An alternative to a very-low-carb is something called a “specific carbohydrate diet” (SCD), or the GAPS diet. In these two approaches it is not the amount of carbohydrates that is important, but the type of carbohydrates. The theory is that the longer chain carbohydrates (disaccharides and polysacharides) are the ones that feed bad bacteria in our guts, while short chain carbohydrates (monosacharides) don’t pose a problem. In practice what this means is that all grains, legumes and starchy vegetables should be eliminated, but fruits and certain non-starchy root vegetables (winter squash, rutabaga, turnips, celery root) can be eaten. These are not “low-carb” diets, per se, but there is reason to believe that they may be just as effective in treating heartburn and GERD. See the resources section below for books and websites about these diets, which have been used with dramatic success to treat everything from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to Crohn’s disease.
Another alternative to very-low-carb that I increasingly use in my clinic is the low-FODMAP diet. FODMAPs are certain types of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by some people, particularly those with an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (which, as you now know, tends to go hand-in-hand with heartburn). See this article and my book for more information.
Be careful to avoid the processed low-carb foods sold in supermarkets. Instead, I suggest a Paleo or ancestral approach to nutrition.
Fructose and Artificial Sweeteners
As I pointed out in Part II, fructose and artificial sweeteners have been shown to increase bacterial overgrowth. Artificial sweeteners should be completely eliminated, and fructose (in processed form especially) should be reduced.
Fiber
High fiber diets and bacterial overgrowth are a particularly dangerous mix. Remember, Almost all of the fiber and approximately 15 to 20 percent of the starch we consume escape absorption. (4) Carbohydrates that escape digestion become food for intestinal bacteria.
Prebiotics, which can be helpful in re-establishing a healthy bacterial balance in some patients, should probably be avoided in patients with heartburn and GERD. Several studies show that fructo-oligosaccharides (prebiotics) increase the amount of gas produced in the gut. (5)
H. pylori
In Part III we looked at the possible relationship between H. pylori and GERD. While I think it’s a contributing factor in some cases, the question of whether and how to treat it is less clear. There is some evidence that H. pylori is a normal resident on the human digestive tract, and even plays some protective and health-promoting roles. If this is true, complete eradication of H. pylori may not be desirable. Instead, a low-carb or specific carbohydrate diet is probably a better choice as it will simply reduce the bacterial load and bring the gut flora back into a state of relative balance.
The exception to this may be in serious or long-standing cases of GERD that aren’t responding to a very-low-carb or low-carb diet. In this situation, it may be worthwhile to get tested for H. pylori and treat it more aggressively.
Dr. Wright, author of Why Stomach Acid is Good For You, suggests using mastic (a resin from a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern variety of pistachio tree) to treat H. pylori. A 1998 in vitro study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that mastic killed several strains of H. pylori, including some that were resistant to conventional antibiotics. (6) Studies since then, including in vivo experiments, have shown mixed results. Mastic may be a good first-line therapy for H. pylori, with antibiotics as a second choice if the mastic treatment isn’t successful.
Like what you’re reading? Get my free newsletter, recipes, eBooks, product recommendations, and more!
Replace Stomach Acid, Enzymes and Nutrients That Aid Digestion and Are Necessary for Health
HCL with Pepsin
If you have an open-minded doctor, or one that is aware of the connection between low stomach acid and GERD, ask her to test your stomach acid levels. The test is quite simple. A device called a Heidelberg capsule, which consists of a tiny pH sensor and radio transmitter compressed into something resembling a vitamin capsule, is lowered into the stomach. When swallowed, the sensors in the capsule measure the pH of the stomach contents and relay the findings via radio signal to a receiver located outside the body.
In cases of mild to moderate heartburn, actual testing for stomach acid production at Dr. Wright’s Tahoma clinic shows that hypochlorydria occurs in over 90 percent of thousands tested since 1976. In these cases, replacing stomach acid with HCL supplements is almost always successful.
