CURE ACID REFLUX Questions

Updated: 08/15/2009

*Ted, an independent contributor, offers information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by Ted or by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

SIDE EFFECTS FROM GERD MEDICATIONS, BURNS CONSTANTLY
08/15/2009: Carolyn from Hobbs, Nm, USA writes: "Hi Ted, I really need some help here. Please answer my questions.

1. What is the difference in potassium citrate and potassium carbonate?
2. What is the difference in sodium citrate and baking soda?
3.How do I take 1 tablespoon of cornmeal each day?

I have suffered terrible for 10 years and been on Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex, and all the others. I have such side effects from them all that I can't take any of them very long. I burn so badly all the time that I have prayed to die. That's how bad this is. The acid doesn't come up in my esophagas. I just burn in my stomach and intestines. I've been to every gastroenterologist in the country and they all say the same thing, just take 2 prevacid, etc. each day. Now I want to try the natural way. I have started the ACV and I take 2 capsules per day called ___ from the Health food store. They contain calcium citrate, magnesium citrate potassium from bicarbonate, and DGL for the tummy. Any advise would be appreciated so very much. Thanks, Carolyn"

TED'S FOOD GUIDELINE FOR GERD?
06/05/2009: Peter from Chicago, IL writes: "Ted, I have acid reflux (GERD), could I eat Sweet potato, asparagus, Millet, Miso, Broccoli, Black Mushroom ? I am trying to eat fruit and vegetable that are Alkaline. I notice in your older emails you are not crazy about eating certain food like potato, fermented products, mushrooms, asparagus (high in excitotoxins) wheat, egg white). What is your food guideline for Gerd ? Are fruits ok e.g.: banana ?

Thanks
Peter from Chicago"

06/07/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Peter:

I have acid reflux(GERD), could I eat Sweet potato, asparagus, Millet, Miso, Broccoli, Black Mushroom ?

Asparagus seems to be high in excitotoxins. Millet, MIso and Broccoli is ok. Most mushrooms is a problem, as they are from a fungus. Sweet potatoes is a potential problem, but the worse offenders are peanuts. Taken with cornmeal, as in one tablespoon may reduce some harmful fungus and possibly yeast. I take corn meal gluten free one tablespoon a day. Bananas seem to be a problem in general.

A guideline for GERD, at least for me is simple:

I would measure the saliva and urine pH with a pH paper. If the urine pH is below 6.5 or a saliva pH is below 7, then it's needed to raise to at least a normal figure to discourage their growth. Most tiny organisms that caused acid reflux don't seem to like an alkaline blood, they seem to do very well causing the acid reflux whenever a pH falls below 6.0.

To raise the saliva pH I would generally take 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate twice a day and to raise the urine pH, 1/4 teaspoon of sodium citrate twice a day. However it is my practice to take both of them. Such as 1/4 teaspoon of each in one cup of warm water or 1/2 cup of warm water. And usually the acid reflux will tend to reduce itself by about a week or two. The old remedy is 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda twice a day and this may require a bit more time.

There is however another acid reflux I have found that seems to start with an intestinal gas before it pushes up to the stomach and become and acid reflux. Most acid reflux are in the esophagus area, but these sort of gas like intestinal gas to acid reflux seems to be either of the two issues, one is a fungus or yeast like organism causing a gas, in which case I take one tablespoon of cornmeal twice a day. The cornmeal I used is a gluten free cornmeal. This reduces the intestinal gas and thus reducing the gas that pushes up to the stomach causing the acid reflux. Another form is an unusual one, as it is anorexic like where the person feels the urge to vomit because of the acid reflux. This condtion I found that the best ways may be just to reduce all the aspartame products, plus take some vitamin B complex in form of B50 for a couple of days, such as 5 days. It is also important that oily high fats diet has to be reduced, especially cheeses and white flour. Milk is possibly another probme too and is avoided.

I am trying to eat fruit and vegetable that are Alkaline. I notice in your older emails you are not crazy about eating certain food like potato, fermented products, mushrooms, asparagus (high in excitotoxins) wheat, egg white). What is your food guideline for Gerd ? Are fruits ok e.g.: banana ?

Most fruits are o.k. I don't seem to like bananas as some few cases of people with acid reflux and autoimmunity were not helped with bananas. Fruits is eaten whole. If a fruit drinks must be taken then I try to add twice more water or three times. It will taste less sweet, more like the taste of Gatorade, and it feels less heavy and warming. It's more cooling and refreshing to generally drink fruit juices when you add this with water.

The food guildeline is simple: I avoid the common excitotoxin found in foods, excessively sweet food including fruit juices by diluting them in water, and avoid moldy foods common in peanuts and potatoes. Other ones includes dairy products and oily and fatty foods., especially heated vegetable oils food. Alkalization is still central to GERD remedy in a few cases B complex and cornmeal helps.

Ted"

08/23/2009: Carolyn from Hobbs, Nm Usa replies: "How do you eat the tablespoon of cornmeal? What is the difference between sodium citrate and sodium carbonate? What is the difference between potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate? What do you use if the sodium runs up your blood pressure because it does mine since I have high blood pressure? Thanks, Carolyn"

DAUGHTER WITH AR, HIATAL HERNIA, ULCERS, INFLAMMATION
02/20/2009: Cindy from Moss Point, MS writes: "Question For Ted: Hello, my seven year old daughter is in a constant state of pain. She has Acid Reflux, hiatal hernia, esophageal ulcers, and inflamation in the duodenum. She has been on prevacid for 8 weeks with no improvement. Now she is trying Nexium she has been on this for 10 days with no improvement. What would be the best treatment for her. She desperately needs some pain relief. I pick her up early everyday from school. she just can't handle staying all day. I want to do something all natural because I know these drugs are just a temporary fix. Thanks, Cindy"

02/21/2009: Somer from Columbia, SC replies: "I am not really a help as we are going through the same thing with our six year old daughter and I have just begun to research some treatments. She is also on the Prevacid for a couple of weeks and no improvement. Does your daughter have vomiting issues as well? I was just trying to find the foods that are less likely to trigger the reflux. Would you keep me posted on any remedies or treatments that tend to work. we just found out that Reflux is what is causing so much of her abdominal discomfort. She lives on whole milk and apple juice so we are cutting this out along with some other foods to see if this helps. What drinks does your daughter feel like helps a little bit. Also does she complain of the belly pain?"

02/23/2009: Cindy from Moss Point, MS replies: "Hey there,

My daughter can no longer drink milk. She does have some vomiting and headaches with the nexium---so I know it is not good for her. She does have severe pain right beneath the belly button. The Dr. did an xray and found her bowls to be extremely distended. She has to take miralax every day. But, she still has pain everyday. I am at my witts end. I do give her 1/2 TBLS of Vinegar and 1/8 tsp of baking soda every night. She has not yet been pain free. Please keep her in your prayers that we find a cure and I will do the same for your little one.

Sincerely,
Cindy"

02/06/2009: Cindy from Moss Point, MS replies: "Ted,

I have been using 2tsps. of ACV (organic w/mother) and aluminum free baking soda for about 2 weeks and no relief from her stomach pain. She doesn't have any acid reflux but she still hurts directly under her belly button. Should I try sea salt or something else for the ulcers? The doctor told me she is so impacted that her bowels were distended. She uses the bathroom everyday but he said she was still impacted. She is now on mirilax everyday so she can go on a daily basis. I assume that is the pain beneath her belly button. Please help with these problems. She is 7 years old and she weighs 52lbs. She needs some relief. Last summer she weighed about 38lbs. She is gaining weight drastically and she is miserable. Oh, she is also on Nexium 20mg twice a day.

Thank you,
Cindy"

02/07/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Nexium can lead to some distended stomach if the pH balance and sodium/potassium and magnesium is not addressed properly. Certain meds do shut down the kidney leading to distended or swollen stomach also, but usually the legs.

In any event, the distended stomach in this cases appear to be a certain bacteria that leads to ulcers, but not in the stomach, it's in the intestines, such as leaky gut syndrome, ulcerative colitis, for example. Certain fungus can also lead to irritation once they are set into the system. If its a bacteria there's two way to deal with that. Magnesium chloride or magnesium citrate supplements 500 mg a day or twice a day, plus one tablespoon of milk of magnesia with 1/2 glass of water or follow the package of milk of magnesia to get a laxative, which reduces the water buildup from its laxative effect. I like to use stool to reduce water retention and sometimes the kidneys, but I don't like to rely on too much kidney as it's overused organ compared to it's size if we compare that with the intestines. Now the pH of milk of magnesia is about 10, which is alkaline enough to kill most of the pathogens especially staph bacteria and other bacteria where they can easily survive in acid to neutral medium in the intestines. Also milk of magnesia is actually 8% magnesium hydroxide, which has a very low water solubility and helps in raising the pH along the intestinal tract and kills it that way.

Getting a normal bowel movement is also a key. Two essential elments for normal bowel movement I have noticed is one is the baking soda which you did, but the other one that is most critical is the tripotassium citrate (common name potasium citrate) that seems to work consistently enough for me to be happy. The dose I used is 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate. Once the bowel movements are more regular it helps. But notice that certain medications tend to cause swollen by shutting down kidney. It works that way because certain cortisone like elements found in excess in the blood leads to an adrenal shutdown too.

However in this case I suspect there's a pathogen. Therefore the addition potassium, milk of magnesia, and magnesium should help deal with the other problem thats still there. By normalizing the pH intracellularly with potassium and magnesium should discourage pathogens. But we must also consider other elements of drug medication that can lead to this also. In any event white bread, peanuts, mushrooms of all kinds, milk, steak are the common ones I would also avoid.

Ted"

03/09/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Hiatal hernia is a certain fungus like organism that has certain properties of bacteria. The best way I think that would be an approach is simply for ADULT DOSE who weighs 100 pounds, and then we just reduce the dose on a per weight basis as follows:, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon potassium bicarbonate in 1/2 glass of water. So if a child is 1/4 of the weight of a 100 pound small adult the dose is then one quarter. This is often taken twice a day over a course of a week to sell correct the body's immunity and pH. It requires about two week for the body to have the bicarbonates level to fight off this.

This seems to be the best remedy so far, at least the simplest, there are other additions that help the push such as a tablespoon of colloidal copper (a small child would be just a half teaspoon) or just simply amino acid chelated copper at 1 mg -2 mg dose taken just only twice a week for a small child, assuming it was quite possible also to do the hair mineral analysis to see for possible copper deficiency if that's possible. The fungus like bacteria of this hiatal hernia I have found to have low copper, low manganese, low chromium, low magnesium, are the major ones. A vitamin B complex adjusted for appropriate size and weight of a child may also be added during the eating of food.

It should be noted that after two weeks of just a baking soda, or a baking soda with potassium, where the second one is more effective together, the appetite and the allergy or the reaction would have been reduce by the second week. However this dose requires that it is taken twice a week. The second most important remedy along with alkalization that's gentle enough without much problem is the magnesium, preferably magnesium citrate or magnesium chloride supplements for a normal adult 100 pounds to be 500 mg. so a per weight basis that might on 1/4 of weight to be 250 pound or 1/10 depending on the weight again. After a week, if the appetite haven't quite improve, the a vitami B complex is the other addition. A copper supplements is one of those supplements that have anti-fungal properties and for a child I believe a 2 mg twice a week dose should have notice some improvement. However, I have seen improvement of hiatal hernia from just the baking soda and potassium citrate, with some magnesium supplements as a supportive one.

The other tip is if the condition was started with an antibiotics, then it gives me some good indication that they are a confirmed sort of fungus as antibiotics are frequently contaminated of them, as that's how they are made anyway as being a sort of hiatal hernia triggers. In that case 5 drops of 3% H2O2 per glass and drink only just a quarter of a fifth of that taken maybe three or four times a day. Plus an every other day cilantro, to remove the heavy metals. Some b complex during meals also help some digestion, but I believe that magnesium is most protective against the toxins from the fungus, as well as hydrogen peroxide drops most favorably clears the body of toxins in the liver as well as neutralizing pathogens by oxidation where the conditions can clear up on many ocassions too.

Ted"

11/05/2009: Rasikel from Baltimore, Maryland, USA replies: "i have acid reflux for the past 7months and i just start to take apple cider vinegar how long shall i take it for ikel"

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR OKAY TO TAKE WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?
01/12/2009: JULIE from PETERBOROUGH, ontario writes: "Hi, I am very fascinated by the apple cider vinegar remedie for acid reflux. My question is- my daughter is 23 has had acid reflux for years, and is now 7 months pregnant- can she take this while pregnant and nursing? Thank you."

03/29/2009: Freeha from Ferwania, Kuwait replies: "Hi, I also need answer about it but there is no reply about it,,,,did you get any answer or do you have any information about taking ACV and baking soda while nursing or pragnant? waiting for reply"

EC: Yes, apple cider vinegar is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers -- see the response we received from John Westerdahl/Bragg Health Foundation here: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/nursing_issues.html#ACV"

IS ACV TOO STRONG? PRESCRIPTIONS HAVE MESSED UP STOMACH
12/21/2008: Elizabeth from Franklin, NC writes: "Hi, I have had Gerd for years. Two months ago, I had a stroke. Besides 2 Bp meds the dr gave me aggrenox. It has really torn my stomach up. I am taking 40mg acifex twice a day. Do you think acv help me get off acifex--I have to keep taking aggrenox for some time--I am worried it is too much for my stomach. Please advise. ACV is good for bp and want to get off these awful bp meds."

ACID REFLUX ISSUES FOLLOWING SEX?
12/18/2008: Anonymous writes: "Hello Ted , I have read numerous testimonies about the ACV and Baking soda remedy and its effectiveness in treating acid reflux. I have noticed a trend regarding acid reflux and am just trying to figure out what is happening to my PH levels/body. My esophagus becomes very painful immediately following sex (ejaculation). It usually takes about two to three weeks after this before my esophagus becomes less painful. but is still there. What is happening and do I change this current remedy? Do I try something else? Thanks."

12/18/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Anonymous:

In general strenuous activities of any kind leads to the formation of lactic acid and a condition of metabolic acidosis, which leads to acid reflux. Obviously it's always in the food, and supplements but people aren't aware of it, such as aspartame added to xylitol gums, Flintstones multivitamin supplements, and other acid forming food. As to the issue of sex, that's one is a bit more complicated, since the body looses amino acids, vitamin C, zinc, and caused a disturbances in hormonal imbalances.

A boron supplements or ocassional borax remedy, taken only once, such as 1/4 teaspoon per liter of water (men -but woman is 1/2 dose), if hormonal imbalance does occur (usually after sex) will restore it, along with some magnesium supplements. Once a month or twice a month zinc gluconate also helps. Iodine is a common deficiency, especially after shower where chlorine will displace it. Amino acid source can come from soy sauce (without MSG), or supplements will balance out that issue. Interestingly, borax is one of the little known remedies I also used against acid reflux. A more elaborate ones also required potassium. Many people who have acid reflux may also lack potassium and you can deplete this during most activities, including sex (from sweat!). Therefore potassium bicarbonate I may add to the usual ACV plus baking soda. The remedy is 2 tablespoons ACV plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, plus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate, twice a day. The other possible common acid reflux is the issue (if from strenous exercise or sex) is the sea salt remedy. The dose is 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in one liter of drinking water, and maintenance at 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per liter of water.

Therefore I prefer to consider the most common, such as possible lack of potassium and low levels of electrolytes where sea salt will usually do it. If not I may consider borax. And if that's not working then the body is lacking in B complex, a common deficiency amongst some acid reflux too, with exception of if acid reflux that occurs during late night, is often very likely from chlorine exposure, so an iodine would neutralize that one.

It's difficult to discuss every known issue of acid reflux under the sun, perhaps someone else have done that, I don't know.

Ted"

NAUSEA AND DRY HEAVES IN THE MORNING
12/09/2008: Megan from Spokane, Washington writes: "Water of any kind makes me nauseous, always has. I feel better when I drink very little actually. I have COPD and heart problems. The mornings are especially hard. A couple of hours after I get up I start gagging, no matter what, if anything, I've had to drink. i take Aciphex but that doesn't seem to help. Nor has ginger or baking soda. I've had all the tests to see why, but nothing. I am fine later on in the day, but always seem to have the dry heaves in the morning, where I cough up nothing but clear foamy mucous. These dry heaves exhaust me for the whole day. Help."

ACID REFLUX OR GALL BLADDER PROBLEMS?
12/02/2008: Catherine from Tacoma, Washington writes: "It usually happens while im sleeping. My back tightens right between my shoulder blades and it feels like my spine needs to pop but I can't breathe deep enough. It hurts to lay flat or stay still. It hurts whether I breathe or not (I'm notorious for trying to hold my breath when in pain). My temperature spikes up and i begin sweating leaving smears all over the floor because its colder. I went to the ER this morning after it happened twice and he said its either this or something is going on with my gallbladder that didn't come up in the blood tests. No rx just told me to take mylanta and prilosec otc. It all seems too extreme for Acid Reflux but does anyone have similar symptoms? I thought i was going to die this morning. My rib cage would have felt better if it would have just exploded!"

USING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TO TREAT SILENT REFLUX
12/01/2008: Stanley writes: "I just started using the apple cider vinegar last tuesday, and it seems to make things better in my chest, but not so much in my throat. I am 20 and i have silent reflux, i did my research and saw that my symptoms fit exactly what i was reading.I had a endoscopy done in the summer and they found nothing my stomach and esophgus was fine, and i started to use ensymes called Acid-Ease. I wanna if it is safe to use the apple cider vinegar to treat the silent reflux or go see a doctor."

12/02/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The decision to go see the doctor often rests with the individual whether it is serious enough to see them and the reasons to see or not to see are many. For example, I can't go see the doctors because I can't afford it and as a result I have to make up my own remedy somehow!

The cause of silent reflux compared to an acid reflux is that there's no heartburn, which means acidity in the stomachs isn't so severe to cause a heartburn. But it can shoot up all the way to the nose, which is why sometimes is called LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux). This is due to constriction of involuntary muscles caused by excessive calcium, and lack of magnesium. An involuntary response may also happen if the body is high in certain heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, amongst others. I can't be so specific on this issue with exception of getting a hair mineral analysis if I really wanted to know. When heavy metals are high in the body, involuntary contractions are high, that happens during the sleep. Apple cider vinegar does help some as it lowers calcium level inside the body and it is often excess calcium that causes such contraction, although not a complete picture.

A magnesium supplements, such as 500 mg of magnesium citrate (or magnesium chloride) without calcium is preferable so that muscles dont' contract involuntarily and flow up. Sometimes a weak muscles of the stomach opening does that, but unlikely in this case since it shoots up all the way to the nose. In hat instances, it requires a different remedy altogether. It takes about two to three weeks to notice improvement when magnesium is taken, but to further the detoxification process, it also helps that at least 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water is taken one a day, although I may take more when I am more sick, but that's usually the starting point. The effect of alkalization increases the oxygen level and helps prevent neural problems that signals such involuntary contraction. However most improvement is seen with magnesium. Still heavy metals needs to be chelated and removed, such as chlorella supplements 250 mg once every three day, or cilantro one teaspoon once every three days. I prefer a less agressive form of chelation so that the blood is not filled with too much chelation agents.

Generally speaking most oily products are triggers to silent reflux as they are high in heavy metals during the cooking process, especially nickel, iron, and lead that is sop up in the cooking pans and then reaches the body and disturbs electrical communications in our nervous system, leading to involuntary contraction.

Alkalization with baking soda is not to be underestimated, neither is baking soda with lemon juice, such as 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in 1 glass of water taken twice a day as another way of alkalization, besides just baking soda. It helps reduce calcium faster too. For apple cider vinegar I prefer 2 tablespons with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in one glass of water taken twice a day. These seems to help reduce this problem and works well along with magnesium supplements.

In case the condition doesn't respond, sometimes it come from a b complex deficiency and taking twice weekly B50 b complex often helps reduce whatever that is left or if it doesn't respond. A good clue is general weakness and may mean the body needs some b complex."

FATHER WITH GERD, HARD TIME EATING
11/27/2008: Beverly from Lincolnton, NC writes: "hey i have questions about taking avc an glass of water my dad has acid reflux/gerd he has is so bad that his tougue burns his throat burns an he has hard times eating things without burning him up he has lost a lot of weight we are feeding him small amounts. he has alot of meds they do not seem to work he also has to sleep propt up so he can sleep thats when he can he also said his arms would feel numb at times an this last med they put him on gave him restless leg an leg cramps an side cramps so i'am saying all this an asking do you think that this would be okay to try for him we are so desperete for anything we want him better! any response would be greatly appreitated thanks and god bless"

05/14/2009: Ali from Abu Dhabi, UAE replies: "If you find any answer or remedy for GERD, burning the tongue and throat please send it over to me."

GERD WORSENING, CAN'T FIND REMEDIES IN PHILLIPINES
11/27/2008: Noel from Manila, Phillipines writes: "hello ted, i have suffering from GERD 2yrs. now... tought it was a respiratory problem so i went to a pulmonologist.
my lab's results are all negative. the doctor said that i must be suffering from GERD, and prescribe me PPI for 2 weeks. it helped me a little but the pain is still there, and my situation is worsening...

then i came back after 2 weeks and the doc said that i shoud go to a gastrointestinal doc. he also said that i could have an operation depending on the extent of damage on my stomach. im so afraid that time, as much as possible i dont want to have an operation regarding this deases..

im experiencing tightness of my chest, difficulty in breathing, speaking, also pain in the upper abdomen.
and the pain seem to be reflecting on both side of my neck, that is causing me to have a movement difficulty.
and the food i ate seems to be just stock and not going down on my tummy. i also feel theres air inside my tummy, and i think the air inside is the cause of all the pain experiencing.

before i decided when to go to a gastro doc. one night i surf the net just to hoping to find answers and cure, and my search lead me to this site. and read the letters regarding ACV and its power to cure GERD and im very happy. we immedietly buyed when we got the salary of my wife. i take 2tbs. of 3xday, and i take it plain.
i felt relieved the moment i tried it, it relieves me with my pain on my chest.
after more than a week of using it, ive noticed that the indigestion problem is still there, the food wont go down, still there's air inside my tummy. and pain still affects my neck, breathing, and the way i talk. (seems to be catching my breath.)

i remember back then that i was relieved from all the pains by releasing all the air im my tummy by farthing. after that i felt that the food began to digest.

im a smoker, but i reduced the nos. of sticks i smoke to minimum of 3 sticks a day. does smoking affect the effect of ACV?

should i still go to a gastrointestinal doctor?

but i learned from most of letters that i read from this site, that thier doc's dont helped them at all. and keep prescribing medicine that dont work and dangerous to thier health because of side effect..

should i continue drinking ACV??? ive read from your letters about other cure like vitamin b5 + vitamin b complex, magnesium chloride, fresh frozen royal jelly.

i went to a local pharmacy and look for all of these, but the pharmacist is NOT familiar with vitamin b5, magnesium chloride, fresh frozen royal jelly.

can you tell me were to buy all these med?

when one of these works for me, does it completely cure my GERD for good?

as much as possible i dont want to have a surgery because of finacial problems. in case you dont know ted, and i think you dont. im not working for this past 2 years until now because this deases. i know that a im a pain in the neck for my wife, and parents. and i know that they are waiting for me to be healed so that i can work again. i also have a child to support too. i am very frustrated of whats happening to me.

i cannot choose the food i eat, also because of financial problems.
does it affect the full effect of ACV?
what food should i ate?

i am a prayerful man, and i know that GOD lead me through this site for a purpose. and i know that this site is a will of GOD for those people seeking for helped...

pleas helped me ted, i really need some info. and advise that can heled me eliminate this deases for good!!!

your a blessing to us ted, and specially this site. please continue your great work in helping people like us, please get in touch as soon as possible. and please if you can, please try to answer all my questions..

thank you in advance and GOD bless.."

12/12/0008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Noel:

There's one condition where you mentioned of gas that seems to push up the stomach that is not noted by acid reflux people (maybe they don't have it) which is the gas you mentioned in the lower intestinal area. For many people, they don't mention to me their eating habits, howver, all mushrooms and fermented foods should be avoided, especially peanuts. The other things mentioned, if you can't get it, then a vitamin B complex would do. Finally I really helps if ACV is continued, however, I would much prefer to add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water at least taking two times a day, along with the usual apple cider vinegar. B complex helps, but certain toxic food can create this condition, especially aspartame and all artificial sweetners and must be avoided. Smoking obviously can cause breathing problems leading to emphysema, and the cure is both simple and difficult which is to stop smoking and also supplements with some MSM (methylsulfonyl methane) or drops of DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) in a half glass of water. If the body can't absorb B complex then B12 sublingual or injection might be required. However, for me both magnesium suppleents and B5 and b complex are important ones. In some cases bugs, which more or less is fungus like organism, which is why mushrooms and fermented products (yeast, cheese, etc.) and sweets has to be avoided and this is also one reason why you are responding to ACV. However, a more effective ACV is to add baking soda. In this case 2 tablespoons of ACV plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water taken twice a day is a more effective remedy, preferably 1 hour before eating. The person should not drink or eat any sour foods and fruit juices along with any foods. These tend to slow down the digestion process and push up the food.

Ted"

BURNING AND HOARSENESS IN THROAT, MENOPAUSE A FACTOR?
11/26/2008: Anita from Ball, LA/USA writes: "somebody please help me!!!!!!!!!!!! I am suffering!!!!!! I think it is GERD. I am burning in my throat...am hoarse,,,sometimes have a little bit of asthma like symptom. I tried an apple a day but am still sick...what about apple cider vinegar?? I read somewhere it will cause yeast to flare up. I do not want that again!!! I really appreciate anything anyone can share with me. I have suffered with anxiety/panic during this menopause season. Pain is very difficult for me to handle. Anxiety has escalated. Does hormones out of balance have any thing to do with reflux??? some body put out the fire!!!!! tks"

12/07/2008: Hope from Washburn, WI, U.S.A. replies: "Dear Anita, I too have suffered from GERD and throat irritation for years. I am a professional singer in my mid-fifties and have been painfully influenced by these negative symptoms.I have made all the diet changes, lost thirty pounds, eat simply with no acid reproducing foods,yet I still suffer. Today I have started the apple cider vinegar route, but was disconcerted by your entry stating that this method can stimulate yeast infections. Can you tell me where you heard about this?

Hope"

DAUGHTER WITH AR, HIATAL HERNIA, ULCERS, INFLAMMATION
11/12/2008: Cindy from Moss Point, Mississippi writes: "Hello, my seven year old daughter is in a constant state of pain. She has Acid Reflux, hiatal hernia, esophageal ulcers, and inflamation in the duodenum. She has been on prevacid for 8 weeks with no improvement. Now she is trying Nexium she has been on this for 10 days with no improvement. What would be the best treatment for her. She desperately needs some pain relief. I pick her up early everyday from school. she just can't handle staying all day. I want to do something all natural because I know these drugs are just a temporary fix. Thanks, Cindy"

11/15/2008: Cindy from Kansas, USA replies: "From one Cindy to another:)

I always hate to hear about indigestion and all that goes along with it. I suffered for 30 years and stopped it 2 - now almost 3 years - ago with my first two glasses of water when I started the watercure. I just can't say enough about this. The watercure is free (except for the unprocessed sea salt which is widely available). PLEASE go to Bob Butts website. He doesn't sell anything and, in fact, has spent thousands of dollars of his own money trying to get the information out there. The site is www.watercure2.org. You CAN buy books that have all of the scientific stuff in it, and Bob even lends out the books, but the information is 100% free.

I found out about this at the same time I had my cancer surgery and the most memorable thing about that whole ordeal was the end of my indigestion. After fighting it for 30 years, suddenly, after drinking two glasses of water, no indigestion! That was BEFORE surgery. People tend to think the surgery was the cure, but it was NOT. I had been suffering from indigestion, 24/7, for months, with no relief whatsoever. Then it was just gone. I'd resesarched dehydration because the doctors told me I was severely dehydrated during my first hospital stay. They sent me home to await the surgery which was scheduled for a week later. I promise everyone one here that removing that ovarian tumor did NOT cure my indigestion. Water did. I drank down two glasses of water. I didn't "sip" it over a period of time, I drank it. The first glass went down hard and I had to rest a bit but the second glass went down much easier. And they weren't even big glasses of water.

I know I've mentioned the inclined bed therapy and I think my inability to lie flat for so long kept me from dying from dehydration (a gravity/hydraulic function thing) but THAT is merely a suspicion. I know you folks don't know me but I take the difference between suspicion and knowledge very seriously so it is no small thing for me to say that I KNOW the water cured my indigestion. There was nothing else there. I'd had the tumor for over a year and hadn't eaten anything for almost a week but I'd had indigestion for over 30 years. I could buy a house with the amount of money I'd spent on indigestion remedies over the years. By the time I got that second glass of water down, my indigestion was just gone. Just plain gone. I'd suffered hiatal hernial, acid reflux for several of those 30 years and had esophageal problems for a couple of years. I have none of those problems now. I don't know that they all went away at the same time, I don't remember. Nor do I care. I just remember the blessed relief from indigestion.

I wish people would listen. So many people think it won't work because they think they drink water when they're actually only sipping it a mouthful at a time and not even getting enough for the body to flush out the caffeine from their sodas, tea and coffee."

11/17/2008: Cindy from Moss Point, MS replies: "Cindy, All she has to do is drink two large glasses of water and she will be healed! That sounds too simple. I will try just about anything. I am going in there right now to try it. I will keep you posted. Thanks Cindy"

Hello! I have read many of the comments and feedback related to different remedies for different situations. I was first diagnosed with acid reflux when I was 18 years old, I am now 29. I have tried aciphex, nexium, prevacid, prilosec, protonix, and everything else imaginable. Usually it would work for a month, sometimes 2. Then I would have to double it, then later triple it. I have gotten so frustrated over the years and my condition continues to worsen. In 2006 an EGD was performed and the hiatal hernia was discovered. Changes in diet seem to have little to no effect on me. I wake up in the middle of the night literally choking on the acid that is bubbling up into my mouth and sometimes causes me to vomit and I end up miserable for most of the night. The only relief I find is through actually chewing and swallowing 3 prilosecs, since chewing them causing it to work on contact instead of the normal time released method. Lately the pain and burning has gotten even more intense and is accompanied by severe back and upper shoulder pain, similar to the pains one gets with the flu and excessive vomiting. I tried chewable apple cider vinegar tablets and besides tasting awful, they made me throw up and I got very sick for about a week. Any suggestions? My condition has caused me much duress and concern and I am at my wits end.

As per the title of this, I have noticed right around the onset of my acid reflux, I began snoring. I never snored as a child. I know this because I grew up with 6 siblings and had I snored it would have been an object of torment as siblings can be cruel. I also heard nothing of my snoring from my first relationships and college roommates and friends. The only thing reported was that I occassionally talked in my sleep, especially if under duress. Although diagnosed at 18, it didn't become severe until I was 22. I was married at that time (I have been since divorced) and my husband suddenly began to be awakened by snoring that he never noticed before. It appeared to have happened overnight, right about the same time my GERD became severe. Another thing I have noticed is that I am often plagued by hiccups that just won't go away, and frequently acid comes up with the hiccups and puts me in misery. Is this somehow connected? I also have chronic cough which I assume is connected. What would your advice for me be?

Thank you for any suggestions you may have! The doctors don't seem to ever help or care!"

11/15/2008: Cindy from Kansas, USA replies: "I accidentally discovered, years ago, that Rolaids cures hiccups. I've since cured my indigestion problems with the watercure. I never thought about it until I read your post but I suspect you're right. I don't snore any more. I used to wake myself up, I snored so loud. And I haven't had hiccups, either. I used to get them quite often. That's very interesting..."

11/15/2008: Bob from Honolulu, Hawaii /USA replies: "Acid Reflux may not be entirely the cause. I had a EGD in January 08 and diagnosed with inflammatory gastritis. Withing the past 10 months, I also had problems swallowing, and physical reactions to proton pump inhibitors like aciphex and protonix. A recent EGD showed I had normal 24Hr pH test but had eosinophilic esophagitis which can be in conjuction with GERD. It may explain the symptoms that most seem to have with no improvement from meds. See this link about it:

http://thefooddoc.blogspot.com/2007/01/eosinophilic-esophagitis-responds.html "

I started 4weeks ago your remedy: (conservative) 1/8 ts BS in 1/2 glass of water: 2 or 3 times a day. It was great till 3rd week. I had no heartburn and slept well. But recently, on 4th week, I developed indigestion (food gets stuck around chest/stomach), heartburn resumed goes all the way to throat, and can't sleep well.Is it because of something that I ate? My urine pH is still around 6.8-7.2. I do not have sour mouth at all. so pH of saliva is always around 7.5
Questions:
1. Did I take too much Baking soda?or should I continue to 5 th week?
2. I tried one time ACV+BS, and it did not help me. Should I try again with better ACV brand?
3.I tried to find 3% H2O2 in stores, but only oral rinse grade is available (no food grade), can I use this oral rinse grade, a few drops in water?where can I get Na citrate K citrate? Is it ok to take N-acyetyl ceistein, B-complex, Zn, and daily? Please, give me suggestion. I need your help. Thank you."

