melissel Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I'm on a med today that prohibits my taking any kind of antacid/proton pump inhibitor. I'm not supposed to drastically reduce the amount of acid in my stomach because it may increase the efficacy of my med beyond a safe level. Of course, I have a mild heartburn right now! Any suggestions for how I can ease the burning throat without taking anything? TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I used to chew almonds (slowwwwwly) for pregnancy heartburn. It worked reasonably well for mild heartburn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but I've been taking Bragg's apple cider vinegar and it's working like a charm! I just take a teaspooon in a glass of water a couple times each day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted August 13, 2011 Author Share Posted August 13, 2011 I used to chew almonds (slowwwwwly) for pregnancy heartburn. It worked reasonably well for mild heartburn. Interesting! You're helping me out all over the place today :D Does it have to be almonds, for some reason? I wonder if another beneficial nut would help too--I have loads of pecans. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but I've been taking Bragg's apple cider vinegar and it's working like a charm! I just take a teaspooon in a glass of water a couple times each day. I keep hearing this. I don't have Bragg's, but I have the cheapo grocery store kind. Do you suppose it matters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancer67 Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Apple Cider Vinegar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jryanbass Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 papaya enzymes. They work and you can get them at the grocery store in the vitamins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Interesting! You're helping me out all over the place today :D Does it have to be almonds, for some reason? I wonder if another beneficial nut would help too--I have loads of pecans.That I don't know. I just like almonds. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingnlearning Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Pickle juice cures my heartburn-which of course means any sort of vinegar could help. I just love the flavored salty vinegar water of pickle juice, tastes better than plain vinegar to me! It makes a difference though what kind of stomach you have-acid or base. If vinegar makes yours worse than I would try some baking soda dissolved in water. (if that would be ok with your med?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 It makes a difference though what kind of stomach you have-acid or base.Gastric acid is produced by the stomach and is composed primarily of hydrochloric acid. There's no such thing as a "base" stomach... stomach pH is normally between 1 and 2, which is highly acidic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted August 13, 2011 Author Share Posted August 13, 2011 That I don't know. I just like almonds. :tongue_smilie: Good to know! I'll give my pecans a try :D Pickle juice cures my heartburn-which of course means any sort of vinegar could help. I just love the flavored salty vinegar water of pickle juice, tastes better than plain vinegar to me! It makes a difference though what kind of stomach you have-acid or base. If vinegar makes yours worse than I would try some baking soda dissolved in water. (if that would be ok with your med?) Hmmm, that is a very good question. It seems to be acid, since acid reducers DO work, but I don't know for sure. I know I've seen baking soda specifically mentioned as a no-no, because it acts directly to reduce the acid. I wonder what that does mean for the vinegar... I think if the pecans don't work, I'll call the doctor and ask. It may be far enough past my taking the med that Tums could be OK now. I hate taking prescription meds :( They make everything so complicated. Thank you for the ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted August 13, 2011 Author Share Posted August 13, 2011 (edited) Gastric acid is produced by the stomach and is composed primarily of hydrochloric acid. There's no such thing as a "base" stomach... stomach pH is normally between 1 and 2, which is highly acidic. I've actually been hearing more about reflux that's alkaline-based lately myself--as a reason that some people don't find relief from acid reducers. I keep meaning to research it more but was focusing on just eliminating the things that cause the reflux for me in general (coffee, gluten, most grains, etc.). I made the mistake of having juuuust a little granola on my yogurt today, and here I am. I'll have to see what my doc has to say about that. Moira, do you have any research to share to disprove? I'd love to send it to my mom. ETA: It looks like alkaline reflux is actually "bile reflux." My mom had her gall bladder out recently, which is probably why she's been reading about it. Edited August 13, 2011 by melissel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I drank cow's milk to help with my pregnancy heartburn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagnaSky Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Caraway seed tea is used for such problems in Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Moira, do you have any research to share to disprove? I'd love to send it to my mom.I don't have any articles, but I was under the impression that drinking vinegar works for some (depending on the cause and severity of the reflux) because drinking vinegar stimulates the production of saliva, which essentially flushes out the esophagus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicmommy Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I second Papaya Enzymes. I had such bad heart burn while pregnant and these helped immensely. I also loved the way they tasted so that was a bonus. :001_smile: I've tried vinegar when I don't have any papaya in the house. It works, but doesn't taste nearly as yummy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingnlearning Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I don't have time to google right now but I researched it some time ago, why vinegar worked so well for me but would make heartburn worse in others. If this thread lives tomorrow when we return from an overnight trip here I'll see what I can find. I might have oversimplified the explanation! