Not long ago I shared with you a video about a recent study that was released linking common acid reflux medications (ex: Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, etc.) to dementia. If you missed it you can check it out here.
Must Watch If Taking Heartburn Medication
Now another new study was just released on April 14th, 2016 in theJournal of the American Society of Nephrology that is linking these common acid reflux medications to kidney disease.
This study goes on to share that patients on PPIs for one to two years had a threefold higher risk of kidney failure than those who used the drugs for a month or less.
It is already known that these acid reflux medications are linked to an increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), heart attack risk, dementia (44% increase risk), and malabsorption of vitamins/minerals like magnesium, iron, B12 and calcium.
Now we can add an increased risk of kidney disease and kidney failure to the list.
As I previously shared, you do not have acid reflux due to an absence of reflux medication in your system. Instead something has gone wrong with your digestive process and the result is the symptoms of burning into your throat.
These medications pose a serious problem if taken incorrectly or over a long course of time. Study after study has proven the adverse effects these medications can have. Yet all too often people see these medications on the shelves at drug stores and just assume that they are safe.
Now, before you decide to stop taking your acid reflux medications you need to have a serious conversation with your prescribing physician to be sure that you can do so.
However if you are going to try and stop taking your reflux medications then you need to commit to making the necessary lifestyle changes to allow for improved digestive function.
In this video: Hainesport Doctor Shares Link Between Heart Burn Drugs and Dementia I shared with you a few tips to consider to help you with making the necessary lifestyle changes to support better digestive function.
What I strongly advise is that you work with someone who is knowledgeable in making the appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes to help you successfully accomplish your goals.
I’ve worked with numerous individuals who thought that they were eating “healthy” foods and only come to discover that they had fallen victim to the media hype, marketing or Dr. Google.
Proper digestive function is so important to good health. I can’t emphasize this enough. In fact when working with my nutrition clients if I had only one are to work on to help them improve their overall health it would be to improve their digestion. It’s that IMPORTANT!
So if you find yourself experiencing burning in your throat or other signs of acid reflux stop and ask yourself why? Before jumping right to reflux medications that do not solve the problem but rather mask it and ultimately lead to other unwanted side effects look at your lifestyle.
Are you making healthy dietary choices? Do you consume lots of caffeinated beverages or alcohol? Are your stress levels high? These are just a few areas you should investigate and look to modify before jumping right to medications.
If you have any questions or concerns about your unique situation please do not hesitate to contact me. I’ve been able to assist numerous folks with reaching their desired health goals and reducing their reliance on medications by making better lifestyle choices.
As always, I hope this information has served you and will take you one step closer to your desired health goals.
Did you like this information? If so, please be sure to let me know what you liked by sending me an email at DrKirk@PerformanceHealthandChiro.com or leave me a comment on Facebook. I would love to keep the conversation going.
I also have health tips and informative videos over on YouTube. And if you enjoyed this information please forward it along to your friends and family. More people need good solid information so that they can make informed decisions about their health.
Not subscribed to our FREE newsletter? You can do so by clicking here: http://bit.ly/1f99Oiz. Simply enter your name and email at the bottom of the left column and you will be good to go. Your information is safe with us and it will never be sold, spammed or shared. Until we chat again remember: Eat Well, Move Often and Stay Healthy!