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Thank you to everyone who responded to my questions about using Apple Cider Vinegar with or without baking soda in place of Prevacid.  I should have stated in my original post that I have been taking L-Glutamine and Acidophilus for about 2 years now.  I also eat a yogart with the live active cultures  everyday.  For those who asked, the basic formula is put a good quality organic apple cider vinegar usually 2 tablespoons into a glass.  Then add one-fourth to one-half teaspoons of baking soda.  Wait 3 minutes.  Stir.  It will form.  Add water to fill one-half  of glass about 4-6 oz of water.  Stir and drink before meals.  You can do a google search on apple Cider Vinegar  and get many good sites with a lot of information including how to reduce the effects of eating away the tooth enamel.

 

I take Bragg's apple cider  vinegar every morning and at night after supper, mix it with a little juice.  You will find it in a health food store, it  must have the 'mother' in it to work.  I take approx 1 tablespoon each time and it does really work for me. Also, you would benefit from taking enzymes at every meal.  Find a good health food store and talk to someone knowledgeable to help you.

 

I was given a medicine for heartburn as well. I had been told about the apple cider vinegar as well and tried it. I was told to go off of the Protonix while I took the ACV. I have had NO problems at all since I started with the ACV. Our daughter prefers the ACV over her Nexium. My brother has stopped taking his medicine as well.  We take it with apple juice....it tastes better. I was told to rinse out your mouth after drinking it because it is bad for the enamel on your teeth.  I have no medical knowledge if this is working and solving any problems...which scares me. All I know is that the pain is completely gone.  If it starts to act up again, I take the ACV.  I took it three times a day initially, 1 teaspoon. Now, I take it when I need it. Here is a link to a website for Bragg's ACV with mother  http://www.bragg.com/FAQ/faq_applecider.html .  (Apparently it is important to take the ACV with mother.) I was told the stuff in the regular grocery store is too acidic....again; I have no medical knowledge of this.) I am curious if you try it and it helps, please let me know.

 

I've been gf for 3 years and still can't eat anything, but bland food.  I thought I was the only one.  Doctors don't know what's going on and have given me one prescription after another.  I tired of taking medications and would love to stop.  (I would love to eat a salad again.) How much apple cider vinegar would I have to drink a day?

 

I don't understand how you can have heartburn when the raw vegetables you say cause the problem are alkaline.  They are not acidic.  I'd try the vinegar and lose the prevacid for awhile and see what happens.  MDs don't know everything.  We certainly know that in regard to celiac so how do we know they know everything about acid reflux.  My mother takes only baking soda for acid reflux.  Try that. 

 

I am not a doctor,,,just sharing what we did.  Well, about 1 1/2 yrs ago,,,,I had surgery for hiatel hernia/acid reflux/embilical hernia repair.  Yes,,,I too had been on meds for probably 17 yrs!!!! I had tried the apple cider vinegar and my husband as well,,,,,,,we STOPPED TAKING THE PERSCRIPTIONS to do this.  Did it stop the symptoms,,,,to be honest,,,I don't remember,,,,I think my husband got relief from the apple cider vinegar.   Have you ever had an Upper GI test?  The only reason I had the surgery/s is because the hiatel hernia I had was actually 2 and the 'deadliest' to have.  The one I had could have twisted,,and I wouldn’t be here any more.  So,,,,,all that to say,,,,I have been off the meds and feel the best I have felt in several several years,,,,even with going GF about 4 yrs ago.  We saw Chiropractors for treatment of the hiatel hernia,,,,and was told by one that we should not eat raw vegetables nuts,etc.  Oh,,and when My husband got really sick,,,,it was 'chew chew chew and itty bitty bites',,,,  I don't remember how we did the apple cider vinegar,,,either. as for as quantity/'dose',etc.  

 

A gluten free diet is not the total answer to good health for Celiacs. Please read the following article on my website then our Family Success Story and begin at page #2 to learn more about the SCD:
http://www.austinscdfriends.com/articles/article/3691417/53991.htm

 

I was taking Nexium for my reflux for a long time (year or more) and when I tried taking it "every other day", I had MORE trouble: my new gastro doctor told me that the medicine actually increased the number of acid producers when stopped.  It was also making me anaemic!  She then changed my med to Zantac (300mg), and (a year later) I am much improved. She told me it works in a different way.  (I also have a hiatial hernia.) Taking acid with baking soda will cause a reaction that will produce gas. I use vinegar (cider or other) with olive oil as a salad dressing, and also drink a small glass of orange juice (helps with the absorption of calcium!).  I do not have CD--my son does. (what about digestive enzymes?)

 

I have no experience with this as a dietary aid, but I do know that mixing apple cider vinegar with baking soda makes for some great volcanic displays in elementary school projects -- please don't combine those two in your stomach!

 

My daughter had severe reflux before and during the first year post diagnosis. This symptom returns with gluten exposure. In her case, severe constipation and gastroparesis were also factors. While an acid inhibitors did reduce the symptoms they were not eliminated. She received relief from eating acid foods, i.e. vinegar, tomato sauce, citrus, etc. What has done the most good beyond the gf diet was using probiotics and fiber supplements?  1) Have you been tested for bacterial overgrowth? There are prescriptions that will reduce the harmful bacteria so that the mucosa can balance itself. Personally we have had good luck with Dr. Green's suggestions of Pepto Bismol and Metamucil followed by probiotics and Metamucil. Apparently the Pepto has some antibacterial properties (there are some herbal products that have this property also) Metamucil keeps the bowel functioning so that there is less opportunity of harmful bacteria to culture and ferment.  2) Another possibility to consider would be pancreatic insufficiency. With untreated celiac disease, the pancreas becomes sluggish. The enzymes are needed to complete digestion.

 

Are you dairy free?  Have you check into the SCD diet?


I have not tried the vinegar, but something else is helping me a lot.   I started on a regimen of acidopholous called Flora Smart. I take one a day and my heartburn and sour stomach is gone...what a relief!  The Flora Smart is coated so that it doesn't dissolve until it gets into the intestine. It's supposed to be better that way. It's kinda expensive, so I think after a few weeks I'll switch to the cheaper and see if that helps.

 

When I was pregnant my Dad read a home remedy book that said that apple cider vinegar in a little bit of water would help morning sickness.  As  horrible as it sounded, I was ready to try anything, and it worked.  When my 
stomach has felt really bad I have tried it again several times over the years and it seems to help.  I don't know about the prevacid.  I never stoped taking my meds. but you would have to ask your Dr. about that.

 

Have you tried taking any probiotics and/or eating plain yogurt or kefir? You may have out-of-whack stomach/intestinal flora. I use the probiotics  from Trader Joe's - I am not sure if you have one in your area but you can find probiotics at any natural food store. I recently made my husband start taking some and eating more yogurt to cut down on his gas (non-stinky, but still). Seems to be helping. We also feed it to our dog when we feed him vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

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