The Dangerous Truth About Acid Reflux Meds
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By Chris Custer
In the United States, 60 million people have acid reflux. Last year, hospitals documented 470,000 hospitalizations and nearly 2 million emergency room visits due to acid reflux alone.
Medications used for acid reflux have a poor track record. In 33% of the individuals using them, they gave no solace whatsoever. Moreover, 60% of those taking these medications have persistent problems and 75% are purchasing twice as many over-the-counter drugs as before.
Not only are acid reflux medications only marginally effective at best, they can come at a pretty steep price to your overall health.Starting with the repression of stomach acid.
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The Critical Role of Stomach Acid
Stomach acid serves a purpose. It plays a vital role in the digestion of specific types of foods, particularly protein. In addition, it is vital for the absorption of minerals like iron. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications that restrict or neutralize the stomach acids that cause acid reflux can interfere with the regular absorption of minerals and vitamins, inhibiting the digestion of food. Consequently, restraining stomach acid via long-term use of acid reflex medications can occasionally produce some unfavorable results, such as malnutrition, infection, and illness.
The Damaging Effects of OTC Drugs
Many drugs like Prilosec are sold OTC and used by patients oblivious to the underlying consequences. Medications may give the appearance of acid reflux “healing” but in effect, long-term use can cause the stomach acid to damage the esophagus, leading to esophageal ulcers, strictures, and even tissue modifications that can lead to esophageal cancer.
Other OTC antacids like Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer, and Mylanta are quite safe but can induce mild side effects like constipation or diarrhea if used over prolonged periods. In extreme situations, antacids can increase the amount of calcium in the blood eventually causing kidney damage.
This OTC Drug Increases Risk of Fractures By 44%
Long-term use of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors (P.P.I’s) actually change the biology of the stomach. They can also permit excessive growth of some elements that should actually be there! Furthermore, a recent study revealed that adults over 50 years of age who used P.P.I’s for one year or more, experienced a 44% increased possibility of hip fractures.
However in recent years, the FDA has given out a warning declaring that not only are P.P.I’s associated with a greater chance of bone fractures, but also infections with a bacterium known as Clostridium-difficile, which can be extremely perilous for older patients. Additional research noted that P.P.I’s increased the risk of developing pneumonia and weight gain as well.
While using medications for acid reflux for short-periods may not cause problems, they tend to produce dependency in the long term if patients use them longer than the suggested eight to twelve weeks. This causes some patients to stay on them for life.
The Downside to H2 Blockers
H2 blockers work by blocking the histamine from telling acid producing cells to produce acid. Familiar brands include Pepcid, Zantec, and Tagament. These drugs are taken over an extended amount of time usually on a strict schedule.
While these drugs can provide some short term relief, long term use can lead to nasty side effects such as hepatitis, nausea and vomiting, fever, and reversible mental confusion.
Going Natural With One Amazing Remedy
As usual, Nature provides the best cures. And when it comes to acid reflux disease, one of the best is orange-peel extract, or d-limonene. It’s an extremely effective natural remedy for managing GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A derivative of citrus-oil contained in orange peel, d-limonene has shown to generate quick acting, long-lasting relief from acid reflux, without unbalancing the natural acids in the stomach.
Another advantage of this natural remedy is that there is no susceptibility to the nutrient deficiencies or weakened digestive-function that come with some acid blocking medications.
Orange-peel extract is just one of many natural treatments for acid reflux. If you want to know some of your other outstanding options, there’s a complimentary guide to acid reflux “superfoods” available.
Healing from acid reflux requires a well-rounded comprehension of all the aspects of digestive health. Permanent healing demands a long-term commitment to alleviating the cause and not the symptoms. And the best place to start is with embracing natural remedies for acid reflux.
