Frequently Asked Questions | PEPCID®

HEARTBURN BASICS

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QA Question: 

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn is triggered by a variety of things, but the main cause is stomach acid escaping the stomach into the esophagus and causing a burning feeling. A normally functioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should keep the contents of your stomach from escaping, but sometimes the LES relaxes or weakens, and allows acid to flow into the esophagus.

Common heartburn triggers are certain types of foods and beverages, smoking, and stress. They can increase stomach acid or relax the LES. Learn more about heartburn, its triggers, and how to manage it.

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QA Question: 

What are some of the most common triggers of heartburn?

What triggers heartburn is not the same for everyone, but some of the most common heartburn triggers include certain types of foods – for example, anything that is greasy, spicy, or fatty.
Take our Triggers Quiz to find out if you have heartburn or find out more about diet tips that can help you prevent heartburn.

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PEPCID® VS OTHER HEARTBURN RELIEF

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What types of heartburn relief are available over the counter?

There are 3 main types of heartburn relief products you can buy at the store without a prescription that offer a range from quick relief to longer-lasting relief:

Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach, but don’t stop your stomach from making more. Antacids start neutralizing acid in seconds, and may last up to 2 hours on a full stomach.

Histamine-2 blockers (h3 blockers) lower the amount of acid that your stomach produces, giving you lasting relief that goes to work quickly. PEPCID® is an h3 blocker. Both Original Strength and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® begin to work in 15-30 minutes, and help control acid all day or all night. * Dual Action PEPCID COMPLETE® combines an h3 blocker with an antacid, so it starts neutralizing acid in seconds, but has the long-lasting relief of an h3 blocker.

*Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) work by shutting down pumps that release acid into your stomach. PPIs are not intended for immediate relief of heartburn. They may take 1–4 days for full effect, and require daily dosing for 14 days.

Learn more about how PEPCID® compares to other types of heartburn relief.

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QA Question: 

What is the difference between PEPCID® and a PPI like Prilosec OTC® or Nexium® 24HR?

Both Pepcid, a histamine-2 blocker, and a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) decrease the amount of acid in your stomach, but work in different ways. Learn more about h3s vs. PPIs

HISTAMINE-2 (h3) BLOCKERS, INCLUDING PEPCID®

• Relieves heartburn associated with acid indigestion or sour stomach
• Block the histamine receptors that trigger acid production
• Can be taken when unexpected heartburn occurs
• PEPCID Complete® combines an h3 blocker with an antacid, so it starts to neutralize acid in seconds
• PEPCID AC ®  starts to work in 15-30 minutes
• PEPCID ®  controls acid all day or all night*
• Original Strength PEPCID AC® and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® can even prevent heartburn if taken 15 to 60 minutes before a meal.

*Based on 9 hour acid control studies during the day and 12 hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPIs)

• Treat frequent heartburn
• Are not indicated for the prevention of heartburn (over-the-counter)
• Shut down pumps that release acid
• Are not intended for immediate relief
• May take 1-4 days to become fully effective
• Have to be taken every day for 14 days
• Can last for up to 24 hours

Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

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ABOUT PEPCID®

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QA Question: 

Does PEPCID® treat or prevent COVID-19?

PEPCID® is a histamine-2 blocker with the active ingredient famotidine. PEPCID® is indicated to relieve or prevent heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach brought on by eating or drinking certain food and beverages.

PEPCID® is not indicated for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

Each person should speak to their healthcare provider about what treatment option may be right for them for their individual condition or needs.

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QA Question: 

What is PEPCID®?

PEPCID® is a histamine-2 blocker (h3 blocker) that provides relief for heartburn. The active ingredient in PEPCID® products is famotidine, an h3 blocker that helps relieve heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. PEPCID® comes in three forms: Original Strength PEPCID AC^®,  Maximum Strength PEPCID AC^®, and PEPCID Complete^® . Learn more about PEPCID^®.

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QA Question: 

What is famotidine, and what is it used for?

Famotidine is the active ingredient in PEPCID® and is a histamine-2 blocker. Famotidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

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QA Question: 

How does PEPCID® work?

PEPCID® helps to relieve heartburn by lowering the amount of acid your stomach produces. It blocks the histamine receptors that trigger stomach acid production, thereby decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces and providing lasting relief. Learn more about how PEPCID® works.

