If you suffer from acid reflux, then you may be familiar with Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)—a common medication taken by patients suffering with acid reflux.
PPIs work to reduce the production of acid in your stomach wall. The way they accomplish this is by neutralizing the active enzymes in some parietal cells in the tissue of your stomach.
But the reality is, according to the latest scientific research, PPIs are linked to dementia and other risks.
While PPIs are designed to give relief to patients suffering with symptoms of acid reflux, they really only mask the symptoms of acid reflux instead of addressing them.
In other words, taking PPIs won’t actually cure your acid reflux.
When you take PPIs, you may find some relief for your acidic stomach, but new research claims that these drugs may be doing more than just soothing your stomach wall—they may be exposing you to some dangerous side effects.
In February 2016, JAMA Neurology released the results of a study suggesting that PPIs are linked to dementia.
For the millions of patients who use Proton Pump Inhibitors, this is frightening news.
Are PPIs Linked to Dementia? The Research
Beginning in 2004, the JAMA Neurology study lasted for eight years involved almost 74,000 older adults.
Out of nearly 74,000 participants, almost 3,000 individuals used PPIs on a regular basis.
These participants were under observation from 2004 to 2011. Once the research was complete, here’s what the researchers found.
The conclusion? Those who used PPIs raised their risk of developing dementia by 44%.
That’s a pretty alarming percentage!
Evaluating Your Risks
When you consider the results of the JAMA study, there’s no question that PPIs may create a significant danger for developing dementia.
Just how great is that risk?
Unfortunately, there’s a need for additional research to get a definitive answer. But this study does reaffirm the existence of medical risk if you use PPIs to treat your GERD.
Are PPIs Linked to Other Risks? The Research
For many acid reflux sufferers, relying on PPI medications ensures an incredible amount of relief. But this relief can come at a cost that’s even greater than you think.
PPIs are linked to dementia, but they’re also associated with two other risks as well.
The first risk you should be aware of is heart attack.
According to a Stanford Medical study, research suggests that daily, long-term PPI users experienced an increased risk for heart attacks.
Researchers found that PPI use is associated with an approximate 20% increase in the risk of subsequent heart attacks for those taking PPI medication.
If you’re a PPI user and have had a heart attack, it’s time that you started looking into other options.
The second risk you should beware of is kidney disease.
According to the JAMA medical journal, there is a definite link between PPIs and kidney damage and disease.
A nephrologist at Johns Hopkins University and the lead researcher for this study, Dr. Morgan Grams, explained that individuals using PPIs raise their risk for chronic kidney disease by an incredible 20% to 50%.
Clearly, taking PPIs places your health in a dangerous spot.
The question is, are you willing to take the risk?
The Alternative to PPIs
The good news is that there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff between taking PPIs or enduring acid reflux discomfort.
Safer options are available to help you naturally eliminate the discomfort, pain, and inconvenience caused by GERD.
In fact, you can join an entire community that’s built around finding safer ways to cope with acid reflux. to access a support group as you journey from medications that mask your symptoms to alternatives that resolve your problems.
Here are a few things I personally recommend to begin incorporating natural remedies into your life.
Stay Away from Fried Foods
While fried foods are delicious, they can wreak havoc on your digestive system because of the high amount of trans-fats, which make digestion difficult.
When your food digests more slowly, your leftover acid can move toward your esophagus, resulting in acid reflux.
Restrict Alcohol Consumption
Because alcoholic beverages can relax your esophageal sphincter, when you take a drink, you may afterwards experience heartburn.
Alcohol can also dehydrate your body, which contributes to acid reflux.
Ensure a Healthy Weight
It’s common for those who are overweight to suffer from GERD.
Why? Simply because when you have excess weight, you are placing increased pressure on your stomach.
Unfortunately, that pressure can help your stomach acid to enter your esophagus, creating acid reflux symptoms.
Avoid Smoking
While there are a number of reasons to quit smoking, if you suffer from GERD, another incentive is easing your acid reflux discomfort.
When you smoke, you can damage your lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle is what helps prevents your stomach acid from backing up.
The weaker your sphincter is, the more likely you will experience GERD symptoms, such as burning, nausea, and belching.
Increase your chances to resolve your acid reflux and stay healthy for years to come.
Lessen your risks, control your symptoms, and treat your acid reflux naturally. Learn more about how to today!
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