Treat Acid Reflux Naturally to Avoid Dangerous Drugs

Image: Treat Acid Reflux Naturally to Avoid Dangerous Drugs
(Copyright DPC)

By Charlotte Libov   |   Sunday, 18 Oct 2015




About 60 million adults suffer from acid reflux disease, and most are using medications that are putting their health at risk, a top doctor says.

“Millions of people are dealing with acid reflux and indigestion every day, but those that seek help from their doctors are stuck in a never-ending cycle of dangerous — and sometimes even deadly —medications and procedures,” Kevin Passero, N.D., one of America’s leading naturopathic physicians, tells Newsmax Health.

Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus — the tube that connects the throat and stomach. The most common symptom is burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. But symptoms can also include regurgitated food or a sour taste at the back of the mouth.

Not only that, but about 20 percent of acid reflux disease sufferers go on to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is more severe, and raises the risk of cancer.

According to Dr. Passero, though, the top-selling prescription and over-the-counter drugs used to treat acid reflux disorder hold dangers themselves.

These drugs fall into two main types: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s) such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium) and H2 receptor antagonists, like Tagamet, Pepcid and Zantac.  

PPI’s now the main way that acid reflux disease is treated, and they are so popular that Nexium is now the third top-selling drug in the U.S., according to IMS Health.

“The single biggest myth propagated by doctors and pharmaceutical companies today is the false notion that acid reflux is caused by too much stomach acid. But this is certainly what they want you to believe because it is how their medications work,” says Dr. Passero, in his new book, “The Drug-Free Acid Reflux Solution.”

But these drugs are dangerous, says Dr. Passero. Indeed, a study in June reported that using PPIs increase heart attack risk by 16-to-21 percent increased according to a study published in the Public Library of Science journal PLOS ONE.

Also, as Dr. Passero notes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued many warnings against PPIs and acid blocking drugs, saying they increase the risk of bone fractures, infection, and nutritional deficiencies. Some studies have also linked pneumonia and even weight gain to these drugs.

These drugs block the production of stomach acid, which Dr. Passero, contends has been unfairly cast is as the culprit in causing acid reflux disease and GERD.

On the contrary, he contends that stomach acid is important, and that not having enough of it can throw off vital brain chemistry, as well as impact the condition of the skin, hair and nails, lead to allergies and autoimmune diseases, and diminish the body’s ability to absorb critical minerals.

So if it isn’t stomach acid, what is responsible for acid reflux disease? 

There are a number of factors, including overweight, smoking, and stress and, according to Dr. Passero, H. pylori, the same bacterium that causes ulcers.

“Even though H. pylori is primarily an infection of the stomach, the resultant irritation that occurs can trigger spasms that push acid into the esophagus, triggering reflux,” he notes.

In order to combat acid reflux disease, Dr. Passero recommends a treatment plan that includes his Reflux Recovery Diet (RRD), as well as a program of supplements and vitamins.

The RRD diet includes these principles:

•    Focus on wholefoods and increase fruits, vegetables, and other sources of fiber (with the exception of acidic fruits like citrus and tomatoes).

•    Reduce or eliminate all processed sugars.
•    Eliminate most dairy products.
•    Eliminate gluten.
•    Eliminate spicy and acidic foods.
•    Substitute “healthy fats” for fried foods and saturated fats.
•    Increase your intake of culture, probiotic-rich food and beverages, like kombucha (a fermented black or green tea) as well as yogurt and kefir.
•    Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

In addition to eating a healthy diet, Dr. Passero also recommends a carefully selected program of supplements and vitamins that he says will sooth the irritated stomach lining, and aid in digestion, as well as help combat H. Pylori infection.

For more information on “The Drug-Free Acid Reflux Solution,” click here.

© 2015 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.