As a medicinal treatment for acid reflux symptoms, Nexium was introduced in 2001 to sell over than $5.7 billion in 2005 and claim the number 3 position in biggest selling worldwide drugs. First we'll talk about acid reflux disease in general and then extend the discussion on the way that Nexium behaves in conditions of acid reflux, its possible side effects and healthier choices.

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 using Nexium has three major 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.

Secondly, one of the basic functions of stomach acid is join in the body's efforts to defend against Candida and parasites, and to help nutrient absorption. The inhibition of the production of stomach acid can in fact generate more long-term indigestion and acid reflux.

The third is that the persistent use of nexium can bring about a lot of secondary effects that commonly include severe headaches and diarrhea. Links to osteoporosis have also been suggested.

A recent report from Holland on 360,000 people concluded that use of Nexium could really increase the menace of pneumonia for a sufferer of acid reflux. Leader of a research team, Robert J.F.Laheij, mentions that use of nexium to diminish the same stomach acids that kill germs increases the threat to acid reflux sufferers of pneumonia generating bacteria.

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.

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. Were you aware that permanent alleviation of your wearisome, distressing symptoms of acid reflux is possible without resorting to classical medicaments such as Nexium and their concomitant secondary effects?