Hi Aaron,

I am amazed at how many people are prescribed antidepressants when the issue is clearly something else.

Here are some home remedy tips that you might find helpful in dealing with the reflux, and also some links to information about drugs and therapies available.

People with heartburn should first try lifestyle and dietary changes. In one study, 44% of patients who experienced symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reported improvement after changing their diet. Some suggestions are the following:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->People with heartburn should avoid or reduce consumption of foods and beverages that contain caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, and alcohol. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee increase acid secretion.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->All carbonated drinks increase the risk for GERD.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Although physicians often advise patients with GERD to cut down on fatty foods, studies are finding no evidence that a low-fat or high-fat meal make any difference in symptom exacerbation. Better studies are needed to confirm this. In any case, as a rule, it is always wise to avoid saturated fats (which are from animal products), and cut down on all fats if one is overweight.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Increasing protein may help strengthen muscles in the muscle valve. Patients should choose low-fat or skim dairy products, poultry, or fish, in such cases.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Whole grain products rich in selenium may have some protective role against dangerous cells changes in Barrett's esophagus.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Patients should have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, although avoid acidic vegetables and fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons, grapefruit, pineapple**, tomatoes).

You can read about GERD here in the overview and you can check your symptoms here in the symptoms database. You can read about drugs currently prescribed here in the drugs database. You can also research treatments available and alternatives here in the treatments database.

While these won't take the place of your doctor's medical advice and care, they will help you ask all the right questions. If your doctor is not providing the treatment you feel you should be getting, try looking in your directory for a doctor that specializes in GERD. A Gastroenterologist.

I hope this helps. Take care and stay in touch!

Vicki M