All acid blocking drugs are short term drugs only. A maximum of 8 weeks however in the case of PPI's (eg: nexium, prilosec [which is omeprazole]), the FDA made a statement to take up to 14 days, 3 times a year. There is a good reason for this. You NEED stomach acid to absorb essential nutrients and kill of bacteria, fungi, parasites. Muscle pain could be due to magnesium deficiency for instance. This is the newest warning out by the FDA. A magnesium deficiency can occur within 3 months of taking a PPI.
Digestive enzyme supplements can be used for high or low stomach acid (low acid is the most common cause of acid reflux however). You can trial betaine HCI with pepsin supplements or try apple cider vinegar to make up for stomach acid insufficiency.
"The popular belief is that acid reflux is due to an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. New science has revealed that this is not the case. GERD is most often caused by too little hydrochloric acid being secreted by the stomach.
During digestion the stomach secretes acid to lower its pH to around 1.5-2.5 range. More protein in the meal results in a greater need for stomach acid. Individuals with non-obstructive acid reflux are often not able to get their pH low enough. The LES is known to be a pH sensitive valve that initiates closure when pH drops under 3.0. When the stomach does not have enough acid, the LES remains open and acid can spill into the esophageal region and damage the tissue."
Digestive enzyme supplements can be used for high or low stomach acid (low acid is the most common cause of acid reflux however). You can trial betaine HCI with pepsin supplements or try apple cider vinegar to make up for stomach acid insufficiency.
"The popular belief is that acid reflux is due to an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. New science has revealed that this is not the case. GERD is most often caused by too little hydrochloric acid being secreted by the stomach.
During digestion the stomach secretes acid to lower its pH to around 1.5-2.5 range. More protein in the meal results in a greater need for stomach acid. Individuals with non-obstructive acid reflux are often not able to get their pH low enough. The LES is known to be a pH sensitive valve that initiates closure when pH drops under 3.0. When the stomach does not have enough acid, the LES remains open and acid can spill into the esophageal region and damage the tissue."