I've been upper GI scoped 3 times, hiatal hernia since birth, mom said I spit up so much she's surprised I gained weight, took 40 nexium bid for 23 years, I suffer silently daily wondering how long an esophagus can last like this being burned to death, I stopped ppis 6months ago bc of "early onset dementia" in 40s related to their use, I'm now 44 and I've never heard of infrared for gerd. I'm desperate for something to work as I have symptoms from just drinking water. Even gluten free diet doesn't cut it, it helps some tho. Sorry for long comment (and complaining) but I'm looking forward to your protocol and thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
As someone who has been taking pantoprazole daily for 7 years, I would LOVE to try this protocol. The med works well, but about a year ago I started getting concerned with my reliance on having to take it “the rest of my life” as the GI doc said… I have tried a few other things with zero success but am open to alternate modalities. How do I get access to the protocol?
If I have heartburn it's usually cos I have had too much carbohydrate or ate carbs when I needed protein. So I eat some protein and boom no more heartburn. I think it is a symptom of your body needing to be fed protein.
I read a comment on a note or somewhere today about the Medicine Omeprazole to reduce acid. My friend had her gallbladder removed and still struggles with heartburn. She takes Omeprazole daily. What should I know about this medication? She thinks it’s necessary. She is from Laos and enjoys very spicy 🌶️ food. What are the risks in taking this medication?
I cured mine with keto, carbs under 20g. I had also been taking Alginate, digestive enzymes, and I did two weeks of Pepcid. Refused to take the drugs long term. I had had reflux for 15 years and it hasn’t returned. I do still take digestive enzymes and bile acids with meals.
Hi Doc - You definitely focused on a quickly emerging topic of clinical research. Not surprising given the clarity you bring to these discussions. You spend your time in pursuit of helping people, getting them up off the floor or keeping them from falling on the floor. That is complex and I am shocked you have the time to stay as current as you have - given the obvious time constraints.
My job is stay on top of the boring physics, chemistry, etc. to provide you with what you need to apply the art and science of your job. Things are changing on that gut front as new information gets published. I would be happy to provide you with an entire review of the literature if you would find that helpful. Cutting to the chase, in this case, it reflects the research trends -
1. In a controlled study examining both modalities, Yasukawa et al. measured melatonin levels in intestinal tissues following FIR or NIR exposure. FIR therapy (15-minute daily sessions for 2 weeks) increased local gut melatonin concentrations by 173% above baseline. NIR therapy (same protocol) increased gut melatonin by only 32% above baseline. Control groups showed no significant change (Yasukawa)
2. Similarly, Konturek's research team demonstrated that FIR therapy increased the density of melatonin-producing cells in gastric and intestinal mucosa by approximately 30% after 3 weeks of treatment, while NIR produced no significant changes in enterochromaffin cell population or activity (Konturek).
Again, these results are representative and mechanistically are in perfect alignment with what biophysics would lead us to believe. You really care about the science and your patients, man, what a breath of fresh air.
I truly wish everyone in the practice of medicine had your curiosity, drive and non-biased intelligence. I wouldn't be afraid to step inside a treatment room!
Hi Toolste - great, great question. There’s a major disconnect in the infrared therapy space between what looks therapeutic and what actually performs at a level consistent with the clinical research. If you're trying to replicate the kinds of outcomes seen in studies on near infrared (NIR)—whether for cognitive health, chronic pain, or mitochondrial function—you’ll need far more than a red glow. Many of those results are based on pulsed light arrays, prescription-grade light therapy systems, or medical protocols that involve controlled dosing, specific wavelengths, and deep tissue penetration. The reality? Most consumer NIR panels—even the expensive ones—are selling you heat and light, not bioactive photomedicine. And the cheap ones? They're just hot air.
On the Far Infrared (FIR) side, however, the story is different—and much more accessible. You can replicate the same therapeutic waveforms used in FIR research—if the device emits near-pure FIR in the 7–14 micron range and delivers sufficient power density, ideally close to or above 20 milliwatts per square centimeter. This is where most knockoffs fail. A $150 foldable sauna that looks similar on the outside likely isn’t producing real FIR at all, and certainly not at a power level that creates biological change. It may warm the skin—but it won’t move the needle.
Science sometimes is not glamorous. But it’s real. If you're chasing health outcomes, not just vibes, the proof is in the specs—not the marketing.
Hi Dave - the Doc's information is great and he has written a lot, I believe, about red light and near infrared in the past. In those cases - absolutely, I think you are correct about your head being included in the direct coverage zone. Truely, for most things above the neck, mixed infrared or red light might be more useful than FIR. But for heat therapy and 99% of the uses outside superficial skin, etc., the head outside the coverage is more comfortable, safe and preferable. Here is the fun thing about portable saunas - they have zippers. I call it my fan. If I start to feel a bit too hot but want to continue the effects, I simply unzip for a bit for instant comfort. If I wanted to do a few "cognitive" minutes or if I had skin issues like acne - I would zip it over my head for a bit - the airflow at the top isn't problematic for FIR coverage.
