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Gaviscon peppermint + heartburn

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Posted 5/15/2013 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hello. I have a question, why is Gaviscon in a peppermint flavour? Peppermint it's not supposed to relax the les valve and cause more acid reflux and more heartburn? I don't understand that! Thanks
Posted 5/15/2013 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SaggitariusGirl,

Peppermint definitely relaxes the LES, and like you've I've always wondered why they make antacids in peppermint flavors.  TUMS has now come out with a peppermint mouth-freshening version.

I guess there is a cohort of people who don't have GERD and a weak LES who get acid stomachs and mint doesn't create problems for them.

GERD patients need to definitely choose a non-mint version of these helpful antacids.

Great question!

Best wishes,

Denise

Posted 5/15/2013 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
yep, thats big pharm always so willing to help! skull
Posted 5/15/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I have used the pepermint gaviscon advance and it does not seem to both me too much.
Posted 5/16/2013 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Mint doesn't bother me at all. I chew mint gum regularly, and take spearmint TUMS when I need it. I've read that those food lists are mostly anecdotal, not supported by research.
Posted 5/16/2013 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Erica and Sunbeam,

It is so true that one person's trigger is another person's safe food.  GERD trigger foods that are listed far and wide, are the foods that seem to bother the most people.  "Anecdotal" information comes from real-life experiences that are recorded and compiled by researchers. 

It's not scientific in the sense that it was tested on an LES to see the results.  It is anecdotal research that compiles individual experiences with a variety of foods.  Deciding which foods are triggers, is an individual trial and error process, but mint can create problems for some.  Glad to hear you can enjoy mint treats without a problem!

Take care,

Denise

Posted 5/17/2013 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for responding guys! At the moment I'm so discouraged, trying to discover what things are ok and what not! It seems that everything it's a no no anymore
Posted 5/17/2013 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
It is a lot of trial and error. I stay away from mint except the Gaviscon. Maybe because it prevents reflux it does not bother me. Hang in there, it takes a while to figure it out.
Posted 5/18/2013 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
Just curious, where do those of you in the US get Gaviscon advance? I tried buying from an online pharmacy in the UK but they couldn't ship it to me. I found a site called canadadrugs.com that looks like it might work.
Posted 5/20/2013 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
mattinthehat,

I bought mine from chemist.com (I live in the US).

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