Experience with curcumin as PPI alternative?

Posted by ctrout @ctrout, Mar 17 8:27pm

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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emo | @emo | Mar 17 11:49pm

I’ve not heard of using curcumin for reflux or to substitute for a PPI, but if you’re looking for an herbal/natural option, some people use slippery elm capsules or Iberogast (liquid version—it’s an herbal blend). Something called Reflux Gourmet could also be an option.

I had to look into these things for my father, who had to taper off PPIs, but other than Iberogast (which he was already taking to improve motility), he didn’t end up needing anything else, but he had been put on PPIs in the hospital as a precaution, not really for chronic reflux.

Good luck!

estherspivak | @estherspivak | Mar 19 7:18pm

I don't know if you would be a candidate or if your condition is so bad you would think of surgery but I am considering the Linx ring to solve my issues which is now that my stomach as protruded into my esophagus about 2 inches.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Mar 20 7:41am

@emo I read something similar too and found the article which is attached below. I was using high dose turmeric 2400mg 3x day as an anti-inflammatory but I developed anemia. I’ve read that high dose turmeric can cause anemia and I found out I was not taking it correctly. Turmeric binds to iron in your gut preventing it from being absorbed. I learned that you need to take it with fat, I.e. milk or another type of consumable fat. I’m waiting to see what my repeat labs show before I try again but with a dose of 100mg 2x day with milk. I’m unable to take NSAIDs for my spinal OA and chronic pain so my only alternative is turmeric and an anti-inflammatory diet. You’re smart to steer clear of PPI but if it can help you turn your problem around a short course of it might be appropriate. Good luck.

t98 | @t98 | Mar 21 4:11am

try pomegranates/juice as an anti-inflammatory. I find it helps reduce GERD

emo | @emo | Mar 22 1:47am

In reply to @jenatsky "@emo I read something similar too and found the article which is attached below. I was..." + (show)

Did you find the turmeric improved your OA? (I realize this is taking it off topic for the person who originally asked about PPIs…)

I can’t take NSAIDs either, or rather I have to significantly limit them. I took turmeric for a while but didn’t notice a difference so I stopped.

I read that black pepper along with fat also improves absorption of curcumin. Some supplements include it in their formulation though.

cocacolabear123 | @cocacolabear123 | Mar 22 10:28am

In reply to @t98 "try pomegranates/juice as an anti-inflammatory. I find it helps reduce GERD" + (show)

I will try pomegranate juice. I hope it works. As of now, everything I drink creates GERD
Thank you for the tip

Melinda | @opai | Mar 23 9:17am

Maybe try aloe Vera juice.i also have tried slippery elm powder it is hard to mix some times with water you could probably use juice you have to be quick about it because it will start to thicken I have crohns and when I have a flare up it works it has an after taste kinda like tea but it’s worth it, it is healing and soothe the irradiated area.

emo | @emo | Mar 23 11:16am

In reply to @opai "Maybe try aloe Vera juice.i also have tried slippery elm powder it is hard to mix..." + (show)

There are slippery elm capsules, but I never ended up having to go that route because we found a resolution for my dad before we tried it.

That’s interesting about the aloe vera juice. My dietician suggested it to me, but for constipation.

t98 | @t98 | Mar 24 8:08pm

In reply to @cocacolabear123 "I will try pomegranate juice. I hope it works. As of now, everything I drink creates..." + (show)

I drink only a small amount at a time of pure pomegranate juice (no water)

cocacolabear123 | @cocacolabear123 | Mar 25 7:31am

I also take small sips of anything I drink, which is always water. I go out with the girls two days a week. I only order water. After I’ve had about five sips acid reflex kicks in. So frustrating.
I’m happy for you that pure pomegranate juice works. No acid reflux for you at all?