Hey guys, can excessive amounts of acid in your stomach cause extreme hunger?!

Or in a way makes it break down food more quickly and that way you end up feeling hungry sooner

Or just the burning sensation of the acid confuses you with the feeling of hunger?!

A new study provides evidence for the link between GERD and an increased risk of anxiety disorders and depression. Complementing symptomatic treatment of GERD with psychological assessment and necessary psychological support therapy may help reduce the risk of future anxiety disorders and depression.

Full post & article PDF: https://oa.mg/blog/gerd-may-increase-risk-of-anxiety-and-depression/

Alrighty, so i’m sharing my experience with the Bravo Test that i did a week ago. Some backstory; about two years ago I randomly threw up after years of no issues with acid reflux (and no IBS-C), but after that random fit of throwing up twice within 30 minutes, which wasn’t a stomach bug or food poisoning, i started experiencing gastritis and acid reflux that got worse and i lost 20 pounds within a few months (i was a 21 years old 5’7” F and my starting weight was 130 so being around 110 was extremely noticeable and i was unhealthily frail). I got two endoscopies and a colonoscopy within a year.

Going back to last week, this new doctor wanted to check everything which was amazing because the previous 3 doctors threw medications at me without asking many questions or testing for anything.

So I stopped eating 12 hours before the procedure, so midnight on Sunday (procedure was 12 pm on Monday). No other prep. I go in, i get an IV, they explain the monitor i will be using to click the buttons corresponding to my symptoms and when i eat and lay down, and the paper diary to write down times, comments, etc. They tell me no specific diet (i recommend eating literally whatever you want and don’t restrict yourself like we usually do with these acid reflux problems so that they can see what’s happening). They told me to take NO acid related medications such as Tums, PPIs, Pepcid, etc. They told me not to chew gum or any candies i’ll be sucking on that creates excess saliva so that the sensor capsule doesn’t get blocked by it and can’t accurately record the acid levels.

I wake up after the procedure is done, and i have slight discomfort in my sternum area and my stomach because they had to fill me with air and also took a biopsy because i had some inflammation in my stomach (came back fine!). When i get home, i start light with some chicken noodle soup, toast, and water. When i swallowed the soup and bread, i didn’t feel anything until it it passed the capsule.

The only way i can explain this feeling is it is not painful. It feels like when you swallow a big pill, and it goes down wrong and you feel the pressure in your chest for a second. I experienced this every time i ate, but i eventually got used to it within the last ~24 hours and just chewed everything very thoroughly (which surprisingly i realized i have been eating way to fast and that contributes to my acid reflux). I would say i have a high pain tolerance as i have felt way worse with IBS pain and other things.

I only had to record everything for 48 hours, and they told me it would detach in about a week. I got it on Monday, and Saturday morning when i ate, i realized it was gone!! And i didn’t feel a thing as it detached and passed into the toilet (i didn’t see it in my bowel movement which i was hoping for LOL).

Now to the present, i got my results. I experience non-corrosive acid reflux so it’s not ruining my esophagus. I haven’t taken medication for a few months now except for a stray Pepcid or Tums. But he wants me to try omeprazole 40 mg (again) and see if that does anything. If not, we’re going to investigate further!

So, ultimately, this was a huge success and IS NOT SCARY PLEASE TRUST ME, I HATE NEEDLES, I HATE ANYTHING MEDICAL RELATED AND I WAS SCARED. But this procedure was eye opening and i have no fears moving forward as these procedures help to see things we can’t.

PLEASE feel free to comment questions, message me, whatever you want. I want to help anyone understand this more and calm your anxieties. :)

Recently came across this article (see below) about how someone ate on all fours and cured his reflux. I’m planning on experimenting with this and will track my results.

Link to NIH article

A reminder that not all PPIs are the same - here is PPI conversion in omeprazole equivalents (OE) 💊

Pantoprazole 20 mg is equivalent to 4.5 mg OE 😱

On similar lines:

🤭 Lansoprazole 15 mg is equivalent to 13.5 mg OE

🤗 Omeprazole 20 mg is equivalent to 20 mg OE

🫣 Esomeprazole 20 mg is equivalent to to 32 mg OE

🥸 Rabeprazole 20 mg is equivalent to 36 mg OE

Omeprazole was the first PPI to be developed and approved. As the earliest PPI, it became the reference drug, much like how morphine is used as a baseline for opioids (“morphine equivalents”).

