Q. Could you please send me remedies that work for acid stomach? I now take Prilosec and Zantac, but I would prefer to deal with this problem naturally.
A. There are a number of natural approaches for treating indigestion. Here is one suggestion from another reader:
“Plain yellow mustard works well, even though it sounds counterintuitive to take something spicy for heartburn. Whenever I have a problem at work and don’t have any Rolaids, I just go to the lunchroom and get a packet of mustard from the condiments bin.”
Other readers report that a handful of almonds after a meal can prevent heartburn.
The Guide to Digestive Disorders we are sending you offers many other options to treat these symptoms, as well as advice on how to get off drugs like Prilosec or Prevacid without suffering rebound acidity.
You are wise to be cautious about long-term use of medications such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and ranitidine (Zantac). Over time, use of such acid-suppressing drugs can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