PROBLEM SWALLOWING FOOD
09/15/2008: Manan Dar from Redondo Beach, California writes: "Hello Ted,
I am happy to find your website. I have acid reflux (gerd) for one year. I had an andoscopy done and the doctor found H pylori in my stomach. I took antibiotics and got tested and the doctor said it was negative. I still have gerd. I somtimes have heart burn,tightness in my esophgus and diffuculty swollowing my food. I just recently purchased a natural cure report for $20.00 .It said to take ACV with honey. Ive taken ACV with honey and I have also taken ACV with Baking Soda..Its been a few days on it and I have not seen a difference I still get HEart burn sometimes and I still have problem swallowing my food...Help me please..what should I do???your reply means alot to me..(EVERYONE PLEASE DONATE TO THIS WEBSITE,IT HAS ALOT OF VALUABLE INFO. PLEASE DONATE..THANK YOU...

Dar"

10/07/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Maran:

A good remedy for acid reflux that has high efficacy against this especially difficulty swallowing requires the addition of three supplements.

One is vitamin E at 200 i.u., another is Magnesium citrate and the third is vitamin B complex, in the form of B50. Magnesium causes the muscles to reduce its tightening which is very much cause by tightening from lack of that, or excessive calcium. When muscles relaxes, swallowing is better. Vitamin E strengthens the muscles, while B complex increases neural control involved in swallowing. There are other helpful supplements such as selenium for example, which is synergistic with vitamin E since vitamin E alone won't work unless selenium is taken, and the dose for vitamin I.U. is 200, while selenium for me is 600 mcg being the preferred dose that seems to work better then the commonly packaged 200 mcg found in most supplements. An addition of royal jelly seems to help further the digestion and decrease the acid reflux bought about by lack of B5 which is the form I preferred in royal jelly. The B50 also has the advantage of reducing certain acid reflux that is caused by deficiency causing an acid reflux like symptoms. The vitamin B3 form found in B50 I preferred is the niacinamide since it does not have the associated flushing issues found in niacin.

Apple cider vinegar or apple cider vinegar with baking soda is generally weak on resolving acid reflux issues and may require stronger dose, however the simplest possible remedy for a strong dose that is easy to find is as follows:

1. 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day,

2. The additon of 1/16 teaspoon of milk of magnesia (without aluminum, well shaken). mixed with water also tends to dry up of destroy biofilms which protects H. pylori, from survival. This maybe taken twice a day and can be mixed by the above remedy.

It should be noted that whether there is or is not H. pylori, the sudden contraction of muscles is quite often due to magnesium deficiency. The preferred dose is between 250-500 mg per day for magnesium citrate form or magnesium acetate or magnesium chloride. Magnesium works best if it is given alone and not with the addition of calcium. Magnesium is synergistic with B complex and it helps. The symptoms due to difficulty of swallowng food often disappears mostly by the third day if due to just magnesium issues, however. There are multiple cause and hence a couple of remedies has to be given.

Ted"

11/27/2008: Van from Levelland, TX, USA replies: "i have been experiencing acid reflux for some years now. i recently discovered a way to beat it. believe it or not, yogurt will stop it! it is because of the active live cultures in it. i have always liked yogurt, but i never ate on a regular basis. it was just a treat that i would buy once in a while. recently, i started realizing that i was having fewer episodes of acid reflux. i started think it was due to my consumption of yogurt. one time, in the middle of the night, i was having an episode (my mouth would just continue to water until i either sit up for a while or finally vomit. then i could finally go to sleep) until i got up out of bed and ate regular size cup of yogurt. it worked like a charm. i was able to go right to sleep. since that time, i have repeated procedure. the nice thing is the fact that yogurt tastes good and is very inexpensive. try it out it should work for you too."

PAIN MOVES DOWN THROAT TO ESOPHAGUS
09/11/2008: Elizabeth from Jacksonville, NC writes: "How do we know whether Apple Cider Vinegar is Acid or Alkaline and is it the acidic kind that helps with acid reflux or the alkaline? I have organic apple cider vinegar. Is that okay? Im not even entirely sure that its all acid reflux. My symptoms are instead of the pain climbing UP my throat rather- it moves down my throat and down my esophagus untill it falls into my stomach. It feels like when you swallow something REALLY hot and you can feel it burn on the way down. Is that something anyone finds familiar?"

09/14/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: ""How do we know ACV is acid: Hello Elizabeth, Apple cider vinegar is by definition 5% acetic acid. We also know by a little thing called "litmus paper" which turns one color with acids and another color with alkalis."

TEENAGER HAS HAD ACID REFLUX FOR 7 YEARS
09/09/2008: Anonymous writes: "My name is ____. im in high school and i have Acid reflux Disease. I've had it sence i was around 9 years old and now i am 16. I hate this Disease For some reason when i got it i would always go and get some water and i would feel better. but then it got worse i was in school and i would have to get up alot to get water because if i didnt i would start to gagg. and then i found relief in food. like snacks in my pocket i would eat somthing to make it feel better and not start gagging. And my mom took me to the Doctor and he gave me medicine and then after that it stiff got worse so the doctor put in a chip type thing into my throat to see what kind of levels of acid i was getting . and they said that i was getting anywhere between 10-11 ph witch is really high. and i would be getting that most of the day. There are some days its soo bad that i dont go to school or i get checked out early. When i do feel good its when im not thinking about it or keeping my mind off of it. But thats hard to do and then my heart beats faster and i get nervus and thats when it seems to get bad. i try to keep calm but it doesnt work and sometime the snacks i take dont work ethier so then i start to panic. I guess i have told my mind that if i eat a snack that means relief so if i dont get somthing in my mouth i start to gagg

Please help me! Also i looked at ur Vinager and baking soda thing and i was going to try it but my mom didnt buy the stuff because she doesnt know about it. because she read about a guy that his pee got more acidy and stuff. please Help!"

09/11/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Anonymous:

Usually the reaction between a vinegar and baking soda is a sodium acetate which helps in buffering excessive acid and alkalinity which normalizes the pH in the throat area. The pH of the baking soda is 8, so it acts to buffer the pH near this region, which is more normal. The addition of sodium acetate (found in vinegar reacted with baking soda such as white distilled vinegar can also be used as a substitute) will also act better pH buffer that protects the throat. If nothing is available, then lemon juice and baking soda can be used as a good substitute. The reaction becomes sodium citrate, or disodium citrate, or trisodium citrate depending on level of pH and this also tends to normalize the body's pH too. Snacks might have this advantage because they are acid, but the harmful additives they add may worsen the condition in the long run, such as monosodium glutamate.

Ted"

PROBLEM WITH SWALLOWING
09/05/2008: Adam from Los Angeles, California writes: "Dear Ted,
I am writing to you about my acid reflux (gerd). I was diagnosed with it for about 1 year and I was put on protonix. It seemed to work but not one hundred percent. my heart burns cooled down. My main problem is I have trouble swallowing my food. Alot of my other symptoms I had such as breathing problems chest pain ,Thank God went away...PLEASE help me I am desperate..docs dont help much..how should I take the acv and baking soda..also what should I do for my swallowing problem? thanks..ADAM"

09/19/2008: Swallowing Problems from PD, USA replies: "I had swallowing problems for a few months, even lost 45 pounds got really sick, doc's ran all kinds of problems then a new doc did test where he went down my throat. I had grown a web at the top of my esophagus."

QUESTION ABOUT BAKING SODA AND SODIUM IONS
08/22/2008: David from St. Davids , Ontario, Canada writes: "acid reflux question: If one takes sodium bicarbonate for acid reflux or to build a buffer, what happens to the sodium ions floating around in the body? I believe these would be free radicals and require being taken care of. Would Calcium carbonate be a better choice so the calcium could be used to benefit? Thanks, David."

Looking for a positive response from you
Thanks"

09/11/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Dash:

Usually any brand of ACV will do, but the best brands are always the ones with organic materials and are cloudy which is considered a "mother solution" and therefore has more minerals. Ideally for a GERD condition, the apple cider vinegar and baking soda should be used, which is 2 tablespoon of apple cider plus 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water taken twice or three times a day.

The idea was originally based on my observation that GERD is a metabolic acidosis condition and also certain fungus like organism tend to grow in an acidic environment and are killed whenever alkalinity or at least a stable alkalinity exists. Too acid or too alkalinity seems to cause GERD and the bicarbonates, and even acetates (reaction between vinegar and baking soda) seems to cause the pH in the body to stabilized.

In general most brands of Apple cider is o.k. but I tend to stay away from ones that solution that are very clear and has less organic compounds and hence less mineral.

Ted

9/12/2008: Dash replies: "Thanks Ted, for your information. As in india i can found here only ACV from "Americal Garden". Is this a good one to take? Also i heard Bragg's ACV is the best which contains all the mother ingredient and is unfiltered. Please suggest. Thanks"

9/12/2008: Ted writes, "I have seen both products. Either one is okay."

9/15/20080: Dash replies: "ok...so is this remedy will give me permanent cure...or it will be just another temorary relief from acidity(like over the counter antacid)."

9/15/2008: Ted responds: "GERD is caused by a certain fungus-like organism that ferments and cause this condition. No single product is going to work because it can have many causes. For example, antacid's objective is to reduce acidity in the stomach and at that dose, it's not likely it is going to have much on GERD since the dose is small and some company that make antacids actually make the conditions much worse by adding aspartame, which causes metabolic acidosis as the free methanol degrades to formaldehyde in presences of body enzyme. The formaldehyde destroys certain neural system, such as glial cells and other functions, which leads the body into a metabolic acidosis, causing a GERD. Therefore some hydrocarbons can do that also, but few is as toxic as formaldehyde, aspartate, or aspartame. Supplements today now have aspartate too, which is an excitotoxin, which can trigger GERD just the same. Since if a body goes into metabolic acidosis, the opportunistic fungus like organism grows and ferments. You can do the same with sour foods, and sweet foods which ferments and hence all fruit juices should be avoided, but vitamin C sodium ascorbate is often taken in their place.

My objective is to increase alkalinity sufficiently to alkalize the entire body and raise the pH high enough to kill this parasitic organism. However, another cause of GERD like symptoms is a vitamin B complex deficiency, such as a B50 taken once a day or every other day also. If there is any other thing to reduce the GERD like symptoms, then it has got to be the Royal Jelly and the magnesium chloride. What the pharmacology of magnesium chloride does is simply to reduce muscle contractions that causes GERD and I have seen my own friend cured with that. And then when my own relative were non-responsive to magnesium and magnesium, she was responsive with Royal Jelly (one teaspoon fresh frozen one), after being

The point of my posting is to take care of the just basic GERD. There are advanced GERD conditions where B50, magnesium, colloidal silver and sufficient alkalnity to neutralize them. If anyone looks for a permanent cure of GERD, then chromium, seleinium, granulated lecithin, manganese, and chelated amino acid copper has also needed to be taken into consideration, which goes well beyond this so called "home remedy" and in that event you may need to consult a doctor or physicians who are familiar with medicinal effects of sodium borohydride, sodium tetraborate, and other antifungal substances such as clove, tea tree, lavender and other things. I am simply trying to make the remedies as easiest as I can possibly can without confusing the readers.

If I were to write an encyclopedia on GERD treatment alone will tie me up for weeks trying to cover every nuances of a GERD condition, and it is a time I have very little to spare as I have to look over other diseases at the same time.

In fact I found that some people became GERD after drinking milk and once stopping the milk and changes in diet to more variety of foods stopped that also. So things don't usually go in a straight line fasion. Why milk causes GERD is simple: the milk casein is an anti-nutrient when taken along with food and is used as antidote fore poisoning. This is why doctors don't allow people to drink milk along with their antibiotics. This includes yogurt also. So the fact is, drinking milk caused a deficiency which caused a GERD. One funny story I remember was a healthy Gorilla from the wild was taken to the zoo and within months of living in a zoo condition, the Gorilla developed GERD. Once stopping the milk the GERD disappeared.

If you are looking for a permanent and complete cure, I suggest you consult a physician. I am sure they are more than familiar than I am since they are trained physicians and accepted by the medical board.

Ted"

POST NASAL DRIP AND GERD CAUSING BAD BREATH (2)
07/31/2008: Ronn from Dubai, United Arab Emirates writes: "Hi, Ted.
First of all, thank you so much for your help. I am still using your remedies with the exception of p. bicarbonate. I have tried using 2 tablespoons of Lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to create potassium citrate and I am looking forward to getting rid of my bad breath. Last week I was also able to buy LOGUL'S IODINE SOLUTION 500 ml in one of the pharmacies here, and they said that they can even order me Potassium Bicarbonate since it is very hard to find. But Ted they say that the solution and the p. bicarbonate are just for laboratory use and not for drug or household use. I am having second thoughts of using the solution as a mouthwash since i dont know if it is safe to use. can you please tell me what it means. can I still use it as mouthwash, and what about the potassim bicarbonate that they are going to order, they say that it is also for laboratory use.

I am still not losing hope and thank you for your post nasal drip remedy. The 1/2 teaspoon of seasalt in a glass of water taken in the morning prevents me from having more PND. Can you also tell me as to why I am having thick saliva? I think that it also contributes to my bad breath.

God Bless you sir."

ACID REFLUX AND MOLD ISSUES
07/28/2008: David from Duncannon, PA, USA writes: "About 5 months ago I started having tightness in the back of my throat. It's very hard to breathe sometimes...especially while laying down to sleep at night or when I am slouched and have my chin down towards my chest. I don't have a hard time falling asleep, but I find the best positing is to sleep on my left side. Even when I am not sleeping, if I relax my throat in certain positions, I will end up making a snoring sound because of the tightness. I also have a more sensitive gag reflex than I used to. Sometimes it's hard to catch my breath when working out or in the yard, but that could just be due to me being out of shape (29 years old, 6 ft 2 in, 260 lbs). I went to my Dr. for a physical and mentioned this to him. He felt around my throat and didn't notice any lumps and then said it could be acid reflux and gave me a few samples of Nexium. The Nexium didn't do much of anything. I found this site a few days ago and was trying to think back to a cause. I do have heartburn now and again and some burning in the throat, but it usually only takes a few hours to go away. I am not sure if this has anything to do with it, but we bought a house last June and I spent most of my time downstairs in a finished basement. We had a small flood and had to redo the room. Upon removing drywall and some 2x4's we noticed some black mold most likely from the previous flooding that we were told about that occurred by the previous owners due to a water main break. The borax took care of the black mold on some of the areas that we could not remove due to structural integrity. Could that have caused some organisms to be breathed in and contribute to this? I currently have no major pain, but still have this tightness in the throat. It also seems worse after eating certain foods. I started the baking soda/water combo a few days ago and I bought some pH testers for my urine and saliva. I average about a 6 to 6.25 pH. What should be my course of action from here on?
Thank you."

POST NASAL DRIP AND GERD CAUSING BAD BREATH
07/22/2008: Ronn from Dubai, United Arab Emirates writes: "Hi Ted, I have been using your remedy for acidity for a couple of days now and I noticed some improvements. I was diagnosed with GERD a month ago and the medicines that I was taking did not work. I still have that acid taste in my mouth and bad breath.

A few months ago I had a sinus operation and the doctor said that I was already cured of post nasal drip but even up to now I still have it. The ENT doctor told me that my reflux is the cause of the post nasal drip which in turn causes the bad breath.

I've decided to stop taking the medicines and use 2 tbsp of ACV+1/2 tsp of Baking soda in 1/2 glass of water2x a day. I noticed that I stop having that acidic taste in my mouth although I still have that thrush in the tongue. I also eliminated foods that could cause PND and more acid and I observed that the PND was not so bad now unlike before. I also drink 2 lt of water everyday.

I still wanted to cure my bad breath the post nasal drip and the GERD. Can you please tell me waht to take and how long should i take them because I am already running out of options. Your website is so wonderful and you are such a sincere person. Thank you in advance!!"

07/23/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "A simple remedy for post nasal drip that has always worked well with me is 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in one glass of water. The post nasal drip usually will stop in a couple of minutes. Sometimes a person with larger build may take more than 1/2 such as 1 teaspoon, but I believe 1/2 is more than sufficient and it is taken only when there is post nasal drip therefore one single dose will generally cure the post nasal drip.

A thrush is a yeast and fungus issues. The metallic taste and the acidity in the mouth is what is supporting these thrush. Although I am now testing many remedies right now (many diseases too), however, most of the problem of bad breath is due to acidic saliva pH. The most effective remedy I have found to date to alkalize the saliva is the potassium citrate (technically, proper name is tri-potassium citrate), and a second effective remedy is the potassium bicarbonate remedy. Assuming baking soda is already taken along with the apple cider vinegar, than the dose for potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate can be added along with that remedy. There is a weak remedy and a stronger remedy. The weaker more conservative remedy is to simply add 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate or 1/2 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate to the 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. If taken for about 3 times a day. The bad breath should invariably go away by the third or fourth day, maximum. Therefore the persistence of bad breath has a lot to do with the lack of potassium.

Generally speaking, if potassium is taken, a couple of things will be noticed, better bowel movements, definitely less constipation and bad breath is reduced most often the next day. My general use of these remedy has always been a conservative one. I take them when I need them, from bad breath, slow bowel movements, constipation, acid saliva is often a signal that a potassium is needed.

That being the case, drinking too much water without sufficient salinity is the major reason for nasal drip. The body tries to get rid of excess liquid and raise the level of salinity necessary to fight the germs and viruses. Therefore adding the 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt will generally do the trick, with exception of a flu or colds, of course. But even that situation, the level of nasal drips is reduced quite a bit. It's a simple remedy, but it took me quite a bit of effort to see through this logic. I tested many times and this worked quite consistently.

It should be noted that a drinking water should have 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt added in one liter of drinking water also. Much of the urinary tract infection and even post nasal drips are due to lack of salinity. The anti salt movement is very much due to the common table salt, in which the aluminum additive is what is causing a lot of problems. However sea salt are quite different from common table salt. The sea salt I prefer always look moist in appearance and never bleached white. Those are generally the best sea salt because of the higher content of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and trace minerals.

Therefore most of the conditions of bad breath and post nasal drip mentioned should be gone before the week is out. If not, then iodine lugol's solution 10-20 drops in a glass of water is used as a mouthwash. To further discourage the thrush. Caprylic acid (found in coconut oil or sold separately) is one common remedy against the thrush, that might give some help. However, my favorite is the 1/4 (men's dose) or 1/8 teaspoon (woman's dose) of borax is added in a one liter drinking water. Boron or borax are generally anti-fungal in nature as do copper rich foods such as cocoa, and molybdenum in the form of sodium molybdate at about 10-20 mg. Again these are taken whenever if feel the need to take it.

Presently I am experimenting with the use of ammonium chloride 10% solution as a mouthwash to rid of thrush. Present medical practice use this to acidify the blood, but cause intracellular alkalinity to prevent viral replication. However, it is the free ammonia from the ammonium chloride that kills the fungus that I am looking at. In general if I am using this, I will rinse with plain water as ammonium chloride was once used as an emetic remedy too. Again this is an experimental one, and the major use for this is to get rid of fungus from the skin such as ringworm, eczema, etc. that I am using now, but not quite yet used regularly as a thrush remedy.

It is however generally best to avoid wheat products, white flour and sugar. If those are avoided, a potassium citrate or a potassium bicarbonate can respond faster.

It should be noted that a metallic taste, besides the acidity, comes from high free heavy metals. The common contaminants is the tap water and the showers. The addition of about 100 mg of EDTA into a drinking water of 1 liter, preferably disodium edta, will remove the body slowly of heavy metals, or perhaps chlorella supplements or even some coriander taken at about one tablespoon of them. A simpler removal of heavy metal is only a couple of minutes of oil pulling will remove the metallic taste too, provided that toothpastes tube are no longer using any more metals.

Ted"

07/23/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "One more interesting information is that sometimes a post nasal drips comes from a fungus or mycoplasma from living in a moldy house or fungal environment (that can later cause chronic fatigue, hypothyroid, thrush, etc.)

In which case I would prepare either a 5% or 10% ammonium chloride solution and used this to spray into a room like an aerosol and breathe in. The effects of the spray once breathed in once or twice will usually kill whatever the irritation is causing the nasal drip too.

However, I do spray my house regularly with this solution to rid of moldy and fungus environment. The effect is easily seen after spraying, especially if current environment is sticky that the air and the skin will no longer feel moist and stick and suddenly becomes dry. The reason is that fungus by nature are very hygroscopic.

Once they are killed, the air suddenly becomes dry and less sticky. In excess in the atmosphere they cause breathing problems, especially after a rain storm in a tropical environment like mine. It also helped reduce nasal irritation just from indirectly breathing the aerosol, but not a lot is needed to result in this effect.

It should be noted that the free ammonia is what is killing the fungus, virus and bacteria. Most patent applications are notoriously complicated in how it kills the super infectious viruses (as Hanta viruses, etc.) using a more complicated form of disinfectants such as dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, or octyl decyl dimethyl mmonium chloride, or dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and other variants. The joke to the entire punchline of these disinfectants that are approved by Environment Protection Agency for approved disinfectants for Human HIV-1, Hepatitis B virus, norovirus, mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis C, for example is actually the alkalinity of the solution that releases the free ammonia, when in fact, the ammonium chloride salt dissociates almost completely in a simple water.

Therefore there really is no need for complicated compound and just the simple ammonium chloride will do all that, without the unusual toxicity that presents themselves in a quaternary ammonium compound when in fact its efficacy in riding a lot of dangerous pathogens can be handled simply with an ammonium chloride solution anyway. The problem is that these company can't make money from simple compounds as ammonium chloride, however, for common home remedies, it is generally safer to use for common household disinfectants as well as removal of pathogens instead of the more complicated chemicals that are presently in use.

Ted"

HEAVINESS IN LEGS, CHEST PAIN, BACK PAIN
06/24/2008: Damita from Stevensville, Maryland writes: "I would like some help with my acid reflux. Ailments: Heaviness in legs,Cannot walk up and down stairs. Chest Pain, Back Pain, Cramps in legs, arms, and feet. Hard time swallowing food, It feels like the food is going come back up. Feels like something is moving inside of my chest. Having a hard time going to the bathroom (bowels). Not sleeping or eating right now."

06/30/2008: Teresa from Northen, Indiana replies: "Oh, you sound miserable. I'm not sure what you've tried, but I'd start by alkalizing. Try 2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) (with the mother in it) to 1/4 tsp baking soda. If you can't find ACV, maybe just start out with a Lemon or Lime juice + baking soda combo. I think either of these may help you gastrointestional issues. Start looking at food labels and avoid artificial sweetners and MSG to start. May want to ween off soda pops and cow's milk if you use them. A good food-based multi vitamin and fulvic acid may help, too. Get sunshine and fresh air. I'm not a doctor, can't give medical advice, but I'm telling you what I'd do if it were me."

HEAVINESS IN LEGS, CAN'T CLIMB STAIRS, SUSPECTS ACID REFLUX CAUSE
06/13/2008: Years of misery from Indianapolis, Indiana writes: "i WAS TOLD i have acid reflux and thats why I am looking for a natural cure for my legs. There are so many many women who are going thru the same thing. Heaviness in the legs, cant climb stairs due to the thigh area tighting up and feels like fire. While hold up one leg while on my back to excercise i can not straigten my whole leg out -behind the knee feels sore.
What can i do naturally please help???"

06/14/2008: Joyce from Joelton, TN replies: "Not much to go on here except " years of misery" so I assume middle aged probably (by the way - you know that we should never assume because it makes an ass u me) and acid reflux along with weakness of legs.

My guess is also that she is overweight, hypertensive and might possibly be on one of the statins to lower her cholesterol level. If so, she might need to see her doctor, because the statins, if I recall correctly, can cause rhabdomyolosis (may have misspelled that $l0 word) and that would definitely affect her ability to climb stairs or excercise & she needs to get off of it before her legs rapidly get worse.

The only way her acid reflux (also known as GERD) could be connected would have to be malnourishment secondary to too much junk foods and/or malabsorption. There is some controversy that acid reflux or gastroesophageal regurge disease occurs because of insufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach rather than too much. I suspect this may be true since so many of EC sharers write in that drinking ACV

stops the problem

Sometime back, I remember a number of people had written in about the same time, with various complaints from acid reflux to GI bleeding from ulcers. I recall writing responding with how I used to have all of the same complaints (except for the GI bleed) before I discovered that the underlying cause was eating anything made with bleached flour. I think I also asked all those complaining to eliminate bleached flour from their intake and see if they got rid of their complaints. I thing I also wrote in something about PUD (peptic ulcer disease) first starting among the wealthy, then moving down into middle class and finally on down into the lower socioeconomic group. I then thought about my own GI problems of the past and said "hummm" and researched when they started bleaching flour. Because that pattern of PUD moving from one class to another had to be dietary and something must be the underlying problem. What I found was bleaching flour was so expensive only the upper class could afford it, and they started bleaching flour about ll - l5 years before the upper class developed PUD. When it got cheap enough that middle class people could afford it, it moved down into their group the same number of years later.

Then some idiot in Minnesota came up with a process of bleaching flour, making it cheap enough everybody could afford it, and it moved into the lower socioeconomic group the same number of years later. Therefore, if my theory is correct, there is no peptic ulcer disease, only a reaction to bleached flour (or maybe a reaction to something used in the bleaching process) which causes problems beginning with indigestion, heartburn and progressing on to acid reflux or GERD and GI bleeding from PUD. Doctors realized two or three decades ago that the "Sippy diet" (half & half, milk and only bland, non spicy foods was the wrong diet for the problem. I suspect they also realized that keeping them coming back for those green or purple pills for their problems

was more lucrative."

6/14/2008: Joyce adds: "I forgot to mention that if she is hypertensive, on statins, and needs to come off statins, and wants to go natural for hypertension, she should find several references for magnesium (one suggested was BeeLith tablets - 1 tablet 2 times a day) no prescription needed but will have to ask pharmacist because I have never seen them on the shelf in the vitamin mineral section.Magnesium might also help that "tightnenss" feeling in legs."

6/15/2008: Joyce writes again: "I just reread the complaint. She mentions a tightness in thighs while climbing stairs "feels like fire", but she didn't say where in the thigh. Where ever it might be, she also mentions so many women have the same complaint, which would imply that she is friends with a group of women with the same problem. Most people c/o "burning" pain with nerve pain (such as shingles). Wonder does this group meet for food, companionship, etc. If so she might want to research excitotoxins, take her printout of names MSG is hid under and check everything in her kitchen to check for aspartame and MSG. The best way to find out if this is the problem would be to eliminate both from her diet and talk to her friends about doing the same and see if it improves. Being realistic, if this has been going on for years, she is not going to get rid of it overnight. If it is related to excitotoxins, magnesium should help there because I found a reference where it stated that magnesium competed for the same sites that MSG does. Also remember that chelating formula someone sent in that she obtained from a Japanese doctor: l cup EV olive oil, 8 cloves of garlic, 2 large bunches of cilantro pureed in blender -take 1 tsp. 3 times a day. It might not help that much, but I am all for those things that have a chance at working and not likely to create other problems.

"

OIL PULLING CAUSED SEVERE HEARTBURN, THROAT CLOSING
05/21/2008: C. writes: "I appreciate any help you can give me, as I am having some breathing problems and fear suffocating. I was suffering severe gerd/lpr (one or both) and so I oil-pulled for about 40 minutes, constantly replacing the oil and sucking the acid up as best I could in order to spit it out. Perhaps this was a mistake? I now have severe heartburn and am worried about my throat tube closing up because of the acid. I took a slippery elm lozenge and that has made my throat swell. Is this getting worse in order to get better or did I do too much? Thank you so much!"

05/23/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Spitting out excess hydrochloric acid from the body can often worsen the condition leading to reduced chloride in the body stressing the body further, by reducing the body of electrolytes, especially the chlorides in which the body synthesizes from salts.

The best remedy is to restore the electrolytes. Which includes bicarbonate and chlorides from the sea salt. The primary remedy is:

in a liter of drinking water, at least for initial remedy, it is 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. and drink slowly throughout the day to restore the chlorides. It should be stress that ONLY SEA SALT is used as the common table salt will worsen the condition because they are acidic in nature from the drying agent.

The baking soda is the common standard I used to reduce GERD. Interestingly the more the burp, the more the baking soda is needed by the system so that the intestinal tract can acquire the needed bicarbonates to neutralize the acid from the digested food. Otherwise, if there is insufficient bicarbonates, most foods will just remain in the stomach and ferment because if the stomach tries to release the digested food, it is going to damage the intestinal tract, this is how GERD occurs. I have seen people on drugs (such as ICE, and alcohol) but also some cases of artificial sugar users (such as aspartame, Sweet n' Low, vitamins with added aspartame) which destroys the neural system that controls normal digestion and stabilizes the acid/alkaline digestive system too. In which case these major toxins should be eliminated. Even antibiotic can often initiate a GERD because they are very acid forming, but I suspect the fungus toxins found in these antibiotic to initiate a problem
too. That happens quite often. So they should be avoided.

The baking soda remedy requires 1/2 teaspoon in 1/2 glass of water (but preferably 1 glass is best) taken three times a day. The reason for the mention of 1/2 glass is some people cannot drink so much water such as 1 glass, this might happen, but if they can drink 1 glass without any problems then i prefer adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water taken three times a day on an empty stomach to replenish the lost bicarbonates that causes the stomach not to released digested food materials to the intestinal tract.

Once the condition gets better usually the second dose or maintenance dose for sea salt is only 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per liter of water. As for the baking soda it is usually 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in 1/2 to 1 glass of water twice a day on an empty stomach and it takes about a week or two to notice improvement. I have noticed that fish oil is helpful also and I would likely to take them once a day to at least helpful with the brain, which controls the digestive system and omega 3 is high in the brain also, but on the other hand most American diets are of omega 6 to omega 3 like 20:1, when ideally it should be 1: 1 or even at least 4:1, and causes immune issues that maybe linked to GERD."

MULTIPLE MEDS, OKAY TO TRY ACV REMEDIES?
05/05/2008: Derek from Essex, England writes: "Hi, re acv etc for reflux, I'm on amitriptyline, diclofenac, cocodamol and diazepam for a couple of ailments and although I've suffered from reflux as long as I can remember, it's got exponentialy worse since taking the above drugs. I believe it's the diclofenac anti inflammatory thats the main culprit, but more than one of them says dont take any antacids with this medication. Definitely gets worse lying flat and worse still lying on my right side. Is it ok to try the acv or acv/baking soda, many thanks."

PH LEVELS, LUMP IN THROAT
04/28/2008: JoAnn from Redwood City, California writes: "Hi! I've had GERD for many years now and have been on most every drug out there to "help me", but have always "wondered" if my medications were actually creating some of my health problems and low and behold, I found your web site and have read e-mails that actually validate what I've "suspected" for years!!! I am very enthusiastic about trying the ACV, but am rather hesitant because my body is so sensitive to everything. Questions:(1.) How do you get your PH level to find out if you have too LITTLE acid or too MUCH? (2.)Has anyone ever had a "lump feeling in your throat with a taste of blood and salt"??"

10/14/2008: Alison from Oxfordshire, UK replies: "I have acid reflux which presents as a lump in throat. I've had it for about 10 years. So far no prescribed medicine has worked such as proton pump inhibitors (who invented the name!) + numerous others and currently have been taking 300 mgs daily of Ranitidine but little or no improvement. Can anyone suggest a natural remedy as I think the lump is rarer for GERD sufferers?"

A couple of days ago when we pressure cleaned my roommate who has bad sinuses as a norm....and doesn't not like to help himself......got much worse and feels very sick. I asked if I could find a remedy to help clear it up would he take it and he said yes. I made an oil with the essential oil list to be applied and we will see. I am using it too. But I'd like something to remove the odor from my head and for my roommate. Can you recommend something ? "

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Carolyn:

Since taking the sodium bicarbonate/citric acid, I seem to be retaining water. I gather that this is from the "sodium" part of the bicarbonate?

Yes, sodium from this may cause water retention. An easy way out is to get a small pinch of sea salt which for some reason or another will reduce the sodium retention. Do not put too much as this may cause a major diarrhea. Sodium is a strange thing, it works both ways. Pulling the water out, or putting the water in.

The other thing I may add is your body's acidity is quite high and it is pumping out the acid at an accelerated rate and hence your problems.

