My last weight loss journey: this is not medical advice

Last time I shared with you the amazing amount of fun I was having with acid reflux. The doctor put me on protonix. At first; I was super excited about this, until I started reading about the horrific side effects. It is my goal not to have to take these for very long. 🙏🏻 

What did I do before I got meds? My goal when I go to the doctor is never meds first. I want to know what the problem is and how to work toward fixing it. So for the reflux; I put a wedge under my mattress to raise the head (only) of my bed. I HATE it. It’s so hard for me to fall asleep like this. You could also put risers on the bottom of your bed posts at the head of your bed. I read it isn’t enough to lay on an extra pillow. You need to elevate the body from your waist up. This should prevent stomach acid from making it back up into your esophagus. 

Chew gum. This stimulates saliva production which is alkaline, neutralizing stomach acid and washing it back down the esophagus, reducing its irritating effects and clearing it faster from the throat. Increased swallowing from gum chewing also helps clear the acid, while some gums with ingredients like bicarbonate can offer extra acid-fighting power, making it a simple, non-pharmacological way to find relief after meals. Google overview. This really does help. But as most of us learned as little children, falling asleep with gum in your mouth can lead to all kinds of tears. 

Milk does a body good? Milk can offer temporary relief from heartburn because its calcium helps neutralize stomach acid and its coolness soothes the esophagus, while protein may aid stomach emptying, but high-fat milk can actually trigger more acid production later, making low-fat or skim milk the better choice for short-term comfort, though it’s not a long-term fix and can worsen symptoms for some. Google overview. 

If you take protonix, talk to your doctor about adding a multivitamin. This drug can leach the body. As I’m waiting on the pharmacy to get my script ready; I read a bottle of multivitamins. Some of those, I take every day. So it isn’t necessary to double up on them. Plus, doubling up on some can lead to other problems. Yes, there is such a thing as vitamin poisoning. 

I’m also doing an H. pylori test. That was gross. H.pylori is a bacteria that lives in our guts already. But about 50% of the world’s population, it’s too high. So looks like there is a heated debate over this little bacteria. With one side saying too much can cause acid reflux and ulcers. The other side saying maybe not. 

Interesting side notes; acid reflux can cause a cough and laryngitis. All these years I thought my frequent laryngitis was caused by allergies and that may not be the case.  Pepto Bismal can turn your poo green. 😳 No worries especially when every doctor in the world says if your stool is black seek medical attention immediately. When is black black and green green? 🥴 I know it sounds disgusting but knowing the color of your poo is a big health indicator. 

Twice in my life I’ve had stress tests done. There was nothing wrong with my heart. Those t.v. shows where you see someone going to the doctor thinking they were having a heart attack but it was really acid reflux; those are no joke. The discomfort started in the middle of my chest. Moving to my left side. My arm started to tingle as well as the back of my neck. It’s terrifying to think oh shit, I’m having a heart attack! Then I have the added stress that heart attacks are constantly misdiagnosed in women. 

If you have the means to do so, please talk to a doctor if you suffer from frequent heart burn. It can cause so many problems for you as you get older. 

And don’t wear tight clothing. Lose weight if you are overweight. Limit your caffeine as well as carbonation consumption. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Don’t eat fried or fatty foods. ‘Deep sigh’. I’m southern y’all. All of our food is fried. Well, the good stuff anyway. 😉