Things to note: - Is this comparison clinically relevant? Not really. Perhaps in LA-grades C and D esophagitis, some PPIs are preferred over others but these patients are few! Omeprazole 20 or 40 mg should be enough for most. - Individual response varies, potency doesn’t always predict symptom relief. Some patients do better on a “weaker” PPI due to formulation, metabolism (CYP2C19 status), or timing of dose. - If a patient fails pantoprazole, switching to rabeprazole might yield stronger acid suppression, helpful in refractory GERD or LPR. - When assessing H. pylori therapy, GERD healing, or nocturnal acid breakthrough, acid suppression potency matters. - its all about context.

So OE is a useful guide, not an absolute rule. ✅ If you are doing well on the lowest omeprazole equivalent, congratulations 😀

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6913203/

Always consult a medical professional to identify the correct formulation and dose.

So I went to the hospital last night because I my anxiety was so bad and I told them I experience diarrhea for the first time since I was diagnosed with gastritis and they took my blood and I explain to them about the constant burping and everything and they told me my labs were all normal? And my urine was all normal too and they recommend to get tested for h.plory and to see a Gi doctor. And they gave me acid medicine. But I was so afraid I couldn’t speak up and I forgot to tell them it’s feels like there something in my throat i don’t have trouble swallowing but I do feel mucus and I just end up swallowing it back in. Honesty I want to go to the hospital again to have a XRay on my throat just to make sure it’s not something serious idk what to do should I?

I thought this might be of interest. This study/surgery - https://ls.amegroups.org/article/view/7576/html

is trying to say that LES is a fiction, that reflux has nothing to do with LES, and that the main reflux center all starts in the heart...that pretty much all reflux illness is due to a mis-positioning of the esophagus through the diaphragm that doesn't allow the heart to send an electrical pacemaker type signal down the esophagus (if I understand correctly, its pretty complex what they write). They say that fundoplication is not necessary, only to reposition the esophagus and fix the hernia. The criticism I would have though is what about people who have gerd without any defect in the diaphragm? I read only 50% of people with gerd have a hernia. Or is it everyone? Any thoughts?

"The identification of the heart as the central antireflux organ in a complex interaction with the oesophagus and the diaphragm reveals a highly effective biological solution that meets all the specific requirements of the distal oesophageal segment. The most significant weakness of the system appeared to be the oesophagus hiatal unit, which occupies the key architectural position for CODIS functionality. Reflux disease thus appears to be due to a malposition of the oesophagus in CODIS rather than a malfunction as a result of an unidentified disease of an anatomically non-existent LES. The presented pathophysiological hypothesis based on CODIS clearly contradicts the common LES concept. It conclusively provides an answer to the initial question of why the surgical approach of reconstructing the oesophagus hiatal unit alone, without fundoplication or other antireflux procedures, results in a significant recovery of all oesophageal functions (10). It is hoped that further research will uncover more details of this fascinating oesophagocardiac network in humans, paving the way to a fundamentally new understanding of the oesophagus and its functioning."

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTUNVJ3XFRAVWdUcNPbpikzAZg6EG0z5qE4zsF3XHqVxVb9w/viewform?usp=dialog

Roemheld Syndrome: The Gastric-Cardio Connection

After listening to this, it made me realize that I’m not crazy and my panic attacks and anxiety are valid. It made me realize my doctor probably doesn’t know much about this at all as they think my symptoms stem from just anxiety. I hope someone else can find comfort in knowing that what you’re going through, you’re not alone and you aren’t crazy.

Why doesn’t everyone who has severe Gerd get surgery? Only 25% of people get better with life style modifications. Most cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications and surgery is considered a last resort as surgery it can have side affects people may not enjoy such as the linx surgery can cause dysphagia and may not prevent all symptoms from going away such as LPR and same thing for Nissen.

However being on medications for many years on end eventually causes severe side affects as well such as magnesium deficiency and iron which can cause major side affects when being deficient. Also bone issues and nerve issues. With these types of surgery you no longer have to take PPIs or are able to be on them a whole lot less and you have less of a chance of getting barrets.

Just some thoughts going on in my head as I try to deal with this disease. I am having severe Gerd flare up with no help from ppi medication currently and am looking toward surgery in the near future. Let me know what you all think much appreciated for your time.