I have noticed this issue here in Bangkok already. Therefore, if you just take it long enough the problem will disappear after two weeks. It only occurs when your body's buffer level is on the very low side. It seems to occur much more in body builders and atheletes who DO NOT supplement bicarbonates, but take high carbohydrate and high protein foods. To reduce the time much quicker in your recovery you may have to add more potassium bicarbonate (1/8 teaspoon), along with it, but NEVER potassium bicarbonate alone.

People have real issues with using this alone. So just add some potassium bicarbonate and the problems and other symptoms should reduce much quicker.

By the way, the other possibility of reducing retaining water might help by raising your antioxidant levels, such as taking more sodium ascorbate, which is an alkaline form of vitamin C."

Lastly, unsure if this is connected but for last 9ish months my head starts sweating profusely if my meal contains very little spice or chilli (not sure if both or either is this cause). Any advice would be welcome."

TOO MUCH ACID OR TOO LITTLE ACID?
04/07/2008: Judy from Atlanta, GA writes: "After reading the posts, I am confused. Some people say that their bodies are producing too much acid, while other people say that their reflux is caused from not enough acid being produced. Ted gives different remedies for each acid condition. How do I know whether or not I have too much or too little acid being produced, and which remedy to use to treat my acid reflux/heartburn? I certainly do not want to be making it worse than what it is!"

TRAUMAS AND ACID REFLUX
03/14/2008: Donna from Issaquah, WA writes: "I have been using the 2 Tablespoons of ACV and 1/4 teaspoon BS. I also just starting using a diluted solution of hydroproxide 50/50 solution 6 sprays in the mouth, just started this today. The reason I have been doing this is that I was on a lot of meds and realized I had Acid Reflex after taking priolsec and feeling all symptoms go away, problem was the side affects. Then I found your site and I have been reading and reading but am confused. The symptoms seem better, I have been on the ACV-BS for 5 days and will rest the next two. I understand that I should do this for 4 to 6 weeks. But my Ph urine is 5to 6 which is too acidic. My saliva is 7. So I thought maybe I should just take BS. I have stools most of the time this week 2 to 3 times a day. Seems like what it should have been. In the past it has been every 2 or three days. For the last year I have been taking fish oil and this helps me elemenate. I have dealing with depression and issues in therapy which I know my body responds to. I have also been doing body work. I guess my question is, Ijust want to feel better, the wheezing and asthma due to Acid reflex is the worst. Its hard to exercise when you feel so crummy. I dont sleep at night and havent for a long time because of the bad dreams due to abuse when I was little. I need to deal with this stuff. So any ideas? Its hard to give up my l day of cola. Anything would be appreciated"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Most of the acidity comes from cola and it has phosphoric acid causing the excess acidity. The only safe way to reduce the excess acid because of the caffeine addiction, assuming caffeine is the real cause, I would replace this with green tea. Some people are hooked on to the flavoring of the cola, which some companies or candies companies due have cola gummy gels that can be eaten instead in small amounts along with the green tea. The lack of sleep is the long term accumulation of fluoride and it clogs the pineal gland so perhaps some tamarind or borax remedy can help with the sleeping. However, I may try the GABA supplements, pregnenolone 50 mg and the DHEA to reduce that kind of depression. As to the lack of sleep some melatonin 3 mg may help if taken during the night. To further effectively alkalize the body a newer carbicarb seems to work better, and the remedy is as follows: 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of sodium carbonate in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day, or if necessary three times a day. This seems to do a more thorough job in alkalizing. To further help trauma of past related conditions and reduce that problem during childhood, I think downloading brainwave generator and play on a computer speakers of headphones seems to do a great job, but also certain vitamin B complex can help that too.' The basic programs can be downloaded for free and I have actually contributed some sound there, although unrelated to depression myself. However the basic program should be helpful for many people: http://www.bwgen.com/download.htm If people deny it's dramatic effect or have a larger budget, there is another similar technologies called brain state technology that caused the owner's child and his friends to make it to the dean's list as well as good scientific explanation on how trauma can be treated, http://www.brainstatetechnologies.com/videos.htm What the brainwave generator does, at least the shareware version is that it allows the brain to form new neural connections and reduce the trauma conditions so that by conditioning of theta, alpha, beta waves will allow the trauma conditions to reduce. If you are creative enough you can create other signals, to further help without the use of drugs. I sometimes use aromatherapy, especially narcissus oils to reduce depression and anxiety by putting the fragrance on the pillow. Vitamin C sodium ascorbate 1000 mg also helps too. "

ACID REFLUX AND THE ESOPHAGUS
03/14/2008: O writes: "Mr. Ted,
'I've done extensive reading of your posts about ACV, BS, etc. on Earth Clinic with great interest. I appreciate the way you endeavor to explain why particular supplements should be used.

In my particular case, I have been suffering from Acid Reflux for about 4 years. It causes me heartburn to the point that the center of my chest can be sore when I flex it. I also experience a lot of pain in my throat around my voice box. I feel like my vocal cords are weakening. The pain is also pretty constant all day long, although it does seem to be worse after I eat.

Originally, I started with burning pains in my stomach. The doctor treated me for h.pylori by giving me 2 types of antibiotics and aciphex (PPI) for 2 weeks. After that I started experiencing burning pain in my throat. Had very little reflux in the esophagus before that. I was tested for h.pylor with a breath test later and it was negative. I've had 2 endoscopies, a barium drop, and a 24-hr ph monitor test, and they check how well my LES closed.

The 24-hr ph test said that my esophagus averaged a ph of 4. The LES test said that it was closing properly.

I've changed my diet dramatically over the past 4 years. I rarely eat any of the supposed trigger foods like peppermint, spicy, chocolate, alcohol, etc. Most of my meals each day consist of a serving of protein and several servings of vegetables. I also eat some fruit and nuts.

I also have adrenal fatigue and am hypothyroid. Sometimes, usually in the afternoons, just getting up out of the chair takes effort. Many times I feel like I have low blood sugar and need to eat some protein. I don't eat bread, sweets, etc.

I've tried all the formulas below, all with 1/2 glass of water:
2 TBS ACV, 1/2 tsp BS
2 TBS ACV, 1/4 tsp BS, 1 tsp honey
2 TBS ACV, 1/4 tsp BS, 1/8 tsp Cayenne
1/2 tsp BS, 1/2 tsp Magnesium citrate
1/2 tsp BS

But they haven't seemed to make that much difference. I haven't tried the boron or hydrogen peroxide yet.
I have measured ph with a strip and it does seem to affect me in a alkaline direction, but I don't know for how long.

Nothing I do seems to consistently help the burning subside and I could really use some help.
Is there a formula that would be good in my case to help the burning?
Is there a relationship between the Acid Reflux and the adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism?
Are there changes in my diet that would help?

From the comments on Earth Clinic, I know you must get a lot of email. If you can reply, it would be much appreciated. Thanks"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The esophagus pH of 4 is a good clue. A good healthy pH esophagus is' 6, and the dividing line from conventional medicine is 4 as being what separates an acid reflux from a non-acid reflux is not really a good preventive measures. Ideally I prefer a figure closer to 6. An average of 4 pH generally speaking is an acid reflux. Interestingly a stubborn acid reflux needs to consider two points, that the pH of the saliva may be acid or below pH of 7 which is insufficient to neutralize the esophagus pH. That means the saliva pH needs to be raised too not just the urinary pH. That's only part of the solution. The other points to ponder is that if the esophagus pH is still 4, then obviously the body needs to increase the alkaline dosage much more further. If this doesn't seem obvious, just read the dog research below, where they were able to effectively raise the esophagus pH to 6. To raise the saliva pH requires a different remedy, and a stronger form such as 1/2 teaspoon of trisodium citrate plus 1/2 teaspoon of potassium citrate, in 1/2 glass of water taken twice or three times a day. It is the potassium that raises saliva pH, but it should be either in the form of potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate. The other intracellular fluids, as opposed to the sodium extracellular fluids to consider is the magnesium citrate, 250-500 mg. If the dose does not increase, it the trisodium citrate portion can be upped to 1 teaspoon of trisodium citrate plus 1/2 teaspoon of potassium citrate taken three times a day. I might wonder why the extreme increase in dose, and I have found the source that is causing extreme acidity, often called metabolic acidosis, which can also trigger a major acid reflux and the body being relatively almost unresponsive to the baking soda, that one major enemy I have was the aspartame hidden in many supplements, sometimes unlabeled, appearing as an innocent sugar free gum, xylitol gum, diet coke, coke zero, pepsi max, hidden in effervescent tablets, hidden in artificial flavorings (as methanol) or labeled as proprietary. After stopping the aspartame the metabolic acidosis last for weeks and if I don't catch it sooner, I get a permanent macular degeneration, and become diabetic and acid reflux. Interestingly the lesson of aspartame can be extended to casual use of paint thinners, and sometimes (at least here in Bangkok) we used methanol as a paint thinner. Both aspartame and methanol degrades into formaldehyde inside the body destroying the neural system that is the major component in controlling the body's pH. Hence to restore this damaged function I need to decompose the formaldehyde and other system in my body by oxidative detoxification by the use of hydrogen peroxide therapies. That means in a one liter drinking water I will add 1 teaspoon of baking soda (1 liter is equivalent to 4 glasses of water with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda at similar concentration) plus 30 drops of hydrogen peroxide 3% taken for a couple of days, to detoxify not just formaldehyde, but also other pharma drugs, and other chemicals that get recirculated in the body causing auto toxification. The other issue is neural damage caused by hydrocarbons (source can come from cigarettes, painting fumes, new carpets chemical smells, new cars chemical smells, gasoline fumes, kerosine use from insecticides, etc) that also causes extreme metabolic acidosis. The problem about the baking soda is that it doesn't cause global alkalization due to its limited ability to neutralize acid in areas where there is high carbon dioxide pressure in the body, and hence the use of trisodium citrate. The problem about trisodium citrate is that it's hard to find in a supermarket, so a suitable substitute might be the carbicarb mixed often used by researchers to revive in animals and humans during a heart attack instead of using the old sodium bicarbonate. However I use this thing to alkalize more effectively, so the remedies appear to be, for a stronger remedy: 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of sodium carbonate (washing soda) in 1/2 glass of water taken 3 to 4 times a day. It takes about 2-3 weeks to effectively raise the body's pH. However, this is only part of the story. The salivary pH may be acid or below 7 and may not be strong enough to neutralize (when swallowing saliva) the esophagus pH. Thus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate is also added to the remedy. Of course this is a stronger form of remedy and should improvement is seen, its generally best for me to go to the lower dose remedy of just using it twice a day, or just using baking soda alone. One additional tip is that a baking soda, mixed in all drinking water during the day or throughout the day can be used to keep the esophagus pH in check in case an acid reflux is detected or a pain is experience, then I might take 1/4 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda if I might have an attack, or at least have that feeling before it became worse. It should also be noted that in anorexic, bulimia, and some acid reflux people, a majority of them have a B12 and vitamin B complex deficiency. The neural damage caused by hydrocarbons caused acid reflux since neural system is what controls most of the pH stability. Therefore I might take B12 100 mcg x 4 times a day, plus vitamin B complex in form of B50 where most of the B's are 50 mg each, but because of the high amounts of hydrochloride added to most B complex in an attempt to lower cost, I might take it just once every two days. Most of the problems is that B1 thiamine should be thiamine mononitrate, not thiamine hydrochloride, and B6 should be pyridoxine phosphate, not pyridoxine hydrochloride, and for B3 it should be niacinamide, not niacin. It takes about a month for the body to attain a sufficient amount of B complex, but some maintenance dose is still needed Magnesium here is helpful. As to the adrenal issues, the DHEA 25 mg, pregnenolone 50 mg is taken to put less pressure on the adrenal systems so that the adrenal won't have to work too hard and these hormonal supplements can cause and raise the immunity, thereby affecting the pH of the system. Also glandular systems get destroyed if anyone has a history of fungus issues and if that's the case than a borax remedy is needed, between 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon in one liter of drinking water only 3 or 4 days out of a week. Borax tends to normalize hormonal issues too, but notably it balances the critical magnesium to calcium ratio. Lack of iodine can cause glandular atrophy and iodine kelp may be needed such as once every two days. It should be noted that certain pathogens, and fungus can cause the body to be acid, accumulate heavy metals from antibiotics use, and this is another reason why borax remedy is used. To kill of the pathogens causing the acid reflux. Zinc certainly will raise the immunity and should also be taken in the form of zinc gluconate 50 mg about three times per week. Finally two additional neuroprotective remedies that can further alkalize the body, besides completely avoiding aspartame and hydrocarbons is the smart drugs, such as 800 mg of nootropil (pyroglutame) and 2 mg of hydergine taken together for once every other day, or perhaps 4 days or 5 days in a row, needed to restore that ineural damage. In fact, a cellular phone can do the damage just the same, by inflicting neural damage to the brain the body can also become metabolic acidosis and hence when talking to the phone, either a hands free mode, or a blue tooth is used instead. A Russian had actually cooked boiled eggs using two cellular phones within an hour or so, so even if authorities deny cellular phones cannot damage the brain, it's hard to deny that a cellular phone can cook my brains. I am sure this posting is incomplete, but I think this will at least cover part of the problem. One additional tip: no sour foods."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The effects of vocal cords is a sign of neurodegenerative disorder or excessive acidity in the esophagus which may effect the muscles in the vocal cord by acid digestion. The remedies is already explained on these two factors. Also, one tablespoon of granulated lecithin three times' day may rid of excess fat in the body so that the body's hormones could function more efficiently. This is because most vegetable oils added to food tend to block hormone signals."

ADDITIONAL RELATED CONDITIONS
03/12/2008: Vigiil writes: "Dear Ted, I have just about the same symptoms as most of the people writing in regarding acid reflux but more importantly i have the same experience with traditional doctors. A kind of patent Nexium will cure everything solution and attributing my stomach problems to me just being a nervous person. I am 31 and all of my life i have been a healthy, i smoked for 12 years but quite 4 years ago, i am an occasional drinker, and have used some recreational drugs especially in my teens. This all happened after a trip to Amsterdam 5 years ago, where i ate some hallucinogenic mushrooms and during what was a very unpleasant 12 hours puked up the mushrooms, i remember there being yellow stuff and clear liquid along with the undigested mushrooms and that the sensation to puke was so intense despite there not being much to puke up, so i was thinking if i might have somehow forced and over stretched and permanently damaged the muscle that keeps the acid in the stomach. In any case, things vent more or less back to normal, except in the following months i had two occasions of what felt like food poisoning, with intense spasms and feeling cold. Also i started having shortens of breath and thought i might have asthma (which i never had before), so i stopped smoking and than stopped drinking and as the years passed, i cut out spicy food, hard liqueur, beer, coffee, tea and while that temporarily made things a little better i was on a downward spiral and the stomach was getting worse, with more shortness of breath to the extend that i had a hard time falling a sleep and fainting sensations after eating. Symptoms as of now are:
Pain in where the stomach and lungs meet also in the lower part of lungs
Dry throat when i wake up
Difficulty sleeping through the night
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty breathing
pain in the lover back right side
feels like i have a lump in my stomack
dificulty swallowing food
feeling like lump in throat
In the past 4 years, due to me stopping to smoke, i had allot of flues, basically when ever there was a flu i would catch it. But have not had flu really in 3 years. But after taking Nexium i started having what i best could describe as a feeling of unrest in arms and legs, like there was a circulation problem, with pain in hip joints and foot joints as well as under the foot, it felt like pain underneath the muscle not the muscle it self, maybe inside the bones. Doing exercise did help, but this became worse till i finally got my self ex-rayed and blood tested again, saw a neurology doctor, all said i was fit and that i was just probably stressed and imagining this. Now i do work in a high power job and i have stress, but i have been getting plenty of sleep 10 h+ over long periods, do joga, eat healthy, am happy and if i compare my self to average joe i am really OK.
So i started the ACV 2 spoons in a glass of water followed by 1/2 spoon of baking soda in half a glass after lunch and in the afternoon 1/2 of only the backing soda. I did take my Nexium this morning but was thinking of skipping it tonight and rather have a 1/2 spoon of baking soda in water before going to bed. I have to say my stomach feels rather sketchy, not sour, just full and creepy, despite the only thing i ate today was, oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon, brown rice for lunch, chicken (white meet only) and brown rice for dinner I can breath deep but i have some pressure feeling on my chest. I am usually OK during the day, especially when not sitting bent forward, but am bad after eating, and very bad when laying down to sleep, with the shortness of breath kicking in and although that usually subsides if i lay still in a half sitting position. But do to drinking allot of water i have the habit now of going at least 10 times to piss a day and 1-2 times a night. This standing up and laying back down can make the symptoms worse again.
Could you recommend daily program for me to get better?
Should i continue to take Nexium until the ACV or Baking soda kicks in?
How many times can i take this per day?
If i feel a flaring up of the acid an hour or so after taking the 1/2 baking soda or ACV should / take i make some more?
I hope you can help, in any case thank you for your website, very generous of you
kapom kap

Vigiil"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Much of our diets are not healthy even if a person were to think they are on a healthy diet. The problem is that most people including me do not know what is a healthy diet because of so much disinformation and lack of understanding. What I do know for sure is 90% of our diets are acid forming, and most processed food are not healthy and sometimes are downright dangerous with aspartame, from diet Coke, Coke zero, diet Pepsi, Pepsi Max, vegetable oils in fried foods, and a host of other problems. Thus alkalizing is a life time event, but not necessarily everyday. I have been alkalizing myself like this on and off for the past 35 years since I was only 9 or 10 when I first had a terrible flu and been doing that using Arm & Hammer's baking soda. But it is my bad habits that I only take it when I am not feeling well or sick, and later years I found that I actually needed to take it more often if I really bothered to monitor my pH. Of course other things need monitoring too, such as urinary sugar, salinity, etc. but those are not as serious as the pH issue. Besides, if the urine pH becomes acid, the sugar goes up along with it. And obviously if the sugar goes up, infection MRSA, bacteria and sickness set in. I don't even have to test on 100 rats to prove certain foods is dangerous when the pH meters show that I get extremely acid (it when as low as a pH of 4 on my urine after taking Diet Coke or other aspartame products), to know that I can get sick very soon or before anything ever happens. Spring water is high in carbonates and bicarbonates, but how many live in the mountains? The only way I can survive is to prepare some analogue of Mother Nature, and one of her products of bicarbonates can come in the form of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, soluble silica, sodium thiosulfates, and other things that is beyond my understand of her infinite wisdom. I am only understanding just a small fraction of what these can do chemically to our body to make us healthy. However for me to go into these deep infinite understanding of Mother nature and what remedies she can have to offer is beyond any email postings I can do, except to keep things a simple as possible and try to consider the issue of availability of such products that it can be used quickly and conveniently. There is a wide ranging causes of acid reflux but it is always the alkalization that effects thousands of biochemical reactions in our body simultaneously, hence the broad effects it has on our health. This is why pH is the primarily consideration. the other considerations might be dechlorination, antioxidants, oxygen (peroxide and ozone), minerals, vitamins and amino acids. If you are well aware of a developing science of epigenetics, which means that a supplements can cause the body to produce changes in the body from making a simple skin cell iinto a fat cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, or cause the cells to change it's GENETIC expression from just the environmental natural products, then I can realize that I can almost find a major remedy for most of the remedies on just that concept alone. Q: Is this a short term' treatment (if so,how long?) or is this something i will continue for the foreseeable future? A: It's a long term remedy. I have been doing it for the last 35 years or so. Is the goal to get the stomach alkalized enoch to start the baking soda + ACV? If so why ad the ACV? And how long? I would give it about 3 weeks, before going ACV AND bakingsoda. ACV is good in that it is anti-inflammatory too. I read you told someone that the baking soda depletes minerals or something in your bones. Are there any supplements that are mandatory when doing this treatment. Actually the most common problem about mineral depletion is the metabolic acidosis, not the baking soda or alkalization. Acid bloods leeches out the calcium and mineral from the bones much like eating coke and very sour foods to cause enamel erosion, or even acid rain on Greek Statues. The only way a baking soda will deplete mineral is that you haven't taken mineral supplements. Is ph 7.6 bad, how do i bring it down? Interestingly when the body is low on bicarbonates the pH can be very high or very low. A pH of 7.6 is not bad. Its bad if the pH is 8, but it has nothing to do with taking too much baking soda. The most common cause is a pathogens killing a healthy cells and the urine is high in proteins, signifying dead cells. These protein degrades to form and ammonia compounds which causes the urine pH to be very alkaline. In medicine doctors would sometimes give baking soda to neutralize the toxic ammonia or excess alkalinity. In any case assuming that the body is too alkaline NOT BECAUSE of the pathogens (in acid reflux, it is the pathogens and bicarbonate or lack of it is the cause), then a simple way to be more acid is simply to take some vitamin C, ascorbic acid, or have an apple, where the apples I used are the Green granny's apple. MRSA is a tricky one since the hospitals haven't find a way to get rid of it, but then they are not trying to find out. Give me only a couple of days in a hospital and I would find a perfect way. So it doesn't require millions in research. However in general, I found MRSA is sometimes due to a magnesium deficiency, and metabolic acidosis where alkalinity will help, through the use of a more powerful alkaline remedy such and a couple more to kill the MRSA: 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of sodium carbonate (washing soda and is a baking soda precursor before reacted with carbon dioxide). Taken twice a week. 500 mg of magnesium citrate taken once per day. Curcumin one teaspoon three times a day. Since milk of magnesia pH is about 9 used topically and might be mixed with curcumin and this is the pH where the MRSA can't survive, applying this to the area will kill the MRSA too. MRSA have a weakness on magnesium and alkalinity. Adding some colloidal silver to milk of magnesia might help too, at least that's what I did in the past to kill off the staph in the past. Also some iodine supplements (from kelp now and then) and zinc gluconate 50 mg for about 5 days out of a week or two or three weeks, should be able to raies the immunity to fight it off. Still alkalizing is most essential and I am sure about this, because three major reasons why our ocean's water is so sterile: 1. Sun 2. Oxygen 3. Salinity 4. Alkalinity The oceans' water pH averages 8, and most harmful bacteria are almost completely killed at 9 or above, 8 would kill most off and salinity would and oxygen and sun's UV would kill whatever else is missing. This is why ozone and a weak hydrogen peroxide drops added to drinking water helps, not only to kill it but detoxifies MOST OF THE harmful chemical toxins that is recirculated in our body and these are found in most major tap water, not just the chlorine but also pharma drugs. The common dose I might use can be anywhere from 3 drops 3% H2O2 in a glass of water to 10 drops. Even if I have money and I do live in U.S., I won't get a health insurance anyway because I don't trust the system as I do in other countries. Cuba seems better than the U.S. It's probably the corruption where the larger the companies become the bigger is their Jaws. lol."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear V: The cause of acid reflux has always been an unknown pathogens that appears to behave like a fungus, and can be initiated from antibiotics use, or even the eating of a contaminated mushroom. Actually many antibiotics are made from fungus and mushrooms are also a fungus too. Most of this yet to be identified acid reflux causing pathogens can often be reduced if the body has sufficient alkalization. There are certain views I have, that is subjected to change as to how to best alkalized. Generally it takes about 2 weeks for the body to have sufficient alkalinity under the current dose of 2 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar plus 1/2 teaspoon (or a milder 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda) in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day. As can be noticed the frequency most people who do take the remedy is at least twice a day, but I prefer 3 times a day. The reason for that is that people are working so they can't take it in the afternoon or late afternoon due to busy work schedules. Therefore, if a person feels the need to take more frequent dose, it is often helps that he can take it more frequent so as to reduce the time from two weeks to properly alkalize to perhaps within a couple of days for the body to attain the alkalization to not only restore the acid/base digestive process causing the acid reflux or even the alkalinity sufficient to kill off the pathogen causing the acid reflux. In general oatmeal and eating rice is a great way to reduce acid reflux because it is both high in silicon. I sometimes go for faster method using a water soluble form of silica such as sodium silicate drops taken twice or three times a day to increase the resistance. The chemistry is complicated, but silica in presence of the body's chloride forms a polysilicate chain which basically blocks off the pathogens from further expanding colonies as well as strengthen cell walls to be more resistance against the invading pathogens causing the acid reflux. Still much of the symptoms describe, especially drinking wine, liquor, cigarettes, and other common problems, will quickly deplete the body of antioxidants, especially vitamin E, vitamin c in general, but also effects the immune system, lowering the zinc level, while alcoholic drinks definitely lowers the body's vitamin B complex, causing tightness of the chest, which in the later future can lead to heart attacks. This incident happened with a comedian such as Paul Lynde that had vitamin B deficiency and can cause the heart to quickly degenerate itself from alcohol depleting vitamin Bs, especially the thiamine where alcohol block their absorption. It should be noted that the most common deficiencies I have seen with people with acid reflux is always the water soluble vitamin of C and Bs and even for normal person like me, I needed to take it at least once a week. Mind you an alcohol drinker will have much more severe acid reflux than an ordinary person because of the resulting vitamin B deficiency, along with vitamin C. This is why alcoholics have heart problem, but it is also why people with this deficiency can also cause acid reflux. The link is really simple, alcoholic drinker, and people without sufficient B complex (such as pregnant woman) will have a more severe acid reflux. Not only is zinc and magnesium, especially the magnesium is also needed, since magnesium helps with sleep, as is some b complex, but also reduces muscle tightness and spasms. The fact that the stomach had spasms while taking mushrooms or spasms indicated lowered vitamin B status and magnesium. So it would seem people taking certain contaminated mushrooms may need more magnesium and vitamin B to help protect against toxins that may be introduced by the body. Therefore, one can take it as frequent as they wish on alkalization, but not too much to cause a laxative effect. However, there are other forms that effectively alkalized faster, but they are stronger forms such as 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of sodium carbonate (washing soda) in 1/2 glass of water that can get rid of acid reflux sooner since the sodium carbonate added helps reduce the carbon dioxide pressure by absorbing it. At least that's the take on current research regarding the carbicarb treatment. As for me I think the sodium citrate (proper name is trisodium citrate) taken 1/2 teaspoon taken 3-4 times a day in 1/2 glass of water is often the best alkalization I know of. I still need to conduct some research regarding the effectiveness of a carbicarb verus the trisodium citrate remedy. However, for most people the sodium citrate more or less is somewhat similar to the 2 tablespoon of lemon juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, preferably taken 2-3 times a day at least. The citric acid of lemon with bakiing soda will have some trisodium citrate, which will more uniformly alkalize the body through better too. However, my experience is that the carbicarb is more excellent in the extremities alkalization where circulation are poor, however in acid reflux, extremities might not be the issue, but may help if the circulation is already low in the stomach areas due to various problem foods but especially the pathogens that may able to neutralize the beneficial effects of baking soda as fast as we take them, so a stronger form might also be considered. "

GUM INFECTION LEADS TO GERD
03/03/2008: Scott from Peoria, Illinois writes: "Hello Ted, My name is Scott, I am 33 years old and weigh 170 pounds. I really, really need your advice. I have read alot on earthclinic.com and have read most of your posts. You seem like the best possible solution for my problem. Let me tell you how this started. 1 month ago I was absolutely healthy. I had a cut on my gums right next to my tongue and it got pretty infected. I started taking 500mg amoxicillin 3 times a day, was not eating right and then started on Ibuprofen for the swelling in my mouth. About 1 week later I started getting a lump feeling in my throat, mostly at night. I went to the ER and they diagnosed me with anxiety disorder and panic attacks. I knew this wasn't my problem and insisted that there was something going on in my throat. So they sent me to a ENT. The same night as the ER visit my symptoms became much worse. I was waking up almost as soon as I fell asleep and had sharp chest pains and burning from my chest, through my throat and a terrible taste in my mouth along with a tingling or numb feeling in my mouth and throat. The next morning I went to a ENT and he shined a light in my throat, listened to my symptoms and told me I had GERD. He told me to take Prilosec OTC once a day and to watch my diet and elevate my bed. Well none of this worked and 2 days later I started having ringing in my ears. I called them and told them about it and they told me the doctor said he looked in my ears 2 days before and nothing was wrong with them. They insisted that Prilosec did not cause the ringing in my ears even though I found on thier website that this can be a side effect from the drug. So I stopped taking it. 3 days later I took my son to a different Hospital for bad flu. So I decided to get checked out again and they ran some blood and urine tests that they said came back negative. For what I dont know. I assume they checked me for any infections or diseases. The Doctor told me the Tinnitus could have been caused by the medicine or it could be age and alot of exposure in the past to loud noises that just happened to come on in the middle of all of this. They prescibed me Ranitidine 150 twice a day. After almost 1 week after stopping the Prilosec the ringing in my ears started to go away a little. But the acid reflux did not seem to be getting any better. I decided to try Braggs ACV, 1 tsp + 8oz water. I took this once and it really seemed to work all day long. That night I noticed some burning on my lip and a little in my mouth and throat. I was afraid the ACV might have caused it and stopped taking it. So I went back on the Rantidine. It does not seem to be helping at all and I am getting virtually no sleep at night. This is seriously inhibiting my life and health. I have adjusted everything in my life, I stopped drinking Coffee and Soda and am now only drinking water. I stopped eating fast food and started eating very bland food such as Rice and Chicken. I have also elevated the head of my bed and nothing seems to be working. Yesterday I fell asleep on the couch SITTING UP and about 15-20 minutes later I woke up with the horrible taste in my mouth and burning in my mouth and throat. And to top it all of my ears starting ringing again. It(ringing) seemed to subside a little after about a hour and I tried to take my medicine again last night. It was a horrible night for me waking every hour with either burning stomach or the horrible taste in my mouth. Upon waking this morning the ringing was back in my ears and seemed the worst it has been so far. It has subsided a little again but I am at a loss as to what is causing this or what to do. The Hospitals and Doctors just want to put more medication in me and noone seems alarmed enough to go any farther than shining a light in my mouth. This is probably because I have no Medical Insurance. What would you suggest for me to do?..I have bought Super B Complex, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and Braggs ACV with the Mother. I do not understand alot about the Chemistry of things that you have explained to others on earthclinic and don't know exactly what I should do. I want off these Meds that do not work and return to my life. I work very hard outside and am laid off right now due to the winter. Time is approaching very fast for me to go back to work but at this point I dont feel like it is even possible with the lack of sleep I am getting and constant issues of GERD I am dealing with. Please help me."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "It should be noted that the past eating of soda, excess heavy metals, trans fatty acid, deadly if aspartame was somehow added, can lead a life long neurodegenerative disorder. However, those just lay the groundwork before the amoxicillin came. What it did, is that most of these antibiotics tend to support fungus and certain fungus like bacterial growth AFTER taking the antibiotics, which is why GERD was experienced. The ringing of the ears is sometimes the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity which often occurs whenever any antibiotics are taken. The antibiotics works by preventing the kidneys from ridding of the heavy metals, resulting in somewhat higher blood pressure and greater heavy metal retentions. Heavy metal retentions starts simply with the ringing of the ears. It works this way: excess metals shorts out normal neural conduction and it becomes ringing. Therefore a reduction of heavy metals, increase the supplements that helps promote the building myelin sheaths acting as a neural insulation which prevents, shorting, that causes the ringing helps. The other effect of taking antibiotics is lowered vitamin B complex and also causes GERD problem along with it. To reduce heavy metal retention requires some cilantro, chlorella, spirulina and lecithin supplements. To protect against heavy metal toxicity I would require taking plenty of magnesium supplements which obviously reduces the ringing of the ears. However, taking pain killers can also cause ringing of ears, as is lack of B12, folic acid and B complex. In fact in some cases of GERD it is due not only acidosis, which baking soda taken alone is the best if the ACV taken alone didn't work out as expected, but also the essential vitamin B complex. However, the trick to using B complex is to make sure the ingredients don't have the unnecessary hydrochloride as this may cause the GERD since hydrochlorides are acid forming. Three major problems I encountered in the use of B complex, is to make sure Thiamine mononitrate is used instead of thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) and the pyridoxine phosphate is used instead of pyridoxine hydrochloride. Therefore the major mistakes encountered in treatment of GERD, usually the more serious one and the long term use of alkalizing is that I can't use ACV over the long haul. If long term use of alkalizing the best approach is quite often ACV with baking soda (2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day), or just 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water twice a day, or 2 tablespoons of lemon with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water twice day. Therefore ACV should not be used in general ACV over the long run since the body has limited capacity on bicarbonates to neutralize the acid. In some cases it may also be helpful to take some curcumin, l lysine and some zinc in case things are not working out as expected, since these can increase the body's immune system too. In general, replacing white bread with rice, and avoiding most white flour, white bread, and taking too much meats, and aspartame tend to create GERD too and not just taking antibiotics. I hope that I resolved some of these issues of GERD. In general there is many ways to alkalize, but it should be noted that taking some silicon rich foods such as rice, horsetails and oatmeal may increase the body's resistance to GERD. In some cases a small amount of sea salt added to drinking water may also reduce the GERD as salinity seems to help further the body's immune system since as in salted fish, foods don't spoil whenever there is high salinity. Sometimes the problems appear that salinity in the body if it is below average, these pathogen caused GERD can also be uncontrolled too. But the foundation of the remedy still rests on just baking soda and some vitamin B complex, at least initially the B12."

