Acid Reflux

I do suffer from acid reflux for over 15 years.I have been using Zantag then ,losec and now for 5 years consecutive I am on Nexium.It is fienI can eat everything ,however I heard that it is Not good for my health to be on Nexium for long term.I would like you to direct me on :what I am suppose to do'may be i need to change my diet completely?
I would like to stop the medications because of long term health concerns....

I do have 5 kidney stones,I discovered it 2 years ago and still they are still there .What am I suppose to do..thank goodness I don't have pain because they are not moving ,,,I gues they are happy...

Please help me

Thanks

Chake

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
PPI are relatively safe medications. The longterm side effects are still not known as PPI are less than 2 decades old.
Lifestyle modifications can control GERD.
Lifestyle modifications -
1. Head elevation while sleeping
2. Small frequent meals
3. Going to bed 2- 3 hours after food
4. Avoiding bed time snacks
5. Avoiding smoking and alcohol
6. Avoiding tight fitting clothes
7. Avoiding cola, citrus drinks, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, spicy food
8. Weight reduction