Proton Pump Inhibitor DrugsEveryone, but especially those prone to food allergies, should be wary of taking proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs, or stomach acid suppressing drugs such as NexiumTM, PrilosecTM, and PrevacidTM. Stomach acid is essential for proper digestion of food. Without it, partially digested food ferments in the intestine. This leads to leakage of food fragments into the bloodstream thus contributing to food allergies. [1] Stomach acid is essential for proper digestion and absorption of food. Since minerals are especially difficult to absorb without sufficient stomach acid, suppressing stomach acid can lead to nutritional deficiencies. PPI users are more likely to have bone fractures due to reduced absorption of calcium and other minerals. There is a higher incidence of pneumonia and other infectious diseases among those taking PPIs. This is because stomach acid is the first line of defense against bacteria entering our bodies by way of the digestive system. These drugs also lead to increased risk of heart problems, kidney disease, and dementia. [2] Two of the more serious side effects of PPIs have been reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. A data analysis study was done on elderly people who were initially free of dementia. After seven years, those who had taken PPIs were 52% more likely to have developed dementia than those who did not take PPIs. [3] Chronic kidney disease also increased 20 to 50% with PPI use. The incidence was higher in those who took PPIs twice daily than those who took them once daily. [4] PPIs are frequently prescribed for gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) which occurs when the irritating contents of the stomach enter the esophagus. Stomach acid is necessary to signal the pyloric valve between the stomach and the esophagus to close. What is needed for GERD is not acid-suppressing drugs, but a hydrochloric acid supplement taken with every meal and snack so the pyloric valve closes well. Heartburn commonly occurs when we age because of the decline in the ability to make enough hydrochloric acid (HCl) after a big meal when it is most needed. Since the signal to "make acid" persists for hours, we end up with too much stomach acid several hours later, often in the middle of the night. Although it seems counter intuitive, the natural treatment for heartburn is to take hydrochloric acid with meals to cause the pyloric valve to close, facilitate digestion, and turn off the "make acid" signal that causes secretion of HCl much later, thus producing heartburn. Consult your holistic medical practitioner about whether and how you should take hydrochloric acid supplements. Other supplements such as slippery elm can increase comfort while in the process of working up to the amount of HCl that is right for you or if, after you know your right amount, you forget to take sufficient HCl with a meal. Slippery elm is most effective when taken as the powder mixed into water so it can coat the esophagus. Footnotes
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