Find solution
How do I know if I am allergic to Omeprazole?

Alternative Medicines to Omeprazole..........?

  • Alternative Medicines to Omeprazole..........? I suffer from Acid Reflux and get very bad indigestion. I am supposed to take Omeprazole but choose not to as I believe that they harm the process of digesting protein. I have also learnt they increase chances of man boobs - I am not vein but i am a young lad and this bothers me. I go through about a full packet of Anti Acid tablets per day! I have read all about what foods to avoid etc. Does anyone know of a drug i could perhaps purchase over the counter that will help me? Thank you

  • Answer:

    Well, there are many things that people find helpful when the "normal treatments" for GERD and reflux don't help. Specifically, the fact that if the acid blockers/reducers don't help, that's typically a sign that it's not too much acid causing the problem, but not enough. Simply put, reflux is something that happens when you have too much acid (excess acid kicking up over the valve in your stomach) and also when you don't have enough stomach acid (as the valve doesn't close right if there isn't enough stomach acid). In other words, if the acid blockers/reducers didn't help, you may need to try taking Apple Cider Vinegar or an HCl pill regimen to replenish your acid levels. Dr. T gave a great explanation of this a few months ago at http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101208204250AAIXTF0 if you'd like to read over it. Oh, and for quick relief, try chewing gum after a meal... that can help heartburn by stimulating some of the digestive signals that your body uses to close the valve as well. ;-) For the long run, it also would be a good idea to try some DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)... it tastes horrible, but it helps to calm the stomach and helps to heal some tissues in the esophagus that may have been damaged by the stomach acid kicking up. Good luck and I hope I helped! [edit]: I never said the PPIs don't work, I was saying that IF they didn't work, it may not be the issue. If PPIs work in all instances of acid reflux, then why don't they work for so many people? Look it up and do the research... you need stomach acid to break down your food... blocking most of the stomach acid makes it hard to digest food and can cause more gas and stomach upset (which can make the GERD-like symptoms worse)... excess gas can build up pressure and push against the valve... That's just a general logical progression, but Dr. T gives a MUCH better description than I do for that. I know more than a few people that have strayed from doctor's old adages about neutralizing the acid with acid blockers/reducers that never helped... once they switched to natural options that helped to correct their stomach acid, the problem went away. It doesn't happen in every case (as there are cases of too much stomach acid, but the acid reducers/blockers typically help every time with those), but it happens more often than doctors (and nurses) will care to admit. ;-)

Si at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

There is nothing as effective as PPIs. I assume you have made diet and lifestyle adjustments? PPIs do not harm the process of digesting protein, however, if you continue to leave your acid reflux untreated you will cause damage to the esophagus. Severe, long term inflammation may also lead to scarring and narrowing of the lower oesophagus- known as stricture. Another complication is Barrett's oesophagus. This is where the cells that line the lower oesophagus change and can become cancerous. While these complications are rare, they are very serious. It's a question of risks and benefits. Despite what the quacks try and tell you, PPIs are generally very well tolerated and it's not going to give you boobs. Edit: Anyone claiming they don't help is completely and utterly medically ignorant. There is no evidence to support this claim made by the quacks, that acid reflux is a result of not enough acid. There is no evidence that Apple Cider Vinegar is at all helpful. Edit: It does not completely eliminate the acid, it simply reduces the excess. It seldom effects normal digestion. "once they switched to natural options that helped to correct their stomach acid, the problem went away." The problem often comes and goes, correlation isn't causation. Your evidence is lacking. To the poster, ignore the cranks. Antacids that you can buy OTC neutralise the acid, but are only a quick fix and are only really helpful in cases of mild reflux. Frequently symptoms require PPIs and/or histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers). In general, PPIs work better than H2. Another option is prokinetic drugs.

Rhianna does Medicine Year 3

Omeprazole IS over the counter here...Lansoprazole might be something else you could consider. DGL (Deglycherized Licorice) Lozenges might help with the disomfort from producing too much acid, but it won't stop the erosion. I would eat a few more grams of protein, and be less impressed with your chances of moobs than esophageal cancer.

Tink

"The bottom line here is that most people are very confused about the role stomach acid plays in health. Most people: Think they have too much, when in fact they have too little. Treat the symptom and suppress stomach acid production, ultimately leading to long-term health problems. Ultimately lose the capacity to produce sufficient stomach acid as a result of dietary abuse and continual use of medications to suppress the body's ability to produce it. Don't get into that trap. Use digestive enzymes with all your meals. Drink aloe vera juice. Use probiotic supplements with confidence. Use proteolytic enzyme supplements with confidence. And, if needed, use apple cider vinegar or betaine hydrochloride supplements to make up for stomach acid insufficiency." http://www.jonbarron.org/enzymes/proteolytic-formulas-digestive-health-stomach-acid

ƦєdAиgєℓ

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.