In the world of acid reflux, people talk a lot about proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of pharmaceuticals that are used to reduce stomach acid by turning off the stomach pumps that produce acid. Some examples of PPIs that you will see in your neighborhood pharmacy include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole (Protonix). While these PPIs do have some benefits, they come with significant limitations. Some of the main limitations of PPIs include:
- Long-term use of PPIs (more than 8-12 weeks) can lead to an increased risk of certain side effects, such as bone fractures, clostridium difficile infection, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- PPIs can interfere with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and may affect their effectiveness.
- When PPIs are discontinued, the acid-secreting cells in the stomach can overcompensate, leading to a paradoxically increased acid production (rebound acid hypersecretion).
- PPIs may not be effective for certain acid-related conditions, such as non-acid reflux or bile reflux.
- PPIs may not be suitable for certain groups of people, such as pregnant and nursing women, children, and older adults.
In contrast to PPIs, RefluxRaft is an all natural enhanced alginate therapy that helps relieve symptoms of acid and non-acid reflux without the significant limitation associated with PPIs. By forming a raft that floats at the top of the stomach, RefluxRaft helps stop acid from entering the esophagus or throat, easing many reflux related symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, cough, hoarseness, post-nasal drip, and sore throat.
Click here to learn more about how RefluxRaft uses alginate therapy for natural, temporary reflux relief.