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QA Question: 

When should I take PEPCID®?

PEPCID® can be used if you suffer from occasional heartburn. It can be taken whenever you have unexpected heartburn. Learn more about PEPCID® so you can know how it works to help relieve your heartburn.

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QA Question: 

How often can I take PEPCID®?

Use PEPCID® as directed on the product label. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. If you find that you need to use PEPCID® for more than 14 days, stop use and consult a doctor.

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QA Question: 

How long does it take for PEPCID® to work and how long does it last?

PEPCID® works fast and lasts all day or all night. * PEPCID Complete^® combines a histamine-2 blocker with an antacid, so it starts working in seconds and lasts all day or all night.* A regular antacid may only work for a few hours. Original Strength PEPCID AC^® and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC^® are h3 blockers, and start to work within 15-30 minutes and controls acid all day or all night.*

*Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

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QA Question: 

Can I take PEPCID® to prevent heartburn?

PEPCID AC® provides heartburn relief that starts working in minutes, and controls acid all day or all night,* but it can even prevent heartburn if taken 15 to 60 minutes before a meal.

*Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

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QA Question: 

Can PEPCID® be crushed?

Use PEPCID® as directed on the product label. Do not crush tablets. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not chew.

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QA Question: 

What is PEPCID Complete®?

PEPCID Complete^® combines the long lasting effects of an acid-reducing histamine-2 blocker (famotidine) with the speed of an antacid (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide) to help relieve symptoms in two different ways:

h3 blockers decrease the production of new stomach acid by blocking the histamine receptors that trigger stomach acid production, thereby providing lasting relief.

Antacids neutralize acid that is already present in the stomach, thereby giving fast relief.

PEPCID Complete® is a single tablet that both reduces and neutralizes acid.

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QA Question: 

Why does the label for PEPCID Complete® list both calcium carbonate & magnesium hydroxide and elemental calcium & elemental magnesium?

The active ingredients of PEPCID Complete^® include famotidine 10 mg, calcium carbonate 800 mg and magnesium hydroxide 165 mg. Calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide are the salt forms of elemental or base calcium and magnesium. Calcium carbonate contains 40% elemental calcium, which means that the 800 mg of calcium carbonate in PEPCID Complete® contains 320 mg of elemental calcium. Magnesium hydroxide contains 42% elemental magnesium, which means that the 165 mg of magnesium hydroxide in PEPCID Complete® contains 70 mg elemental magnesium. Since calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide are active ingredients in PEPCID Complete®, they are listed in the “active ingredients” section of the drug facts label. The “additional information” section of the drug facts label lists the total amounts of base or elemental calcium and magnesium content of the product, as required by the FDA.

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QA Question: 

I have a question regarding prescribing information for prescription PEPCID®

For inquiries regarding the prescribing information for prescription PEPCID®, please call Marathon Company at 1-866-562-4620.

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QA Question: 

Why should I not use PEPCID® if I have trouble or pain swallowing food?

The “Do not use if you have trouble or pain swallowing” statement appears on the labels of all acid reducers, and is based on the condition being treated rather than the drug itself. The rationale for this warning is that trouble swallowing may indicate a more severe underlying disease state than just heartburn alone. It is recommended that if you have trouble swallowing, you should consult your physician before using this product.

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QA Question: 

Can I take PEPCID® for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)?

PEPCID® products are not indicated for the treatment of GERD.

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QA Question: 

Do PEPCID® products contain gluten?

Gluten or gluten-containing grains are not ingredients in the product. However, we do not currently test our final products for gluten, and we cannot confirm that the product or any ingredients in the product are free of gluten. We strongly recommend that if you have any form of gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication, since he or she is most familiar with your medical history.

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PEPCID® SAFETY

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Can a PEPCID® product be taken while on Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) therapy?

PEPCID ®  should not be used with other acid reducers, such as PPIs.

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QA Question: 

Are there interactions between grapefruit juice and PEPCID®?

We are not aware of any published reports of interactions between grapefruit juice and famotidine, the active ingredient in Original Strength PEPCID AC® AC and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC®, and one of the active ingredients in PEPCID Complete®.

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QA Question: 

Can you drink alcohol while taking famotidine?

Avoid drinking alcohol to help prevent heartburn. Alcohol is a potential trigger for heartburn.

