off the proton pump inhibitor drugs (PPI drugs). The main action
of this group of pharmaceuticals is the long acting reduction of
gastric acid production. These include Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium
and Protonix.
These drugs are convenient to use and can be initially useful,
but many find that the side effects outweigh the benefits. When
it comes to quitting them, one will find that it is not so easy.
PPI drugs are supposed to be used for a restricted period of
time, however most patients continue their use indefinitely. Not
only do patients abuse these drugs, but also the physicians who
prescribe them. Unfortunately, there are no studies regarding the
effects of the long term use of these drugs. One has to question
whether the prolonged use of PPI drugs is really safe.
We do know that by reducing the production of stomach acid, the
proper digestion and assimilation of food is restricted. Are
chronic users of these drugs suffering from a form of
malnutrition? It is important to keep in mind that stomach acid
also keeps potentially dangerous intestinal bacteria in check. So
what may seem to be acid reflux utopia, in reality may be acid
reflux hell.
When one stops these drugs, after prolonged use, the acid pumps
turn on again and come back with a vengeance producing more acid
than they did before. This is referred to as "acid reflux
rebound". This is often such a terrible and frightening
experience that most people become quickly discouraged and
immediately get back on the drugs. This "catch 22" situation has
proven to be a virtual gold mine for the pharmaceutical
companies, who make billions of dollars in profits each year.
It is a horrible position to be in. You know you want to quite
these drugs. They stop working and you are instructed to double
the dose. You make an effort to stop, but it all backfires on
you. Your throat burns like its on fire and your doctor tells you
that if you don't take the drugs you may develop esophageal
cancer. Who wouldn't be frightened?
Now for the good news; there are nonpharmaceutical things that
one can do to survive "acid reflux rebound" and get back on the
right track.
At this point there is most likely damage to the esophagus. One
cannot hope to improve until the esophagus is well again. In
order to heal the esophageal damage, there are a few things to be
considered. First and foremost one must temporarily change their
diet. By now everyone should be aware of what foods and beverages
trigger their acid reflux. Replace these offending foods with
mild, easy to digest foods.
Instead of a slice of pizza with acidic tomato sauce, have a
salad. Substitute that morning cup of coffee with a cup of tea.
Have a glass of white instead of red wine with dinner. It's just
a matter of common sense, but these changes are necessary during
the acid reflux recovery period.
In order to defeat the acid reflux syndrome, one must attempt to
become as alkaline as possible. Anything which has an acidic
effect on the body should be eliminated. Smoking is perhaps the
most acidic thing one can do. Eating too much at one time causes
an over production of stomach acid. Aerobic exercise actually
causes the body to become more alkaline in nature.
Drinking copious amounts of clean fresh water will help flush out
the acidic toxins which accumulate in the body. A body which is
properly hydrated is rarely acidic in nature. A glass of water
after a meal is a good idea, but drinking much of anything with
meals is counter productive. This dilutes the digestive fluids,
causing the stomach to produce more acid.
Believe it or not, chewing gum between meals is beneficial.
Chewing produces saliva which is very alkaline. Chewing gum after
meals puts more alkalinity in the stomach to counteract the over
production of acid.
There are many natural ingredients found in grocery and health
food stores, which can help during the acid reflux recovery
period. Herbs, such as marshmallow and slippery elm have
wonderful healing properties. Licorice, natural honey and aloe
vera juice can sooth the esophageal lining and assist in the
healing process.
There are very few cases of acid reflux which can't be
successfully treated if one understands what causes this
condition. Simple things like eating slowly and chewing food
thoroughly, in a pleasant relaxed atmosphere, can reduce ones
chances of having acid reflux.
We do not have to be prisoners of this drug oriented "acid reflux
rebound" effect. It is unfortunate that most doctors rely on
pharmaceuticals as the only solution to the acid reflux
condition.
With a little education regarding the causes of acid reflux and
the knowledge of natural medicine, one can survive "acid reflux
rebound" and go on to live a normal life. We are at the brink of
a new era where the patient must sometimes also be the healer.
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Charles Stewart Richey is a self-educated expert on how to cure
acid reflux disease by natural means. He has written an extensive
report entitled, REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux
Remedies.
For free recipes, articles and information about acid reflux,
please visit: http://www.refluxgo
