NHS omeprazole warning: People who take the common heartburn and indigestion drug omeprazole have been cautioned by the NHS about its potential long-term risks. For those unversed, omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and are often prescribed for acid reflux, heartburn, and related issues.

They target the stomach’s proton pumps, the enzymes responsible for producing acid. While omeprazole can be very effective, it isn’t the only solution. If you are avoiding the medicine duen to the NHS warning, or just simply struggling with side effects or prefer a more natural route, there are other options worth considering.

NHS Warning on Omeprazole’s Long-Term Use

According to new figures, nearly 73 million NHS prescriptions for PPIs like omeprazole were issued in England in 2022 to 23. Reports also show that around 15% of the UK population relies on PPIs, making them among the most commonly used medications in the country. Alongside heartburn, PPIs are used to manage conditions like indigestion, stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and even to treat Helicobacter pylori infection when paired with antibiotics. With NHS experts now raising concerns, we spoke to a health professional who explained which safe alternatives people can turn to instead.

Alternatives to Omeprazole

Omeprazole is one of several PPIs available. This class of medication is used for GERD, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and certain bacterial stomach infections. Each drug in the group works by blocking acid pumps in the stomach, but individuals may respond differently. We got in touch with Dr Vishal Khurana, Director Gastroenterology, Metro Hospital, Faridabad who told, us, “If omeprazole causes side effects or drug interactions, switching to another PPI such as pantoprazole (Protonix) or rabeprazole (Aciphex) may be a safer option.”

Other alternatives include H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid AC), which reduce acid in a different way, or traditional antacids like Tums and Rolaids that provide quick but temporary relief. There are also newer prescription treatments such as vonoprazan (Voquezna) that could be considered.

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Medication isn’t always the only answer. Many people find relief from acid reflux by making small but consistent dietary and lifestyle changes. Avoiding fatty or spicy foods, cutting back on alcohol, and eating smaller portions can all help reduce symptoms. Simple remedies like ginger tea, milk, or a small amount of apple cider vinegar may also soothe heartburn for some people.

In terms of supplements, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been linked to easing acid reflux, though quality can vary between brands, so it’s best to check with a pharmacist before trying.

Lifestyle habits matter too. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight have been shown to lower the risk of reflux significantly. While these changes are not always easy, their benefits go far beyond heartburn relief.

The NHS advice doesn’t mean everyone should stop using omeprazole right away, but it’s a reminder that safe alternatives exist, and making simple adjustments could help you avoid long-term risks while still keeping heartburn under control.

India’s healthcare leaders are set to gather at the eagerly awaited TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025. With the country positioning itself as a global healthcare hub, the Modi government is pushing reforms aimed at creating a strong healthcare system. The sector has seen remarkable changes, driven by advancements in technology, improved infrastructure, and wider accessibility. Recognizing healthcare as a strategic pillar, the government views it as essential for national growth, public welfare, and economic stability.

In 2025, healthcare will remain an essential part of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP growth, job opportunities, and technological progress. The industry, valued at over $500 billion, sustains millions of jobs across hospitals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health-tech. Rising demand for quality care, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, is pushing more investments and large-scale infrastructure development.

Efforts to strengthen public health are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing sustainable healthcare through optimal technology use. This year, the summit will focus on key themes such as “Making Healthcare Sustainable with Optimal Use of Technology” and “Adoption of Technology for Improved Accessibility and Affordability.”

The summit will host over 30 expert speakers, 300 delegates, and eight focused knowledge sessions. Attendees will discuss shaping global healthcare standards, achieving health equity, enhancing accessibility, advancing medical education, research, and driving innovation through technology.

Notable panels include “From Policy to Practice: Making Health Equity a Reality in India”, featuring Dr Sumit Kumar Dubey, Chief Medical Officer, NDMC; Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of Medanta Medical School; and Dr Narinder Mehra, Hon. Emeritus Scientist, ICMR. Another key session, “Battling Dengue in India: Crisis, Control and the Promise of Vaccination,” will include insights from Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman, Nephron Clinic, and Dr Tanu Jain, Director, NCVBDC. TV actress Chhavi Mittal, a breast cancer survivor, will also share her personal journey.

Other highlights feature Dr Ananya Awasthi, Founder & Director of Anuvaad Solutions, and Dr Meenakshi Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR, discussing nutraceuticals; Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairperson Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, on cancer care; and Arvind Pachhapur of Strands Life Sciences, exploring AI-driven healthcare solutions. Additional sessions on youth mental health and healthcare infrastructure promise to offer actionable insights for stakeholders.

For more details, visit TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Yet, many women experience symptoms that are not as straightforward as those seen in men, which often leads them to mistake the signs for something less serious. On this World Heart Day, it is worth pausing to look closely at the subtle symptoms women should never ignore, since they could be pointing to an underlying heart condition.

