Tag Archives: Proton Pump Inhibitors

Is it Really Acid Reflux?

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Is it Really Acid Reflux?

Let’s take a closer look at the use (or overuse) of proton pump inhibitors, and the dilemma they create by not addressing the real root of the problem. Proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  GERD, whose symptoms include chest pain, chronic cough, sleep disturbances, and hoarseness, is characterized by too much stomach acid production, causing it to reflux into the esophagus. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors is used by many in order to suppress acid secretion in the stomach.

But proton pump inhibitors may not be the solution. Why?  Well, we typically do not produce more hormones, insulin, and enzymes as we age. The truth is that most body processes decrease as we age. Most people suffering with symptoms of acid reflux or GERD may actually be experiencing hypochlorhydria or too little acid, which is when the stomach is unable to produce adequate amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCL).

People with low stomach acid levels commonly have symptoms of gas, bloating, flatulence, and constipation or diarrhea. This low acid environment slows digestion. The protein in their food sits in the stomach and putrefies instead of digesting. The sphincter between the stomach and small intestine delays opening because the protein is not properly broken down into peptides due to the insufficient HCL production. The small intestine does not want whole proteins; instead it needs the amino acids from the broken down proteins. This faulty digestive process is associated with low, not high, hydrochloric acid. These acids back flow into the esophagus causing the pain we know as acid reflux.

The barrier that prevents HCL from traveling from your stomach up into your esophagus is called the esophageal sphincter. The cause of this sphincter dysfunction is inadequate levels of HCL. Since normal acid levels help prevent infection in your gut as well as enhance absorption of vitamins and minerals, supplementation with Betaine Hydrochloride will help to support these normal acid levels.  There are numerous companies making Betaine Hydrochloride supplements.  Standard Process first introduced its Betaine Hydrochloride way back in 1947!

Additional supplements may be needed to improve digestive function such as Probiotics and Glutamine. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)  is a soothing herb which helps relax the esophageal sphincter and protects the gastric mucosa and mucous membranes lining the digestive tract.

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis. The nutrients Mastic Gum, Methylmethionessulfonium, Zinc Carnosine, and Vitamin C address both eradication of H. pylori and the healing and protection of inflamed mucosal tissue.

Natural treatments offer a more effective approach than what is provided by proton pump inhibitors. In addition, proton pump inhibitors can induce several nutrient deficiencies including calcium, potassium, and magnesium. They also may cause serious neuromuscular and cardiovascular problems and increase the chance of hip fracture in people over 50 years of age.

Note:  I spent a career on this issue.  Just know Antacids are not the answer because the issue is NOT TOO MUCH ACID, but TOO Little.  My post on HCL Deficiency and Proton Pump Inhibitors will provide a plethora of information and answers.

Call or write me and we will figure it out!

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Kidney Disease

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Proton Pump Inhibitors and Kidney Disease

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is increasing, with more than 20 million Americans affected by the disease. While it is well known that diabetes and hypertension are common risk factors, certain medications can also play a role and may be contributing to the epidemic.

According to two new studies that were just presented this past week at ASN (American Society of Nephrology) Kidney Week 2015 in San Diego, CA (November 3-8), certain acid reflux medications may have harmful effects on the kidneys. These types of medications, also known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, are among the top 10 prescribed medications in the United States.

In the first study, researchers from Johns Hopkins University followed 10,482 adults with normal kidney function from 1996 to 2011. They found that patients taking proton pump inhibitors were 20% to 50% more likely to develop kidney disease than patients not on these medications. These finding were not seen in patients using H2-blockers to suppress stomach acid.

In the second study, researchers from SUNY in Buffalo, NY found that among 24,149 patients who developed chronic kidney disease between 2001 and 2008, 25.7% were treated with PPIs. According to the study, those who took PPIs were less likely to have vascular disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and COPD, but PPI use was linked to a 10% increased risk of chronic kidney disease and a 76% increased risk of dying prematurely.

If we know the potential adverse effects of PPI medications, we can look at better alternatives to avoid the risk of chronic kidney disease and reduce their overuse.

Pharmaceutical interventions may provide symptom management but they do not correct many of the underlying factors, and many have side effects. Lifestyle changes and nutritional support are usually sufficient to address acid reflux. Patients should be encouraged to eat smaller portions at mealtime. They should also avoid laying down after meals and eating too close to bedtime. Alcohol and specific foods can trigger symptoms, so it is beneficial to identify and eliminate these problematic areas.

Although these medications may help with the symptoms, proton pump inhibitors may not be the solution. We typically do not produce more hormones, insulin, and enzymes as we age. The truth is that most of our bodies’ processes decrease as we age. Most people suffering with acid reflux or GERD commonly are suffering from hypochlorhydria, which is when the stomach is unable to produce enough hydrochloric acid. Hypochlorhydria can lead to other problems such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Nutritional supplementation may be beneficial to help improve digestive function, such as probiotics and glutamine. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is well established as an anti-ulcer and mucosal healing botanical, and is soothing and protecting to the gastric mucosa and mucous membranes lining the digestive tract.

