Rethinking PPIs: Why You Should Ask Your Doctor about the Risks of Taking PPIs for GERD or Heartburn

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most common recommended drugs in the treatment of GERD and acid reflux. Specifically formulated to reduce gastric acid production, PPIs are essentially prescribed to patients with severe GERD and even other conditions like peptic ulcer disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and gastrinomas.

What makes PPIs truly effective is its ability to irreversibly block the production a particular enzyme in the digestive system. Lack of the enzyme and stomach acid essentially paves way for speedy recovery, especially among those with GERD and duodenal ulcer. Clinically used proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec, Omepral), lansoprazole (Prevacid, Zoton), and Pantoprazole (Protonix, Pantozol).

Because of its efficacy, PPIs is now considered as the standard GERD treatment. According to Dr. Goutham Rao of the National Heartburn Alliance, PPIs are not only used for the treatment of their patients with GERD or heartburn but for the more precise diagnosis of the latter. PPIs essentially work against the natural production of stomach acids, its effect on the digestive system essentially reduces or totally eliminates GERD or heartburn symptoms. The administration, therefore, should work to those who have an actual case of GERD. The lack of improvement in the patient only tells that the symptoms, which is similar to what GERD bring about, is caused by something else.

But as of 25 May 2010, the FDA warns about the possible adverse effect of PPIs to bone density after the result of the joint study conducted by the U.S. and Canadian research firms has been made public. The administration of PPI antacids, such as Dexilant, Vimovo, Protonix, and Prilosec, among others, has been linked to an increased risk of bone fracture, especially among users who have been on PPI for a year or more. While the long-term effects of PPIs have been less studied, recent data suggests that people age 50 or older using proton pump inhibitors for a year are 2.6 percent more likely to break a hip. Those, on the other hand, who take smaller doses for one to four years have been said to be 1.2 to 2.6 times more likely to break a hip.

The culprit? Experts pay close attention to two theories: One, the reduction of absorbed calcium by the body because of the inability of the digestive system to breakdown such nutrient or, two, that PPIs essentially interfere in the production of osteoclasts, a bone cell essential to the process of rebuilding of bones. FDA warned consumers that the continuous administration of PPIs essentially increases their risk of bone fractures in spine, hip, and wrist. The action taken by the FDA essentially stresses the importance of information dissemination. After their announcement, the FDA ordered that all PPI drugs, both nonprescription and prescription versions, must bear an appropriate warning in their package labels.

At present, PPIs are essentially regarded as the most powerful class of antacids. Its efficacy is exhibited by the fact that it is one of, if not, the most recommended GERD and heartburn medicine in the market today. It is the highest selling class of drugs in the market today, with at least 113.4 million prescriptions written for it in U.S. alone.

GERD Treatments: The Secret to Really Managing and Preventing GERD and Heartburn Symptoms

Still swigging gallons of milk and popping antacids by default? Chances are you are your heartburn is not getting any cooler. But the good news is that, no matter how worse your symptoms are, there is that one GERD treatment that can really put off that burn.

Medications

One of the very first things any heartburn sufferer will immediately reach is his bottle of antacids. But how effective can this method be? Not as much as we want it to. If you want a more lasting relief — one that can save you from the grueling discomfort even before it starts — here is a quick rundown of GERD treatments that you can discuss with your doctor.

H2 blockers. These items come as OTC and prescription meds. While H2 blockers, such as Pepcid and, of course, Zantac, used to be the standard treatment for heartburn and GERD, they are no longer prescribed as often now. Yes, they may be the very first meds a doctor will recommend for mild cases, but proton pump inhibitors are so much better in getting rid of painful heartburn and GERD symptoms.

H2 blockers are essentially less expensive than proton pump inhibitors, which makes it the perfec choice for those who are in a budget.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). If you have a bad case of GERD, chances are your doctor has prescribed you one of these. These meds, which include Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid, is really the new standard when it comes to treating GERD. PPIs are key to better managing heartburn and GERD: One, by blocking the production of acid in the stomach and, two, by protecting the esophagus and, therefore, allowing it to recover from damages caused by acid reflux.

PPIs are safe and effective and even used by millions of health experts in diagnosis. It is often difficult to distinguish GERD from heartburn. But one effective way to do it is to simply administer PPIs. If they work, a patient probably has GERD. If they don’t, the patient may have something else.

