Did you know there are 4-Stage of Healing Hashimoto’s?
Find out what stage you’re at here: https://hashimotosdoctor.com/fb4stagesofhealing
Did you know that most people with heartburn actually have lower acidity acid in their stomach that causes or significantly contributes to their heartburn? How do you think the antacid medication that you are taking is changing your stomach acid? Guyton’s Medical Physiology textbook, the physiology Bible for all schools teaching doctoral, masters and undergraduate level students on how the body works states that stomach acid production begins to decrease after age 30. If this is true, which it is, then how is it that you need an acid reducer???
I have Barrett’s Esophagus and I’m not taking any meds for it right now because everyone I try to take makes me super fatigued. I also have Sjogren’s syndrome , so I don’t know if that’s why or not. But since I’m not on any meds I have more energy but my throat hurts a lot and I have some breathing issues. My Pulmonologist Dr said I could be aspirating the acid in my lungs since I’m not taking anything. Is that possible?
I also have Barretts and I can tell you that yes it is possible and you should be on medication to keep from refluxing. Even when you burp that is a reflux. If you are fatigued because of the medicine I promise you that you will be much fatigued if you develop cancer of the esaphagus. (sp). Hope this helps you. Best to you
Hi Jo, yes there are reasons to be on acid reducing medications. Persistent reflux can cause serious problems. Defintely listen to your pulmonologist and try to determine the best route to take. I would focus on dampening your autoimmunity with the goal of putting it in remission by identifying the triggers and removing them. The number one thing I work with in practice is autoimmunity. If you are interested in learning about the funcitonal medicine approach you can watch my presentation here: https://drbradshook.com/autoimmune-conditons/
Thanks y’all.
Damon White Todd Lail no more tums???…..
Brenda Pierallini
So informative. I am learning so much.
What about using apple cider vinegar to increase the acid ?
Not a bad idea! The question you need to ask is why is the acid low? It may not be age and in many cases it is bacterial or due to autoimmunity. The cause would determine the best approach to helping out long-term.
Ok thanks I do use meds for indigestion which is so much worse since my gallbladder was removed last year. I have hashimoto and have swelling on my foot near front joint on toe and in two of my index fingers and a little on one of my knees info says Blood work is fine so my GP put me on Etodolac to help . Thanks for all your info it really helps!!!!! God Bless you!
Amen! So good to hear you speak of advocating for ourselves. It really is up to us as individuals to read and research to learn cause and effect and not just swallow a PILL that’s been prescribed without any real concern of it’s effects on our bodies and our lives.
Kimberly Amos Haylock something to think about?! Maybe this is our problem
Doug Briest
Great information Brad. Totally agree.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve had severe gas for years now & can’t seem to ale myself go back to the Dr. The last time I went to. GI after an UGI study I was diagnosed with IBS which I’ve always felt was a diagnosis they give you when they do t know what’s wrong or don’t want to take the time to find out. I’ll have bought a of diarrhea. As of late I’ve been taking iron so I’ve had constipation but the gas is the biggest & most frustrating problem.
Cassie, you could have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Gas and bloating are very common with SIBO. IBS is very often food sensitivites. There could be a lot of things contributing to your symptoms, including low stomach acidity. Hope this helps.
Aw thank you so much! I often wondered if it was a bacterial issue. Could a colon cleanse help?
Typically I place patietns on a diet that removes foods their immune system reacts to in combination with a low FODMAP diet for 4 to 8 weeks and give them supplementation specific to their problem. You may have issues with yeast overgrowth in the colon, or parasites, but there is no way to know without testing for it.
Thank you very much I will be making an appt with a GI Dr. To be tested!
Wow did not know this now I’m more confused about what may be going on with me! So it could very well be low acid that is harming me good thing I stop all my medication and I have been looking for my own answers.
Tabitha, you definately have to look for the cause of the problem. If low aciditiy hasnot been considered then it could very easily be your problem.
No that has never been looked at they just think Im having a panic attack and I like no Im not. Hmm makes me think. I think I will give your office a call.
I’ve had cough for 3 years now and ENT says it is a long word for reflux. Have had X-rays, etc and have taken many different kinds of Meds but still not helping much. I also have sleep apnea and sometimes I wonder if the machine is my problem?
Dan, that’s a tough call, and I’m not familiar with the CPAP machinces potentially causing reflux. Good quesiton.
So probiotics?
Probiotics would be more for bacterial imbalances in the gut, and it will not chage acidity.
Can you explain further?
Erick Yoder
Rob Grimes
I’ve had my gull bladder taken out, would that affect my stomach acid? Is that why I have acid reflux?
i had this and i`m 25 yold… i found out by my self
I have acid reflux a lot. I was taking zantac nearly every day. Some days I would take it twice. I’ve since weaned myself off of it. It just didn’t seem healthy taking it like that. I avoid greasy food which helps some. I also burp constantly. Doesn’t matter what I eat or drink. I’ve tried everything to stop the burping. Eating slower ect. It’s embarrassing and frustrating.
Great info, Dr. Shook! Thank you!