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Can you take PEPCID® while pregnant?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor before using PEPCID®.

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When’s the Best Time to Take Famotidine (Pepcid)?

If you’re treating occasional heartburn, you might want to take famotidine at least 15 minutes before eating. Otherwise, the best time to take famotidine will depend on the condition causing your acid reflux.

Famotidine (Pepcid) is an over-the-counter (OTC) oral medication you can use to treat occasional heartburn. It comes in several types:

• Original Strength Pepcid AC: It contains 10 milligrams (mg) of famotidine to help control stomach acid for up to 12 hours.
• Maximum Strength Pepcid AC: It contains 20 mg of famotidine to help control stomach acid for up to 24 hours.
• Pepcid Complete: It contains 10 mg of famotidine and fast-acting antacid ingredients to help control stomach acid for up to 12 hours.

Famotidine belongs to a group of medications called histamine-2 (h3) blockers. h3 blockers decrease acid production in your stomach.

A healthcare professional might also prescribe a stronger dose of famotidine if you have a condition that causes chronic acid reflux or long-term heartburn. This medication is available in tablet and suspension liquid form.

How often and when you take famotidine depends on why you’re taking it.

If a healthcare professional prescribes famotidine, they’ll give you specific instructions on when and how much to take. This will depend on your condition and the severity of your symptoms.

Conditions for which a clinician might prescribe famotidine include the following:

Peptic ulcers

There are two types of peptic ulcers. Stomach (gastric) ulcers are sores that form on the stomach lining. Duodenal ulcers are sores that form in the duodenum, which connects the small intestine to the stomach.

Ulcers in these areas of the gastrointestinal tract occur due to damage from excessive acid production.

If you have a peptic ulcer, a healthcare professional may recommend taking famotidine once daily before bed. Or, they may recommend you take a smaller dose twice daily — once in the morning and once at night.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, is when stomach acid flows upward into your esophagus. These symptoms often occur at night, when you sleep or recline.

A healthcare professional will probably recommend taking famotidine twice daily to treat GERD — once at bedtime and once in the morning.

Hypersecretory conditions

Hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, cause your stomach to produce too much acid. To treat these conditions, you may take famotidine every 6 hours (up to four times daily).

Why do people tend to take Pepcid at bedtime?

Pepcid may reduce acid production for 12 or 24 hours, depending on which type you take. Many people tend to take Pepcid at bedtime to reduce waking up in the night from acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding late or heavy meals can also help prevent symptoms.

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Famotidine takes up to an hour to start relieving symptoms. If you already have heartburn, you can get immediate relief by taking Pepcid Complete, which contains famotidine and fast-acting antacids, such as calcium carbonate (Tums) and magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia).

To prevent heartburn, you can take Pepcid twice daily — once in the morning and once at night.

To prevent occasional symptoms from a heavy or spicy meal, try taking Pepcid 15 minutes to an hour before you eat.

Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage or taking Pepcid more often than experts recommend.

Is it best to take Pepcid on an empty stomach?

Not necessarily. You can take Pepcid with food or on an empty stomach. But take it before eating to prevent heartburn from foods and drinks that give you indigestion.

For how long can I take Pepcid?

You can take Pepcid daily for up to 2 weeks. Let a healthcare professional know if your symptoms don’t improve during that time.

What should I do if I forget a dose of famotidine?

If you miss a dose of prescribed medication, take it as soon as possible.

If it’s almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, avoid doubling your dose to make up for missing an earlier one.

Famotidine (Pepcid) can help treat heartburn and acid reflux. The best time to take it depends on why you’re taking it.

If you’re taking Pepcid to treat occasional heartburn, try taking it before a meal. You can also take it once in the morning and once at night if you have more regular heartburn.

If a healthcare professional prescribes famotidine, be sure to follow their instructions regarding how much to take, when to take it, and for how long. Your schedule will depend on the condition causing your acid reflux.