TODDLER WITH AR?
12/26/2007: T from Kansas writes: "Dear ted... thanks for taking these questions...the comfort from the knowledge you share is greatly needed. My three year old son has been diagnosed with acid reflux, though only by putting him on Prevacid and it seeming to work. I don't like him taking the prescription, especially if no one's really sure what the problem is, I am looking for a natural remedy. Here are his symptoms... Two, or so, years ago he started vomiting small amounts, more like babies spit up, though he never did much as an infant. Upon further observation, I noticed it happened after coughing (though not sick) or when pressure was applied to his stomach, such as climbing up onto my bed. At times, it seems too, he had a sensitive gag reflex. During these times, the vomiting was a much higher volume. When I took him to see his pediatrician, she suggested putting him on Prevacid, saying that it may or may not be reflux, but the drugs would let us know, and were less obtrusive than testing. The Prevacid did seem to help his symptoms, though to begin with the symptoms were not that frequent. He was on for about a year and I decided to ween him off. His symptoms stayed gone for a few months, but then he started vomiting small amounts again. Lately he has developed a nasty sounding cough that seems unconnected to anything else. Then yesterday he coughed badly, then vomited alot. I just want to know for sure what's wrong with him and I want to treat it naturally. Is there something I can do with out uncomfortable testing?"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "T: The vomiting may be due to water soluble vitamin deficiencies of vitamin B complex (usually its the B1, B3, B6 and B12) and the vitamin C sodium ascorbate, on ocassion. Plus an alkalizing lemon and baking soda, for example.

Babies are notorious on deficiencies that adults don't have problems such as taurine, carnitine, good cholesterols, and other so called "non-essential" amino acid (e.g. arginine and glutamine), that companies don't add causing deaths and digestion problems in babies. Even babies that eat vegan diets can lead to death because vegans are are lacking in B12 and lacking in important cholesterols and proteins found in eggs, fish, etc.

My own experience of babies that spits out or have sensitive stomach were mostly from lack of vitamin B complex, imbalances of electrolytes and all those "non-essential amino acids", such as taurine, glutamine, carnitine, arginine, for example. Babies can die if the milk formula don't even have taurine, a so-called non-essential amino acid. Some companies, even Israeli milk company even forget something as simple as Vitamin B1 in a milk formula (amazing, but true see: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=506881) and it killed the babies. In some babies even without sufficient B1, B3 or B6 can lead to the gastrointestinal upset.

My own remedy for the acid reflux remedy for babies is vitamin B complex, some vitamin C, and a balanced electrolyte (baking soda, magnesium citrate, potassium citrate, and a small pinch of sea salt). Taurine might be missing from a child's milk formula, as does many other amino acids that authorities consider not essential, that can easily kill babies with Sudden Infant Death, or other things.

The other problems that a child has regarding "sensitive" stomach, is that certain babies, which is usually most of non-white babies, but some white babies included is the issue of lactose intolerance. Obviously these information from milk companies rarely discussed the issues of lactose intolerance, which is found in cow's milk formulation, where a breast fed milk is superior.

It should be noted that the acid reflux remedy is different for adults, where usually a baking soda and apple cider vinegar will usually do the trick, but in some tougher cases of adults with acid reflux, or more like bulimia or anorexia, than a possible vitamin B complex, especially the vitamin B3 and B12, but B1 and B6, B5, B7 (biotin), Choline, B8, B9 cannot be ignored. Personally I don't even ignore the B13, which is not found in B complex formulation, but are found in Brewer's Yeast.

The following is my remedy for a child's acid reflux. Assuming a child is one half weight of a small adult of 100 pounds, the remedy is then halved:

1. 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, 1/16 teaspoon potassium citrate, 1/16 sea salt in 1/4 glass of water taken twice a day.

2. Vitamin B complex that I used if 1/2 weight is 1/2 tablet of B50 (which is B1, B2, B3, B5, B8 at 25 mg since it is 1/2 the tablet), while B9, B12 is 25 mcg. This is taken once every other day.

3. Certain amino acid missing from a child in my opinion they should added whey protein in milk formula plus essential amino acid supplements, especially added should also be the "non-essentials" amino acid , carnitine, glutamine, arginine and taurine should be at least present.

It's difficult to mention the complete set of amino acid, so in case you are wondering what those are, here it is: l-arginine, l-histidine, l-lysine, l-methionine, L-phenylalanine,L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, L-Alanine, Glycine, L-Serine, L-Threonine, L-Aspartic acid, L-Glutamine, L-Glutamic acid, L-Asparagine, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Proline, L-Valine, L-Cysteine, along with the usual vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, as well as electrolytes, phosphate, potassium,' and sodium.

There are other important nutrients, such as mineral, calcium, boron, iodine, molybdenum, zinc, magnesium, selenium, manganese, chromium, vanadium, iron, copper, tungsten, silicon for example. There are also essential fatty acid, omega 3, omega 6, pyruvate, and certain sugar that might be essential, good Cholesterol, isoflavones, d-mannose, fucose, xylose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylneuraminic acid, galactose, and some others. Most manufactured infant milk formula and child's diet won't have it, and this leads to digestive problem. But for me most of the problem is alkalizing and the vitamin Bs, with possibility of amino acid imbalance. All milk formula may not have colostrum either, which impairs immunity and lead a child to have digestive problems too. It might seem a lot, and this is why milk companies feed infants with malnourished milk. They just prefer to save cost. Believe it or not, even a good quality supplements won't have half of my ill prepared partial list of important nutrients.

The above alone is still incomplete when you consider mercury tainted vaccines, monosodium glutamate vaccines injected into the babies to cause lifelong obesity that the parents have to find a cure too, for all the poisons, as well as pseudoestrogen bisphenol A found in nearly all packaged foods today that can lead to precocious puberty in girls, with hormonal imbalance in boys (estrogen is somewhat antagonistic to the testosterone).

One interesting fact is some child's pooh may stink a lot, comes from the fact that their digestion is incomplete, and adding some humic acid and fulvic acid would help appreciably in acquiring better digestion, and less gastrointestinal problems too. Its done in many livestock animal feeds but I am surprised, this is removed almost totally from human nutrition, in an effort to chlorinate water, they had to completely remove any humic and fulvic acid during water sanitation. Actually a better sanitation using hydrogen peroxide, and ozone would be better, without the need of removing the required fulvic acid and humic acid to help the intestines function normally in digestion process of children."

SIMPLEST REMEDIES
12/24/2007: K writes: "Hi Ted, I am from India. I am working in the night shift. I am suffering from severe acid reflux for the past three years. I am getting pain in my back throat often. I am using Ofloxacin tablet and a pain killer for relief. Recently i saw your website. You have mentioned that Apple Cider Vinegar is the best medicine for this Acid reflux. so please give me some more information regarding this ACV. I am suffering a lot. How long i should take?? Wat is the mixing procedure with water?? Does it have any side effects?? Plz reply me back. Regards"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "

There are three common remedies that is helpful, I can try any but it depends on which ones people prefer:

1. 2 Tablespoon of lemon juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day.

2. 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, taken twice a day.

3. 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate in 1/2 glass of water taken two times a day. This remedy was for those who worry about sodium retention. In actuality sodium retention is caused by excess chlorine, and the body attempts to alkalized by storing more alkaline sodium. The remedy for reduction is to add more baking soda, to remove the sodium chloride from the system, by displacement.

4. 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of after taken twice a day.

Some people can take three times a day in any of the above. There are other remedies for acid reflux, but those are the simplest ones."

SERIES OF REMEDIES TO TRY
12/23/2007: M from Indiana writes: "Hi I am writing after reading all the info Ted has written. Wow! I have had acid reflux/small h.hernia for several years and it progressively got to the point where my mouth was burnt, like hot soup all the time and my singing voice was damaged. I went on nexium 3 years ago and then I got prego with my 4th child and voila! the acid reflux stopped. I drank the ACV for a while during first few weeks of discovering morning sickness and thus pregnancy; b/c I did not want to take a drug I TRIED THE ACV. So I go an entire 10 months, drink coffee almost everyday and no AR. As soon as I delivered the babe, back it was. What can it be. Why? Is it alcohol that does it, is it the relaxin hormone that helped. The doc now tells me 2 nexium /day, come back and see me...I have BEEN DRINKINg BS up to 2 tsp a day no ACV. I still have burning and dry teeth but not as bad. It is Christmas and holiday diet is bad. I am generally really fit and heath conscious. Can I sip BS all day to counter burning. Diarrhea is not an issue had it once. I would not mind it. I am more apt to be constipated. When do I start ACV and does it actually cure acid reflux? Should I take lecithin and biotin. What kind of diet and for how long? God Bless You. I have prayed for a Miracle."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "

Dear Mimi: It should be noted that the baking soda is a very simple remedy anyone can obtain however if more effective remedy is needed, there is a couple of others.

'

I actually have several remedy but it is beyond my ability to write everything down but will focus on the simplest here. In event of a severe acid reflux, and diarrhea is not a problem a baking soda can be taken more than twice a day, and could be up to 4 times a day need to contain the problem.

However, the key issue seems to be to get the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract to be more alkaline. An unknown organism seems to grow in acid environment. Therefore, another there are couple more effective remedy (ranked) by order of effectiveness that is better than the baking soda remedy.

1. 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (or a better sodium citrate - if you can get it), plus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate in 1/2 glass of water taken at least twice a day. It is the potassium that can effectively raise the salivary pH, more so than sodium, but a sodium is critical to normal functioning and must always be used. If potassium is used only, it will cause extrem weakness and excessive sweating, and hence the sodium must be at least twice more than the potassium.

2. In certain persistent lactic acidosis in many cases that may be causing the problem is the need for vitamin B1 thiamine daily 100 or 200 mg a day plus twice weekly vitamin B50 dose is taken. The thiamine, I have found to be helpful in pH control by controlling the blood sugar, and hence reduces the lactic acidosis. It is important to avoid any aspartame and artificial sweetener since it has caused me to almost become contagiously acid reflux plus a high lactic acidosis. Apparently by some unknown mechanism, the aspartame is an excitatory chemical which causes certain glanular and cell death, or nerves which controls the body's delicate pH and immune system, as well as blood sugar levels. MSG especially added in prepared foods can be troublesome too, but what really got me sick was the aspartame.

3. Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (or better sodium citrate) and 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate in 1/2 glass of water is used, usually taken at least twice a day, but preferably three times a day, if need be. The apple cider vinegar when reacted with this has an anti-inflammatory properties.

4. A similar lemon juice 2 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (or preferably sodium citrate) plus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate in 1/2 glass of water water where frequency of dose is same as the apple cider vinegar. In both conditions, where apple cider or lemon is used it is the citrate that is most effective in controlling the pH or alkalinity, but it is the added potassium that can raise the alkalinity of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract most effectively, but sodium is most critical in a basic preparation of the remedy.

5. Certain mineral supplements such as sodium molybdate (molybdenum), 50 mg for example are necessary for effective pH control which does not require to take it everyday but needed just to prevent a deficiency which in certain cases of acid reflux were helped too. This is taken at least twice a week, for example, in case its not working as well as expected.

6. As to the biotin and lecithin this helps reduce blood sugar that is responsible for the acidity. Although a biotin dose in my experience require larger dose, usually 8 mg/day and a lecithin can always be taken along with the meals. It is important still to avoid fructose, aspartame, and vegetable oils (except coconut oil because it is is so poorly absorbed, which makes it a much safer alternative). A vegetable oil can easily get absorbed by the bloodstream due to its lack of viscosity and low melting temperature and boiling temperature, while coconut oil is a lot better because it is poorly absorbed and acts as a lubricant preventing constipation. But it should be noted that constipation is also a sign of acidosis, or worse metabolic acidosis, which a vitamin B1, lecithin, and perhaps small piece of unsweetened chocolate made from a cocoa, taken only once a week. A small piece here is taken to mean about one teaspoon of 100% cocoa or chocolate bar. Apparently the flavonoids component I have found to help reduce lactic acidosis quite well.

In case the lactic acidosis were initiated by the body's problematic ability to control both sugar, and the fact that it becomes very acid very quickly, then this condition can be controlled furhtermore (besides just cocoa, B1, molybdenum) with sodium vanadate 50 mg/day (taken at least maybe 50 mg/day), plus some sodium tungstate at 100 mg/day, and perhaps 4000 mg of taurine. The reason why these new information is not mentioned is the diffulty of obtaining them.

7. Also magnesium citrate is still as important as potassium too as it controls the saliva pH, if you can take it, the magnesium citrate dose is about 250-500 mg per day.

It's difficult to cover every aspect of acid reflux, but these are the main factors I consider that is helpful. A possible tip as an extra boost, if the above is not working as well is just for me to take sometimes, one tablespoon of colloidal silver, if things don't turn out the way it should.

The reason why I avoided giving all of these remedy is it becomes a kitchen sink remedy and people get confused. Hence, just add potassium to the remedy and if it doesn't work, a more powerful remedy is added later. The next in line of course is the B1 thiamine plus B50 and the lecithin and biotin."

I think it is important for people to know H2O2 isn't a magic bullet against every microbe. What are your thoughts about this article?"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Dear Claudia: The ACV and baking soda does not interfere with antibiotics. It generally is considered as food and it is actually used in cooking. In practice, it is the milk that interferes with antibiotic absorption. To prevent any problems the ACV and baking soda should be taken apart from other medications by at least 30 minutes, allowing the body to absorbed all the ACV and baking soda before taking any other medications. For sinus problem, not virus, I find taking 1000 mg of sodium ascorbate three times a day for at least a week helps with sinus problems."

INFANT TREATMENT
12/10/2007: T from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida writes: "Ted- my 1 yr old is on 2ml Zantac in Am and 1 15mg Prevacid at night. If he misses a does he suffers with throwing up in mouth all day, irritable and upset stomach with loose stool if his acid level is high. Will this work for him? Is it safe in a 1 yr old? Thank you"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "

Apple cider vinegar and baking soda is considered a food, hence, the remedy is given on basis of per weight dose. If an adult of 100 pounds, and a child is 1/4 that weight the remedy is 1/4 of everything. Therefore a 2 tablespoon becomes 2/4 = 1/2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and the 1/2 teaspoon becomes 1/2/4 = 1/8 teaspoon. I prefer the 1/2 teaspoon basis than the 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda as a beginning value, as experience has taught me the baking soda portion needs a bit more than usual whenever acid reflux is indicated. The water is then mixed in about 1/2/2 = 1/8 glass of water. It should be noted that person on acid reflux will be very sensitive to anything acid, hence foods should generally be somehow neutralize with the acid with a pinch of baking soda (about 1/16 teaspoon) when eating so that the digestive system won't be too acid to cause further acid reflux."

QUESTION ABOUT EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATION OF GASES
11/30/2007: Stefan from Canberra, Australia writes: "Hi Ted, I have been using a teaspoon of acv and a teaspoon of liquid honey twice a day to address the issue of my reflux. My heartburn has disappeared, however, I still get excessive concentration of gases in my stomach, especially, when my stomach is empty. Should I increase the dosage of acv/honey? I also noticed that my appetite is not the best. Also, my stomach gets upset with some food like tomatoes. Is there anything else I should avoid eating? Thank you very much.Stefan"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The problem is that apple cider vinegar gets rid of usually mild cases of apple cider vinegar, but the body does not have sufficient bicarbonates to further neutralize the acid in the long run and hence the gases.

In most major cases acid reflux adding the baking soda would have helped a lot and get rid of the gases a lot better in the long run.

The remedy is either 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus at least 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, usually twice a day. The best way to increase this dosage is to go from twice a day to four times a day so the body will have a stable amount of alkalinity throughout the time necessary to kill the remaining acid reflux. Once they microbes are all dead, the gases generally disappeared.

It should be noted that the reason why the baking soda was added is I found many people who are not cured by the acid reflux, simply didn't have sufficient alkalinity from the bicarbonates, and once this was added, the number of complaints on acid reflux stopped.

As to the issue of honey, add a small amount just sufficient to neutralize the bad tastes of the apple cider vinegar. In rare cases acid reflux were not stopped by adding honey, but added fuel to the acid reflux. In case gases need to be reduce, I would at least consider not adding the honey, at least for now, until the problems goes away.

I am assuming of course that you are not eating too much beans and peanuts and sometimes certain flour product as it tends to create a lot of gases."

QUESTION ABOUT GERD
11/20/2007: Yadira from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Hi! I just came back from seeing a specialist regarding my GERD. I am so depressed because I tried ACV for Three weeks without my meds and I had pain that lasted hours, above my stomach, a couple days ago. I was prescribed Protonix for GERD. It dosen't really work. I bought an internal cleanser because I was told my liver enzymes are elevated. Will this work? What should I do? Please Help!!!"

Joyce from Joelton, TN replies: "To Jacques from Brighton, England (11/21/07) and Yadira from Los Angeles (ll/21/07 Try eliminating all bleached flour from your diet and see if your stomach/Gastrointestinal problems go away. I had the same problems until I stumbled onto the fact that bleached flour was the major culprit instead of the sausage and other spicy foods that I had been blaming them on. You may find (as I do) that your stomach will not tolerate citrus juice or tomato juice from a metal can. I have no problem with the same juices fresh, frozen, or in glass jars. Hope this works for you but eliminating it takes some diligence."

BURNING IN THROAT, QUESTION ABOUT REMEDIES
10/01/2007: Normy from Northridge, CA writes: "All your comments and sugestions give so much hope for a natural healing. I have burning sensation in my chest and troat I want to start with the baking soda and AVV treatment, what is the best way to start baking soda first or the combination.Your answer will be greatly appreciated. God Bless you"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "The most gentlest way possible is 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in at least 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day. For about a week or two before going to the apple cider vinegar and baking soda remedy.

A stronger one will work better and most people seem to prefer the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day, once in the morning and the evening.

A small amount of milk of magnesia WITHOUT aluminum added (1/8 teaspoon added to 1 glass of water) might kill certain organism that is causing the hiatal hernia. A magnesium citrate 250 mg taken as supplements is helpful as it will stabilize the blood serum reducing the excess calcium reducing the body's microbial buildup, and hence raises the body's immune system, indirectly this way too.

The key to everything is to get the urinary pH and the saliva pH to 7, as this will discourage microbial buildup.

A baking soda added can be used as a mouthwash to reduce (can be done with 5 cc sips 10 minutes apart only a couple of time) to reduce some throat pain too. The moutwashing/small sipping remedy for throat pain is about 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. Some potassium citrate (or potassium bicarbonate), such as 1/8 tablespoon added to help preserve some natural sodium/potassium ratio also."

QUESTION
09/25/2007: Frank writes: "Hi, about 2 years ago i had a baby and stated noticing weird tight felings in my throat -nothing too serious- it pregressed so i wwnt to the doc and complained they gave me antibiotics for sore throat( stupid me for taking them) it never helped and progressed to nights when i have to sit up for 8 hrs sometimes because of indegstion feeling or acid feeling( no heartburn though) i also have a white tongue i went to ent which looked at my throat and said it was probably gerd and gave me drugs (apo omeprazole) it helped with all the symptoms (besides maybe 2 days out of the month i felt normal) i stopped taking it after 1 month of use and the symptoms are coming back i dont want to have to take this drug for the rest of my life please tell me what can help i also bought fivelac which i will start using tomorrow I TRIED ACV one time and it burnt my throat ( isnt that counter prodcutive??) PLEASE REPLY ASAP IF POSSIBLE thank YOU."

"Fran: Apple cider vinegar for GERD will cause throat burning. A safer remedy appears to be 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, allow the mixture to react for about 2-3 minutes or more. Then the pH here (after stirring) should be closer to the body and this should not cause the burning. Ideally it is taken 30 minutes or more before meals during morning, and once in the late afternoon (3-4 p.m.) and another one before sleeping. At least this is taken twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime, if the work schedules are rather busy during the day hours.

If that is still causing burning, then a more alkaline remedy of 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, well reacted (stirring for 2 minutes) may be better and cause less burning effect. Actually no burning effect should be experienced.

Antibiotics and most meds don't work because they are 90% of them, acid forming, especially the antibiotics, which can create GERD as being a common occurence, at least for me."

Finally, How much N acetyl would he take and for how long? He's 128 pounds,tall and thin."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "If a child gags from drinking a baking soda solution it might be from the water, or usually from the bad taste of baking soda. Hence, there are two' ways out of this. Some drug store sells "sodamint" 300 mg, without a prescription. WHich is nothing more than baking soda with trace amounts of peppermint oil. A couple of those are often taken such as 3-4 tablets. This is the most convenient way and I myself take those if I should have problems in other forms. If sodamint are not obtainable, perhaps 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid in 1/4 glass of water. Another possibilities is 1 tablespoon of lemon juice plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/4 glass of water. Children seems to like the fizz and it helps.

A baking soda can be added into the capsule and this works generally well too but plenty of water is taken is preferred. It is best to take it 30 minutes or more before meals. Apparently the intestines needs a strong alkalinity needed to neutralize whathever digested acid food from the stomach to protect the intestines from it being digested itself. It is taken twice a day, once in the morning and once before sleep. Although before sleep, it is obvious it is taken over one hour or much more after meals. Capsule size varies. So assuming a child is half the weight as above I am assuming than whatever it takes to get baking soda to fit where the dose is seen at only 1/8 teaspoon. If it required to capsules to fit that amount than 2, but if one capsule can easily fit in 1/8 teaspoon, than 1 would be
sufficient.

re N acetyl: 250-500 mg per day. It takes about 1-2 weeks on the average"

18 YEAR OLD SEVERE DIGESTION ISSUES
09/18/2007: Laurie writes: "Please advise us on your expertise: My 18 year old son has problems with digestion. During and after meals he says he create alot of mucous and phelgm. Most of the time he has continous burping and nausea. He has good days and bad days. Two episodes of this problem lead to extreme nausea and burping and his skin clamy with fast heartbeat. He then vomits and has had an asthma attack. This usually has happened within 2 to 3 hours. We are told he has GERD and IBS-c because of his history of constipation. We are also to he has a weak LES muscle to the stomach. I took him off all acid medication because he was still having no relief. I currently have him on fiber tablets at nite which has helped and a vitamin B complex. sea kelp tablets and some magnesium citrate tablets. Why does the burping continue? and sometimes nausea? Why mucous in the throat only when he eats??? Year after year doctors tell us nothing or prescribed drug after drug..What are your thoughts????? Thank You!"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Laurie: Why does the burping continue? and sometimes nausea? Whenever a burping continue, its is my experience that it happens a lot due to a bacterium in the stomach when the stomach digests slowly leading to both fermentation (and hence the extreme burp) and constipation. A feeling of nausea can occur just before vomiting as the body desperately tries to get rid of acid overload, by getting rid of acidity in the stomach necessary to alkalized the body in a most desperate attempt to normalize the pH as the body might be acid.

I would probably measure the urinary pH. If the urinary pH is below 6.5, an a saliva in similar region, (the litmus paper tend to make it look more alkaline, but it is off, so a cheap electronic pocket pH meter is better) may sho the body is an acidosis condition. A rare case of alkalosis is possible and low blood pressure might lead to the same thing, but without the constipation due to lack of chlorides. But in this condition it seems the body needs to be more alkalized necessary to discourage bacterial growth and help faster digestion. Faster digestion occurs whenever the intestines have sufficient bicarbonates necessary to neutralize the acidic digested food fromthe stomach, without which the stomach will not pass it to the intestines because it will cause damage to the problem. Hence, at the very least 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water twice a day. Plus drinking some 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt mixed in 1 liter of drinking water should help. The reason is whenever a person have an electrolytic imbalance, often the body lacks certain salts, where sea salt usually have an a rich minerals salts which usually will take care of most of the weaknesses relating. It takes at least from own experience, about 3-4 weeks to stabilize the condition from bicarbonates. A more effective form, which I have not much chance to test is the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid which makes for a more compact form of alkaline buffers which may reduce the condition.

The foods that are sour will often creates such burping, if the person happens to like sour foods and fruit juices. Hence fruit juices and sour food I would avoid altogether.Why mucous in the throat only when he eats???

A mucous is created from the irritants caused by linings of stomach being damaged from slow stomach digestion creating fermentation, irritating the esophagus, causing the body to react to the irritants developing a mucous. It might also mean the body's detoxification is limited (due to liver congestion) which N Acetyl Cysteine, would liquify the mucus reducing such mucous also by detoxification of the liver. I have seen this to occur in some cases of paracetamol uses which damages and toxify the liver,leading to mucous condition as the body tries to expelthe toxins.

A vomiting may occur if the acid buildup is too great, and hence I think baking soda is needed, but for me it needs great patience of supplying the body with much needed alkalinity. Mind you baking soda is not the best of the remedy but most people are limited by their choices, if I were able to get a good more effective remedy, in case you are wondering, it would have to be the following:

Sodium citrate 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium citrate in 1/2 glass of water 2 times a day, once in the morning and bedtime.The second best might be sodium bicarbonate 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate in 1/2 glass of water 2 times a day, once in the morning and and bedtime.

In both condition a liter of 1/4 teaspoon sea salt drinking water is still needed. The recovery from the ideal remedy above should reduce the time at least by 1/2 as citrates are a more faster form. Whenever acidosis exists, I have found there are three possibilities

1. Extracellular and Intracellular is acidic (most common)

2. Extracellular is acidic only

3. Intracellular is acidic only

That's just for the condition of acidosis. On the flip side an alkalosis ones have the same pattern where extracellular and intracellur is alkaline, and vice versa, unfortunately an alkalosis cannot lead to constipation or constant burping, but it does cause a weak heart from low levels of salts, causing the body to retain way too much bicarbonates causing alkalosis, and a sea salt remedy and sometimes iodine would resolved that problem. However in an acidosis, both the sodium and the potassium and preferably magnesium is considered so that the alkalinity can be accomplished at pretty muchthe same time and hence faster in normalizing the body's condition.

One other thing is vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Vitamin D, and essential oils may help normalize the liver function, but those are taken twice a week might reduce some mucus, especially the vitamin A. In certain instances, lack of antioxidants may lead to excess mucus but the issue of alkalinity and liver detoxification (from N Acetyl Cysteine) I would deal it first"

I read about your ACV/baking soda formula but I am not sure what shall I do. And if you advice me to take baking soda which brand I should buy. I really appreciate your help and I really need a help."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "An apple cider vinegar and honey would work for people with mild conditions, not long term sufferers. The bacteria or microbes tend to thrive in acidosis, and getting the body alkalized is more of the key to long term recovery. Hence for longer term, I would likely to be more conservative and use just pure baking soda first before anything else and take sufficient amount of baking soda to get urinary pH to about near 7.0. Usually most people can get that level with just 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day on an empty stomach. If those are done for at least two weeks, but preferably one month's period, I might consider doing 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day.

The microbes apparently which bought on the hiatal hernia is what is eating up the system. I suspect adding certain supplements can also resolve the problems too, such as some zinc and magnesium supplements, as 50 mg of zinc gluconate, at least once a week, magnesium citrate 250 mg/day for 5 days out a week, could also discourage their growth.

While baking soda will generally stabilize or reduce blood pressure, some very few might have problems from such use, in any event a more precise remedy appears to be 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium citrate in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day. Of course, potassium are generally harder to find and the remedies must always add the sodium to maintain the critical sodium:potassium ratio the body requires. It doesn't need much potassium since the the extracellular fluids doesn't require large amounts anyway.

As to why GERD is reduced due to eating junk food, is that the stomach does not require digestive acid fluids to digest the chocolate and cola, but goes quickly to the intestines. Most foods would require the stomach acid, which if the stomach does not have sufficient bicarbonates to neutralize in the intestines, the stomach has to wait much longer, or digestion slows, and as a result, causes acid reflux due to fermentation of the stomach. It is this reason why a baking soda or apple cider vinegar and baking soda helps in adding the needed bicarbonates so that the intestines would have the sufficient amount necessary to neutralize the acid digested food. Certainly stress is one of them, but you forget bicarbonates in the body increases by appreciable amounts even BY NOT TAKING any supplements, including the baking soda or apple cider vinegar. This can happen, and it's might be stress, but I found that GERD can reduce if just deep breathing is practice for at least 30 minutes a day two times a day. It would seem based on reading your "bad diets" seems to be that shallow breathing might be the real cause here. It is easily proven to yourself to see whether in fact deep breathing can increase the urinary pH by just deep breathing and then measuring its increases. i have seen this happen quite often that GERD sufferers are shallow breathers, but to be sure I have to see them mention "stress" as a factor. Getting to sleep early and waking up early is another way to reduce GERD without the baking soda, but there's no avoiding them. The reason is simple: people work in their business and this is why baking soda helps, but in general it must be realized that if people have stress, they suddenly breathe shallow, and THIS MAKES IT WORSE. Therefore, whenever stress IS ENCOUNTERED, one easy way to increase alkalinity and hence reduce stress is to practice deep breathing to the lower part of the lungs using the stomach as a way of pushing the air in and out. This way GERD would be reduced enormously much like you noticing reduce GERD during your vacation, despite all the bad eating habits."

TED'S REMEDIES
09/09/2007: L writes: "Dear Ted, I've been following your Acid Reflux/Gerd treatment suggestion of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water twice a day for 3 weeks, along with probiotic blend Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum 1 billion CFU per day. My acid reflux was greatly reduced (almost gone completely) but my blood pressure, which has always been good, is now very high 148/97. 3 days ago I started adding 2 tablespoons of Bragg ACV to the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 glass of water twice a day, in hopes of reducing my blood pressure. I also tested my pH and it was alkaline, 7.6 first thing in the morning and 8.0 two hours after eating. My acid reflux is worse since adding the ACV. I have not had a chance to test my blood pressure yet. My question is, am I doing the right things and what do I do for the acid reflux on the 2 days of rest? I'm afraid that 2 days off of the baking soda will be misery.Thank you for any advice you can give me."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Liz: Apparently the body is still quite acid, which is whyadding ACV did not help in that particular instances.Some people usually have sufficient alkalinity tobegin with ACV after two weeks generally speaking, buteveryone's biochemisty is different so in this casethe body is still lacking in a complete alkalineelectrolytic balance or insufficient stores, maybebecause of the diet or that gall bladder was removed.In which case a more suitable formula for me in thatcase would be:

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon ofpotassium citrate (or potassium bicarbonate plus 1/8teaspoon of magnesium citrate in 1/2 glass of water.It also helps to supplement with only 500 mg of sodiumascorbate dissolve in 1/2 glass of water at the veryleast once a day. In some cases the lack of vitamin Ccan bring on high blood pressure and vitamin C helpsincrease nitric oxide production, which by the waylowers the blood pressure.

I don't usually mention this formula often, while itis superior to the home remedy, it IS quite difficultto find, namely the magnesium citrate and potassiumbicarbonate or potassium citrate.

Another one that might be worth the try and might havea less negative reaction also to blood pressure is the1/2 teaspoon of lime plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda,and if possible, 1/8 teaspoon of potassiumbicarbonate.

While alkalinity in general will lower the bloodpressure, potassium in their alkaline form are moreeffective, but should be used judiciously andcarefully, and I always added along with the sodium.The body needs a careful sodium: potassium ratio, andpotassium deficiency don't often occur, but they do insome cases and if the blood pressure are stilldemonstrably higher, the potassium must be added aswell as dietary restriction.

The cause of eating acid forming food, is not going tohelp and controlling diets, and especially sugar,sweets of all kinds, white bread, common table salt,oily and fatty foods they block the brains's signalsto control blood pressure. Switch to the use of seasalt INSTEAD of common table salt. A good sea saltshould have a pH of 7.5 or above.

A more effective remedy to lower blood pressure is forme to try to avoid cheese, french fries, fried foodssnacks, and especially avoid dinner if I can whilesticking only to light salads with tuna. Fish proteinand vegetables are more ideally suited in general.

As a footnote, paper litmus paper to check pH tends to read the body to be more alkaline than it really is.If checked with an electronic pH meter, as often thecase the actually readings is often 0.5 pH lower sothe actual reading may infact be more acid. To besure, I would rather use a cheap electronic pH meters.To make sure the electrolytes are well balance, the pHfor both urine and saliva should both be 7.0 pH to7.6, with a mean of 7.3 should sufficient. However, Iam not a prefectionist, 7.0 pH in general is what Itry to strive for and will usually be happy, providedthat the devices I am measuring is of course anelectronic pH meter with its accuracy to +/- 0.1 pHresolution. A pH paper is often off by +/- 0.5 pH,which is significant enough to get a wrong readings.