The truth about infrared is that it isn't an either-or type of thing. It is additive. In the ideal diet, there is a balance of fuels - same idea here. Financially, many must choose one and I understand that. Depending on the specific needs - more likely than not for more of the people more of the time FIR will be of greater utility. If you had the space and an extra $8,000-$12,000 more, the sauna cabinet is a fantastic choice.
If you are asking if I make money when a Sunlighten or Relax sauna sells - the answer is no. My company has conducted research and provides science for many brands for the past 40+ years. Mostly large consumer food, beverage, nutritional brands, etc. but we do stray into health and fitness including fitness equipment, etc. - as well as other areas. This background allows me to have one (I believe) important viewpoint on product efficacy.
I suggested two different brands, actually - Sunlighten and Relax. Neither of those brands are related to each other - so far as I know - and their tech is very different. Sunlighten is beautiful - a real centerpiece for the home. Better than competitors in their niche. The Relax generators are the Rolls Royce of far infrared trapped in a Herbie the Love Bug body. This is a real piece of medical tech - just like you find in a true clinical setting. An analogue egg timer rather than a fancy digital controller and no aesthetics at all. If you want an influencer moment with real FIR - Sunlighten is the answer. You want to have the best far infrared treatment possible - the Relax chip is the answer. Hope that helps just like always mine is just one opinion in the masses. The bottom line is that light therapy is real - not fringe science and that infrared (NIR, Mid, FIR) is the kingpin of the therapeutic light family.
I have come across this simple exercise that, over time, cured GERD. It was written up as a case study and published in Cureus. Here is how it works. It's called Esophageal Resistance Training.
You put some food in your mouth, kneel (the author kneeled on a 6" platform, but it may not be necessary; a pillow may do it) and put your arms down on the floor as you bend over, and lay your head into your hands. Chew and swallow the food. (The key is that your head is below the level of your stomach.) The author did part of his breakfast and lunch this way. He got significantly better after 67 days. He was cured after another 5-6 months. The exercise strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter.
I've been upper GI scoped 3 times, hiatal hernia since birth, mom said I spit up so much she's surprised I gained weight, took 40 nexium bid for 23 years, I suffer silently daily wondering how long an esophagus can last like this being burned to death, I stopped ppis 6months ago bc of "early onset dementia" in 40s related to their use, I'm now 44 and I've never heard of infrared for gerd. I'm desperate for something to work as I have symptoms from just drinking water. Even gluten free diet doesn't cut it, it helps some tho. Sorry for long comment (and complaining) but I'm looking forward to your protocol and thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
Amazing! Which RLT product would you recommend? Ideally for travel 🙏🏻
As someone who has been taking pantoprazole daily for 7 years, I would LOVE to try this protocol. The med works well, but about a year ago I started getting concerned with my reliance on having to take it “the rest of my life” as the GI doc said… I have tried a few other things with zero success but am open to alternate modalities. How do I get access to the protocol?
Complete and comprehensive heartburn protocol in the works, includes this experimental approach as well.
🙏🙏🙏
If I have heartburn it's usually cos I have had too much carbohydrate or ate carbs when I needed protein. So I eat some protein and boom no more heartburn. I think it is a symptom of your body needing to be fed protein.
That’s a significant part of it.
I need this!
I read a comment on a note or somewhere today about the Medicine Omeprazole to reduce acid. My friend had her gallbladder removed and still struggles with heartburn. She takes Omeprazole daily. What should I know about this medication? She thinks it’s necessary. She is from Laos and enjoys very spicy 🌶️ food. What are the risks in taking this medication?
. . . for the record, eating an apple never fails to relieve my indigestion.
D-limonene has been helpful to me. But it’s not what I would call a cure.
I cured mine with keto, carbs under 20g. I had also been taking Alginate, digestive enzymes, and I did two weeks of Pepcid. Refused to take the drugs long term. I had had reflux for 15 years and it hasn’t returned. I do still take digestive enzymes and bile acids with meals.
Hi Doc - You definitely focused on a quickly emerging topic of clinical research. Not surprising given the clarity you bring to these discussions. You spend your time in pursuit of helping people, getting them up off the floor or keeping them from falling on the floor. That is complex and I am shocked you have the time to stay as current as you have - given the obvious time constraints.
My job is stay on top of the boring physics, chemistry, etc. to provide you with what you need to apply the art and science of your job. Things are changing on that gut front as new information gets published. I would be happy to provide you with an entire review of the literature if you would find that helpful. Cutting to the chase, in this case, it reflects the research trends -
1. In a controlled study examining both modalities, Yasukawa et al. measured melatonin levels in intestinal tissues following FIR or NIR exposure. FIR therapy (15-minute daily sessions for 2 weeks) increased local gut melatonin concentrations by 173% above baseline. NIR therapy (same protocol) increased gut melatonin by only 32% above baseline. Control groups showed no significant change (Yasukawa)
2. Similarly, Konturek's research team demonstrated that FIR therapy increased the density of melatonin-producing cells in gastric and intestinal mucosa by approximately 30% after 3 weeks of treatment, while NIR produced no significant changes in enterochromaffin cell population or activity (Konturek).
