Have you ever used baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as an antacid? It is surprisingly effective. Too much, though, could put you in the ER!
Can you cure your heartburn with baking soda or vinegar? Changing the way you eat might be more effective in calming reflux long term.
GI docs love proton pump inhibitors. Is there a link between PPIs and kidney damage? The maker of Prilosec and Nexium will pay $425 million!
You don't have to take a PPI like omeprazole to ease heartburn symptoms. Other medications and nondrug approaches like baking soda can help.
New research shows that curcumin (from turmeric) is as effective as the PPI omeprazole. Is that why a spoonful of mustard can ease heartburn?
Stopping heartburn drugs like Nexium can lead to rebound acid. Gradually tapering the dose along with natural approaches help.
Metformin (Glucophage) is the most popular drug for type 2 diabetes, but it can be hard on the GI tract and kidneys. Metformin vs. cancer?
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.
What do you turn to when you experience heartburn? PPIs like Nexium or H2 antagonists such as Tagamet? Antacids ease reflux. Why not Tums?
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?
Many remedies can help with the challenge of getting off omeprazole by easing the symptoms of rebound reflux. Can famotidine (Pepcid) help?
Drinking cabbage juice three times a day for a month is a home remedy that helped one reader overcome symptoms of heartburn.
Although PPIs like omeprazole are immensely popular, there are natural ways to treat heartburn. Tune in to the broadcast 3/11/23 to learn more.
Readers found ways to get off a PPI without withdrawal symptoms: Eat just one low-carb meal a day to reduce discomfort, or take psyllium.
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.
Heartburn drugs (PPIs) are hugely popular. Doctors prescribe them in enormous quantities and they are widely available over the counter. Is there a link with stomach cancer?
The health benefits of buttermilk and yogurt both derive in part from vitamins, minerals and probiotic bacteria in their cultures.
What are we to make of FDA flip flop flips on ranitidine/Zantac? For many people the ranitidine weirdness is overwhelming. Now Zantac is BACK!
Learn the best way to manage your heartburn without relying too heavily on PPI drugs like Nexium or Prilosec. Does diet help?
Dr. Marvin Singh, integrative gastroenterologist, offers insights on how to recover a healthy gut balance after it has been disrupted.
Listen to find out when your digestive distress might signal a serious problem and when you could manage it at home with simple remedies.
D-limonene derived from citrus peels may help ease the symptoms of acid reflux. Some people take it for gallstones, too.
To optimize your microbiome, focus on fiber. The more different types of plants you consume, the more your gut microbes will thrive.
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.
Have you ever taken Zantac or ranitidine for acid stomach, indigestion or heartburn? Tens of millions of people did. Now, Zantac is going to disappear. Why?
Many people have found they can ease heartburn with vinegar. When will scientists study this remedy so we will know whether or how it works?
Pharmaceutical manufacturers have faigured out another way to make money. Are some drug companies making a killing by combining inexpensive OTC ingredients?
A mother describes how her young daughter overcame her constipation by following a diet full of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits.
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.
Do acidic foods and drinks give you heartburn? We're talking about tomatoes, orange juice and wine. What can you take to prevent indigestion from coffee?
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.
Some readers report that intermittent fasting reduces their symptoms of heartburn. For others, however, fasting triggers indigestion.
Many people take supplements. A major review last summer concluded, though, that they are a waste of time for heart disease. Is that really true?
Another week another FDA announcement about nitrosamines in Zantac and ranitidine. The FDA makes a U-turn! Still no recall, though. What should you do?
You won't believe this. There is a nitrosamine drug recall for the BP med losartan. Other countries are recalling ranitidine (Zantac) for heartburn. Why?
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?
A large European study found that people who usually had two soft drinks a day were more likely to die prematurely than those who had less than one a month.
Some people need acid-suppressing drugs forever. That would include those with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. But not everyone needs acid blockers for life.
The erectile dysfunction drugs relax smooth muscle. The result is both erections and heartburn, helpful and undesirable effects.
A new study from Austria suggests that acid-suppressing drugs cause allergies such as hives. There are even elegant explanations why it could be true.
