These include the PPIs esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). The others are antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta and Tums, plus H2 (histamine) receptor antagonists such as famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet).
Lemon water. Lemon juice is generally considered very acidic, but a small amount of lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey has an alkalizing effect that neutralizes stomach acid. Also, honey has natural antioxidants, which protect the health of cells.
You should not stop taking prescription Nexium without speaking to your medical provider. Stopping your medication suddenly may lead to Nexium withdrawal symptoms and could make your stomach problems worse. Many Nexium side effects are mild and may go away after your body gets used to the medication.
Most people taking a short-term course of Nexium will only experience minor gut-related side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Long-term use or higher doses of Nexium could increase the risk of rare side effects, such as low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels, bone fractures, or kidney problems.
The concerns around their extended use are that they may lead to increased risk of bone fractures, vitamin B and magnesium deficiencies, and infection with Clostridium difficile bacteria, which can cause serious bowel damage and in some vulnerable people, lead to an increased risk of premature death.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Conditions that magnesium may help treat:
Acid reflux & heartburn - magnesium will reduce spasm of the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent the release of acid into the esophagus. Magnesium is also needed for stomach acid production, so deficiency can be an indicator of low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).
The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier. During a procedure known as a Nissen fundoplication, your surgeon wraps the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophagus. This enhances the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from reflux.
Gaviscon can be used to treat heartburn (acid reflux) and indigestion. The medicine works by forming a protective layer that floats on top of the contents of your stomach. This stops stomach acid escaping up into your food pipe.
Most patients have difficulty discontinuing their PPI's because the amount of acid in their digestive system surges when they stop taking the drug, and they're often left with symptoms like excruciating stomach pain and increased heartburn.
This may be because you have been misdiagnosed with GERD, your diet is causing symptoms, or you are taking your medication incorrectly. If PPIs aren't treating your symptoms, work with your healthcare provider to figure out why they aren't working and what alternative treatments you can try.
Try 200 to 400 mg of magnesium citrate or glycinate twice a day.
Magnesium carbonate -- Magnesium carbonate is another popular, bioavailable form of magnesium that actually turns into magnesium chloride when it mixes with the hydrochloric acid in our stomachs. It is a good choice for people suffering from indigestion and acid reflux, since it contains antacid properties.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Taking esomeprazole for more than a year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including: bone fractures. gut infections. vitamin B12 deficiency – symptoms include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles.
Your doctor may suggest taking esomeprazole only when you have symptoms. This means you will not have to take it every day. Once you feel better, you can stop taking it, often after a few days or weeks.
Patients with GERD symptoms may exhibit a spectrum of endoscopic findings ranging from normal endoscopy (EGD negative) to severe ulcerative esophagitis. Recent evidence indicates that a large proportion of patients with GERD have normal endoscopy.
Drugs like Nexium interfere with a body's absorption of nutrients, including iron, calcium and Vitamin B12. According to the FDA, they can cause increased bone fractures, bacterial infections that are especially dangerous to elderly people and risk of pneumonia and weight gain.