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...)Research on probiotics
December 17, 2018
Recently, two studies published in Cell on probiotics have been getting a lot of attention.
I’ve written previously about probiotics, including when it would be appropriate to take a supplement, how to pick a supplement if you are going to take one, and the problems that can be associated with probiotics. Here are additional takeaways from the new studies.
(more...)Antibiotics: take them only when you really need them
November 27, 2017
We know that antibiotics can be life-saving, but they can also wreak havoc on your gut microbiome. Antibiotics can wipe out bacterial species and decrease the diversity of the gut microbiome, so don’t take them unless there’s a good reason to do so. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. There are a lot of questions you can ask your doctor.
(more...)Does everyone need a probiotic supplement?
September 15, 2017
Probiotics are good bacteria. They can restore the biodiversity within the microbiome, fight pathogenic organisms and help heal the gut mucosa.
(more...)