03/28/2024
*RANT WARNING*
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole and Prilosec are commonly used to treat conditions such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers. While PPIs are generally considered safe short term (they are only recommended to be taken for 4-8 weeks) many people are prescribed them and stay on them for years. Today I had a patient who had been on them for 45 YEARS!
Here are just a few risks of taking proton pump inhibitors:
1. Increased risk of kidney damage!!!! There is an ongoing class action law suit going on right now. Read more about it here:
https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/amp/priolsec-nexium-lawsuit-2022.html
2. Nutrient deficiencies: Stomach acid plays a crucial role in the absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium. All extremely essential!!
3. Increased risk of fractures
4. Rebound acid reflux: When PPIs are discontinued after long-term use, some individuals may experience a rebound effect, where their symptoms of acid reflux worsen temporarily.
5. After minimal adjustment, participants in a study who used PPIs for more than 4.4 cumulative years were at a 38% higher risk of developing dementia later in life. This is according to Neurology.org.
It can be very difficult to get off of PPIs, but there are effective functional medicine protocols that can help you do just that!
Practical, relevant, timely information for neurologists and all clinicians to practice the best possible medicine for our patients.