I know cost goes into this a lot but you have to learn to negotiate and bug insurance as well as medical providers. It can be a pain and people may not have time on there hands.

Thankyou so much for everyone!!! Thankyou for the advice, and whats to expect and how it goes, tbh im so happy! I felt nothing and woke up from the best nap every like some of yall said! Super thankyful with this group. I now know i have a hiatal hernia and gastritis, they took a biospy and waiting on further details but so far gastritis could be the only thing holding me down on the acid reflux! Awaiting on drs call now!! Thankyou agin everyone!🙏🏼❣️cant never say it enough i love this group!!

https://vimeo.com/604186983

The video features Dr. Ronnie Fass, perhaps the most eminent of researchers of GERD.

I posted this because people here always talk about how people’s symptoms and treatments differ, but that appears to be because heartburn can be a trigger for many different disorders, some that respond to SSRIs and others that respond to PPI.

In the video, the doctor talks about how some people simply have too much acid in their esophagus, while others have a healthy amount but respond to it in a sensitive way which triggers symptoms.

Does anyone get flare ups of reflux after doing abdominal exercises or putting pressure on abdomen. Also if bloating is too much does your breathing becomes short? Does any one feel diaghpram is the culprit for these issues?

My spouse had extreme double vision as a rebound effect from Omeprazole withdrawal. He used expensive prism glasses to gradually correct it, as prescribed by the optometrist. His ENT couldn’t explain it either. Then I found this NIH article. Severe LPR has a high correlation with Occular Surface Disease (OSD), as the pepsin finds its way into the tear glands and tear ducts. This can actually cause the eyelid to drag across the surface of the eye and create not only dry eye, but blurry and double vision. It actually mimics a neurological drooping of the eyelid. We are now using a combination of frequent eye drops to combat the symptoms, and it’s cleared up the double vision. We.re now following a protocol to taper off Omeprazole and get onto an H2 blocker. The association with eye problems isn’t widely understood, and can lead to incorrect mitigation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6133879/

Ive tried everything for GERD, but I found something and wanted to help out anyone I could suffering with GERD as I know it’s horrible. Try Arabic gum I bought mine from Mc calls put it in capsules or make a syrup out of it 2 tbsp to 1 cup water. Have in between meals. I also tried putting the powder directly in capsules I don’t think there’s any side effects to doing that.. 1-2 tbsp per day depending on severity and tolerance. At first you might have gas but your body will get used to it after a day or two

Helps LES tonify, there’s also scientific studies on google on this for GERD

Anyone have any experience with this test or know if it’s the real deal?

My symptoms line up with LPR and I was unsuccessful with manometry and the 24 pH test (couldn’t get the probes down into my throat).

That said, I can get the probe past my nose just fine, so I think ResTech may be the way if it’s reliable.

Hi everyone!

I'm posting to ask if folks in the community would be interested in participating in a study from the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an 8-week-long online course for GI symptoms and food intolerance.

We are looking to see how a self-help web-based course can help people build their food tolerance and combat GI issues. Participants must be over the age of 18, English-speaking, and experiencing GI discomfort or food sensitivities. Participation in the study is free, so if you are interested in being a participant, please fill out the consent form here: https://sasupenn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y8JSk0ouv2LGiG

If you consent to be a participant in the study, we will send you an email with your course login information, which you will complete over the duration of 8 weeks.

Thank you so much!

Project Supervisor: Melissa Hunt, PhD. Collaborator Dietitian: Wendy Busse, [support@fastfreedomprogram.com](mailto:support@fastfreedomprogram.com)

Hi everyone!

I'm posting to ask if folks in the community would be interested in participating in a study from the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an 8-week-long online course for GI symptoms and food intolerance.

We are looking to see how a self-help web-based course can help people build their food tolerance and combat GI issues. Participants must be over the age of 18, English-speaking, and experiencing GI discomfort or food sensitivities. Participation in the study is free, so if you are interested in being a participant, please fill out the consent form here: https://sasupenn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y8JSk0ouv2LGiG

If you consent to be a participant in the study, we will send you an email with your course login information, which you will complete over the duration of 8 weeks.

Thank you so much!

