Q. As a biologist, let me offer my thoughts on heartburn remedies. For all but a few people, suppressing stomach acid with drugs is the last thing to do. I suspect that most heartburn is due to insufficient stomach acid rather than too much.
A. Stomach acid is critical for digesting protein, absorbing calcium, iron and vitamin B12 and preventing bacterial infection (Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, Nov. 2012). For millions of years, virtually all animals have depended on strong stomach acid for digestion and protection (Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Suppl. 193, 1992).
Although antacids and acid-suppressing drugs (lansoprazole, omeprazole, etc) are mainstays for treating heartburn, many readers have reported that low-carb diets can prevent symptoms. Others say that almonds or even apple cider vinegar ease their discomfort.
We discuss these and many other approaches to reflux in our Guide to Digestive Disorders. The most recent research suggests that popular acid-suppressing drugs such as omeprazole or esomeprazole may stiffen blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension or heart disease with long-term use.
