Proton Pump Inhibitors: What Are They?

Do you know the good, bad, ugly and your options for proton pump inhibitors?

At the end of this page, you will find a safer, faster way to accomplish the same health effect.

This alternative is not without some side effects. Many have noted improved memories, improved mental dispositions, pain relief, weight loss and over all feeling better. If any of these undesirable side effects should happen, simply stop and go back to the way you used to do thing.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Basics

Proton pump inhibitors or PPI's and they are given to most patients in the hospital. These are drugs that decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach. This of course begs the question, why would you want to stop the body from doing what it does naturally?

They are used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal refulx disease, also known as GERD. This is when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and starts to damage it. Ok, that seems like a good reason, but why does the body do this?

You probably have seen the purple pill commercials. You know the pitch, one pill in the morning and for 24 hours heartburn free. The purple pill is Prilosec. It can be bought over the counter and is also given by prescription.

PPI Problems

PPI's have side effects and a number of risks. Usually you will not not be told about these risks by your nurses and doctors.

The PPI side effects or problems are many. You can learn more about the side effects at PPI Side Effects

First, consider what PPI's are and what they do.

Brand Names of PPI's

Prilosec also known by its generic name, Omeprazole is one of the class of PPI or proton pump inhibitors.

(Prilosec), also available over the counter without a prescription Omeprazole

Nexium (Esomeprazole)

Prevacid (Lansoprazole)

AcipHex (Rabeprazole)

Protonix (Pantoprazole)

Kapidex (Dexlansoprazole)

These are used to decrease stomach acid, to treat duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD and rarely Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used for healing erosion of the esophagus.

When there is an erosion of the esophagus, you are at risk for developing cancer. It is considered a precancerous state.

PPI's may be used with antibiotics to treat gastric ulcers that are caused by helicobacter pylori H. pylori.

Even though you can get some of these over the counter or from a well meaning friend, you should only take these under the supervision of a doctor. There are serious side effects or problems that can be caused from using PPI's.

Black Box Warning

In 2011 a public advocacy group petitioned the FDA to provide black box warnings on PPI's

The reasons included many dangerous side effects, including...

• Rebound Effect: The reason you are taking them comes back with a vengeance.
• Risk of Fractures: Both multiple daily doses and long term doses put you at risk.
• Increased Risk of Infection: C. difficile and pneumonia.
• Magnesium Deficiency: causing numerous problems including heart arrhythmia's.

Drug Companies Warnings for Proton Pump Inhibitors

Drug companies routinely advertise the side effects of the drugs they sell. This has numerous benefits for the drug companies and those who prescribe them. By openly admitting there are problems, they decrease the burden of liability (read: You can't file a law suit when you are harmed by their drug).

By being open and honest, they build your trust. It gives them moral license to sell something that can harm you.

It is a brilliant financial and marketing move.

A Better Way than Proton Pump Inhibitors?

What if there was a better way to accomplish the same heath benefits?

PPI's will not provide instant relief from heart burn symptoms. It may be surprising to learn but there is a simple solution to acid reflux and it is right in your cupboard. This solution to acid reflux could work in as little as 6 to 7 minutes. Some of our hydration coaches have reported people finding relief in as little as 45 seconds.

Others have reported that by using the protocol before meals by 30-45 minutes, they do not have reflux at all.

Go and try the Water Cures Protocol and start feeling better today.

What is the Water Cure

More on Acid Reflux

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