Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) is a condition that affects roughly 1.8% of the population. That might sound like a tiny number, but when you do the maths we’re talking about over 140 million people globally. That’s a LOT.

We often get asked a lot whether people with Barrett’s can use our Reflux Inhibitor, and unfortunately, the answer is no. But don’t panic, there are other solutions to aid your recovery and get you to that point. So let's walk through what Barrett’s actually is, why the Reflux Inhibitor isn’t a fit here, and most importantly - how we can help get you to a point where you’re actually healing and feel like your symptoms are under control.

What is Barrett’s Esophagus, anyway?

One thing that often pops up with our clients about this condition is confusion. If you’ve been handed this diagnosis, chances are no one sat you down and explained it properly. We’ve heard from many clients who had to piece together their understanding from late-night Googling and vague conversations with specialists. And if you have to go to WebMD after talking with your doctor, there’s a problem.

Here’s the deal: Barrett’s Esophagus is a precancerous condition that can increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer, but it is not cancer. According to research, only about 3 in every 1,000 people with BE go on to develop esophageal cancer each year. That’s roughly a 0.3% yearly risk.

It’s still a serious condition and it needs to be treated that way, but it’s also one that can be managed, treated, and improved in many cases too.

What causes it?

The biggest culprit of BE is chronic acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Other risk factors include:

• Being over 50
• Male gender
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history
• Having a hiatal hernia
  

Symptoms are usually what you’d expect from reflux, such as heartburn, regurgitation, nausea, upper abdominal pain, and even a metallic taste or chronic sore throat. In many cases, people don’t realize they have BE until they get an endoscopy. This is something that’s strongly recommended if you’ve had long-term reflux, or especially if you’ve noticed red flag symptoms like blood in your stool or vomit. It can seem scary when it’s explained at first, but it really is a comfortable enough procedure and nothing to worry about.

Can You Take the Reflux Inhibitor?

No, and here’s why.

The Reflux Inhibitor in our Heartburn Relief Kit is acid-based, which works well for most people with general reflux by encouraging proper acid production. But in Barrett’s, you need to reduce acid exposure to help protect the already vulnerable lining of your esophagus. That means Reflux Inhibitor is a no-go.

Instead, we recommend:

• Acid Relief from the Heartburn Relief Kit
• Staying on your doctor-prescribed PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) or acid blockers to reduce acid and promote healing
  

This isn’t a time to experiment; this is when you follow your doctor’s lead in addition to supporting your system naturally.

What else can you do?

Barrett’s requires a multifaceted approach and supplements are just one part of the puzzle. Things like lifestyle, mindset, and consistency matter just as much.

Medication

While we’re usually cautious about recommending PPIs for long-term use, they’re often necessary in this case. PPIs work by lowering acid production which helps give your esophagus a break so it can heal.

Diet & Lifestyle

This is where you can make a huge difference. Start by avoiding:

• Spicy or acidic foods
• Citrus
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Large, heavy meals

And yes, losing excess weight can help dramatically. Even small weight loss reduces pressure on your stomach and helps reduce reflux.

Also? Quit smoking. We know it’s tough but it really is one of the most impactful changes you can make.

Stress Management

Stress is sneaky. Even when you don’t feel stressed, your body might be reacting to it. High stress levels can trigger or worsen reflux symptoms so it’s important to keep an eye on it. Whether it’s yoga, journaling, therapy, zoning out to Netflix, or just taking a walk outside, find what works for you and stick with it.

Natural Remedies

In addition to medication, there are some fantastic natural remedies that can help ease the symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus. One that we can’t recommend enough? Our Acid Relief supplement. You’ll likely recognize this as part of the Heartburn Relief Kit in which it’s taken alongside the Reflux Inhibitor. It contains a soothing blend of ingredients that work together to protect and support your digestive system to ease the pain and discomfort of BE and work on helping with the healing process.

Let’s break down what’s inside:

• Slippery Elm Bark: This is all about calming inflammation. It forms a gel-like coating that soothes and protects the digestive tract lining, which is exactly what you want when your esophagus is under fire.
• Aloe Vera: We already know how amazing aloe is for sunburns, but it’s equally soothing for your insides. It calms the burn of heartburn and supports healing in the esophagus.
• Licorice Root (DGL): This one’s a double act - it helps support proper digestion and also helps the body maintain a healthy mucosal lining in the gut to protect it from further acid damage and allow it to heal.

As mentioned, these ingredients are all in Acid Relief, which is gentle enough to use alongside PPIs or acid blockers, making it a great add-on for soothing symptoms naturally while following your doctor’s treatment guidelines.

Of course, if you like to keep your options open, here are a few more natural remedies worth considering:

• Ginger: Ginger has amazing anti-inflammatory properties to help settle the stomach and ease nausea. A mug of ginger tea can truly work wonders.
• Marshmallow Root: This herb is incredibly soothing for the throat and digestive tract. You’ll also find it in our Acid Relief formula, but it’s lovely brewed up on its own if you’re a tea lover.
• Chamomile Tea: Classic and calming for your body and your mind. Chamomile helps ease digestive discomfort and stress at the same time, which is a win-win in our books.

Regular Checkups

Don’t skip your follow-ups. Staying in the loop with your specialist means catching any changes early and making sure your treatment plan is working. It also gives you peace of mind. And you can always check in with us too!

You’re Not Powerless Here

Barrett’s Esophagus can feel overwhelming, we get it. But you don’t have to just sit back and hope for the best. With the right medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and support, you can absolutely reduce your symptoms and even reverse some of the damage. In fact, we have had clients whose BE has disappeared after a few months on the Acid Relief, which we can’t say for sure is a result of our supplements but it’s definitely a good sign! At this point they then progress to the Reflux Inhibitor to really nip that acid reflux in the bud.

If you’ve got questions or just need to talk it out, send us a message on Facebook any time. We’re here to help in any way we can.

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