Suzy Cohen, R. Ph., author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist, is a licensed pharmacist with almost 20 years of clinical experience who writes a nationally syndicated column through Tribune Media Services in Chicago, appearing in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, the Sacramento Bee, and the Denver Post among others. A former spokesperson for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Suzy believes that the mind, body, and spirit are all connected. She offers a free weekly newsletter at her DearPharmacist website.

Guest Blogger Suzy Cohen--

QUESTION: I have had stomach problems for years with gas, bloating and heartburn. I am still not feeling well, despite taking Maalox, Zantac, Prilosec OTC and Nexium. How do all these medications work, and do you have other tips? – J.M., Madison, Wisconsin

ANSWER: Here’s how medication works:

Antacids: These sop up the acid in your stomach kind of like a sponge. They work quickly like when that Chicken Enchilada revisits you at 4am. Every medicine cabinet should stock an antacid like Mylanta, Maalox, Riopan or Tums.

H2 Blockers: These reduce the amount of acid your body makes. They take more time to kick in, but work longer than antacids. The two most popular meds include Zantac (ranitidine) and Pepcid AC (famotidine).

Proton Pump Inhibitors: These drugs suppress acid 24/7 in people with peptic ulcer disease, Barrett’s esophagus, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastric tumors. Prilosec OTC (omeprazole) is sold over-the-counter, giving access to anyone. These drugs require prescription: Prevacid, Aciphex and Nexium.

But do we need a pill to eat? This mindset has been hammered into us thanks to aggressive marketing campaigns and television commercials. I assure you, there are great ways to improve gut integrity, and we should be more focused on this, rather than on shutting down acid. You need acid to digest your food, do you realize that?! Many people who take acid blockers, may be acid deficient (digestive acids are sold as betaine hydrochloride or trimethylglycine or TMG).

Here are other great ways to restore health:

Probiotics: Replenish the friendly camp of beneficial organisms in your gut and crowd out disease-causing bacteria or yeast. These help you digest food so it may contribute to weight loss, stop the gas, and lower your risk for urinary tract or yeast infections. Quality supplements like Culturelle contain a well-studied and proven organism called Lactobacillus GG. Other good brands contain L. acidophilus, L. sporogenes and bifidobacterium. Florastor contains a friendly yeast probiotic which is great for kids and adults, especially when taking antibiotics. It may prevent diarrhea and cramping.

Enzymes: These are chemicals naturally found in fresh, raw fruits and veggies which help you break down your meals. Lipase is an enzyme which breaks down fat; amylase breaks down carbs and lactase breaks down dairy foods. I recommend Digest because it is plant-derived (Enzymedica) and take it with every meal. Another choice is pancreatin enzymes, especially for those with cystic fibrosis; enzymes relieve burping, bloating, gas, heartburn, abdominal pain and help with allergies...maybe even cancer.

L-glutamine: A natural amino acid which nourishes and protects your gut lining. It helps all digestive disorders including Crohn’s, Celiac, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis. It seems to soothe and heal ulcers by stimulating the production of healing ‘mucoproteins.’ Amazingly, L-glutamine might curb your crave for alcohol. Supplements provide a pure and easy way to get beneficial amounts. Dosage: L-glutamine 1000 – 2000 mg twice daily (capsules or powders are perfect).

Did You Know?

The bacteria commonly found in yogurt (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) is not that helpful because it can’t survive the acid in your stomach and it’s not native to the human gut.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist.” For more information, visit www.DearPharmacist.com)

© 2008 Suzy Cohen, RPh.

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