It is most important to avoid sugar and oily foodespecially after 3.00 p.m. until you go to bed, sugarand oily fatty foods are the most problematic in high blood pressure. If in all instances there's still aproblem I also drink some green tea, no sugar, nomilk, in the afternoon hours. The green tea reducesblood pressure by helping me reduce or excrete fattycomponents more efficiently."

STOMACH ACIDITY AFTER DRINKING BLACK COFFEE
09/05/2007: GS from India writes: "Hi Ted, Last week I took some black coffee. This caused me acidity in my stomach. My eyes are burning. I feel very thirsty and drink lot of water. This makes to urinate frequently. Please advise which food or drink should I take to neautralise the acidity. Thanks "

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The coffee is often high in uric acid, but especially noteworthy is the Ochratoxin A, found in coffee. But they are also found in cereals, grapes, wine, beer, and cocoa just the same.

The mycotoxin are high in green coffee or that the coffee beans were not properly roasted. The two fungi that produces this ochratoxin A are the Penicillium and Aspergillus. The ochratoxin causes kidney damage.

The only one that seems to neutralize this ochratoxin appears to be acetic acid, or vinegar, as well as vitamin E 2000 i.u. The remedy that might be useful is 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. I might take it more, if that is found useful.

I have had some mycotoxins poisoning in the past one one that might help me were vinegar, molybdenum, vitamin B complex and magnesium chloride.

Magnesium chloride seemed to work well generally speaking especially in one case of a woman who had some mycotoxin contaminants found in the antibiotics (from similar penicillin antibiotics) sold in drug store, which resulted in bloody vomiting and it would seem 250 mg of magnesium chloride mixed in 1/2 glass of water to be extremely helpful. If a magnesium chloride was not obtainable sometimes I might consider just 1/2 teaspoon of milk of magnesia mixed in one full glass of water to neutralize the problem.

Of course current literature has no information for antidote for coffee toxins found, but nevertheless, I usually resort to apple cider vinegar, vinegar and baking soda and especially magnesium chloride to help me in the past on many ocassion. Hospitals usually use saline I.V. as one way, however, in a home remedy, the detoxification can be done in similar instances by 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in 1 full glass or 2 full glass of water to be drank which are helpful when detoxification issues are needed."

I read once about the enteric nervous system and how we have 90% of our serotonin receptors in the digestive system, so by cutting down on Paxil can cause an increase of acid reflux and stomach problems/ nervouseness etc. Today I took Vit B Complex 100's capsule and a vegan digestive enzyme tablet with my meal and my drugs in the morning (Seroxat 3mg and Losec 20mg) I read alesewhere that Calcium Citrate tightens the LES - surely this is all I need - to tighten the LES?? Please advise me, I will be forever grateful if I could be cured, I am grateful that you have listened and read my letter. And slightly jealous that others are getting some success with their GERD but I am back to square one as they say, f course I am pleased of others success as well. You can use my letter if you want on the site, Thanks again Ted, Gerald, London and Beijing."

Ted from Bangkok replies: "With 110 kilo weight the body is quite acid, especially the sugar which fuels the acid reflux. Therefore, a better remedy appears that the body needs twice the bicarbonate based on the person's weight of 100 kilo. In which case the remedy appears to be closer to using a lime and baking soda remedy since it uses more bicarbonate. In which case 2 tablespoons of lime juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, in 1/2 glass of water, perhaps taken 3 times a day on an empty stomach. The reason why it's not working however appears that the body's magnesium level is already low and I would likely take (assuming I weigh 110 kilogram) at 500 mg of magnesium citrate taken 5 days out of a week, plus the lime and baking soda three times a day and a vitamin B complex taken twice a week, where 100 mg of B1, B2, B3, B5, B8 while B12 is 100 mg).

The body seems to have a low tolerance for anything acid, if it does not respond to the usual remedies, I would likely try in addition to magnesium citrate plus b complex as mentioned, the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate in 1/2 glass of water taken two times a day would likely to help me. In addition 1/2 teaspoon of magnesium hydroxide mixed would further help kill the organism yet to be identified RESPONSIBLE for the acid reflux.

Sugar and high fats, high oily food diets should be completely avoided during the treatment period so that the body can be cured of acid reflux."

11/27/2008: Van from Levelland, Tx, USA replies: "the best thing for your gerd is yogurt. it will work for you. it worked for me. yogurt is inexpensive and tastes good too. "

ACID REFLUX AND MUCOUS ISSUES
08/03/2007: Sandy from Round Hill, VA writes: "Hi to all, I am 55 and began having acid reflux about 20 years ago. I have always been able to manage it several barrium swallows. Here is my problem it is going to sound gross Iam having a huge amount of mucous it is really bad I went to my doctor because my Gerds is out of control to the point I am taking way to much stuff to try to get relief. My doctor said it could be sinus congestion causing my Gerds to be so bad. Anyone know anything about this. I have used the vinegar with some success. However I would suggest getting organic vinegar like braggs made from whole organic apple's easier on the stomach. my question is has anyone experienced this problem it is really scaring me I cannot take decongestants I have high blood pressure. Last comments I have alot of stress and anxiety going on to I am having 2 surgeries in the next 8 months one is cervical disc replacements 4 disc and the other is both knees being replaced at the same time. So I am trying to narrow down what could flare up my acid reflux to the point I am afraid to try eat anything. My doctor prescribed antibiotic's not any better.I will tell everyone last night I tried a fugi apple and it went away. but not the mucous HELP!!!!"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Dear Sandy:

Most of the mucus should liquefy with the taking of supplements such as N Acetyl Cysteine. I would usually take 500 mg/day for a couple of days. However, most people do take lower dose anywhere from 100 to 200 mg/day to reduce mucus also.

Part of the reason why excess mucus forms is due to liver toxicity such as excess use of acetaminophen, and other drugs, as well as excess dietary fats and use of vegetable oils which clogs the detoxification of the liver and one tablespoon of granulated lecithin once a day should help clear some of that.

Some amino acid supplements I found also clear the body mucus by removing congested liver problems as the amino acid supplements help the liver detoxify them. Mucus is also reduce somewhat if 500 - 3000 mg/day of vitamin C sodium ascorbate is taken by removing some congested liver and the antioxidants of the vitamin C is somewhat antifungal in nature, but it takes about a week for the vitamin C to take effect. Sometimes taking some selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E is also helpful as it restores liver function.

As to the acid reflux, either acv 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day or just 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day would help. There are better remedies than this one, by adding some potassium bicarbonate 1/8 teaspoon, or potassium citrate 1/8 teaspoon also, however, potassium is generally hard to find. It takes about two to three weeks to control the acid reflux if done right."

MERCURY FILLING REMOVAL CAUSED PROBLEMS
08/03/2007: G writes: "Hi Ted, I am 37 yrs old and had my amalgam fillings removed over a year ago and have developed the following problems: 2 Thyroid nodules, Gerd with hernia and stricture, headaches esp around my ears, throat and neck from throbbing like glandular. I also have the herpes virus and breakout 1-2 times per month. I know I am not alkaline because my urine is never more than 6.0. I have been oil pulling for about 3 days and after reading the other feedbacks, think I might need something else."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Gina: Most of the problem of Gerd is that the body needs to get its pH to near 7.0, with certain alkalizing drinks. The most effective ones, whenever the pH is fairly stubborn is the lime and baking soda remedy, which is one whole lime (8 teaspoon) plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken about two times a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. I frequently monitor my urinary pH, and may increase the dose if it is not up to the pH of at least 7.0. This is most important for the body to raise its immunity, and GERD. Whenever liver is a problem such as a herpes, I prefer not to use oil pulling and prefer to take fat emulsifier to reduce the body's excess congestion of oils by emulsifying effects of the granulated lecithin one tablespoon taken at least once a day. This will reduce the liver's congestion allowing the body to better detoxify itself.

headaches esp around my ears, throat and neck from throbbing like glandular.

I have problems of those and found that vitamin C sodium ascorbate (or rose hips) 1000 mg taken three times a day helped and usually goes away the next day.

I also have the herpes virus and breakout 1-2 times per month.

I would try to take zinc gluconate 50 mg taken weekly and the herpes virus episode should reduce, especially if baking soda and lime remedy were also used.

amalgym (sp) fillings removed over a year ago and

A history of amalgam mercury cause the liver to be damaged, and the remedy I used is 1000 mg of N Acetyl Cysteine. It protects the liver by detoxification, but most importantly N Acetyl Cysteine chelates or remove the body of mercury. Thus protecting the liver by reduction of heavy metal exposure.

Certain conditions of headaches, should also be helped with magnesium gluconate or magnesium citrate with 250 mg taken 5 days out of a week. The magnesium is also protective against the amalgam toxicity residue that still remains and this condition should also reduce. "

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Gina: Generally alkalizing with either a baking soda alone at 1/4 teaspoon in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day or the use of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus one whole lime (about 8 teaspoon) in 1/2 glass of water should remove the excess serum calcium usually responsible for the cysts an some headaches. The pH of the urine should easily get at least above pH of 6 quite easily if the baking soda and lime is used.

Herpes viruses are generally difficult to kill but they have certain weaknesses against zinc, magnesium and clove oil. The zinc gluconate usual dose is about 50 mg, but those are hardly taken everyday, and is taken whenever there is viruses, so in generally the remedy is quite often less frequent than what the bottles that sell the supplements indicate, and can range anywhere to taken twice a week or three times a week at the most for zinc gluconate.

Magnesium citrate for me helps in alkalizing and also it has some antibacterial properties, but those I generally take about 250 mg/day for only 5 days out of a week.

Clove or cinnamon are quite often taken like a toothpick candies where they are dipped in those oils and taken when I was a kid back in High School. Those do have antiviral properties and generally helped me regain the loss of energy.

Liver is generally the cause of a lot sicknesses due to the congestion as liver have difficulty removing or detoxifying certain substances. There are several ways that can be done, at least for me, such as 3-6 drops of 3% H2O2 with some 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water. Of course if the baking soda and lemon were already taken, then i won't need to add the baking soda again. The other I think is important which is the granulated lecithin, one tablespoon a day. Removing liver congestion is generally helped with lecithin, hydrogen peroxide drops, baking soda, and clove oil. I think it is the frequency of dose that is helpful the most whenever the energy level goes low, I might take the clove oil toothpicks or the hydrogen peroxide again. Whichever it is done, I believe alkalizing the urine pH to reach 7 as being most important since viruses don't survive well whenever urine pH reaches 7."

SIDE EFFECTS OF ACV AND BAKING SODA
07/18/2007: Teresa writes: "Hello. I was thinking about beginning the ACV with baking Soda, but I am scared to come off the Nexium, because I am finally feeling relief from the pain in my throat and the acid reflux. I am more afraid, however, of the long term effects and calcium depletion as a result of being on this drug. I am also concerned about the sodium. I am on high blood pressure medication as well. I am only 48 and have had hypertension since I gave birth to my children. Can you please tell me about the sodium issue, and tell me the exact recipe, and for how long and how many times a day am I to follow it? Thank you, and God be with you."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "It is the vitamin D and boron supplements which prevent calcium depletion. Taking calcium supplements directly is not helpful as they are often in the form of calcium carbonates and other things. Therefore, I tend to take plenty of vitamin D usually the amount needed is 10,000 to 20,000 i.u. of D3 taken for a month or two. Those can raise the blood serum calcium levels. Boron supplements often are added usually in the form of sodium tetraborate, or just a 1/16 teaspoon of borax taken weekly can help, or just I would just buy 25-50 mg of boron supplements, albeit less effective somewhat due to all the fillers like adding some waxy magnesium stearate and thus reducing the bioavailability of the boron.

I am on high blood pressure medication as well. I am only 48 and have had hypertension since I gave birth to my children.

Sodium retention is often confused with water retention and it is not a problem of baking soda, my experience is the body is acid (urine pH is always below 6, where it should have been around 7 being the bare minimum) which resulted sodium retention as the bodies tries to retain alkali metals (sodium, potassium, etc) to neutralize the excess acidity. I am not pro sodium,

I believe that a specific ratio of sodium:potassium is needed which is equal to the body's serum's sodium potassium ratio, is more ideal. Baking soda will often lead to a laxative, reducing the body's water retention via the intestines rather than the kidneys. The body retains more alkaline sodium AND water, whenever the body is regularly constipated. A generally optimum healthy person should have bowel movements equal to the number of meals he eats, which is technically 3 times a day. However, in practice most people have bowel movement about 2 times a day. If bowel movement is less than 3 or at least 2, then it spells problem for water retention, as being the most likely cause. The body can remove sodium rather well if the body acidity is reduced with baking soda.

Also the remedy of 8 teaspoon of lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda dealt with the critical sodium:potassium ratio the body deals with already. Therefore, the body should have neither too much sodium or too little potassium.

The most common deficiencies I have encountered with a woman who has given childbirths, are: vitamin D deficiency, magnesium deficiency, and acidosis. The other that I have seen, close to those, were vitamin B complex, vitamin C, manganese and molybdenum. Those three just mentioned often leads to hair loss and acid reflux, after bearing children."

5 YEAR OLD WITH TONGUE PAIN, POSSIBLE GERD
07/14/2007: M writes: "I didn't know how to post a question and hope this is okay. My 5 year-old has suffered from rear, bilateral tongue pain for over a year now. We've seen a handful of specialists who all agree he hurts but they can't say why. Recommendations were to give him Advil as needed. He belches a lot and although I've never smelled that reflux smell on his breath I suspect he has something similar to GERD. My husband has Barrett's Esophagus and my eldest son was diagnosed with GERD in his infancy. Is it possible that my little one feels a "minty" (tingling sensation) in his tongue that soon turns to tear-provoking pain, due to a reflux issue? We are willing to try the ACV, as I know it can't hurt him. What would be recommended for a 48 pound child? How soon could we expect results? Thank you so much for taking the time to get back to us!! Sincerely, M."

Ted from Bangkok replies: "A 48 pound child would take about half the dose of the ACV and baking soda as being a safer remedy. The dose is 1 tablespoon ACV and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/4 glass of water, taken twice a day.

The remedy would be similarly results if the remedy is 4 teaspoon of lime juice plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/4 glass of water for a child whose weight is 1/2 of a small adult dose.

In my experience the most effective alkalizing remedy is the lime (lemon) and bicarbonate remedy. While the acv allows the body to have more energy"

COLITIS AND GERD
06/26/2007: Anonymous from NYC writes: "This site is the reason that today I can go out without too much pain! Thanks Ted! Your advice is the most helpful I've seen on Acid Reflux & other digestive ailments. It had all started last year with some sharp-stabbing pains that lead to a small inflammation on my left side of colon (colitis) which was my first ailment. A naturalist prescribed me Turmeric, Black walnut, Papaya Enzymes, Multi Enzymes & Acidophilus, the latter, which helped me with the bloating & pain & slightly improved my digestion which was terrible at that point. This year however, I ended up having GERD as the doctors said after I had strong attacks that lead me to the ER several times, I had a tight chest, chest pains (mostly on the left but would spread to the right) & I had shortness of breath. Anyhow despite the blood work, x-rays, EKG, cat-scan which came out fine & the purple pill the doctors gave me, there was no improvement or clarification as to why I was still in so much muscle pain. When they lower my purple pill to 20MG (stupid docs), my GERD was the point where I couldn't even eat from a delicate esophagus & had to rely on vegetable juice. So I tried ACV + Baking Soda & it relieved the heart-attack-like pains & in 3 days I was back to eating more solid food again. However, I still had strong muscle pain all over my upper chest (mostly), spine & shoulders. I was feeling 60% well but I needed to feel better. I had read about a magnesium-calcium supplement to help correct the GERD thing, so I tried it & in a matter of hours, I felt well. It's been the 3rd day I'm on Mag-Calcium, haven't even taken any more ACV yet & I feel at 75%. I still have a bit of pain here sometimes on the lower part of my right and left chest but it's not as crippling & as intense as before. I wonder why... I know at one point one doctor (another naturalist as I had many docs) had told me that my stomach was floating upwards from the pressure. So my questions are 1) How do I get my stomach to stop going upwards & avoid a hiatal hernia (if I don't have one already)? 2) Would it be safe to eat baked Tilapia or Salmon about twice a week? I only eat vegetables & sweet potato (alkaline foods). 3)Would the same treatment of ACV + Baking Soda work for my colitis? Anyhow I'm feeling better each day thanks to you."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Usually magnesium alone, and the lime and baking soda formula (which removes excess calcium in the tissues), will usually remove most of those muscular pains. In general getting a supplements of only magnesium would do. The sweet potatoes is high in calcium and might not be helpful for muscle pain. More vegetarian and fish diets are generally fine. It is actually the baking soda that helps most of the GERD, however, ACV and baking soda, alternatively used with lemon and baking soda. Generally, the lime (lemon) and baking soda will raise the pH necessary for the body to have enough alkalinity to reduced the GERD.

So my questions are 1) How do I get my stomach to stop going upwards & avoid a hiatal hernia (if I don't have one already)?

It takes a several weeks for the remedy of lemon and baking soda and ACV and baking soda used alternatively so that hiatal hernia is reduced. You were taken them too short of a period. The body needs time to buildup enough citrate, bicarbonates, and malates (mostly from reaction of acv with baking soda, and lemon and baking soda).

2) Would it be safe to eat baked Tilapia or Salmon about twice a week? I only eat vegetables & sweet potato (alkaline foods).

I would leave out the sweet potatoes, the calcium is too high and it accumulates in the muscle tissues causing pain. However, vitamin B complex is synergistic with the magnesium and also reduces certain oxalates which might remotely cause the muscle pain too.

3)Would the same treatment of ACV + Baking Soda work for my colitis?

Yes. However, magnesium citrates, and zinc gluconates are very important also. The key is to increase the pH where the intestinal pH is nearing 8, needed to kill off the ulcerative colitis bacteria (which are hydrogen sulfide producing bacterium). Therefore it is important that the pH of intestines are raise along with the body's pH. Body's pH are most effectively raise with the lemon and baking soda formula. But taking some small amount such as 1/8 teaspoon of Milk of Magnesia available at most drug stores with a small pinch of zinc oxide in 1 glass of water should quickly relieve the ulcerative colitis. What the zinc oxide does is it neutralizes the hydrogen sulfide by taking the sulfur away to form zinc sulfide. The Magnesium hydroxide found in the Milk of magnesia, has a pH near 10, a tiny amount (without inducing) diarrhea, will raise the require pH to near 8 necessary to kill the bacteria (sulfur reducing bacteria) which causes the ulcerative colitis."

BLASTOCYSTITIS HOMINIS
06/22/2007: Lou writes: "Ted: Have read your wonderful solutions on earth clinic! Thank you. My problem -- have acid reflux and tried ACV last fall -(lots of stress too) but got burning mouth --finally read on your site to take baking soda too --- I am now taking 1/2 tsp. baking soda and 1/8 tsp. pot. citrate 2x day for almost 2 weeks. Will try ACV and baking soda again soon. At end of March ate out and stomach got upset loose stool and abdominal pain. This was also time I was scheduled to do stool test(checking for yeast thinking possible cause of acid) -- the loose stool cleared up within few days and ab. pain on and off for a few weeks. Occasionally I will get ab. pain if system slows down and I don't eliminate well. When stool sample came back yeast ok, one good bacteria a little low (take more probotics) but moderate count of blastocystis hominis --- doctor said normally wouldn't treat but since moderate would. Wanted me to take 7 days of anti. --they tear up my stomach so I searched for alternative route. Ordered some products --- one contains, cranberry concentrate, grapefruit seed extract, sweet wormwood (arial parts) garlic, cayenne slippery elm, bromelain ---supposed to take 2 per meal for 2 wks. stop 5 days and take 2 more weeks. Prop. blend 1000 mg. I have taken l twice a day for 2 days --- seemed to increase heartburn and got ab. pain --- maybe nothing to do with it, don't know. Didn't have either before tho. Other one is liquid -contains black walnut, wormwood arial parts, centuary, male fern, orange peel, cloves and butternut - prop. blend 1.25 ml taken 1/4 tsp 3 x day. Have not tried it yet. All three products from same company. I remember you saying try one thing at a time. Other product is made from castor bean oil called 10 undecenoic acid 50 mg. supposed to take 2 per meal. Haven't tried this yet but seems to be safe from what I have read. Question --- I have read a lot about b. hominis -- some think harmless some think your body can rid itself (which I think mine may have) but thought this treatment might help if related to acid reflux. Others think it is derived from yeast and experts keep going back and forth. Your opinion please and what you would recommend. I really respect your knowledge!!!! What about olive leaf extract, other supplements? Are wormwood (aerial parts) and male fern safe? I have read increasing fiber, good probotics, hawthorne berry extract, etc. might help. Should I keep trying this product for a few more days --- will wait until I hear from you. Can I take ACV with any of products. Would love something that would be easy on my sensitive system. Have had burning mouth for several months --- could pathogens be cause?? If so, what do I take?"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Your observation on this link of acid reflux with blastocytis hominis appears to be related. Blastocystis hominis is due to eating contaminated, food particularly when you eat out, where sanitary conditions are obviously less controlled than home cooked food. Infections occur due to feces much similar like the e.coli found in meats. The common symptoms for eating hominis which you described is a diarrhea. I think this blastocystis hominis, to be a new class of microbes all its own known as Blastocysteaas class. It is neither a fungus, or a yeast, I prefer to think of it as a parasites. As to your questions of whether blastocystis hominis, can be the cause of acid reflux the answer is yes, and this is one reason why acid reflux formula (baking soda) works so well. The reason why is that this organism is peculiarly sensitive fo oxygen, and I suspect it is sensitive to borax as most parasites I know seems to have this pattern. In event where a cause is known, usually a remedy is fairly straightforward. The acid reflux formula for this is alkalization, where I think, under this cause a lime and baking soda, may work better as citrates are generally more effective in alkalization and increasing the oxygen content in the body. Alkalization simply drives out carbon dioxide easier as carbonic acid (CO2 in water) are neutralized by alkalization by holding less of it. The other additional remedies that increase oxygen to the body appears to adding 3-6 drops of 3% H2O2 to all glass of drinking water, during every meal, or on empty stomach. By increasing oxygen this way to the intestines, the number of this blastocystis hominis is reduced.

Blatocystis is an interesting one in that it secretes protease that breaks down your body's antibiodies such as immunoglubulin A (IgA). The immunoglubulin A is important one since it prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms in the body by neutralizing micorbial toxins, and this may also lead to another conditions such as eczema, boils and other sickness caused by the breakdown of the body's immune system, especially allergies and skin breakouts (toxins from bacteria creates this if the body does not have IgA to neutralize the harmful toxins). As a result, if the cause of acid reflux is hominis, then I know that taking any protease, digestive enzymes (bromelain) for example would not help. It would make my conditions worsen with the acid reflux. What hominis does it actually creates some kind of enzymes that digests your immune system, so obviously I wouldn't try to take either acid forming supplements (digestive enzymes, cranberry juice, etc.) to treat the hominis, as the body is already in a state of digesting myself! Hominis would be one issue that can be causing hiatal hernia, and other immune issues that is relevant to acid reflux. So if immune issues, hiatal hernia, I think hominis is implicated. Certain other supplements that increases the body of oxygen besides the hydrogen peroxide is the 10% sodium chlorite 10% adding 3-5 drops per glass of water. Those can kill them too, but I am old fashion and prefer to give the hydrogen peroxide a try first before using the sodium chlorite, as this allows better oxygen increase, but they are a bit harder to find.

What can I do in killing these organism? For one thing, I won't try antibiotics its already over prescribed and it tends to be acid forming, and thus makes acid reflux worse, indirectly increasing the hominis as acid forming antibiotics lowers the body's oxygen levels. Perhaps the simplest way to reduce blastocytis hominis is drinking strong green tea (no sugar, no fructose, no fruit juice, no milk) can also reduce the number of colonies by the actions of tannins that tends to kill the hominis proteins by denaturing them. Thereafter, drinking water with a couple of hydrogen peroxide added with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with one whole freshly squeezed lime (8 teaspoon) in 1/2 glass of water taken 2 times a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Eating foods with some sea salt added (NEVER COMMON TABLE SALT!) will reduce the colonies by salinization, much like salted meats. Bacterial colonies simply can't grow in sea salt, which is why hominis are so few in seawaters. Hominis exist more on the land than in the sea, land feces there is more of it tan those in seawater. If this were not true, than our fishes would get acid reflux (LOL)! Sea salt in my opinion along with oxygen is the world's oldest form on antibiotics and will continue to work just as well against them. Humic acid added to food can also reduce the hominis survivability as the tannin components are deadly to them. Perhaps one day, as humic acid are more available, those may be of good potentials against the hominis, at least some farmers are doing it already by mixing them with manure or fertilizer to reduce the number of harmful bacteria found in feces before the use in plants.

The lists you mentioned for treatment appears to be of antiviral in nature (e.g. wormwood, olive leaf extract), or digestives (bromelain, cranberry) or probiotics. The problem about those in my opinion is that it does not directly deal with hominis' Achilles heels, which time and time again, happens to be increasing the level of oxygen in the body, usually by alkalization (baking soda), or drops of hydrogen peroxide, or salinization (which is the simplest and one of the world's oldest antibiotics). Probiotics only works if the intestines' pH are alkaline friendly, otherwise they will be digested themselves by the enzymes created by the hominis. If I treat the hominis as a parasites, then I might consider adding a pinch of borax to my drinking water to reduce that. No doubt, black hull walnut tincture might rid of parasites, but this appears to be a lot smaller and oxygen and borax I think are much more sensitive and somewhat more directed against the hominis. Because of such sensitivity of oxygen, colloidal silver (or colloidal silver oxide), taken 2 times a day 1 tablespoon may be effective against hominis directly, ESPECIALLY since colloidal silver is both poorly absorbed (which is good since it is found in our intestinal tract), as well as silver's strong affinity to oxygen. To make a colloidal silver into a colloidal silver oxide, just add 1 drops 3% hydrogen peroxide to the bottle. Those should be more than enough to create the colloidal silver oxide.

So in my opinion getting rid of hominis by use of increasing oxygen, sea salt, green tea, colloidal silver and alkalization in general seems to be a more viable means."

4 YEAR OLD WITH GERD SINCE THE DAY HE WAS BORN
06/15/2007: Johnny writes: "I am Ecuadorian and have a 4 year old son. He has been suffering GERD since the day he was born. Doctors prescribed Prevacid, Nexium, Carafate and all kinds of expensive medicines. I read about how good Apple Cedar Vinegar works but I am not sure about giving it to my son or how much should I give him. Is it safe? Please let me know your comments. Thank you in advance."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Johnny: 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda taken twice a day mixed in 1/4 glass of water should work better for a child. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the condition to subside."

4 YEAR OLD WITH GERD SINCE THE DAY HE WAS BORN
06/15/2007: Johnny writes: "Thanks for your answer. So apple vinegar would not help him? Only baking soda? Best regards, Johnny"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Children are more sensitive to acid. Baking soda alone is better. While it is true that the standard remedy is for apple cider vinegar children is about 1 tablespoon of ACV plus 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. However, in event of a long term condition (such as since he was born) then such as acid reflux, this requires just simple baking soda. Once the body acquires enough bicarbonates, and that can take as much as 3-4 weeks, then the acv and baking soda is o.k, but never acv alone."

WEAK ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER, SCARRING
06/07/2007: Asif writes: "Hello Ted I have read your contributions on Earth Clinic with much appreciation and interest. I have suffered from chronic reflux and cough for the last 3 years, endoscopies have revealed slight scarring in my esophagus and i have been on various allopathic and homeopathic medications with no results to write home about. My lower osapghaul sphincter is weak hence the reflux, i am not overweight 83kgs and 5ft 11inc. I was wondering will the ACV with baking soda help with this problem, my concern is no matter the amount of acid in my stomach, if the sphincter is weak i will still have reflux right?"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Asif: Weak sphincter and scarring should mostly be helped with vitamin E 400 i.u. a day, some aloe vera juice,and magnesium chloride (250 mg) or magnesium citrate.Vitamin E and vitamin C sodium ascorbate 1000 mg both are required to aid in the healing of the stomach lining.I am assuming the microbes staph like does not exist,if they do, magnesium chloride will kill them naturally and so will 1/4 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric taken 3 times a day. There might be other organism such as candida, and fungus, but most of them are rid of whenever you alkalize. If it is not working just add a small pinch of borax to the drinking water,which is closer to about 1/16 teaspoon in 1 glass of water for minor mycobacterium causing this taken only for 2 or 3 days."

PROBIOTICS AND DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
06/01/2007: B writes: "Hello Mr. Ted I found the earthclinic website, and I am planning on trying your ACV recipe, I was wondering however, about after the GERD goes away. It is alright to take Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes, I was just wondering. And, If I take Digestive Enzymes should I avoid the Multi-Enzyme tablets with Betaine Hydrochloride?"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "If Gerd has improve greatly, I have a tendency not to take other supplements. It is only if the apple cider vinegar and baking soda is not working as it should then I might have second thoughts. However, in my opinion most of the digestive enzymes, probiotics might be neutral and not much damage, but still it is risky that the GERD will come back since the digestive enzymes and probiotics are often acid forming substances that the body NEEDS a sufficient amount of bicarbonates to neutralize the acids coming from them first for at least 2-3 weeks before consider such use, if you still have digestive problems. However if you don't have digestive problems, for example, then I may not need them. In practice, I take them when I need them. If I don't need them, then the conditions might not get better. Quite often changing the alkalinity or the biological environment will create or normalize the intestinal floral balance by itself, often without the need for probiotics. There are exceptions, but it don't happen that often that I need it. The worse supplements in my opinion is to take is betaine HCl which makes the GERD condition worse, even if it does improve stomach acid, the fact is the body has insufficient bicarbonates to neutralize them. You have to realize that there might be some logic as to why stomach acid are reduced, in event the body knows there is insufficient bicarbonates to neutralize them. To force the body to increase acidity, will bring on intestinal problems such as the leaky gut syndrome as stomach acids digest the intestines. I have noticed that when taking sufficient levels of bicarbonates or that the body has sufficient levels of bicarbonates, the stomach acid automatically increase without the need to increase more acid to the body. Therefore, I tend to be cautious about any additional use, and I prefer to just continue taking the acv + bicarbonate formula as a preventive even after the GERDS are gone. My thinking is if you need it you take it."

SILENT REFLUX AND LES
05/21/2007: KC from HI writes: "Hi there, Ted. I have been diagnosed with "silent reflux" and a weakened LES. I was on Prevacid on and off for a year. I don't like taking prescription medicines for extended periods and I learned that acid blockers can interfere with calcium absorption (which I take as a supplement). I read your writings and have been taking the ACV & baking soda 3X's a day on an empty stomach for about 4 months. It has been working great! If I stay on this program, the reflux symptoms stay away. I have 2 concerns. Almost every morning, I have loose stools - sometimes watery. Also, I have had cloudy urine since I've been taking this remedy. I had my urine tested and nothing was detected except some red blood cells (which have always been present as it runs in my family). I also had my urine checked for calcium, as I understand that that can sometimes account for cloudiness. Have you encountered this before? Do you have suggestions?"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "My own experience with cloudy urine, usually is a sign of the body's lack of ability to utilize calcium from deficiencies in vitamin B complex, and magnesium. So if you take magnesium 2: 1 over the calcium, this would usually resolve the problem within a day or two. As to watery stools, it means whatever the food you are takin is of high salts, that occurs in the morning. So if low salt food is taken in the morning, only most of the watery stools will be gone. Assuming that's not the problem, another solution would be to dilute the remedy by adding twice or triple the amount of water. Or even if you don't do that, whenever you do eat food, make sure you drink plenty of water. Usually if the concentration of remedy is too high - some people do cheat on the remedy by adding only 1/4 glass of water instead of the minimum 1/2 glass, but for those who don't just add 1 full glass of water to the original remedy. If that doesn't work then 1.5 glass of water. Most glass of water for everyone is not the same, but a standard glass of water is about 250 cc. When the solution is diluted, the osmotic pressure to pull the water toward the intestines is reduced, from reduced concentration. For example, if I wanted to get a diarrhea, which the opposite of your problem, I just take less water or I might add some sea salt to the remedy."

