Alternatives to PPIs

[Treetop33]

Hello everyone,

After a bout of Covid I'm getting a resurgence of acid reflux which is exacerbating other symptoms too. My GPs want me to take a course of PPIs, but I've always reacted horribly to them (it's like it puts my body in shock and I feel empty and incapable of processing food).

What are the alternatives, if any? I generally monitor my diet for triggers, which gets a bit tedious when you start getting reactions to veggies like leeks. I try positioning etc. I do go through periods where I am fine (though of course I might be getting silent reflux).

Ideas appreciated, thank you.

[Dorset22]

Can recommend Gaviscon Advance. Found kefir, Greek Yoghurt, Manuka honey and following a bland diet and cutting out acidic foods.

[Treetop33 in reply to Dorset22]

Thanks. I may get some manuka honey which will help with general gastrointestinal issues too.

[meadfoot]

Have you tried H2 receptors they are worth asking your doctor about I found them easier to tolerate. I also take gaviscon advance which is a life saver for me. Best wishes.

[Treetop33 in reply to meadfoot]

Thank you. I looked into H2 receptors but they seem to interfere with other medication. I don't know of that is excessive caution. It's annoying that PPIs are the first line because they can be so harmful.

[meadfoot in reply to Treetop33]

I cant take PPIs they set off my cardiac arrhythmia so are a no go for me. Hope you can find some helpful meds.

[Treetop33 in reply to meadfoot]

They make me feel like I've been punched in the gut. Awful things. Take care x

[Jumpey]

Gavis on advance.

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, you could ask your GP for Famotidine, it is not as powerful as PPI's and has less side effects. Try and combine it with Gaviscon after meals if necessary and before bed.

[Treetop33 in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thank you - I'll check it out.

[Hidden]

I've stopped taking PPI's and taking an own brand of Gaviscon. I'm also trying the herbal supplement called Slippery Elm.

[Treetop33 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. How is the slippery elm?

[Hidden in reply to Treetop33]

Because the PPIs have me multiple polyps, I had to find an alternative. I don't know if it's the Slippery Elm that's helping or the Gaviscon but I'm coping fine. Still get some indigestion but it's early days.

[Treetop33 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[trifle59 in reply to Hidden]

How does the slippery elm help and when can i take it please

[Hidden in reply to trifle59]

It was just an alternative I read about and bought it but the doctor prescribed Famotidine after I'd only taken a couple so I can't tell you if they work. You take one a day but first ask your doctor for a change from PPIs

[1Unicorn]

Only diagnosed reflux November 2023. On Lansoprazole from GP plus rennies & gaviscon as required. Started slippery elm 2 weeks ago.Diagnosed after gastroscopy sliding hiatus hernia with follow up 2 weeks.

[Treetop33 in reply to 1Unicorn]

Thank you!

[Beanlover]

The thing I found surprising was that Chocolate and Peppermint are not advised as they relax the sphincter at the top of the stomach, and allow reflux. Otherwise Gaviscon is really helpful particularly last thing at night, and after meals.

[trifle59 in reply to Beanlover]

I never knew that and i have been drinking peppermint

Thanks

[Twitchen]

I have been taking Omeprazole for 17 years and can't say I have ever suffered any side effects, at least not that I know about! but I do find them preferable to suffering from terrible acid reflux. When I was first prescribed them I thought they were an absolute miracle drug, as I could eat and drink anything without having any heartburn/acid reflux. I suppose with all drugs it is a trade off, as they all have negative effects as well as positives.

[Treetop33 in reply to Twitchen]

You are very lucky that it works for you. Glad you have relief!

[Twitchen in reply to Treetop33]

I don’t know about lucky as I would rather not take anything. The trouble is that of course acid can cause a lot of damage to the oesophagus. As it is I do struggle with an intermittent hoarse voice and sore throat.

[Treetop33 in reply to Twitchen]

Yes wrong word, sorry.

[JaffaNut in reply to Twitchen]

I don't take PPI'S as they don't agree with me. Been following a strict diet which seems to have helped. You say you have been eating normally while on PPI'S so I imagine that includes coffee, alcohol, chocolate etc. We are told that these foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Does this mean if you take PPI'S and eat/drink the above, there is no relaxation of the sphincter muscle?

