Since I was 18 years old, I have suffered from stomach and digestive problems. In the beginning, my doctor did an ultra-sound of my stomach and gallbladder. They found two ulcers, so I was given Zantax and told the ulcers would heal in six weeks. For the next six years, I experienced severe stomachaches, heartburn, and would often make myself sick just to get rid of the burning. By the time I was 25, I could only eat baby food and ice cream! Every time I would try to eat, it felt like there was something stuck in my throat. My doctor told me it was just nerves and gave me another prescription to help me relax.

I started having anxiety attacks because I wasn’t able to eat. My nerves were totally shot. I talked to my friend who is a chiropractor, and began going to him for treatments of my neck and shoulders. My muscles were very tight and I had knots in the muscles on the side of my neck which were causing severe spasms, making me feel like someone was choking me.

By controlling the amount of stress and going for treatments, I was feeling better, but I still had heartburn, and by night-time, my throat was so dry that my voice was hoarse. I couldn't even read a book to my daughter.

I spoke to my medical doctor about these problems, and he suggested an upper GI series to see if I had a hernia. Another $200 and all they found was I had severe acid reflux which they felt was caused by stress. My thoughts were, "Here we go again, more tests, more money, and no relief!"

I explained the situation to my chiropractor, and he suggested I drink more fluids. Well, to be honest, I didn’t believe drinking water would help me eat and not get the fullness in my throat, but I can tell you, it WORKS! I drink approximately two quarts of water a day, no soda, no tea, no coffee, and I am able to eat REAL FOOD these days, even cucumbers which I have always loved but couldn’t eat because of the burning and heartburn afterward. I have not experienced a dry mouth, sore throat, or heartburn since.

I feel better today than I have felt in years. I eat right, drink my water, reduce my stress, and I am looking forward to enjoying a long, healthy life without digestive complaints.

by Martha Greco