subject: Is There A Cure For Heartburn [print this page] With so much information on the internet and television on how to control heartburn symptoms, is there an actual cure for heartburn and acid reflux?
Research across the U.S. suggests that far too many people are taking stomach acid suppressing drugs or proton pump inhibitors to control their heartburn but are these drugs safe when taken for long-term use? There can be some serious side effects from using proton pump inhibitors such as Previcid, Nexium and Prilosec which may include bacterial infection and bone fracture. The proton pump inhibitor was the third largest class of drugs sold in the U.S. in 2009 which tells you much about the overuse of heartburn medication being prescribed by doctors. Now, with over-the-counter strength availability of these same drugs, we could see an epidemic of illnesses in the future as a result.
Most patients who are prescribed proton pump inhibitor drugs find relief from their heartburn symptoms and when taken before meals may even find it will prevent the symptoms from flaring up. The convenience of popping a pill to prevent a condition that may or may not arise, especially if one made better food choices, can pose a significant risk of disease in the long-term especially when it is self-prescribed. Most people do not heed the warnings on the box nor do much research on the matter as long as their heartburn symptoms disappear.
Commercial ads for these drugs are not much help either. These clever ads show actors scarfing down pizza and sausage sandwiches while showing obvious signs of heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. The suggestion from drug manufacturers is to go ahead and enjoy all of your favorite foods even in large consumption because relief will come at a moment's notice when taking their magic pill. By suggesting that a drug will resolve your symptoms so you can continue to abuse your body with the same heartburn inducing foods or lifestyle is wrong in my opinion especially when these same people are not warned of their long-term use. By offering up these medications in over-the-counter levels is not only reckless and unethical, it can ultimately create significant and life altering problems for those who may continue to ignore more serious symptoms of illness developing within their bodies.
Before reaching for these fast acting heartburn relief medications, do your due diligence by researching these "miracle pills" first. Become proactive with your health and discover a way to alleviate your heartburn symptoms naturally.
Your health is not something to take for granted. When doctors perscribe medication, they only know about that drug from what drug salesmen tell them. All perscription drugs must go through the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for approval which says that they deem a particular medication as safe; but is it really safe? How often do you hear about a popular medication taken out of circulaton because of undetermined side affects or death. You just never know whether the medication you're taking for heartburn is going to be safe in the long run. Why take that risk? Discover the real cure for heartburn and treat your disorder naturally.