To do this test, pick up some HCL capsules that contain pepsin or acid-stable protease. HCL should always be taken with pepsin or acid-stable protease because it is likely that if the stomach is not producing enough HCL, it is also not producing enough protein digesting enzymes.
Note: HCL should never be taken (and this test should not be performed) by anyone who is also using any kind of anti-inflammatory medication such as corticosteroids (e.g. predisone), aspirin, Indocin, ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil, etc.) or other NSAIDS. These drugs can damage the GI lining that supplementary HCL might aggravate, increasing the risk of gastric bleeding or ulcer.
To minimize side effects, start with one 650 mg capsule of HCL w/pepsin in the early part of each meal. If there are no problems after two or three days, increase the dose to two capsules at the beginning of meals. Then after another two days increase to three capsules. Increase the dose gradually in this stepwise fashion until you feel a mild burning sensation. At that point, reduce the dosage to the previous number of capsules you were taking before you experienced burning and stay at that dosage. Over time you may find that you can continue to reduce the dosage, or you may also find that you may need to increase the dosage.
In Dr. Wright’s clinic, most patients end up at a dose of five to seven 650 mg capsules. In my experience, this dose is too high for many people. In fact, some have trouble with even a single 650 mg capsule. I’ve also found that the addition of cholagogues (agents which promote bile flow from the gall bladder into the small intestine) and pancreatic enzymes can help tremendously, especially in the initial stages.
While I previously recommended a combination of HCL and enzymes called the AdaptaGest Duo, those supplements are no longer available. I now recommend Betaine HCL/Pepsin by Thorne Research and Super Enzymes by Now.
Bitters
More recently, studies have confirmed the ability of bitters to increase the flow of digestive juices, including HCL, bile, pepsin, gastrin and pancreatic enzymes. (7)
Unsurprisingly, there aren’t many clinical studies evaluating the therapeutic potential of unpatentable and therefore unprofitable bitters. However, in one uncontrolled study in Germany, where a high percentage of doctors prescribe herbal medicine, gentian root capsules provided dramatic relief of GI symptoms in 205 patients.
The following is a list of bitter herbs commonly used in Western and Chinese herbology:
- Barberry bark
- Caraway
- Dandelion
- Fennel
- Gentian root
- Ginger
- Globe artichoke
- Goldenseal root
- Hops
- Milk thistle
- Peppermint
- Wormwood
- Yellow dock
Bitters are normally taken in very small doses—just enough to evoke a strong taste of bitterness. Kerry Bone, a respected Western herbalist, suggests five to 10 drops of a 1:5 tincture of the above herbs taken in 20 mL of water.
An even better option is to see a licensed herbalist who can prescribe a formula containing several of the herbs above as appropriate for your particular condition.
Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, raw (unpasteurized) sauerkraut and pickles are other time-tested, traditional remedies that often relieve the symptoms of heartburn and GERD. However, although these remedies may resolve symptoms, they do not increase nutrient absorption and assimilation to the extent that HCL supplements do. This may be important for those who have been taking acid suppressing drugs for a long period.
It is also important to avoid consuming liquid during meals. Water is especially problematic, because it literally dilutes the concentration of stomach acid. A few sips of wine is probably fine, and may even be helpful.
Finally, for those who have been taking acid stopping drugs for several years, it may be necessary to replace the nutrients that are not absorbed without sufficient stomach acid. These include B12, folic acid, calcium, iron and zinc. It’s best to get your levels tested by a qualified medical practitioner, who can then help you replace them through nutritional changes and/or supplementation.
Restore Beneficial Bacteria and a Healthy Mucosal Lining in the Gut
Probiotics
Along with performing several other functions essential to digestive health, beneficial bacteria (probiotics) protect against potential pathogens through “competitive inhibition” (i.e. competing for resources).
