GINA WEBLEY MEDICAL HERBALIST
  • Home
  • About me
  • Blog
  • The Consultation
    • Fees
    • Testimonials
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact
    • Clinic
    • Privacy Policy
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

Take Herbal Medicine for Heartburn not PPIs

4/12/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
There is growing evidence that certain drugs prescribed for heartburn are associated with a number of adverse effects and are overprescribed.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole reduce acid production in the stomach and are amongst the most commonly prescribed drugs. They are used to treat various conditions where there is abdominal pain and heartburn - most often acid reflux. 60% of adults will experience some type of acid reflux in a 12 month period.

The NICE guidelines state that PPIs should be prescribed for less than 8 weeks but many people, particularly the elderly, take them for considerably longer and sometimes up to decades. Concern is growing about the long term effects of continually taking these drugs. Evidence is mounting that they can increase the risks of heart disease, kidney disease, vulnerability to stomach infections, and dementia as well as weakening bones and causing mineral and vitamin deficiency such as magnesium and vitamin B12.

There needs to be a review of the risk/benefit balance of taking these drugs long term and changes made to how they are prescribed. Unfortunately, there can be a rebound effect in coming off drugs used to combat hyperacidity but if well managed this is usually short lived.

Herbal medicines can be used to help withdrawal from taking PPIs and offer an effective treatment for acid reflux. There is a wide range of herbal medicines which can be used for treatment. The herbs selected will depend on the causes and the symptoms experienced by each individual. The herbal actions include improving protection of the oesophageal lining, reducing acid production, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue healing, increasing the tone and effectiveness of the lower oesophageal sphincter, encouraging the stomach to empty its content into the duodenum, antibacterial, reducing gas production, optimising digestive enzyme production, and reducing nervous tension and the effects of stress.

You need to consider the long term benefits of taking PPIs.  If you have acid reflux, take charge of your condition, make changes in diet and life style, and take herbal medicines as a safe, effective alternative.

1 Comment
Liam S link
4/7/2021 01:34:40 am

Thaanks great blog post

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Gina Webley
    BSc PhD PGCE MNIMH

    Medical Herbalist

    Tweets by @webleyherbalist

    Archives

    July 2024
    April 2023
    June 2022
    October 2021
    October 2020
    July 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    September 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    May 2014

    RSS Feed

      Subscribe to Receive Updates

    Subscribe
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.