Alternative to PPIs?

Posted by ctrout @ctrout, Mar 17, 2024

Hi, all. I am 67 and have recently been diagnosed with Achalasia, metaplasic Barrett's Esophagus, and likely silent GERD. I am trying to avoid long-term use of PPIs and am wondering if others have gotten guidance on use of curcumin or other alternatives. Re curcumin, I'm especially looking g for guidance on dosage, timing of doses, etc. BTW, I have already made diet changes, lost 30 pounds, am using a mattress wedge at night, and have switched to sleeping on my left side. Thanks!

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cocacolabear123 | @cocacolabear123 | Mar 25, 2024

In reply to @emo "There are slippery elm capsules, but I never ended up having to go that route because..." + (show)

I can’t help to reply because I noticed your last name. That is my last name.
I hope the aloe vera juice is working for you

rashida | @rashida | Aug 20, 2025

In reply to @cocacolabear123 "I also take small sips of anything I drink, which is always water. I go out..." + (show)

@cocacolabear123 strange that sips of water trigger acid reflux in you, yet sips of water ease it in me! Goes to show how differently each of our bodies react to the same thing, eh?

jmedj55 | @jmedj55 | Aug 26, 2025

I’ve wondered the same thing as I have Barrett and esophagitis. I’ve been on Prilosec 4 months and G.I. doctors tell me to just stay on Prilosec ? Yet it’s possible harmful to body due to certain side effects. Apparently controlling stomach acid is main concern. Have you been able to stay off the PPI medicine and not have issues with acid reflux ?

bigjohnscho | @bigjohnscho | Aug 27, 2025

I have been on a ppi for years and I daren’t try to come off.

rashida | @rashida | Aug 27, 2025

In reply to @bigjohnscho "I have been on a ppi for years and I daren’t try to come off." + (show)

@bigjohnscho same here! It’s really a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation as I see it.

pipp | @pipp | Dec 8, 2025

What are supplements recommendations for gerd/ acid reflux?

llmartin | @llmartin | Dec 9, 2025

In reply to @jmedj55 "I’ve wondered the same thing as I have Barrett and esophagitis. I’ve been on Prilosec 4..." + (show)

@jmedj55 there's really an art to going off the PPI. It has to be done on a slow taper or else you will get a rebound effect which is very unpleasant. I'm currently on a very slow taper which will take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. My doctor said it was okay to cut up my pills, even though you're not supposed to. The first few days were quite rough but I have an arsenal of helpful OTC items that are helping to get me through like alka-seltzer, Yogi Ginger tea, slippery elm capsules, and something I really like before laying down, Life Extension's Esophageal Guardian. The theory is that eventually the acid producing cells stop overcompensating, and things settle down, I hope.

llmartin | @llmartin | Dec 9, 2025

In reply to @pipp "What are supplements recommendations for gerd/ acid reflux?" + (show)

@pipp I'm on a taper right now and I found a few things helpful. One is good old Alka-Seltzer. It can be bought without aspirin in it, which I plan to get next time I buy it since aspirin is one of the reasons I got such horrendous reflex. I'm also having some luck with an algae based product by Life Extension called as Esophageal Guardian. I take it after the biggest meal of the day and it forms a barrier on the top of the stomach which keeps the acid from coming up. I take Ginger and slippery elm capsules throughout the day. I am managing okay with just these, but I'm still taking a fraction of my Protonix pill every morning. I know you're not supposed to cut them up but my doctor said to do so. And it is tolerable, not fun, but tolerable.