Lynda P (British Columbia) on 07/28/2023
I've had issues coming from silent reflux, saw this study and tried it, worked light a charm. Was it pepsin or Hyplori, I don't know that but this worked by the end of 7 days.
My symptoms were sinus pressure, feeling plugged and nasal congestion, which was affecting my ears and balance also and the back of my throat and in my mouth a little . Lump feeling in the throat.
This study said to take 5 % white vinegar, put it in a glass and sniff it a a couple times a day, I sniffed it about 10 times a day.
Then take 5% white vinegar diluted to your liking and gargle with it. I was doing that after everything I ate. By the 4 th day my symptoms showed huge improvements. By the 10th day it was gone.
Another one I do is take a 2 ounce spray bottle, pour in alkaline water and a pinch of baking soda, and spray in the mouth as you breathe in. This also helps kill off the pepsin coming up.
You can also take this mix and spray it up your nose.
I hope this helps people suffering.
Here is the study using white vinegar: http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ajmms.20170706.03.html
Sharon (Missouri) on 01/17/2023
Ron (Charleston, SC) on 12/26/2022
Virginia M. (Fort Wayne, IN) on 12/24/2022
They are listed below:
1) Drink 2TBL of ACV in a cup of warm water first thing in the morning and before bed
2) Take a couple of strength enzymes with my meals
3) Take H2O2 15 drops in a glass of water in am and 10 drops about an hour before bed.
4) Follow a gluten free, ph-balanced diet
5) Drink juiced cabbage and sometimes carrots
6) Follow Dr. Berg's protocol for healing a fatty liver as I have NAFLD. Note: Researchers suggest there may be a connection between acid reflux and fatty liver. Dr Berg's video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=weZ_BoMptLI
7) Drink a liter of borax water that I sip throughout the day (1/8 tsp of borax - I use 20 Mule Team w/o laundry booster in a liter of water, with a 1/4 tsp of Himalayan salt)
8) I also take a number of supplements - Vitamin E, liposomal Vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin K2, Iodoral, Vitamin D3, milk thistle, slippery elm, tumeric, coconut oil and flax seed oil.
9) I exercise daily - run a couple miles 2-3 days a week
I noticed that I am sleeping better with little coughing. This is a great improvement. I hope in a few more weeks, the cough will be gone. My runny nose throughout the day is nearly resolved. I feel better, more energy. I also just started taking diatomaceous earth - 1 tsp, building up to a TBS a day in light of its many health benefits. I want to thank EC for this wonderful site and all its contributors. I am learning a lot.
beverly (Texas) on 03/06/2022
Finally I have found some relief from the lung congestion and infections by nebulizing Hydrogen Peroxide...about 1% in distilled water with a little salt added. Salt is supposed to be good for your lungs. I have read salt mine workers have the healthiest lungs. I think aloe vera is also a good solution for gerd. ACV does not work for me........makes it worse. Vinegars are high in histamine and that might be my problem. Enjoy all the comments. Bodies are very complicated and everyone is different.
CindyC (Arizona) on 06/22/2021
LPR is not caused by acid, but stomach enzymes - namely called "Pepsin" which causes respiratory symptoms and inflammation. Google "Pepsin and LPR" and you will better understand what LPR is. It's not the same as Gerd and acid reflux.
I am currently researching "Alkaline" water of at least 9.0 is best. Drink a glass in the morning and an hour after a meal and NOT during meals. This is important. "Essentia Ionized water" is best. Drink regular water throughout the day. Remember, too much of anything is not good. When eating foods, keep a journal. Write down everything you eat that makes you feel bad or good. Eventually you will get it right. Don't get discouraged, know that you are not alone in this. :0)
Try this:
1. Eat bland, research low acidic foods and low fat foods. Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day. Research LPR safe foods. There are lots of foods you actually can eat.
2. Put a cap full of ACV in a glass of water and drink after a meal, or 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda in a glass of water and drink after a meal.
3. Try the brand "Essentia Ionized water" (Alkaline water), in the morning 30 minutes before a meal and drink a glass before you go to bed. Don't make it your main water source, drink regular water throughout the day. DON'T DRINK THE ALKALINE WATER WHILE EATING.
4.) Research 500 mg of Magnesium supplement for LPR (without calcium). Heard good things about this. I'm going to check with my doctor first.
5.) Don't drink just any teas. Try Chamomile tea, the reason it is great is because it has anti-inflammatory properties which can be soothing for your throat and digestive tract. The other tea is Marshmallow root tea.