Researchers in Australia have shown that probiotics are effective in reducing bacterial overgrowth and altering fermentation patterns in the small bowel in patients with IBS. (8) Probiotics have also been shown to be effective in treating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive conditions. (9)
Probiotics have also been shown to significantly increase cure rates of treatment for H. pylori. (10) In my practice I always include a probiotic along with the anti-microbial treatment I do for H. pylori.
I am often asked what type of probiotics I recommend. First, whenever possible I think we should always attempt to get the nutrients we need from food. This is also true for probiotics. Fermented foods have been consumed for their probiotic effects for thousands of years. What’s more, contrary to popular belief and the marketing of commercial probiotic manufacturers, foods like yogurt and kefir generally have a much higher concentration of beneficial microorganisms than probiotic supplements do.
For example, even the most potent commercial probiotics claim to contain somewhere between one and five billion microorganisms per serving. (I say “claim” to contain because independent verification studies have shown that most commercial probiotics do not contain the amount of microorganisms they claim to.) Contrast that with a glass of homemade kefir, a fermented milk product, contains trillions of beneficial microorganisms!
What’s more, fermented milk products like kefir and yogurt offer more benefits than beneficial bacteria alone, including minerals, vitamins, protein, amino acids, L-carnitine, fats, CLA, and antimicrobial agents. Studies have even shown that fermented milk products can improve the eradication rates of H. pylori by 5 to 15 percent. (11)
The problem with fermented milk products in the treatment of heartburn and GERD, however, is that milk is relatively high in carbohydrates. This may present a problem for people with severe bacterial overgrowth. However, relatively small amounts of kefir and yogurt are therapeutic and may be well tolerated. It’s best to make kefir and yogurt at home, because the microorganism count will be much higher. Lucy’s Kitchen Shop sells a good home yogurt maker, and Dom’s Kefir site has exhaustive information on all things kefir. If you do buy the home yogurt maker, I suggest you also buy the glass jar that Lucy’s sells to make it in (rather than using the plastic jar it comes with).
If dairy doesn’t work for you, but you’d like to get the benefits of kefir, you can try making water kefir. Originating in Mexico, water kefir grains (also known as sugar kefir grains) allow for the fermentation of sugar water or juice to create a carbonated lacto-fermented beverage. You can buy water kefir grains from Cultures for Health.
Another option is to eat non-dairy (and thus lower-carb) unpasteurized (raw) sauerkraut and pickles and/or drink a beverage called kombucha. Raw sauerkraut can easily be made at home, or sometimes found at farmer’s markets. Bubbies brand raw pickles are sold at health food stores, as is kombucha, but both of these can also be made quite easily at home.
But not all probiotics are created alike, and in the case of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (or SIBO, which is commonly present with GERD), certain probiotics may make things worse. SIBO often involves an overgrowth of microorganisms that produce a substance called D-lactic acid. Unfortunately, many commercial probiotics contain strains (like Lactobacillus acidophilus) that also produce D-lactic acid. That makes most commercial probiotics a poor choice for people with SIBO.
Soil-based organisms do not produce significant amounts of D-lactic acid, and are a better choice for this reason. I recommend the Daily Synbiotic from Seed.
Bone Broth and DGL
Restoring a healthy gut lining is another important part of recovering from heartburn and GERD. Chronic stress, bacterial overgrowth, and certain medications such as steroids, NSAIDs and aspirin can damage the lining of the stomach. Since it is the mucosal lining of the stomach that protects it from its own acid, a damaged stomach lining can cause irritation, pain and ultimately, ulcers.
Homemade bone broth soups are effective in restoring a healthy mucosal lining in the stomach. Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, which have been shown to benefit people with ulcers. (12) It’s also high in proline, a non-essential amino acid that is an important precursor for the formation of collagen. Bone broth also contains glutamine, an important metabolic fuel for intestinal cells that has been shown to benefit the gut lining in animal studies. (13) For more on the healing power of bone broth, see my article “The Bountiful Benefits of Bone Broth: A Comprehensive Guide.”
