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Most of us have experienced heartburn at one time or another, usually after a big meal. It is very uncomfortable, and when we try to lie down and rest we find it only gets worse. We can’t wait for the feeling to pass, and after a while, it does. But what would you do if you felt this way on a regular basis? You’d most likely run to the nearest CVS and grab a bottle of Tums, Rolaids, or whatever else you could get your hands on to feel better fast. Unfortunately, you might be doing yourself more harm than good.
An estimated 100 million Americans take over-the-counter and prescription antacids to treat heartburn, acid reflux and other similar ailments. In fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians it is the third-highest selling drug category, with $14 billion in annual sales.
There are several causes of acid reflux, including infection, underlying medical issues like high blood pressure or ulcer, and sensitivities to foods like chocolate, spices, citrus or coffee. As is the case with most ailments, stress is also a culprit, often exacerbating the existing problem.
People with acid reflux usually experience nausea after eating, burping, a feeling of fullness, and even pain in the upper abdomen. Severity of these symptoms can range from slight discomfort to pain that interferes with their normal activities. Seeking a safe, long-term cure takes time and effort, and most people would rather grab a quick fix so they can feel better and get on with their day. Antacids often provide relief within minutes, and they are just too easy to get. You can go to any pharmacy, Costco or WalMart and buy them by the carload and without paying for a medical visit. The problem is that this quick fix can lead to long-term health problems that are just as bad as the original ailment.
In the short term, antacids can have unpleasant side-effects, most commonly headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and dizziness. Less frequent side-effects include rash, itchiness, flatulence, constipation, anxiety, and depression.
Prolonged usage of antacids can cause more severe consequences, and the worst part is you might not even know what’s happening. According to the Forsyth Institute, one of these consequences is a weakening of the bones. The Food and Drug Administration has also acknowledged the connection between proton pump inhibitors (which includes prescription drugs like Prilosec, Nexium and Omeprazole) and bone fractures, and since 2010 has required such products to carry a warning label. This is of particular concern for people aged fifty and over, who may already susceptible to fracture. Breaking a hip, wrist, arm, rib or vertebra can seriously affect quality of life and be drain on the healthcare system.
It’s also important to remember that the gastric acid these drugs suppress do perform important functions, most notably the breakdown of food and micronutrients. Studies have shown that antacids interference with absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins. In older people, this increases the risk of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
It really gets serious when you add more medications. A large portion of the population, fifty-five and older also take statins, blood pressure and blood sugar medications. Putting all these suppressing symptoms medications together, may lead to irrefutable damage.
Given the health risks of prolonged antacid use, how should you treat your heartburn and other gastrointestinal issues? Well, the first step is to get a definitive diagnosis from your doctor; your heartburn may be symptomatic of another condition, so don’t just pop pills and assume it’s taken care of. Once you are sure what is causing your symptoms, you should use a combination of traditional and holistic approaches. It is okay to include acid suppression medication as part of your personalized plan, but be aware of the risks and, in any event, do not take them for more than six months.
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Source by Mike Greenberg