PPIs (protein pump inhibitors) impact the gut microbiome more than antibiotics

PPIs are commonly prescribed to treat indigestion, peptic ulcers and acid reflux. In Australia, they’re the second most commonly prescribed medication. They work by reducing stomach acid.⠀
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Yet stomach acid plays many important roles in our body, like breaking down and aiding in the absorption of the micronutrients we need for physical and mental health; and killing invading pathogenic microorganisms like parasites, microbes and yeasts/fungi that might otherwise cause serious gut infections with negative health consequences.⠀
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Studies show the long-term use of PPIs can many have serious and unintended consequences.⠀
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These include an increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies including minerals needed for bone health, gastrointestinal infections as mentioned above, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a serious gut health problem with other poor health consequences.⠀
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A recent systematic review of almost 900 PPI users also showed that PPI usage is associated with distinctive alterations in the microbiome. This includes a decrease in beneficial gut microorganisms, which we need for general immunity and health, the creation of key vitamins and healthy digestion; as well as an over-representation of orally derived species.⠀
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Ironically, a lot of reflux is caused by low stomach acid, and peptic ulcers are often caused by the stomach infection HPylori, also sometimes linked to low stomach acid.⠀
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Nutritional therapy is a natural yet scientific tool I use to resolve my clients' indigestion problems, peptic ulcers and acid reflux, more specifically by using strategic food and targeted supplements, sometimes based on stool testing.
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One such client I had was a woman in her 70s who'd been on PPIs for 27 years! It only took her (I say ‘her’ because she did the work) 2 weeks to get off them, and another 4 weeks of healing before she could start taking more stomach acid and digesting better. This was the key to reducing her bloating, gas, recurring bladder infection and much of her pain and swelling.⠀