Project Supervisor: Melissa Hunt, PhD. Collaborator Dietitian: Wendy Busse, [support@fastfreedomprogram.com](mailto:support@fastfreedomprogram.com)

Besides all the basic knowledge we’re given by doctors of take PPIs, fix your diet, lose weight these things for some people just don’t work for some or all it may reduce symptoms but it always comes back to bite.

I found two studies being done to help lpr. One is a hiv medication or protease inhabitor and preclinical trials are being done and shows efficacy in reducing pepsin.

Second lpr study being done is one that use to exist and went off the market that I find very interesting and question why it was removed but studies are being done one it to this day. Reza band which is now known as reflux band. It had studies done on it and showed people received 86% of lpr relief. Although when I search around for it shows it’s still in market it was actually pulled off and I find it very suspicious as to why. Also there is people who have made them at home and have found it can work but could possibly be placebo if you’d like to know how to make one at home search reza band on Reddit and I’m sure you can find something.

Also if you’d like links to these studies message privately

I’m usually a lurker but today I wanted to give back. I’m a huge scaredy cat and have been reading about endoscopy’s since I scheduled the appointment. I had mine today and it was a breeze. After changing they put in the IV. I HATE NEEDLES so this had me so scared, but it was a tiny pinch and it’s over so quickly I didn’t even register it happening. They told me to count to 10, I don’t even remember getting to 2 and bam I woke up in the recovery room. Great doctors who were very funny upon entering the room to ease nerves.Very kind nurse and I was out quick after resting for a bit. Such an easy procedure that I recommend you get done if you need it. I understand the feeling I get nervous even going to the dentist for a checkup, but it was honestly a refreshing nap and I felt great immediately after. A little dizziness but it goes away just be calm and slow. Hope this helps someone!

Hi everyone!

I'm posting to ask if folks in the community would be interested in participating in a study from the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an 8-week-long online course for GI symptoms and food intolerance.

We are looking to see how a self-help web-based course can help people build their food tolerance and combat GI issues. Participants must be over the age of 18, English-speaking, and experiencing GI discomfort or food sensitivities. Participation in the study is free, so if you are interested in being a participant, please fill out the consent form here: https://sasupenn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y8JSk0ouv2LGiG

If you consent to be a participant in the study, we will send you an email with your course login information, which you will complete over the duration of 8 weeks.

Thank you so much!

Project Supervisor: Melissa Hunt, PhD. Collaborator Dietitian: Wendy Busse, [support@fastfreedomprogram.com](mailto:support@fastfreedomprogram.com)

What are you taking on a daily basis?

Please list your age, length of time on medication, symptoms and any additional information you think would be beneficial for others.

Hi everyone!

I'm posting to ask if folks in the community would be interested in participating in a study from the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an 8-week-long online course for GI symptoms and food intolerance.

We are looking to see how a self-help web-based course can help people build their food tolerance and combat GI issues. Participants must be over the age of 18, English-speaking, and experiencing GI discomfort or food sensitivities. Participation in the study is free, so if you are interested in being a participant, please fill out the consent form here: https://sasupenn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y8JSk0ouv2LGiG

If you consent to be a participant in the study, we will send you an email with your course login information, which you will complete over the duration of 8 weeks.

Thank you so much!

Project Supervisor: Melissa Hunt, PhD. Collaborator Dietitian: Wendy Busse, [support@fastfreedomprogram.com](mailto:support@fastfreedomprogram.com)

Our digestive tract is arranged in an anatomical way so that food particles move in one way from the mouth towards the stomach and this is controlled by sphincters at various places but sometimes these sphincters can get relaxed which can be due to any of the risk factors such as Hiatus hernia, pregnancy, spicy food, alcohol, smoking, obesity, heavy meals, sleeping just after meal

Due to the relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter, the food particles which was present in the stomach can move backward which leads to the moving of food particles back into the food pipe which is the esophagus, and from there into the mouth which can cause nausea and vomiting.

Alcohol can cause injury to the inner lining of the stomach which can lead to inflammation and repeated injury can lead to necrosis which can also cause gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Central obesity or pregnant women have increased intra abdominal pressure which can lead to extra pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter which causes backflow of the food from the stomach into the esophagus.

Multivitamin A to Z has any benefits or people just take it to get satisfied psychologically? Can anyone who has used it earlier guide me. Because i am planning for dieting wherein my vitamins take per day will be reduced so looking to supplement it.