The Downside of Acid Reflux Medication
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios

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Defined Tag: Acid Reflux Medication.

Like many diseases and conditions, acid reflux has no cure, but its symptoms can be treated. Acid reflux medication and drugs serve to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux, as well as inhibit some of the mechanisms that cause it. For most sufferers, the routine goes like this: heartburn, acid reflux, acid reflux medication. Then the cycle repeats in perpetuity. Unfortunately, in some cases, this can cause more problems than it helps.

There are three facts that must be considered when looking at taking acid reflux medication. First, your stomach needs to have a pH level of 3.0 or less. Second, when your pH levels are above 3.0, you create a more alkaline condition that is a precursor to disease. Third, when you take acid reflux medication or antacids, they keep your stomach’s pH above 3.0.

Conversely, when your stomach is at the proper pH level, it works as it should. Ingested meat, for example, will be properly converted into amino acids. Vitamins are extracted from the food you eat. Food digested in the stomach trigger hormonal responses and digestive juices. Bacteria is kept at bay and stops bacterial interference of vitamin B-12 absorption. Stomach pH levels above 3.0 trigger acid secretions to help balance pH levels. Acid reflux medication artificially raises pH levels and interferes with your stomach’s natural acid production.

What are the different types of acid reflux medication, and what do they do? First, there are over-the-counter treatments. Antacids, including Tums, Rolaids, or Mylanta neutralize acid on contact to help with heartburn symptoms. Receptor Antagonists, or H2 blockers, inhibit the production of stomach acid. When there is less acid, there is a reduced chance of it churning up into the esophagus. Popular H2 blockers include Zantax and Pepcid AC. H2 blockers are available in varying strengths, from over-the-counter strength to prescription strength.

The second group of acid reflux medication is promotility agents. These medications do three things. One, they alleviate the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the valve at the top of the stomach that allows food to pass through but keeps acid from coming back up. Two, they assist with peristalsis, which is the act of food moving through your stomach. Third, they help prevent acid from entering the esophagus.

The third group of medication is proton pump inhibitors. These work to reduce acid in the stomach. Popular proton pump inhibitors include Prevacid and Prilosec.

All of these remedies alter the stomach’s natural processes for acid production and regulation. While it’s sometimes necessary to do so for relief, it might behoove you to investigate alternative therapies for acid reflux symptom relief. Regardless of the method of therapy you select, always consult your physician.

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.

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