4. Antacids:
I recommend you watch this short video as it helped me understand the magnificence of our body and, particularly, our gut.
https://youtu.be/Og5xAdC8EUI
Do antacids fix our gut or mask a symptom put there to warn us of future (chronic) problems? Here are 2 things to consider next time your reach for these drugs.
Ill-defined conditions are the most pervasive conditions in America - not heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. https://tinyurl.com/yy6awewq
Stomach acid prevents harmful bacteria that may be present in the food or liquid we consume from entering the intestine. At the same time, stomach acid also prevents normal bacteria from the intestines to move into the stomach and esophagus, where they could cause problems. Neutralizing stomach acid nullifies the protection provided by your stomach.
Have you ever inspected your food under a microscope? How about a raspberry or strawberry with all those crevices? Don't shy away from raw or even partially cooked foods. Simply allow your gut to do what it's designed to do.
A study published a decade ago - titled, "Long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitor is associated with undesired weight gain," suggested that weight gain was due to a renewed appetite and that reflux discouraged eating. https://tinyurl.com/yyrt2wwu
More recent studies show that antacids encourage eating foods that your body is otherwise rejecting. In essence, PPIs and antacids are a license to binge on foods that adversely impact digestion and your overall health. Brain diseases including Alzheimer's are now linked to daily use of certain antacids. https://tinyurl.com/y47xuqxm
No one has really indicated the "why" of weight gain, however. Weight gain is driven by hunger. Hunger is driven by our brain (see the last blog). In the previous blog, I explained that the brain has many responsibilities in maintaining our good health. Running the engine is part of its responsibility (calories). An equally or more important role is running your body's repair shop (repair and recovery).
Antacids impact the speed and efficiency of digestion but slowing the 2nd step of the process (the first step is chewing). Proper stomach acid quickly liquifies food into an absorbable form. Some foods are harder to "digest" and absorb compared to others. Fast foods are very simple foods and digest easily, whereas minerals, in particular, are difficult to break down and absorb. In addition, strong stomach acid is critical to maintaining the beneficial microbes of the microbiome that play a major role in digestion, absorption, and immunity.
The most likely reason antacids of any type make you hungry (and gain weight) is that your absorption of food is reduced. Thus, you are absorbing fewer complex nutrients that your brain KNOWS you need. The brain issues a "hunger alert" to you body until the deficiency is eliminated.
The FDA probably knows and understands this simple concept. That's why PPI antacids come with a label with suggestions on restricting their use. However, that same FDA caved in and allowed these potent drugs to be provided over the counter (OTC). Also, very few MDs remind patients to limit their use and use lifestyle to correct the problem - in my experience.
Summary: antacid use is tied to weight gain. It is also tied to many chronic conditions and is probably responsible, in part, to "ill-defined" conditions. Let your gut do its job! (please watch that video).
- Eating and ABSORBING nutrients is key to curbing hunger (and improving repair and recovery)
Take pills thoughtfully to get or stay well - it's worth it!