PARASITE INFESTATION, THEN FOOD POISONING, NOW ACID REFLUX AND STOMACH BLOATING
04/30/2007: Ann writes: "Dear Ted, I have been reading your advice to readers on Earth Clinic. I am unsure how to contact you through their Web site, so I hope you will respond to me here (and feel free to post my e-mail on Earth Clinic). In 1999 while travelling in Vietnam, I caught a parasite or amoeba and was sick for two weeks with bad diarrhea. After taking a lot of antiobiotics, I developed C Dificil, which took four months to cure. It took an additional year to strenghten my stomach and intestinal tract. Six weeks ago, while travelling in Arizona, I seemed to have had food poisoning in a Mexican restaurant. Within a day or two I developed acid reflux, stomach bloating, and gas. My doctor had me take Prilosec for 20 days, but after stopping the symptoms returned."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The usual dose is 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, any brand is o.k., and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken on an empty stomach, taken twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening. As to your skin rash condition on elbow that comes and goes, taking those will also help should help the acid reflux and the skin rashes. An ordinary distilled vinegar or an apple cider vinegar can be applied to the skin to reduce the rashes. Sometimes flaky skin of the elbow you got can be helpd a lot with omega 3 1000 mg, fish oil 1000 mg, vitamin E 200 i.u., and evening primrose oil 1000 mg. Taken initially for a week before paring down the dose to 1 once a week, after taking it for about 1 or 2 weeks."

PARASITE INFESTATION, THEN FOOD POISONING, NOW ACID REFLUX AND STOMACH BLOATING
04/30/2007: Ann writes: "Dear Ted, I am so excited to hear from you! Thank you very much for your guidance, which I will follow. I have one more question concerning the skin rashes. This morning I woke up and had a new rash on the inside of my right arm. It looks like poison ivy and goes from the wrist to the elbow. My mom had a rash like this for many years. She says that it is stress related. She said that the only thing that ever worked for her on this rash is 24 Faubourg lotion by Hermes. I wanted to write you about this, because it is a new rash that came out after starting the apple cider vinegar treatment. By the way, the treatment is already helping my stomach and digestion."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Sometimes flaky skin of the elbow you got can be helpd a lot with omega 3 1000 mg, fish oil 1000 mg, vitamin E 200 i.u., and evening primrose oil 1000 mg. Taken initially for a week before paring down the dose to 1 once a week, after taking it for about 1 or 2 weeks."

PARASITE INFESTATION, THEN FOOD POISONING, NOW ACID REFLUX AND STOMACH BLOATING
04/30/2007: Ann writes: "Hi Ted, one last question on the treatment for flaky skin--should I take all of the supplements you've mentioned at the same time, or should I try one of them? Also, see my e-mail just sent about the new rash that I have on my arm. Thanks again for your help. I feel hopeful."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "If you have rashes, sometimes it might be the brand or the biological components in the Apple cider vinegar. One way to test your rash problems is to get White Distilled Vinegar and apply a small area to see if rashes get worse. If not then it is probably the brand you are using, in which case your body would most likely prefer the ACV that is less organic, e.g. Heinz or non-mother solutions. If it does react with vinegar, on the other hand, then just try a baking soda to the arms. If the rash gets less, then it means the body doesn't NEED the apple cider of any kind, in which case, taking baking soda solo would likely to agree with your body. This is how doctors test you for food allergies, it is a skin test. But we can easily do this at our own home.

Assuming worse comes to worse, where it responds negatively to everything, which is usually unlikely but does happen if staph is present, for example, then iodine applied should help. If that is shown to help then iodine supplementation will likely to be the ticket, or just iodine foot painting beign a safer choice."

HEARTBURN AFTER TAKING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
04/16/2007: Cindy from Milton Mills, New Hampshire writes: "I started with 1 tablespoon of ACV with honey and juice/water and I got heartburn. I then reduced the ACV to 1 teaspoon with honey/water and I am still getting heartburn. I tried baking soda, but don't know what to do now. Any help would be gratefully accepted:)"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Baking soda is taken at 1/4 teaspoon in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day on an empty stomach, once in the morning and once before sleep."

QUESTION ABOUT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA
04/10/2007: Raymond writes: "I was reading alot regarding the cure for acid reflux. ACV with baking soda, how long will I use this before I noticed improvement with my acid reflux??? I'm 40 yrs old and I'm overwieght. how many times do I need to take in a day??? Should it be with empty stomach??? An hour before each meal???? What else can you recommend. I bought already a organic ACV and Arm and hammer baking soda (powder form). Is this the right stuff??? Pls. let me know, your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Raymond"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "For ACV with baking soda for acid reflux, it takes about 2-3 weeks for improvement. For an overweight male, a larger dose is required. The minimum dose for this is about 2 tablespoon of ACV plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda taken twice or three times a day in 1/2 glass of water. Allow reaction to proceed 5 minutes then take it. If it is too acid for you or you feel a heartburn, then you need to take instead just 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda three times a day (this is due to your being overweight and with acid reflux, and being a male).

Empty stomach with plenty of water is preferable to avoid loose stools. But loose stools is o.k. as it clears the body of toxins, at least initially. But once the body achieves a new equilibrum the loose stools should generally not occur thereafter.

In practice any apple cider vinegar works, a more organic one is preferable, as it has more minerals and vitamins. All brands generally work the same to achieve the required target. I tend to avoid any specific brands because of this, however what you bought is generally used by most people treating acid reflux, at least in the U.S.

For overweight and stubborn acid reflux, if conditions don't improve after 3 weeks, then just take 1/8 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water, in divided dose throughout the day. This is taken only once a week at the very least. They tend to initiate loss of weight by raising testosterone level (pseudoestrogen pollution from plastics, insecticides, etc) are one of the cause in male overweight) and I have noticed it helped with acid reflux for the more stubborn kind. The borax remedy is optional only, but not critical. Ted"

ACID REFLUX AND CANDIDA
04/03/2007: Juli from Minnesota, MN writes: "Dear Ted, Thank you for taking the time to read this note. I appreciate the free advice. Two week ago I discovered by research that the chest pain and tight throat I have is acid reflux. By reading the earth clinic site I'm finding out that my candida is the problem. I treated the candida for a while and then fell back to my bad ways of eating. I started last week Wednesday taking the applecider vinegar with 1/2 tsp. baking soda before meals one hour. Yesterday and today are my off days, no vinegar or soda. As I looked on the sight I see I'm eating the wrong foods for getting better. I'm also bloated and constipated. I'm not worried about a slow recovery, just want to recover and at a low cost because of a limited income. While taking the cider and soda my ph was 6.5 and 7.0. I checked this morning and it was 5.0. I've been eating oatmeal and cream of wheat with milk, 1 cup plain yogurt with 1/2 a banana and 2-3 ounces of fruit juice mixed, small portion of meat chicken stemmed with thyme, beets, toast with peanut butter, hard boiled eggs. What can I eat? I realize that I have to rid myself of the whites and table salt (switch to sea salt) and quit sugar and fats. I guess I'm looking for a coarse of action. I like the apple cider vinegar and soda and I like the plain yogurt but I like to flavor it. Thanks again for your time. Juli from Minnesota USA"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Dear Juli: Fruit juices should be avoided. Whole fruits are o.k. the fiber buffers the sugar spikes, where the candida need. By reducing the sugar spikes candida will reduce. In some cases 1/8 teaspoon of borax diluted in one liter of water and the dose is evenly divided throughout the day may kill it. However this is taken perhaps for a woman, I think just once a week should be sufficient. Cilantro (chinese parsley) should remove the free heavy metals that the candida relies on growth, along with the usual sugar. The problem of candida is that the toasts and the peanut butter makes the condition to worsen. Peanut butter has hydrogenated fats, and fungus. White flour and acid forming foods should be avoided. Whole wheat, whole rye, gluten free foods are usually helpful. Ted."

ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX
04/02/2007: Anna from San Diego, CA writes: "Hi there. I am really happy that I found this site. I have been suffering from a serious case of acid reflux. I have been prescribed to take nexium twice a day for the rest of my life and it makes me so sad to think about the long term effects. I don't like taking medicine, especially when I still have symptoms. I got a new doctor who wants to switch my medication so I've been trying others but my pain has been worse and worse each day. As in the case of some, I was misdiagnosed with Asthma a few years ago and treated heavily for it for close to a year. The medication hurt me severely. I never had asthma but now I have difficulty breathing after meals, sleeping and suffer from pain other pains. I also have to watch all I eat. I am going to try this solution starting tomorrow and I hope and prey I can post a happy message. If anything, its nice to know other lives have been improved, I only hope I can feel the same, even if it takes some time. Thank you for this advice!"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Any time microbes are in your body they can cause all kinds of symptoms depending on where their colonies exists.

If they exist along the intestinal tract, like strep, staph, or fungus they will cause various sickness with different names.

A fungus along the digestive tract can be called a candida. A staph along a digestive tract in the intestines can be called a leaky gut. A strep along the intestinal tracts can cause bad burning sensations. A mycobacterium along our joints is called "arthritis".

Asthma comes when the colonies expands to produce toxin waste products which cause the body to fight off by alkalizing the intestinal tract and giving of acid for the lungs to rid of, when acid is excess along the breathing passages and newer form of mycobacterium or fungus like exists, it causes asthma as capillaries constrict in presence of acidity.

The present science community has not taken as seriously the field of microbiology as it once did over a century ago, but it could describe an lot of our sickness today.

Unfortunately this field is commercialized. A few decades ago the CDC business were relatively quiet, but then bioengineering came in, and biological weapons seems to be let loose on the population, probably not in the same form of course, but obviously the DNA gets spliced or organism acquired new traits whenever newer biological microbes, made by man unleashes itself from various manufacturing process to produce medicines, such as antibiotics.

These never existed before but advances in biological engineering in the commercial arena has probably been accidentally or maybe unknowing, or purposely released to the population. Unfortunately the CDC is a commercial entity and it is not a public or a governmental entity. This makes fighting against these newer strains of microbes difficult. There are now some viruses I found that are now resistant to hydrogen peroxide and some are even resistant to both alkaline and acid medium. It doesn't make me optimistic at all when fighting these microbes!

While we worry to the left on the microbial front, on the right are all these pseudoestrogens in commercial products, and to the back is growth hormones being injected into cows to produce more milk or more meat, and to the front is heavy metals found yearly vaccinations(mercury and aluminum) and in our foods.

The cause is really simple: it is all man-made."

CHRONIC REFLUX, SCARRING OF ESOPHAGUS
04/02/2007: Asif from UK writes: "Hello Ted I have read your contributions on Earth Clinic with much appreciation and interest. I have suffered from chronic reflux and cough for the last 3 years, endoscopies have revealed slight scarring in my osaphagus and i have been on various allopathic and homeopathic medicatons with no results to write home about. My lower osapghaul sphincter is weak hence the reflux, i am not overweight 83kgs and 5ft 11inc. I was wondering will the ACV with baking soda help with this problem, my concern is no matter the amount of acid in my stomach, if the sphincter is weak i will still have reflux right? Any reply gratefully anticipated, feel free to copy Earth Clinic in on this. Kindest regards, Asif (UK)"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Weak sphincter and scarring should mostly be helped with vitamin E 400 i.u. a day, some aloe vera juice, and magnesium chloride (250 mg) or magnesium citrate. Vitamin E and vitamin C sodium ascorbate 1000 mg both are required to aid in the healing of the stomach lining.

I am assuming the microbes staph like does not exist, if they do, magnesium chloride will kill them naturally and so will 1/4 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric taken 3 times a day. There might be other organism such as candida, and fungus, but most of them are rid of whenever you alkalize. If it is not working just add a small pinch of borax to the drinking water, which is closer to about 1/16 teaspoon in 1 glass of water for minor mycobacterium causing this taken only for 2 or 3 days."

ACID REFLUX: REMEDIES NOT WORKING
04/02/2007: Dan from Williston, Ohio writes: "Tried almost everything on the acid reflux page, I'm 57 years old, I read that stomach acid decreases with age....so, did low stomach acid cause my Barretts(if that's possible) or was it justexcess acid ?......I wan't to go in the right direction....I balanced my ph using your recommended procedures, they WORK, but I still have that burning sensation under my sternum, ACV seems to make me worse...but buffering with just baking soda helps.....need a clue, thanks Dan"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Dear Dan: It is true that stomach acid decrease with age, but it is also true that acidosis increase with age too. You can tell that the older you get the more constipated it becomes. If you still find ACV is a problem, just add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the ACV taken twice a day. More people, especially men seemed to prefer larger doses of baking soda than a woman.

If it is STILL a problem, than just take baking soda. It should be noted that the body produces low stomach acid, to prevent further damage to the intestinal walls whenever the body or the intestines lack the sufficient bicarbonates necessary to neutralize the stomach acids. Therefore, low stomach acid MAY not be the cause, it may be a bicarbonate deficiency, and in very rare cases, a chloride deficiency. The chloride deficiency is very easily handled with sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per liter of water, but for most people, this is rarely the case, with possible exception for those who eat an all organic diet.

Often taking baking soda only for two weeks, the body will usually have sufficient bicarbonates necessary to take the ACV and baking soda."

ACID REFLUX AND URINARY pH
04/02/2007: Ami writes: "Re: Unrelenting reflux for 4 months. Hi Ted, I have been reading your earth clinic entries regarding Acid Reflux, and I have thoroughly confused myself.I am on Day #2 of Baking Soda and Water 1/4-1/2 tsp three times daily. My urine pH is above 7 consistently now, but my salivary pH is low in the 6's and was actually in the 5's this am upon awakening. What does this difference mean? Will the pH's balance out on their own after doing the baking soda for a couple of weeks? I am reluctant to add the or lemon/lime until the 2 week point as I feel my buffering reserves are very depleted. What should I expect during this 2 week process? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Also, I read that your salivary pH is more reflective of your whole body pH, and is therefore the one to be mainly concerned with...what is your take? Thanks so much! Ami"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Dear Ami: The body's bicarbonate reserve is still low. You seem to require a dose of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda three times a day.

However, if you can find potassium citrate, or potassium bicarbonate, this may help. For example, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate taken three times a day. The reason why the salivary pH remains stubborn refusing to raise its pH means that the bicarbonates is pushing out the acidity from the intracellular fluids. So the acid is being slowly removed, but not as quickly. One quick way to reduce acidity in the mouth is to regularly used 1 tablespoon of baking soda (and some potassium bicarbonate 1/2 teaspoon, if possible) as a mouthwash twice a day, to neutralize them. Once the salivary pH becomes normal, you can discontinue them. This is one of the remedies used for extreme conditions of acid tongue, but it can be applied to reduce excess acidity in the mouth.

To look at just the excess acidity in the mouth in isolation, dose not explain everything either. The bacterial flora in the mouth might in a few cases generate some acidity in which case, 3 - 6 drops of 3% Hydrogen peroxide food grade is added to the baking soda remedy to reduce the microbes. However a 1% hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a mouthwash to further reduce the acid forming microbes when done once in the morning and once before bedtime.

Both the salivary and urinary pH, should be within 7.The salivary not only reflects more of the body's pH, but it also reflects intracellular fluids. It takes a while for the body to absorb enough bicarbonate to neutralize them all.

However, careful dietary control to avoid excess fried foods, sugar and white flour is needed during the period of raising the body's pH. Certain food we eat is causing most of our sickness as they are acid forming, in particular is the fast food, such as soda pop, tea, and coffee.

After about two weeks the salivary pH should be closer to the value of 7. If not it indicates electrolyte imbalance, and magnesium citrate and potassium bicarbonates are needed. FOr example, 250 mg of magnesium citrate/day can help as well as the potassium mentioned previously."

IF TAKING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PILLS, IS BAKING SODA NECESSARY?
04/02/2007: Mat writes: "Dear Ted; I have been reading with great interest your testimonials for apple cider vinegar as a solution to Acid Reflux Disease. You speak highly of adding Bicarbonate of soda to the mixture (APV and water and honey). Question: If I use ACV PILLS instead of the liquid vinegar, can I assume that the Bicarbonate of soda would not now be necessary as the issue with "delamination" of teeth will no longer take place? An incredible web site!... Thanks, Mat"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Apple cider vinegar pills do not contain the same composition as a real apple cider vinegar. Even if they were to resolved that issue, you will still need baking soda. Baking soda is actually the main element towards helping the acid reflux, without this, it cannot work as well. Apple cider vinegar is actually supportive. Acid reflux in my experience is a bicarbonate deficiency, but minerals and other elements in apple cider vinegar are also alkaline forming.

I am not certain that apple cider vinegar pills are "alkaline forming" and I would refrain from using them as this is not tested and not likely to be so because every companies used different additives, fillers, which destroys the organic elements of the apple cider vinegar. Acetic acid content in an apple cider vinegar pills are zero, and it only exists in liquid state.

If somehow the companies were able to pack the acetic acid in some absorbant, it would not be practical since they are a volatile compounds. Therefore I doubt that they have 100% apple cider vinegar in the apple cider vinegar pills, with all the fillers, and other "processed" technologies necessary to put them into a convenient pill. "

ACV AND BAKING SODA DOSAGE FOR GERD
04/02/2007: RCK from Toronto, Canada writes: "Hi Ted, I have GERD (LES value does not close properly) for a couple of years and have been on pariet. I have tried ACV BS for a couple of days and found it to be too acidic...I used 2 TBS of ACV 1/4 TS of Baking Soda. and 2 times a day (before meals). Should I increase the amount of BS to 1/2 teaspoon to fight the acid?? I wonder how this can help my GERD since the LES valve is loose? Thanks in advance! RCK from toronto canada"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Dear RCK: I am sure Apple Cider Vinegar has different acidity pH levels, therefore in event that this is too acidic, just increase the baking soda portion to 1/2. If this is still a problem, then just take the baking soda alone for at least two weeks, either the 1/2 teaspoon baking soda twice a day, or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda twice a day. Most men seems to require larger dose than women. "

TED'S ACID REFLUX REMEDY: HOW LONG BEFORE RESULTS
03/19/2007: Brian from San Fran, CA writes: "Doctor prescribed Omeprazole to remedy my acid reflux. After 8 weeks no remedy but rather more acid reflux and the addition of joint pain and constant sore throat. Fred's Cure (formula acv/baking soda) appears to be my remedy. Question: How long do I have to use this formula? Will my problem disappear after using formula for month or so? Or will be required to take it the rest of my life?"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Question: How long do I have to use this formula?

Actually it's Ted's remedy, but you can use either of the formula, one lime and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda or 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. It takes about 2-3 weeks to notice results because it takes that long for the body to have enough bicarbonates necessary to normalize. The reason why you have sore throat and joint pain is that most of doctors meds are acid forming and causes your body to have a mild case of acidosis. You can also use just 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day. The reason why apple cider or the lemon formula is preferred is that it has some potassium, and other components that will help the body's biochemistry achieve normalization faster.

Will my problem disappear after using formula for month or so?

It works so far so good.

Or will be required to take it the rest of my life?

Bad diets and acid forming food will likely cause you to take it whenever your body is acid or urine pH is below 6.5. I prefer a urinary pH closer to 7.0 in practice.

The exception is if you diets is essentially vegetarian and eat an ocassional fish, in which case you probably won't need this remedy since the body is already alkalize.

Much depends on what you eat. For me I take it only when my urinary pH says I am acid which is quite often pH below 6.5""

SIDE EFFECT FROM APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
03/19/2007: Kim from Appleton, NY writes: "When I first tried ACV a month ago for acid reflux - I noticed that my skin broke out terribly! I have not had a breakout that severe since my teens (am in my forties) Any one else have this problem? Need to find relief for the acid reflux - don't do well with Medications - take for 6 months at a time - then acid immediately returns - need a more permanent solution! Same symptoms of reflux that I have read about from others - the choking - the lump in throat - the diarrhea - upset stomach - vomiting - the terrible taste in mouth - have had this problem for years - probbaly since my late teens - but was never diagnosed until a a few years ago! Thanks - any info greatly appreciated!"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "If the body is already severely or lacking in bicarbonates, and you take Apple cider vinegar straight, the body will breakout in some cases since the body could not buffer the pH quickly enough and as a result cause inflammation.

Therefore, the best ways to deal in an extreme buffer deficiency is to at least take 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day for at least 2 weeks.

On the third week, you can only take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass or 1 glass of water (safer), taken twice a day from then on.

The reason for the long term acid reflux has to do with inability for the body to stabilize its pH and whenever that happens the body breaks out in inflammation much like a weak acid burns.

If there is the issue of chemical toxins that accumulates in the body, such as mine a couple of years back, taking 3-5 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 1 glass of water in the morning with 1/4 teaspoon is another possible detox remedy to reduce the inflammation. Of course this remedy you can consider if the straight bicarbonate remedy is not working well for you due to chemical toxins buildup. It takes about 2-4 weeks to neutralize the chemical toxins enough so that it doesn't get in the way of healing."

MEDICATIONS CAUSING ACID REFLUX: WHAT REMEDIES TO USE
03/05/2007: Gayle from South Holland, IL writes: "In Jan of 07 I became very ill with bronchitis. Before this I was seemingly healthy. The bronchitis was very hard to get over. I took zithromax and needed asthma treatments. Which made me feel worse. After a couple weeks I seem to be getting better and then noticed I had trouble swallowing dinner one night after chewing it very well, it felt stuck in my esophagus. For two weeks I ate soup and I am now back to eating most solid foods chewing them carefully. I was diagnosed with hiatel hernia and GERD. Also during the sickness and the couple months before, I have taken alot of ibuprofen and a different course of antibiotics. I recently started nexium, for about a week. I know that man-made medicine can only mask the problem. I have some esophagus erosion and still have some asthma symptoms when the reflux acts up. I desperately want to feel 38 and healthy again. I'm not overweight, actually lost ten lbs when I was sick because I found it difficult to eat well. This morning I drank ACV with water and it gave me heartburn. I took supplements with my lunch, a digestive enzyme, a flora tablet, flax, and some other multiples and I am having reflux and soreness is my bronchials and shortness of breath. Have to keep clearing my throat. I didn't take anything but nexium yesterday, and felt ok, but by the end of the day I felt dry and had trouble swallowing, like I had really bad dry mouth. I don't want to get caught in a vicious cycle taking drugs and not getting healed. Can you please give me advice? God bless you for your willingness to help people like this. I hope to hear back from you. Thank you, Gayle"

Ted from Bangkok replies: "Gayle: In certain cases apple cider vinegar will give you heartburn, because the pH of it is around 3.5. Therefore try adding 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 tablespoon of vinegar and dilute it with 1/2 glass of water. Then take it after the reaction is stabilized. The pH is about 7 after a couple of minutes and this should not cause you heart burn.

If apple cider vinegar is indeed a problem for you take 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda twice a day for about a week. The condition of reflux should be gone.

Apple cider only works best when baking soda is added as it is an antioxidant with a negative ORP of at least - 150 mV"

HEARTBURN WITH SCLERODERMA, AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE: REMEDY QUESTION
02/04/2007: Marla from Montreal, Canada writes: "Please help me end my heartburn. I have an autoimmune disease, scleroderma. I have been on Losec for 19 months and have done 4 days of acv and baking soda. Well well well, it even helps me!!!I take it 3 times per day. Can I do this for a month? Please? Is there harm? Also when I drink my water, can I add baking soda to it? Quantity? Thanks so much. Great website. Amazing!!!"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Actually ACV and baking soda can be taken as long as you like. It is done to neutralize all the excess imbalances of modern food that kills your system. This will bring you to balance. As long as you eat food you will need to take ACV and baking soda. It is not a requirement to take it everyday if your are healthy of course, but if you are sick, then the opposite is true.

Also when I drink my water, can I add baking soda to it?

You can add baking soda to your drinking water. Perhaps about 1/8 teaspoon and a tiny pinch of potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate helps.

If you take too much your body will tell you. It will cause a diarrhea, which is good now and then as it detoxes your body. I like to get it once a week and it seems to clear my skin also.

The cause of scleroderma in certain cases may be due to a tiny mycoplasma which bought about the condition. In which case zinc acetate 50 mg every other day, may normalize the immune functions as well as some iodine foot painting, maybe twice a week. A sodium ascorbate vitamin C (or ascorbic acid with baking soda), 1000 mg/day would normalize the body's inflammation somewhat as it raises the body's nitric oxide to some extent.

A drop of lavender oil in a glass of water may help that too for the scleroderma. If you think scleroderma is due to invading mycoplasma, then a pinch of borax in a drinking water would stop the scleroderma then and there.

Just send us your feedback and we would be happy to hear from you, whether it works for you or not and sharing your results could also help other people too with similar conditions."

LPRD OR SILENT REFLUX QUESTIONS
12/22/2006: Erin from Cleveland, OH writes: "I have literally spent the better part of my work day on this site reading the "testimonials". Although I have been a chronic reflux sufferer for many years, I was only recently diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD) better known as "silent" reflux. I do not suffer from heartburn and can sleep through the night very comfortably, but I know the reflux is there as I'm guilty of eating salty snacks before bed and I'm a heavy smoker. What led me to the doctor to get the diagnosis was my sudden inability to swallow food with ease. It felt as though food would stick in my throat and not move through my esophagus to the point where I have not ingested solid foods in over 4 weeks. I'm fearful of choking. I've been on a heavy diet of Ensure and cigarettes (smile) ever since. After my laryngoscopy, my ENT guy prescribed Prilosec and said there was some puffiness at the back of my throat. Here's my question: Will this ACV with mother help me eat again? I can manage the reflux, but I really miss being able to eat full meals. I no longer feel like a member of the human race. If this ACV "thing" can improve my throat condition, I will be of eternal gratitude to this website. Someone please HELP!!! :-("

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "I used to have this problem with difficulty swallowing usually and some other people I know, but I can't imagine a typical doctor would go to such extremes for what I once thought was a simple complications.

Usually, the supplements of magnesium gluconate (or magnesium citrate/magnesium chloride), vitamin E 2000 I.U. , vitamin B complex (mostly 100 mg each, except for B12 and biotin, which are 100 mcg and 500 mcg, respectively) will solve the problem.

Apparently the muscles of the esophagus undergoes a spasm whenever the magnesium is lacking in the body. Muscle tightness is a sign of too much calcium, too little magnesium and too much strontium, and cadmium in the body.

Both calcium and strontium causes tightening of the muscles along with the body's excess acidity from table salt. With magnesium which is antagonistic of both calcium and strontium the esophageal spasms should be appreciably reduced within a week. But it is important to realize the vitamin E and selenium is needed so that the muscles is not "starved" for oxygen creating the spasms.

In case if you are wondering where the strontium, and cadmium comes from, it comes from the smoking. Smoking also have trace cyanide and carbon monoxide furthering to tense the muscle. Both cyanide and carbon monoxide is interesting in that if the body is acid, which it is, in presence of lack of oxygen, the muscles goes into spasms just like when fishes are starved for oxygen, they become almost paralyzed.

The one thing unusual about "table salt" often found in salty snacks is that it is very acid forming. The oily foods from snacks tends to block neural signaling as free fatty acids blocks hormones action thus causing improper neural functioning. Vitamin B complex should restore this problem, but not the muscle tightening or sudden spasms which will cause choking. Those can be helped with plenty of magnesium. However because of heavy metals of strontium and others coming from smoking, I have seen selenium supplements and vitamin E are quite synergistic with the condition of LPR, but I prefer to simply call it esophageal spasms which causes the choking.

It should be understood, that a lemon with baking soda until the fizz reduces plus 1/2 glass of water taken before sleeping and once in the morning should restore the potassium and antioxidants needed. The citrates has some heavy metal chelation properties but not enough and some powdered granulated lecithin should be helpful in further detoxification. It should be noticed that when body is lacking in oxygen from carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and even cyanide trace amounts along with excess acid, all these tend prevent the body from utilizing the oxygen you breathe and hence esophageal spasm. You are lucky that such lack of oxygen utilization does not get to the brain centers or the heart. On the other hand, perhaps it did in the brain centers as it orders an improper command to the esophagus, but in the past, I have noted that it also goes to affect nightmares, waking up in a cold sweat, or a sudden shock upon waking, and even in some cases a sudden arm spasms or shocking. Those I experienced as a student (western diets are bad) was relieved with sunflower seed, but it takes awhile (sunflower seeds had magnesium) and baking soda helped, and vitamin E reduces muscle pain.

Such muscle spasm from magnesium deficiency (and possibly potassium) can be expanded to sudden spasms of the whole body in which the whole body cannot move, or sleeping death, which means the heart simply stop. In both cases I found both a potassium and magnesium deficiency in the extreme. Those people who died like that were found to eat only instant noodle soup for a very long time without eating fruits (potassium) or green vegetables and seeds (magnesium).

Phosphate rich foods tends to make it worse, in some cases perhaps it was the phosphoric acid, which is high in soft drinks too.

So the fear of choking, at least for me is not as fearful as heart stoppage or complete bodily spasms during sleep, which could initiate death during sleep whenever magnesium and potassium is severely deficient.

I got some of those long time ago, but I do not know how I knew this piece information when I was a student, but it was an important piece of information since the food was mostly snack food when I was a student. As a tip, vitamin C sodium ascorbate is also an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning, but those are taken in large amounts, but in case of cigarettes or smoking in general 1000 to 2000 mg. of sodium ascorbate might bring some results to muscle spasms of esophagus too."

DOES ACIPHEX INHIBIT CALCIUM ABSORPTION?
12/19/2006: Cindy from Denver, CO writes: "I'm taking aciphex now for the killer acid reflux I got after years of taking anti inflammatories! I tried all the others, nexium, prilosec, etc.. aciphex helps the reflux, but would like to know if anyone knows if it inhibits calcium absorption because I need the calcium for osteoporsis. I'm going to try the yogurt cure that I read about here. I also have started drinking aloe juice and it helps with the fire in the throat and stomach. It's also very healing! Works great!"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Aciphex interferes with calcium absorption. In theory, most parasites rely on calcium to protect themselves, so basically by reducing calcium it kills the parasites helping with the acid reflux, but causing osteoporsis. Not a good solution I think. It would be more easier to take a couple of drops of tea tree oil and some spices such as thyme, oregano, clove and cinnamon to kill them directly, take baking soda before meals or after meals to reduce the digestion time thus reducing the fermentation from slow digestion. These natural methods won't interfere with digestion.

Besides, my own experience is that osteoporosis is a fungal like organism that eats away calcium just like your cavities in your teeth, and it creates acid environment and eats up the bones inside too, but much more slowly.

So taking antifungal aromatherapy oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, or antifungal minerals, such as borax would do a better job since this also kills the parasites as well as reducing the acid.

Of course giving the body some baking soda will neutralize the acidity, thus preventing further osteoporosis.

I also suspect that excess iron might have to do with it since people with bone problem seems to have excess iron buildup in certain joints, etc. which seems to cause pain from the free radical iron metals. These iron appears to be localized in joint part of the bones."

QUESTION ABOUT ACV AND BAKING SODA
12/19/2006: Penny from Seven Hills NSW Australia writes: "I am about to try the acv and baking soda for acid reflux. Is it baking soda or carb soda i use? also can a 13 year old take it. I have been on nexium and went off it because it made me light headed and I coughed such a lot. My dad used to talk about apple cider vinegar when I was a child. I will be glad to get off tablets"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Penny: It's the baking soda. Carbonated soda has no baking soda, and won't be helpful. When ACV reacts with baking soda it creates a carbon dioxide, or the fizz.

Baking soda when reacted with the ACV is converted from a malic to a malate, and it is the malate after reaction which the body has direct use in buffering pH, but bicarbonate still remains a major component which the body still needs to neutralize the acid.

Think of it this way, the car runs on gasoline, as it burns fuel it creates heat in the engine. As the engine burns fuel, it is overheated, the motor or engine gets destroyed. This is why the car needs a radiator to cool the car down, so that the engine can operate without destroying itself from the fuel. Baking soda works like a car's radiator in your body. When our body makes use of food as a fuel, it burns the food into acid and the acid is the heat of the engine, but at the same time this acid can also destroy the body's engines (the mitochondria) so we die a quick death when the engine is destroyed quicker resulting from early cell death.

The baking soda acts as a coolant like a radiator by neutralizing the acid buildup in the body so that the body can operate the engine without overheating."

3 YEAR OLD WITH SEVERE ACID REFLUX
12/18/2006: Mija from Warrington, UK writes: "Hello Ted, I am here again. Thank you for your quick reply My 3years old son's reflux condition doesn't get better at all, he is even losing weight. he gets too much acid and can't digest food at all. I give him ACV baking soda 2times a day. It is too early to see improve yet. As you recommended, I had planed to try licorice extract and royal jelly, but when I tried to find licorice extract liquid form, it contains alcohol ,or alcohol free but solvent. I can't be sure it is safe to be taken every day. I don't have any idea how the alcohol in licorice extract will affect a child. please advise me . you ask me to give him 1tbs of licorice 2times day, and you advise another 4 years old boy for 1/2 teaspoon. I don't know which one to follow. it seems 1 table spoon is quite lot for 3 years old boy. I am desperate to try every single tip for my little boy. The doctor refused to see him He think he can't do anything else except giving him antacid tablets. I guess you can help me again."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Mija: First, acid reflux is due to prepared foods, rather than home cooked. Sometimes acid reflux are from milk. The other thing is depending on seriousness of the condition is it dose dependent.

