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Page 10 | Abby's Magazine | instagram.com/abbyshealthfood and nutrient deficiencies. PPIs can cause the following nutrients to be deficient: • Magnesium • B12 • Vitamin C • Calcium • Iron Also, PPIs increase the risk of these diseases: • Stomach, esophageal, and liver cancer • Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) • Clostridium difficile infection • Chronic kidney disease • Fracture risk • Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease • Pneumonia • Subacute Cutaneous lupus Erythematosus Mediterranean Diet Beats PPIs In Breakthrough Study Eighty-five of the patients were treated with PPIs, while 88 other patients followed a Mediterranean-style diet (restricting animal products more than typical) and drank alkaline water. Also, both groups avoided foods known to commonly trigger acid reflux such as coffee, tea, soda, greasy and fatty foods, chocolate, spicy foods, and alcohol. The benefit of the Mediterranean Diet with GERD may be related to its effect on the LES since dietary intake affects LES pressure. Written by Dr. Mark Stengler NDMD Do you have acid reflux, or the more severe form known as gastroesophageal reflux disease? (GERD) This is one of the most common digestive conditions treated by gastroenterologists and primary care doctors. Typical symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, and throat pain, while less common symptoms may include coughing, chest pain, and wheezing. The prevalence of GERD varies strongly between continents; in North America, the prevalence is highest and is estimated to affect up to 28% of adults. What is happening with GERD? With GERD, there is a backwash of stomach acid into the esophagus, and in more severe cases, into the mouth. This abnormality occurs due to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not working correctly. Normally when one swallows, the LES relaxes and allows food and liquid to flow into the stomach. The LES subsequently tightens again to keep the stomach content in the stomach. When the LES relaxes too much or weakens, it does not stop stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus. Reduce Your Risk F actors The most common risk factor for GERD is being overweight as it causes pressure on the LES. Other aggravating factors include: • Smoking • Eating large meals or eating late at night • Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods • Alcohol, coffee, & certain medications such as aspirin Common Drugs for GERD Are Risky The most prescribed drugs for GERD are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs currently available on prescription in the USA are: dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex). These drugs suppress stomach acid secretion, reducing GERD but they are not recommended for long term use. The most common side effects are headache, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. And there is more concern, a study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which found PPI use was associated with deaths, mainly, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, & upper gastrointestinal cancer. That study was performed in a large cohort that included over 157,000 PPI users and nearly 57,000 users of H2 blockers – which is another type of stomach acid suppressor.8 Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the WA University School of Medicine in St. Louis stated his concerns that "Given the millions of people who take PPIs regularly, this translates into thousands of excess deaths every year." Furthermore, since many people take PPI medications long-term, he warned: "Taking PPIs over many months or years is not safe, and now we have a clearer picture of the health conditions associated with long- term PPI use." Stomach Acid Has A Purpose Your body is designed to use stomach acid to break down food and aid in the absorption of certain nutrients. Also, hydrochloric acid activates the protein digestive enzyme pepsin. The suppression of hydrochloric acid makes one susceptible to poor protein digestion, imbalance in gut flora, Do you have ACID REFLUX, or the more severe form known as GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE?