Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and lansoprazole are commonly used for stomach acid problems like heart burn, acid reflux and indigestion, but they have some very concerning adverse effects that patient's are not often warned about. These include increased risk of cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attacks) via their action on nitric oxide, increased risk of dementia, vitamin and mineral absorption issues (B12, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin C), increased risk of bone fractures due to their effects on bone metabolism, and gut microbiome changes, and increased risk of Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal infections including C.diff (Clostridium difficile). Rather than taking antacids, I go through 10 lifestyle interventions that can help cure your stomach acid and stomach lining problems. 1. Time restricted eating (/ intermittant fasting). Proper overnight fast. 2. Gap between last food of the day and bedtime. 3. Weight loss. 4. Eliminating overly processed foods (including energy drinks) 5. Eliminating caffeinated drinks. 6. Eliminating alcohol. 7. Stopping smoking. 8. Stopping hot / spicy food. 9. Considering all pharmaceutical medications / drugs. 10. Reducing stress.
References / Further Reading: PPIs and Heart Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... ‘PPIs appear to be associated with elevated risk of MI in the general population’ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... PPIs and Bone Fracture: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... ‘long-term PPI use is associated with a modest but rather consistent increase in the risk of fragility fracture.’ PPIs and Dementia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37795... ‘PPIs can affect brain cells through various mechanisms, for example, by increasing beta-amyloid levels, involved in the development of AD. Long-term exposure may additionally increase vascular dysfunction by impairing endothelial function, thereby accelerating the progression of cerebrovascular damage potentially leading to vascular dementia.’ PPIs and gut microbiome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... ‘PPIs can affect the composition of gut microbiota and modulate the immune response….their long-term use can contribute to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or C. difficile and other intestinal infections.’ PPIs and mineral absorption: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... ‘PPIs have been associated with an increased risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies impacting vitamin B12, vitamin C, calcium, iron and magnesium metabolism.’ Dr Philip Bosanquet The Low-Tech Lifestyle Medic