(NaturalHealth365)  There’s something shady about an industry that tells people to pop heartburn medicine – as a “first line of defense” against common ailments like a burning stomach.  Think about it: If the cause of heartburn is mostly lifestyle-related, you’d think heartburn treatments would simply focus on lifestyle – right?  Well, not so, says Big Pharma.

According to the drug industry, all you need to do is take a popular heartburn medicine like ranitidine (brand name Zantac).  Ignoring the nasty side effects of ranitidine, TV commercials continue to push the product and suggest that somehow you’ll magically feel better by popping some pills and not changing your eating habits.

Unfortunately, nasty side effects aren’t the only thing people taking Zantac should be worried about. Multiple media outlets are now reporting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found cancer-causing chemicals in Zantac.

Leading heartburn medicine contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals, says FDA

Ranitidine is a histamine-2-blocker and reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.  Historically speaking, it’s been used to treat conditions like ulcers, heartburn, and gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD).

And it’s no wonder it’s a popular drug, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month.

Heartburn – which happens when stomach acid is forced back up into the esophagus – includes telltale symptoms like hiccups and an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest.  But, ranitidine side effects can be even more uncomfortable than the condition it allegedly treats!

The dubious list of side effects includes:

• Severe headaches
• Decreased sex drive and impotence
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Sleep problems like insomnia
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
• Swollen or tender breasts in men

All that from a little pill to treat temporary heartburn!

Now, these side effects may be enough to steer you away from Zantac.  But the FDA now gives another reason: in a September 2019 press release, they warn that test batches of Zantac are contaminated by a cancer-causing compound called N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA.

The “probable human carcinogen” used to be used to make rocket fuel (literally).  NDMA was also found in contaminated blood pressure medications near the end of last year.

But while we appreciate the warning, we can’t help but feel it’s a bit, shall we say, tone-deaf.

Here’s why: In the FDA’s official recommendation, they state that they “are not calling individuals to stop taking ranitidine at this time.”  Instead, people should talk to their doctors about their other options, or “consider using other [over-the-counter] medicines approved for their condition.”

That’s it?!  Just take something else?

No mention of other natural ways to alleviate heartburn that do not involve subjecting yourself to expensive, side-effect-riddled, and potentially harmful drugs?  Forehead smack.

Tired of dealing with heartburn? Try these tips to ease your pain naturally

Research shows that the majority of health issues are directly related to lifestyle – which means that the solution to your heartburn could be as simple as adopting healthier lifestyle habits!

Before popping a pill, try these tips to alleviate (or better yet, avoid) gastric reflux:

• Avoid eating on the go and take your time with meals.  Simply put, chew your food well.
• Avoid excessively fatty, fried, spicy, and processed foods.
• Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea and carbonated drinks.
• Limit your intake of highly acidic foods (foods that have a low pH), including tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar.
• Sip on some ginger tea (many say it helps with heartburn, and the herb is already known for alleviating nausea).
• Wear loose clothing.
• Stand up straight and slightly elevate your upper body – when sleeping.
• And, last (but not least), do not smoke.

Of course, keeping a food journal – as a healthy reminder – can be helpful.  Certain foods may trigger your heartburn more than others.

So, avoid your trigger foods and eat plenty of fresh veggies, clean proteins, and moderate amounts of good fats instead.  Finally, don’t overeat (ever) and chew your food really well.

Sources for this article include:

LiveScience.com
RXlist.com
FDA.gov
Medicinenet.com
Drugs.com
Forbes.com
ABCnews.go.com
Thepharmletter.com
Healthline.com
Medicalnewstoday.com