If the stomach refuses to digest anything, you need to see your doctor. Often taking vitamin B complex on an empty stomach will allow the digestion process to work. The other thing is taking baking soda only, which make things simpler 1/4 teaspoon before meals in the morning will speed up digestive emptying. ACV plus baking soda also take a little more time, but you should see some results.

Stomach that refuses to empty often in my own experience are either a vitamin B complex problem, royal jelly, lack of baking soda in the intestinal tract, or giving the child citric acid in fruit juices during his meals. Fruit juices SHOULD not be giving to the child during a meal as this cause the stomach to slow down stomach emptying. As to the licorice issue, the slowing down of stomach emptying is not the issue of microbes, but appears to be dietary as being the cause. However long term stomach emptying may cause acid reflux since it creates an environment for helicobacter pylori to expand. As to the dose, then you can lower the dose to just 1/2 teaspoon, although from additional information I think speeding up digestive emptying might help. In some cases peppermint oil may also help with flatulence, 1 or 2 drops in water, and this may or may not help the stomach emptying.

I found in one case the stomach cannot digest, upon giving magnesium chloride of 250 mg. one single does the stomach digesting returned to normal. Sometimes avoiding salt can create lowered stomach activity. However the preferred form of salt is sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon per liter of water.

If you think the microbes, e.g. helicobacter pylori is responsible for neutralizing all the stomach acid by creating an ammonia, a best way is to some cinnamon , thyme, clove and oregano spices along with the food. Whenever the stomach tries to digest this, the helicobacter pylori gets killed, preventing them from producing the ammonia, thus increasing the stomach acids digesting the food AND the helicobacter pylori, thus quickening the stomach emptying and therefore the stomach can now function normally. Ted"

CAN STRESS IN A CHILD CAUSE ACID REFLUX?
12/14/2006: Stacy from Cumming, GA writes: "I am trying to research to see if stress in a minor child can cause acid reflux. My step daughter develops acid reflux if she goes long periods of time without seeing her Father. Her Mother has to take her to the doctor for medication when this occurs."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Stacy: Stress will lower the body's immune system and hence acid reflux. On one hand stress will make people sick, but vice versa is also true. Acid forming diets and high heavy metals food will increase stress and lower the body's immune system also. It is Ying and Yang, so we need to consider them holistically: less sugary diets, better nutrition foods with 70% of food is vegetarian and of course plenty of whole fruits.

Often acid reflux reduces if the baking soda is taken at least 1 or 2 hours before meals since the body doesn't need to delay stomach emptying necessary to produce the required bicarbonates necessary to reduce the digested foods from stomach acids when it goes into the intestines.

It should be noted that citric acid and all fruit juices and drinks should not be taken during meals as they have a tendency to cause slower stomach emptying in the presence of citric acid.

When this is done, slower stomach emptying leads to fermented stomach leading to acid reflux. If the child insists on taking those, just give them on an empty stomach without the food.

If taken WITH food, only plain water is sufficient and acid reflux should be reduced. No milk as it may be food for the microbes in the stomach, however, calcium is higher in mashed potatoes then it is in milk. So calcium can be replaced from other sources such as mashed potatoes."

WILL ADDING APPLE JUICE TO APPLE CIDER VINEGAR REDUCE ITS EFFECTIVENESS?
12/14/2006: Kathryn from NSW, Australia writes: "Hi Ted, I have a question regarding some problems I have been having for the past few months. In August I noticed that I was having a lot of postnasal drip in the back of my throat and my partner has had chest pains and a dry cough since being prescribed blood pressure pills (which he's now been off for 6 weeks). Doctors have failed to diagnose the problem, but it's believed it is GERD and, reading this website, his symptoms do seem to be similar to many readers. ACV does seem to help his condition, but he absolutely hates the taste. I've tried adding it to water, adding a bit of honey, etc, but his preference is to take it with apple juice (1 part vinegar to 3 parts apple juice). Is the apple juice (which is probably pasteurized) likely to reduce the ACVs effectiveness? Thanks"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Kathryn: Don't forget to add some baking soda to the apple juice. Then he needs to drink 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in one liter of water. The sea salt will have an alkalizing effect and stop the GERD. It does that by raising the body's oxygen killing the organism and also reducing the fermentation that goes along with the GERD. Consider adding generously, Oregano, thyme, rosemary to the food. The fermentation causing the GERD will stop. If it works consider taking this every 1 hour until GERD stops, which should take a couple of days."

LONG TERM ISSUE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO KEEP FOOD DOWN
12/10/2006: Lorrie from Phoenix, AZ writes: "About 2 yrs ago I had an EGD and received a botox injection in my legs because I had only been able to eat salad and soup for a whole year. Anything else I ate would not stay down. That shot worked for 1 1/2 years and I am experiencing chest pressure, uncontrollable burping ( which is very embarrassing ) and now I am back to vomiting. My dr gave me omeprazole and because of the vomiting it is not working. I was told after a blood test that I have a bacteria in my stomach H Pylori and they have prescribed an anti-biotic but I want to try the ACV before I start taking them. After searching the web and finding this website I went to get some apple juice and I am still feeling the pressure in my chest and the burping is still very prevalent but as soon as I get home I am going to try the pickle juice because I know I have that at home now."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Lorrie: An apple juice or any fruit juice would not work for excessive burping. It will make the condition worse. The fermentation is caused apparently is due to slow emptying of the stomach. Try something easy when you eat food by adding some spices of oregano, thyme and clove together. These will prevent or stop fermentation as well as kill the helicobacter pylori.

And when the stomach is empty, take only apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1 glass of water. When the intestines will have enough bicarbonate after a week, the stomach should be able to clear the food faster. A simpler remedy still is just plain baking soda 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day.

When having this kind of burping, all sweets and fruit juices should generally be avoided as they cause fermentation.

In some cases taking magnesium supplements and vitamin B will help if in case the other methods do not."

WOULD ACV AND HONEY WORK FOR REFLUX?
12/05/2006: Jaque from Westerville, OH writes: "I didn't see anything on your Q&A pages about ACV and honey. Would that work for acid reflux? I find it makes a refreshing drink."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "ACV and honey would not likely to work. If you want to eliminate the bad taste or smell of ACV, just add some lemon and enough baking soda, it will not only worked better and the fizz drinks makes it just as refreshing. If you want sweet, add stevia or maybe xylitol, which are both natural products too."

4 YEAR WITH ACID REFLUX SINCE BIRTH
11/29/2006: Debbie from Coventry, CT writes: "My 4yr old son has had acid reflux since birth. He also has multiple food allergies/asthma/environmental allergies. He takes zantac 3x a day and zyrtec once a day. I would love to wean him off zantac and try the ACV with baking soda. Would the formula be the same for a 4yr old? I do give him a probiotic daily. Thank you."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "A 4 year old will very likely take 1/4 dose of an adult. Give the child some licorice extract, only 1/2 teaspoon. It helps kill whatever bugs that are causing the acid reflux. The mineral molybdenum (sodium molybdate) maybe helpful in controlling the pH and hence acid reflux.

Some scientists think acid reflux is the condition of weak stomach acid as the CAUSE. If this is true, there is NOTHING wrong with giving the bicarbonate, as the body will use that to alkalize the blood and allow better digestion in the intestines, raises the immune system, thus killing the bugs causing the acid reflux.

However, to increase the acid stomach is relatively easy. Most vitamin B complex have B6 which is often pyridoxine Hydrochloride. The child will very likely take just 1/3 of a dose and not everyday either. Maybe 3-4 days out of a week just to be safe. The body always needs a rest and continuous supplementation of anything is not good either, the minimum rest period is about 2 days out of a week.

The other thing I worry about is the issue of misdiagnosis. Often an acid reflux is quite often confused with an anorexic condition. The treatment of anorexic condition is actually quite simple: vitamin B complex! It doesn't hurt to give just one half tablet. Just to see. If it is true, then just 3-4 days out of a week is as safe as i can make it and given every week. If I am right the treatment should not last longer than a week to realize it is working. Ted"

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA QUESTION
11/28/2006: Grace from Vac, Hungary writes: "I spent $40.00 on a cure for my horrible acid reflux and they said to take a tsp of honey or two when you have symptoms and pain. I did try the remedy for a week or two, but them my uvula has become highly swollen and the pain has worsened. I am in a terrible spot as I need to talk and eat and have a whole life again but this pain and problems are killing me. I cannot afford to return to the states for medical care at this time. How do I take this soda and apple cider mixture, after I eat, before I eat. I am a diabetic and have a thyroid problem, but I have stopped all of my medication because I cannot get the acid in my stomach to quit. I have only been eating breads, soft foods, pureed vegetables and I am still suffering. I will be greatly blessed if you can help. Thank you in advance. for your answer to my questions. 'The honey only helped relieve the pain for a few moments."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Grace: I do not know where they get the idea that honey is a good cure for acid reflux. Sugar IN ANY FORM is food for these microbes.

Acid reflux is a sign of immune problems where a simple ACV bicarbonate can help indirectly through increasing the alkalinity and killing off the microbes responsible for the ACV. You can also try the lemon bicarbonate formula and works too. Just one whole lemon and add baking soda until the fizz stops and add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for good measure, plus 1/2 glass of water. Often the dose required you take 2 times a day, but I have seen people telling me 4 is the best. Of course, they could be right, but all my doses are the bare minimum necessary to normalize the pH first.

Best times are before bedtime and in the morning. Another time I found to be of significance is around 2 p.m. or 4.00 p.m.

It is very important to control your sugar and fats, being important, aside from pH being the priority. Then to kill these microbes try taking some licorice extract now and then, 1/4 teaspoon borax per liter of water and taken throughout the day will further kill these microbes. Adding a drop or two of orange oil will also help kill them. Acid reflux is simply one form of microbes invading the body, such as yeast infection. It is helpful to take 3-4 days out of a week a handful of chinese parsley along with the food to drive out the heavy metals accumulated by these microbes. Taking 2000 - 4000 mg of glycine or a teaspoon or two of glycine (a cheap) amino acid, can also help, but this should be taken at night. Increasing your body's immune system is important, and I found lately that vaccinations and antibiotics also cause acid reflux problem. Avoiding them may help. In other cases a severe form I found were practically cured by taking plenty of vitamin B complex and magnesium citrate or magnesium chloride. For some reason there is a blurring of lines between anorexia and acid reflux. Therefore vitamin B complex if not well absorbed or not working may require (but often not necessary) a B12 injection. If immune is at issue just do iodine painting on the soles of your feet once a week also help. Again 25 mg of zinc acetate (or zinc citrate) supplements a 5 day out of the week for about a month or so should greatly reduce acid reflux."

ACID REFLUX AND PH
11/26/2006: Paula writes: "Hi Ted, on 5 Nov. I wrote about ibuprofen and ulcers. You responded about bugs in the stomach causing issues. I thought you meant that the bugs were causing the acid reflux, but when I read it again, I see you meant that the bugs are causing the ulcers. So, what is the cause of Acid Reflux if not PH imbalance? Or am I still mis-understanding. I think my stomach is worse if I eat wheat products, but only in some forms. Also, since starting the AVC, now I have a yeast infection which I haven't had in years. Is it related? Thanks. Paula."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Paula: A bug is like helicobacter pylori, sometimes it is a yeast, sometimes it is a virus, sometimes it is a fungus. Sometimes the cause are non-bug, such as an anorexic condition. Sometimes the body's acidity is high and the immunity is suppressed, or even lack of bicarbonates to neutralized the acid in the intestines. They can cause a real pain if that happens!

The problem about the word "acid reflux" is the inexactness of the cause or is it the medical practice of being inexact is what causing the problem, lack of medical procedures to find the exact cause of the acid reflux. No matter how complicated it seems we always start out simple.

A yeast infection often follows the use of antibiotics or hospital meds. Taking ACV might help but usually the best ways is ACV baking soda.

ACV is beneficial in many ways when added with baking soda because it is biologically compatible with the body's antioxidant level.

The ORP (oxidation reduction potential) using one tablespoon of apple cider vingar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, has an ORP of -175 millivolt. This electrical negativity is antioxidation capacity, where 90% of all our food including those very expensive European mineral water are quite oxidizing at 200 to 300 millivolts. The antioxidation level of ACV baking soda helps the body in many way to normalize its function since our blood is not oxidizing, but antioxidizing.

Basically ACV BAKING SODA, helps you in two ways, once the body becomes alkalized, the body's immune systems are up and it kills the bugs (bacteria, fungus, yeast, etc). Since it is well known that ibuprofen causes ulcers, and since the wounds are open, this is how a body can acquire the "bugs", thereby getting a yeast infection, or more ulcers (from helicobacter pylori, etc). This is why I raised the issue of "bugs". So if you think ACV causes yeast infection, it may likely be that the ibuprofen, which already caused ulcers, may have given an opening of such wounds to allow easy access for the yeast to enter your system in the first place. In fact ACV and vinegar is quite a well known home remedies in treatment of nail fungus. However, for taking it internally I would much prefer the ACV plus baking soda being the best.

The second way ACV baking soda helps is that it supports the intestines to function normally by giving it adequate bicarbonate necessary to fully neutralized the food that is very acid left over by the stomach. The ORP of -175 millivolts is the antioxidant level and this can help the body normalize many functions too.

The bug issue if you happen to take hospital meds, such as antibiotics tend to cause heavy metals to accumulate. Sometimes it causes the body's molybdenum to become depleted.

Apparently certain sulfa antibiotics have a molybdenum lowering effect since molybdenum detoxifies sulfites in the body and this might be related. But here is an interesting take also, antibiotics tends to deplete your body of vitamin B also in particular, thiamine or vitamin B1, which converts the body's carbohydrate into glucose, given you energy. In event you become weak from a yeast infection, therefore, it is possible that the body's stores for B1 is also depleted after a long bout of hospital meds.

Also, the molybdenum controls sugars and the pH of the body too. In fact some people with a yeast infection, can be helped by taking molybdenum supplements also, such as sodium molybdate for treatment of candida albicans.

As a general rule there are several supplements out there that deal with the bug issue (virus, fungus, bacteria, parasites), such as selenium, zinc, magnesium and licorice extract.

Mineral salts of zinc and magnesium in itself have antibiotic powers, for example a simple zinc salts, of zinc acetate, zinc chloride is well known to kill over 99% of the herpes simplex. But if the you take it internally it raises your body's immune system, thus killing the bug also (yeast, virus, bacteria, fungus).

It might especially be noted that fungus have an Achilles heels, in particular, alkaline environment. They tend to die easily. This is why baking soda added to ACV or just baking soda alone is seen to be advantageous.

In certain conditions, acid reflux based on my own personal observations are often misdiagnosed and it should have gone under the category of anorexia. In monkeys and gorillas, acid reflux do occur, but they tend to call this anorexia where a gorilla can throw up after eating western diets. The cure for these zoo animals and fishes is simple: vitamin B complex. This is well known in fish pathology.

In humans, we often identify anorexia for treatment to use vitamin B6, or pyridoxine hydrochloride. Interestingly, the scientist of the 1960s tried to prove that acid reflux is the condition of lack of stomach acid as opposed to too much. The acid reflux were the condition of fermentation which occurs in the stomach (from the bugs) is what causes the condition. So the fact that B6 has hydrochloride, will cause the stomach to have higher acidity.

You might think the body will get confuse from going from too much acid to alkaline. It sounds all confusing but it is not.

Basically your stomach acid can vary its acidity between 2 to 7, depending on whether you are hungry or not. If you are digesting the food, the body is quite acid. On the other hand if you are just thirsty for water, the water basically goes right through the stomach and straight down into the intestines. This is the same that occurs when you drink ACV and baking soda, it goes right through the stomach and the bicarbonates is actually mostly in the intestines where intestines are quite alkaline and it also goes into the blood where your blood is also quite alkaline, the blood pH is 7.35.

Now, what happens when an acid reflux occurs is that it occurs right after you eat. There is simply not enough acid being generated by the stomach, or that the stomach is "infected" with bugs and further causes fermentation as another possibility.

Once you understand this process, it is clear that you need to eat food of non-fermentable kind or foods that does not easily ferment itself. This is quite easy. When you eat food, put clove leaves or clove spices, available in most supermarkets to the food you eat. You can also use thyme as a spices and add that to the food you eat. The food after you eat, will not ferment. You can also add a drop of peppermint to the water after you eat in the water. Peppermint will prevent food from fermentation. This is why they add in toothpastes. Peppermint, cloves, thyme and oregano makes a good natural therapy against fungus, as well as food from fermentation.

Next thing you might ask is how you can increase stomach acid. Well, since vitamin B6 is a form of hydrochloride (pyridoxine hydrochloride) you can take vitamin B complex along with your food, or the best way is to take it just after you eat. The hydrochloride will react with the food by increasing the stomach acid, thus reducing the fermentation by helping digestion. That, along with the spices becomes synergistic.

Hopefully I cleared most of the misunderstandings on acid reflux and I am sure you will have even more questions. What I can guarantee you is no other place can give you a detailed explaination of acid reflux. The reason is simple: it takes a lot of time to type this kind of information!"

3 YEAR OLD WITH SEVERE ACID REFLUX
11/25/2006: Mija from Warrington, UK writes: "I wrote a short explanation about my son's problem before, but I felt I should write about his condition more detail to help you to understand my son's problem. he is 3 years old, has very severe reflux condition. he is taking omeprazole 20mg, doperidone 5ml 3time a day. while he is taking them , his vomiting stops and less heartburn occur As soon as we stop giving tablet, or reduce to 10mg dose vomiting starts followed by sore throat, chest infection, heartburn, awake all night, ...we could hear acid flowing up to his throat He had vascular ring condition(which means an huge abnormal vessel from heart compress his mid-esophagus which makes him difficult to swallow food and causes reflux result from narrowed his esophagus.)from his birth and had 3 times operation to correct his condition. We thought his vomiting , recurrent chest infection, wheezing, excess mucus, sore throat, constipation all this problem was caused by his vascular ring . but after third operation his vomiting symptom and swallowing problem, poor weight gain doesn't disappear at all . After searching a lot of website I realized he has typical symptom of gastro reflux. he hardly grows. even he is 3years old, his body seems only 18moths old baby's height and weight. apart from eating difficulty, vomiting, night acid heartburn , he is so happy and cheerful, very active boy. I am so desperate to find a solution. Doctors only give tablets and say when his body grows , he will grow out of it. I can't see any improvement at all. put on 100g of weight for him take almost a month. I am so sad and sorry for him . he doesn't have any appetite to eat food, because he knows when he eats food,it will make him uncomfortable and upset, can't digest it. he sometimes vomits the food 12hours later. I really want to try ACV and baking soda , but I am not sure that this remedy is suitable for young child. if it is, how much, how long , when to give it? Is baking soda no harm to take regularly for children? is it after meal better or before? what about bedtime? Is he ok to take his antacid tablets and ACV and baking soda same time? Ted, you wrote so many helpful answers. I hope you could help me too.."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Mija: Often vitamin B complex works quite well to increase the appetite. However licorice extract, glycine, with a couple of drops of orange oil and zinc should raise his immunity to suppress the pathogens invading his gastrointestinal tract somewhat.

The dose of licorice extract is often about 1 tablespoon x two times per day and a couple of drops of orange oil is necessary. Peppermint will detoxify. I have seen one case where this was cured after giving plenty of fresh royal jelly, which was very high in vitamin B5. Of course, vitamin B5 can be purchased separately.

Magnesium chloride (250 mg) or magnesium citrate seems to help reflux conditions in some cases that I have seen to be near miraculous recovery. What I do know is electrolytic imbalance of magnesium, zinc, potassium can also cause havoc in a child too, which is often a deficiency usually of magnesium and zinc. Avoiding sugar is necessary for the recovery since a microbe's major source of nutrition are sweets in general.

If all those are done, I would much prefer a lemon bicarbonate formula. So maybe 1/2 lemon plus some baking soda until the fizz are gone then add water to 1/2 glass taken everyday.

This will not cure him of his condition, but I am sure he will be greatly helped. Of course lack of information from you is my major problems in finding a suitable course of supplements."

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA QUESTION
11/25/2006: Gisela from Miami, FL writes: "It was great when I found your web site I used ACV/honey 3xday for a long time and I always felt great never got sick even when everybody around me got sick. recently a few months ago I went thru very stressful time at home and I started having heart burn and I stop using it for a while but I missed it so much I always felt great before. My heart burn got worse and my throat sting badly, now that I found your site I started using it again with the baking soda and feels a lot better than just with ACV, but still have a little burning on my chest. I read about advices you gave to other people about the lemon and baking soda I would like to ask you if I should switch for 2/wks and do lemon/bsoda 3xtimes a and how much water do I add. Please advise."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Yes, you can do it. There is one case of boy took 4 times a day of lemon/baking soda just to get his pH to normal since he was suffering from a parasites problems which releases a lot of microbes causing the body to be very acidic.

Therefore, it is necessary to monitor your urinary pH to determine the frequency of your dose. After taking for 1 hour, you can check for your urinary pH and see if it is in the normal range.

If it is not, more will reduce the problems indicated. But if not it appears the body has some yeast/fungus/bacteria problem, which can be dealt with taking chinese parsley, N Acetyl Cysteine, and 1/4 teaspoon of EDTA per liter of water, to get out the heavy metal burden.

Sugar and all sweets must be eliminated from the diet necessary for a recovery. Raising the immunity with zinc and once a week iodine foot painting 3-4 square inches should help. Take some licorice extract and some glycine is important.

I have found people with acid reflux, in some cases turns out to be anorexic! In that case taking vitamin B complex 100 mg for B1 B3 B4 B5 B6 B8, except for B12 at 100 mcg once or twice a day would solve nearly most causes of acid reflux I can think off.

The other issue is magnesium chloride seems to be quite helpful for anorexic conditions and acid reflux in some cases. 250 mg/day taken only once a week or twice a week would be more than enough to notice some improvement.

One indicator that the body needs it is sound sensitivity or tinnitus. One variation of tinnitus I got to know is sound sensitivity to high frequency sounds. In that case, it is a heavy metal burden, where chinese parsley taken once or twice a week would be helpful. Ted"

GALLBLADDER REMOVED, SINCE THEN TERRIBLE PAIN IN STERNUM, UPPER BACK PAIN AND METALLIC TASTE
11/20/2006: Kimberly from Valparaiso, Indiana writes: "Ted, I had my gallbladder removed 6 months ago and from the day after surgery I've had terrible pain in my sternum, upper back pain and a metallic taste in my mouth. Took Nexium for 12 weeks, seemed to help. I've been off it for 1 week now and some of the back pain has returned. I do the ACV and water 2xs a day. Is there anything else I can do?I don't like taking prescriptions. Thank You."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Try adding 2 tablespoons of ACV and put about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. This will help buffer the body, a function that gallbladder helped in the past. The other thing is take granulated powdered lecithin with every meal you have. It acts as a fat emulsifier, another function that the gallbladder also. An ideal buffering for you would be lemon with baking soda added until the fizz stops and add water to 1/2 glass. Metallic tastes may be excess acidity or heavy metal buildup in the liver. Sometimes oil pulling with one drop of peppermint oil might remove some of that out.

Back pain can be helped if you take some magnesium supplements. Ted"

MULTIPLE HEALTH PROBLEMS AFTER TAKING A COURSE OF ANTIBIOTICS FOR BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
11/20/2006: Christina from Lombard, Illinois writes: "Please help, i am losing my mind. (i eat all organic and haven't been this fit in years. Also I haven't been sick in 10 years. i am not overweight either.) after taking a course of antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis a month later problems arose. The next month, july, i realized i had some frontal sinus pain and an on again off again metallic taste. Air conditioning seemed to make it worse. I am allergic to mold and i smelled it coming out of the air conditioner at home. ( turned it off after a few days and also had the windows shut at night. I also had tonsil crypts that reopened after not having them for years. However, the mold count was extremely high in my area this year. the ENT gave me a week of antibiotics, but to no avail. i went to another doctor in august and she gave me allergy meds, and a nasal steroid spray for post nasal drip. the symptoms did not improve. i was nasal irrigating a few times a day and drinking a gallon of water. i kept looking at the back of my throat and i saw the shiny stuff (either post nasal drip or acid reflux, not sure). weeks pass and i continue the nasal irrigation, steroids, allergy meds, but to no avail. i still had the shiny stuff on the back of my throat and the white tongue when i woke up in the morning. I waited a few more weeks and take a whole bottle of mucinex and allergy meds and steroid spray and still no improvement. the shiny stuff is still occasionally on the back of my throat with a bad taste on again and off again. i go to europe for a few weeks and stop taking the allergy stuff and feel 50% better. I fly home and feel stuffed up on the plane. then i felt like i had a cold for 2 days. i waited 2 weeks and went back to dr. because now when i lay down at night each nostril would close depending on which side i lay on. i take 10 days of antibiotics and was still doing the irrigating but to no avail.. the ears began to ring loudly but have subsided a little. I still have the shiny stuff off and on. dr. says it's acid reflux. However, i do not have pain or heartburn. I have never had a problem with food (tomatoes, milk, carbs). I drank plenty of coffee and wine in europe and had no problems either. Dr. puts me on prilosec for 2 weeks and suddenly i can't eat fresh fruit or tomatoes without getting that acid taste a few hours later. I never had this until i took the prilosec. I still wake up with a dry nose as if I'm in a desert and one nostril is clogged with white tongue in the a.m. after i am awake for a little while i can breathe again and the nose unclogs. i told her in the beginning that i thought it was fungal but she didn't think so. i have been drinking the acv and taking probiotics and enzyme supplements as well for a week now. i stopped taking the prilosec a week ago and i still have the dry nose when i wake up and the white tongue which i can brush off. i took a few of naturum phosphicum and had terrible headaches for 3 days. also acid taste has returned with a vengeance. is this from acv or naturum phosphoricum? finally the acid taste seems to be subsiding but i'm not sure if it's from stopping the acv or the nat. phos. i'm sure that the prilosec caused my stomach to be depleted of acid since i had no problems eating before. is there a way to tell if it's fungal or sinus or both? please help i am going crazy from the dry nose and headaches upon waking. i usually feel better when i'm awake. but i have had allergies my whole life and i never had this before. i even bought a hepa filter just in case it's a dust mite problem and again the mold. I just want to know if this is a sinus problem (caused by acid reflux) or acid reflux caused by fungal or both or a combination. i really can't take it anymore. I also have been sleeping with the bed raised and this causes my scoliosis to hurt. it is very uncomfortable to sleep that way. it didn't help me with the dry nose either. my apt. is plenty humid as well. i am also very clean so i can't see why it would be allergies. i told the dr. that i wasn't even sneezing the whole summer (very strange i think). could this be fungal from the initial mold i smelled in the air conditioner? i haven't had a fever yet so she said it's not a sinus infection. and my mucous has always been clear. but again, i have not had a runny nose or common allergic symptoms since this began. in the beginning of this nightmare i would inhale steam and eucalyptus oil and my nose wouldn't even drain. again strange. ever since i went to these drs. i have been much worse off. why would my nose stuff up at night on one side and feel dry like a desert? is the white tongue from acid and/or pepsin. please help me!"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "It is common that when you are on an antibiotics, they will obviously cause the body's immune system to be lowered from killing off friendly bacteria. Increased in heavy metals are quite common when people go on antibiotics also. Yeast and fungus loves heavy metal, and they tend to grow quite fast in those mediums. I have not yet identified which particular heavy metals those are, but usually it is often free radical heavy metals. Your reported metallic tastes is not unusual either since you are high in heavy metal burden.

Since this is the cause, the cure is the same, removal of heavy metals and reducing free radical heavy metals.

Take granulated powdered lecithin one tablespoon on an empty stomach 3-4 times per day, and if possible also take granulated powdered lecithin along with your food also. It must be understood that heavy metals are oil soluble and the body cannot remove easily such oil soluble compounds unless a fat emulsifiers are there to dissolve them, causing the body to rid of excess heavy metal burden much easier.

Consider using oil pulling, as a way to remove heavy metal burden by swishing around the mouth at least 5 minutes each, and spit it out. To prevent any release of toxins when they are being killed by the linoleic acid component of the oil, consider adding at least 1 drop of peppermint oil per tablespoon each time you use it. This way you can neutralize the toxins necessary to prevent or reduce Herxheimer effect.

Fungus are relatively weak or dies of easily whenever the body is rather alkaline. Therefore try taking anyone of the following:

two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda

or

one whole lemon and add baking soda until fizz stops.

These two will help. If you can get disodium EDTA, then 1/4 teaspoon of this per liter of drinking water. It will rid of free radical heavy metals out of the body. Vitamin C, sodium ascorbate will help too.

Try to get some hydrogen peroxide 3% as a cleaning solution to rid of fungus in your room. This will remove the fungus contaminant. Cleaning air conditions by spraying with clorox to rid of fungus can also help or non chlorine bleaches such as sodium percarbonate or sodium perborate.

It is necessary you take zinc acetate supplements to raise your immune system, some iodine foot painting maybe twice a week, or and take some magnesium chloride or magnesium citrate supplements for example. These will help displace heavy metals. Taking selenium supplements should also displace other heavy metals such as mercury or cadmium.

Some people who have too much fungus which causes acid reflux can also be helped by taking 6 drops of H2O2 3% to 1 glass of water. They do report improvements after about 30 minutes of taking it, however the improvement is relatively brief such as 2 hours and must be taken before the declining conditions set in. Clove oil, one drop per liter of water, shaken very well should help. Just test if it is too hot for you or not. Different people have different tolerances to spicy oils. Of course safer way is to use plenty of spices they sold in supermarkets, such as thyme, oregano and clove to your food. These have anti-fungal properties. Ted"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Any time you have an allergy to mold, a shiny throat, and a metallic taste it indicates that the body is overloaded with heavy metals. Just take one tablespoon of granulated lecithin taken with every meal and one more tablespoon taken on an empty stomach. Drink plenty of water.

Secondly get a litmus paper and measure your urine pH, please! The pH urine if it is normal would be between 6.5 - 7.3. If your urine is between 4- 5 it is obvious that you were NOT taking enough baking soda. If taking baking soda by a larger amounts such as 1/2 teaspoon on 1/2 glass of water 3 times a day on an EMPTY stomach did not raise our pH within 1 hour after you took it, it means your body is lacking in another mineral controlling your pH, namely sodium molybdate (molybdenum).

Thirdly, people who eat organics tend to be low on sodium, and in some cases just taking 1 teaspoon of sea salt ONCE a week can kill the molds and other pathogens in your body. The only way to know is to test it out.

It is important that you just try to take one whole freshly squeezed lime (lemon is a bit weaker) and take that twice or three times a day on an empty stomach The key is to add baking soda until the fizz stop and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for good measure. Add this to 1/2 glass of water or 1 full glass of water.

You need to raise your immune system, namely taking 24 mg of zinc acetate (or zinc gluconate, or zinc chloride, or zinc citrate) for 4 days/ per week. Take selenium at 200 mcg per day. And eat kelp and seaweed every day. Taking some MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane) maybe 250 mg/day with plenty of water will help kill the molds and fungus. To reduce molds and fungus, it must be noted that you need to take plenty of zinc, chromium, and vanadium supplements.

If you are still desperate, then take 1/4 teaspoon of borax to 1 liter of water - just drink this throughout the day. This compound will help kill fungus in your body.

Reducing heavy metal burden is a must, so besides taking lecithin, consider doing some oil pulling one tablespoon in the morning, but you must add the 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to neutralize the toxins too. The oil pulling will pull out some of the heavy metals. Just swish around the mouth 5 minutes minimum for spitting it out. It is also important to take vitamin B complex supplements and sodium ascorbate vitamin C at 1000 mg per day.

Doing the above you should notice improvement within a week."

CAN AN OVERLY ALKALINE DIET CONTRIBUTE TO GERD OR LPR?
11/19/2006: Gary from Waynesboro, VA writes: "Is it possible that too alkaline a diet and drinking a lot of ionized alkaline Ph (9.0 to 9.5) water could in any way contribute to developing GERD or LPR? Thank you."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Any time the body's acid or alkaline is out of balance whichever way the body will need to either expel excess acid or excess alkaline needed to maintain equilibrium.

If digestion is improper and not enough stomach acid, the food will remain too long and acid reflux can occur, or if the blood is too acid, then helicobacter pylori occurs or a pathogen sets in which can trigger an acid reflux .Insufficient bicarbonate will not allow the intestines to neutralized the food eaten thus causing intestinal problems, but on the other hand too much alkalinity will not allow the food to digest either and may cause a GERD or LPR.

Which ever case, the ideal pH to consume is closest to the pH of your blood, which can be between 7 to 7.5. Moderation is best, but whatever the case the body needs a sufficient amounts of bicarbonates necessary to maintain equilibrium. A water without bicarbonates are a big problem, but so is adding too much acid forming foods or too much alkaline forming foods.

