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Acid Reflux
Having dealt with acid reflux for years, I did the opposite of what you’re supposed to do and took antacids like candy. I introduced a host of supplements with really good results: daily greens, whole foods, magnesium, ACV, etc.
However, with a new job, I have been traveling a lot, and when I travel, it feels like being teleported back years. Heartburn arises immediately, which forces me to take antacids to deal with it during trips. Upon returning to my normal supplementation, the effects are worse.
I will test for H. pylori, which I believe I had tested for a few years ago when nothing was found, but it can’t hurt to check again. I have had spurts of feeling really strong results with the mixture above; it just seems that after traveling, things get thrown out of whack, and it takes significant effort to recalibrate. I am sure that when I feel well, I am sort of lucking into a sweet spot rather than knowing exactly what the issue is and solving it
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1 Reply
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Hi @LisaAKS – sorry to hear you’ve been suffering for so many years. Let’s help you get to the bottom of it…
I’m assuming Hiatal hernia has been ruled out?
While most people believe acid reflux is due to too much acid, it’s actually evidence of acid in the wrong place (the esophagus) usually due to LOW stomach acid. Food sits in the stomach longer, which causes gas to build-up, putting pressure on the cardiac sphincter (LES) which can allow some acid to splash up. Even just a little can burn A LOT!
And there are a number of reasons that can cause low stomach acid:
- Stress! Travel is stressful on the body, especially if there are time zone changes
- Antacids (which we know you took for many years – are you still taking them for relief?)
- Excess sugar, refined carbs (how’s your diet now?)
- Excess alcohol (do you drink? even moderate drinking in chronic cases can become a problem)
- Constant snacking (do you consume frequent snacks or 2-3 meals per day?)
- Chronic overeating (do you consume a lot of food at once?)
- Nutrient deficiencies: zinc, vitamin B1 and B6
- H Pylori overgrowth
- Hypothyroid function
- Food sensitivities
Next step is to determine which of these are relevant to your case. The last 3 (H Pylori, hypothyroid function, and food sensitivities) and stress are the most common factors, and can all be tested.
It’s a good idea to repeat H Pylori, and even though breath testing is considered gold standard, I’ve seen many false negatives which is why my preference is PCR stool testing with Diagnostic Solutions. Email support@bbettermembership.com requesting access to be able to order the kit through the lab directly if you’re interested. It’s $173 USD + shipping.
It’s also a good idea to get a basic set of labs done to rule out deficiencies & thyroid function:
- CBC with differentials
- CMP (includes liver panel w/ direct bilirubin, kidney function, electrolytes, fasting glucose, B12)
- RBC magnesium
- RBC zinc (if you can’t get RBC zinc, then avoid zinc supplements or meat a few days before testing)
- RBC copper
- Full thyroid panel (TSH, T4, T3, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, anti-TPO, anti-TG)
If your doctor won’t request all of these markers (which is highly likely), you can always choose to self-pay using a 3rd party testing site. In Canada, there’s https://bloodtestscanada.com/. In the US, there’s Rupa Health.
In the meantime, a food elimination challenge can help reveal food sensitivities. The most common ones are: gluten, dairy, corn (and its byproducts like corn syrup, corn starch, etc), yeast, nuts/seeds, eggs, soy, shellfish and nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers). Elimination challenges must be done 100% strictly for a period of time – no cheating with a bite here and there.
I’ll wait for your reply to my questions above and let’s keep the conversation going.
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