GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus

Dear Dr. Meletis,

I have GERD and take Aciphex® 20 mg once daily to offset it. I also have a hiatal hernia and Barrett’s esophagus. Last week I had 3 episodes that were my fault (late meals and diet). Yesterday I was about halfway through with lunch when I realized I wasn’t feeling well. I had several episodes of projectile vomiting, and am wondering if there’s anything I should take to get my stomach feeling better. Also, any types of foods to get me past this would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Mr. F.

Dear Mr. F.,

As you are aware, diet is important. It is absolutely essential to avoid all caffeine, chocolate, mint, peppermint or spearmint. They all relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that helps prevent GERD. Relaxing the LES is not good. It is also critical not to drink more than 4 ounces of fluid with meals, never drink any liquids for 2 hours prior to bed, and no food 3 hours prior to bed. Sleeping on an incline can help as well. If you snore and with your current symptoms getting evaluated for sleep apnea will also be important. There is a strong correlation between GERD and apnea.

Also as we get older, testosterone levels drop, and as a result the tone of our muscles in the body decreases. GERD can worsen as a result of this as well. Salivary Hormone Testing to determine testosterone levels is available here.

Additionally, I always have my patients identify which foods are best for them. This can be done with a simple Food Allergy Test, which measures for sensitivities to 96 foods. If there is a food unique to your body and chemistry that is aggravating your condition it is important to identify it.

If your medical doctor has not already looked for H. pylori, the bacterium linked with ulcers and certain types of GERD, this is also a must. There is a product my patients with GERD routinely use daily, called CeaseFire®, that will be worth reading about on the website.

Decreasing one’s abdominal weight can also help lessen the upward pressure as well. Glabrinex™ can be helpful in this respect.

Sincerely,

Chris D. Meletis, ND