READER FEEDBACK

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/19/2007: Tanya from Columbia, MD writes: "For about the past 6 to 9 months I have been SUFFERING with what has now been diagnosed as GERD. I knew what GERD was but never thought I had it because I rarely had hearrburn as one of my symptoms, rather I had intense stomach and digestive issues. NO longer able to eat even a small salad without SEVERE gas, cramping, and nausea. Well, in the fall of 05-06 I had strep throat which had me bed-ridden for 3 days, primarly on my back. Once the strep was gone, I noticed an intense pain in my right hip area. I couldn't cross my legs or even lay on either said as time went on. I tried taking Advil, but this didn't really relieve my pain. Someone suggested that I try "BC Powder". Turn out, this worked very well at relieving the pain of what turned out to be a pinched sciatic nerve. At the height of the pain I was taking 3 BC packs a day. Physical therapy eventaully remedied nearly 95% of the pain of that. But now I am left with GERD. I was recently put on Prevacid, from Zantac which wasn't really helping. I'd like to find a natural remedy for GERD. I've been reading this site and it seems that they all involve a dairy product. Are theere any that don't involve consuming a dairy product?"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/15/2007: Virginia from Boise, US writes: "I was surprised when I read that someone had just recently become aware of ibuprofen as a cause of her stomach problems. All nsaids (pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aleve, etc) create stomach problems, that is why people should use acetominophen (tylenol) which is less likely to create these issues. I have not found a natural solution for my acid reflux so will leave that aspect to others...thanks!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/15/2007: Emily from Tacoma, WA writes: "Because of your website, I realized that I have the same problem as "Rosemary from Trenton" I also was taking Ibuprofen daily and sometimes in larger doses. Because of it, I all of a sudden started having acid reflux. After talking with my nurse she told me that I probably had an ulcer, and it would not be dangerous if treated properly. She said to stop taking Ibuprofen (and in the future- if needed, to always take it with food) and take tylenol instead. She also told me to take pepcid complete (chewables) twice a day and that would cure my acidic problems! I haven't tried it yet, but she told me that always works for her patients in the hospital. Hope this helps."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/15/2007: Pat from Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada writes: "I was taking Tylenol and switched over to Advil. I have had acid reflux for 10 years and been taking Ranitidine as a prescription. Is there a more natural solution?"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/14/2007: Marsha from Madison, WI writes: "I've been reading all of these entries for the past half an hour and am amazed at what I'm learning. I had been taking Ibuprofen for years for headaches, etc. I was also being treated for asthma/coughing. I developed reflux/heartburn about a year ago, and an endoscopy revealed I had tiny ulcers in my stomach. I was told NO MORE IBUPROFEN and I was put on Prolosec. It totally helped the reflux and guess what? My asthma completely disappeared. The coughing was being caused by the acid reflux! However, I've been dealing with lots of arthritis and muscle pain since going on the Prilosec. I never related the two, but now I'm starting to wonder if the Prilosec is causing some of the pain? I've also heard that you should not be on Prilosec for more than 2 years because it can cause osteoporosis! Has anyone heard of this or is it a rumor? Regardless, I'm going to try the ACV and Baking Soda/water treatment and see how it goes. If my pain subsides as well as my reflux, I'll let you know."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/13/2007: Francesca from Pittston, PA writes: "I have been taking ibuprofen (generic Motrin, Advil, Motrin over the counter) for years for menstrual cramps. Last year Dr. prescribed Prilosec OTC for acid reflux. My doctor said I cannot stop taking the Prilosec because of the IBU. I do not want to take either, but I need something for pain."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/12/2007: Sonja from Columbus, GA writes: "I used Aleve only when i have menstrual cramps and for nothing else since i know it's bad for your stomach. But it may be this that causes the reflux. I eat a healthy diet"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/11/2007: Matt from Springfield, VA writes: "For me I know that Advil has caused my Acid Reflux. I was taking it for about 2 weeks and one day woke up with severe pain in my chest and I was throwing up. My doctor told me it sounds like I got a chemical burn in my esophagus from taking the Advil then lying down. Since that day everything I eat comes right back up, it's very frustrating."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/07/2007: Christine from Greenville, North Carolina writes: "I have been suffering from acid reflux for about 4 years now. I was originally given previcid and then I began having digestive/intestinal problems after about a year I was sent to a specialist who after several tests couldn't find anything wrong and put me on aciphex. I gave up caffeine about 2 years ago because of heart problems (racing heart)I try to eat a healthy diet and do not drink sodas and also gave up artificial sweeteners I am/was a heavy motrin and now Alleve user. I am in the process of changing that but what alternative is their for headaches, cramps etc?? Also I just believe that the aciphex is not good for me and am giving that up too. I plan on trying the cider vinegar first will let you know how it works."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/05/2007: Dee from Merrimack, NH writes: "I was diagnosed with GERD approx. 