Silent Reflux...what to eat?

[YadaYadaYada]

I've been experiencing what I thought was a problem with my thyroid but as it turns out my thyroid levels are fine. Based on my symptoms the doctor believes I have silent reflux and wants me to take Protonix for two weeks. Well, I am reluctant to take medication so I'm looking to see if there is another option.

My most obvious symptom is I have a lump feeling in my throat, persistent annoying cough and I'm having a hard time breathing when on the treadmill (getting air in not out). Blood pressure is normal, CBC looks good. I don't have any specific health problems apart from polysystic ovarian syndrome and as a result of that I eat a Paleo diet. Problem is it seems that the reflux diet restricts a lot of what Paleo allows so I don't know what to eat now. Also (not to whine) I really enjoy my coffee but everything I'm reading says no caffeine including chocolate. Wish I had known this before ordering Girl Scout cookies

Really looking for any and all ideas here, open to taking a supplement, probiotic, really anything that will help. If I absolutely can't get around the prescription then ideally I only want to take it short term and then find a more sustainable long term solution.

 

[TooPatient]

I get the lump and breathing issues plus severe heartburn.

Mine ended up being a reaction to wheat. Substantially better after just a week of no wheat. (And I mean NO wheat!)

 

[VRBeauty]

I used to use something called Kal-N-Zyme gum for occasional GERD-type problems. It was a specially formulated chewing gum, but... I suspect a large part of its effectiveness was in prompting an increase of saliva and the release of digestive fluids. The gum was in the form of a coated tablet, and the gum itself was especially dry, requiring the use of lots of saliva. The idea was that you'd chew a tablet before meals, but for me it was also effective to use it as needed after meals. I understand this particular product is no longer available... but maybe just chewing gum might help?

 

[Arcadian]

Welcome to the club! Its not a that anyone wants to be in, its a sucky club frankly!

I have a loose stomach sphincter which was discovered through an endoscopy. Not much you can really do about it unless its really loose. but that also means that you get some pretty horrible reflux!

You MIGHT have to (if they didn't already) do an endoscopy to be sure there's no damage caused.


Here's what I do. I eat smaller meals. I don't eat within 3 hours of bedtime. Water and lots of it. I eat lots of veggies, lots of fiber. Take metimucil if you have to but up your fiber content. I gave up pork and grew feathers...lol I eat lots of chicken and turkey. I now can have pork on occasion but too much causes lots of stomach upset. I can have lean beef but must be VERY lean. Wild game is fine as long as its not fried, but duck is iffy. I have to be careful with it because its quite greasy.

If you drink soda, give it up for now.

Nuts probably should be low to nil for a while. (they always upset me but you could be different) Oily/high fat foods should be kept to a minimum. At this time I had a very hard time taking flax and salmon oils. I had to reduce them greatly. I don't eat fried much of anything because it will make me ill.
I gave up salad dressings that had lots of oil, even healthy oils. and I gave up hummus... I have it now but not terribly often.

I had a very hard time with giving up coffee (truthfully just kill me because life isn't worth living without it) I started adding 1% milk to my coffee. Pretty much half milk and half coffee. There's no sunshine without coffee.

Red wine is a no no these days. I can have white but I limit that to a 4oz glass a day. always with food, never alone. I can have as much hard liquor as I want...lol as least thats what the doc says! I dont really LIKE the hard stuff which is another issue. I shouldn't have beer either, (I don't really like beer much anyway) so easy enough to limit it.

And I love spicy food but OMG I will PAY for it. I love Jerk Chicken. yes I pay. but for more than 2 years I had to give it all up. that was hell on earth...lol

For a long time I gave up cranberry juice too. I don't like the sweet stuff, I drink the full on non sweetened. but it was causing me serious issues so gave it up for 2 years.

Protonix is awesome but you shouldn't be on it forever. Use the time you're on it to get things straight.

I started on 40mg. one in the morning, one in the evening, then went down to 20 after 12 months. It took me about 2 years to get things healed up enough to come off protonix completely. For immediate relief, I take zantac but thats only as needed (usually 1-2 times a month) and thats usually because I did something stupid. More than that means I messed up and need to get checked again.

Also something else, reduce your stress. Stress will eat you up! Its the main reason why I won't give up my wine!!

Its a process that takes a while but the changes have to be lifelong.

 

[wildcat03]

Several of my friends have had success going gluten free for bad heartburn/reflux. My mom notes that wheat is a trigger for her as well.

And I'll be happy to take those girl scout cookies off your hands...

 

[TooPatient]

Arcadian -- good description!