A reader describes how effective treatment for hypothyroidism reversed low stomach acid and overcame stomach problems and Barrett's esophagus.
An intriguing study reveals that what you feed your microbiota influences the variety of microbes in your intestines. The relationships are unique to you.
Millions of people have insomnia. Many try falling asleep with zolpidem. But the drug can cause indigestion. Waking up with heartburn at night is not nice.
What you eat and drink has an important impact on your microbiota. The medicines you take, including acid-suppressing drugs, can also affect these microbes.
PPIs for acid reflux have been linked to infections, heart attacks, strokes, nutritional deficiencies and osteoporosis. What about PPIs and kidney damage?
Do you know the right dose of baking soda to calm your indigestion? Sodium-sensitive people need to be careful not to take too much.
One reader reports that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar lowers occasional high blood pressure. Research in rats suggests vinegar inhibits ACE.
We talk with two eminent experts about how to heal your digestive tract. Dr. Shaheen treats Barrett's esophagus. Dr. Bretthauer treats C diff.
People who take omeprazole or a similar PPI for acid reflux are susceptible to a range of side effects, including weakened bones.
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?
A popular sleeping pill, zolpidem, might wreck your digestion. Be sure to use it only short term to avoid serious problems.
Millions of people take powerful acid-suppressing drugs every day. They are thought to be so safe you can take them without medical supervision. A new PPI complication may have emerged.
Eating a few almonds after a meal, avoiding highly processed foods and taking DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) can help stop heartburn without drugs.
PPIs like Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium are popular for indigestion. They have side effects, though. What about papaya for heartburn? Why was this remedy ignored for a century?
Planning ahead and knowing what your insurance plan will cover can help you sidestep unpleasant surprises at the pharmacy checkout counter.
When a medication leads to low magnesium levels, you might have trouble sleeping. Restoring magnesium with supplements could help.
Licorice seems like an innocuous indulgence. Too much can lead to life-threatening licorice side effects. What about DGL? Is deglycyrrhizinated licorice safe?
Are you an older adult? Have you ever heard of the Beers list of PIMs (potentially inappropriate medications)? There are many dangerous drugs that should rarely be prescribed to older people.
Do you play doctor by medicating yourself or those you love with over-the-counter medicines? Do you understand the pros and cons of such drugs? Our faves and our fears on OTC meds!
Pregnant women who take PPIs or H-2 blockers to treat heartburn symptoms during pregnancy increase their risk of having babies with asthma.
Spicy cough lozenges with menthol, licorice, eucalyptus and hot pepper stimulate saliva production, which can wash stomach acid out of the esophagus.
It seems unlikely that a heartburn drug would cause depression, but a study finds that people taking PPIs are more likely to be depressed or anxious.
Enteric-coated peppermint oil will do nothing for heartburn, but it has been shown to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Many people report that a spoonful of vinegar in a glass of water can ease occasional symptoms of reflux. Does it tighten the lower esophageal sphincter?
PPI side effects keep accumulating. The latest news relates to type 2 diabetes. Will the FDA pay attention to these serious complications?
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.
Mixing powdered ginger and baking soda in water results in a homemade ginger ale that can ease heartburn and indigestion.
The traditional Indian remedy of drinking turmeric in milk can provide anti-inflammatory benefits with causing digestive distress.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a simple and inexpensive remedy for heartburn. But what about the sodium content? Is so much sodium bad for your health?
Many people consider PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) strong antacids. They are far more powerful. Recent discoveries about serious side effects are worrisome.
If patients are warned about Zolpidem (Ambien) side effects they may be told about morning hangover or driving impairment. Indigestion may not be mentioned.
Suppressing stomach acid can change the intestinal microbiome with potentially dangerous consequences. Do the risks of Pepcid Complete include C. diff?
One reader found that avoiding dairy products as well as wheat, barley and rye controls heartburn symptoms better than drugs.
Spicy green tea with ginger and turmeric can help ease gastritis and acid reflux. Should you drink it while you are tapering off omeprazole?