Again, these results are representative and mechanistically are in perfect alignment with what biophysics would lead us to believe. You really care about the science and your patients, man, what a breath of fresh air.
would be happy to read more of the research you’ve mentioned here, and thanks again for this thorough reply.
back to the drawing board for me.
If you would be generous to share articles of interest, please should me an e-mail at refluxrmd@pm.me
Great to exchange with you, Chuck.
I truly wish everyone in the practice of medicine had your curiosity, drive and non-biased intelligence. I wouldn't be afraid to step inside a treatment room!
I appreciate you.
Hi Toolste - great, great question. There’s a major disconnect in the infrared therapy space between what looks therapeutic and what actually performs at a level consistent with the clinical research. If you're trying to replicate the kinds of outcomes seen in studies on near infrared (NIR)—whether for cognitive health, chronic pain, or mitochondrial function—you’ll need far more than a red glow. Many of those results are based on pulsed light arrays, prescription-grade light therapy systems, or medical protocols that involve controlled dosing, specific wavelengths, and deep tissue penetration. The reality? Most consumer NIR panels—even the expensive ones—are selling you heat and light, not bioactive photomedicine. And the cheap ones? They're just hot air.
On the Far Infrared (FIR) side, however, the story is different—and much more accessible. You can replicate the same therapeutic waveforms used in FIR research—if the device emits near-pure FIR in the 7–14 micron range and delivers sufficient power density, ideally close to or above 20 milliwatts per square centimeter. This is where most knockoffs fail. A $150 foldable sauna that looks similar on the outside likely isn’t producing real FIR at all, and certainly not at a power level that creates biological change. It may warm the skin—but it won’t move the needle.
Science sometimes is not glamorous. But it’s real. If you're chasing health outcomes, not just vibes, the proof is in the specs—not the marketing.
Hi Dave - the Doc's information is great and he has written a lot, I believe, about red light and near infrared in the past. In those cases - absolutely, I think you are correct about your head being included in the direct coverage zone. Truely, for most things above the neck, mixed infrared or red light might be more useful than FIR. But for heat therapy and 99% of the uses outside superficial skin, etc., the head outside the coverage is more comfortable, safe and preferable. Here is the fun thing about portable saunas - they have zippers. I call it my fan. If I start to feel a bit too hot but want to continue the effects, I simply unzip for a bit for instant comfort. If I wanted to do a few "cognitive" minutes or if I had skin issues like acne - I would zip it over my head for a bit - the airflow at the top isn't problematic for FIR coverage.
The truth about infrared is that it isn't an either-or type of thing. It is additive. In the ideal diet, there is a balance of fuels - same idea here. Financially, many must choose one and I understand that. Depending on the specific needs - more likely than not for more of the people more of the time FIR will be of greater utility. If you had the space and an extra $8,000-$12,000 more, the sauna cabinet is a fantastic choice.
I agree with Chuck here.
The whole point of my protocol is to directly target production of cellular melatonin by the gut. FIR, as far as I know, does not do this.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
If you are asking if I make money when a Sunlighten or Relax sauna sells - the answer is no. My company has conducted research and provides science for many brands for the past 40+ years. Mostly large consumer food, beverage, nutritional brands, etc. but we do stray into health and fitness including fitness equipment, etc. - as well as other areas. This background allows me to have one (I believe) important viewpoint on product efficacy.
I suggested two different brands, actually - Sunlighten and Relax. Neither of those brands are related to each other - so far as I know - and their tech is very different. Sunlighten is beautiful - a real centerpiece for the home. Better than competitors in their niche. The Relax generators are the Rolls Royce of far infrared trapped in a Herbie the Love Bug body. This is a real piece of medical tech - just like you find in a true clinical setting. An analogue egg timer rather than a fancy digital controller and no aesthetics at all. If you want an influencer moment with real FIR - Sunlighten is the answer. You want to have the best far infrared treatment possible - the Relax chip is the answer. Hope that helps just like always mine is just one opinion in the masses. The bottom line is that light therapy is real - not fringe science and that infrared (NIR, Mid, FIR) is the kingpin of the therapeutic light family.
Does it matter much not exposing your head/face with the Relax Sauna Experience? I would think that area would need that benefit?
seems to me there is quite a growing body of literature about this
I have come across this simple exercise that, over time, cured GERD. It was written up as a case study and published in Cureus. Here is how it works. It's called Esophageal Resistance Training.
You put some food in your mouth, kneel (the author kneeled on a 6" platform, but it may not be necessary; a pillow may do it) and put your arms down on the floor as you bend over, and lay your head into your hands. Chew and swallow the food. (The key is that your head is below the level of your stomach.) The author did part of his breakfast and lunch this way. He got significantly better after 67 days. He was cured after another 5-6 months. The exercise strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359946078_A_Simple_Exercise_to_Strengthen_the_Lower_Esophageal_Sphincter_and_Eliminate_Gastroesophageal_Reflux_An_Autobiographical_Case_Report
that’s fascinating.
I wonder if this works in certain cases of reflux, like sphincter or diaphgram tone/dysfunction, with or without a hiatal hernia.
Thanks for sharing.