GERD Friendly

Make sure to like ---> My Acid Reflux Coach for more awesome posts like this!

Could eating a kiwi a day keep the acid reflux away?🥝🥝🥝

Kiwis help prevent constipation, eliminate toxins, create alkaline balance, and much more! 🥝🥝

Read on to see some more reasons why Kiwis may help with your GERD and overall health! 🥝

Did you know that KIWIs may help:
1. Treat Asthma
2. Digest Protein
3. Boost the Immune System
4. Reduce Oxidative Stress
5. Manage Blood Pressure
6. Reduce Blood Clotting
7. Protect Against Vision Loss
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/7-best-things-about-kiwi#reduces-blood-clotting

"Kiwi has shown promise as a treatment of bowel and digestive disorders. A number of studies have shown kiwi helps reduce complications related to irritable bowel syndrome as well as inflammatory bowel disease. The findings of the studies suggest that adding kiwi to patients’ diets introduced antioxidants and fiber, which were able to produce anti-inflammatory results, as well as overall improvements in bowel function." -https://draxe.com/kiwi-nutrition/

Furthermore, Kiwis may help:
1. Improve Sleep
2. Prevent Cancer
3. Fight Bacteria and Fungai
Source: https://draxe.com/kiwi-nutrition/

Could eating a kiwi a day keep the acid reflux away?🥝🥝🥝

Additional Source- https://www.care2.com/greenliving/14-healthy-reasons-to-eat-kiwi.html

Written by: My Acid Reflux Coach

Click here and like our Facebook coach: My Acid Reflux Coach

Are you sure you have GERD? How were you diagnosed?

Maybe your symptoms are the result of something else besides acid reflux. 

For example, Eosinophilic Esophagitis is often mistaken for GERD as it can have similar, if not identical, symptoms to acid relfux. See this page for more info on Eosinophilic Esophagitis:https://www.empr.com/features/eosinophilic-esophagitis-can-be-mistaken-for-gerd/article/261625/

Other diseases that may be mistaken for GERD:
a.) Gastroparesis
b.) Gastritis
c.) Stomach Ulcers
d.) Heart disease
e.) Gallstones
f.) Pleuritis
g.) Celiac's Disease
h.) Achalasia
For more info: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20528575,00.html#esophageal-cancer-1

The current best test for the diagnosis of reflux disease is esophageal pH monitoring where "a thin tube is passed through your nose or mouth to your stomach. The tube is then pulled back into your esophagus. A monitor attached to the tube measures the acid level in your esophagus. You will wear the monitor on a strap and record your symptoms and activity over the next 24 hours in a diary. You will return to the hospital the next day and the tube will be removed. The information from the monitor will be compared with your diary notes."For more information see: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003401.htm

Its common practice for doctors to hand out acid suppressant medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) before any diagnostic testing. A primary care physicians diagnosis of GERD commonly depends on how the patient responds to PPIs. But PPI testing in this way may be inaccurate and may have side effects (e.g. acid rebound, bacterial overgrowth, food allergies, etc)
See: https://www.refluxmd.com/gerd-often-misdiagnosed-2/

The Vagus Nerve is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for many“rest and digest” functions of the body.

Some Vagus Nerve Functions:
1. Lowering the heart rate
2. Gastrointestinal peristalsis
3. Gag Reflex
4. Vomiting
5. Stomach Acid Production
6. Satiation

An under-stimulated Vagus Nerve and Low Vagal Tone may lead to:
1. Low Stomach Acid
2. Delayed Stomach Emptying (Gastroparesis)
3. Inflammation
4. Constipation
5. High resting heart rate

For more info see: http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/viva-las-vagus-how-vagal-tone-impacts-your-health-and-10-ways-to-‎improve-it‎/

Possible ways to irritate, or inhibit the function of, the VAGUS NERVE:
1. Forward Head Posture
2. Slumping or Hunching
3. Stress
4. Anxiety
5. Fatigue
6. A Hiatal Hernia
7. GI distress

Possible ways to damage the VAGUS NERVE:
1. Diabetes
2. Alcoholism
3. Infection

Source: https://www.livestrong.com/article/144353-list-spinal-nerves/ 

Ways to stimulate the vagus nerve:
1. Holding your breath for a few seconds
2. Dipping your face in cold water
3. Coughing
4. Tensing the stomach muscles as if to bear down to have a bowel movement

Source-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve

Possible ways to reset vagal tone:
1. Singing/chanting
2. Meditation/Mindfulness
3. Fasting
4. Laughter
5. Yoga

Source: http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/viva-las-vagus-how-vagal-tone-impacts-your-health-and-10-ways-to-‎improve-it‎/

Written by: My Acid Reflux Coach

Did you know some herbal teas may trigger GERD? 🍵

☕ Remember, herbs can have multiple different effects on your system. Although they may stimulate digestion, reduce inflammation, or be mucoprotective, some herbs may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter and make acid reflux worse.