Although I prefer obtaining nutrients from food whenever possible, as I explained above, supplements are sometimes necessary—especially for short periods. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been shown to be effective in treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, and works as well in this regard as Tagamet or Zantac, with far fewer side effects and no undesirable acid suppression. (14) In animal studies, DGL has even been shown to protect the stomach lining against damage caused by aspirin and other NSAIDs. (15)
DGL works by raising the concentration of compounds called prostaglandins, which promote mucous secretion, stabilize cell membranes, and stimulate new cell growth—all of which contributes to a healthy gut lining. Both chronic stress and use of NSAIDs suppress prostaglandin production, so it is vital for anyone dealing with any type of digestive problem (including GERD) to find ways to manage their stress and avoid the use of NSAIDs as much as possible.
When Natural Treatments May Not Be Enough
There may be some cases when an entirely natural approach is not enough. When there is tissue damage in the esophagus, for example, a surgical procedure called “gastroplication” which repairs the LES valve may be necessary. These procedures don’t have the potential to create nutrient deficiencies and disease the way acid blockers do. It is advisable for anyone suffering from a severe case of GERD to consult with a knowledgeable physician.
Conclusion
This is a serious problem because acid stopping drugs promote bacterial overgrowth, weaken our resistance to infection, reduce absorption of essential nutrients, and increase the likelihood of developing IBS, other digestive disorders, and cancer. The manufacturers of these drugs have always been aware of these problems. When acid-stopping drugs were first introduced, it was recommended that they not be taken for more than six weeks. Clearly this prudent advice has been discarded, as it is not uncommon today to encounter people who have been on these drugs for decades—not weeks.
What is especially disturbing about this is that heartburn and GERD are easily prevented and cured by making simple dietary and lifestyle changes, as I have outlined in this final article.
Unfortunately, the corruption of our “disease-care” system by the financial interests of the pharmaceutical companies virtually guarantees that this crucial information will remain obscure. Drug companies make more than $7 billion a year selling acid suppressing medications. The last thing they want is for doctors and their patients to learn how to treat heartburn and GERD without these drugs. And since 2/3 of all medical research is sponsored by drug companies, it’s virtually guaranteed that we won’t see any large studies on the effects of a low-carb diet on acid reflux and GERD.
So once again it’s up to us to discover the truth and be our own advocates. I hope this series of articles has served you in that goal.
Better supplementation. Fewer supplements.
Close the nutrient gap to feel and perform your best.
A daily stack of supplements designed to meet your most critical needs.
I didn’t see any mention of hiatal hernia in your discussion of causes of GERD. I have a hiatal hernia and am wondering if your ideas and recommendations would apply in my case. very interesting reading. look forward to your response
I didn’t see any mention of hiatal hernia in your discussion of causes of GERD.
Hey Chris! So, I’ve been doing this method of treatment for a couple weeks or so now, and I made my way to 3 capsules (4 produced slight burning). It was helping and my indigestion was minimal, and heartburn gone. However, for a couple days now I’ve been getting heartburn regardless. Am I doing something wrong (or should I attribute this to a hormonal pms symptoms)? During this treatment will heartburn come back if you are taking too much or too little HCL?
Brittany: it’s often not a linear process. Stick with the whole program and you should continue to improve over time.
Have you ever heard of a vertical gastric sleeve? It is a weight loss surgery where they make you a smaller stomach. People who have had that done suffer from gerd because the stomach makes enough acid as if it were a normal sized stomach. Would the approach be the same even if you have had your stomach size reduced in this way?
I’m sorry Denise, I don’t have any experience with that procedure and how to approach treatment afterwards.
I really don’t know, Tim. Perhaps she’s reacting to the citrus.
Hi Chris,
What’s the difference between orange juice and other juices? A friend of mine gets heartburn when she drinks orange juice, but not when drinking for instance pineapple juice. What is there in orange juice that triggers the heartburn?
I have the same exact thing Tim. Can’t tell you why though.
