Hi rrupp76,
Let's see if we can help! Here are a few suggestions when you think about using alternative medicine:
1. Most important: lifestyle changes for prevention. There will not be any prescription or other "natural" remedy that works if you are consuming foods that are triggers for you (chocolate, mints, caffeine, alcohol), if you are overweight, not exercising, smoking, drinking alcohol. If you want to avoid PPIs, you would need to make sure your other behavior choices are at their best so that any other treatment option works at its best. (I know....this list is no fun!!) Here are some tips:
- NY Medical Center: reflux
- UT Health System: reflux
2. Alternative Medicine options: http://www.livestrong.com/article/21637-acid-reflux-alternative-medicine-treatments/. Please know these are suggestions, and you must talk with your doctor about these treatments before taking them, as they could exacerbate other conditions you may have. Remember: just because it is "natural" does not mean it is "good" for you. Anything strong enough to help you is also strong enough to potentially cause harm. Please know none of these have been proven effective in clinical trials for the treatment of reflux. Talking with a Pharmacist would also help make sure you have no unsafe drug interactions if you choose to try some herbal remedies.
3. Prescription medicines: You may choose this route on a temporary basis, along with lifestyle changes, and you can gradually be weened off of this medication. Talk with your doctor about the possibility of a PPI for 6 months to see if that would work to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. "Most patients will require a prescription medication, at least temporarily. Typically, you will be treated with medication for a period of 6 months. If you recover at that point, you will be taken off medications. However, some patients suffer a relapse, and may need long-term therapy."
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Hi rrupp76,
Let's see if we can help! Here are a few suggestions when you think about using alternative medicine:
1. Most important: lifestyle changes for prevention. There will not be any prescription or other "natural" remedy that works if you are consuming foods that are triggers for you (chocolate, mints, caffeine, alcohol), if you are overweight, not exercising, smoking, drinking alcohol. If you want to avoid PPIs, you would need to make sure your other behavior choices are at their best so that any other treatment option works at its best. (I know....this list is no fun!!) Here are some tips:
- NY Medical Center: reflux
- UT Health System: reflux
2. Alternative Medicine options: http://www.livestrong.com/article/21637-acid-reflux-alternative-medicine-treatments/. Please know these are suggestions, and you must talk with your doctor about these treatments before taking them, as they could exacerbate other conditions you may have. Remember: just because it is "natural" does not mean it is "good" for you. Anything strong enough to help you is also strong enough to potentially cause harm. Please know none of these have been proven effective in clinical trials for the treatment of reflux. Talking with a Pharmacist would also help make sure you have no unsafe drug interactions if you choose to try some herbal remedies.
3. Prescription medicines: You may choose this route on a temporary basis, along with lifestyle changes, and you can gradually be weened off of this medication. Talk with your doctor about the possibility of a PPI for 6 months to see if that would work to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. "Most patients will require a prescription medication, at least temporarily. Typically, you will be treated with medication for a period of 6 months. If you recover at that point, you will be taken off medications. However, some patients suffer a relapse, and may need long-term therapy."
September 16, 2010 - 1:57pmThis Comment
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