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I heard papaya enzyme helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah1615 Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 It may just be me, but drinking a few sips of heavy cream seems to always get rid of my heartburn. I'm not sure why, but it works for me! Another thing that's supposed to work is coconut milk. I found it worked for mild heartburn, but not bad heartburn. I tried the Bragg's ACV and it did the opposite and made me have terrible heartburn. Eveyone's different, I guess! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 The simple answer is this: call your pharmacist. There are lots of things you can't eat depending on what med you are on. It's more complicated than just avoiding antacids. Be safe...call a pharmacy, ask to speak to a pharmacist, and you'll get some good info. They can look up interactions between foods and meds and natural remedies and meds. They are your best resource! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blessedmom4god Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I used vinegar for a while but it hurt so bad going down I just couldn't stand it anymore, but it did work. Now I just drink some milk, doesn't hurt going down but it takes a little longer to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 my acid/heartburn triggers are fats, sugar, and spices. when I stay away from those, I don't have heartburn. sometimes soda crackers will help, and drinking tepid/room temp water. NOT cold water. so what foods are triggers for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 I don't have any articles, but I was under the impression that drinking vinegar works for some (depending on the cause and severity of the reflux) because drinking vinegar stimulates the production of saliva, which essentially flushes out the esophagus. I saw some person on PBS during pledge week (yeah, I know), who said that the problem is actually NOT too much acid in the stomach. I forgot the rest. But anyway the idea is that the vinegar will neutralize it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyg Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Try sucking on a chewable vitamin C. This works for me. I can't remember now why this is supposed to work -- but it has to do with the acid; that your body will produce less if more is available. Something like that. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josie Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I have known milk to work for mild heartburn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I drank cow's milk to help with my pregnancy heartburn. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovemy6kids Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 eating Celery will clear it right up. My dh swears by ice cream, but I really think it is just an excuse to eat a huge bowl while trying to lose weight. He also says ice cream cures sore throats and headaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 He also says ice cream cures sore throats and headaches. It does! I know someone who swears by potato chips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abigail4476 Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 My husband eats apple slices before bed to help with reflux. It doesn't work when his symptoms are severe, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Seconding the raw celery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoxcell Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 papaya enzymes. They work and you can get them at the grocery store in the vitamins :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TX Bluebonnet Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Peppermint always works for me. Even when I'm pregnant and my reflux is bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ritsumei Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 My husband eats apple slices before bed to help with reflux. It doesn't work when his symptoms are severe, though. Mine did this for a while too. And I've been known to try it, successfully. Good luck; heartburn is unpleasant.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matermagistra Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but I've been taking Bragg's apple cider vinegar and it's working like a charm! I just take a teaspooon in a glass of water a couple times each day. Yes! I was skeptical too. I began getting Acid Reflux during my last pregnancy and this gave me instant relief. I usually use 2 tablespoons mixed with 1/4 teaspoon Bob's Red Mill organic baking soda (supposedly helps even out your pH). I add in warm water, and sweeten with Stevia. I usually take mine in a straw so that it goes straight back down the throat without touching my teeth and affecting the enamel. A great website that talks about this is http://www.earthclinic.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted August 14, 2011 Author Share Posted August 14, 2011 Well, I discovered just a little while ago that the med I'm taking has heartburn listed as a side effect, and it's a commonly occurring one :( That's no good if you can't actually take anything to alleviate it! Plus, I'm already really prone to reflux, and I start having swallowing issues when it kicks in too often (bad ones--like I nearly choked to death on salad two weeks ago). This does not bode well. I guess I'll be putting in a call to my doctor on Monday to ask what she wants me to do. Thanks for all the input, everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 ETA: It looks like alkaline reflux is actually "bile reflux." My mom had her gall bladder out recently, which is probably why she's been reading about it.Ah, that makes sense. I was scratching my head a bit over how stomach acid could be base. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thea Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Coming in late, but I didn't see anyone suggest chewing some fennel. Hope you get some relief. :hug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElaineJ Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 You can buy a special kind of licorice pill that is good for relieving heartburn. It is just plain licorice except that it has been "deglycerinated" (or something like that). If I chew two of these pills 20 minutes before eating it really aids in my digestion. They aren't very expensive, either. Of course, I would check with your pharmacist and make certain they wouldn't interact with your prescription meds. Hope you find some relief. Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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