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So you have just discovered that the chronic heartburn and discomfort you have become a prey of is GERD, which if left untreated can be fatal.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a disorder of the esophagus where the muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened and hence allows stomach acids to pass into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn.

GERD, unfortunately cannot be cured at present but it can be contained with the use of medications. Chiefly the medicines prescribed for GERD fall into two categories ? antacids such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and the combination magnesium-aluminium hydroxide for mild symptoms and medicines that decrease or inhibit the production of stomach acid such as cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine which are histamine H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole ,lansoprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI?s) are the most commonly prescribed medicines for the treatment of acid-related disorders. They work by blocking the center of acid production in the parietal cell of the stomach. But, fortunately, because there are millions of parietal cells that keep reproducing, the total inhibition of stomach acid is almost impossible, which may one of the reasons these medications are extremely safe.

In the market there are five PPI?s which have been effective in healing esophagitis in 90-94% of patients. In the order that they were produced, the brand names are Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex and Nexium. PPI?s greatly reduce but do not completely purge the production of stomach acid, which is the cause of the symptoms. These five PPI?s have comparable effectiveness and very few side effects. They work best if ingested before a meal. There are four H2 receptor blockers which decrease stomach acid production to a modest extent and are inexpensive.

At the end of the day, GERD can be limited by adopting lifestyle changes coupled with these prescription medications.

Choosing the right acid reflux medication for your needs isn’t always easy. After all, there are many causes and symptoms to consider. Furthermore, you need to find the right one that works for you. And that process just got more challenging as researchers have found that some heartburn drugs put users at a greater risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones begin to lose their density (bone mineral density or BMD), placing the sufferer at increased risk of a fracture or break. It’s a condition that typically occurs as we age when the body is less able to regenerate healthy new bone.

Although it may not look it, bone is actually living tissue that is constantly renewing itself. It’s made up of a hard outer shell that contains collagen, minerals and blood vessels, as well as a softer core of bone marrow.

Bones are kept healthy and renewed by a supply of proteins and minerals absorbed from the blood, including calcium.

Specifically, it is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) among the commonly prescribed acid reflux medications that put people at a higher risk of osteoporosis, according to a 2008 Canadian study. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that stop the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach in order to reduce damage caused by acid reflux or GERD.

The study examined 63,000 people aged fifty or older and looked into their medical records, prescription records, and other relevant elements. Among the group, 15,300 had fractures from osteoporosis, including those of the hip, spine, and wrist.

The participants in the study who had histories of fractures from osteoporosis were almost two times more likely to have used proton pump inhibitors for a minimum of seven years in comparison with other study participants. And sixty two percent of those participants in the study with hip fractures had used proton pump inhibitors for a minimum of five years. However, there was no evidence that the short-term use of proton pump inhibitors would increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

It should be noted that it is not the proton pump inhibitors that actually cause the fractures.

The study showed only that there is a link between the acid reflux medication and fractures due to osteoporosis. The researchers believe that as the PPI’s block the stomach’s hydrochloric acid, the body’s ability to absorb calcium may be impaired, leading to – or worsening – osteoporosis. However, more study is required to either prove or disprove this hypothesis.

Though the precise link between the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and osteoporosis-related fractures has yet to be determined, there is enough evidence that should encourage you to discuss the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures with your doctor before starting to use proton pump inhibitors – especially over a longer period of time. Commonly prescribed PPI acid reflux medication includes: Prisolex, Aciphex, Nexium, Protonix, and Prevacid.

If you’re currently prescribed a PPI to control acid reflux it important to continue with your medication unless otherwise advised by a medical professional. If you have concerns over the long term use of PPI’s then raise your concerns at your next doctors visit.

When you speak with your doctor, you will need to work together to decide whether the benefits of taking PPIs outweigh the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. You may decide to take proton pump inhibitors as a temporary acid reflux medication while other potential life changes or drugs are decided upon.

Those who are most at risk of being effected by this issue are people who are taking or who are about to begin taking PPIs and either have osteoporosis or are at risk of the disease.

