Acid reflux misery is relieved at last by gel
SYLVIE WHITE, 51, has suffered from acid reflux since her teens, with the symptoms worsening after her last pregnancy 11 years ago. ‘It causes me distress and abdominal discomfort is also a problem as a result of irritable bowel syndrome.’ The IT specialist and mum-of-two from Kent tried natural and overthe-counter remedies and cut out gluten and alcohol, before being officially diagnosed last year with reflux by her GP. ‘By then it was hard to sleep because lying down at night would produce severe acid reflux. ‘Sometimes I would get chest pains due to trapped gas, which was alarming because I couldn’t help feeling worried that I might be having a heart attack! ‘My sleep problems also affected my partner, as I did a lot of tossing and turning. Though sympathetic, he was becoming grumpy through lack of sleep and so we decided to sleep in separate beds. ‘Once diagnosed, I was prescribed medication that offered temporary, but not permanent, relief from my symptoms.’ Then Sylvie passed a local independent health food shop advertising colloidal silicic acid gel, and decided to try it. ‘I took a leap of faith and I’ve never looked back since. I’ve been taking it for about three months now. ‘It has relieved my gastrointestinal symptoms and has been the most effective product I have tried. It’s amazing to be able to enjoy an occasional glass of wine or spicy dish now without fear of reprisals. ‘I no longer feel abdominal discomfort or full of wind. I only occasionally need to take an indigestion tablet, and my partner and I are able to sleep in the same bed again.’ 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. Colloidal silicic acid gel is available from Tesco, Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy, Superdrug and independent pharmacies.