I haven't been on Protonix, so I can't offer insight there. I will say that the different medications available both by prescription and OTC work to varying degrees on different people (does that make sense.) Not everyone reacts the same. I tried them all (Protonix wasn't available yet) and they all worked "somewhat." Acupuncture and chinese herbs got me over the hump. Identifying the foods and stresses that really kicked it up solved the problem.

Hello Boing and All,

I know someone who got over Acid Reflux (she had been on prescription drugs for it for some time) by carefully watching her diet, especially MSG. She discovered that MSG was causing it by accident, noticing that she had bouts of Acid Reflux after eating at a particular restaurant.

MSG is in many foods under other names like 'flavoring' or 'natural flavors'. Some restaurants, while claiming no MSG (because they do not add it to the food) use bottled salad dressing and other prepared condiments that contain MSG.

After eating MSG she would have Acid Reflux for 4 days, then it would subside.

There were a few other foods that would trigger it - such as uncooked walnuts.

Now, except for when she inadverdently gets some MSG she no longer takes medicine and is free of Acid Reflux.

Also in a related story a woman who had diarrhea all her life discovered that milk products were causing in after a 2 week trip to China with no milk products.

Cheers,

Neal

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Cheers, Neal

+1 mph Faster

one word.... ACIPHEX. literally saved my esophogus...

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trying to get alittle more respect one day at a time

I second the Nexium advice. Works well, 3-4weeks---got a prescription from my doctor---also available over-the-counter but haven't needed it again. good luck!

I know 2 doctors who have this problem and they have found help by putting small blocks or peices of wood under the 2 front feet of the bed. This gives them a bit of an incline all night.

Back on October, while riding with some friends up in Vermont and climbing Stratton, all of the sudden I felt like someone punch me on the chest and I couldn't breathe properly. 30 min later into the ride I was bonking BADLY and that was only after 2:00 hrs of easy/steady ride, IOW very unusual. That weekend I felt like my air ways were clogged, sort of like I had something down my throat and barely could breathe. 4 months later, after many MDs appointments and gazillion tests (PFT, Blood, x rays, CT scans, allergies, ultrasound, upper endoscope) it was finally suggested acid reflux and prescribed Omepreazole 40 mg (my insurance doesn’t cover Protonics) and Asmanex inhaler (although I don’t have asthma) and suggested to review my diet. After 4 miserable months my symptoms had improved but still I get some issues when doing hard or long sessions and every morning I still wake up with an irritated throat. But at least I’ve been training again since Jan 1st! I already elevated my bed, quit coffee (that was hard), barely drink, and avoid acidic foods or at least I think I am.

Anyway, I have scheduled an appointment with an specialist in a few weeks and I would like to know from those who had experienced this problem what would be the specific questions I should ask regarding different medicaments, diet and of course triathlon training. Also are there any books or online resources for endurance athletes suggesting what foods or diets aggravate acid reflux. Would any of you also recommend visiting a nutritionist? I hate taking pills and if there is a way to manage/fix this in another way I would like to try it, other wise I’ll continue with meds.

Thank for your help!

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Jorge Martinez
Head Coach - Sports Science
E3 Training Solutions, LLC
@CoachJorgeM

ARD is not a disease that comes and goes. You have it and know it, you have it and only have occasional symptoms or you are typically asymptomatic. being asymptomatic does not mean you are ARD free though. I know people who have taken Prevacid 30mg BID for almost 10yrs with no negative side effects.

You sound as though you have atypical ARD inflamming the upper esophagus and splashing back onto the vocal chords. You may need to talk about upping the dose if you symptoms are not controlled, you should ask about gettng a handout that lists foods that can aggravate ARD. It's been a looong time since I looked at the list but off the top of my head: acidic foods, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, spicy foods. Go to aciphex.com, they used to have a great list of everything and you can print it off. I have not been to that site in at least 4 yrs though so it probably changed.

There is a correlation between ard and asthma.

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Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta