New Danger Linked to Popular Heartburn Drugs
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) strike again!
As if increasing the risk of stroke, kidney failure, and early death wasn’t enough, researchers just added another major risk of these common heartburn drugs.
Like the others, it comes with long-term use.
And this one is a DOOZY.
If you have heartburn or acid reflux, life can be miserable.
But it’s nothing compared to the misery of Alzheimer’s.
What does one have to do with the other? Well, according to a recent study, more than you might imagine.
It turns out that people over 45 who’ve been taking PPIs for more than four years have a 33 percent higher risk of developing dementia than those who have never taken the drugs.
In other words, PPIs could dramatically increase your risk of dementia.
There are two possible reasons for this jump in risk…
- impaired amyloid metabolism
- B12 deficiency
Both have been linked to overusing PPIs.
B12 deficiency is connected with poor memory and cognitive function, and a buildup of amyloid beta proteins is a known hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
PPIs were never meant to be taken long-term. But because they DON’T solve the underlying issue, many people take them for years on end.
The good news is that if you’re dealing with heartburn or acid reflux, there ARE alternatives to PPIs that actually work.
To begin with, acid reflux is not a problem caused by too MUCH stomach acid. It’s stomach acid in the WRONG place.
So ironically, when it’s too low or suppressed, a common side effect is MORE heartburn and stomach acid.
A compound called betaine hydrochloride (HCl) which increases stomach acid can often be a fix. Taking it along with the digestive enzyme pepsin can slash stomach pain and burning.
Talk to your doctor about other alternative medicines that come with fewer risks than PPIs.
I also recommend reading the August issue of my newsletter, where I detailed 7 natural remedies for heartburn.
P.S. Find out how heartburn drugs could send your arthritis risk soaring by 44%.
SOURCE:
“Cumulative Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study,” Neurology Aug 2023, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747