A lot of what you have on your list gets me too, but some I am okay with. Some of what you are okay with causes me problems.

Part of what makes it so miserable is that there isn't a one size fits all list to avoid. You have to find what your body doesn't like. Stress is a huge factor for me. Sometimes stuff I am normally okay with will cause issues if I am stressed.

 

[arkieb1]

You should probably find out if you have an undiagnosed wheat allergy, milk allergy or sleep apnea or other medical issues that could cause the symptoms you describe.

 

[Missy]

I am sorry you are dealing with this and it is quite an unpleasant issue to have. I won't go into details but in 2014 I had a horrific year and part of my health issues were a constant burning and countless invasive tests. During my challenging journey I read tons of info on many health conditions (since no health care professional knew what was going on with my body and we were looking at many rule out diseases to come to a diagnosis) and so I know a bit about this topic. You have received some helpful advice here so I will just add a couple of things that might be helpful. DGL chewables. HUGE help (for me and others I have recommended them to) and safe too but please check with your Doctors before taking any supplements.

Please read this Stephanie. It has soooooo much great info.

http://afibbers.org/resources/heartburn.pdf



And here is the link for DGL. But please read the above PDF before you order or take anything. And I am really NOT a fan of PPIs. Read the PDF and you can decide for yourself.

https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/licorice/

http://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/dgl-for-acid-reflux#Overview1

Good luck honey!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

TooPatient, I had no idea that wheat could be a trigger, that is good to know. The plan so far is that I'm introducing dairy in the form of greek yogurt, just trying to get a plan together for what to eat but I'll have to be extra careful with wheat and see if it makes a difference.

VR, There was an article I read that suggested chewing gum as a way to stimulate saliva production and neutralize the acid so that will probably work. Of course most gum has aspartame which I have to avoid but luckily we have a natural health food store in town that sells gum sweetened with stevia.

Arcadian, thank you so much for your response! The doctor suggested the Protonix for two weeks and then if the lump didn't go away she is going to refer me to an ENT for a scope. So then the question becomes, is taking the Protonix unavoidable at this point or if I can get my diet under control, could I possibly not take it? Luckily, I don't drink soda and I don't eat any fried food, however I love to cook in avocado oil and from what I've read oil is a big no. Basically everything I'm reading is saying low fat, my PCOS really likes high protein, high fat so I'm concerned I will put on weight which of course also contributes to the reflux. I'm giving up coffee for now Talk about a PIA, it's hard getting old!

Wildcat, good to know about wheat/gluten free. I actually did indulge in some of those GS cookies last night, couldn't resist but will leave them alone now. I'm sure my DH and kids will take care of those in no time!

arkieb, thank you for your suggestions, I'm going to try some different things with my diet and if that doesn't work I will have to seek out some professional help.

Missy, thank you so much for your help. I will definitely look into those links, I hear you on the PPI's I am in the same camp with trying to avoid them as well.

 

[Missy]

Stephanie you are very welcome and I know I already said to read the PDF but please really read it because it is so helpful and it has so much good info and I think and hope it can help you. So read it sooner than later OK? (((HUGS))).

 

[Arcadian]

Stephanie, good on your doc. Take the protonix to give you some relief for now. My hope is that you don't have any damage like I had from the continued reflux.

before I went to the doc I used to home remedy, which is to take a teaspoon of baking soda with about 4 oz of water. Nasty as hell that stuff but it worked when nothing else did. The problem with that is you have to continually up the times you take it and all that baking soda isn't exactly good for you either!!

Also being checked for celiac or other wheat allergies is a good idea. If your tests comes back normal, absolutely do the scope...make sure they knock you out though.

You can still do the higher protein though, but make sure any oils you're using are not taken alone, take them with food in your tummy first, and really up your fiber as much as you can stand it. The additonal acids affects the other half too, and that fiber helps to keep it from causing issues on both ends. My doses of cold-pressed fats are not as high as they were but I didn't totally kick them out either. Just reduce for a short time then raise them to where they're comfortable. Each person is different so its a bit of experimentation to find the level that works best for you.


You're a strong person to totally give up coffee. I couldn't do it and I think the move from cream to 1% milk was good for me. Now I can't even stand cream...lol

 

[violet3]

I have reflux too - it's frustrating. Recently, a friend of mine recommended some natural supplements to help and I have not had a problem since starting them. I don't like to take medication, so I was open to trying something natural. Here's what I take each day:

1. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract chewable tablets by Enzymatic Therapy
2. Turmeric Curcumin (the curcumin part is important - it's the root - don't get just turmeric) - 1,000 mg by Vitamin World
3. Aloe Vera Gel - 5,000 mg also by Vitamin World (also you can find aloe vera drinks/water)

If you take the licorice and aloe before you eat (20 minutes or so) it is supposed to help soothe swallowing/reflux issues. The tumeric can be swallowed like a pill, but I drink it like a tea - it tasted earthy like dirt, but I kind of like it.

