stomach problems

[Frostbite]

A friend of mine has been complaining a heart burn / acid reflux a lot lately she went to the doctor and all they gave her was some pills , no tests ( don't know if there is any tests for those problems )
The pills don't seem to help.
She gets the problems when eating any bread products. ( possible its an allergy? )

Symptoms
- Massive heart burn/ Chest pain ( sometimes causes difficulty breathing )
- Pain in her sides ( stabbing pain )

She was tested for parasites / bugs. came back clean.

Her diet has been extremely limited to protein shakes , veggies , and some meat. I passed along an article you posted in a previous post to her about getting rid of heart burn / GERD in hopes to help her. Thinking that may be the problem.
She is also seeking a second medicla opinion.
She gets very little sleep and drinks tons of coffee/ high caffiene drinks.

Any other suggestions to help or to diagnose the problems?

[ironwill]

Sounds like celiac disease, or IBS....I hope she gets it rectified, it is a horrible thing.......Modified strict anti gluten diet is reqd for the unlucky ones....

[TT Eric]

She gets the problems when eating any bread products. ( possible its an allergy? )


Wheat is often a direct cause to acid reflux. She should try to be wheat free, good chance it resolve the problem.

Eric

[fmrdh]

I had a similar problem that was caused by insufficient stomach acid (usually caused by stress, avoidance of salt).

Betaine HCL with pepsin worked wonders for me.
http://www.nowfoods.com/Supplements/Products-by-Category/Digestive-Support/Enzymes/M003463.htm

Ive taken that one and found it to be much more effective than others I had tried.

[ironwill]

I had a similar problem that was caused by insufficient stomach acid (usually caused by stress, avoidance of salt).

Betaine HCL with pepsin worked wonders for me.
http://www.nowfoods.com/Supplements/Products-by-Category/Digestive-Support/Enzymes/M003463.htm

Ive taken that one and found it to be much more effective than others I had tried.

Very true, i also had a few issues, Betaine hcl did wonders, i still have a whack left for future....Post contest i had issues, and truenutrition betaine hcl fixed it right up....You can tell when it is working, it will feel warm in your belly shortly after ingesting.......Good way to test yourself...
But in this instance i believe it may be celiac, hopefully not but knowing folks that have it, sounds very similar symptoms..

[Frostbite]

Thanks for the ideas it will at least give her a place to start while shes waiting for a doctor appointment. She has cut out gluten from her diet she is feeling much better already.

[Praetorian]

Eliminate gluten, sugar, and reduce the coffee and stimulants. You can try the HCL challenge by Charles Poliquin.
P