Prokinetics. Your doctor would have prescribed one of the prescription drugs, such as Urecholine and Reglan, if he thinks that speeding up the emptying of the stomach can help your condition. While prokinetics are often prescribed alongside other GERD treatments, more and more experts are starting to agree that they are rarely helpful.

While it may be tempting to permanently get rid of your heartburn or GERD using any of these treatments, it is important that you ask your doctor if you really need it. Do you really need to sign up with a GERD treatment? Most importantly, does your doctor think so?

There are many reasons to treat GERD and heartburn. And good ones at that. GERD and heartburn has proven to be time and again an inconvenience to many people. When left unattended, heartburn and GERD can be debilitating.

But how will you know if you need and even qualify to any of these available GERD treatments. It is not really about severity but more of frequency. If you have been popping antacids like the manufacturer’s closing down the production later and you are still having symptoms, you may want to check with your doctor and ask for a stronger, more effective med.

Beat Heartburn: Lifestyle Changes That Will Get Rid of Heartburn Symptoms Permanently

It is important that you watch what you eat and drink.

While this is one of, if not, the most important steps in managing heartburn, you know that you need to take it further if you really want to change your life. Heartburn can be an inconvenience to many people. And if you feel that your heartburn symptoms do get in the way of how you live your life, it is high time that you regain control of your life. There are ways you can make that can manage and control your heartburn symptoms — better than antacids can.

Watching portion sizes. Fatty meals stay longer in the stomach. And so does larger meals. By simply watching what goes in your plate, you are basically helping yourself by reducing the occurrence of heartburn. You may have a healthy serving of yogurt and fruits, by if you serve them in a large bowl your risk of having a post-dessert heartburn is as high as when you have had a deep fried Cajun chicken.

Moderation is always the key in better managing heartburn. Plus, watching portion sizes for heartburn sufferers is the only way they can have their favorite yet heartburn-inducing food. So if you think of portions in that way, it is win win solution after all.

Eating out, safely. Most of us don’t have the luxury of time to cook. If you are one of the million of urbanistas who often find themselves eating out more than they ever want to, you know that this by-product of working an 8-5 job is not exactly easy for many heartburn sufferers. In fact, finding a good, heartburn-friendly restaurant is a challenge to many.

The key to eating out and not having to regret it later is to really know heartburn-inducing dishes. Heartburn sufferers need not look for specially created restaurants that can cater for their needs. Unlike vegans, heartburn sufferers can enjoy both plant- and animal-based dishes, which makes the process of restaurant hunting so much easier.

The only challenge heartburn sufferers must learn to overcome in a lot of restaurants are, one, high-fat foods and, two, huge portions. We are known worldwide for offering unhealthy foods in unhealthy portions. And you know you can’t be a part of it. When dining out, ask for healthy prepared meals, such as boiled, grilled, and broiled. Choose low-fat options. If the portion can be overwhelming, ask that the half of the dish be brown bag even before it will be served. This will save you from the temptation of finishing it all.

Keeping a journal. Though high-fat and greasy menus are definitely worth taking out of your list of heartburn-safe dishes, it is important that you keep a journal that can tell you exactly what triggers your symptoms and what doesn’t. What triggers your symptoms can be different from what has induced your friend’s. So taking note can save you from a lot of guessing the next time your out picking dishes from a menu.

Make your journal comprehensive, especially if you are discovering what works for you and what doesn’t. Record the time your symptoms have occurred, take note of what your symptoms are, and even the activities you have engaged in before the symptoms kick in. Make the most of your log. It can help you much more than you can imagine.

Exercise Tips for Heartburn Sufferers

Exercise makes us feel good. Unfortunately, heartburn sufferers sometimes don’t feel that good after a round of heart-pumping aerobics.

People choose to exercise to feel that feel-good burn; heartburn sufferers, on the other hand, feel the other kind of burn, which isn’t fun at all. Whether you are on the treadmill or on your spinning class, you know that sooner or later, heartburn symptoms are going to kick in.

It may be a perfect excuse to stop exercising, but it shouldn’t be. Really. Exercise-induced heartburn, like your condition, can be managed and even prevented. Also like your heartburn, during- or post-exercise heartburn symptoms are triggered by certain foods you took before you put in your sweats. Exercise is too good a thing that you have to miss. Here are tips to keep you going:

Think of your diet. Heartburn is really, more often than not, primarily about your diet and eating habits. You need to be clear about it — from what you choose to eat to how you eat. Do indulge in a meal before hitting the treadmill? Do you eat quickly so you can do everything in an hour or so?