Less powerful acid reflux medication may be a better solution for these people. For example, histamine blockers (also known as H2 anatgonists) are able to effectively treat GERD and its related symptoms. Though they are often less effective than proton pump inhibitors, they are not linked to osteoporosis fractures when used over the long term.

Alternatively you may wish to do away with acid reflux medication altogether (don’t forget to speak to your doctor first). This approach is successful for many thousands of people who rely on nothing more than small changes in their diet and some simple home remedies to keep symptoms at bay.

Unknown to most people is the fact that everyday foods and Herbal supplements can and do interact with popular prescription medications. I became interested while talking to my Pharmacist that my son couldn’t take decongestant cold medications with his heart medication. Well, I knew about interactions between two drugs, but when the Pharmacist told me he couldn’t have grapefruit juice, I was stunned. Seems that grapefruit juice increases the blood concentrations of the drug. Basically that means that it greatly enhances the effects of the drug which could result in an overdose of the medication. This is everyday grapefruit juice! It got me wondering about other everyday foods and Herbs we take. Below are a few foods and Herbs that have an effect on your medications.

This list is a basic guide, and is by no means the meant to replace your Doctor or Pharmacist. Consult with them about any prescriptions you are taking and the foods and Herbs that will interact with them. Although I have taken this information from a handout from a local Hospital, Use this information at your own risk. Again, I am not a Doctor or Pharmacist, and I have had NO medical training, so please consult with yours for more information.

People usually ask if Herbal supplements change the way their prescription drugs work. The answer is YES! Some medications should never be taken with Herbal supplements. Some can cause unwanted side effects or cause the medication to stop working to their full effect.

Another misconception about supplements is that they are completely safe because they are natural. Yes, they may be from plants, but they are not natural to your body. Herbal supplements are not tested or inspected like prescription drugs are tested, so the supplements vary in quality and strength from pill to pill and bottle to bottle.

Just like supplements, foods can change the way your body responds to medications. One example is grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Many people aren’t aware that grapefruit juice can increase the drug levels of certain medications. An increase in the levels will also increase the side effects of the drug.

Things to Remember

1. Herbal supplements and foods can change the way your medications work.
2. Tell your caregiver what Herbal supplements you take and what foods you eat often.
3. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist what Herbal supplements or foods will interact with your medications.
4. Always talk with your Doctor or Pharmacist FIRST before taking any Herbal supplements.

DISCLAIMER: The following charts are not all inclusive and do not contain every interaction of drugs with foods and herbs. It serves as a guide only. Consult with your Doctor, Pharmacist or a registered dietician if you have any questions.

Analgesics (Pain Relievers)

Aspirin
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen

Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid large amounts of orange juice and vitamin C.
Herbs:Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil, and Ginko as it increases the risk of bleeding.

Narcotics
Codeine (Tylenol #2, 3, 4)
Morphine (MS Contin)
Oxycodone (Oxycontin/Percocet)

Foods:Avoid alchohol.
Herbs:Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.

Antibiotics

Ciproflaxacin (cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Food: Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that contain calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium. Avoid large amounts of caffeine.See Chart 3 below.
Herbs:

Methronidazole

Foods:Avoid alchohol during and 3 days after taking this medication to avoid nausea and vomiting.
Herbs:

Penicillin

Foods:Citrus fruits/juices and carbonated beverages will decrease desired effect.
Herbs:

Tetracycline

Foods:Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that contain calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John’s Wort increase the risk of sunburn.

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)

Foods:May cause rash if taken with alchohol.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John’s Wort increase the risk of sunburn.

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K: beef liver, oils and green leafy vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, collards, spinach).
Herbs: Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil and Ginko as they increase the risk of bleeding. Do not take St. John’s Wort as it may decrease the desired effect.

Cholesterol Lowering Agents

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Simvastatin (Zocor)

Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: St. John’s Wort may decrease desired effect.

Diabetes Medications

Glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL)
Glyburide (Glynase, Micronase)
Metformin (Glucophage)

Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra as it may increase blood sugar and decrease desired effect.

Erectile Dysfunction

Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Vardenafil (Levitra)

Food: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Yohimbe as it may increase side effects.

Gastrointestinal Agents (Stomach Meds)

Prochlorperazine (Compazine)

Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Dong Quai, Kava, St. John’s Wort or Valerian as they may make you drowsey.

Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Foods: Avoid alchohol. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: St John’s Wort may decrease desired effect.

Lansoprozole (Prevacid)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Rabeprazole (Aciphex)

Foods: Avoid alchohol as it may cause upset stomach.
Herbs: St. John’s Wort may decrease desired effect.

Heart and Blood Pressure Medications
*Note: The following herbs may cause an INCREASE in blood pressure and decrease desired effect of any blood pressure medications: Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ephedra, Hawthorn, Quassia, Vervain and Yohimbe.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors-
Captopril (Capoten)
Linisopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

Food: Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium and potassium rich foods; see Chart 1.
Herbs: See *Note above

Beta Blockers-
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol ZL)
Propranolol (Inderal)

Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.

Calcium Channel Blockers-
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac)
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)

Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice. A low sodium diet may be recommended.
Herbs: See *Note above.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Foods: Avoid antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Ma Huang and St. John’s Wort as they may decrease desired effect.

Nitrates-
Isosorbide (isordil, Imdur)
Nitroglycerin Patch (Nitrol)

Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.

Diuretics (Water Pills)

Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide

Food: INCLUDE potassium rich foods in diet; see Chart 1 below.
Herbs: See *Note above under Heart and Blood Pressure Medications.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Estrogen (Premarin, Premphase, Prempro)

Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: St John’s Wort may decrease desired effect. Do not take Black Cohosh Dong Quai, Red Clover or Saw Palmetto because of the possible side effects.

Mood Disorders

Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Risperidone (Risperdal)

Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John’s Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.

Benzodiazepines-
Alprazolam (Zanax)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)

Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John’s Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.

Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

Food: Avoid alchohol. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Green Tea.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s)-
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Foods: Avoid alchohol. Avoid tyramine-rich foods see Chart 2 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Ginko, St. John’s Wort or Yohimbe as they may increase effect and cause a serious increase in blood pressure.

Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s)-
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)

Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Melatonin, Valerian or Yohimbe as they may make you drowsy. Do not take with St. John’s Wort as it may increase effect of drug and risk of side effects.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA’s)-
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John’s Wort or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.

Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control)

Estradiol Cypionate
Ethinyl Estradiol
Mestranol

Food: Avoid smoking.
Herbs: Do not take with Chaste Tree Berry, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto or St. John’s Wort as they may decrease desired effect.

Osteoporosis

Alendronate (Fosomax)
Risendronate (Actonel)

Food: Take only with plain water. Do not take anything else within 30 minutes of taking these drugs as they may decrease desired effect.
Herbs:

Seizure Medications

Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, NOT Tegretol)
Divalproex (Depakote)
Oxcarbazepine (trileptal)
phenytoin (Dilantin)

Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Evening Primrose increases risk for seizures. Do not take with Kava or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy. St. John’s Wort may decrease desired effect.

Thyroid Medications

Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)
Thyroid (Armour Thyroid)

Food: Limit intake of Brussel Sprouts, cabbage, kale, greens, rutabaga, soybeans and turnips.
Herbs: Do not take with Lemon Balm.

Miscellaneous

Antihistamines-
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Echinacea or St. John’s Wort as they may decrease desired effect.

Prednisone
Methylprednisolone

Food: Avoid alchohol. Calcium supplements may be recommended to prevent Osteoporosis.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Echinacea or St. John’s Wort as they may decrease desired effect.

Theopylline (theo-Dur)

Foods: Avoid alchohol.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra or Green Tea as it may increase effect of drug.

Foods:
Herbs:

Chart # 1

High potassium rich foods include the following:

Apricots, Artichokes, Asparagus, Avacado, Banana, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Celery,
Chocolate, Dates, Dried Beans, Dried Fruit, Figs, Greens, Honeydew, Milk, Orange Juice, Potato,

Pumpkin, Prune Juice, Raisins, Rhubarb, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, V-8 Juice

Chart # 2

High tyramine-content foods include the following:
Aged Cheese*, Aged Meat,Anchovies, Avacados, Bananas, Beer, Broad Beans, Caffeine