Well, I definitely refuse to take acid stopping drugs. What I was unsure about was whether or not I should have it looked into to see if there were other underlying causes. I also believe I am dealing with candida, and can see how HCL would help with that, so I shall be trying that soon I have decided. Thank you for your articles.
I don’t always feel my heartburn, but my throat sure does. I’ve been following a primal lifestyle for about a month or so now and I still have heartburn troubles sometimes. Yesterday, I woke up with a sore throat from it and I am still recovering from that, it is slowly feeling better. I am afraid about potential damage to my esophagus. I am 21 years old, had gastritis where I was given a 2 week course of prilosec. Other than that, I only took 2 zantacs when they gave them to me and stopped when I found out how they won’t fix the problem. I took probiotics for 2 months and will begin them again soon, as chewing a tablet of them tended to help the heartburn. In my situation, should I have a doctor investigate the heartburn? They investigated other digestive troubles before (constipation mostly), but now my main complaint is acid reflux. So, go to a doctor or jump right into trying HCL?
That’s entirely up to you. They are different approaches. The standard of care for acid reflux in conventional medicine is acid inhibiting drugs. I’ve explained what I think about that as an approach, and I’ve offered an alternative. It’s up to you to decide which path you’d like to take.
Chris,
How might you suggest one stay regular during the low carb diet? Any opinion on flax seed? Would that cause problems with the overgrowth?
Thanks for any advice.
Constipation is almost always related to poor gut flora. Fiber isn’t necessary for proper regularity, because there are many traditional cultures that don’t eat much of it and are still regular. Probiotics and, if tolerated, prebiotics are helpful for this in the context of a low-carb diet.
Speaking from experience, if I get enough fat in my diet while low-carbing, I don’t have much trouble with regularity. If you are dropping your carbs you need to make sure to get plenty of fat. Protein should not stand on its own in the diet.
Flax adds excess PUFA to an already PUFA-laden diet, even if some of it is omega-3.
I tried this about a month ago with little success. Granted, I was taking fiber supplements at the time, so that probably messed things up in terms of the overgrowth.
My problem is that I get so hungry during the day and need to keep something on my stomach to prevent the reflux (I was having stress-related reflux and the acid went crazy without any food to digest). I am not overweight at all and my doctor was actually concerned I was losing too much weight.
I would like to try this again in the future, but I need to A) Recover from the bout of reflux and B) find circumstances in which I can actually try it without messing up.
Great article! Would this also apply to silent reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)?
I don’t know. The best strategy is probably to do a trial of the approach I recommend and see if it helps.
Can you please explain again exactly how to take the HCL with pepsin. 3 with meals for how
long? Then do you reduce down to 2 with meals? I cant seem to find the directions on how to take this. is there any probiotic you recommend exactly
Thank you Denise
Denise,
The instructions are listed above in the article:
To minimize side effects, start with one 650 mg capsule of HCL w/pepsin in the early part of each meal. If there are no problems after two or three days, increase the dose to two capsules at the beginning of meals. Then after another two days increase to three capsules. Increase the dose gradually in this stepwise fashion until you feel a mild burning sensation. At that point, reduce the dosage to the previous number of capsules you were taking before you experienced burning and stay at that dosage. Over time you may find that you can continue to reduce the dosage, or you may also find that you may need to increase the dosage.
I recommend food-based probiotic such as kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, kim chi, etc. when possible.
Natren and Jarrow are both trustworthy probiotic manufacturers.
Hi Chris –
Could you please elaborate a tad more on the dosage of HCL. You say if there are no problems, increase the dosage. What constitutes a problem? I’m assuming the burning sensation you mention. If so, where is this sensation and how long after taking the pills would one notice?
You also mention natural forms, such as ACV. How much would you recommend, frequency? dilute with water or no?
Thanks a bunch, so glad I found this series
Dose: 600 – 750 mg per capsule. Problems would be mild burning sensation. Would occur 30-90 minutes after meal. ACV can be straight (harsh) or diluted. Brand: doesn’t matter, but Bragg seems popular.
