Q. I was on omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux for several years until I saw a PBS program on heartburn and acid reflux problems. The expert said the worst culprit for heartburn is refined sugar!
Not one doctor I had ever seen mentioned avoiding refined sugar. I had eliminated all other foods that are supposed to be a problem such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.
The day after this TV program more than a year ago, I stopped eating refined sugar and stopped taking the medicine. I'm very strict now with my diet and get any sugar I want just from eating fruit. I have not had to take the medicine since then.
A. Avoiding refined carbohydrates does seem to ease reflux (Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Aug. 2006).
