Stomach acid drugs send your dementia risk through the roof
They’re some of the most popular drugs on the market today — and they may be rotting away our brains one pill at a time.
For years I’ve been warning you about proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. They’re supposed to block stomach acid and relieve your heartburn — but that’s not all they do.
These drugs are handed out like candy even though they’ve been linked to broken bones, life-threatening infections, and even permanent kidney damage.
But it looks like we haven’t seen anything yet.
Because German researchers have just proven that popping these pills could put you on the fast track to dementia — and maybe even an early grave.
But all that is starting to change.
The number of seniors with dementia is skyrocketing, and even younger people are now being affected. In fact, there are now more than 200,000 Americans living with early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s.
While these numbers have been shooting through the roof, sales of PPIs for heartburn and acid reflux have been exploding.
And it’s starting to look like that’s no coincidence.
Researchers from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases recently studied seven years’ worth of health data on more than 73,000 people. And they found that long-term users of PPIs are upping their risk of dementia by an unbelievable 44 percent.
Yes, you read that right. That’s a 44 percent higher risk of developing a disease that can cost you your independence — and even your life.
And, believe it or not, we’re only getting half the story. That’s because these researchers only looked at folks taking prescription PPIs.
But by now you know that these meds are about as easy to buy over-the-counter as cough drops. Larry the Cable Guy has practically made a second career for himself hawking Prilosec OTC.
You know, I had a feeling he probably wasn’t the best guy to be giving out health advice.
Honestly, when it comes to PPIs, I’m starting to feel like a broken record. It seems like every month or so I’m warning you about a new risk.
Just this summer we were told that they can increase your chances of having a heart attack by up to 20 percent — and that’s even if you don’t have any heart problems.
And right before Thanksgiving the news came out about how they can make you up to 50 percent more likely to come down with chronic kidney disease.
Seriously, I could go on and on.
Now, researchers are claiming they’re still not sure why PPIs could trigger dementia. But it’s hardly surprising once you know how these drugs work.
Your body needs stomach acid to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. And it’s no secret that these meds can cause deficiencies in key vitamins like B12 that your brain needs to function.
Look, I know acid reflux can be a big problem. And as I’ve told you before, there are some very effective ways of preventing it.
- Try eating smaller portions and avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
- Don’t lay down for at least two hours after eating.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, and
- Elevate your head at least six inches at night.
- Digestive enzyme supplements have also been found to help, and for the long term, start taking a high-quality probiotic daily.
But if you’ve been taking PPIs, now is the time to swear them off for good.
Because nobody should have to trade a lifetime of memories for a little heartburn relief. And only Big Pharma would ask us to.
Sources:
“Gastric reflux drugs may be tied to dementia risk” Kathryn Doyle, February 15, 2016, Reuters, reuters.com
