Moira is a lovely 61 year old lady who came to see me for help with reflux. She had been suffering on and off with reflux for a very long time and had been taking the proton pump inhibitor medication Nexium for 4 years. Nexium is a drug that blocks the production of stomach acid. It works well most of the time, but Moira still experiences other digestive problems including abdominal bloating, gas and burping. She also has a strong family history of osteoporosis and is worried about Nexium reducing her ability to absorb calcium. Moira currently has osteopenia, which is a forerunner to osteoporosis. She is concerned about her bones getting worse.

Moira is also insulin resistant. Her blood sugar level is higher than ideal, she has elevated triglycerides, a fatty liver and carries fat around her torso. She would like to avoid becoming a full blown type 2 diabetic. As with most type 2 diabetics, the condition promotes abdominal weight gain and makes it extremely difficult to lose weight.

Moira retired from her job with the tax office and now she has a casual job working for her friend who is a florist . She enjoys the job but finds standing on her feet for several hours at a time exhausting. She is prone to getting swollen ankles. Moira also experiences a lot of gas and bloating and has to retreat to the bathroom many times each day to pass gas.

Cooking is a hobby of Moira’s. She loves to make her own bread and pasta but knows the reflux is much worse after eating them, and the next day she feels bloated and gassy. She also knows they aren’t great for her blood sugar. If she stays away from them she is able to lose a few pounds in a week. She explained to me that she feels addicted to carbs. If she starts eating them she can’t stop. It’s easier for her not to start.

My recommendations for my patient

It was necessary for Moira to remove grains and dairy products from her diet for the time being. Grains can be very difficult to digest and their carbohydrate content fuels the growth of harmful gut bugs that create bloating, gas and reflux. I gave Moira Bactoclear capsules to help reduce the levels of harmful bacteria, Candida and parasites in her intestines. These capsules are wonderful for easing bloating and preventing gas.

I asked Moira to base her diet on meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and low FODMAP vegetables. These are all satiating foods that reduce carbohydrate cravings. Eating in this manner reduces fermentation in the gut, with resulting gas production.

Glutamine is healing and soothing to the lining of the entire digestive tract. I asked Moira to remain taking Nexium for the time being, but glutamine will be especially helpful for reducing reflux symptoms when she slowly comes off it in the future. Glutamine supplementation can be found in Ultimate Gut Health Powder. This powder can be taken between meals and also after meals. It’s especially helpful taken after the evening meal to prevent reflux during the night.

One common cause of reflux is deficiency of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Taking a Betaine Hydrochloride and Digestive Enzymes supplement helps you to digest your food more thoroughly, thereby leaving less waste behind that feeds harmful gut bugs that cause bloating. I asked Moira to take 1 capsule with each meal.

To help strengthen her bones, I asked Moira to make sure she eats adequate protein each day, since bones are comprised of around 70 percent collagen. Meat, seafood, poultry and eggs are all excellent sources of protein. I also asked Moira to take Bone Build capsules to provide minerals necessary for bone health.

I plan to see Moira again in another 5 weeks. I plan to slowly wean her off the Nexium. Please do not discontinue taking any medication if your doctor has prescribed it, unless you have the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Long term reflux can be very harmful to the delicate lining of the esophagus.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.