Reflux Treatment Protocol

Reflux is a common condition that results from stomach contents reversing up the esophagus into both the mouth and sometimes down into the lungs.  Reflux into the lungs is a common cause of chronic cough.  Reflux that has been prolonged can lead to Barrett's Esophagus, which is an erosive burn to the lower esophagus and untreated can lead to esophageal cancer.  If nothing else, reflux is a nuisance that can significantly impact your enjoyment of eating and can also interfere with normal sleep.

The goal is to reestablish normal digestive function and we attempt to do that in a variety of ways.

Evaluation and diagnosis:  If the reflux has been severe and prolonged I recommend having endoscopy done to rule out Barrett's esophagus and hiatal hernia, both of which require more intensive treatment.  A probe test for pH can also be done and it may be beneficial to rule out H. pylori infection.  

Treatment Protocol: Remove potential pathogens and allergies:  Candida and harmful bacteria may be out competing your beneficial bacteria and interfering with digestion.  A stool test can evaluate for both of these possibilities.  Food allergies can also interfere with normal digestion by causing swelling of the intestinal lining and interfering with normal immune function.  A food allergy elimination diet can help to identify offending foods or blood testing can be done to identify allergies.  Treatment is dependent upon results of the testing.

Reestablish normal intestinal function with fermented foods and probiotics and digestive enzymes.

Fermented foods help to heal and nourish the intestinal lining as well as providing a food source for good bacteria.  I recommend that these be eaten at least twice a day.

• Sauerkraut
• Yogurt or Kefir
• Miso

Probiotics or good bacteria:  I recommend several varieties and it may also be useful to 

rotate through several different varieties on a regular basis.  Pharmax HLC, VSL-3, Klaire 

Therbiotic and Natures Biotics have been helpful for many of my patients.

Digestive enzymes are helpful especially with cooked food that has lost most of its innate 

enzyme components.  Betaine Hcl is useful for protein containing meals and I recommend 1 

to 5 capsules with each cooked meal.  Pancreatic enzymes, 1 or more capsules, should also 

be used about 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals.

Occasionally other items are used such as aloe and supplements to enhance gut motility or repair the gut lining on an individualized basis.

About the author

Michael G. Milton, MD owns and operates Advanced Medicine & Longevity Center in

Cumming, GA.  He received his bachelors degree in anthropology from the University of Georgia and graduated from Medical College of Georgia in Augusta in 1994.   Dr. Milton has maintained a board certification in Family Medicine throughout his career and has completed training in anti-aging and holistic endocrine therapies, prolotherapy and neural therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatments, environmental medicine, bio-energetic medicine, and extensive nutritional therapies.