Chicken Liver, Chocolate, Cola Drinks, Canned Figs, Mushrooms, Raisins, Sausages, Sour Cream
Soy Sauce, Wine (Chianti, Sherry), Yeast, Yogurt

*Camembert, Chedder, Gruyer, processed American and Stilton

Chart # 3

High caffeine-content foods include the following:
Chocolate (milk and dark, Coffee (brewed, cappuccino, expresso)
Caffeinated water (Java, Kank, Aqua Blast), Ice Cream (coffee, chocolate)
Soft Drinks (Mountain Dew, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Root Beer, Sunkist Orange Soda)
Teas (green Tea, Ginseng, Snapple Iced Tea, Lipton)

Over-the-counter medication is the first line treatment of GERD is with over the counter antacids like aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel, Maalox) or magnesium combinations include Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Gaviscon and Riopan. Aluminum can cause constipation, and magnesium diarrhea. These compounds work by coating the stomach and provide protection against the corrosive effects of stomach acid. Ulcers need more aggressive treatment, since bleeding from ulcers can be life threatening.

The original medications for the treatment of both GERD and ulcers were the histamine-2 (H2) blockers, like cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid). These worked by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach, which promotes healing of ulcers and reduces gastric reflux. Patients with reduced kidney or liver function can develop confusion with H2 blockers. Side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Tagamet can impair sexual function.

In 1998 AstraZenica introduced Prilosec (omeprazole), the first of a new class of medications for GERD called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). PPIs on the market include lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprozale (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium), and omeprazole (Prilosec). They act by blocking the H+ (hydrogen) K+ (potassium) ATPase pump in the stomach, which has the effect of decreasing acid secretion in the stomach. The PPIs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in promoting the healing of ulcers and decreasing symptoms of GERD. PPIs lead to a 33% improvement in ulcer healing compared to the older H2 blocker medication, ranitidine. The PPIs decrease acid secretion to a greater degree than H2 blockers, and are more effective in treatment, although they cost more than the older drugs because they are only available by prescription.

PPIs have a low side effect profile, with side effects in less than 5% of patients. The most common side effects are headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, sore throat, and nausea. The diarrhea may be related to suppression of acid formation, which alters the natural bacteria content of the gut. Overall PPIs are fairly safe.

A review of 21 randomised controlled trials of PPIs in patients with proven peptic ulcers showed no effect on mortality, but a reduction in re-bleeding and repeat surgery of about 50%.

There is no evidence that any of the PPIs are superior to one another in efficacy or safety. Since omeprazole (Prilosec) is now available as a generic, it is the cheapest, and therefore recommended PPI.

You have probably seen the man on TV talking about the “purple pill” or Nexium (Esomeprazole magnesium). This particular purple pill is a replacement of the original purple pill, Prilosec. Both should probably be called the green pill because of all the money they have made and continue to make for the manufacturer, AstraZenica. They are both widely popular and equally effective medications. After its introduction in 1998, sales of Prilosec continued to rise year after year until it reached sales of one billion dollars a year in 1995 and peaked at 4 billion dollars a year in 2000 when it was the most popular drug in the world, as reported by National Public Radio (April 18, 2002).

In 2002 AstraZenica convened a team to assess the impact of their blockbuster Prilosec going off patent. In response to the potential revenue loss that generics would cause, they decided to take a variation of the drug (a metabolite) and put it on patent, and then marketed the new version as an improvement on the original. You see, all molecules come in one version, and an identical version that is a “mirror version” (i.e. if you held it up to a mirror it would look the same). In the case of Prilosec, it was a mixture of left and right, but it turned out that the left hand variety worked better. So the company took the left hand version and called it Nexium; they tested a higher dose of the “new” drug against the “old” drug to “prove” that it was better, and sent out an army of sales people to convince doctors that this was the case. Needless to say if you took higher doses of the older Prilosec you would get a regular dose of Nexium, the “purple pill.” It was an effective campaign: by 2002 the company had weaned one in six former Prilosec users off of Prilosec and onto Nexium. At $1,500 a year it is much more expensive than the generic versions of Prilosec ($150/year). Why not just take higher doses of Prilosec – it will eventually get your Nexium fix for a lot less money.

