I was recently asked by my mother of all people about my thoughts on What Is The Best Natural Alternative To Omeprazole? Interestingly as I took Omeprazole before but I had to stop as my body did not react well to it and my mother said something quite similar.
Once was enough for me. Never again but following tonight’s discussion with my mother. I did some research – on short-term fixes and long-term problems. Omeprazole I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. From what I can gather, long term, the side effects are really not very pleasant at all. They can cause hair loss and internal damage to organs such as the small intestine.
Even Alzheimer’s because of the mineral absorption issues that it can cause.
For the short period of relief, what it does long term is really not worth it in my opinion. I mean it is all good if it does what it is supposed to do but what if you could use something more natural instead?
Best Natural Alternative To Omeprazole
In today’s post, I will discuss what I believe are the best natural alternatives to this medication. If you have any others you would like me to add please let me know in the comments section. If you read to the end I also recommend my top supplement for acid reflux – if you are looking for a safer, better alternative this I think is one. Now…
My Experience with Omeprazole
I first heard of Omeprazole about 4-5 years ago. At the time I was having some pretty nasty stomach problems. From what I understand my problem was something like Acid Reflux. I think it was Alcohol-related but long story short the doctor prescribed me Omeprazole to take twice a day.
If my memory serves me correctly I took it for around 3 days after and from what I remember the side effects were horrible. I have never taken them again since and pretty much was put off them for life.
Although I know my Mum has taken them for several years, I have come across others that have been desperate for this medication at times. Even willing to accept unused expired pills from their friends on Facebook. Quite why I will never understand. It is almost funny.
I mean since I last tried Omeprazole – I think just drinking water got me through the difficult times and giving up alcohol was the thing that really helped. However, another thing I seem to remember is Ranitidine is another medication I’ve tried and that actually worked without the side effects.
But actually, the thing I recommend most now is a supplement called HCL Breakthrough by one of my personal Trusted Brands Bioptimizers.
What Is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a type of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medication for various related stomach issues such as;
- For GERD (GastroEsophogeoul Reflux Disease)
- Peptic Ulcers
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Acid Reflux
- Zollinger-Ellison Disease.
- Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding (for those at high risk)
You can buy Omeprazole under a few different names including Prilosec and Losec. It was a medication first patented in 1978, made available for public use in 1988 and fast forward to now it is the eighth-most prescribed medication in the USA with an estimated 58 million prescriptions a year (as of 2018).
I don’t like this medication as I’ve said above but I know for many this is something they swear by. My reason is because of the side effects and potential dangers. These I will quickly summarize…
Dangers and Side Effects Of Omeprazole
Possible side effects that may occur from short term Omeprazole use include:
- Headaches and Dizziness
- Respiratory Infection or Cough
- Stomach Pain, Diarrhea, or Constipation
- Sickness and Vomiting
- Flatulence and Acid Reflux
- Back pain, and Muscle Weakness
- Skin Rash
- Osteoporosis
- Magnesium, Vitamin B12 and Calcium Deficiency
Long term use of PPIs
Long term utilization of Proton Pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole is unequivocally connected with the growth of benign polyps from the Fundic glands (which is unmistakable from Fundic gland polyposis); these polyps don’t cause malignancy and resolve when PPIs are no longer used.
No link has been found between PPI use and cancer, however, utilization of PPIs might hide gastric tumours or other genuine gastric issues and doctors ought to know about this effect.
There is also believed to be a link between long term use of PPIs and dementia which requires further examination to confirm. An audit article in U.S. Drug specialist in 2013 states that drawn-out utilization of PPIs is related to diminished calcium absorption (causing expanded danger of osteoporosis and breaks), diminished magnesium ingestion (causing electrolyte unsettling influences), and expanded danger of specific diseases like C. difficile and local area obtained pneumonia. They estimate that this is because of diminished stomach acid production.
Natural Alternatives To Omeprazole
Chamomile For Acid Reflux
What Is the Best Natural Alternative To Omeprazole?
Studies show that Chamomile tea might assist with relaxation and can help to soothe the central nervous system. These calming properties may likewise assist with treating acid reflux and heartburn. As this tea works by remedying inflammation and loosens up muscles there can also be positive effects as a result of this process.
Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) is notable for its gentle narcotic activities and for its anti-spasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal tract. In GERD, it is utilized as a non-demulcent anti-inflammatory. It is most usually utilized as a boiling water mixture (tea) of 1-3 grams (around 1 tablespoon) of the flowers, saturated with a cup covered with a saucer, taken three to four times a day.
This drink is by and large very much endured, however people oversensitive to different plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) may encounter a worsening of their unfavourably susceptible side effects. (1)
Liquorice Root for GERD
What is liquorice root good for?
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant found natively in the Mediterranean and Western Asia. It is a typical enhancement in sweets, medication, tobacco, and oral health products such as toothpaste. The liquorice root is not only 50x times better than sugar, but it also has various therapeutic properties.
As a natural remedy Liquorice root might be useful for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One investigation discovered liquorice root to be more successful at lessening the symptoms of indigestion than antacids over a two-year time span. More so Licorice root is viewed as one of the world’s oldest natural cures.
To make Licorice Root Tea, boil 1 cup of water and pour over the liquorice root. Leave the liquorice root to sit for 5 minutes. Then once ready strain and serve. Drinking Licorice root tea is ordinarily utilized as a gastrointestinal (stomach-related) cure and to alleviate a sensitive throat.
Ongoing research has proposed that liquorice root is also effective in treating liver disease and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS ), and is likewise useful in treating gum disease and other oral health problems. (2)
Ginger Root for Indigestion
What is ginger root good for?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root is a characteristic solution for both indigestion and nausea. Scientists estimate that Ginger’s adequacy is because of its solid anti-inflammatory properties. It is generally utilized for the treatment of nausea.
For this reason confections such as Ginger Biscuits and Ginger Ale are suggested as momentary measures for pregnancy-related morning sickness, and travel sickness ie. Jet Lag.
Generally, ginger has been utilized to treat other gastrointestinal sicknesses, including acid reflux. It’s an idea to contain anti-inflammatory properties. This might diminish generally expansion and aggravation in the throat.
There are not many incidental effects related to ginger root except if you take it excessively. As ‘be cautioned’ taking an excess of ginger can actually cause heartburn rather than resolve it.
To make Ginger Tea grate or slice your ginger root, cover in boiling water, leave to sit for 5 minutes and then serve. (3)
Slippery Elm Bark For Stomach Problems
Found growing all across North America the Slippery Elm or Red Elm Tree is another natural alternative to Omeprazole. Individuals utilize the inward bark for therapeutic purposes. It contains a substance called “mucilage.” Which is used to create a gel-like substance.
Mucilage is used to cover various body parts and has several health benefits. For instance, this gel can help cover and calm inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus making this a worthwhile solution for individuals with heartburn.
It can likewise assist with the creation of more mucus in the digestive organs. This can additionally help protect against ulcers and excess stomach acidity.
For this reason, Individuals have utilized Slippery Elm for hundreds, and hundreds of years.
Especially Native American Indians who utilized it for:
- Swollen Glandular Infections
- Eye Sores
- Sore Throats
- Skin Rashes…
and of course stomach related issues, such as heartburn, constipation and diarrhoea.
In fact, a 2010 study affirmed that Slippery Elm supplementation was found to be effective in the treatment of Constipation dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C). However, it is still to be proven scientifically if slippery elm has a similar impact when you use it in its natural form. (4)
Is Marshmallow Root Good For Acid Reflux?
Marshmallow root (Althaea Officinalis) is from the Marshmallow plant that is local to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It’s been utilized as a natural remedy for millennia to treat stomach related, respiratory, and skin conditions.
Its holistic powers are expected to some extent to the mucilage it contains. It’s usually taken as a capsule, oil or made into Tea. It’s additionally utilized in skincare products and made into cough syrups.
As, a natural alternative to Omeprazole it can treat a wide scope of stomach related conditions, including constipation, acid reflux, indigestion, and intestinal colic.
An examination from 2011 found that Marshmallow Plant Extract exhibited possible advantages in treating gastric ulcers in animal testing. Ulcers were found to heal within one month although still, further tests are needed to develop these findings.
Other than this Marshmallow root might assist with relieving aggravation and irritation within the digestive tract.
An in vitro study from 2010 tracked down that aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from marshmallow root can be utilized to treat irritated mucous layers. Examination recommends that the mucilage substance makes a defensive layer of tissue on the covering of the digestive tract. It may likewise animate the cells that help with tissue recovery.