Heart Attack In Women

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Because these symptoms can easily be dismissed, recognizing them early becomes critical. Here are some warning signs unique to women that deserve attention:

Unique Symptoms Of Heart Attack Women Often OverlookHere are some unique symptoms that women should take note of, as per World Health Organization:

• Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, upper back, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in one or both arms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold sweats
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unusual tiredness
• Heartburn or indigestion

According to the Mayo Clinic, women may notice these signs when resting or even while asleep. Emotional stress also plays a bigger role in triggering heart problems in women than in men.

Interestingly, women are more likely to suffer what is known as nonobstructive coronary artery disease, where a heart attack occurs without a major blockage in the arteries. They can also develop small vessel disease, a condition in which the smaller arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked.

Heart Risk Factors That Hit Women Harder

Traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol affect both sexes. But women face additional triggers:

• Smoking poses a greater danger for women than men.
• Lack of physical activity raises the risk substantially.
• Emotional stress and depression impact women’s hearts more strongly.
• Diabetes is especially dangerous, often leading to silent heart attacks in women.
• Hormonal changes after menopause increase the risk of vessel disease.
• Pregnancy-related complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, add to long-term risks.
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus and scleroderma heighten vulnerability.
• A family history of early heart disease is particularly significant for women under 65.

Building a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle For WomenThe good news is that many of these risks can be managed. Even small steps matter. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or moderate activity most days. If 30 minutes feels too much at once, break it down into short sessions spread throughout the day. Over time, working toward 60 minutes of activity five days a week, along with strength training, can provide even greater protection.

As we observe World Heart Day 2025, the message is clear: women must listen to their bodies and take unusual symptoms seriously. Protecting your heart begins with awareness, lifestyle choices, and regular check-ups. A little effort today could prevent something dangerous tomorrow.

Overreaction is a word that comes up often in daily conversations. It’s true that many events in the world deserve our concern and may reasonably spark anger, fear, or frustration. But, while we cannot always control what happens, we can control how we respond to it. That response, psychologists say, can change everything. The question is whether our collective reactions have reached a point where we’re facing what some call an “overreaction epidemic.”

Marc Brackett, an American psychologist and director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, argues that this is exactly what’s happening. Writing in TIME, he describes a culture where more and more people are struggling to regulate their emotions, leading to more stress and conflict. According to Brackett, “Emotional regulation isn’t a personality trait, it’s a skill that can be learned. And if we practice it, we may be able to keep everyday pressures from spiraling into overwhelming reactions.”

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What Is the Overreaction Epidemic?

Brackett explains that his decades of research show a clear difference between people who stay composed during chaos and those who break down. It isn’t that calm individuals have easier lives, but that they have trained themselves to manage feelings effectively. This ability to pause, process, and redirect emotions is what psychologists call “emotional regulation.” In his view, a widespread failure to practice this skill is what has fueled the so-called overreaction epidemic.

How to Cope With the Overreaction Epidemic

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the constant flow of bad news, tense social media debates, or stressful personal interactions, Brackett suggests these strategies:

1. Monitor Your Media Intake

Endless scrolling through news or social media feeds can heighten fear and outrage because that’s how these platforms are designed. Limit your exposure to once or twice a day, follow reliable sources, and remind yourself that if something is truly urgent, you’ll hear about it.

2. Focus On What You Can Control

Much anxiety stems from the belief that we are powerless. Ask yourself whether a problem is yours to solve. If it is, act. If not, redirect your energy to something within reach.

3. Slow Your Breath Before Reacting

Strong emotions trigger the body before the mind catches up. A simple breathing exercise, inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for six—signals the nervous system to relax, giving you time to respond thoughtfully.

4. Name Your Feelings

Labeling emotions precisely, whether it’s disappointment, irritation, or hurt helps reduce their intensity. Vague outbursts like “I’m angry” don’t provide the same clarity.

5. Reframe The Situation

Psychologists call this “reappraisal.” Once calm, reinterpret the event in a way that eases its impact. See setbacks as challenges or misunderstandings rather than disasters or personal attacks.

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6. Take a restorative break

Instead of doomscrolling, step outside, exercise, listen to music, or call a friend. Enjoyable activities reset the mind and body, breaking cycles of stress.

7. Lean On Others, Especially Those Who Differ From You

It’s easy to vent only to people who think like you, but that creates echo chambers. Instead, seek respectful conversations with those who see things differently. Diverse perspectives build resilience; isolation magnifies distress.

Brackett emphasizes that emotional regulation does not mean ignoring injustice or pretending problems don’t exist. It means ensuring that your emotions fuel constructive action instead of draining you. Anger, sadness, and frustration can be powerful forces for change, but only if managed well.

In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, overreaction has almost become the default. But if more of us practiced emotional regulation, pausing before we lash out, choosing perspective over panic, and leaning on healthy coping strategies, we could avoid making one another’s stress heavier. Life, after all, is difficult enough without amplifying each other’s bad moods. The antidote to an overreaction epidemic may not be silence or denial, but learning how to respond with clarity, composure, and purpose.