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.

Together with the disagreeable, painful sensations already mentioned, severe complications can also result when acid reflux is ignored. When the esophagus is continually inflamed, ulcers or bleeding can result, and scar tissue can lead to strictures of the throat and difficulties in swallowing. Older victims of acid reflux may also suffer from Barrett's esophagus, where the esophageal lining cells assume unusual shapes and colors. In time, this may develop into cancer. For this reason, a rapid and correct diagnosis of acid reflux must be made and then treated in a timely way.

As a medicament in the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) category, Nexium aims to lower the quantity of stomach acid by interfering with the stomach mechanism producing this acid (the proton pump). This is one of the four groups of classical medications against acid reflux conditions: antacids, alginates, PPI (proton pump inhibitors) 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.

Secondly, one of the normal functions of acid in the stomach is assist the body in defense against Candida and parasites, and nutrient absorption. The inhibition of stomach acid production can in fact aggravate more acid reflux and long-term indigestion.

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 burdensome, distressing symptoms of acid reflux could be eradicated forever without needing to endure conventional medicaments such as Nexium and their 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.