The Microbiome Summit this week has been full of amazing cutting edge information. One message that I want to share and have you spread the message is about the use of the common acid blocking drugs (often used for reflux).
Dr David Perlmutter presented on “Healthy Messages from Body to Brain“. Dr Perlmutter is a board certified neurologist and Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He is a four-time New York Times bestselling author with his book published in twenty-nine languages. Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs and Sugar, has over one million copies in print.
His most recent book, Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain for Life, is also a New York Times bestseller.
The information I want to share with you is so important to share and it comes direct from his lecture.
“An article in The Journal of American Medical Association Neurology, demonstrated that people who chronically take these very common acid blocking drugs, over the counter or as a prescription, are associated with a 40% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Stomach acid activates digestive enzymes and allows us to absorb Vitamin B12. The acid produced in the stomach sets the right level of pH for the entirety of the digestive system, home to over 100 trillion organisms.
These risks may be increased because of changes in the gut bacteria that happen when acid levels are reduced. So once again, threatening the microbiome may well pave the way for health consequences.
Another study he quoted was from Stanford researchers who called attention to the significant increase (16-21% higher) in risk for heart attack in users of protein pump inhibitors.
He tells us that there are times when these drugs are necessary. There are some medical conditions in which there truly is an increased production of stomach acid, and there are conditions, like Barret’s esophagus and ulcer disease, in which reducing the production of stomach acid is worthwhile.
Read more at Dr Perlmutter’s web site and consult your own doctor. I am simply sharing information.
The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