In practice the most problem is usually from eating too much acid forming food. The best way to settle an argument whether drinking alkaline water is best for you is whether your own body's pH urine is between 6.5 to 7.35 or not. That is really the settling point, but yet the body still needs a sufficient bicarbonates. This can be tested by looking at variations of urinary pH throughout the day. If it varies in a narrow area of optimum values, then it is possible that the body does have sufficient bicarbonates."

CAN STRESS CAUSE ACID REFLUX, HORRIBLE SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND METALLIC TASTE?
11/17/2006: J.C. from Cleveland, OH writes: "This question is for Ted or anyone who may have some answers. I had a question posted below about some serious acid reflux problems I've been experiencing for several months now. I've literally tried "everything" including acv and baking soda but still, nothing has changed. The only conclusion I can come up with is stress. Just how much of a role can stress play when it comes to acid reflux. This is not a sob story:) Since last year, things have been horrible. My best friend (uncle) has been dying of emphysema so I have been literally doing everything for him. Later, during the year, I was told my Mom was suddenly going to die from liver damage. Then, I came down with extremely bad sciatica, so bad I could hardly walk because of the leg pain. Finally, the same uncle passes away in Feb, 06. By April, the symptoms began to come on slowly. Come June, I was in the emergency room with such horrible shortness of breath, I thought I was going to suffocate. It was then that I was diagnosed with acid reflux. I CONSTANTLY taste acid in my mouth. My throat constantly hurts, and I'm usually hoarse. I know I'm aspiring quite a bit of the acid as well. Is it possible that stress is so powerful, that it can cause all of this to happen? I don't know much about stress except that I don't handle it very well, and I have alot of it. If you or anybody else could give me some pointers, I would REALLY appreciate it! Also, in case I do have a hiatal hernia, does anyone know how to treat it conventionally? Thanks to all of you, this site is really great."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear J.C. Acid reflux is really a bug problem, generally. The acid tastes in the mouth goes away after 2 weeks of 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda taken twice a day on an empty stomach. But stress plays an important part in lowering your immune system and the bug problems expands, where supplementation of iodine, licorice extract and zinc will help raise the immune systems in general. Aromatherapy using narcissus oil will lower the stress, usually within minutes, as well as sodium ascorbate. Melatonin is a good stress reducer if taken before sleep at 5 mg. -- available in most supplement stores. If you want a conventional treatment, this is easy. See your doctor."

ESOPHAGUS INFLAMMED, FREQUENT URINATION DURING NIGHT, BURPING ALL THE TIME
11/13/2006: Jay from Amherst, NY writes: "In 2003 when I ate hot spicy food, i had severe throat pain. I went for checkup,my endoscopy result was 1/3 of my esophagus is inflammed.Omeprazole was prescribed. I am taking since then, no cure.Last year I had my left throat got swollen and took antibiotic. Then I had blood in the urine, took antibiotic, After that I have frequently urinating in the night, burping all the time with or without food. Now I have pain in my left abdomen and in the back. I have severe problem in my sole and heel. I am 30 pound over weight. During intercourse I have unbelievable pain., 3 months ago my hpyloritest result was positive , so I took antibiotic for 10 days. am I going to die soon? Please reply. My problems are getting worse everyday, I stopped the prevacid for the lost 3 months. I burp 30 times a day, and urinate 30 times a day. Still my throat problem is there when I eat spicy food it burns, I feel there is a lump in my throat. Give me a regimen I can follow, will i get better. Dying to hear from you. Sorry for my bad english thanks in advance."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "It seems your immune system is severely suppressed. The body seems to be overtaken by fungus mycoplasma and other related organism. Therefore a preferred dose would be:

A zinc acetate supplements 25 mg/day plus aspirin taken at the same time with plenty of water. Take this for a week, stop for about 3 days and continue.

Take licorice extract 1 tablespoon one week, off one week. So take it on alternate weeks.

Using lavender oil, and put one drop in every glass of water. The lavender will kill most of the bugs (fungus) if taken internally. Or you can apply lavender to the skin to allow transdermal absorption.

Consider a long term solution by raising your immune system. Take plenty of broccoli and raw cabbage. They contain indole 3 carbinol which should stimulate your immune system.

Consider that 1/4 teaspoon of borax food grade per day in one glass of water to rid you of most of the other bugs.

Alkalize the body and take 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day, one in the morning and one in the evening on an empty stomach.

Have you been eating a non-salt diet lately? If so, take a heaping teaspoon of sea salt in one glass of water, which is taken only ONCE A WEEK. Should normalize the salinity of your body.

Finally, if things don't seem to work or you feel week, then 6 -12 drops of 3% H2O2. If H2O2 does not work for you I found 1 drop of clove oil in one liter of water (shaken vigorously) should kill a great many bugs in your body. All these simple remedies should get you better within a day or two."

IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SAFE TO TAKE DURING PREGNANCY?
11/13/2006: Meena from Yorkshire, UK writes: "Hello, Ted. thanks for this website where i learned a lot and tried ACV.I am taking ACV with baking soda for my acid reflux and it has been great. I have stopped taking medication for my acid reflux and since i have started ACV. But i am planning for a baby and very concerned if i have to stop ACV i will have to start the medication again and have to face the same problems again. I want to know can i keep on taking ACV during my pregnancy and is it safe.I will be grateful for your answer and help. I am very concerned."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Meena: If you take ACV baking soda at an exact pH of 7.0 it is as safe as it could possibly be. You might also consider taking some lemon juice (say 1/4 lemon or lime) and add some baking soda until the fizz stops then add water.

You can take this once a week if you wish. This will correct the body's Oxidation Reduction Potential imbalances. Basically one reason why we get sick is your blood has a negative ORP of about -100 while all the food we eat is all oxidizing at 300 or 400. This serious discrepancy is what makes our body sick as the body has to process them to a negative potential. So basically taking ACV and baking soda, and sometimes taking lemon and baking soda helps.

Why does ACV baking soda help with your acid reflux. Two things: the buffer increases and the acid reflux is reduce. The second is when the body is alkaline, the bugs which may also caused the acid reflux dies.

Not everyone will be cured of acid reflux 100%, there is the issue of sugar, there is the issue of heavy metals, there is the issue of immune suppression due to iodine deficiency, etc. But basically, I am just keeping thing simple and perhaps stupid most of the time. There is one interesting one which relates to taking fruits too high in thiocyanates (e.g. cassava, and fruit seeds) which bought about immune suppression from lack of iodine due to thiocyanates blocking such function."

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR CAUSED SEVERE ACID REFLUX AND ASTHMA FLARED UP
11/10/2006: Siram from India writes: "I consumed two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in half glass of water for my colds and asthma. Soon after sipping this, my Acid Reflux problem skyrocketed and I was in great pain. My asthma which was under control for over 2 months (without using inhalers/ steroids/ drugs) suddenly flared up like nothing. I also felt a colicky kind of pain in my left lung (lower lobe). I had to immediately resort to the Rescue inhaler which eased up the lung pain and wheezing; but the acid reflux continues unabated. Can someone tell me what's really happening with me? Is Apple Cider Vinegar unsuitable for us as far as I am concerned?"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Some people will be bicarbonate deficient. So taking pure ACV is not going to help. The safest way is to just take 2 tablespoon of ACV and add about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. The pH will be exactly 7. Add about 1/2 glass of water and take it.

I have seen people who were muscle builder with excessive protein supplements. Taking ACV would cause their tongue to burn. This is due to the body being excessively acid without sufficient bicarbonate to buffer.

In extreme cases, such as yours, I would use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda twice a day or three times a day on an empty stomach to avoid diarrhea with salty foods and add this to 1/2 glass of water. If you can monitor your urinary pH this would be wonderful. The urinary pH should be between 6.5 to 7.0 pH. Take this for at least two weeks, afterwards you can then take ACV, but only with the modified ACV formula I have used many times, the ACV and baking soda as mentioned.

The acid reflux should be reduced within 2-3 days. It is important that you take some zinc supplements, preferably zinc acetate 25 mg. for about a week, then stop. Other conditions that exacerbate acid reflux includes bromine rich foods, e.g. chocolate, cocoa. Foods high in sugar, or high carbohydrate food which are acid forming. Foods which are high in thiocyanates such as cassava, certain fruit seeds. You can try taking some seaweed and kelp to reduce the condition, but the seaweed must never be fried, as iodine contents are completely depleted."

REMEDY FOR ACID REFLUX AND HIATAL HERNIA
11/10/2006: Gale from Oxford, CT writes: "what is the right dose for acid reflux for someone who has hiatal hernia....should i add baking soda and how much...should i add ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate...and how much...thanks gale."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Gale: Try 1/2 teaspoon of sodium ascorbate and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Taken twice a day. Acid reflux can be both bicarbonate issue and a bug issue (bacteria, fungus). So for your condition, take the zinc acetate 25 mg/day and licorice extract, both taken on for one week and off for another week. Most bugs tend to exist with the high heavy metals, so consider adding some fresh chinese parsley (coriander) into your diet.

Removing heavy metals removes the food source of the bugs too. Certain parts of the U.S. water is fluoridated, so this tends to worsen the acid reflux (my observations), and taking 1/8 teaspoon in one glass of water of food grade borax temporarily not exceeding 2-3 days per week alternate weeks, can reduce this problem too. At least it removes the body's immune suppression and once restore, the acid reflux might go away since the cause of acid reflux as mentioned before can be a body's pH buffer or a bacterial/fungus problem."

CHILD WITH CHRONIC COUGH, DEVELOPED BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS, THEN ASTHMA
11/09/2006: Jeisea from Byron Bay, Australia writes: "I'm going to try your apple cider vinegar but also half a lemon on wakening. I have reflux as a consequence of complex regional pain syndrome, an autonomic nervous system problem. I hope this works so that I can stop taking acid inhibitors. Someone on here asked about cough and reflux. My son had a chronic cough and was treated for asthma. He was in the worst category for asthma. He never had a wheeze. He just had a chronic cough. When he was finally diagnosed with reflux, he had developed Barrett's Esophagus, a pre cancerous condition. Reflux causes asthma. The meds for asthma cause reflux. You see his problem. He had a laproscopic fundoplication operation which completely stopped reflux. He hasn't had asthma at all since. If you are coughing it could mean your reflux isn't under control. Chronic reflux isn't safe."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Jeisea: If you can see through the problems of acid reflux and asthma, you will find that acid reflux involves a kind of fungus which if it inhabits the lungs, it causes drying as fungus eats up the lung's mucus.

When the fungus occurs in large amounts or colonizes in various parts of the body it brings on many conditions, in the esophagus, it brings on dry throat and cough, in the stomach, the acid reflux, in the stomach it brings on leaky gut syndrome, and in the thyroid it brings on hyperthyroidism by bringing on inflammation.

A fungus releases toxins and my cause cancer. Fungus or a more basic form of mycoplasma, behaves very much like a virus in many ways. It is also infectious, of moldy houses, excess moisture and if one person who lives in the house have it, another person will have it too, but in different ways if it enters different part of the organ.

If we understand its causes, a more drastic surgical procedure might be avoidable by simply taking anti fungal drugs such as flucanazole or ketocanazole, along with chinese parsley or oral EDTA to remove heavy metals, which fungus seems to have a liking. Raising one's immunity, cleaning the fungus using hydrogen peroxide, removing old carpets and rugs will help.

If you ask whether Apple Cider Vinegar will help, all I can say is there are many kinds of fungus-like organism. Some are acid resistant, and some are alkaline resistant. Therefore take Apple cider vinegar in the morning, then switch over to baking soda (plus 1/8 teaspoon borax) in the afternoon, and do this switchover, should kill both the acid and alkaline resistant organism, both left and right.

Certain simple antifungal remedies, such as 1/8 teaspoon of borax in one glass of water taken or adding 6-12 drops of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide will also help. All these have anti-fungal properties. Licorice extract taken 2 tablespoon in the evening not to take over one week, but you can alternate the week will also help.

Observe carefully your salt intake. As I have observed, some people who began to reduce their salt intake acid reflux rises by leaps and bounds. Should you suspect you are reducing this salt, try taking only just 1 teaspoon of sea salt in one glass of water and take this just only once a week should also cause acid reflux or fungus condition into a remission.

I must tell you there are many ways to treat a fungus, but lately I have found in general that lavender oil have antifungal properties, and hence, may in some instances miraculously reduce acid reflux if the cause is fungus related. In that instance the dose of 1 drop of lavender oil per glass of water or you can apply to allow transdermal absorption may or might even help with the said asthma, as well as fumigating or aerosols using lavender oil.

The fact that humic acid and fulvic acid have anti-fungal properties I have seen people getting cured from a severe form of asthma into a minor breathing problems by taking these once a day at a dose of 1 teaspoon of 3% fulvic acid solution.

The people who have emailed lately seems to be fungus/mycoplasma related rather than those who initially contacted me which seemed more like a bicarbonate issue.

The key to finding a cure often lies in identifying the cause. Diseases don't just come up for no reason. They come about because your body's immune systems are suppressed, too much vaccination, your body is too acid and you need to alkalize, the house is to moldy, and many other issues that we need to look at."

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA QUESTION
11/07/2006: David from Virgina Beach writes: "I have all the classic symptoms 90% of the people who have posted. I've been through Ultra Sounds, endoscopy and a biopsy from my esophagus- tested for Barretts. Of course, they haven't found a thing- initially, they had me do and EKG and a stress test... After the endoscopy, they have upped my meds to twice a day- Prevacid 30mg/tab. I've tried Prilosec and Protonix- they worked, but gave me diarrhea. Prevacid was the only one that didn't, but now that I'm up to 2 a day, it is. Does the ACV treatment cause diarrhea in anyone? I teach, I can't afford to run out of the classroom to go to the bathroom- some kid will hit their head and I'll get sued into the stone age. Is it recommended to try ACV first or start off with the baking soda? Thanks for any help. This site has already provided me with more answers than my doctors- who are owned by the drug companies and wouldn't consider a cure."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "While there is no record of anyone getting diarrhea from ACV, it is best you try it on days where the schools are closed. That way any unique problems won't act up when you are in school. I teach also, so I make sure I won't get diarrhea on the days I do teach. Most doctors are not microbiologists, but the issue of certain bacterium do exists that causes the burning of throat and acid reflux. Some are acid resistant and some are alkaline resistant. If they are alkaline resistant, then ACV with a couple of drops of H2O2 3% should do it.

Assuming you put 2 tablespoons of ACV mixed with one glass of water, and add 6 - 12 drops of H2O2 3% and sip this every 2-3 minutes by about 1-3 tablespoon until you finished the glass. The slow sipping should kill it as the H2O2 and ACV is constantly saturated along the throat. I always use the absolute minimum dose, but for me I used a much larger amounts of H2O2 in the number of drops.

Most people have a certain maximum tolerance for it, so just start from there and see what happens. In an acid resistant bacterium, you would use instead of ACV, to use potassium citrate: sodium bicarbonate 50:50 solution of about 1 teaspoon and mix in one glass of water and add 6-12 drops of H2O2 3% and do the same slow slip. Organisms such as bacterium dies slowly and some die quickly.

In my case they died almost instantly. However, for people with an immune suppression due to heavy metals for example, the cure will be slower and removal of heavy metals such as taking chinese parsley for one week on and one week off taking about a handful of it per day which might help. I prefer to treat the cause even if it does mean less convenience then taking Prevacid."

ACID IN THE STOOL AREA
11/06/2006: Roberta from Key West, FL writes: "I am having constant acid. I find that my acid does not occur in the throat area but instead (unforunately) during bowel movements. I do have a constant bad taste in my mouth and have been told by the Doctors that they felt it was GERD. Nobody can seem to answer for me why the acid is soooooo bad in the stool area and how to fix this problem. The Doctors have perscribed to me Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix and they all give me a terrible headache after two days of taking them. I have changed my whole eating plan to a Akaline Food Plan and still have no relief. I am starting to worry because this happens on a daily basis and has been going on over 6 months. Please Help!"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "To be sure, just measure your urinary pH and your saliva pH to confirm that you are acid. Whenever your intestines appear to be overly acid, this means the body's electrolytes imbalance is bad enough that it is throwing out acid.

If the saliva is also acid, then it obvious for the bad taste. The bacteria tends to grow well in an acid medium.

Assuming you have an acid condition, you need to take a freshly squeezed lemon juice and add at 1/4 teaspoon interval baking soda until the fizz stop, then add water.

This should help the body neutralized some acid and give the body the needed phosphates, vitamin C and citrates and some bicarbonates to neutralized some bad taste in your mouth. Citrates is known to be a weak form of antibiotic and kills off the germs.

The other problem about acid is the issue of sugar and starches which you should avoid and fried food. Just eat bake, boiled, or grilled fish and some vegetables. Take some chlorophyll supplements should help detoxify something. Often an acid stool is when the body's might have some toxic buildup in the guts due to uncontrollable flora imbalance.

Therefore avoid starchy, carbohydrate rich food and milk. Take some soy will help since they don't seem to disturb the intestinal flora negatively as a milk does, especially if you have lactose intolerance. The manganese in the soy should also provide the body with the antioxidants in the form of manganese superoxide dismutase, which is good and should reduce the bad mouth taste. Therefore, taking some yogurt, might help restore this condition too. Most bad breath can also be due to a zinc deficiency and the body cannot fight off the bacteria. So taking some zinc acetate and some sodium molybdate, can both kill of the bacteria through the actions of zinc and molybdate to restore the body's pH and yet provide the copper zinc balance the body needs.

Of course yours may be unusual because from most people with an acid condition, constipation rules, but in your case there is no mention. A leaky gut syndrome is a possibility and therefore magnesium will help. Depending upon your condition of the intestines whether they are diarrhea or constipation is critical to my understanding. For example diarrhea, I will know that you have a lot of bacteria that the body cannot handle. In that case reducing this and reduce the bacteria through the use of bentonite clay taken or activated charcoal could help. But if it was one of constipation, the a sea salt 1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon baking soda should solve the constipation and clearing out your intestinal area.

Finally do not eat a heavy meal in the evening. Eat only light foods, such as salads or fruit drinks or something that will not disturb your intestinal tract while you sleep. That way the body will not be logged up with undigested foods. Eat slowly and chew a lot. This should help restore and reduce undigested food responsible for your unhealthy intestinal problems. If you can find it, take plenty of fulvic acid and the intestinal floral should normalized within a couple of days."

HAS ULCERATIVE STOMACH, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FEELS MORE ACIDIC
11/06/2006: Vickie writes: "...WELL, HERE IS WHERE I'M AT......I just got off nexium thinking my ulcerative stomach was healed...it might have been..but the red heat started coming out..and I feel the burn in my stomach and when I eat..oh man...the pain radiates through the back to the sides and even down the arms....I will try to take the vinegar...I HAVE ONE PROBLEM..i NEED HELP WITH THOUGH.....THE VINEGAR MAKES ME FEEL MORE ACIDIC...AND IM ALREADY ACID LIKE...HOW DOES THE VINEGAR HELP...????? please let me know....my husband is out of work and we dont have lots of money to spend so everything helps me...I know that any kind of pain reducer causes acid reflux...I have noticed the increase over the years of acid reflux...my parents dont take pain killers and dont have it that much...my mom takes other meds that can cause stomach problems ...like my meds...I am slowly working my way off the antidepressant and the estrogen ...I or will get off the seizure pills because the seizures were a result of trying to get off the antidepressant...even though I was doing it slowly....when im off it I can get off the seizure drugs....but ..I never had this problem until naproxin....so....they give naproxin now with nexium to kill the stmach erosion....however, it hooks you on nexium by stopping the pumps of acid therefore making your stomach more sensitive to stomach acid when it starts up again making you go rushing back to taking them again to kill the burn... I dont want to hurt myself by causing me to get a really large ulcer...Im not taking any pain killers but my stomach is dying from the getting off nexium...Im swallowing tons of the pink stuff..you know for diahrea and stomach upset....it works for a short time..I try drinking more water....but I need help to stick this out so my stomach will heal again and I can be normal....I will never lie to get a check up on my stomach which should have been done anyway...to make sure my stomach is ok...I never had ulcers in my life before and no one in my family had either...I am the first ..so no water in stomach while eating..however...each bite caused me so much pain as it got into the mid section past the esophagus..I think mine is in the entry to the stomach where the last ulcer was going up into the esophagus and down into the stomach...is there a certain thing I can do...I have lots of acid already and trying to get use to the stomach acid again...hot pain ouch....I have to sleep sitting up...to keep it down...Im using the pink stuff it has the salycilac acid in it...is that bad for my stomach now...its the only thing I could find...I might try the apple cider vinegar and water thing to see if it works....what else can you tell me....so half the world is addicted to acid reducers...and if they try to get off ...ouch so a cure for it needs to come out...help...vickie"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Vickey: If vinegar will not work well if your body is already deficient in bicarbonates. What you should do is start off something simple, and it is best to start of the simplest, especially for your condition! 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, taken with 1/2 glass warm water, well dissolved, after meals by about 30-45 minutes. Then if this work, slowly build up and use this in addition to the above, using a lime formula:

One whole freshly squeezed lime, plus keep adding baking soda until the fizz stops. Then add water to one whole glass of water. If all goes well, then you can try the ACV plus baking soda and start from there. Lemon juice will try to deal with vitamin C, ORP issues and phosphates issues. While basic baking soda in the first stage is to correct your problematic acid.

It is necessary to observe when eating not to eat too many kinds of foods all at once. Proteins and fruits should be eaten separately at least by several hours. Sweets should be reduced and the food should not be oily.

Your disk problems or back problem, at least for me can be helped with manganese supplements. However, it is important to avoid fried foods of all kinds especially snacks. Take some vitamin B complex and aspirin will help initially and for me manganese completely eliminated the pain. However, in these spine related problem, if you have a heavy metal tester check you urine or the source of your food. common cause are too much lead, cadmium, leucine, and eating too much fried foods. Try baked and boiled foods only and use oils unheated, and take evening primrose oil and flaxseed should help."

CANNOT WALK ACROSS THE ROOM WITHOUT GASPING FOR AIR: SEVERE ACID REFLUX
11/05/2006: JC from Cleveland, OH writes: "Hi Ted, Earlier this year, I was stength training, doing martial arts, doing cardio workouts, taking walks, etc. Now, I cannot walk across the room without gasping for air. Since May, 2006, my breathing has been so bad, I've literally been gasping for air 24/7. To make a very long story shorter, I was diagnosed with acid reflux. Unfortunately, when I get it, it travels directly to the throat and of course down the trachea as well. The ppi's didn't seem to do anything except allow me to walk again (the breathing was that bad). Within the last couple weeks, I've been taking more of a natural approach to it. I've been eating organics, taking digestive enzymes, doing body cleanses, etc. I even tried the apple cider vinegar (I haven't tried the Braggs'yet). Unfortunately, it didn't seem to help at all. I used one of those disposable medicine cups (found in cough syrup botles) with the teaspoon markers on it, and downed 2 to 4 teaspoons before each meal. I even tried it before drinking water, but I don't think it helped much. I had an Endoscopy done by my Gastro doctor. He says I don't have a hiatal hernia, but that's the only test he performed. I find it hard to believe since I have constant pain in that area. About a year and a half ago, I was wearing a back support belt (for back strains). I had just finished my workout, and I was stretching when suddenly, something in my upper abdominal region bulged out. It felt as if I had been stabbed! Looking downward, it was about an inch to the left of the very bottom of the sternum and about an inch under the left pectoral muscle. I'm guessing this is where the esophogas and diaphragm are. Anyway, the bulge went away as soon as it came, but the pain was always there. I went to do some crunches shortly after, and the pain was excrusiating! I could not continue. The whole rib hurt! Becoming concerned, I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water which I always did afterwards. I chugged it at once, when suddenly, it was if I couldn't breathe. My whole chest seem to fill up air or something. I could not burp, I could hardly breathe, and suddenly, I had trememdous heartburn; something I had never experienced. These symtoms continued to last (still to this day), but over time, seemed to ease a bit, until this passed May when things became horrible. Every time I tell a doctor about the injury that seemed so coincidentally to cause all of this, they just blow me off like it's not a possibility. Could this be some type of hernia or a rib problem that's causing all of this? If so, what type of doctor could help me? Also, would the apple cider vinegar eventually take the symtoms away. Thanks!"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear J.C.: Since you seem to be gasping for air, 24/7 have you checked your urinary pH? It seems to be pretty acid.

About a year and a half ago, I was wearing a back support belt (for back strains).

Sounds like you got, ankylosing spondylitis! In this case you have possibly vanadium and molybdenum deficiency. This should both iron out the acid pH, and your back pain. Molybdenum in my opinion is linked to acid reflux since it is critical in maintaining a pH. Depending on how people treat themself, I cannot say. I just take one large dose of 50 mg of sodium molybdate just once a week and forget about it. Some prefer to take in mcg amounts, which is o.k. But in my opinion I prefer to take it on an empty stomach. If you have a eye macular degeneration, high calcium and magnesium along with it, then molybdenum should also help you with the vision problem you might have. You can tell, tiny letters are very difficult and night blindness is a problem.

My whole chest seem to fill up air or something. I could not burp, I could hardly breathe, and suddenly, I had trememdous heartburn;

Sounds like some kind of bug/fungus in your system. Take some chromium supplements and take some baking soda added with the ACV to neutralized the acid. If you have this bug which is causing the hiatal hernia thing, then taking some zinc acetate, chromium and some boron supplements should help you. I prefer to be a bit more conservative for those who do workouts, so just try baking soda alone for two weeks at 1/4 teaspoon per day taken twice a day in 1/2 glass of water for to weeks before you start with the ACV plus baking soda formula. However, your body needs some phosphate, which can be found in bananas and lemon juice. Lemon juice to take it in a way that helps your system is to add baking soda to it until there is no more fizz, then add some water and drink it. It should taste exactly like water when you do this. It will provide the body with proper ORP, pH and phosphate. This simple lemon I think can do many things and the full potentials of this is not yet even realized, at least for me anyway. Ted"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The conditions of fibromyalgia seems to be an aggressive one, therefore:

I will make it simple: take 250 mg Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Aspartate or Magnesium Orotate is good also) and 25,000 I.U. Vitamin D and 300 mg of Malic Acid. If you can't find Malic acid, take apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup/ day x 2 day. Once the conditions have improved, reduce the dosage. Drink 1/2 glass of water before meal and drink glass of water at every meal and take 1 full glass of water before sleep. Vary your dosage according to her conditions.

Eat about 1/2 cup along with soups, or other food of fresh cilantro (Chinese parsley) every day for at least 1 month. YOU Must take them every day!! This will remove toxic heavy metal.

If the conditions does not improve or you believe she needs a more aggressive dosage than take 2 tablespoon 2 times per day of sea salt mixed with 1 glass of water.

Magnesium might cause the diarrhea, but this is necessary to get rid of the toxin buildup as well as a severe magnesium deficiency.

If mother have a herxheimer reaction, apple cider vinegar or vinegar will reduce the side effects.

One teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate every night mixed with water.

Your mother's conditions will hopefully improve within 3-4 days. If and when she improves, consider adding zinc acetate of about 100-200 mg/day. You may need to consider humic acid/fulvic acid later on to reduce the toxic mycoplasma buildup later on also.

Do not drink milk, bread or white sugar. It makes her conditions much worse. Try eating brazil nuts, pecan, walnut. Real butter is good. Avoid using any vegetable oils for cooking. Coconut oil is o.k.

I am keeping it simple here so you can try them out."

CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDER THAT CAUSES ACID REFLUX AND CHRONIC UTIS
11/05/2006: Elaine from Hamden, CT writes: "I have a connective tissue disorder that is responsible for many different problems. One is a weak esophagus sphincter that never closes, causing acid reflux. Another is chronic UTIs. I have been taking Protonix for five years for the acid reflux and D-Mannose for the UTIs. Both work pretty well. I would like to get off of the Protonix for obvious reasons and the D-Mannose, because it is costing me $75.00 a month just to stay comfortable. I have also figured out that my connective tissue disorder was as a result of a zinc deficiency. I discovered this while using Splenda a couple of years ago. All of my symptoms flaired up as a result of the zinc that gets depleated by the clorine that Splenda is processed with. I now take an extra 50mg of zinc daily. This has helped most of my symptoms. But, the acid reflux and UTIs continue on. I just took 2 Tbs of ACV, 1/4 tps of baking soda with some honey. My tongue is buring a bit. But, this happens frequently for me. I see that you suggest that some start with baking soda only for the first couple of weeks. Can I do this and continue to take the Protonix. I ask because when I have tried to treat my acid reflux with banking soda it has not worked in the past. I have also started taking B-12. Can you advise me on what direction I should take? Also, whatever plan I follow, should I discontinue taking Protonix now or wait until the other treatments are working? Your help is much appreciated."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Vitamin E have been known to help esophagus closing in some cases. But usually a bug present maybe causing the real problem. So try taking a tablespoon of licorice extract twice a day for a week and see how this fare. This should also help with acid reflux too.

Cranberry is not just D-Mannose it is also high in sodium benzoate. So taking sodium benzoate might help UTIs also. A small amount is only needed, such as 500 mg.

However, a much cheaper solution is 1 heaping teaspoon of sea salt in one glass of water. One dose is all you needed for the entire week. It will kill. A more effective UTI formula, is sodium citrate, or 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 citric acid.

If baking soda has not worked in the past, it is either you don't it long enough, e.g. about 1-2 weeks, or the dose was small, e.g. less than 1/2 teaspoon /day. The other possibility appears to be a fungus/bug issue that is causing the problem. So taking hydrogen peroxide 3% 6 drops with 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda well mixed might work better. Try taking some chromium supplements too, as this will reduce the fungus issue in the stomach somewhat. However, a copper/zinc imbalance issue for you appears to be the real problem, so taking 25 mg/day of sodium molybdate will help, if they have that size. Most they make is in mcg. so I guess you just have to take more of it. Molybdenum is well known for controlling the sensitie copper/zinc imbalance and it has often worked much better than expected whenever such imbalance do exist, such as the acid reflux problem due to copper/zinc imbalance.

You can continue what you do, but you need to stop temporarily such as a day, to see if it works or not. Otherwise you won't if you just took everything. The biggest problems about forums is that some took everything and didn't know what it was and everybody else was just left guessing. And those who were cured and if the condition came back, chaos reigns once again.

Connective tissue issue is a problem also of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate 500 mg/day. and possible zinc copper imbalance issue. So just continue taking zinc, but you might consider taking some unsweetened cocoa, as it is high in copper and take molybdenum to correct both pH imbalances AND the critical copper zinc ratio. I think molybdenum should help you a lot."

ACID REFLUX AND PREGNANCY
11/05/2006: Susan from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Dear Ted, Thank-you for your generosity in answering so many questions and helping so many people out. I am hopeful you can help me too. I am three months pregnant and had awful morning sickness which was pretty much 24 hours a day and a lot of vomiting. Last week I noticed a little blood in my vomit and my stomach right where my esophagus is began hurting very badly. I can't stop burping and I have what I can only describe as vomit flem. It comes up in the back of my throat like flem but tastes like vomit. I called my doctor who put me on zantac two times a day and have been diagnosed with an acid reflux problem. I am only three months pregnant and I've heard this usually doesn't occur until later in pregnancy but typically only worsens as the pregnancy goes on. I can't imagine living with this another 6 months and am concerned it will persist after I give birth. My quality of life is very low right now and I'm wondering if there are any safe remedies for acid reflux while one is pregnant (of course I will verify with my doctor any recommendation you make) but I'm just curious if you can help me. I have read quite a bit about your recommendations for baking soda, apple cider vinegar and vitamin b which I suspect I'm deficient in right now. What would you recommed for me? Thanks in advance for your help, Susan"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Susan, Your conditions would be helped by taking baking soda, some vitamin B complex, manganese, and molybdenum. Manganese in form of manganese sulfate, taken only one day of 50 mg. to see if you are relieved, if not then you don't have to continue. Results you should know it within the next day. Best taken on an empty stomach. Sodium molybdate, 50 milligrams are somehow related to to acid reflux, in the control of pH so just one dose only for one day and see ho you fare.

This appears to be related to acid reflux. Most importantly in some cases of acid reflux, H. Pylori is present or the yet to identify nanobacteria. They do have a a weaknesses for licorice extract and this usually help.

Usually vomitting is a sign of vitamin B complex, certain imbalances. I prefer not to mention any specific ones but just getting them all balanced is best. Brewer's yeast is a much safer form of vitamin B complex, but you have to take much more the usual dose to get the vitamin B to the level you need, often 2000 mg - 4000 mg/day for brewer's yeast.

When women get morning sickness, often vitamin B complex helps, but in another case, eating oranges (when my mother was pregnant), and in another, eating pickles. Vomitting is a sign of body's chemical imbalance to throw out excess chlorine, or hydrochloric acid. Only a urine pH and saliva pH can identify some part of the story, such as excess phoshorous, too little citrate, or lack of bicarbonates. Ted"