Did you know that 1 in 4 adults experience heartburn and over 11% of the population have monthly PPI prescriptions. That sounds bad enough, but nearly all my clients that are over 60 are taking these medications and have been for years. What saddens me is that none of them actually understand what they are for and what damage they are doing. They are lowering stomach acid, but is that something that we should be doing?
Anyone who mentions to their doctor that they have symptoms of belching, nausea, burning, or reflux will come away with a prescription for a PPI (or it’s market name of Omeprazole or Lansoprazole). That is the symptom but the cause is never discussed. From my experience the patients have never been given any suggestions of how they could reduce their symptoms by making some diet and lifestyle changes. This can be the start of a long term dependency, usually with the dose increasing when they are no longer working. Can these cause more harm than benefits?
What Are PPIs and How Do They Work?
Understanding PPIs
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are a type of antacid medication. They target cells in the stomach lining, signalling them to reduce acid production. This can useful for reducing symptoms (but not addressing the cause) of stomach ulcers, acid reflux (GERD), and helping to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium found in the stomach.
When and How to Use PPIs
While PPIs are effective in healing acid-related issues, research shows that up to 70% of patients use them without proper indication, leading to potential risks from long-term use. If you don’t totally understand why you are on these meds, make an appointment with your GP and ask for them to explain in simple terms for you and assess if you still need to be taking them.
Understanding the Side Effects of PPIs
Common Side Effects
When taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), you might experience headaches, rashes, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues like nausea, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, and diarrhoea. These are the typical short-term side effects, but usually the ones my client come in with, that don’t always go straight away, even when they stop the medication.
Long-Term Implications
While PPIs reduce stomach acid effectively, long-term use can lead to serious health concerns. Studies have shown that extended use may cause:
- Nutrient Malabsorption: Leading to deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and iron, increasing the risk of bone fractures.
- Increased Health Risks: There are links to dementia, chronic kidney disease, and other adverse effects.
The more natural approach to reflux.
Is there a way to manage reflux without relying on prescriptions? To explore this, we need to understand the common causes of reflux and heartburn:
- Being Overweight
- Excess Consumption: Caffeine, spicy, and fatty foods
- Genetics
- Antibiotic Use
- Stress
- Smoking and Alcohol
- Certain Medications
- Microbial or Digestive Imbalances
By addressing these underlying factors, we can take a more functional approach to managing and potentially reducing reflux symptoms.
Can Stool Testing Help? 💩
Microbiome studies have provided new insights into the causes of reflux disorders, showing a link between an altered microbiome and symptoms. Imbalances in gut bacteria, often due to low digestive enzyme production, can lead to excess gas, which puts pressure on the abdomen and delays stomach emptying.
While the NHS doesn’t offer these tests, they are available privately and sometimes covered by private insurance. Comprehensive stool analysis can reveal gut microbiome composition, helping practitioners address imbalances and inflammation that might cause symptoms.
So should I stop taking them?
No. Never do this alone as you can have what is called rebound. This needs to be done with the help of a practitioner and the consent of your doctor. A nutritionist will help you change your diet and lifestyle to reduce the symptoms and help you wean yourself off, possibly with the help of some supplements to lessen the impact.
If this has made you realise that your medication could be causing you more harm than good, why not book a call with me to discuss it further. I can explain what tests are available to you and their costs.