Trouble Swallowing Food or Pills?

Hi Friends,

Have you ever had trouble swallowing pills—or felt like food or vitamins get “stuck” on the way down? Maybe you’ve noticed a tightness in your throat or a burning sensation after eating. Most people assume this is just acid reflux (GERD) and reach for antacids or acid blockers.

But did you know there’s a condition that’s often misdiagnosed as GERD?
It’s called Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE—an allergic inflammation of the esophagus that’s becoming increasingly common.

Unfortunately, many people with EoE are placed on long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—medications meant to suppress stomach acid—without ever realizing that there’s an allergic and immune process happening beneath the surface. These medications can mask the symptoms but don’t really address the root cause of the problem.

I was inspired to make this week’s video after seeing two new patients just this month who were both diagnosed with EoE. Each was told to “just stay on PPIs long-term.” Neither was offered food allergy testing or guidance on how to adjust their diet.

In this video, I share their stories and explain:
🌿 How food allergies and gut inflammation can trigger EoE
🌿 Why acid-blocking medications alone don’t solve the root problem
🌿 The steps I take to help patients heal naturally—by identifying food triggershealing the gut microbiome, and supporting the immune system

Support Gut Healing from the Inside Out

So many chronic symptoms—from bloating and reflux to skin rashes, brain fog, and fatigue—start with inflammation in the gut. When digestion isn’t optimal and the gut lining becomes compromised, the immune system can overreact to foods and bacteria. Supporting digestion and gut repair helps bring the entire system back into harmony.

That’s why I’ve curated my favorite gut-healing essentials—formulated to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the gut–immune barrier

🧡 Use code HEALTHYGUT15 to get 15% off any of these gut-healing supplements this week, through Sunday, November 2 (online orders only).

Digestive Enzyme Pro

Supports the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to ease digestive stress and minimize food-triggered inflammation.

IgG Guard

Binds and neutralizes bacterial toxins and food antigens that irritate the gut and esophagus.

L Glutamine

Repairs and strengthens the gut lining, soothing irritation and promoting tissue healing.

Probiotic 100 Billion

A broad-spectrum, high potency probiotic that restores a healthy microbiome and supports immune tolerance.

Saccharomyces boulardii (The Probiotic Yeast)

A beneficial yeast that protects the gut barrier and helps maintain balance after antibiotics or infections. Helps prevent Candida overgrowth.

Our community is filled with thoughtful, inspiring people committed to true healing. Every week, I love highlighting one message that reflects this spirit. Here’s a review that brightened my day:

Dr. Rajsree’s Chicken Soup
One of the most soothing and easy-to-digest meals you can make is a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. It’s gentle on the gut yet loaded with immune-boosting nutrients like magnesium, calcium, folate, vitamin A, protein, and fiber—all essential for healing and resilience. Perfect for fall and winter, this nourishing recipe will keep you feeling warm, strong, and healthy from the inside out. 

Ingredients:
16 oz organic ground chicken
Two 32 oz containers organic chicken broth (regular sodium)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 bunch organic celery, chopped
1 bunch organic red chard, chopped (include stems)
5 organic carrots, chopped
½ tsp black pepper
1 ¾ tsp Himalayan salt, divided
¾ tsp curry powder
½ tsp cumin
2 bay leaves
Olive oil
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Optional:
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 tsp cinnamon
Organic basmati rice for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Rice: Cook basmati rice according to package instructions if serving with the soup.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions with bay leaves for 5 minutes until translucent. If using, add garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add ground chicken and sauté for 5 minutes, breaking it apart. Once browned, season with 1 tsp salt, black pepper, curry powder, cumin, and cinnamon (optional).
  4. Add Veggies: Stir in ¼ of the chopped carrots and celery, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat to safely add the remaining veggies and chard.
  5. Simmer: Add the remaining salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 7 minutes.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with rice (optional), and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Enjoy!

If you know someone who struggles with swallowing, frequent reflux, or a persistent sensation of food “getting stuck,” please share this newsletter with them. Raising awareness about Eosinophilic Esophagitis and the role of gut health can truly change lives.

Thanks for being part of my community and for helping spread awareness about true healing. 🧡

Have a beautiful week,

Rajsree Nambudripad, MD