Input please

I think whether such things help or not depend on the cause of your problem. If your problem is largely structural or functional then a natural antimicrobial agent like the honey or mastika gum probably aren't going to do anything. But there's no harm in trying them, if your wallet can cope!

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New stuff: GERD. Interstitial Cystitis
Lifelong stuff: Food allergies, eczema, asthma

From what I researched Manuka Honey +16 can help. The grade needs to be above 16 and I've seen it at Whole Foods pretty pricey, 30 dollars. I think it does help with stomach issues, but I think they are more related to pain like if you have an ulcer. It can also inhibuit H pylori if you have it and coat your esophagus.

Align, probiotics people say they are quite expensive and in consumer reports investigations and testing they came like in 4-5 best out of 10. If you just took antibiotics or have taken them in the past, probiotics can help.

What were you looking to use them for again, specifically?

I should have explained myself more thoroughly.I have acid reflux;gastritis(non-bacterial) and a small hiatal hernia.I haven't been able to eat very well;just mainly very soft foods and ensure.My Dr doesn't know why I am having the problems that I am having;"go figure."I had blood work done;an endoscopy and a barium swallow.I am getting tested for celiac disease and I'm about to have my small intestine x-rayed.I have been managing my acid reflux for years and then,bam!In march 2011;I started going downhill;I couldn't really eat.I had nausea;abdominal bloating;upper abdominal pain;massive heartburn;trouble breathing;some regurgitation and trouble swallowing.I eat the way I do so that I don't feel the pain that I do when I eat.Solid food equals hell for me;I am very frustrated and depressed.My GI Dr started me on a medicine called,"carafate."I've been afraid to take it because of all the nasty side effects it says that comes with it.I was asking the questions about align and manuka honey,as I'm sure they are not harsh like most medicine is.I think the gastritis is the culprit;the crap won't settle down when I try to eat solid food.I haven't really tried too much solid food lately;I am just literally terrified.I take nexium 40 mg;that doesn't seem to help too much with my problem.My Dr suggested to take that twice a day.I'm afraid of the long-term effects,ie;possible bone fractures,heart problems and stomach polyps.The higher the dose;the higher the risk...My Dr says,"sometimes to get the quality of life from acid reflux(gerd)relief is benefical to people to take ppi meds twice a day."He says that the effects are rare;It is still a worry... Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated;thanks...

cinn,

having felt pain you experienced a few months ago.

try having a non acidic soup like chicken soup for a few days, see if your throat gets better.

bannas are good too! just try a little see if it bothers your first.

dont eat anything hard like crackers! trust me you will irritate your throat and it will be 10x worse.

chew food like a 50X, you want to minimize any possible throat irritation.

You should follow your doctors advice, your throat seems to be burned by acid reflux. It can lead to other very serious health problems in the future. I don't want to worry you more, you can discuss that with your doctor.

after you can eat normal foods, then your can try other remedies.

hope you feel better.