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There are a lot of different options when it comes to treating your heartburn in this modern era. There are all sorts of medications and remedies which are popular and there are even holistic health options you can use to stop acid reflux.

If you go to a doctor, the primary method of heartburn treatment is through the use of prescription medication. There are two primary classes of medications which are used: H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors.

The class of medications known as H2 blockers is typically shorter acting, and may last 4-8 hours for a single use. One downside to using these medications is that many people report that they are not effective when used for the long term. If you use these for longer than the recommended two weeks, they often stop working altogether as your body adapts to the dosage.

On the other hand, there is a different class of medications which is known as a proton pump inhibitor. This class of medication typically works for much longer than H2 blockers, and can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after being used for a single dose. The problem with this class of medication is not its effectiveness but rather its side effects; it negatively impacts digestion and stops the absorption of a variety of nutrients, which can lead to problems over time.

Additionally, you always have the option of using a more holistic approach. One of the easiest ways you can “treat” heartburn is just by losing weight. You need to get rid of excess body fat as this inflammation really leads to problems over time and is a serious cause of heartburn.

Another option for acid reflux treatment is avoiding things which often cause heartburn. This includes things like smoking as well as cutting down on alcohol usage. Both of these things are strong contributors to heartburn and for many people just losing weight and cutting out smoking and drinking will work better than medication.