SHR

Prilosec is one of most popular drugs sold in America. It’s a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat periodic and chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or what we commonly call heartburn. Its stablemate is Nexium. These two PPI’s are owned by AstraZeneca which garners over $1.5 billion in sales of these two popular drugs each year. PPI’s reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach – which emerging science is now showing in and of itself is a bad idea. And if you want to understand what really causes GERD you can read this article. It’s estimated that 60% of the American population suffer periodic bouts of GERD over the course of a year and some 30% have regular weekly bouts. This lead to close to 300 million PPI prescription being written between 2006 and 2010. It’s a $14 billion a year class of drugs. Wow that’s a lot...

Every time I read someone stating that acidic foods cause acid reflux it makes me cringe. Let’s get something straight here. Acid reflux is a result of the mechanical failure of the esophageal sphincter and not the content of acidic foods you’re eating. None of the foods you’re eating are higher in acidity than the normal content of hydrochloric acid in your stomach when you are in-between meals. The PH of your stomach, assuming its working properly, is between 1.5 and 3.5. That’s because hydrochloric acid by itself has a PH of 2.0. Some would have you believe that acidic food consumption is what creates the burning sensation in your stomach area. I say area for a reason. You’re NOT feeling the burning sensation in your stomach. Your stomach is designed to handle hydrochloric acid without any sensations. Your esophagus on the other hand is not and this is where the...