Your welcome!
Beyond the caffeine, coffee is extremely acidic. It's definitely worse than green tea. However, all caffeine can have some impact on GERD, including caffeinated tea.
Some people actually claim that lemon juice and apple cider vinegar help their reflux, so with lemon and vinegar you might have to test how they affect you personally. As long as I'm not in a flare up, I can tolerate moderate amounts of both. They definitely don't affect me like tomato or other citrus would.
I would say GI doctors definitely have a bit more to offer for upper GI issues. The medications for GERD are more frequently used and more effective than most for lower GI issues. However, if you can get your acid under control with lifestyle changes and OTC medications, you're better off because PPI's do have long term effects on the body (and they are over prescribed). However, for someone like me I would be absolutely miserable without one, so they definitely have their place. You also want to make sure your acid is under control, because unlike IBS, untreated GERD can have negative ramifications many years down the line (greater risk of esophageal cancer). It's definitely worth at least going to see a Gastro. If they seem overly pushy with lots of tests or medications, you always get a second opinion or back off.
In case you're not familiar with PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), they include Prilosec, Zegerid, Aciphex, Prevacid etc. Most also come in over the counter forms, but the dosing is usually half of a prescription dosage.
--------------------
IBS A (more D than C). Severe GERD & Hiatal Hernia as well.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
Re: need help with GERD/acid reflux
