Hi, I am seeking some input. I am having a little bit of a tussle with my gastrologist who has prescribed me nexium. Here’s the story: Before I started keto in february 2017 I was experiencing quite a bit of acid reflux and digestive issues. I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy done. On a follow up appointment the doctor prescribed nexium. I filled the script, and then went home and downloaded the fact sheet from the manufacturer and did some research on the internet and decided that I didn’t like the sound of nexium - both for what it does and the side affects. I eliminated dairy and gluten from my diet and started on a ketogenic lifestyle. My acid reflux reduced significantly - almost entirely. I have just finished hydrogen methane testing and tested positive for fructose, fructan, galactans and polyois sensitivity - meaning that I should further eliminate vegies that I have been eating (keto has naturally eliminated quite a few on the list). Anyway, the doctor once again asked if I had been taking the nexium and I explained (again) that I didn’t like the side affects and was reluctant to take something that suppressed my bodies ability to digest food and as I wasn’t experiencing acid reflux I didn’t see why it was an issue. He told me that 90% of acid damage is done without me knowing it and untreated acid damage could lead to cancer. Is this a valid response - has anyone else had this issue? Can diet alone reverse damage caused by acid reflux etc. BTW they tested me for HP and it came up negative.
Reflux and Nexium
I’ve never taken PPI’s but have done a lot of research about them and I’ve come to the same conclusion as you…I’d never take them. The added caveat for me, being older, is that they have an associated risk of dementia in older folks. In the end, you have to make the best decision with the information and research available. I also wonder if a zero carb diet would help settle things further for you as it is totally free of plants.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/dementia/56194
I don’t unconditionally recommend Dr. Eric Berg since many of his videos where I have some knowledge and personal experience seem to oversimplify or the suggestions are not quite right, but like Ancel Keys, he’s not been 100% wrong in everything either, so I offer this video as something to consider.
Basically he’s saying that reflux is not about too much acid, but not quite enough for the valve at the top of the stomach to close, even though the stomach is still very acidic, so the acid can work it’s way up through the esophagus.
I’ve had similar reflux issues and taken antacids and PPIs in the past, and 1-2 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar in water, club soda, etc. really works for me and subjectively-speaking it even seems to limit my appetite.
Thanks BillJay - I had seen this myself when doing initial research. I’ll have to see if I can find something more ‘medically acceptable’ to take to the doctor.
Thanks Jacquie, bad news all around. Thanks for this. Nice to see that there is real science out there showing how important the gut/brain link is and the long term affects of having unhealthy gut. I’ll take this with me to the doctor.
I also did research on PPIs and also came to the conclusion that I didn’t like the sound of them! I was put on them post WLS and pretty much told I was on them for life. My research indicate that long term side effects were not good - that the good outweighed the bad IF you needed them but not otherwise. Also that they are very over prescribed. I discussed it with my GP and said I wanted to come off them or at least try. He agreed and we tapered them down. I went to a half dose tablet for a few weeks I think and then every other day (can’t split the tablets), every 3rd day and so on. I get the odd reflux episode but nothing that a few Rennies cannot handle. I am so glad I came off them and I obviously was not one of the people who needs to be on them at all. It annoys the crap out of me that most WLS patients are put on them for life for no good reason.