You May be at Risk of Heart Attack if you use These Heartburn Medications

You may have heard about the latest study that links a 15% increase in the risk of heart attacks in those using a class of medications known as "PPI" inhibitors. Proton-pump Inhibitors decrease the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach.  After following some three million people taking this class of drugs, it was discovered that using them on a daily basis lead to damaged vessels, including those feeding the heart.

I have found that the role that hydrochloric acid plays in our health is very much misunderstood by many people.  HCl plays a vital role in both digestion of food and assimilation of vital minerals.  Frequently, the problem that causes the heart burn is not too much acid, but too little.

One cannot digest protein without the proper amount of HCl in the stomach. Undigested protein will cause heart burn.  The body cannot break down and assimilate calcium and other minerals without HCl. Therefore, a risk is run for developing osteoporosis if a sufficient amount of stomach acid is not available.

Here are some suggestions that I have given to patients suffering from chronic heartburn, over the years.

1.  Cut out the caffeine....coffee, tea (herbal is fine) and chocolate
2.  Never drink an fluids with the meal....fluids dilute HCl concentration
3.  Cut down or out spicy foods....excessive amounts of spices inhibit digestion
4.  Cut out the simple (white) carbohydrates, especially when eaten along with protein...sugars inhibit protein assimilation and undigested protein leads to heartburn.
5.  Decrease the amount of animal protein eaten daily to 4 ounces a day...get the rest of your protein via plants.
6.  Some might need some nutritional supplementation of HCl and other enzymes for a period of time until the body re-balances itself.  Please remember that not all HCL and enzyme supplements are equal or helpful.

There are other types of medications that you can talk with your medical doctor about if that is the path you choose.  Just remember, there is always a chance of unintended consequences.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com