I had the most agonising heartburn every day.Sometimes when I went to bed the pain was intolerable, I have had all kinds of tests for this and have been taking Omeprazole for eight years ! As an ex smoker,I have always loved peppermints and always bought a pack of mint imperials, chewy mints or chewing gum at the supermarket.I don't know where I read it but I read that peppermint was a cause of heartburn ( strange when some instant relief tablets contain this!) but I decided to give up peppermint completely. Guess what - I haven't had the excrutiating heartburn again since ! -a little trapped wind - but I am 75 ! I now only take the Omeprazole about every three days just to be sure.It worked for me and maybe it is a little tip for others.
Hi Jackie,
I found that mint toothpaste aggravated my gastritis, so switched to a fruit one. Minty things relax the lower eosophageal muscle, and this can allow acid from the stomach to pass more easily up into the eosophagus and cause heartburn. Chocolate, caffeine and alcohol are also bad for this.
So glad you found relief from getting mint out of your life.
As it happens, as a boy I was mints-mad. A pity there isn't some kind of warning on such common things about how hazardous they can be.
Thanks for the input about mints, you served as an inspiration to me all the best.
chewing gum is not recommended for reflux either
you should discuss with your dr whether you still need the PPI as they only last for so long which is why they are taken daily.
Yes, don't stop Omeprazole at once. Once every 3 days it's perfect for a few weeks. ;-)