I had so much trouble around christmas time, that I could barely swallow water - I started this regimen and in four/five days I had no reflux at all and haven't had any since! I LOVE coffee also, and that was like swallowing needles, but no problems at all having my morning coffee now. I hope this works for you also!

 

[violet3]

I am sorry you are dealing with this and it is quite an unpleasant issue to have. I won't go into details but in 2014 I had a horrific year and part of my health issues were a constant burning and countless invasive tests. During my challenging journey I read tons of info on many health conditions (since no health care professional knew what was going on with my body and we were looking at many rule out diseases to come to a diagnosis) and so I know a bit about this topic. You have received some helpful advice here so I will just add a couple of things that might be helpful. DGL chewables. HUGE help (for me and others I have recommended them to) and safe too but please check with your Doctors before taking any supplements.

Please read this Stephanie. It has soooooo much great info.

http://afibbers.org/resources/heartburn.pdf



And here is the link for DGL. But please read the above PDF before you order or take anything. And I am really NOT a fan of PPIs. Read the PDF and you can decide for yourself.

https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/licorice/

http://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/dgl-for-acid-reflux#Overview1

Good luck honey!

I should really read whole threads before I comment - YES to these chewable tablets - that's what I take too!!!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Stephanie you are very welcome and I know I already said to read the PDF but please really read it because it is so helpful and it has so much good info and I think and hope it can help you. So read it sooner than later OK? (((HUGS))).

Missy,

Thank you for sending me that PDF, I did read it and although I'm a bit overwhelmed, I did find it very helpful and although I will miss my coffee and some other things, it makes more sense to me now why I need to do a diet overhaul and lose some weight. I'll use this acid issue as a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle

 

[Missy]

Stephanie you are very welcome and I know I already said to read the PDF but please really read it because it is so helpful and it has so much good info and I think and hope it can help you. So read it sooner than later OK? (((HUGS))).

Missy,

Thank you for sending me that PDF, I did read it and although I'm a bit overwhelmed, I did find it very helpful and although I will miss my coffee and some other things, it makes more sense to me now why I need to do a diet overhaul and lose some weight. I'll use this acid issue as a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle

Stephanie, I didn't give up coffee not even for a short time. For me doing other things was/is enough so that may be true for you too. Perhaps just cut down to one cup a day and do the other changes to see if that is enough. You don't necessarily have to give it up completely. And don't let it overwhelm you. One thing at a time one day at a time. Trial and error and you will get control of this. (((Hugs))).

Violet, so glad you have found relief from the DGL tablets. I use the sugar free tabs.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I responded to Missy before I saw these responses, my apologies.

Arcadian, thank you again so much for your post. I actually gave up coffee not that long ago for two weeks and it wasn't bad after the first day, I drink it black though, so really nothing to cut the acid. I'll be okay if I can drink some tea, I know the caffeine is an issue but it's less than the coffee so it's a start, baby steps.

Violet, I'm all about some natural supplements so I'm going to take a trip to the health food store this weekend, thank you for your suggestions. I am definitely going to get those chewable licorice tablets.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond, I really appreciate all your suggestions and advice

 

[violet3]

Stephanie you are very welcome and I know I already said to read the PDF but please really read it because it is so helpful and it has so much good info and I think and hope it can help you. So read it sooner than later OK? (((HUGS))).

Missy,

Thank you for sending me that PDF, I did read it and although I'm a bit overwhelmed, I did find it very helpful and although I will miss my coffee and some other things, it makes more sense to me now why I need to do a diet overhaul and lose some weight. I'll use this acid issue as a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle

Stephanie, I didn't give up coffee not even for a short time. For me doing other things was/is enough so that may be true for you too. Perhaps just cut down to one cup a day and do the other changes to see if that is enough. You don't necessarily have to give it up completely. And don't let it overwhelm you. One thing at a time one day at a time. Trial and error and you will get control of this. (((Hugs))).

Violet, so glad you have found relief from the DGL tablets. I use the sugar free tabs.

