I understand first-hand what a drag acid reflux can have on your life. I can empathize with you regarding the constant struggle of living with this condition. In 2018, I began to experience digestive issues. My throat would tickle. I was clearing my throat far too often. And I was beginning to feel as if food was getting “stuck” in my throat. I was even experiencing discomfort with swallowing. I was concerned. That same year, I was diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR — aka “Silent Reflux”) – a form of chronic acid reflux which is closely related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In my case, the damage that was going on at a cellular level was not felt until the inflammation and damage had become extreme. While I didn’t experience heartburn, I did experience constant reflux of stomach acids that irritated my throat, nasal passages, and airways.

• Many times, I found it too painful to eat. I had experienced unintentional weight loss from this condition. My ENT doctor warned me “not to lose any more weight.” GERD and LPR might seem more common in overweight individuals, however, these diseases of the gut do not discriminate and can occur no matter your weight.
• My swallowing felt constantly impaired and at one point I even feared having a diagnosis called dysphasia, also known as difficulty swallowing, for the rest of my life.
• At the end of each day, I would feel defeated and hopeless. I often found it very difficult to concentrate as the discomfort and pain seemed to fill up every moment of my life. I remember becoming so tired at the end of the day that I’d collapse in bed for several hours, even though it was much earlier than my typical bedtime. And yet, despite getting more rest, these earlier bedtimes did not seem to give me any more energy. Each morning it took my all to get out of bed.

I had consulted with my GI and ENT doctors to get their medical perspective and opinions at the onset of my LPR symptoms. I underwent medical treatment via nasal endoscopy evaluations and started a doctor-recommended course of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors — a type of medication that reduces stomach acid). I experienced some relief, but my major symptoms did not seem to abate. I knew I had to get in control of the reflux that I was experiencing. So, I began to dig into my expertise and knowledge as a registered dietitian. I had further consultations with GI and ENT doctors to build a healing protocol that I followed strictly.

To my joy, It worked! Today, I manage my disease and help others to do the same with a four-pronged approach towards healing.