Specifics as to Smoking & Drinking

Can someone be more specific on the advise to stop drinking and smoking to help acid reflux? Smoking cigarettes? Cigars? Marijuana? Drinking alcohol... wine? beer? whiskey?

FYI - I have suffered from acid reflux for 15 years now and 10 years ago I was prescribed Prevacid. I stopped taking it over a year ago to try natural remedies. To be honest, when I was on Prevacid it was great as far as having absoulutely no heartburn and I could eat and drink whatever, whenever.... Despite this, 2.5 years ago I had an endoscopy and they found Barrets and Gastritis. I am having another endoscopy Friday.

After all these years, just last night I tried eating a green apple and my heartburn went away immediately. I have never eaten apples, but I think I am on to something for myself.

Thanks!

Last summer I started the South Beach Diet, only because my girlfriend did and I thought it would be healthy for me too even though I am not overweight... and to make a long story short after 6 weeks I ended up in the hospital severally dehydrated. This was a very scary incident.

What I dont get is... are there certain chemicals in cigarette smoke, vs. cigar smoke, etc. that cause the LES to relax? I can see alcohol in general doing that no matter what you're drinking because alcohol is a depressant and will "relax" your muscles. I have heard the carbonation in beer is what brings on the reflux and gas, etc. I drink beer....

Re: You being off Prevacid... When I did take Prevacid, for years I took one a day because my doctor told me to, but I eventually learned I could go for a few days without one and still not have heartburn.

I will post a message Friday after the endo....

Thanks for replying!

 

Thank you guys so much! I have never been in a forum like this before. I appreciate the ears and feedback.

FYI - Yesterday I purposely ate almost a whole sausage and pepperoni Tombstone pizza and then twice, once immediately after and once a couple hours later, followed up with half a green apple and it worked!

I have another post with no responses, so maybe you guys can help.... what about the statistics on getting cancer with Barrets? A doctor told me earlier this year it is VERY RARE and that I shouldnt worry about it so much.

Barrets/Cancer statistics anyone?

Johnny,
Did not check out that link yet, but I agree with your doc, this form of cancer is very rare. However, it is increased greatly with chronic GERD and increased much more for those that progress to Barrett's. I would definately recommend controlled carb dieting. With PPIs you reduce the acid but it won't stop the reflux on its own if you consume a lot of carbs. Reflux can also carry intestinal contents like bile which may continue to damage the esophagus. Controlled carb stops reflux and so the acid (which allows proper digestion and prevents microbes from refluxing into your esophagus and potentially your lungs causing pneumonia and even fibrosis) and intestinal contents both will not enter your esophagus. Also, controlled carb is much healthier for you in terms of diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin related diseases overall.

Best of luck,
Dr Norm
Opinions based on experience and research into the root cause of GERD