Sunday, July 24, 2016

Are Reflux Meds Worth The Risks?


Many people today deal with reflux on a regular or daily basis. Evidence of that can be supported by the fact that proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, were the ninth most commonly prescribed kinds of drugs in 2015, ahead of thyroid medications. Proton pump inhibitors dramatically diminish the amount of acid made by glands that line the inside of the stomach. They can provide big relief for people who have reflux, where stomach acid splashes into the esophagus, causing the pain commonly referred to as heartburn. The drug was intended to be used only for short term intervals (four to eight weeks to help heal ulcers or control heartburn), yet many people have been taking it for years as PPIs can be tough to quit. Stopping the meds often leads to a phenomenon called PPI rebound, which causes people to make even more stomach acid than they were before. Therefore, without proper modification of other factors that may be driving the reflux such as poor dietary choices, the symptoms will typically not change and may get worse.

The problem that is theorized with PPI’s is that they don't just turn off acid pumps in the stomach. Instead, the researchers say, PPIs also block the production of acid in every cell in our bodies, which can affect tiny cellular parts called lysosomes. Certain enzymes in the lysosome only work under acidic conditions. Those enzymes break down proteins that have become damaged. Less acidity would trigger an effect that hampers the body's ability to rid itself of damaged proteins -- the "garbage" that builds up as we age. When the lysosomes don't work properly in cells, waste builds up and cells age more quickly than normal. As an example, there was a recent study that tied PPIs to dementia. Dementia has been linked to factors such as amyloid deposits accumulating in the brain. If the brain cannot detoxify and get rid of these proteins due to lower acidity, the risk of dementia may increase. In the study, there was an association with PPI usage and a slightly increased chance of dementia.

Other studies have shown risk factors for other conditions with PPI usage as well. A 2014 study of 10,000 people diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus in Denmark found that people who took PPIs were actually more likely to get cancer. The risk was highest for "high-adherence" users -- those who took their pills most faithfully. (The study was observational, though, and it couldn't show cause and effect.) Another study published in February found that PPI use was tied to a higher risk for chronic kidney disease while the use of a different kind of acid-blocking drug, called an H2 blocker, was not. While none of the studies could be construed as direct cause and effect of the various conditions, when trends start emerging on multiple fronts from one medication, it should give one pause to wonder if that may be the best method of treatment.

While many factors may affect the state of someone’s digestive capabilities, diet will almost always dictate whether someone lives with or without problems. Identifying triggers for reflux or upset stomach will be first line defense as eliminating them will keep the digestive tract from staying in a constant state of irritation. If the diet has become filled with less than desirable food choices, we also need to focus on replacing them with foods that supply quality nutrition and supportive elements. Adding good bacteria to help break down fiber and assist in digestion is also necessary as they are typically lacking in a diet comprised of processed and poor quality foods. Finally, including specific supplements to assist in healing a damaged, irritated or inflamed gastrointestinal tract may also be necessary. If all this sounds a little overwhelming, then finding a doctor who can help guide you through this process will be well worth your time and offer more benefits to your health than just fixing a reflux problem. Need help? Give us a call 210-468-1891 or visit our website www.iffhealth.com

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