Have Gastric Reflux or GERD?

If so, you may have been prescribed a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) are medications prescribed to decrease stomach acid production. They may improve your symptoms, but if you don’t address the root cause of the problem, you’ll end up with more problems. Proton pump inhibitors have been associated with increased risk of intestinal dysbiosis and disease.

What you may not be aware of is that your body needs acid for you to digest the protein you eat. When you’re taking a medication to decrease acid production, you’re also decreasing your body’s ability to digest food properly and putting yourself at risk for food sensitivities and problems such as chronic kidney disease, bone fractures, dementia, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies .

A recent analysis of the Nurses Health study data has ascertained that long term regular use of PPI’s is associated with a 44% increased risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis. This finding was not seen in women who used H2 Blocking medications which have a less potent effect on gastric acid and are often used for similar symptoms.

Are you interested in improving your GERD symptoms and minimizing medication dependence?

We have helped a number of people with symptoms of GERD simply by improving their gut health. Learn how through our online course at https://www.drjoycechoe.com/autoimmune-recovery-plan or through the 7 day meal plan in our cookbook, The Autoimmune Plant Based Cookbook https://wholenessmarket.com/products/the-autoimmune-plant-based-cookbook.

References:

Jackson MA, Goodrich JK, Maxan ME, et al. Proton pump inhibitors alter the composition of the gut microbiota. Gut. 2016;65:749–756.

Naito Y, Kashiwagi K, Takagi T, Andoh A, Inoue R. Intestinal dysbiosis secondary to proton‐pump inhibitor use. Digestion. 2018;97:195–204.

Nehra AK, Alexander JA, Loftus CG, Nehra V. Proton pump inhibitors: review of emerging concerns. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93:240–246.

Yuan, J, Zhang, C, Sparks, JA, et al. Regular use of proton pump inhibitor and risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women: a prospective cohort study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2020; 52: 449– 458. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15834