Taking Heartburn Meds? (Must Read)
If you suffer from heartburn on a regular basis, you’ve probably begged your doctor for a solution.
And I’m sure he was happy to oblige… with a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec or Prevacid.
You likely breathed a sigh of relief thinking you would finally be rid of the heartburn and acid reflux that had been ruining your life.
Prepare to be in for a shock.
Because a new report has blown the whistle on PPIs and heartburn.
Here’s what you need to know.
There is so much wrong with PPIs that I don’t even know where to start.
How about here: PPIs are the worst thing you can take for heartburn.
These drugs work by stopping the production of stomach acid – which you NEED to properly break down and absorb food.
But on top of that, heartburn is not even caused by excess stomach acid. It’s caused when the door that’s supposed to keep acid in the stomach gets stuck open, allowing the acid to flow up into your esophagus.
Because PPIs don’t treat the underlying problem, people take them for years on end so that their symptoms don’t come back.
But these drugs were never meant to be taken long term.
And when they are, it spells disaster for your health. Studies have shown that PPIs are associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer and death.
Despite these facts, doctors routinely overprescribe these drugs – and then allow you to stay on them indefinitely.
It’s grounds for malpractice in my opinion.
But now, a research team is finally speaking up about doctors improperly prescribing these drugs.
Data show that 77% of PPIs were overprescribed in a primary care clinic. The reason? Because residents have a “very poor understanding of PPIs.”
Not surprisingly, the increase in prescriptions has led to an increase in adverse events tied to the drugs – including everything from fractures and infections to pneumonia and B12 deficiency.
The lead researcher, Dr. Chiemeziem Eke, is one of the rare doctors working hard to reduce unnecessary PPI prescriptions. He’s doing this by highlighting the consequences of long-term use, and by providing a plan for patients to taper off the drug.
Why doctors don’t know this already is confusing to me, but this is still a big step in the right direction.
He also highlighted that occasional heartburn symptoms should be treated with either H2 antagonists, with on-demand antacids, or – imagine this – with non-drug therapies such as weight loss, not eating 2-3 hours before bedtime, sleeping in an elevated position, and avoiding dietary triggers.
Folks, this advice shouldn’t need to be stated in a NEW drug protocol – it should be common sense for any doctor worth his salt.
This trial study showed the benefits of Dr. Eke’s plan. PPIs prescriptions dropped by 16% overall and inappropriate PPI prescriptions dropped by a whopping 77%.
If you’re dealing with heartburn on a regular basis, don’t take PPIs for the rest of your life. In addition to the common sense steps listed above, start taking a magnesium supplement.
A magnesium deficiency can cause some or all of your muscles to be too tight or to spasm, including your lower esophageal sphincter – that door that’s supposed to keep stomach acid from flowing up into your esophagus.
Be sure to get a chelated magnesium like magnesium glycinate in a dosage of 200-800 mg per day.
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
“Spice Up” Your Gut Health
By now, you know that you’re only as healthy as your gut. In fact, the majority of your immune system is located in your gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria that live there support… heart health, brain health, skin health, digestion, nutrient absorption, healthy metabolism, and lower inflammation levels. So, how can you make sure you’re supporting […]
FDA Approves Questionable Diabetes Claim
You’ve likely heard the saying that food is the best medicine. I’ve found this true for maintaining well-being and healing (or improving) various diseases and conditions. The FDA is finally starting to come around to this mindset, so they’ve allowed food manufacturers to place a health claim on a particular popular food, stating it reduces […]
Two Common Vitamin Deficiencies Drive Up Cancer Risk
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. And it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men and women combined. They’re KILLERS… and reducing our risk for them should be a TOP priority. Extreme dieting or intense exercise […]
The Bedroom Secret to Healthy Blood Pressure
Believe it or not, nearly HALF of all Americans over 20 have high blood pressure. This is a BIG problem since hypertension is one of the top risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Mainstream medicine sees this as a GREAT excuse to push their hypertension drugs—and more than 60 million adults are taking them. […]
Heart Health Begins in Your BRAIN
There are plenty of reasons to add exercise to your regular routine. It naturally… boosts energy levels, improves sleep, aids with weight loss, strengthens bones, reduces blood pressure, improves brain health, reduces stress, and much more. Now, researchers have identified a unique way exercise can reduce heart-related risks—and it begins in your brain. In a […]
The HEALTHIEST Vegetables You Should Eat Daily
Did you know that the American Heart Association recommends eating five servings EACH of fruit and vegetables daily? I don’t know many people who can fit that amount of produce into their daily diet. If you do, great. If not, I have a list of the healthiest vegetables to provide the MOST bang for your […]
Boost Bone Strength WITHOUT Drugs
Have you been talked into getting a bone scan for osteoporosis yet? If you haven’t, it’s coming. But you won’t get that spiel from me. Too often, folks get these scans who don’t need them—and then doctors incorrectly interpret the results. This adds up to countless seniors who’ve been told they have osteoporosis when they […]
Target the TRUE Cause of Dry Eyes
Cases of dry eye syndrome are skyrocketing. Approximately 20 million folks in the USA alone battle the condition. And that number is rapidly growing among young and older adults alike. That means if you’re not already battling dry eyes—and you’re one of the thousands constantly reaching for artificial tears because your body isn’t producing enough […]
Take A STAND Against High Blood Pressure [EASY!]
Often, what you DON’T do is just as important as what you DO for your health. For example, not smoking, not eating processed food, and not exposing yourself to blue light at night will go a long way toward helping you live a longer, healthier life. The same is true for your blood pressure. Research […]
Fall Asleep FAST and Stay Asleep LONGER
If you’re dealing with a sleep problem, chances are good that you’re dealing with lifestyle problems. Insomnia is typically a telltale sign of circadian rhythm disruption (not enough morning sun, too much blue light from TV at night), stress, too much caffeine late in the day, long daytime naps, etc. You get the picture. But […]