While over the counter and prescription medications for acid reflux such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec OTC) and H2 Receptor Blockers (Zantac, Tagamet) appear to treat acid reflux it has come to light in the long run, these medications may be causing more harm than good!
Possible Adverse Side Effects
Concerning these Acid Reflux medications, one should be very cautious as to the following list of possible associated adverse side effects to include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Leg cramps
- Water retention
- Joint pain
- Interfering with liver function
- Slowing down metabolism
- Internal bleeding
- Ulcers
- Fatigue
- Nutrient depletion
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
How Acid Reflux Medications Actually Work
The mechanism by which acid reflux medications work is to falsely manipulate the pH in the gut. It has been observed, however, that the growth of several naturally occurring beneficial flora in the gastrointestinal tract is inhibited when the pH of that region is changed. By restricting these natural flora and good bacteria from being fully operational, the immune system response is effectively lowered against various pathogens and infections, which can possibly more easily expose an individual to sickness and disease.
Acid Reflux Medications Increase Risk of Cancer
Additionally note that after acid reflux medications are taken for a while that they actually stimulate your stomach to produce extra acid. This happens because of a hormone called Gastrin which is manufactured by the body when these reflux medications are ingested. While there is a whole biochemical process here, Gastrin in short stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid into the stomach.
Studies have shown that an excessive amount of Gastrin production can increase the risk of developing cancer in the esophagus. This is because the cells in this region grow to be too large as a result of the higher level of Gastrin. What’s even worse is that this can be caused by the overproduction of Gastrin.