[zendo]

Try IQoro. It‘s a revolutionary neuromuscular approach developed in Sweden. The good news is you can have it prescribed in the UK. No medicine, just a small gadget placed between the lips and the gums in the mouth. The correct technique of pulling 3 times 10 sec pro training 3 times a day can recalibrate the muscles needed to close the diaphram. The web site provides detailed info. It is basically risk free. It merely takes a bit of time and practice. Check it out.

[Twitchen in reply to zendo]

I have read about IQoro and wouldn’t mind giving it a try, but there is no way our surgery would prescribe it as they are always trying to cut back on everything. It is quite an outlay if it doesn’t work and from reading the reviews it doesn’t work for everyone. I am not sure from your post if you have used it and benefited.

[Pinkcatfairy in reply to Twitchen]

I have started using the IQoro but I am only three weeks in,they do say to give it about six months, I decided to purchase one, a bit expensive for what it is but hopefully the science behind it will help with my hiatus hernia .

[Twitchen in reply to Pinkcatfairy]

Please do let us know how you get on with it and if it helps. I would happily pay for one if it cured the reflux and meant I could get off PPI’s.

[Pinkcatfairy in reply to Twitchen]

Yes I will keep you updated on how I get on with it

[Twitchen in reply to Pinkcatfairy]

Thanks, look forward to hearing from you.

[Davies3112 in reply to Twitchen]

I have bought iquoro and its still in the box unopened as I read on the instructions that it can make neuralgia worse, which I have so tried to get my money back but it went over the 30 days so they're not interested!! I'm a pensioner so it was a very expensive mistake which I can ill afford!! I think they should have made it clear before purchase. I feel desperate to try anything as the last week has been hell after the doc has took me off lanzoprazole after 30 yrs and put me on famotidine which hasn't helped. I'm just about to go back on them as I can't stand these withdrawal symptoms it's awful and making me so miserable. Christmas is coming up which I love but I'm not looking forward to it as I won't be able to eat. Good luck everyone with this awful condition.

[Davies3112 in reply to Twitchen]

I would think twice about iquoro there is no way the NHS would provide this my doc hadn't even heard if it. I made the mistake of buying one and it's still in the box as when I read the instructions it can make neuralgia worse which I occasionally get so it's not risk free. They wouldn't give me money back because I'd had it over 30 days.

[trifle59 in reply to zendo]

Interesting!! Need to find out more.

[SMHRT]

I take Famoridine overnight which is an H2 blocker. I don't react very well to PPI's at all. This seems to be the answer for me!

[Twitchen in reply to SMHRT]

I used to use Ranitidine, which I think was an H2 blocker, but that was withdrawn a few years ago. Can you buy Famoridine OTC?

[SMHRT in reply to Twitchen]

Am not sure as I'm in the UK and get it on prescription.

[trifle59 in reply to SMHRT]

Do they constipate you at all ? as is antihistamine.

[SMHRT in reply to trifle59]

Yes, they can do. I try to keep well hydrated to help with this, and also find a hot cup of tea helps too!

[Washington1]

I also reacted badly to PPI's. They made my symptoms much worse. I'm currently on a strict diet, very good probiotics and I drink ginger tea once or twice a day. Symptoms have improved from where they were. I've had an endoscopy which confirmed gastritis. I've realised I may have low stomach acid, which, if you look it up, ends up with the same symptoms as high acid. I'm thinking of seeing a nutritionist as well as I've lost a lot of weight and have acid reflux every day. Lastly, I'm thinking of trying IQoro to see if that helps. I hope something I've said here will help. But mainly hope you feel better soon.

[Treetop33 in reply to Washington1]

Glad you got a diagnosis. Gastritis is tricky isn't it.

I'm drinking lots of chamomile, marshmallow and ginger tea and that seems to help. Planning to try IQoro when this acute phase is over. Take care of yourself.

[treecalm]

Hi I've been taking slippery elm for nearly a year in capsule form from Holland and Barrett, which I open and put 2 in glass of water. I believe it coats the lining of the stomach. I have also used IQORO for 6 months and I'm sure it has strengthened the muscles around the hiatus hernia. Particularly noticed how my voice has strengthened. I have kept up using it regularly even with extreme stress such as bereavement. I also maintain a careful diet and regular smaller portions. Propped up bed, gaviscon advance before bed. Not eating for 3 hours before lying down. I can drink coffee but only drink fennel tea. It's a tough routine but I do feel more hopeful. Also guided meditation to relax. All this to avoid PPIs