I realize this is not relative to the goings-on in the world, but I believe it is a direct result of the stress we have all endured since 2020. This site has been a saving grace for me. I've saved and archived lots of health and wellness posts over the years, which I refer to often. This time, I am asking this community if anyone here has had any experience with Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia? I was just diagnosed with both as I have had a lot of silent reflux over the years and it damaged my gut. I do not want to take PPI's. I also tried the baking soda route for pH balance, but I need to watch my salts. My goal is to reverse the damage, if possible, in time for my follow-up endoscopy in a year. I loathe taking medicine, so any advice is appreciated!
Side note: I drink way too much coffee and sparkling water, so will be limiting that going forward. I exercise daily, eat healthy, take Ivermectin once or twice a week for good measure along with a handful of high quality supplements daily.
I have had GERD for 20 years. I first went the H2 blocker and PPI route. Now I just follow certain rules. No big meals after 4pm. A snack of some nuts or an apple is OK around 5-6pm.
But this is the most important: sleeping on a wedge. Don't raise the head of your bed with blocks or bricks. It's too sketchy, especially if you have pets. Buy two foam wedges, and stagger them with some folded blankets, etc., to support your pillow. When you get it all put together, your head should be about 8-10 inches higher than your legs. It takes a little getting used to sleeping this way, but now I prefer it to laying flat.
I was a professional singer before the silent GERD took my voice away. These steps still didn't restore my voice, but they keep the worst of the condition at bay. As long as you're disciplined about the eating changes, you'll be good.
The suggestions others have posted about food intolerances, coffee, etc., are good too. Another thing you may want to look at is sugar.
I never thought about the wedge, but will try tonight to prop my head up. Thank you - and yes, sugar is terrible. I do put that in my coffee, so if I stop coffee, that is gone, too!
Unfortunately, propping just your head will do nothing. It has to be your entire torso. Good luck, and best wishes!