How to cure the stomach with folk remedies: effective recipes

Contents

• 1 Treatment of the stomach with folk remedies: effective methods and recommendations
  • 1. 1 Gastric problems and their types
    • 1.1.1 The relationship between the digestive system and the stomach
    • 1.1.2 Causes of gastric problems
    • 1.1.3 What troubles can a stomach problem cause
  • 1.2 The main causes of stomach problems
  • 1.3 How folk remedies can help
  • 1.4 Flax infusion for stomach
  • 1.5 Aloe vera and its benefits for stomach
  • 1.6 Ginger and lemon drink
  • 1.7 Nettle tea for stomach
  • 1.8 Chalk What meals and diet for diseases of the stomach
  • 1.9 Cucumber Cocktail for Stomach Treatment
  • 1.10 Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Stomach Treatment
  • 1.11 Stress Reduction and Calming
  • 1.12 Related Videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What folk remedies help get rid of stomach pain?
      • 1.13.0.2 How can the functioning of the stomach be improved?
      • 1.13.0.3 What folk remedies help with heartburn?
      • 1. 13.0.4 What folk remedies are better to use for gastritis?
      • 1.13.0.5 What folk remedies can be used for stomach ulcers?
      • 1.13.0.6 What folk remedies help with constipation?

Find out how to effectively treat stomach problems with folk remedies. In the article we will talk about the healing properties of herbal decoctions, tinctures and compresses to strengthen the gastric tract and get rid of inconvenience and pain in the abdomen.

Gastric problems are a common occurrence in our lives, caused by improper diet, stress, alcohol and a number of other factors. Instead of using strong medicines, we can use traditional recipes that can help in these cases. In this article, we will discuss several effective recipes for treating stomach problems with folk remedies.

In folk medicine, there are many recipes that help improve the functioning of the stomach. Some of these include the use of various herbs and plants such as mint, ginger, chamomile and many more. They can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe an irritated stomach. At the same time, other recipes include simple changes in daily life, such as increasing the amount of water and food intake, more restless daily routine and sleep, etc.

Recent studies show that traditional recipes and remedies can be an effective way to treat stomach problems. These recipes are a safe and natural alternative to more traditional treatments. They can help improve stomach function, reduce inflammation, improve digestion and overall health.

Stomach problems and their types

The relationship between the digestive system and the stomach

The stomach is the main organ of the digestive system, which is responsible for digestion and mixing of food. The gastric juice secreted by the stomach contains acid, hydrolases, pepsin, and other enzymes that break down proteins and carbohydrates in food.

Gastric problems are disorders in the functioning of the stomach that can present with various symptoms. These include: heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, gastritis, ulcers, and others.

Causes of gastric problems

Various factors can cause gastric problems, including:

• Improper diet, fatty and junk food, overeating, drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Irregular meals, breaks in meals, irregular daily routine.
• Heredity and genetic factors.
• Stomach injury, acid bleed and drugs.
• Stressful situations, nervous tension and psychological causes.

What troubles can a stomach problem cause

Stomach problems can lead to serious consequences if left untreated:

1. Development of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
2. Chronic gastritis and inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
3. Violation of the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients.
4. Violation of other organs of the digestive system.

Main causes of stomach problems

Stomach problems can be caused by various reasons. One of them is malnutrition, which can lead to disruption of the digestive tract (gastrointestinal tract). For example, frequent consumption of fatty, spicy, salty foods can harm the stomach, causing heartburn, nausea, or abdominal pain.

Some people experience stomach problems from drinking or smoking. These bad habits can irritate the lining of the stomach and lead to constant pain in the abdomen.

Gastric problems can also be associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, which is one of the main causes of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. This bacterium infects the lining of the stomach, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

How Home Remedies Can Help

Home remedies can be effective in treating stomach problems as they contain many beneficial substances that can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

For example, aloe vera juice contains many beneficial substances, such as antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which help strengthen the walls of the stomach and reduce inflammation. In addition, herbs such as chamomile have soothing properties and can reduce pain and redness.

Folk remedies may also include nutritious foods such as honey and yogurt, which contain beneficial bacteria that promote proper stomach and intestinal function. Oatmeal and flaxseed can also help improve stomach function and reduce inflammation.

• Pooping in a golden bucket or a green hedgehog potion will not be recommended , but folk recipes, especially those that are passed down from generation to generation, can quickly help with various health problems and especially with stomach problems.
• Of course, some gastric diseases can be cured only with the help of medicines , but folk remedies can be of great help and speed up the healing process.
• It is important to remember that each person is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, before using folk remedies, it is important to consult a doctor and not forget about the measure.

