Millions of people suffer at least occasionally with indigestion. Those who experience symptoms more frequently may be diagnosed with acid reflux. (The medical term is gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated GERD.) While there are plenty of medications that can be used to treat symptoms such as discomfort under the breastbone after eating, we often hear from readers who would like ways to handle heartburn naturally. They may fear, with justification, that taking an acid-suppressing drug could increase problems with bones.
Natural Approaches to Handle Heartburn:
Q. I have osteoporosis, so I am reluctant to take PPIs like Prilosec or Nexium. However, I have suffered from horrible heartburn for years. Sometimes I think I am having a heart attack because the pain is so severe.
I have tried antacids and acid-blockers like Pepcid, but they haven’t worked well. Do you have any natural approaches that might ease my discomfort?
A. The association between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and weakened bones has been contentious. A review of the medical literature concludes that there is a potential relationship between PPI use and fractures (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, May 5, 2019).
Because you have two concerns, you might ask your doctor to test you for celiac disease. This condition can contribute to osteoporosis as well as digestive difficulties.
Drugs That May Contribute to Indigestion:
Are you taking any medicines that might make you more susceptible to reflux? Some sleeping pills (zolpidem) or anti-anxiety agents (alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam) may aggravate this condition.
Drugs aside, a low-carbohydrate diet may be helpful for controlling your indigestion (Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Nov. 2016).
Chewing gum, sipping tea or incorporating ginger in a meal or after-meal drink are other natural approaches that could help you handle heartburn. Some people find that yellow mustard, almonds or even apple cider vinegar can alleviate their symptoms. You can learn about many other remedies in our eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders.
One word of caution: Sometimes a heart attack can masquerade as indigestion. If you suddenly experience severe chest pain, seek emergency evaluation.
Persimmon-Ginger Tea for Heartburn:
Q. Could you please send me the recipe for the persimmon-ginger tea I read about in your column? I suffer from reflux. Consequently, I am looking for a natural remedy to handle heartburn instead of an acid-suppressing drug.
I have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis and don’t want to make it worse. I suspect that the acid reducer I have been taking may have contributed to the problem.
Medicines That Can Weaken Bones:
A. French and Spanish investigators have considered reports of side effects to determine which medicines may weaken bones (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Dec. 2019). The most common contributors are corticosteroids such as prednisone, antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV and proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole and rabeprazole. Antiepileptic drugs can also lead to bone loss, and antidepressants may contribute as well. Sometimes one of these medications is essential, but when you can avoid long-term use, you are wise to do so.
The tea that eases indigestion contains ginger, cinnamon and persimmon. We have included the recipe in our eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders, which also offers many other non-drug approaches to handle heartburn.
