The PPI Party

The damaging effects of acid blockers on health

What is a PPI party? It’s not the kind of party you are probably thinking of. This “party” is one that entails a drug class known as proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors include the most famous- omeprazole (Prilosec), as well as pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and Zegerid. This PPI “party” is a party of roughly 15 million people that have joined the bandwagon of “eliminating excess acid” from the stomach. It has truly become the war on stomach acid.

Read to the end of the article to find out about natural remedies or visit mysam.live Booking page to set up a consult.

Bringing PPI’s to the market

Between 1990 and 2009, the above seven proton pump inhibitor medications were introduced into the market. In the middle of this time period, in 2006, the alarms were starting to go off regarding the increase in hip fractures with the use of proton pump inhibitor use.

Also during that time, Proctor and Gamble Co. filed a new drug application in January 2000 for OTC omeprazole magnesium. In turn, the FDA in 2011 determined that the drug makers did NOT need to put a warning label on the over-the-counter PPI’s stating the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, even though this was already known. Noteworthy in their statement: FDA acknowledges that consumers, either on their own or based on a healthcare professional’s recommendation, may take these products for periods of time that EXCEED the directions of the OTC label.

Moving forward to 2014; an NIH research article showed postmenopausal women with PPI use were at double the risk for hip fracture. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and a history of earlier fractures are independent risk factors for fracture in postmenopausal women. The WHILA study. Despite all previous warnings and concerns, in November 2015, the FDA made Prilosec available over the counter. Americans spent an estimated $20 billion in 2017 on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), drugs commonly used to treat heartburn and acid reflux disease according to the Arthritis Foundation.

PPI’s are indicated for use in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), conditions of too much stomach acid, stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDS, and in a drug combination for a stomach infection of H. Pylori. However, since being placed over the counter, this class of medications can be used for any number of reasons the consumer sees fit and for any length of time. This is where the problems multiply. With the ease of access and lack of education about the true impacts of this medication, consumers have been misled about the implications this class of medication has on their body.

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The effects of PPI’s

The stomach makes acid in response to food to break down the food for proper digestion and further absorption of nutrients. According to an NIH article:

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Hydrochloric acid plays an integral role in the digestion of food and protects the body from pathogens ingested with food or water.

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Without the proper amount of acid, excess bloating, pressure, and reflux, epigastric pain, diarrhea, regurgitation, and vomiting can occur. According to a 2016 NIH article, the use of PPI’s has been shown to decrease the absorption of some key vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bone health and the maintenance of proper vitamin D levels. Vitamin B12 absorption is also decreased with proton pump inhibitor use. PPI’s have been shown to cause an increase in hip fractures as well as an increased risk for dementia, which is more prevalent today than ever.

Natural remedies for Heartburn

While it seems the narrative has been “too much stomach acid”, the symptoms are the same for too little (hypochlorhydria) stomach acid. Based on statistics, it is more feasible that too little is more than likely the cause. Natural remedies for heartburn consist of increasing the acid in the stomach. This can be done with betaine and pepsin, which add hydrochloric acid to the stomach as well as digestive enzymes. Other natural remedies include deglycerized licorice, which helps soothe the stomach lining. Alternative remedies include apple cider vinegar, ginger, and chamomile. Catnip, fennel, marshmallow root, and papaya tea have all been said to aid in digestion and stop heartburn.

Besides remedies, other ways to minimize reflux are to eat smaller portions of food and chew the food completely. Staying away from trigger foods is also another way. Foods and drinks that decrease the lower esophageal sphincter, such as caffeine, coffee, alcohol, fatty foods, tomato, and spicy foods should be avoided. Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for managing reflux.

There are many natural ways to relieve acid reflux (GERD) without having to resort to PPI’s. With the ever-growing incidence of osteoporosis, dementia, and nutrient deficiencies, natural alternatives are a healthier path that must be considered.

Set up a consultation today to create a plan with Dr. Jeanne Greisen, RPh, PharmD to end your use of proton pump inhibitors and regain your health.