Good luck to all.
Jonathan (Shelburne MA) on 10/16/2019
After four years, below is what has helped the most:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar ~ 1 TBSP/cup of water w 1 TBSP honey or maple syrup
2. Baking Soda ~ 1/2 tsp per cup of water morning and before bed
3. Borax ~ 1/4 tsp/liter of water (men) 1/8 tsp/liter of water (women)
4. Hydrogen Peroxide ~ 10 drops in a cup of water morning and before bed 4. Fulvic-Humic Acid for trace minerals 1-2 oz daily
5. Fractionally Distilled Liquid from Aloe Vera Leaves ~ 1/4 cup daily
6. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice tablets as needed on an acute basis
7. Slanted sleeping by raising header bedposts about 4-6 inches
8. Stopped eating chocolate (sniff, sniff!)
9. Stopped coffee; reduced caffeine to morning only ~ Yerba Mate
10. Stopped eating 2-3 hours before bed
11. Reduced tomato sauce (fresh tomatoes seem ok)
12. Reduced dairy
13. Mastic Gum tablets seemed to help
14. Reducing/watching my meal portions I recently had a second endoscopy which showed only mild tissue inflammation in my esophagus and above stomach. I'm nearly symptom-free and/or it's under control quickly if I indulge any of the above.
Extremely grateful to EarthClinic!
Anonymous (San Diego) on 08/13/2019
Leslie (Colorado) on 10/15/2020
Denise (Us) on 12/18/2018
Today I was almost at my wits end and saw Sasha from New York's 2010 post on ACV and BS. Never ever tried the two together, until today. It worked, omygosh, such a relief and the lump is just barely there now. Thanks to everyone who posts these wonderful remedies I usually have right in my cupboards.
Deborah (Mendocino County, Ca) on 10/18/2018
Shanti (In) on 05/20/2018
Gail (Kingston, Ny) on 09/20/2017
Stacey (Los Angeles) on 05/31/2017
I have been dealing with this (likely) LPR issue for 4 months. It started when I would wake up in the middle of the night with excruciating chest tightness, but no asthma. It felt crushing to attempt breathing (inhaling specifically). It happened with full body aches, especially lower back pain. I had a lump in my throat feeling 24/7 also (actually I've had that lump feeling off and on for over 15 years). I went to the ER &, they said it was reactive airway disease and sent me home with albuterol. It worked well enough for 2 weeks, then the same middle of the night chest tightness again. I went to my Dr and she did bloodwork and a chest xray. Everything was normal, so sure sent me home with qvar and said to keep taking my allergy meds. Fast forward, my symptoms worsened and I ended up with what felt like very thick post nasal drip and constant coughing, mucus in my throat (stuck feeling), more chest pain that feels like asthma (but no wheezing), and overall weakness. I was most recently given flonaze and scheduled to see an allergist (I have always dealt with severe seasonal allergies).
I am a speech pathologist, so I have some understanding about the esophagus and the upper and lower esophageal sphincters (from 13 years ago when I was doing barium swallow studies). I also have had 2 close relatives die from esophageal cancer. I suspected a hiatal hernia and was doing some "exercises" to help with that (from youtube). In a way I'm relieved my Dr didn't suspect reflux because I haven't been sent down the PPI path.
About 10 days ago this constant thick congestion (stuck in my throat feeling) was too unbearable. I went on a strict detox and have only eaten very simple, plain, whole foods. I added probiotics, digestive enzymes, slippery elm, vitamin B 50 complex, and others (per the recommendations of people here). The most obvious changes took a week and included a reduction in my congestion. Unfortunately though my coughing increased and my lung pain was occuring every night (vs every 10 or so days). I changed my sleeping pattern to elevated and on the left side only (that can supposedly help the LES).
My understanding is that reflux can cause confestion because your body will produce more in order to coat a burning esophagus. I do feel the diet changes at least thinned my secretions. I also read that for some people, the reflux at night will aspirate into thier lungs and can cause lung spasms (not asthma). This made sense to me because my chest/lungs were so tight around 3am after I'd been having reflux while laying down for several hours (of stomach secretions backing up into my lungs). This caused the horrible coughing and need for the inhalers...which was getting worse (2x/night) last night in fact!
