The Honest Source on Acid Reflux Treatments
& Prevention

Treatments and Drugs

Traditional treatments for acid reflux, heartburn and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually begin with over-the-counter medications that are meant to control refluxed acid.

The problem with over-the-counter treatments is that they only treat the symptoms of acid reflux... not the cause. And because they are designed to be taken for no more than 14 days, they only offer a short-term solution.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gelusil, Rolaids and Tums, may provide quick relief. If you have used antacids for a substantial amount of time, you may have noticed they are not as effective as they once were. This is because antacids do nothing more than hide your acid reflux symptoms. Meanwhile, the source of your acid reflux continues to worsen. Additionally, prolonged use or overuse of some antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation.
Over-the-counter medications such as Prilosec OTC, Prevacid 24 HR, Tagamet HB and Pepcid AC should not be taken for more than 14 days. Possible serious side effects that need to be reported to your doctor immediately include confusion, chest tightness, bleeding, sore throat, fever, irregular heartbeart, weakness, and unusual fatigue. Other, less serious side effects include mild headache, dizziness, and diarrhea, which are usually temporary and will likely go away on their own.

Prescription-Strength Medications

If your acid reflux lasts for more than 2 weeks, your doctor may opt for prescription strength medications. As with over-the-counter medications, prescription medications come with potential serious side effects. And... they can be expensive!

Acid Reflux Surgery

As a last resort, your doctor may recommend more invasive surgical procedures. As with all surgeries there is risk involved and no guarantee it will work. For some of these surgeries, it is not even clear who is best suited for the surgery. Research is ongoing.

Natural Acid Reflux Remedies are an Effective Alternative to Traditional Treatments.

Finding a natural remedy for your acid reflux disease is easier than you might think. Just by going to your kitchen or the grocery store, you can get an acid reflux treatment that is safer than and just as effective as the popular pharmaceutical solutions. Antacids and other pharmaceutical treatments for acid reflux symptoms don't actually cure acid reflux. Instead, they offer a temporary cessation of your symptoms, but once the medicine wears off, you're right back where you started.

Natural remedies are becoming more and more popular as many people are growing tired of being dependent on drugs for temporary relief from acid reflux symptoms. Those who are interested in a way to treat acid reflux permanently have found that natural remedies are not only safe and effective, but much less expensive!