We are careful about meats being cooked thoroughly, fruits and veggies being washed, etc.  We stress hand-washing as well.  What you mentioned about your mom is probably the h pylori bacterium which is a common cause of stomach ulcers.  Usually a course of antibiotics helps/cures that problem - and other medications are used while things are healing. Thankfully, the upper GI test showed no signs of ulcers.  This reflux problem is one we can handle. Zantac is the first line of acid reducing drugs they use.  The doctor said it was the mildest precription drug on the market.  If it will work, we won't use anything stronger.  I agree with you and the doctor - you need the stomach acid to properly digest foods and to protect from bacteria that is certainly ingested by us all the time.  Always go for the least/mildest treatment that will take care of the problem!