Yesterday I finally tried the ACV. Initially I took it with baking soda & water with meals. I didn't notice too much immediately. I took it right before bed (without baking soda) since night is when my symptoms are worst. This is the first night in awhile where I have not coughed at all and have zero chest tightness. I still had some secretions, but I took the ACV with BS again in the middle of the night and it seems to be the must helpful thing so far. I also had this weird gurguling between my stomach and neck with the sensation of needing to burp constantly. That is much much mess and the "lump" feeling is noticeably smaller.
I can't say I'm cured or out of the woods yet. I finally feel a small sense of hope though. I also made a consult appointment with an LPR expert at USC. I can't see him regularly for tests and f/u, but I just want to get his opinion given my family hx of esophageal cancer. I feel like my Dr will begin to take this more seriously if I pay privately for the insight of an expert. It is heart wrenching to read that all these people basically had to solve this problem for themselves or even undo the PPI damage their Drs caused!
Pari (San Jose, Ca) on 05/17/2016
I wanted to share with everyone things that has helped me instantly and I have seen improvement within just a few days.
1) Apple cider vinegar. It just works right away and stops my cough
2) probiotics - could see the difference within just 3 days
3) barley leaves powder. which does has iodine in it as well. You will see the difference within 2 days. I bought this one
4 ) Black seed oil. I have not seen much change within a few days, it might help longer time
5) Aloe vera. I just took the plant and put it in blender with honey and water and take 2 spoon a day. I can't say that it has been working as strong as barley leave and probiotics.
I have started these 5 items one by one and now I am taking them all together. It has just been a week but I see the difference.
Of course I have changed my diet completely. I have removed oil and red meat from my diet. I ate dinner at restaurant couple of times and it made my symptoms worse, even the vegetarian sushi! So I avoid eating outside. I think their stuff is old and not fresh. Even vegetarian food with no toping or sauce. Avoid eating outside for a while.
I recommend taking these lab works to see if you have any bacteria: Candida and Pylori. they both can cause LPR symptoms.
I am also taking the PPI pill once a day, 40ml. I have been taking the pill for a month now, did not see any changes until I added these 5 items to my diet.
If you have any other recommendations, please let me know. I hope everyone gets better soon! I know how hard dealing with this disease can be.
Hdwrguy (Central Florida) on 12/11/2015
My symptoms still come up once in awhile, but it is SO much better. Just search for LES and Vitamin D3 and see that many doctors have began to study this issue. When that muscle gets weak, it can allow pepsin and acid in to the esophagus. I am also overweight, so working on getting fit. But the vitamins have definitely helped me.
Hopeful (Va) on 12/01/2015
Today is Dec 1, 2015. I am on my 8th day of taking a spoonful of pure coconut oil (cold-pressed). Since day 1 I have had great results. I am able to sleep at night. Last night I decided to eat 2 hours before bed just to see what would happened and to my surprise I had the best sleep in 8 days. I am taking 1 zantac 175mg first thing in the am (I purchased) cause the omeprazole that were prescribed to me caused me to have cough and gag.
I take my coconut oil 1 in the am and 1 in the pm or whenever I just feel like it. I will probably take the zantacs for 2-3 more weeks and see what happens without it. I would like to know what are some you guys triggers. I notice that when I eat chocolate (instantly), hotdogs, and red meat it goes wild. I have removed a lot of foods from my diet and I try to stick to veggies, fruits, and fish and chicken. For breakfast I normally eat turkey bacon and eggs. I do not drink milk at all. I drink water and green tea only. I tried my first key lime yogurt about 2 hours ago so I'll wait and see how that goes.
I think this site is awesome and hope that everyone will keep updating their journey to this annoying parasite.
Catherine (New Hampshire, US) on 02/22/2015
Early part of December, I had major surgery and when they were wheeling me out, as groggy as I was, I looked up at the nurse complaining that I have to burp and I can't. She ignormed me and all that day I struggled whereby having to sit up and a small air would escape. By that evening when my surgeon made the rounds I started experiencing painful stomach cramps.
What then ensued in the following weeks as I was healing was this constant sensation of something coming up my throat, constantly clearing my throat, with little phlem, but still it was. Instant and at the same time my nose would start running, as well intermittent spells of dry coughing.
i got on the internet and started reading (that's how I found this wonderful website) and I knew I had the classic symptoms of LPR.
I started on OTC Nexium, took it for three days....nothing. Meanwhile began reading about the long term damage all these proton inhibitors do to us and I knew this was not an option.
I took one and a half of fresh lemon, squeezed it in a qt. Mason jar, topped it up with good water. To this I added a 1/4 tsp. of good salt-Himalayan pink fine crystals and stirred well, and drank 6 oz. 1/2 hour before lunch and dinner. Make sure you stir well or shake jar as the salt settles on the bottom.