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis. Mastic gum, methylmethionesulfonium, zinc-carnosine and vitamin C address both eradication of H. pylori and the healing and protection of inflamed mucosal tissue.

These alternative approaches are typically more effective than what is provided by proton pump inhibitors and do not have side effects or other complications that may accompany PPI use, such as mineral deficiencies, bacterial infections, and dysbiosis.

Sources

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Is Associated with Incident Chronic Kidney Disease Benjamin Lazarus, Yuan Chen, Francis Perry Wilson, Josef Coresh, Morgan Grams. Johns Hopkins Univ, Baltimore, MD; Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland, Australia; Yale Univ School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated with Increased Risk of Development of Chronic Kidney Disease Pradeep Arora, Mojgan Golzy, Anu Gupta, Rajiv Ranjan, Randy L. Carter, James W. Lohr. Nephrology, VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY; Medicine, SUNY, Buffalo, NY; Dept of Biostatistics, UB, Buffalo, NY.

 

Organic Apples/Apple Cider Vinegar

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Organic Apples/Apple Cider Vinegar

There are over 7500 cultivated varieties of apples.  Along with roses, apples belong to the Rosaceae family.  They grow on a deciduous tree that blossoms in the spring and yield its fruit in late summer/early autumn.

The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” originated in 19th century Wales.  The reasons why are as follow.

  • Apples are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber………  Soluble fiber helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of the blood vessel walls, thus helping reduce the incident of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
  •   The insoluble fiber in apples provides bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse and move food quickly through the digestive system.  Apples are often referred to as “nature’s broom”.
  • They also contain calcium, phosphorous, potassium and Vitamin C.  However the majority of the fiber and nutrients are actually in the peel itself.  So it is imperative to eat the peel!
  • Non-organic apples known as conventional apples currently rank higher than any other fruit or vegetable in terms of pesticide residue–approximately 56 chemical residues per apple!
  • Since it is imperative to eat the peel, when picking apples, always choose ORGANIC.

Apples can be eaten in a variety of ways.  Apple slices with a sprinkle of Celtic Sea Salt brings out the delicious sweetness of the fruit itself. Organic nut butter with apple also a tasty healthy treat–especially for the young’uns. And let’s not forget good ol apple sauce.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apples/Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar is one of the oldest, most powerful, healing home remedies imaginable. 10,000 years + to be exact.

Apple cider vinegar is made when fermented cider is fermented a second time. The double fermentation fortifies it with extra acids and enzymes.  Apple cider vinegar is used to treat about a gazillion conditions.

Top 15 Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Hippocrates used apple cider vinegar to support his patients’ health. Being no fool, he mixed it with honey both for taste and the magnanimous benefits of good quality honey. Both apple cider vinegar and honey have a low pH, but both turn alkaline when consumed.

Many people have too much acidity in their bodies, largely due to stressful lifestyles, unhealthy foods, and eating too much acidic animal protein.

Maintaining a proper pH balance is extremely important for your health. It is key for the optimal functioning of all your body’s systems: digestive, immune, circulatory, muscular, respiratory, nervous, and even your reproductive system. Some consider Apple Cider Vinegar to be the         “roto-rooter” of all joint problems and the best GOUT cure ever!!

NOTE: On every single office visit, I check the Ph. Most often  it is acidic, sometimes balanced and rarely alkaline..

Please buy the book by Paul & Patricia Bragg,  Here is the Bragg Library Link. Please go to the Bragg website.  Please read everything Bragg.

Just a few of the benefits of ACV

  • Healthy oxidation and cholesterol
  • Normal cardiovascular support
  • Healthy cognitive function
  • Normal lymphatic drainage and normal detoxification processes
  • Athletic recovery
  • NOTE: For Gut Health, Mix  2 or 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of organic honey in a cup of warm water, and sip slowly. Alternatively you can use it to pour it on your salad.

NOTE: Apple Cider Vinegar pills or capsules do not work.

NOTE: I only use Braggs I t has been around since 1912

Dosing:  The Braggs in their book have a ton of dosing recommendations. t is said a tablespoon a day keeps the doctor away. Depending on the situation, a good rule of thumb is 2 ounces of ACV in 4-6 ounces water before meals; then the Hippocratic ACV with honey warm water drink; then there is salad dressings galore.

NOTE: To aid in digestion, I am always recommending Hydrochloric Acid such as HCL Pro-Zyme or Betaine HCL w Pepsin. HOWEVER, I would much prefer the food source of Apple Cider Vinegar over the pills and NEVER Apple Cider Vinegar pills.. These three posts below explain a little bit about Acid, Stomach, Proton Pumps, etc.

Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency—

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton Pump Inhibitors & Kidney Disease