Chris,
I started following your plan about 3 months ago and stopped taking my daily 400mg omeprazole (Prilosec) about 6 weeks ago. I’ve tried to stop several times before ‘cold turkey’ to horrible, painful results. This time was different. I implemented your plan as follows:
1. Eliminated sugars and bread from my diet and other obvious carbohydrates.
2. Started using HCL at each meal. I usually used 3 tablets per meal.
3. I started eating greek yogurt every day and have dabbled in Kefir,Kombucha,Sauerkraut, and Kimchi. I’ve also started taking an over the counter probiotic recently.
The first week off my omeprazole was dicey but every single week since has seen steady and noticeable improvement. I feel better today than I have in YEARS of taking my drug. And I have discontinued taking the HCL with meals with no problems whatsoever. I honestly think step 3 is the most important part of this plan in my case. People have no idea just how important it is to maintain good gut flora.
Thank you, Chris! I am extremely grateful to have found your web site.
Derek
Derek,
I’m so glad you’ve found relief. Thanks for sharing your story.
Oh, and can you explain your stance on soups? You recommend bone broths, but state that people should not take liquid with meals.
As I said in the article, some liquids are okay, including broth and small amounts of vinegar and wine.
How can wine be helpful?
Chris, a friend of mine has Barrett’s and anemia. She is currently taking Aciphex. She tells me that she doesn’t actually feel her heartburn, but the doctors tell her that she has that. What do you recommend for her? What should I ask her to tell/ask her doctor? I’m going to suggest dramatically reduced carb intake and kefir, but I’m not sure how the medication plays in. Also, how does alcohol affect this problem?
As I mentioned in the articles, with Barrett’ and esophageal damage it may be necessary to take an acid-inhibiting drug. I don’t have much experience with Barrett’s myself, but Dr. Wright, who I learned a lot of what I know about treating GERD naturally from, does suggest that Barrett’s patients may need to continue taking their medication.
Chris I have been diagnosed with Barrett’s. Is it possible to implement the 3 steps and continue to take PPI’s? I am currently on 40mg of Pantoprazole. I was all ready to get off the PPI’s and start the 3 step regiment until I read this last comment. Please advise
For anyone looking for some more info about foods you can eat, here is a good article.
http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/digestive-disorders/588-how-to-restore-digestive-health.html
How much fiber is tolerated depends on the person. Let your symptoms be the guide. Saturated fat will get you the calories you need.
Boy Chris, I find this article confusing.
You say that these are OK
non-starchy root vegetables (winter squash, rutabaga, turnips, celery root) can be eaten.
But later you say high-fiber is NOT OK
Wintersquash and the others above are HIGH FIBER. In fact wintersquash fills me up with gas.
I am prone to bacterial overgrowth and have hard GERD for 2 years. I had to go on MOPRAL (PP inhibitor) 1 month ago to heal a VERY inflamed esophagus.
Chris,
If that is what I have to do, I’ll do it. I will do just about anything to make these symptoms go away. It has been working great so far, in the early going. My one concern is where to get my nutrients from. I am very active, I play baseball and exercise a lot, so it is essential I am getting the fuel to supply that activity. You mention “certain fibers”, once or twice. Does that mean certain foods with fiber are ok?
Again thank for your these articles and your help.
KG
These articles are great! Thank you so much. I have improved dramatically in 2 short days by: stopping nexium, cutting carbs, lowering surgar, and taking DGL & HCL.
However, I am struggling to find foods that fit the low sugar, carb, fiber mold. It seems difficult to have a balanced diet with those restrictions. For example, Berries: they are one of the lower sugar fruits, but they are not recommended in low fiber diets. Would it be at all possible to put together an eating plan for your next article?
You may have to eliminate fruit entirely for a period of time until your bacterial overgrowth is reduced.
That’s incredible. Congratulations!
Thanks for reporting back.