Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux. :(

[pinkfeathers]

Hello to you all.

I'm currently about 185 pounds and I think this is what is causing my acid reflux with Atkins. Whenever I eat anything fried in any way I get it something awful. There are nights that I need to sleep sitting up.

When I weigh a bit less - maybe 10 lbs less or more - I don't have this anymore but when I get to this size, I am a mess.

I have cut out using oils in my meat frying. I take the skin off my chicken and use a spray on the pan only. Even this will give me acid reflux.

I have quit Atkins because of this but wish there was something I could do to stop this problem.

Oh, I don't want to take medication for this as I'm more into a natural approach to health but I'm afraid that I just can't do Atkins until I get to be a bit smaller first. I think my belly fat must be pushing on my stomach and thus creating acid to go into my throat.

Does anyone else have terrible acid reflux from Atkins, too?

Thanks.

[krispysky]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

Have you been to the doctor? I have a hiatal hernia (Hiatal Hernia - Sliding and Paraesophageal HIatal Hernias) and it causes acid reflux all the time. If I don't take antacids every day it's horrible. Maybe you should be evaluated by your doctor before you give up just yet.

You mentioned being lighter helps--not that I'm saying you have a hernia, but when I'm heavier it pushes my stomach up and the acid is much worse.

Just a thought.

[mizski]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

Why are you frying everything? You could bake, broil, grill, poach, braise, etc. There are tons of casserole-type (multi-ingredient) dishes over on Linda's Low Carb that don't have all that "grease."

Without knowing your typical menu, it's hard to offer suggestions more than that. If you could post that others could offer more concrete suggestions.

[IrishIrish]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

I agree with Mizski. I rarely fry anything and haven't since the beginning of Atkins. I'm a fan of grilling these days ... beef, chicken, seafood, veggies.

[Juniper]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

Hmmm, interesting.

What kind of fried food are you eating?

You do need to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. But from experience, I suffer severe reflux (waking up with a violent heave and throwing up a little bit in my mouth in the middle of the night) when I am not low carbing and over eating. Atkin's diminishes my acid reflux 100% by day two of Induction. You could also have an issue with dairy....

On my worst day, I took over the counter general stomach acid reducers. I know you say you want to try natural, but really...it may just be to get over the hump until you've lost that first ten. And as nicely as I can put it....eating fried food isn't really natural either so it would seem you don't really have anything to lose by trying it.

Also. Drink your water for sure! It's hard for me, too, but it does flush your system, including too much stomach acid.

Hope you feel better.

[Jarrod]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

I agree with Juniper. For years I suffered with horrible acid reflux. I used to have to take a Prilosec every night or every other night. It had gotten so bad that Zantac or Pepcid didn't work for me any more.

Within 1 week of starting Atkins it was almost completely gone. I think I have taken two or maybe three Prilosec tablets in the six weeks since starting the diet.

You could try mixing half to one tsp of baking soda in some water and drinking that before bed. Tastes bad, but it is a natural way to counteract and buffer the stomach acid. It does have a lot of sodium in it so be careful not to overdo it.

Good luck - I can definitely sympathize with acid reflux problems. It is miserable.

[ThinSoon]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

Post your typical menu, that will help others to help you.

I find that when I low carb my reflux disappears! It seems to be the only thing that helps and I rarely, if ever have to take any meds for it.



Tracey

[mizski]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

You could try mixing half to one tsp of baking soda in some water and drinking that before bed. Tastes bad, but it is a natural way to counteract and buffer the stomach acid. It does have a lot of sodium in it so be careful not to overdo it.

Actually, a safer product for frequent use is Prelief (made by the Beano folks).

However, both baking soda and Prelief are for acid reflux caused by acidy foods. The OP believes hers is caused by fried foods. Regardless, dietary adjustments should be tried (i.e., no fried foods and/or acidy foods) and definitely a visit to her physician.

[neutronnorman]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

I agree with Mizski. I rarely fry anything and haven't since the beginning of Atkins. I'm a fan of grilling these days ... beef, chicken, seafood, veggies.

Me too and with IrshIrish. Try grilling your foods. I use Pam, if I need to fry something, and if it isn't fat enough I supplement with olive, flax or fish oil. Of course I use 1 teaspoonful of butter for frying, that also goes a long way.

One more thing, you can get a prescription for Nexium or any other proton pump inhibiting drugs. I think some PPI's are available over the counter and they work great.

For me, eggs are number 1 heart burn producers. Also, if you drink coffee or smoke cigarettes, that will produce excess acid. Drinking too many diet sodas or acidic diet drinks will do it. Are you on any medications?

I would try PPI's. If that doesn't help, go see a doctor. There might be a chance your gall bladder may have stones or something.

[Juniper]

Re: Don't think I can continue with Atkins. I'm having horrible acid reflux.

Yes, pinkfeathers...I had gall stones and suffered for years until I had my gall bladder removed. See a doctor if your pain is bad.