5 years ago after 3 months of intense pain that felt more like a heart attack than anything else. I had crushing pain in my chest and numbness in my right arm and difficulty breathing. After undergoing numerous tests for both my heart and my digestive system, I finally had a camera put down my throat and was officially diagnosed with GERD. First I can tell you without out a doubt that diet soda is not the cause. I have never had diet soda! I am a HUGE water drinker. Although I did have a taste for fatty foods, I was not considered even overweight by most standards. I'm 5'7 and 140 pounds. Milk is a definite irritant for me so there is some food for thought. Here's the interesting part - a few weeks before the Gerd began I had a bout of Vertigo. I was on Sudafed and Ibuprofen to help combat the swelling in my eustation tubes and to drain them. Could this cause it perhaps, however, I'd be interested to know how many people had some sort of bacterial or viral infection prior to intense symptoms setting in. I tried every acid reflux medicine on the market and only became symptom free after taking Aciphex. Today is the day I'm going to attempt an alternate solution. I am almost out of medicine and it is expensive! The yogurt/acidophilus sounds reasonable, so that is where I will start. I'll keep you posted!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/05/2007: Karen from Warren, Pa writes: "I have been suffering with acid reflux for several years. I always thought that it was related to stress and the extra weight that I have been carrying. I realize now that it is probably due to ibuprofen use. I suffer from headaches 2-3 times a week and the ibuprofen was the most effective pain relief that worked for me. Occasionally I would take 3 pills at a time in order to get relief. For the past month I have been taking 2 tsp. of organic vinegar with 2 tsp. of honey mixed with a cup of hot water 3 times a day. I am also watching my caloric intake and have noticed a dramatic difference in the way I feel overall. I have not had a headache since and my acid reflux is no longer a problem. I am convinced that the vinegar/honey "tea" is responsible for the significant improvement in the way in feel."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/04/2007: Balinda from Clayton, Ohio writes: "Hi I am responding to your inquiry about Ibuprofen and acid reflux. I think in my case I can directly link my acid reflux to taking a prescription of a Large dose of ibuprofen for "carpel tunnel" that I had at the time. I don't know what brand or the actual size except that it was huge!!! I started having problems after the 2nd or 3rd day and talked to my Dr. He said to stop taking them. Then about 3 weeks later I had an episode of waking up at night..etc.. and then I kept having extreme "weakness" times and feeling faint. I went to the Dr. and he suggested taking a glucose test..to see if I was diabetic. (I had my doubts about this and truly thought it was about the ibuprofen but I did what I was told). Well after drinking this huge glass of sugary thick syrup at the Dr's office to test my sugar's. I thought I was going to die!!! I started crying and asked for water "NOW" and the nurse called the Dr in and he said...OH you must have acid reflux. Well, I've been on Nexium and now Prilosec ever since. That was 8 years ago. Frankly I'm tired of taking it and I am looking into trying natural cures, which is why I came to your website. I wasn't surprised at your theory about the link of ibuprofen use and acid reflux. I have tried apple cider vinegar once, but it was not a raw organic kind and I was seeing some good results but then had a hugely bad day and went back to my Prilosec. I think if I stick with it this time and take "digestive enzymes" and the raw apple cider vinegar and yogurt I might just head in the right direction. I'm scared to even discuss this with my Dr because he acts so weird when I mention "alternative" stuff."

For what it is worth, I know so many people who go to the doctor and complain of stomach acid. They walk out with a prescription without testing for GERD. I think obesity, caffeine, pain relievers, alcohol, fried and greasy foods all play a role in what is being diagnosed as "acid reflux". I listen to people say they have upset stomachs and blame acid reflux and I wonder if they have any clue as to how bad acid reflux really is. Of course, we expect a pill to take away the symptoms but don't want to give up the triggers. I am not overweight, do not smoke, do not drink and avoid trigger foods. I take Prilosec OTC religiously and still suffer occasional bouts of GERD. The doctors now want to perform surgery to which I am opposed. Do I think pain relievers irritate stomach lining? Absolutely. Is it GERD? I doubt it..as any one who truly has GERD will tell you: there is a huge difference between stomach irritation and GERD."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/03/2007: Torri from San Diego, CA writes: "I have been searching for an answer to my on and off acid reflux. I also have a pain condition that I take an anti inflammatory Celebrex. I tend to take it for a week or so when the reflux kicks in. Never putting the two together until I read Rosemary's report. I will start tonight with yogurt and discontinue with Celebrex. I will report back. It makes complete sense for my symptoms. Thank you"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/25/2007: C from PD writes: "I have to honestly say I never had GERD until i started taking Ibuprofen and I usually took liquid, and it would burn all the way down to my stomach. I have often thought if it does this to me, how about our children?"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/20/2007: Theresa from Kailua, HI writes: "I was thrilled to read the comments on acid reflux! I have been taking 800 Motrin for to long on a steady occasional use. Needless to say I have started approx. 6 months ago dealing with acid reflux. I stared taking papaya enzymes for other reasons but thought "maybe it will help the acid reflux" it did! Not over night but everyday it got better. And having used acidophilus I know now that that would be a great product also. Sorry I have not tried the vinegar."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/19/2007: Linda from Phoenix writes: "I have acid reflux really bad a lot of the time. Doesn't seem to matter what I eat. And guess what? I have been taking ibuprofen for a long time for back pain. I will definitely be giving ACV a try!"

