The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles categorized as Heartburn
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.
Show 1360: The Pros & Perils of OTC Drugs
In this live radio show, get answers to your questions about the safety and effectiveness of OTC drugs. Can you trust them?
Will Apple Cider Vinegar Cure Your Heartburn?
Can you cure your heartburn with baking soda or vinegar? Changing the way you eat might be more effective in calming reflux long term.
PPIs and Kidney Damage | Nephrologist Spanks GI Doc
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!
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.
Do You Swallow a Spoonful of Mustard for Heartburn? Curcumin vs. PPIs
New research shows that curcumin (from turmeric) is as effective as the PPI omeprazole. Is that why a spoonful of mustard can ease heartburn?
Multiple Strategies Are Needed for Stopping Heartburn Drugs without Pain
Stopping heartburn drugs like Nexium can lead to rebound acid. Gradually tapering the dose along with natural approaches help.
Metformin (Glucophage) Side Effects & Complications
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?
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.
Old-Fashioned Italian Antacids Ease Reflux
What do you turn to when you experience heartburn? PPIs like Nexium or H2 antagonists such as Tagamet? Antacids ease reflux. Why not Tums?
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?
Getting Off Omeprazole Can Be Challenging!
Many remedies can help with the challenge of getting off omeprazole by easing the symptoms of rebound reflux. Can famotidine (Pepcid) help?
Cabbage Juice Remedy Cured Chronic Heartburn
Drinking cabbage juice three times a day for a month is a home remedy that helped one reader overcome symptoms of heartburn.
Show 1292: Natural Ways to Treat Heartburn (Archive)
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.
Can You Get Off a PPI Without Suffering Heartburn?
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.
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.
Are Heartburn Drugs (PPIs) Linked to Stomach Cancer?
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?
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.
The Zantac – Ranitidine Weirdness Just Got Stranger
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!
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?
Dr. Marvin Singh Tells You How to Establish Healthy Gut Balance
Dr. Marvin Singh, integrative gastroenterologist, offers insights on how to recover a healthy gut balance after it has been disrupted.
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.
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.
Show 1222: How Can You Optimize Your Microbiome?
To optimize your microbiome, focus on fiber. The more different types of plants you consume, the more your gut microbes will thrive.
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.
Ranitidine – Zantac is Going, Going Gone At Last!
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?
Can You Relieve Heartburn With Vinegar?
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?
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?
How a Little Girl Overcame Her Constipation
A mother describes how her young daughter overcame her constipation by following a diet full of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits.
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.
Can Prelief Prevent Indigestion from Coffee?
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?
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.
Will Intermittent Fasting Give You Heartburn?
Some readers report that intermittent fasting reduces their symptoms of heartburn. For others, however, fasting triggers indigestion.
Show 1187: Are Supplements Really a Waste of Time?
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?
FDA Flip-Flops on Nitrosamines in Zantac and Ranitidine
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?
Another BP Nitrosamine Drug Recall and Zantac (Ranitidine)
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?
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?
Could Soft Drinks Be Killing You?
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.
Must You Take Acid Blockers For the Rest of Your Life?
Some people need acid-suppressing drugs forever. That would include those with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. But not everyone needs acid blockers for life.
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.
Do PPI-Type Acid-Suppressing Drugs Cause Allergies?
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.
Thyroid Trouble Was Behind Stomach Problems
A reader describes how effective treatment for hypothyroidism reversed low stomach acid and overcame stomach problems and Barrett's esophagus.
Falling Asleep with Zolpidem | Waking up with Heartburn
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.
Does Your Microbiota Change When You Take Nexium?
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.
More Bad News About PPIs and Kidney Damage
PPIs for acid reflux have been linked to infections, heart attacks, strokes, nutritional deficiencies and osteoporosis. What about PPIs and kidney damage?
What Is the Right Dose of Baking Soda?
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.
Will Apple Cider Vinegar Lower Your Blood Pressure?
One reader reports that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar lowers occasional high blood pressure. Research in rats suggests vinegar inhibits ACE.
Show 1144: New Ways to Heal Your Digestive Tract
We talk with two eminent experts about how to heal your digestive tract. Dr. Shaheen treats Barrett's esophagus. Dr. Bretthauer treats C diff.
Will You Get Osteoporosis If You Take Omeprazole?
People who take omeprazole or a similar PPI for acid reflux are susceptible to a range of side effects, including weakened bones.
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?
Will Getting to Sleep Wreck Your Digestion?
A popular sleeping pill, zolpidem, might wreck your digestion. Be sure to use it only short term to avoid serious problems.
Yet Another PPI Complication | Acid-Suppressing Drugs and Liver Cancer?
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.
Can You Use Almonds to Stop Heartburn?
Eating a few almonds after a meal, avoiding highly processed foods and taking DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) can help stop heartburn without drugs.
Why Papaya for Heartburn Is Surprisingly Helpful
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?
How to Avoid Trouble at the Pharmacy Checkout
Planning ahead and knowing what your insurance plan will cover can help you sidestep unpleasant surprises at the pharmacy checkout counter.
Skimping on Magnesium May Mean Trouble Sleeping
When a medication leads to low magnesium levels, you might have trouble sleeping. Restoring magnesium with supplements could help.
Licorice Side Effects Can Be Scary If Not Life Threatening
Licorice seems like an innocuous indulgence. Too much can lead to life-threatening licorice side effects. What about DGL? Is deglycyrrhizinated licorice safe?
What Are the Most Dangerous Drugs for Older Adults?
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.
How To Choose Safe and Effective Over-The-Counter Medicines
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!
Do Mothers with Heartburn Have Babies with Asthma?
Pregnant women who take PPIs or H-2 blockers to treat heartburn symptoms during pregnancy increase their risk of having babies with asthma.
