Are Proton Pump Inhibitors the best way to treat chronic heartburn and indigestion? The experts from digestive health brand Trivas explain the hidden dangers of these popular drugs and how natural alternatives can be just as effective.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s), which include popular brand names Omeprazole and Nexium, are among the 10 most widely used medications in the world. They are prescribed to treat a range of conditions including chronic heartburn and indigestion. PPI’s work by interfering with a system known as the “proton pump” in the cells of the stomach lining; actively reducing acid production. The drugs are very effective and for many can bring relief from the upset of chronic heartburn and other acid-related conditions.
So what’s the issue?
As with many medications, PPI’s are intended for short-term use only. Or to quote the NHS guidance: “PPIs should be initiated ONLY where clearly indicated and for the shortest duration that is appropriate, in order to minimise adverse effects.” These adverse effects include:
- Clostridium difficile infection
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- Increased mortality in older patients
- Chronic Kidney disease
- Hypomagnesaemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Community acquired pneumonia
Despite this, many people take PPI’s for years or even decades. This is partly because PPI’s do not cure the conditions they are prescribed to treat (and so the problem returns as soon as use is discontinued) and partly because they can cause a condition called ‘rebound acid hypersecretion syndrome’ – whereby the stomach cells overcompensate for low acid levels and go into overdrive. In both cases, discontinuing PPI’s often means returning to the chronic pain and misery of acid reflux disease.
How PPI’s make reflux WORSE
In addition to the adverse effects listed above, PPI’s can wreak havoc on your body’s natural digestive processes. After all, the acid is there for a reason. Not only does hydrochloric acid help the body to break down, digest and absorb vital nutrients – it also plays an important role in the body’s defence system by eliminating bacteria and viruses to protect against infection.
Taken to the extreme, inhibition of the acid-secreting cells can lead to a condition called Hypochlorhydria (chronic deficiency of Hydrochloric acid in the stomach) which left untreated can cause damage to the gastrointestinal system, infections, and a number of chronic health issues.
Natural Alternatives to PPI’s
The good news is that for many people, long term PPI use is not necessary and similar results can be achieved with simple diet and lifestyle changes. Switching to a whole-food diet, eliminating highly processed foods and taking care of your microbiome are generally much safer and more effective ways of beating acid reflux.
In addition to this, the following natural supplements have shown great promise in promoting digestive health and reducing the need for long term PPI use.
Betaine HCL
A simple but highly effective way to improve digestion is to gently increase acid levels in the stomach prior to eating. This may seem counter-intuitive given that acid causes the pain we associate with reflux, but this is only the case if acid makes contact with the delicate lining of the oesophagus. Our stomachs are designed to withstand a highly acidic environment, while the acid itself is vital for the complete digestion and absorption of protein. Taking around 500mg of Betaine HCL before a main meal, helps gently lower stomach pH and promote digestive health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another great way to promote healthy stomach acid levels and boost digestion. Naturally acidic and antimicrobial, it’s been used for centuries as a potent digestive aid. Much like Betaine HCL, apple cider vinegar is best taken shortly before a main meal to re-establish an optimum gastric pH and stimulate the release of key digestive enzymes.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries to aid digestion, partly because it acts as a powerful prokinetic agent – a compound that speeds up Gastrointestinal motility and encourages gastric emptying. This property is particularly helpful for acid reflux sufferers, because faster gastric emptying means a lower chance of acid being forced up into the Oesophagus. Aim for 1g-2g of powdered or fresh ginger prior to each main meal.
One supplement that combines all three of these ingredients, is Trivas’ Advanced Digestive Complex. Featuring a core of 8 key digestive enzymes, this powerful formula contains 500mg of Betaine HCL, 100mg of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1200mg of ginger per serving. It has been specifically engineered to promote healthy stomach acid levels and prevent symptoms of acid reflux from ever taking hold. To use, simply take 2 tablets approx. 10 minutes before each main meal.