Ditto - I think if I couldn't have coffee again, it would reduce me to tears. It's my favorite part of the day (that sounds weird writing that)! I take a few other supplements with the DGL tabs that have all worked really well together - I'm going to take them for the rest of my life honestly. Struggling with reflux over time can lead to far worse issues like cancer, so I'm happy to be proactive with it now - also, I much prefer to be prescription medication free if possible. I hope it helps you too Stephanie!

 

[whitewave]

My allergy asthma guy diagnosed me with silent reflux twice over a number of years before I and another doc figured out it was asthma. Bad asthma. I'm now on COPD inhalers.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

My understanding of silent reflux is that because it is not acid reflux, there is nothing you can do about it.

 

[Missy]

My allergy asthma guy diagnosed me with silent reflux twice over a number of years before I and another doc figured out it was asthma. Bad asthma. I'm now on COPD inhalers.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

My understanding of silent reflux is that because it is not acid reflux, there is nothing you can do about it.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314531.php

 

[whitewave]

Well, here is the deal about asthma as a symptom. I got on all my asthma meds (3 meds a day plus rescue inhaler if needed) and all of the silent reflux symptoms went away and never came back.

That is when asthma and allergy guy finlaly admitted he was wrong.

 

[Missy]

Well, here is the deal about asthma as a symptom. I got on all my asthma meds (3 meds a day plus rescue inhaler if needed) and all of the silent reflux symptoms went away and never came back.

That is when asthma and allergy guy finlaly admitted he was wrong.

Yes they diagnosed you incorrectly. When I was first diagnosed with allergic asthma (in my early thirties) it took 6 months to get the correct diagnosis! I had a persistent cough that wouldn't go away. Not until breathing issues started 6 months later did a pulmonologist get the correct diagnosis for me and then I got relief from meds and an inhaler. Glad they finally diagnosed you correctly and you found sweet relief!!!!

 

[whitewave]

Thanks. You too. Getting a proper diagnosis can be a problem.

Sweet relief until today... felt weird while sleeping and then had a big asthma attack this morning. Hugging my rescue inhaler today...

 

[luv2sparkle]

I have been reading quite a few books recently on the Ketogenic diet. It was originally developed to treat epilepsy and seizures in kids, but they are finding that it has a lot of health benefits. It is essentially a high fat, low carb and moderate protein diet. One of the things I have remembered reading it that with this diet acid reflux completely disappears.

I have only been on the diet for a few weeks but it has made some major health changes for me. The biggest of which is pain relief. It is actually quite easy and certainly worth a try to see if you can help or reverse the problems without medication. My two favorite books on the subject thus far are Keto Clarity by Jimmy Moore (and a host of other doctors) and Keto Adapted by Maria Emmerich. Both have their own websites with more information.

 

[ame]

I've been keto for a year now, well, back ON it for a year now. On and off for almost 15. If I stick to it and don't cheat and don't get lazy and whatnot, it's what I need. But yknow, I like other stuff. Like cookies.

I've been experiencing what I thought was a problem with my thyroid but as it turns out my thyroid levels are fine. Based on my symptoms the doctor believes I have silent reflux and wants me to take Protonix for two weeks. Well, I am reluctant to take medication so I'm looking to see if there is another option.

My most obvious symptom is I have a lump feeling in my throat, persistent annoying cough and I'm having a hard time breathing when on the treadmill (getting air in not out). Blood pressure is normal, CBC looks good. I don't have any specific health problems apart from polysystic ovarian syndrome and as a result of that I eat a Paleo diet. Problem is it seems that the reflux diet restricts a lot of what Paleo allows so I don't know what to eat now. Also (not to whine) I really enjoy my coffee but everything I'm reading says no caffeine including chocolate. Wish I had known this before ordering Girl Scout cookies

Really looking for any and all ideas here, open to taking a supplement, probiotic, really anything that will help. If I absolutely can't get around the prescription then ideally I only want to take it short term and then find a more sustainable long term solution.

Those are not paleo

Well I am on HARD CORE reflux meds, so if you can get by with 2 weeks of protonix, I would try the protonix and see if that helps. That oubviously sounds like reflux to me.

I eat Keto, and while that's really HELPED, it didn't eliminate my reflux. Caffeine and carbonation is killer on my reflux--so if you're imbibing either, cut them out or WAY back. Dairy is just murder on my reflux as well. Chocolate I've figured out how to handle, dark chocolate and stevia sweetened dark chocolate chips (Lily's brand). Those don't bother me. But if I cheat at all--carbs are the devil in this instance--I pay DEARLY for it in the reflux dept.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

luv2sparkle and âme, it's funny you mention the Keto diet because the nurse I saw that day was just starting on it and he said he felt like it was something he could stick to. From my limited understanding I believe it is a lot like Paleo, at least it sounded like that from what he described.

