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Digestive troubles aren’t any strangers in desi households, and solely a uncommon soul has not witnessed themselves or somebody near them pop an antacid capsule on random events.
Also Read | Gastroenterologist shares 5-step cheatsheet to keep away from ‘food coma’ after consuming out: ‘Just tweak how you eat’
However, this frequent behavior is a severe explanation for well being concern, in keeping with Dr Sudhir Kumar, MD, DM, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. Taking to X on March 7, he defined why this will arguably be thought of a “silent health crisis” throughout the nation.
The proven fact that antacids can be found in India over-the-counter with out the necessity for prescriptions makes them extra vulnerable to being misused by the general public. And as a healthcare skilled, Dr Kumar has witnessed the long-term results.
“That daily antacid you pop for ‘gas’ or heartburn might be doing more than just stopping the burn,” he acknowledged, earlier than drawing consideration to the dangers involving long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), a gaggle of medicines that lower abdomen acid manufacturing.
Dangers of PPI overuse
According to Dr Kumar, PPIs are “among the most over-prescribed and over-consumed drugs globally.” While they’re meant for short-term use of 4 to eight weeks, in case of ulcers or extreme gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD), tens of millions take them for years to handle even minor indigestion.
There is a severe price concerned with the behavior, and it’s a individual’s long-term well being that pays the invoice. This contains the next:
1. Damage to the kidneys
Chronic use of PPI has been strongly linked to continual kidney illness (CKD), famous Dr Kumar.
2. Nutrient theft
Stomach acid has an necessary function to play within the digestive course of. PPIs suppress the formation of abdomen acid, and subsequently block the absorption of important vitamins reminiscent of:
- Magnesium and calcium: Leading to brittle bones and fractures
- Vitamin B12: Critical for nerve well being and mind perform
- Iron: Causing unexplained fatigue and anaemia
3. Disruption of the gut-brain axis
“There is an ongoing debate regarding PPIs and dementia,” acknowledged Dr Kumar. “While the link may be correlational, we know that chronic B12 deficiency and a disrupted gut microbiome, both caused by long-term PPI use, are major players in cognitive decline.”
Thus, defending abdomen acid will be essential to defending the mind.
4. Breaking the primary line of defence
Stomach acid is not only for digestion; it additionally kills dangerous micro organism that may enter the physique together with meals. By utilizing PPI and reducing the acid content material, one makes oneself extra weak to dangerous situations like:
- Clostridium difficile infections (extreme, painful diarrhoea)
- Pneumonia (intestine micro organism migrating to the lungs)
- SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Ways to minimise well being threat
To keep away from creating the intense medical situations associated to the overuse of PPIs, one ought to think about the trail of “deprescribing,” shared Dr Kumar, explaining that if somebody has been on PPI treatment for greater than eight weeks with out a clear medical motive, they need to seek the advice of with their physician about getting off the med.
As for getting reduction from digestive issues reminiscent of acidity, a wholesome way of life goes a good distance. That includes:
- No mendacity down for 3 hours after meals
- Identifying meals triggers (caffeine, spice, and so on)
- Managing weight to scale back gastric strain
“Your body has acid for a reason,” acknowledged the neurologist. “Don’t suppress it without a real indication.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational functions solely and never an alternative to skilled medical recommendation. Always search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.
This report relies on user-generated content material from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and doesn’t endorse them.
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