Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi Terry. “I’ve been suffering from acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for many years. I take omeprazole, 20mg to help relieve the symptoms of the coughing and throat clearing. I periodically go on a detox diet for 20 to 30 days just to get off of the med, however after two or three weeks the coughing begins. I’ve tried DGL as well as Mastic Gum 500 but it doesn’t seem to work. My doctor, as usual, said I just have to face the fact that I will have to be on omeprazole for the rest of my life….any advice on what to do? Thanks.” Tom A, San Rafael, CA A. Dear Tom: I totally disagree that you will have to be on acid blockers the rest of your life because I have personally witnessed many people like yourself who have had superior results with a natural approach. I encourage you to talk with your doctor and see what he/she thinks of using the following protocol to get your problem under control. I am sure you will be extremely happy with the results. First of all, the drugs you are on completely block your hydrochloric acid and greatly reduce the activity of certain digestive enzymes that are required to break down all minerals and protein. Over time, you will increasingly have problems absorbing protein and minerals. To improve your digestion naturally, use the following combination in softgel capsules; 450 mg of d-Limonene and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) root extract. Also add to your daily intake, Betaine HCL, 10 grains per capsule. Any good brand is fine. Take 1 capsule at each meal to start, and if feeling better but not 100%, try 2 capsules each meal thereafter. If at any time you feel warmth in your stomach after taking your capsules, reduce your dosage at the next meal. Experiment a bit and you will find a dosage somewhere between 1-3 capsules per meal will work for most. These types of formulas are available in all good health food stores. This problem actually occurs because you do not have enough healthy digestive acids in your stomach. This protocol will correct that. Let me know how you’re doing!