Infusion of flax for the treatment of stomach

Flax is one of the most valuable plant sources of nutrients for humans. From flax, you can get oil, fabrics and remedies for the treatment of various diseases.

Flax infusion is an effective folk remedy for the treatment of the stomach. It helps to cope with various problems of the digestive system: from constipation to gastritis. Preparing an infusion is very simple:

• Pour a tablespoon of flax into a glass of boiling water.
• Cover and let steep for 2-3 hours.
• Strain and drink a glass of infusion 30-40 minutes before meals.

Infusion may be taken daily to support gastrointestinal health. The duration of the course of treatment depends on the symptoms and is recommended to be agreed with the doctor.

Important: before using flaxseed products, you should consult your doctor, especially if you have problems with the digestive system.

Aloe vera and its beneficial properties for the stomach

Aloe vera is a shrub plant that grows in hot areas. Measurements show that the plant contains about 150 elements, including vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and minerals.

Aloe Vera has various beneficial properties for the stomach. Firstly, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation of the stomach walls and reduce pain in the stomach. Secondly, aloe vera improves digestion by regulating the acidity in the stomach. Thirdly, it helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress levels, which can negatively affect the work of the stomach.

There are many ways to use aloe vera to treat the stomach. One of the most effective ways is to consume aloe vera internally. To do this, you need to extract the juice from the leaves of the plant and drink it. Often, aloe vera juice is mixed with other medicinal plants, such as honey, to improve its taste. It is important to remember that aloe vera can cause side effects, so you should start with a small amount and gradually increase the dose.

• Tip: If you have stomach problems, seek medical advice before using folk remedies, including aloe vera.

Ginger and Lemon Drink

Ginger and Lemon are two foods with powerful antioxidant properties that help protect the stomach and strengthen the immune system. A drink made from ginger and lemon is known for its effectiveness in treating stomach problems such as gas, heartburn, nausea, and gastritis.

A drink of ginger and lemon should be taken twice a day – in the morning and in the evening before meals. It increases the acidity of the stomach, stimulates its peristalsis and increases metabolism, which contributes to the rapid reduction of gastric problems.

This drink can also be used to treat colds, as ginger and lemon help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of viral infections. But before using this method, you need to consult a doctor!

Nettle decoction for the treatment of stomach

Nettle is one of the most useful plants used in traditional medicine. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Nettle tea is a great way to get rid of stomach pain and other problems.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh nettle leaves;
• 2 glasses of water.

Place nettle leaves in a saucepan and add water. Heat a saucepan over medium heat until boiling. Reduce the heat and keep it on the stove for another 10 minutes. After that, turn off the stove and leave the infusion to infuse for 5 minutes.

How to take:

• Use 1/2 cup decoction before each meal;
• You can add 1 teaspoon of honey to improve the taste and enhance the healing effect.

Nettle decoction is a very effective treatment for stomach problems. However, check with your doctor before using this method to make sure it’s right for you.

Small Meals and Diet for Stomach Diseases

One of the most effective methods of treating the stomach is the right approach to nutrition. In diseases of the stomach, it is recommended to reduce the number of meals and reduce the size of portions. Instead of three main meals a day, you can eat small amounts of food, 5-6 times a day. In this case, the diet should be rich in protein foods, and carbohydrates and fats should be limited.

In diseases of the stomach, cereals with water, lean meat and fish, vegetables and fruits are especially useful. It is also recommended to use decoctions of medicinal herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm, calendula, etc. Such decoctions strengthen the stomach, reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

• Do not eat quickly and on the go
• Do not eat before going to bed
• Eat small portions

It is important to note that in case of stomach diseases it is necessary to monitor the water balance and drink enough liquid. It is recommended to consume at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day. People suffering from gastritis, in which complex dishes are contraindicated, can stop at lighter food.

Sample meal plan for stomach disorders Meal timesFood

Cucumber smoothie for stomach problems

Cucumber smoothie is one of the known ways to get rid of stomach problems. It contains many useful substances and vitamins that help cleanse and restore the stomach wall.

Cucumber cocktail should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach and before going to bed. It will help balance the acidity of the stomach and improve digestion. It also contributes to the removal of toxins and the elimination of inflammatory processes in the body.

Cucumber cocktail is a simple and affordable way to take care of your health and treat your stomach with folk remedies.