[NAY]  02/17/2007: Pam from Tallahassee, FL writes: "Regarding the increase in reflux diagnoses in the last 30 years, it could be because doctors are recognizing and diagnosing it more, or because an increased percentage of people with reflux are seeking medical treatment. The actual rate of occurrence may be unchanged. Anyway, I have GERd and have read up on the causes, and if there is an increase, I have some culprits. Things that contribute to reflux that have changed in the last 30 years: being overweight and obese. It is inarguable that a much higher percentage of Americans are overweight or obese now, as compared to 30 years ago. Extra abdominal weight and bulk puts pressure on the stomach valve and makes it more likely to open up, especially when lying down. After my diagnosis, I noticed an improvement after I lost 40 pounds. Another contributing factor is eating really large amounts of food in one meal. 30 years ago, restaurant meals were smaller, and even fast food restaurant meals were smaller. There were no super-size or biggie portions. Most people ate fewer packaged snack foods than now, and the packages were smaller. I also had a lessening of symptoms when I reduced the amount of food I ate in my meals."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/17/2007: E from Molalla, OR writes: "Having fallen on a hiking trip in Southern Italy in May 2006, I tore the rotator cuff in the right shoulder. Orthopedic surgeons & specialist were fast to offer me Motrin (4 200 mg tab 3 times a day ). After 8 months I discontinued.. not a month later I was having "panic attacks" when I felt like an apple stuck in my throat... I could not swallow..seemed like I could not breath almost. The ENT specialist was quick to diagnose as acid reflux and quickly prescribed Prevacid 30 mg once a day... Realizing what an anti acid would do to my stomach and absorption of minerals and vitamins, when the pH is raised in stomach by taking such medicines, I immediately began looking for other alternative cures or helpful hints. I found this site looking. Thank you."

[NAY]  02/16/2007: Michele from Los Angeles, CA writes: "ENT did a scope test for LPRD at the end of January.' Didn't find anything but prescribed Aciphex anyway. Made an appointment with my internist for the following week to get another opinion. He said yes, go ahead and take the aciphex. After one week, I had joint pain so bad, I couldn't stand it. Off the aciphex for a couple of days now. Still have joint and muscle pain, and hoping it will go away once the meds have a chance to work their way out of my system. In the meantime, taking the ACV and baking soda "tea" a couple of times a day. One thing my doc said is that coffee is a big problem for reflux sufferers, even decaffeinated Also tea, herbal or not. Tough to give up my morning cup of java, but working on it. Have been cutting down slowly. Today is first day with no coffee. So far, no headache! While I don't discount anti-inflamatory drugs and antibiotics as possible culprits, I think maybe the explosion of Starbucks all over the place has contributed to the explosion in acid reflux cases....."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/16/2007: Linda from Thunder Bay, Canada writes: "I was reading your site and this is the first confirmation I've had that Ibuprofen caused my acid reflux.' I was taking OTC Dristan Sinus and Advil Migraine meds several times a day to combat undiagnosed migraines. This is when my acid reflux started. I have yet to find a natural solution and now take prescription drugs. It has been 7 years. I must say that apples seem to soothe my stomach but I cannot tolerate anything acidic, even apple cider vinegar. I am intrigued by the yogurt & acidophilus mentioned as I take them when using antibiotics. I will try that remedy as anything is better than prescription drugs at this point. Thank you for a wonderful website."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/14/2007: Jacki from Mentor, OH writes: "I was just reading on your web site about acid reflex. I also have acid reflex and I am trying to find natural remedies. I was taking a drug called Zegerid which is omeprazole/sodium bicarb combined. Did make my acid reflex better, but made me feel sick all the time. Well anyway back to what I was reading. I do have never had any stomach problems what so ever. I to had started taking ibuprofen(Motrin)over the counter. I was taking it for various aches and pains and taking it on a pretty regular basis. I will stop my use of ibuprofen that is for sure. I don't have a remedy yet but hopefully in my search I will find one. I will try the yogurt. Thank you."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/13/2007: Colleen from Litchfield, NH writes: "I have always thought there was a connection between my sudden heartburn and a hip injury I had.' For about a year and half I took large doses of ibuprofen, aleve and Celebrex to relieve the pain in my hip burser. The hip slowly recovered but I was left with chronic heartburn something I had never had - ever. I was put on several prescriptions for it and eventually ended up taking aciphex twice a day to stop the heartburn. I am going to give the ACV a try because I hate taking medication forever (3 years now). Thanks for all the information. I will post my results - good or bad in a few weeks."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/12/2007: Wynnie from Duncan, Canada writes: "I have had acid reflux in the past and found that yogurt worked well to put out the fire in my chest. Today is the first time in about seven months that I have the burning again. I did take an ibuprofen tablet two days ago for sore muscles. I would have to agree with Rosemary from Trenton, that ibuprofen wipes out the good bacteria. I had speculated that the sudden onset of the reflux may have been caused by a virus or bacteria. What Rosemary states makes perfect sense to me."