arginine trial

[Guest guest]

I started taking 500 mg arginine capsules 3x daily on Christmas Eve

day. The good news is no discernible side effects. However, I was

hoping for an improvement in swallowing. No change in swallowing

noticed so far (Dec 31, late morning). For reference, I've had

achalasia for 4-5 years, had one dilation in 1998 and have since been

maintaining on a regimen of lots of water, elevated sleeping

position, no late meals or snacks. Also, no meds or artificial foods

of any kind. This routine has worked reasonably well for me (good

general health, I keep my food down more than 90% of all meals, and

spasms are much less frequent the past couple of years), but the idea

of swallowing with little effort was very alluring.

I haven't had any esophageal or other muscle spasms since starting

the arginine, but since I've only been having esophageal spasms once

or twice a month lately and leg, eye, or other muscle spasms even

less frequently, I'm not sure if this is meaningful. I will continue

taking the arginine as a trial until the bottle runs out and will

then report again. I got a 30 days supply, but I may try doubling

the dose and see if that changes the situation at all. I should

admit that I may be prejudiced against this trial despite my hopes

that it would be helpful. I am a believer in physical activity and

natural foods as the best route to good health and am skeptical of

all vitamins, other supplements, or medication.

Responding to a post of last week, I have noticed that for me

esophageal spasms almost always accompany the onset of a sore

throat/cold, and cold water (but not for swallowing- that requires

nearly room temp water) keeps the spasms at bay, especially if I can

start drinking it as soon as the spasms start.

from Park Lake in northern Minnesota.