Although, again further examination is expected to develop these discoveries. (5)
Betaine HCL Vs Omeprazole
OK, so this is not exactly a natural alternative to omeprazole. However, I felt it may be worthy of a mention. Betaine HCL (Hydrochloride) is a chemical substance that is produced in laboratories and is used to treat basically all the same things as Omeprazole. It is interesting as it is actually used to replace stomach acid.
I’m not really sure how it measures up to the remedies mentioned but the crazy thing about this all is the health problems you would typically take Omeprazole for can actually be used not having enough stomach acid. I don’t want to sway away from the main topic about the best natural alternative to omeprazole but just in case you’d like to read more I have another post that you might like to read as well. It is for my top recommended Betaine HCL dietary supplement.
https://dynamicideas4life.com/bioptimizers-hcl-breakthrough-review/
In Conclusion – What To Take Instead of Omeprazole?
I do not recommend Omeprazole and I probably wouldn’t recommend any of the other ‘7 Top Medications in the USA’ either. It may end up being to my detriment but I am a huge fan of natural remedies. To me, it seems too many prescribed medications have vested interests in from pharmaceutical companies.
They seem to care more about profits than peoples health. Which, I think comes at a cost to peoples health.
Omeprazole I think is a great example of this. I am sure it has some kind of effective use for some medical conditions but how many of the patients that go to the doctors might be better off with Liquorice or Marshmallow Root for instance?
It would seem that as these are not profitable to Big Pharma only will a doctor recommend this completely off the record.
Now, I am not saying don’t take these medications I could be completely wrong. I would say there is at least a few good medications out there at least. Some such as Antibiotics and Penicillin have changed the world for the better, but back to my point why not try these natural remedies instead of Omeprazole?
If they work great but if not you can always go back to taking Omeprazole.
Personally, I would recommend HCL Breakthrough by Bioptimizers. Usually rather than having too much stomach acid the true problem is not having enough and for this purpose there is nothing better.
Final Words – Let Us Know What You Think?
Thanks for reading my article “What Is The Best Natural Alternative To Omeprazole?” What do you think? Are there any remedies for things like Acid Reflux, Heartburn and Indigestion that I have missed?
Please let me know in the comments section below.
Also, any questions you have or any feedback you would like to give me on this content I would love to hear from you.
Otherwise, if you know anybody that might benefit from reading today’s post please send them a link, and if you feel this might be helpful to others in general please share with your friends and followers on Social Media.
Many thanks and hope to see you all again soon;
#STAYDYNAMIC
Alex B Chivers
DynamicIdeas4Life.com
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Read This Next…
Bioptimizers HCL Breakthrough Review 2023
Do You Need More Stomach Acid?
Bioptimizers HCL Breakthrough is a Premium Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL) Supplement that can help relieve stomach acid issues such as Acid Reflux, GERD, Heart Burn, and Indigestion.
It is essentially a remedy for stomach acid deficiency. Which is a condition when our body doesn’t produce enough stomach acid. If you don’t know Stomach Acid is usually a mixture of HCL, Potassium Chloride, and Sodium Chloride. Inside this dietary supplement you can find alongside HCL a blend of Enzymes that can also assist with the digestion of proteins and fats; Read more here…⏬
https://dynamicideas4life.com/bioptimizers-hcl-breakthrough
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Thanks for this information. It’s quite interesting as I’ve been taking this medicine for several years. I started taking myself off of it a few months back. I haven’t told my doctor I have. I want to try some of the herbal recommendations you’ve suggested here.
Thanks,
Connie
Hi Connie, Yes I tried it I think a couple of times but the last time I had a really bad reaction. I know some people are OK taking it but I do think that people should try natural remedies to see if they can be used instead. Pretty much my idea for this article. Also, my mum has been taking this for years so thought I would write this for her as longer you take this stuff the more risk it is to your health.
I have not heard of Omeprazole, but I prefer natural herbs to other alternatives.
For example, I use ginger a lot, and it works for virtually everything for me.
Especially when I have a cough, I boil water with grated ginger and a slice of lemon and feel better a few minutes later.
Thanks for bringing this to light.
Cheers.
Hi Muslimah, Thanks for commenting. I sometimes make a similar brew myself but with loose Pu-er tea. I don’t really like the ginger and lemon tea bags but this is quite easy to drink I think, and yes totally agree with you – natural remedies all the way. Even supplements I don’t think are so bad but some medications like Omeprazole I do really shake my head at.