“Contrary to what Tums ads would have you believe, the stomach and small intestine are supposed to be acidic. Acidity here helps break down food components (especially protein). And it also aids in the absorption of various different minerals, notably calcium and magnesium.”
So, your stomach wants – no, NEEDS – to be acidic. Then why are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) the second most prescribed medicine in the US? It’s because most aren’t necessary or given for the right reasons. So why is there such a rise in stomach acid? How come so many Americans are having this problem?
A Shot To The Gut
The problem isn’t how much stomach acid, but actually where the stomach acid is. When your gut gets destroyed by gluten, refined sugars, an unbalanced diet, and too many antibiotics (which is true for most Americans) you’ll end up with Leaky Gut syndrome, wherein your stomach acid moves into your esophagus.
The problem with PPIs is that they are an ineffective band-aid to symptoms of a larger problem. And the heartburn meds typically end up causing more problems.
What Problems?
PPIs and Bone Fractures
Several different studies have found that increased use of PPIs directly relates to increased risk of bone fractures. This study, for example, found that PPIs given to women over the age of 60 – who are already the most likely to suffer from brittle bones – had an increased risk when they were given PPIs, which is more often than you’d think.
But it’s not only older women. This study shows that younger adults (between the ages of 18-29) have the same increased risk of bone fracture. The real problem is that PPIs like heartburn medication are so easy to get, and everyone thinks they need the meds to control a problem that can be solved much more easily (and holistically).
Gut Health and Mineral Absorption
Calcium dissolves and is absorbed best in an acidic situation. We know that our bodies are meant to be slightly alkaline, but this connection between an acidic gut and how we take in calcium (a mineral known for its bone-building properties) is a clear indicator of the growing connection between PPIs and brittle bones.
As of 2006, another mineral deficiency was noted in connection with brittle bones and poor gut health: magnesium deficiency. This study came to the conclusion that PPIs make it harder for the body to get magnesium, and when our bodies are magnesium deficient we get our magnesium from where it exists already in the body – namely, from our bones.
“Magnesium is important for bone health.”
We’ll need longer-term studies to really hone in on PPI’s connection to magnesium deficiency, but lacking this mineral is certainly connected to brittle bones and overall bone health. But what ways other than mineral deficiency link PPIs to poor bone health?
This study found that PPIs directly affect osteoclasts (the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue).
This one makes an interesting, albeit early, case for the connection between gut flora and bone health, and suggests that probiotics can be useful for strengthening your bones because of the connection.
What Foods Help?
I can hear you thinking to yourself, “Alright, but how can I cure my gut health and brittle bones in a Healthy and Holistic way?” Here’s a short list of surprising probiotics you should be eating more of instead of taking PPIs.
- Pickles
- Dark Chocolate
- Bananas
- Miso soup
- Yogurt
Of course you knew pickles were a probiotic, gut-repairing food – but dark chocolate and bananas? Yup – it’s true! And remember: always choose raw, organic yogurt.
Break A Leg
If you’re new to probiotics, I wish you the best of luck (and health) in finding ones that you can eat every day. I love fermented foods and yogurt – that’s how I keep my gut happy. And remember: acid reflux is a serious problem, but not one solved by using Proton Pump Inhibitors like heartburn medicines. Acid reflux means something is unbalanced in your gut, or even that your gut may be leaky.
As strange as it sounds, the health of your gut is directly related to the health of your bones. With more study, we’ll see the real problem behind PPIs and how they affect the body over long periods of time. For now, stay away from overprescribed meds unless they are the only thing that controls the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux and GERD.
The bottom line is: PPIs = bad; probiotics = good, for gut health, bone health, and a healthier life.
How’s that for Food For Thought.
SOURCE:
http://paleoleap.com/why-stomach-acid-is-important-for-bone-health/
