So let’s talk about GERD.  Acid reflux is now treated with powerful chemical mediators called H ion proton pump inhibitors.  This mouthful of words simply means that a drug like Zantac or Prilosec takes the H ion from HCL (hydrochloric acid, the acid in your tummy that breaks down your food so that vital nutrients can be absorbed) and stops it from being pumped out by the cells lining your stomach so that you won’t be able to create HCl only Chloride.  With side effects like Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Increased Heart Rate, Headache, Insomnia, Fever, Sore Throat and Chest pain to name a few it is an important question to ask why do we are being prescribed these drugs in such huge numbers?

• Get active
• Exercise that increases your heart rate at least three hours a week (or 30 minutes a day) may help boost your body’s natural mood-enhancers (endorphins)

• Check out St. John’s wort
• Take 600 to 1,200 mg a day of a standardized herbal extract containing of 0.3% hypericin to help with mild to moderate depression—but talk to your doctor first as St. John's wort can interact with certain medications
• Take 5-HTP (300mg) take 100mg dosages three times per day

• Get enough iron
• A lack of iron can make depression worse; check with a doctor to find out if you are iron deficient

• Try B vitamins
• Take a supplement that contains folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6 to help correct deficiencies associated with depression

• Seek counseling
• A mental health professional may help you make a full recovery

Yours in Health,

- Dr M.