More Harm than Good? The Health Risks of Proton Pump Inhibitors Health Articles | July 30 Cheap Jamie Langenbrunner Jersey , 2017
Are you one of the millions of Americans currently taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication? If so, please read on. There are many health concerns coming to light regarding the use of PPIs.
Are you one of the millions of Americans currently taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication? If so, please read on. There are many health concerns coming to light regarding the use of PPIs, including this recent study (see link below), suggesting an increased risk of death with long term use. Yikes! It may be time to talk with your doctor to see if continuing with such a medication may cause more harm than good.
As you are likely aware already Cheap Scott Stevens Jersey , PPIs are commonly prescribed for digestive concerns such as acid reflux (GERD) and ulcers. Common brand names include Prilosec (Omeprazole), Protonix (Pantoprazole), Prevacid (Lansoprazole), among many others. Their primary goal is to reduce the secretion of stomach acid, thereby decreasing GERD andor allowing ulcerative tissue to heal. Once symptoms subside Cheap Ken Daneyko Jersey , the medication is intended to be gradually discontinued.
How do PPIs work? Well, the lining of your stomach contains cells called parietal cells. These cells, through a cascade of enzymatic reactions, make hydrogen ions. These hydrogen ions are then secreted into the stomach where they help form a mixture of hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride Cheap Marcus Johansson Jersey , and sodium chloride, aka stomach acid.? PPIs do their job by inactivating this enzyme sequence, hence far less hydrogen ions are pushed out into the stomach. The end result is less production of stomach acid. Less stomach acid means less reflux and less irritation of ulcers. Seems like a perfect solution.
But the problem is………we actually need stomach acid. Long term suppression can lead to a cascade of other health complications.
For starters, stomach acid helps break down proteins, a process called proteolysis. I think we all agree getting enough protein is important Cheap Jesper Bratt Jersey , and the acidity of our stomach helps make sure we can utilize what we eat.
Secondly, HCL helps improve the absorption of several key vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. Without stomach acid, many of these nutrients cannot be unbound from their protein carriers andor transformed into their absorbable form; therefore absorption is impaired. Some of these include calcium, iron, magnesium Cheap Miles Wood Jersey , and B12.
Thirdly, HCL in the stomach acts as an important protective barrier against unwanted bacteria and helps maintain healthy flora in the intestines. Studies have found that PPI users have an increased risk for C Diff, Listeria, Salmonella, and other pathogenic bacteria which can not only cause illness but also long-term imbalances in the intestinal microbiome.