2017 November PASO Magazine

THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE NUTRITION CENTER
Feeling The Burn?
Are you suffering from heartburn and reaching for an overthe-counter
antacid or prescription acid blocker on a daily
basis? Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, otherwise
known as heartburn, is typically treated with a class of drugs
called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or over the counter medications
known as “antacids.” So, what's wrong with that …
TOO LITTLE STOMACH ACID? It is reported that over
90% of people with "acid indigestion" are not making too
much stomach acid, but too little stomach
acid, i.e. hypochlorhydia. Symptoms
include bloating, belching, gas, indigestion,
diarrhea, or constipation. Not
pleasant! Stomach acid not only plays a
critical role in digestion, but also helps
to protect you from food poisoning, H.
pylori and many other infections. In addition,
in a Dutch study of more than
300,000 patients, it was found that users
of heartburn and ulcer drugs such
as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec faced
almost double risk of developing pneumonia
after nearly three years of use.
EDUCATION & CULTURE
WEIGHT GAIN & OSTEOPOROSIS! A recent study
revealed that patients on PPIs gained an average of eight
pounds over two years of use compared to those receiving
a placebo. Not Good!! More importantly, as stomach acid
(HCL) is needed to not only break down proteins, but also absorb
nutrients (esp. calcium, iron, zinc, B12), taking PPIs long
term is linked to osteoporosis, anemia, increased risk of fracture,
kidney problems, and dementia. A study published in
JAMA Neurology reported that the reduction of B12 caused
by these drugs leaves the brain vulnerable to damage.
(Ref.: Scientific American / Weintraub 2/1/17)
Factors contributing to GERD include: certain medications,
foods such as fried food, fast food,
chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, smoking,
lying down after eating, overeating,
hiatal hernia, pregnancy,
and obesity. These factors we can
control!
A BETTER WAY: Enhance digestion
— don’t disable it! If you
suffer from occasional heartburn
and acid indigestion, I would first
advise discussing this with your
health care professional. If digestive
enzymes are recommended,
let us help you choose a formula
54 PASO Magazine, November 2017