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As a medicament prescribed to treat symptoms of acid reflux, Nexium was launched in 2001 and achieved sales of more than $5.7 billion in 2005 to become the world's third-largest selling drug. Prior to talking about the way that Nexium acts in cases of acid reflux, its possible side effects and healthier options, let's discuss acid reflux disease in general. Acid reflux is connected with the action of the circular muscle (the lower esophageal sphincter or LES) acting as a valve at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. If stomach acids flow back into the esophagus and its lining, the person can fall victim to a burning sensation known as heartburn in the chest and /or the throat. Also referred to as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux is the consequence of the LES not shutting properly. For some patients, the feeling is as if food had got stuck in their throat, choking or narrowing of the throat or a recurrent dry cough. Upon continual esophageal inflammation, ulcers or hemorrhaging can occur, and scar tissue can cause narrowing of the throat with accompanying difficulties of glutition. Older acid reflux patients may also be afflicted by Barrett's esophagus, where cells take on abnormal forms and colors in the esophageal lining. Over time, the consequence may be cancer. Therefore, a speedy and correct diagnosis of acid reflux must be done and then acted on in a timely fashion. Together with the distressful sensations of pain already mentioned, grave complications can also result from neglect of acid reflux conditions. As a medication in a group called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), Nexium's goal is to reduce the amount of stomach acid by depressing the stomach mechanism responsible for this acid (the proton pump). PPIs are one of the four groups of classical medicaments against acid reflux conditions, the other three being: antacids, alginates, and H2-receptor antagonists. Treatment based on Nexium has three significant drawbacks: Firstly, and an important note at this stage, GERD is a condition deriving from a complex group of environmental, dietary and lifestyle aspects; stomach acid is only the symptom of this. By blocking stomach acid generation, Nexium acts on the acid reflux symptoms as a short-term measure to reduce acid reflux discomfort. Daily usage of the drug is mandatory to continue to block the recurrence of acid reflux, which then brings on a long-term dependency. The second is that the inhibition of stomach acid production can in fact provoke more acid reflux and long-term indigestion as one of the natural functions of acid in the stomach is to aid the body in nutrient absorption and defense against Candida and parasites. The third is that the regular intake of nexium can bring about many secondary effects that commonly include diarrhea and severe headaches. Links to osteoporosis have also been indicated. A research team leader, Robert J.F.Laheij, states that using nexium to diminish the stomach acids that kill germs increases the danger of GERD patients being attacked by pneumonia generating bacteria. A recent Dutch report from 360,000 subjects concluded that use of nexium could significantly boost the danger of pneumonia for an acid reflux sufferer. Moreover, recent research to be found in the Journal of the American Medical Association, gave evidence that people over 50 years old using nexium for a year or more, were much more menaced by suffering fractures of the hip. Yu-Xiao Yang, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and research team leader, says that acid reflux victims should check out the option of dietary and lifestyle modifications as a safer, healthier choice. According to Dr. Yang, this solution can decrease or even eliminate the need for PPIs. Were you aware that your wearisome, distressing symptoms of acid reflux could be alleviated forever without requiring conventional medicaments such as Nexium and their accompanying secondary effects? Adhering to a holistic strategy (taking defined supplements of herbs and vitamins, together with a full plan of Candida control protocols and dietary principles) can naturally and effectively solve acid reflux and safely prevent its return.
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Jeff Martin is a certified nutritionist and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, Heartburn No More . To Learn More About Nexium for Acid Reflux Visit: Nexium for Acid Reflux
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