Using apple cider vinegar to treat stomach problems

Apple cider vinegar is an effective folk remedy for stomach problems. It contains probiotics and enzymes that can improve digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce stomach acid levels.

To treat the stomach, apple cider vinegar should be consumed diluted orally. It is recommended to add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink this solution twice a day.

You can also add apple cider vinegar to your food. It goes well with vegetables and salads. It is recommended to add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your salad every day.

However, before using apple cider vinegar to treat your stomach, you should consult your doctor, especially if you already have any stomach problems or if you are taking any medications.

Also be aware that apple cider vinegar is not a panacea and can cause unwanted side effects such as heartburn or esophageal burns if not used correctly.

• Health benefits of apple cider vinegar

Stress reduction and calming

Stress is one of the main causes of stomach problems. In order to avoid these problems, you need to learn how to manage your emotions and reduce stress levels.

One of the effective ways to reduce stress is meditation. Meditation helps to relax and calm down, which has a positive effect on the work of the stomach.

Another way to deal with stress is yoga. Yoga strengthens the nervous system and reduces stress levels, while having a beneficial effect on the stomach.

It is also recommended to practice breathing exercises such as deep breathing with exhalation retention. These exercises help reduce stress levels and calm the nervous system.

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Breathing exercises

These methods can significantly reduce stress levels, thereby preventing stomach problems. It is important to devote enough time to taking care of your emotional and mental health in order to avoid serious problems in the future.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What folk remedies help get rid of stomach pain?

Stomach pain can be relieved by using various folk remedies, such as tincture of motherwort, cardamom or wormwood. Pumpkin seed oil, cinnamon honey, and honey yogurt also help.

How can the functioning of the stomach be improved?

To improve the functioning of the stomach, you should follow a diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink warm water before meals. You can also take tinctures of chamomile, boric acid, fennel, or turmeric.

What folk remedies help with heartburn?

Heartburn can be relieved by taking various folk remedies, such as aloe juice, cabbage juice, potato juice, mint or ginger infusion. You should also avoid spicy, fatty and acidic foods, as well as smoking and drinking alcohol.

What folk remedies are better to use for gastritis?

Various folk remedies can be used to treat gastritis, such as corn stigmas, oak bark, motherwort or chamomile infusion, cinnamon honey, aloe. It is also important to observe the diet, avoid spicy, fried and sour foods.

What folk remedies can be used for stomach ulcers?

For stomach ulcers, motherwort, onion, chamomile, turmeric, honey and cinnamon can be used. You also need to follow a diet, excluding fatty, spicy and sour foods, as well as smoking and drinking alcohol.

What folk remedies help with constipation?

Various folk remedies can be used for constipation, eg celery juice, aloe juice, rhubarb, rice water, olive oil. It is also important to eat more vegetables and fruits, drink more water, avoid fatty and salty foods.

the composition of the drops, indications for use, how it works, are there any studies on the effectiveness of the nootropic .

This domestic drug is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, and the manufacturer promises high efficiency without side effects. Let’s figure out if Selank works, whether there is scientific evidence of its effectiveness and whether it is worth taking it.

Go see a doctor

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don’t write prescriptions, we give recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.

What is Selank and why is it prescribed

Selank is produced by the Russian company Innovative Research and Production Center Peptogen Its work is coordinated by the Department of Science, Industrial Policy and Entrepreneurship of the city of Moscow.

Official website of the drug

According to the manufacturers, the drug:

• improves memory, speech, attention, facilitates learning;
• helps to cope with stress;
• reduces anxiety, suppresses fear and anxiety;
• prevents the development of depression.

Instructions for the drug on the GRLS website

Selank is produced in the form of nasal drops. Intranasal administration, according to the instructions, should provide a quick effect and high bioavailability: according to the manufacturer, the drug is found in the blood after 30 seconds and is able to penetrate the brain.

Selank is widely advertised on social networks. Which is not surprising: up to 30% of the adult population suffers from various anxiety disorders, and any adult may need to fight stress and improve cognitive abilities.

/trevoga/

How I treated Generalized Anxiety Disorder according to CHI

Peptogen also produces another drug, Semax, which is also nasal drops, only intended for the treatment of stroke.

