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man with burning mouth syndrome breathing fireAcid RefluxJoe Graedon - June 8, 2023 - 26 comments

Why Popular Heartburn Drugs PPIs Are Linked to Premature Deaths

Acid-suppressing drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are go-to drugs for heartburn. Should you be concerned that PPIs are linked to premature deaths?

Young woman hold her hands up in fear
Acid RefluxJoe Graedon - December 5, 2022

Do Doctors Know How to Help Patients Stop Medications?

Have you ever been told how to stop medications? It's rare for prescribers to provide detailed withdrawal instructions. The FDA doesn't help.

woman with bad bellyache in bed
Acid RefluxJoe Graedon - October 31, 2022

PPIs are Safe! No, PPIs are Dangerous! What to Believe?

PPI confusion continues. One study suggests that PPIs are linked to serious adverse events. Then we are told PPIs are safe! What's going on?

Nicholas Shaheen, MD, GI expert, talks about protecting your digestive tract
PodcastsTerry Graedon - September 22, 2022

Show 1316: Protecting Your Digestive Tract

What questions do you have about protecting your digestive tract? On 9/24/22, we'll talk with gastroenterologist Nick Shaheen in a live Q&A.

cayenne chili peppers, cayenne pepper
Acid RefluxJoe Graedon - May 19, 2022

How Hot Peppers Can Improve Your Health and Extend Your Life

Do you like spicy food? If so, you may be adding years to your life! Learn about the health benefits and anti-cancer activity of hot peppers.

Man with pain around kidneys or back holding his side
Acid RefluxJoe Graedon - March 21, 2022

PPIs and Kidney Damage | Nephrologist Spanks GI Doc

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are popular with GI docs. But is there a link between PPIs and kidney damage? What about PPIs & kidney stones?

Mature 50s Asian man suffering heartburn or stomachache, pressing on stomach with painful expression, sitting on sofa at home, medicines on table
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - March 14, 2022

How to Manage Your Heartburn Without Drugs

Numerous home remedies can help you manage your heartburn. Which one will work best for you? You'll need to try them to find out.

man with burning mouth syndrome breathing fire
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - March 7, 2022

How Can You Ease Heartburn Symptoms?

You don't have to take a PPI like omeprazole to ease heartburn symptoms. Other medications and nondrug approaches like baking soda can help.

A woman suffering from heartburn holds her chest
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - February 28, 2022

How to Help Acid Reflux Without a PPI

As the list of PPI side effects has grown longer and scarier, readers want a way to control heartburn symptoms without taking a PPI.

Female hand holding model of human kidney organ at back of body
Acid RefluxJoe Graedon - November 11, 2021

Doctors Deny That PPIs Can Cause Kidney Damage

PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are great at suppressing acid, relieving heartburn and healing ulcers. But evidence suggests PPIs can cause kidney damage.

Dried licorice root fragments may ease IBS symptoms
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - November 1, 2021

Can Treated Licorice (DGL) Ease IBS Symptoms?

Irritable bowel syndrome may be explained by an imbalance in gut microbes. One reader reports DGL helped ease IBS symptoms.

Bottle and glass of buttermilk
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - October 25, 2021

Are the Health Benefits of Buttermilk Like Those of Yogurt?

The health benefits of buttermilk and yogurt both derive in part from vitamins, minerals and probiotic bacteria in their cultures.

Dr. Robynne Chutkan describes the best way to manage your heartburn
PodcastsTerry Graedon - July 8, 2021

Show 1224: What Is the Best Way to Manage Your Heartburn? (Archive)

Learn the best way to manage your heartburn without relying too heavily on PPI drugs like Nexium or Prilosec. Does diet help?