[Cheers]

Over the many years of dealing with this, I have clearly read...probably way too much about these dang problems. There are 3 things that come up more often than others and I am wondering what kind if results people have gotten from them in regards to keeping PACs/PVCs at bay.

Apple Cider Vinegar - I can say with personal experience that this has decreased my palps. Not nearly a cure, but they have decreased. My electrophysiologist said to continue with it.

Magnesium - I never really gave this a good try because I used to take it with calcium and I had gotten a kidney stone so I stopped taking them both (tho I had no real reason to think it was caused by the calcium...just being cautious). If this has helped people...how much do you take? And what kind of magnesium is best?

Black Strap Molasses - This is a more recent thing I have heard about. So I did buy a bottle. But not so sure how to use it. Any thoughts on this?

[poohbear2026]

I have tried the black strap molasses really couldn't tell much difference. However, probably didn't take it long enough. I usually put a spoonful in a cup of warm milk.

[CMoore416]

I did magnesium but just got the kind at Target and took 250mg a day then upped to 500mg and dent see a difference

[skylerfox]

I am glad I found this post, because I keep running across the same things myself. I just found this encouraging post/success story submitted by someone else in a different forum:

Hi all,

Please read all of this post if you suffer from PVCs. Although this first part is primarily about heartburn, this post ultimately concerns PVCs. I have been suffering with PVCs for around 9-10 years now, with a gradual increment of intensity and frequency.

I know I posted my last request/comment nearly 2 years ago, but I think I have all but cured myself.

I am currently 38 and I have suffered with heartburn since I was a child. After a lot of research and subsequent thought about acid [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]reflux[/color][/color] I came to the conclusion that my heartburn is the result of not enough stomach acid (HCl or hydrochloric acid) and not too much of it (like the doctors try to tell everyone). So, I recently started taking natural [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]Apple [COLOR=blue !important]Cider [/color][COLOR=blue !important]Vinegar[/color][/color][/color] with 5% acidity (the one with all the stodgy stuff floating around inside).
This for me... has been a 99% cure.

Sound like a paradox taking [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]acid[/color][/color] to stop heartburn? Yeah, it certainly does, but until we have a total undisputed idea about exactly how the body functions, how can we make any assumptions?

Anyway, based on my research, apparently your stomach doesn’t just produce HCl to digest food, the gall bladder and pancreas also produce bile & other [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]digestive [COLOR=blue !important]enzymes[/color][/color][/color], but without proper production of HCl, you stomach doesn’t digest food properly and will ultimately regurgitate enzymes up into your oesophagus.

Anyway, to the PVC issue. I started taking Omeprosole and then [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]Lansoprazole[/color][/color] (to control stomach acid/enzymes) about 9-10 years ago. I remember at the time I was working in a recording studio and needed to find a cure for my reflux. About 1-2 months after starting these [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]PPIs[/color][/color] (Proton Pump Inhibitors) to eliminate my heartburn, I started to get these dreaded PVCs. I should add that the heartburn cure worked though!

The PVCs gradually got worse and worse and I ended up in A&E on a few occasions scared witless and not knowing what the problem was! However, since taking Apple Cider Vinegar for my heartburn, I have noticed a gradual reduction in my PVCs. Now, 6 months later after taking Apple Cider Vinegar 3 or 4 times daily, they have virtually disappeared all together! I have not been taking supplements of any type; I think my body is just absorbing vitamins and elements more efficiently from the food I [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]eat[/color][/color]. Also, I no longer need to take the PPIs because the Apple Cider Vinegar is sufficient.

I have read a lot of information on the web, and it seems that sufficient acid levels are essential for absorbing [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]vitamins[/color][/color] & minerals into the body (especially things like magnesium & potassium). I know it’s well documented that magnesium and potassium can help reduce or eliminate PVCs, but what is less obvious is the underlying reason why people have deficiencies in these electrolytes.

I’m not saying that everyone who gets PVCs have a low [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]acid [COLOR=blue !important]stomach[/color][/color][/color] or that their PVC problems are totally due to these electrolyte deficiencies, but its worth thinking for a moment as to if and why you may not be absorbing these minerals, even when taking them as supplements.

I hope this helps people.

Godbless
Phil

Regarding Apple Cider Vinegar:
Ok, my experience with ACV. Base on several, several, several posts I've seen on various threads(even on here), I've wanted this to work sooooooo bad. I have GERD and many people (like the above post) says ACV cures it, PVCs and numerous other ailments as well. So after trying this a few times, I've found that it makes my GERD symptoms worse and increases my stomach acidity, and can make me nauseated if I drink it too fast. Note that too, for the last 10 years I also take a PPI called Protonix to help control my GERD. I've also seen articles a few times noting that PPI's cause problems with PVCs too. I wonder how many people on Skipping Hearts here take a PPI? (I wish we could find something we all have in common) Here is another article I found at another site regarding this:
Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

PPI's May Deplete Magnesium Levels

The FDA has issued yet another warning regarding the use of PPI meds - both prescription and OTC. Long term use of one year or more may deplete magnesium. Low magnesium levels can increase the risk of leg spasms, irregular heart beat and seizures. On a lesser level, low magnesium can cause irritability, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and sleep problems.

I haven't actually taken the time to check the FDA stuff to see if this is true, but believe it to be.

Regarding Magnesium:
We have a pretty detailed thready already going right now regarding the specifics of magnesium, so I'll leave that one alone.

Regarding Blackstrap Molasses:
I have tried the blackstrap molasses mixed with hot water and didn't notice any instant difference. People noted seeing an "instant" reduction or elimination of which I couldn't verify. And I am an extreme PVCer (15k day avg). To be honest I didn't take it long term, but just tried it only a couple of times because I was expecting those instant results of which I got none. Oddly I did enjoy the drinks different flavor though! I believe the active ingredient that makes it work for people is the high magnesium content. I am thinking that this drink might be more suceptable to work for people that don't have as many heart-hiccups as me. But that is my personal opinion.

[Cheers]

I drink a cocktail of the following once every day:

2 tsp ACV
1 tsp Black Strap
2 Tbsp Aloe Gel
1 tsp Baking Soda
about 2 oz water

I don't know if it helps. I know the ACV has helped in the past. I havent stopped taking it to see if they get worse...I would rather just keep taking it since it cant hurt.

[Katie]

Acv hurts my stomach but I'll take it sometimes especially if I'm desperate. What has helped me with stomach acid is a glass of room temp water first thing in the am with squeezed lemon/lime juice. I use 1/2 lemon/lime per glass. It really has cured my acid reflux. I know I have problems absorbing minerals and such because of celiac disease so that article was interesting

[Scoobydoo123]

Cheers,

You had a Kidney stone? I had one also.

MAJOR PAIN.

Scooby

[skylerfox]

Yeah, I don't really understand why it works for some people to treat an acidic stomach with an acidic liquid such as vinegar or lemons/limes, etc.

[Katie]

Because it's not actually an acidic stomach it's lack of acid and it thst causes ur stomach to have a hard time digesting foods etc. Add more acid, everything digests= no food up esphogas.

[Katie]

I cannot stress enough if you have reflux that's severe you more than likely also have food allergies. Go to an allergist get a skin test, or get a test from a lab ( more expensive but ALOT less painful) and get tested.