Selank nose drops. Source: Eapteka Instagram advertisement for the drug

How Selank should work

The Selank molecule is a modified analogue of the human immunoglobulin G fragment, one of the protective proteins of the immune system. The full name of the active substance “Selank” sounds like this: threonyl-lysyl-prolyl-arginyl-prolyl-glycyl-proline diacetate.

Selank is a synthetic regulatory peptide, or RP. Natural regulatory peptides affect many functions in the body: they control eating behavior, sleep and wake cycles, pain, anxiety, stress, fear. The wide biological activity of natural RP attracts the attention of scientists who are developing new drugs that can correct brain function.

/guide/nootropics/

Nootropics: do they really improve brain function? Other drugs are also registered. One of them is the drug “Aprepitant” against nausea and vomiting.

But both opioid analgesics and Aprepitant are fundamentally different from Selank. By their chemical nature, these are not peptides, but compounds with an even smaller molecule size that interact with the receptors of natural regulatory peptides.

“Selank” is a peptide itself, and the mechanism of its molecular action has not been established. It is assumed that there can be several ways of influencing the brain.

Selank acts as a tranquilizer. One hypothesis is that Selank acts similarly to benzodiazepine drugs, that is, tranquilizers: it affects the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an amino acid that works as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. When GABA activity is reduced, a person experiences anxiety.

Anxiety Disorders and GABA—Journal of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Treatment

Neurotransmitters—chemicals that help brain cells communicate with each other

Benzodiazepine drugs that affect and enhance GABA receptors have long been used to relieve acute anxiety in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These are, for example, phenazepam or lorazepam.

However, they can only be used for a short time, usually not longer than a month, as they have side effects. For example, they lead to addiction.

The inventors of Selank suggest that its action is similar to the effect of benzodiazepine tranquilizers, only it works without side effects. The peptide molecule also interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors and increases their sensitivity to the neurotransmitter. This helps to calm down, even if GABA is low.

Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder – NHS

What are Inhibitory Neurotransmitters – MSD Medical Handbook

However, only one study in rats and another in vitro suggests that Selank works similarly to tranquilizers. At the same time, in both studies, the effect of Selank manifested itself when used together with benzodiazepine drugs, that is, this effect is most likely associated with tranquilizers. In the first study, two drugs reduced anxiety more strongly in rats; in the second, Selank had no effect on cell culture without the tranquilizer.

Selank enhances the body’s opioid system. A study posted on the manufacturer’s website discusses another way of therapeutic action – strengthening the body’s opioid system, in particular, increasing the activity of the natural opiates enkephalins. The exact mechanism of action is again not described.

Selank affects other neurotransmitters and the immune system. There are other, less popular, theoretical explanations for the Selank action. The developers of the drug put forward hypotheses that the mechanism of action is associated with a change in the functioning of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter receptors, immunomodulatory properties and the ability to influence the synthesis of brain neurotrophic factors. But again, all this is only theoretical calculations that have no clinical confirmation.

Efficacy and mechanisms of action of the new peptide anxiolytic Selank in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and neurastheniaPDF, 713KB

Is there any clinical evidence for the effectiveness of Selank .com and RxList.com, there are no studies confirming the clinical effectiveness of the drug.

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There are only a few articles about Selank in foreign journals: all the studies described in them were carried out by Russian scientists only on cell cultures or animals. Most likely, this is due to the lack of interest in the active substance abroad.

There are no clinical trials of the drug that meet modern standards of evidence-based medicine.

The efficacy of the medicinal product must be confirmed in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

According to the standards, the group of subjects is divided into two parts: one participant is given a drug, the other is given a pacifier, that is, a placebo, or, in some cases, a drug whose effectiveness has been proven. At the same time, neither the participants in the experiment nor the doctors know what they are dealing with – with the test compound or a placebo.

Such studies have not been conducted with Selank.

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14 authoritative medical sources

The official website of the manufacturer of the drug shows several reports on clinical trials of Selank in the treatment of anxiety, anxiety-depressive, menopausal and other disorders. But none of the studies presented on the site fully meet the quality standards: for example, they were conducted on a small sample of patients, without the use of a placebo, and sometimes without control groups.

Should I buy Selank

In Russia, Selank is registered as a medicine. They sell it without a prescription.

Selank is in the GRLS

But in other countries, Selank is not included in the list of registered drugs, as there is not enough evidence of its effectiveness and safety.

In any case, it is better not to prescribe Selank to yourself.