January 21, 2016 general

Heartburn drugs are in the news because of recent research:

• As I have been predicting for years (e.g. in my first book), the proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium damage our friendly bacteria. Now research has shown that is true. In February when we begin discussing my new book on probiotics, I hope I am able help folks understand how critical these microbes are to every aspect of our health.
• Previous radio guest Richard Snyder, DO is the author of What You Must Know About Kidney Disease: A Practical Guide to Using Conventional and Complementary Treatments. Long ago he connected the use of these heartburn drugs to kidney damage and kept a copy of my book in his office waiting room. Now research confirms his observation.

Based on the huge amounts of money being spent on TV commercials for Nexium, Zantac and the like, heartburn and acid reflux are still really big business. In my book, Natural Alternatives to Nexium, I discuss the serious dangers from using those drugs for more than a couple of weeks a couple of times a year. The book also covers the root causes of the discomfort and fixes for the basic conditions. I’ve been told it is a useful digestion manual and perhaps that is why I’m happy to say it has become a national best seller.

If you know people with heartburn, GERD, acid reflux or Barrett’s esophagitis, please send them a link to this Library and suggest they look in the digestive section. 

Incidentally, as shown in the photo, at the first sign of heartburn a sip of water might help to rinse the acid off tender tissues. However, larger amounts of water may delay stomach emptying.