Back in control with silicic acid gel
PAM Elton (pictured), 58, has suffered with gastrointestinal disorders for almost three decades, and more recently from acid reflux and heartburn. She says that commuting in heavy traffic and working in a job in which she worked face-toface with distressed and often abusive members of the public, were among her initial triggers, leading to years of flare-ups. Pam left her job in 1997 to look after her daughter, but her symptoms have continued to blight daily life. ‘Socialising and travelling are still sources of anxiety just in case a flare-up happens. ‘I’m so lucky to have a supportive and caring husband. He takes my illness in his stride, even if it means stopping at every service station on the motorway.’ Her doctor believes that stress and genetic factors are linked with the crippling heartburn she experiences, and has prescribed medication. Pam says: ‘I’ve lost about a stone as the only way I could manage the symptoms was to eat small meals, little and often and stick to bland food. ‘Evening meals trouble me and I find a smaller portion, earlier in the evening will affect me less. ‘I have a really nice group of girlfriends, and reunions are often organised, but I haven’t always felt able to go as I need to eat early and don’t drink. ‘Sadly, it’s been ruling my life, so I started looking for a natural alternative and saw that others were having some success with silicic acid gel. ‘I decided to give it a try. I’ve been using it daily for just over a month now. My heartburn and acid reflux has really improved. ‘I feel more comfortable, so hope to start tai chi again and socialise more without having to think twice about it.’ Users of silicic acid gel typically report relief from their symptoms, feeling in control of their life again and being able to exercise, take simple trips to the shops, and accept invitations to family events that would once have been impossible. Silicic acid recently developed for daily use in a colloidal gel form can be purchased from Boots, Tesco and Holland & Barrett.