GERD & Heartburn Support Group
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. If you are afflicted with GERD or heartburn, join the group and find support.
Hi Everyone,
I've had both IBS (with constipation) and GERD for about four years now. It's always been easier for me to control the IBS than the acid reflux. I've tried many things for the GERD-- PPIs, medications like Zantac and Pepcid AC, herbal remedies, an elevated bed, a strict GERD diet, etc...-- but nothing really helped. In fact, the most relief I got was from drinking apple cider vinegar water a couple of times a day and that only took off the edge. Three weeks ago I started taking a magnesium supplement. I take a multivitamin everday but noticed it only has 13% of the daily recommended amount of magnesium. I did some research and learned that the vast majority of Americans are magnesium deficient. In yet another effort to find GERD relief, I thought I'd give it a try because I also read that some people find magnesium supplements really help their acid reflux. I noticed an immediate improvement. I was at first skeptical because usually things help the reflux at first and then, for some mysterious reason, always stop working. :( It's been three weeks, however, and I can say that the IBS is a good 80% better and the GERD 60%. I'm by no means cured but I have experienced significant relief. I just wanted to share my experience because it might be helpful to someone.
Oh, I didn't buy an expensive magnesium-- just a $5.99 bottle from the drugstore.
I've had both IBS (with constipation) and GERD for about four years now. It's always been easier for me to control the IBS than the acid reflux. I've tried many things for the GERD-- PPIs, medications like Zantac and Pepcid AC, herbal remedies, an elevated bed, a strict GERD diet, etc...-- but nothing really helped. In fact, the most relief I got was from drinking apple cider vinegar water a couple of times a day and that only took off the edge. Three weeks ago I started taking a magnesium supplement. I take a multivitamin everday but noticed it only has 13% of the daily recommended amount of magnesium. I did some research and learned that the vast majority of Americans are magnesium deficient. In yet another effort to find GERD relief, I thought I'd give it a try because I also read that some people find magnesium supplements really help their acid reflux. I noticed an immediate improvement. I was at first skeptical because usually things help the reflux at first and then, for some mysterious reason, always stop working. :( It's been three weeks, however, and I can say that the IBS is a good 80% better and the GERD 60%. I'm by no means cured but I have experienced significant relief. I just wanted to share my experience because it might be helpful to someone.
Oh, I didn't buy an expensive magnesium-- just a $5.99 bottle from the drugstore.
I believe you with the magnesium. I have heard the figures about the shortages of magnesium in the western diet. In my A&P class the mentioned that fact also, and how its so essential for many body functions.
It is an alkaline element, so I imagine that it would have some bearing on the ph of the body as a whole. Also its important in muscle function, so it might help the muscles constrict above the stomach and help prevent gerd. So, its entirely possible that it could be helping you on both accounts.
I used to take a liquid trace mineral, 'concentrace'. It has over 70 minerals, but the main one was magnesium. I never really thought about it, but perhaps it helped me from getting gerd, and to help me recover more long term. I haven't taken it in awhile. But I haven't had any problem really for over 10 years, until very recently.
Here is one about Gerd drugs might deplete magnesium, and posible negative outcomes from that.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Gastroenterology/GERD/25147
Here is another link which mentions magnesium in relation to gerd, along with a lot of other claims. Its very, very lengthy. You may want to use a search to find magnesium, or read at length if you find it of interest.
http://gerdsupplements.com/
I am curious as to why wheat is to be excluded for people with gerd. I don't know the connection, but its interesting. I don't find the information about transfats and damaged oils. That fits perfectly with my experience and understanding.
The only thing in my experience is to have ph netural sources of minerals. For instance I avoid calcium carbonate added to foods, and supplements, unless I want to specifically neutralize an attack. Also oxide forms of minerals. The only one I really like is the concentrace because it has other ionic forms for minerals. For some reason carbonate and oxide forms of minerals can actually bring on an attack for me. Along with some forms of supplemental vitamins.
I use to take a supplement too and somehow got out of the habit, Need to get back to it,
Thanks for the reminder
Have a question about the apple cider vinegar. Isn't that really acidic? I would think that would be so hard on our stomachs?
And could you tell me a good milligram to take and how often? Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the help! : )
Natural Calm magnesium is good and helps calm the anxious nerves. Get apple cider vinegar with the raw "mother" in it. Bragg is a good brand. They even make apple cider drinks with apple cinnamon as well that taste good. I buy them and drink one throughout the day.