I have to say that those cookies tasted good but I paid dearly for them! I noticed that there was this burning in the back of my throat and I felt horrible. Not worth it.

 

[luv2sparkle]

luv2sparkle and âme, it's funny you mention the Keto diet because the nurse I saw that day was just starting on it and he said he felt like it was something he could stick to. From my limited understanding I believe it is a lot like Paleo, at least it sounded like that from what he described.

I have to say that those cookies tasted good but I paid dearly for them! I noticed that there was this burning in the back of my throat and I felt horrible. Not worth it.

It does have many things in common with the Paleo diet, but the main difference is in the amount of at you eat. We have been told by doctors and nutrionists that in order to be thin and healthy we must eat healthy carbs and very little fat. Keto is just the opposite. You eat very little carbs of any kind and a lot of fat. It takes completely changing your mind set. For those of us with insulin resistance it can be a game changer. the process changes your body from being a sugar burner to being a fat burner. The only problem would be for muslin dependent type 1 diabetics. They would have to monitor themselves a little more carefully under a doctors care.

Since I am not on any kind of medication, I jumped right in. I have never felt so mentally sharp and generally good in a very long time. It has eliminated sugar and carb cravings completely. Not to say that I will never have any again but it will be limited for me.

 

[whitewave]

Keto diet works. I'm about to start it again too. It really cools inflammation. I also bought a metric ton of Ossogood bone broth. I'm using the autoimmune protocol ones, so they are pretty bland. I'm working my way up to spicy pork.

 

[distracts]

This thread is really helpful for me - I had a stomach ulcer for the first time last year and it got better within a few days of taking prilosec. But then two months ago I had a wicked bad stomach illness with a ton of vomiting and my stomach has been frequently angry since and I've had to alter my diet and stop drinking most caffeine (cut it down to one cup of tea a day!) to manage it. Prilosec did nothing and it doesn't feel the same as the stomach ulcer anyway, and there is nothing I would identify as acid reflux, just... angriness. I haven't been back to my doctor because it is improving, albeit more slowly than I'd like. I am going to try some of the supplements mentioned like the licorice chewables to see if they help at all. I tried to find one on Amazon without any sweetener so we'll see how that tastes. I hate licorice so potentially awful, but I can't tolerate much of any sort of natural or artificial sugars right now.

 

[msop04]

I would definitely take the Protonix (or other PPI - "proton pump inhibitor"), because you don't want to wait until you experience symptoms of GERD to treat. The PPI will keep your gut acidity down, so that you won't be susceptible to the damaging effects of reflux. A lot of people eat TUMS or take antacids daily for reflux, but the purpose of the PPI is to fix the problem... not just wait until you're uncomfortable to treat it.

I didn't see it mentioned, but peppermint can also exacerbate reflux... If you start a PPI, you should still be able to enjoy your coffee and chocolate (in moderation, of course).

 

[violet3]

This thread is really helpful for me - I had a stomach ulcer for the first time last year and it got better within a few days of taking prilosec. But then two months ago I had a wicked bad stomach illness with a ton of vomiting and my stomach has been frequently angry since and I've had to alter my diet and stop drinking most caffeine (cut it down to one cup of tea a day!) to manage it. Prilosec did nothing and it doesn't feel the same as the stomach ulcer anyway, and there is nothing I would identify as acid reflux, just... angriness. I haven't been back to my doctor because it is improving, albeit more slowly than I'd like. I am going to try some of the supplements mentioned like the licorice chewables to see if they help at all. I tried to find one on Amazon without any sweetener so we'll see how that tastes. I hate licorice so potentially awful, but I can't tolerate much of any sort of natural or artificial sugars right now.

Hi Distracts! You'll get used to the taste of the chewable tablets (I don't like black licorice either). I just pop them every morning and get it over with, and really I have had NO reflux since starting that regimen (along with the tumeric circumin, and aloe - see above post). You might also want to start a probiotic to put some good bacteria into your gut.

If it is, in fact, an ulcer please don't avoid the doctor - I would monitor it really closely with your physician. My mother struggled with bleeding ulcers off and on her whole life, and in the end her ulcer (among other things) killed her last July, when she hemorrhaged to death. I don't like writing that and I know it sounds really harsh and scary, so I'm sorry. I'm really not trying to scare you, but bleeding ulcers are truly dangerous and need to be monitored very closely.