Tina (Dumont, NJ) on 06/20/2007
I have had bouts of acid reflux for about 20 years (I am 36 y.o.) Until the last few years, a Tums or Zantac or just time would resolve. I started taking painkillers for severe back pain, including ibuprofen, about 3 yrs ago. I was very careful not to take too much or too many consecutive doses. I'd skip days/wks/even months between doses as much as possible. The most I EVER took was 7 200mg tablets/day and would never do this for more than a couple of days a time. My dr. told me this should not be enough to cause AR, but it did. I treated bouts of AR w/ Nexium and other PPIs. Zantac and over-the-counter meds helped too. The last 9 months have been the worst. Even with no pain meds, no coffee, tea, or other offending foods, it just kept coming back. I took 20, then 40 mg Nexium for 4 months. I even took 40 mg twice a day (double the max dosage, but dr. suggested for short-term) in desperation, I took over-the-counter stuff too. I haven't slept flat for months. I finally discontinued the Nexium when my stools turned light and blood was present. For about 2 weeks, I was controlling AR by sleeping upright and eating much less. I was truly desparate... My mother had mentioned ACV, but I dismissed as crazy - treating acid with more acid!?! In desperation, I searched for info. on the web & how thankful I am!! I have so much to say after only 6 days - AR has made drastic improvement. I have energy like I've never had. My severe allergies are better. I could go on and on. But I really want to help others avoid my initial problems, so here's my advice/experience:
Use baking soda!
Dose #1 - 2 tbsp ACV honey warm water aggravated my AR a lot.
Dose #2 - 2 tbsp ACV 1/4 tsp baking soda water aggravated AR a little & left me nauseous.
Dose #3 - 1 tbsp ACV 1/2 tsp baking soda 7 oz. water, sipping slowly before & after meals (3x/day); 1/4 tsp baking soda in 8 oz. water before bed... This has helped tremendously. If this gives you stomach pain, then try just baking soda (1/4-1/2 tsp in water) with no ACV. Take before meals and bedtime for a few days or so. Gradually add in a little ACV, testing to see if pain results. If no pain, gradually increase ACV. Lastly, decrease baking soda to 1/4 tsp. Note: I'm taking probiotics now because several readers said they got yeast infections from baking soda (& the only yogurt I like is full of artificial sweeteners and sugar).
My husband, who had digestive problems and intermittent IBS, said 1 tbsp ACV 1/2 tsp baking soda gave him a stomach ache, so he's now taking just baking soda first & doing fine (already less gas, indigestion) after 1 day. Also started probiotic.
In retrospect, I'd start with just baking soda for a few days, & then gradually add ACV. Start slowly & don't give up - it's worth it!! What a blessing from God.
Replied By Tina (Dumont, NJ) on 06/21/2007
Here is an update from when I recently wrote in about my experience of being "overly-energetic" after taking ACV. Upon further reading, I know now that ACV is a natural stimulant and the website for a popular brand of raw, organic, unrefined ACV 'with The Mother' actually recommends taking 1-2 teaspoons 3x/day, diluted with water (honey optional). OK, so now I understand why I've been bouncing off the walls the last week, feeling like I just downed coffee (very racing, manic feeling). Here's my new plan: 1 TEASPOON ACV with 7 oz. water and 1/4 tsp baking soda. I may take less or none with dinner because I'm not sleeping well. My husband is also sensitive to caffeine and he has had a similar experience to mine. I still love my ACV & what it's doing for my health - goodbye brain fog, depression, acid reflux & hopefully back pain!! Don't give up, folks, & God bless!
Replied By Tina (Dumont, NJ) on 06/20/2007
In previous post, I recommend starting slowly with ACV/baking soda. Another reason is that ACV left me feeling overly-energetic. Like I sprung out of bed the first few mornings at 4am (I usually drag out of bed at 8:30 or 9 & have always required lots of sleep). I have a tendency to get the jitters & be anxious- I'm no psych., but I would start w/ less than 3 tbsp/day of ACV if you have an anxiety, manic depression, etc. I love this stuff but it can give you the jitters. Anyone else had this problem?