In the meantime I’ve continued to keep a food journal and exercise. What I have learned is that cranberry juice burns my throat. I drank some with breakfast yesterday and immediately felt the discomfort. I don’t know why I didn’t remember that cranberry juice has always burned my throat. Duh! My exercise has been jogging or walking in place for 20-30 minutes indoors. The temperatures have been in the 100’s outside so I’ve had to get creative with my exercise.
Not only am I evaluating the foods I eat, but how my burning throat is reacting to various remedies I’ve read about as well. Matter of fact, on yesterday evening, I bought some Bragg’s Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Reading of the benefits of apple cider vinegar, I decided to give it a try. There is a distinction though. The kind that should be used should have sediment at the bottom of the bottle. I didn’t know that. I’m glad I didn’t use the regular vinegar. What differs from website to website is the amount of vinegar you should add to an 8 ounce glass of water. Some say 2-3 tablespoons while others say 2-3 teaspoons. Last night, I decided to use the mixture as a gargle. Immediately I realized that it had to be the teaspoon cause it burned like crazy. Ouch!!! I had to gargle with warm water to douce that flame. Note to self: neither vinegar or hydrogen peroxide gargles seem to benefit me. I think I’ll stick with warm salt water.
Nutrition has also been subject to evaluation. I’ve upped my fruits and vegetables, eating smaller meals multiple times a day. This way, my stomach doesn’t get overloaded. At the same time, I’ve noticed that my throat tends to burn if I wait too long in between meals. So, I tend to snack on fruits in between. Though I love, love, love Cajun shrimp from the local vendor who sells grilled foods from underneath his tent, I’ve not purchased one thing from him. Not even gone to Carolina Barbecue for their slap-yo-momma good barbeque chicken. Not nairy a spicy, barbecued or heavy-on-the-pepper piece of food has entered my mouth since I decided to relieve this sensation in my throat.
I’ve also worn pants or shorts that don’t fit tightly around my mid-section. I read that this can contribute to reflux. I’ve also not worn shirts with a tight-band shelf bra. The pressure can exacerbate the reflux if it’s too tight.
While sitting here typing this blog, it's starting to burn again. Darn! I just finished eating a salad but it had honey mustard dressing on it. I’m wondering if the dressing might be the problem. I dunno. I think I need to eat some cooked food and see how that helps. It's all about a well-balanced diet too. Balancing those fruits, vegetables, protein and good carbs. Also getting that balance between not eating too heavy and not eating too little has to be managed.
I’m back. Took a break to eat. I figured I needed something cooked this time. Roasted chicken, cabbage and a slice of whole grain bread. I was so tempted to get more but decided to eat some fresh cherries instead. Sidebar: I wonder if this yucky taste I have at the back of my throat is from the vinegar or whether it’s from the 2 Slippery Elm supplements I took before breakfast. When I took those capsules, I noticed a sensation from my throat to my intestines. I could feel it working. It’s suppose to soothe irritated or inflamed tissues. I certainly hope so. Regardless, I felt relief for a while. I know I'm shifting from one thing to another...lol. I feel all over the place right now.
Well, this burn and metallic taste is going nowhere so I think a warm salt water gargle is in order. As with anything, I guess I’ll have to figure out what to take and when. That’s why I want to consult with a nutritionist or alternative medicine doctor or nurse practitioner. In the meantime, I believe that by being focused on my health, I’m creating an energy that will bring answers to me. I’m creating a buzz in the Heavenlies so it’s only a matter of time before wisdom comes. You see, I believe that knowledge about my condition is only one step. The next step is how to apply that knowledge. That is wisdom. I lack both but I believe the scripture that says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (will not find fault, will not rebuke you, without an unkind word); and it shall be given him.”
Please know that I’m not doubting God’s ability to heal my condition Divinely. I know that He can. With one sweep of his hand or just a mere thought, the burning, the reflux, the journey would be over. At the same time, I have come to understand that if He doesn’t, it’s not because he can’t or he won’t, neither is it because I’ve done something wrong. It’s for my growth. I will learn something about Him, about myself and/or this experience will enable me to help someone else. Sooooo I submit to this journey confident in a God who sees, who knows and who cares. Later!