Sipping persimmon tea with ginger and cinnamon can help control symptoms of heartburn and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
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.
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.
A study in Scotland found that people who take PPIs for a long time are more likely to suffer from C diff or Campylobacter infections.
Taking a probiotic supplement regularly helped one couple overcome heartburn and Barrett's esophagus. Might it help your digestive problem?
When pregnant women treat heartburn with popular acid-suppressing drugs, their babies have an increased risk of developing asthma.
One reader found that sipping sparkling water throughout the day keeps acid reflux symptoms away.
Why do health professionals and FDA officials seemingly downplay the dangers of drugs while warning people about dietary supplements? It's a mystery to us.
The list of serious PPI side effects keeps expanding. Add strokes and heart attacks to several other complications like infections, fractures and dementia.
You do NOT want to develop kidney stones. The pain can be excruciating. A new study suggests that acid-suppressing drugs may increase the risk so drink H20!
When was the last time you were tested for low levels of vitamin B12? If you are a vegetarian or someone taking drugs for diabetes or heartburn be vigilant!
What is the safest way to ease indigestion? Many people pop PPIs or antacids without a second thought. Such OTC drugs seem super safe. Is long-term use OK?
One reader discovered that a daily cup of green tea could prevent heartburn. Could it work to help you with GERD or acid reflux?
Can you trust the vitamins in pharmacies and health food stores? One analysis suggests that a third of the tested products did not live up to expectations.
Boswellia has anti-inflammatory activity and many people report that it helps ease symptoms of arthritis. But some complain of gastritis and hot flashes.
People love PPIs because they work well to ease symptoms of heartburn and reflux. New drug complications have people worried about how to stop such PPIs.
To get the best absorption of prescription esomeprazole delayed release capsules, take Nexium at least one hour before any meal,
A German study suggests a link between long-term use of a heartburn pill like omeprazole and dementia. How serious is the risk?
Acid-suppressing drugs like esomeprazole can disrupt bacterial balance and change the ecology of the digestive tract.
Popular heartburn drugs such as omeprazole change the balance of bacteria in the colon and make a person more vulnerable to a dangerous C diff infection.
Antidepressants (SSRIs), bone drugs (BPs), plus acid suppressing meds (PPIs) will likely increase the risk for bone fractures. Be careful of the combo.
PPIs are the latest medications to pose an increased risk of heart attacks. What other health problems are linked to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?
Many natural remedies can help control heartburn symptoms.
The FDA has approved an esomeprazole generic for the heartburn drug Nexium.
Relieve reflux symptoms with usual home remedies including peppermint lozenges or gum to stimulate saliva, mustard, apple cider vinegar and so much more.
Taking a once-weekly dose of vitamin D may trigger reflux or heartburn.
Acid-suppressing drugs can control heartburn symptoms, but they can also reduce absorption of important nutrients including magnesium and vitamin B12.
Stopping the acid reflux medicine Nexium suddenly can cause unpleasant rebound heartburn.
Zolpidem (Ambien) is a very popular sleeping pill but there is a side effect patients are rarely warned about: Heartburn or acid reflux. It can be BAD!
There are ways to stop taking heartburn medicines once you have become dependent upon them.
Simple remedies such as apple cider vinegar or baking soda in water can often ease heartburn.
Coconut water produced amazing results against acid reflux.
Occasional spicy dishes might trigger indigestion, but some people regularly eat hot peppers for heartburn.
The holidays seem like fun and games--time to hang out with family and friends. Beware the dangers. We offer home remedies to the rescue.
One reader shares a simple home remedy to help control acid reflux while getting off heartburn drugs: a simple homemade flaxseed tea.
Powerful acid-suppressing drugs such as omeprazole can ease heartburn but over the long term they may create nutritional deficiencies.
Have you ever experienced heartburn after dietary indiscretion? Given the risks of PPI drugs, why not try home remedies for heartburn?
You can manage occasional heartburn with home remedies or OTC medications. More frequent symptoms deserve medical attention.
There is a reason why humans and other creatures have stomach acid. Trying to suppress this process may hold unforeseen dangers.