Cut out what would not help you. You can have the extra energy without overloading on that choco or java. Eat healthy. That is all that you really need before workout.

Eat what is good for you. People indulge in foods they love because they know that 20 minutes on the treadmill is all that they need to burn it off. Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to people with heartburn. While heartburn triggers from one person to another, the basics apply in all situations. Greasy spoon take outs, fizzy beverages, and spicy dishes are out. The good news is that you have a lot of elbow room when it comes to what foods to eat before a power workout. Experiment. The result will surprise you.

For a pre-workout snack that tastes good, we love a cup of yogurt, banana, and a bowl of whole grain cereal.

Time your eating. Having a quick bite before you hit the treadmill will only going to trigger your heartburn symptoms. Eat at least two hours before working out. And eat light. Most heartburn sufferers are usually recommended to have a light snack an hour or two hours before they sweat it out. No matter how restrictive it seems, it is often comforting to know that there is no fast rule when it comes to pre-workout snacking.

Some needs two hours, others are good with half-hour. See what works for you. The thing is that you need to give your digestive system enough time to empty.

Know heartburn-friendly exercises. There are routines that can and will trigger heartburn. Avoid those. Working on your core on a full stomach is like inviting heartburn. But don’t skip core workouts — you need them. Crunches are vital in anyone’s fitness routine. Heartburn sufferers only need to make sure that they have eaten light and at least an hour before hitting the floor.

Anything that reverses the natural flow of digestion may have to go. Downward dog and headstands are two poses you can skip in yoga class. If you feel that your body will benefit more with these poses, ask your yoga instructor it can be modified to accommodate your condition.

Heartburn Menu DO: Better and Healthier Options for Heartburn Sufferers

It wouldn’t and doesn’t seem fair to list down all foods that one can’t eat and not tell them what they can indulge in.

Heartburn sufferers know that living with their condition could not get any harder. Though there are a lot of foods that can trigger heartburn, it is still good to know that there are those that don’t. And don’t think that they are boring or, worse, bland. Heartburn shouldn’t deprive you of foods that taste good and make life better.

Better Alternatives

The key to enjoying a life in spite of heartburn is moderation. A generous serving of tomato-based dish and a platter of greasy spoon takeout box would do more harm than good. Aside from watching portions, mindful eating is one habit heartburn sufferers can’t live without. And mindful eating is all about knowing and then enjoying what you are about to eat.

Dining with heartburn should always start with this basic question: Will eating this give me heartburn? Eating with heartburn is always a challenge, especially since you always need to choose between what you want and what is best for you. While what triggers your symptoms may be different from others, here is a quick list of what in general is good for all heartburn sufferers.

Acidic foods. Tomato-based dishes are comforting and even healthy. But heartburn sufferers should know better. When you think pasta, don’t smother the noodle with a tomato-based sauce. Have a little less if you can’t bear the thought of missing Italian spaghetti. Add vegetables and meat. Experiment and find your comfort zone.

Beverages. Carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, colas, and excessive alcohol are all heartburn DON’Ts. Choose drinks that are caffeine-free and non-fizzy. Our choices include milk, herbal teas, and, of course, good ‘ol water.

Desserts. One of the very first things you should learn to stay away from is chocolate. But if you are like the rest of humankind who honestly can’t, see if cutting back helps your condition. Watching your portion size and moderation, as always, is the key to a heartburn-free post-dessert day.

Spicy foods. All those hot sauces and peppery items can trigger heartburn. So you may want to rethink your next schedule at the Indian resto. If leaving that hot item is too unbearable, you may want to ease up on the spiciness. Dip buffalo wings on hot sauce, don’t pour. Have a teaspoon not tablespoon of chili paste.

Think about your reason for liking hot and spicy numbers. If you like these dishes because they are simply flavorful, you may want to rethink if that restaurant is really good after all. There are plenty of ways to bring flavor to dishes.

Healthy numbers. Menus that are prepared healthy may and even taste better. Baked, grilled, broiled, and even roasted dishes are equally tempting and undeniably heartburn-friendly items you just need to get a sample of. Giving up on foods that you love is not and should never be an option. Preparing them differently can make a difference for heartburn, and even to your overall health.