Expert: Kyla Jones - 12/6/2003

Question
My daughter is a newborn Nov 18th, 03 and just 5 days ago was diagnosed with acid reflux. We have tried changing formula to something that does not have milk protein in it called alimentum but she still spit it up. The dr has her taking reglan and zantac. We do not like her taking this and it does not seem to be helping she spits it up when we give her the zantac and the reglan seems to really upset her belly when we give that to her. Can you suggest natural medicine that I can ask my dr about that could be an alternative. She is open to us using alternative medicine for her but I would like to see what is available that I could discuss with her. I understand that you can not tell me what to use I would just like to know what can work that I can speak with my childs ped about to see if she knows about it and if it can be safe for me to try with my daughter. Thank you for any help you can provide
April

Answer
Hi, April!

Thanks for asking!  Bless her little heart.  I hate it when babies have problems.

I'd suggest trying one or more of the following for her.  They're all "baby-safe" and should help.  She may still need some prescription antacid, but you may well be able to reduce the dosage considerably and get it down to just one:

A tablespoon of unsweetened pineapple juice before feedings.  The bromelain should help with digestion and reduce the acid.

A teaspoon of mild chamomile tea after eating (or mixed in with her bottle).  It soothes the esophagus and will ease the burn while helping settle her tummy.

A little extra calcium mixed in her formula.  Calcium is alkaline and will help neutralize the acids. Besides, it's good for building her bones. A company called Sundown makes a liquid calcium supplement in capsule form - you could easily just break a capsule into the bottle.

A VERY dilute tea of ginger, peppermint, and crushed dill seeds (make one cup of tea, then add another cup of water)- a teaspoon during or after eating aids digestion and helps prevent some of the muscle spasms that send the acids back upwards.

Thank you again.  Please let me know if you or your daughter's doctor have any other questions.  I'll be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Kyla