Omneprazole-Proton-pump inhibitor-It can treat heartburn, a damaged (barrett’s esophagus), stomach ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Cancer Coach- I was diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus back in May. I tried all the Omeprazole cousins and my legs would cramp up. I am taking 2 tablets of Slippery Elm before each and after meal I still have pain in my stomach.
What else can I do? I am going to try this powder Any suggestions? Mary
Dear Mary-
Several things to consider. PPIs (omeprazole cousins) can cause problems. Because BE is a precursor to esophageal cancer, you may want to consider lifestyle changes to eliminate your heart burn. I don’t mean to understate the seriousness of your BE diagnosis but your situation is pre-cancer and therefore is not as urgent as a diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer for example.
You are correct. According to the article below, Slippery Elm is a non-conventional Barrett’s Esophagus therapy.
Possible non-conventional therapies to help you manage your Barrett’s Esophagus will fall into one of four areas- diet, supplementation, exercise and conventional therapies such as PPI’s of course.
Curcumin/turmeric to eliminate your heartburn-
Changes to your diet-
Probiotics-
After doing more research, I took the liberty of linking several articles below that I think can help. The bottom line is that there are therapies, both conventional and non-conventional for BE.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Recommended Reading:
“If traditional medications aren’t helping or if you just want to add something more to your treatment regimen, slippery elm may be a good option. People believe this naturally derived supplement coats the esophagus and stomach to relieve discomfort caused by acid reflux…
How to use slippery elm to treat acid reflux
Slippery elm is available in various forms, such as capsules, powder, and lozenges.
If you’re taking powdered bark, a typical dosage is about one tablespoon up to three times per day. You can mix it with tea or water.
Adding too much slippery elm to the water may cause it to become too thick to ingest. You can add sugar and honey to the drink to make it more palatable.
If you prefer capsules, it’s common to take 400-to 500-milligram capsules up to three times per day. It’s generally safe to take daily capsules for up to eight weeks.
Be sure to read the directions on any slippery elm product that you wish to use. If you’re ever unsure of how much slippery elm to take, speak with your doctor. They can help you determine the correct dosage…
“Results-A total of 332 adult subjects, mean age 46 years and 66% women were prospectively enrolled. At baseline, the mean body weight, BMI, and waist circumference were 101 (±18) kg, 35 (±5) kg/m2 and 103 (±13) cm. At 6 months, majority of the subjects (97%) lost weight (average weight loss: 13 ± 7.7 kg) and as compared with baseline, there was a significant decrease in the overall prevalence of GERD (15 vs. 37%; P< 0.01) and the mean GERD symptom score (1.8 vs. 5.5; P < 0.01). Overall, 81% of the subjects had reduction in GERD symptom scores; 65% had complete resolution and 15% had partial resolution of reflux symptoms. There was a significant correlation between % body weight loss and reduction in GERD symptom scores (r = 0.17, P < 0.05).
Conclusions- In conclusion, the overall prevalence of GERD symptoms is high (37%) in overweight and obese subjects. A structured weight loss program can lead to complete resolution of GERD symptoms in the majority of these subjects.”
Reflux symptoms may result from stomach acid touching the esophagus and causing irritation and pain. If you have too much acid, you can incorporate these specific foods into your diet to manage symptoms of acid reflux.
None of these foods will cure your condition, and your decision to use these specific foods to soothe your symptoms should be based on your own experiences with them.
1. Vegetables
Vegetables are naturally low in fat and sugar, and they help reduce stomach acid. Good options include green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, leafy greens, potatoes, and cucumbers.
2. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural treatment for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems. You can add grated or sliced ginger root to recipes or smoothies or drink ginger tea to ease symptoms.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a breakfast favorite, a whole grain, and an excellent source of fiber. Oatmeal can absorb acid in the stomach and reduce symptoms of reflux. Other fiber options include whole-grain breads and whole-grain rice.
4. Noncitrus fruits
Noncitrus fruits, including melons, bananas, apples, and pears, are less likely to trigger reflux symptoms than acidic fruits.
5. Lean meats and seafood
Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood, are low-fat and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Try them grilled, broiled, baked, or poached.
6. Egg whites
Egg whites are a good option. Stay away from egg yolks, though, which are high in fat and may trigger reflux symptoms.
7. Healthy fats
Sources of healthy fats include avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and trans fats and replace them with these healthier unsaturated fats…”
