The causes of heartburn and acid reflux

Part 10 – How to discontinue your heartburn meds (with the help of your doctor)

Summary

  • There is nothing wrong with taking heartburn meds now and again for occasional relief, or on a short-term basis while the underlying cause is investigated.
  • If you need to take heartburn meds each day, or on a regular basis, it means something isn’t right.
  • The underlying cause of your heartburn/reflux needs to be explored.
  • Leaving the underlying cause undiscovered is dangerous because, for example, something like H. pylori or SIBO can lead to many other problems in the body.
  • Investigate the underlying cause using medical tests and functional lab tests (stool tests, SIBO tests, organic acids, thyroid function tests, etc.)
  • It is possible to wean yourself off acid blocking medications.
  • Some people have difficulty with this because of “rebound” acidity when they discontinue the meds.
  • Always work with your doctor when weaning off acid blocking meds.
  • Adjust your diet and remove foods, fizzy drinks, and alcohol.
    • Gluten, spicy food (chilli, curry, etc.) cow’s milk, tea/coffee, chocolate, mint, high fat foods, citrus, onions and tomato-sauce based foods should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.
  • Take gut-soothing supplements such as slippery elm, glutamine, zinc carnosine, DGL, curcumin, etc. to reduce stomach inflammation for 1-2 weeks.
  • Then, gradually reduce the dosage of acid-blocking meds – work with your doctor on this.
  • Once you are taking the lowest dose each day, revert to taking the meds once every two days, once every three days, etc. until you are able to discontinue completely.
  • Make sure you investigate and deal with the underlying cause at the same time.
  • Work with a practitioner who can guide you through this process, as well as working with your MD/GP.

Watch the other videos in this series

  1. Why heartburn is dangerous (deal with it immediately!)
  2. General overview of heartburn and acid reflux causes
  3. How food and diet can cause heartburn and reflux
  4. How medical drugs and recreational drugs can cause heartburn
  5. How H. pylori causes heartburn
  6. How Candida, SIBO and parasites cause heartburn
  7. Why high or low stomach acid can cause heartburn
  8. How a hiatal hernia can cause heartburn and reflux
  9. The benefits and drawbacks of taking acid blocking medications (H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, etc.)
  10. How to wean yourself off acid blocking medications (You are here)

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Best,

Dave.