What your doctor won’t tell you about reflux medication – and 3 natural remedies to try instead!
Natural remedies for reflux
Did you know reflux medications, such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are among the top 10 prescribed drugs in the world?
There’s always a time and place for modern medicine – it’s incredible for acute situations and emergencies. Trouble is these days it’s often used as a first resort for everyday issues, not the last resort they were designed for.
We spent YEARS repairing the damage done by the high dose reflux medications my son was on as a baby. If only I had researched side effects at the time, as we were never told by our doctors.
PPIs work by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid.
Why is reducing stomach acid a problem? Because our stomach acid is CRITICAL for a healthy gut – we need it to absorb nutrients, digest and break down our food, and maintain a healthy ecosystem of bacteria.
Did you know the FDA recommends no more than three 14 day treatment courses of PPIs in a one year time period? Yet millions of babies, children and adults are prescribed PPIs for years with no plan made to transition off them.
Here are 3 side effects everyone should know about reflux medications. Studies have shown that use of PPI’s result in:
Decreased nutrient absorption - Stomach acid is needed to absorb many of our macro and micronutrients. Use of PPIs is linked to an increased risk of deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Impaired digestion – the reduction of stomach acid via the use of PPIs leads to poor digestion, as stomach acid is necessary to digest and break down our food. Ironically, many of the side effects listed for PPIs are abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence and constipation.
Overgrowth of bad bacteria – sufficient stomach acid is needed to protect against bacterial infections and maintain a healthy intestinal pH. A 2013 study also found a significantly increased percentage of individuals with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) among PPI users. Those who used PPIs also had an increased chance of bacterial infections of Clostridium difficile, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria, and community-acquired pneumonia.
What to use instead?
Here is a safe, effective remedy that we use for my son whenever tummy upsets arise. We use an essential oil roller containing the following essential oils for bloating reflux, constipation or any discomfort.
DigestZen contains several essential oils including:
Peppermint – shown to reduce muscle spasms and reduce bloating in IBS symptoms. A 2007 clinical study found that consuming peppermint with your meal speeds the rate that food empties the gastrointestinal tract, which may help relieve constipation or bloating.
Ginger – improving the movement/motility of the bowel can help to reduce bloating. Ginger was found to enhance gastrointestinal motility and have a similar effect to prescription medications such as metoclopramide and domperidone. Due to its carminative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, it has been used traditionally to improve digestion and for preventing and reducing discomfort such as indigestion, nausea, gas and bloating.
Fennel seed oil has been shown to reduce intestinal spasms and increase motility of the small intestine. Fennel is a great option for babies and children – a 2003 study found that the use of fennel oil eliminated colic in 65% of infants in the treatment group, which was significantly better than 23.7% of infants in the control group.
Here is our tried and tested recipe!
Tummy Troubles
6 drops DigestZen – contains peppermint, ginger, fennel and other essential oils for digestion
6 drops Wild Orange oil
Top with fractionated coconut oil in a 5 ml roller. Apply generously and massage into abdomen in a clockwise direction with flat palms. Repeat as needed or regularly.
NOTE: This recipe is for adults – halve for children, and quarter for babies. For myself – personally I take a drop or two of DigestZen in a glass of water but for my children, I always use topically.
Want to try a combo of these oils? DigestZen is a powerful essential oil blend helps relieve bloating, promote healthy digestive function and ease stomach upsets.
To purchase DigestZen at a discount, shop here for a Starter Kit. Or to choose individual oils and customise options for your needs, contact me for a complimentary Discovery Call .
Want to get to the ROOT cause of your reflux by improving your digestion? Ready to take control of your gut health once and for all? Join my Healthy Gut Reset program. The powerful 6 week coaching program to help you love your gut and change your life.
Or let’s connect in my Facebook community for more healthy living tips.
As always, speak with your health practitioner and also do your own research into side effects and options to help you make an informed decision. And trust your own instincts!
