Healthy safe alternatives to tums / rolaids for indigestion?

Chewable papaya tablets have been a wonderful resource for me anytime I have heartburn or indigestion. Prednisone has definitely created some issues that I never had before but I am definitely going to try a few of these suggestions. Hope papaya is a game changer for some of you too. Blessings! ❤️

I suffered with reflux for years due to hiatus hernia and gut microbiome inbalance. The anti-inflammatory diet and no eating after 5pm fixed my problem. I used to have to take Nexium at least 3 nights per week, haven't touched it for the last 12 months !!

Did you take a probiotic for your gut imbalance? This problem is causing me some serious mental and physical issues. I tried a probiotic last year and it made my stomach hurt so badly, I’m afraid to start one again. Wondering if you used one to get your gut in line. If so, was it hard at first?

Ginger tea has replaced caffeinated teas for me completely. I haven’t been able to drink coffee for a while because of stomach acid, so I switched to lesser caffeinated teas last year. I have to say it’s not a satisfying as Earl Grey, but it’s a lot better than feeling heartburn/Gerd coming on. All OTC meds that helped me have magnesium in them. That has ended up causing me pain in the kidney area. Just can’t win with this stomach thing! Told my Gastro about all this and he told me to take a turmeric supplement. I still haven’t started one. I’m not keen on being the guinea pig for supplements myself. It sounds like you’re on the right track as both ginger and turmeric were Gastroenterologist suggestions. If you find what works, please post for us.

Hi, I did a fair bit of research on the gut microbiome and found that supermarket probiotics are not necessarily the way to go and that naturally fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir and sauerkraut are way better for your gut as they deliver a more useful range of bacteria in a more gut friendly form. These are available in supermarkets but if you are game you could ferment your own and get a much better range of probiotics. I gave it a try but it's harder than it looks to get something that is safe to consume. I also found after trying a strict anti inflammatory diet for a while all my gut issues were gone. It was too restrictive to stay on long term but I've been on a very low gluten and little or no processed food diet for over 12 mths and my auto immune disease is finally at a level where I can enjoy life again.

I've had problems with yeast overgrowth over the years and have tried the recommended things to rebalance gut microbiome like kimchi and kefir. Both made my problems worse and I felt unwell when taking them. Probiotics are not for everyone and they can actually feed rather than resolve yeast overload.

I had terrible gastric reflux for most of 2022 which woke me every night with acid reflux. In the first week of changing to a low carbohydrate diet, it went away completely. I couldn't believe it. If you've ever fed sourdough starter, you'll know that the yeast in it explodes with growth after every feed of wheat flour. The same thing happens in our digestive system when we feed it carbohydrate and sugar. The yeast imbalance is fed and explodes with more yeast overgrowth.

Thanks for the reply! My gut problems have caused tremendous anxiety and depression over the last six months so my appetite is almost not existent. I was lucky to deal with bananas, yogurt, and applesauce for many months. I was also putting away a lot of toast! If I give that up, I don’t know what I’ll be eating, but I can try. I know gut health can be related to these things but there is no end in sight for me. I have a new Gastro appointment in a few weeks as my old one moved his practice. Hoping this one is more invested in helping. Thanks again! Maybe I’ll find gluten-free bread again.🤷‍♀️

Sadly, my gut problems are only one of my issues. I don’t know if the anxiety/depression caused the gut problems or the other way around, but about six months ago they became really bad. I don’t have the interest or energy to actually cook anything. I have used kefir, but after a week, it started to make me very nauseous. I wish I could even fathom Drinking kombucha or eating bowls of sauerkraut, but that’s very far-fetched for me since I hardly eat anything as it is. I really am quite a mess right now. You did answer my probiotic question though. I’m just not sure they’ll be right for me. I thought of trying them now is very daunting. I would rather go the food route if I’m able. Thanks for the help!

I drink the Rishi turmeric ginger tea and the Rishi, pink lemon ginger tea.
I stopped drinking carbonated water completely, which improved my problem almost immediately.Though I still get woken up with heart attack style pains once in a while On those occasions I just take a few Tums and some water, but it’s been a rare occurrence.

While I was searching for the Rishi tea, I saw an article on turmeric. I just read it is bad for Gerd??? How does this make any sense when my Gastro recommended it?? Curious for your opinion.