There are a lot of different medications that work by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. Some are called Histamine 2 (H2) blockers and are now available over the counter. This class includes popular brands like Zantac (Ranitidine), or Axid (Nizatidine). These products work by blocking the H2 receptor-site and consequently reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. There is also a more powerful class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. One of these products, Prilosec OTC is available over the counter while the rest are available by prescription only. These products include Nexium (Esomeprazole), Prilosec (Omeprazole), Aciphex (Rabeprazole), Prevacid (Lansoprazole), Protonix (Pantoprazole). Proton pump inhibitors work exactly as the name implies,they inhibit the proton pumps in the stomach from producing acid. These products are very effective at lower the level of acid in the stomach and reducing symptoms of GERD, reflux, and stomach ulcers. These are relatively safe products that don’t require any additional blood monitoring and have very few side effects in most people.

But one of the long term effects of reducing the level of acid in your stomach on a continual basis is your body isn’t able to absorb the amount of vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) that is necessary, and your body’s supplies of this essential nutrient becomes depleted. Since B-12 deficiency is already estimated to be anywhere from 5-20% of the population the addition of a medication that actually reduces your body to absorb Vitamin B-12 can have significant effects on a population already at risk. Other things that put patients at risk of Vitamin B-12 deficiency is elderly people, alcoholics, patients with dementia, patients that have had a small bowel resection as well as AIDS patients.

One marker that is often used by doctors to determine vitamin B-12 deficiency is to the your blood homocysteine levels.

If you are taking one of these over the counter or prescriptions products, it is important that you be aware of this potential nutritional side effect that could impact your health. One way to avoid the potential deficiency is to be sure to take a supplement.

For people suffering from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there are several different treatment options available, including lifestyle modifications, non-prescription over the counter heartburn treatment medicines, acid reflux medication (which is duly prescribed by a doctor), home remedies and natural remedies for acid reflux as well as surgery (in such chronic cases, where there is hardly any relief from heartburn, inspite of prolonged period of appropriate medications).

For those of you who are wondering what is GERD and how is it caused, here is a little explanation – when the contents of the stomach (and the digestive juices that are present in the stomach), leak back or get refluxed into the esophagus, then it is known as acid reflux or GERD, which results in a painful burning sensation in the esophageal area and even in the throat. This painfulness or burning sensation that arises in the chest, right at the back of the sternum, is known as ‘heartburn’.

Heartburn treatment involves the use of acid reflux medication, which is categorized into 5 major categories –
Medicines such as such as Amphogel, Alternagel, Alka-2, Maalox, Mylanta, Titralac, and Tums, which neutralize the acids present in the stomach. Known as antacids, these medicines can be purchased across the counter as most of these medicines are non-prescription drugs and can be used whenever symptoms of heartburn are experienced. Medicines such as Famotidine (Pepcid AC), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Ranitidine (Zantac), or Nizatidine (Axid), which aid in blocking the acid production in the stomach and can be used whenever the symptoms of heartburn are experienced. Categorized as H2 receptor antagonists, these medicines are a little slower in showing effect and provide relief from heartburn for about 6 to 24 hours. Medicines such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and pantoprazole (Protonix), which suppress the production of digestive acids in the stomach. Considered as the most reliable and effective cure for heartburn, these medicines are categorized under Proton Pump Inhibitors and are also known to heal the ulcerations formed due to erosive esophagitis, and provide relief from laryngitis that commonly occurs due to severe heartburn. There is yet another medicinal cure for heartburn which includes those medicines that protect the mucosal lining of the esophagus from the corrosive impact of the acidic digestive juices present in the stomach. Although these medicines are not prescribed too often, they are highly acclaimed for their role in heartburn treatment, wherein any further damage to the mucosal lining of the esophagus is prevented and the development of painful ulcerations can be avoided. Medicines such as Baclofen, which strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter muscle are considered as yet another effective acid reflux medication, which helps in the treatment of heartburn caused due to both acid as well as non acid reflux.

Apart from these medicines, there are several other natural remedies for acid reflux such as aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, papaya enzyme, raw almonds, raw apple, licking ginger and honey juice, etc, which can truly be effective and show amazingly good results in curing your acid reflux problem.

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