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Articles categorized as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gerd Or Heartburn

Article imageJoe Graedon - October 16, 2023
Article imageJoe Graedon - October 5, 2023
Article imageJoe Graedon - July 22, 2024 - 41 comments

How You Can Use Melatonin to Ease Reflux

Although melatonin is usually sold over the counter as a sleep aid, research indicates it can also help ease symptoms of acid reflux.

Joe Graedon - September 14, 2023

Do You Swallow a Spoonful of Mustard for Heartburn? Curcumin vs. PPIs

Joe Graedon - June 12, 2023

Old-Fashioned Italian Antacids Ease Reflux

Joe Graedon - May 15, 2023

Getting Off Omeprazole Can Be Challenging!

Terry Graedon - January 2, 2023

Can You Get Off a PPI Without Suffering Heartburn?

Terry Graedon - September 22, 2022

Show 1316: Protecting Your Digestive Tract

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Terry Graedon - April 1, 2021

Show 1179: What Should You Do About Digestive Distress? (Archive)

Listen to find out when your digestive distress might signal a serious problem and when you could manage it at home with simple remedies.

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Terry Graedon - October 19, 2020

Can You Use D-Limonene to Overcome Heartburn?

D-limonene derived from citrus peels may help ease the symptoms of acid reflux. Some people take it for gallstones, too.

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Terry Graedon - July 6, 2020

What Are Downsides to New Secret Weapon for Heartburn?

We warn a reader to be wary of a secret weapon for heartburn. It turns out to be generic Nexium, and long-term use has potentially serious complications.

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Joe Graedon - January 12, 2020

Are Drug Companies Making a Killing on Convenience?

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have faigured out another way to make money. Are some drug companies making a killing by combining inexpensive OTC ingredients?

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Terry Graedon - November 25, 2019

Apple Cider Vinegar Is a Weird Remedy for Heartburn

Taking a spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar mixed in water is a popular remedy for heartburn. While not everyone finds it helpful, many people do.

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Joe Graedon - November 14, 2019

What Are the Risks of PPIs for Children?

A new study suggests that there may be some unexpected risks of PPIs for young children. They have more infections when they take acid-suppressing drugs.

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Joe Graedon - September 19, 2019

European Drug Regulators Recalling Zantac (Ranitidine) – FDA Not Yet!

Why are drug regulators recalling Zantac in Canada and Europe? Why is the FDA biding its time? Is there a reason to worry about a carcinogen in ranitidine?

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Joe Graedon - August 19, 2019

Viagra (Sildenafil) Triggers Both Erections and Heartburn

The erectile dysfunction drugs relax smooth muscle. The result is both erections and heartburn, helpful and undesirable effects.

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Terry Graedon - June 20, 2019

How Do You Feed Your Microbiota?

An intriguing study reveals that what you feed your microbiota influences the variety of microbes in your intestines. The relationships are unique to you.

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Joe Graedon - September 5, 2018

The Dangers of Diclofenac and Other NSAID Pain Relievers

A Danish study reviews the dangers of diclofenac and finds that it can harm the heart and digestive tract. Are topical NSAIDs like Voltaren Gel any safer?

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Joe Graedon - October 12, 2017

PPI Side Effects Continue to Scare Us To Death

PPI side effects keep accumulating. The latest news relates to type 2 diabetes. Will the FDA pay attention to these serious complications?

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Joe Graedon - September 28, 2017

Are New Drugs Rushed to Market Without Adequate Safety Studies?

How concerned are you about FDA oversight of new drugs? Is the FDA doing a good job requiring drug companies to follow up on drug safety tests? New data!

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Joe Graedon - September 18, 2017

What Do You Do When Your Specialists Disagree?

Have you ever been caught in the middle of an argument? It's an uncomfortable place to be. When specialists disagree, patients are left holding the bag.

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Terry Graedon - July 17, 2017

Turmeric in Milk Prevents Stomach Upset

The traditional Indian remedy of drinking turmeric in milk can provide anti-inflammatory benefits with causing digestive distress.

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Joe Graedon - June 19, 2017

Do Zolpidem (Ambien) Side Effects Include Horrible Heartburn?

If patients are warned about Zolpidem (Ambien) side effects they may be told about morning hangover or driving impairment. Indigestion may not be mentioned.

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Joe Graedon - February 23, 2017

Can PPI Heartburn Drugs Harm Kidneys Without Early Symptoms?

A new study suggest that long-term use of potent acid-suppressing drugs (PPIs) may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease without much warning.

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Terry Graedon - February 13, 2017

Does Ranitidine Have the Same Risks as a PPI?

Ranitidine (Zantac) can help control heartburn. It has fewer serious side effects than the popular PPI medicines like omeprazole, but it can interfere with vitamins.

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Terry Graedon - September 12, 2016

How to Prevent Heartburn with Green Tea

One reader discovered that a daily cup of green tea could prevent heartburn. Could it work to help you with GERD or acid reflux?

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Terry Graedon - July 25, 2016

How to Improve Digestive Health with a Poop Transplant

A poop transplant that alters the disturbed microbiota of a diseased digestive tract can provide surprising relief from diarrhea, pain and other symptoms.

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Terry Graedon - April 17, 2016

When Is It Best to Take Nexium?

To get the best absorption of prescription esomeprazole delayed release capsules, take Nexium at least one hour before any meal,

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Joe Graedon - April 11, 2016

Why is the FODMAP Diet Gaining Converts?

We bet you have never heard of the FODMAP diet, right? It could be the next big thing in gastroenterology for a variety of GI problems, especially gas.

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Terry Graedon - March 28, 2016

How to Stop Prilosec by Taking Papaya

Could papaya enzymes help control the horrible heartburn associated with stopping a PPI medicine such as Prilosec?

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Terry Graedon - February 18, 2016

Is Your Heartburn Pill Putting You at Risk of Dementia?

A German study suggests a link between long-term use of a heartburn pill like omeprazole and dementia. How serious is the risk?

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Joe Graedon - June 11, 2015

Heartburn Medicines Boost Risk of Heart Attacks and Other Complications

PPIs are the latest medications to pose an increased risk of heart attacks. What other health problems are linked to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

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Terry Graedon - June 23, 2014

Acid-Suppressing Medicine Can Deplete the Body of Needed Magnesium

Acid-suppressing drugs can control heartburn symptoms, but they can also reduce absorption of important nutrients including magnesium and vitamin B12.

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Terry Graedon - December 12, 2013

Drugs for GERD Can Deplete the Body of Crucial Vitamin B12

You may not know it, but common over the counter acid suppressing drugs can interfere with the body's absorption of Vitamin B12, leading eventually to a deficiency.

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Terry Graedon - July 18, 2011

Clopidogrel (Plavix) Side Effects and Interactions

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is often prescribed with aspirin to keep a stent in a coronary artery from clogging up. How long should you take this dual antiplatelet therapy? What about interactions?

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Terry Graedon - May 19, 2011

Patients Have Options for GERD Treatment

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Terry Graedon - December 23, 2009

Getting Off Drugs for GERD Requires Strategy

Acid-suppressing drugs used to treat GERD can cause rebound heartburn, making it difficult to stop taking them.