Why Do Cough Lozenges Ease Indigestion?
Spicy cough lozenges with menthol, licorice, eucalyptus and hot pepper stimulate saliva production, which can wash stomach acid out of the esophagus.
Will Your Heartburn Drug Cause Depression?
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.
Will Enteric-Coated Peppermint Oil Help Your Digestion?
Enteric-coated peppermint oil will do nothing for heartburn, but it has been shown to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Is There Science to Support Vinegar for Reflux?
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 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?
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.
Will Home Made Ginger Ale Ease Heartburn?
Mixing powdered ginger and baking soda in water results in a homemade ginger ale that can ease heartburn and indigestion.
Turmeric in Milk Prevents Stomach Upset
The traditional Indian remedy of drinking turmeric in milk can provide anti-inflammatory benefits with causing digestive distress.
How to Use Baking Soda to Ease Indigestion:
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?
PPIs and Death: Why Are These Acid-Suppressors still OTC?
Many people consider PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) strong antacids. They are far more powerful. Recent discoveries about serious side effects are worrisome.
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.
What Are the Risks of Pepcid Complete?
Suppressing stomach acid can change the intestinal microbiome with potentially dangerous consequences. Do the risks of Pepcid Complete include C. diff?
Will a Gluten-Free Diet Help Your Heartburn Symptoms?
One reader found that avoiding dairy products as well as wheat, barley and rye controls heartburn symptoms better than drugs.
Will Spicy Green Tea Stop Your Stomachache?
Spicy green tea with ginger and turmeric can help ease gastritis and acid reflux. Should you drink it while you are tapering off omeprazole?
How to Help Your Heartburn with Persimmon Tea
Sipping persimmon tea with ginger and cinnamon can help control symptoms of heartburn and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
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.
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.
Do People on PPIs Have More Infectious Diarrhea?
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.
How to Overcome Heartburn with Probiotics
Taking a probiotic supplement regularly helped one couple overcome heartburn and Barrett's esophagus. Might it help your digestive problem?
Can You Treat Heartburn in Pregnancy without Harming Baby?
When pregnant women treat heartburn with popular acid-suppressing drugs, their babies have an increased risk of developing asthma.
Is It Safe to Drink Sparkling Water for Acid Reflux?
One reader found that sipping sparkling water throughout the day keeps acid reflux symptoms away.
Is the FDA Biased Against Dietary Supplements?
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.
Add Strokes to the Scary List of PPI Side Effects
The list of serious PPI side effects keeps expanding. Add strokes and heart attacks to several other complications like infections, fractures and dementia.
Can Common Medications Contribute to Kidney Stones?
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!
Did Low Levels of Vitamin B12 Ruin A Life?
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!
How to Ease Indigestion Without PPIs
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?
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?
Can You Trust Your Multivitamin?
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 Eased Arthritis Pain but Triggered Hot Flashes
Boswellia has anti-inflammatory activity and many people report that it helps ease symptoms of arthritis. But some complain of gastritis and hot flashes.
How Can You Stop Acid Suppressing Drugs Without Misery?
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.
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,
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?
Do Heartburn Drugs Disturb Bacterial Balance in the GI Tract?
Acid-suppressing drugs like esomeprazole can disrupt bacterial balance and change the ecology of the digestive tract.
Heartburn Drugs Upset Bacterial Balance in the GI 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.
Drug Interaction Could Lead to Disastrous Osteoporosis and Bone Fracture
Antidepressants (SSRIs), bone drugs (BPs), plus acid suppressing meds (PPIs) will likely increase the risk for bone fractures. Be careful of the combo.
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)?
Sauerkraut Juice Subdues Stubborn Heartburn
Many natural remedies can help control heartburn symptoms.
Generic Competition Appears for Nexium
The FDA has approved an esomeprazole generic for the heartburn drug Nexium.
Surprising Help for Holiday Heartburn
Relieve reflux symptoms with usual home remedies including peppermint lozenges or gum to stimulate saliva, mustard, apple cider vinegar and so much more.
Heartburn from High-Dose Vitamin D
Taking a once-weekly dose of vitamin D may trigger reflux or heartburn.
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.
Stopping Nexium (Esomeprazole) Suddenly Can Cause Severe Heartburn
Stopping the acid reflux medicine Nexium suddenly can cause unpleasant rebound heartburn.
Zolpidem (Ambien) Side Effects & 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!
Addicted to Heartburn Drugs
There are ways to stop taking heartburn medicines once you have become dependent upon them.
Heartburn Symptoms Eased by Apple Cider Vinegar
Simple remedies such as apple cider vinegar or baking soda in water can often ease heartburn.
Does Coconut Water Ease Acid Reflux?
Coconut water produced amazing results against acid reflux.
Hot Peppers for Heartburn?
Occasional spicy dishes might trigger indigestion, but some people regularly eat hot peppers for heartburn.
Home Remedies for Holiday Hazards
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.
Flaxseed Tea to Ease Heartburn?
One reader shares a simple home remedy to help control acid reflux while getting off heartburn drugs: a simple homemade flaxseed tea.
Heartburn Drug Leads to Deficiencies
Powerful acid-suppressing drugs such as omeprazole can ease heartburn but over the long term they may create nutritional deficiencies.
Home Remedies for Heartburn
Have you ever experienced heartburn after dietary indiscretion? Given the risks of PPI drugs, why not try home remedies for heartburn?
Heartburn
You can manage occasional heartburn with home remedies or OTC medications. More frequent symptoms deserve medical attention.
Is Suppressing Stomach Acid Safe?
There is a reason why humans and other creatures have stomach acid. Trying to suppress this process may hold unforeseen dangers.
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