Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice. ~Dr. Wayne Dyer
Two interesting aspects of the woman in the "New York Times" article were her age (she was young) and her brutal schedule. Herein lies the problem. Young or old, alternate healing and lifestyle change work, but they work over the long term. I know, I know, your physician did not treat the PPI as he would a narcotic pain medication, by saying, this is a short-term solution. While you may notice immediate relief with something as simple as a slanted bed or pillow, designed to elevate the upper body. Other healing techniques, such as diet and exercise take time. So-called home remedies work, but they work more gently and it takes time to realize their efficacy. Don't be put off, either by the terms conventional medicine likes to attach to these. A remedy is a remedy, symptomatic relief is symptomatic relief.
Bottom line, time is a question of priorities, right along with the energy and thought we put into meeting academic, workplace and domestic expectations. Ask yourself whether there is a more important priority than recouping your health? That is the only question. The young student in the story was so driven to achieve her overwhelming goals, she put a patch on the problem and kept on with the habits that got her into trouble, in the first place. The patch came not to work, although it is nothing short of amazing that she got a decade, before she entered an entirely new phase of disease (or, collapse.)
Before you go on another antacid trip, skip another social event (or suffer through another family dinner and its aftermath,) it may be time to consider lifestyle changes and alternate healing. A number of websites, from Livestrong.com to the Mayo Clinic's site, give good, solid advice. The only problem is whether or not you will commit to the long haul of gradual treatment. Here is a brief collection of recommendations from these sites and from personal experience:
Eliminate Food and Beverage Triggers.
1) Coffee or tea (both regular and decaffeinated)
2) Carbonated beverages 3) Alcohol
4) Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons
5) Tomatoes and products that contain tomatoes, such as tomato sauce and salsa
6) Chocolate
7) Mint or peppermint
8) Fatty or spicy foods, such as chili or curry
9) Onions and garlic.
There is a learning curve here, as in all things. Experiment a little; some foods may be consumed at the right times in the right (small) quantities. For example, a taste of chocolate or fresh tomato in a salad at mid-day probably won't harm. I find it difficult to do without oranges, for example, but I buy little mandarin oranges, and eat only part of one at a sitting. Alcohol, on the other hand, has become a no, no, and I miss a glass of wine with a meal. Again on a special occasion, a sip probably wouldn't do me in. I do not consume soft drinks, but I do occasionally drink naturally carbonated mineral water.
The best possible diet and pantry rehab would addresses chronic inflammatory disease. Remember the heartburn/signal fire analogy? Often heartburn or "acid" indigestion signals inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammation may be in the body in places where do not suspect it. Gary Null's anti-inflammation guidelines and cookbook are excellent on the subject. Look at the cookbook, and you will realize the ingredients for an effective anti-inflammatory diet are accessible. It is a big shift for many people, but it is so worthwhile, a lifesaver, in fact.
Natural Helpers
1) Apple Cider Vinegar with "Mother" Culture2) Ginger
3) Licorice or DGL Chewable Tablets
4) Aloe Vera Juice
I would only add a thing or two to the list. I'd add 'alternative' sweeteners and vegan butter substitutes. Unfiltered raw honey is both a disinfectant and soother. Use it in moderation; it is sweeter than sugars.
Lifestyle Changes
Stop smoking.
Smoking precipitates heartburn and acid reflux disease in several ways. It may increase the amount of acid secreted by your stomach and when your stomach secretes acid. Nicotine is a culprit, because it interferes with the function of muscles that help keep acid down.
Loosen your belt.
Take pressure off your abdomen:
- Don't wear tight clothing, girdles, shape wear panties, tight belts.
- If you're overweight or obese, take steps to lose weight with exercise and diet changes.
Sleep on the slant.
If you don't have an adjustable bed, buy a GERD pillow, or place blocks under the head of your bed by 4 to 6 inches, or more. This will help to keep your stomach's contents down. (Do not use extra pillows because of the danger of increasing pressure on the abdomen.) Nap in a recliner, with the head and upper body elevated. Finally stop eating at least two or three hours, before lying down. No, really, no snacks, no cheating.
If you don't have an adjustable bed, buy a GERD pillow, or place blocks under the head of your bed by 4 to 6 inches, or more. This will help to keep your stomach's contents down. (Do not use extra pillows because of the danger of increasing pressure on the abdomen.) Nap in a recliner, with the head and upper body elevated. Finally stop eating at least two or three hours, before lying down. No, really, no snacks, no cheating.
Ask your doctor about medications.
Acid Indigestion and Reflux may be triggered or exacerbated by medications. Do some research, and ask your physician. If you self-medicate or self-prescribe, be aware of the potential harm you may be doing.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other anti-inflammatory pain relievers
- Some muscle relaxants
- Certain blood pressure medications
The above food, beverage, medication and lifestyle issues for GERD are the same as for a herniated hiatus. There are additional foods to avoid, and measures that will help close the hernia. Dietary changes and cooking tips can be found here:
http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/hiatus-hernia-diet-tips
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