Is your heartburn medication more harmful than helpful?
September 15, 2023
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole are routinely prescribed for conditions like heartburn and inflammation or ulceration of the stomach or intestines.
But their long-term use has been associated with adverse issues, including gastrointestinal infections, microscopic stomach and intestinal inflammation, malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, bone fractures, kidney disease, and a potential increase in gastric and other cancers. These drugs are also associated with alterations in the gut microbiome.
Studies show that many people currently taking PPIs do not have an indication for remaining on these meds.
New guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association recommend that doctors should consider de-prescribing PPIs for any patient without a clear indication for taking these meds. When indicated, patients should be treated with the lowest PPI dose required.
(more...)Prevent and treat heartburn
Lifestyle choices, including the food you eat, can help prevent or treat acid reflux. Some quick tips:
Manage stress
Get good sleep
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid smoking
Avoid or limit spicy, fried or fatty foods, chocolate, onions, garlic, citrus fruits and juices, tomato-based foods like pizza, caffeine, alcohol
Eat whole foods high in fiber. They can protect against acid reflux and esophageal cancer
Eat small meals and avoid overeating
Don’t lie down after a meal and don’t eat too close to bedtime
If you have heartburn at night or while trying to sleep, elevate the head of your bed.