Anyone taking PPIs?

@wandafanda When I looked at the studies about long-term effects of PPI's, most were looking at years of daily meds, not months. So perhaps that can help you feel better about extending your meds for a while.

I also took a look at kelp (algae) as a treatment. Although long, this article points to the usefulness:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6836317/
Their conclusion is helpful:
"In this expert opinion paper, we evaluated the different aspects of alginate treatment in patients with GERD. It is possible to conclude from the existing studies that:

According to the production methods, each alginate has different characteristics, and it is not possible to replace an alginate from one source with one from another source. Basic science studies showed that Laminaria hyperborea was able to form strong, coherent, voluminous and highly buoyant rafts compared to others.

Alginate has a unique mode of action, producing raft formation. The effect is fast.

Alginate monotherapy is a preferable option for the treatment of mild GERD symptoms.

In patients with severe or breakthrough symptoms in PPI-unresponsive GERD, alginates can be used in combination with PPIs to improve symptoms and to reduce reflux events.

Although more data are needed, the efficacy in regurgitation-dominant GERD is possibly higher with alginates.

Alginates have a place in the management of atypical GERD symptoms.

Alginate can be used either long term and/or on-demand therapy following the cessation of PPIs.

In the treatment of GERD in children, alginates have a proven and efficient effect and are safe.

Alginates can be used in pregnancy and lactation as a first-line therapy."
The biggest take-aways are that ONLY CERTAIN alginates are useful, and studies show they can be used to supplement, replace, or wean from PPI's.

@sueinmn
Good morning,
Where can I get Alginates in the US. I know Gaviscon Advance is one of them but only sold in Europe

Thank you!

@deb2230 I'm not sure - I haven't needed them, so no personal experience. I would ask a pharmacist in a non-chain store for help.

@sueinmn
Good morning,
Where can I get Alginates in the US. I know Gaviscon Advance is one of them but only sold in Europe

Thank you!

@deb2230 Reflux Gourmet contains alginates and it's available on Amazon.com . https://refluxgourmet.com/the-science-of-alginate-therapy/

@wandafanda I have been on Lansoprazole, a generic of Prevacid, for over twenty years and I have been fine. I have a small hiatal hernia so it is essential for me to stay on the PPI to prevent Barrett’s Esophagus.

@sueinmn
Good morning,
Where can I get Alginates in the US. I know Gaviscon Advance is one of them but only sold in Europe

Thank you!

@sueinmn
Good morning,
Where can I get Alginates in the US. I know Gaviscon Advance is one of them but only sold in Europe

Thank you!

@rashida I just read your post. I was told at National Jewish Hospital, NJH, that I have a small hiatal hernia but not told to start PPI. The Bravo test performed at NJH did not indicate acid reflux. Just hope the test was correct, "ya just never know."

What were your symptoms that you feel the hiatal hernia caused before taking the PPI.?
Did you have problems such that you could describe as being caused by the hiatal hernia or was it a colonoscopy test that suggested problems and PPI's?

I don't think I have problems that could be associated with a hiatal hernia, but I might be wrong and wonder if you had specific problems that you were aware of before being told to start the PPI's.
Barbara