Carminative herbs are a type of herb that may relax the lower esophageal sphincter allowing for more acid reflux. Some carminative herbs that I see commonly used to help with chronic heartburn include but may actually be making it worse for some people are:

1. Anise seed
2. Caraway
3. Fennel
4. Ginger
5. Lemon Balm
6. Licorice
7. Oregano and Parsley
8. Peppermint

Other carminative herbs you may be using in your everyday cooking include:

1. Rosemary
2. Sage
3. Garlic and Onion
4. Thyme
5. Pepper
6. Cardomon
7. Basil
8. Cumin
9. Cinnamon and Nutmeg
10. Mustard

But remember that the cause of your gastroesophageal reflux disease may not be a faulty lower esophageal sphincter (LES). For many people, the above herbs may help their GERD.

Listen to your body. 👂👂

For more information and a larger list of herbs that may affect the LES see: https://nextooze.com/carminative-herbs-relax-lower-esophageal-sphincter-worsening-acid-reflux/

The post was written by https://www.facebook.com/acidrefluxcoach/

What is the best type of sugar for your GERD?

Have you tried switching to:
a. Stevia
b. Raw Honey
c. Blackstrap Molasses
d. Dates
e. Maple Syrup

It’s hard to give up sugar. Some scientists argue that sugar can be as addicting as cocaine for rodents. So, if you can’t, or are not going to, give up sugar, then what is the healthiest sugar?

⚠️ Remember, GERD is an individual disease. A sugar/sweetener that works for some people may not work for you. Therefore, it’s important to know the factors that could influence your reaction to a substance. For sugar and sweeteners, consider the following factors:

1. Glycemic Index - How is the sweetener affecting my blood sugar levels?
2. Side Effects - Has the sweetener been linked to cancer, diabetes, or unpleasant symptoms?
3. Refinement Level - How refined/processed is the sweetener?
4. Nutrient Quality - How “empty” is my sweetener? 
5. Sugar Type - Glucose, Fructose, Lactose, Sucrose, Maltose, etc. 
6. Source - Is your sweetener organic?
7. Your Reaction - How do you feel when I use this sweetener?

Now, all of the above factors are related, but breaking down each sweetener in this way can help you make the best choice when it comes to sugar and your gastroesophageal reflux disease.



-------------------------------- Glycemic Index (GI)

Glycemic Index describes how much, and how quickly, a consumed substance effects blood sugar levels. Note: “white bread has a higher rating [GI] than table sugar, and that fruit leather is higher than a typical chocolate bar. The most significant factor driving use of the glycemic index for food choices is that several research studies reveal a connection between high-carbohydrate, high glycemic diets, and some diseases. (...) It is important to keep in mind that this is still very new science without long-term assessment and verification.” - https://www.badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/glycemic-index/

Recipe by: Joy G Hoover

Recipe by: Beata Pietras

12/6/17 I had surgery
After the surgery, till Xmas I was put on cipro which gave me the GERD and mild gastritis.
I was diagnosed with the GERD right away and joined this group to gain the support of others.
Made a appt with GI doc but he could not see me for 3 weeks argh.
I had daily heart burn and each night I thought I was going to just die.

Regular DR put me on a PPI which I took for 5 days..
I felt it made things worse.
Came across a article in one of the groups that said check out this book and get on an elimination diet.
You can check it out too
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1101905581/ref=mp_s_a_1_1...
I got the book read it cover to cover I was desperate to stop the daily pain.
At this point I was having 10+ antacids each day easily.
In addition a Bottle of Pepto every few days.
The book basically seemed like everything I was eating was wrong. except for a few healthy options.
no coffee, green or black tea, citrus, tomato products, fried foods, onions, processed foods.
week 3
wow that did not leave much... Seemed a bit over whelming.
But the I started to worry about downing a bottle of tums every 10 days,
and the side effects of doing so.
So I reversed it,,,
look at what I can have instead of what I can't.
Items that were alive or grow you can have for the most part.
good quality items only,,,,
grass fed beef, wild caught fish, organic
items with one ingredient.

