Acid Reflux and the Conventional Treatment of Choice

Learn how most doctors treat acid reflux problems

Drugs that reduce acid production in the stomach are often the conventional treatment of choice for heartburn and acid reflux problems. There are a few different types of these highly popular acid-reducing drugs:  

• Antacid tablets are simply alkaline minerals (calcium or magnesium) that neutralize any acid present.
• Proton pump inhibitors (Nexium, Prilosec, etc.) block the action of an enzyme that causes release of acids from parietal cells in the stomach lining.
• H2 histamine blockers (Zantac, Pepcid, et cetera) block certain histamine receptors in the digestive tract. These receptors signal the parietal cells to release acids—so if the receptors are blocked, obviously the cells don’t get the message.

The problem with all of these acid-reducing drugs is that they provide temporary comfort at a long-term cost. The lining of your stomach secretes acid in response to the presence of food or drink. This acid is necessary for proper digestion. So a reduction in stomach acid interferes with the body’s ability to fully digest food.

As poorly digested food particles make their way into the rest of your digestive tract, they can pass through the intestinal walls. There they are recognized as foreign material, and the body sets up an allergic immune response. In addition, sufficient stomach acid levels are needed to absorb certain vitamins and minerals properly. 

As an alternative to these highly popular yet problematic acid-reducing drugs, find out about my natural remedies for acid reflux. 

More Dr. Williams Advice on Acid Reflux

• What causes acid reflux?
• The connection between drinking soda and acid reflux problems