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DO THESE HEROES HAVE A DARK SIDE?

DO THESE HEROES HAVE A DARK SIDE?
January 23, 2019Dr. Tara TroyBrowse by Staff MemberTARA TROY, M.D. GastroenterologistC. DiffDiarrheaGut MicrobiomeMind-Gut Connection

PREVACID? PRILOSEC? NEXIUM? ACIPHEX? DEXILANT? PROTONIX? ZEGERID? LANSOPRAZOLE? OMEPRAZOLE? ESOMEPRAZOLE? RABEPRAZOLE? DEXLANSOPRAZOLE? PANTOPRAZOLE?

DO THESE HEROES HAVE A DARK SIDE?


We know proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be very beneficial to our health – controlling symptoms of acid reflux, healing gastritis, and reducing risks of sometimes life-threatening ulcers. However, we do know that long-term use of these magical medications can actually pose some unwanted health risks.

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can potentially increase the risk of bone fractures. Stomach acid helps to activate calcium so it is more readily absorbed. PPIs help neutralize stomach acid which can affect calcium absorption causing an increase in bone fractures. Because of this, we recommend weight bearing exercise and appropriate vitamin D and calcium intake to help reduce the risk of bone thinning.

Another concern long-term proton pump inhibitor use poses is the potential risk for an increase in C. difficile infections and other gut infections. C. diff is an opportunistic and sometimes life-threatening bacteria that loves to cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients, but over the last several years has gained footholds in the healthy community population. Since our stomach acid is our first line of defense against bacteria that enters through food, drinks, and swallowed secretions, if the acid is being neutralized, there’s an increase risk for contracting an infection you may be exposed to. Some tips to help avoid these unwanted infections is to try avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, careful hand washing, and be certain to contact us if you develop persistent diarrhea.

Please do not stop your proton pump inhibitor without the guidance of a physician. We would be happy to determine the risks and benefits of ongoing PPI use for your individual situation. To learn more about long term proton pump inhibitor use risks or non-medication ways to treat your GI symptoms, schedule an appointment today! Call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com so we can share all that we know about proton pump inhibitors and how to improve your gut health!

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Dr. Tara Troy
Dr. Tara Troy
Dr. Troy is a gastroenterologist who absolutely loves learning and then sharing new knowledge in an easily digestible manner. Colon cancer prevention, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and functional GI conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia are topics that she finds fascinating.
Dr. Tara Troy
Latest posts by Dr. Tara Troy (see all)
  • ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL EXPOSURE TIED TO CELIAC DISEASE - October 30, 2020
  • THE POWER OF FLAVANOLS! - October 28, 2020
  • HUGE NEWS!! We are so thrilled to officially welcome DR. JEFFREY NATHANSON to the Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health team starting February 2021 - October 21, 2020

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Our experienced team of caregivers compile daily blog posts to help educate our patients and our website visitors about GI health related topics. We hope you enjoy following along!

Recent Posts

  • ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL EXPOSURE TIED TO CELIAC DISEASE October 30, 2020
  • THE POWER OF FLAVANOLS! October 28, 2020
  • Small, Short-Term Weight Loss Goals = Long-Term Success October 26, 2020
  • HUGE NEWS!! We are so thrilled to officially welcome DR. JEFFREY NATHANSON to the Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health team starting February 2021 October 21, 2020
  • 11 REFRESHING ALTERNATIVES TO SODA October 16, 2020

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  • DO THESE HEROES HAVE A DARK SIDE? Jan 23
  • DO THESE HEROES HAVE A DARK SIDE? Jan 23
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  • DO THESE HEROES HAVE A DARK SIDE? Jan 23
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