week 4
Found out not to take mint flavored antacids as they make things worse.
Switched to tropical fruit flavored antacids and things got better.
by this time went to GI doc he put me on H2 pepcid 40 mg am &pm
started
a probiotic before meals and
DGL Ultra for digestion after.
Had a endoscopy and colonoscopy diagnoses confirmed gerd and gastritis.
After 4 weeks on the elimination diet the heart burn ended.
I manage the burping with gas-x which works by making the air bubbles in your gut smaller and allows to your body to reabsorb them.
week 10
Last couple of weeks I have begun adding things back into my diet.
For weeks I was having grass fed beef burgers on a slice of seeded rye cut in half.
with honey mustard dressing which did not bother me.
Now I started having Martin's potato rolls with the burger and even had some ketchup with no ill effects.
Still no raw veggies except celery... I steam everything.
Started back on having steaks, lean sirloin nothing with marbleized fat. even had some A-1 on it and no ill effects.
Even started experimenting with coffee and tea... very mild at first.
today I took 2 Lipton tea bags and put it in my coffee maker where the coffee goes. with 10 cups of water and ran it. It made a nice pot of weak tea...
little honey and it was great to have something new.

During the elimination phase I have only had room temp water and fennel hot tea.
I still keep a 2 liter bottle of water on the kitchen counter when I need room temp water.
I make all my meals fresh.... well except for the time I made a whole 12 pound turkey and my wife and I picked at it for 10 days. I got all the white meat and she got all the dark.
protein will help you heal so try to have some protein with each meal.
hint a portion of protein is about the size of your palm.

Also got one of those whole turkey breasts.... w picked at it over a week and just tossed it.
Hint Hint skin is off the menu
prep. only olive oil on skin and salt and pepper on and under skin, no other spices.
the deal is to eat 5-6 small meals each day instead of 3.
about every 3-4 hours
it tasks 4 hours to empty your stomach and you don't want to be empty so eating every 3-4 hours keeps something in your stomach.
Protein is very important in the healing process, so try to have a protein with each meal.
Red meat was off the menu for the first 6 weeks so was reduced to eggs, white meat chicken and turkey, sea food. and white chia seeds which happens to be a complete protein.
so almost every day I have white chia seeds in my oatmeal. Which is nice as it's not only a complete protein but it's also high in fiber.
white flour is processed so I find I do much better with seeded rye.
Now I am getting more into seafood
Boiled shrimp, muscles, Steamed Clams
Fish filets -sauted in 100% extra virgin olive oil
salmon, carp, flounder, octopus, tilapia, sea bass
no white potatoes, but red potatoes ok , best to go with a yam
when you go shopping look at the store most of the things you can have are not in the middle they are along the walls.
Spice... oregano and turmeric are antiinflamatory.
I stay away from all other spices except salt and pepper
Other nice things that help me. low fat vanilla yogurt, and Walmart's cinnamon apple sauce.
cool the burn or to put something in my tummy when empty.
My go to foods.... At this point I rather have some low fat yogurt then pop some pills.
Not sure why, but when I get the name brands of yogurt they are thicker and bother me
I do very well with the coburn low fat yogurt from Save-a-lot food stores.
pasta - regular pasta has to much sugar.
look for barilla pasta it has a lower GI index and less sugar. easier on your tummy.
Dairy -
0 &1% Good
2 & 4% Bad
week  11
Backing off on meds went from taking pepcid 40mg 2x a day to 1 a day then week 12 went to as needed.
Started trying to eat things I have not had since the beginning. Worried about the heart burn returning so taking things very slow.
having ice in my water.
an inch of ginger ale is a mug.
Lipton decaf black tea in a mug 1 tea bag for a 16 oz glass. - little gas so went back to 3 tea bags and run it through 10 cups in coffee maker.
week 12
First time going out to eat.
Was pretty good boiled shrimp, poached salmon no lemon no butter, ice water.
some french fries with ketchup
steamed veggies.
mashed yam with marshmellows :)
little honey dew melon.
no ill effects

