Ara DerMarderosian, PhD
University of the Sciences

Many people who suffer from heartburn take over-the-counter antacids or expensive prescription medication, such as esomeprazole (Nexium) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). These treatments can help but often cause side effects, such as diarrhea and dry mouth.

Heartburn, a sharp, burning pain under the rib cage, occurs when stomach contents “back up” (reflux) into the esophagus.
Chamomile, ginger and deglycyrrhizinated licorice have long been used (in tea, extract and tincture) to relieve heartburn as well as indigestion and intestinal irritation. Their effectiveness is supported by anecdotal evidence. For relief proven in clinical studies, try pectin, a substance found in the outer skin and rind of fruits and vegetables. Apples and bananas are among the best sources of pectin. If you suffer from heartburn, try eating an apple (do not choose green or other tart varieties) or a banana to see if it relieves your symptoms.
Pectin supplements, which are available at most health-food stores, are another option. Take at the onset of heartburn until it subsides. For dosage, follow label instructions. Pectin supplements are generally safe but may interfere with the absorption of some medications, so check with your doctor before trying this supplement.
Caution: Chronic heartburn (more than twice a week) may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that should be treated by a gastroenterologist.

Bottom Line/Health interviewed Ara DerMarderosian, PhD, a professor of pharmacognosy (the study of natural products used in medicine) and Roth chair of natural products at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. He also is the scientific director of the university’s Complementary and Alternative Medicines Institute.

So to answer your above q, bc I see no one else will : ) I’d pick me (surprise!) with several key advisers and a set of classified back up advisers so I don’t get bum info from those who think they’d influence me : ) all done very top secret like ; )

Hey Money, you’re are so not alone, unfortunately, maybe when the key billionaires are done having fun with their pawns and stop laughing so hard at our perceived stupidity for putting them in charge we can stop bleeding cash, I know I’m not happy about it. I’m trying to enjoy what can only be called a humbling experience…and have been very busy staunching the $ bleeding that I have not had time to research squat, though of course I want to.

OK, ciao for now, Zen Lill