What worked for me with LPR was complete diet change: whole food diet and low acid food. I also drink filtered water with pH balancer drops added because a lot of filtered water is high in acid. Whole food has been processed or refined as little as possible and is free from additives or other artificial substances. If you embark on a whole food diet you say goodby to 90-95% of the food found in grocery stores. Look at the ingredient labels, avoid those with more than three ingredients and that contain acid (which is used as a preservative). The acid watcher diet warriors group is great in providing whole food recipes.
Resources: https://jamiekoufman.com. Also a ton of great food recipes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199013402360712
Stress plays a big part of LPR as you know already. Dr. Koufman talks about vagus nerve dysfunction playing a role in some people. You have to explore different treatment options and carve a path. If a doctor can help with that, great. Many people have had to figure it out on their own working with online resources that they deem responsible. Both Koufman and Dr. Jonathan Aviv have books on reflux and diets.
When my throat hurts from LPR (much less now as I am on the whole food, low acid diet) I found that drinking warm water provided relief. I don't like tea, I suppose most people would just drink tea (low-acid type). My postnasal drip is much less on the diet.
You have undoubtedly heard that breathing exercises, e.g. box breathing, and meditation are options to explore in managing stress. Petting animals are good de-stressors. You could volunteer at a shelter to get some good pet time in. Or take advantage of visiting friends' pets if that's ok with them. Maybe volunteering or taking up a hobby that brings you joy and/or satisfaction will help address stress. Group activities may bring you some social support with little stress. For instance I play pickleball and find that a good social outlet. Board game groups, line dancing, whatever may be your thing.
Good luck on your journey. This disease overwhelms everyone in the beginning. Once you set a path and see progress, it will get a easier. You have a lot going on so don't forget to see the little victories along the way.
You're amazing. Thank you for your wonderful response.
I already eliminated the typical "culprits" with high acidity, but I have never taken it as far as you're talking about. Which I need to do! I picked up the The Acid Watcher's Diet from the library. I will get into that Facebook group. Thank you for those resources!
I was told to drink alkaline water between 8.5 and 14 ph. I tried some the other day when I was having an episode but it didn't really help. Is it something I have to be drinking all the time? Is the pH it more preventative and not so much once the ball gets rolling?
In regards to Vagus Nerve Dysfunction- I am coming off of a benzodiazepine. Do you think there is a chance that my "wires have been crossed" and that is making things much harder with the LPR? Or could I be overstating that impact?
How does postnasal drip feel for you? I have always wondered if I have it but I don't know if I do. Do you have that separate from the LPR or is it all related? I always thought of it as an allergy thing, but all of these conditions seem so interconnected it's been driving me nuts trying to understand things.
All of those psychosocial suggestions are fantastic. I do some already (I have a very cute little dog) but volunteering at a shelter is something I have wanted to do and haven't done yet. That might be next on my list.
You are definitely right. I am completely overwhelmed. I'm so thankful to have found this message board.