Keep moving forwards a little at a time.
.
Thanks for reading.
Bill Stern

Recipe provided by: Aditi Biswas

Cold Tuna Salad

By: Beata Pietras

Success Story - Ioana Ciutac 

Celina Maria Cavazos

I had GERD for over a year and nothing helped. Well I decided to go to the gym and get in shape. I changed my diet by cutting sodium out for the most part. I use a lot of herbal Blends for seasoning and some low sodium sauces. I bought meat that doesn't have sodium in it in high amounts. I also eat small portions of meat. A lot of what I eat is vegetable fruit nuts and Grains like quinoa or rice. I was very strict about it at first but now I eased up a little bit over the last few months and I still have little to no heartburn ever. So if anyone really wants a solution they should follow the GERD diet for the 30 days. If they have to do the diet with the medication. Then adopt a low sodium diet with that. I also only use olive oil for my cooking. And I bake things whenever I can. Best of luck!

Bill Stern - My Story

12/6/17 I had surgery
after the surgery, till Xmas, I was put on Cipro which gave me the GERD and mild gastritis. I was diagnosed with the GERD right away and joined this group to gain the support of others. Made an appt with GI doc but he could not see me for 3 weeks argh. I had daily heartburn and each night I thought I was going to just die.

Regular DR put me on a PPI which I took for 5 days..
I felt it made things worse.
Came across an article in one of the groups that said check out this book and get on an elimination diet.
You can check it out too
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1101905581/ref=mp_s_a_1_1...

Got the book read it cover to cover I was desperate to stop the daily pain.
at this point, I was having 10+ tums each day easily.
a Bottle of Pepto every few days.
The book basically seemed like everything I was eating was wrong. except for a few healthy options.
no coffee, green or black tea, citrus, tomato products fried foods, onions, processed foods.
wow, that did not leave much... But then I started to worry about downing a bottle of Tums every 10 days.

So I reversed it,,, look at what I can have instead of what I can't

an item that was alive or grows you can have.
good quality items only,,,,
grass-fed beef, wild caught fish, organic itemswith one ingredient.

by this time went to GI doc he put me on H2 Pepcid 40 mg am &pm
started DGL Ultra for digestion. and a probiotic.

Had an endoscopy and colonoscopy diagnoses confirmed GERD and gastritis.

after 4 weeks on the elimination diet, the heartburn ended.
I manage the burping with gas-x which works by making the air bubbles in your gut smaller and allows to reabsorb them.

The last couple of week I have begun adding things back into my diet.

Like I was having a grass-fed beef burger with honey mustard dressing which did not bother me.
Now I started having Martin's potato rolls with the burger and even had some ketchup with no ill effects.

Still no raw veggies except celery... I steam everything.

Started back on having steaks, lean nothing with marbleized fat. even had some A-1 on it and no ill effects.

even started experimenting with coffee and tea... very mild at first.
today I took 2 Lipton tea bags and put it in my coffee maker where the coffee goes. with 10 cups of water and ran it. It made a nice pot of weak tea... little honey and it was great to have something new.

During the elimination phase, I have only had room temp water and fennel hot tea.

I make all my meals fresh.... well except for the time I made a whole 12-pound turkey and my wife and I picked at it for 10 days. I got all the white meat and she got all the dark.
Also got one of those whole turkey breasts.... w picked at it over a week and just tossed it.

then deal is to eat 5-6 small meals each day.
about every 3-4 hours
trying to have a protein with each meal.

Red meat was off the menu for the first 6 weeks so was reduced to eggs, white meat chicken and turkey, seafood. and white chia seeds happen to be a complete protein.

so almost every day I have white chia seeds in my oatmeal. which is nice as it's not only a complete protein but it's also high in fiber.
white flour is processed so I find I do much better with seeded rye.
for a while there I was cutting a slice of rye in half and having the burger on that  :)

Now I am getting more into seafood
Boiled shrimp, muscles
sauteed in 100% extra virgin olive oil
salmon, carp, flounder, octopus, tilapia, sea bass

no white potatoes, but red potatoes ok, best to go with a yam

when you go shopping look at the store most of the things you can have are not in the middle they are along the walls.

other nice things that help me. low-fat vanilla yogurt, and Walmart's cinnamon applesauce. cool the burn or to put something in my tummy when empty. My go-to foods... At this point, I rather have some yogurt then pop some pills.

pasta - regular pasta has to much sugar.
look for Barilla pasta it has a lower GI index and less sugar. easier on your tummy.

Thanks for reading.