Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of preventing or inhibiting the release of acid in the stomach, which are uniquely reversible at the cellular level, through the use of organic isothiocyanates and thiocyanates with divalent cations such as barium, zinc and calcium for human and veterinary applications. The present invention also relates to methods of preventing or treating persistent chronic gastritis, GERDs, ulcer and or stomach cancer by inhibiting the release of stomach acid and by reducing inflammation with fewer and milder side-effects expected than current treatments. A method of screening therapeutics is described.