If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know I’ve been on the AIP Diet for over 30 days, and I absolutely plan to continue. I know my journey is not done yet. I have seen so much improvement. My GERD has improved quite a bit but I feel confident if this was under control I would feel so much better.

My Back Story

I have been on Protonix for over three years now with minimal success. I can get through the day, but barely. In the beginning I was on omezaprole and that did nothing.

One of my friends had sent me some funny Instagram message, and as you do, I started watching memes and funny videos. Then, I came across one that asked, “Do you have low acid?”In my mind, I was saying, “Definitely NOT,” but then I watched and realized I had almost every symptom listed. I was shocked. I also had most of the SIBO symptoms (common with Celiac) and and quite a few H. Pylori symptoms.

I was in shock. I’ve had countless expensive tests done trying to resolve this issue, but I’ve never had a simple breath test. Anyway, I’ll save my indignation for another day but you get the idea. This had to be researched.

I came across a video that showed how to do an at-home test for low acid. It’s not 100% guaranteed but is a good indicator.

It’s very simple: mix baking soda and water, drink it, and time how long it takes to burp.

• If you burp within 30 seconds: high acid
• Between 2–5 minutes: normal
• Longer than that: low acid

It’s recommended you do it a couple of days in a row for the best results.

Small caveat: You have to do it first thing in the morning before eating for accuracy.

Of course, I had to try it. I want my life back. And guess what? I didn’t burp the first or second time, and the third time 12 minutes. So, even though I’m not 100% positive, it feels right.

This month, I’m going to implement some new things that I’ve read can help low acid, h pylori, and Sibo. I’m also going to continue to do some things I’ve been doing. My goal is to see if I make progress in healing my digestive system.

Things I will continue doing.

• Eating clean: I’ll continue with the AIP diet. I want to stay consistent with my food so I know any changes are due to the new protocols, not a sudden diet switch. I planned on doing AIP for another 30 days before reintroduction anyway.
• Licorice root hot tea: I love it, and I know it makes me feel better, and it’s actually recommended for all three. Low Acid, H Pylori and SIBO.
• My peach smoothie: I’ll keep drinking my smoothie with aloe, collagen, bananas, peaches, honey, and coconut milk. These ingredients are okay for low acid, and some are even recommended to help heal. I trust my body, and it seems I’ve already been doing half of the things they recommend.
• Vitamin D and B12: I’ll continue these because I’m deficient in both. B12 is highly recommended for all three conditions (low acid, SIBO, and H. Pylori). Vitamin D is also recommended, and honestly in today’s environment who doesn’t need more of the sunshine vitamin?
• Protonix: My doctor adjusted my dose to 20 mg twice a day instead of 40 mg once a day to help me lower it, unless my symptoms worsen. She did the same with my Zofran.
• Melatonin: I love the better sleep it provides, and it also helps heal the digestive tract.
• Licorice Root, Marshmallow Root, and Slippery Elm supplements: These make my days easier and are highly recommended for gut healing.

Supplements for Low Acid, H Pylori and SIBO

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Mastic Gum
• HCL with Pepsin
• Zinc L Carnosine
• Probiotics
• B Complex
• Manuka Honey
• Digestive Enzymes
• Ginger
• Magnesium
• Oil of Oregano
• Garlic
• Broccoli Sprouts
• Oil pulling

My Plan

I obviously can’t add all these things at once, but I’ll introduce some in slowly to see what works and what doesn’t. The best part is that everything is natural and allowed on AIP.

The New Supplements

1. HCL with Pepsin: There’s a 50% chance this will help. However, if my acid is actually high, it might make things worse. You are supposed to take this before meals and it will help you break down your food by creating an acidic environment.
2. B Complex: I used to take a multivitamin that I loved, but I stopped when I went on AIP. It’s hard to find vitamins that agree with me, so I’m always a little hesitant to try new ones. The list is long but the big players in the B vitamins is Folic Acid, B1,B3, B6 and B9.
3. Probiotic: Honestly, I don’t want to take this. The last time I tried one, I was miserable for three days. I know it’s so important but hard to get excited about this one. Probiotics are supposed to increase good bacteria and decrease the bad. This is probably why I struggled. It was war in my stomach because I am very aware that my digestive system is weak.
4. Mastic Gum: Confession: I’ve had this sitting on my bedside table for a few days. I tried the gum, but it’s intense—I can only chew it for 5 minutes. I also bought capsules in case the gum doesn’t work out. This seems so promising, but I’m worried because my body is irritatingly sensitive. Mastic Gum is literally a tree resin and it’s 100% natural and that does give me comfort. Mastic Gum is known for killing H Pylori and fighting bad bacteria in your digestive system
5. Zinc L Carnosine: This is supposed to heal ulcers and the thousands of reviewers swear your GERD will disappear. It’s part mineral and part Amino acid.

What if it Doesn’t Work

If nothing helps or if things get worse, I’ll stop. I’ve tried countless supplements some helpful, some benign and some that made me worse. It is a journey of discovery there is no immediate cure or we would all be taking it. That’s why I try so hard to keep it natural if I can.

Now I’ll say what I have to..I’m not a doctor, a nurse or a dietitian. My results may be different than yours. Always, always talk to your doctor first before trying new supplements, exercise programs or diets.

I’ll begin the experiment in just a few days and just like AIP I’ll take you through my daily journey.

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