Breakfast: in a blender one frozen ripe banana, some salad greens, chunk of peeled ginger, a Granny Smith Apple, or pear, a couple of stalks of Celery, ground up flaxseed and added all my vitamins (the hard ones I would grind in the same grinder with the Flaxseed, the soft ones and my oil pills right in the blender, added nondairy milk ann good water.Also to this I added protein powder. (Garden of Life organic raw protein powder). Blended and drank half at breakfast and half with lunch.
Lunch: three days ago I stopped eating bread and at lunch had wild salmon (the kind that comes in packets, Chicken of the Sea) with 8-10 black cured Greek Calamata olives along with some salad greens.
Dinner: Making sure I have this meal at least three/four hours before turning in. I now make an effort to keep my carbs down as they can ferment in your stomach and augment the symptoms.
Three/four bites into the meal I take Now Betaine HCL - 648 mg. with 150 mg of Pepsin. I then take the remaining two during the meal with the last one toward the end. Finally my last pill is a VegetArian Pancreatin -475 mg. I have nothing else to eat until my morning smoothie.
I read, cover to cover Dr. Jonathan Wright's book "Why stomach acid is good for You" and it has influenced me quite a bit. Two morning in a row I did the baking soda burp test and there wasn't a burp anywhere in site. I knew I had low stomach acid.
Please take the time and do your research...inasmuch as the Internet can be a wasteland of sorts, there still is some valuable information out there.
I can't say for sure that I'm out of the woods, however after such a long time not experiencing any if the classic symptoms gives me some hope. I even dared to have a cup of weak tea which I always looked forward to in the mornings.
Sorry for being so verbose, but I wanted to make sure I left nothing out.
Rose (Aurora, Co) on 01/27/2015
My ENT doesn't have any answers for me, but after several visits she gave me Omeprazole 40 mg which I didn't take. My GI doc did a procedure, endoscopy, but I was told to go back to my ENT. My primary doc doesn't have an answer to all my woes so I decided to do my own.
I have experimented several ways, I.e., I took the omeprazole 40 mg first thing in the morning like 6 am with a full glass of water (for 14 days only), then at 7 am I take digestive enzyme with a full glass of water, then I prep my juice consisting of cucumber, celery, green apple, 1/2 banana and half of beets. Then after two hours, I will have a small portion of oatmeal with the 1/2 banana and this will be my lunch. By 2 or 3 pm, I will make a veggies like lentils with cauliflower (I will chop the cauliflower into small pieces just like the lentils), kale chopped into small just like lentils (I used a small chopper), seasoned with salt and a little lemon. I eat the vegges also at dinner time like around 5 pm (remember very small portion like 1/2 cup) and drink water as much as I can which was very difficult because I feel so full and I feel my stomach was tender and swollen.
By 8 pm I took Probiotic 30 billion strain. I stopped taking omeprazole after two weeks. Somehow I was having problem. I have bad palpitation. I thought my heart wouldn't stop pounding, so I stopped the enzyme and probiotic bills. And I started drinking Kombucha and I feel like I'm drunk and the palpitation is even worse. I went to see my cardiologist and he told me my PVC is giving me a problem and to stop taking Kombucha and the herb pills.
One night I couldn't sleep and I start reading side effects and I forgot that I was taking Ambiene 1/3 to help me sleep and one side effect is heart palpitation so I decided not to take it that night and I must have fallen asleep at 3 am and woke up around 10 am without the sleeping pill. I continue my routine drinking the juice and this time I added 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar and a few slices of pineapple (I wild blend the pineapple and mix it to the juice) and adding a 3 tablespoon of the Good Belly probiotic drink and eating veggies like I usually do in small portions and to my surprise my palpitation is gone. So I guess it was from my sleeping pills, not from the enzyme and probiotic pills.
I don't eat chocs anymore, I quit my coffee, no acidic fruits like oranges and grapefruit, no junk foods, just clean eating. I just woke up one day that my problem is almost gone. I feel better. I don't feel my stomach is swollen, I don't regurgitate and I feel like almost normal. The only thing I am feeling right now is the mucous in my throat and the globus is gone. I an doing a gluten free diet and no ice cream and cakes and all that stuff. I am so glad. I feel 95% better. I am very careful on what I eat now. Hope this will help.
Grace (London) on 01/22/2015
