since returning from cuba 2 months ago i have had acid reflux what can be the cause

Hi Janet,

Perhaps the problem is the difference in the water and diet here from Cuba? Were you experiencing problems when you were in Cuba?

The medicine you are taking is the generic formulary for Prilosec. You can read more about that here in the drugs database. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It reduces the acid that the stomach makes.

At times when you have flair ups like this, it is possible that you will need to increase your dosage, but that is something you will want to talk to your doctor about. Online sites are great for getting information that will help you ask all the right questions, however nothing takes the place of your doctor's sound advice.

You might also try some changes in your diet. There is some helpful information available here. Dr Todd Eisner answered some questions back in December and one of them asked about Papaya juice benefits for acid reflux. Here is his answer. Apparently Papaya juice has Papain in it which is beneficial for some folks suffering with acid reflux.  Pineapple also aids in digestion and chicory tea is soothing for Acid Refluxers.

This article gives you information about foods to avoid and lifestyle changes you can make. A user asked about avoiding acid reflux in foreign countries, and Krystle suggested this this blog about eating at work, and another about healthy lunches . 

There are some great tips here about how to deal with acid reflux. Also, try some of these ideas. 

Acid Reflux Diet

• First of all, try to eat small, frequent meals instead of three big meals a day. Small amounts of food each time would exert less workload on the stomach and therefore requires less acid secretion for digestion. Make sure to include foods that are high in complex carbohydrates in each meal. These foods, such as rice, breads and pasta, are able to tie up excess stomach acid and are often easy on the stomach.
• Avoid high-fat meals such as those from the fast food chains. High fat foods will remain in the stomach longer, thus causing the need for more stomach acid in order to digest them.
• But remember, don't overeat! Eating too much of any foods will stimulate the stomach to secret more acids for digestion.
• Avoid or limit alcohol
• Maintain upright position during and at least 45 minutes after eating

I hope this helps! Take care and stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M