Acid Reflux & Fasting

I really want to get my stomach bio in better shape. I’m confused- if I drink lemon and apple cider vinegar during the day will that help if my acid reducer stops the healing benefits by reducing stomach acid? I just switched from Rabelrazole (shuts down ALL stomach acid) and it depleted my microbes so I switched to Famotidine 40 mg twice a day, however Famotidine does not stop ALL stomach acid so its much better for me. The switch was hell, and I still have breakthrough and take sugar free tums for that. I’m desperate to get off these meds. I’m now on OMAD and want to try a 48 hr fast to help the reflux, but is this a waste of time if I’m on this acid reducer? Due to acute hyper acidity it’s too painful to stop meds so I’m in a catch 22 situation. I’ve Had this acid problem for years. Doc thinks Famotidine is safe, and is even given to children? Fasting has been great, I have lost 20 lbs, but the acidity is not improving. Sodium bicarbonate really helps and I want to switch over to that, but I hear long term use is also bad for you, and it may hinder weight loss ? Is that true? Is it worse than Famotidine? My anti-inflammatory ( on and off) for a knee injury, could this be making everything even worse, so I’m scaling back. I eat leafy greens, mushrooms, sauerkraut, purple vinegar cabbage, and drink lemon water throughout the day. I don’t overdue protean. I can’t get in to see my new specialist for a while, that’s when I decided to ask this community for some help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

So I am in a sorta similar situation as you. I used to be on Zantac but I was quickly swapped to famotidine. I have been on it for a few years now and I agree that it is not as powerful and I still need tums.

I have been on intermittent fasting for around 6 months and I am down around 40 pounds. I did not notice a change at first but I have noticed it getting better as time is going on.

I even reduced the dosage and I am no longer waking up at night with a burning throat. I have even been able to go a day or two without famotidine but I will need a few tums throughout the day.

Eating or drinking acidic things will make it flare up for a few days but then it will get back to a manageable level. I have recently noticed that I am able to eat small amounts of the food that used to cause it to flare up without any issues.

All in all I am expecting that when I am down to my goal weight, I will no longer need the daily meds just so I’m not in constant pain and use it more when I am eating trigger food.

I don’t expect it to ever fully go away but I am happy with the results so far.

All that being said I am surprised by some of the things you mentioned. For one lemon and apple cider vinegar causes my acid reflux to flare up, I’m also pretty sure it breaks a fast. As for the protein, I have never noticed any correlation between it and my acid reflux and drink soylent high protein shakes daily.

I really can’t give any advice other than telling you my experience of getting results slowly. I really hope it gets under control for you, this is a pain I don’t wish on anyone.

Edit: forgot to mention I am on a 21:3 fast on weekdays and a 16:8 on weekends

Answer

Doing IF did the opposite for me. When I started I was having acid reflux regularly. Usually a couple times a week. I have been doing IF for 3.5 years now and I can’t remember the last time I had it. Perhaps it is the specific foods you are eating. I know there are some things I just don’t eat with an empty stomach because they will bug me.